By Soleil Paz
Staff Writer
—
It has recently come to my attention that on The Chronicle’s website, the most viewed article of the semester so far is none other than features editor Alex Wheeler’s opinion piece on Maroon 5 and their controversial music video. And now, I would like to have my own say in the conversation, though not so much about how undeniably great Adam Levine is.
As a staff writer that has come out with a number of opinion pieces in a number of consecutive weeks, it is no secret that I am probably more dedicated to that section than I should be. And in the short time that I’ve worked for The Chronicle, I have seen countless opinion articles that speak out on pressing issues—off the top of my head, I remember topics such as troops in the Middle East, getting our money’s worth for our education, Ferguson, and the Ebola scare. I myself have come out with articles on feminism and the riots in Hong Kong.
The thing is, people choose to read about Maroon 5.
Don’t get me wrong- I have an insane amount of respect for our Features Editor and his article. It just got me thinking about the kinds of things our readership looks for in the newspaper.
What first comes to my mind is that age-old concept of bread and circuses, however extreme that may sound. Give the people bread and circuses, give the people entertainment, and it will distract them from what is actually happening. After all, some bread and a circus is nicer and much more enjoyable than, for lack of a better phrase, facing reality.
I can’t say that I was not expecting this. It is only understandable, being a college community, that we gravitate to subjects like that simply because it is easier to read about what our favorite artists are up to instead of tackling the serious business. But it says a lot about us. As a writer, I think it says a lot about my audience.
People seem to need a distraction more than a pressing news update. Entertainment has become something that is so essential to us that we spend all our time on it, occasionally shaking our heads at the latest news on Ebola, then forget about it once we return to our favorite TV shows. It is the way that we are.
It is safe to say that most writers only hope to appeal to an audience. Many of us will choose our topics carefully for that particular reason. Since the articles I write diverge from the entertainment path, I suppose my mind doesn’t think that way.
Even as I write this short little statement, I am preoccupied by all the huge issues that I believe I should be taking on, instead of this one. I see Maroon 5 and think, “Why write something so superficial when this, this, and this is happening?” And while I am admittedly a tad bit jealous of the success of Alex Wheeler’s article, I don’t think I will be altering my focus any time soon for the sake of my audience.
Reading an article is your decision. Writing it is mine.
