CLASSES ARE FOR LEARNING

STAFF EDITORIAL

Student outbursts and disruptive misbehavior in the classroom is appearing with greater frequency. More and more students are talking disrespectfully to professors and fellow students in a threatening manner to the point that campus police are called in to assist.

For example: on Feb. 22, according to the campus police log website, they had to ask a disruptive student to leave campus for “acting inappropriately and yelling at other students” during class.

Granted, they might make for funny reading. But what happens when you are in that classroom or in the library when the situation arises? It is no longer funny.

City College is not a high school. It is a fully accredited community college with world-renowned certificate programs and excellent staff and faculty to guide students.

Yet people still want to act the fool in class.

Yes, enrollment fees are going down, but it still does not give students the right to get into professors’ faces.

It’s not just about showing respect for professors, but also for  students in class who are truly trying to get an education. Contrary to popular belief, City College is actually a place to learn and not just socialize.

So as a plea to those who choose to disrupt classes, please don’t do it. Your outbursts might be acceptable in your off-campus life, but they are not acceptable here.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

COULD READING MAKE US BLIND?
BY JOSE GUTIERREZ
EDITOR

MICHAEL MORGAN / GUARDSMAN

The International Myopia Prevention Association claims that myopia (nearsightedness) is caused by the small print in textbooks which results in the need to wear glasses.          

Well, if that’s the case then it’s a good thing that most students don’t really bother to crack their textbooks. The only time we may read them is right before midterms and finals when we try to cram for the big test. We all love that new book smell. 

The claim the IMPA makes seems believable. How many times have you studied for a long period of time, taken a break and just felt the eye strain? Personally, I wouldn’t know, but I’m sure that’s what happens.

I know I don’t want my vision to weaken. Mine is 20/20 and maybe that’s because I’ve only read like two books in my life. I have such a short attention span that I can’t read for more than 20 minutes at a time. I guess all that slacking off in school did pay off in a way. It makes you think: Is that why so many bookworms wear glasses?

I guess the campus bookstore really is robbing us blind. What would the solution to this problem be? Are we going to have to resort to textbooks on tape? That wouldn’t workbecause it would cause extreme drowsiness. So, I guess I just found the solution to insomnia instead.

But really, the IMPA does make a strong case. I agree with them when they say this is a conspiracy involving the billion dollar optical industry. Optometrists always claim that this is a hereditary problem, so who do you trust is the question?

This is just another thing to add to the long list that college students have to worry about.

e-mail:sports@theguardsman.com

AP BANS PARIS FOR A WEEK
BY JOSE GUTIERREZ
EDITOR

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL P. SMITH / GUARDSMAN

So, The Associated Press recently banned Paris Hilton for a week. How could they do that to America’s sweetheart? C’mon, who doesn’t love Paris? I’m sure some of you went through withdrawal. How could we go through a whole week of not knowing if she lost her sidekick, who she partied with or if she released some new erotica.

The wire service banned her because she gets too much coverage by the media and she’s not newsworthy. But seriously, I think the AP should pick a new celebrity to ban every week. Hell, the bans should last a month. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have to be next. The volume of coverage they get in some papers and magazines can make a person feel like throwing the publication in the trash where it belongs.

Next on the list would be Britney Spears. She cut all her hair off. So what! It’s no news that she’s crazy. That story received coverage like it was the second coming of Christ. Forget about the war in Iraq, right? This is the news that matters.  It’s sad that we’re all focusing on the wrong things when it comes to news.

All that celebrity gossip should only inhabit such publications as The National Enquirer or People magazine. Do we really care about the stupid things celebrities do? More importantly, is it newsworthy? Its not news but I guess people like to know.

Respectable publications should not run stories or blurbs about what celebrities do on a daily basis. The Examiner dedicates an entire page just to celebrity gossip. That may get a few more people to pick up the paper.

e-mail:sports@theguardsman.com

ON THE RECORD

Should the media be able to ban the amount of coverage given to celebrities such as Paris Hilton?

Adam Faamausili
“I don't think the media bans anything anyway. Is she contributing nything to humanity? I think we have enough entertainment. Bu who am I to say to ban what she's glorifying. If people demand it, people will get what they want."

Aziza Parker
“She made some dirty comments and racist remarks that media covered but did nor come down so hard on her like the guy from Seinfeld. I think it's great the media is taking a stand."

Connie Bishop
“They should. We don't get any information from it. It's worthless. It would be cool if we could ban all the useless information. Maybe we won't look as stupid as do to other countries."

Paul Edwards
“As long as it's voluntary, it could be viewed as healthy, but if they choose to cover such a vapid story it's fine with me. It shows that any paper, web site, organization can choose, it shows they have control and restraint."

Lisa Her
“We need to focus more on much more important things, like helping the environment or community. If it's something stupid like going out and partying, there are a lot more important things out there."

Thomas Nelson
“They shouldn't be reporting on her at all. She's not real newsworthy. Considering all that is newsworthy. What affect does she have on our daily lives? Is she helpful or harmful to our community?"

A TEAL-COLORED HEART

BY VANESSA SERPAS

Public displays of affection ... we see them everywhere — in the streets, on campus, in the library and at the infamous twin peaks. You know what I’m talking about.

It is perfectly normal for couples to want to hold hands, kiss or sneak a little tap on the butt from time to time. But if you’re one of those couples that constantly hears comments like “Get a room!” or “Excuuuuse me,” when you decide to stop in the middle of the sidewalk to grope your partner’s ass because it needs to be grabbed every five minutes or to give your partner their hourly molar cleaning as you shove your tongue down their throat, then you are clearly doing too much.

e-mail:editorial@theguardsman.com