Letter to the Editor
Stereotypes
Published Saturday, April 19, 2008
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Stumble It!April 16, 2008
Dear Editor:
The News-Miner is responsible for helping form public consciousness and as the editor you have to be aware of the choices you make and the stereotypes you perpetuate.
I find it saddening that you chose to reiterate such hateful comments toward women on the front cover of your newspaper in the article “DJs Suspended Over Native Slur.”
I find it interesting that the article uses only minority women, both Native and African American, to illustrate hate. Newspapers around the country find ways to exercise restraint when dealing with sensitive matter.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner has the power to help shape the perception of Alaskan Native women. Please help perpetuate more realistic ideas about our identity.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
Boy oh boy. I sure wish we could all think for ourselves and form our own opinions and not blame the newsminer for corrupting our thoughts.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
alaskan native women have the power to shape ideas and attitudes about themselves. the news miner just prints information it feels is relevant and interesting to their readers. it isn't their job to control or shape how people view the world. perhaps if the newsminer was owned by the government then they could hire political officers to filter the output of the news.
Is this gonna be another 'here-we-go-again'?
actually Miss Charlotte's letter shouldve read "who cares about Anchorage radio stations and why are they on the front page of our local interior newspaper" then go into the Native Slur comments.
Users, please take a look at the User Agreement, which includes a mention about commenting about race.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
I don't see anything wrong with what was posted on the front page of the Newsminer. I think that injustices such as the "Native Slur" should be posted on the front page so there can be public comment and opinion. Isn't this the kind of publicity which began the abolition of slavery, racial desegration, other injustices around the nation and world?
I think so. We should print any other social issues such as racial tensions in the paper to help educate others about these ignorant beliefs and attitudes.
I think all children either white or "minority" should have these discussions in order examine the short-comings of others (i.e. bigotry).
At the very least, we cannot tolerate any subtle racist remarks against any race, either white or "minority", in order to have harmony in OUR societies.
Readers,
Please stay on topic.
I do not understand why radio people aren't allowed to say what they want. If someone wants to open their mouth and say the things those two DJ's joked about, let them; that only shows their opinion/ignorance. If it is not congruent with the radio's policies or beliefs, then, and only then, should they be punished. They shouldn't be punished because someone called in and said whoa is me, whoa is me.. If you don't like what someone says on the radio, find a new station to listen to in the morning. No listeners=bye bye DJs. These "pitty parties" and "hey, they called me a name" fits are better left for the school yard or my 2-year-old....
News miner staff - maybe you should take a little more information before you let every Tom, Dick & Harry post here.
Get some info, like a phone #. Verify the people that are posting - linking their info to their phone number. Then, take the anonymity out of the equation.
Every post has a real name listed.
I bet the posts would be much more tame & informative.
So Charlotte, are you saying the NewsMiner should not have published the story because it contained deragatory comments? Well that's the nature of NEWS. Not everything out in the big wide world as all pink elephants and lemonade. The general nature of some news is unpleasant, and the NewsMiner did the right thing in publishing the story.
sherry29-
You're assuming the removed posts were not "tame and informative."
You are wrong. Did you see them?
They were also on topic, as yours is actually not. Same with this one.
But I see yours hasn't been removed, so perhaps I will be afforded that courtesy this time.
In fact, I mentioned that I thought we, and the FDNM staff (before) have been doing a pretty good job.
Skagdog's comment is more 'inciteful' than those that were removed.
And I don't have a problem with his. (Or anybody's ever, for that matter).
sherry29 - That's an interesting comment for someone who posts anonymously... pot/kettle anyone?
And, so that I'm not entirely off topic, I agree with Skagdog on this one. And, for the most part, with authenticalaskan as well.
I point all of you "offended" people to the Newsminer artical about the mourning over the passing of Skinny Dick.
There are some out there that might take serious PERSONAL offense at that mans nickname.....though I doubt they will voice it outloud.
Watch it! Pretty good, Reader1!
And more offensive than those that were removed earlier!
Yes Reader1, it's true. I am offended. :(
But, I just checked my e-mail and found hundreds of companies that will help me with my problem!
*LOL*