On Tuesday, September 17, 2002, Kelle LeDuff wrote:

Subject: African Priests visit 9-12-02

Hi jeanne,
This is in regards to what I learned from the Priests. I found it to be very informative, because it is just as they both said the picture that we are getting basically is a falsity. There are still people starving, and poverty has run rampant. They also said that poverty and hunger were much more of a problem than AIDS, and it was very hard for me to digest that one, because all we hear about is that by 2010 50% of the individuals living in Africa will be hiv positive. To me, either way you look the situation, we need to assist those in need. However, in our own country we have many of the same problems, and what are we doing as a community to address these things?? Obviosly not enough.

Peace, Love and Happiness Always..
Kelle LeDuff

Good, Kelle. You gave me several specific points that the priests made. Given that we now understand that there is misinformation that needs to be cleared up, that we, Africa and the US, need to hear each other, need recognition for illocutionary discussion, how could you and I manage to do something that might contribute to that recognition of harm, and of the kind of help actually desired in Africa? Notice that I am dealing with this in a manner typical of critical theory. Having recognized the harm, as critical theorists, we seek effective steps for correcting it. So what might some of those steps be?

On Tuesday, September 17, 2002, Pat Hamilton wrote:

Subject: Tangled Lives

Jeanne, I am reading (not finished yet) a book you kindly suggested for recommended reading. The book is entitled Tangled Lives by Lillian B. Rubin. It is a wonderfukl novel about Jewish-immigrant parents and their Americanized children. I read (and heard) the lament of the children who had a mother who was illiterate and could not speak English and about the bitter hardships they faced as a family. The mother's favortism of one child at the expense of another.

The book is so well written, that I could easily feel and see the scenes described.

The reversal roles between parent and child are an important aspect of the drama that unfolds. Grieving, loss of traditional role and the eventual realization and fear of one's aging and death.

Good that you picked up on this Pat, but I think most of those who haven't actually read the book will need a little more description here. Point out precisely how the role reversal occurs and how it undermines respect for the mother. Also, it might be good to point out the grave differences in the mother's old age and the daughter's old age, and how the difference in life cycles exacerbates the pain that mother and daughter inflict upon themselves and each other. My suggestion would be that you try to describe briefly one inclident that might describe each of these pieces of the text that stand out in your mind. jeanne

The daughter's determination to live a better life, and to be a better mother, wife and professional. Now after seven decades she finds herself standing at the doorway of old age. The reflection and apprehension of this stage is where I left off. TO BE CONTINUED.

Patricia Hamilton,Theory

On Tuesday, September 17, 2002, M. Rose Barnaby wrote:

Hi Jeanne. Our class discussion of family acquisition (dislocated member adopting close friends as surrogate family) made me long for my family. I have acquisitioned many family members but do they ever replace your true family? Sure, I would quickly trade in some cousins :) , but they will never replace my blood.

As well, our discussion about prostitute fantasy and the notion that women fantasize that their man will find greater emphasis with a prostitute hopefully eluded me I am hoping I misunderstood the conversation. Because, I agree that men fantasize about the willingness of a prostitute but I believe their notion of a prostitute is the Playboy Bunnies or the women of the Mustang Ranch. The weary common prostitute only gets my pity and men's money. I hope I have translated my thoughts in the paint produced attached picture.

Picture translation:

A woman cries over the faceless, track laden, bruised and beaten pimp's possession which spews disease from their one commonality. While the male envisions the illusive Madonna with her mysterious unknown. Yet, the prostitute spins in her drug deluded psychedelic money making world.

M. Rose Barnaby

Rose, that's great. Next Tuesday we'll have a discussion of your painting and the role of the prostitute in identity and solidarity and gender and all that. Good and brave job! jeanne