Jennifer Leach English (Photo: Max Gough)
Jennifer Leach English (Photo: Max Gough)

Up Front

Valuing your input and criticism

I felt particularly high-spirited during a recent lunch with new friends but didn’t realize why until later: this was the first time in ages that I’d been part of a political discussion that remained respectful and thoughtful even though everyone disagreed on almost every hot-button issue. Nobody got emotional, nobody shouted and nobody got attacked.

The experience contrasted with some re­sponse we received little over a month ago to an item in BJTwaypoints, the e-newsletter that we relaunched this spring in a much-expanded format. Reaction to the revamped publication has been mostly terrific, but its “Quote of the Week” feature did prompt a few negative emails in mid-April. 

That’s when we decided it would be timely to run a quote from Hillary Clinton, who had just announced her decision to run for President of the U.S. Knowing that Mrs. Clinton is controversial in some circles, we chose something benign that sums up a message I try to give my six-year-old almost every day: “Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.” 

The advice seemed not only smart but difficult to disagree with. So I was disheartened when several readers canceled their subscriptions solely because we’d quoted Mrs. Clinton. 

I understand that in our polarized society, many people react instinctively and emotionally to anything that issues from politicians they disagree with. But are we really at a point in our public discourse where we will refuse to listen to opposing views—or even to non-controversial views from people with whom we often disagree? Do we really want to cancel our subscriptions to all publications that quote people we don’t like? And if we do that, how many news sources will we have left?

I hope we haven’t reached that point. I also hope that rather than walking away mad when you disagree with something we publish, you will write to us (many of you already do) so that we can publish your letter and continue the discussion. We value your input, no matter what side of the issues you’re on.

Speaking of valuing your input: the polls are now open for our fifth annual BJT Readers’ Choice survey. We invite you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts on your recent experiences with private aviation at bjtonline.com/survey. I know you’ll benefit from reading the results we’ll publish in October. I also know from feedback we’ve received that aircraft manufacturers and lift providers take your opinions to heart and act upon them.


Jennifer Leach English is BJT's editorial director.

 
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