My experiences working for a university-affiliated feminist journal were
while there was a lot of talk about inclusiveness and multicultural
awareness, the staff and readership were predominantly white,
middle-class, and heterosexual. There was an explicit mandate for
inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity, yet I felt they were too often telling
"others" how to speak for and about themselves. It brought to my mind
Foucault's phrase "The indignity of speaking for others". Unfortunately, I
think the patriarchal, colonial-style paradigm is still very much operative
even in so called progressive circles who sincerely desire change. I
don't feel it's intentional. It's just very hard to break with the old
paradigms. New models are very much needed.
>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thu Nov 13 09:42:49 1997
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 11:42:09 +0500
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Susan Daniels <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: colonial paradigm
Rita, I agree with you. One of the strongest paradigms applied in
virtually all organizations including feminist and environmental ones is
the hierarchy. Hierarchical duties, wages, etc...
In an office, for example, I believe everyone should do their own copying,
empty their own wastepaper baskets, sweep their own floor---and receive
equal pay or nearly so.
So-called unskilled laborers such as janitors should, of course, have
access to more thoughtful work, but if some people choose to specialize in
cleaning, for example, they should get paid as much as the president.
Sue
