Comments for Speak Without Interruption

Comment on Thank you, Sally by stuartaken

stuartaken — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:38:05 +0000

Such support is truly rare and it’s wonderful that you appreciate it, Tim. But then, I’ve learned you’re a man with a generous spirit.
My support comes from my wife, who is eagle-eyed and spots repetition, spelling errors, and any inconsistencies in plot or character that slip through my editing net. She reads everything I write, now, and I wish I had shown her more of my work sooner. Valerie is always honest but constructive but understands that the final decision has to be mine and is never put out if I go against her suggestions. As a wife, she’s a wonderful woman; having supported me in a very practical way during the last seven years of CFS when there were times I would have gone under without her constant help.
I gain my other writing support from a very active and professional writing group. Hornsea Writers, (fully subscribed) consists of published writers with several novels, many short stories, and a few text books and articles to their various names. We’ve also collected a number of awards between us, so I guess we must be doing something right.
Keep up your good work, Tim, and never take Sally for granted. When my own sister read my novel, Breaking Faith, she came back to me with ‘It’s a very good story, spoilt by too much sex.’ So, perhaps I should let Sally look at it?

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:19:55 +0000

Ahh, the subject of race and all the arguments that come with it. But that is the important thing about this subject- the arguments.
Everybody is prejudiced against someone else. That is my statement and I am sticking to it. I see it all the time and I am guilty of it.
Tyree, do not be alarmed by the opinions of people who respond to your work because you opened this can of worms and this is what happens. When I was in college I had to deal with racism in a completely different way than you are dealing with it now. Those my age and older fought so that you could have some of the privilages we didn’t. We don’t hold that against you. But what comes up as you secure these privilages and require them into your life is the source of entitlement that produces a kind of arrogance that comes with youth. I had it when I was younger and was demanding to be treated as an equal.
As a young black person, and not just a person of color, you must be prepared for those who are older than you to disagree with you. I agree that no one is color blind but I also can see how people need to use that term to help promote a non-racist society. It does not mean that they are prejudiced.
One more thing on this subject. A few years back I was asked to do my one woman show ont he civil rights movement at my alma mater. Before the performance there was the first ever meeting of black alums and current students. I was not in attendance but was informed later, by people of three different generations of what happened at the dinner meeting. Several students had reported incidents on campus of overt racism, then let it go. Those in my age group wanted an immediate investigation, those who graduated 10 to 15 years after us thought it best to put together a group to deal with it and have several meetings before challanging the school. The third group consisted of the students still at Guilford who had decided not to rock the boat because they had to live on campus once we were all gone. It was interesting that that was one of the things my parents told us in the 60’s- not to rock the boat or try to change the status quo. It had come full circle because, as quiet as it was keep, the students had assimilated to the point where their color was not the problem, just an issue that they didn’t want to deal with. They were trying to be colorblind and it did not work.

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:45:43 +0000

Tyree Harris,

Is this some kind of experiment on the “old people” on this site? If it is, be careful we bite. People have been kind and encouraging, and now it’s my turn.

There are so many holes in your argument I scarcely know where to start. My favorite is:

“Europeans were eventually welcomed into the ranks of whiteness.”

What?

Who exactly is white? Do I know any? Have I ever seen one?

This was a nice rant, must have been very satisfying. We all appreciate your inherent disenfranchisement from “white society”, college boy. Have you studied George Wallace yet? You guys have a lot in common. Sounds like you could write a book on “separate but equal.”

In short you sound very much like a young, bigoted, over-privileged squeeker, who is desperately searching for some pay back from being born a certain way. Not happenin’ It doesn’t make you special. That’s the whole point of equality. Maybe if you only had one leg, or MS, or even a really low IQ (which you obviously don’t). The color of your skin is just that, color. You may even agree that the farther we get from you standing out because you have a color, the better it will be for all of us.

Your reading of history is a little limited if you missed that every kind/type of human has been abused at one time or another. It’s a human thing, not a color thing. Sorry, but that’s your race, the human race. Talk to someone with red hair sometime, or a person who’s really short, or someone with down syndrome if you want to hear about how humans treat each other. If you want to celebrate some splinter heritage, whatever you decide that is, go ahead, just don’t ask me too. I think you’ll find, if you study a little genetics, that most of that stuff is pretty short term. Did you think your heritage goes straight back to Olduvai gorge? No stops in Europe? The middle east? That would be special.

