Sarah Nigbor

I’ll admit, after an email exchange with a reader, I’m struggling to know what to write about this week. I don’t feel like writing about anything.

The reader wrote in to express his concern that my story on last week’s front page about Maria Reyes and the closing of her store in River Falls came across as racist. I described Maria as “half white and half Mexican,” because that is how she described herself. I considered his comments and agreed I could have clarified that the description came from her, so I did that in the online version. In the email to my publisher, he described it as one of my many “journalistic failures.”

Ouch. In this business, you must have a tough skin. People don’t always agree with what you write, even if it’s the truth. I’ve been accused of leaning left or leaning right politically, in the same week. I understand that we all have our own perceptions; however, I think how we express those feelings and perceptions tells a lot about our character and who we are.

The reader also spoke of this column: “Every week you spill your guts in your personal column with way more information than I, as a reader, needs or wants to know. You have chosen to expose your personal life and struggles week after week, but you also become angry if you are challenged journalistically.”

I wasn’t angry that he challenged me journalistically, but he apparently was angry that I didn’t agree with his opinion. There were many other comments written that could be deemed insulting. When I told him that, and asked what Jesus would do in this situation, I was told I owe him an apology.

As for the column, yes, I have “spilled my guts” in it. The column is a way for me to connect with readers. I don’t force people to read it. If they don’t like it, they shouldn’t read it. The subject matter is my life or my views on things. I have received many good remarks about the column and connected with people, male and female of all ages, around the county, who have told me they can relate to many of the things I write about. I’m glad if anything I’ve written about has helped someone know they’re not alone in their struggles. I also try to bring humor in whenever I can, because I love to laugh at the turns life takes.

However, maybe it’s time to turn this space over to another columnist. If you have thoughts on the matter, please email me at sarah@piercecountyjournal.news I want to hear from you, even if we have different viewpoints.