Please Consider Boycotting These Shops

[Dark Shadows]

While armed resistance only brought death and destruction, it was through political activism that Native Americans gained their greatest victories. Progress moved slowly, but each generation built on what the previous one had started and regional movements grew into national efforts. With the progressive reforms of the New Deal an explosion of activism among Native Americans came to national attention. Many groups advocated non-violent activities such as court proceedings and peaceful gatherings amid media attention. Others took a more demonstrative approach and occupied federal land as a gesture of defiance. Despite the disparity in methodology, the objective of all these organizations was the same--Native American self-determination. - Jeffrey R. Gudzune, April 7, 2007

Please consider boycotting the following local shops and businesses:

Funk and Flash on Main Street in Sebastopol for their culturally insensitive window display. A white male manniquin dressed in a fake Native American costume, with full headdress. The male is wearing shorts that make him effeminate as if he was a gay Indian in drag. Very poor taste.

Heebeejebe on Kentucky Street in Petaluma for decapitating a buffalo and displaying the head on their shop wall. This is insensitive considering the disaster caused when White men killed thousands of buffalo (almost making them extinct), our cheif source of protein, causing the deaths of Native men, women and children from starvation.

The Krush Radio Station for airing a campaign announcement from Meg Whitman, vowing "be tough as nails on illegal aliens" barring them from State run institutions of higher knowledge. Why would you want to stop an immigrant from getting an education to improve his or her chances of getting a better job, paying taxes and earning citizenship? I usually listen to this radio station when I'm in town, but when I heard this annoucement I felt like throwing up.

[photolite]

Get a life.


While armed resistance only brought death and destruction, it was through political activism that Native Americans gained their greatest victories. Progress moved slowly, but each generation built on what the previous one had started and regional movements grew into national efforts. With the progressive reforms of the New Deal an explosion of activism among Native Americans came to national attention. Many groups advocated non-violent activities such as court proceedings and peaceful gatherings amid media attention. Others took a more demonstrative approach and occupied federal land as a gesture of defiance. Despite the disparity in methodology, the objective of all these organizations was the same--Native American self-determination. - Jeffrey R. Gudzune, April 7, 2007

Please consider boycotting the following local shops and businesses:

Funk and Flash on Main Street in Sebastopol for their culturally insensitive window display. A white male manniquin dressed in a fake Native American costume, with full headdress. The male is wearing shorts that make him effeminate as if he was a gay Indian in drag. Very poor taste.

Heebeejebe on Kentucky Street in Petaluma for decapitating a buffalo and displaying the head on their shop wall. This is insensitive considering the disaster caused when White men killed thousands of buffalo (almost making them extinct), our cheif source of protein, causing the deaths of Native men, women and children from starvation.

The Krush Radio Station for airing a campaign announcement from Meg Whitman, vowing "be tough as nails on illegal aliens" barring them from State run institutions of higher knowledge. Why would you want to stop an immigrant from getting an education to improve his or her chances of getting a better job, paying taxes and earning citizenship? I usually listen to this radio station when I'm in town, but when I heard this annoucement I felt like throwing up.

[Dark Shadows]

And what do you spend your time doing and thinking about? If you cannot debate a subject intelligently, then why are you here?
Get a life.

[LeeBme]

Thanks DS for expressing your freedom to speak about an issue that you are concerned about and perhaps informing people who may also be interested in the subject. The examples of business locations that display negative symbols of Native Americans or other peoples does send a subliminal and real communication to whoever sees it. :thumbsup:


And what do you spend your time doing and thinking about? If you cannot debate a subject intelligently, then why are you here?

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[Imagery]

Please consider boycotting the following local shops and businesses:

Funk and Flash on Main Street in Sebastopol for their culturally insensitive window display. A white male manniquin dressed in a fake Native American costume, with full headdress. The male is wearing shorts that make him effeminate as if he was a gay Indian in drag. Very poor taste.

The Krush Radio Station for airing a campaign announcement from Meg Whitman, vowing "be tough as nails on illegal aliens" barring them from State run institutions of higher knowledge. Why would you want to stop an immigrant from getting an education to improve his or her chances of getting a better job, paying taxes and earning citizenship? I usually listen to this radio station when I'm in town, but when I heard this annoucement I felt like throwing up.

So while you're at it, why not suggest boycotting the Village People for their depiction of a Native American? You certainly can't suggest that we boycott Funk & Flash (whose idea looks inspired by the Village People) without including the inspiration for the mannequin display.

