One Paper's Coverage
Abstract
This study examines how a local newspaper addressed a dispute between members
of a feminist retreat, organized by a lesbians, in a small Mississippi community
and members of the community who opposed the camp. It examines how the paper
handled this divisive local issue, both in presenting information its readers
needed to arrive at informed positions and in its role as a public forum for
discussion.
One Paper's Coverage
One Paper's Coverage of a Retreat for Women:
A Case Study in the Media's Role
in Providing a Forum for Examination
of Public Issues
By Dr. James Stewart
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
Deptartment of Mass Communication
P.O. Box 2031
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, La. 70310
Phone: (504) 4484586
E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Introduction
It is a widely accepted truism that the democratic process benefits from the
free exchange of ideas. Legal scholar Thomas I. Emerson, for instance, argued
that the open exchange of information and opinions helps promote stability
within the community, as well as contributing to effective self governance
(Tedford, 1993). President Lyndon Johnson's National Commission on the Causes
and Prevention of Violence expressed the same view when it concluded that much
of the conflict during the civil rights movement of the 1960s was attributable
in part to the lack of a voice in discussions of public policy by minority
groups (National Commission, 1969). A primary duty of government is the
preservation of free speech rights because "the mechanism of peaceful dispute,
debate, compromise, and change is so essential to the preservation of a just and
orderly society," the commission reported (p. 79).
However, it has also been long recognized that merely maintaining an
individual's right to expression is not sufficient in and of itself for the
attainment of the social good believed to result from the free exchange of
viewpoints. As the commission noted, no speech can be effective if it does not
reach its intended audience. The mass media are the primary forum for public
discussion and a central force in societal development. As the commission
expressed it, "In today's crowded and complex society . . . being seen and heard
depends almost entirely upon printed and electronic news media, which are
necessarily selective in picking out the relatively few items in a day's or a
week's events that can be fitted into the space or time available for reporting
'news' " (p. 80).
As early as 1947 the Commission on the Freedom of the Press, often referred to
as the Hutchins Commission, outlined for the media a set of social
responsibilities which took into account their role as a mechanism for social
change. After almost four years of study, the commission argued that, in the
interests of "the common good for the formation of public opinion" (The
Commission, p. vi), there were five public needs to be met by the media:
[F]irst, a truthful, comprehensive, and intelligent account of
the day's events in a context which gives them meaning; second, a
forum for the exchange of comment and criticism; third, a means of
projecting the opinions and attitudes of the groups in the society to
one another; fourth, a method of presenting and clarifying the goals
and values of the society; and, fifth, a way of reaching every member
of the society by the currents of information, thought, and feeling
which the press supplies. (pp. 20-21)
The arguments advanced by President Johnson's Commission and the Hutchins
Commission have not lost their force over time. Indeed, as Clifford G.
Christians, John P. Ferr and P. Mark Fackler suggest, individual members of the
press have a responsibility to consider the social impact of their actions,
"especially today, when fewer than two dozen corporations control half of the
media dispersal in the United States" (p. x). They write, "The truth, slowly
emerging, is that human society cannot improve, cannot function properly, may
not even be able to survive, if the media do not do their job well" (p. vi).
While the rhetoric of increased concern for community obligations by the press
may appeal to some, it remains to be seen how well this developing ethical
standard is met in practice. It is argued here that press coverage of the
dispute among residents in the Mississippi community of Ovett provides an
excellent case study on the subject.
In November 1993 the media began reporting attempts by some area residents to
force the closure of Sister Spirit Folk School, an educational and cultural
retreat for women under construction near Ovett. They objected to the camp
because its founders and many of its volunteer workers were lesbians. They
claim that at best the program was a civic nuisance and at worst a threat to
traditional moral values.
The ongoing battle between camp supporters and detractors is in itself
interesting, but the role played by the media during the dispute is of concern
here. This paper will present an analysis of the coverage contained in a daily
newspaper, the Hattiesburg American, which serves that area. It will focus on
editorial material which appeared from November 1993 through April 1994, a
period when media coverage of the dispute was at its height. The purpose of the
inquiry will be to examine how the paper handled this divisive local issue, both
in its presentation of information its readers needed to arrive at informed
positions and in its role as a public forum for discussion. Accordingly, this
paper will be divided into three sections: History of the Camp, the Hattiesburg
American, and Analysis.
History of the Camp
Camp Sister Spirit Folk School began in July 1993 with the purchase of 120
acres near Ovett by Brenda and Wanda Henson, the organizers of Sister Spirit,
Inc. (Greene & Wheat, 1994).[1] Sister Spirit, Inc., is "a non-profit
. . . charitable volunteer organization" (p. 2). It addresses social concerns,
such as substance abuse, housing, and domestic violence and abuse. It also
takes an interest in civil liberties matters, such as racism, sexism and gay
rights. Originally headquartered on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Sister Spirit,
Inc., has been dedicated to a number of civic causes, including participation
in literacy training, gathering food and clothing for the needy in South
Mississippi, and making contributions to Maya Indians on Isla Mujeres near
Cancun, Mexico.
