I’d say that, on conflict theory terms, NYT adequately described Scott. They correctly identified him as a contrarian willing to entertain, and maybe even hold, taboo opinions, and to have polite interactions with out-and-out witches. Of course, we may think it deplorable that the ‘newspaper of record’ considers such people deserving to be publicly named and shamed, but they provided reasonably accurate information to those sharing this point of view.
I’d say that, on conflict theory terms, NYT adequately described Scott. They correctly identified him as a contrarian willing to entertain, and maybe even hold, taboo opinions, and to have polite interactions with out-and-out witches. Of course, we may think it deplorable that the ‘newspaper of record’ considers such people deserving to be publicly named and shamed, but they provided reasonably accurate information to those sharing this point of view.