To our readers,
Yesterday, Sherman Ave published a short article titled “Class of 2014’s Senior Citizens Thrilled with Selection of Commencement Speaker.” To summarize, the 160-word article made the joke that the only people excited for Northwestern’s choice of commencement speaker, Chicago Symphony Orchestra director Riccardo Muti, were the very elderly, playing with the culturally-accepted (possibly incorrectly so) idea that very few young, college-aged people listen to (and therefore enjoy) classical music. Upon its publishing, the article received strong negative backlash, both in WordPress, Facebook, and through emails to Sherman Ave directly; primarily from people who (in their postings) identified themselves as students or faculty of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. It was referred to as “embarrassing and distasteful;” it was said that it “reflects horribly on NU;” and one commenter, who identified himself/herself as a “Bienen professor,” stated that it proves “your website is worthless and not remotely representing the values of Northwestern University…you are an embarrassment.” At the author’s request, and as per multiple comments demanding it, the article was removed from Sherman Ave early this morning.
Let me say that the article was in no way, shape, or form meant as a sign of disrespect towards Maestro Muti. Clearly, he is an incredibly talented, intelligent, and well-spoken individual; if he wasn’t, Northwestern wouldn’t have chosen him as commencement speaker. He’s had a profound impact on not only the artistic culture of Chicago, but the overall culture of the world, and to insinuate that he has not had such an impact would be asinine and, to put it frankly, wrong. I for one am incredibly excited for Muti to speak on campus, and you should be too, as he is a remarkably important and fascinating individual. So, as the editor-in-chief for this publication, I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely and truly apologize to any readers who were offended or hurt by what we posted. To offend was not our intention, nor is it ever.
With that in mind, however, there is something I, personally, would like to say.
I’ve spoken with Stephen Rees, the founder of Sherman Ave, many times about what he thinks Sherman Ave’s purpose and place in Northwestern’s culture is. His answer to this question is a very profound one, so I would like to replicate it here: Sherman Ave’s main objective is two-fold; mainly 1. to illuminate or reveal truths about culture, both Northwestern’s and otherwise, through the use of humor; and 2. to encourage Northwestern University to laugh, both at other things and at itself; the campus of which often takes itself too seriously.
There are dangers in attempting to accomplish both of these points. In achieving point 1, we have often had to take risks regarding the subject matter and tastefulness of the humor we create. Sometimes those risks have paid off. Sometimes they haven’t. But we stand by every risk we take, because, at the end of the day, we believe that such risks illuminate the truths of this campus in some way: for example, the (undeniable) truth that many college-aged students do not listen to classical music; and therefore, may not know who Riccardo Muti is (which can be seen as an unfortunate reality – and unfortunate realities often make the best subjects for satire, by definition). This was, in essence, the “thesis” of the article. And I don’t think I’m making that radical of a statement when I say that most college students are not familiar enough with classical music to be especially familiar with Maestro Muti’s accomplishments and influence – including, I would estimate, many of the approximately 8,200 undergraduate students at this University who are not enrolled in Bienen. Is this disappointing? Depending on your relation to classical music, yes or no. If you feel it is, then that is a truth to this campus; a truth that, by the mission of this website, we tried to illuminate in our own style.
Point 2 seems simple, but is in reality far more complicated, mainly because not everyone is going to think the same things are funny. One person may find humor in one of our articles; another may find it offensive; but ultimately that’s the reality of any piece of satire, or joke, or what have you. And as a reader, you have every right to be offended at something we post. You’re allowed to have opinions. In fact, you’re encouraged, because without different people bringing different perspectives to the table, Northwestern would be a boring and monotonous place.
But consider this: When a reader says that an article like this takes a “step too far,” that reader is, indirectly, insinuating that the other risks we have taken in the past – risks that have been far more explicitly offensive than this one – are not taking a “step too far.” Furthermore, the reader is operating under the ideal that jokes about other types of students or people are acceptable, but jokes about that reader, and the type of student that reader is, are not. This line of thinking puts the reader on a higher plateau than the other students at this university; it adds a greater weight to his/her own interests, opinions, and actions.
