TO THE EDITOR:
In lieu of the recent accusations leveled at members of the Penn State football program, I have taken time to reflect on the football scandal at UNC, which over the past year has gradually fallen out of our collective conscience.
In particular, I have re-examined the community and the media’s treatment of Marvin Austin, who was cast as the face of all that was wrong with UNC football after accepting improper benefits from sports agents. Many news outlets said that Austin had character issues, also used to describe former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who faces more than 40 counts of alleged child molestation.
Comparing the wrongdoing of Austin, an African-American from an impoverished neighborhood in the District of Columbia, to the felonies committed by Sandusky, a wealthy Caucasian suburbanite, is indicative of the hierarchical, quick-to-judge culture we live in.
Sensationalist media outlets are so desperate for a story that they hyperbolize small offenses, thereby desensitizing us to more serious misdeeds.
I understand that Austin’s offense was selfish and damaged the reputation of this prestigious university, but even the most ardent Tar Heel football fans were able to lead normal lives during and after the scandal.
Try telling that to the young victims in State College, Pa.
Alexander Chechik
Junior
Chemistry, Russian
