Alex Serrano

In the October 25th edition of the Beacon Newspaper, I wrote a flagrant and insulting article titled, “What’s Up With Midcoast?” The column targeted the students of the Midcoast campus. In a regrettable and inexcusable show of cruelty, I characterize the Midcoast students as apathy-ridden and lazy. At the most offensive instance, I invoked my power as Managing Editor, challenging our fellow students to “shake the languid slug-monster from your little uncaring brain[s].” This was a blatant, caustic misuse of my power. I made a mistake which I believe I shall not forget very soon, nor be forgiven.

This article was a misguided, but well-intentioned attempt to rabble-rouse during a time of frustration with the aforementioned Midcoast Campus. My only goal was to shake up the Midcoast population to the point of action.

As a reporter and a writer, I realize that many of us thrive on the effect that our writing has on the target community. Unfortunately, the easiest emotion to tap into is angry, spiteful rage towards our fellow man (just look at this election cycle). If this had been more pleadingly worded, politer, there may not have been any effect. But the line must be drawn at insulting and hurtful language. When I read this article back, and with hindsight being what it is, I can now see the needlessly acidic mindset and the emphatic naiveté presented. Had I the faintest foresight present on the day of editing, this piece would surely have been cut down or scrapped completely.

The blame cannot be dealt to any of the Beacon staff. It is because of my position that this level of scathing disgust would be permitted on the pages of the Beacon. I will strive to rectify this mistake and will keep it in my mind from now on while writing. I seek not to excuse this mistake, but to rectify my misdeeds. I only sought to engage the Midcoast Campus in order to generate content for the Beacon.