Every six weeks the writers of the newspaper staff are assigned a feature. We are given a full six weeks to work on this one particular story. In other words, a lot of time and effort should go into these assignments. Most staff writers, including myself, would prefer to have a hard hitting, interesting feature seeing how we’re going to be spending so much time on it. We want a story that readers are going to be attracted to.

I should probably cut to the point now. This blog is not centered on feature stories, but more so on angry mommas.

My plans for this six weeks was to write about overprotective parents. Not necessarily about them, but a feature on teens dealing with overbearing parents. I have strong viewpoints and opinions on those who shelter, or at least attempt to shelter their children from the realities of society. I simply believe the more a parent tries to hide their teen child, from certain types of music, television, or people, then the more their child will want to explore and experiment. They’ll feel more of a need to rebel. I would know this because I have friends and family members my age with domineering parents who have acted out.

But back to the angry mothers. I was looking forward to my story. I hadn’t been too excited about any assignments I’ve had for quite a while up until I received this one. I didn’t think too much about what the consequences of writing the story would be, up until Mr. Mallett said, “That’s just asking for angry mommas.”

Great. There goes my story along with all the ideas I had planned for the feature. I was so ready to write this story. I already knew the person I was going to interview and how I was going to tell her story. But unfortunately I can’t make it happen – just because I don’t want Mallett to man the angry momma hotline (which is about to be busy because of yearbook distribution). I don’t blame Mallett for his feelings toward my topic and how it would attract nagging phone calls, or even possible law suits, from what we call in the journalism room, “angry mommas.”

But why are all these furious phone calls necessary? A student staff writer should be able to tell any kind of story, as long as it’s told appropriately, without having to worry about fussy or demanding complaints to our adviser. If someone feels attacked or if they feel they’re being displayed in a negative light, then please share your opinions. That’s what the comment box is for, unlike Mallett’s office phone.

If a student is willing to share his/her story, then we are willing to write it – even if it may be a controversial feature. I want to know that I can write about almost any topic in newspaper without having to worry about bothersome people interfering and complaining.