A month has passed since the big earthquake in Haiti. I’m sure anyone who has seen the devastation feels heartsick for the people there. Described by one as a tragedy of “biblical” proportion, it is certainly unimaginable how such a beleaguered nation of people could survive. Yet, they will survive with the help of billions of dollars raised from people and organizations all around the world.
I’ve been wondering…Why did, approximately 200,000 people have to die before our government paid real attention to Haiti? Before the quake, for years, Haitians have tried to flee the country for a better life in the U.S. and unlike other “boat people” have been consistently and summarily turned away. Why also, with so many people doing so much through the years to help the Haitian people, has relatively so little been accomplished? Just a couple of years ago there were articles and television spots about children eating dirt cookies. Why does anyone in the same hemisphere as a country as wealthy as ours have to eat dirt? Why do corrupt governments thrive in areas where government should help not exploit its people? These questions are about why human beings behave so badly toward one another.
A significant part of the YWCA’s mission statement is “promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.” Those elements are accomplished through effective ADVOCACY. Perhaps, now, all of us can be more effective advocates for Haiti and its people, not just give money, but hold the organizations we give to accountable for ensuring the funds are spent to address immediate needs and begin to address root causes of problems. The current situation is simply unacceptable.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Snowmageddon
Why is there SO much coverage in the news of snow in Washington, DC? Granted, they’ve had a lot this winter and the totals have been much higher than normal for that neck of the woods, but it DOES snow there and it’s winter - February no less!
What has happened to us that we are so fascinated with things that don’t amount to a hill of beans? Ok. Record breaking snowfall is a story for a day or two, beyond that, it’s just silly. What about adding a thoughtful twist to the story, say, on day two? Something like, what happens to all of the District’s homeless people when there’s 30-40 inches of snow on the ground around the benches they sleep under. I wonder how many of them participated in the big Dupont Circle snow ball fight?
I guess being inundated with news about big snow totals beats the screeching about how illegal immigrants are going to be the death of the U.S. or the incessant fussing about how the President’s healthcare bill is going to bring the country to its knees, or (locally) the I-know-better-than-you-do debate about MPS.
I think it was President Obama who referred to the Washington snow fall as “snowmageddon,” perhaps as another good-humored jab at the citizenry’s inability to handle the season’s weather. Let’s hope the word doesn’t make it to the dictionary.
What has happened to us that we are so fascinated with things that don’t amount to a hill of beans? Ok. Record breaking snowfall is a story for a day or two, beyond that, it’s just silly. What about adding a thoughtful twist to the story, say, on day two? Something like, what happens to all of the District’s homeless people when there’s 30-40 inches of snow on the ground around the benches they sleep under. I wonder how many of them participated in the big Dupont Circle snow ball fight?
I guess being inundated with news about big snow totals beats the screeching about how illegal immigrants are going to be the death of the U.S. or the incessant fussing about how the President’s healthcare bill is going to bring the country to its knees, or (locally) the I-know-better-than-you-do debate about MPS.
I think it was President Obama who referred to the Washington snow fall as “snowmageddon,” perhaps as another good-humored jab at the citizenry’s inability to handle the season’s weather. Let’s hope the word doesn’t make it to the dictionary.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The New Year
Another year has passed. What a year it was! We saw a miraculous emergency landing on the Hudson River, a historic presidential inauguration, GM’s and Chrysler’s bankruptcy filings, the confirmation of the first Latina to the Supreme Court, the death of two great advocates for the disabled (Eunice Kennedy) and the poor (Ted Kennedy) and the disastrous Ft. Hood shootings! Fortunately, the year didn’t end with the bang that could have been. Talk about good news/bad news stories!
As we start a fresh new year, the first of a new decade, let’s set our sights on what good advocates of eliminating racism and empowering women can accomplish in 2010.
First, the basics: let’s ensure everyone returns their census forms so we get a complete count and PLEASE, don’t let complaints about the government’s use of antiquated language keep you from completing the form or encouraging others to do the same! Second, everyone who can, should vote in the year’s first election, the spring primary on February 16th. Voters should then complete the 2010 election cycle by voting in the April 6th election, the September 14th fall primary and the November 2nd general election when we will elect the state’s new governor. Third, let’s resolve to be more sensitive to the needs of others and less judgmental about people and cultures we know little, if anything, about. (Responses to today’s blog entries on JSONLINE suggest a little more tolerance might be in order!) Besides, it’s a resolution that’s a lot easier to keep than exercising five days a week and eating fewer desserts.
