Re: PROPOSED ACTIVIITIES - languaging

[Guest guest]

Hi Haley,

I know what you mean. I do not like to be considered a victim of anything.

It makes me sound weak and powerless. I think Mold Warriors was appropriate

terminology for Dr. Shoemaker's book, as it focused on those who are

fighting back. And many definitely qualify as warriors in this battle. But,

when

discussing the matter with those who are not actively involved in the issue,

'mold warriors' has too aggressive of a connotation for them to understand

without knowing the background of what we have all been through and why it

takes

a true warrior to sustain, in my opinion.

I typically just say 'the mold victims and their advocates'.

Sharon

In a message dated 7/30/2006 7:52:14 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

myhaze@... writes:

May I just suggest a reconsideration of the

languaging? Everyone on this site knows about

being victimized, but using the word has

political overtones that are unlikely to win

sympathy for the group. While already in use by

Dr. Ritchy, 'Mold Warriors' has a powerful,

self-responsible sound. May want to consider the

word 'survivor' or something else more positive

than 'victim.'

For myself, I've definitely been victimized by

mold, but I am certiainly NOT a victim - I'm

doing my damnedest to get a full diagnosis and

strategy for a cure and have been working a bit

tirelessly to champion my neighbor who died of

his exposure - now HE'S a victim, I'm not - see

the difference? Lanugage is very important if

there's an interest in making friends and

teaching others. We're unlikely to get people to

support our efforts if we're encouraging them to

think of themselves as victims in solidarity.

Just a thought.

~Haley

[Guest guest]

May I just suggest a reconsideration of the

languaging? Everyone on this site knows about

being victimized, but using the word has

political overtones that are unlikely to win

sympathy for the group. While already in use by

Dr. Ritchy, 'Mold Warriors' has a powerful,

self-responsible sound. May want to consider the

word 'survivor' or something else more positive

than 'victim.'

For myself, I've definitely been victimized by

mold, but I am certiainly NOT a victim - I'm

doing my damnedest to get a full diagnosis and

strategy for a cure and have been working a bit

tirelessly to champion my neighbor who died of

his exposure - now HE'S a victim, I'm not - see

the difference? Lanugage is very important if

there's an interest in making friends and

teaching others. We're unlikely to get people to

support our efforts if we're encouraging them to

think of themselves as victims in solidarity.

Just a thought.

~Haley

--- snk1955@... wrote:

> Letticia,

>

> I will ask if she would volunteer to

> edit these stories. Videos are

> MUCH needed to be up for others to see.

>

> Sharon

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Haley,

Both you and Sharon make excellent points. I think this subject is very

important and I have not heard this brought up since I have joined this group.

The victim role is something that we each need to be aware of and not fall

into which is easy to do. We can end up becoming more entrapped by this than

by the mold exposure itself. The self-pity and or justifiable anger can

unfortunately become a boomerang if not carefully aimed at the true enemy-which

are the neurotoxins in our living and working environments, and the need to

bring about change with this.

One of the biggest challenges now that I as so many face in the aftermath is

the limitation on going into different buildings and groups of people that

set off my sensitizations. By staying home as much as I do now has created a

whole new set of challenges for me in my emotional well-being. I was someone

that prior was gone from morning until night, busy and active and connected

to community groups. Though I remain productive with my time, I long for the

life that I once led. There is much sadness with this and I must be careful

with that fine line of self-pity and loss. There is so much loss that we

sustain. It is always heartbreaking to read about the stories and losses that

others experience. There fortunately is hope. I believe there is a reason

for everything and that our life journey is what we do with our experiences to

fulfill our greatest potential on this earth.

We do not want to promote ourselves as victims. However, it is important

for the public to understand that this is what has taken place, no different

from a victim of crime that physically and or psychologically has a part of

them stolen away in an attack that leaves some people with permanent lifetime

disabling effects.

The problem as I see it with the term " mold survivors " which we are, is that

this often alienates the public even further in that people equate the term

" survivor " with the Holocaust, and the term " cancer survivor " as well as

other events where certain death is involved.

Haley, what you talk about is the individual challenge that each of us is

faced with in our own recovery process in moving out of victimhood into

freedom. There is often a delicate balance between acceptance and denial,

anger and

activism, loss and self-pity, support and enabling.

Though our bodies may still be trapped through the sensitization that has

occurred, our minds and spirits can be freed. This spirtual freedom does not

come easily or without daily practice in understanding what balance and harmony

really means. " Without going outside you may know the ways of the whole

world " The Tao de Ching

In a message dated 7/30/2006 9:52:13 AM Central Standard Time,

myhaze@... writes:

May I just suggest a reconsideration of the

languaging? Everyone on this site knows about

being victimized, but using the word has

political overtones that are unlikely to win

sympathy for the group. While already in use by

Dr. Ritchy, 'Mold Warriors' has a powerful,

self-responsible sound. May want to consider the

word 'survivor' or something else more positive

than 'victim.'

For myself, I've definitely been victimized by

mold, but I am certiainly NOT a victim - I'm

doing my damnedest to get a full diagnosis and

strategy for a cure and have been working a bit

tirelessly to champion my neighbor who died of

his exposure - now HE'S a victim, I'm not - see

the difference? Lanugage is very important if

there's an interest in making friends and

teaching others. We're unlikely to get people to

support our efforts if we're encouraging them to

think of themselves as victims in solidarity.

Just a thought.

~Haley

--- _snk1955@..._ (mailto:snk1955@...) wrote:

> Letticia,

>

> I will ask if she would volunteer to

> edit these stories. Videos are

> MUCH needed to be up for others to see.

>

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

very well said

Janet

[Guest guest]

Haley, I totally agree with you!! I was a victim but I survived and I

continue to educate others about the seriousness of mold exposure!!!! Some

listen

while others don't but that's the way it is. I have written letters, given

copies of Mold Warriors to local Drs., made phone calls, talked to my

congressman and continue to tell everyone I meet about toxic mold. We can't be

victims! We have to come across as strong people determined to fight and

educate

others!!! If one person listens and tells another that's two more people that

understand.

Sue

May I just suggest a reconsideration of the

languaging? Everyone on this site knows about

being victimized, but using the word has

political overtones that are unlikely to win

sympathy for the group. While already in use by

Dr. Ritchy, 'Mold Warriors' has a powerful,

self-responsible sound. May want to consider the

word 'survivor' or something else more positive

than 'victim.'

For myself, I've definitely been victimized by

mold, but I am certiainly NOT a victim - I'm

doing my damnedest to get a full diagnosis and

strategy for a cure and have been working a bit

tirelessly to champion my neighbor who died of

his exposure - now HE'S a victim, I'm not - see

the difference? Lanugage is very important if

there's an interest in making friends and

teaching others. We're unlikely to get people to

support our efforts if we're encouraging them to

think of themselves as victims in solidarity.

Just a thought.

~Haley