May 05, 2008

Another issue of Red Ink

Nothing but positives

Red Ink magazine celebrates latest editionIn the world of business, red ink has a negative connotation. But in the Indian world, Red Ink--the nation's only nonprofit, student-run American Indian grass-roots publication--offers nothing but positives. Printed twice a year, the glossy four-color magazine is the only publication of its kind in the country published exclusively by graduate and undergraduate students, Native and non-Native.

The latest celebration of diversity and strength of Native cultures took place on the University of Arizona's Tucson campus in late April, as the Spring 2008 issue ("Native Voices") arrived from the printers. As a full moon peeked over the red brick Poetry Center building, drummers drummed, singers sang, and event master of ceremonies Leandra Bistie, a Navajo youth leadership motivator, introduced Managing Editor Eddie Welch as "the master blaster of everything that exists in Red Ink."
Comment:  I haven't read this issue, but nice cover!

7 comments:

writerfella said...

Writerfella here --
Now, therein is the Rob! RED INK gets approbation and RED MAN Chewing Tobacco gets overlooked because opinions never are facts and facts never are opinions. Yet, the adjectival RED arises from the same source, Cristobal Colombo. Thus, it can be meliorative in one usage and pejorative in another, but only at the behest of the 'critic,' who regards himself as a sole deciding force. What an ego, what a Euro, but rather than say, "What balls!" writerfella will ask instead, "What balls?"
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'

Rob said...

Translation: "My name is Russ and I'm just learning English." Duhhh.

FYI, "redskin" is different from "red," "Red Ink" or "Red Man Chewing Tobacco." Similarly, "poop" is different from "poopdeck," "pussy" is different from "pussycat," and "dick" is different from "Dick Cavett." Words have different meanings when used in different combinations or contexts.

If you're too dense to understand this point, look these words up in a dictionary. Assuming you know how to use a dictionary, that is. Find out which ones are insults or slurs and which aren't. Use your little brain, for once.

I've never railed against the word "red" alone. I don't think I've even addressed it. If you want my opinion...yes, it's somewhat stereotypical, since Indians aren't red.

But many Indians have embraced the word "red" while rejecting the word "redskin." If they choose to embrace one but not the other, that's okay by me. I'm only reflecting what they think.

Do you get it now? Give us a sign to show you understand.

Rob said...

Continuing your English education:

By "critic" you must mean the vast number of Indians who consider "redskin" a slur. Because that's the only criterion I'm going by.

Repeat: I'm only reflecting what Native people think. I rarely disagree with the Native consensus. Keep repeating this until you finally get it, bright boy.

Alas, this is a point you've consistently failed to understand. I don't know if it's because I'm a professional writer/editor and you're not, or what. But whatever's causing your lack of comprehension, do something about it. See a doctor if you're too addled to grasp the words in front of your face.

Here, I'll try to explain it in terms even you can understand. Let me know if I use too many "big words" for you.

I say "redskin" is offensive because the dictionaries say it. And they say it's offensive because Native people say it. When dictionaries and Natives no longer say it's offensive, I'll concur. Because I have no independent opinion on the subject.

The word will still be stereotypical, in my opinion, but stereotypical isn't necessarily offensive. For instance, if I see an Apache helicopter, I may think, "There's another stereotype." But I don't think, "There's another offense."

Why not? Because neither dictionaries nor Natives define "Apache" as an offensive term when applied to helicopters. Same with "Red Ink" vs. "redskin." One is accepted and one isn't.

Do you get it now? Try stamping your foot if you can't write "Yes, I finally understand" or "No, I still don't understand." We'll invent a code if you can't express yourself in simple English.

Rob said...

With your proven inability to read logos, I'm surprised you're not calling the publication "Redink." Or perhaps "Re Dink." I suspect it's only a matter of time until you screw up this magazine title too.

writerfella said...

Writerfella here --
Love it, love it, love it! You continue to prove writerfella's point about the 3rd Annual Creative Spirit competition and his decision to eschew submission. Approbation comes always when it is needed most...
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'

Rob said...

I'm glad you loved being proved a stupid ignoramus. I love proving you a stupid ignoramus. So we're both happy.

I also love how you quit every debate like the coward you are whenever you're challenged. So I get the last word while you give up, turn tail, and run. I couldn't ask for a better result.

Rob said...

Your comment about the Creative Spirit competition is a non sequitur, since it has nothing to do with Red Ink or Redskin. That must be another thing you're too dumb to understand.

If your vague reference is to my participating as a judge, I told you you could ask for another judge. I guess you were too dumb to understand that, too.