By Katie Stobbart (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: May 6, 2015
The opportunity for last words is rarer than television would have us believe. Yet here we are for the last time, you and me, together on the same page. Prior editors-in-chief have used this endnote to share lessons they have learned, to recall their tenures, and to give the battle-weary hull of The Cascade, this beloved and so sea-worthy beast, a final shove into the future.
There is a peculiar glint of satisfaction, sweet and almost sharp as pain, in seeing that ship off. In letting go, knowing it is in the best, if yet-uncalloused hands. I have dreams for this paper, and these will be renewed, replaced, or built upon by the next editor: our capable former copy editor, Kodie Cherrille. The next chapter is his to write, not mine.
I will use this first page, one last time, to advocate for the good question.
The good question asks, as I have aimed to do this year in past editorials: Why do we need this lavish party? How are students better than teachers at teaching students how to write? Where is the money coming from? Why keep what happened a secret? To whom must you be accountable?
It bores a hole for the light in the dark hollow. It gets to the point of the matter. It digs for the truffle; its snout is well designed for such a purpose. It does not entertain vague, unsupportable what-ifs whose outcomes are unpredictable. It is generous, but firm and unrelenting.
In an institution whose instances of abrupt, even reactionary decision-making filled this publication for at least the better part of a year, it asks how we got here. What is the impetus behind a decision to close an academic service, or instate a sexual assault policy?
The good question is specific and no-nonsense. It is direct. You do not have to be a journalist to ask.
The most important skill any of us acquires in university is critical thought. There are two things at the root of criticism: purpose and a good question. The best citizens of any group of humans are fuelled by a desire for answers and to use those answers to effect positive change.
The Cascade is not like other newspapers: not only because we occasionally indulge in obscenity, have a smaller audience, or are funded by a semesterly fee. The student newspaper, in its best form, is unlike other newspapers because it will always, I hope, defend the student fiercely. Even to its own detriment.
The good question will serve you as long as you give it a voice, as long as you continue to demand it. Whatever right I have to ask, I leave it with you. It is not easy or light to carry, nor warm to the touch. Nor may you touch wood after asking it, for protection from the consequences.
But you may touch truth: gunmetal against your cheek, or the ink-wet bite of the sword.
Isn’t that worth it?
Here, in this space, I could list Kodie’s wonderful qualities, introduce the new editor-in-chief in painterly detail. But again, that’s his prerogative: to offer himself up. Instead, I will highlight one attribute with a particular gleam: the new editor-in-chief is one of the best critical thinkers I know. He knows the value of a good question. I invite you to ask him yours, and look forward to another year of seeking answers.
