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Responsible Writing
While I said my piece on here and on Firehouse Zen, I guess a little follow-up is due in regard to the post insinuating that the fire service might be an extension of the....
The subject of racism in the firehouse is an compelling issue for discussion, as is some of the other close-minded actions of a small minority in our profession, but this is a very sensitive issue and has many other emotions intertwined within it. While I don't suggest we tiptoe around the problems, I do suggest that when discussing these issues, great care is taken to understand not only your point of view, but the reaction that your point of view will create when you voice it aloud.
There is never a good reason to "incite a riot". In fact, that is just what some of the rhetoric from the trolls seems to point toward, in order to get a reaction. And trust me, it is very difficult not to respond to some of it. But when you realize that you aren't actually engaging anyone in productive discussion but instead, feeding the miserable idiots who live for pissing people off, you realize you have wasted a good bit of your valuable time reasoning with someone who doesn't use reason.
As far as this issue goes, however, I don't see as being "troll-like", but an effort to generate discussion. But to generate discussion with an accusation, especially one so deeply ingrained in hate and bigotry, is simply irresponsible. It bothers me as a writer that someone who considers this to be their occupation would think that this would even be an acceptable approach.
I'm not angry or upset. I save that for the truly deserving and honestly, I know I'm not a racist and if someone wants to generalize us white males into a group of angry, hate-filled people, I know it's not true and I'm not losing sleep over it. I am, however, concerned that someone holding a "loaded gun" (in this case, a keyboard) decided to wave it around to get everyone's attention without considering the reaction. If you didn't think the response would be visceral, you certainly didn't know your audience.
While I am quite positive there are racists and Klan members in our midst and maybe even reading this right now, I don't think they're going to come of out hiding because Ms. Devone-Pacheco called them out.
The statement served to illustrate the difference between a child poking a stick in a hornet's nest and an adult doing the same. While the reaction is the same, the child didn't know what the reaction would be and I'd accept that they were sorry about the outcome; an adult should realize what was going to happen and take appropriate precautions and not doing so, probably deserves what was coming.
Don't make statements that will explode if you are desirous of enlightening; ask questions and listen. You'll find the results much more meaningful.
The subject of racism in the firehouse is an compelling issue for discussion, as is some of the other close-minded actions of a small minority in our profession, but this is a very sensitive issue and has many other emotions intertwined within it. While I don't suggest we tiptoe around the problems, I do suggest that when discussing these issues, great care is taken to understand not only your point of view, but the reaction that your point of view will create when you voice it aloud.
There is never a good reason to "incite a riot". In fact, that is just what some of the rhetoric from the trolls seems to point toward, in order to get a reaction. And trust me, it is very difficult not to respond to some of it. But when you realize that you aren't actually engaging anyone in productive discussion but instead, feeding the miserable idiots who live for pissing people off, you realize you have wasted a good bit of your valuable time reasoning with someone who doesn't use reason.
As far as this issue goes, however, I don't see as being "troll-like", but an effort to generate discussion. But to generate discussion with an accusation, especially one so deeply ingrained in hate and bigotry, is simply irresponsible. It bothers me as a writer that someone who considers this to be their occupation would think that this would even be an acceptable approach.
I'm not angry or upset. I save that for the truly deserving and honestly, I know I'm not a racist and if someone wants to generalize us white males into a group of angry, hate-filled people, I know it's not true and I'm not losing sleep over it. I am, however, concerned that someone holding a "loaded gun" (in this case, a keyboard) decided to wave it around to get everyone's attention without considering the reaction. If you didn't think the response would be visceral, you certainly didn't know your audience.
While I am quite positive there are racists and Klan members in our midst and maybe even reading this right now, I don't think they're going to come of out hiding because Ms. Devone-Pacheco called them out.
The statement served to illustrate the difference between a child poking a stick in a hornet's nest and an adult doing the same. While the reaction is the same, the child didn't know what the reaction would be and I'd accept that they were sorry about the outcome; an adult should realize what was going to happen and take appropriate precautions and not doing so, probably deserves what was coming.
Don't make statements that will explode if you are desirous of enlightening; ask questions and listen. You'll find the results much more meaningful.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on December 18, 2009 at 9:57am
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Mick:
I apologize for not telling you that you had a very thoughtful reply.
You were very thoughtful in addressing an otherwise sensitive issue.
Art
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Mick:
I added my two cents to Cindy's post.
Poor choice of words; yes, but I can't get too excited about the KKK comment because it's just so bizaar. I can't get that passionate about it when I know it was bait for discussion.
She got what she asked for, but I think threatening to cancel subscriptions is a little over the top. That would be a silly thing to do over ONE misplaced comment. The magazine is better than that.
She was publicly scolded by her boss. That should do. She shouldn't lose her job, though maybe curb her written opinions; maybe leave that to guys like us.
Kali: I addressed the notion that some of the bloggers are cow towing to Elsevier because they host our blogs. Frankly, I am hurt by the idea that I have compromised ANYTHING. I have not.
I have not been told what to write or how to write it. It is mine and mine alone. I receive no paycheck from them, so I am not indebted to them. If there was ever any attempt to censor me, I would without hesitation move on, as they say.
TCSS.
Art
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Comment by Mick Mayers on December 18, 2009 at 9:10am
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Hey, I just noticed I can't edit my comments anymore. That should have read:
"There's a lot of posters to this site and elsewhereyouWHO just peck away and don't have the faintest notion of what they just said."
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Kali,
No, the fact that Elsevier owns the FireEMSBlog actually never came into play. The inference that it did concerns me a little, Kali, because I consider you a friend and another open-minded individual.
The considered response comes because I don't think that Ms. Devone-Pacheco, who I don't know, have never corresponded with, nor share particular views with, said something stupid, which we all do from time to time. While I consider the comparison of the fire service to the KKK to be reprehensible and deserving of something more than "I'm sorry", I'm also not inclined to form my own lynch mob either.
Some of the hallmarks of my blog have always been to promote careful consideration of all of the facts, awareness of perception, and understanding of the whole situation. I also like to get readers to understand that leadership comes from having a passion for the issues. All of these attributes I also ascribe to you, someone I respect and appreciate, especially since you were an early reader of my ramblings. But like some other subjects that occur here and elsewhere, I think people can put away the pikes and pitchforks, douse the burning effigy of Ms. Devone, and move along. It is Christmas, remember.
I think that perhaps some people (not you) need to think before they hit send. There's a lot of posters to this site and elsewhere you just peck away and don't have the faintest notion of what they just said. I hope you understand my point and appreciate my views, and I certainly hope you know that I would not sacrifice my journalistic integrity (what there is of it) for some silver.
Mick
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