I’d like to think that we are making a real effort to get by the kind of middle ages thinking that emphasized differences like how people are dressed, what color they are and good and bad blood. But, if you want to walk around in a traditional African tribal uniform, or lederhosen and a horned helmet, or even a silk kimono demanding that everyone respect your differences, more power to you. I’ll try my best not to think less of you. It’s pretty hard to distinguish all the differences between people anyway, being colored just isn’t enough. You should think about a sandwich board, then you could be more specific. (P.S. keep the whole newspaper reporter thing in very tiny print, it’s safer, trust me)

I’ve come to the conclusion that differences are problematic among humans. It’s probably some left over herd instinct, celebrating it just amplifies our difficulties. A lot of us have come to the same conclusion. We are different by nature, we don’t need to be tribal about it.

We may not ever be completely color blind, but it is a noble endeavor. You shouldn’t denigrate the millions of people who remind themselves to make that effort everyday. They’re doing their best for the entire race.

Comment on Review of ‘Buenos Aires: a train ride down the rainbow’, by Paul Perry by Tranqui Yanqui

Tranqui Yanqui — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:42:45 +0000

Paul has such a grasp on buenos aires life, on the expat experience, the struggling artist condition, the feeling of hitting bottom but never loosing his creative sensibilities. These poems are layered with humor and strife and eloquence all at once- go Paul, you deserve it!

Comment on Parental Stress on College Students by Prentiss gray

Prentiss gray — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:53:32 +0000

I wonder what human society wouldn’t be competitive? Isn’t competing for better jobs and mates a completely human thing? Isn’t it a prerequisite for any organism living on this planet? Stating “it’s the fault of our society…”. Suggests an alternative.

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by SteveG

SteveG — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:54:51 +0000

Tyree, I know that blacks are at a disadvantage in this country, I know there are still unequal opportunities and I can only imagine how painful that might be when you are trying to support a family and the great American dream seems so illusive. I also know that their is more work to be done in civil rights.
What I am saying is that white attitudes have changed dramaticaly, even most of those who were once openly prejudice have openly admitted that they were wrong and are doing their best to change. Blacks need to aknowledge this and compromise a bit.
Why do you think that conforming is being submissive to the white man? Don’t you think that the white man also has to conform to meet the standards of the man who makes out his paycheck? If you don’t you are quite naive.
I have spent the better part of the last 40 years in a position where I hire and fire people, when a black job candidate comes in for a job I can honestly say it has zero affect on my decision. Attitude black or white has more affect on my decision than qualifications. If I see a young man come in slightly lacking confidence or social skills I do my best to look closer at what he may have to offer and have been rewarded for this many times. What I don’t like is someone playing the race card every time they get called on the carpet for screwing up or being lazy. My boss is a blackman, I don’t see him as black everyday, I just see him as Joe.
I think when you come to work you leave your color at home. I don’t have time for it.
You wonder why I say blacks or more prejudice than whites. I sit and listen to these outlandish conspracy theories about how the white man is trying to keep them down. How the white man created aids to kill off the blacks. I sure hope that parents are not teaching their kids this crap. I have nieces and nephews that are black. I don’t think they even know it. My niece who is now twenty has told me of a few incidences of prejudice that she has dealt with, she doesn’t like it but just views them as ignorant people and goes about her life. Since 1990 I have worked with adult drug addicts and alcholics many of whom are black and we talk very openly about these issues.
You were correct to a point when you said that a white mans prejudice can have more affect on a black man than vice versa. But what you are not aknowedging is that if a white person has too many bad experiences with blacks he will start to profile just as a black man does who has had too many bad experieces with whites. A prejudice black person can do as much damage to the cause as a prejudice white person. We have a problem with white cops in our city profiling blacks, I can only imagine how much damage they do when they pull someone over who has a good attitude and then has to put up with their ignorant abuse. The only point I am really trying to make is that it is a two sided street, I still believe the sooner we can become color blind the better. Steve

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Tyree Harris

Tyree Harris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:14:07 +0000

” I have a genuine appreciation for all cultures but their is a time and a place for everything. Successful people work hard at fitting in not trying to stand out.” as flawed as your statement was, this was the largest flaw you had.

I honestly don’t know where to begin.

1) if you had a genuine appreciation for all cultures, you would take the time to understand their situation.

