Letter to the Editor: Drinking article sends wrong message

By Kristen Kearney

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Although I have never been impressed with the actions and decisions that the Kansan’s “Jayplay” espouses, I was particularly disappointed to see the article “What Happens in Vegas…” in the March 8 edition. I don’t mean to condemn the author, but rather the Kansan for publishing such an article. It was not only poor journalism, but also detrimental to the students of the University of Kansas. Getting drunk on one’s 21st birthday, or any time for that matter, is not a particularly impressive accomplishment, as it requires nothing but the ability to swallow and a willingness to completely abandon one’s personal dignity. We hear enough “news” about the drunken antics of Paris and Britney in the national media. I’m disappointed that aspiring journalists of the University couldn’t think of something a little more original and groundbreaking than the brilliantly insightful lines about dancing on a bar and throwing up on an airplane.

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The majority of young adults who decide to binge drink do so because of the false idea that “everyone” is doing it.

While this article reflected very poorly on the Kansan, it also sent a dangerous message to the students of the University. The majority of young adults who decide to binge drink do so because of the false idea that “everyone” is doing it. By celebrating this young woman’s night of drunken debauchery, the Kansan perpetuates this idea while ignoring the large number of students who choose to spend their time and money in mature, healthy and responsible ways. This article’s message is especially damaging to the women of the University. On this “liberal campus,” we deserve to read about women who are newsworthy for real accomplishments, not for allowing themselves to be objectified by dancing suggestively and making out with complete strangers. These are not the actions of a liberated woman, but rather one who rejects the dignity of her body and willingly participates in being treated like an object of male pleasure.

I hope that in the future, the Kansan and “Jayplay” uphold higher journalistic standards and celebrate the many diverse accomplishments of KU students and faculty rather than promoting such disgusting overindulgence.

Kristen Kearney, McPherson senior

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