Spring Break
An open letter to my white LGBT siblings
Michael Faris
Issue date: 6/4/08 Section: Forum
And you, as white, as part of the dominant paradigm (as much as you might deny it because of your gayness), are implicated in this when you throw a party themed "Cowboys and Indians."
At a time when people of color and queers need each other to battle systemic oppression, you dress up as a "savage," you dress up like a "squaw."
I would hope that you could see the connections between racist depictions and homophobic depictions. I would hope that you understand that to build alliances with people of color, whether straight or queer, you need to show that you are actively anti-racist.
At the very least, I would hope that your selfishness would make you see that in order to fight our society's demonizing of queerness, you need the alliances of as many people as you can.
I am not surprised when many people of color do not support gay rights, do not join in gay marches and/or do not trust gay people as allies. I cannot be surprised when white queers like you choose to throw parties with racist imagery.
At the very least: you're queer. You've been forced to be creative with your sexuality. At least be creative with your parties. "Cowboys and Indians"? It's a cliché! It's as trite as the heterosexism you should be combating.
To my white lesbian and gay siblings, show me I can trust you to stand up against racism. Show me I can trust you to listen when I tell you your actions hurt other people.
Show me that there is hope that white gays and lesbians can see the consequences of their actions and choose to ally themselves with other marginalized folks, instead of identifying themselves with a dominant culture that not only demeans people of color, but also hates and demeans queers.
At a time when people of color and queers need each other to battle systemic oppression, you dress up as a "savage," you dress up like a "squaw."
I would hope that you could see the connections between racist depictions and homophobic depictions. I would hope that you understand that to build alliances with people of color, whether straight or queer, you need to show that you are actively anti-racist.
At the very least, I would hope that your selfishness would make you see that in order to fight our society's demonizing of queerness, you need the alliances of as many people as you can.
I am not surprised when many people of color do not support gay rights, do not join in gay marches and/or do not trust gay people as allies. I cannot be surprised when white queers like you choose to throw parties with racist imagery.
At the very least: you're queer. You've been forced to be creative with your sexuality. At least be creative with your parties. "Cowboys and Indians"? It's a cliché! It's as trite as the heterosexism you should be combating.
To my white lesbian and gay siblings, show me I can trust you to stand up against racism. Show me I can trust you to listen when I tell you your actions hurt other people.
Show me that there is hope that white gays and lesbians can see the consequences of their actions and choose to ally themselves with other marginalized folks, instead of identifying themselves with a dominant culture that not only demeans people of color, but also hates and demeans queers.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 31
Tyler
posted 6/04/08 @ 2:41 PM PST
I cannot believe that this letter was allowed to be printed by the barometer
masking hate mail with the premise of fighting rascism is sick...this letter is obviously an attack against the members of this party for no real reason
are cowboys across the nation "outraged" that they have been portrayed during this party? ropes, handguns, cowboy hats. (Continued…)
William
posted 6/04/08 @ 4:18 PM PST
As a gay student I'm completely offended by the barometers lack of integrity and investigative reporting. This paper has demonized an individual student who is native american himself. (Continued…)
Jennifer
posted 6/04/08 @ 8:10 PM PST
I was completely in shock and appalled when I saw this article in the Barometer today.
The person who wrote this article clearly does not have these facts straight. (Continued…)
Douglas
posted 6/04/08 @ 9:18 PM PST
Bravo to the Barometer and to this letter writer for highlighting was so often goes hidden. Everyone marginalized in this society must work together to ensure that everyone else who is marginalized is treated with dignity and respect. (Continued…)
Linnaea
posted 6/04/08 @ 9:25 PM PST
First off I think you should look up exactly who Michael Faris is before you go off and say that he's a homophobic man.
Second of all, it doesn't matter if the people at the party were of Native American descent or not. (Continued…)
James
posted 6/04/08 @ 9:27 PM PST
Take a look at this link...
http://oregonstate.edu/cla/english/faculty/faris
What is Michael Faris, a faculty member at Oregon State University, doing peeping a 19 year old's facebook page and writing a slanderous article about something he merely glimpsed online. (Continued…)
Craig Hawley
posted 6/04/08 @ 9:50 PM PST
OMG get a thicker skin. I am so sick of wimps being offended by everything. Are you serious Cowboys and Indians offends you. Get a life.
I could care less if your letter is full of vitriol. (Continued…)
Craig Hawley
Craig Hawley
posted 6/04/08 @ 10:04 PM PST
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Proud To Be White
Someone finally said it.
How many are actually paying attention to this?
There are African Americans,
Hispanic Americans,
Cuban Americans,
Mexican Americans,
Asian Americans,
Arab Americans,
Native Americans, etc. (Continued…)
Nunley
posted 6/04/08 @ 10:10 PM PST
The thing is, virtually no one would have even known about the party if this column hadn't been printed. Hence, the party is innocuous. Michael obviously has his opinion about it, but this kind of piffle has little or no effect on anybody. (Continued…)
Ryan Larson
posted 6/04/08 @ 10:52 PM PST
You're ridiculous. This party was not meant to be racist at all.
Go get off your ass and get a life.
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