[Libs-Or] A poem for the occasion

[Linda Ueki Absher]

As librarian who is biracial and bicultural, I am disheartened to read some
of the reactions in this thread.  In my day-to-day life, I am reminded that
I and others, who aren't part of the racial majority in this state, are
often overlooked, downplayed and even ignored.  Most of this is unconscious
or unintentional, because our culture is geared towards the majority, which
is and has been white. For the average person who has been so imbued with
seeing things via the dominant culture, it's extremely difficult to realize
that seemingly innocuous comments (i.e., "you speak English really well" or
"what are you?") and actions can be defeating or soul crushing,
particularly if you've been hearing or seeing them for as long as you can
remember.

Racism isn't always someone screaming racial epithets or threatening
minorities physically or emotionally.  For many of us it's the small stuff,
the stuff that may seem innocent or even earnest, but have a tremendous
impact in our lives.

And as for Max Macias' comment: I'm going to admit I wasn't comfortable
with the hashtags, but I do think he asks a very good question about how we
evaluate vendors who provide services to our users, many of who are people
of color.  The problem is: how many library vendors are there who are
diverse or consider diversity as part of their mission and employment?
Maybe we should begin asking.

Just had to add my two cents.  Thanks--

linda ueki absher



On Tue, Jun 10, 2014 at 10:08 AM, Tony <tony_greiner at hotmail.com> wrote:

> I wish I could take credit for this, but it is the work of another, who
> thought it appropriate for the recent discussions:
>
> HORROR!
>
> Someone's feathers are all in a ruffle!
> And it's causing a PC kerfuffle!
> Perhaps blood should be spilt,
> Since there's not enough guilt!
> As for me, I'll have wine and a truffle.
>
>
>
> **tony_greiner at hotmail.com**
>
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-- 
// linda ueki absher //
Reference Librarian for the Humanities
Portland State University Library // Portland, Oregon
absherl@ pdx.edu  //  503.725.4713
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