My FREE Expression

So, I just saw an article about more graffiti written on the walls of the Free Expression tunnel on campus. While I agree with protecting freedom of speech... I do not support people pointing fingers and playing the "who done it? " game.

Here is some background on the event I am referring to:

Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina State University's Free Expression Tunnel was spray-painted earlier this week with racist and homophobic graffiti involving President Barack Obama, according to Chancellor Randy Woodson.

The slurs and the name "Obama" were painted over the picture of a black man. Woodson described the graffiti as "racially charged obscenities and derogatory comments directed to the GLBT (gay lesbian bisexual transgender) community."

N.C. State students are allowed to spray paint the Free Expression Tunnel with images and words commenting on any issue. Woodson decried the use of the tunnel for derogatory speech.

"(The tunnel) is the embodiment of free speech, a place where we can air our thoughts openly," Woodson said in a statement posted on N.C. State's website Tuesday.


Okay, that's just a section from the article. I agree with the right to protect freedom of speech... even if I do not personally believe the written comments in the tunnel. But, I still cannot fathom why anyone would write those things... but then again, it's a vicious battle where I have to tell myself that it's still someone's right to say/write what they choose.

I guess I was brought up with morals of respecting people of all races, age, genders, sexual orientations, etc. I will fully admit thought that I am not a saint and I enjoy my share of gossip. However, seeing all the articles about bullying in our society scares me. Within the next year, I hope to step in the classroom and be a positive influence on many children from all different diverse backgrounds. It pains me to think that they are exposed to this type of hateful language and feelings. Bullying, even though it has been around FOREVER, has been receiving much more press due to the recent teen suicides. I believe that in order to at least decrease the number of the terrible events, we have to be positive role models for young people all around the world. Why is free speech always negative? Like I said, I'm all for free speech, but it seems like people always have to use their right for free speech in a negative context. Or then again, maybe it is just the media hanging all over the "terrible" news and throwing the good news aside. Whatever may be the case... just to make myself clear... I agree with a person's right for freedom of speech. I mean THAT was one of the reasons our forefathers risked their lives for... but at the same time they also fought to protect each citizen of this country from the oppression from others.

But honestly, this quote at the bottom of the article, struck me the most:
"It is an iffy situation because we don't know what to do, but as an African-American here, it just makes me feel ashamed of going, evening being a member of the Wolfpack," NCSU senior Kateria Poe said.

Obviously, I am not an African-American and this is the woman's opinion. But, what bothers me about that quote is that she said she is ashamed of being a part of the Wolfpack family because of the lone acts of an individual or a small group of individual(s). I take personal offense to this because I am a part of that family. The Wolfpack family does a wonderful job protecting our rights to learn and work in a safe environment. We cheer together and cry together and most of all we support each other. If some individuals do not feel like that is enough protection, they may choose another "pack" to roll with. And, I doubt they will find another community as welcoming and wonderful as ours. In my opinion, you cannot point fingers at the entire Wolfpack family for the efforts of a lone wolf.

Agree or disagree with my statements... that's your decision. But, this is MY blog and my own free EXPRESSION.