An open apology

March

The past few days have been rough on some folks because of things that were posted on this blog and then commented on. Unnecessarily rough. In trying to get a discussion going about how people perceived art—in this case, “Cabaret”—I made some poor choices.

I should not have posted comments sent to me by a third party without the author’s consent. The comments, which had been posted as part of a larger conversation between adults and not intended for children to see, were taken out of context.

I’ve prided myself on being sensitive to the impact of words on others and I dropped the ball when it came to that particular discussion. For that, I am sorry.

Over the past several years, I’ve been working to build community, to celebrate high-school theater in marathon coverage that spreads from September through June. I’ve often told people I want “to cover high-school theater the way our paper covers high-school sports.”

This week had me wishing I was covering high-school sports.

But this isn’t about me. It’s about the kids at South.

If the ham-fisted way I handled the situation offended, apologies.

I honestly feel I was trying to talk about a bigger issue, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that feelings were hurt unnecessarily. And for that I apologize.

If you think less of LoHud.com and The Journal News, apologies.

I hope to win back your trust and celebrate South’s musical next year when, no doubt, Michael DeLucia and his cast will raise the bar again.

I’ve deleted the post and the comments it generated.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 26th, 2009 at 2:50 pm by Peter D. Kramer.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Print | Email

6 Responses to “An open apology”

David C. March 26th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Damn. Why did you delete it? I wanted to see those prude and outdated remarks that you made. I also was looking forward to reading the lashing that the lohud community gave you. Maybe you shouldn’t be reviewing theater if you don’t have a liberal open mind. Try covering bingo at a retirement community. It may be more your pace…less controversial.
Kitten March 26th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
This apology is greatly appreciated. I just like many others just wish that it did not have to go so far as to printing this. I’m speaking on behalf of the reputation of our school. I personally was quite worried that this whole thing would give our school a bad reputation and we would not be able to put on as symbolic plays as this one. The apology though is very much appreciated.
Mother March 26th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Teen aged boys should not be scorned for being gay.
Teen aged girls should not be ridiculed for being fat.
Parents who encourage creative expression should not be judged.
Teachers who try to educate and promote and include should not be harassed.
Thank you for your apology.
mother March 26th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
It wasn’t hurt feelings that were at issue, it was the misrepresentation of facts. The entire blog was based upon misinformation and lies that served to belittle an otherwise stellar production. Your apology is appreciated, but the damage has been done!
Mike DeLucia (director) March 27th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Mr. Kramer,

Thank you for the apology and for removing the damaging letter. I’m sure that this will ease some of the pain felt by the students and parents of Clarkstown South.

Many people have had a difficult time locating this apology, so I ask that you make it easier for them to find by posting it in a more accessible location.
A resident March 29th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I am not a mother of a student who goes to Clarkstown South, I am not a student who attends there, I am a resident of Rockland…and as a member of the Rockland County public let me say… that was barely an apology. Your forum, Mr. Kramer, promoted hate, prejudice, anger, pain…and that’s all you say in response?

You messed up Mr. Kramer, and it is my sincere thought that you owe this county, this high school, this production… more than what you offered them in this mere half a page apology. While there may have been some that have accepted this as your apology, I assure you there are those of us that feel that was an insincere attempt.

As for Clarkstown South, congratulations on an incredible production. It is my hope that their cast will not let this blog bring them down in any way: for the sets were gorgeous, the dancing beautiful, the costumes spectacular, and the acting and singing superb. You should all be very proud of a production well done!

It is a condition of your use of the comment features associated with the blogs that you do not: Use the site to post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane or indecent information of any kind, including without limitation any transmissions constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any local, state, national or international law. You alone are responsible for the material you post or send. Refer to the Terms of Service.