Re: Reflections on the Quilt (a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Kaiesha

With the exception of children who contract the virus (and later develop AIDS) from their mothers and the small number of individuals who have been infected from blood transfusions and dentists, this disease is avoidable.

AIDS is spread through the exchange of bodily fluid. The most common manners through which the disease is contracted are sexual intercourse and drug abuse. The solution is simple--do not engage in illegal drug use and do not engage in premarital sex. This will alleviate well over 80% of AIDS cases. Now, while there are people who contract the disease through no fault of their own, the vast majority of people with AIDS could have avoided the entire predicament if only self-control had been exercised. This is the case even if a person trusted a lover who claimed she or he was not infected or otherwise unsafe. If people exercised self-control, the number of cases resulting from adultery would be drastically reduced.

Feelings toward AIDS victims are akin to the sympathy felt towards those who contract lung cancer by smoking. No one forced anyone to smoke; and while it is addictive, it is not impossible to alleviate the habit. In the face of Surgeon General warnings and massive advertising depicting the dangers of smoking, people continue to light up. The bottom line is that people do exactly what they want and think about the consequences after the fact and this is usually too late.

I have lost family members to AIDS and it was not a pleasant sight. I did not openly chastise them since what was done was done. I would not refrain from speaking with an AIDS victim.

Re: Reflections on the Quilt (a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Leslie

I also had the opportunity to see the quilt. Like Alexis, I was struck by the fact that this disease is so much more than statistics and snippets on the news. You suddenly realize that each victim and their families goes through something incredibly personal. AIDS is a human struggle that we all play a part in.

Re: Snarl! of the Month (Snarl! a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Jennifer

I am not a femme, nor do I believe that men are lower than women, but I do believe that we are equals. That's why it ticks me off every time a man calls a woman a bitch for taking care of herself. If a woman doesn't have a lover or doesn't sleep a man, she's a lesbian (no offense, ladies). If she can fix a flat, support herself and a child, fight, or even head a major corporation, she's cold and hard. Why?

And it's the same for men who treat ladies with respect by not pressuring sex or accepting sex from a woman without commitment. If a man has values that exceed being a male slut, he's considered gay. My best friend is 19 and he's never had sex because he's saving himself for the right woman.

Why can't we stop putting stereotypes on people and find out who they really are? Why can't we stop judging other people for their differences and enjoy the variety of potential friends. And if there's something you don't like about someone, don't tease him or her, just let them go find his or her own way. It’s impossible to agree with everything one does.

Re: Snarl! of the Month (Snarl! a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Tori

Bravo! There are about a thousand other "compliments" that I can think of that fit this category, too.

One of my biggest pet peeves -- and I'm not so sure it fits into this Snarl or not, but it drives me crazy! -- is those women in the workplace (and you know who you are) who can find nothing better to say to another woman besides "what a great outfit!" or "don't you look nice today!" I'm sure these are meant as compliments, but I always feel so undermined and trivial by a statement such as this -- especially since it's another woman who's saying it! I get a special kick when a female co-worker approaches me and says, "hey, congratulations on that promotion -- you really deserve it" or "great story in today's paper." Those are the type of statements that should be considered compliments. Quite honestly, I don't put a whole lot thought into my daily attire. My work, on the other hand, is on my mind constantly. So you can probably guess, I don't care for fashion appraisals, no matter how well-intentioned.

Re: Snarl! of the Month (Snarl! a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Andrea

Actually, there are a few good men out there. Cute ones too. My guy is the best in the world and I wouldn't trade him for anything. Keep your eyes open, you'll find Mr. Right soon!!!

Re: Snarl! of the Month (Snarl! a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: JaNae

Actually, a disturbing trend is how good looks lead others to believe that these women get preferential treatment. You can't deny that women who are attractive *are* more likely to get promotions. As a result, people often comment, "Oh, she only got the promotion because of her looks." Often, that is just as derogatory as, "Oh, you didn't get the job because you were too beautiful."

Re: Snarl! of the Month (Snarl! a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Sveta

Oh well! I guess some men cannot credit women with using their heads for anything except an object to stick under a hairdyer. No one hates a woman because she is pretty. If they hate her at all, it is because of what that prettiness does for her...if she is a real stuck up woman because of that, if she feels her prettiness gives her a license to get away with what she wants. When thats a sure short bench mark of being evaluated positively by a very biased society, it is sure to create that kind of response. It takes a rare woman, a rare beautiful woman to look through all those guys worshipping at her feet and see beauty for what it is. A bit of genetic good fortune that could work for her or mess up everything if she puts too much of importance on it.

Re: Think Thin (a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Lisa

"Think Thin" is filled with powerful imagery. The way the thoughts and images are presented totally allows to enter into the world depicted by the poem. Thank you for publishing it!

Re: Think Thin (a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Sarah

Definitely quite a message. I liked some of the comparisons, but personally, I think birth is more, how could I say it, breathtaking, perhaps. But the perspective the author has on it is definitely cool.

Re: Youth (a href="grrowl04.html"June/July, 1998>
From: Sarah

Loved it! Fifteen and quite carefree myself, this summed up perfectly the joy I have in my youth. I'm definitely looking forward to adulthood, but for now, I'm content to rub my bare toes in wet grass and laugh about nothing. Thanks for summing it up so perfectly!