Editor,
In the “Publisher’s View” on loneliness in the July issue reference was made to someone as “a Black woman.” As I continued reading, I expected some context or relevance to her race, but none appeared. The mention felt unnecessary and out of place. More than that, it gave the impression that whiteness is the unspoken default, and that anyone else must be identified as an exception.
This kind of framing—whether intentional or not—can feel othering. It subtly reinforces the idea that the View is written by and for white readers, with others existing on the margins. I hope the paper will consider the implications of such language and reflect on how identity is referenced in future pieces, particularly when race or ethnicity is not relevant to the story.
Liz deRenzy
Minnesota Street