I am thinking about the word careless...when reading posts from Patrick, Chris, Ashara, and Debra concerning their feelings about Marcel...I once again feel that Marcel has posted Debra with careless disregard for the spirit of respect and dignity. When I meet someone who makes a sexist or racist remark that raises my hackles, I say to them "You seem like too nice a person to make a statement such as that". This has been very effective in opening up communication and dialogue. I am of the belief that we should always allow a person to back away from something negative they have done with grace. However, once the person has been afforded the opportunity to do this and refuses then it becomes increasingly difficult to believe they can make that change. And it is here that I look at the word careless...because it means to care less. Marcel stated in pertinent part to Debra, " This may be beyond your sense of "compliment" after all Comradette a compliment to you is a red star on your beanie for how many people you turned into the secret police." I ask you all how much more can Marcel care less? When I initially joined the Joni list I was dismayed over the sarcastic and venomous comments Marcel made to Debra. I was upset that Debra did not want to come to the fest because of Marcel. I knew this before I went to the Fest and I put that aside while I listened to Marcel play his guitar and sing for us. But all the while I was there I could not forget history. I am new to this list and lack the experience and respect of other listers. However, listers such as Debra, Ashara, Patrick, Chris, and Colin do have your respect and their opinions should be given much weight. Peace........Sharon
