Editor,
I am responding to this entire debacle surrounding “Techno Guy” and “Disgruntled Professor.” The reason I have jumped into this debate a bit late is because I could see both sides of view and sympathized with both, until now. On one side, you have Techno Guy, who wants nothing more than to spread what he deems to be the best form of music as a musician and avid listener, I too have had the urge to bring around a big boom box blaring the likes of Modest Mouse or The Shins, but either way I don’t have the bravery to be that guy and feel my effort would be wasted.
I also sympathize with James Burbank, as yes, I too, have had to suffer the misfortune of being late to a class and walking by Techno Guy’s not-so-enjoyable music. Could I have taken a different path? Yes. Could I have asked him to turn it down? Yes. Do I feel entitled to a quiet university? Maybe. But in my four years on campus, I have heard a plethora of things which could be construed as disruptions to the classroom environment: various bands playing in front of the SUB, open mic abortion debates in Smith Plaza and (until the past year or so) the guy who liked to sing in front of the SUB.
Now, in response to Wednesday’s article regarding the new restraints on the volume at which Techno Man can play his music: Mr. Burbank seems very arrogant and immature in complaining people are being rude to him. Additionally, people telling him to “shut up,” and advocating “free speech,” are his reasons for speaking out more about the situation. If you want to be more immature and arrogant than the students who are against your stance, fine, but it makes your point of view look worse.
You have stifled free speech by setting a precedent for future UNM engagements regarding the level at which free speech can be expressed.
Jordan DiMaggio
UNM student
