The Brown & White

When rumors and gossip is spread between friends, it seems harmless.

But when those same remarks are repeated online, whether it be on a blog or the flavor-of-the-week Web site, JuicyCampus, people get upset.

The only difference with posting it online is that these nasty accusations and opinions, true or false, are posted all over the Internet for anyone and everyone to read.

Rumors, lies and especially the truth can be very hurtful for those who have comments posted about them on the site.

Malicious sites, JuicyCampus included, suck. They're harmful and vile sites and breed immature ideas that strengthen every bad stereotype at Lehigh. Freshmen will get a false view of Lehigh's atmosphere, men will get a false view of women and women a false view of men. Nothing would be better than for this site to be sued into submission.

But that probably will not happen. People are free to write what they want, and although legal threats exist, it's unlikely anything will come of them. Attempts to block or limit access to the site would be a misdirected censorship of something that won't go away.

The site didn't have to be this way. It's a centralized place where people and get the low down of what's happening on the Hill or what happened at the bar that weekend. It's the students posting on the site who have turned it negative.

Maybe gossip is partially human nature. Other sites like PerezHilton.com and magazines like US Weekly and People make a name by publicizing the trivialities of the rich and famous. Our society has become obsessed with seeing other people's failures and misfortunes. College rumor sites are merely a reflection of that obsession.

Gossip may occur, but that doesn't mean people should just accept the idea that nothing can be done about the mean and hurtful things people say about each other. It's all about setting standards for yourselves, your friends and your community.

The presentation of the gossip is a new medium, but it's basic concept is the same. Sit at any desk in Fairmart library and gossip is written all over it. But none of these comments spark the same controversy as the roar over JuicyCampus.

Avoiding the site and encouraging others to do the same is an interesting idea. If it works, most people will stop caring about the site. But for now, at least, the site will be a temporary fixture of college life. People need to start treating posts like the trash they are.

If anything good is to come of JuicyCampus, it will be the realization that words cut deep. Many people don't think twice about making homophobic, sexist or racist insults.

Words do hurt. Hopefully people will learn from JuicyCampus's that we need to set a higher standard for how we treat each other and how we talk about each other.