I like the way you see the world too. I live in Australia and I see a lot of similar issues here amongst our Indigenous people. Some of these issues I became aware of as a school girl, of course through our media, and other things didn't become clear to me until I began to study Indigenous Australian issues at university. It appears to me that many of our Aboriginal people aren't as successful as they could, or should be, because they (in my opinion) often serve to hold each other back with small world thinking (and I think this is what you're describing in these people you were speaking with). It is part of traditional Aboriginal culture to support each other and live in a collectivist way, much like how I perceive African Americans once were. Those that survived the colonial slaughter of our settlement must have had to work hard together, much like your ancestors and it's incredibly sad that these once strong, proud groups appear to have in some ways lost their direction and seem to tear each other down more often then they appear to build each other up.
It is a shame that our modern societies have changed these once beautiful practices of taking care of each other and warped them into wanting to keep each other on an even keel at the exclusion of other groups. I see this as a failure in our societies, something precious that we've lost as we've gained a global society.
I think you have a much greater chance of success with the way you view the world than do those who see the world as purely black & white.
This is such an incredible post. I love the idea that it is through the choices we make in how we act and react that shapes our reality. It really resonates with me.
It sounds like you also probably had a huge impact on others through the Mindful Living group. Do you still run a group like that?
I've shared some of your posts with others - they're incredible. What else can I do to help enact prison reform? Do you have access to see what bills are in the legislature? Is there one I should support?
I finished the transcription for your post "Perception". You raise some very heartfelt points about race & perceptions of society. I think there's a fine balance between sticking to our roots and standing up for our (perceived) race and knocking down barriers to make room for the greater "modern" community, where global travel means that we meet so many new and particularly different people. Not one or the other is right or wrong, and as you so rightly say at the beginning of your post, no one (or thing) is perfect. People change. Society changes. Ideas change. Even the "truth" changes. Not everything changes for the better, but everything does change is some way, all the time. I personally think that the main problem with the division of communities within a larger society (or country, perhaps) is that we all assume that whatever box we chose, and whatever category we see ourselves in at one time CAN change. We aren't static beings! We move, and change, and breathe all in one connected world. But ticking a certain box on a survey and identifying with a certain race sometimes doesn't just cut it... I think we are all global citizens --- and to some extent, that's what we should see ourselves as. I think it's a compromise where everyone can keep their own cultures, but we con expand as one. As with anything, this idea isn't perfect. I just think (like yourself, if I read your post in the right light) that we shouldn't be confined to one thing or another, and this is just how I see things. Keep writing!
Hello Roland , I would love to hear more of what you have to say. Beautiful picture of your family that is your wife and kids right?? Hope she knows you put the photo up :-)
Tyrone, I enjoyed reading your blog it was deep. I felt the pain from your words. It's different that's why I enjoyed it so much. You gave it your all and it shows.
As a fellow diabetic I hope that you do get the medical attention for your eyesight that you require. Facing blindness is a very scary fate. Keep records of all your requests for treatment and their denials and then should you deteriorate you will have proof for a case against these people.
Really enjoyed this post. It sometimes seem so much easier to lose hope and give up. I have been going through some difficult times and I can relate to you in the sense of not giving up hope, just HOPING better things are in my future and HOPING things work themselves out. I was feeling pretty down today, and your post has lifted my spirits a little, and for that, I thank you! Looking forward to more of your posts. Alexandria
RSS
I have typed a few of your letters now and wow I can you have a far out sense of humour. It will help you in life to get through the hard times.
Keep writing!
Toni from England
I like the way you see the world too. I live in Australia and I see a lot of similar issues here amongst our Indigenous people. Some of these issues I became aware of as a school girl, of course through our media, and other things didn't become clear to me until I began to study Indigenous Australian issues at university. It appears to me that many of our Aboriginal people aren't as successful as they could, or should be, because they (in my opinion) often serve to hold each other back with small world thinking (and I think this is what you're describing in these people you were speaking with). It is part of traditional Aboriginal culture to support each other and live in a collectivist way, much like how I perceive African Americans once were. Those that survived the colonial slaughter of our settlement must have had to work hard together, much like your ancestors and it's incredibly sad that these once strong, proud groups appear to have in some ways lost their direction and seem to tear each other down more often then they appear to build each other up.
It is a shame that our modern societies have changed these once beautiful practices of taking care of each other and warped them into wanting to keep each other on an even keel at the exclusion of other groups. I see this as a failure in our societies, something precious that we've lost as we've gained a global society.
I think you have a much greater chance of success with the way you view the world than do those who see the world as purely black & white.
Thank you for sharing.
Take Care. Nicki
This is such an incredible post. I love the idea that it is through the choices we make in how we act and react that shapes our reality. It really resonates with me.
It sounds like you also probably had a huge impact on others through the Mindful Living group. Do you still run a group like that?
I've shared some of your posts with others - they're incredible. What else can I do to help enact prison reform? Do you have access to see what bills are in the legislature? Is there one I should support?
Susan
Keep writing!
--C.B.B. (candleships)
I would love to hear more of what you have to say. Beautiful picture of your family that is your wife and kids right?? Hope she knows you put the photo up :-)
I enjoyed reading your blog it was deep. I felt the pain from your words. It's different that's why I enjoyed it so much. You gave it your all and it shows.
Thanks,
Nicki
Toni
from England
Toni
from England
Alexandria