Yes, I would condemn "my own people", and what's the matter with that? Because it isn't just about "my own people"--it's about the idioty who skew the picture under the delusion that they aren't idioty.
The way I see it, wherever you come from, if, heritage-wise, you're going to use that "cultural superiority/centuries of history" smokescreen alibi, you're just betraying that you'd be as obtuse t/w where you come from as you are t/w here. Because beneath the surface--the debates, and concerns, are identical "there" and "here".. That is, even in Poland with its oooh, wow, centuries of history, the realm of "heritage worth" and activism now healthily encompasses Communist-era modernism, and in a (often next-generationally-fueled) manner that acknowledges yet looks beyond politics et al--and I, as a heritage-sensitive Westerner from North America, altogether endorse that tendency. (Yeah, North American--shouldn't I be, uh, anti-Communist? Hey, things aren't that simple.) Those are the fresh-eyed "my own people" I'd look to--get the hint?
I think you misinterpreted my last comment. What I was saying is that condemning your own people, in addition to other cultures, doesn't mean your generalities are justified. By saying you'd be equally as critical of your own people, that hold similar sentiments to Asians and non Polish Europeans, doesn't mean your generalities should be overlooked. They're just based on your own experience -- and I'm sure there is some truth to your comments. I just don't like the, 'I support this stereotype, but not that one', mentality. For such a politically correct forum, I'd expect that philosophy to extend to
all general statements, not supported by facts. I guess some are just afraid to stand up to someone they agree with on many issues, in fear of being ostracized? Do you think there are downtown dwelling, people, on the left, that are just as clueless about architecture and the built fabric of the city and its residential neighbourhoods than the suburbanites (often conservative) you allude to in your "McMansion" remarks?
Why are these immigrants, that may not be as knowledgeable as you, in the context of architecture, culture, idiots? Why not use a term like 'uneducated' or 'naive'? They may not know as much about you, in such matters, but that doesn't mean they are all unintelligent people. There are other examples of intelligence, beyond literature and art. Some people aren't the brightest, in terms of 'book smarts', but mechanically, they could be geniuses -- far smarter than yourself. By your standard of prescribing idiocy, if you, personally, don't possess the rare expertise and eye as someone like Jesse James, to restore a '55 Chevy pickup truck to its original state, then you are an idiot. I'd be interested in knowing whether you drive a steel framed car or some plastic, utilitarian design, post 1970s. Its is not mandatory for every person to share your rare interest in the built form of the city. People aren't idiots for not being similarly as passionate or sensitive as yourself, or others like you. Are you an idiot for not having the mountain climbing expertise of a sherpa or the knowledge to survive, in the wild, with minimal or no devices, ala Les Stroud (Survivorman)?
I told you already -- I'm on your side of the 'sensitive to heritage'/anti "McMansion" topic. I'm not arguing against your stance, but rather, your general cultural statements, which are usually required to be supported with facts or some form of numerical data, especially when the taboo, race line is crossed -- though for some reason, exceptions are always made for you and other Urban Toronto Hall of Famers, when you say something that would otherwise be considered offensive, if it were to come from a conservative. I personally don't even care if one uses generalities, I just don't think it's right to punish some and exonerate others for the same concept. Let's be fair to all opinions. You guys do believe in democracy, no? One can't divorce themself from that philosophy by using, "this is a private forum" as an excuse to be tyrannical, by implementing punitive measures or to completely do away with the users whose opinions they dislike. That just means, you don't actually believe in democracy. It extends to all realms of discussion, where people are welcome to share their thoughts. What makes a privately owned forum exceptional? Why is democracy allowed to be ignored in that type of arena? That is all.
(From my observations, it is often those most opposed to the English--ie they're still angry re: British colonial history--that enjoy destroying our history the most.)
North America doesn't belong to the natives, anymore than it does to white people or any other race/culture that was born here. Natives didn't magically appear here, some 50 000 years ago. They came over here, in waves, on the land/ice bridge from Asia. What's more, these waves, in many cases, were not related groups of people. They came from various places around North Eastern Asia and were from different genetic strains...in other words, the 'natives' of North America are not a homogenous group of people, and more importantly, they are immigrants too, like millions of immigrants today.
The idea that the "natives" were peaceful caretakers of the land or benevolent tenants couldn't be further from the truth. The various tribes warred on each other constantly. They were violent. Want proof? Ask the Huron's...oh that's right you can't. The Iroquois wiped them out. How about slavery that was rife among the first nation tribes until the Europeans came over and freed the slaves and put an end to this "valued cultural tradition"?
The idea that we "stole" this land from them is also ridiculous. A more technologically advanced and numerous culture invaded and conquered. This is exactly what has been happening since the dawn of humanity, all around the globe. To say we "stole" their land is just plain wrong. That is akin to saying the Saxons should return England to the Angles -- or maybe we should launch a campaign to have Roman descendants give Italy back to the Etruscans.
Back to original topic of the thread.
