Brostoff column degrading to Durham

We were extremely disappointed by the remarks Ben Brostoff made about Durham in his Oct. 27 column “You, me and Kyrie.” Durham is a great place to live and work. Yes, there is poverty, but we are not “poverty–ridden.” Does he know of some secret city where poverty does not exist? We are consistently named one of the best places to live in the U.S. Durham is an exciting, eclectic city with wonderful neighborhoods, world class entertainment, great shopping, year-round sports to take part in and watch and fantastic restaurants. Durham also has a very active volunteer community.

We were also really perplexed with Brostoff’s statement, “Add this to the fact that Durham citizens, oftentimes black, work for the University in such glamorous positions as Subway chef and bus drivers.” What was the point of this sarcastic remark? Besides the racial undertones, was he really insinuating that a person who works in a restaurant or drives a bus is not of as much value as someone in a higher paid position? Does he really not understand that it is the sergeants, in any organization, and not the officers, who keep the doors open every day and turn the lights off every evening?

As for Durham citizens resenting Duke, that is just a silly statement. Duke is very much a part of Durham and appreciated by the majority of citizens. We would like to invite Brostoff to get out and experience the City of Medicine. Drive through our lovely neighborhoods, visit the small independent shops, spend some time in our schools, meet our teachers and students. Talk to the bus driver and the Subway chef, (or the dean, your professors, staff assistants, doctors or any of the other thousands of employees). Brostoff’s perception of the Bull City just might change.

Monica Allison

Staff member, Department of English

Gail Hignight

Assistant to Dean, Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs