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Healing Racism/Chicago Southland is offering its introductory course twice this season, one for adults and one for high school teens. For adults: Friday mornings, 9 am - 1:30 pm Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Board Room 3301 Flossmoor Road in Flossmoor February 18 - March 24 For teens: Saturday afternoons 4 - 6:30 pm February 26 - May 13 Location: TBA Fee: $89 (Early bird registration if postmarked by 2/4/00: $79). For more information or to register, call Healing Racism/Chicago Southland at 708 647-8547.
Anna Carvalho <annacarvalho@iname.com> I am doing a group project to find possible ways to eradicate racism. My question to anyone who may read this, is it possible to take a group of people from all sorts of cultures and backgrounds and place them in the same neighborhood to live peacefully, hoping that racism will possibly be slowly eradicated if they interact with one another? My group is focusing on the communities- specifically one in Chicago- and trying to build a community that will be diverse to make the neighbors eventually get along. Do you think that it is a possible solution? Please anyone email me before Thursday. Thank-you and God Bless you! "Racism will end when ignorance leaves first."
Katherine Fisher <katfisher81@hotmail.com> I just came upon this cite recently. I hope those involved in last May's discussion are still checking in. Regardless, I'd like to start up a discussion with anyone interested. My question regards the relative gap that seems to exist between our beliefs and our actions. Many of those who speak as though diversity and cultural appreciation are high on their list, are the same ones who move into predominantly white neighborhoods, move their kids out of schools with a diverse student body, etc. all under the pretense that a "darkening" neighborhood is a dying neighborhood - often despite evidence to the contrary. Why don't our actions always match our beliefs?
Tiffani Clark <tlclark@midway.uchicago.edu> Here is an edited version of a very interesting discussion that took place in mid May, 1998: TED: What is your greatest fear about "other" people? Specifically, those of a different race or ethnic persuasion. Can this fear be put into words so that we can intelligently discuss it on this page, or is it simply too inflammatory? BILL: When I am in the presence of another race, an alarm goes off -- a warning signal that danger looms large. How did this protective sense become attached to me? I didn't put it there. I don't want it there anymore! It's me. Nothing bad has ever happened to me to warrant these defensive emotions, yet this is the point that a lot of us have evolved to since we started this racial healing in the 60's. We need to move past placing blame on the "other" and work more toward inner healing. TED: Bill, if I may ask you to be more specific, I'd like to know what kind of danger you are talking about. From reading your entire commentary on the page below, I'm assuming that this "danger" that you speak of is not to be taken literally but, rather, as a sign that your generation notices race very acutely -- unlike some of our children who are growing up in an extremely diverse environment here in the south metropolitan region. BILL: I believe the media has played a crucial r oll in the development of this switch or alarm I feel. Racial tension has been played to the forefront of news and placed barriers between us. Even today, rap music portrays young black men with an "in your face" attitude that oozes fear. I know that this is not an accurate portrayal of an entire race. But thi s is what we are fed through the media. This is the information that creates a negative image that should be silenced. TED: Who should silence the image? I agree that rap, and I think you are referring to "gangsta rap" is terribly destructive and negative, but what does it me an to silence the rap? Should the government do it? Should black leaders do it? Should a diverse network of concerned people get together and try to point these "rap artists" in a different direction? How can we answer these questions when each one bucks up against the first amendment? Too bad the framers of the Constitution had no idea that freedom required so much responsibility. BILL: You and I are the ultimate censors. We have the ability to pass on standards of morality. In my house the words nigger, jew,cracker,ect... have no decibal level. They are silent. Unspoken. My son knows these words exist and for what purpose. But hopefully his children won't even know thes e words ever existed. TED: His children SHOULD know that these words existed. His children SHOULD know that the Holocaust took place. His children SHOULD know the horrid ramifications of slavery in this country, the turmoil of the 60s… "Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it." I'm not sure if that is the exact phrasing and to whom the original quote belongs, but it's damn good advice. RONALD: George Santayana (Harvard U) is usually given credit for the quote: He who will not read history is doomed to repeat it. --especially the mistakes. FERN: I am fascinated by the discussion taking place. However, I do take great exception to one comment that Bill made. When you are teaching your son about derogatory names, please do not include Jew. Jew is not a bad word. I am extremely proud