Letter | Reporting on racism is not race-baiting

We look to news for insight on current events; however, equal insight can be provided about our community by reading the comments left on published stories.

There is a pattern of Myrtle Beach residents expressing outrage and “disappointment” when stories are published involving any kind of racial tension. The main comment that prevails is the accusation the reporter is “race-baiting.”

Reporting on local stories that involve racism and echo national headlines is good reporting, however, not race-baiting nor is it “racist.” Racist would be ignoring these stories to appease a predominately white community who’d rather read about Easter Egg Hunts.

Unarguably, headlines regarding racism have increased. This is all the more reason outcries of racial tension should be validated, not dismissed. These are not orchestrated efforts of a secret black-supremacy alliance.

For a comprehensive understanding of what racial tension looks like in Myrtle Beach, look to the published stories of regional college students hanging nooses, writing racial slurs, or hosting black-stereotype parties, and then read the comments from white residents dismissing their validity or importance.

The writer lives in Conway.

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Letter | Reporting on racism is not race-baiting."