Diversity [was conflict sources -ism education] | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Sharon Villines (sharonsharonvillines.com) | |
Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 09:07:02 -0600 (MDT) |
On 5/22/2003 9:08 AM, "Christy Collins" <ccollins [at] loudjoy.com> wrote: > We are, > at this point, saying that we'd like to have all kinds of diversity in > our community, and I am thinking that we need to be ACTIVE in educating > ourselves and exercising anti-racism, ageism, sexism, homophobia, etc. I changed the subject line because "diversity" is an ongoing subject on the list and that is the keyword people look for (rather than -isms). We haven't discussed these issues so this is certainly my take on things. As someone who lived through the formulation of the -isms in the 1960s and 70s, I'm so bored with these I can't tell you. If someone suggested a workshop on them I certainly would not attend. In addition, when a member here raises one of the 'standard' -ism complaints, usually racism, it sounds very hollow and untrue. And particularly, it is so non-specific that it is unhelpful in addressing the problem at hand. In an actual living situation we have a wonderful opportunity to deal with each person as an individual and to encourage each person to see themselves as an individual, not as a stereotype. All of the -isms are "true" in the sense that there are ageists and racists and certainly homophobes, but in one to one relationships these are not helpful concepts. They are barriers that block communication and allow each of us to hide behind them instead of relating to people directly without filters. The bigger issue is cultural expectations. It does help to talk about the culture we grew up in and the culture we want to live in. I find these are much larger than age, race identification, sexual orientation, etc. "Tablecloths, candles, and music at meals" is a cultural issue that causes much more distress here than any identified -ism. Sharon -- Sharon Villines Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC http://www.takomavillage.org _______________________________________________ Cohousing-L mailing list Cohousing-L [at] cohousing.org Unsubscribe and other info: http://www.cohousing.org/cohousing-L
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Re: 3 top conflict sources Berrins, May 21 2003
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Re: 3 top conflict sources Catya Belfer-Shevett, May 22 2003
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Re: conflict sources -ism education Christy Collins, May 22 2003
- Diversity [was conflict sources -ism education] Sharon Villines, May 22 2003
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Re: conflict sources -ism education Christy Collins, May 22 2003
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Re: 3 top conflict sources Catya Belfer-Shevett, May 22 2003
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RE: 3 top conflict sources Forbes Jan, May 22 2003
- Food choices as a conflict Rob Sandelin, May 26 2003
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Re: 3 top conflict sources Robert Heinich, May 22 2003
- RE: 3 top conflict sources Robyn, May 22 2003
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