Goshen exposed - Nude is the new black

Goshen — It all started with a game of truth or dare and a cell phone. After a night of what was supposed to be just fun and games, students were suddenly getting picture messages on their cells, one after another. At least four young girls from the middle school had posed nude for the camera, and their photos were now being spammed and crammed into hundreds of their peer’s inboxes. The photos of the four middle school girls spread to the high school in no time, along with great influence. Since the beginning of the school year, there have been at least 14 students who have posed nude and had their pictures made public, ten of whom are students at Goshen High. “It’s a kiddie-porn epidemic,” describes student Norman Beauchard. “We’re all waiting to see who will be next.” The high school girls who have fallen victim to this “epidemic” are mainly underclassmen, and their young age is more than alarming to some. Though each has her own unique stories as to how and why the photos became public, the basis remains the same. It is speculated that the majority of the girls either trusted someone with their photos that they shouldn’t have (such as a boyfriend), and he or she spammed it against their will, or the girls, for unknown reasons, decided to leak their own photographs and send them to other students. Student reactions to the explicit photographs have varied greatly. There have been those whom the photos have offended, like Devon Hayden, who said, “It’s demeaning, and it makes other girls look bad, because the guys think we’re all easy.” There have also been those, like Katie Parent, who take a more sympathetic approach. “The girls who purposefully sent out their photos for attention are ridiculous,” she said. “But at the same time … I really feel bad for them.” It would seem the majority of students, however, have become indifferent to the photographs. “I’m disappointed,” said Dennis O’Brien, “but I’m not surprised.” Due to the ever-increasing amount of photographs, it is no surprise that they have lost their ability to shock. “It’s amazing how easy it has become to see a classmate naked around here,” observes Kiersten Ellefsen dryly. “I don’t understand why they did that, I really don’t get it.” Not many know for sure, but there are some popular theories. “They are doing it for attention,” speculates Goshen student Emily O’Brien. “Maybe they don’t think it at the time, but subconsciously, they do it to get attention. There really isn’t any other reason to photograph yourself naked.” Tom Fuchs agrees. “Some kids cut themselves because they need people to pay attention to them and their problems, and I think these girls posed nude for the same reason. It’s a cry for help.” But who is to blame, if anyone, for these racy photographs? Is it the underage girls? Is it their unsuspecting parents? Is it the students and their cell phone addictions? In an age where television shows are fighting for the title of sexiest, lyrics are more explicit than ever, and elected officials are failing to live up to the moral standards that they helped to set, young adults are facing a world where the rules are unclear. “I’m sure that there are a lot of personal reasons behind the photos,” said student Sara Laskoski. “But I think that it’s pretty clear that it has to do with the times as well. These girls know that they can send out a naked picture of themselves and there won’t be any real repercussions … no one really cares.” But those who do care, among them parents and other members of the Goshen community, want answers. The school, however, cannot provide them, as the porn-problem goes beyond its boundaries. “The situation is very complicated,” explains Assistant Principal Mr. Piscatella. “The administration just wishes that students would use better judgment.” Though these girls won’t face consequences from the school, they will likely face consequences in the future. Both colleges and employers are known to do background checks, and there is every chance that the explicit photos will negatively affect the opportunities offered to these young women. There is no guarantee that the photos will all disappear, and, due to ever-advancing technology, there is always the chance that the photos, once buried, could resurface. Considering the sheer magnitude of the people the pictures have reached, it is likely they will never truly be gone. The unfortunate effects of the girls’ decisions to go nude are perhaps best summed up by teacher Mrs. Gaer. “Well,” she said with a shrug. “They’ll never have a career in politics.”