Dear Editor:
Amanda Carpenter and Brett Mock have been criticized forspeaking their minds on BSYOU.net. I do understand, and evenappreciate those who do challenge Brett and Amanda's arguments.What really bothers me is the negative backlash they have receivedfor speaking their minds on issues that they strongly believe areimportant. Personal attacks are not necessary and are argumentationfallacies that hurt the rhetor more than her or his opponent.
Amanda and Brett are opening up a discussion that is necessaryon this traditionally apathetic campus. We should challenge eachother's ideas and even what our professors attempt to teach. Weneed to be aware that many professors have an interest in teachingclasses the way they do. I do not think that it is inappropriatefor profs. to express their views in class, however I do think itis inappropriate for them to only teach one side of the issue.Doing so constrains the educational environment.
Amanda and Brett are not the evil doers that many around campusare making them to be. They simply want a balanced perspective. Ifa professor is going to present a liberal view, that prof. shouldalso present a conservative, or other alternative perspective.Providing many different perspectives will allow for all of us inthe academic community, both students and professors, aneducational environment that increases the likelihood for moreconstructive class discussions and ultimately a bettereducation.
Brett and Amanda are providing a wonderful service to ourcommunity. They are willing to present their arguments in thepublic sphere. I hope many others will engage Brett and Amanda'sconversation in a respectful and ethical manner. Thus, I ask fromeveryone, especially Brett and Amanda, to challenge others'arguments without resorting to personal attacks. If more peoplefollow Brett and Amanda's lead, then maybe this campus will beknown for political action, rather than just a party school.
Donny Peters
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Assistant Debate Coach
Department of Communication Studies
Ball State University
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