I've been having mixed feelings about how I should approach the situation with the below e-mail.

[citizenwind]

On one hand, I want to ask someone on the EC or someone involved with PSI for their opinion on how to proceed and lodge a formal complaint, but on the other hand I'd be a snitch.  And you know how much we hate snitches.

But seriously, it'd feel like I was tattling on the playground.  Oh no!  The big mean woman pushed me down digitally and verbally

Comments

[theklute]

Can PSI actually do anything about this? When I was the Mesa slammaster, I don't recall having to sign any code-of-conduct stuff. And when I was having my little tiff with jbradley back in aught-one over some local issues with the Orlando scene (although me and J are cool now), the official position that PSI took was "That's nice. Sort it out amongst yourselves" (although admittedly that didn't involve any kind of folksy Southern racism).

[citizenwind]

yeah, that also something i've been thinking about. are slammasters not supposed to be held up to the same code of conduct as poets themselves? shouldn't that be considered standard?

[theklute]

I'd sign on to that. Maybe some collorary like that already exists though?

[citizenwind]

and if i don't say anything to PSI, what do you think is the best course of action? do i just tell everyone that south carolina is for fuckers?

[nerak_g]

I'm really....I am really ice-cubes in the face about this.I've never known Kimberly to be anything but professional, so I'm really shocked & sorry I referenced you in that direction.I also know it isn't like she hasn't featured poets she doesn't like...and her co-slam master is Moody Black and their relationship is excellent, as far as I can tell & their house a weekend ago was jam packed with diversity.
So,my own surprise aside, I would talk to Moody about it.He's a really great guy and might be able to help out and even hook you up at one of the other spots---I know there's Spartanburg, Columbia, etc.
Robert Mullins
http://www.myspace.com/moodyblack
In any case, we'll be at LEAF, will you? We can hash it out.
:-(

[citizenwind]

I'm actually getting backchannel messages saying this isn't the first instance of unprofessional behavior from her. Thanks for the contacts, fortunately we're booked up super solid though. :)

I'm at a major slam in Phoenix the day before, but if I win it, I'll change my plane tickets and come to LEAF.

[martyoutloud]

I'd take the high road and approach her first, calmly and clearly requesting an explanation for and/or clarification of her comments. I'd cc her co-slammaster so that all communication is above board. Then, if it becomes necessary to speak to the EC (who most likely won't/can't do much of anything,) and/or to spread the word more widely that this particular venue is run by someone comfortable with such behavior, then you have a far better starting place than one interaction.

[citizenwind]

I already asked for an explanation and of course got no response. Though I'll try again and follow your suggestions.

[nerak_g]

Yeah, I second Marty's advice & would talk to Moody, too.
:-(
Win that slam so I can see you at LEAF!

for the record

[citizenwind]

cc: moody black

Dear Kimberly,

Previously, I had e-mailed you regarding the possibility of booking Katie FS and I this winter.

On August 31st, you sent me a letter informing me that your venue was already booked, adding "Maybe you are available another date when you are in our area visiting your oppressed mother."

With no context to interpret this comment, I can only think it is a reference to a poem of mine where I reference racial bias against my mother while she lived in Greenville, an issue that she still faces today.

The above comment came off as unprofessional, incredibly malicious, and racist. As a professional performer, I was shocked that you, a representative of your community, would offer such an audacious response to a simple solicitation.

If you have an explanation which would better frame your comment, I would be elated to hear it. I eagerly wait for it.

-Alvin Chungyuen Lau
alvin.c.lau@gmail.com
773-339-1197

[k80fs]

did she not straight violate the psi membership code of conduct? am i on crack? if she's a slammaster, she's a member. if she's a member, she's signed the agreement. if she's signed the agreement, and she's behaved in a manner contrary to that agreement (especially as a public figure of responsibility), repercussions are warranted. ramifications follow decisions, and she made one helluva decision right there.

otherwise, the code of conduct should be revised or revoked or not required of slammasters or something. regardless, the ec must be involved.

Re: Found out about this through Fengi

[citizenwind]

you know, i really spent a lot of time worrying that this was being oversensitive, but if you -- my mortal nemesis -- are commenting on it as well, then i know i'm in the right.

Re: Found out about this through Fengi

[anonymous]

this time ::wink::

Re: Found out about this through Fengi

[delrica]

everything about this exchange is hilarious.