Life Isn't Black & White–It's Grey

            I write a blog.  What does that even mean?  What purpose does it serve?  Who is my audience?  These are all questions that I have to consider when I sit down at my keyboard and write a post.  I certainly did not intend to solicit the explosion that has hit Student Parking Only in the past 24 hours, but I’m glad that it happened.

            The truth of the matter is that my rhetoric was less careful than it could have been.  My intended audience was narrower than usual.  I made assumptions that were not universal and I offended many people.  That’s okay.  In fact, that’s great.

            What happened last night on SPO is something that doesn’t happen enough anymore.  One short post blossomed into a heated dialogue between complete strangers.  A dozen awesome points were made, and a dozen awful points were made.  People attacked, defended, laughed at each other, and laughed at themselves.  Liberals read what conservatives had to say and vice-versa.  Men and women both spoke.  So did academics and athletes alike.  Therein lies the heart of the issue.

            “Life isn’t black and white—it’s grey.”  After all, this wouldn’t be a proper post if I didn’t quote from Freaks & Geeks.  Seriously, though, when I published “For The Boys” last night, I didn’t mean to offend anyone.  I’m happy I did, though.  The voices that have risen out of this controversy are exactly the ones that we don’t hear from enough.  Sexism, the proper use of memes, and awareness of others are all fantastic topics for blog posts—prompts for real thought and discussion.

            When I write a blog post, I try to address topics that I think my audience can relate to.  My goal is to share my personal experience in a way that is relevant to other students.  Nonetheless, my experience is just that—mine.  I can’t always please everyone.  I have to try my best to address as many people as possible in a voice that remains honest to who I am and what I’ve perceived.

            So, if you hated my post, that’s awesome.  Write a response and I’ll gladly print it.  No one’s opinion is universal—especially not mine.  Here’s my request to share yours.  Feel free to send in any thoughts or comments at studentparkingonly@gmail.com.  If nothing else, this has opened the door for many great posts to come.  Last night is proof—you all have voices.  Let’s hear them.