Letters to the Editor
calcareous
Published Letters: 286 Editor's Choice: 48
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Why integration is still important
[Read the article: Is Oprah the new Imus?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Several differences between Imus's remark and Oprah's:
- There is different intent. Imus was shooting his jackass mouth off and stepped on a live wire. Oprah deliberately invoked race for an applause line.
- There is different offense. While clearly offensive, Imus's remark was not specifically race based and was impromptu. Oprah's remark was less insulting in nature, but was targeted at a specific race with some forethought.
- It is not just the speech, but the speaker. Imus isn't a role model and has a history of inappropriate and offensive statements. Oprah is admired by many, and was invited to give a speech that the graduates will likely remember for the rest of their lives. (all the moreso now)
I think there is an implicit danger to any group that has a strong sense of race. This is especially true of educational institutions, which are influential in the development of individual thinking. The us-and-them mentality that often develops in this setting is a cause of racism. Integration is more important than it ever was - only thru exposure to "the other" can we get to the point where our racial differences aren't the first thing we notice about each other.
Oprah could have made the same point better by saying that she employs talented people of all races. The racist notion that you are presumed to be an employee if black is overturned, and it sends the positive message that you can succeed independently of your race. For whatever reason she didn't.
"Angry white guys" shouldn't be dismissed lightly. If they tell us they feel discriminated against, why should we doubt they are being honest? That has to simply be taken at face value. After all, they are asked to accept claims of a racist society that they have often never seen firsthand.
It seems necessary and appropriate to condemn Oprah's remark as being racially insensitive. Frankly, because of the level of esteem I hold for both individuals, I'm more disappointed in Oprah, but either way it is just a sad indication that we still have some work to do.
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Money in medicine
[Read the article: Who's too posh to push?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Without a doubt monetary considerations by the hospital and doctors affect medical decisions being made. OB/GYN is one of the most litigious branches of medicine, and a doctor can't help but think not only of the patients interest, but of how they can cover themselves if things go poorly. This system doesn't encourage a doctor to think critically, but rather encourages them to follow one-size-fits-most policies crafted to limit liability.
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Segregation bad
[Read the article: The new girls club]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I am sure that while they socialize the women will only talk about their nails and hair. Please! Businesswomen will talk about business, and that's networking.
You can't have it both ways, simultaneously insisting on inclusion in male networking circles, and maintaining seperate and exclusive female ones. It is not consistant or fair to men.
I feel sorry for the timid people out there who are afraid to socialize for fear of getting hit on. If you aren't interested in the attention, dress modestly, and tell any would-be suitors to buzz off. If they don't, ask the bartender to please see what they can do to ensure you are able to enjoy their establishment without harassment.
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Why donate? - Genetic history.
[Read the article: Who's your daddy: The search for sperm donors]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Why donate? The biological purpose of life is to reproduce. Being able to do so with no strings attached is a win-win from the biological perspective.
It won't be that long before you don't need to compromise the donors anonyminity. Just go in and get a swab, results will be back in a few weeks. Much more meaningful to know you own genes than to know your parents genes. Each of them can only tell you half the story, and its not always evident which half.
I have a big problem with changing the rules on people. Earlier donors agreed to donate with the understanding of anonyminity, it is unfair to change the rules on them. It would be fair to apply it to all new donations, but not retroactively. But it would be a bad idea, because it seems highly likely that self-genetic testing will be able to achieve better results by the time the offspring are of an age to want that info.
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doesn't have to be expensive
[Read the article: The marriage industrial complex]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I was married 3 years ago, with 125 guests present, and we did it for about $3500 without going potluck. It was a lovely event that everybody enjoyed, and nobody could believe how affordable it was. Here are some tips:
- non-traditional dress that can be worn for other occasions, and a rental tux
- ceremony and reception held at same place, a luxury home converted to a city facility. Ceremony in the back garden under the rose arch, room inside the building if the weather failed.
- Friend who is brewer made beer as a gift. Wine obtained cheaply ($3 bottle) by purchasing in bulk. (talk to your local wine steward, there are lots of good buys for less, try a sample bottle first)
- catering done thru local premium organic grocery store catering, all plates were appetizers (grilled vegis, stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, etc), and we streched the food with lots of bread, cheese and cold cuts.
- friends helped out with setup-takedown of party.
- simple flat cakes from a local bakery
- decorated heavily with dahlia flowers, and waxed leaves (wedding was in autumn)
- made invitations ourselves. Also no DJ, just burned some CDs in advance with appropriate mixes, and cycled disks at appropriate points.
An average price of nearly $28k? Crazy! We'll keep the extra $22.5k for the mortgage, thanks!