Raider Nation yearbook cover stirs things up
A big controversy over the Shaker Heights yearbook cover has erupted and spread like an internet wildfire. At first glance, one might not see why the “Raider Nation” yearbook cover is causing such a stir.
The yearbook cover says “Raider Nation” across the top and the rest of the cover is filled with what Michael McIntyre describes as “a creative interpretation of a crowd of Red Raider mascots drawn by an artistically gifted student.” So what’s the problem with the Shaker Heights yearbook cover?
Look ma, a swear word!
As you can probably guess, there is a hidden message on the Shaker Heights yearbook cover. It starts with what one blogger calls “the mother of all cuss words,” a four-letter doozy, followed by “you all” and hidden upside down amongst the sea of mascots on the Raider Nation yearbook cover.
The art was created by an outgoing senior, who appears to have wanted to sent a message to classmates. The student who designed the cover hasn’t been identified. That’s probably a good thing. I wouldn’t want a high school kid to have to get fast cash loans from his parents because someone messed with his vehicle or played some other costly prank.
Cost to taxpayers
Of course, the artwork this student produced could very well amount to a costly prank itself. However, it sounds as though the school is handling the Shaker Heights yearbook cover problem without spending much money, if any at all.
Shaker Heights High School, in Ohio, stopped distributing the yearbooks after the principal was alerted to the hidden message. The school sent home a letter with parents and is now distributing “cosmetically altered” yearbooks. Students also had the option of bringing in original yearbooks and having someone cover up the message for them. McIntyre reports the alterations only involve a few pen strokes.
So the school didn’t have to reprint the whole book or replace covers or any other such expensive solution. I guess it’s pretty easy to hide a hidden message.
Another way to keep costs down
Of course, the principal’s note to parents said that they had the option of getting the “cosmetically altered” version or having someone cover the message on their yearbooks. It didn’t require that all copies of the book be returned or altered.
So, of course, there are plenty of original yearbook holders who will do no such thing. From Stupid Celebrities Gossip:
One senior, though, says she plans on keeping her yearbook just the way it is. “Thirty years down the road, it’s kinda funny to flip it upside down and be like, oh look what’s hidden!” she said.
Future moneymaker
One person I am not concerned about is the unnamed student who created the message. Even though the student wasn’t identified, a note from the artist was included with the letter from the principal regarding the Shaker Heights yearbook cover. The note said:
“I cannot begin to explain the miserable feeling I brought upon myself, when I betrayed the trust of all of you. I apologize for offending anyone and everyone. It is unfortunate that I did not recognize the big responsibility and honor given to me when asked to design the cover of the Shaker Heights yearbook. I offer my sincere apologies.”
So this student sent an insulting, angry message, then turned around and issued a convincing, emphatic apology. I think the desinger of the Shaker Heights yearbook cover has a bright future, either working in politics or late-night television.
