okay I'm going to view this as an invitation to dialogue, as you seem to have spoken you mind, I'm going to do the same.
Cate, what you call a generalization [/i]– actually I was being polite; personally I viewed it as a negative cultural stereotype that you presented as fact (which it may or may not be). Not only did you present it as a fact to the individual, you also seemed to make a cultural judgment on that ‘fact’, by stating your personal view of ‘I think that’s sad’. This is of my interpretation of words left on a page. This may have not been your intention but frankly that’s how I read and interrupted it (remember I don’t know you) Think of a true or untrue stereotype regarding your culture, how do you feel when someone presents that to you as a fact of you personally thinking or way of living? I’m not a complete idiot (at least I don't think so), lecturing you on cultural sensitivity or anti oppression theory is ridiculous; obviously you have first hand knowledge. I can't imagine telling another person what they think, based on my belief of their cultural systems. And the fact is, I make generalizations about people on a daily basis, (it’s what people do as an aid to processing information), I try to be conscious of that and the role my own biases may play in how I interact with others.
News Gal wrote:Geoffrey wrote:News Gal wrote:
>That answers many questions I had. I knew you were a European from the way you didn't understand how the author was using "we."
What else do Europeans fail to understand, according to you?
They tend to see the world as operating on their terms, without regard for the fact that other viewpoints exist. Probably the residual effects of colonialism, which was mostly European in origin. I've dealt with that attitude often in my work. It's sad to see
just to go on a personal bias – I hate the word they – it just really bugs me because, although I do believe that there are certain cultural beliefs and values that run through any group of people, I believe in people first. Yes, our culture effects almost everything we do but we are always unique individuals within that group. Let me go further – I think They is a dangerous word. They is not Us, Us is not They. Theys scare me. It’s easy to put a They in an institution, it’s easy not to let a They in a baseball game since They don’t quite understand the rules or no Theys in the classroom as They might be disruptive. (okay I’ve got issues here) It’s to easy to separate ourselves from Theys because Theys don’t think the way I/we do, They don’t have the same feelings that I/we do.
I hope don’t live in a little box, but maybe I do people in boxes seldom see it and I’ve yet to meet someone who admitted to wanting to be closed minded. Believe it or not I’m very interested in other peoples cultures as well as well as my own. I’m very lucky that where I live and how I work allows me great exposure to a variety people with varying backgrounds and beliefs. I’m very glad whenever people welcome me and include me in whatever small way into their families and lives.
okay
think I ranted there, I hope you don't storm off but instead correct me where you feel I've got it wrong - or if you wish just tell me to bugger off, put me on your foes list and continue to enjoy the forum - there's a lot of people here.[/quote]
In this case, "they" is just meant to mean "a sample group of people from any given set." They'd be randomly chosen. If I were to randomly pick 20 people in New Haven, you can bet most have eaten manicotti. Reason? New Haven is heavily Italian-American, and it's a popular dish here. That's not insulting or generalizing--it just is. And it's a pretty tasty sample Mmm.
The truth is, colonialist societies do tend to view the world on their own terms--"what will it do for me/us?" "How can I/we benefit?" "What's in it for us?" It's all about them. And it's that attitude that led to the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears--taking East Tennessee was in the best interest of the American government, so they could have more land. Yes, I'm saying America is colonialist too--no denying that.
ᎤᏩᎬᏗᏒ ᏥᎪᏩᏘᎲ, ᎯᎩᎾᎵᎢ, ᎠᏓᎯᏍᏗ ᎨᏐ. Uwagvdisv tsigowatihv, higinali'i , adahisdi geso (I've seen the future brother, it is murder.)
... one down, at least two to go 
.
] relax a bit. Some brandy sounds almost like good enough for a trip to the store... if we had one open at this time for such things, but can't think of one.
to figure it out.
. I really could've gotten what you were saying without all the quoting... and even what you were referring to