of my heritage and I wear the name Jew proudly. I, like you, am teaching my children what words are acceptable, and name calling will never be accepted in our home. But when someone says "Jew," it is my hope that my children will raise their hands, stand up and proudly be counted. BILL: I stand corrected Fern. But I have heard the word Jew used in ways that I don't find acceptable. I know the difference. Have you ever had an experience where you felt offended by someones use of the word? TED: The misunderstanding between Fern and Bill is a great example of how delicately people must treat discussions regarding race and ethnicity. Here we have two people, both apparently unbigoted and broad-minded, who are fighting the same battle -- and THEY can't agree. MARY:--You guys talk about alot of things I think you know nothing about. I am a white divorced mother with a malatto son. You want to talk about racial problems? I can give you both sides." TED: Mary, I must take exception to this broad generalization. No one in this conversation has ever claimed to know anything about raising a multatto son. Though it is true that I am not divorced with a mulatto son, that has nothing to do with my other experiences with racial problems. Your argument proposes that only white, divorced women with mulatto sons can relate to racial problems from both sides. FERN: Bill, I have heard people say the word Jew in a way that I feel is inappropriate, but I tend to think of it as a misuse of the word. It is only as an adult that I have heard other adults say the name of my religion, the word I identify with, in refere nce to others or to situations that have nothing to do with Judaism. That, I believe, is a misuse of a perfectly acceptable word, by people who must be uninformed. BILL: This is the reason I value an open discussion. Even on such a sensitive subject. Thanks Fern for enlightening me with your feelings on a matter I didn't anticipate. We should all consider the power of a single word and it's effect on others when we put it to use.
Ted Spaniak <lx1625@lincolnnet.net> I DO NOT LIVE IN PARK FOREST BUT I THINK DIVERSITY IS ALL DIFFERENT CULTURES.
mary alexander There should be more emphasis placed on the student's at the various stages of their schooling, in order that the ideas of diversity will be grounded in the students at an time when growth and development is taking place,in a structured enviornment
Clyde Wilson Diversity means that all backgrounds are accepted
nora scully-mckethen Embracing diversity in our schools is important. At Mohawk School the students study one country for a two week period. They listen to the National Anthem for that country, discuss languages spoken, special foods, and they locate the country on the map.
Peggy Manta Diversity is many cultures and how they are alike as well as how they are different. There some things that all people have in common. I think Park Forest does address the issues of diversity in the schools through literatue.
Eileen Dominck I think District 163 is attempting to deal with diversity issues by working with students and staff to create the best educaton environment for everyone.
Mary Many in District 163 work at understanding all of our children.
Susanne Picchi SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!!--------Today, March 21, 1998, K-8 teachers in district 163 have gathered at Forest Trail Junior High in Park Forest for an Internet workshop sponsored by South Metropolitan Regional Leadership Center. Part of their training deals with becoming familiar with discussion groups -- and what better discussion group than THIS ONE!....(Teachers, please respond to this): "We often hear, 'It is important to promote and embrace diversity in our schools and neighborhoods.' Wh at does this mean to you? How well does district 163 embrace diversity?"
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak@aol.com> Bill:--------You caught me. I should not have said that you and Fern "can't" agree; I should have stated that you "do not" agree or "are not" agreeing on the present subject. I never meant to imply that you could not agree, but that is what you infer red. This is interesting because it plays right into our discussion of carefully choosing words. I stand corrected, Bill -- but now it's time for me to correct you.----- Your admonishment to learn patience is out of line. Perhaps you wrote this with y our tongue firmly planted in your cheek, but I cannot see your cheek so I must go on the supposition that you are serious. It is not patience that I need, Bill; I need to choose my words more carefully. I believe that you need to be more patient in asse ssing the intent of another writer's words. There really is nothing in the statement that you and Fern "can't" agree that connotes impatience. Bad judgement perhaps. Let's talk about something else. I'd like to hear from mimi355 on the mulatto/divorce d mother issue.
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak> Thanks, Bill. I feel that we have had an intelligent discussion where I have learned something also. I agree with you that we all have to be careful of the words that we choose to use, and perhaps this will have an effect on others. It is always help ful to try to look at something from another's point of view. Another point: we all need to choose our words carefully, and listen to others words and intent carefully.
