Photo Is a Disservice
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What is the image of the Sandhills that The Pilot is trying to portray?
Is it one that represents Moore County moving forward as a strong, vibrant, healthy community of responsible citizens, or is it the one that the photograph on the front page of the Feb. 15 issue portrays?
The photograph, titled “Balancing Act,” depicts a young individual “amusing herself” on the railroad tracks near the train depot in downtown Southern Pines.
She is walking on the rail with earphones on (prohibiting her from hearing a train approaching from behind), drink in hand, and looking directly into the camera.
Walking on the railroad tracks is dangerous and is against the law. Suggesting that it is “amusing” to walk on the tracks is simply an inappropriate message about risky behavior.
This photograph does a disservice to Moore County and its citizens. It is harmful to the vision of what Moore County is and can be. Why not focus on depicting a positive perception of Moore County as it moves forward?
Why not utilize the front page of The Pilot to portray the citizens who live and work in Moore County in a complimentary light as the responsible, community-service-minded, respectful individuals that they are? Why not choose photographs that support a favorable image and vision of Moore County as an area of integrity, excellence, respect and opportunity?
I encourage The Pilot to seize the opportunity to depict the highest quality of Moore County to all residents and
visitors.
Betsy Laflin
Pinehurst
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Comments
herecomesthescience 2 months, 3 weeks ago
You forgot "and you kids get off my lawn!" Sheesh what a bunch of crotchety fogies we have here!
alladat1 2 months, 3 weeks ago
LOL - science.
geoffcutler 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Must be a slow issue for 'Letters to the Editor."
mymindwanders 2 months, 3 weeks ago
R we still on the train tracks...subject! Get off already.
babiehop 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Hope the writer doesn't see this one, she'll be flabberghasted. Maybe she can explain to him about staying off the tracks.
http://www.thepilot.com/news/2013/feb/28/car-dealership-owner-faces-charges-obtaining-prope/
teufelhunden 2 months, 3 weeks ago
I'm sure just about everyone has walked on a train track at somepoint-they just weren't photographed and published doing it.
In the author's defense, has anyone seen the beginning of Fried Green Tomatoes? Ugh...that was horrible!!! :(
geoffcutler 2 months, 3 weeks ago
What about "Stand By Me?" No train track walking, no "Stand By Me." Horrible thought....
babiehop 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Pez, cherry pez. :D
golflady 2 months, 3 weeks ago
This photo was not the norm for The Pilot who,at all costs, tries to portray a positive slant to the area even when not warranted. Congratulations to The Pilot for finally reporting the crime in the area and alerting citizens of potential issues. The public has a right to know is the mantra of all newspapers yet for years The Pilot has ignored issues pertaining to its advertisers. At least it's finally reporting crime which I think is the result of Sandhills Tribune reporting breaking news on its website.
The_AnonymusProfit 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Are you Effing kidding me? You people need to get over your damn selves. The picture was great! The picture says Southern Pines a great place to visit, Jesus
Betsy go plant a garden.
Seriously this is an issue? People need to get a life.
@golflady Crime? Really? I mean really? you and betsy need to fill your life with substance which you are obviously lacking.
bobbylaton 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Good letter. Just because it was a good picture doesn't make this practice safe or lawful.
peterprints 2 months, 3 weeks ago
The carefree, adventurous spirit of that YOUNG (I repeat) Young girl obviously has irritated some local geezers who have forgotten their childhood. Ms. Laflin's letter reminded me of a neighbor of mine when I lived in Pinewild (A wonderful place). She, however, cruised the community every morning cataloging minor, real and imagined violations of the homeowner's agreement. Her image to her neighbors ranged from "Quirky to Wacky". Ms Laflin, which end of that spectrum do you fall?
bobbylaton 2 months, 3 weeks ago
This old geezer is glad someone has pointed out the unsafe and unlawful adventure of a Young Girl gracing the front page of our local paper. No, I haven't forgotten my childhood. I've walked on the tracks and played on boxcars and thankfully I did not get injured nor did my dad catch me. I have an acquaintance that was not as fortunate. He lost part of both feet. Bicycle helmets were unheard of when I was a kid. I had a major concussion while racing a bicycle and spent several weeks in Moore County (now First Health) Hospital. I remember a local kid falling off the hood of his fathers jeep while having a good time and did not survive. Printing pictures of kids unsafe adventures is irresponsible. A few years ago I remember the Pilot printing a picture of a local college professor riding his son on the hood of his riding mower while cutting grass. Another paper showed a picture of a beautiful child that had lost his arm while riding on a mower with his father.
Themis 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Ya can't fix stupid - and you don't need a license or a background check to be a father.....they do indeed walk and write among us!
doughnuts 2 months, 3 weeks ago
"people aren't wearing enough hats"
skylinefirepest 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Some good comments on both sides of the issue. My opinion? A simple picture depicting a girl having a good time...while being stupid. Having seen three times in Southern Pines alone, as well as a couple of other times in other areas, what a train will do to a human body I don't think it's necessary to make fun of the writer as she has a very valid point. If you disagree with me then I invite you to the next fatal on the tracks...or maybe the photographs taken at the scene will make the point.
bobbylaton 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Well said Skyline.