2) When you say there is a time and place for everything–guess what? I AM ALWAYS BLACK. I always am a person of my culture and that always makes me stand out. But you’re telling me that successful people try to fit in–so, a successful black man tries to fit in to white standards and doesn’t try to stand out????

So essentially, If I am to be successful in your eyes, I am to surrender my culture and be submissive to white, western power…and that Is the American definition of freedom.

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Tyree Harris

Tyree Harris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:26 +0000

And how the hell are blacks, who have been institutionally oppressed for all of their existance in this nation, more racist than the whites who perpetuate white dominance through these institutions? (think prision industrial complex, school system, the racialization of welfare reform the late 20th century, the war on drugs, etc.)

black racism, though not good, is often a response to their social conditions and the injustices they’ve seen served to their families and neighborhoods.

But, no matter how racist a black gets, he will never hurt white society to the extent that a racist white would hurt the black community.

Think of all the race driven injustices ruled legitimate by white, racist judges.

Think of all the police brutality claims thrown out the window.

Think of how a black man gets shot 50 times by police, and not one man goes to prision.

There is no possible way that black racism could ever be worse than white–are you kidding me?

Look at our social structure and how it is organized.

You don’t have enough racial awareness to be involved in this discussion. I recommend you do some research on the harsh realness of racism and how it impacts those of color in this nation, and how we don’t need people to ignore our skin, but accept it and figure our how we can make their lives more equal.

You are assuming that racism is a black problem–no. Racism is an American problem, and no matter how hard I work personally, (you claimed that a minority’s hard work and education will cure racism) this power structure will still disadvantage me, and prejudge me to be something I am not.

And how the hell are we to achieve the same level of education a white male does, when a white male is much more likely to have their basic needs met and to attend a legitimate school?minorities have to work 3x as hard to get to the academic level that their white counterparts achieve. Trust me, I know this personally.

You have alot of nerve, and not alot of knowlege, in regards to this field of society. If I were you, I would further educate myself on issues of discrimination, white privilege, and oppression.

–Tyree Harris

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Tyree Harris

Tyree Harris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:46:19 +0000

It’s quite easy to desire a colorblind society when color has benefitted you….

A person of color will inevitably have different experiences in This nation due exclusively to their skintone. Their perspective, their history, their social mobility, will all be affected; and you’re telling me that I should turn a blind eye? How is that going to aid the problem?

Like I said, colorblindness is ignorance, and ignorance is never good. We have so many racial problems in this country–who are you to say that we should ignore them and pretend we Are all equal when we are NOT?

Oh right, race doesn’t hurt you.

Race doesn’t cause you to be followed around in stores.

Race doesn’t make you less likely to succeed.

Race doesn’t have a major impact on your life in general–society had made you race neautral–and that neutrality makes you believe that everyone can achieve it.

You have been treated to white privilege so well, that you don’t even acknowlege it’s impact on your life.

Bluntly put, race has been a limiting factor in all persons of color’s lives, and it is fallacious for you, a white male who has never experienced or recognized these effects, to tell us to ignore the color of our skin and the social effects this creates…

It would force us to be unaware of so many racialized situations, and create a less aware society.

Comment on What passes for education in Texas….. by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:34:10 +0000

I wonder how long before they try to censor the Internet?

Comment on THE DIGITAL PANDEMIC (Book Review) by Bruce Essar

Bruce Essar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:02:09 +0000

A cage rattled methinks for no clear reasoning.

Nice one, you may have missed the part where I walked close to him and heard Queens of the Stoneage thrashing his inner ear – or does that make me a snooper?

Doom sells Prentiss haven’t you woken up yet?

Crackberry is that a new designer drug?

So many questions and so little time (it’s that doom thing again). : 0 D

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by SteveG

SteveG — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:26:30 +0000

Tyree, although I agree with a lot of what you said I still feel the concept of a color blind society is the right one. I don’t believe it I don’t believe it is helpful for one to wear their ethnicity on their shirt sleeve. The black man and woman faces challenges more daunting than the european no doubt, simply because of color, but the solution is the same. hard work, education and simply doing the right thing will eventually cause our society to become essentially color blind. I do agree 100% that racial issues should be discussed openly and socialy but not in the workplace unless their are issues. I honestly believe that prejudice on the part of the blacks has gotten worse than the prejudice on the white side and is slowing the progress that has been taking place. I see it daily. I have a genuine appreciation for all cultures but their is a time and a place for everything. Successful people work hard at fitting in not trying to stand out. I will hedge my bets on a color blind society. Steve

Comment on What passes for education in Texas….. by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:49:02 +0000

Prentiss, it is a shame that money rules our educational system in this country. Some years back the Texas board of ed got the term ‘breasts’ removed from text books. They may buy most of the textbooks in this country but they don’t teach very much about reality.

