For the Record 10.02.13

CAN WE TALK ABOUT

RACISM?

ISSUE NO. 20 • OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2013 • OPINION ISSUE

AFTER THE CIRCULATION OF A RACIST CARTOON, TNR ASKS WHAT TOP OFFICIALS ARE REALLY DOING PG 4 — OPINION ISSUE

OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2013 / PAGE 2

Kara Driscoll @kardadri @pdidion

SPORTS EDITOR

Joshua Miller @josh_tnrsports Jake Grieco @Rosewater_Eliot

ARTS EDITOR NEWS EDITOR

Ryan Hoffman @ryanhoffman3 Kate Davis @kateTHE___great

LEAD DESIGNER PHOTO EDITOR

Phil Didion

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE

ASK

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

DO YOU FEEL SAFE AROUND CAMPUS?

EDITORS

HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE MOUNTING EXPENSE OF BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT?

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT UC PLAYING ITS FOOTBALL GAMES AT PAUL BROWN STADIUM NEXT YEAR?

DID YOU WATCH THE FINAL EPISODE OF BREAKING BAD? WHAT DID YOU THINK?

They’re all children in suits.

I just shove my credit cards in my shoes and run back to my apartment.

I’m a real street kid, you know?

My parents actively contribute to The Kara Driscoll Foundation, which has been accepting cash donations since 1993.

I don’t go to sporting events.

I don’t watch it ... and I don’t watch most TV shows. PLEASE STOP TWEETING ABOUT IT. PLEASE. SVU is the only show that matters.

It’s a sad day when the two-time defending World War Champions of the World can’t defeat its own elected officials.

I’m usually getting home from work when the majority of UC security bulletins are getting their inspiration.

Have you seen Breaking Bad?

It’s a necessity. Nippert renovations are about a decade overdue and there’s no way to avoid moving games for a year.

“If you build it, they will come.”

I didn’t, but I know what happens.

Obama and Congress just wanted some free time to play the new Grand Theft Auto.

Most of the time I feel safe. If I don’t, then I just sprint all the way home from where I am. It’s a solid strategy.

I live by the motto, “money comes back.”

Paul Brown Stadium.

Nippert. It doesn’t matter, I still don’t care about sports.

I am the only one on staff who is up to date with the show. I think it was perfect. Now the only reason I still have a TV is for Game of Thrones.

I’ve heard a lot of opinions and a lot of people blaming this person or that party. All I’ll say is I would have been shocked if it didn’t shut down.

On campus, yes, for the most part. Off campus is a different story. Just be smart off campus.

Personally I carry a half shattered beer bottle. No one screws with that guy.

I’m more worried about managing my vices. I’m not really concerned with things like text books, food and future debt.

Honestly the only game I’ve been to as a fan was at Paul Brown and I had a great time. Probably because I was sitting with the Oklahoma fans and I love shit talking.

I did not. I have a written agreement to binge watch it all as fast as possible during winter break. So don’t ruin anything for me.

While I can’t say I’m surprised I am disappointed.

Generally, yeah. Maybe I have too much faith in the inherent goodness of people.

My plan is to avoid dealing with it and hope everything turns out okay in the end.

I’ll be on co-op so it doesn’t bother me at all.

Ugh. I watched the first episode of that show and quit: too serious. But I do know what happened and I think it’s hilarious.

Remember, remember...

I usually work until all of the crazies are taking their naps. Phil Didion, the dawn treader, feels no fear.

A cross between the bank of Mom and Dad and the arm and leg loan company.

I’m jelly of next year’s photo staff. I hear their lighting is better than ours.

No, so don’t ruin it for me. I foresee a necessary binge in my future though and I can’t wait.

If you can only bring one gun, make sure it’s a big one, preferably with automatic capabilities.

OPINION ISSUE WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2/ PAGE 3

Government shuts down, UC community reacts

Matthew Stanley Adjunct Professor | History “I think it’s negative, but it’s important to remember that these aren’t as big as an aberration historically as you might think.

It’s going to make probably a negative impression on politics on both sides in D.C. but the instigatory party in this case, being largely the Republicans, is probably going to lead to more of a backlash against the GOP.”

Christoph Sassmannshaus First Year | CCM Student “I think it’s kind of funny because the law’s supposed to be passed by the Congress, and they’re not just going to do it, so they just shut it down. That doesn’t really make any sense. I’m not impacted personally and I don’t know anyone, and actually I feel bad about that because I feel like if more people were impacted personally then people would make a bigger deal out of it.”