The Hensons, a lesbian couple, bought the tract of land near Ovett for $60,000
to create "a feminist educational and cultural retreat" (p. 5), using a "grant
from the Lesbian Natural Resources Foundation, numerous individual
contributions, and loans" (p. 4). They improved the grounds and renovated the
six existing buildings on what had been a hog farm.
Problems with the community at large began at the start of hunting season in
November. On November 8, 1993, the body of a female puppy, shot through the
stomach, was found on the camp's mailbox. A few days later, camp residents
began receiving threatening phone calls. In early December almost 250 people
attended a town meeting in Ovett to discuss strategies for forcing the camp to
close.
Conflict between camp residents and some members of the nearby rural,
conservative community of about 400 people continued throughout the winter and
spring. Opponents seeking legal means to shut down the camp asked for help from
the Jones County Board of Supervisors (James, 1993b; James, 1993c; James, 1994b)
and filed a public nuisance suit against Sister Spirit (McGruder, 1994g;
McGruder, 1994h; McGruder, 1994i). According to reports, the camp had been
fired upon, and harassing phone calls and threats had continued.
In February Attorney General Janet Reno sent a federal mediator to try to calm
the situation (McLaurin, 1994a; "Task force," 1994). This was the first time
the Justice Department's Community Relations Service, organized to mediate
conflicts affecting minorities, was used in a situation involving homosexuals
(McLaurin, 1994a). A lawsuit was filed against Reno to halt the mediation
(Maute, 1994b), and U.S. Rep. Mike Parker, D-Miss., demanded an apology from
Reno for critical comments she made about area residents (James, 1994f).
Despite opposition from Parker, Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., ("Parker: Hearings
unwise," 1994), and Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., (McGruder, 1994b; "Parker:
Hearings unwise," 1994), Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., held a field hearing in
July in Jackson to address the matter (Maute, 1994d; Maute, 1994e).
The press entered the picture when a reporter from WDAM, a local television
station, called the camp after receiving a copy of the retreat's newsletter from
an anonymous sender a few days following discovery of the puppy in November.
After taping an interview with Brenda Henson, the station aired a story
"emphasizing not the purpose of the camp or the activities of Sister Spirit but
the fact there were lesbians on the land" (pp. 6-7). Pervasive coverage
continued locally throughout the months which followed. The issue also
attracted national print and broadcast outlets. Representatives for the various
groups appeared on such shows as Oprah Winfrey (Maute, 1993a; James, 1993a)
"20/20" (Ovett Conflict, 1994; James, 1994c) and Larry King (Maute, 1994c; "Camp
Sister Spirit debate," 1994; McGruder, 1994e).
Hattiesburg American
The following report is based on the researcher's review of 48 news stories,
five unsigned editorials, 12 columns and op-ed pieces, and 57 letters to the
editor published in the Hattiesburg American between Nov. 21, the date the paper
published its first story on the issue, and the end of April. No effort was
made to use the material included in the sample to draw conclusions about the
staff's reasoning behind the actions taken by the paper during the study period.
This examination concentrates on the results of that decision-making rather than
on the motivation which guided it. It is a qualitative examination of the
newspaper's content during the time in question. The following portion of the
monograph will be divided into subsections--News Articles, Editorials and
Columns.
News Articles
As previously mentioned, the paper published 48 stories between Nov. 21 and the
end of April. Twenty-six appeared on the front page. On two dates the paper
published two front-page stories addressing the issue. There were five issues
containing two stories on the matter; one had five stories and another three.
Of this group of stories, all but eight carried bylines, and only three were
strictly wire-service stories.
In total, there were 149 instances where material was cited as coming from
interview sources.[2] Overall, there appeared to be balance between the number
of sources supportive of the camp and those opposed to it. There were 53
pro-camp and 54 anti-camp sources used. The anti-camp category included those
who directly called for the Sister Spirit's closure, disputed claims regarding
the level of harassment the camp had been receiving or opposed involvement of
federal officials. Forty-two sources were classified as neutral. This final
group included comments from those who were not addressing the merits of the
camp directly, e.g., statements from law-enforcement spokespersons acknowledging
that complaints had been filed or producers confirming the airing dates of
programs on the topic. On average, each story included 1.10 pro-camp, 1.13
anti-camp and .88 neutral sources.[3]
While these figures may represent relatively equal input from both sides in the
debate, they do not reflect much diversity. There was extensive duplication of
sources from story to story. Twenty-one stories used Brenda Henson as a source.
The next closest pro-camp sources were Wanda Henson and Cheri Michael, a camp
volunteer, who each appeared in five stories. Camp opponent James Hendry, an
Ovett resident, was used in 15. Paul Walley, an attorney from Perry County,
served as a source in 10. The Rev. John Allen of the First Baptist Church of
Richton was a source in five stories. In all, 19 people were used as pro-camp
sources, while 22 served as anti-camp sources. Though Brenda Henson wrote in a
letter that some members of the surrounding community were supportive of the
project (Henson, 1994), none of the pro-camp sources, excluding those who were
retreat members, lived in the area and only two were from Mississippi. All of
the camp's detractors were either Ovett or Mississippi residents. Only two
persons who expressed neutral opinions directly focusing on their personal views
regarding the camp lived near Ovett.
In regard to story selection, the paper once again appeared to be balanced. It
reported both the charges of camp residents related to harassment by members of
the community, as well as responses to those claims. The American also printed
stories regarding proponents of the camp who threatened Sister Spirit foes. It
ran stories on the efforts of Reno and Frank and on comments by members of the
Mississippi congressional delegation who criticized their actions. It reported
on a trip by camp residents to San Francisco to meet with gay-rights groups and
on local fund-raising efforts by Mississippi for Family Values, an association
organized by community residents to oppose the camp through legal means.
The terms the American used to refer to the camp and its organizers might have
an influence on the impact of the story beyond its sources and topic. It should
be remembered that the project's founders stated that their purpose in creating
the camp was to build "a feminist educational and cultural retreat" (Green &
Wheat, p. 5), not a retreat for lesbians per se. Labels attached to the camp
which emphasized the cultural-retreat-center-for-women aspect of Sister Spirit
would be less inflammatory than labels which stressed the sexual orientation of
its founders.
Obviously, given the nature of the dispute between camp residents and community
opponents, the issue of homosexuality was prominently featured in most stories.
In 32, the first identification of the camp could be classified as content
neutral, such as referring to Sister Spirit as a retreat, a femiminist retreat
or an educational center. However, 18 of these stories referred to the sexual
orientation of camp members or founders in either the same sentence (15 times)
or paragraph (three times) when the purpose of the camp was introduced. Sixteen
stories used more inflammatory descriptions, such as referring to the camp as
either a lesbian-run retreat or, more directly, as a lesbian retreat. There
also appeared to be a shift in the references over time. Of the first 24
stories published, 20 could be classified as content neutral and four as
stressing sexual orientation. In the final set of 24, 12 could be classified as
content netural and 12 as inflammatory.
A final point must be raised regarding labels attached to the camp. "Feminist
retreat" may generally be seen as a content-neutral reference, and was
classified as such for the purposes of this study. The members of the camp, in
fact, describe the project using that phrase. However, it may be argued that
the term "feminist" itself carries more negative connotations--regardless of the
context--than do other phrases which also describe the center, such as "retreat
for women." Certainly, as used in these stories, "feminist" seemed to carry
extra baggage.
Regarding references to the Hensons, their sexual orientation was mentioned in
40 percent of the stories. They were referred to as either a self-proclaimed
married couple or lesbian couple in 19 of the articles. The first time the pair
was referred to as a couple was in a wire-service story (Mills, 1994). The
first time the American staff referred to the Hensons as a self-proclaimed
married couple was deep in a story--following a jump--which ran in January
(Braswell, 1994a). In the 34 stories printed after the staff's first reference
to the Hensons' relationship, the paper referred to them as lesbians, a couple
or a self-proclaimed married couple in 16 articles. In the 13 stories which
preceded that reference, only two stories, both wire-service pieces, made
mention of the fact they are lesbians.
Editorials
The paper ran 17 columns, op-ed pieces and unsigned editorials during the
review period. Of the 12 signed columns, only three explicitly supported the
camp while nine opposed it. Ken Fortenberry, executive editor of the paper,
wrote three of the columns opposing the camp. Non-staff members wrote the other
columns. One unsigned editorial clearly supported the camp. Four were judged
as neutral. Neutral editorials attacked bigotry and those who sought illegal
means to have the camp closed. The neutral editorials also called for a
compromise between camp residents and community opponents. When addressing the
issue of federal involvement, these same editorials urged officials to examine
"all sides" ("Reno Right," 1994) in the dispute and questioned the value of
intervention by outsiders.
It is unclear how camp residents could participate in a "compromise." The
editorials provided little if any direction on the matter. Camp opponents took
a pro-active posture, seeking both legal and illegal means to oust the camp from
the community. For their part, camp residents apparently merely publicly stated
their resolve to maintain the center and attempted to physically and legally
defend it. They built fences and filed formal complaints. The only actions on
their part that would seem to have the potential for appeasing retreat opponents
was for the organizers to close it or renounce their lifestyles. Either
decision would be more capitulation than compromise. Arguably, those who
opposed Sister Spirit were the only parties with any apparent latitude for a
conciliatory move. For example, they could have agreed to wait until
anticipated dangers to the community in fact began to materialize before they
took further action. Those seeking to have the camp closed through legal means
could have agreed to assist in apprehending those who were harassing the camp
while the courts considered the issue.
Letters to the Editor
The American published 57 letters to the editor either directly or indirectly
concerning Sister Spirit during the period of analysis.[4] In some cases the
letters dealt with the issue of homosexuality in general, the operation of the
camp in particular or the merits of federal intervention. Of these letters, 31
were supportive or somewhat supportive of the camp, while 21 were from those
antagonistic or somewhat antagonistic toward the camp. Five were viewed as
neutral. Eighteen pro-camp letters were from Mississippi residents and 13 from
nonresidents. All anti-Sister Spirit or neutral letters were from Mississippi
residents. Pro-Sister Spirit letters suggested that others should be tolerant
of alternative lifestyles, that true Christianity does not endorse bigotry and
that individuals have a right to do as they please on their land. Anti-camp
letters argued that homosexuality is a sin, that the camp threatened traditional
community values, and that members might try to corrupt the young and the female
residents of the area. Neutral letters tended to condemn homosexuality, but
oppose illegal attempts to have the camp closed.
The paper also published an "Opinion Poll" asking respondents if they favored
federal mediation. Each respondent's photograph and a quote from each was run
in the piece. Five of those polled said the matter should be handled locally;
only one supported federal intervention.
Analysis
This analysis, having examined the Hattiesburg American's coverage of the
issue, will now attempt to assess how effectively the paper met the ethical
responsibilities assigned to the media by groups such as the Hutchins
Commission. Certainly the topic seems well suited to an inquiry into a
publication's approach to handling a divisive local issue, as it represents a
potentially violent community conflict, involving a minority at odds with the
established majority.
The paper appears to have provided a forum for discussion of the controversy.
It ran numerous news stories, using as sources a balanced, if limited, mix of
opponents and supporters of the camp. It also took the matter under
consideration in its editorial columns, though the balance between pro- and
anti-camp voices may be debated. Signed columns were overwhelmingly opposed to
the camp (three pro-camp to nine anti-camp), and three of those pieces were
written by the paper's executive editor.
It is also interesting to note that the staff saw fit to attach an editor's
note to a pro-camp op-ed column. In January David Daniels, attorney for Sister
Spirit, Inc., wrote a column stating that the dispute concerning the camp was
attributable in part to a disgruntled hunter who had been allowed to use the
land by the previous owner and was now barred (Daniels, 1994). A note was
attached at the end of the piece containing the hunter's denial of the claim.
In no other column did the paper show evidence that it had checked the veracity
of statements made by guest writers. In fact, in a December op-ed column,
Harvey Shows, Jr., (Shows, 1993) wrote that the new owners had "confiscated" (p.
13A) a tractor left on the property by the previous owner, "which every thinking
individual knows effectively takes away his way of life" (p. 13A). Daniels
later wrote (1994, p. 13A), "That tractor doesn't even run." Shows (1994)
replied that the tractor was operational, but that the new owners did not know
how to run it. Nothing suggested that the paper's staff had attempted to
confirm either of Show's claims. The paper might have contacted the hunter in
an effort to prevent libel charges. However, it may be argued that accusing
Sister Spirit members of taking someone's livelihood was a potentially libelous
charge that should also have been verified.
At best the unsigned editorials offered only weak support for the camp. The
paper's initial effort was clearly an endorsement of the retreat's position.
Headlined "Sister Spirit: How has group harmed Ovett?," the editorial began by
stating that "Echoes of Old Salem are ringing through the Ovett Community"
(1993, p. 13A). However, later editorials took a more centrist stance. They
continued to criticize those who resorted to harassment in an attempt to force
the camp's closing, but at the same time they argued for compromise by all
parties and questioned the value of federal intervention. (As mentioned
previously, there also seemed to be a subtle and parallel shift in the tone of
news stories.)
Although the paper's editorial stance may not have been fully balanced, there
is no evidence that opposing viewpoints were excluded from the op-ed pages.
Forty-seven percent of the editorials and columns were either pro-Sister Spirit
or neutral.
This is more clearly seen in the letters-to-the editor selections, where 63
percent were either pro-camp or neutral. Editors published letters of support
from outside of the community, though an editorial argued that many of these
were generated by a propaganda effort of gay-rights activists ("If Ovett wants,"
1994). Forty-two percent of letters in support of the camp were from
non-Mississippi residents, while all letters opposing the camp came from
Mississippi residents.
During the course of the debate, a variety of moral viewpoints were expressed.
Proponents of the camp couched their arguments in terms of: individual liberty;
the property rights; the camp's potential for positive comminity contibutions;
and Christian forgiveness for alternative and perhaps unacceptable lifestyles.
Opponents charged that allowing a retreat run by and, in their view, for a
predominately lesbian group presented a threat to traditional community values;
that retreat members might attempt to corrupt the women and young in the area;
and that homosexuality is a matter of choice and a sin which cannot be condoned.
As Dr. Kate Greene and Dr. Edward M. Wheat (1994), members of the Political
Science Department at the University of Southern Missisippi, stated, this
conflict is very much a battle between community desires and individual rights.
If there is a criticism which can clearly be offered about the American's
coverage, it is that the paper took a reactionary and fragmented approach to
covering the ongoing story. Although it provided access to minority voices in
its pages, the paper did so only after the situation had reached the point of
conflict within the community. The American then failed to provide context for
the issue as the story developed.
As the Hutchins Commission noted in 1947, "It is no longer enough to report the
fact truthfully. It is now necessary to report the truth about the fact
[emphasis in original]" (p. 22). The press often focuses on dramatic events,
according to commission conclusions, and "The result is not a continued story of
the life of a people, but a series of vignettes, made to seem more significant
than they really are. The sum of such discontinuous parts does not equal the
whole, because the parts have not been represented in their actual size and
color in relation to the whole" (p. 56). As the report stated, "Many activities
of the utmost social consequence lie below the surface of what are
conventionally regarded as reportable incidents" (p. 55).
Similarly, in a report to President Johnson's commission on violence, the
committee addressing media performance found that much of the public
misconception of the "black power" movement was the result of the "dominance of
the media's traditional high value on conflict, and the inadequacy of objective
formula reporting" (Lange, Baker & Ball, 1969, p. 55), which failed to provide
sufficient context for it audiences. According to the report, the weakness of
formula reporting is that the "why" of a story is often given too little
attention. The report commented that "The difficulty with too many news
organizations is that they have a tendency to do nothing more than attract the
audience's attention; once they have the public's attention, they should go on
to tell them something" (p. 147).
Although there was extensive news coverage and commentary on the Ovett dispute
by the American, much consisted of reports of charges and counter charges from a
limited number of spokespersons representing what was perceived as the two
primary groups. Little effort was put forth to present a wider perspective on
the conflict. As Greene noted in a letter critical of a Fortenberry column:
Mr. Fortenberry should be attempting to address issues in a
rational and meaningful way. He should be trying to give the people
of Jones and Forrest counties some historical perspective on the camp
by looking into the history of alternative communities in the United
States, the role of folk/popular education in society today, the
history of the gay and lesbian rights movement, and even the rise of
religious fundamentalism. . . . [H]e should be providing his readers
with information that is useful to them. (1994, p. 16A)
That same charge, it is argued here, could be widened to apply to the paper as a
whole.
For example, although camp opponents began to suggest they would file a lawsuit
against Sister Spirit in early January (James, 1994a), not until late March
(McGruder, 1994i) did the paper run a story on the chances for success of such a
suit. According to the legal experts quoted in the article, there seemed to be
very little legal precedent on which to base a suit. More significantly, not
until late March (McGruder, 1994f) did the paper run a feature story drawing a
comparison between the current conflict and the civil rights movement of the
1960s. In that story there was no consensus on the question among the sources
used for the story, all local spokespersons for groups concerned with equal
rights for African Americans. However, this lack of agreement is not
surprising, given that two sources were members of the clergy, both men, who
downplayed the similarity between the issues. The two female sources in the
story did find some relationship.
Clear parallels seem to exist between the Ovett conflict and resistance to the
civil rights movement in Mississippi. According to a 1980 article by Waldo W.
Braden, the camp's opponents used six rhetorical strategies to strengthen
resistance to desegregation in the state:
First, they gave major attention to continued sanctification of
the faith: white supremacy. Second, they attempted to legitimatize
their resistance. Third, they exerted much effort to maintaining a
positive and unyielding stance. Fourth, they put on a stout defense
of the good character of Mississippians. Fifth, they rationalized
they were victims of an outside plot. Sixth, they emphasized that
success depended upon maintaining unity. (pp. 339-340)
According to Braden, those who opposed integration were careful to publicly say
they did not condone violence. They also seemed concerned about the impact of
integration on white girls (Murphy & Pritchett, 1986).[5] With only a few minor
changes, these are essentially the same arguments and concerns voiced by those
opposed to Sister Spirit.
To be sure, it is not suggested here that a working reporter must be either a
political scientist or historian. Nor is it expected that under deadline
pressure each story should be the result of an investigation which meets the
research standards of academicians. However, it does seem reasonable to expect
that in the total coverage of such a protracted story, and, given the
availability of expertise from faculty at a university just a few miles from the
newsroom, that some effort could be made to provide readers a broader framework
within which to consider the existing situation.
Conclusion
Overall it would appear that the Hattiesburg American expended a large amount
of resources on the coverage of the conflict in Ovett. It did serve as a forum
for discussion of the matter. However, it is argued here, it did a poor job of
providing a context for the debate. In general, comments contained in the news
sections and on the editorial pages were shallow and represented a limited
number of sources. This resulted in a great deal of redundancy and relatively
little relevant information, given the amount of space the issue received. It
must be remembered, however, that the Hutchins Commission did not suggest that
its five guidelines for responsible press performance could "ever be completely
met. All of them cannot be met by any one medium" (p. 21). It merely proposed
them as a worthy goal toward which to strive.
The American's ongoing coverage of the Sister Spirit debate is fertile ground
for continued research. For example, an attempt could be made to interview
members of the paper's editorial staff to examine its decision-making process.
Epilogue
As of this writing Camp Sister Spirit carries on its work. In answer to a
lawsuit filed by five residents of Ovett, a state judge in July 1995 ruled that
the camp did not constitute a nuisance and could continue to operate (Maute,
1995a; Maute, 1995b; Slaton, 1995). According to an article written by the
Hensons for the spring 1997 issue of Progressive Women's Quarterly, the camp now
has sleeping facilities for as many as 47 people. It provides food for "more
than 100 people each month" (p. 44) and also works with assistance groups such
as the Red Cross and the Good Samaritan Center.
Bibliography
Aime, D. (1994, March 27). Not all Christians condemn gay people
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 16A.
Allen, J. S. (1994, March 28). Christ dind't teach tolerance of sin
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Applebome, P. (1994, February 24). Mediators taking a role in
dispute on lesbians. The New York Times, p. A8.
Baker, R. K. & Ball, S. J. (1969). Mass media and violence: A
report to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of
Violence (Vol. 9A) (DHHS Publication No. Pr36. 8: V81/M38/2).
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Barret, S. (1994, March 23). Are homosexual marriages legal?
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Blair, M. (1994, January 21). Sister Spirit foes misquoting Bible
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Braden, W. W. (1980). The rhetoric of a closed society. The
Southern Speech Communication Journal, 45, 333-351.
Braswell, J. (1993, December 7). Ovett residents vow to fight
planned Sister Spirit retreat. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
Braswell, J. (1994, January 9). Feminist campers live in fear.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
Braswell, J. (1994, January 19). Camp life goes on as normal.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 4A.
Braswell, J. (1994, February 20). Gunshots ring out in Ovett.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Braswell, J. (1994, February 24). Ovett tension persists.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 8A.
Braswell, J. (1994, March 7). Californians find crusade at Camp
Sister Spirit. Hattiesburg American, p. 10A.
Braswell, J. (1994, March 7). Ovett camp a symbol for lesbians.
Hattiesburg American, p. 10A.
Brett, L. (1994, April 19). 'Liberal' editorials offend
conservative [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Broome, M. (1994, January 2). Christians should take stand for way
of life [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Camp Sister Spirit debate moves to CNN. (1994, March 16).
Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Carde, H. (1994, March 22). Christians fail test on Sister Spirit
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Christians, C. G., Ferr , J. P., & Fackler, P. M. (1993). Good
news: Social ethics and the press. New York: Oxford University
Press.
Clark, R. H. (1994, January 2). Homosexuality no sin, not against
law [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Cole, K. (1994, January 2). Man finds Sister Spirit members kind,
helpful [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Cole, R. (1994, March 20). Sister Spirit controversy puts
Constitution on both sides. Hattiesburg American, p. 17A.
Crabtree, L. S. (1994, February 4). People should live and let
others live [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Crain, K. L. (1993, December 19). Anti-Sister Spirit ideas oppose
women [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Creel, C. (1993, December 19). Lesbian retreat will imperil
community [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Crocker, A. (1993, December 19). Sister Spirit could corrupt Ovett
morals [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Daniels, D. (1994, January 16). Sister Spirit controversy started
with land dispute. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Davis, G. (1994, April 5). New Testament also bans homosexuality
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
DeRose, J. (1994, March 10). Sister Spirit foe may have gay kin
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Dubuisson, L. (1994, February 11). Homosexuality wrong, but so is
meanness [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
East, C. (1994, January 2). Don't punish lesbians; punish those who
hate [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Fonville, J. (1994, March 18). Hating homosexuality is not hating
gays [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Fortenberry, K. (1994, March 6). A clash of values. Hattiesburg
American, p. 1B.
Fortenberry, K. (1994, March 27). Why is Ovett any business of
Massachusetts lawmaker? Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Fortenberry, K. (1994, April 10). Tell Barney to Butt Out Club holds
metting. Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Gannet News Service. (1994, April 2). San Francisco officials
welcome Camp Sister Spirit founders. Hattiesburg American, p. 5A.
Gerald, J. W. (1994, March 21). Homosexuality is a sin, according
to Bible [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Gray, K. (1993, December 5). Community debates Sister Spirit.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Greene, K. (1993, December 12). Sister Spirit, Inc., has right to
own property [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Greene, K. (1994, April 3). Fortenberry's views are irresponsible
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 16A.
Greene K., & Wheat, E. M. (1994). Camp Sister Spirit vs. Ovett:
Culture Wars in Mississippi. Unpublished manuscript.
Greene, P. (1994, January 2). Christians should treat neighbors as
self [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Guinness, A. (1993, December 8). Homosexuals should get right with
God [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Hart, S. (1994, February 27). Sister Spirit fesitival features no
orgies [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 10A.
Hendry, J. D. (1993, November 28). Ovett resident says, 'No,
thanks,' to lesbian retreat. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Henson, B. (1994, February 22). Not all Ovett people hostile to
Hensons [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Henson, B., & Henson, W. (1997). How the spirit moves: At
Mississippi's Camp Sister Spirit, survival is the best revenge. The
progressive women's quarterly, 6 (No. 2), pp. 44-45.
