• Blogs
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Buy Photos
  • Advertising
  • Classifieds
  • Contact Us

|

Home > Commentary

Student Insurgent still insulting Christians

Guest commentary

by Jethro Higgins |

PUBLISHED ON 5/14/07 IN Commentary
  • Print
  • Email
  • Page 1 of 1
I am again offended by the publication the Student Insurgent and its printing of images of Jesus naked. I find its decision to reprint the offensive cartoons, which gained so much media attention last year, to be a slap in the face of every student on campus. These cartoons are not now, nor have they ever been, about free speech, nor have they been about promoting dialogue on campus. These have the simple purpose of demeaning religion, and attacking the beliefs of a select few on campus. The atmosphere of bigotry toward religion, most specifically Christianity, on the UO campus has been an issue that has not only affected me socially but also in the classroom. The University breeds disdain for Christians, as well as for other religious groups on campus.

The term "free thinker," often used to describe those who oppose religion, is an offensive word that insinuates religious people do not think for themselves. At the University, I have felt the sting of abusive language or imagery directed toward my religion, my God and my attempt to live a morally guided life.

The Insurgent issue is just the icing on the cake of the religious oppression I have suffered at what is supposed to be a diverse, accepting and tolerant public university. I will not donate a cent to the University as an alumnus, and I recommend that the student body do the same until the cultural attack on religion ends.

Religious or not, the intolerance shown by the Insurgent should offend every UO student. This is supposed to be a place where people of diverse backgrounds come together respectfully, in order to further their education. The Insurgent does nothing to further this goal, and is a drain on our student funding.

I asked our student government leaders to carefully examine what they force every student to pay for when allocating student incidental fees, and consider the programs that are undeserving of our money. It disgusts me that a portion of my tuition goes to directly support, and aid the Insurgent's actions in attacking my religion, my way of life and who I am as a person. It disgusts me further that the student body and the administration stand by and do nothing while this intolerance and bigotry continue on our campus. I have not seen the current issue of the Insurgent yet, but several of my fellow Christians have brought it to my attention that they have made the decision to reprint the offensive cartoons knowing full well how it
would effect the Christians in the student body.

The sight of these cartoons last year brought me personally a wave of sickened grief, and I don't want to see them again, but I know if I am going to continue to fight for religious tolerance on this campus, I have to read this issue. I do not look forward to the emotions reading this issue will bring to me, but I see it as my duty to inform myself, and combat this personal attack. The Insurgent has made a mockery of all that I am, and all that I strive to become, and this time there is no question as to their motives.
Page 1 of 1

Article Tools

Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 12

Bill Donahue

posted 5/14/07 @ 12:24 PM PST

I hate cartoons. Right on, Jethro.

Thomas Stevens

posted 5/16/07 @ 10:16 AM PST

Religion sucks and is for the weak; yeah, those who can't think for themselves. You'd be nothing without your religion, it's a crutch for you to survive. (Continued…)

(4 replies)   Details   Reply to this comment

Jethro Higgins

posted 5/16/07 @ 7:37 PM PST

Thomas Stevens you just proved my point that not only is the U of O an intolerant campus, but that you think you are thinking for your self and that I am not. (Continued…)

(2 replies)   Details   Reply to this comment

niedermeyer

posted 5/21/07 @ 10:57 AM PST

Jethro, please. I know how popular faux-oppression is on this campus, but this is just ridiculous. If your God is such hot shit, why do you care what other people think of it or your belief in it? If people tell you that there's no logical explanation for the existence of God, just say "duh, that's why it's called faith" and move on with your life. (Continued…)

Brandon

posted 5/21/07 @ 8:45 PM PST

There are more than two sides to this arguement and you are acting like it is black and white and throwing blame at each other. Such is for children. Grow up, provide more defense for your ideas than "Religion sucks" or "I'll pray for you". (Continued…)

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

Post a Comment

  • NOTE: Email address will not be published

Type your comment below (html not allowed)

  I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.


MULTIMEDIA
MORE MULTIMEDIA

AP NEWS VIDEO

READER POLL

Should tickets for athletic events be distributed based on class standing?

Submit Vote

VIEW RESULTS

BLOGS

From technology to media, Associate Pulse Editor Matt Sevits has insight and analysis. For your daily fill of pop-culture, read The Other Side of Normal.

Graphic designer Ryan Heidt posts award-winning graphics while discussing his own creations that go in the paper in his blog, Left Brain, Right Hand.

City/County/State reporter Jason Reed goes behind closed doors to give you an inside look in his blog, Your Government.


MORE BLOGS

Advertisement




Advertisement