Letter to Editor: Response to Red and Blue Anonymous Accusations

The Rockville Centre Herald recently published an anonymous column by a village resident on the merits of Red and Blue, how it should be changed and accuses it of "reinforcing not only social divisions, but economic and racial divides."

has hosted the annual event for 96 years.

Long time Rockville Centre resident Ellen Cameron responds to the accusations in this Letter to the Editor:

It seems the Rockville Centre Herald is moving away from being a legitimate local newspaper and quickly becoming more like a tabloid publication.

The evidence is there, since when does the Herald print a column written by an anonymous source that is filled with inaccurate and inflammatory statements just to provoke conversation? Printing and circulating “It’s Time to Re-evaluate Red and Blue” is almost more disturbing than the uninformed biased content of the column. Healthy evaluation and conversation is only possible when legitimate points are made; this column had very few.

As a past participant, parent of a student involved this year and close friend to many families whose daughters have been either participants or in some cases in leadership roles, I was offended by your anonymous writer’s misrepresentation of several aspects of Red and Blue.

Anonymous suggests Red and Blue is exclusionary, however, any girl who meets the school’s criteria of behavioral and academic standing can participate. This makes this event more inclusive then all teams, bands, orchestras and theater productions, which have tryouts and cuts. If you sign up for Red and Blue, there is a place for you.

Most offensive was the statement that, “the event reinforces not only social, but racial and economic divides.” Nothing could be further from the truth! Red and Blue brings students together who might not have ever had the opportunity otherwise. New friendships are made each and every year. No one cares about the color of your skin, economic status or religious affiliation. It is girls (and boys if they so choose) working towards a common goal.

Anonymous, you were way too dramatic in your assessment and suggestion to end Red and Blue.

Adjustments can and should be made, but let’s be the grown-ups here and not blame everything on the event and discuss the changes needed. Oh I forgot, you chose to be anonymous, which makes conversation impossible! It would be nice to have reasonable dialogue with someone who is willing and has the courage of their convictions to sign their name.

Shame on you RVC Herald for publishing such an inflammatory article without requiring the writer to come forth.

Ellen K. Cameron

Rockville Centre