Act of free speech or offensive display

By Amy Kalina
Copy Editor

September 11 is a day when Americans unite to remember those lost in the terrorist attacks six years ago.

It is a day to remember the attacks, not to engage in attacks of our own.

On that date this year, a display set up by Saint Mary’s University students, apparently on behalf of College Republicans, stirred up controversy on campus.
Read more...The display, located outside of Hendrickson, was probably meant as a memorial to those who have lost their lives in Iraq. The flags exhibited in the turnaround represent the American death toll, one that keeps climbing as the war continues.

However, banners that accompanied the flags were removed because of their discriminatory message and their political affiliation.

But don’t we have the right to voice our views, regardless of whether it is in accordance with popular opinion? One might argue that on such a patriotic day, we should especially be engaging in the rights granted to us as citizens. It is true that the First Amendment grants each of us the freedom of speech. However, if we as citizens have the “right” to do something, does that make it okay? I am choosing to exercise another constitutional privilege, freedom of the press, to share my views on the flaws of this less-than-patriotic display.

Any marketing or public relations student will tell you that an essential part of sending an effective message is knowing your audience. The audience of SMU is one that values its sense of community. The error behind displaying a political banner is easy to explain. To exhibit a particular political message on campus, especially in such a prominent location, is to suggest that SMU itself is affiliated with that party. Such an affiliation would be unethical.

Another flaw in the message was its blatant targeting of a particular religious group. Though a Catholic university, SMU welcomes members of all faith traditions. To attack a specific group, especially one represented by fellow students, can be seen as a promotional act of discrimination. By targeting a part of our community, regardless of its size, one threatens our unity. It is important for everyone’s voice to be heard, but there is a difference between what is allowed and what is appropriate.

Regardless of its flaws, the ideas behind the display were perhaps honorable. The flags continue to grace the turnaround to serve as a reminder of our American heritage.

Here are some important numbers to

keep in mind as we remember those who have lost their lives:
*Total American deaths in Iraq since March 19, 2003: 3,776
*Number of non-American coalition deaths: 299
*Estimated Iraqi civilian deaths: 75,000
*American casualties on Sept. 11, 2001: 2,646
*Non-American casualties on Sept. 11, 2001: 327
(Courtesy of CNN.com)

Just as we have a social responsibility to treat one another with dignity and respect, we have a responsibility to ourselves to be aware of propaganda, analyze the messages that bombard us, and filter those that are potentially harmful. As students, we know the importance of critical analysis. Make your beliefs your own, and base them on substance rather than display.