As an Amherst resident at the center of events in your report of the protest at Hampshire College (“Hundreds protest flag’s removal,” Nov. 28), I regret that the role of the sole counterprotester was misrepresented. Yes, he sat in the center of an intended group photo, but vital details are unreported.
The counterprotester sat, extending his raised middle fingers to the men and women about him and refused requests to stop. It was that crude prolonged gesture that changed the mood, not a disagreement of views. The essence was not that “a student sat in front of the sign” as you reported. It is instead that he “flipped the bird” to all there. Hostility begets hostility, which is unfortunate, but vital to one who chooses the role of provocateur.
There were many calls of “Let him be!” or the man who set a tone for the large majority by repeating, “They go low, we go high.” Several asked the counterprotester to state his opinions, with a typical request of “Tell us who you are and what you stand for,” along with multiple offers to speak at the open mike, but he chose “the finger” over speech. These should be noted along with the regrettable negative comments that were made. Was there rudeness from some? Absolutely. But this did not arise in a vacuum.
Your image is of a peaceful Gandhi–like figure. But the reality was one who chose the universal gesture of sexual hostility while adding nothing. A counterprotest with a different view is part of respectful disagreement in the traditions of freedom of speech and civil discourse. The impressions I came away with instead were of pettiness, profanity and narcissism.
I have known many admirable Hampshire students. Whatever their views on the flag, they are poorly represented by the unfortunate hostile gesture of this man.
You are my paper. I count on you for news, and I feel you have let me down regarding events 10 feet from me. Misleading omission plays into the hands of those who would vilify the press. Please do not go down that road.
Rhett Krause
Amherst