Bad column, bad fix

I learned from my journalism class that many columns are completely unprofessional. Apparently columns tend to be self-absorbed, convoluted stories about the writer. God knows my column was.

This new insight makes me wonder if it is time to end these unsuitable columns for the sake of journalism.

This is an easy call for serious journalists but remains a tough decision for other writers. I know I loved writing about the pain of being a Twinkie or patriotic propaganda about lazy Americans. I know that constantly writing about Richmond’s government or America’s deficit is so painfully boring it would make me vomit my own soul.

Still, I do know that it is important for a writer to have professional standards and to abide by them.

Yet, just because high-quality writing is right doesn’t make it less wrenching for many writers to stay on the right of the track of journalism, especially once they’ve had a taste of unprofessional abandon.

Poorly written but highly amusing articles can be a drug. They provide an odd fix that an article about socioeconomic issues could never satiate. Unimportant, silly and egocentric topics are bruises that run along the arms of bad columnists. If the bad columnist’s soul could be personified, they would look scrawny, pale, bloodshot and happily high while they prostitute journalistic guidelines for enjoyable writing. Dave Barry and Gene Weingarten are the Courtney Love and Robert Downing Jr. in this world of unprofessional columns, and they’re loved by their fellow addicts.

So what this issue really comes down to is choosing between what’s right and what feels good.

Dignified columns keep order and credibility alive in the Op/Ed section. Articles with excellent topics that deal with serious issues are beneficial to society and are usually intellectual. They enrich the world of journalism.

The other type of columns gives nothing to the community. It is usually childish and used as space for ink-and-paper ranting. It can be funny or interesting, but they’re the Krispy Kremes of journalism.

In the end, I must admit that professional standards and guidelines must become fundamental tools for writers and that they should take higher precedence over enjoyable but reckless writing for journalists.

– But that’s why I am glad I am not a real journalist yet. Next week’s topic is why America should say “Screw the children!” – that is, of course, if my editor will still keep me on after this.

Lisa Chun may be reached at bureacrat85@yahoo.com