Femmeconne stuff

[alias_sqbr]

So I'm getting a little paranoid about this femmeconne panel for a couple of reasons:
-I don't feel like I'm that qualified to talk on the topic, combined with the fact that last time I did a panel like this I ended up talking over everyone else
-I haven't been to the con before so don't know the usual tone etc
-I posted my notes to get some feedback on debunkingwhite and they were all "OMG, going underprepared to talk to feminists about racism, are you insane? They'll eat you alive!"
-I Keep Getting Sick
-I get paranoid about everything

So, to the 20 or so of you who are going to be there:
-what are panels usually like? A similar cooperative small discussion group "everyone's voice is important" tone to Gynaecon, or more like the "panelist(s) sit at the front and impart their wisdom" tone to swancon? Or something else?
-Can I assume that people will be familiar with the basic ideas of racism=predjudice+power and white privilege etc?(*)
-youse are all smart and stuff, would any of you be willing to volunteer to help keep things on track if anyone is getting all "BUT I CAN'T HAVE WHITE PRIVILEGE I'M A WOMAN", or I get too sick to run things properly or whatever? (I should be able to run things a bit unless I'm VERY ill)
-please feel free to speak up if I am, effectively, being all "BUT I CAN'T HAVE WHITE PRIVILEGE I'M A WOMAN" or otherwise showing my ignorance/ass

There, I feel better now, and can go mentally prepare myself to bug my doctor into trying to figure out why I've spent like half of the past four months too sick to work :/ (Also too sick to write coherent lj entries, so I hope this one is ok!)

(*)And if you're not, I recommend White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack and this post I made going into what this stuff means to me (there's probably a better one out there, but none that come to mind)

Comments

[callistra.livejournal.com]

- more like Gynaecon
- We've yet to have a screaming row over any panel item yet
- I really do not think any one will be offended or upset, mostly I expect people to listen a lot, ask some questions, and have a lot to think about.
- Babalon, myself, every one will keep it on track and no screaming allowed.

I understand your fears, and hope that I've allayed enough of them. I really want you to talk about this for me! I want to know more! I just don't have time to research *anything* these days

- Not every one at femmeconne identifies as a feminist anyway.
- Nor does every one identify as "white". I honestly have no idea what people identify as.

If you prefer, what about you just tell every one you have done a little bit of reading, and am prepared to ask questions as best you can? Or ask *us* questions? You don't have to do all the talking. I also agree with your statement

I've spent most of my life feeling too ignorant about racism to speak up about it, and in recent years I've realised that everyone is doing that and so noone talks about it at all (this is a somewhat specifically australian problem, afaict) So as well as self-educating, I made a conscious decision to speak up and encourage conversation about racism unless I felt really out of my depth or whatever, which I don't here.

And if you want another panelist or someone to stand with you, why not ask the femmeconne list? I mean, I can be there too, but how useful would I be?

[alias_sqbr]

I understand your fears, and hope that I've allayed enough of them. I really want you to talk about this for me! I want to know more! I just don't have time to research *anything* these days

Yes, you have. And something I forgot to mention: one of the things which made me comfortable saying yes in the first place is that I trust your judgement in thinking it was a good idea.

And I know how you feel: most of the time when I write a post about this stuff it's after quite a while spent waiting for someone else to write one on the topic. It's so much easier that way :D

And if you want another panelist or someone to stand with you, why not ask the femmeconne list? I mean, I can be there too, but how useful would I be?

I felt more comfortable asking my flist since I know you and you know me. Also I think I'll be ok running it, so this was largely an irrational "please hold my hand while I panic" which I didn't feel comfortable subjecting strangers to :D (and I knew I was/am feeling tactless and thus it could come across as "You femmeconne people are scary and mean and dumb!" when from everything I can see you're the opposite)

[mynxii.livejournal.com]

This is going to be awesome!!!

Things to note:

- the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and inquisitive.
- the sheer volume of information you processed on your other post -!!!!!
- there are several of us who will confirm that no one will get up and start shouting, but on the off chance there is, there are several of us who are happy enough to act upon it for you,
- there is support and coping available on tap! *promises*

I hope you enjoy the weekend, I find it has a little of something for everyone irrespective of how they belief or what they want from it.

[alias_sqbr]

Thankyou. I knew deep down it wasn't a big deal, it's just that unfamiliar situations make me panic. You should see me before job interviews :)

[flyingblogspot.livejournal.com]

I wish I was going to be there!

If you get stuck on anything, or there seem to be people wanting to express a point of view, I'd suggest the "that's an interesting issue, and I'd like to open it up to the audience" technique.

[alias_sqbr]

*takes note* Thanks!

[callistra.livejournal.com]

If you get really shy, I am happy to read out anything you hand me.

[alias_sqbr]

Shy is not the problem when I have a script etc (after doing shows for a theatre full of seven year olds throwing things at me, I have learned to overcome stage fright) but there is always the possibility of brain freeze and/or a sore throat. Your offer might well be helpful if I get the latter, so thankyou!

