Hi Andrea and all,

Andrea, yes, I see what you mean.

 

However, if I may build on that...I also believe that words gain their
meaning in their use. Diversity is a euphemism, but for whom? And if we
allow that euphemism to continue - without giving the word the meaning
that we intend and that it probably really deserves - then aren't we
buying into that euphemism?

 

And let's say, for example, that someone subscribes because of the
name's euphemistic nature. Then we have an opportunity to engage someone
who has a "diverse" perspective - diverse from our common ways of
thinking and acting. It then provides an opportunity to thoughtfully
teach others what our true meaning of diversity is. So in this sense,
the List would serve to dispel that euphemism and reinforce the fact
that diversity includes _everyone_. 

 

If we went with the Diversity and Literacy List, the list description
will make it clear what diversity means for our list community. And the
moderator's job (as facilitator) would be to make sure that the true
sense of the word diversity is upheld. Perhaps Daphne might say more
about that.

 

So if others like the idea of a more inclusive name, then that narrows
the list of options. My personal preference is that I like diversity
better because it is more descriptive than voice -- which could mean
anyone's voice and then we'd have to redefine the purpose of the list
and the list description.

 

Just my thoughts on the matter. Thanks for listening, all.

 

Warmly, Jackie

 

Jackie Taylor

jataylor at utk.edu 

 

 

-----------------------------

 

Message: 2

Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:10:18 -0500

From: Andrea Wilder <andreawilder at comcast.net>

Subject: [PovertyRaceWomen 1509] Re: Diversity and Literacy

To: "The Poverty, Race,         Women and Literacy Discussion List"

            <povertyracewomen at nifl.gov>

Message-ID: <1d6bb58cf46b2036caf52dbc03cf97b6 at comcast.net>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"

 

Hi Jackie--

 

The problem with diversity :  a euphemism for black.  I find this
everywhere.

 

Andrea.

 

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