Hinton, J. (1994, January 9). Anti-gay feelings may provoke
violence. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Hinton, J. (1994, March 12). Both sides in Ovett must compromise
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Hu, H. (1994, January 16). No one should live in fear among
Christians [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
If Ovett wants out of spotlight, they will find solutions (1994,
March 15). Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
James, E. N. (1993, December 15). Ovett community takes dispute to
national audience. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
James, E. N. (1993, December 19). Group asks supervisors to review
Ovett rift. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
James, E. N. (1993, December 21). Sister Spirit foes take case
before county officials. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
James, E. N. (1994, January 5). Residents plan to sue Ovett camp.
Hattiesburg American, p. 5A.
James, E. N. (1994, January 5). County stays clear of Ovett flap.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
James, E. N. (1994, January 21). 20/20 will take on Sister Spirit
issue. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
James, E. N. (1994, February 25). Ovett residents: gunfire not
aimed at feminist retreat. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 10A.
James, E. N. (1994, March 5). Camp Sister Spirit opponents to hold
fund-raiser today. Hattiesburg American, p. 12A.
James, E. N. (1994, March 5). Lawmaker asks Reno to apologize to
Ovett. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
James, E. N. (1994, March 25). Woman accused of harassing Sister
Spirit foe. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
James, E. N. (1994, April 7). Woman's guilty plea satisfies Sister
Spirit foe. Hattiesburg American, p. 5A.
James, K. (1994, April 3). Jesus loved sinners, didn't condone sin
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 16A.
Johnson, L. E. (1993, December 19). Christians should love others
as selves[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Kennedy, D. (1994, April 9). How can we call U.S. a Christian
Nation? [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Lange, D. L., Baker, R. K. & Ball, S. J. (1969). Mass media and
violence: A report to the National Commission on the Causes and
Prevention of Violence (Vol. 9) (DHHS Publication No. Pr36. 8:
V81/M38). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Laughlin, P. (1994, April 17). Fortenberry column vaulted
journalistic skill to giddy heights. Hattiesburg American, p. 17A.
Lee, D. E., Jr. (1994, July 24). Gay organizations condem
pedophilia [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 14A.
Lightsey, W. T., Jr. (1993, December 28). Cartoon reaches new low
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Lovette, J. (1994, January 22). Real Christians will support Sister
Spirit [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Madison, J. G. (1994, April 7). Gay, occult support deters Disney
fan [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Mangum, T. D. (1994, February 21). Ovett pastor speaks messages of
love [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Mansfield, A. (1994, January 16). Ovett people should live and let
live [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Matuozzi, B. (1994, January 16). Southerners major in bigotry,
prejudice [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Maute, N. D. (1993, December 11). Community will air differences on
TV's 'Oprah Winfrey Show.' Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
Maute, N. D. (1993, December 11). Women's camp in spotlight
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
Maute, N. D. (1994, February 19). Henson describe threat.
Hattiesburg American, p. 4A.
Maute, N. D. (1994, March 7). Ovett-area activists sue Reno.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
Maute, N. D. (1994, March 8). Larry King postpones Ovett show.
Hattiesburg American, p. 5A.
Maute, N. D. (1994, July 6). Hearings on Ovett feud begin today.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 10A.
Maute, N. D. (1994, July 27). No guarantees made in special Ovett
hearing. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
Maute, N.D. (1995, May 23). Judge considering Sister Spirit case.
Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Maute, N. D. (1995, July 27). Sister Spirit 's neighbors challenge
judge's ruling. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
McGruder, D., & Braswell, J. (1994, February 19). Residents
question necessity of action. Hattiesburg American, p. 4A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 10). Cochran: Ovett doesn't need Janet
Reno's help. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 16A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 11). Gay-rights group seeks Parker
apology. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 15). Lesbians criticize sheriff.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 17). Ovett resident: TV show was fair.
Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 21). Gay rights, civil rights: Are
battles same? Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 10A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 22). Suit targets Ovett retreat.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 23). Squabbles in court: Sister Spirit
attorney may sue over lawsuit. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 29). Experts doubt Sister Spirit
qualifies as public nuisance. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A, 14A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 30). Ovett community, Hensons favor
impartial mediator. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
McGruder, D. (1994, March 31). Sister Spirit founders travel to San
Francisco for support. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
McGruder, D. (1994, April 13). Fund-raising trek 'empowers'
founders of Camp Sister Spirit. Hattiesburg American, p. 8A.
McLaurin, T. (1993, November 21). Sister Spirit set on home in Jones
Co. Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
McLaurin, T. (1994, February 19). Reno sends mediators to Ovett.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 4A.
McLaurin, T. (1994, March 6). Fund-raiser fights Ovett camp.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
Mehler, C. (1994, March 16). Has old tolerance vanished in Hub
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Mills, K. I. (1994, January 2). '93 was watershed year for gays.
