| | Getting out again | |
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+14Don Stephens E. Don Harpe Phil Whitley alj Shelagh Dick Stodghill Malcolm Rhymer Abe F. March dkchristi Brenda Hill alice zadaconnaway dtpollard 18 posters | |
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dtpollard Four Star Member
Number of posts : 636 Registration date : 2008-06-08
| Subject: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:45 pm | |
| I'm starting to feel a little like a hermit author, but I will get in front of a few people next Saturday.
Next weekend the nationwide African American Read-In kicks off for Black History month. The Dallas event is the largest in the country and fills up the Majestic Theatre in downtown. It is aimed at children and I will participate again for the third year in a pre-show segment. The theatre is usually full for the event and it seats 1,700.
This is a link to the Read-In website:
http://www.readin.dcccd.edu/index.html
www.DTPollard.com |
| | | zadaconnaway Five Star Member
Number of posts : 4017 Registration date : 2008-01-16 Age : 76 Location : Washington, USA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:49 pm | |
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| | | alice Five Star Member
Number of posts : 15672 Registration date : 2008-10-22 Age : 76 Location : Redmond, WA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:16 pm | |
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| | | Brenda Hill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 1297 Registration date : 2008-02-16 Location : Southern CA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:18 pm | |
| 1700 hundred people, DT? I'd need tranquilizers. You're calm and cool, tho. You can handle it. Good luck, or what Zada said! |
| | | dkchristi Five Star Member
Number of posts : 8594 Registration date : 2008-12-29 Location : Florida
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:39 pm | |
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Last edited by dkchristi on Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:22 pm; edited 1 time in total |
| | | Abe F. March Five Star Member
Number of posts : 10768 Registration date : 2008-01-26 Age : 85 Location : Germany
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:30 pm | |
| DK, I agree with you. Being singled out may have some benefits but there is the negative side. We want to think we are one nation, one people and yet we hold functions that tend to segregate. Can you imagine in this day and age a "whites only" conference? Black heritage, White heritage, Hispanic heritage, Indian heritage, etc., are important to remember but not at the exclusion of the other. |
| | | Rhymer Four Star Member
Number of posts : 278 Registration date : 2008-12-24 Age : 33 Location : usa
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:41 am | |
| I wish you the best of luck. I agree Dk While the function is a very important one we do tend to celebrate in ways showing how seperated as a nation we continue to be. |
| | | Malcolm Five Star Member
Number of posts : 1504 Registration date : 2008-01-11 Location : Georgia
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:22 am | |
| Yep, nothing like being part of a large event to even out all those hours spent at your desk!
Malcolm |
| | | dtpollard Four Star Member
Number of posts : 636 Registration date : 2008-06-08
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:33 am | |
| Abe and DK I disagree strongly with your statements about being seperate and singled out. I don't want to start a war, but this is my view, reading might be universal, but there is as much difference between some genres as some languages. This country is a stew not a soup. The different elements tend to retain their individual flavors, that is why we have Chinatowns, little Italys, Polish, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Irish, etc. sections of cities, states and the country.
To expect any culture to discard culturally themed celebrations is not logical, just because we live in a multicultural society. I know of Celtic, Polish, German, Hispanic, African American, Italian, Asian and other festivals that take place and I have no problem with them.
http://www.solasnua.org/irishbookday.html http://www.hispanicbookfestival.com/ http://www.netsap.org/2008web/committees_saltaf.shtml
The Read In focuses on African heritage, not skin color. Anyone can attend if they get in line as it is a free event. I attend two book events per year that focus on African heritage, one is called Tulisoma which is Swahili for "we read" and the African American Read-In. Anytime you try to get greater interest in a sub-group in a particular subject, more content that is attractive to that group is emphasized.
My books are multi-cultural and don't change because of the events I participate in. In 2007 I did over 26 events and 3 were decidedly African American focused. |
| | | alice Five Star Member
Number of posts : 15672 Registration date : 2008-10-22 Age : 76 Location : Redmond, WA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:48 am | |
| DT, You are not starting a war--you are stating your opinion. "To expect any culture to discard culturally themed celebrations is not logical," I could not agree with you more.
