Just out., July 01, 1992, Page 5, Image 5

Ju st ou t ▼ Ju ly 1 9 9 2 T 5
(CONTINUEDFROM PAGE 4) can’t believe
Just Out is printing it! This article demonstrates
a total lack of historical perspective and under­
standing regarding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
work in the world. Furthermore, it perpetuates
mistrust and divisiveness between lesbians and
gays of all colors.
In this year when it is a matter of survival that
we unify ourselves to see clearly and combat a
very real and dangerous attack from the far right,
as articulated by the OCA, it is inconceivable to
me (hat Just Out would print a diatribe that is this
malicious, vindictive, illogical, and hateful.
I understand that a person might have some of
these feelings when focused on the extreme pain
which racism and homophobia (heterosexism)
have caused in our lives. I read a statement the
other day which is simplistic perhaps, but offers
more positive support for change than anything in
this article. It said, “When you realize the world
is round you understand that it is impossible to
take sides.” Dr. King lived and took political
action grounded in this understanding.
I, personally, am not interested in a political
movement which reacts out of fear, hatred, or
anger. In the depths of my being I know the only
way for me to move forward, to grow and change,
is to be motivated by love. I will not support or
tolerate Just Out advocating anything else. This
article represents the height of irresponsible jour­
nalism. And it points out the depths to which Just
Out is sinking. Please pay attention and alter your
course before you lose all credibility with the
community.
Kristan Aspen
Portland
Ariel Waterwoman responds:
My sincerest apologies to all of you who were
offended by the headline "I have a dream.” I
never meant to exploit or dishonor Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. or his wonderful contributions to
society.
In mentioning forced sterilization and reloca­
tion, I did not mean to imply that I advocated that
as a viable option. What I wanted to do was put the
shoe on the other footfor a moment, and by doing
so to stimulate compassion and understanding.
Apparently I failed to be clear in my intention. I
couldn't agree more with Saadat and Wilson that
these are obscenely violent acts done to people. I
know that because I was raised by a mother who
was surgically sterilized against her will after the
birth of her last child. My Jewish uncle was
sterilized as a result of repeated violent assaults
to his genitals during World War II in the US
army. My aunt was sterilized as a result o f severe
infection due to an illegal abortion when she was
17 years old. Believe me, I know the long term
results of these acts.
As Rainwater acknowledges, it is very risky
addressing highly charged or difficult issues.
Discussing the details of white supremacy and
racism can be very empowering for all races of
people. We learn by examining and analyzing
how it works. These are steps which lead to
dismantling it.
I address oppression, not from a place of
hatred, but from a strong belief in the inherent
goodness o f people. Hopefully, it is a way to
broaden the scope of our struggle against oppres­
sion. Often times just mentioning the word "rac­
ism" stirs up so much anguish in people that we
freeze up. It is a word that is loaded with accusa­
tion, pain and guilt. I want to work to diffuse the
emotional charge attached to these words so that
we can talk to each other.
I deeply appreciate the feedback given to me
by Wilson, Saadat, Aspen, and Rainwater on
these difficult issues. Just Out can not help but
grow from it.
The power of words
To the Editor:
The April 15 Lesbian Forum on lesbian batter­
ing titled “Naming the Label” continued work
begun by lesbian staff from Bradley-Angle (do­
mestic violence shelter for battered women) and
other lesbian community members at a number of
earlier workshops. The forum included some
thought-provoking skits and some healthy dis­
cussion and debate.
However, I strongly feel that two statements
made at this public forum should have been pub­
licly challenged and weren’t The first (I don’t
know who said it) claimed that two of the women
involved in putting together the book Naming the
Violence - Speaking Out About Lesbian Battering
are batterers. Because the women being referred
to weren’tnamed, the reputations of all the women
involved were called into question. And because
the statement was made in connection with the
book, the credibility of the book itself was under­
cut. This is the only book I know of that begins to
address the issue of lesbian battering, that at long
last gives voice to the survivors.
The second unchallenged statement was made
by Lore Wintergreen, former director of Bradley-
Angle. She said that she used to work at B.A. and
that people in the domestic violence field “use the
word 'abuse' pretty loosely.” I feel that the effect
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