Elizabeth Abbott First Year | Law Student

Kristen Dorsch Third Year | Law Student

“I think people at the government level are being kind of childish and not seeing how their actions are affecting people. Personally I am a Republican, but I think the Republican Party is acting a little bit ridiculous at this point, trying to pass something that isn’t ever going to go through.”

“I just think that it’s unnecessary and it was just the two parties not coming together to form a budget, which is crazy because that’s Congress’ job.”

Adam Taulbee Fifth Year | Communication Student

Akua Adu-Wusu Third Year | Law Student

Hannah Stein Fourth Year | Spanish Student

Elizabeth Glotfelty Third Year | Law Student

“I’m not too worried about it. I think it will all pan out in the end. It’s happened before so obviously things are going to turn out OK. It’s just annoying to see that our leaders can’t come together to make a decision on things that are important to our nation.”

“I think the Republicans are ruining the country. I think they are are putting, what is it like 800,000, people out of jobs for no reason. Obamacare has passed, it’s a law. Get over it.”

“I honestly don’t know much about it. I’ve been hearing about it on the news for weeks, and last night it was actually going to happen. On one hand, it’s crazy that a shutdown of the government can affect us so much. There should be more conversation from the other side.”

“I am extremely angry because it has actually personally affected me. My husband is in the National Guard and they are closed until further notice. So it is literally costing us, taking money away and pay away from us, as we sit here and wait for both parties to get their acts together and do what they’re supposed to be doing.”

OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5, 2013 / PAGE 4

Staff Editorial: Officials fail at addressing racism on campus After cartoon circulates in A&S, administration falls short, issues vague statement on civility THE NEWS RECORD

Recently a racist cartoon targeting top leaders of the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences circulated across campus.

The News Record pursued the story and was the first media outlet in Cincinnati to report the news.

During the course of our reporting, we faced multiple occasions where sources declined to be identified. When The News Record chose to run the original cartoon, which said Dean Ronald Jackson and Assistant Dean Carol Tonge Mack would not hire people that did not look like them, we received criticism for our decision. Some readers said running the cartoon spread hatred; others said the cartoon was not “that bad” or racially insensitive. But again, most sources wouldn’t be quoted on the record, including a constitutional law expert.

Top officials — including President Santa Ono, Provost Beverly Davenport

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

and Student Body President Joe Blizzard — released a vague statement urging the university community to practice civility. In the statement, the cartoon was described as “crude,” but never racist or derogatory. When editors from The News Record called faculty members and officials about the cartoon, several sources declined to be identified when they said they were “outraged and sickened” by the cartoon.

But beyond the statement, nothing else was said. In fact, the cartoon and conversation were both swept underneath the rug. Simply put, no one wanted to talk about race, or at least talk about race when it would have wound up in a newspaper.

Of the undergraduate degree-seeking student population at the university, 78 percent of students are white, 7.8 percent of students are black. And the percentages of other races dwindle from there. While these are small percentages, these students still embody UC. They are our classmates, our leaders and fellow students fighting for a degree every day. Of the 444 faculty members in A&S, 320 are white, 25 are black, and 18 are Hispanic. They are the educators

teaching us to broaden our horizons, to think critically, to strive for success.

If UC leaders value every person in the community, they would do more and say more when minority leaders are targeted in a slanderous, hateful cartoon.

If the university truly hopes to embrace a “Just Community” filled with diversity and inclusion, why won’t faculty members and officials have an open discussion when blatant racism occurs on campus? If members of the community are outraged by racism, they should be proud to comment about their discontent in an article.

When The News Record received a tip about the circulation of the cartoon, we actively called sources and sought information. The article was widely read and shared, and we continued with follow-up stories about the issue.

We decided to run the cartoon in print because we want the community to have the information needed to make their own opinions and decisions about racism. We wanted to give all of the truth, rather than just parts of it.

We wanted to inform the community.

We write and report so others can have informed, intelligent discussions.

A “Just Community” stands up for every member of the university. A “Just Community” furthers a conversation about race. A “Just Community” doesn’t stay silent when people are attacked because of the color of their skin.

