"Disposable Men"

My name is Brian Harkin, and I am the Supervisor of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program here at the UMD Women's Resource Center. MVP is very excited about an upcoming event, "Disposable Men", on this coming Tuesday, March 3, at 6:30 in the Woodland Commons.

"Disposable Men" is a performance piece incorporating a strong multimedia presentation, and deals with the "disposable" nature of African-American males in both society and the media. The piece was created by a New York City-based artist named James Scruggs. Using excerpts from television and movies. Mr. Scruggs paints a portrait of the way in which the blatant, "old-fashioned" racism characterizing the first half of the 20th century and the pre-civil rights era has transformed into systemic, symbolic racism today.

America sits at a crossroads in history. The past year has seen a number of firsts, including what some see as a sign of the future - an African-American male being elected to the most powerful position in this country, President of the United States. But at the same time, the old establishment still exists - racism, discrimination, and prejudice are intertwined with our culture. In order to ensure we stay on the path we have chosen, a path that will hopefully lead to the end of racism and racial-based conflict, we must come together as a group and decide how to pursue this most important of goals.

The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program exists to educate students about ways they can prevent or diffuse potentially violent situations they encounter in their day-to-day lives. One of the most dangerous types of situation that can arise is one fueled by racial tension or racial stereotypes. As such, I would like to use this event as a way to channel people’s thoughts and feelings on the role race plays in our culture today. While the MVP program is effective at educating college students, the task of educating and reshaping the perceptions and thoughts of the world as a whole are well beyond our scope; in fact, some would say it is an impossible task. However, that does not mean we should not at least attempt to bring about positive change. Thus, the overarching theme for the discussion panel will be, “How can we work to change cultural perceptions of race beyond the college campus?”

I must warn you that some of the material contained in this performance will most certainly be seen as controversial or offensive. However, remember that it is included for a very specific purpose: to encourage the audience to honestly reflect on the topic of racial injustice, and to serve as a call to action for society as a whole.

If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to contact me at the Women's Resource Center at 910.4584. We are all looking forward to this event, and hope that you decide to join us!

~ Brian

Ain't I a Woman?

"Hey Sherrie....I think I'm going to hang out with...ya know, my people tonight"
"Your people?"
"Yeah, other people...like me. Maybe you should hang out with your people!"
"My people?"
"Other Asian people!"
"Oh..."

That conversation took place my freshman year of college between myself and my Cape Verdean best friend. Now on my last semester junior year of college, I am still puzzled as to who "my people" are.

Yes I am Asian - Thai to be exact, I am also Puerto Rican...
I have no idea what that entails, but I do have a pretty good idea of society's perception of me.

So what everything came down to was the question of whether or not I was stereotyped by someone who I personally know has experienced racism?

Deep down I understand that this is about culture, and surrounding yourself comfortably around others who have similar beliefs, pride, tastes, ideas, etc. But why wasn't I allowed to join in? Because I wasn't the same race/ethnicity?

For years women have been excluding because of their sex, and even a combination of race and sex. But here I was being rejected because my ethnicity wasn't the right one. I wanted to learn, I wanted to take in her culture, learn about their experiences.

As for other Asian and Latina women - I've been rejected from those clubs on numerous occasians, or at least judged..."What do you mean you don't speak Spanish?" "How can you date a white boy?"

These comments make me fearful for the future of feminism. It took a long time for multicultural and black women to be recognized in feminism - constantly being separated they even have their own branches of theory. If we continue to point out that we women are different because...we women as a whole will forever be pushed down.

And we aren't ready to do that?
Well then you all need to make way for a new type of woman, because I know there are many women like myself who do not identify with their ethnicity but know what its like to be judged on both ends and I am certain they are tired of it.

WOMEN ON TOP

When asked by Juli Parker, Director of the women’s center, “What Black History Month Means to Me.” Being the black lesbian feminist I am, I’m thinking, “History needs to be changed to Herstory.” Too often women have taken the back seat to men.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement gave women voice, visibility and inclusion, yet black and ethnic women still struggled to be recognized and heard. As a Cape Verdean, lesbian, feminist, writer, Black History Month is excluding. The fact that some of the most important historical figures of our nation and our times, have been either obliterated or marginalized, only to be deemed noteworthy 28 days out of 360, all due to skin pigmentation, is pathetic; due to sex, more pathetic.

