En Whatever

While Analyzing Imus, David Carr Shows His Own Possible Biases

In his New York Times spot today, David Carr discussed the Don Imus situation. While talking about the radio host stepping over the line, Mr. Carr wrote the following:

He also picked on the wrong coach. C. Vivian Stringer protects her posse; her eloquent, aggressive defense of the team — and the obvious class of the players at the podium — made for riveting television with a great deal of emotional content.

I think this is a perfect example of how unconscious attitudes shape language. First, his use of the word posse is condescending and demeaning. This group was neither a sheriff with a group of aiding citizens nor a gang of Jamaican friends. Ms. Stringer doesn't protect a posse; she protects a team. As for using the term eloquent, would Mr. Carr have included it had the coach been male and white? Somehow I suspect not. Or perhaps he would, but just having the question appear in a reader's mind - and I doubt I'm the only one who found it curious - shows how careful one's use of words must be to communicate what you intend and nothing more.

posted by Erik Sherman @ 1:22 PM