UC is known for its leaders’ innovative, casual ways of communication via social media and personal interaction with students. Yet UC leaders decided to revert back to formal written statements during an uncomfortable situation involving race. And they left it at that.

A top official asked The News Record to steer the conversation away from race, and to “focus on the positive news happening on campus.”

We focus on truth and information.

While it may be ugly and negative, the truth is the university didn’t commit to “open, vigorous debate” or “the Principles of a Just Community” when A&S leaders were attacked. If UC leaders followed through with their statement, they would actively pursue a conversation about racism on campus rather than barely condemning the anonymous cartoon about the McMicken administration.

Can we really talk about racism?

PROFESSORS

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

3.7% unknown 3.4% non-resident alien 2.8% Asian 2.5% Hispanic

FEMALE 24% White 2.4% Black 2.4% Asian .5% Hispanic .35% Unknown

1.7% Two or more races

FEMALE 36.1% White 5.1% Non-resident alien 4.3% Unknown 3% Black 2% Hispanic 2% Asian .4% Indian

FEMALE 35.4% White 4.5% Asian 3.2% Unknown 1.9% Hispanic 1.7% Black .74% Non-resident alien .19% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

1.7% American Indian or Alaskan Native

7.8% black

78% white

All information via the Office of Institutional Research, 2012-13

MALE 55% White 10% Asian 2.1% Black 1.2% Hispanic 1.2% Unknown .35% Non-resident alien .17% Indian

MALE 36.7% White 6.9% Asian 3.2% Unknown 2.2% Black 1.7% Non-resident alien 1.3% Hispanic .37% Indian .19% Two or more races

MALE 28.5% White 8.1% Non-resident alien 4.5% Unknown 3.8% Asian 1.2% Black .4% Hispanic .2% Two or more races

OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2013 / PAGE 5

Audacious lineup promises impressive Mainstage Series Curtain rises at College– Conservatory of Music as performers tackle popular plays EMILY BEGLEY COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

The year is 1692. A battle between good and evil blazes through the town of Salem, Mass., and the outcome may mean life or death. End scene.

Shift to early 19th-century France. A former prisoner begins his life anew, evading a relentless officer throughout a land where revolution rages. End scene.

Plays are back in season at the University of Cincinnati, and the College–Conservatory

PROVIDED

of Music has implemented an impressive and veritable lineup that brings home the essence of Broadway. Incorporating emotional dramas, compelling musicals and more, CCM’s Mainstage Series enhances the college’s reputation as a top national and international conservatory of performing arts.

The series is comprised of seven total installments; pieces are categorized as dramas, musical theatre, operas and musicals.

Highlights of the schedule include drama “The Crucible” and musical “Les Misérables” (both referenced above).

Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” combines a chilling plot with a look at historical America.

The piece has become widely known through required readings and multiple adaptations including a 1996 film directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Delving into a divided society, the play requires actors to maintain a great deal of passion and energy that is already alluded to in CCM’s official preview of the play. The clip creates an eerily ominous atmosphere as main character Abigail Williams (Laura McCarthy) addresses other characters with a dark, threatening narrative overviewing the plot.

Although the video spans slightly more than a minute, the impact it has on viewers is deeply engaging and leaves them wanting more.

The actors will switch styles but not necessarily atmosphere in “Les Misérables.” A personal favorite, the musical tells a dark story of change, renewal and love solely through song. “Les Misérables” is the longest–running musical in the world, according to the play’s

PROVIDED

Actors perform during last year’s production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” CCM’s 2013-14 Mainstage Series kicks off Thursday with Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” directed by Richard E. Hess.

official website, and has been seen by more than 65 million people. Fame spiked for the play in 2012 with the Oscar–nominated movie adaptation directed by Tom Hooper.

These venturesome choices lie at the core of CCM’s mission: “To inspire and enable students to attain the highest artistic level and mastery in their respective fields.”

The fact that students are able to execute difficult productions like those in the

Mainstage Series — and do so nearly expertly — is a gift to both those in CCM and the audiences garnered by productions. Audience members could just as easily be watching actors in an off-Broadway production at the Aronoff Center as students in a UC theater.

Actors begin taking the stage Thursday for the first of five performances of “The Crucible.”

Be sure to reserve seats early to this first chapter in CCM’s impressive series.

Must–have accessories enhance Fall fashion, comfort on campus Simple items enable one-of-akind outfits, prepare students for seasonal weather SARAH MULLINS STAFF REPORTER

Whether splashing around in puddles or trotting to class in the unpredictable Cincinnati weather, dressing appropriately has never been more important than during your time at school. Jogging across the University of Cincinnati campus between classes is already a stretch; while a hand-warming Pumpkin Spice latte from Starbucks can help, add these items to your wardrobe to optimize campus comfort.

Rain boots: You need them. If you want to be stylish darting to class in the rain, Cincinnati native company Zoubaby has created stylish rain

boots that are an eye–catching accessory to help master downpours. Zoubaby’s boots are monogrammed with personalized initials, sororities or their recently added c-paw. Stuff your jeans into the boots with extra–thick socks for chilly weather or pair with a casual knit dress. If you are on a budget, Target occasionally has fun patterns and solid colors that won’t break the bank and look just as good.

Scarves: A must–have accessory. Scarves are a fantastic way to accessorize a solid color outfit with a pop of color or fun pattern. Make sure you try it on in store to make sure it’s comfortable. Sometimes they are made with scratchy material, which is not ideal since it will be around your neck all day. If you’re on a budget and multiple scarves are out of the question, choose one go–to scarf that is both warm and neutral so it is interchangeable. Knit scarves are perfect for cool weather, but the material used for these scarves is often itchy,

so try it on. Altar’d State and Urban Outfitters both have a wide variety of scarves to choose from, but if you want a unique scarf that no one else has, visit local Cincinnati boutiques

“Long, thick cardigans should be hanging in everyone’s closet.” for one–of–a–kind treasures.

Cardigans: A warm alternative. Long, thick cardigans should be hanging in everyone’s closet. They are the easiest item to throw on over a plain tee and even sport to a football game. Make sure the cardigan is longer than the T–shirt underneath; otherwise, there will be an

awkward space. Cardigans come in all sorts of styles, so choose the cardigan that fits you best. If you are the crafty type and are up to the challenge, raid your grandmother’s button bin for some unique vintage buttons, remove the buttons from your purchased cardigan and replace with your own — no one will ever have the same sweater. The length is a personal preference. Colors in the fall should remain in the muted zone — plum, burnt orange, teal, brown, black and grey. Leave the bright colors for spring. Cardigans can be found at Gap, Urban Outfitters, and almost anywhere else.

Pair all three of these items together with a solid color tee, jeans and your favorite jewelry accessories for a comfortable day of classes.

Add your own style to the grouping; tie your scarf in a unique way, wear leg warmers with your rain boots or adorn your cardigan with a brooch. All three items transition easily into winter and even to spring, especially with your own accessories and personal touch.

OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2013 / PAGE 6

‘Orange is the New Black’ inherent proof barriers still exist The whole point of the story is that Piper isn’t the kind of person we’d find in prison.

The fact that it’s a story to begin with is indicative that we expect a certain type of person to be in prison, and a certain type of person to eat organic produce and watch “Mad Men.” Before I piss anyone off, let me make it very clear that I love the fact that the show features an actual transgendered actress, actual homosexuals and — not as surprising — real black people. It’s refreshing to see people on screen who don’t look or feel just like me.

For that, yes, I’ll pat Kohan on the back for creating a wildly popular show featuring generally unpopular groups of people. (I hope in my lifetime that society will be able to sue me for libel for that statement, but for now it’s painfully true.)

Kohan isn’t a coward, though. She told a true story. This actually happened to Piper Kerman. The show wouldn’t have been anything if Kohan went the traditional Hollywood route and picked a well-known cast.

I can’t say if Kohan was pressured to do this, but my money is on Netfix giving the ball to Kohan knowing “Weeds” — which features a white, surburbanite mom as a weed dealer — is well viewed on its streaming service.

She took a difficult sell and did it right. Nothing more, nothing less.

Kohan’s hit series features diverse cast, wins praise breaking down racial, gender barriers; problems remain ‘on the outside’

Funny

BEN GOLDSCHMIDT NEWS EDITOR

Like many bored college students during the summer, the allure of the latest Netflix original “Orange is the New Black” caught my eye.

When the “keep watching” screen tragically stopped showing up, I needed more. And because my friends were more productive than me at the time, I had no one to dissect and debrief with (crazy ending, right?).

