Although I have never before written a letter to the Olds Albertan regarding any concerns with the paper, I felt compelled to now when I saw the appalling photo that adorned the front of last week's paper.
I was sickened by the lack of judgement and sensitivity shown both by the photographer and the decision to run that picture. Although I'm especially incensed because the Warawa family are special friends of mine; I would not wish that intrusion on any family – friend or stranger alike.
This past spring, I unexpectedly lost my sister-in-law. I could not imagine that at the first moment of greeting my family, while suffering from intense grief and shock, it would be photographed and publicized to our community. You have taken a most private moment of a family's grief and put it out for everyone to see. Shame on you.
The only newspaper that comes to our door is the Albertan. I look forward to and love reading the news of our community and surrounding area. For this edition of the paper, I know that you must have taken dozens of incredible photos of the Harvest Festival. You could have started our weekly read with a “feel good” picture – and yet you chose to start our week with this. This photo does nothing to add to the story and I certainly don't consider it ‘news.'
As both a mother and a teacher, I try to instill in my children and students a belief to live their life by the Golden Rule: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I hope for your sake that at your next personal moment of grief there is no photographer there to ensure that it is next week's front page news.
I think that The Albertan owes the Warawa family an apology for their action in publishing such a photo, as well as a commitment for the future that such a photograph would not disgrace the pages of the paper ever again.
Sinccerely,
Lori Clarke
Olds
