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Speaking Out
As a 20-year employee of the state park system, I have had numerous
opportunities in my career to observe visitors and interact with the
general public. For the most part, these experiences have been positive.
The majority of people seem to view what we do as an important public
service and appreciate our efforts to preserve and protect the natural
resources. Of course, that’s not to say that we haven’t had to
suffer our share of criticism, as well. There is always someone who
thinks we can do things "better" or at least
"differently" than we do them. Considering our parks have over
4 million visitors annually, the number of complaints we receive is
actually surprisingly small. Still, it is never easy to stand back and
listen to criticism. It took me a long time to learn that complaints can
indeed be constructive. In fact, I’ve witnessed many positive
improvements come as a result of complaints. A little self-examination
never hurts anyone, including a state agency!
So exactly what is this all about? In August, the Division of Parks
and Recreation came under intense criticism when the morning talk show
host, Dan Gaffney, at radio station WGMD decided to make us his topic of
discussion. Specifically, he raised the issue of the Delaware Pride
organization conducting its annual Pridefest at Gordons Pond. Gaffney
asked his audience if they thought it was appropriate for their tax
dollars to be spent to support or allow this type of event at the park.
He further questioned numerous aspects of the event including sponsors,
banners, vendors and entertainment. For example, he asked should a lube
company, a primary sponsor of the event, be permitted to fly a banner?
Should vendors with "fetish" items be allowed? Should drag
performers be permitted? Comments on these and other aspects of the
event were tossed out by Gaffney in an effort to provoke his audience.
(Families decorating pumpkins at Pridefest 2002)
The response was swift and very vocal. Unfortunately and predictably,
many of the comments voiced were uninformed and homophobic. One caller
attributed HIV specifically to the gay community and worried about the
potential transmission of the disease at Gordons Pond as a result of
mosquitoes! Other callers criticized everyone from our Division Director
to the Governor for allowing Pridefest to take place in the park. There
was even discussion encouraging protests of the event.
To say the least, as a park employee and member of the gay community,
I found the entire broadcast to be disappointing and offensive. I
respect the importance of freedom of speech, but I believe that right
comes with responsibility, as well. Gaffney certainly understands his
role as talk show host. He expertly demonstrated his ability to take a
topic and provoke discussion. But I personally objected to his approach
of "shoot first, ask questions later." If he had questions
concerning the event, there were many simple avenues for asking for
further information. A quick call to the park would have informed him
the event was not being supported by tax dollars. In fact, the event is
treated the same as any special event on park facilities requiring a
permit to be secured and appropriate fees to be paid by the
organization. Questions about sponsors, vendors and entertainment could
easily have been directed to the Delaware Pride organization. Of course,
getting the information up front would make the discussion of the topic
less sensationalistic and potentially less interesting for the audience.
It’s certainly easier to toss a topic out there and see what develops.
Unfortunately, that method does not encourage a reasonable and informed
discussion to occur.
Gaffney continued discussion on the topic over several days. Our
Division Director, Charles Salkin, appeared as a guest on the program to
clarify a number of the issues. He made it very clear to the audience
that our Division welcomes all groups into our parks provided they
comply with our rules and regulations. Anyone wishing to conduct a
special event in the park must go through the same application process
for approval. Any visitors who find a particular group or event
"offensive" are welcome to go elsewhere to avoid interacting
with the event.
The bottom line is the same standards and rules apply to all people.
Isn’t that the way it should be?
I don’t normally like to use this column as a platform for
expressing my personal views and opinions. However, I felt this was a
special situation that warranted discussion. I am disappointed in WGMD
and the manner in which Dan Gaffney conducted discussions about
Pridefest. I do not believe the discussions were in any way balanced and
informative. While they may have the constitutional right to have such
one sided discussions, I do not believe it serves the public in any
positive way. I have no objection to discussing any topic. I would
simply hope the host would attempt to become informed about the topic
before inviting comment from listeners. That’s my opinion. I guess you
can say I am exercising my right to freedom of speech!
Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your spare
time, why not check out the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State
Park? The Center is open year round.
For more information on park programs, contact the Seaside Nature
Center at 302-645-6852.
Stephen Schilly is Park Operations
Administrator Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. He may be
reached at sschilly@state.de.us.
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