Dopes about John Hope
The New York Times appears to have been asleep at the wheel on the passing of John Hope Franklin, the great historian. This was a significant moment in American life, but you wouldn’t know it from the Times, which didn’t front page the death, and (in my edition, at least) ran its obit on B12. ...
The New York Times appears to have been asleep at the wheel on the passing of John Hope Franklin, the great historian. This was a significant moment in American life, but you wouldn't know it from the Times, which didn't front page the death, and (in my edition, at least) ran its obit on B12. Contrast that with the performance by the Washington Post, which ran an appreciation by Wil Haygood on page one, an editorial, and a fine op-ed by Walter Dellinger, who had called Franklin from the Democratic convention in Denver last summer after Obama received the presidential nomination. The Times' negligence appalled my wife, who relied often on Franklin's work, especially From Slavery to Freedom, when writing her own book on the biggest attempted slave escape in American history.
The lapse by the Times is significant especially because, in an age when newspapers often follow breaking news by many hours, their role has become to provide context, scope and meaning.
The lapse by the Times is significant especially because, in an age when newspapers often follow breaking news by many hours, their role has become to provide context, scope and meaning.
More from Foreign Policy
Is Cold War Inevitable?
A new biography of George Kennan, the father of containment, raises questions about whether the old Cold War—and the emerging one with China—could have been avoided.
So You Want to Buy an Ambassadorship
The United States is the only Western government that routinely rewards mega-donors with top diplomatic posts.
Can China Pull Off Its Charm Offensive?
Why Beijing’s foreign-policy reset will—or won’t—work out.
Turkey’s Problem Isn’t Sweden. It’s the United States.
Erdogan has focused on Stockholm’s stance toward Kurdish exile groups, but Ankara’s real demand is the end of U.S. support for Kurds in Syria.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
