Author: Jack McHenry
Across campus this semester students have voiced their opinions on issues like free speech, in letters to the editor in the campus newspaper, as well as in independent student publications like the Angry Tiger pamphlet. The same standard for scholars’ anonymous submissions applies to students and their publications: anonymous submissions demonstrate a lack of intellectual responsibility for one’s ideas, opinions and criticisms. An environment where student opinions can be voiced in on-campus publications is a healthy one, but those that write these pieces should take their pieces seriously, put their name on them and own up to their opinions.
Broadcasting an idea, whether in an editorial, or an academic paper or otherwise, can often have risk attached, particularly if the ideas are controversial or criticize another’s view. To put forth a publicly visible opinion is a risk that comes with responsibility, and hence, by submitting anonymous pieces, a writer abandons the accountability he or she has for the content of the piece. Where the debate over anonymous authorship has been prominent in academia, of late it has become more pertinent for the Occidental community. Current events and independent student journalism have given rise to opinionated submissions to on-campus publications, some of which have been anonymous. The rights of free speech and expression are essential to the fabric of our society, but they come with the imperative to responsibly exercise those rights. Therefore, one should hold one’s self accountable for one’s words and opinions and avoid publishing anonymously.
Academic papers are released into public audiences, where the content is available to the general public as well as to the academic community. Oftentimes, with contentious academic material, scholars enter into debate where their ideas are criticized and even attacked. In that realm, ownership creates accountability for one’s comments; without the shield of anonymity, one is less likely to level hateful or ad hominem attacks against their peers. Furthermore, when a scholar has to answer to his or her work, it makes for better scholarship: the writer knows that if he or she makes a poor argument or a fickle criticism, he or she will be held accountable for those flaws, which could result in further criticism or damage to their academic reputation.
An anonymous submission to the Angry Tiger fought back against a letter, asking for the removal of the Angry Tiger from the Green Bean, published a few days before in the Weekly. The back-and-forth between the publications is encouraging in terms of dialogue, but the actual argument in the Angry Tiger was rendered irrelevant by its anonymity. What was relevant was that the response in the Angry Tiger was snarky and irresponsible, and apparently not worth affixing a name to it. The Angry Tiger and anyone who writes for it have every right to comment on campus matters, but they should take responsibility for the rights they have and acknowledge their opinions as their own.
The privilege of being able to share opinionated, critical articles is essential to creating dialogue and debate in society. In the Occidental College community, letters to the editor and independent student publications have been an avenue for students to voice their opinions. However, these opinions and criticisms, when posted anonymously, enable the writer to escape the responsibility of being held accountable for their opinions. Writers that take their criticisms seriously should put a name on their submissions, take pride in their work, and be responsible for its consequences.
Jack McHenry is a senior DWA major. He can be reached at jmchenry@oxy.edu.
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