Perhaps you should purchase airtime from KRUSH radio, so they don't have to SELL ADVERTISING, which is how they RAISE REVENUE to stay in business. I'm sure you enjoy their music, but won't lift a finger to help them out financially - and in order for them to stay in business, they need to sell advertising. Do you think that they (as a business) here in Sonoma County (liberal area) agree with everything from (advertisers)?

On the note of illegal immigrants being denied scholarships to attend institutions of higher learning - perhaps it's because when they receive the scholarship money, it denies the funding to someone who is here LEGALLY - who also needs an education, and has the RIGHT to pursue a higher education.

[nbolmer]

While armed resistance only brought death and destruction, it was through political activism that Native Americans gained their greatest victories. Progress moved slowly, but each generation built on what the previous one had started and regional movements grew into national efforts. With the progressive reforms of the New Deal an explosion of activism among Native Americans came to national attention. Many groups advocated non-violent activities such as court proceedings and peaceful gatherings amid media attention. Others took a more demonstrative approach and occupied federal land as a gesture of defiance. Despite the disparity in methodology, the objective of all these organizations was the same--Native American self-determination. - Jeffrey R. Gudzune, April 7, 2007

Please consider boycotting the following local shops and businesses:

Funk and Flash on Main Street in Sebastopol for their culturally insensitive window display. A white male manniquin dressed in a fake Native American costume, with full headdress. The male is wearing shorts that make him effeminate as if he was a gay Indian in drag. Very poor taste.

Heebeejebe on Kentucky Street in Petaluma for decapitating a buffalo and displaying the head on their shop wall. This is insensitive considering the disaster caused when White men killed thousands of buffalo (almost making them extinct), our cheif source of protein, causing the deaths of Native men, women and children from starvation.

The Krush Radio Station for airing a campaign announcement from Meg Whitman, vowing "be tough as nails on illegal aliens" barring them from State run institutions of higher knowledge. Why would you want to stop an immigrant from getting an education to improve his or her chances of getting a better job, paying taxes and earning citizenship? I usually listen to this radio station when I'm in town, but when I heard this annoucement I felt like throwing up.

I rarely comment on threads of import on Wacco, unless they directly affect me, or they relate to something I have significant expertise about (beer, cookware). That said... this is an ill-conceived, and unproductive way to engage in a rational discussion about the subject matter.

1. You are obviously missing the village people reference at Funk and Flash, a (clearly) liberal-bent shop trying to have a bit of fun. As a cultural minority who has a recent past history of suffering (Jew), I can empathize with your point, but where (very, very) clearly, no insult is intended, and there is an obvious cultural reference which is somewhat important to the (large) local gay community, I think you're reading into things too much. Before an outright boycott, did you even consider talking to the store owner and engaging in an intelligent discussion?

2. This is, frankly, total hogwash. As a social liberal, I naturally feel sick to my stomach every time a right-wing political candidate wastes my precious oxygen. That said, stifling political speech neither furthers the conversation, nor makes your candidate any more likely to prevail. Listening to ads on any side of a political debate is tiresome, but crucial for intelligent discussion. Save your outrage for the voting booth, not the radio station, which has an obligation to provide an equal forum for political ads.

3. I'm not a hunter, but I'm pretty sure that hunting Bison is legal. I have, on occasion, served Bison at my restaurant. Feel free to boycott. I'm not a fan of hunting trophies, they give me the creeps. That said, taking a buffalo head as a cultural affront is being overly sensitive. How about giving the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the dude just has an outdoorsy aesthetic and likes buffalo heads. Did you bother asking? Or is it really a cultural taboo to display the head of a legally hunted creature? Can an intelligent discussion about this sort of thing be had without resorting to asking people to boycott their business, and put their livelihoods, as well as their families' and employees' in jeopardy?

Which brings me to my final point, and really, my reason for responding at all. There are people who work at these places. We are in VERY hard economic times, and barley making ends meet. We have families. Our employees do also. Before attempting to further annihilate the local economy by suggesting people not patronize local business, have a care for the effects, and try instead to have an intelligent conversation about the issues. None of these are anything that would seem obvious to moderately intelligent people, so, if you really are culturally outraged, engage the business owners and listen to what they have to say, before judging so hastily.

This isn't to say you don't have any rational basis, it's to say that suggesting a boycott rather than starting a conversation is staggeringly irresponsible.

