When we think of the southwestern United States, often images of cow skulls dusted with the blowing sands of the desert winds come to mind. Is this image degrading to New Mexico or Texas? No, we associate that image with the Old West and it intertwines with the state's identity.
So why do North Dakotans feel degraded by the images of abandoned prairie homes?
When driving by or seeing photographs of forgotten homesteads, how many times have I heard passersby ask, "If those walls could talk ..."
Charles Bowden and Eugene Richards of National Geographic magazine asked those walls to talk. By acting like true journalists, they found people to answer those questions. Each photograph answered its own history.
Bowden did acknowledge North Dakota's growing economy. However, they also acknowledged the state's wonderful history. Their documentation pulled readers to a nostalgic time by interviewing the people who lived their own history.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, the media and government's knee-jerk reaction to the article embarrasses the state. Our insecurity of our vastness humiliates our pride by showing the world our public relations fears. Dictating to a periodical to write only what we want them to see undermines our freedom of the press and speech.
Next time this state hears a commentary of our state, try to look for the compliment rather than expect a criticism.
Chassan Katherine Fargo
