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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Photo of cigarette butt would have been better choice

Photo that accompanied letter to the editor can easily be seen as racist, says letter writer
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A cigarette thrown on the grass along Stewart Avenue. (Photo courtesy Brent Martin)

To the editor,

Re: Smokers who toss their butts should be named, shamed, Letters, July 14.

The photo chosen to accompany this letter to the editor can easily be seen as racist and is inappropriate. Why would you have chosen a brown-skinned female hand to represent the type of people who litter with cigarette butts? From my experience in Nanaimo, the majority of those doing this are caucasian males.

But, instead of creating click bait, fomenting division in the community or not-so-subtly condoning racist biases, why not just show a picture of cigarette butts on the ground – they are all over this city, including near the Bulletin offices.

Please retract this photo and apologize for any unintended harm.

Wanda Thompson, Nanaimo


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters or letters specifically addressing someone else will not be published.

Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7

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