It’s amazing to me that I have to actually write something stating this, but that is frighteningly disconcerting. It not only is, in essence, the reader exposing his/her own insecurities on a public platform, but it also casts his/her peers and equals in an ugly and ignorant light. Demanding that a piece like the one we published should be removed is in fact the very opposite of being “open-minded:” it strangles the arguments against your opinion; thereby disrupting dialogue, thereby stifling creativity, thereby fostering a campus that now contains one less point of view.
As the person in charge of this publication, and therefore the person to whom the responsibility of this publication’s voice falls – a voice that has grown significant and far-reaching, and a voice that has allowed us to comment on very serious issues in the past – I refuse to accept that this campus have one less point of view. One of the reasons I love this school so much, and love the people who attend it, is that we’re all so fantastically different, and that we differ on levels that are virtually incomprehensible. These differences, while in many cases slight, are profound. And no one difference is greater or more important than any other difference. With this in mind, I cannot in good conscious operate Sherman Ave under the guidelines that one particular difference carries more weight than any other.
You may disagree with this essay’s argument. You may write a nasty comment on this article about how ignorant we are and how the damage has been done and we can’t take back what we did. You may share this article on Facebook saying what a disgrace, what an “embarrassment,” of a publication this is, or share it amongst your friends and say how sick it makes you feel that students at this university could be so horribly uncultured.
Conversely, you may write a comment on this article saying how spineless we are, saying how weak-willed it was of us to take down one of our pieces. You may say that this essay is ironic and hypocritical and full of bad grammar and nothing more than a masturbatory piece that says nothing at all, and that the author should feel embarrassed and ashamed for writing something so fundamentally useless.
But you know what? If you feel that way, you can do that. Because you have the right to feel that way, and say those things, and carry those opinions. You have the right to stand up for what you think is just and correct and fair, and you have the right, especially in this day-of-age, to voice those opinions on whatever platform(s) you want. Because you’re a detailed and complex human being, and you are important, and you matter.
But everyone else is important too. And you should – no, must – respect that. And part of that respect is allowing any opinion the right to stand firmly on its own.
In the near future, the Muti article will be re-posted, without any alterations.
Let me directly quote one of the individuals who commented on the article: “If we represent the future of a well-educated society, with that comes the responsibility to be open-minded.”
I await your negative responses.
-Paul Riker
Editor-in-Chief, Sherman Ave
Sherman Ave 
Well written and with a good point, quality work.
I think making generalizations about college students’ tastes are only acceptable if you include a citation. For example, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131015123654.htm
I think making generalizations about making generalizations are only acceptable if you include a citation.
And use correct grammar (i.e. “making generalizations is”). So THERE.
preach. I’m in Bienen, and I thought it was a funny article nonetheless. Snarky, yeah, a bit, but I’m not especially upset, especially given that Sherman Ave is a satire website. people need to calm down.
Well written paul!
Ok, clearly the article in question was not using the unfortunate reality of classical music to “illuminate a truth” on our campus. It was abusing an inaccurate stereotype for the sake of an easy joke. If that’s all it was, so be it. Shitty humor is pointless and irrelevant. However, the students were not just offended because it was a joke at their expense, they were offended because it was a piece of satire that obviously just existed to belittle an entire community. Yes, satire is born in truth, but for what reason was that truth explored? If I make fun of someone in real life by stereotyping, could I blow off their anger by thanking them for “a valid opinion” and claim that I was just trying to raise a debate about the stereotype? The article is just petty bullying. There are more effective ways to raise attention to these issues. And shit, I may have been less likely to be frustrated if the article was actually funny.
Dude they literally just said people who listen to classical music are old people. Are you an old person? Then step off your soapbox! It was 160 words, not a 2,000 word hate speech.
