« Today on the Forum Closing Bell: Wild Quaker Parrot Protection Bill »

December 11, 2008

Quote of the Day

Everyone I know, who has either held on during the bad old days, and is still hanging on, or chose to come back or join our communities since then, is very, very committed to not only keeping what we have now, but improving it. For ourselves and families, not to make it attractive and desireable to others. Because we, as a black community, are certainly not all poor, not criminal, not all unemployed, and not all concerned with impressing other people. We in Crown Heights North, did not work like dogs to get our neighborhood landmarked to impress white people, or make it "good enough" for them to want to move here. We, and by which I mean an organization that was about 95% black at the time, did it for US, because we are proud of our neighborhood, and wanted it protected, for now, and for our future generations, no matter who happens to live there.

— by Montrose Morris in What the Census Says About Us

Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.brownstoner.com/mte/mt-tb.cgi/7579

Comments

Montrose Morris blows another knob..

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 3:37 PM

Thanks Montrose, I always enjoy your thoughtful commentary. It always adds meaningful depth to the discussions.

Posted by: Schultz at December 11, 2008 3:40 PM

What, c'mon, give MM a break with that. Please?

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 11, 2008 3:40 PM

And the What, again, makes an ass of himself.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 11, 2008 3:42 PM

Cool. I couldn't agree more. I would add that everyone and anyone who is positive about living in and improving CH is welcome, regardless of ethnicity (IMHO).

Posted by: East New York at December 11, 2008 3:42 PM

Montrose, always well spoken and on point!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 11, 2008 3:53 PM

The What has a secret crush on MM, but he won't fess up.

Posted by: denton at December 11, 2008 3:54 PM

"What, c'mon, give MM a break with that. Please?"

Nope nope nope. Cobblehiller you have noticed that the tone has turned very negative in the last week so I'm mounting a new offensive! Everyone and I mean everyone is on my "Hit List". I'm not going stand here and let people abuse me! Someday I post my story and WHAM! All of the Asshats jumps out of the woodwork. NO ONE has even bother to look at the data I provide, just knee jerk reactions because they know deep down that the Mutant Asset Bubble is over!!

I going to do what Bush did after 911! Ether you are with us or with them and I don't care where the card fall. You Mofo's better "Man Up"!!!!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end....

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 3:55 PM

Montrose, I had a feeling this would make the QOTD! Wonderful stuff, as always. I'm taking the liberty of posting your entire quote, which was so typically articulate and thoughtful.

""The "nice White People" are going to call U-Hall and pack up and leave! Then our neighborhood will go back to the "Bad old days"! This is my main problem with Gentrification! When things don't "work out" and the Asshats leave everything get worse!!!!!!"

Ok, this one I'm not going to leave alone, or laugh off. What, your self hatred is showing. You spend so much time being a homophobic, misogynist, racist that you've decided that you might as well hate everyone equally. If every non-black person left Crown Heights, Bed Stuy, or any other predominantly black Brooklyn neighborhood tomorrow, they'd do just fine. Are you insinuating that black people are all so irresponsible and helpless that we'd all revert to chaos and anarchy? I don't think so.

I resent the implication that we, as a people, cannot be self sufficient, or self governing, or cannot be trusted with our own communities. I expect that from some of the less enlightened who post here. You demean yourself even further, if that's possible, by doing it yourself.

Montrose Morris, PBA

Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 11, 2008 11:44 AM"

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 11, 2008 3:57 PM

Off meds again. You don't even truly understand half the things you cut and paste. Asshat.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 11, 2008 3:59 PM

Montrose, well said.

What, you are the first comment on this thread. I see nothing in the QOTD that could have possibly offended anyone. So don't go around making gratuitous attacks apropos of nothing like you did at 3:37 and then blame it on others. You were pretty nice to Wasder yesterday about his kid. What happened?

