Yesterday, I was so proud of my fellow chorus members and what they've written in support of the ASO. I guess I don't have to agree with everyone and everything, but this makes me not want to associate with the blog anymore.
Sorry, Meaghan ... You're on Facebook so I know you don't lead a sheltered life. This is all over Facebook. You can still be proud of your fellow chorus members and accept that there are some people who are, obviously, feeling and expressing more outrage and hostility toward Stanley Romenstein than you do. If seeing this commonly-done piece of satire makes you not want to associate with the blog anymore, that's too bad. But why not be very clear about your reasons. Do you admire Stanley Romenstein and the way he has handled this situation? Do you feel it's a cheap shot? Frankly, these days we all of us have to ignore a lot of political stuff in order to still remain friends with the people we care about. Still, I'm glad you made this comment. If people want it taken down, the moderators will do it.
Meaghan, I sincerely hope that you continue to visit the blog; remember that lots of people are extremely upset right now. Please try to channel your positive thoughts on what we can do to help the organization get past this unbelievably hurtful time. We need healing. You will bring that. Instead of walking away, make your unique voice heard.
I do think it's a cheap shot. While I don't take offense at its existence, I feel like it is out of line with the carefully worded, beautifully written, heartfelt, and pointed posts on the rest of the blog. Like Cyn said, healing is needed, and this doesn't point that way.
In my effort to be concise, I chose my words very poorly: I want to keep reading, and I am still incredibly proud of everyone who has written, and so honored to be a chorus member. That won't change, and I won't stop visiting. However, I am less inclined to share the link with others or contribute my own thoughts, if I feel that by doing so, I am associating myself with this sort of sentiment.
Furthermore, Sally, and all who have contributed: I am thankful for what you've done here either way!
I'm sure people reading this just want to tell me to get a life and/or a sense of humor!
Y'all will probably think this is odd coming from me, but I think it should come down, too. Since our blog has gone global I think we have to rise above the level of personal attacks that are not directly related to specific allegations of malfeasance. Yeah, it feels good to laugh at it initially, but it distracts from the thoughtful, deeply-impassioned posts it sits alongside. I also think that as we continue to agitate for more and better information about how this whole debacle went down, we will find that the bigger problem lies with those that hold S.R. under their thumb. It looks to me like this whole WAC umbrella structure needs to be scrutinized under a very high-powered microscope. Anyone know a good investigative reporter?
I have to say, my first thought was that I was talking to the wrong Meaghan! I posted it because it was as articulate and genuine a cry of pain as I have heard. Yes, we take our time to defend our arguments. But the person who has had to deal with the uncertainty of this situation for a month, and whose feelings finally reached a crisis point, was able to turn the thing that was stabbing her in the back ... into a sharp stick, pointed at the source of her anger. I have a coarse streak ... Voltaire, Jon Stewart, Jonathan Swift, South Park ... I love them all!
Please understand that this was created by a very distraght musician. The musicians of the ASO are hurt beyond description at the moment. The comments made to and about us by Stanley himself have been denegrating at best. I hope you will not stop visiting this sight. We cannot begin to describe our gratitude to the members of the ASOC for their support during this painful time. The chorus is a big part of what has made this an incredible institution. Why we don't utilize this talented group like we used to is one more part of a disappointing picture.
Satire is a time-honored way to express a very big, deep hurt. I laughed out loud. I know what the musicians have been subjected to ... and the fact that a musician was able to encapsulate the long, agonizing month of pain and distress into something so outrageously funny, is cathartic. I only wish I'd thought of it first!
I know we don't know each other personally, but please accept that I am filled with nothing but gratitude and support for the ASO musicians. I don't know the details about this whole situation, but I do know that this is terribly painful for you all. No offense taken at the creation of the picture, I just am of the opinion that it doesn't fit in with the rest of the blog.
Meaghan, it is time that the ASOC demands to know the details about this whole situation. I think you would be simply appalled. And, btw, that picture is awesome funny.
The ASOC is one constituency that the WAC and ASO boards cannot ignore. Imagine the deficit they would incur if we demanded to be unionized. We have some rights as investors in the organization. Yes. I consider my time volunteered as an investment, and I demand to know what they have done to be good caretakers. We, with nothing to lose, need to agitate for change!
I don't need to know all the details to be appalled already. I just don't want the musicians to feel they have to justify their distress-- they have every right!