The brevity of the article is part of the problem. This “apology” bases its defense on the premise that the article was an opinion or a legitimate voice in some discussion. Since when is an insulting stereotype an opinion? If they had some real argument at the foundation of their satire that drew attention to a problem in a constructive way, then it would be fine. I promise you that I don’t easily get offended by most satirical pieces, even when they’re at my expense in some way. I am sensible enough to know that these folks fucked up and refuse to see it that way out of pride. This essay is a clichè-ridden insult, disguised as legitimate writing.
Since when is an insulting stereotype an opinion? Are you serious? Since always! An opinion is an opinion, you don’t get to decide who has a voice. Who are you? My bad, I misread the first amendment, you get a freedom to speak unless it insults one or more people. Leave it alone.
Hmmm. You were apparently paying more attention than I was in intro to poli sci. Had no idea that the first amendment had anything to do with this. No one is claiming they’ve committed a legal offense here. You’re right. There’s no law that says we have to be respectful of each other on the internet. But you know…common courtesy is a thing. If you plan on going the rest of your life being all “edgy” and offensive because considerate people are just soo boring, that’s your thing. You’re right. I can’t dismiss an opinion just because it’s rude and uninformed. But really, just try some empathy.
Jeez, you really weren’t paying attention in intro to poli sci. The first amendment applies to everything. The media, individuals, the Westboro Baptist Church. Get over it or you’re going to live your entire life insulted and sad.
All the negative feedback amongst the students just reflects their ignorance. Also, if music were actually taught properly in schools – as it is in fact one of the earliest sciences – students would then know of and know how to appreciate Muti. When the non-Bienen students grow up they’ll realize just how ignorant they were in college. They should appreciate NOW the fact that they’ll have one of the classiest, upscale, and famous people in the world.
“when the non-Bienen students grow up they’ll realize just how ignorant they were”
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
i mean, I’m not trying to downplay Muti’s significance or anything, since he’s obviously influential and important, but jesus, could you *be* any more of a pretentious sonofabitch? “Oh, I’m a music major and I’m better than all of you because m-muh culture.”
also…
“…as it is in fact one of the earliest sciences”
yeah, i don’t know how many people would consider music to be science at all. Not even sure why you would mention this other than to jerk off your field of study even more.
Please go tell someone in McCormick that you referred to music as “one of the earliest sciences” and they will laugh in your face. Yes, we know that music theory exists, so does political theory, but no one would refer to Poly Sci as “one of the earliest sciences.” In your efforts to come off more cultured or intellectual than your peers, you have instead come off as very unnecessarily, and perhaps undeservingly, pretentious.
You play classical music? That’s great! I’m glad that you have dedicated yourself to an important craft. However, please do not pass off your peers as those “non-Bienen students” who will “realize just how ignorant they were in college.” In doing so, you discredit the incredible intellectual thought and complex learning going on in the academic fields at this university every day. Are you seriously going to sit here and pass off those in the MMSS or HPME programs, for example, as ignorant compared to your musician friends?
Also, it appears that you either didn’t read or didn’t want to take into consideration the points in the article, but let me just highlight one key point regarding the article. The idea is not that Muti is a bad speaker or that the student body SHOULD be disappointed with the choice, the idea is that the student body WAS disappointed with the choice. It confronts an unfortunate reality, it doesn’t condone it.
It’s unfortunate that more people didn’t instantly recognize Maestro Muti’s name and feel grateful that he was coming to speak at commencement. But it’s an unfortunate *truth*, that a lot of the student population probably DIDN’T/DON’T know much of anything about Riccardo Muti. And really, since when do people look to Sherman Ave for the genuine, unfiltered opinion of the Northwestern community, unless in an article that explicitly states that it is intended to be taken seriously? Honestly… do you even go here?
The entire pseudo-apology reeks of self-righteous confrontationalism. That quote from the Bienen professor? Totally correct. You guys aren’t, in any way, a bastion of Northwestern culture like you say. Not even close. However, you’re too self-important (read: blind) to realize this.