Last edited by Alice on Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:48 pm; edited 1 time in total |
| | | dkchristi Five Star Member
Number of posts : 8594 Registration date : 2008-12-29 Location : Florida
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:50 pm | |
| Sometimes, email communications are not the best for beliefs that have strong emotional components. What is really important here is that you are engaged in a great event, you have been a great asset to other writers with the information you share, and you deserve the honor the event provides to you. As someone else said, "break a leg."
Last edited by dkchristi on Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:23 pm; edited 1 time in total |
| | | Dick Stodghill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 3795 Registration date : 2008-05-04 Age : 98 Location : Akron, Ohio
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:48 am | |
| I agree with DT - a stew, not soup. Northeast Ohio has festivals for so many ethnic groups it would be difficult to attend them all. Remembering your heritage is positive and in no way indicates that you don't get along with your neighbors. The Hibernians sing the songs of rebellion, but don't take potshots at the British. During the breakup of Jugoslavia, the Serbs and Croats went on with their lives, continued having their festivals, didn't start fighting with each other. During the turmoil of recent years, no one has done anything untoward at the huge Muslim mosque a mile from where I live. If you look back far enough in history, we all have been oppressed and been the oppressors, even the Brits. |
| | | Shelagh Admin
Number of posts : 12662 Registration date : 2008-01-11 Location : UK
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:01 am | |
| Oh, how we have suffered! The Romans ruled here for centuries. The Vikings plundered these shores, pillaged the villages and raped the women. Then the Anglo-Saxons arrived until the Isles were over-run with Normans, who only returned to France when they ran out of French wives and were forced to marry English women (what a hardship that must have been!).
During all this, the Irish occupied Scotland and, later, the English occupied Ireland. Oh, what a mess! How did we survive?
Of course, the English were blamed for everything that went wrong -- and still are! ... and yet, we are the most tolerant nation on earth. We even allow ourselves to be governed by a cabinet half of which are Scots and we have a Scottish Prime Minister. Talk about the tail wagging the dog!
Have a great time, DT; I wish I could be there! |
| | | alj Five Star Member
Number of posts : 9633 Registration date : 2008-12-05 Age : 80 Location : San Antonio
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:35 am | |
| Hopefully, we are moving to a place and time where all our cultures will be honored. In the meantime, it's good to know where we came from, and what our heritage is. Mine is a mix of Norman, French, Celtic, and probably Cherokee. I want to know as much as I can about each, but I also enjoy reading and hearing about others. It's all about finding more parts to the elephant. Ann |
| | | Dick Stodghill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 3795 Registration date : 2008-05-04 Age : 98 Location : Akron, Ohio
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Tue Jan 27, 2009 3:26 pm | |
| - Shelagh wrote:
- Oh, how we have suffered! The Romans ruled here for centuries. The Vikings plundered these shores, pillaged the villages and raped the women. Then the Anglo-Saxons arrived until the Isles were over-run with Normans, who only returned to France when they ran out of French wives and were forced to marry English women (what a hardship that must have been!).
Gotta love those Normans! |
| | | Abe F. March Five Star Member
Number of posts : 10768 Registration date : 2008-01-26 Age : 85 Location : Germany
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:13 pm | |
| DT, I think remembering one's heritage is good and needed. I’ve spent lots of money and time researching my own genealogy. There have been numerous references on this forum about origins and how they influence personalities. We can laugh at quirks that are associated with certain groups as in the quick temper of the Irish. Remarks like that are not intended to disparage. I’m against forced segregation. People, who choose to live their life segregated, as with China town, should be free to do so but it must remain a choice. Promoting an ethnic event that would exclude anyone else has risks. That was my point. I don’t think we are in disagreement. |
| | | dtpollard Four Star Member
Number of posts : 636 Registration date : 2008-06-08
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:04 am | |
| Abe, I don't often get into disagreements on boards, but I can't let your statement of:
"Promoting an ethnic event that would exclude anyone else has risks."
stand unchallenged. I simply posted about an event that I was participating in, others read more into that event. This event promotes literacy among children, all are welcome to attend and do attend. Two years ago C-SPAN was there doing interviews with their Book TV crew. McDonalds, Comerica Bank and the Dallas Morning News are sponsors. This event is run by the Dallas County Community College District. Anyone can come and enjoy and people of all stripes participate. I have no qualm with someone of German ancestry participating in an Oktobefest event. I would not feel the least bit timid about attending a German or Latina festival. To make this seem like some closed door, members only happening is not appropriate. |
| | | alice Five Star Member
Number of posts : 15672 Registration date : 2008-10-22 Age : 76 Location : Redmond, WA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:15 am | |
| DT,
I think things were a bit slow and too much was read into your post. I wish the event were closer--I'd come and tell everyone what a great person you are.
