EDITORIAL North Pointe – Wednesday, April 10, 2019 – 3

EDITOR'S DESK
The roses have thorns: A
NORTH POINTE
MY TURN MICHAEL HARTT
FARRAH FASSE
debunking of reality television
“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and
teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring If you mention the term “reality TV show” To viewers, it came off as her being “rebellious” Addressing the need
freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all around Americans, most would picture people and “one of a kind.” The bachelor must have dis- for homework-f re e
students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may
be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless
screaming obscenities and hurling objects at agreed, however, as she was eliminated in the nights
each other during an argument. Many people first episode.
or offensive.” live for these scenes, although many of them The logic of reality TV appeals to the most Nea rly ever y day of my life
BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY
are rooted in anything but reality. Ironically illogical, and is quite honestly insulting to our is spent wa k ing up, going
enough, these scenes are often meticulously intelligence as human beings. Most five-year- to school, pa r ticipating in
Syeda Rizvi Michael Hartt Emily Widgren choreographed by producers to achieve a higher olds could sniff out the implausibility of the pro- extracur r icula r activities,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAGE EDITOR PAGE EDITOR viewer count, therefore gaining a greater profit. grams. Yet, some people pour over the program- going back home, studying
Sofia Ketels Abi Murray Hannah Zalewski Shows like these are based in fallacy, and in ming as if it contains the meaning of life. a nd then going to sleep.
MANAGING EDITOR STAFF REPORTER PAGE EDITOR my opinion, make even the best of us lose Often, these shows are viewed by people for T h is routine is the sa me for
Maggie Carron Amelia Nowicki brain cells upon viewing it. their ridiculousness in plot, but for me, it goes most students who attempt to
PAGE EDITOR Adam Schwartz
PAGE EDITOR STAFF REPORTER Despite the name, events in reality program- even deeper than that. People - if you can call ma inta in a superb GPA a nd
Arzoo Chhaya Brooklyn McWhorter ming are often shams. The hit show, “The Bach- them that - behave with such unbridled incivil- pa r ticipate in the activities
PAGE EDITOR WEBMASTER elor,” and its spin-off, “The Bachelorette,” cap- ity it startles me beyond belief. Many would call that they love.
Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe tivate many viewers each season as they yearn these scenes funny, and I agree that they are, but I, personally, don’t m ind
Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members to find out who the current bachelor or bach- only to a certain point. I believe some of our dig- my routine. I enjoy my extra
who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do elorette will choose as their fiancé. Fans thrive nity is chipped away upon viewing these unhinged cur r icula r activities, a nd
not partake in that meeting or vote. on the rose ceremonies, which always contain animals act as if they are in a zoo, most likely co- most of the time, I don’t
the “unexpected.” Many are unaware of the fact erced into doing this by delusions and empty prom- m ind studying subjects that
that several details and decisions of the show ises of money and fame from producers. interest me. I do have a
are predetermined by producers. According to Often, these shows sell false realities to problem, however, with the
Buzzfeed, the final four are chosen by produc- viewers and participants alike. Not only can lack of com munication I
ers and the lead during the first episode based the show’s events be misleading about what have with my fa m ily because
upon looks and very first impressions. Many real life is actually like, it can lead some of my schedule.
things the contestants say are edited for the sake viewers, most young and impressionable, to W hen I was younger, I
of drama to hook viewers as well. believe that the behaviors of these maniacal would always dine with my
I can personally attest to “The Bachelor” actors are acceptable. Sure, the actions of the fa m ily, a nd most nights, we
being unrealistic as one of my female cousins participants may seem funny on television, would all sit together a nd
was a contestant on it some years ago. During but would it really be amusing if you were work on va r ious activities
the first episode, when the girls exit the limo walking down Mack Avenue and saw several for a couple of hours after
to meet the bachelor, she was told by producers different groups of people assaulting each dinner. Now, I ra rely do
to walk right past the guy and not say anything other with both fists and words? a nyth ing with my fa m ily. By
SOFIA KETELS to him. To any sane person, it would not make Whether or not we’d like to admit it, tal k ing to my fr iends, I have
sense that an individual who had put their whole we’re all victim to being sucked into seen th is lack of fa m ily time
life on hold and spent several thousands of dol- these television shows, despite how ri- as a patter n. Ever yone cites
OUR EDITORIAL lars on outfits for the show to behave like that. diculous or unrealistic they may be. the sa me reasons, too: “I
don’t have enough time with
When we need to spor ts a nd school” or “by the
time I get home, I’m so tired
cancel "cancel culture" that I don’t even feel like
ha nging with my fa m ily."
Your third grade teachers weren’t kidding when As h igh schoolers, we
they said your online footprint matters. Yes, we get obviously won’t wa nt to
it, “don’t post anything you wouldn’t send to your spend as much time with
mom,” and “don’t talk to strangers on the Internet,” our fa m ilies as we did in
but chances are, we haven’t listened to that advice as elementa r y school, but with
much as we should have. college or a nother ca reer
Today, it’s easier to make an accusation online than path a round the cor ner,
it is to check out an encyclopedia from the library. most of us would agree that
Because of this, fake news has spread like wildfire. the days we spend with our
Old tweets now have the power to destroy someone’s " I don’t think it’s "They shouldn't be doing "I feel like it’s a little bit fa m ily a re numbered.
image, even if the statements are proven false. With going to affect me that to get money from unfair for the people W hat h igh school
this, association rises over accountability, and a past getting into college other people. I’m going who try super hard and adm inistrations across the
mistake creates a present problem. whatsoever. It to still go to college, but then others can just buy countr y need to be doing
For example, take YouTuber Shane Dawson. While doesn’t concern me I don’t agree with what their way into things. I is implementing homework
being on the platform since 2008, Dawson has become or seem to affect me they’re doing." feel like that’s not how free nights, much like the
a prime example of how the style of mass media personally." life works." Townsend Ha r r is H igh
has changed over the yea rs th rough his “scandals.” Angelo Profeta Jada Laster Mackenzie Driscoll School in New York City.
