Last week was a great time for controversy regarding the first issue of The State Hornet. Most of it surrounded a feature story, “Show and Tell,” which has sparked some controversy on our Web site, www.statehornet.com.

It?s about time.

But several of the complaints are that a story like that (whatever that means!) does not belong in a student newspaper. The question I pose to those who feel that way is, if it doesn?t belong in a student newspaper, where else does it belong? (Wait, maybe I?m not so sure about getting that response.)

College is a time for exploring, and yes, time for a little fun. Everyone has heard the term, “just live a little,” and what better place to do it than college. As college students, we take a little more freedom than conventional journalists, and therefore should be able to explore topics that may stray from the mainstream. (Not counting tabloids, has anyone taken a good look at the magazines on the newsracks at the grocery store lately? The titles of some of the articles are more risque than I want to repeat here.)

The harsh reality of the published story lies in the fact that some college students do work as exotic dancers, and in other jobs that many would find unspeakable. Also, who would want to read about a volunteer at a library or a waitress at a restaurant anyway?

Exotic dancers do exist and do make for an interesting story. Not only that, but they do make a lot of money doing whatever it is that they do.

The second bit of controversy involved an advertising insert from the Human Life Alliance. It was aptly titled “Life is Full of Surprises,” as I was surprised to see it fall from the paper I picked up on Wednesday morning. I wasn?t expecting to see the ad, but I didn?t think much of it. Apparently others did.

The insert offended some who disagree with the Alliance?s views on abortion. While I strongly disagree with what the insert was saying, I do think its creators did a good job making it as tasteful as they could, considering the sobering topic that they covered. And they have just as much of a right as anyone to voice their opinions.

As for those of you who would rather restrict free speech than see an advertisement that you disagree with ? get over it! Here is an idea: stop complaining and create your own tasteful ad.

Tasteful ads can be created for a variety of racy topics. Take, for example, the ads near the back of a local liberal-leaning newspaper. Among the ads for various “men?s clubs” are advertisments for sex clubs. Despite the product they are providing, their ads are surprisingly tasteful and well done.

Take note and get to work on your own ad.

Brendan D. Wonnacott is a Government & History major and is opinion editor of The State Hornet. He can be reached by email at [email protected].