5915: Re: 5902: "Blan" (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Racine125@aol.com

<< This "Blan" had decided, by ignorance or lack of respect, to preside the 
 culminating ceremony of all initiations, the "bule zen".>>

Was this "blan" (you OUGHT to say "person" or "man" or "woman") a Houngan or 
Mambo?  If the PERSON was a Houngan or Mambo, and the PERSON was in their own 
peristyle, they had every right to preside.  If not, then they didn't.  It 
has nothing to do with race, except perhaps to you.  In fact, your usage of 
the term "blan" is a classic example of the dehumanizing, objectifying 
attitude I am talking about.

<<By doing so, this "Blan" was taking the place of the Houngan initiator. The 
hounsis removed that "Blan" chair once, twice, three times.>>

Why did they do that?  Had they lost the power of speech?  Or was the PERSON 
deaf?
 
<<The "Blan" got hysterical, cursed at everybody thereby destroying the whole 
 sacredness of the ceremony. >>

Sounds to me like the PERSON felt they had some right to preside at that 
ceremony, but since I wasn't there I can't say more.

In the Vodou religion, there are three ranks of initiation - hounsi kanzo, 
Houngan or Mambo sur point, and Houngan or Mambo asogwe.  All three ranks are 
open to any PERSON, regardless of race, nationality, or sexual orientation.  
You should know this, Bebe.

Peace and love,

Bon Mambo Racine Sans Bout Sa Te La Daginen

"Se bon ki ra", 
     Good is rare - Haitian Proverb

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