Posted on 11/25/2002 11:52:57 AM PST by SeenTheLight
Ann Coulter’s book “Slander” includes an excellent section on liberal bias in the world of book publishing. She provides evidence that, despite the consistently high sales of politically conservative books, most publishing companies persist in pushing books from the left side of the spectrum, at the expense of all others. But there is another link in the chain of bias in the publishing world that is rarely addressed: independent bookstores. Independent bookstores are overwhelmingly owned and staffed by liberals and they make sure that their political inclinations take precedence.
A letter to the editor in the Chronicle (11/22) inadvertently highlights the kind of politics many independent bookstores espouse. The writer of the letter sings the praises of City Lights Bookstore for “its four-paneled sign, which states “Stop war and war-makers” with a picture of President Bush on the last panel.” In fact, it’s fairly common to see this kind of leftist, anti-war rhetoric posted in the windows of independent bookstores. These establishments could demonstrate a modicum of professionalism by curbing their proselytizing and doing what they’re supposed to do, which is sell books, but I’m not holding my breath.
Having spent a couple of years working for an independent bookstore, I witnessed first-hand the dominance of leftist politics in that sphere. The buyers, although they did order a wide variety of books for the sake of keeping the store competitive, often conveniently forgot to order paperback versions or additional stock when it came to conservative books. The Marketing Department did their best to imbue the front window displays with as much liberal propaganda as possible, to the point where they ignored customer complaints in the process. Even the humble sales clerks wielded their own power when it came to recommending books, “facing out” books on the shelves and doing floor displays.
Politically conservative books were rarely displayed, even when they were bestsellers. At the same time, leftist books were displayed constantly, even when they were no longer new releases. The anti-American screeds of Noam Chomsky, and the hateful vitriol of Gore Vidal were mainstays of the political displays, as were such juvenile favorites as Michael Moore’s “Stupid White Men.” If it fit their liberal sensibilities, it was assured of long term prominence in their displays.
In contrast, I was in Borders recently and it was a revelation. Their Military History and American History sections were three times the size of the ones at my former job. There were stacks of books everywhere, including many by well-known conservative authors. There was a conspicuous display right by the front door on liberal bias in the media. None of these books were tucked away or hidden for fear of letting out the conservative bogeyman, but rather put out there, along with the whole range of political books, for all to see. In short, it was exactly as it should be in a bookstore.
The fact is, Internet sites like Amazon.com and the large chain bookstores are by far the most democratic when it comes to offering different political viewpoints. It is time for independent bookstores to adapt to a changing world, or go the way of the dinosaurs.
"Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right"
Amazon has it: The Big Book of Jewish Sports Heros
Just curious, any B&N employees lurking that would comment on purchasing, stocking, display policies of B&N?
Of course - the expurgated version. They wet their nests ;)
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