A Poll: What is "human blight"

[simms3]

It's subjective, sheclown, (obviously), and I'm sure all of us in the room, including Denise, have the same overall definition of what is and isn't human blight.  She did specify to a degree what she was referring to when she listed out a string of actions often taken by her group in question.  She made it otherwise clear she wasn't referring to helpless individuals, the elderly, small children, or anyone else who requires a lot of sympathy.

What I am questioning is your immediate reaction to Denise's comment, as if you are taking it personally or as if you believe it to be the most offensive thing you've ever heard.

[sheclown]

It's subjective, sheclown, (obviously), and I'm sure all of us in the room, including Denise, have the same overall definition of what is and isn't human blight.  She did specify to a degree what she was referring to when she listed out a string of actions often taken by her group in question.  She made it otherwise clear she wasn't referring to helpless individuals, the elderly, small children, or anyone else who requires a lot of sympathy.

What I am questioning is your immediate reaction to Denise's comment, as if you are taking it personally or as if you believe it to be the most offensive thing you've ever heard.

I believe it is the most offensive thing I've ever heard.

I'm flabbergasted.

[simms3]

Ok, well I feel sorry for you.  You wouldn't last a day working in the private sector as needlessly sensitive as you are.  It *DOESN'T* help anyone to turn a blind eye to criminality and laziness, especially if the two are intertwined.  There are plenty of hard working poor people who obey the law, take care of what they have, respect the world around them, and are just trying to legitimately get by who are probably even more irked and disgusted by real human blight than rich council members and residents of middle/upper class neighborhoods outside of the area in question.

[Scrub Palmetto]

I think the overarching problem with this line of thinking is that there's simply no need for it.

"Human blight" is bold-faced labeling of people as a disease, saying nothing of their actions or the social problems underlying them. It's vague (Who gets to categorize who, based on what?) and reeks of the same fundamental mindset that leads to racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or social status "cleansing". We already have this concept of crime and criminality, and punishment for what people do, not for who they are. And so should it be in a society that at least pretends to value freedom and liberty.

What I gather from the discussion surrounding this, is that you'd be hard-pressed to find a fitting poster-child of "human blight" that isn't in some way also breaking laws. So stick to that. Address crime, address social inequality, substance abuse, education, employment, accessibility, public health, housing, etc. To go from these approaches to addressing people as a disease is a useless, unhelpful, and unnecessary leap into absurdity and hyperbole.

EDIT: I should add that I find the use of the term "blight" in regards to the built environment or urban landscape absurd, as well, but at least it's not calling humans a disease. That's levels worse.

[sheclown]

I think the overarching problem with this line of thinking is that there's simply no need for it.

"Human blight" is bold-faced labeling of people as a disease, saying nothing of their actions or the social problems underlying them. It's vague (Who gets to categorize who, based on what?) and reeks of the same fundamental mindset that leads to racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or social status "cleansing". We already have this concept of crime and criminality, and punishment for what people do, not for who they are. And so should it be in a society that at least pretends to value freedom and liberty.

What I gather from the discussion surrounding this, is that you'd be hard-pressed to find a fitting poster-child of "human blight" that isn't in some way also breaking laws. So stick to that. Address crime, address social inequality, substance abuse, education, employment, accessibility, public health, housing, etc. To go from these approaches to addressing people as a disease is a useless, unhelpful, and unnecessary leap into absurdity and hyperbole.

EDIT: I should add that I find the use of the term "blight" in regards to the built environment or urban landscape absurd, as well, but at least it's not calling humans a disease. That's levels worse.

yes.  What scrub said.

[sheclown]

Ok, well I feel sorry for you.  You wouldn't last a day working in the private sector as needlessly sensitive as you are.  It *DOESN'T* help anyone to turn a blind eye to criminality and laziness, especially if the two are intertwined.  There are plenty of hard working poor people who obey the law, take care of what they have, respect the world around them, and are just trying to legitimately get by who are probably even more irked and disgusted by real human blight than rich council members and residents of middle/upper class neighborhoods outside of the area in question.

simms.  I enjoy the discussion, but you don't have a clue about me or how or where I spend my time. 

