In the Spirit June 2002

MIDWESTDIVA · #1 06-24-2002, 12:10 PM

In the June 2002 issue of Essence magazine, Susan L Tayor States:

We've come so far-but the news is not all good. While some of us are doing fine, many are not. Violence, including sexual violence, against Black women and girls is a life-stunting reality, and our community has not taken appropriate action. Grassroots and religious instituions, fraternal, sororal and civil-rights organizations have been conspicuously silent.

Any thoughts?

HolyGhost7 · #2 06-24-2002, 02:19 PM

I don't think so. Im thinking that a lot of what is done is not always advertised. Which from a Christian stand point, I guess it should be that way. However, as sorors we are ALWAYS representing Sigma Gamma Rho. In that sense, we have to account for the numerous psychologist, social workers, psychiatrist, and other mental health professions that we have in our sorority that have dedicated their lives to these causes by making it thier profession.

Just my 22 cents!

TRSimon · #3 06-24-2002, 02:21 PM

I am going to comment later on this, but it is a really good thread.

SeriousSigma22 · #4 06-24-2002, 03:08 PM

Sorhors and Sisterfriends,

I read Ms. Taylor's In the Spirit and I must say that her statements about sororal and fraternal organizations remaining silent about abuses to women is not exactly correct. Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority take a stand against violence, discrimination, hatred, etc. everytime we complete a national, regional, or local community service project to uplift women, children, men and families in communities that need our assistance. I realize that we are all living in a time where it really isn't safe for anyone to walk the streets at night or to take a trip to an area that might be a hot spot because of the long history of religious, economic, and political differences. Moreover, there is only so much any organization can do for a particular community or race.

Sometimes women, particularly young women, have to help themselves. For example, I don't understand why a beautiful, intelligent, and healthy young lady would dance, take of her clothes and act a fool in some of these extremely stereotypical rap videos. Reinforcing these rappers' ideologies about women being female dogs and garden tools. I can't help it that they (anyone walking around blaming society for all of their problems) grew up on the mean streets fighting to stay alive or feeling the need to get to the top while exploiting others. I understand that they are hurting but da#$ do they have to hurt others in the process by displaying that type of degrading artform to the general public. And I really can't understand why these women would let some of these low-down rappers violate and abuse them for the almighty dollar. I would think that they (young ladies) would have some since of pride and respect for themselves to not allow record companies and recording artist to use and abuse them for any amount of money.

These are just a few of my comments! What are some yours?

Serioussigma22

TRSimon · #5 06-25-2002, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MIDWESTDIVA
In the June 2002 issue of Essence magazine, Susan L Tayor States:

We've come so far-but the news is not all good. While some of us are doing fine, many are not. Violence, including sexual violence, against Black women and girls is a life-stunting reality, and our community has not taken appropriate action. Grassroots and religious instituions, fraternal, sororal and civil-rights organizations have been conspicuously silent.

Any thoughts?

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has taken and continues to take a stand against the violence that plagues black women. The two most recent examples that stand out in my mind are the participation of sorors in the Portland area in fundraising efforts for the local abused women's and children's shelter and the Rites of Passage program, a program which seeks to empower young women to make life choices (mental, spiritual, career, relationship) which benefit them. There are many other programs sponsored by Sigma that address elements of the problem. I think that all NPHC organizations have platforms and programs that address the need.

Should more things be done when one considers the assault statistics that concern African-American women and girls? ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT.

I think there should be some sort of grading system in place for publications, recordings and television content on the basis of whether it is demeaning to women. I think that demands should be made that entertainment entities (that profit from the message that women are objects) should fund programs to help reverse some of the damage that they inflict on society. If not, then they (and their corporate sponsors) should be boycotted.

I don't think that the HBGLOs have been silent, but they definitely need to be louder concerning this problem, because it is prevalent in the primary community which is supposed to be served.

TRSimon

SeriousSigma22 · #6 06-25-2002, 07:20 PM

Sorhor TRSimons, (I totally agree with you sorhor)

Those that control the power of the media systems need to be held accountable when they demean women, children and even communities for the all mighty dollar. And the collective bodies of the BGLOs, NAACP, Urban League, NOW, PUSH, etc. need to take a greater stand and speak out and use more resources to deal with companies that continue to exploit women, children and communities.

Serioussigma22

Yemaya · #7 07-02-2002, 12:00 PM

My comments...

As far as the media and other large companies/orgs....I believe that many ppl know whats going on, and would rather cover it up or pay someone off to avoid a media scandel, and lots of horrible publicity. I also believe that the victims of the large companies/orgs need to speak up and out more than what they are now. With hbglos, some dirty stuff is going on within the orgs, (whether or not we know it or want to believe it, just the same as in the church) The thing is, ppl are not realizing the harm that is being done. Wrong is wrong no matter who or what is doing wrong. A lot of things are being done in the dark. Eventually it will come out into the light.

As always, I dont mean to offend anyone. If I did, please let me know! -Yemaya-

TRSimon · #8 07-02-2002, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya
My comments...

With hbglos, some dirty stuff is going on within the orgs, (whether or not we know it or want to believe it, just the same as in the church) The thing is, ppl are not realizing the harm that is being done. Wrong is wrong no matter who or what is doing wrong. A lot of things are being done in the dark. Eventually it will come out into the light.

I think this could be an interesting conversation, so please be more specific about the dirty stuff. I do think that some accepted stereotypical behaviors of some hbglos definitely contribute to the devaluation of African-Americans (especially women), but since you are an outsider, your perspective could be more valuable than the usual, my-org-doesn't-do-that-it-is-only-bad-individuals type of response.

TRSimon

SeriousSigma22 · #9 07-02-2002, 08:04 PM

Sorhors and Sisterfriends,

Sorhor TRSimons I agree that Yemaya has brought up some very interesting points from a non member's perspective and it would be really nice if she gave us (readers) some more insight into her comments.

Yemaya, I think that you have a lot of information to share with us about the devaluation of African American women. Girl, don't be afraid to speak your mind!

Serioussigma22