Embrace The Confusion

     

I have often said if I were ever to write an autobiography it would be titled Embrace the Confusion.  In fact, I spend most of my waking hours confused.  If anyone knows me they know that I am not only a fountain of trivial knowledge but, I am also a geyser of questions.  The most commonly asked is why.  

    In fact I drove some high school teachers to distraction with all my questions.  Poor Mr. Dumanski in Grace Nine Science was tortured for an entire term.  This course was an introduction to several topics, including biology, physics and a bit of chemistry.  Mr. Dumanski was patient but apparently I was asking some questions beyond his scope of knowledge.  This didn't in anyway make him a bad teacher.  After all he was teaching the course as a replacement for a teacher on maternity leave.  At some point, I think he became overwhelmed and brought in the head of the science department, Mr. Tucci, to answer some of my questions.  Let's remember, this was science; some times it just is.  I think there is a why to everything, but we just know what it is yet. 

    I asked many questions through out my scholastic career and beyond.  I admit that it has become even more intense in my adulthood.  This is not something of which I am ashamed; in fact, quite the opposite.  I also taught my children to do the same.  Whenever you read, see or hear ANYTHING ask who is saying it; why are they saying it;  and who benefits.  This allows them to make intelligent and some what educated decisions.  The most important skill I had to teach my children was to think.  The world doesn't need blind following drones; it has enough. 

Some of the questions I ask may seem a bit ridiculous, even to me.  Be that as it may, they continue to randomly enter my mind.  Such as:

•    Why does the Pythagorean Theory work? And who truly discovered it?  Pythagora? The Babylonians? The Egyptians?

• What is Goofy? A dog? A cow? Some sort of genetic hybrid?

• What does human history look like to a 200 year old tree?

• Why do moths fly towards the light?  Are they seeking heat or spiritual enlightenment?

    And these are just a few that could pass through my mind in a given day or even an hour.  I guess these would be the more light hearted sort; nonetheless I would like to know the answers.

    

    Not all my questions are so benign.  Human behaviour has always fascinated me and confused me.  For instance:

• Why do people hate? How does it happen? Is it taught? Is it learned? Why can't people see it's destructiveness?

• Why is there war?  Does anything good come from it? If yes, what is it?

• Why does industry seem to think that profits are more important to people?

• What is the benefit of being rich, if the planet is unliveable for the human race?

   My most perplexing questions are of a more personal nature.  It goes way beyond "Why am I here?". I, at least, have a vague idea about that.  But I want to know more. 

• Am I here to learn a lesson or teach a lesson? If yes, what is it? How do I do it?

• Why do my life teachers die before I have learned all I can from them?

• Am I living my life according to God's plan for me? If not, how do I find The Plan?

• Have I have done enough to make the world better? What else can I do? Why does it never feel like I am doing enough?

    I have met many people who move through life with few to no questions about anything.  There is something to be said for the adage that ignorance is bliss.  But I  seem to be anatomically in capable of living that way.  Sometimes, I wish I could.  It seems like it would be a much more peaceful existence.  For me, that is all it would be, existence.  I could not grow.  And this goes against everything I know and feel in my heart and soul.  

    So I had to embrace the confusion.  To accept that I have an instinctual need to know why.  I cannot imagine myself being any other way.  I accept that this is me and regardless of the chaos it may cause, every answer is worth it.  It makes me a better person and affords me the chance to share my knowledge with others. 

That is why I am here.

The Path to Courage.

 The Path to Courage

Courage is ever elusive.

It hides in the light.

A light that is blinding,

Or are we just blind to see it.

It is obscured by circumstances;

Places we have been!

Times we have lived!

Things we have seen!

Making our eyes focus;

Focus on what is, not what could be. 

We do not realize what we can be. 

We stay trapped in what we are.

Imprisoned by false limitations;

Shackled to walls by chains;

The chains of fear and doubt.

Struggling and searching.

Still fearing what we will see.

It is there; it is somewhere; it is everywhere. 

We wander lost in a jungle!

A jungle of of our making!

A jungle we feed everyday!

A jungle ever growing!

We must learn to tame this jungle.

The light we are seeking is within us.

We need only to push fear aside.

The glow is ever present as sure as the Sun.

