Penn State.....

Social media has shaped this case into simply, what it is. It has not falsely portrayed the story in any way. It is a disgusting and revolting story period. The media has definitely made it a huge deal, which it should. Now with the syracuse story coming to light as well, this penn state story has probably started a revolution in the questioning of coaches. Certain people achieve a level of power, and feel that they can get away with anything, and this shouldn't be the case; especially at the expense of children. Hopefully the media coverage of these events will help people come to resolution to end this problem.

As I mentioned above, these coaches get in a position of power where they feel that they have so much authority that they can do anything they want. The combination of deviance, media, and power is a deadly one. Something goes wrong, gets found out, and that is forever your reputation. No matter what follows, you are know (or the program is known) as the child molestation scandal. That is not a tag that leaves you.

I think that if we look at this scandal through a feminist framework, than we can say that the coaches at Penn State covered up this issue in fear of losing power. Power above other sports teams, other coaches, and other staff. They have pull at the school, being in charge of what was a successful program, that they had somewhat of a monopoly. They feared that they would lose that power if word got out.

My overall feeling about this whole scandal is simply disgust. I am astonished that the defensive coordinator would do this. I am astonished that the head coach wouldn't go to the police. I am astonished that the president of the school didn't get this issue resolved. I am astonished that the defensive coordinator was still allowed to hold his children's camp once this information was brought to light. I am astonished at the lack of common sense in some people. People need to understand what it means to have power, and be a role model to others. That power needs to be wielded with the knowledge that people are always looking up to you. However, Penn State obviously didn't grasp that concept.

Austin Flynn (tu/th, 2:30-3:15)