A Clear Lack Of Objectivity
The March GQ Magazine carried an article on North Idaho titled “A Journey to the Heart of Whiteness.” It was written by Mike Sager. I was appalled when I read it because I had agreed to let Mike interview me for the story, hoping to help set the record straight on what North Idaho really is. Before our meeting, Mike had assured me that the Aryan Nations would definitely not be the focus of his article. He was here to discover “the real North Idaho.”
In a three-hour interview, two women friends and I shared with Mike who we are and the reasons why we’re here, which have nothing to do with color. We’re here for the small town atmosphere, sense of community and closeness to the natural world. Mike made it clear that his visit to the Aryan Nations Compound had been a joke. He said it was definitely not the REAL North Idaho. He said his story would center around the many rugged individualists he’d met.
When I read the article, I knew we’d been had. Mike had looked us in the eye and lied, for the sake of another sensational story. North Idaho is a beautiful area with clean air, clean water, safe communities, populated by people who want to live a simpler life. Mike looked for, found and focused on that minuscule segment of our society which does not represent the prevailing attitude, but whose stories do sell magazines.
There was not one quote from our lengthy interview. My friends and I can only assume that it’s because none of us said anything to support Mike’s hidden agenda of portraying where we live as Fascistville, Idaho. Oddly enough, my photograph ran with a caption that read: “Nature and the promise of a simpler life drew former business executive Donohue to Sandpoint, where she runs an organic sheep farm.” I am angry that my photo was included in the piece, implying that I was yet another racist, happy to be snug and safe in white Idaho. And what of the other locals he interviewed who didn’t support his vision? Not a mention. So much for objectivity.
So, what’s to be done? We can’t ignore the ugly, hate-filled image of North Idaho that’s being foisted on the world. We take a big chance when we talk to the media, but what I’ve learned is that we simply have to risk it anyway.
Talk to the media, show them who we are and why this truly is a special place. Eventually, the truth is bound to touch the heart of some reporter who will speak it accurately.
MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.