We must take the current , sporadic calendar recognitions, and blend them into the larger whole–from the roots of curricula development to the actions of society; from academia to the political arena, carving an unchartered path that will benefit all humankind. Whether anyone disagrees or agrees, dislikes or likes it, or is completely indifferent to it, we are at a turning point in history where we are presented with the opportunity to create a more edifying and enriching human experience. The celebration of both black and ethnic accomplishments, in particular of women and lesbians, needs to be done on a regular basis.

If homosexuality is somewhat of an issue today, more so in certain parts of our good ol' US of A than others, then hatred and prejudice toward blacks, lesbians, and homosexuals was without a doubt, rampant. I can only imagine (thank the Goddess!) the hostility, judgment and prejudices that black, lesbian authors such as Audre Lorde, Angelina Weld, Grimké, Nella Larson, Alice Walker, Ann Allen Shockley, and there are others, had to confront on their paths to honor themselves. Already, I carry within me, honor and respect for these ground-breaking and courageous women, both my mentors and role-models, and use that honor and respect to propel me on my own writing path. They are the fire beneath my feet, as I take my rightful place, and proudly declare my ethnicity, my sex, and my sexuality. As a country, we have come a long way, but there is much more to be done. Open your minds. Open your hearts. Educate your children.

Now is NOT the time for slacking. It is easy to rest in the comfortability that these black lesbians created for the rest of us women in general, but in truth, to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labors, is dishonoring them. Their sacrifice, courage, faith and determination that paved the way for us black lesbians, so that we could have a voice among this patriarchal and religiously dogmatic country, is a gift to be recognized, acknowledged, appreciated and built upon. What they left us is a hell of a legacy. Sure, it may be hard to reach the echelons that they have, but because of their efforts, we have an easier go of it. Black Women. Women of Color. Lesbians. We have been put on the map. We have been noticed. We have a voice. Let us not forget how we acquired that visibility and that voice. That voice is an inheritance. It is a legacy, whether we black lesbians are ready to step up or not. The beauty of what these women have done for us, is that when we get ready, their voices are there, to guide us in the vision of inclusion and equality.

The Black, the Bold and the Beautiful. Faces that once appeared obscurely interwoven in the fabric of our history, getting little or no recognition for their significant contributions, are now taking front row. President Barack Obama is leading the nation...pay attention folks...is leading the nation. That's right, a black man is running the country and the show–the admission cost: an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to move beyond old, worn-out philosophies that clearly no longer work, such as, the hate-driven discrimination toward lesbians and homosexuals, AND the idea that Woman is not a good candidate for presidency. OH YES, SHE IS! And yes, we can. And yes, we will. Make no error.

President Obama's candidacy is the beginning of much needed change in this country. We are now presented with the unique privilege of promoting inclusion for the most marginalized individuals. On the precipice of change and opportunity, it's time for us to create our own “Herstory.”

Namasté
Simply Me
a.k.a Dawna Cosme

Follow this link to read a beautiful poem by Black, Feminist, Lesbian author, Audrey Lorde
http://www.questia.com/read

Welcome to winter

As an employee of the WRC, this is my week to post on our blog. It took me a while to figure out what I was going to say until I woke up this morning to the snow and rain. This is my first official winter living in Cedar Dell South and I find every bad weather day more irritating than the last (especially because yesterday it was 55 and sunny). I understand that we do live in the Northeast where the weather is unpredictable, but I don't think UMASS Dartmouth does.

First, do they not use salt for the long walkway leading to Cedar Dell? I'm sick and tired of having a death walk to class everyday. Last Thursday the path was so treacherous that someone I know fell and now is so lucky to have a knee brace strapped on her leg. The worst part is that when the ice melts, we get the luxury of wading through four inches of ice water with no way around it. I know that I am not the only Cedar Dell resident to fed up with our walkway conditions.

Secondly, Dartvan is extemely unreliable. When I step out of my door at quarter to my class time is it selfish for me to expect a Dartvan? I think not! Even when I am lucky enough to catch the Dartvan I frequently see other students running after it with the driver oblivious to their efforts. Also, even when I leave at twenty of I don't get to class in time. Dartvan, what's the deal? I think it is completely irresponsable of the university to leave us in the Dell without an adequate way to get to class.

Now, don't get me started with the new housing lottery. Thankfully the WRC is having a weekly Tea Time at Two, every Tuesday. I can come to the WRC at 2 in Pine Dale Hall and vent my frustrations to students like myself who also feel fed up with the conditions they have to live in everyday. We even have awesome teas that help with things like sickness, rest, happiness, and one is even to get you into "the mood". So, I hope you all come down (even though we understand it's a long walk) we can all vent together. There will even be guest speakers once a month.

Kayleigh