I want to call your attention to the headline in the September-October 2019 newsletter that reads, “Eudaly in the eye of the neighborhood association tiger.” In this time of vitriol and aggression in public discourse, I am dismayed to see this in our wonderful BWNA newsletter. To be “in the eye of the tiger” refers to the last thing prey sees before it is killed and eaten by the tiger. While Chloe Eudaly has certainly drawn the ire of the neighborhood associations, this reference goes too far, and I believe that it was unintentional. It is my hope that a brief apology and clarification will be in the next newsletter with an emphasis that we are passionate about our neighborhoods, but wish no one harm.
Thank you for the many years of work and commitment to our neighborhood. It is truly appreciated. I hope you can read my feedback in the spirit in which it is intended, which is in the spirit of keeping our corner of the world above the awful fray without compromising our beliefs and opinions.
Editor’s reply: Constructive criticism is always welcome at this newsletter, and I do appreciate your feedback and concern. “Eye of the tiger” was used in the title of the article in an effort to capture the outrage and pushback by neighborhood associations throughout the city, including BWNA, to the combative rhetoric by Commissioner Eudaly and Director Rhee as well as the lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the “code change proposal” process. With respect to the prey-kill connotation associated with “eye of the tiger”—it completely escaped me until your letter. (Truth be told, my inspiration came from the song of the same name.) In hindsight, “eye of the storm” would have served my purpose just as well.
Maya’s response: Thank you so much! As I said, I suspected that it was an oversight. I really appreciate your willingness to listen and respond.