Posted by: slopefarm at December 11, 2008 4:02 PM

slopefarm, What is upset and embarrassed that the quote was a response to his own rants and put him in his place. I re-posted the entire quote from MM, which shows this.

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 11, 2008 4:05 PM

great as ever MM. Now the What is whinging about being abused?! He's upset that everyone is so negative and yet the second the most positive and upbeat person on brownstoner posts, he starts bashing her. but that's par for the course when you would rather be part of the problem than part of the solution. It got him attention before- he's thinks it will work again. I say nay. And Yay! to MM.

Posted by: bxgrl at December 11, 2008 4:07 PM

I wonder whether there has been even 5 minutes of introspection or self-analysis in Mr. T. What's life.

Posted by: dittoburg at December 11, 2008 4:08 PM

Biff Montrose Morris can speak for herself...

Off meds again. You don't even truly understand half the things you cut and paste. Asshat

daveinbedstuy

See I rest my case....

I have to share this story. I was walking down Fulton St and noticed how beautiful my neighborhood is and how fortunate I am to be born and raised here. I understand most of my fight is with people that have no connection to Brooklyn. Cobblehiller can relate to some of the things I rant about and Wasder is a long time Brooklynite that want to raise in the city that he was born in. Wasder you have notice that I don't attack you (that much lol) anymore because I think you are sincere about what you want. I don't think at this time you have a Gentrification agenda but just a neighborhood thing. You could've join the piling on with the Asshats but you try to bring me around and You would make Dr. King proud. As for everyone else you can still suck me off! I hate the rest of you and hope that you are impacted by the collapsing of the Mutant Asset Bubble.

The What

Someday this war is gonna end..

Wasder my statement does not mean we are friends, it just means I understand...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 4:10 PM

From what you say you clearly would have been happier living in a non-immigrant city. Unfortunately for you, 4 out of 10 new yorkers are foreign born, and another 3 out of 10 come from somewhere else in the US. new York is and always has been, a city of newcomers. So tough shit.

Posted by: dittoburg at December 11, 2008 4:13 PM

" You were pretty nice to Wasder yesterday about his kid. What happened?"

You can read! Go back to the posts and get back to me later..

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 4:14 PM

"I going to do what Bush did after 911! Ether you are with us or with them and I don't care where the card fall. You Mofo's better "Man Up"!!!!"

He's raving, but he's funny. Still cracks me up.

Posted by: East New York at December 11, 2008 4:14 PM

Naw East New York I'm HEATED!!!

Watch what happens when the Mutant Asset Bubble blows up. Pay close attention!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 4:18 PM

Things change What. The fact that new people move in and are not just like you in every way, shape and form is tough shit. Grow up and Get a life.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 11, 2008 4:18 PM

What;

You are incoherent (though I have to agree with East NY, your rantings have great entertainment value).

I started the discussion that led to MM's QOTD, by relating the story of my father's friend who fled NY and practically gave away his buildings on 3rd Street. You saw it as an opportunity to show your belief in your moral superiority by paying the "white flight/racism" card.

Now you are telling us above that only natives are true Brooklynites and worthy of your esteem. Tell me how that is different from someone who judges another person by the color of their skin.

Posted by: benson at December 11, 2008 4:26 PM

Well Brownstoner has put the block filter to your boy so later..

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 11, 2008 4:28 PM

"I have to share this story. I was walking down Fulton St and noticed how beautiful my neighborhood is and how fortunate I am to be born and raised here."

Great story. I'm going to try to obtain the film rights...

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 11, 2008 4:29 PM

I think that same thing when I'm in Bed Stuy part of Fulton Street. Nail salons, hair braiding, 99cent stores.

That said, every day, on the way home from work, when I emerge from the subway into Fulton Park and walk up Stuyvesant Ave I do notice how beautiful my neighborhood is and am thankful for the neighbors that keep it that way and to all of them that have welcomed me into the neighborhood. It's been a long time since I've lived somewhere in a city where people say hello to each other when they pass on the street.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 11, 2008 4:34 PM

Oy, stop you guys. What has a very poignant heart felt feeling about his neighborhood, and I for one, really get it.

