Having the freedom to express my thoughts on many issues and never have to be concerned that I will be denied the right to do so within my borders. However, outside of the Canada, and in conjunction with any other nationality, I step more considerately. I've a varied and international view of things by fact of environment and influence of same, and it's difficult to think in any other manner, as it would be for someone from another cultural background. Meaning we all have our own cultural diversity. And in trying to gain more understanding with others I try to find out more about them in an effort to understand what makes them think the way they do; what has shaped their thoughts and opinions. One from one country may think a certain way, whereas another may have a understanding and higher regard for thinking on a global level. However, I do believe that we, outside of genetics, are products of our environment and what we're exposed to. I also believe that most people fear what they don't understand and the only way to change that is to educate themselves and expand their environment.
There are so many important matters going on elsewhere in the world which have no connection to the current conflicts that are ongoing, As many times I do wish to write on some discreet politics on an international level but it’s always with regards to involve the issue of terrorism. However when we look within our own countries what do we see? Don’t we all have situations within our own lands that involve people being terrorized in many communities; atrocities being committed; diseases being left to increase; children starving to death; women and children being sold into slavery or the sex trade, our environment being destroyed at a faster rate than it can heal...the list goes on…
These silent “warriors” come together despite borders and change the regard and views of society and humanity and though their names are seldom known or their chosen paths remembered, their efforts are never in vain. Never…they have chosen their battles, which are for the betterment of humanity on however grand a scale and they are never unworthy causes. I find that some regardless will give that percentile of an open door to other cultures to understand them and without being scared of the loss of thier own ideals.
Do I find that time to write and bring about some thoughts yes, and yes these are my writings, but I am not a writer.
I write on a blog - just like You.
Nice picture Jack. To get back to your subject, I notice you have no comments, which is very unusual. Would that be that it is a sensitive subject that you have approached here... that might be. I am personally not comfortable talking about politics or religion, two subjects I must admit I usually avoid for politics for one, is a subject I am absolutely no expert about, and as for religion, it is too much of a personal choice for me to discuss it, besides saying that to me, the only thing that matters is that a person feels good about and because of their beliefs. I think what makes me uncomfortable when it comes to politics or when we mention the word terrorism or war is that it is known that entire communities have been identified wrongly to terrorism when we very well know that it is only a bunch of people that we call extremists that cause all of this terror and non-senses that we are witnessing. There is lots of truth in when you write that people are probably afraid of the unknown. We would certainly benefit from a better understanding of each other, if only we could tame this unknown and realize that above all, we are all humans with the same basic needs and many common values. As you write, working on showing the positive aspects of each culture and being open to learning more about them would cost nothing and many would realize that co-existing is possible and even beneficial to a society.
ReplyDeleteG’day Jack
ReplyDeleteI think it is not so much the fear of the unknown in some cultures that effect the majority, but more it is seeing the devastation of these beliefs that strike fear into heart of most peace loving people, be it politics or religion, both are usuful tools if used correctly, but add greed & power to the recipe, and you have the world situation as we know it. Even if all were to learn what makes others think and believe the way they do while respecting their personal rights to freedom of choice, nothing will change, it all comes back to “one’s right is another’s wrong” & visa versa. Understanding doesn’t automatically result in unity
this is so sweet, it actually brought tears to my eyes...
ReplyDeleteyesterday, i went to visit a very good leader that i haven't visited for a long time... as i approach he community, i saw a familiar car, a parish car...
two years ago today, I introduced Fr J (catholic parish priest) and Imam Zul (muslim priest of an urban poor community)... since they both agreed to the idea, i had a positive feeling about their meeting each other... i never thought they would actually be very very good friends... as i was heading to Imam's stilted-shoreline-house, I saw both him and Fr J in the sea, the Imam on the small wooden row boat attending to the seaweed farm and Fr J having a swim around it and helping out by taking out some drifts that was caught in between seaweed rafts, they were at it intently, peacefully and silently... so much like a very solemn prayer, both of them together.... they finally saw me on the shore after around half an hour and asked me to hop on the boat, and all three of us went to the flatform dryer and ate some fresh seaweeds dipped in vinegar,,,, talking about petty things and laughing at some.... then we went to shore and we all went to each of our home.... spirits lifted... !
last night the things in the news are muslim hostilities in our islands in the south; Government Peace Talks or All-Out-War debates; and the Catholic Bishop lead Inter-religious dialogues where they can't even agree on what exact definition of the word "dialogue" they would carry that everyone agreed on, and they have argued over this a million times for the past 5 years.... aaah well, life is indeed strange and ironic...
but still, the little things..., the silent little break throughs, a single prayer being shared by "priests" of different faiths sans the media hype and news cameras... they're the little silent things that count.... they're what lift the spirit !
( from an annoymous write that sent me an email )
ReplyDeleteI am personally not comfortable talking about politics or religion, two subjects I must admit I usually avoid for politics for one, is a subject I am absolutely no expert about, and as for religion, it is too much of a personal choice for me to discuss it, besides saying that to me, the only thing that matters is that a person feels good about and because of their beliefs. I think what makes me uncomfortable when it comes to politics or when we mention the word terrorism or war is that it is known that entire communities have been identified wrongly to terrorism when we very well know that it is only a bunch of people that we call extremists that cause all of this terror and non-senses that we are witnessing. There is lots of truth in when you write that people are probably afraid of the unknown. We would certainly benefit from a better understanding of each other, if only we could tame this unknown and realize that above all, we are all humans with the same basic needs and many common values. As you write, working on showing the positive aspects of each culture and being open to learning more about them would cost nothing and many would realize that co-existing is possible and even beneficial to a society.
Haha, I grew up hearing there were two topics that were best never discussed..politics and religion. As you know, politics is one of my favorite topics of discussion, though it can sometimes be difficult to find others willing to talk politics.
ReplyDeleteReligion is another matter entirely. In part, I do see this as a very personal topic. While I respect all manner of religious beliefs, I am never very comfortable with this as a topic.
As far as the part of your write concerning how people come to think and believe the way they do....I think a mixture of many things the go into the shaping and forming of individuals. I think definately genetics and early socialization (most often coming from parents) play a part. I think exposure to teachers, friends, a large variety of books, media also play a part as well.
Since I am babysitting my grandson quite a bit these days, I am again being reminded at what an early age children begin to display their own personalities and to express likes and dislikes. It makes me wonder if maybe one huge part of who we all eventually become is more of our own individual making than anything else. My young grandson will often imitate much of what he sees one adult do and imitate nothing of what he sees other adults do. To me, this indicates he is already picking and choosing which adults have more influence than others using some guidelines known only to himself.
This leads me to speculate that maybe we all did this from a young age....filtered through all the information, attitudes of those we were exposed to, etc. and chose which we paid more attention to and which we did not. Makes for some interesting musings.
this is very interesting indeed!!! very very good observation too... you make me wonder... thank you...
ReplyDelete