11 - Resistance in Context

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Mark of Success

Attitude is latitude.

The loser says, “Why?”

The winner says, “Why not?”

The loser says, “I don't know.”

The winner says, “I'll find out.”

The loser says, “It's too difficult.”

The winner says, “I'll give it my best.”

The loser says, “That will never work.”

The winner says, “Let's give it a try.”

The loser says, “It's too risky.”

The winner says, “Let's take a chance.”

The loser says, “This will have to do.”

The winner says, “Let's make it better.”

The loser says, “We hadn't planned for that.”

The winner says, “Flexibility is our strong point.”

The loser says, “It's not my job.”

The winner says, “How can I help?”

The loser says, “Is it time to go yet?”

The winner says, “Time flies so quickly here.”

The loser says, “We've never done it that way.”

The winner says, “We are not bound by our past.”

The loser says, “You don't understand.”

The winner says, “Let me explain it this way.”

The loser says, “I'm not cut out for this.”

The winner says, “Now I can learn something new.”

(Excerpt of poem by Maggie Mahone, Wentworth Gardens activist)

This excerpt from Maggie Mahone's poem, composed for Wentworth Gardens' 50th anniversary celebration, June 28, 1997, speaks to the courage, resilience, and persistence that have sustained Wentworth women residents' activism for more than 40 years. Wentworth activists are extraordinary women who have struggled for the viability of their housing against seemingly insurmountable odds.