Skip to content

‘Shaming’ attacks are themselves shameful: reader

Pipestone Flyer reader not happy with attack on Brian Jean, Jason Kenney
web1_170623-WPF-M-Pipestone-Logowebsite

Dear editor,

In the Wetaskiwin Times on June 14, 2017 the editor of the newspaper called out both Brian Jean and Jason Kenney for not attending the Pride Parade.

The wonderful thing about living in a democratic country is that people are free to be who they are. However, in recent years, the minute anyone has a point of view that is different from the one held by left leaning journalist they use “shaming” to denounce that individual.

Earlier this year there was a pro-life rally and as far as I know neither Premier Notley nor Mayor Iverson attended that rally, I did not read any commentary condemning them.

If the people who are members of the LGBTQ want to stage a parade, because we live in a democratic country, they should be free to do so without fear of attack or repercussion. However, the same courtesy should be allowed to people who choose not to attend their parade.

It has become fashionable to use words like xenophobic, misogynist, bigot, Islamiphobic to attack people just because they hold a different opinion.

I would like to remind all journalists that it through debate, discussion and deliberation we are able to transform views and bring about changes in society. Using slurs, attacks and shame to bring people over to your point view never works.

Marcia Stymiest, Wetaskiwin

Editor’s note: While the editor of The Pipestone Flyer knows little to nothing about the motivations of PC leader Jason Kenney, Wildrose leader Brian Jean has usually presented himself as an open-minded, fair and accepting person and the Pipestone Flyer’s editor has seen this firsthand right in this community. Case in point: several weeks ago in Wetaskiwin’s Drill Hall, Jean himself volunteered his time at the trade fair to raise funds for local Special Olympics by playing floor hockey. Readers should note the event was covered by local media.