Hattiesburg American, p. 10A.
Missinformation, fear inhibit debate on Sister Spirit. (1994, July
6). Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Morris, M. J. (1994, March 7). Harassing Hensons violates their
rights [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Murphy, W. F., & Pritchett, C.H. (1986). Courts, judges, and
politics: An introduction to the judicial process (4th ed.). New
York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.
(1969). To establish justice, to insure domestic tranquillity: Final
report on the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of
Violence (DHHS Publication No. Pr36. 8: V81/J98/2). Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
New threats take Sister Spirit issue to danger point. (1994, March
29). Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Opinion poll. (1994, March 20). Hattiesburg American, p. 17A.
Ovett conflict will air Friday. (1994, January 20). Hattiesburg
American, p. 6A.
Ovett hearing fair, clarifies issue, but sides still hostile. (1994,
July 11). Hattiesburg American, p. 12A.
Ovett, Hensons must determine what future holds. (1994, January
16). Hattiesburg American, p. 12A.
Phillips, C. (1994, March 7). Hate-filled sewers must be plugged
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Polk, N. (1993, December 8). What are lesbian bashers afraid of?
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Polk, N. (1994, March 27). If we cite Bible on homosexuals, we
should follow all of it. Hattiesburg American, p. 17A.
Reeves, B. (1994, January 7). San Francisco dind't start as gay
capital [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Reno right to go by the book on Sister Spirit case. (1994, February
20). Hattiesburg American, p. 12A.
Richmond, D. (1994, February 17). 'Traditional values' may not be
valuable [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Roberts, P. M. (1994, January 15). Ovett combatants missing main
point [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Russell, D. (1994, January 9). Level heads must prevail in Ovett
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 10A.
Sanford, D. (1994, March 6). Reno, American lining up behind gay,
liberal agenda. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Sanford, E. (1994, March 1). Both Sister Spirit, Ovett people wrong
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Shows, H. (1993, December 26). Sister Spirit's goal: Exalted
'victimhood.' Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Shows, H., Jr. (1994, January 29). Ovett residents want to keep way
of life [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Sister Spirit: How has group harmed Ovett? (1993, December 8).
Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Sister Spirit subject of 2nd town meeting. (1994, January 2).
Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Slaton, T. (1995, July 6). Sister Spirit ruling called a 'victory';
appeal is possible. Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A.
Smith, J. (1994, January 16). Ovett people should follow Jesus'
lead [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Staff. (1993, December 5). Residents seek one-on-one meeting.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1B.
Staff. (1994, February 19). Task force pushes Reno to investigate.
Hattiesburg American, p. 4A.
Staff and Wire. (1994, March 9). Gay lawmakers support Ovett camp.
Hattiesburg American, p. 1A.
Staff and Wire. (1994, March 12). Parker: Hearings unwise.
Hattiesburg American, pp. 1A, 12A.
Stein, H. (1994, January 29). Survivor of Nazis warns about judging
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Steves, K. (1994, January 16). Bible judges sin of homosexuality
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 13A.
Stringer, S. (1994, January 2). Bible guides attitude toward Sister
Spirit [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Stringer, S. (1994, March 18). 'Nice men' took up for Ovett
residents [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 7A.
Tedford, T. L. (1993). Freedom of speech in the United States (2nd
ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
The Commission on Freedom of the Press. (1947). A free and
responsibel press. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Wagner, C. (1993, December 12). American 'ignorant' for printing
all views [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
Walley, P. (1994, April 3). Attorney finds 7 reasons to oppose Camp
Sister Spirit. Hattiesburg American, p. 17A.
Walley, P. (1994, July 6). Sister Spirit pushes radical gay agenda.
Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Walley, S. (1994, January 26). Anti-lesbian group is upholding
beliefs [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Walsh, J. (1994, January 11). Homosexuals are in rebellion against
God [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Walsh, J. (1994, March 2). Sister Spirit, Koresh situations
parallel [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 11A.
Walsh, J. (1994, April 1). New Testament law superseded old law
[Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 9A.
Zelnicker, E. (1993, December 12). Sister Spirit provides badly
needed help [Letter to the editor]. Hattiesburg American, p. 15A.
[1] Unless otherwise indicated, information related to the history of Camp
Sister Spirit is from an article written in the spring of 1994 by two members of
the political science department at the University of Southern Mississippi, Kate
Green and Edward M. Wheat.
[2] Quotations from press releases or letters were not included in this figure.
[3] All fractions have been rounded off.
[4] Letters published during this period and which concerned the issue of
homosexuality were included if, in context, they were seen to be motivated by
the debate on Sister Spirit. Six letters included made no direct mention of the
retreat.
[5] President Dwight D. Eisenhower supposedly told Chief Justice Earl Warren
over dinner during consideration of Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that
segregationists "were not 'bad people. All they are concerned about is to see
that their sweet little girls are not required to sit in school alongside some
big overgrown Negroes' " (Murphy & Pritchett, p. 286).
|