There to warm us!

There to move us!

There to guide us!

We have only to follow 

Follow as the Star of the Magi.

The fire of hope is bright.

An eternal Flame with in us.

A Flame in our mind!

A Flame in our soul!

A Flame in our spirit!

A Flame burning in our whole self.

We have only to let it consume our disbelief.

Hope cannot live without our attention.

It has a constant need of stoking. 

Hope must be loved!

Hope must be adored!

Hope must be worshipped!

It must be tended with all the passion of our Heart.

Know that Hope will illuminate us.

It can only brighten our World. 

We will see what we are!

We will see what we can be!

We see what we can do!

Hope will always be there if we believe.

Through Hope we discover Faith.

There will be no other choice.

Faith in what we are meant to be!

Faith in what will be our future!

Faith in a future of our creation!

Our Faith must burn bright and strong.

Our Faith will always be under siege;

By our own fear, by our own doubt.

Attacked by the words of others!

Attacked by those who love us!

Attacked by those whom we love!

We must build our Faith and defend it until our last breath.

Our Faith will only lead in one direction;

The direction to all that is good. 

Faith leads to our strength!

Faith leads to our endurance!

Faith leads to our continued resolve!

The road takes us all to Courage.

Courage will only take us to our better self.

We will have no choice.

Courage gives us the desire to change!

Courage gives us the fortitude to change!

Courage gives us the need to change!

With our constant movement forward,

We can only be better.

With every inch, step and leap

We will become our Best.

Hope, Faith and Courage is the only way.

Don't be hindered by fear. 

Break free and make the World a Better place.

(Temporary Backup) Cultural Respect???

I want to preface this entry with the following. I support the idea of inclusiveness. There should be no discrimination based on anything. The judgement of any person should be based on their character. 

I also understand that transgendered persons would like to be seen as the gender with which they identify, not what they may have been assigned at birth. The LGBTQ community should be respected. 

Any culture and faith should be able to practice according to their traditions and within the laws of their country. 

All that being said, I think that some people and organizations may be taking this a bit far. 

The British Museum in London, the National Museum of Scotland and the Great North Museum: Hancock have made a decision regarding the term “Mummy.”  These reputable institutions have assessed that the term is dehumanizing and prefer using “mummified remains.”  I would like to remind everyone that these people are dead. And believe that the dead should be respected, but changing the name is literally the least Egyptologists could do. 

According to some, “Mummy” is too much a reminder of British Imperialism. Well, there are far more poignant reminders of imperialism in the world. I draw your attention to most countries in Africa. After the British, and other European countries determined that occupation of African nations was no longer profitable, they left. The transition of power was tumultuous and brought about violence that is still evident decades after being “granted” independence. 

The use of “Mummy” is deemed dehumanizing. In many parts of the world it is a criminal offence to perform indignities to a body. I really don’t think I am stretching to say that digging up a thousand year old body, is pretty undignified. Should I mention the grave robbing?  There have been countless exhibits of King Tutankhamum’s treasures floating around the world after being “discovered” in 1922. Is this not profiting from the robbery of a grave?  

The final reason for the change in terminology is that the word “Mummy,” because of literature and film, has become synonymous with monsters and evil. We all know that this is pretend, right?  I don’t think there are people that actually believe that when children come to their door on October 31st, the one wrapped in toilet paper is there to fulfill some ancient curse. 

Yes, I do believe that language should change to be respectful, but there are far more significant ways to honour an individual, faith or a culture than changing a word. Isn’t said that actions speak louder than words?  

Sources:

elpalais.com

thetutankhumanexbition.co.uk

responsibletravel.com

egypttoday.com

history.com

Happy New Year!??

Since I have been an adult, I have not been a great fan of the whole New Year Hype. I find it a highly over rated paired with high pressure to have fun. I understand that it is a chance at renewal and letting go of the past, but can’t that be done everyday?

I am very happy to see 2022 end. This was a very tough year. Although it started out fine, in June all Hell broke loose. Our car broke down. We purchased a new car but after only 5 days an accident totalled it. There was the ensuing insurance chaos, including injuries. We both battled Covid. There a significant loss of income. And finally, weather conditions kept us from our original plans for Christmas. I felt like I was being punished for something, even though my brain knew differently. 

