What have they learned from her example?

Dear Sir/Madam,

it is with great sadness that I have read Ms. Pascal's report in The
Guardian (July 14, 2003) regarding her experience in Sibenik, Croatia as a participant at
the International Children' s Festival. So much malicious and venomous sentiment is
difficult to find in one place. Instead of taking an opportunity to learn more about the
host country she has taken the venue which can be easily perceived as a pre-conceived
agenda (but why?). Please, in the future, save us from the likes of Ms. Pascal as nothing
good comes from people who are intent upon spreading hate even at an event like the
Children's Festival. As an artist myself I am personally offended by her insensitivity and
feel deeply sorry for the young people under her care: what have they learned from her
example? Only that it is O.K. to perpetuate and spread the hate; it at least gets one
published even if it the article is riddled with half truths, is poorly researched (if at
all) and unprofessionally and one-sidedly reported. I am sure Guardian can do better and
owes the organizers of the Children's Festival an apology.
 

Srebrenka B. Zeskoski Ph.D.
York University
srebrenka@boldinternet.com