I hope you aren't blocked What. I'll look for you later.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 11, 2008 4:42 PM

Oh this topic makes my head spin. There are so many different sides to everyone here, so many intricate matrices of issues that intersect and collide, and I appreciate many many people's points of view, What included (because for better or worse What made me question a few things) when he is being more engaging and less insulting. I know that I end up putting myself in some kind of peace keeping role (totally self appointed I am aware, perhaps it annoys the hell out of everyone) because I am proud of this weird little community and want it to be better. But really there are things that we are just not going to agree on sometimes and the question is how are we going to disagree, respectfully or not? Anyway, that is my overly-sincere 2 cents today. Great quote as always MM.

Posted by: wasder at December 11, 2008 5:02 PM

A great thread obliterated by the 'What'
Where's 11217 to call this on out?

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 11, 2008 5:07 PM

"Wasder my statement does not mean we are friends, it just means I understand..."

Haha! Just saw this coda. Don't worry What, I am not looking to sing kumbaya with you, you are safe.

Posted by: wasder at December 11, 2008 5:08 PM

I’m going to bring this around and speak about the quote because it’s an important one.

It speaks volumes about community. Some people move into a neighborhood, for whatever reason, and then shut themselves in, and let the neighborhood happen around them. Whatever area you live in, you should live in the community. Be active, everything happening in the area affects you! Active people in a community is what makes change.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 11, 2008 5:28 PM

And some people who've lived in a neighborhood for a long time aren't very welcoming to new people. You should welcome new people into a community, because embracing the new and different can enhance positive progress, can breathe vitality into the stale and stalled out and can help lead to new and interesting solutions to old, pernicious problems.

Posted by: i disagree at December 11, 2008 6:25 PM

MM, my friend, as usual -- you rock! Thanks so much for your contributions to this forum. They are always welcome.

Posted by: Brooklynista at December 11, 2008 6:41 PM

Bravo Montrosse. Of course we all work to make our communities better for ourselves but many others benefit as well.

Posted by: sam at December 11, 2008 6:44 PM

Bravo Montrosse. Of course we all work to make our communities better for ourselves but many others benefit as well.

Posted by: sam at December 11, 2008 6:44 PM

The What, MM, Dave, Rob, BRG, Cobblehiller, everyone, I love you all.

Posted by: mopar at December 11, 2008 7:24 PM

I can't believe anyone who had read anything MM has written would doubt how passionate and honest she is. MM obviously has lived through some of the bad old days, and persevered. She is investd in her neighborhood and works to help make it better, instead of sitting around doing nothing but complain.

I think the What and MM share a real love of their neighborhood. They are both certainly proud of who they are and where they come from. They both "get it" so I don't understand the enmity on his side.

I love Crown Heights and as a newcomer, relatively, I certainly take no credit helping to make it the wonderful community it is. It was people like those who founded CHNA who should. Gentrification is a 2-edged sword, no doubt. Hopefully we'll figure out how make it a fairer process. somehow social responsibility and simple compassion ought to be part of the free market system. I'm probably opening myself up to a whole lot of ridicule with that one :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at December 11, 2008 8:29 PM

Bxgrl;

I was tempted to respond to your free market comment, but I then relented - I'll give you a one day "welcome back" pass. ;-)

I think you and Wasder are cutting The What too much slack. I don't see how pride in one's neighborhood can cause one to be hateful towards others, as he has been. Whatever.

I do agree with Wasder that we have some weird little community here, in a strange sort of way.

Posted by: benson at December 11, 2008 9:09 PM

It is my deepest fantasy to see The What sucked off while wearing nothing but an Ass Hat.

Remember, folks: "What" rhymes with "Hot"!

Oh yeah, baybay. . .mah ballustrades are a BURNIN'!!!