Comment on Don’t be colorblind–be aware. by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:40:16 +0000

Tyree:
You are a brilliant writer! I hope that you go far.
I love many of your lines in this piece but the last one speaks volumes. We must acknowledge our history and our backgrounds and deal with our colors. But that should not define us as a country or a world. The term colorblind is one that reminds me of growing up in the 60s. It meant that people of a darker hue assimilated so that they could be accepted. They left behind their culture to fit into the world of the majority. Once that culture was left behind those viewing them became colorblind.
Once should never let go of one’s culture.

Comment on The Old Man and The Monkey: Why I Wrote the Book by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:16:57 +0000

It is important to talk about differences from all points of view even though some people think the discussions on racism are too many. They are few and not long enough. Perhaps stories like yours can lead to understanding of differences and more discussions.

Comment on Thank you, Sally by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:16:06 +0000

My hat’s off to you Tim. You are keeping up a hurricane of promotional posts for Night reading, I’m sure all of your authors appreciate the dedication.

Comment on THE DIGITAL PANDEMIC (Book Review) by Prentiss gray

Prentiss gray — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:21:08 +0000

That’s the classic mistake. Interpreting what you see as the complete reality. The young man had headphones on and seem to ignore the car. What was he listening to? A book on tape, a course in calculus? No, of course it was “loud music”. That’s simply your supposition.

It’s the same with technology affecting your brain, you assume that’s abnormal. Even though books and reading affect your brain, eating affects your brain, surprisingly sometimes even school affects your brain. Why isn’t anyone complaining about that?

There’s good and bad with any human activity, it just sells more books if it’s presented as a harbinger of doom. I just finished a piece from minnette that mentioned “piles of books in the corners of her bedroom” does that mean she’s a hoarder? Lost to a terrible addiction of reading? Next time you see someone on their “crackberry” try thinking about what great thoughts they’re communicating, or how they are earning for their family or even writing a note to they’re true love. It’s not what you see, it’s what it is.

Comment on Thank you, Sally by Bob Ellal

Bob Ellal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:34:20 +0000

I think you carry on your sister’s attitude of supporting writers’ work and being penetratingly honest. The really important question: Do you have another somewhat younger sister who is unattached and wealthy? If so, tell her I’m an impoverished nobleman whose ancestors’ estates consisted mainly of chicken coops. It can’t fail to make an impression.

Comment on The Old Man and The Monkey: Why I Wrote the Book by Bob Ellal

Bob Ellal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:28:32 +0000

I remember growing up with some small-town, white racist attitudes that were unfortunately shared by most of the population. Of course, the town was solely Caucasian. I got to college and had to confront people of different races and ethnicities and quickly came to realize that everybody was essentially the same: we all wanted an education, good jobs and safe streets (not to mention free beer at keg parties). And an equal playifield to achieve those.

Your story reminded me of this evolution in my thinking, George. And what America should be all about. A “small” story with huge implications, and very well done.

Comment on THE DIGITAL PANDEMIC (Book Review) by Bruce Essar

Bruce Essar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:28:04 +0000

It looks a very interesting book, and I am certain that as we see more techno-kids growing up we shall reap what we sow. I have just popped out into town (Liverpool, UK) to buy a few things and grab a coffee.

As I walked back in the early Spring sunshine I noticed a youth plugged into his i-Pod (tell tale white wires leading into his ears)we crossed path and I could make out the ‘tinny’ sound from his ear plugs. He looked the epitome of the ’sickly youth’, tall, gangly and fashionable dressed. As he crossed the road a car approached at a normal speed, you could see a potential collision.

The car ‘barped’ the youth took no notice. The car ‘barped’ again and not until it brushed his legs did the young man even acknowledge the car – then just carried on as if nothing had happened! A less patient driver and he could have been wiped out.

My guess is that his music was so loud he did not hear anything. In some ways that small scene backs up what Tim has explored here.

Comment on The Old Man and The Monkey: Why I Wrote the Book by Bruce Essar

Bruce Essar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:17:47 +0000

Really nice story with a great deal of pertinence for today.

Well done George, keep it up!