This piece was written purely for attention (and I’m giving it to you…). Although unlikely, I wouldn’t be totally shocked if this controversy is entirely manufactured internally by Sherman Ave. You didn’t even take the original piece down! Couldn’t afford to lose the precious hits that would come from those who want to see the “offensive” article? It’s not even really offensive, it’s just a bad joke.
Don’t even get me started on National “We Eat Culture For Breakfast ^.^” Ave’s gripping, provocative articles, like “Five Reasons Why How I Met Your Mother Was One of the Best Shows on Television” and “Why I love baseball”. Seriously, you guys know Buzzfeed already exists right?
I mean, best of luck to you guys, but I think when you start needing to manufacture controversies in order to remain relevant, you might have some fundamental issues to address..
God you’re so boring and embarrassing. Get off the Internet and go find a sense of humor, Jesus Christ. Nobody gives a shit about this and in two weeks it will be forgotten forever. Why can’t you just enjoy Muti’s speech without trying to convince everyone that they have to enjoy it too? Be confident in your own goddamn skin. I’m glad I’m not you.
Thanks Sherman Ave writer, but like you, I was also a little irritated by the selection of Muti. However, I think it’s interesting (and smart!) that you guys would use this opportunity to promote yourselves.
Also, why are you so hurt? 😦
Lol. Why am I so hurt? Ok, “disgusted”…
Definitely spot on about the Sherman Ave writer thing though. The only people who aren’t insulted by satire must be on the staff of the website. Nice try though cutie 😉
Yeah, except I’m not insulted by the satire, like at all…
My point was that Sherman Ave is taking advantage of a very minor “issue” in order to make themselves appear more relevant. I don’t know why this offends you/upsets you (unless you are somehow at least tangentially related to Sherman Ave, which would explain why you’re being confrontational all across this comment section).
Northwestern got a speaker who appeals to seniors to speak to the senior class of 2014.
That should have been your joke. Now come up with something funnier next time.
Haha, how many seniors did you talk to about that? 6? 7? There’s about 2,000 seniors. FYI.
Also, I’m pretty sure that was their joke. Although I do prefer the way you worded it.
Yes, that is a slightly better-worded headline that plays on the exact same joke…
I’m glad that you were able to rephrase the original headline to make it a little better after already reading the original article. I could also sit here all day and scroll through articles slightly improving the wording of their headlines to play on the same joke, but that’s not quite the same thing as coming up with an article concept, a spin, and a headline out of nowhere.
I think this article is doing a brilliant job of shifting the argument of the original one.
The communicated intent of the original article was as follows: “NU is stupid for selecting Muti to be the commencement speaker.”
I think it is important to show respect to Muti as we did to Mikhail Baryshnikov, Paul Farmer, Stephen Colbert, and Michael Wilbon. Forget the cultural questions—whether or not classical music is dead, what makes good satire, and how does Sherman Avenue function on campus—and remember that, above all, Northwestern students should want to show respect to all accomplished minds offering wisdom. And remember that the fields of ballet, anthropology/medicine, comedy, and sports writing are, just like music, not fields that are universally applicable to the entirety of Northwestern’s graduating class. What makes these speakers universally appealing is not their particular fields, but their successes, their experiences, their understanding of what it is to be human.
“The communicated intent of the original article was as follows: “NU is stupid for selecting Muti to be the commencement speaker.””
The original article was ironic. So, like, you and the author of it would probably agree on your other points.
What you’re touching on is a very subtle, but important distinction.
I don’t believe the author was saying that NU was stupid for choosing Muti, but was saying that NU students believe NU was stupid for choosing Muti and is explaining why (the field of the chosen speaker does not align with the interests or studies of the vast majority of the senior class). This shouldn’t be true, but it unfortunately is. I agree with the other response to this in that I think the author would actually agree with your points.
He or she was not saying that NU students *shouldn’t* show Muti the respect they showed Colbert, but rather was saying that NU students *aren’t* showing him that respect.
I respect your opinion and hope that you respect my point enough to hear it out.
