Letter: Embrace of ignorance harms next generation

Graphic by Lori Deaton

[Regarding “Going Alone: Pride Display Drives Yancey County Library Out of Regional System,” Aug. 28, Xpress:]

I cannot even feel shocked about the embracing of ignorance in some Western North Carolina areas anymore. What is there left to say that has not already been said or written? Other than it is our next generation who is being underserved by the blatant ignorance of bigots in their homes, their schools, their political offices.

We will never get past the generational bigotry, misunderstanding and intolerance of anyone who does not look like us, sound like us, love like us with this sort of small-mindedness being given the platform to deny truth to the young. For those of you who support this decision to deprive the Yancey County citizens who are served by the “traveling library,” please ask yourselves … what is it you are afraid of?

— Shirley Duehring
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “Letter: Embrace of ignorance harms next generation

  1. Ralph Kellog

    To Shirley:
    Perhaps some of these “bigots” as you call them simply believe what the Bible says about certain behaviors and lifestyle choices that are not in keeping with Biblical teaching. Perhaps you should not be calling them bigots or ignorant. That may not be civil dialogue.

  2. Kt

    Guess what? In our democracy with freedom of and from religion for those who so choose, you shouldn’t get to force your religion on anyone, especially public libraries. Such arrogance displayed by so many Christians! Shame on you all.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.