Reader’s view: Cartoon implied the Northland lacks culture

Sometimes Duluthians can be their own worst enemy when it comes to negativity about their community. But it is even worse when our largest newspaper, a supposed Duluth advocate, encourages that negativity.

Steve Lindstrom’s Feb. 17 editorial cartoon regarding the Vikings stadium may have been intended to be cute, but is damaging to Duluth’s image and fosters a false impression that those of us who choose to live in the Northland lack culture or have nothing to do. There is nothing further from the truth. Rather than demeaning Duluth by his silly seven-day schedule, he could have filled each date with countless activities that occur year-round that make Duluth a desirable place to live.

We have the excellent Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra as well as its outreach programs, the Duluth Playhouse showcasing local talent, the Minnesota Ballet, Broadway shows and other nationally recognized talent that performs regularly at the Amsoil Arena and Bayfront Festival Park, including the bluesfest.

Our colleges and university provide a wide variety of entertainment opportunities as well. College football, basketball and hockey games showcase student athletes. Those who wish to actively participate in athletic events ski Spirit Mountain, run the internationally known Grandma’s Marathon or skate the NorthShore Inline Marathon that finishes in beautiful Canal Park next to the Lakewalk. All these activities and many more too numerous to mention create a desirable place to live with plenty to do if one so desires.

Please promote Duluth as a great place to live and work instead of denigrating the home of which we are so proud. The Duluth News Tribune does have an influence on our future. Please make an effort to be positive about Duluth and the region, which really is rather easy to do.

Gary Doty

HermantowN

Tags: readers' views, opinion, editorials, duluth, money, outdoors