I like you
“It’s amazing to me that I have to actually write something stating this, but that is frighteningly disconcerting.”
Well, no you really didn’t have to. You could have, for example, been the slightest but self deprecating. Maybe next time.
“Frighteningly disconcerting” … And you didn’t even try for the pun.
Maybe next time!
Slightest *bit* self deprecating
And I need to do the slightest *bit* more proofreading
You disappoint me
do your research next time : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REJ-lCGiKU
damn
Let’s take a step back and analyze the context of the original article’s backlash.
Vast majority of music students at Bienen grew up in an environment that encouraged direct criticism. They go to private lessons/masterclasses/orchestra rehearsals only to be criticized personally for something they’ve worked hard for. As a result, the classical music community see these as “battle scars” and form a highly cohesive and perhaps xenophobic community. Think of how much classical musicians invest in their interest: money to pay for instruments, private lessons, traveling to auditions, opportunity costs of a high paying job, time spent practicing, limited social life, societal pressures, etc.
It is natural for any group in the world to resist the opinions of “the other.” Classical musicians resisted this article to some degree in the same way that many Chance the rapper fans probably resisted their article to some degree.
Sherman Ave should see the situation as no different from the routine emails that I’m sure come in for each article they put up. The response is only magnified in this case because classical musicians, as a class, is more insular and coherent, and it is used to being critical. It does not signify any wrongdoing on Sherman Ave’s part.
All in all, the responses to the original article were not meant to insult Sherman Avenue or its principles. They were toward the writer of the article, who is clearly misinformed about classical music culture (hip replacements…really? lol). Satires are based on truths, yes. However, the article was NOT based on the truths of classical music’s influence on us Millennials. Advice to the author: do research, find out how this music has or has not impacted our community, THEN write all the satire you want. Maybe then the jokes will be amusing.
I hope this writer has learned his/her lesson. We all make mistakes. Hell, I’ve said some pretty crass, ignorant things concerning other walks of life. And I learned my lesson (but fortunately not on the web for all to see…hell, maybe I’m doing it right now).
So, based on the article above, the writer definitely failed to uphold the values of Sherman Avenue and did poor justice to the music community.
I think the “hip replacement” thing was just meant to imply that it was an elderly person, therefore not a college student, who was a fan of classical music. You’re nitpicking specific points when the idea of the article was a pretty simple gag that the generation in college doesn’t care that much about classical music.
Doing research on the complex ways in which our musical heritage has influenced millennial would be great, but most people would also agree that young people do not, in high numbers, listen to classical music. It’s a joke that plays off of an unfortunate reality, not a dissertation.
I got the joke, smart one. My point was that it was BAD.
I’m a Bienen alum, and I disapprove of the Muti piece – yes I have read your response in its’ entirety. I don’t disapprove because I’m personally offended by the notion that people think what I do is for old people, nor am I offended because I find that the piece alienates music students. You say that “the article was in no way, shape, or form meant as a sign of disrespect towards Maestro Muti.” However, to me, it actually does come across as disrespectful to Maestro Muti. Hear me out:
I understand that satire pieces are often offensive to certain groups or disrespectful to individuals. I love The Onion, and they make some pretty rude personal comments about Chris Christie, for example, which often make me lol. However, Sherman Ave, whether it is officially or unofficially (I’m not sure which) affiliated with Northwestern, must hold itself to a certain standard, realizing that they are, whether they like it or not, reflecting Northwestern. After reading the Muti piece, the “thesis” I got from it was not that college students unfortunately don’t listen to classical music – what I got was that Northwestern students don’t care for Riccardo Muti as their commencement speaker. And I don’t like that message, because a) it’s not true and b) it’s disrespectful to Maestro Muti and the CSO – I think that as an online publication that is WIDELY read (yay! that’s a good thing! I’m an alum and give zero shits about most NU things at this point, but I still read Sherman Ave often because it’s funny! so good job!), Sherman Ave should be more careful about what is posted, or better yet, what the message of a post is REALLY sending – you could have easily made a joke about the commencement speaker selection, without sending a disrespectful message- something poking fun of how many NU students don’t know who Muti is despite his prominence in the classical music world, for example – I don’t know, there are many options that could have avoided essentially saying “nobody gives a crap about Muti or classical music.”