Posted by: Gallstoner at December 11, 2008 9:11 PM

Except Hannible, not so much.

Posted by: mopar at December 11, 2008 9:22 PM

"I don't see how pride in one's neighborhood can cause one to be hateful towards others"

Completely agree benson. i feel like i am pretty consistent about this and feel like i speak up when What crosses various lines. at the same time, now that i live in What's neighborhood (literally) i have tried to relate a little better and a little less reflexively to him that's all.

Posted by: wasder at December 11, 2008 9:39 PM

Thanks for that benson- I admit to throwing it out there to bait you :-).

I don't mean to cut him slack- I guess I'm just trying to understand what his problem is. But I have no difficulties going after him when he's being an asshat of the highest order.I think he loves the attention and he loves the whole badass act. Half the stuff he says is just to get a rise out of us, I'm sure.

Posted by: bxgrl at December 11, 2008 11:31 PM

Wow, I had no idea I was QOTD. Been busy chasing the elusive dollar for much of today. Boy, am I tired, those dollars are quick. Thanks, all, for the nice words of encouragement.

I think anything pithy has already been said by others, and so I'll leave it at that.

Happy Holidays.

Montrose Morris, PBA

Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 12, 2008 1:51 AM

Montrose, somewhere along the line I missed when and why you added the PBA to your name. What does it stand for? Are you a card carrying member of the Professional Bowlers Association?

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 12, 2008 8:40 AM

I was going to ask Montrose the same thing!!!
PBA = Professinal Blatant Asshat
^^^ joke

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 12, 2008 8:52 AM

Its an Honorary degree awarded by the Chancellor of Anomie from the College of Negativity and Nastiness. If memory serves me right, Mr. T. What declared MM a Pompous Black Asshat.

Posted by: dittoburg at December 12, 2008 8:55 AM

"PBA = Professinal Blatant Asshat"
- Brg

"Pompous Black Asshat"
- The truth

How could I get it wrong?? Of course, it makes sense now.
I got the Asshat part right (see, I know all about you Montrose)

MM - Please post today, we need somthing profound to carry us through the weekend...it's been a long week.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 12, 2008 9:00 AM

Aha, and I believe DIBS signs off sometimes with PWA, the meaning of which is now clear as well (and no, it's not "Prefers Well-Proportioned Asians").

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 12, 2008 9:29 AM

Yep, when the What called me that the other day, I decided to wear it proudly as a badge of honor. If I may quote, "Montrose Morris, you are a pompous black Asshat!" If you can't beat 'em, remind 'em. Contantly.

Montrose Morris, PBA

Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 12, 2008 9:39 AM

That should be "constantly."

Friday, at last!

Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 12, 2008 9:48 AM

"If I may quote, "Montrose Morris, you are a pompous black Asshat!" If you can't beat 'em, remind 'em. Contantly."

or it could be....
If you can't beat 'em, remind 'em. Contently.

(yes, I know contently is not a word, but it would be so appropriate in this case)

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 12, 2008 9:58 AM

"(yes, I know contently is not a word, but it would be so appropriate in this case)"

BRG, even when you're right, you're wrong!!

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Contently

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 12, 2008 10:01 AM

I'm leary of free things...especially with words.

According to Merrum Webster, it's not a word!

http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contently

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 12, 2008 11:14 AM

"Leary"
"Merrum"
Maybe I should look up the spelling of words prior to using them.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 12, 2008 11:28 AM

I think in honor of MM we should all sign ourselves as some sort of pompous asshat. I shall now be PJA. I realize this might conflict with biff- an njb, I think? You could be PWJA, biff.

bxgrl, PJA

Posted by: bxgrl at December 12, 2008 11:42 AM

« Today on the Forum Closing Bell: Wild Quaker Parrot Protection Bill »

December 11, 2008

Quote of the Day

Trackback Pings

Comments

Post a comment

Latest Restaurant Additions