I had to start anew everyday. I could not carry the anxiety and anger and frustration of the yesterday into the today. Doing so would overwhelm and make it impossible for me to tackle the tasks to be done. And there were a lot. 

Letting go of yesterday, with all its pain and joy is a must, if I am ever to move on and grow. One day at a time is a good strategy for survival. I have had to realize that the challenges were not punishment, but opportunities to learn. If I dwelled on the lessons of yesterday, I could not take on the new ones of todays. 

Many people only make a concerted effort to do this in a new year.  I do not understand. Everyday is a New Year’s Day. It is a new beginning to learn and grow; a chance to be reborn. If you’re not busy being born, you’re busy dying. 

I am not one to put much credit to New Year’s Resolutions. Why only then. A choice to change can happen every morning, not just on January First. 

I decided a long time ago to let go of the hype of New Year’s Eve. Celebrating a new year is good. I chose to spend the evening with close family and friends. Often, we play various board games and share party snacks and drinks. I do not need champagne, someone to kiss at midnight, although today I do have someone special. 

I chose to start a new year every day. As was told to me during my labour with my son, the last contraction is done. You don’t have to worry about it any more. The same can be said for everyday. Yesterday’s mistakes and successes, pain and joy have come to pass not to stay. Enjoy them in the moment; and await those of today. 

Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?

 With the Day of Truth and Reconciliation just past and Halloween soon upon us, this is a question that has plagued my mind.  I am sure as a young person and a child I have done things that would be considered appropriation.  I will chalk it up to ignorance and the inability to see how it could be interpreted by others.  As an adult and the Mother of mixed race children, I am more than willing to understanding the difference.  

    On the surface, I may be considered part of the cultural majority but I am a little more complicated than that.  My Father was of Irish descent born in Quebec and a proud Canadian.  This can be interpreted as a contradiction in terms right there.  My Mother is a Canadian citizen born and raised in Sweden.  My brothers were born in Jamaica and Florida respectively.  I was born in Canada and have been influenced by all the cultures associated with the countries mentioned above.

    I have also been curious and eager to learn about the cultures of others.  I always want to know the why behind each significant artifact and celebration.  At times, my questions may become annoying but I have never meant to be disrespectful.  In fact, it has been quite the opposite.  The reason for my questions is that I want to learn; I want to correct any misinformation I have; and if possible spread the correct  information to others.

    According to anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor, culture is "the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."  It is not biologically inherited, it is learned and is done when you belong to a particular group.

    I understand that adopting elements from a cultural for personal benefit without acknowledging its source and significance or that promoting a stereotype is harmful.  Stereotypes, in my opinion, are any image or assumption about a person or group that does not accurately portray the reality of the complex characteristics of the individual or group.

    But my confusion lies in the line between appreciation and appropriation.  September 1 was the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. I had the opportunity to be smudged.  I listened carefully to the instructions, said thank you and asked about the materials used in the smudging process.  I learned that different communities use different items.  I found this a great experience  I hope that I properly expressed the honour it was to be included in this significant ceremony.  

    As mentioned above, I consider myself an ethnic mutt, and I am proud of it.  I have had the chance to learn about many traditions. We ate corn beef and cabbage on St Patrick’s Day and have often attended the Parade in Montreal. My cousins have participated in the celebration for many years.  My Dad, being born in Quebec City also practiced many French Canadian traditions.  We always had tourtière after Midnight Mass and I made several attempts at sucre à la crème, I am still trying to master it. My Mother being Swedish, we celebrated Santa Lucia on December 13.  It a day when the eldest daughter wakes the family with coffee and special treats of saffron bread and a uniqued ginger snap.  We also had Swedish Ham with pickled herring on Christmas Eve.  The herring was a taste I never acquired.  After marrying a Jamaica, curry goat was welcomed to the feast.  

    Madonna was accused of appropriation for her song "Vogue" and the ensuing video.  It was based on a dance developed at a Drag Queen Ball.  Although Madonna featured Drag Queens in the video, no credit was given to the roots of the dance and Madonna was the only one who profited financially by the 2X platinum record.

