Perceptions of Writing through Plagiarism

Syracuse University

Writing 205

February 18, 2003

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How does the public portray writing? Does the media have an opinion on writing instruction? Taking a look through the most controversial issues of writing, such as plagiarism, gives us an accurate assumption of the many different aspects which surround the controversy within our academic systems. Exploring different attitudes such as that of school teachers, all the way to the court system in America will allow us to realize the ways in which plagiarism is reflected.

“Lessons in Internet Plagiarism” –The tainted world of Katie Hafner

Katie Hafner explores plagiarism through the voices of different educators throughout our school systems in America in her article written for the New York Times. (“Lessons in Internet Plagiarism”) Her opinion doesn’t shine through as much as the teacher’s she interviewed. Yet by choosing to interview only teachers, it seems that she holds their opinions the most important when it comes to this subject. Yes school teachers may have the most experience with plagiarism on a day by day basis but do they really have knowledge of the subject without letting bias of personal experiences interfere. Ms. Prestebak’s example of catching the plagiarizer seemed to be a pat on the back, stating, “Maybe a teacher who wasn’t as computer literate as I am wouldn’t have known to be suspicious.” (qtd. in Hafner 1) As Prestebak reflects a sort of boastful attitude, Hafner turns around and states that our technology has made this “temptation” extremely easy (“Lessons in Internet Plagiarism). This mood lightens the feelings towards plagiarism drastically from the point of view of Prestebak.

Hafner also choose an interview with Dr. McCabe, a college professor, who conducted many surveys on both high school and college student’s attitudes toward

plagiarism. His opinion stays somewhat neutral, yet he does state that examples set forth by respected figures throughout our nation lead students to believe that dishonesty is not a crime. (Hafner) Editor Dr. Jamie McKenzie takes on a different angle by viewing the problem as students not really understanding what they are doing, or even realizing that they are plagiarizing. (Hafner) Another interesting opinion comes from Dr. Peter G. Mehas who traces the blame back to the parents. He believes that parents defend their children after accusations by claiming that the child doesn’t know any better. (Hafner) Yet Mehas seems not to take any pressure off the student even though it isn’t “their fault” because he is opposed to letting any accused of graduating (Hafner) Lastly, Hafner portrayed a case of the teacher who admittedly instilled fear within her students about the consequences of plagiarism by telling a real life story of an adult losing their job due to this crime. (“Lessons in Internet Plargariasm”)

It seems as though Hafner choose not to directly state her opinion in this article. She wrote the essay with intensions to show the reader that she chose not to take the side of the helpless student or the strict teacher. Yet it seems that the interviews all seem to take on an attitude of irritation when it came to plagiarism by students. It is very strange that she didn’t portray any one educator who openly admitted that the blame could be on themselves, or anyone else for that matter, other than the student. Hefner doesn’t seem to draw conclusions from these opinions, yet seems to hit you with a similar story over and over again, almost in a desperate attempt to get you to see her opinion without taking any responsibility for stating it.

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On Plagiarism-Posner knows all

Our society seems to thrive on the mistakes in which others make, and the media knows it, so when it comes to writing, plagiarism is the most talked about issue. Yet throughout our history, some of the most famous writers have used the now ever so common curse of plagiarism. Richard Posner, in his article in The Atlantic Monthly, reveals that many of Shakespeare’s most read pieces were plagiarized. (“On Plagariasm”) Posner seems to set a lighter tone about plagiarism by using the most well known writers in our history as sort of setting a precedent for the generations to come. As this attitude is very light-hearted on the subject of plagiarism, Posner seems to dig in his criticism by showing a strong dislike for writers who rely on quoting others words due to the lack of ability to say it better themselves. (“On Plagariasm”) Posner almost scares his audience since his outlook on writing is so extremely intense.

