Coaster, page 31, July 11, 2013
In an insensitive and mean-spirited article in yesterday’s Coaster, the paper has dredged up a piece of insulting, nasty material on page 31. Did they think this article is funny? Why did they choose to run this highly offensive piece? What is the point? And how can they dismiss a horrid (and undocumented ) NY Times quote as “playful.” If they wanted to write about Ocean Grove history, do you think they could have chosen something else?
This is clearly an attempt to ridicule and demean a respected Ocean Grove Christian organization. The image reminds me of caricatures of Jews in 1930’s Germany.
This is not the first time they have offended the Grove. You might recall the brouhaha about a photograph that portrayed our town as a post-Sandy battle zone, unworthy of tourist attention. Here is a link to that BF article: May 17, 2013
And don’t forget when the Coaster insulted Ocean Grovers by their assertions regarding gay/CMA issues in the Grove and trying to relate those issues to the FEMA controversy. Here is a link to that BF article. March 28, 2013
The Coaster should apologize to the CMA and to the town of Ocean Grove. We don’t need such harsh negativity coming from our local newspaper, especially when we are still struggling to bring our town back from the Sandy devastation.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Frank: Satire has often been used in newspapers and magazines to make political points, especially among cartoonists. It is not uncommon for readers to find offense in satire, while others find humor.
But, in this case, although some might have found this article to be funny and informative in 1908, in 2013, long after the end of Prohibition, the presentation seems to mock and to ridicule. It seems as if it were dragged out just to embarrass the Camp Meeting Association, not to educate about history. I have no issue with facts, but this Coaster piece is about more than just facts.
Joe: Whitewashing history? Really? I have been a strong advocate for teaching Ocean Grove history. I have written many articles about it including some having to do with Prohibition and Temperance in the Grove.
I have no problem at all with the subject matter, but it should be presented in an objective, honest, respectful and fair way. The offense has to do with the manner in which the subject was treated by the Coaster.
As for whether it is offensive or not, that is a judgement that our readers should make, and I will not be surprised if there are differences of opinion.
You may find it offensive (i don’t) but they can print it and shouldn’t have to apologize.
Printing a postcard from 1908 provides and interesting historical insight into the opinions of the times. I dont see how a historical document can offend someone today. Whitewashing history to not offend anyone results in no history
The facts are the facts. Many Ocean Grovers drank alcohol even though it was prohibited. I had a neighbor born, raised, & lived her whole life in OG tell me that she(and others) used to sneak in liquor bottles from Asbury Park in Steinbachs Dept. store hatboxes. I found this story humourous. Likewise I find this image/postcard humorous. Others probably did too over a century ago.
We all pick and choose what we each individually find to be satirical and humourous and what we choose to find offensive. The B side to Leslie Gores song might be ” It’s my party and I’ll laugh if I want to “.
I agree, Paul. Its sad and reflects a remarkable lack of charity… reflects more poorly on the Coaster than it does on OG.
I’m with you on this Paul.. It is “offensive”.
you go Paul!!
Ken: Calling this “satire” doesn’t let the Coaster off the hook. It is still offensive. As for your advice to “lighten up,” I must quote Leslie Gore who said, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”
Frank S: Ms. Mellina’s motives and personality are not relevant for this discussion. The fact is that her name is on the article, and we need to judge the piece on its merits.
I agree with Ken. Kate Mellina who supplies these images/postcards to the Coaster from her huge collection is a sweet person who loves Ocean Grove. She would never insult or offend anyone(anytown) intentionally or maliciously. I know as I personally know Kate. Ironically though she is a former Asbury Park Councilwomen(~ 2000) but now lives in Philly.
I would like to add a follow up to my comment.. When I read the Coaster, which is every week “Time Warps” by Kate Mellina is my go to first… I enjoy seeing what she has in each week.
In light of the shabby treatment some in Asbury gave Ocean Grove after Sandy regarding FEMA, and how the Coaster portrayed O.G. as being unfit for tourists, I find the picture a mockery and another slur against the Grove.
Do they not realize we need to support one another, not try to belittle or undermine one another??
Lighten up Paul, It’s”satire”. Who knows what was behind such a postcard. Maybe in 1908 the CMA was not as loved by everybody as it is today (that is my attempt at “sarcasm”).
This really angers me. The Coaster has No concept of Ocean Grove, the people who live in it, the members of the O.G. CMA. Asbury Park for me has been a huge disappointment regarding their treatment of Ocean Grove after Hurricane Sandy.,
For decades Ocean Grovers have patronized Asbury, in their stores, restaurants, and boardwalk. They get the benefits of our money, yet attempt to ridicule Ocean Grove.
Shame on them. Until the Coaster apologizes to the CMA and to the Ocean Grove people, I want nothing to do with them.. Maybe we should hit them where it hurts most———in their pocket!