["Mad" Miles]

Hey Imagery and Nbolmer,

Dark Shadows quit in a snit a few days ago. So if you're directing your comments to her, you're typing in a vacuum. (Whoops! Belay that. She didn't unsubscribe, just taking a break. A post from her today seems to indicate she's in South Africa for the World Cup. Maybe she and CowGal hooked up? Maybe they're one and the same? None of my business I suppose...)

If your purpose is to comment generally, I mostly agree with what you're saying.

The issue of culturally insensitive images, messages, is both an important and complicated one. I stepped in my own shit a couple of times in the last few years while teaching in prison. As an anti-Racism activist over the years I've also run into vehement disagreements on this issue.

Mostly, in my experience, the controversy was over Black/White communication, or Women/Men issues. But I did make a mistake using what I thought was cute inoffensive shorthand for distinguishing between American Indians and East Indians (i.e. Indians from India). Pissed off an East Indian Sikh, and when I checked with the local Shaman, had it confirmed that I was not as cool as I thought I was.

What I've learned is that if someone is offended by my actions or utterances (and what's the difference? That's a whole other topic.) and I try to explain what I meant and how I didn't think it was offensive, I get nowhere, and end up burying myself deeper.

If I try to find out where they're coming from, try to see it from their perspective, and acknowledge that I was ignorant, and or insensitive, it allows for further dialog. Sometimes I even learn something new. Or gain a slight change of perspective that, even if it isn't mine, is interesting to think about. Ultimately offense is in the eye of the beholder. That's been a hard lesson for me to learn, but I've found it to be true.

Of course, if they're just being hyper-sensitive, controlling assholes, which does happen sometimes, there isn't much point to trying to communicate further. That's where I've learned to walk away, leaving my reputation with them in tatters.

You can't satisfy everyone, and you can't win them all!

[Shane Sterling]

Well, I'm the owner of Funk & Flash and I wasn't going to comment but after reading the threads I thought I'd pipe up and add my 2 cents.

Funk & Flash is a business based on light heartedness, dressing up, acting out alter-egos and simply having fun. I specifically make efforts to have silly displays that are whimsical, unexpected and amusing. The indian was exactly that. I never portray anything as serious because...what's the fun in that!!? Everyone is entitled to there opinion which is why I love our liberal, fun loving and kooky community. I have proof as the owner of Funk & Flash that people loved the indian guy. I got so much possitive feedback on him that he was actually up for six months. The ironic thing is that I changed my window display a week before this thread was even started so apparently "Dark Shadows" (what an ominous name) wasn't actually paying attention to anything and just wanted an excuse to rant. I think that whenever you do something that gets people's attention you're bound to get both possitive and negative responses, that's the nature of standing out from the crowd. But hey, if standing out from the crowd is what you're after then Funk & Flash hits the nail on the head. I don't begrudge Dark Shadows her opinion but it is certainly not a happy, light hearted, go-with-the-flow kind of perspective she has expressed. Infact, isn't one of the Four Agreements to not take anything personally? That's definately a good agreement to live by and we have seen the result here of someone taking things personally, not very fun at all.

[Roland Jacopetti]

Well, I think you can drive yourself crazy trying to boycott businesses that use racial and ethnic sterotypes. But, re KRUSH's acceptance of Meg Whitman's radio spots, I think you're talking about something completely different.
I actually don't think radio stations should accept advertising that they don't believe in. Who is "they"? The management, the sales departments, the listeners, the announcers, or a combination of the above. I think that when a radio (or TV) station runs an ad for a product, a service, a politician, a political belief, whatever, that the station is saying that they believe in what's being advertised. If they don't, they should at least preface the ad with something like "No one at K___ believes that what the following ad says is true," or something like that.
In the last century, I actually worked for a commercial radio station (KSAN-FM San Francisco) that actually did turn down an ad because, coincidentally, it contained racial stereotyping of Native Americans. Everyone has priorities, even the dread media.
Roland Jacopetti
Programmer - KRCB-FM Santa Rosa (actually Rohnert Park)


So while you're at it, why not suggest boycotting the Village People for their depiction of a Native American? You certainly can't suggest that we boycott Funk & Flash (whose idea looks inspired by the Village People) without including the inspiration for the mannequin display.

