show those natives how to BLOG! (though i do think there are already a few bloggers in TZ. this link may be good local contact http://www.tanzaniagateway.org/civilsociety/

It took more than eight hours all up, so I’m going to take a bit of a break for now. I’ll be moderating comments, but won’t make any detailed responses until later today.

We are in a position of influence, we need to use that influence carefully and I haven’t, and don’t, threaten anyone. I have been expressing an opinion on this misplaced gnome as our agreement with Stil is that he has freedom to move. This is why we took this project on in the first place rather than using a more traditional approach for the launch of ActionAid Australia.

We are very much looking forward to Stil getting on the ground in Tanzania, there will be some incredible stories coming.

When you say ‘You need to get rid of the gnome because RAPE RAPE RAPE DOG BREASTFEEDING!’ (ew), you are using the very serious and terrible issue of rape to lend credibility (moral authority, if you like) to your opinion that a garden gnome might be offensive to some women. Even though, by your own admission, there’s no connection. Because it’s easier, and for some people more persuasive, than arguing for removing the gnome based on your opinion alone.

And given you’re paying for Stilgherrian’s ticket etc, aren’t you in a position of considerable power, or at least influence? So when you say things like “Bad news Stil the gnome has to go” and “you need to remove the gnome!”, is this merely expressing an opinion, or being a bully and trying to censor? There is an implied threat, no?

There’s a difference between expressing your opinion and using propaganda and power to get your way. As head of an organisation that works to help the poor and powerless, you should be very careful about crossing that line.

I can probably do without the accusations but its a free space and you’re free to accuse anyone of being anything. Enjoy!

I’m not actually in this to build any image. I am who I am, I believe in what I believe in based on my experiences working with people who are poor on four continents over the last 15 years and that’s that.

“why not get the damm thing off Stil’s desk?” Because it’s Stil’s desk, not yours.

It’s not that I’m in favour of disrespect for women, as you imply, it’s just that there’s no connection with poor old Gnaomi.

I don’t know if you’ve looked at many garden gnomes, but the point of them is that they’re grotesque parodies of PEOPLE. They’re supposed to be ugly and undignified. But nobody looks at a male garden gnome and says, ‘Harumph! This is offensive to more than 20% of men in US prisons who are victims of rape or forced sexual contact.’

(See, I can link to unpleasant things as well, but it doesn’t prove or disprove my argument.)

I have a lot of respect for ActionAid’s work, but you’re not doing your image any favours with all this bluster and bullying over something so completely inconsequential.