Ohhhh Canada: Lost in Translation

5/9/2013

Today I got the following blog comment:

Stephanie Posit said:
"I'll be honest, I didn't vote for Obama. I think most of them are giant lying bags of douche.... Sorry... but I do: on *both* sides of the aisle."

You are so ignorant. Typical white trash, not all black people are threatening or lying douche bags. Lemme guess, you live in a small town in the South? I pray that in 15-20 years, your daughter will bring home a black man that she has falling in love with.

You're an idiot, no wonder your husband left you. That 22 year old, showed signs of intelligence, and probably had an open mind.
Again your an idiotic fool, no man would put up with your stupidity.

****************************************************************************************************

Hmm...... I quickly re-read my post looking to see if my message wasn't clearly stated. I felt it was.

Then I looked at the IP address of Ms. Posit and noticed that she lives in Canada.

Oh, Canada.

If I may, Ms. Posit, the section of the post you quoted and shared, is a common saying that refers to our political party system, as according to Wikipedia, let me elaborate:

Aisle (political term)From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The U.S. House of Representatives is divided by several aisles
In the United States, the two major political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, are often referred to as "the two sides of the aisle."

[edit]Origin of the usageUsage of the term "aisle" comes from the United States Congress. In the Senate, desks are arranged in the chamber in a semicircular pattern and the desks are divided by a wide central aisle. By tradition, Democrats sit on the right of the center aisle (as viewed from the presiding officer's chair) while Republicans sit on the left. Unlike in the Senate, there are no assigned desks in the House of Representatives chamber, but as in the Senate, Democrats sit on the right of the center aisle (as viewed from the presiding officer's chair) while Republicans sit on the left.[1]

A member of one party who votes for legislation supported by the other party and generally opposed by his own party is described as "crossing the aisle" (a similar phrase used in countries operating under the Westminster system, is "crossing the floor").

[edit]"Both sides of the aisle"A proposed law that has bipartisan support is said to be supported by both sides of the aisle.

When I wrote that "I think most of them are lying bags of douche.... Sorry but I do: on *both* sides of the aisle." - I was NOT in any WAY referring "African American people" - this is STRICTLY a political statement referring to the fact that I think POLITICIANS (the "Them") are lying bags of douche - regardless of the party they come from (both Republican or Democrat).

It appears that this is not a saying one uses in Canada.

Clearly.

Now. Let me address a few things for you.

Ms. Posit, when writing nasty statements about people, you should *try* to do your research first, otherwise you run the risk of looking like an ignorant, racist, idiot.

For one.... this Blog only exists because I made a sign to sell my home in Portland, Oregon. A quick search of Google and the THOUSANDS of returns will tell you that I'm in Oregon. I do not live in a small town... and last time I checked Oregon was NORTH WEST of the Mason Dixon line and most certainly not located in the "South".

Mind you.... that statement *alone* is incredibly racists and assumes the stereotype that all "white" people living in "small Southern" towns are racists and don't like 'black' people.... that would be fairly incorrect.

Another common American saying comes to mind here.... When you ASSUME, you make an ASS of U and ME. Just sayin'.

Sooo..... to recap - YOU, Ms. Posit, misunderstood a common American saying AND you failed to do your own homework about me.... which.... kinda makes *you* ignorant.

As for whether or not I'm "white trash".... well, I'm not so bothered about that. lol

Lastly...... it is *incredibly* racist of you to assert that you hope my "daughter brings home a black man". What the motherf*ck is wrong with you?

Let me be *crystal* clear.... EITHER of my children can bring home any of the following:

a man

a woman

a transgender male

a transgender female

an African American

an Englishman (especially if they happen to look anything like Edward)

an Irishman

a Scotsman

any flavor of European

an Asian

a Russian

an Australian

a Latino of any kind

an Eskimo

an Indian

a Native American Indian.....

are you getting my drift?

For instance, if my *daughter* comes home with a WOMAN who is also AFRICAN AMERICAN.... I will not have an issue with that. If she comes home with an African American MAN, I will be just as fine with that, too.

As I said in my blog post - I DO NOT teach my children *values* in terms of RACE OR GENDER - but instead, in humanity.

What I WILL NOT TOLERATE is them bringing home any of the following:

someone who is ignorant

someone who is rude

someone who is dishonest

someone who disrespects them

someone who cheats

someone who doesn't value them

someone who doesn't truly love them unconditionally for who they are

Hmm..... you'll notice I don't make any specifications about race or gender because.... and please - wait for it...... I don't f*cking care. lol

I put my efforts as a parent into raising *people* who are confident, who value themselves, who act in kindness and compassion and seek to find that in others. With whomever they find love - I will be grateful that they found love and embrace that person.

Yes.... even if they come from Canada and don't always understand American verbiage.

(just kidding.... seriously, I love Canada: you gave us William Shatner!)

One teeny-tiny last thing, Ms. Posit..... when you say "your an idiot", you mean to say "you're" - as in you are. When you write 'your' - that is not correct. However, when you say 'your stupidity' - that was used correctly.

Needless to say, I find it odd that you failed to read or comprehend the rest of the post where I make the argument that my beloved country is not nearly as far down the road to racial equality as it should be. The entire post was about how one child in the country grows up believing white women might be scared of him because of his skin color - while another of the same age and race can grow up in confidence to become the President. To me that demonstrates a gap in our society that *has* to be addressed by each of us in our own homes....

Ms. Posit, before you take the time to respond, you should try reading an entire post, first... because reading and taking one line of our context and then resorting to name calling and racism *is* the very definition of ignorant... and I for one - would rather be white trash than ignorant.

Just sayin'.......

