"Shame" is a Four-Letter Word

I sent a letter to the editor (of The Record) regarding the closing of the FAITH facility and Peter's Place in Hackensack by the city powers. The closings resulted from the city’s refusal to authorize the groups to continue via some kind of licensing or permit.

My letter was one of three letters that took exception to a letter from the head of a business organization that applauded the city's and county's actions. It is unusual for the Record to print letters in response to letters.

The editor chose to exclude 3 very tiny parts of my letter … irksome, in general ... but one is very troubling in a larger sense.

The first excision was a footnote reminding readers that Peter’s Place was named for Ethical Culture’s deceased and much beloved member, Peter Jacobsohn.

The second omission was a two-word exclamation: “Wake up!” which preceded: “There will always be those who suffer every day ... who will never be ‘cured’ by a long-term solution.”

Most importantly, they omitted my closing words: "Shame, shame on you and Hackensack!"

It seems that "shame" is a four-letter word.

“Shaming” used to lead to shunning, a powerful religious sanction. It resulted in a total ostracism from the community. Would that it still had some effect.

Our nation’s administration, members of congress, agency heads and presidential appointees exhibit no shame. They deny guilt and stonewall investigations or try to prevent discovery or destroy records, but even when caught, never say: "I am sorry" and never admit shame. The guilty are defiant or believe their only crime was getting caught. Why? Do they not feel any shame? If not, why not? Is there no moral and ethical undergirding, thus the term is irrelevant?

Why didn’t the editor keep the denouncement in my letter? Is there a taboo on accusations or judgments of that sort? Does it not reflect where I am coming from? Rightly or wrongly, I represent a humanist religious organization whose very name proclaims ethics! And therefore morals. And therefore the right to say j’accuse.

Sure, the editor can hide behind saying the letter was too long (by six words), but I suspect something else. Wouldn’t you?

Bob Gordon
President, Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County

NY Times Archives: Thousands of Articles on Ethical Culture

History fans are in for a treat. The New York Times online archives has thousands of articles containing the phrase "Ethical Culture", many of which, according to Times' policy, are freely available (you will need a free NY Times online ID after viewing three articles). Other articles require a NY Times subscription ID, and yet others are available only to Premium subscribers.

Here is a sampling of articles published prior to 1920 that are freely available (if you're not logged in you may be prompted to do so after the first few articles). (Warning: I received a few error messages. If this happens, either refresh the web page or close the browser window and try again):

• 1878: Ethical Culture (earliest article I could find)


• 1885: Believers In Ethical Culture: The Ninth Anniversary Of Prof. Felix Adler's School


• 1895: Ethical Culture Society: Prosperous Branches in Europe (article begins with "The movement of ethical culture, now so prominent in all sections of the United States and portions of Europe, had its origin in this city, where the first Ethical Society was founded in 1876.")


• 1899: Ethical Culture Home: The Society Buys Eight Lots in Central Park West


• 1902: Ethical Culture Society: Cornerstone of Its New Building Laid in Mayor's Presence


• 1905: Ethical Culture: Thirty Years Old To-Day


• 1909: New Home For Ethical Culture Society: Imposing Structure Facing Central Park


• 1916: Ethical Culture Movement Forty Years Old


• 1916: Dr. Elliott Praises Settlement Work


• 1918: Ethical Culture Victor - Basket Ball Team Defeats Horace Mann, 29 To 15 (including someone named Adler playing center; REALLY!)
  

To search on your own, follow these steps (remember, you may need a NY Times online ID, and perhaps more for certain articles):

1. Go to the NY Times home page


2. Type "ethical culture" (with quotes) in the search field just under the NY Times banner


3. Select one of the following from the dropdown list to the right of the search field according to your whim: NYT Archive since 1981 or NYT Archive 1851 - 1980 (this is more fun!)


4. Click Search

Advanced Search options are also available. Have fun!

Paul Raynault: 1940 - 2008

It is with great sadness that this blog mourns the passing of Paul Raynault, Ethical Culture member of 35 years, who passed away on Monday. Read his obituaries in both the Bergen Record and his beloved Student World Assembly, of which he was the founder.

Paul was a frequent attendee at Ethical Culture events, often hosted by he and wife Shelley in their home. Many is the hors doeuvre that Paul saved from obscurity by grabbing an abandoned tray and offering them to party guests. Paul would do this both at his own parties and those of his friends; wherever, it seemed, hors doeuvres were languishing. This was but one way, if perhaps the humblest, in which Paul served those both near and far to him.

You are missed.

Time Magazine 1966: Ethical Culture's Maturity

Thirty-two years ago today, on May 20, 1966, an article titled Ethical Culture's Maturity appeared in Time Magazine. It makes for interesting reading in a historical context.

Donate to Myanmar Relief via AHA

The following appeared in my inbox:

As the full extent of the devastation from Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma) is revealed to the outside world, we have seen an outpouring of desire from members of humanist communities around the nation and the globe, to provide financial assistance to support the victims of the cyclone.

The American Humanist Association's relief arm, Humanist Charities, is working to identify secular, grassroots organizations that are in Myanmar (Burma), or have been operating from nearby countries. We have not finalized which organization we will be supporting, because of the scarce number of non-governmental, civil society and relief organizations that are currently operating in Myanmar (Burma).

Even with organizations that have had a history in Myanmar (Burma)---such as the Mae Tao Clinic, which provides free health care for refugees, migrant workers, and other individuals who cross the border from Burma to Thailand---their actions may currently be blocked or significantly reduced by the military junta in Myanmar (Burma).

Humanist Charities is now accepting donations for the relief efforts in Myanmar (Burma). Money donated will temporarily be held by Humanist Charities until we have located an appropriate relief agency that can make the largest impact among the survivors of Cyclone Nargis.

Donating to Humanist Charities is fast, secure and allows humanists the comfort of knowing that your money will be an unambiguous humanist means of supporting relief efforts during this current crisis.

Please make a donation to this important cause: https://www.americanhumanist.org/secure/hc_donate.php

Paver Dedication

The sun emerged from its early morning stupor to shine on the dedication of the Bergen Ethical Society's recently installed paver walkway. Paving stones are inscribed with remembrances of the past and hopes for the future.

The following photos were taken prior to the event, which was attended by NJ State Senator Loretta Weinberg, Teaneck mayor Elie Katz and American Ethical Union Executive Director Katharine Archibald, plus over 100 friends and members.