Another WTF GENTRY MAGAZINE
Dear Elsie Floriani, Founder/Executive Editor of Gentry Magazine.
Yes, it is that time again... another Gentry WTF! We were kind of hoping that our last Gentry WTF would have changed the type of garbage that you published.
I have received Gentry Magazine by the gate of my house every single month that I have lived in Palo Alto. That would make it, over 70 magazines that you have given me. For Free. I suppose that I am one of the "lucky" receivers of Gentry, because of my zip code.
This month, I actually tossed the magazine into the recycle bin before I had a chance to read the pages. As much as I like hearing about our friends and "local celebs" in the Gentry pages. I skipped perusing the local gala's and social scene. Just didn't feel right, especially when so many of us are struggling with finances and mortgage payments and debt. Sorry. Yes, even people in Silicon Valley have been effected by the economic crisis.
So this morning, an email exchange starting going on through my Silicon Valley friends. Collectively, we were all in in shock and disbelief that the you, the FOUNDER of Gentry would write such a disturbing, repugnant and offensive (and yes, THOSE words were used) article titled, PolITALY Speaking.
Here is a direct quote from your article: (page 22) referring to your love of Italy, and why we (United States) should behave and live more like the Italians. ....... (or you can click here and scroll to page 22 and read the article in full - Gentry articles are quite difficult to find online).
Many of you are saying about now, "Okay, Floriani, why don't YOU just go away. We like having the government take care of us, telling us we have to wear seat-belts, that we can dial cell phones in the car but we can't put them up to our ear, what kind of food we can sell in the marketplace, and how we should not profile suspicious-looking people in burkas with big packages strapped around their waists. We like being dependent on foreign oil, and we like a free and undisciplined society where everybody can do anything, marry anybody, and sue the britches off anyone who crosses us in any way. We love the overly zealous ACLU and those other eagle-eyed lawyers who see spilled coffee as a way to facilitate their early retirement." Yes, you can say that, but that's not the America I grew up with and I'm just too set in my ways at this age to welcome any of those changes.
Where to even begin......(eyes rolling!)
I actually had to read over your article THREE times to make sure that I understood WHAT you were saying. And the only conclusion I could come up with is that you are a racist. An out of the closet, full blown racist. And quite frankly, it is important that people like you show their true colors so we know exactly where you stand, and what we are up against as a community and a society. We can also make the decision whether we want to read or support YOUR magazine that is so offensive.
The reason why our government needs to get involved is because life is not fair. Not all citizens are created equal. Some (like the people in your society pages) have a lot. They are fortunate and successful and lucky. Yes, LUCKY. Many have worked incredibly hard and now live the "society" life style that your magazine embraces. But that is such a small percentage of our great country. Our society needs "rules" to exist peacefully and help those less fortunate, though education, health care and services.
Referring back to your article, <ahem> we all know that we should wear hand free speaking devices when driving - but did most of use these devices before the law went into effect? No. Did we all wear seat-belts (even though we knew it could save our life) before it was "The Law"? NO! We want to know that when we go food shopping, there are some controls in place so that the food that we bring into our home is safe. And profiling? Do you really want someone being stopped on the street or airport, just because of the color of their skin or the clothes that they are wearing? THAT IS COMPLETELY RACIST! I don't think anyone in the United States WANTS to be dependent on foreign oil. What LAND are YOU living in? We want to see our country on solar, wind and alternative fuel. And yes, i want my gay cousin to marry anyone HE WANTS and have the same protections that my husband and I have been given! I am so proud that in this great state of California, it is possible for everyone to marry, regardless of sexual preference. And finally, haven't we Californians gotten past the English Only Agenda? Ms. Flioriani, it may trouble you to know that Spanish and Chineese Immersion Programs are wildly popular in the area that your magazine is read. There are even wait-lists galore for these programs in Palo Alto!
As a mother and and part of this Silicon Valley community, I am utterly offended that you would spew such nonsense.
No Ms. Floriani, this is not the SAME America you grew up in. This is not the SAME America where black men, women and children have to sit in the back of the bus. This is not the SAME America where women are subservient to a man. This is not the SAME America where women would have to go in the back-alleys for an abortion. This IS an evolved and IMPROVED America, and hopefully a better place for the majority of our citizens, not just the "lucky" few who grace the pages of your magazine. Ms. Fioriani, you are not "stuck in your ways....". You are a bigot and sharing your hateful views for all of us to hear. Clearly you don't want this country to be fair for everyone. It was kind of nice when it was all in YOUR favor, huh? But giving those privileges to everyone else seems like a let down for you and your society pals.
And do you know what really stuns me? That YOUR article was approved by the editorial team of Gentry Magazine. (Didn't anyone at Gentry speak up and guide you with your words? Didn't anyone tell you that this article will offend so many of us who read and support your paper?) Or maybe YOU are the editorial team - but to spew this type of garbage through our community is irresponsible, hateful and hurtful. And I sincerely hope that all the real estate agents, jewelry stores and "high end" boutiques think twice before putting their advertising dollars in such an ugly publication.
Respectfully,
The Co-Founders of Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Jill Asher and Pamela Hornik
PS. Our vision for California and the USA are clearly different than yours. Maybe you should take that trip to Italy afterall.
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