So I turned to online reviews. Review after review, comment after comment praised Jenji Kohan’s bravery for including actresses who wouldn’t usually make it in Hollywood. Mainstream and social media deified Kohan for shattering race and gender barriers on a platform as mainstream as Netflix.

For those who haven’t seen the season yet — and I hope you all do because it’s fantastic — Kohan tells a true, fish-out-of-water story about a college-educated, trendy white girl going to prison for a decade-old crime.

Can you guess where all the black, Asian, Russian, gay and transgendered actresses come in?

Survey says? Prison.

This is a fish-out-of-water story, not the hottest lesbian porno ever with a bunch of smoking-hot white girls lezzing out in prison together. In order for blondie to feel out of place, who else is going to be in the clink? Oprah?

Of course Kohan filled her prison with people who aren’t “Hollywood,” but that’s not necessarily the point of my pessimism.

No gender or race barriers were shattered when the season hit Netflix. No gender or race barriers were hurdled when Piper Kerman released her book for one simple fact: the main character is just like the target audience, white college-educated people.

We all bought into the show because we were wildly curious what prison would be like through an unexpected perspective. Those who watched the show wouldn’t have gotten through the pilot if they had to view the inner organs of the prison system through the lens of someone who we would expect to find there.

The lens is through a white, attractive and educated woman who shops at Whole Foods. She wears Toms and reads books and drinks coffee and diets and lives a life the vast majority of college students probably aspire to.

Romantic The British Arrows Awards – cleverly creative adverts from the U.K for TV, Cinema and the Web

October 5 & 6 4:00 & 7:00 Carnegie Arts Center

OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2013 / PAGE 7

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OPINION ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2013 / PAGE 8

Andy Dalton: the answer, Jay Gruden: the problem?

MCT CAMPUS

Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton.

Cincinnati quarterback’s numbers through two years deserve praise NICK BOEING STAFF REPORTER

Cincinnati Bengals fans have been suffering through mild depression for the last 22 years.

Never has the NFL seen a franchise so futile and pathetic as the one owned by Mike Brown. One could make a case for the Lions or Browns, but that’s for another day.

No, Bengals fans have suffered since Ickey Woods shuffled his way into retirement, Chris Collinsworth picked up a microphone and Boomer Esiason was shipped off to Philadelphia.

The struggle was very real for the Cincinnati faithful — with the exception of a few brief years of Carson Palmer-infused success — until hope showed up in the form of a redhead from Texas.

Andy Dalton has been a great quarterback for the Bengals. Write that down: great. Great for a Bengals quarterback, that is. He has led a reformed Bengals squad to two straight playoff appearances, something no Cincinnati quarterback has done in even relatively recent memory. And his stats through his first two seasons are pretty solid.

In his first 32 NFL regular season games, Dalton has thrown for 7,067 yards and 47 touchdowns, completed 60 percent of his passes and accrued an 83.9 passer rating. Sure he’s thrown 29 interceptions and has six fumbles, but Peyton Manning had 43 interceptions through his first two seasons and was dreadful in his first two playoff games, just as Dalton was.

Now, there is no comparison between Dalton and Manning. Manning is, arguably, a topthree quarterback of all-time and Dalton is only in his third season in the league. Only time will tell if a comparison can ever be made. Which readers probably think sounds ridiculous, but that is exactly the point; patience is key when grooming a young quarterback to become successful in the NFL. Today’s pass-happy league has fans wanting

results and wanting them far too soon, but any sane fan would take Dalton over Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder; all quarterbacks taken before Dalton in 2011.

Based on the logic in this article, fans should still be giving those three a chance as well.

Locker has been solid up until his injury Sunday, but the general consensus on Gabbert and Ponder is a big old “bust” label.

To say Dalton is a bust would be like saying AJ Green is already the greatest receiver in Bengals history. Ridiculous. Do Bengals fans really expect Dalton to turn into the walking turnover machine that was Carson Palmer?

Dalton doesn’t take sacks, has good awareness in the pocket and his short and medium accuracy are among the best in the league. His deep balls need some work, as does his arm strength, but he improved from his first year into his second and should continue that trend moving forward.

If Dalton has been so much better than people give him credit for, the real question might be: Is offensive coordinator Jay Gruden the problem? The Bengals have done an excellent job in the past three drafts gathering offensive talent, but the play-calling has been suspect.

Granted, Cedric Benson and BenJarvus GreenEllis can hardly be considered elite runners; Giovani Bernard has seemed better than BJGE in every aspect the year.

