[Winona Online Democracy]
Pam,
I, too, have been greatly saddened and frustrated by the near absence of
letters refuting the ignorance so saturating most of the recent
letters. It seems many writers are just using the Scouts/United Way
controversy to verbally bash gays and lesbians in the paper (re: Gene
Thiele's letter in yesterday's DN). I worry about young people who read
those letters who might be struggling with their own sexuality; the letters
will only add to their shame, confusion, fear.... I'm concerned about the
impact such letters may have on their psyches, especially if they hear
their own family members or friends agreeing.
I've been considering writing in since the whole mess began.... I have no
concern whatsoever over what others might think. I would sing my praises
for the local United Way and sing my support for gay rights from the
blufftops. But, I feel so overwhelmed by the seemingly impenetrable wall
of hate built up by those letter writers -- I wouldn't know where to
begin! Do I start by dismantling the myths perpetuated by Thiele and
company? Do I simply state my support for the United Way and leave it at
that? I know the right-wingers will simply respond with their
pseudo-piety, their self-righteousness and "iron grip" on the
"facts" -- they will seem so civil (most of them) and reasonable. I
don't know how to argue with them. In short, I haven't written in because
this whole thing has just left me feeling very sad and angry, but
powerless. The fact is, this is a small, rural, conservative community and
it will always remain so.
This may not be the appropriate venue to vent like this; if not, I
apologize. This issue gets me very emotional for personal reasons. I'm a
little ashamed of feeling defeated when it comes to the larger picture
(city issues). I do believe though, with all my heart, that we can all
fight this bigotry when it comes to those within our immediate spheres of
influence. I know a teacher and a professor who have each put up small gay
pride decals in their classroom or office with a flyer indicating they are
sympathetic supporters and are available to listen if there is a student
who needs to talk. We can all voice our opinions to those with whom we
come into personal contact. We can speak up if we hear hateful speech or
ignorance in the class or the office. These are examples of small, but
very powerful and important, ways we can each act to make a positive impact.
But, by all means, if there are others who feel more optimistic about this
town and feel writing in to the papers will make a difference (and, I do
think it would), please ---- write, write, write!
Lori Baumgardt
At 08:08 PM 4/5/01, Pam wrote:
>[Winona Online Democracy]
>
>I have seen so many people upset about the scouts discriminating, but I
>haven't seen many letters to the editor. There seem to be more people
>writing that are upset with united way. If everyone that is upset with the
>scouts would write, maybe it might help this town to open up it's eyes to
>see how out-dated this town is and how closed minded it is.
>Yes, I have a letter almost finished to go to the paper. I sure hope others
>would write, but I know that most people don't because they are afraid of
>what people "might think" about them. That's such a shame.
>Pam McKenzie
>
>
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