Fern Katz <lxkatz@lincolnnet.net> This is the reason I value an open discussion. Even on such a sensitive subject. Thanks Fern for enlightening me with your feelings on a matter I didn't anticipate. We should all consider the power of a single word and it's effect on others when we put it to use. Ted also had some comments on our discussion saying we couldn't agree. He jumped in to soon. Learn patience Ted! As long as we don't turn our backs on each other, we can learn from each other.
Bill Klein <doctor wu 76 @ aol . com> Bill, I have heard people say the word Jew in a way that I feel is inappropriate, but I tend to think of it as a misuse of the word. It is only as an adult that I have heard other adults say the name of my religion, the word I identify with, in refere nce to others or to situations that have nothing to do with Judaism. That, I believe, is a misuse of a perfectly acceptable word, by people who must be uninformed. To those who read this and think some of us are being too sensitive, I invite you to find what is dearest to your heart, how you define yourself, how you live your life, and see how it feels when others don't accept you.
Fern Katz <lxkatz@lincolnnet.net> Ted says to mimi355...Your statement, captain, is illogical and I'm sure that you really don't mean what the statement implies....///////Give us a brake Ted. Your smart but no Mr. SPock. As for this whole discusion I think some people may be over sensative.
Ron Tally <LaPage75@aol.com> The misunderstanding between Fern and Bill is a great example of how delicately people must treat discussions regarding race and ethnicity. Here we have two people, both apparently unbigoted and broad-minded, who are fighting the same battle -- and TH EY can't agree. Therefore, we must choose our words carefully. Our words are our tools, our medicines, our salvation and our annihilation. If people who share similar ideologies have trouble communicating, how much harder is it to communicate when peop le think very differently from one and other?
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak@aol.com> MARY (mimi355) wrties:--"You guys talk about alot of things I think you know nothing about. I am a white divorced mother with a malatto son. You want to talk about racial problems? I can give you both sides."--------Mary, I must take exception to this broad generalization. No one in this conversation has ever claimed to know anything about raising a multatto son. Though it is true that I am not divorced with a mulatto son, that has nothing to do with my other experiences with racial problems. Your argument proposes that only white, divorced women with mulatto sons can relate to racial problems from both sides; Your statement, captain , is illogical and I'm sure that you really don't mean what the statement implies. SO----I would really like to hear about your experiences and difficulties in raising a mulatto son as a divorced white woman. Please enlighten us. "Give us both sides."
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak@aol.com> I stand corrected Fern. But I have heard the word Jew used in ways that I don't find acceptable. I know the difference. Have you ever had an experience where you felt offended by someones use of the word?
Bill Klein <Doctor wu76 @ aol .com> This Diversity discussion can be very helpful. I plan to take part after the semester closes. George Santayana (Harvard U) is usually given credit for the quote: He who will not read history is doomed to repeat it. --especially the mistakes.
Ronald Farquhar <ron623@ix.netcom.com> I am fascinated by the discussion taking place. However, I do take great exception to one comment that Bill made. When you are teaching your son about derogatory names, please do not include Jew. Jew is not a bad word. I am extremely proud of my he ritage and I wear the name Jew proudly. I, like you, am teaching my children what words are acceptable, and name calling will never be accepted in our home. But when someone says "Jew," it is my hope that my children will raise their hands, stand up and proudly be counted.
Fern Katz <lxkatz@linconlnnet.net> I have been reading your stuff for a week. You guys talk about alot of things I think you know nothing about. I am a white divorced mother with a malatto son. You want to talk about racial problems? I can give you both sides.
mary <mimi355 @aol> Thank God for Ron!! Ted is an interesting fellow, but he keeps beating me up with words and phrases every time I make these inspired comments. Jump in here Ron. You don't have to be a scholar to point out the truth.
Bill Klein <Doctor wu @ aol.com> What is this, Bill and ted's exelent adventure? How come Bill and Ted are the only two guys discusing anything? I think the discusion is really interesting but I have to keep a dictionery around when Ted writes. Ted. Give us commoners a brake will ya? I can't think of anything to add right now. I'm waiting for Bill to reply but I'll join in as soon as I have some thing good to say. KEEP IT UP TED AND BILL!!!!!! Your awsome.