    Cultural appropriation is all over the sports world.  The Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) were formed in 1915. The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper wrote there will be no "real Indians" on the team but the name remembers a fine tradition.  I am really not sure what that means.  How does naming a sports team, in a sport that has no direct connection to Indigenous people, with a poor caricature on its uniform, honours anything.  This was 1915 and cultural sensitivity was unknown and some of the arrogance of colonialism was still running strong.  But thankfully more enlightened heads have popped up.  Some sports teams have changed theirs name and logo when it was understood that these were anything but a show of respect for the Indigenous people that they were suppose represent.  The Washington Redskins are now the Washington Commanders, The Golden State Warriors lost the Native American logo when it moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco.  The list goes on, but it needs to keep going. 

    There are still so many other logos that should change.  I think that The Minnesota Vikings should take a good look.  I have notice the uproar that has been associated with many of the misinterpretation of the Indigenous.  Perhaps Scandinavian Culture does not share the same 600 year old history of persecution and oppression.  It is historically accepted that The Vikings never wore horns on helmets.  Perhaps I am more sensitive to this caricature since I am of Swedish descent; maybe because I do my best to learn history as accurately as possible, but this incorrect image bothers me.  Am I being to sensitive?

    I love foreign foods and have followed up with attempts to replicate the delicious dishes and recipes.  I would never claim them as my own.  I adore Jazz music which is the root of all modern North American music.  I will listen and sing it at any Karaoke bar that will have me.  I am well aware that I am not Ella Fitzgerald and will never be able to give scat any justice.  I love many different kinds of art; Native, Caribbean, African and anything Van Gogh.  With my limited talent I have tried to copy it but I certainly would never paint, or sketch or draw with the intention of making money.  It is for my own enjoyment.  Is any of this appropriation?  Sometimes, I just don't know.  

    I have learnt that some non Black people have chosen to wear dread locks.  I don't know if this is necessarily wrong.  It is wrong however that Black people have been denied jobs, memberships, and the opportunity to walk across the stage at their own graduation because of their hair style.  And worse, that those who are not Black with the same style are not denied these basic rights.  With all do respect, WTF? 

    I hope that none of my hobbies etc. have been appropriations.  I would not want to oversimplify anyone.  We are all complex beings, with varied and blended backgrounds; all of which needs to respected.  In my opinion, the only way to ensure this is to ask questions and listen to the answers with an open mind.  What may seem like no big deal to you may be supremely significant to another.  This is not just culturally but in all matters of humanity.  The more we learn, the more we know; the more we respect, the more we love.  

Sources

www.history.com

www.wrap.com

www.verywellmind.com

www.radioindigenous/cbc/ca/unreserved

www.britannica.com>story

   

Nelson Mandela International Day

     

    You may not be aware, but July 18 was named Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations in 2009.  For those who may not know, the significance of Nelson Mandela is monumental. I will do my best to do the man and his accomplishments justice. 

    Nelson Mandela was named Rolihlahla Mandela at birth on July 18 1918 in Mvezo South Africa.  His name means "puller of branch" or "troublemaker."  He was born to royalty, a human rights activist, prisoner of conscience and the first President of South Africa elected in a free and fully representative election in 1994.   

    Those accomplishments are pretty impressive but they merely scratch the surface.  When my children left for school in the morning, or any occasion, I would tell them "You're the Best. Change the world."  They more than succeeded.  I don't know if Nelson Mandela's parents said anything similar, but there is no denying that he changed everything for an entire country and beyond.

    In 1950s he was elected Youth Leader of the African National Congress (ANC).  This is an organization dedicated the dismantling of Apartheid, meaning "apartness" in Africaans. It was the racist South African political system that oppressed more than 3/4 of the population.

    During this time, he studied law at the University Witwatersrand, afterwards he opened the first Black law firm in Johannesburg.  

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  

       This is not just something Mandela said, he lived it. 

    In 1960, the PAC, a splinter group of the ANC, organized a country wide peaceful protest where Black South Africans were encouraged to surrender their pass books, and invite arrest for doing so.  These pass books limited travel and access to areas of South Africa to Black South Africans.  20 000  gathered in Sharpeville, 50 kilometres outside Johannesburg.  According to police, some demonstrators threw rocks at armoured vehicles.  In response, the police opened fire with machine guns, killing 69 and wounding at least 180, including women and children.

