As an outsider to the Brainerd lakes area, I have experienced a number of reactions to my opinions during the 10 months that I have been with the Dispatch.
Many readers chose to take me to task without engaging in personal attacks. Some chose to make it personal calling for my removal and advocating going back to the way it was before I was hired. A few even supported the positions I chose to take in writing my opinions that appeared in this spot throughout 2012.
However, in recalling one of the earliest comments that I stated was not to agree or disagree, but to engage in discussions with civility. Some folks took the suggestion to heart. Others totally rejected the idea claiming that I was (am) a right-wing extremist. One suggested that I should work for Fox News. (I’m still waiting for a call from Fox and I told our newsroom assistant to put them right through when it comes.)
To agree or disagree with my opinion or anyone else’s published in the Dispatch is not the point. The point is to engage in stating our opinions and our differences in a tone that does not leave anyone diminished simply because one’s political viewpoint differs from another individuals values.
Case in point: On Dec. 3 the Dispatch published a letter from a reader stated: “I personally don’t need to see continued ultra-right wing (go ahead, look it up) elitism promoted by the Dispatch.” The writer went on to say, “Keep Keith Hansen as the vice president of whatever you want him to preside over. Just keep him off the editorial staff. We deserve better. Kinda miss Roy Miller’s spin.”
That’s the part everyone is aware of. The letter writer stopped by Tuesday and asked to speak with me.
What happened next was totally unexpected. The letter writer was in my office to apologize. It took a lot of guts to confront someone with whom he disagrees. He was a gentleman. We chatted for about a half hour and he departed a friend. I respect that man for his kindness. Honestly, it’s one of the first times in over 30 years that I have had such an experience.
Now, the rest of the story. He informed me that he had received unsigned threatening letters. That’s not what is needed. I appreciate those who support my efforts to express a different point of view than Dispatch readers were accustomed to, but I hope those threatening letters will stop. Let’s have discourse.
I respect everyone’s right to state his or her opinion. Please respect the opinions of all Dispatch readers.
Merry Christmas!
Keith Hansen
Comments (37)
Add commentLOL Nan
I will have to do that. He should get a kick outa it?? ehh
Nan Lee
OK, So I'm out of touch. Please fill me in. I do have OFD ya know. Also a slight case of CRS. Merry Christmas to ya. Sorry if I offended you MAV. Merry Christmas to you also. PS: I can't possibly know everything. LOL.
Merry Christmas
to ALL.
Now THAT'S Funny right there.
Now THAT'S Funny right there. Almost as funny as telling someone that they need to change their blinker fluid!
BTW, I think Newbs can be invited. The more the merrier I say.
Mav
That blinker fluid thing only works on woman over 40. Oh what the heck. ALL woman.
Now that should set a thumb's down record??
V.P. of "Outrage" Development, successful in 1st yr?
It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall for the performance review for Mr. Hansen, after year one as V.P., Audience Development. The "outrage" business is key in media these days, and part of Hansen's job is to be Provocateur-in-Chief.
The obvious goal in these media businesses, including Morris Media (BDD owner, Hansen's boss) is to attract customers/readers. "Increasing profit comes with market penetration. Market penetration comes from providing the target audience with compelling political shows or stories. And what’s the common denominator for “compelling”? In politics, it’s what makes you angry." The "outrage industry" is involved in the "mindful attempt to provoke an emotional response from the audience, usually in the form of anger, fear, or moral righteousness. Outrage is often, but not always, accomplished through the use of categorical statements, exaggerations, and partial truths about opponents which may take the form of individuals, organizations, or entire communities of interest (e.g., progressives or conservatives) or circumstances (e.g., immigrants). Outrage sidesteps the messy nuances of complex political issues in favor of ad hominem attacks, overgeneralizations, mockery, and dire forecasts of impending doom. Outrage is not so much a discussion as it is verbal competition, political conversation with a scorecard." (from a facinating paper, http://ase.tufts.edu/polsci/prospective/OutrageIndustry.pdf)
Sounds like techniques employed in many of Mr. Hansen's commentaries. My guess is that his employers at Morris are pleased with his performance; the "outrage factor" has been achieved, for good, bad or otherwise. (Info. about Hansen's job description: http://brainerddispatch.com/opinion/columnists/2012-03-23/hansen-vp-audi...)
"Let's have discourse", pleads Hansen. If that's a sincere offer, a response to that might be: please lead by example, Mr. Hansen, in promoting a civil dialogue. Civility doesn't always lead the ratings or increase revenue as does rhetorical "bomb-throwing", but it engenders more integrity.
So should we COMUNICATE or
COMMUNICATE? Sorry Keith, just poking you for fun.