Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Naomi’s comments, even if said jokingly, is a representation of many youth/college opinions on the requirement for infotainment.

My post was not intended to be a slam on Naomi but, rather, a symbol for many of my student readers to step outside themselves and consider afresh what kind of world they live in and the kind of person they want to become.

It is good to know her context and glad she’s one freshman who is intelligent and thoughtful about her future (and this ipod issue).

While I think the NYT is often a decent source, I do understand the common problem of journalists taking words out of context. Glater should not have done that. I’m sorry that has happened. I will edit this post so as not to reflect poorly on Naomi’s character.

At face value, I agree that the quote by Naomi Pugh in this article might be disappointing. But in defense of my niece, please consider the source. We’re talking about the New York Times, of all papers. Naomi’s comment was quoted grossly out of context by Jonathan Glater, the writer. Naomi made many intelligent and positive remarks in the course of her interview by Mr. Glater. It was at the end of their brief encounter when she JOKINGLY added that she might pull out her I-pod if the class got boring. But anyone who knows her will know that she has more depth and integrity than that. Please let it be known that Mr. Glater was obviously against this I-pod program being sponsored at the college. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this NY Times writer chose the only comment in the interview that would support his opinion, which just so happened to be the only comment that was made in jest. Rather than question the student’s integrity, let’s start first with that of the author.

Thank you,
Susan Vaughan