MEDIA WATCH | NEW IDEA MAGAZINE

Refrain from bigoted generalizations

Imagine the uproar of protest if New Idea had written, “As far as Toledo is concerned, Muslims are nutty, just weird

November 28, 2016

New Idea Magazine
Sydney, NSW 2015

Dear Editor,

New Idea’s article (“Katie’s dating ban,” posted June 30, 2014), goes out of its way to make a denigrating comment about Scientology, claiming to know what the entire city of Toledo, Ohio, thinks about the religion. It is impossible to generalize for an entire city of 284,000 people and irresponsible to do so when it comes to matters as personal as religion. In this case, it is also inaccurate. We happen to have a sizable population of Scientologists in Toledo and surrounding towns.

Imagine the uproar of protest if New Idea had written, “As far as Toledo is concerned, Muslims are nutty, just weird,” or “As far as Toledo is concerned, Catholics are nutty, just weird.” These statements would never have gotten past an editorial review.

A popular magazine like yours is read by many people and comments like this promote harmful ideas of religious bigotry that have no place in Australian society.

I ask that in the future you respect the religious beliefs of others and refrain from including such bigoted generalizations.

Regards,

Alicia Selverson
STAND
Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination