CC: Enough is Enough. We Need to Improve Our Community

Spencer Porter, founder of a local youth retention nonprofit, says now is the time for Wheeling to uphold its values in the face of 'bullying' targeting local women.

The rollercoaster so many of us have been subjected to by a local bully on our airwaves has been grueling and disheartening for those who hold our community dear. Bullying is alive and well and something none of us can afford to stand for, especially at this juncture of positive momentum so many of us have been building together in the Ohio Valley.

If one is unaware, this public figure on our local airwaves shared photos on Facebook, of women without their consent. These photos included pictures of them, their backsides, and their toes. The various body part photos of the women were totally unrelated to the fundraising benefit in which they were guests. The women’s requests to have them removed were not only denied, but used against them to then become a narrative of victimhood for the host and kindling for his show’s ratings.

Upon further protest from a plethora of local women — both featured in the photos and not — to simply remove the photos, he doubled down on his stance by singling out more women on his airwaves and sharing their personal information publicly. He even went so far as to print out their photos to share. He also disrespected a concerned member of the community which encouraged the bullying of our trans community. This is simply unacceptable, but it unfortunately does not stop here.

He went even further by using his platform to share even more private information reading the names and email addresses of the concerned citizens who had contacted the show’s sponsors out of concern.

As one can see here, and as so many of us have experienced in our own lives, bullying builds upon its own inertia and must be stopped immediately; otherwise, we are left with a massive web of interwoven problems and dangerous precedents set.

As the week progressed, and women’s voices were not taken seriously, local, respected, and powerful men spoke up in protest to remove the photos and urged the community to reach out to his show’s sponsors to cease sponsorship.

Within only a few hours of these men’s demands going public, the host removed the photos from social media. A public apology from the host or his station has yet to be issued to these degraded women.

This past week has ripped open the fabric of our community. It has shown us that some community members, especially a public one with a powerful platform, do not honor or uphold our collective values of decency, respect, or safety. The actions he takes and has taken for years is a work against all of us. This week was especially bleak when he preyed upon our women by objectifying them, disregarding their voices, and spinning their narrative for his own self-interests without ever taking an ounce of accountability or showing any sign of ability to self-reflect. In my opinion, this is exploitation of our Ohio Valley at large.

It further showed us something more deeply disturbing. Our women’s voices are only met with a response and action when a brigade of men are echoing behind them. These were women of means degraded within these photos. If we cannot guarantee these women safety and respect in public spaces, what does that mean for other women of different means or marginalized groups of wonderful people that call the Ohio Valley home?

Although the public support of these men that stepped up is deeply appreciated and absolutely needed, it has highlighted a massive opportunity for improvement from all of us — taking women’s voices seriously on their own.

In moments of uncertainty, opportunity can be uncovered, and progress can be collectively built with both men and women TOGETHER; but, it must be met with courage, the ability to own our individual and collective shortcomings, and genuine desire to get really real with what forward movement demands from EACH OF US.

Individualism is not and never will be the answer. Connection and community is the antidote to the world's biggest and smallest problems. We need each other now more than ever.

Coupled with the recent developments of last week, the only conclusion left to be made is that his time on our airwaves creating divisive, combative narratives of self-pity has expired. Do you believe his actions align with our long-treasured Ohio Valley ideals of decency, respect, and safety? Moreover, do you believe his actions benefit and align with the long-term growth strategy our community has been ushering in, such as millions of dollars of investment in our local infrastructure and real estate, the launch and growth of numerous civic organizations, and the tireless efforts of attracting new, young people to build a life in our town?

As a local, small-business owning woman that was born here, moved away, and CHOSE to return home to found and lead a local non-profit collectively working to keep and attract young people to the Ohio Valley, I believe this public bully on our airwaves spewing hate, fear, and blatant disrespect has no place in our community.

Call to action: We support the women of Ohio Valley and disavow any public bullying against private community members. Enough is enough. Make Ohio Valley safe and welcoming to all. If you’d like to add your name in support of our community, you can do so here: https://www.petitions.net/stand_up_for_ohio_valley_women.

About the author: As a native of our area with time spent living throughout various parts of the world for nearly a decade, Spencer Porter has resettled in Wheeling, W.Va. as the owner of a small business and founder and chair of Why Don’t You Stay Awhile, a local non-profit focused on youth retention within the Ohio Valley. Fueled by possibility and the desire to connect people, Spencer offers a unique perspective on how shaping the Ohio Valley through a collective and creative approach can yield results we never thought possible.

Community Corner is a chance for our community to submit their letters to the editor. If you would like to submit a story for our consideration, please do so at editor@wheelingfreepress.com.