[simms3]

So you guys are placing 100% of the blame for these people's actions on their environment and on the ills of society, rather than holding them to any degree of personal responsibility.

I'd call much of Hollywood "human blight".  One of the most evil industries out there, and it's pervasive.  Lots of money, fame, beautiful people, etc, but anyone who has interacted with the "industry" in any meaningful way knows that drugs, cheating, raping, utter disregard for humanity as a whole, really insiduous agendas, etc are all a part of it.  PS doesn't mean I wouldn't hang out with someone who claims to be in industry, ha.

Human blight can run across many spectrums and is a result of a poorly defined moral compass and having no principle.  I like the term human blight because it puts most of the blame on the individual and not on "society" or the "environment".  I'm hard on myself and other people, though, and I don't believe in being fully sympathetic to those who don't deserve 100% of my sympathy.

In fact I think I have almost no respect for you, sheclown, because "human blight" is the MOST offensive thing you've ever heard.  Wow.  What a simple little life you have lived for the age you appear to be in your profile pic.  I've heard managers in my company say things that are way more offensive than that.  I've heard people in private life and in public life say things way more offensive.  Like turning something like general "human blight" into an utterly racist remark, rather than a remark categorizing people based on their actions or motives.

So racist remarks, sexist remarks, and other remarks based on qualities that are predetermined in people are less offensive than remarks made by a woman who happens to be black and lives near Springfield talking about loiterers, vandals, and drug dealers near (or in) her own neighborhood?

Some people are so misguided, I swear...

[Debbie Thompson]

Simms, to clarify, if I read it correctly, the definition of human blight given was about the APPEARANCE of wrong doing. Hanging out on porches and street corners and stuff. Assuming things not necessarily in evidence.  A slippery slope indeed.  I agree law breakers are owed no quarter, but can one really tell just by looking at people?

[edjax]

Imthinkmsome are reading much more into what she said here. That is fair I guess but then we all get caught up and worried about the words instead of the issue.  She lives there and knows the issues.  And she wants to deal with the issues. We may not like the way she will deal with them but I guess some would not like anything she may do. If you don't like it, take it to her directly. Not sure what putting up a silly poll with silly examples accomplishes.  Hey my opinion.  Seems like pot stirring.

[Scrub Palmetto]

Yeah, I'm not really sure this works as a poll with the given options, but I find the points and the discussion meaningful.

I've said everything I want to in my previous post, so I'll chime out for now.

[sheclown]

I was trying to make a point -- obviously too clever for my own good

Blight is in the eye of the beholder.

We see this in Springfield all of the time.  I'm thinking the 24/7 house on East 9th which would qualify as blight to just about anyone -- but a closer look at the people reveals the folks are harmless (albeit drunk) and in their way, good neighbors keeping a look out for trouble on their street.   I'm thinking Kenneth who repairs his house with slats from discarded pallets, but loves his flowers and plays his jazz for those lucky enough to live nearby. 

We all share this city --

[Cheshire Cat]

Some see human blight and some see a human being.  I always look for the human being underneath.  I do believe this is Gloria's point.  http://www.ijreview.com/2014/05/136286-homeless-mans-previous-gesture-good-faith-pays-back-forty-fold-amazing-turn-events/

If I knew how to post a video, I would have.  Gloria maybe when you have time you can make this link an easier view. 

[Noone]

"Operation Blight" is on page 7 of Welcome to Actionville.

I'm still trying to wrap my arms around Environmental Ethics- Vince Seibold page 5 of Welcome to Actionville.

[Dog Walker]

utter laziness and ill regard for civility.

A lot of people like this are not poor either.

[Jumpinjack]