Generation:

I cannot understand why you would print an article so grossest as "A Father-Son Story."  Students look towards your magazine for some light entertainment, not to be disgusted by descriptive stories of animal abuse.  Thanks for putting a dark shadow over your reader's day - how about you stick with the personals from now on.

 - JVF

Dear “JVF,”

It seems as though you hit the nail on the head: you don’t understand.

I would say I’m sorry that you found “A Father-Son Story” unpleasant, but I’m not. The only issue I feel regret over is that you obviously did not take further meaning away from this piece. This story went far deeper than the events that occurred within. For you, and those others who may not have seen another layer, try reading it over with a biblical slant in mind. Perhaps your opinion will change.

When you picked up Generation last week and flipped to the Literary section, I assume that you knew you were going to be reading a piece of literature. The purpose of this section is not necessarily to relay factual information or make poignant commentary (although some does slip by us now and again), but it instead follows the goal of literature itself: to cause an emotional response in the reader. Your letter has not shown me the folly of my ways. Rather, your reaction has affirmed the quality of the piece.

Furthermore, I don’t know where you got the idea that Generation concerns itself solely with “light entertainment.” We maintain our jovial spirit, yes, but this semester alone we have put the pending oil crisis, genocide in Sudan, and doctrine in the classroom on the front cover and have run dozens articles on a range of serious issues. The Literary section itself has put out a number of great stories and poems with a range of topics and styles. If you are concerned solely with quick, uplifting stories with no discernable greater value, then perhaps it is you, Dear Reader, who should stick to the personals.

In the end, I can’t take responsibility that you were disgusted by a piece “so grossest as” (sic) “A Father-Son Story.” One of the reasons I placed kittens in this story is that I know you, and those who share your sentiments, probably would not bat an eyelid if I killed the boy Adam and strung his entrails from a lamppost in my story. The Literary section has printed stories that feature drugs, sex, murder, and violence regularly, with nary a complaint to show. But those kittens are just so darn cute! Much more worthy of attention than starving children or war zones. I suggest you try to see past the surface of what you read; you will no doubt reap more enjoyment and knowledge.

Oh, and next time you want to remain anonymous, “JVF,” think about sending your email from a non-UB account.

-Charles Wiff

Literary Editor and Seal Clubber