Bernard possesses elite quickness and shiftiness in the open field, while still being able to keep his legs churning and break tackles. He may be considered under-sized, but the numbers don’t lie: Green-Ellis has 52 carries for 142 yards for an awful 2.7 yards-per-carry, while Bernard has 32 carries for 147 yards and 4.6 YPC.

Why not give Bernard 20-25 carries a game and let BJGE spell him from time to time? It may sound premature, but, given Bernard’s obvious talent, this could and should widely open up the passing game for Dalton and friends. And yet, Gruden continues to go away from the running game.

Even the pass play-calling is subject to question. Cincinnati could have the best tightend duo in the league, but it seems as if the only routes Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert ever run are out into the flats and five-yard outs.

Stretch the field Jay. Let these two wreak havoc up the seam, drawing the safeties off of Green more often and then throw it up to AJ when he’s got a one-on-one matchup. The Bengals don’t have two extremely talented receiving tight ends to just let them go to waste five yards off the line of scrimmage. One of those guys should be in position, along with Green, to come close to 1,000 yards receiving this season.

But the conservative and predictable playcalling will never allow that. The Bengals need to open up the playbook and give all of these super-talented skill position players their due.

Bernard and Eifert must be more involved. Only then will Bengals fans see Green and Gresham doing what they please on opposing defenses.

Bengals fans need to ease up on Dalton and realize that his offensive coordinator is doing him no favors. He will find his stride and become an extremely solid NFL quarterback.

Understandably, it is frustrating to lose to the Browns. No one ever lives that down, but, based on the remaining schedule, there’s no reason why this team can’t finish 12-4 or 11-5 and make a serious playoff run.

After all, the weapons are there.

Cincinnati fans, please stop tweeting like idiots Cincinnati Twitterverse exudes profanity, unrealistic expectations, lacks knowledge MATT NIEHAUS STAFF REPORTER

Twitter has become immensely popular in the world of sports fandom, particularly for fans in Cincinnati.

Reds fanatics have won numerous Twitter competitions, UC fans are extremely active, and don’t get me started on the angry masses of tweeting Bengals fans.

Far too often, however, Cincinnati sports fans fail to realize the power of a 140-character phrase.

Being active in social media comes with consequences and the overly aggressive Cincinnati Twitterverse has arguably lost its mind the last two weeks. Between the poor play of UC against Miami, Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick’s comments regarding fans and the absolutely abysmal showing by the Bengals, you would’ve thought Cincinnati met the end of the world.

Twitter users have done nothing but harp on Ludwick’s comments, which were completely common sense statements

about the importance of a fan presence in the Reds upcoming series against Pittsburgh. All he said was that the Reds Fans needed to rock Great American Ball Park against the Pirates, which they certainly hadn’t done against the Mets. Instead of agreeing with Ludwick and doing something about the situation, Reds fans turned to Twitter to wish ill will upon the outfielder.

Example:

While not being shocked by this behavior, it’s certainly sad to see.

Before the Reds Twitter dust up, there was UC’s less-thanentertaining 14-0 snoozer against Miami. The Bearcats struggled; everyone saw that, so what do you do anytime your team isn’t performing to your unreasonable expectations? You go to Twitter and complain: exactly what UC fans did.

The amount of hate tweets aimed at Brendon Kay — keep in mind that Kay’s shoulder isn’t healthy — head coach

Tommy Tuberville and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran was unforgivable.

One bad game, two weeks after losing the starting quarterback you attack people via Twitter. That makes complete sense.

Then there’s the Bengals, who were viewed as potential Super Bowl contenders prior to the season. At the end of week four the Bengals sit at 2-2, very confused about what direction their record is headed.

Twitter was ablaze Sunday after the game. Most tweets about the Bengals gave the impression that the team was 0-4 and destined for a winless season.

The problem is simple: overreaction to miniscule situations with no tangible repercussions. So before you send a tweet, think about Cincinnati sports this way, UC has won four of the last five Big East Championships, we are 3-1 on the season. The Reds are a 90+ win team for the second year in a row. The Bengals are coming off of back-to-back playoff appearances. Do you know how many fans around the country wish they could have that success?

When anger is set aside and tweeters realize what actually matters, Twitter will be at its best. And before you tweet about Cincinnati sports remember how good we have it.