This Is The Face of Genealogy

compiled by Teresa Martin Klaiber

June 2011

An insulting, degrading picture was recently attached to announce an upcoming genealogy event in California by LA Weekly.  All genealogists are asking what was the author thinking?  Can she possibly be such a horrible person? Where were the editors of LA Weekly to allow such a degrading, insulting photograph  to make it into publication?

The paper was obviously swamped with complaints and by 4:00 this afternoon the picture has been removed from the article.  Thank goodness.  But it has still left me seething!

Usually I don't utilize the Eastern Kentucky Genealogy Blog for this sort of thing.  But not only was this hurtful to the California genealogy group sponsoring an educational seminar, and an attack on the science of genealogy, it also offended my beloved Appalachia.  

My only comment is to say to the author and the world that the photograph in my blog represents the true nature of genealogy.

This Is The Face of Genealogy

My beloved grandmother Katherine Marie Halderman Feyler 1892-1980

So I now wonder, in the year 2011 how many people in the world still visualize the pioneers of my beloved area in derogatory terms.  In a climate where we all fight against racism and want equality, what do the jokes of southern and Appalachian culture actually do?  Raised here I have laughed at "red neck" jokes.  Laughed when people ask why my farm is called Deliverance Farm but quickly set them straight! For the record: de.liv.er.ance: the act of delivering ...set free...liberation. Coming back home to Eastern Kentucky was a breath of fresh air. 

Why would anyone think our pioneer ancestors, good or bad were not the foundation on which our own lives are based?  Tonight I think I will bow my head and pray for the person who has created an international genealogical uproar!

My best to the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree June 10-12 2011.