I would like to take the time to comment on an April 4 article that appeared in the Frontlines section of Pensions & Investments. The article titled "Tempest In A Bucket: An unexpected juxtaposition" was in a word offensive, not so much because of the content of the article, but because of the layout of the article.
The layout to which I am referring has a picture of a bucket of fried chicken along with two pictures of William C. Thompson and Al Sharpton with mouths gaped. This image just perpetuates a tired stereotype regarding African-Americans, and when I first saw it I thought it was some type of sophomoric joke.
I do realize this article had something to do with the Church's Chicken restaurant chain; however, it just seems that it could have been presented differently (perhaps just the picture of the two men). The fried chicken subplot was very minor compared to the matter of bribery and graft involved, and the layout overwhelmed that issue, turning the article into some type of parody.
I always expect superior journalism from Pensions & Investments, but I was let down to say the least with how this storyline was presented.
Gabriel Watson
administrator, pension plan
AECOM Services Group
Los Angeles
