Misinformation at USA Today
BY SKian
After reading the letters published on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at USA Today, entitled “Iran is not worthy of U.S. support”, and “Remember reaction to 9/11”, I could not give in to the temptation of silence.
The first letter was political and since this is a free country, people are entitled to their opinions, even if it is the reflection of a “dogmatic slumber”. But the second letter accusing people in Iran of giving candy and dancing in the streets because of the unfortunate event 9/11, I should say is complete misinformation if not ignorance. Your reader should have verified his sources before giving out his opinions. After 9/11, the president of Iran was among the first presidents who addressed his condolences. At that time even the anti-American hard liners remained silent. The Iranian reaction to 9/11 in the media was lighting candles and expressing their sorrow outside the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. How is that dancing and celebrating? Your reader has mistaken Iran with other countries. If people would like to give out their opinions, they should at least do some research and educate themselves before writing to a major newspaper. They should examine a map to be capable to distinguish different countries in the Middle East, and recognize the existing differences between people and their dictator governments.
I don’t blame your misinformed reader. I am rather disappointed for the acceptance of such letters, especially when endorsing false information, by the editors of such major newspapers and the fact that these points of views, will only contribute to the existing social gaps in our society.
The hatred those letters expressed toward Iranian people especially at a time when Iran is hit by a natural disaster is condescending and degrading to our society. By stating these hateful words we are not raising our standards but instead are dropping to the level of those we are criticizing.
Respectfully,
Soheila Kian-Shayeg (Ph.D)
Irvine, California
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