AN EXAMINATION OF LATENT THREADS AND THEMES IN THE CATALYST (1969-1971).

The article examines the content of the underground newspaper "The Catalyst," a biweekly alternative to standard newspapers in Lubbock, Texas and staffed by Texas Tech University students. Particular attention is paid to the journalistic intent and latent themes found in student alternative journalism on topics such as the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, women's rights, and politics during a period of social discontent between 1969 and 1971. Consistent themes centered on increasing social awareness, a call for activism, a highlighting of hypocrisy, and satire to draw attention to social problems. The noticeable lack of sarcasm on topics of race relations and civil rights is discussed. The questioning of traditional value systems and established governing systems is noted.