At the YWCA we resolve to follow an Advocate’s Creed. We will not hesitate and we will not falter in our work on behalf of those who need our help. We will not relax as long as there is injustice to address. In that respect, we are guided by the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We will not be distracted from the difficult work with which we have been charged, doing all within our power to breathe life into our vision of “Fueling women’s aspirations and opening pathways to racial justice.”
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Journal Sentinel Supplies Grist for the Mill
Why is child care fraud front page news? Granted, fraud is WRONG, an affront to the taxpayers of the State of Wisconsin and should be punished. No doubt, these Deputy Dog Watchdog Reports on the subject are intended to put the bad guys (in this case gals) on notice: This bilking of the system won’t be tolerated.
Well, newsflash! The articles aren’t targeted to the “perps.” They’re intended to let law-abiding citizens know that law enforcement is on the case of these bad people! And by the way, the writer MUST put the perps’ pictures with the articles because they’re public enemies.
Please, give us a break! Anyone who has been waiting with baited breath to read the Watchdog’s latest installment can rest assured that grapevine gossip has probably done more to whip people into shape than the incendiary updates could or will ever do.
When is the paper going to stop contributing to the perpetuation of the stereotypes of people of color in the City, in this case black women, as crooks and predators by making front-page news of their exploits? Child Care fraud is OLD NEWS and as such should be relegated to the Local section, at best.
Now, there were other articles in today’s paper that, had they been on the front page, would have contributed better to the paper’s tabloid status than the one of which I write: shredded reports of priest abuse, Hmong marriage gone bad or better yet, Fatalcare update about another bad black woman. But wait, the latter wasn’t even about the woman, it was about her husband. Why was HER picture in the article?
`Nuff said.
Well, newsflash! The articles aren’t targeted to the “perps.” They’re intended to let law-abiding citizens know that law enforcement is on the case of these bad people! And by the way, the writer MUST put the perps’ pictures with the articles because they’re public enemies.
Please, give us a break! Anyone who has been waiting with baited breath to read the Watchdog’s latest installment can rest assured that grapevine gossip has probably done more to whip people into shape than the incendiary updates could or will ever do.
When is the paper going to stop contributing to the perpetuation of the stereotypes of people of color in the City, in this case black women, as crooks and predators by making front-page news of their exploits? Child Care fraud is OLD NEWS and as such should be relegated to the Local section, at best.
Now, there were other articles in today’s paper that, had they been on the front page, would have contributed better to the paper’s tabloid status than the one of which I write: shredded reports of priest abuse, Hmong marriage gone bad or better yet, Fatalcare update about another bad black woman. But wait, the latter wasn’t even about the woman, it was about her husband. Why was HER picture in the article?
`Nuff said.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ignoring Poor People
Why is it so easy to ignore poor people, poor neighborhoods? It was SO easy in a poor Cleveland, OH neighborhood that the stench of rotting flesh was attributed to be emanating from a meat packing plant in the area. Citizens were encouraged to complain about the easy, obvious source of the odor resulting in the business’ officials spending untold amounts of money to clean everything inside and out to get at the root cause of the odor, only to realize it persisted. A few people did suggest that the area smelled like dead bodies, but no one listened. Sheriff’s deputies were at the Anthony Sowell’s house on September 22 to do a spot check that the registered sex offender actually lived at the address. Sowell answered the door, but they didn’t enter the house. It took another month for the alleged serial killer to be arrested. To date, the bodies of 11 women have been discovered. Police expect to find more bodies.
How could this have gone on for so long? The City Councilman that represents the neighborhood stated that he should have done more to address citizen complaints. Well, duh! Would he have displayed the same laissez faire response if his constituents were affluent?
While all of the uncovered victims thus far have been black women, it’s highly likely that the same thing could have happened in a poor neighborhood of any ethnic group. Too few people speak for the poor and too many poor people expect too little.
An undertaker once told me that the smell of decaying human flesh is both unique and unforgettable. Perhaps elected officials or law enforcement personnel should take an undertaker with them when their constituents complain of a persistent bad odor. It might alert them that something is amiss.
How could this have gone on for so long? The City Councilman that represents the neighborhood stated that he should have done more to address citizen complaints. Well, duh! Would he have displayed the same laissez faire response if his constituents were affluent?
While all of the uncovered victims thus far have been black women, it’s highly likely that the same thing could have happened in a poor neighborhood of any ethnic group. Too few people speak for the poor and too many poor people expect too little.
An undertaker once told me that the smell of decaying human flesh is both unique and unforgettable. Perhaps elected officials or law enforcement personnel should take an undertaker with them when their constituents complain of a persistent bad odor. It might alert them that something is amiss.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Introduction
Welcome to the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee’s blog!
