Blog archive
May 2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
Welcoming Samantha Petersen Gallasch & the Role of Development at Pasadena Village
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Current Events and Exciting Presentations ahead
By Richard MyersPosted: 11/20/2023
There was no formal agenda and topics in the news cycle were identified as possible starting points for discussion. These included: upcoming elections and issues surrounding free elections, the conflict between Israel and Hamas particularly the rise in antisemitism and changes in how racism is playing out in society.
It was noted that the news media had a role in reporting the current events and noted that the State of California had recently adopted a set of teaching standards focused on media literacy. Unlike the content standards of the State, these standards are scattered throughout the curriculum allowing students to develop the skills to look at and think critically about sources of information across many content areas.
This led to a discussion about recent decisions by school boards limiting access to content or establishing specific approaches to teaching content. The role of the group “Moms for Liberty” was discussed.
The group next discussed concerns about AI and impacts on elections. Of concern was the use of information in a racial context. Concerns discussed included: the rise in hate crimes particularly during the presidential election period, the "Trump platform" and its effects on voters and bias among voters and the effects on elections and civil discourse more generally.
General concerns were discussed which included smash and grab robberies and mail fraud. With attendees noting concerns and impacts on communities. The impact of the robberies was noted with examples from participants including shoppers being followed while in stores. This led to an experience share based on participation in a community forum when a participant who is white was asked by a participant who was African American, "how do you move in space". This led to several examples and a discussion of what participants notice and how they respond to being in uncomfortable situations. A participant noted that people live what they learn and may not recognize bias in their actions. It was noted that the Village has a blog where members can post writings about their experiences with race. It was suggested that this concept of how we move in environments, what is noticed and how discomfort is handled would be a good panel discussion at a future meeting.
The discussion group will have a number of future presentations which will include:
December 1, 2023. Dick Price and Sharon Kyle discussing Wokeism and Critical Race Theory
January 5, 2024. Brian Biery discussing Pasadena history and the Tvonga people
February 2, 2024. Larry Duplechan discussing his book "Movies That Made Me Gay"
February 16, 2024 Ricky Pickens will discuss The Violence Interruption Program in Pasadena
March 1, 2024. Helene Rhinegold discussing Black representation in European art
March 15, 2024. Possible Panel Discussion
As you can see from these notes, the discussion in this group is very wide ranging. We do not discuss the 1619 Project as such but rather racism and discrimination in our society, the reference to 1619 is a framework to help us understand where our current cultural and societal patterns of today are derived from. Because of this we are considering changing the title used and would like to solicit opinions from you, our constituents and supporters. One thought that has come to mind is ”1619: What is means to us now” or “1619: What does it mean to us now?” These are just two possibilities being considered but they show the direction we are moving in with the titling of the group. These are only ideas under consideration, and we would like to hear you opinion of these and any suggestions or comments you might have about other ideas. Send your suggestions to me via email.
As you can see, we have an exciting schedule of presentation ahead of us and we hope to see you all there when you can make it.