ANONYMITY for now … but not forever …
The following two comments came in recently and raise some very important issues. Please check them out and then see responses below. And as always, all comments are welcome. Thanks.
COMMENT 1:
Found this blog today courtesy of Venangago-go. It's certainly a conversation that needs to be had.
Surely you're aware of the irony of a blog calling for transparency run by anonymous posters (or just one-- given the anonymity, we don't know how many there are). While I understand it, in part, it's still an unfortunate choice that lessens the weight of what is posted here.
Nevertheless, best wishes to you-- this is a worthwhile addition to the venango county online scene.
COMMENT 2:
I might also suggest that if you're interested in promoting the oil region as a welcoming place for all that you solicit more than just examples of times and places when we've failed to meet that standard, but round of some examples of where and when folks in venangoland have gotten it right.
The sentiments expressed in these comments are important and we look forward to more.
We realize that an “anonymous” blog site for discussion of community concerns is problematic and raises questions about credibility.
We thought long and hard about such a strategy, and hope for the day when it is no longer necessary.
But it didn’t take long to decide that, for the time-being, it is perhaps the best way for everyone and anyone to contribute their thoughts, feelings, opinions, experiences, etc., etc. without fear of backlash or retribution.
As Venango County has witnessed over the past few years, those who are opposed to visibility, fairness and equality for gay and lesbian and other marginalized people and groups in the area are capable of some pretty mean-spirited attacks.
Such attacks range from cruel words (that can often inspire harassment and violence) to the promotion of underground boycotts against local businesses friendly to diversity.
With regard to the Second Comment, we agree that it is of utmost importance to PROMOTE THE GOOD in Venango County and the broader Oil Region rather than to harp on the bad.
FOR THERE IS MUCH GOOD TO PROMOTE!
But we felt it was and is necessary to first try to raise awareness about the problems that exist in order to motivate a supportive response.
In order to make the transition that the commenter suggests, from a focus on the negative to a celebration of the positive, it is our hope that more and more such friends and allies will begin to speak out in whatever ways they can to help create a more welcoming environment for all in Venango County. Many courageous folks have already done so.
!!!The Arts Revitalization Movement is such an inspiration!!!
But we need more. There is strength in numbers as the old saying goes.
So, with this discussion on the table, perhaps the time has arrived to plan for a transition in this blog. We too want to focus on what is possible when good people unite to build a culturally and economic vibrant Venango County.
Stay Tuned … and Thank You.
ps - Submissions of Examples about the Great Things Happening in Venango County are Welcome and will gladly be Posted and Promoted as well.
2 comments:
I'm happy to see this dialogue. Here are some positive examples to report. The Oil City Council recently passed a unanimous resolution supporting the Arts Revitalation Efforts in Oil City. And in the discussion commented that this would bring diversity. KUDOS for their courage and vision.
Thoughtful people have written well researched responses to Diane Gramley's letter to the editor.
On the anonymity issue - this is a tough one. These people set out to hurt people and incite action against us. I've been a target and had sleepless nights wondering just how far their followers would go. Their knowing my name and my business, their ferver against me, made me feel unsafe. We see in other communities just how far people will go and it's frightening. What is helping me overcome my fear is dialogue with great people in Venango County and surrounding regions. I have come to believe that our leadership, our police, and our justice system may not be outspoken in support but they will not tolerate any of us breaking the law. That is one area where I feel assured of equality.
Because I helped to spark this anonymity debate by my complaint, allow me to say that my name is Michael and I feel that visibility, fairness, and equality for gay and lesbian and other marginalized people and groups is in the long-term interest of our region.
Maybe some other readers would like to stand up and be counted as well?
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