     Because of this violent reaction to a peaceful protest and the South African Government declaring the ANC and PAC illegal, Mandela was moved to more desperate measures.  He organized a secret military movement.  In 1962, he was arrested and imprisoned for treason and conspiracy.  

    He was first imprisoned to Robben Island, 7 miles of the coast of Capetown.  He was transferred to other prisons and spent his final years of imprisonment in Victor Vestor near the city of Pearl.  Mandela was in prison for 27 years, but during that time he was a symbol behind whom the oppressed fighting for human rights rallied.

    On February 11 1990, FW De Klerk, the President of South African, released Nelson Mandela and made ANC no longer illegal. In 1993 Nelson Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize with De Klerk for a (relatively) peaceful transition to democracy.  In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa in the first truly representative election. 

    As President, Mandela became the Father of Modern South Africa by tearing down an oppressive government and laying a foundation for true democracy.  Mandela believed in forgiveness not revenge which tempered anger among Black South Africans. In 1996, Mandela signed a new South African Constitution in Sharpeville as a commemoration to the tragic events of 1960. 

 "Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear.  That is why it is such a powerful weapon."

    In 1999, Nelson Mandela retired as President and created The Nelson Mandela Foundation which worked to improve social conditions in South Africa, including taking action to combat the spread of AIDS.  

    This post has become a bit of a history lesson, but I hope I can make my point clear.  One person can change the world.  We are not meant to be Nelson Mandela; only he was destined to walk his path.  But it does not mean that our path is any less significant.  Changing the world does not require monument worthy actions.  Smiling at people can change a person's day.  Saying please and thank you does not just mean that you know manners, but you are teaching manners to others. Send a note to a friend with whom you have not spoken in a while.  The smallest actions can make the biggest difference to another person and then, pass it on.  

www.apartheidmuseum.org

www.dosomething.org

www.news18.com

www.natgeokids.org

www.britannica.com

www.biography.yourdictionary.com

www.humanrights.ca

Equality for All?

 I am sure that we are all aware of the leaked US Supreme Court draft decision, written by His Honour Alito, that, if past, will over turn Roe v. Wade.  The Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 secured the right of American women to seek an abortion without government interference.  It was my original intention to go into a long rant about how horrible this is for women, in the US, but as I researched, another broader issue came to mind.  Why does it seem that most people in an uproar about this are women.  When any citizen is denied a right or freedom, all citizens suffer.  

There are many studies, by the UN, Australia and many social organization that conclude that when there is complete gender equality, everyone benefits.  Company profits increase, Gross Domestic Product increases, poverty is decreases, violent crime against women and children decreases which frees up more funds to be used in curbing other types of crime.  

So, since this is the case, why are men not as pissed off as women.  I am tired of hearing from men that tell me they are not interested in women's issues, especially health concerns.  Why is it so hard for a man to hear about menstruation, cramps, ovulation, and menopause. Do you have a mother, a sister, a daughter?  If you do and you love them at all, why are you not as concerned as they are?  

Honestly, men need to get over it.  If most women can discuss erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, why are some men so disgusted by "women parts?" Everything that I listed above are natural body functions, not sorcery or a strange mutation.  But for some reason, women are supposed to keep all of it a secret for what; to prevent men from some discomfort?  The point is that none of these should cause discomfort, any more than premature ejaculation should cause discomfort to women.  By the way, I am not uncomfortable with men's reproductive health concerns, nor should any women.

This to me is another indication that women have a long way to go before we can be considered full citizens of the world.  Until we get to the point when there is no such thing as "Women's Health Issues" and just Health Issues, we will always be marginalized.  The fact that a separate government department has to be created to have women issues addressed, is proof positive that governments, which are dominated by men, do not see female citizens as equal.  

Excuse my language, but WTF.  Are governments so short sighted that they don't realize that leaving half of a countries population behind, for the sake of power and control, harms everyone?  Is "sharing the wealth" for the benefit of all so incomprehensible?  If so, why? Egomania, power addiction, a need to compensate for believed deficiencies?  

Again, I say GET OVER IT!  WE ARE ALL SUFFERING.