Cole’s condescension gets us nowhere

Althea Cole's condescending March 17 column about Tara Dutcher’s acquittal is unhelpful for furthering debate on important issues like gender discrimination and policing. Cole doesn't just disagree with Dutcher. Cole is condescending, saying things like, "Apparently not content to make the case to a jury of the alleged crimes, Dutcher seemed to spend as much time before trial trying to demonstrate that protesters charged were victims." “Apparently not content …" signals sarcasm, not journalism. That editorialist is personally offended by the issue at stake — transgender activism — is apparent. We see it in the end note which tells readers that Cole "respectfully declines to use ”they/them“ as individual pronouns" for "reasons of conscience."

There's nothing respectful in talking about people in ways they don’t want. Framing non-traditional gender identities this way is prima-facie uncredible. Moreover, the suggestion that being rude is a "matter of conscience" trivializes complex issues. This comes up again at the end when Cole describes Dutcher as “a self-involved performer spellbound by song and dance.” This description patronizes readers and Dutcher, who has a long trajectory as a talented and highly respected musician.

The thrust of Cole's editorial is that Dutcher was merely posturing. It's easy to accuse someone of posturing when you are not facing a criminal charge (as Dutcher was). On this level, Cole’s editorial denounces in someone else what she herself does: posture. The Gazette ought to be part of a better public dialogue.

Brian Gollnick

Iowa City