I have recently been informed that I need to up the controversy for my Academic Reviews. Backpacks? Stickers? Who cares. The people want drama, and I happen to be a theatre major.
Another one of our columns in this fine publication is called “Staff Picks,” in which we choose a category and ask our staff for their thoughts on it. Favorite books or movies, things we’re grateful (or ungrateful) for, what we did over the summer, social security numbers, you name it.
Our most recent staff picks, favorite cliches, was a little tongue-in-cheek since journalists tend to avoid cliches as a rule. Our job is to report the news, and the point of cliches is that they aren’t news, they’re “olds,” and thus don’t contribute anything original to what we’re trying to say.
So, I’m going to rate everyone’s responses to their favorite cliches because one of my favorite activities is taking something that’s already not ideal and making it worse.
Paul Czarnecki | Editor in Chief
“Every rose has its thorn.”
RATING: 7/10.
Pretty, classy, almost Shakespearean. Implies beauty with a sense of danger.
Abby Aldinger | Managing Editor
“Ignorance is bliss.”
RATING: 8/10.
Whole mood. I was never happier than when I didn’t know anything. Also, it’s nice and short, unlike my take on it.
Ellie Myers | Associate Editor
I like “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” because it’s so weird and out of context.
RATING: 11/10.
This is the best one, no notes. I bet whoever picked it is the prettiest prettiest girl and should be given a raise.
Raven Sanchez | News Editor
I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I use “Kill two birds with one stone” the most. This is kind of awful, but my family says that one a lot because my name is Raven and my younger brother’s name is Stone.
RATING: 8.5/10.
Macabre, Raven. I like it.
Tom Baker | Sports Editor
My favorite cliche is “You can’t judge a book by its cover” because it’s the one I listen to the least. The title and cover of the book are what draw me into a new book.
RATING: 7/10.
I judge people the same way. If someone doesn’t have a New York Times quote calling them “A subversive masterpiece” on their forehead, they don’t get the time of day from me.
Kate Marlett | Copy Editor
“Laughter is the best medicine” because as cheesy as it is, I’ve found it is true!
RATING: 10/10.
This is… sweet. Good for you, Kate! (Author’s Note: Not sarcasm)
Lexi Petri | Design Editor
My favorite cliche is “Better safe than sorry.” Unfortunately, I find myself saying this all the time. I like to take risks sometimes, but it’s still always better to be safe than sorry.
RATING: 6/10.
I never take any risks ever and I’m still sorry.
Bariquinn Deeyaa | Reporter
I can only think of book cliches, but my favorite book cliche is “Dark, mysterious man meets innocent and dainty female who loves reading books.”
RATING: 7/10.
This is right up there with “the grumpy one falls for the sunshine one” and “woman completely changes man’s life by being quirky and having no character arc outside of what supports his development.”
Olivia Nordyke | Reporter
I love “Time heals all wounds” and “Tragedy + Time = Comedy.”
RATING: -5/10.
Separately, these get 5/10 (time doesn’t heal all wounds, I fell into a doorway earlier and my elbow still hurts) and 10/10 (“Tragedy + Time = comedy” is a phrase to live by). I just subtracted the second score because I felt like it.