Sure, lots of Sherman Ave pieces take risks and say potentially offensive things, but I haven’t come across anything until now that seems to blatantly mock an individual person, not to mention a very prominent one. You are of course entitled to your opinion, if you think classical music is for old people, that’s fine, it doesn’t affect my relationship with classical music. And yes, satire is allowed to mock individuals. But I think that Sherman Ave is a special case because it represents Northwestern, whether you like it or not. As a result, it needs to be held to a higher standard than other satire publications. But hey, it’s alright, I forgive you for phrasing something in a less than satisfactory way for my own personal taste. I’m not disgusted by your piece. Embarrassed that Maestro Muti might think the message of your piece reflects Northwestern students: yes. I’m not offended by the idea that many college students don’t listen to classical music. It just means we have more work to do.
This is a great response! I love Sherman Ave too and I didn’t really have a problem with the article (though I did think this response was a little on the snarky side). It’s just that a lot of Bienen is in Civic, trying to get jobs at the CSO or know Muti and it would be extremely embarassing if someone there or Muti himself were to read this article.
Lot of people commenting. Not a ton of people putting a name with their opinions. I find that interesting.
Sherman Ave, I, Nick Palumbo, want you to keep up the good work. The writers for this website constantly produce material that is witty, entertaining, and (most impressively) original.
Most of the time, when I read an article, it brings me great joy.
Sometimes, when I read an article, I have no idea what it’s about (For a long time, I thought “Skol” was a deliberate typo of “Skoal” brand chewing tobacco, and I still don’t know what this “Chance The Rapper” guy is all about).
Sometimes, I read an article, and it’s making fun of me (I live in Slivka, am from Ohio, and cheer for The Ohio State University*). When this happens, I shrug, and get back to my life, because I understand that eventually, everyone has to get made fun of. Not every story can be at the expense of Greek life and the University of Nebraska. Eventually, the chore wheel must cycle back to Slivka Residential College and my beloved Buckeyes.
Bienen (by which I really mean any people who took issue with this article) this was your turn. You can join me and all the other people who don’t make eye contact on Sheridan in the “Sherman Ave made fun of us” club.
The claim that this reflects poorly on the university is not one that I can take seriously. The motto of this site is “Go Heinous or Go Home”. They created a change.org petition that demanded the Vanderbilt football stop clubbing baby seals for god’s sake! How does an article (about a classical music conductor that no one I know has heard of) based on the homonymic nature of the word “senior” come anywhere close to that?
In conclusion, everyone needs to chill out, and not take everything so seriously. I feel bad for “Jameson the Manatee”. JtM wrote a good article, and should be proud, not ashamed, to be contributing to this site.
Thanks,
Nick Palumbo
*That’s the name of the school, ever since they changed it in 1878. I really don’t understand why people don’t like it when we call it that.
It’s weird to me that you would take down this article (though I guess you’re going to repost it) and not the article about female artists at Dillo Day (http://sherman-ave.com/2014/03/16/mayfest-announces-rebecca-black-female-as-dillo-day-headliner/).
So the Muti article pokes fun at music majors and NUs lack of culture. There is a line to be drawn between this kind of satire and satire that mocks women for not being as good as men. The Muti article has the possibility to promote conversation on this campus, so I see merit in its existence. The Dillo Day article promotes conversation, but not conversations that are worth having, e.g., are all female artists as shitty as Rebecca Black or not?
Putting aside all talk of journalistic integrity and the purpose of this publication, the Dillo Day article, whether it intends to or not, expresses the opinion that female artists are not as good as male artists and I think that everyone would benefit if this kind of hateful, ignorant rhetoric was taken down from the internet.