Here I will write about topics related to the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
I have resisted the blog scene because I felt there were plenty of people clogging the digital waves with opinions about everything from soup to nuts. Recent outcries about sensitivity to the mention of race or racism, however, prompted me to weigh in on the topic for this, our inaugural installment. Other entries will address issues specifically related to sexism and women’s issues. With that said…
I wonder why there’s so much sensitivity these days related to the topic of race expressed by those who know so little. I am amazed at how dismissive some people are of the existence of racism in the United States, today, and the problems it causes. People who themselves have not experienced racism, don’t know the facts about the development of racism, and have not really had an earnest conversation about racism are quick to deny its existence and instead of listening to what is being said, automatically shut down from hearing what just might change their minds.
Recently, I listened to a local talk show host talk about how liberals don’t allow open discussion about race from conservatives. For example, Rush Limbaugh has been branded a racist by mainstream media because he expresses unpopular opinions and how, as a consequence of this characterization, NFL owners banned him from ownership in a lucrative NFL franchise. Now, this irresponsible behavior of liberals and the liberal media is impeding free enterprise because Rush’s opinions differ from the mainstream media! Also, the NFL owners’ group has fallen victim to political correctness and Rush is a victim of their lack of courage. Is making a good business decision being politically correct? Could it have been as simple as the NFL owners—none of whom are stupid—recognized the potential backlash from black and brown players (and their supportive white teammates) who wouldn’t welcome ownership by one who has made pretty derisive comments about the abilities of at least one, high-profile black quarterback? And in recognizing that potential backlash realized they could lose a lot of money?
At the YWCA in our Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action series, we teach people about the history of racism to build understanding of the insidious nature of the beast, and through candid discussions about what participants learn, discuss how they can talk openly with others about racism and do their small part to help eliminate it. Lately, I’ve heard a lot of complaining about how some feel they can’t criticize the President or his policies without being accused of being racist and how Jimmy Carter is just a crazy old liberal for “blaming the administration’s ineffectiveness” on racism. I can’t help but wonder why there’s such frustration in the air.
After the inauguration last year, I heard and read the comment, “We elected a black man to the presidency. Race is no longer a problem in this country.” This point in time has been referred to as a post-racial period in the United States. Years ago, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmon stated, "To get beyond racism we must first take account of race. There is no other way." When there’s still so much defensiveness about the topic, one has to wonder if we have taken that “account of race.”
Here I will write about topics related to the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
I have resisted the blog scene because I felt there were plenty of people clogging the digital waves with opinions about everything from soup to nuts. Recent outcries about sensitivity to the mention of race or racism, however, prompted me to weigh in on the topic for this, our inaugural installment. Other entries will address issues specifically related to sexism and women’s issues. With that said…
I wonder why there’s so much sensitivity these days related to the topic of race expressed by those who know so little. I am amazed at how dismissive some people are of the existence of racism in the United States, today, and the problems it causes. People who themselves have not experienced racism, don’t know the facts about the development of racism, and have not really had an earnest conversation about racism are quick to deny its existence and instead of listening to what is being said, automatically shut down from hearing what just might change their minds.
Recently, I listened to a local talk show host talk about how liberals don’t allow open discussion about race from conservatives. For example, Rush Limbaugh has been branded a racist by mainstream media because he expresses unpopular opinions and how, as a consequence of this characterization, NFL owners banned him from ownership in a lucrative NFL franchise. Now, this irresponsible behavior of liberals and the liberal media is impeding free enterprise because Rush’s opinions differ from the mainstream media! Also, the NFL owners’ group has fallen victim to political correctness and Rush is a victim of their lack of courage. Is making a good business decision being politically correct? Could it have been as simple as the NFL owners—none of whom are stupid—recognized the potential backlash from black and brown players (and their supportive white teammates) who wouldn’t welcome ownership by one who has made pretty derisive comments about the abilities of at least one, high-profile black quarterback? And in recognizing that potential backlash realized they could lose a lot of money?
At the YWCA in our Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action series, we teach people about the history of racism to build understanding of the insidious nature of the beast, and through candid discussions about what participants learn, discuss how they can talk openly with others about racism and do their small part to help eliminate it. Lately, I’ve heard a lot of complaining about how some feel they can’t criticize the President or his policies without being accused of being racist and how Jimmy Carter is just a crazy old liberal for “blaming the administration’s ineffectiveness” on racism. I can’t help but wonder why there’s such frustration in the air.
After the inauguration last year, I heard and read the comment, “We elected a black man to the presidency. Race is no longer a problem in this country.” This point in time has been referred to as a post-racial period in the United States. Years ago, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmon stated, "To get beyond racism we must first take account of race. There is no other way." When there’s still so much defensiveness about the topic, one has to wonder if we have taken that “account of race.”
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