LETTER TO THE EDITOR (01/15/95)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Concerned about depiction by CBS

Dear Editor:

As a Ukrainian American, I am deeply concerned about the portrayal of Ukraine on the October 23 episode of "60 Minutes." During the show, Ukrainians were portrayed as "genetically anti-Semitic" and "uneducated peasants, deeply superstitious." These terrible stereotypes were presented as fact by "60 Minutes" reporter Morley Safer. Interviews since the story was aired have uncovered that a number of statements were severely taken out of context. I am outraged by the use of such flimsy journalism to defame the Ukrainian people in such an irresponsible manner.

Not only was the story damaging to Ukrainians, it comes at a time when U.S.-Ukrainian relations are improving. I was honored to attend the state dinner held at the White House during the visit of President Kuchma. There have been only a few such formal dinners hosted by President Clinton, and it is encouraging that Ukraine was given one of them. There is no doubt that in just a short time, our two nations have become much closer. It is my deep hope that this important relationship will continue to improve despite the "60 Minutes" story.

To express my concern, I placed the enclosed statement in the Congressional Record. I have also sent a letter to CBS outlining these concerns and demanding an apology. Television is a powerful medium, and it must be used judiciously. "60 Minutes" has done a disservice to both the Ukrainian and Jewish communities, and should retract such a shabby presentation.

David E. Bonior
Washington

The writer, a member of the House of Representative for the 10th District of Michigan, sent the letter below to Laurence Tisch, president, chairman and CEO of CBS, Inc.

Dear Mr. Tisch:

I am writing to express my deep concern about a recent "60 Minutes" story purporting to explore anti-Semitism in Ukraine that aired on October 23, 1994. Morley Safer portrayed Ukrainians as "genetically anti-Semitic" and "uneducated peasants, deeply superstitious." Interviews since the story aired have revealed that a number of the statements used in the show were severely taken out of context. I am appalled that CBS and "60 Minutes" would use such flimsy journalism to defame an entire nation and its people.

Such gross stereotyping does not belong on a show with such a fine tradition as "60 Minutes." Unfortunately, anti-Semitism does exist in Ukraine, as it exists in the United States and in many parts of the world. However, the Ukrainian government is taking steps to fight it. None of these efforts were even mentioned in the story.

At this time it is imperative that we help the force of tolerance and openness in Ukraine. Such an inflammatory story will only serve to increase tension. Perhaps Martin Plax from the American Jewish Committee in Cleveland best characterized the story: "Those who distort the present by assuring nothing has changed from the past will increase the possibility that they might relive the past from which they had hoped to escape."

"60 Minutes" has done a disservice to both the Jewish and Ukrainian communities. At the very least, an apology and retraction are in order.

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