COUNTERPUNCH LETTERS : Is Spike Lee’s Racial Preference Equality?

Why are editors of some publications acceding to the ridiculous racial demands of Spike Lee?

And how can the opinion of one writer (“Lee Saw Inequity--and Acted on It,” Nov. 9) serve as a legitimate counterpoint to the original news story, which called into question the legality of making such assignments solely on the basis of race (“Jewish Group Calls Spike Lee’s Preference Illegal,” Oct. 31). Can anyone argue that such a practice is legal?

Karen Grigsby Bates, while alluding to her experience as a journalist, seems to have little understanding of a reporter’s role in a story! Must a reporter only write about subjects he or she has already experienced? Is that really reporting, or merely storytelling devoid of any facts derived from interviews and research? Must a reporter personally experience the mission of a subject in order to objectively report that mission? Does a reporter gather information and tell a story, or, as Bates implies, does a reporter dispense with objectivity and simply parrot the words of the interview subject? Rubber stamping and cheerleading is more suited to a public relations campaign.

Bates belittles the abilities of all reporters and editors by suggesting that understanding a story is linked to the skin color of the reporter. Let’s hope that editors will have the sense to reject this racism just as they reject all racism in covering the news.

JON C. MERRITT

Beverlywood