You have probably read the articles and absorbed yourself in the discussions, and it has come to my attention that the Whyville Times is undergoing several changes. If you have not noticed, the size declined a bit a few weeks ago. I wonder, what was wrong with the set-up it had before? People have been complaining about how others try to get their articles published in the Times and that they been unsuccessful. Wouldn't a larger Times aid to resolve this problem?
Furthermore, shouldn't people focus on the actual content of the article rather than who wrote it? Surely, some writers receive more "attention" than others do, but that happens everywhere on Whyville -- and real life. For example, declining a face part from an avid designer would not be appropriate just because that person uses the Factory a lot. In addition, expanding the Times might rid us of overflowing problems such as more citizens writing in their opinions, stories, and poems. It may just be me, but I do not understand how the Times could be too *big*....
Editor's Note: Ah, but it can be too big -- one man can only do so much, especially when it's necessary to pitch in on other areas, on other tasks for Whyville. In order to improve the timeliness and quality of the Times, I've made an effort not to over-stretch myself, and thus you'll see a little less publishing of extra sections compared to the late summer/fall of 2002. So far, I'm much less stressed and, I think, the paper's a little less slap-dash. Now, back to our regularly scheduled TIKE opinion piece....
Sex Ed. -- where to start? Let me tell you that I have heard of it, but never taken part in it. Many schools and communities are beginning to abolish this and perhaps that has much to do with the current problems in weight and dieting. Healthiness is not just determined by how much you weigh. Perhaps the lack of education is creating the problems and, in turn, affecting the much "larger" generation. I know of people who are constantly eating fries, hamburgers, and other fast food items, and never gain a pound. Of course, most are involved in other activities. Although I am successful, sometimes I find it difficult to incorporate at least 20 minutes of exercise daily because of school, family, homework, tests, and other responsibilities.
In biology class, we had a section on nutrition, which was not very helpful. Sure, I learned about anorexia and bulimia for about ten minutes of the whole class, but it was only information that I already knew. We recorded the foods that we ate and then placed them into categories such as carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, meats, etc. and observed our results with help from the Canadian Food Guide. However, if we had poor figures, no one showed us how we could improve. Obesity is a problem and so is being underweight. Getting the initiative to solve your weight problem or educating those on how to maintain a healthy and manageable weight is toilsome.
I would not necessarily say that it is the fault of the children themselves. Many of us are uneducated on issues concerning weight, body, and healthy lifestyle. We have been brought up in a generation that has computers, televisions, and spends less time outdoors. We have become immured in this less-active lifestyle.
Finally, I have noticed how Whyville's culture is akin to the culture of the outside environment. A major similarity is the emphasis on personal appearance. Hence the discrimination against newbies on Whyville because they look different. Wealth and power, anyone?
Clams are all the rage here on Whyville, and the more you have, the better off you are. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, and wives are all established on Whyville, followed by divorces or separations. It is a gamble of monkey-see, monkey-do. Who can blame us? No doubt that the outside world has had an effect on us. Therefore, someone may be right by saying that the atmosphere of Whyville is diverse, and yet again, it is similar to everyday life.
How can you define an oldbie or a newbie? Is it based upon the knowledge that they have obtained or the appearance of their faces? Whyville will most likely have this social division as long as the website itself is in tact. Our culture is what defines us. The way we talk, act towards others, the activities that engross us all determine the type of people that we are.
Thank you for listening to me ramble on. On that note -- opinions, anyone?!
Land Ho, the Times must grow,
TIKE