As far as" appropriate," goes, you are the epitomy of that!
That is my opinion |
| | | Abe F. March Five Star Member
Number of posts : 10768 Registration date : 2008-01-26 Age : 85 Location : Germany
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:38 am | |
| DT, I fail to see where we are in disagreement. If the event is not "closed," there is no argument.
We are all sensitive about matters that touch us personally. We want to feel accepted and welcomed. When that doesn't happen, we take offense. Even an inference of being unwelcome can often be cause to take offense. As an American, depending on the politics of my country at the time, I have been shunned and made to feel unwelcome. That happened in Canada, in Europe and in the Middle East. The animosity changed when they got to know me and/or the political situation changed. It is for that reason that being welcomed or accepted, regardless of race, religion or political persuasion, is a sensitive thing. The climate in America just now is better than ever before. People have come together. The feeling about America is already changing in many countries while there is still a "wait and see" attitude with some. Actions will dictate what happens. Peace, DT. |
| | | Shelagh Admin
Number of posts : 12662 Registration date : 2008-01-11 Location : UK
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:46 am | |
| It's up to the two members themselves, but I think an apology to DT is in order for making a wrong assumption. |
| | | Dick Stodghill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 3795 Registration date : 2008-05-04 Age : 98 Location : Akron, Ohio
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:48 pm | |
| I'm in the dark as to where the disagreement is to be found. I was going to challenge Abe about the "quick temper of the Irish" but was too hot under the collar to do it in a timely manner. |
| | | Brenda Hill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 1297 Registration date : 2008-02-16 Location : Southern CA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:34 pm | |
| Good heavens, what's this world coming to? I actually agree with Dick for once. I don't see the problem and don't see where an apology is due. |
| | | dtpollard Four Star Member
Number of posts : 636 Registration date : 2008-06-08
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:30 pm | |
| Look, I don't need an apology, my skin is pretty thick, this is simply a measured discussion. Part of what makes cultural issues hard to understand is when the point of view is how "we" or "I" perceive the issue as not being a problem. From an internal viewpoint something that causes an issue for another is rarely a problem from our personal point of view.
Some of this sounds like verbal gymnastics, but it actually applies to many aspects of life. We can't feel the pain of another and it is not a problem for us. When you take this to an extreme, it causes disconnects like what went on with the mortgage crises. When I do anything, I try to think through the effect it has on another. Certainly this horse is near death, but taking care not to project feelings that may be reserved for something complex onto something simple could be a wise policy.
Sometimes when we don't see the problem, it's because we don't feel the problem. I think it's called empathy. |
| | | Phil Whitley Four Star Member
Number of posts : 907 Registration date : 2008-04-01 Age : 81 Location : Riverdale, GA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:09 pm | |
| Abe said, "I fail to see where we are in disagreement. If the event is not "closed," there is no argument."
Abe and DT seem to be on track now. I almost made the same assumption that Abe did - that it was "a closed event", but after a careful re-read, realized that DT had said nothing of the sort.
We still have a ways to go with the present generation of people who remember the days before intergration. We were programmed by our families, our churches and our cultures this bigotry. It takes persistence and some heavy duty soul-searching to de-program a lifetime of... literal brainwashing to rid oneself of this terrible, unjust treatment of a person for the simple reason of skin color.
I have to admit, I am still put off by things like the Miss Black America pageant. What if there was a Miss White America pageant or a White History Month? (I know all the arguments from both sides - that was purely rhetorical).
EDIT: DT, you posted while I was still typing, but I will leave my reply as is. It only reinforces what I was trying to say, except for adding... for many years now while filling out applications where it asks "RACE" I write in "HUMAN". I have yet to be challenged on it! |
| | | Brenda Hill Five Star Member
Number of posts : 1297 Registration date : 2008-02-16 Location : Southern CA
| Subject: Re: Getting out again Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:13 pm | |
| Yes, I see your point, DT. I truly am sorry if I caused more hard feelings, but the way I read it, I thought things had been implied that were not meant.
I apologize. |
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