Placism
There’s a new phenomenon that is taking place and I heard someone refer to it as placism. Generally, placism deals with a cultural background, a place in society, an accident of geography, a physical place or a mental boundary. The idea of placism is real and, sadly, quite common. Unfortunately, many people don’t truly understand it until they “get out of their place.” And that is what has been happening here in the City of Lumberton; too many people have been getting out of their place. For instance, Alderman Kent Crider has made a point at several of the budget meetings to make reference to terminating the employment of Sharese Pearson. On the surface, some would think that this was a racist move, but that is not what this is all about. It’s about Sharese Pearson knowing her place. For some reason, Alderman Crider does not want to let this matter rest. It does not matter to him that this way of thinking has caused an EEOC claim to be filed against the City of Lumberton. (Generally, EEOC charges are not a matter of public record, but since it was discussed several times during the budget meeting, I guess the board of alderman has no problem with this information being released to the public.) As a matter of fact, the city clerk had to warn the aldermen about discussing this matter in an open meeting because it’s a legal issue. But Alderman Crider did not want to let it rest. Why? Sharese Pearson should have known her place. How dare she have the temerity to ask the board of aldermen to live up to the promises they made to her. According to the minutes of the Lumberton Board of Aldermen, they [the board of aldermen] voted to send Sharese Pearson to the police academy in September of 2010, and when she held them to their word, they did not follow through with their promise. This wasn’t some tidbit that was fed to me; it’s clearly laid out in the official minutes for the City of Lumberton. Another example of placism also occurred at the budget workshop on Monday. Alderman Johnson told Mayor Holder, “I am trying to respect you, would you please let me continue my conversation.” Placism. Didn’t the mayor know her place? How dare she try to insert herself into a conversation that Alderman Johnson was having with Melissa Pack (did you catch the sarcasm of that statement?) Alderman Johnson and his cohorts have told Mayor Holder through their votes and through their words that “they are in control.” In other words, she needs to know her place and let them do what they want to do. But in defense of Alderman Johnson, he was having a personal conversation with Melissa Pack, deputy court clerk. However, we had just sat through a budget meeting that included a great deal of whispering, note passing and other means of silent communication. If Alderman Johnson truly wanted to have a private conversation with the deputy court clerk, he would have spoke in a whisper like he did throughout the budget meeting and the mayor, who was sitting by the entrance of the board room would not have heard his conversation. Let me be clear that I’m not talking about racism, a heinous, malefic and shameful prejudice which has no place in any society. One’s opinions doesn’t generally invite physical harm, but it can make one a target. I am quite certain that Sharese Pearson and Mayor Holder are fully aware that you can still be taunted, ignored, or patronized by people who think they’re superior to you simply because they feel that “they are in control.” And, as with all prejudices, you’re judged well before you’re able to offer any individual characteristics.
I am soooooo disappointed in Tim. I had such high hopes for him. I'ver heard him speak on a few occassions and I was impressed with his knowledge of the Word, but when you see his actions and his mannerisms when he's interacting with the mayor it's like he's another person. The bible tells us to "respect those who are in authority." I don't like to use bible passages to make a point b/c almost any scripture can be taken out of content to make a point. But I just wonder how do Tim justify his behavior when he talk to his girls? The total lack of respect he has for the mayor is apparently the reflection of his belief system. He has shown time and time again that he does not respect women and that is something I take issue with. How can you have such disregard for women when your household is mostly female?
ReplyDeletePlease do not make any references to the children of the aldermen. Their children are not involved in what goes on at city hall. So, if you are going to make comments that extend beyond the realm of politics, do not do it anonymously. Give the person the opportunity to face their accusers. Better yet, just don't post any comments about the children of our aldermen.
ReplyDeleteNow that Richocet Rebecca has hitched her wagon up with the Oreo Trio, you're going to find a new name for them b/c the Trio has become a Quartet.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe that these meetings are as unorganized as they are. We have a good mayor and she should be respected not only because she is the Mayor but because she is a valued member of the city just as many women are. If Tim is asking like this toward her than we must wonder where is this coming from. Does he have a hatred for women in general or just women of power who are above him. It has been noticed in several meetings that the board does not respect our Mayor, and I applaud her for keeping her head up and moving forward with her job as stressful as it is. officer Pearson has been a good cop in this city and she should go to the academy for it is her right just like the male officers that have gone in the past and the ones that will go in the future. I thought Lumberton would change change for the better over the years but it is still a Backwood, small minded, racist, town. Racism is only due to color but gender. If it had not been for a WOMAN the men who are against these women would not have been born. Think of this "Would you want someone to treat your mother, sister, wife, daughter, niece, aunt, or granddaughter the way you are treating this Women". Think about it all you God fearing men, "what do you think God feels about your actions" We need to think about how we treat people in this town be it male, female, or other because we are going to HELL in a handbasket.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jonathan, for "scolding" the anonymous commentator regarding his/her remarks about Tim and his girls. That was truly uncalled for!! I happen to know Tim personally, and he has always shown utmost respect for his wife, daughters, and every other woman that I've seen him interact with. I can understand why he wouldn't respect Miriam! She doesn't respect the board members. She thought she was the ultimate authority while she was a board member, but now she wants to claim ultimate authority as mayor. She can't have it both ways. You can not conclude that he does not respect women in general just because he MAY not respect Miriam. That's just way off base.
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