A simple Google search supplied me with the definition of an invasion; which happens to be “an unwelcome intrusion into another’s domain.” To call Travis Porter’s performance an “invasion” is a gross misrepresentation of the term and their visit. The difference between the two is that the musical trio was invited to the University of Illinois Springfield. Along with that invitation came payment with the expectation that the group would perform in concert. That is exactly what took place.

While reading the September 10th edition of The Journal, I came across an article about the recent Travis Porter concert. The reporter took a very one-side view of the performance. As a student, said reporter is certainly entitled to his opinion about the show and the surrounding events. However, as a writer for the UIS Student Journal, much more discretion and care should have been exercised. This was shameful “journalism.” The author made broad claims without citing sources. He implied that the crime rate was high that weekend due to the presence of the hip hop group but did not provide articulable facts or statistics.

The author abused his platform as a journalist to express displeasure about the choice of performers while citing irrelevant facts about the arrest records of the members, to support whatever point he was trying to make. The author made it seem as if the young men were beyond redemption because of their records. Should their past inhibit their ability to exceed as professionals in their field? Absolutely not. I would not be surprised if we shared classrooms and campus facilities with students and professors who also have criminal records of some sort. One thing the author failed to mention was the fact that the group does charitable work throughout their home state of Georgia. Does this make them model citizens? No, but I found that on Google, along with the information on their arrests. I just chose to properly research and share what the original author failed to disclose.

The article was a blatant assault on hip-hop culture. A culture in which the author seemingly has a hard time understanding. The comparison between last year’s performer, Teddy Geiger, and Travis Porter is a clear indication of the disconnect. Is it a surprise that rap lyrics performed by rappers are provocative? No, but I had no idea that Travis Porter’s mere presence was the cause of a rise in imaginary crime. I’ve seen hypnotist Frederick Winters steal more things from students than what probably occurred in the “wild” conclusion to welcome week.

The article was racially insensitive and disturbing. To imply that the “invasion” of Travis Porter made this campus worse is no different than saying “there goes the neighborhood.” It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway, this article was also a slap in the face to the people of SAC, the organizers of this event who work diligently to supply campus entertainment. Although it is impossible for the organization to appease all students at once, their work should not go unnoticed. These students volunteer their time to do a very difficult job and the route in which the author took makes their job even harder. If anything, reading the article reaffirmed the idea that it is acceptable to bash the cultures you don’t agree with.

As an alum of this University, I am appalled by the lack of responsibility shown by the UIS Student Journal. The right move would be for the Journal to offer a public front-page apology. If you can use your time to degrade and defame, then you can also use it to uplift and repair.

Khalil Jamal graduated from UIS in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies. During his time at UIS, he was a member of the Black Male Collegiate Society for four years, spending two of those years on the exec board. Khalil also spent a semester as the Undergraduate Senator for the Student Government Association, before accepting a fulltime position at the Springfield Urban League where he currently works doing Affordable Care Act outreach and education.