Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
From the moment I was able to grasp the meaning of what I read on the front page of a newspaper, I’ve turned to the editorials section for analysis. To me, there’s nothing so satisfying as a piece of writing that challenges the way I think and perceive the world around me, writing that stays with me long after I’ve absorbed the words on the page. Yet in a world where technology gives millions a forum for voicing their opinions, the line between thoughtful and reflective analysis and mere ranting becomes blurred amidst a sea of shouting voices.
However, despite the apparent diminishment in modern editorial writing’s power and effectiveness, I’m convinced that it can still play an essential role. The journalism contained in newspapers should strive to do more than simply recap events and present the facts; it should present poignant analysis and thoughtful arguments. And there’s no better place to find those than in the editorial section.
For the rest of the year, I will strive in my writing to uphold this journalistic ideal with a column that expresses my particular take on issues central to the Swarthmore experience. Though my focus may seem rather broad, it reflects an inherent curiosity I’ve always maintained about the world around me and a continual love for the thought-provoking character of the written word. Good writing, I feel, can do more than just tell a story; good writing can unearth hidden truths and reveal entirely new ways of thinking.
At its best, I hope my column will be just that, a search for the truth, one that delves into the heart of an issue in an attempt to arrive at a deeper understanding . My conclusions may not be the ones that you share, indeed I don’t expect them to be, but no matter where my articles ultimately take me, it is my sincere hope that they will cause you to reflect on the issues our community confronts, reexamine your preconceived notions and beliefs, and ultimately enable you to comprehend what it really means to be a part of the Swarthmore bubble.