On being an other at MWO

[fsophiah]

On being an other at MWO

Tawny, I have something to tell you...I do like to bonk pigs.

[lushy]

On being an other at MWO

Okay, all right. I will say it!!!! I don't know how you knew Tawny but....................I like to bonk pigs during my lunch hour whilst wearing a mermaid suit made out of blue rubber foam from my inflatable air-bed. Happy now????

[eustacia]

On being an other at MWO

I feel like I opened a can of worms here! I truly was writing from my heart and didn't mean to hurt or offend anyone. I have a lot more that I want to share about why I feel that the topic that I raised is important but, for the moment, I've got to get back to work.

E

[boycie]

On being an other at MWO

I don't like mermaids

[eustacia]

On being an other at MWO

Greetings--

I'm going to quickly address why I started a thread called "on being an 'other' at MWO." Most importantly, my limited experience with this group has indicated that it is by and large inclusive and caring. Still, I have encountered a few statements that smacked of ethnocentrism. In fact, I have been endured a couple of stereotyped suppositions personally. Am I being sensitive here? Yes, I am.

OK, so if there is little stereotyping around here why did I ask the question? I'm going to answer this question in as barebones a way as possible since I don't want to post my CV. Some MWO members have asked me whether I am an academic and while the answer is yes, I do most of my work in the hands-on, real world. That being said, please do not take what I am writing as being coldblooded, academic concerns.

It will not come as news to anyone that health care is not available to far too many Americans unless they deposit themselves in certain emergency rooms. It is also well known that some people of certain demographic groups are reluctant to take advantage of available health care because of their cultural mores.

An online community like MWO is inherently an equalizer because we are all fighting the same bloody problem of misuse of alcohol. It is also available to anyone who has access to a computer. So far, GREAT! We are one big, happy family. We understand each other and are there for each other time and time again.

Still, as I mentioned in a previous post, some people post once or a few times and then disappear. I'm sure that the reasons for this are myriad and range from an unwillingness to address their problems with alcohol, to fear of being personally identified (I know that this has been a big one for me), to deep shame about have googled their ways to this site!

The last reason is the one that concerns me. It can be friggin' hard to admit that one is out of control with the bottle, that one has been whomped. Some demographic groups (as well as some individuals within majority groups) struggle particularly hard with this admission. Because I know this, through my own life and through organizing international conferences that have addressed the need of medicine and allied health professions to understand intersection of cultural variability with their provision of health care, I thought my question was important.

From a number of the responses to my question and from a few PMs, the question of making this post my swan song has crossed my mind. I'm not going to do it but I don't feel that I have the emotional energy while fighting my own battle with alcohol to stay on the hot seat much longer.

My best to everyone, Eustacia

[C]

On being an other at MWO

Dearest Eustacia.... " Because I know this, through my own life Because I know this, through my own life "....groups (as well as some individuals within majority groups) struggle particularly hard with this admission.... "

What is it ""though my own life""? Nevermind dear..do not reply here ..I will PM you. Look there.

[MonaCat]

On being an other at MWO

Eustacia,
I am a very educated and professional person, but I don't have a clue what the heck you are trying to communicate. I am not being hostile here, just plain dumb. Perhaps we should just let it go. The topic really hit a nerve, with me. Let's not try to analyze who, and why we are here. This program has meant the world to me. I may not post for months, but I am here. The more people share, the more I learn.
Respectfully,
Mona

[Quiescent]

On being an other at MWO

E,

I am not "well" educated and I am not a "professional" unless we can consider 16 years of waiting on tables to be "professional server":H

I do have insight and I think I can read people pretty well, even through their posts on this board.

I'm here in part because of you, E, I admire you and respect the person you are as well as others that I have found here at MWO.

YOU are good people

:l :h

[MonaCat]

On being an other at MWO

Opps, I hope I have not offended by saying I am educated and a professional.

I didn't mean to come off sounding like a snob. Please accept my apology.

I am actually pretty dumb, and dull from years of drinking.

Maybe Santa will bring me a new brain for Christmas.

Imagine, waiting tables is very hard work, and I respect that, and yes after 16 yrs, you are a pro.

I am off to go my hide in my kitty box. Better not post anymore.

[Saint Jude]

On being an other at MWO

Well I must be the "Creme' de le Pro" ... I've been waiting tables for over 30 years now!:wow: (And still running circles around those youngins!)

Of course I started when I was 5 yrs old!!

[eustacia]

On being an other at MWO

:H Rachele and Judie,

It sounds like each one of you could run circles around me. I tried to hold down a couple of waitering jobs in college and got fired both times after only a few weeks. The second employer even kept my tips! Seems that one isn't supposed to ask customers how strong they want their drinks made. I thought that I was just being nice!

:heart: E

[Quiescent]

On being an other at MWO

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[Saint Jude]

On being an other at MWO

:H It's also best to "card em" especially if they have a lot of grey hair or none @ all... (better for tips )