Pisner’s other side of the story is-hey most of the best works are formulated from more than one’s ideas anyways, so really we should feel bad for the people who follow the rules and never get anywhere with there writing! “The harm is not to the reader but to those writers whose work does not glitter with stolen gold.” (Pisner) Now Pisner conveys a sense of acceptance for the writer who uses a collaboration of others idea to create their own master piece. Pisner portrays an opinion not often admitted among writers yet it certainly represents an alternative take on the usual ‘plagiarizer hater.’

Plagiarism on trial

Napolitano v. Princeton University (Plagiarism in Colleges in USA)

A student is accused of plagiarizing a 12 page term paper. The University chooses to delay graduation for one year for Napolitano. The University is upset by the actions yet still provides Napolitano the chance to complete her degree. (Standler ch. 4) After Napolitano decides to sue the University, they again hold another hearing and still come up with the same solution. (Ch.4) Now the judge in the trial court seems to believe that the Universities punishment “was too severe” (Ch.4). This seems very ironic that the court would criticize the universities decision. Yet we assume that the university may have needed to take Napolitano’s situation as an opportunity to set a precedent for future students. In this rare occasion the court seems to take into consideration the external “stresses” in a student’s life. (Ch. 4) This seems very odd since a University has first hand knowledge of stresses which affect a student’s work. The judiciary system is not known to be in-tune with personal problems relating to people on trial, yet they choose to sympathize with the student in this case. The appellate court then stepped in and realized that Napolitano did have the option to talk with the Professor if indeed the external factors in her life were so severe that they would interfere with her school work. Napolitano did not take the opportunity to seek help; therefore Napolitano “should bear full responsibility.”(Standeler ch.4)

Plagarism according to the advocates?

Essays-direct.com is one of the easiest ways to purchase essays online. They pride themselves on being a quick and easy way to provoke the thought needed in order to complete the essay that’s been hanging over your head (essays-direct.com). A site like

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this takes much of the blame for the plagiarism that occurs currently in our school systems. A teacher’s worst nightmare may be a better way to sum up the website. So who would actually create a website which makes cheating such an easy task? Yet the creators of this cite seem to have a completely different idea for the products they are soliciting. There are a set of guidelines which are stated on the “HOME” page of essays-direct.com. (essays-direct.com) Of these guidelines the most stressed is that essay directs owns the copyrights of all works and that they expect their papers to only be used as aids. Followed by a bolded “we do not support plagiarism.”(essays-direct.com). This ensures that Essays direct will not be held liable for any claims that they advocate plagiarism. It is still very hard to believe that a student would spend the extra money on purchasing an essay solely for the purpose to ad them on an essay they need to write.

In a broader perspective, this is definitely not the only cite which offers papers for sale. There is a huge market for purchasing papers over the internet. It seems as though plagiarism is almost accepted, since access to already written papers is so easily accessed.

Yet the people behind these cites seem to deny any intention of promoting plagiarism among students. Now the question is, do we let this continue?

The best way to understand the different perceptions of writing is through the most debated topics such as plagiarism. The four sources in which I chose to study seem to critique extremely different areas of the subject. Still we have not recognized why plagiarism is such a common problem among writers. Some say the lack of knowledge, others blaming sheer laziness. Unless everyone can agree on the cause of the problem, we will never be able to eliminate the affect. I am still curious as to whose to blame but

most of all, why is this still a problem? We live in such an advance world, that it is strange to say we couldn’t find a cure to the oldest writing flaw in our history.

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Works Citied

Essays-direct.com. Professional Website. 2000-2001 Essays Direct. <http://www.essays-

direct.com/index.htm>

Hafner, Katie. “Lessons in Internet Plagiarism.” The New York Times 28 June 2001. 10

February 2003 <http://www.nytimes.com>

Posner, Richard A. “On Plagiarism.” The Atlantic Monthly. April 2002. 3 February 2003

<http://www.theatlantic.com>

Standler, Ronald B. Plagiarism in colleges in USA. “Court Cases” Ch 4: copyright

2000. 10 February 2003 <http://www.rbs2.com/plag.htm>