As a writer and a naive optimist, I try to seek some semblance of the best in people. It’s hard in many cases. For example, I recently conducted an interview with someone on an opposing end of a local New Orleans political/racial issue. The answers given border on incendiary and infuriating. However, I talk myself down and remember that 1) I wasn’t chatting with David Duke, 2) My questions required detailed responses (which this person gave, for better or worse) and 3) I can’t control everything or everyone/anyone.

That being said, and questions on civility in reporting aside, it would feel just oh so good to flat out call someone out for acting a certain way. Fascist, racist, insensitive, etc.

But if you make the charge, you need to back it up.

__________