The True Spirit Of Mardi Gras

[chilligarlic]

I have trouble viewing this as a balanced article. the journalist provides an abundance of personal opinion without any factual back-up. The facts that are presented seem to represent a view opposite to that of the journalist.

[Asherbella]

The true spirit of Mardi Gras resides in the hearts of '78ers.
To suggest anything else would be pure arrogance.
We are merely custodians of the spirit; nothing more.

[chilligarlic]

Ever heard of evolution?

[ashtroboy]

If 50% from BGF goes to Mardi Gras, does any MG money go back to BGF?
I'm sure they donate.

Just a thought.. in the past I've seen floats like IKEA etc,
does any of the MG application fee from these companies go to BGF?
I'm sure they donate in some form.

But to encourage them, what about an optional tickbox on the application form for floats, to make a company more inclinded to make a donation?

The result of donating, would be a thankyou pack, which includes safe sex information, and perhaps stickers/ribbons or wristbands or something to be warn in the parade, to show their float donated and cares.

Or ever, different colour ribbons or bands that represent how much each place donated.. so the big givers can show with pride they donated hundreds, or thousands. And everyone watching can see they're supported?

Maybe a bit commercial.. but just a thought?

[Asherbella]

Ever heard of evolution?

Could you please elaborate? I can't respond to your evolution remark until you do...:)

[Marcus Bourget]

To suggest anything else would be pure arrogancee.

right back at ya.

[Asherbella]

right back at ya.

You haven't told me anything of substance with this little quip.
Would you care to tell me exactly WHERE the true spirit of Mardi Gras lies?

[Marcus Bourget]

The true spirit of Mardi Gras resides in the hearts of '78ers.
To suggest anything else would be pure arrogance.
We are merely custodians of the spirit; nothing more.

well fairs fair, Asherbella, there isn't any substance to your statement.

so how about you go first and try and present a reasoned argument - rather than a bland statement which makes you appear arrogant with a 'i know more than you mentality' and we can take it from there.

[Asherbella]

well fairs fair, Asherbella, there isn't any substance to your statement.

so how about you go first and try and present a reasoned argument - rather than a bland statement which makes you appear arrogant with a 'i know more than you mentality' and we can take it from there.

I believe that the true spirit of Mardi Gras lies in the hearts of the '78ers. Where else would it be? Why is that such a controversial thing to say? How does that make me 'know it all'?

[Asherbella]

well fairs fair, Asherbella, there isn't any substance to your statement.

so how about you go first and try and present a reasoned argument - rather than a bland statement which makes you appear arrogant with a 'i know more than you mentality' and we can take it from there.

So you think the spirit of '78 is *bland* do you?

[Marcus Bourget]

The true spirit of Mardi Gras resides in the hearts of '78ers.
To suggest anything else would be pure arrogance.
We are merely custodians of the spirit; nothing more.

I think you need to re-read your original statement and have another read of my posts.

Your first two sentences above brook no argument. In other words, what you appear to be saying is that 'if you don't agree with what I say you're being arrogant'.

that's arrogant.

it doesn't give us any clue as to why you think what you think, nor does it give anyone any scope to have an argument with you without falling under your label of arrogance.

you present your opinion as fact. there is a big difference.

So. back to square one. why do you think the spirit of mardi gras can only reside in the hearts of the 78'ers. And why is anyone who thinks differently, arrogant?

[Marcus Bourget]

So you think the spirit of '78 is *bland* do you?

pfft. if you're going to be deliberately stupid this conversation isn't going to go any where very quickly.

The fact of your statement is bland / trite whatever you will. that's got nothing to do with the content.

So, back to square one - see earlier post.

[chilligarlic]

Could you please elaborate? I can't respond to your evolution remark until you do...:)

I mean that you presume to claim you know what you say as fact. The '78ers began Mardi Gras, but there have been countless thousands along the way who have added their part - those who have dedicated huge swathes of their lives to those who turn up and cheer.

From the first night 31 years ago to the celebration we shared last night, enormous changes, evolution, have taken place.

The spirit grows, the achievements mount, diversity blossoms.

I doubt the '78ers could ever have envisaged what MG has evolved into - so much more than their courageous and spontaneous reaction 3 decades ago.

You may have noticed that MG has become more of a celebration than a reaction. A guiding force rather than a defensive and desperate measure.

Evolution.

[Asherbella]

I think you need to re-read your original statement and have another read of my posts.

Your first two sentences above brook no argument. In other words, what you appear to be saying is that 'if you don't agree with what I say you're being arrogant'.

that's arrogant.

it doesn't give us any clue as to why you think what you think, nor does it give anyone any scope to have an argument with you without falling under your label of arrogance.

you present your opinion as fact. there is a big difference.

So. back to square one. why do you think the spirit of mardi gras can only reside in the hearts of the 78'ers. And why is anyone who thinks differently, arrogant?


