Best of Humboldt? Your Word
So many of us spend way too much time talking to ourselves. By that I mean we talk to people about things we already know and already agree on. At times, we find ourselves in an argument with someone when we disagree — but even then it is over something we are already versed in. In the Google world, we don’t search out information on topics we know nothing about, so little new information comes to us. The invisible remains invisible, the silent remains silent.
That’s why general newspapers still play an important role, and why features like “My Word” are so important. When the press and the politicians get caught up on what they think are community priorities, what I call the Real People can butt in, through the written word and the prominence of the “My Word” space and say, “Hey! These are the problems I face, and here are the ways I think we can start solving them.”
It is most valuable in the Times-Standard, which alone of all daily newspapers I have read does not appreciate the importance of the newspaper editorial. When your leader fails to lead, everyday citizens must step forward, and that is what they do day after day with the “My Word.”
It allows for conversations across the entire community. Some “My Word”s generate letter after letter, first in fervent opposition, then in opposition to the opposition and on and on. In a rural community where we live so far from each other, and where too many people live too far from our government center, it is crucial to have a safe shared space for discussion of important issues.
I say, let’s duke out our disagreements in print. I’ll bet Christian Jordan will agree that’s a much better way to try and resolve our differences. For me, that represents the Best of Humboldt.
Marcy Burstiner is an assistant professor of journalism and mass communication at Humboldt State University. She can be a bully in print, but in person she’s a 5’ 2” weenie.
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on the cover
Railroad!
Proposed lines ‘set rich blood a-tingling’ in early 1900s
Some Other Proposed North Coast Railroads
Choo-choo Fantasies
Exposing this east-west rail nonsense
seven-o-heaven
Undeterred Will
Will chides Andrew for lack of attention to detail and makes plans for his inevitable victory.
Recent media maven
May 17
If You Tweet in a Forest
April 5
Not in My Court Yard
March 1
Take the Money and Run With It
Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
events / 8 a.m.-noon. Woodside Preschool, 900 Hodgson St, Eureka. www.woodsidepreschool.com. 445-9132.
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
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ONE Comments
Comment / By Ah! Run. / Sept. 2, 11:01 p.m.
Powerful piece, Marcy.