Santa disses west side
As a progressive west-sider, I was disappointed by the disparaging and stereotyped portrayal of my community within Madison ("Santa Claus in Madison," 12/21/2012).
I understand the foundation for this depiction, and yet it is troubling and divisive at a time when our community needs to build bridges rather than draw lines. Landmarks that could symbolize community life on the west side might include Knoche's market, the Village Bar, Westmorland/Owen or Walnut Grove Park, Wingra boat house, Lussier Community Center, etc.
Thanks for writing a publication that is uniquely Madison. Our neighborhoods are diverse in ways that challenge stereotyped perceptions of who we are as a community. Please continue to honor and reflect that diversity through your work.
Pam Delfosse
Subvert the dominant paradigm
Instead of publishing the same ol' "Best of" compendiums from the previous year, how about running "Best of" lists for the year ahead? Yes, it requires a little more digging to see what's upcoming for Madison activities. And yes, it requires sticking one's neck out a little further to make predictions rather than simply rehash what's safely come and gone. But isn't that what Isthmus is supposed to provide, an edge that's cutting, not dull?
C'mon, Isthmus staff, show us you like a challenge. Give us some far more useful foresight, instead of the yawn-inducing hindsight we can find everywhere else.
Dennis B. Appleton
