‘Worst’ is a word that hurts

‘Worst’ is a word that hurts

EDITOR:

We were appalled when we saw the Aug. 26 Vindicator headline that used the word “worst” to describe all of the staff and students in the Youngstown City Schools. Although the article was factual, we are disturbed about the negative way the facts were presented.

The headline could have been written in a more informative way without using such words. The headline was bolder and darker than any headline for the entire previous week. We feel that this is sensationalism. Words have power and can be used to influence how people react to a situation.

The way this information was presented to the readers only perpetuates the negativity that already exists in the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown in particular. As the only newspaper in Youngstown it should support the community including the school system.

DONNA HAGEMAN

Youngstown

PENNY WELLS

Boardman

MARTHA LARGENT

Canfield