With most situations involving quotes ta ken out of FRESHMAN FRESHMAN JUNIOR W h ile it may sound like a
context, he has inadver tently exemplified “cancel stretch now, it is completely
culture,” which is a ter m used to descr ibe the YOUR TURN: How does the college scandal impact practical. I would suggest
online boycott of a person, product or company your perception on college admissions? By Adam Schwartz that one n ight ever y two
upon doing something that’s deemed wrong or weeks be designated as no
unethical by today’s standa rds. homework, no spor ts a nd
Here’s the thing: cancel culture is the reason these no extracur r icula r activities
scandals are happening. The lack of context or facts time. A day like th is would
that come with many of these accusations create false cer ta inly improve students’
rumors that ultimately become the downfall of the mental health a nd their
person they’re feeding off of. Misinformation and ability to spend time with
a lack of understanding bury themselves within the their fa m ily.
minds of many media users, making them appear Aside from local
ignorant. But what would happen if there were no solutions, it is impor ta nt to
tweets to “uncover?" note that colleges should be
The answer is nothing. One of the many lessons ta k ing into account students’
that we’re taught is to be mindful of who and what fa m ilial responsibilities.
you interact with online. Posting anything is putting "It doesn’t really make me "It makes me feel unwell "For my students, I would Universities, especially
yourself out there, and understanding that you’re feel differently. Rich people and cheated. There are worry it might make them h ighly selective ones, look
susceptible to anything is a huge part of avoiding your have always been able to definitely others who do feel like their hard work isn’t for students who ta ke on the
own online scandals. pay their way to do anything this for their children, so paying off if folks are going most a mount of work a nd
Another way we can build a better online they want and find a free it decreases the chances about college entrance the most a mount of extra-
appearance is to do our research. Rather than fueling pass in ways other people for people who try hard to through other means rather cur r icula r activities a nd
the mob mentality that “cancel culture” entails haven’t been able to." get in college." than their own efforts." spor ts, wh ile ma inta ining
by jumping on the bandwagon, do your research. Daniel Bernas Joseph Paglino Tamara Shepard a n almost per fect GPA in
Listen to the context that these quotes come from, JUNIOR SENIOR SPANISH TEACHER the most diff icult classes.
understand what’s really being said and come to your If colleges took into
own conclusion. account a student’s fa m ilial
Not only will you seem more informed online, but Comments should be directed to the student obligations a nd focused
when it comes to more pressing matters, such as a EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: editors, who make all final content decisions. more on their intellectual
scandal involving a political figure or representative, Syeda Rizvi The views expressed are solely those of the prowess versus their ability
your opinion could dictate the outcome of something authors or the student editorial board and do to keep themselves as busy as
MANAGING EDITOR: not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe
like an election. We tend to care more about certain Sofia Ketels Public School System. possible at all times, I th in k
things when they effect our own lives, so why should they would f ind a better
these situations be any different? BUSINESS MANAGER: We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic group of students.
The length of someone’s online career also counts Victoria Wittenberg Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press T he a mount of time that
as part of our research. Although it may seem like it's Association, National Scholastic Press Association students spend with their
WEBMASTER: and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe
“too late” for many inf luencers, we need to take into Brooklyn McWhorter to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and fa m ily is unlikely to cha nge
account how long they’ve been on a certain platform. iStockphoto.com. a nytime soon unless some of
What’s socially acceptable at the time of an offence PAGE EDITORS: the ideas aforementioned a re
may be much different than what’s socially acceptable Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, One copy is available free to all community implemented. Designating
Adam Schwartz, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski members. Additional copies may be purchased.
now, and the creators who have been online for a long homework free nights may
Our editorial policy and advertising rates are
time are now at risk for an old video or comment from STAFF REPORTERS: available online at northpointenow.org. The North not even need to be distr ict
10 years ago blowing up in their faces and destroying Colin Duffy, Kylie Duke, Farrah Fasse, Ray Jason, Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper. wide as of now. Even if
their reputations. Julia Magnan, Abi Murray, Amelia Nowicki one teacher stuck with
However, some situations are never excusable, like CONTACT US th is idea, the homework
707 Vernier Road
the use of certain slurs and sexual assault, and these INTERNS: Giacobi Bush, Niklas David, Ray Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 load each student in their
are examples of when cancel culture can be beneficial. Hamilton Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com class would face could
These are the times when victims of these incidents Phone: 313.432.3248 decrease exponentially.
The North Pointe is edited and produced by Twitter: @TheNorthPointe
can be given justice. Website: northpointenow.org Until that happens, students
Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe
Today, “cancel culture” and online footprints have North High School and is published every two will continue living their
come to define the careers of those that have worked FACULTY ADVISER: Allison Dunn life sepa rated from the
weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum
on different platforms for years, as well as bring into without prior review. fa m ily that they need,
light the faults of the “exposed.” The power of the wh ile their days together
internet can change lives, so doing your research and a re al ready so lim ited.
being smart online can make or break your identity, or
someone else’s.