Perhaps you should purchase airtime from KRUSH radio, so they don't have to SELL ADVERTISING, which is how they RAISE REVENUE to stay in business. I'm sure you enjoy their music, but won't lift a finger to help them out financially - and in order for them to stay in business, they need to sell advertising. Do you think that they (as a business) here in Sonoma County (liberal area) agree with everything from (advertisers)?

On the note of illegal immigrants being denied scholarships to attend institutions of higher learning - perhaps it's because when they receive the scholarship money, it denies the funding to someone who is here LEGALLY - who also needs an education, and has the RIGHT to pursue a higher education.

[Bella Luna]

Haven't been on Wacco in quite some time, but feel the need to chime in regarding Heebeejebe in Petaluma. The owner lost her young daughter 2 years ago due to a tragic fall from a cliff in Marin Headlands. She *is* a real person-a person who is a strong member of our community. If you could have even seen how many people came out to the memorial for her daughter! If anyone has a problem with the buffalo head they should speak with her directly. Boycotting *true* community businesses is not the way to go about it. Boycotting a big box business is another story...

[charisme]

It would be nice to know what you are talking about!
I know of the store in Petaluma, and I had heard something about her daughter... but what are you boycotting? And, Who?
Not all of us apparently are up to date with what ever it is you're talking about. Some clarification - background Please?
Thanks, Charisme


Haven't been on Wacco in quite some time, but feel the need to chime in regarding Heebeejebe in Petaluma. The owner lost her young daughter 2 years ago due to a tragic fall from a cliff in Marin Headlands. She *is* a real person-a person who is a strong member of our community. If you could have even seen how many people came out to the memorial for her daughter! If anyone has a problem with the buffalo head they should speak with her directly. Boycotting *true* community businesses is not the way to go about it. Boycotting a big box business is another story...

[Barry]

For this and any other threads that you want "background" on, use the website button in the individual email or digest to take you to that thread on the website where you can see the whole history of the discussion.


It would be nice to know what you are talking about!
I know of the store in Petaluma, and I had heard something about her daughter... but what are you boycotting? And, Who?
Not all of us apparently are up to date with what ever it is you're talking about. Some clarification - background Please?
Thanks, Charisme

[podfish]

that's really interesting - especially since you're speaking from experience. I don't think there's much question that a station shouldn't accept just any ad, if they feel that it violates their ethical principals or, I suppose, even if it's not compatible with the tone they're trying to take for their station (I realize as I write it that that's an awfully fuzzy standard - I hope it's apparent what I mean. Like ads for monster-truck rallies on a soft jazz station?? I dunno...)
But don't you think political ads are different? I can see that particular ads might violate the "standards" I proposed above, but do you think they should tacitly back (or refuse to back) specific candidates by allowing/denying them access to the airwaves via their station??


.... re KRUSH's acceptance of Meg Whitman's radio spots, I think you're talking about something completely different.
I actually don't think radio stations should accept advertising that they don't believe in.....I think that when a radio (or TV) station runs an ad for a product, a service, a politician, a political belief, whatever, that the station is saying that they believe in what's being advertised.
Roland Jacopetti
Programmer - KRCB-FM Santa Rosa (actually Rohnert Park)

[begood]

hi ...
as far as i can tell dark shadows tries to have small stores ...homeless shelters (cotts)...great non profit groups...anything and anybody boycotted... i would feel sorry for her but she is so mean spirited ... she was taken off yelp and seems to be a menace to her neighbors and town peoples who are minding there own business ...struggling to keep a float and be good and kind ... sorry have not wanted to say anything but she is relentless and seems to have lots of time on her hands...


It would be nice to know what you are talking about!
I know of the store in Petaluma, and I had heard something about her daughter... but what are you boycotting? And, Who?
Not all of us apparently are up to date with what ever it is you're talking about. Some clarification - background Please?
Thanks, Charisme

[lynn]

Regarding political advertising...It's my understanding that all stations must allow by law, any political ads...Nobody gets to 'pick and choose'...

I think that's good...(Also, some people don't realize you are allowed to lie like crazy in political advertising...it's 'legal'...one reason why it can get so nasty, and people can become so wrongly informed)...

---------------------------------------------
But don't you think political ads are different? I can see that particular ads might violate the "standards" I proposed above, but do you think they should tacitly back (or refuse to back) specific candidates by allowing/denying them access to the airwaves via their station??

