Bertina,
How does someone "let" sexism, racism and poverty happen to them? Yeah we
let rape happen and we let it get in our way to normal, open expression of
our sexuality. Women let men judge them by their looks and we let this get
to us after years of grooming and trying to figure out how to juggle the
double-standards. Sure blacks let whites make more money, live in "better"
neighborhoods and treat them like shit and poor people let the fact that
they can't pay their bills with the lousy wage they earn and then it is
their felt they "let" all this get to them. This takes blaming the victim
to a whole new level, whether you think you are blaming them or not. Ever
read Moynihan? You sound just like him. Whether the victims are a young
(children) oppressed class of people or older (adults or elderly), no one
lets oppression hold them down. They didn't start it and they certainly
don't like that it continues and they have the power to unite and make
political change, but as individuals, they have little power.
Candi
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, October 23, 1998 8:37 AM
To: STUDIES IN WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT
Subject: Re: Looking for Gaia spiritual and/or religious movements
Poverty, sexism and racism doesnt get in anyones way unless they let it
happen Angela. But I dont blame the victims of such things-generally the
victims are children.
Is it the guys fault in Wyoming that he was killed by a bunch of punks?
No. Did something get in his way? Yes-bigotry!
Bertina
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Thu, 22 Oct 1998 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> In a message dated 98-10-22 11:58:17 EDT, you write:
>
> << I believe all people should be free and able
> to control her/his own destiny without poverty, sexism, and racism
getting
> in her/his way. But me believing this and trying to convince others to
> believe this is not enough.
> >>
> Hi Candi,
>
> You make some good points.
>
> However,
> If a person is in control of his/her own destiny then if things like
poverty,
> sexism and racism get in his/her way - it is their own fault - right?
They
> were afterall in control?
> Of course they are not to blame!
>
> Sometimes things BEYOND our own control - cause poverty, sexism and
racism -
> now how can we help that person deal with that position they are in - if
they
> poor, we can help provide for them, feed them, provide clothing, provide
jobs
> and we can make laws that protect peoples rights and freedom and work to
have
> them enforced. We can believe (like you) in the right to riches,
freedoms and
> the protection of individual rights (I like that!) and help pass laws
and
> provide through grass roots efforts. Now what we believe does help!
You/we
> tell others to do the same thing and you start a chain reaction! Now
your
> self-respect is spreading to others! The power of love has submerged!
The
> big corporations can't stop us from spreading love - setting up soup
kitchens,
> supporting campaigns in defense of woman's rights, boycotting companies
that
> sell non-green products etc. When we love ourselves we are free to love
> others! The only liberation we need is self-actualization! Bullish on
people
> who tell you that "you stand alone" or that "what you believe does not
count"
> or that "greed is more powerful then love" they are wrong!
>
> We need to feel sure about ourselves, believe in LOVE and know that
others
> care and believe that we can make a difference!
>
> Thanks!
> Angela
>
> "Kindness is contagious!"
>
>
>
