Erika Thorne: Paper could use more voices of color Erika Thorne Published November 15, 2003
The Star Tribune has had opportunities lately, such as the David Jennings superintendent appointment issue, to play a useful role in building cross-cultural dialogue. I contend that you have failed, for two reasons: � You have too few columnists and editorial writers of color. This means you have little authentic voice from which to write the perspectives and nuances of communities of color. This really comes through on issues that, because of historical and present-day abuses, have a racial component. � Some white writers at the Star Tribune act as if they have authenticity in commenting upon the African-American community, or as if they can get it through a few interviews and barbershop visits. I've seen this in Doug Grow (Oct. 19), and also Jim Boyd (Oct. 12). For such writers to attack African-American leaders is offensive and wrong. The principle at stake is larger than certain community leaders' stands, or who is school superintendent: Will the Star Tribune wield the power it has to build dialogue genuinely, or to play out centuries-old racial dynamics between those who have institutionalized power and those who don't? No matter the issues you try to speak on, or individuals you attack, as long as you employ these tactics, you cut off your options for successful dialogue and building the community environment you say you want. The paper can do differently. For instance, writers have questioned the credentials of African-American leaders lately, asking "who do they represent?" How many must someone represent in order to speak out? I am white. Were you concerned during consideration of printing this Counterpoint whether I represent all white people? How many people of any culture do Grow and Boyd represent? Was that a factor in printing their columns? I may disagree strenuously with a given citizen's or group's stand on an issue and/or tactics, but it is counterproductive to denigrate their credentials and integrity. And it continues an entrenched pattern of racism: The power-holder uses that power to attack and destroy those who disagree. Find a leader of color, listen sometimes, attack when her/his views are inconvenient. On international and national issues, the Star Tribune stands on principles, you are not afraid to disagree with actions and policies, and you do so in a respectful way. I want you to do that with local issues that include racial tension. Recognize when you don't have an authentic voice and stop acting as if you do. Send writers to listen to the authentic voices all around you, and report them. Get more voices of color on staff, particularly in columns and editorials. Now that would be useful! Erika Thorne, Minneapolis, is a diversity workshop facilitator. http://www.startribune.com/stories/562/4211079.html Shawn Lewis, Field Neighborhood -- __________________________________________________________ Sign-up for your own personalized E-mail at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup Search Smarter - get the new eXact Search Bar for free! http://www.exactsearchbar.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
