I have posted as Cyclemom for a number of months now and with the exception of one person, no one ever asked me who I was or to identify myself until recently.
For those of you who have felt that I have offended you by not identifying myself, I apologize You know as human beings, we are notorious for judging others and yet we make so many excuses for ourselves. You know Avery has been quoted as saying, "we expect guest to our facility (to post) to do so in a courteous and respectful manner." I quite agree with this comment. However, I am puzzled about one thing. On March 10, 2001, Avery responded to a woman saying that, "". By the end of May you'll be a skinny broad on a bike and be capable of riding the 100 km casual comfortably. A warning - it's addictive and next year you'll want to be an even skinnier broad on a bike and do the Classic." While the woman in question did not have a problem with this comment, I did. If a man had written in for training advice would he have gotten the response, ".you'll want to be an even skinnier guy on a bike." As a woman cyclist, I have had to deal with my share of irate motorist. The usual response is to smile, wave and say have a good day. However, in the past, I have also had some rather crude comments made by motorist. Just because I am wearing, spandex shorts and a sleeveless top, I get someone making some crude remark. I cannot just smile and wave and say have a good day in this circumstance. So yes, I put up with it. The other problem, I had with this comment, was like many things in today's society it encouraged behaviours associated with eating disorders. Exercising addictively (beyond what is required for good health) is a symptom of an eating disorder. Studies have estimated that 1 in 5 female competitive athletes, suffers from some sort of eating disorder. This affects some sports more than others such as gymnastics and long distance running. I wrote the board about this issue one year ago. I got absolutely no response. I finally became a member to get one. The response read with no form of salutation, that my letter and concern had "no merit and the board considered the matter closed." "Canada is a country where freedom of expression is a right. However, by allowing the expression of discriminatory behaviours and beliefs, we risk abusing the rights of others. Human rights legislation protects those rights in essential areas of our lives." According to the Ontario Human Rights code, "sexual harassment is making unwelcome comments about your body." "Sexual harassment can have an effect on, or 'poison', the places where you live, work or receive services. Even if the harassment is not directed at you, it can still poison the environment for you and others." As a human being, I make many, many mistakes. I will apologize and I will forgive. I have spent sometime volunteering in the past, and I wasn't able to continue what I was doing. I had a both a death in the family and another member was seriously ill. During my time volunteering, I have noticed much about postings to list. They do not result in discussion especially around controversial issues. Discussions can lead to many possible solutions. What I see all too often are debates. It is a win-lose, either-or situation. I have seen more than my share of put downs towards others. This very often leads to the polarization of an issue. Anyway, I really needed to get this off my chest, although I said I would not do so. Sorry, but I just needed to express frustration on my part. I highly doubt my posting will change a thing. I can just see it now - the justifications and I will probably get dumped on for standing up for something I believe. Anyway, I am out of here. Lynda Kadey-Smith a.k.a. Cyclemom Member: Human Race Cycling Club ------------------------------------------------- For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter ------------------------------------------------- ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