Comment on Sweet Child by Ann

Ann — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:09:04 +0000

Lara as a mom this touches my heart. You so beautifully expressed the heart of every mom to love and protect her precious child.

Comment on Thank you, Sally by Ian Parks

Ian Parks — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:51:08 +0000

What a beautifully-written and heartfelt tribute. and how lucky you are Tim to have such a sympathetic reader. We all dream of that! Happy birthday Sally!

Comment on Tolerance to Infinity by Ian Carter

Ian Carter — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:56:58 +0000

a nation of extremely tolerant individuals. Bob, I couldn’t agree more. May it survive and flourish and spread to the West. Ian ~ 延安 in Guilin.

Comment on Thank you, Sally by Danny Birch

Danny Birch — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:49:01 +0000

I think its great to have a sister so supportive of you Tim, i am also fortunate to have supportive family members and it really does mean alot doesnt it. Happy birthday to Sally!

Comment on Thank you, Sally by georgepolley

georgepolley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:31:51 +0000

You are really blessed, Tim, having a sister like Sally who is so supportive of your writing. My wife, Aiko, is that supportive of mine, so I know personally what a blessing it is. Happy birthday to her, too; at 70 she is my kid brother’s age — a nice age to be, I recall it well.

Warmest regards,

George

Comment on The Old Man and The Monkey: Why I Wrote the Book by Tim Roux

Tim Roux — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:12:32 +0000

One of my favourite stories too, George. It is very, very moving and makes a huge point we all do well to remember. Good luck!

Comment on Three outstanding newcomers by Tim Roux

Tim Roux — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:20:53 +0000

Thanks, guys. Steve Sangirardi’s ‘Monday Afternoon’ is already gathering some pretty impressive comments from readers, including a ‘read-in-one-sitting’ which I always take as the ultimate compliment.

Comment on Experimental Fiction Writing —Classes Online Are Now Available by Tantra Bensko

Tantra Bensko — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:22:54 +0000

I’m so excited the class is filling up. I love the students already and am so looking forward to reading what they write.

Comment on Three outstanding newcomers by Daniel Birch

Daniel Birch — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:48:40 +0000

Great stuff ! : D

Comment on The Weekend There was No Flood by Myla

Myla — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:35:10 +0000

Well stated Miz Minnette! I once read that if you threw your problems on a pile with everybody else’s, you would quickly snatch yours back.

Comment on Three outstanding newcomers by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:16:26 +0000

I’ve passed this on to the Harlem Writers Guild and a number of people who just love to read. Word is spreading, believe it!

Comment on Three outstanding newcomers by stuartaken

stuartaken — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:48:59 +0000

Nice piece, Tim. I’ve stuck it on Facebook. Good luck to all the authors.

Comment on Sweet Child by SteveG

SteveG — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:10:21 +0000

Very touching Lara, so many children in the world today don’t have that safe secure feeling that is so important to a child. I have always felt humanity owes it to the children to protect them when their parents cannot. Steve

Comment on A Day That Will Always Live in My Memory by Ann

Ann — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:26:04 +0000

Thank you both for your comments. Minnette – I can totally relate. My dad thankfully is still alive and has never been one to write much. I’m thrilled when he signs a card! He’s actually cut out cartoons he thought I’d appreciate and of course I’ve saved every one.

Comment on Sweet Child by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:24:26 +0000

This is lovely.
I actually saw this on the bus this morning. A mother smiling at her infant and protecting the baby from the germs of the coughing passengers and the shaking of the bus. Had I known about your poem then I would have spiritually given it to her to help her with the job all mothers have.

Comment on A Day That Will Always Live in My Memory by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:21:34 +0000

My father died almost two years ago and I have still not outgrown wanting his love. I understand how you feel and I don’t think it is pain, it’s love.
He used to write me letters on my birthdays once I started college and then moved away. Recently I found two of them that I decided to keep. He was a pretty bad typist for a newspaper editor and his handwriting was worse than a doctor’s but I understood each line and keep the letters close to me.

Comment on Advent of the Spiritulizer by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:44:43 +0000

Changed the title. The old one sucked.

Comment on A Day That Will Always Live in My Memory by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:34 +0000

Now that’s the right way to deal with a death, good for you.

Comment on To Self Pub, to POD, or to Not Self Pub or Not POD -..That is the Debate by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:24:28 +0000

Hmmmm….Good discussion. Although, are NYC editors really what you crack them up to be?