On the bright side, it’s good to see some original local reporting in a Montana newspaper. On the downside, I’m not sure that staging dramatic PR photos and offering an entirely uncritical look at a group that advocates a racial war against minorities is entirely appropriate.
This is an astonishing article. In it, Becky Shay, the reporter, allows a self-described member of the Montana Creators Assembly to:
- claim that his movement is non-violent, despite copious evidence to the contrary.
- disavow involvement in racially motivated hate crimes.
- promote his organization’s web sites.
- pitch his 14 track pro-white CD.
And then the pictures. What could be a nicer gift for a young member of a right wing hate group than professionally produced, propaganda-style photographs? What news value do these photographs serve, other than to sensationalize the story and sell papers?
There’s no context for this story nor justification. The story tries to assert significance by connecting the group to crime in Billings, but the best that Shay musters is some arrests eight years ago and two assaults that “may” be related to skinheads. Call the Pulitzer people!
Do I really think the Gazette article is going to lead to a membership spike in the Montana Creators Assembly? Probably not. It’s not like people who would join are likely to be avid readers, for one thing. But there is a reason they seek publicity like this—to draw naive or confused kids to their web sites—and this article facilitates that, without even a modicum of balance. There’s not one bit of information about the history of violence that characterizes the Creator movement, not one quote from an organization like the Montana Human Rights Network, and not one statement from anyone who’s been the victim of a hate crime or targeted by one of these racist groups.
This story demonstrates either an incredible lack of judgment or an even more astonishing cynicism. Nazis do sell newspapers after all, especially when you’ve got great art.
Article by Don Pogreba
Don is from Shelby, MT (Go Coyotes!) and has lived in Montana his whole life. He teaches English and Debate in Helena, MT, and does most of his writing far too late at night.
{ 78 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
It’s excellent webpage, I was looking for something like this
Excellent blog with lots of extremely use bits of information and facts! It is quite a very good experience to finally find such a helpful resource. I am exploring the site for over an hour or so now and have actually learned a lot. Just wanted to let you know
Bonsoir vous comment trouvez-vous de mon nouveau site sur l’ immobilier ?
It’s excellent page, I was looking for something like this
Can I just say that of a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the web. You definitely discover how to bring a problem to light making it important. The best way to should read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe you are not more popular as you definitely hold the gift.
Very interesting subject, regards for posting.
Sorry for the huge review, but I’m really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Brilliant blog , I really hope how to make my blog this interesting !
Some really excellent posts on this website , appreciate it for contribution.
hi!,I like your writing so so much! percentage we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this space to resolve my problem. May be that is you! Having a look forward to see you.
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people about this topic, but you appear to be you know what you’re discussing! Thanks
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …
Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss downside? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
You have undoubtedly nailed this 1!
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
Coucou les amis comment trouvez-vous de mon nouveau blog sur le diagnostic immobilier ?
Hip design and style, at last discovered a source for awesome textures
I’m impressed, I must say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you could have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the problem is one thing that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very pleased that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something relating to this.
I’m also writing to let you be aware of what a impressive experience my wife’s girl developed browsing the blog. She even learned such a lot of things, with the inclusion of what it’s like to have an excellent coaching nature to have many people smoothly grasp certain hard to do things. You really exceeded readers’ desires. I appreciate you for coming up with such helpful, trustworthy, edifying as well as unique tips about that topic to Julie.
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one¡¦s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this web page, and piece of writing is really fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these types of content.
Thank you for the write up! Also, just a heads up, your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
Good post. I study something tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to read content material from different writers and apply a little one thing from their store. I’d want to use some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I have read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to create this kind of excellent informative website.
I am so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Bonjour chers lecteurs quel est votre avis de mon nouveau blog sur les croisieres ?
The following time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to read, but I really thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you can repair if you happen to werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
I take pleasure in, result in I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
← Previous Comments
{ 2 trackbacks }