Rumors and The Purple

 

On February 14, 2010 Clark Hoyt wrote a New York Times editorial addressing the question "Does a newspaper have an obligation to address other people's scuttlebutt about its reporting?" amidst a juicy rumor concerning New York Governor David Paterson that the New York Times seemed to be working on. The rumor was definitely untrue. Any semblance of a juicy story could not be found, except that Paterson lacked the needed Democratic support to hold him through the next election.

 

Yet, the internet, as Hoyt reports, was a-buzz with guesses and supposed truth. The eminent news paper said nothing. It did not dispute or confirm the rumor that it was to print any story concerning Paterson.

 

Hoyt states, senior reporter Bill Keller offered his advice: "The only honorable thing I know to do in such a situation is to finish our reporting as expeditiously as possible and tell readers what we've learned."

 

On March 1st, 2010 The Sewanee Purple reported that someone had committed arson at the SAE fraternity house. The article stated, "Among the student body, there is general bewilderment as to the identity of the suspect," however many rumors flourished across the campus as to the identity of the arsonist.

 

Few administrators responded to questions about rumors on the Sewanee campus (possibly for the very advice Keller offers, but I wouldn't want to start a rumor), however, Dean of Greek Life Dr. Alex Bruce suggests, "Apply critical thinking skills and decide if what you've heard really, truly is merited. If not, don't spread the story."

 

The Dean offers Virgil's Aeneid for thought, pointing to the line: "Swift through the Libyan cities Rumor sped. Rumor! What evil can surpass her speed? In movement she grows mighty, and achieves."

 

But, he offers prudent judgment and thoughtful consideration because he believes "students also make up rumors because there is such a "sameness" to life in college--same people, same classes, same buildings, same dorms, same food . . . so making up or being willing to pass on news that's different is appealing and easy."

 

Newspapers are the gigantic organ of human ideas. The Sewanee Purple claims it is "The Student Organ of the University of the South." Newspapers are the source of truth. We believe in them with all our hearts. We hold them to the highest standard imaginable, despite knowing that this is the most unrealistic of expectations. However, The Sewanee Purple chose great caution and judgment in its articulate choice to report clear facts surrounding this incident. Thought and patience and silence guide newspapers through the fog of our tempestuous imaginations. I congratulate our news source for their sensible and strong reporting of this unfortunate act.