“The TP’s Jarvis DeBerry Takes to Twitter to Fight Katrina Trolls”

Social media has unequivocally provided a new platform for free speech and a method to connect people like never before. In expressing controversial views online, such as criticisms or conspiracy theories, some others will undoubtedly take offense.

On Wednesday’s anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, “The Times Picayune’s” deputy opinions editor & columnist Jarvis DeBerry, addressed whom he referred to as “trolls” on his Twitter handle @jarvisdeberry by tweeting:

“Hey, trolls, let me tell you what you not gon' do: shame the people of New Orleans for remembering and mourning what they lost 13 years ago. You don't want to remember? You don't want to think about it? Fine. But you don't get to tell us not to.” #katrina

It’s not clear what or who provoked Deberry, but many responded favorably by re-tweeting Deberry’s post 245 times and leaving 871 likes.

But should this be the role of DeBerry on Twitter? During his tenure with “The TP,” DeBerry has voiced pointed, and perhaps even over-the-top, opinions in his editorials for the newspaper. However, it is unclear if Deberry was expressing his own personal disdain for the “trolls,” or if this was the official position of “The TP.” Deberry’s Twitter handle does not state whether it’s an official handle for the newspaper or his personal handle.

What do you think? Was DeBerry correct for calling out so-called online “trolls” on the anniversary of Katrina? Or, should a newspaper columnist like DeBerry have more tolerance for differing opinions online?

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