13 Comments

Annette Birchall-hunt

5/9/2013 06:37:06

Hi Elle,
Not a commenter, but I read your blog every day, in fact I haven't said anything at all, apart from when you asked whether you should publish your book (which still isn't available on iBooks in Australia) but today's post made me think of this article http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/dads-heartwarming-letter-to-daughter-about-mr-right-gets-internet-love/story-fnet0he2-1226638398797 that I came across today.
Hope you get something out of it - just ignore most of the commenters on the link.
Love,
Annette

Alex

5/9/2013 07:12:27

Hi Elle!

You've already covered some points for her, but let me cover a couple more.

I was educated in Canada, and I've yet to meet a person who was confused by the term "both sides of the aisle", but maybe that was because I was around educated people, I don't know. I did know plenty of people that would like to go off about how racist Americans were, especially in the south, and indeed, racism is a problem in the US, it just never ceased to amaze me that they wouldn't bat an eyelash at using terms like "too much beer and bingo" to explain problems on reservations in the northern territories. I nearly fell off my chair I was so shocked, but I guess it only counts as racism if its black people, native americans were completely fair game, eh?

I won't let this slide because she's Canadian either; "White Trash". Ms.Posit probably shouldn't need to Google that one, but drawing from the logical fallacy she made that I'll address in a minute, perhaps she really can't figure it out. Notice how "*White* Trash" is an inherently qualified term? Has she ever head the term "Black Trash"? My guess is that if she claims yes, she's lying. You see, the term "White Trash" comes from a point of view that there is "Trash" and then there is "White Trash", a different kind of "Trash". "White Trash" were poor whites. Guess who gets to be considered just regular old "Trash"?

So she might want to drop that term from her arsenal, because it not only originates racism against African Americans, but also classicism.

I'm too transient to really be considered "from" anywhere, but she can include "the South" to be a *part* of my heritage, so I happen to know what she's unable to google.

Moving on, what has given Ms.Posit so much insight into the mind of this 22 year old that she can assert that this woman is clearly superior to you and that any man who's left his family after ten years has only done so because he suddenly realized his wife was racist and that the woman he left his family for must not be racist?

Well, addressing this troll was probably not the best use of my time, but it wasn't a best use of yours either Elle so at least I'm in good company.

By the way, nice pun there!

emma

5/9/2013 08:00:13

wow. Just....wow. I can not believe how that post could have been taken in any other way than it was inteded. More over in the exact opposite to what your point was. I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of this woman. As a canadian, I am embarassed. No we do not use the word aisle in that context but when I read the blog post I didn't even have to try to figure out what it meant, as the meaning was clear. As grumpy as that made me to read, I really laughed at the thought of Elle being racist oh AND stupid. Just so off the mark. Ask Whoopi lol.

Deb

5/9/2013 09:56:59

As always Well put Elle!

Jessica

5/9/2013 09:59:24

You. Rock.

Debby

5/9/2013 11:46:39

Has this woman every REALLY read your blog? Obviously not. There is nothing I would like better than to sit and have coffe with you. You are the most non-judgmental person I have ever met. Ok, not met, but you get the drift. Perhpas she needs to start back to the beginning.

shelly

5/9/2013 12:17:29

LOL you crack me up!!
I for one do live in a small town in the south... born and raised way at the bottom of Louisiana. I also live in a double wide mobile home. So I, probably according to Ms. Posit am completely white trash ! ha and I didn't vote for Obama either, so I must be a racist too. I love ignorant people. I for one completly understood your blog and what you were saying and agree with you ! I feel the same way about my children. All we, and i mean us " white trash ignorant racist people" can do is pray for the ones who are so much better than us

Jen

5/9/2013 18:55:00

You've had my respect for a long time, but now you've reached a whole new level! Way to go!

Cher

5/9/2013 21:51:21

Let me just clarify to start: I am Canadian but lived in the States for most of a decade. Sadly I had to return for health care but I'm planning my return. Sadly, too, Canadians in general do not get much about the States and although outwardly friendly, there's generally a tone of sarcasm and holier than thou attitude. Now that I'm back in the north with some American nuances (including a mighty fine accent) I get the brunt of that judge-y, snotty Canadian attitude... just as you did from that retard who was clueless on your blog.

Jaimey

5/10/2013 01:25:35

Clearly she isn't a long time reader, but a troll with nothing better to do. Otherwise, she would know that YOU'RE nothing like the things she pointed to. She however is an idiot, I mean who stands on a soap box spewing venom she can't even spell fucking right?! Fucktard. good grief.

Kay

5/10/2013 01:27:14

Oh Lord, I know it's probably not a good thing to ask for, but... you please break the mold your created Ms. Posit from? I am serious, with species like that, humanity has a lot of work to do.

Dear "Posit"
Were you just visiting Canada when you made your post on this blog? I am asking simply because I have NEVER met someone so IGNORANT in my life from Canada and I know many people from there. I lived many years just across the Country line, which by the way is SOUTH of Canada.

I also lived in the SOUTHERN states of Texas, and Arizona. In large towns and small ones. Let me tell you a little secret... BOTH sides of the aisle need to be fired and replaced with people like Elle. Although, I'll admit... I personally would love the job myself just to sneak a damn law on the books banning your ass from coming to my Country, because Elle - she would let your dumb ass in and even let you have a chance in our Country.

You should publically apologize for your lame ass comment, you're embarrassing your parents. I dare you.

Karen

5/12/2013 10:24:23

As a Canadian :) I love your blog.
You are one cool Mom.

Ada link

5/12/2013 16:45:54

I too live in Canada and I'm not sure why she hasn't heard of the saying "both sides of the isle." People can be extremely ridiculous and ignorant in a lot of ways. I'm embarrassed for her.

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