Ron Tally <LaPage75@aol.com> Bill, you have come up with an excellent alternative to the negative images foisted upon us by the media. You said:"We are the gatekeepers of what enters our minds and what is passed on to our children." ----- Right on. Our modern society is so fill ed with negative images and messages coming from so many different arenas that SEEMINGLY all we can do is assume the responsibility of filtering, censoring, and disseminating the info for our children. Although I agree with most of what you say, I believ e that there is a chink near the end of your argument. The problem lies in the last sentence: " My son knows that words [like nigger and other racial slurs]exist and for what purpose, but hopefully his children won't even know these words ever existed." ------ Here's the problem: His children SHOULD know that these words existed. His children SHOULD know that the Holocaust took place. His children SHOULD know the horr id ramifications of slavery in this country, the turmoil of the 60s. As a nation and a world, we should never forget the hideous transgressions of our past. I hate to invoke the following old, tired cliche, but it is a propitious moment: "Those who forg et the past are destined to repeat it." I'm not sure if that is the exact phrasing and to whom the original quote belongs, but it's damn good advice. Excuse if I appear to patronize you; That is not what I am aiming at. It's just that when engaged in t hese rhetorical discussions about sensitive racial issues, it pays to be as accurate and anal retentive as possible. I look forward to our next exchange. Perhaps we need to take a turn in another direction?
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak@aol.com> Ted, You ask me who should silence any negitive images placed there by the media. You should put it into darkness. I should put it there. We are the gatekeepers of what enters our minds and what is passed on to our children. You and I are the ultimate censors. We have the ability to pass on standards of morality. In my house the words nigger, jew,cracker,ect... have no decibal level. They are silent. Unspoken. My son knows these words exist and for what purpose. But hopefully his children won't even know thes e words ever existed.
Bill Klein <doctor wu 76 @ aol.com> Bill Klein writes in the message below this one: "Even today, rap music portrays young black men with an "in your face" attitude that oozes fear. I know that this is not an accurate portrayal of an entire race. But this is what we are fed through the media. This is the information that creates a negative image that should be silenced." ------ Bill: Who should silence the image? I agree that rap, and I think you are referring to "gangsta rap" is terribly destructive and negative, but what does it me an to silence the rap? Should the government do it? Should black leaders do it? Should a diverse network of concerned people get together and try to point these "rap artists" in a different direction? How can we answer these questions when each one bucks up against the first amendment. I agree, that destructive rap should be silenced -- but I have no ethical solution how this is to take place. You brought up what a powerful role the media plays in the perpetuation of negative images. It would be nice to stop "them" from glorifying rap artists who are criminals like Tupac Shakur because it's extremely harmful to the youth of our society. I guess America has found itself inside a conundrum made from its own Constitution. Too bad the framers of the Constitution had no idea that freedom required so much responsibility; however, it's pretty tough to legislate responsibiltiy an d morality because subjectivity and relativity rear the heads. SOMEBODY HELP! How do we stop the destructive, negative images perpetuated by the media and the rap artists? Or, should we even worry about it? Is it -- dare I say -- actually a healthy ph enomenon?
Ted Spaniak <lx1625@lincolnnet.net> Ted, To expand on this feeling of alarm becomes quite involved. Through my life I also have had little contact with other races. What little I have had has been good. Something has overshadowed these experiences. I believe the media has played a crucial r oll in the development of this switch or alarm I feel. Racial tension has been played to the forefront of news and placed barriers between us. If you scan your memory for the most prominent images of Martin Luther King Jr. you will conjure up film foota ge of injustice and violence. His positive visions lag behind the negative images. Even today, rap music portrays young black men with an "in your face" attitude that oozes fear. I know that this is not an accurate portrayal of an entire race. But thi s is what we are fed through the media. This is the information that creates a negative image that should be silenced. For me these barriers become more transparent as I dig deeper within myself.