No. I didn't say the spirit of Mardi Gras can only reside in the hearts of '78ers.
I said 'the TRUE spirit of Mardi Gras resides in the hearts of '78ers'. The title of this thread is 'The TRUE spirit of Mardi Gras'. I said that we are only the CUSTODIANS of the TRUE spirit of Mardi Gras. Anyone can have spirit for Mardi Gras, but *we* (non 78ers) could never be the SOURCE of the TRUE spirit of Mardi Gras. Am I making sense?
Let me give you an analogy so you can understand.
The SPIRIT of Mardi Gras is a candle flame.
The '78ers ignited that flame.
Every gay and lesbian that has since contributed to each successive Mardi Gras is the CANDLE WICK that keeps the flame alive. We could never be the flame (ie the *true spirit* of Mardi Gras). The efforts of ALL gays and lesbians is the candle wax & the oxygen that fuels the flame - but the TRUE and ORIGINAL flame was lit by 78ers. Get me?

[Asherbella]

To make myself perfectly clear: I believe that any gay or lesbian not present in '78who thinks they embody the TRUE spirit of Mardi Gras is arrogant (emphasis being on the word true). If you want to call me arrogant for having said that, then shoot me.

[chilligarlic]

I think you're using a definition of "true" as "original". Is this the case?

It can also, and more generally in contemporary conversational situations, mean "real."

Re-read the thread with the two meanings in mind...

[Asherbella]

I think you're using a definition of "true" as "original". Is this the case?

It can also, and more generally in contemporary conversational situations, mean "real."

Re-read the thread with the two meanings in mind...

I've used the word true to mean 'authentic' - 'original' as a secondary definition.

The AUTHENTIC spirit of Mardi Gras can only dwell in the hearts of '78ers.
A 19 year-old twink who marched last night down Oxford Street is the CUSTODIAN of that authentic, original spirit. For having said that, Marcus Bourget called me 'arrogant'.

[weathervain]

I learned about the true spirit of Mardi Gras this year, from all my amazing friends, and one truly amazing boy.

It's community, it may not be always visible and prominent but it is there when you need it.

Hope everyone enjoyed.

Love and light

xoxox
K

[ashtroboy]

Go see MILK.
Great film with a real message, that captures and illustrates the "flame" being lit elsewhere.

It would be great to see a spin off occour based on the Sydney Mardi Gras story.

[mikeb]

Hey Asherbella & MR Marcus

GET A ROOM GUYS ....NOW I'D SAY "THAT' IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF MARDI GRAS !!:p

[Marcus Bourget]

Hey Asherbella & MR Marcus

GET A ROOM GUYS ....NOW I'D SAY "THAT' IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF MARDI GRAS !!:p

Why, want a threesome?

[Asherbella]

Why, want a threesome?

For sure! What's ya number?:p

[girlsOngirls]

Oh god.

I am so not into the whole "lets hook up @ MG and never see each other again" blah blah blah, MG to me is a celebration and a way that we can spread the word about pressing glbti issues - not just a meat market... there are clubs and beats for that.

But, thats only the way i see it - i get it if your opinion is different.... Meh.

[silverkid]

This might explain why the BGF glamstand Glamour Bar, which I paid nearly $200 to gain entrance to, seemed to have sold far more tickets to patrons than they could provide food and beverages for this year. The bar had run out of beer by the time I arrived at 7.30 pm, and all alcohol was gone by about 8pm. There seemed to be far less food too. So I wonder now, why I didn't just line up on the street with my own picnic like everyone else? Yes the money does go to a good cause (well now I understand HALF the money does), but the money went to a good cause last year when they had enough food and drink for everyone who paid for the privilege to get in. I was bitterly disappointed with it this year. My friends and I certainly wont be doing it again if that's they way they intend to run it from now on.

[weathervain]

Everthing worth saying can be said with showtunes :-P
nah evidently anything worth saying can be said with a Bangles tune
.
The SPIRIT of Mardi Gras is a candle flame.
The '78ers ignited that flame.
Every gay and lesbian that has since contributed to each successive Mardi Gras is the CANDLE WICK that keeps the flame alive. We could never be the flame (ie the *true spirit* of Mardi Gras). The efforts of ALL gays and lesbians is the candle wax & the oxygen that fuels the flame - but the TRUE and ORIGINAL flame was lit by 78ers. Get me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxf6Xd75yUo


GET A ROOM GUYS ....NOW I'D SAY "THAT' IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF MARDI GRAS !!:p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLzrRAs8fdc

[Marcus Bourget]

Oh god.

I am so not into the whole "lets hook up @ MG and never see each other again" blah blah blah, MG to me is a celebration and a way that we can spread the word about pressing glbti issues - not just a meat market... there are clubs and beats for that.

But, thats only the way i see it - i get it if your opinion is different.... Meh.

jeez. this comment kind of landed from outer space...

[Sonsie]

The true spirit of Mardi Gras resides in the hearts of '78ers.
To suggest anything else would be pure arrogance.
We are merely custodians of the spirit; nothing more.
Asherbella...........I see where you are coming from.
Sometimes the wind in the trees and brush looses momentum and direction.

I believe we all embrace the past .......and present..........for without which we do not have a future............

To the 78ers that lit the flame and to many that continue to kindle ......for without each, Mardi Gras would not be.....

Cheers

[DeepBlueDreamer]

Anyhow...I for one had an awesome time.

As usually hours before the parade was hell...so many things were on the verge of falling to pieces, I was in near tears! But everything went well...everyone had a great time, and I was fortunate enough to run in to (almost) everyone I know at the party. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

As one of my friends said, it was our Christmas and New Year. We wish each other Happy Mardi Gras, and we get to see all our friends in one place.

Well done everyone!!!