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.

A Long Time Coming.

SOME OF THE INFORMATION SHARED HERE MAY TRIGGER STRONG EMOTIONAL REACTIONS.  IF YOU REQUIRE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, PLEASE CALL 1-866-925-4419

 This week Pope Francis I gave what some called a heart felt apology to the the Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada for the atrocities of the more than 100 years of the residential school systems of Canada. It was long over due.  I am not sure that everyone understands what these children endured in the name of religion and a policy of assimilation. 

Assimilation is, in my opinion, a form of cultural genocide.  How dare anyone of any religion make efforts to  eradicate another's faith, culture and language.  

    "The content of faith cannot be transmitted in a way contrary to the faith itself."

These are the words of Pope Francis I.  It is exactly what the Canadian Government and various religions tried to accomplish.  If the cultures have not been erased, considerable damage was done. 

Residential school operated from 1870's to the 1990's in Canada, except the provinces of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.  The last residential school was closed in 1996, in Saskatchewan. This is only 2 years before my son was born.  I was born in 1970. If I would have been part of an Indigenous community, I probably would have been forced to attend such an institution.  This is a very sobering thought. 

It is estimated that at least 150 000 children were stolen from their homes, families and villages for their own "education and welfare."  This happened after those very same communities were forced off their ancestral lands by the policy of colonization.  It boggles my mind how anyone could honestly think that this would be beneficial to the various peoples indigenous to what is now Canada.

In fact, these communities were considered "a problem."  

    '...if anything is to be done with the Indian, we must catch him young.  The children must be kept constantly within the circle of civilized conditions." Nicholas Flood Davin. Report on Industrial School for Indians and Half Breeds. 1879.

    "I want to get rid of the Indian problem...Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed in the body of politic and there is no Indian question and no Indian Department." Hon. Duncan Campbell. Deputy Minister of Indian Affairs. 1920.

In 1920, it became mandatory for any Indigenous child of the ages of 7 to 16 years old to attend residential schools and in 1933 legal guardianship of these children were assumed by the principals of the school after being forcibly surrendered by their parents.

The religions that operated the residential schools include Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Menonites and others.  The Catholic Church operated 70% of the schools funded by the Canadian Government.  There were also schools operated without this funding.  I was unable to find any records or reports on these schools.  This being said, it would not surprise me if their practices were any different than those with the official approval and financial support of the federal, and provincial governments.

In my research, I could not find any record of a positive experience by any student.  In fact, what I discovered was worse than I could have imagined.  Students were forbidden to speak their language, being allowed to communicate in English or French only.  Punishment for a transgression could include a needle through the tongue.  Among other rules were that students had to convert to whatever religious beliefs of the school and wear "appropriate uniforms."  Children were separated by gender and siblings were separated.  

There was a lack of a nutritional diet and often not enough food or only spoiled food.  If a child became sick as a result, they were made to eat their own vomit. There was widespread physical, emotional and psychological abuse.  This could include beatings, with fists, leather straps or other tools.  Some of these beatings could result in the student falling into unconsciousness. At St. Anne's School in Fort Albany, Ontario there was an electric chair. Sexual abuse was widespread and systematic. If a pregnancy resulted, abortions were performed.  

In 1992 a 7 year investigation into the abuses at St. Anne's by the OPP, headed by Constable Greg Delguidice was done after the survivors approached the authorities.  It consisted of thousands of reported abuses by both religious and lay staff and teachers.  After the 2008 official apology by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Stephen Harper an agreement was made that in exchange for not suing the government, residential school survivors would be "properly compensated" according to a Truth and Reconciliation Agreement. To add insult to injury, many of the claims were denied for lack of a evidence and it was deemed that there was no sexual abuse at all.  The Federal government claimed that they were not in possession of the results of the OPP 1992 Investigation.  A claimed denied by the Constable who conducted the investigation.

I have chosen not to go into to many of the details of the reported abuse as it was graphic and more than upsetting.  They can been found by visiting the websites listed below.  

The next time you hear someone complain about continued payments to the Indigenous peoples of Canada, remind them of these facts.  How many parents would sue their Municipal government if their child broke their arm at a public park and expect compensation.  If this is the case, to what are survivors and families of Residential Schools entitled, after over a 100 years of systematic abuse.  

Sources:

bbc.com

anishinabek.ca

cbc.ca/fifthestate S44 E12

What’s in a Name?

I have recently seen an advertisement on television from Mastercard informing us that they have a new card called True Name. For some of us, this may seem insignificant. All our identification bears our name. What’s the big deal?  For some it is monumental. 

I have to admit that I did not know that having a card in my wallet not bearing my name was even a thing. But I am not part of the LBGTQ+ community. Some times I’m unaware of issues that affect others. I don’t believe that is intentional, as I don’t think it is for most. In fact, I am naïve enough to take for granted that people, companies and government would be timely in adapting to the needs of ALL people. I know. It’s not only naïve but perhaps even delusional. 

The struggles of those who identify as any marginalized group are real, whether I, or anyone, understand them or not. I do my best to understand, empathize and support them in any way I can. But, since I don’t live their life, there will be struggles that I don’t immediately see. This is the case here. 

When a person identifies themselves as a gender other than their physical state at birth, I can only imagine the turmoil in which they live. This is not as simple as getting a new hair cut or colour to match what you feel. Your very physical being does not match who you really are. 

After this, there must be fear; fear of family reaction, fear of school, and fear of how will your friends react. What about transition?

Wouldn’t it be great if they could look forward to love, support and acceptance?  Honestly, I don’t know why this is not the case. I guess it’s my delusions and naivety rearing their beautiful heads again. 

Perhaps it’s fear that causes some people to react the way they do. I’m not a huge Stars Wars fan, but Yoda says some pretty great things. One of which is: “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”  Fear of the unknown is natural. But instead of submitting to that fear, seek knowledge.  It’s not as hard as you may think. There is information all around you, just look or ask. You will be enlightened and perhaps find compassion and understanding. This makes fear and judgement impossible. 

So I come back the the ad by Mastercard. I commend and congratulate them for this step. Acknowledging our differences and acting accordingly is brave in the corporate world. I am sure there will be backlash. And if you listen to the ad, you will learn that the LBGQ+ community want what we all want and need. It is a great spiritual need to be loved and belong. I see no reason why this basic need is not freely given. I hope that this goes beyond ground breaking. I want it to be something that will go without saying. 

Happy St Patrick’s Day.

I was going to write a long history of the man who was St. Patrick, including his lineage and how St. Patrick’s Day became such a big deal for so many people. But I reconsidered and thought only a brief bio was necessary. 

I will say that he was a man who was born in England and  kidnapped to Ireland. After his escape from Irish slavery and return to his family, he returned to Ireland as a missionary. It was reported that he performed miracles, including bring back people from the dead. He was in danger, but continued to preach Christianity to Ireland. 

There have been legends about St. Patrick as well. According to some, he drove all the snakes from Ireland. It is also told that he explained the Holy Trinity to the Irish by using a shamrock; three leaves on one stem and one plant. 

The most important thing I want to say is the following: 

May you always have a coin in your pocket. 

May the wind always be at your back, and

May you be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.