Emerson paper apologizes for comparing son of Holocaust survivor to Hitler
The Berkeley Beacon writes it still opposes Mike Ross's plan to get colleges to help enforce the city's ban on student apartment cramming, but acknowledges that, yes, comparing it to Nazi yellow-star policies was going too far:
The suffering of Ross' father is well-known in the Boston community. We should have done our research, but we did not.
Similarly, our tone and language in the editorial were hyperbolic and flippant. Ross does not plan to round up Boston's college students and put them in concentration camps, nor does he plan on tattooing us for identification by "Gestapo-like" guards. That was sarcasm and exaggeration that, in the fervor of argument, went too far.
they did the right thing
It's a sincere, genuine apology, one that Mike Ross himself will likely appreciate. They screwed up, they realized it, and then they owned up to it. Good for them.
As a former college newspaper scribe myself many moons ago, I know how easy it is to get carried away with being in a position like that. These editors learned a lesson, and at the risk of sounding condescending I'll suggest that it will benefit them for years to come.
"Sorry, our bad" isn't good enough here
Especially for a school which prides itself on being a training ground for journalists. Comparing Ross's call for enforcement to _anything_ Nazi-related is unbelievably asinine and insensitive, and for that matter, comparing college students to any kind of oppressed minority is asinine and sad. "Should have done their research"? Please. Yes, Ross's family history adds a painful dimension to an already regrettable story, but for the Emerson kids to suggest that part of the problem was that they didn't research his background misses the point entirely: "Hey guys, wait, we can't do a Nazi reference-- look at this." Turn that argument around: Would their journalistic sins be any less if Ross's family history were different? Personally, I don't think they would, and even more personally, I hope that whoever wrote and approved this rethinks going into the world of journalism because the world of journalism doesn't need them.
Not a Berkeley Paper
Just a note, the Berkeley Beacon has no relation to the town of Berkeley--it's the Emerson College paper (Emerson used to have buildings on Berkeley Street). I graduated five years ago and well remember the paper's tendency towards histrionics...
Indeed
I should institute a new rule up here in the Hermit's Cave: No posting until done with the ENTIRE cup of coffee.
then maybe wait
...until the caffeine does its magic.
For me it takes a while. That's the problem with being addicted...
Berkeley Beacon
is called that because Emerson College used to be located at the intersection of Berkeley and Beacon streets in Back Bay. A few years ago, they moved to the downtown theatre district, but the newspaper kept its old name.
it also has nothing to do with Berklee College ;-)
it also has nothing to do
Well part of being accepted to Emerson is the privilege to take classes at Berklee. ;)
And part of being a Berklee student
is the privilege of taking classes at 1140 Boylston, which used to be Emerson.
Which means they've moved at least twice. Hey, what are you guys scared of?
A hypocritical, cynical Boston City Council President.
The City Council President has been blocking access to the stenographic machine record of Council public meetings by attempting to charge the highest fees allowed by the Massachusetts Division of Public Records. The City Council President is hypocritical and cynical when it comes to sunshine open public meetings principles, FOI Freedom of Information public records principles of open government.
Wha?
Was this stupid editorial in those steno records?
Seriously, dude, seek professional help. You've got a problem.