[vegetus.livejournal.com]

after doing shows for a theatre full of seven year olds throwing things at me, I have learned to overcome stage fright

Ok, now that sounds like an interesting story...

[alias_sqbr]

Ha, just a typical day doing science shows at Scitech :) The birthday party kids would get all riled up and full of sugar (harveystoat's antics as party host Did Not Help, amusing as they are) and then they'd be shoved into the theatre in the front row for the show. One time they all threw their cheap party toys at me, another they stood up in unison with their remotes pointed at me shouting "I'M DELETING YOU!!!" at the top of their lungs. Fun times :) (am I making you miss being a teacher yet? :D)

[vegetus.livejournal.com]

Oh sounds delightful!

I went to a workshop on giving school talks for an animal charity today. A bit redundant, especially when they mentioned "don't give them the worksheets until the end or else they will just fiddle and scrunch them" and I couldn't stop giggling. Though am also overwhelmed with the amount of local content stuff I don't know.

School goes back on Monday.

[alias_sqbr]

don't give them the worksheets until the end or else they will just fiddle and scrunch them

And then throw them at you :)

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

It's a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and tends towards the cooperative/workshop approach. I'm happy to help out and moderate as such if you want support.

You will be awesome :)

[alias_sqbr]

Thankyou! I assumed it was, but part of me was like "Sure everyone you know who's going is lovely, but what if all the other people are horrible? YOU NEVER KNOW". I tend to catastrophise wildly :)

[stephiepenguin.livejournal.com]

I ended up talking over everyone else

Yeah, and then you left my Chinese wedding early. IS IT BECAUSE YOU HATE US?!

I am not going to be at femmeconne, but:

Can I assume that people will be familiar with the basic ideas of racism=predjudice+power and white privilege etc? <----- DON'T DO IT OMG

[alias_sqbr]

Yeah, and then you left my Chinese wedding early. IS IT BECAUSE YOU HATE US?!

YES, I HAVE ALWAYS HATED YOU FOR YOUR SUPERIOR OP SHOPPING ABILITIES

Um...no. It's a complete coincidence. Really!

(I mean, this is me, "talking over people and then having to leave because I'm sick" is pretty much my default setting)

DON'T DO IT OMG

Yeah, this may just end up turning into anti-racism 101. Which, on the plus side, is something I feel more comfortable doing, having done it on this lj on numerous occasions...

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I'm fine with that too. We have a feminism 101 panel planned, and the F word, so we're into exploring things from the base level up. Just let me know. I'm thinking of putting you before lunch on the Saturday so we can keep talking during food.

[alias_sqbr]

I think I'll try for something more nuanced, but will also try to be ready to ramp things back down if I have to.

Food+conversation =goodness :)

[stephiepenguin.livejournal.com]

HAY

I am compiling a list from here, and then when I get home as I said I'll check out my shelves, but it occurs to me that I hadn't yet mentioned Intersections (http://intersections.anu.edu.au/), which was fantastic when I was an undergrad. Also, coincidentally, I printed out Ien Ang's article 'I'm a feminist but...' from the Curtin online catalogue and read it this afternoon highlighting and making notes, if you want me to tell you which are the very important points from my POV.

[alias_sqbr]

my brain has completely gone blah today, sorry I took a while to reply.

Anyway:
-Thankyou for telling me about Intersections, and also that essay, have looked them both up and they look really interesting. I will read them when my IQ feels like it's above 80 :)
-That would be awesome, if it's not too much trouble

[lauredhel.livejournal.com]

What others said, on vibe and tone.

This, though:

"-Can I assume that people will be familiar with the basic ideas of racism=predjudice+power and white privilege etc?(*) "

You absolutely, totally, can't, I'm afraid. (Happy to elaborate privately.)

[alias_sqbr]

You absolutely, totally, can't, I'm afraid

That makes sense, they're things I'm still getting my head around after a few years of deliberate effort. Thankyou for the heads up, as we have established I need to learn to be more cynical :) (And if there's any particular advice you have and wish to give privately I am all ears, but otherwise it's ok)

[nephron.livejournal.com]

I would just like to stress the absolutely, totally, and can't of that statement.

[alias_sqbr]

Aha. Right :/

[greteldragon.livejournal.com]

Well, if it cheers you up I'm almost curious enough to come along (though you know, not knowing anyone, not 'identifying' with feminism and not sure I have that weekend free/or the money are sticking points). Even though I'm reluctant to agree with you on all points. So it can't be that bad. :)

Oh and btw the way, got my tutorial presentation (which I have to do via a blog) for self.net. I have to do a 1000 word blog on a paper about racism/sexism and the internet (I figure you might find this amusing).

[alias_sqbr]

I'm planning on writing up my experience for those who are curious (since I've always been so) It's not just for feminists, if that helps any, and I'm pretty sure agreeing with me is not compulsory either :D

I have to do a 1000 word blog on a paper about racism/sexism and the internet (I figure you might find this amusing).

You should write it about meeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! :) (But yes, if you want some links I recommend having a look through the list of links I just posted)