To the Editor:
Rumor. What does that word mean? In its simplest terms, it means to gossip unverified or unfounded information about an individual. Can anyone think of a more spiteful word than this one?
Nobody likes to be the subject of any gossip, especially when that gossip is untrue. However, this is exactly what is happening in the GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning) community here at USM.
At the beginning of the school year it wasn’t too bad. As the year has progressed, however, the situation is getting out of hand. It makes me furious to see members of my community hurt and frustrated at the thought of attempting to smother another piece of false information about themselves or friends.
Our community here at USM is just beginning to become strongly visible again after a few years, and this type of arrogant, childish behavior is only going to hinder those efforts, not help them. For anybody in our own community or outsiders who are exhibiting this behavior – please stop it at once. Rumors can severely damage a person’s self-esteem, not to mention get someone agitated at the thought of attempting to quash all the false information being said behind his/her back. Let’s try to help our community become strong and strive, not weaken and die out.
C.J. Stockford
Senior sociology major