79.6 F
Cruz Bay
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesEyes Wide Shut

Eyes Wide Shut

Dear Source:
I enjoyed Mr. Kossler's article on the July 4th festivities in St. Croix. His account made me feel like I was actually there. I wouldn't have felt that way if he provided me an entirely whitewashed and canned story carefully worded to make sure that it in no way offended any reader, which we know is virtually impossible.
How are we supposed to live in an informed and conscious society if we have to vet every sentence to sanitize it for general consumption? What kind of journalism are we expected to believe if it's all tainted by the touch of the PC Police?
Do teenage boys wear long t-shirts? Yes, they do, but don't mention that.
Do teenage girls wear tight pants? Yes, they do, but if you mention it, you're a pervert.
Do people smoke marijuana? Yes, but don't mention it. Someone might get the wrong idea. What idea? I don't know, but don't mention it anyway.
While we're at it, don't print any articles on crime. It's a dirty business and I'd rather not know.
Is it better to misinform people in the name of "delicate sensibilities" at the cost of accurate journalism? Who gets to determine what information is suitable for public consumption and what should be kept from the public's delicate ears?
It's the Source, not Pravda.
Dirk Raymond
St. John

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.