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Stephanie Mencimer’s “Playing in the Shadows” (3/22) was one of the best Washington City Paper articles in recent memory. It was insightful and eloquent, and the misperception on the part of some readers from Cardozo that it reflected poorly on them is ironic in light of the article’s subtly reverential tone. The obvious fact that life at inner-city schools like Cardozo sometimes sucks in important ways in comparison with life at other schools can be a poignant answer to the question raised by Holly Bass (“Why BET Sucks,” 3/8). Studied obliviousness to such truisms unites ardent supporters of BET and those offended by the bittersweet portrayal of the Lady Clerks. The article does reflect poorly on those from whose support the Lady Clerks could benefit, but Mencimer and photographer Guion Wyler did an excellent job keeping the environment in the shadow of the team.
Southwest
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