| | LS: "A fellow alumna kindly informed me in a private message that my use of that term in an online discussion forum about our high school's "community service" requirement was "inflammatory" and suggested I "tone it down" so she might participate."
Well, there is a difference between a tea room and a tap room, and when you use clever barbs, it understandably makes people stand clear of the slings and arrows. So, there is that.
I also understand the whiny spineless creature-like things that refuse to stand into the wind and grapple with a tough idea. That's their problem to deal with. No need to apologize or back down.
And yet, asking what the actual value in community service is - and staying on-subject to keep your argument focused - is valid. But the name-calling ("communi(s)ty service") announces everything you intend.. and perhaps everything you intend to avoid. Do you object to helping drug addicts, as opposed to transgendered homeless or versus the local fire department? How would you feel about painting a police kiosk?
I mean that I know how you would feel because we share a lot of background on that. Other people are clueless.
It is important to identify your objection to the morality of altruism as something more than an opposition to Marxism, which might be shared by a Christian.
This is the standard "Community Service" section of my resume (regardless of job title and other details):
Community Service
• University of Michigan (Flint), May 6, 2011, “Super Science Friday” presentation “CSI: Flint – Who Guards the Guardians” for area middle school science students on misconduct and fraud in scientific research including junk science in the courtroom.
• Washtenaw County Citizens Cyber Coalition, (January 2011-Present.) Working with Law Enforcement advisory group to bring awareness of computer security issues to the general business community of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and other communities.
• University of Michigan (Flint), May 14, 2009, “Super Science Friday” presentation “CSI: Flint” for area middle school science students introducing blood grouping and fingerprinting.
• Traverse City “Bay Bucks” Committee (April 2002 to December 2003). Managed subcommittee of artists and designers for the creation of a local currency serving businesses, entrepreneurs and skilled crafts providers.
• American Numismatic Association (January 2000 to December 2004). Chosen by successive presidents to serve on “Future of the Hobby” committees. ANA was founded in 1891 and chartered by Congress in 1912.
See, when I apply for a job, even if there is a lone Objectivist out there in management land, she is not going to say, "Oh, no! Not another Toohey!!" And everyone else will think that it is nice that I give back to the community. Believe me, I only participate in things that serve my interests, even if they secondarily serve the community.
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