Bill Klein <doctorwu76> Bill: Part of your answer to my question (farther down the discussion page)"What is your greatest fear of those of a different race or ethnic persuasion" stated: "When I am in the presence of another race, an alarm goes off -- a warning signal that danger looms large." Bill, if I may ask you to be more specific, I'd like to know what kind of danger you are talking about. From reading your entire commentary on the page below, I'm assuming that this "danger" that you speak of is not to be taken literally but, rather, as a sign that your generation notices race very accutely -- unlike some of our children who are growing up in an extremely diverse environment here in the south metropolitan region. For instance, my son regularly plays with those of other races whereas I n ever had the opportunity to even speak to a black person until I was 11 years old. So, for the benefit of this discussion, can you amplify a little on these "danger" signals of which you speak. Thanks.
Ted Spaniak <lx1625@lincolnnet.net> With regard for Ted Spaniak's question, "What is your greatest fear of 'others,' -- that is, those of a different race or etnic persuasion": Most of us that have been around for a while would like to see this subject drown in silence. But since you bring it up... When I am in the presence of another race, an alarm goes off -- a warning signal that danger looms large. How did this protective sense become attached to me? I didn't put it there. I don't want it there anymore! It's me. Nothing bad has ever happened to me to warrant these defensive emotions, yet this is the point that a lot of us have evolved to since we started this racial healing in the 60's. We need to move past placing blame on the "other" and work more towa rd inner healing. This subsequently will become a rather silent quest. If you don't hear a lot noise on this subject, from folks like me, it's not because we don't care or have concerns, but that we are still working on it.
Bill Klein <DoctorWu76@aol.com> Thursday, April 23rd, we ended up with close to 600 participants in our first set of diversity dinners in the south metro region. The initial feedback we are receiving is very positive and we hope this will become a regional event at least once or twi ce a year. It is powerful and important to simply take some "time out" of our busy lives to join in a meal that starts out with persons who may be "strangers" to us, but then ends with having shared some significant experiences and observations about our lives in this region, and perhaps new friendships develop.
Larry McClellan <lxmcclel@lincolnnet.net> Having participated in the production of the v-conference, "Food for Thought: Hosting the Diversity Dinner", I think that all those involved, production team members, host trainees, and of course the various sponsors, would agree that the v-conference held on 04/18/98 was successful in providing the intended audience, the host trainees and future hosts, with the tools they need in hosting a diversity dinner in their home. Good Luck.
Ken Felten <kk-felten@govst.edu> The videoconference,"Food for Thought: Hosting the Diversity Dinner", proved to be a sucess. Not only were a number of host trainees present for the v-conference but I think also that they came away with the tools they need to make their own Diversity Dinner in their home a success. Also I think that all participants in the production of the v-conference learned a few things:1) v-conferencing and 2) diversity issues.
Ken Felten <kk-felten@govst.edu> My family is hosting one of the Diversity Dinners on 4/23. Racial healing is a necessary step toward America taking its place in the world and in history as the greatest nation. We're not there yet! But my faith tells me that the effort is worth it. I t is a noble effort to bring about a healing among the broken people of God.
Andrew Lyke <lyke2lyke@usa.net> What is your greatest fear about "other" people -- that is, those of a different race or ethnic persuasion. Can this fear be put into words so that we can intelligently discuss it on this page, or is it simply too inflammatory? If it is too inflammat ory, ask yourself why? Do you think that your perceptions have to change or the perceptions of others? I realize that these questions are rather obtuse; however, perhaps they are large enough to spark some type of discussion. I hope so. I also know th is was the easy part. Your turn.
Ted Spaniak <TSpaniak1@aol.com> This is a very cool site! I wonder why? Maybe because I wrote the content for it? :)
Karen Piejko <K-Pieko@govst.edu> Throughout the development of the RAP/2000+ process and the work of the Regional Leadership Center, we have always felt that one of the keys to understanding and thereby having an impact in the south metro region was the dynamic of racial and cultural diversity. We hope that our work contributes to some creative responses to issues that have a hard time going away. Join in the work!
Larry A. McClellan <lxmcclel@lincolnnet.net> Welcome to the South Metro Regional Diversity Discussion Group. We hope you will make use of this site as a way to celebrate the incredible diversity in our region. We look forward to the upcoming Diversity Dinners to be held on April 23rd, and we will post a report on the website to let everyone know how they went. I also look forward to seeing the discussion that evolves in this group!
Karyn Purvis <lxpurvis@lincolnnet.net> |