I haven't posted much to this list since last year, when a handful of list-members decided to make an issue out of the online handle I used (and continue to use, for every other board I belong to, except this one), rather than to focus on the actual community-related issues I was trying to discuss, despite the fact that my posts included my real name and neighborhood, in adherence to the list rules. The handle in question included the word "bitch", which opened up attacks from people who made presumptions about my gender and personal character, as well as from people who felt that use of this word implied some sort of hostility towards women. Everyone who commented seemed to overlook the fact that the term is also used pro-actively (my personal slant, admittedly), as in, "to complain", which I feel is somewhat apropos in the context of this list. In subsequent discussions with the list manager, it was apparent there would be no attempts towards resolving the issue others had with my handle. The only diplomatic thing left to do was to leave, which sort of proved the point I had raised in my posts - that there are many people out here who are interested in the political goings-on in our communities, but are suspicious of dealing with the policy-makers, and having to sift through the rhetoric, excuses, etc, that go hand in hand with the existing system; furthermore, we are often made to feel unwelcome when trying to get involved, because of some people's petty prejudices about how we appear to others who would apparently like to feel that they have established the standards for community involvement.
Having stated this, I am responding to Allysen Hoberg's comment regarding the dynamics of racism and how it may or may not relate to the existing power structure within the area this list applies to. I am in agreement with her. I do think there is a difference between my use of the term in question, and the manner in which Susan Miracle brought it to our attention, which seemed to have no other function than to provoke hatred. During the time I have chosen to step back from this list, I still read with great interest, the daily updates on local issues, news stories, and in this way, I am able to supplement my own awareness of what takes place here in our communities. I have also read countless personal attacks, which is part of the reason some of us choose to stay away from localized political issues. In my esteem, none of the community issues posted to the list should be personalized, as this view takes away from the strength of the community at large. Personalizing issues seems tantamount to shutting ones doors and windows, so as not to hear the sounds of what goes on in the street; as opposed to making an effort to find out what is going on, and helping to prevent it. The kinds of issues discussed on this list don't just affect each of as individuals, they also make a much greater impact on the community as a whole, and I do believe that is where our strength lies as well in trying to circumvent problems like crime, misappropriated spending, safety concerns, and the like. Yes, I'm sure this post may seem to be coming out of left field for some of you, but hopefully not too many. I was happy to made aware of the existence of this list, last year, when I was also contributing to the now-defunct TCPunk list, and making my living as a free-lance writer, while wrestling with maintenance required of the four boulevard gardens surrounding our home, in the Longfellow neighborhood. This list has proven to be a great resource of information at times, but that's only because of what the list itself it comprised of - people, the greatest resource of all, when it comes to getting things done. It saddens me to see all the personal sniping, particularly as I sense beneath it all, we're essentially trying to accomplish the same things, in terms of improving the quality of life in our communities, which is something I hope we can all agree on, at least. Thanks for listening, J. Free (yes, just "J." is my legal first name) Longfellow > In response to what Susan Miracle wrote: > > (I know I am not the list manager but I do think that the rest of the people writing in about being called "white bitch" and how to handle it, or whatever, should be offline). > > Allysen Hoberg TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
