What's In A Blog Tagline, Part Two: The Follow-up
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to read my prior post questioning whether my blog's tagline conveyed what WJSS is all about. The post also spoke of my decision to change part of the tagline after I received feedback that made me uncomfortable with the original version. I was able to see how my words... "humorous obsession with race.." could be taken as offensive by people of color who don't have the luxury of not having to worry about the implications of race on a day-to-day basis.I truly appreciated all of your thoughtful comments here on the blog, and wanted to share some of the dialogue that came through on twitter, and my facebook page:from Christopher Johnson, an amazing poet, spoken word-artist, and friend:I get it now. I still think what you tagline presently reads is a soft opening, and everyone does not have to come from such an affirmative angle. You you change it to a specific like Black White relations, that may hit too hard for someone who may just be curious. You won't be able to please everyone, so as long as you speak your truth for this moment, which is subject to change later, but for this moment, then you achieve what you need for this moment. You will attract who needs to hear your message. My opinion. Some people need baby steps. from my fellow Waterburian friend, the lady of one love, Kelly QuinnI believe that I read the comments regarding the current tag line. Wasn't the woman suggesting that the word "race" encompasses more than black/white relations? I like the word "curious." I agree with Christopher though-- if you try to please everyone, you will have a different tag line every week! My best advice is to say exactly what it is....and leave it at that. From friend, Daniel Kamil, owner of the wonderful Cable Car Cinema and Cafe:one woman's travels into white privilege. from my friend on fb and beyond, Karen Oldham-KiddGreat article, Wendy. And, I don’t find your tagline offensive. I “get” It. With that said, I believe that ONLY you can decide what your tagline should be!
I like the change, and obviously Karen's right--it should be your own decision (and thx for sharing our convo in here btw--so nice to know you think so deeply about your friends' views!). Your blog certainly inspires convos btwn Jomo and me! Here's just food for thought but likely too academic--help I can't escape!
One woman's reflections on the dynamic constructions of race. from friend, Kristin Charpentier, childcare educator extraordinaire (taught my Darla in pre-school)your honesty and willingness to listen and reflect, to learn and change is admirable and inspirational, wendy. as always, another great article to give us all something to chew on. from Rhody craftswoman & craft show-producer, Kim Turner Clark:I agree that curious is far superior to humorous. Sadly, I have no pithy suggestions but I wanted to say how much I admire your willingness to reflect and reevaluate. From my dear Tulsa friend, Cindy Reeves:I really enjoyed your blog. I rarely take the time to read blogs and glad I did. I know what sincerity and empathy comes from your drive. And here's a few from twitter: From @ravenngethersThis entry truly reflects why I enjoy reading your blog! Very thought-provoking commentary. Especially the part about the discussion regarding intent and perception. Your willingness to take feedback & criticism is genuine. I think that I agree with a few others who voted for the tag line ending with "in black and white." Best wishes in your blogging!(okay, so that was sent in 3 consecutive tweets since it was over 140 characters:) From @astephigherI vote for "one white woman's curious obsession with relationships in black and white." As always, I enjoy your posts. From @jnothaI was thinking of why you might have thought of your journey as "humorous." To the beneficiaries of privilege, challenging those privileges and the basis of them can be seen as a funny/dangerous thing. From@acane1964You're one step closer to membership. I love your blog. So, what did I decide after reading through all of your feedback?I decided to sit tight and not make any further changes just yet. All of your dialogue made me realize that keeping the tagline broad is fine, and will allow readers to enter the blog and see for themselves what it's all about, and decide for themselves their take on it. I am grateful that all of you have taken the time to read through the blog, and have in essence, put your trust in me. I so love having you along for the ride during my search for my own truth, and for being the many voices I share my every day experiences on matters of race relations with, here on WJSS.Thank you.