The mission of The Item is “to inform, educate, provoke thought, and prompt a smile in reflecting the communities we cover.”
In an attempt to address the “provoke thought” portion of our mission statement, we will on Monday begin publishing a series titled “Am I a bigot?”
Because of three teaser ads we ran this week, it has already begun provoking thought.
And fury.
Social media went berserk with conspiracy theorists who insisted the ads were in response to the “no” vote to fund two new schools in Lynn.
They were not.
Others insisted we were calling our readers bigots.
We were not.
The series is meant only to provoke thought — specifically, introspection. Note the question is “Am I a bigot?” — not “Are you a bigot?”
Note also the term “bigot.” It does not say “racist.” There’s a difference.
We appreciate reader response. Reader engagement is a reason The Item is on social media.
Jack Herlihy of Lynn let his feelings known by submitting a letter to the editor that I thought was well considered, and one that deserved a reply.
Here’s Mr. Herlihy’s letter and the response I sent him:
Dear Editor,
Page A-5 of the Daily Item, March 21, 2017 [Am I a bigot?]. Really? To whom is this question aimed at? And, insulting to your readers; especially with no context. Shame on you!
Jack Herlihy
Lynn, MA
Mr. Herlihy:
Thank you for taking the time to send the email. As you might guess, you’re not the only one who has commented.
What you and the others read is what’s called a teaser ad. In this case, it’s leading up to a series that begins Monday in The Item.
Similar ads (appeared) in the paper and online (this week).
Respectfully, I ask that you bear with us. The context will be apparent Monday.
In the meantime, please be assured that we did not set out to insult our readers; the intent was to elicit thought, curiosity, and — ultimately — readership.
I would be interested in your feedback once the series begins.
Again, thank you for contacting us and for reading The Item.
Ted Grant
Publisher
The idea for the series originated in a conversation I had with Lynn Attorney Jim Carrigan two years ago. Given our current political climate, now seems an appropriate time to publish it.
As I said in response to Mr. Herlihy, I would be interested in your feedback once you’ve read the series.
My only hope is that it makes you think.
