Backpage was wrong, despite intended humor
When I was writing the Backpage at four in the morning last Thursday, the last thing I did was think. I did not think that switching between ironic humor and jabbing sarcasm would make the Backpage confusing. I did not think anyone would take it seriously. I did not think of the consequences of publishing it during Families Weekend. And I did not think it would insult people. But people were insulted. It was offensive — and it was wrong.
It took only a good night’s sleep and a few comments from around campus to realize the mistake I had made. Not only would families not realize the satirical nature of the Backpage, but those harboring racist attitudes might see the Backpage not as mockery, but as supportive of their prejudices. Editor in Chief David Brown and I quickly agreed that the campus deserved an apology. Contrary to many accusations, this was not forced — or even suggested — by any administrators.
Many people have asked me what I was going for with the Backpage. Over-the-top, post-ironic humor has been in vogue lately — just look at Comedy Central. You are not supposed to laugh with jokes themselves, but at the idea that people would say such absurd things. This was the concept I had in mind when I wrote the Backpage. I thought the falsehoods on the Backpage were so obviously over the top that no one could take them seriously.
In his routines, famed comedian Lenny Bruce was known for incorporating every naughty word, racial slur and social taboo 1950s America had to offer. He said, “It’s the suppression of the word that gives it the power, the violence, the viciousness.” While I have this quote on the wall in the Thresher office, what I do not have is a reminder that Bruce was arrested for obscenity. His use of sexual taboos and racial slurs did not reflect any actual hatred or bias — but some felt he lent credence to racists or simply did not believe his style of humor was appropriate.
Bruce also said, “Satire is tragedy plus time: You give it enough time, the public, the reviewers will allow you to satirize it.” And in light of very recent events, this was obviously a very bad time for last week’s Backpage.
Contemporary comedian Sacha Cohen clarifies Bruce’s idea in an episode of “Da Ali G Show” in which his Borat character sings, “Throw the Jew Down the Well.” Certainly, very few viewers take Cohen’s character seriously, and laugh not only at the horrible song, but also at the racist rubes who sing along with him. Although the Anti-Defamation League protested this sketch at once — another event I probably should have remembered — Cohen has since made clear that he is attempting to expose ignorance and prejudice, not support them. Indeed, I believe America has come to a point where racist jokes can often be laughed at — not with — in the right context. This Backpage, however, lacked the right context. It was poorly constructed, and its content hit too close to home in the Rice community.
If any good can come from this, I hope the Backpage can spark a conversation that Rice needs. I have heard from students who thought the Backpage was hilarious and edgy — and from students who thought it was horrible and insulting. There is a divide of opinion on what are and are not acceptable approaches to diversity issues on campus. We have a disconnect on campus that needs to be bridged.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is holding a forum Wednesday to discuss last week’s Backpage and related campus diversity issues. I will certainly be there to participate and answer any questions. Hopefully the discussion will not simply end after a couple weeks, only to be remembered by a small group of students, but will continue as everybody works for a better campus atmosphere.
Although I am looking to the future, I cannot undo the hurt of last week’s Backpage. I can only offer my explanations and apologies, and hope the Rice community is willing to accept.
Evan Mintz is a Hanszen College junior and opinion and Backpage editor.
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