Letters to the Editor

What You Say

Sticks and Stones

It's OK to be angry at Mayor Street's comment [Philly Blunt, "A Non-Brother's Grudge," Brian Hickey, Dec. 20, 2007], but I don't think it deserves the same name as what people feel on the receiving end of white racism. Street didn't say he hated white people or something. I mean, the dude didn't even get up there and give us a Charles Barkley, and I never understood why even those were supposed to sting!

There's more to racism than calling people names. You're able to attribute the reason why you never considered race a defining issue personally to your admirable parents who raised someone to despise racism. If you ask me, parents like that are heroes, but I'm not sure that's why you don't think your whiteness is a defining characteristic. It's because you are a white person!

Imagine an African-American with mellow parents who never use racial slurs. Is that person going to grow up as you and I did, never considering race a defining issue on a personal level? Not so likely! Unlike lucky you and I, that person will experience racism — not comments like Street made, but actual racism — likely cultural, economic, educational, geographic and environmental discrimination.

You give an eloquent testimonial that you would still be fair-minded if you were not white, but if you weren't white, your race would be an issue. White racism isn't over. That racism underlies the disparities that you mention the mayor didn't fix, not the foibles of John Street or any other African-American politician.

Andy Dyson
Via E-mail

In response to [Arts, "Stop the World," David Anthony Fox, Dec. 20. 2007], I was outraged at the reviewer's reaction to the show. As an avid patron of the arts and a theater professional in the city, I believe this show was innovative and a contemporary adaptation to a boring piece. Director Steve Pacek's vision was provocative and refreshing. I walked into the theater that night expecting another tiresome, unoriginal musical review. I left the theater feeling educated and inspired. Having each song directly relate to a current event opened up the audience's eyes.

I commend 11th Hour Theatre Co. for going out on the edge and bringing awareness to this city. I think it also should be known that 11th Hour beat out many a large theater to win the Barrymore for Best Ensemble in a Musical this past October.

I believe City Paper should be more supportive of young modern theater in the city and get some new theater critics who know good theater when they see it instead of the same old shit.

Angela Grimley
Via E-mail

I was born and raised in Philly by an immigrant mother who felt her first duty when arriving in the U.S. was to learn English. While serving in the U.S. military, I met and married a foreign woman (she speaks fluent English). While on vacation back home last May, I brought a friend (a U.S. Marine sergeant major) and his spouse (he of Puerto Rican ethnicity, she of the Philippines, both American Indians), and my wife to eat at Geno's. Even though my wife and friends ordered in Geno's preferred language, the server working that day refused to answer a question from my wife (one which would have required only a yes or no answer).

It is Geno's right to demand whatever they want at their business, as much as it is anyone's right not to eat at Geno's. Regardless of Geno's un-American treatment of my wife and friends, the bottom line was, Geno's was some of the worst food we have ever had. I was sorry we wasted our afternoon for this.

Geno's provides anyone who can master saying "gimme one wi-cheeze" or "wid-out" with a semi-edible souvenir, rather than a quality piece of Philly cuisine to be proud of.

Philadelphians should be embarrassed and Geno's should be ashamed for their ignorance in believing that not speaking English when ordering a semi-warm, pre-made steak sandwich at their extremely overrated grease pit is a threat to our country!

Dan Owen
Nicosia, Cyprus