[Dark Shadows]

That (me being taken off Yelp) is a total lie. I comment on anything that I feel is unjust, offensive, singling out a particular race or religion, and basically anything I feel like commenting on. I have a right as do you. I am not singling out small shops, or non profits. I have reported fraudulent 501 (c) -non-profit, charitable organizations for collecting money from unsuspecting people who think they are giving to a worthy cause but are actually supporting a wealthy woman's shopping habbits - this is a true story and the woman was investigated by the IRS and found GUILTY. So take that and shove it up your patooty honey. These are things that need to be reported on so that they do not go on..
hi ...
as far as i can tell dark shadows tries to have small stores ...homeless shelters (cotts)...great non profit groups...anything and anybody boycotted... i would feel sorry for her but she is so mean spirited ... she was taken off yelp and seems to be a menace to her neighbors and town peoples who are minding there own business ...struggling to keep a float and be good and kind ... sorry have not wanted to say anything but she is relentless and seems to have lots of time on her hands...

[Imagery]

I comment on anything that I feel is unjust, offensive, singling out a particular race or religion, and basically anything I feel like commenting on. I have a right as do you. I am not singling out small shops, or non profits.

Show me where you rant about Wal*Mart and boycotting them...how about the large corporations who are draining the lifeblood out of the communities - any outrage about putting small businesses out of business? Oh, of course not - that's your specific GOAL in life. You seem bent on pointing out the tiny, almost completely insignificant and trivial things, and go to extremes with your measures to wipe them out.

If you spent as much energy posting POSITIVE things you see in the communities as you "drive through" (from your original post " I usually listen to this radio station when I'm in town"), perhaps this you would bring positive energy into your life. Unfortunately, I don't really see anything positive coming from anything you post, and feel that you're on a mission to spread your negative energy as far as you can.

We don't need any more negative energy.



I have reported fraudulent 501 (c) -non-profit, charitable organizations for collecting money from unsuspecting people who think they are giving to a worthy cause but are actually supporting a wealthy woman's shopping habbits - this is a true story and the woman was investigated by the IRS and found GUILTY. So take that and shove it up your patooty honey. These are things that need to be reported on so that they do not go on..

So let me get this straight - you spent HOW MUCH time and energy on digging into this business, it's books, its finances, and spent how much money on taking this person and bringing them to justice? Honestly, it sounds to me like you should belong to a Nazi regime. You learned your philosophy of spying on, detecting something suspicious, and reporting it to the Gestapo (or federal authorities) in order to make yourself feel better about yourself. You seem to believe that the only way you can feel good is to make others feel bad.

Are you aware of how many businesses there are in the United States operating under the auspices of a being a charitable organization? Do you know the first thing about how they really work? I bet you really, really don't. I've worked for one at one time, and the charity in question got 15% of the GROSS proceeds (this means that each dollar spent in the store, not taking expenses out) as a donation in exchange for using their name. They benefitted - they didn't have to do a thing - pay for the costs of the building rent, the insurance costs, the payroll expenses, the other costs of running a shop, and they were GIVEN 15% of every dollar on merchandise sold. They certainly weren't complaining. They were never in a position of losing any money - they only stood to gain.

Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your priorities, and find a more positive outlet for your energies. Volunteer somewhere, spend some time making the world a better place - lifting people and businesses up, not trying to tear them down. You might find that you'll feel better about yourself.

[Barry]

Some trolls invaded this thread (and a few others) recently. They and their posts have been removed from the system.

I'm sorry to those of you who had to witness this.

I invite you to report any post that you feel that is inappropriate by using the https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/ImagesforMembers/ReportPost.png icon that is above all posts on the bulletin board.

Barry

[fabulous eyes]

Apparently, only one viewpoint is being published here. With the lack of diversity in opinions, why even read, it becomes boring.


Some trolls invaded this thread (and a few others) recently. They and their posts have been removed from the system.

I'm sorry to those of you who had to witness this.

I invite you to report any post that you feel that is inappropriate by using the https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/ImagesforMembers/ReportPost.png icon that is above all posts on the bulletin board.

Barry

[Gratongirl]

Did you read the posts? They were incredibly nasty and attacked on a very personal basis. It was not OK, and had nothing to do with expressing an opinion...it was pretty toxic stuff. I'm glad to know that serial nasty postings can be reported and removed. That said, Barry has left many negative comments stand that he didn't agree with...including yours.
Apparently, only one viewpoint is being published here. With the lack of diversity in opinions, why even read, it becomes boring.