Yesterday, I was so proud of my fellow chorus members and what they've written in support of the ASO. I guess I don't have to agree with everyone and everything, but this makes me not want to associate with the blog anymore.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Meaghan ... You're on Facebook so I know you don't lead a sheltered life. This is all over Facebook. You can still be proud of your fellow chorus members and accept that there are some people who are, obviously, feeling and expressing more outrage and hostility toward Stanley Romenstein than you do. If seeing this commonly-done piece of satire makes you not want to associate with the blog anymore, that's too bad. But why not be very clear about your reasons. Do you admire Stanley Romenstein and the way he has handled this situation? Do you feel it's a cheap shot? Frankly, these days we all of us have to ignore a lot of political stuff in order to still remain friends with the people we care about. Still, I'm glad you made this comment. If people want it taken down, the moderators will do it.
DeleteMeaghan, I sincerely hope that you continue to visit the blog; remember that lots of people are extremely upset right now. Please try to channel your positive thoughts on what we can do to help the organization get past this unbelievably hurtful time. We need healing. You will bring that. Instead of walking away, make your unique voice heard.
DeleteTo Cyn and Sally:
DeleteI do think it's a cheap shot. While I don't take offense at its existence, I feel like it is out of line with the carefully worded, beautifully written, heartfelt, and pointed posts on the rest of the blog. Like Cyn said, healing is needed, and this doesn't point that way.
In my effort to be concise, I chose my words very poorly: I want to keep reading, and I am still incredibly proud of everyone who has written, and so honored to be a chorus member. That won't change, and I won't stop visiting. However, I am less inclined to share the link with others or contribute my own thoughts, if I feel that by doing so, I am associating myself with this sort of sentiment.
Furthermore, Sally, and all who have contributed: I am thankful for what you've done here either way!
I'm sure people reading this just want to tell me to get a life and/or a sense of humor!
Y'all will probably think this is odd coming from me, but I think it should come down, too. Since our blog has gone global I think we have to rise above the level of personal attacks that are not directly related to specific allegations of malfeasance. Yeah, it feels good to laugh at it initially, but it distracts from the thoughtful, deeply-impassioned posts it sits alongside. I also think that as we continue to agitate for more and better information about how this whole debacle went down, we will find that the bigger problem lies with those that hold S.R. under their thumb. It looks to me like this whole WAC umbrella structure needs to be scrutinized under a very high-powered microscope. Anyone know a good investigative reporter?
DeleteI have to say, my first thought was that I was talking to the wrong Meaghan! I posted it because it was as articulate and genuine a cry of pain as I have heard. Yes, we take our time to defend our arguments. But the person who has had to deal with the uncertainty of this situation for a month, and whose feelings finally reached a crisis point, was able to turn the thing that was stabbing her in the back ... into a sharp stick, pointed at the source of her anger. I have a coarse streak ... Voltaire, Jon Stewart, Jonathan Swift, South Park ... I love them all!
DeletePlease understand that this was created by a very distraght musician. The musicians of the ASO are hurt beyond description at the moment. The comments made to and about us by Stanley himself have been denegrating at best. I hope you will not stop visiting this sight. We cannot begin to describe our gratitude to the members of the ASOC for their support during this painful time. The chorus is a big part of what has made this an incredible institution. Why we don't utilize this talented group like we used to is one more part of a disappointing picture.
ReplyDeleteSatire is a time-honored way to express a very big, deep hurt. I laughed out loud. I know what the musicians have been subjected to ... and the fact that a musician was able to encapsulate the long, agonizing month of pain and distress into something so outrageously funny, is cathartic. I only wish I'd thought of it first!
DeleteI know we don't know each other personally, but please accept that I am filled with nothing but gratitude and support for the ASO musicians. I don't know the details about this whole situation, but I do know that this is terribly painful for you all. No offense taken at the creation of the picture, I just am of the opinion that it doesn't fit in with the rest of the blog.
DeleteMeaghan, it is time that the ASOC demands to know the details about this whole situation. I think you would be simply appalled. And, btw, that picture is awesome funny.
ReplyDeleteThe ASOC is one constituency that the WAC and ASO boards cannot ignore. Imagine the deficit they would incur if we demanded to be unionized. We have some rights as investors in the organization. Yes. I consider my time volunteered as an investment, and I demand to know what they have done to be good caretakers. We, with nothing to lose, need to agitate for change!
I don't need to know all the details to be appalled already. I just don't want the musicians to feel they have to justify their distress-- they have every right!
DeleteI could Photoshop a little mask on Stanley, Meaghan, if it would make you feel better.
Delete