This past Tuesday, we ran a column titled “Mediocre Advice: Fair skin, bedroom advice.” The column engendered a fair amount of controversy over the columnist’s assertion “pale is better,” in response to an inquiry from a woman asking how to get a tan despite Gainesville’s rainy weather.
When we ran the column, we in editorial overlooked language that could be seen as offensive and demeaning to individuals with darker complexions. Although that was not the intent of the columnist — indeed, he asserts for the woman in question to embrace her natural tone rather than attempt to alter it, an ultimately positive message — it upset and hurt a considerable number of students and readers. For that, we apologize.
Going forward, it is our aim to be more considerate and aware of the language used in our articles. Neither the columnist nor the editorial board intended to assert that pale skin is in any way superior or more worthy than darker skin; however, there is no doubt the bluntness of the statement made it read as an objective fact, rather than a reflection of the columnist’s own sexual preference to pale complexions. We accept full responsibility for not giving more consideration to the tone and language used in the piece.
We recognize UF is a diverse, passionate student body; as a newspaper, it is our obligation to reflect that. Furthermore, we do not see ourselves as above criticism; we are willing to acknowledge when we’ve messed up, as we did here.
Those who read the column and took umbrage with it had no hesitation to speak up and make sure their voices were heard. Although it was not under the most ideal circumstances, ultimately this is a good thing. Engaging in dialogue is more constructive than quietly resenting those you may have disagreements with. Dialogue is what enables progress and meaningful changes to be put into practice.
Every student attending UF is here for the same reason: to learn. Learning is not restricted to lecture halls and labs; college is meant to be a time that gives us the capacity to screw up without permanently ruining our lives. None of us is infallible, and lessons come from success and failure in equal measure.
There is no doubt a lesson to take away from all of this. We at the Alligator pledge to be more aware of the word choices we use in our paper. Likewise, this occurrence is a prime example of a universal lesson: Words, no matter how well intentioned, can have dire consequences. We appreciate every reader who felt compelled to speak up and make his or her feelings known; we would expect no less.
