Shaw Article Draws Fire

Tue., Nov. 7, 2000

From The Spokesman-Review, Sept. 4, 1931

George Bernard Shaw is news. Why? Not because he fits the classic example by biting a dog. When Shaw bites, the victim is usually his fellow man.

Nevertheless, his most superficial generalities constitute news.

Witness last Sunday’s issue of The Spokesman-Review with Shaw’s praises of Russia.

He starts with the implication that every one living outside of Russia is either silly or ignorant. With an occasional jab at Winston Churchill or Mr. Babbitt, he builds up to the parenthetical remark: “And Americans are probably the most absurd people at present on earth.”

On the surface there may be some basis for his conclusion. We seem incurable in our urge to pay good money to have ourselves belittled from the rostrum or press by any European who condescends to do so.

It amounts to a national vice. What Shaw and others overlook is the fact that the vast American public merely sits back and smiles as at the antics of a mechanical toy.

It is doubtful if Shaw’s visit to Russia changed a single preconceived idea. His mind was closed on the subject years ago. He could just as well have written the article without the formality of the trip.

How shall we classify an article which praises a system where the death penalty is lavishly dealt by a secret tribunal unchecked by any visible judge or jury?

What shall we say of a man who lauds a government that permits private trade and individual farming and yet puts to death any who succeed therein?

A few more articles like this and the “Shavian myth” should be pretty thoroughly punctured. Harold Sherwin Kamiah, Idaho

This sidebar appeared with the story:

News of the day

Headlines from Sept. 4, 1931:

Spokane Proudly Struts to New Fox Dedication: Throngs Massed Outside, While Inside Splendor and Pomp Hold Sway

Ship’s Black Cat is Gandhi’s Pal: Shares Hard Bench Mahatma Sleeps on Nightly

Hoover to Make Yorktown Talk: Also Orders Oct. 19 be Observed as Holiday

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.