PBS recently republished a column by Rusul Airubail titled 'Why educators still need to talk about 9/11 — and Islamophobia'. I think this applies equally to adults and is actually very closely related to current experiences of racism and violence. It is still critical to provide safe spaces for children and adults to discuss the wave of Islamophobia that swept the US, with … [Read more...] about Connecting the Dots (2)
Community & Culture
Strong communities allow more sustainable practices to empower the people to create a more sustainable society.
Working together on common interests creates opportunities for both personal and community growth, promotes involvement in the arts and local government, and fosters equality.
Sturgis & Coronavirus
In my recent post ['60+ Years of Assault on POC'], I mentioned the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally: The latest iteration of the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, which is in some ways a celebration of white supremacy and (White) individuals’ ability to ignore the law, was tacitly welcomed by the government and businesses of South Dakota." Some of the Lakota nations … [Read more...] about Sturgis & Coronavirus
Bobby (aka RFK)
Bobby Kennedy was killed on June 5 1968, only two months after MLK was murdered in Memphis. To many of those at the time, these two killings were far worse and more personal than the assassination of RFK's older brother. Fast forward to 2020, and many people apparently still believe that Bobby was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, although there is ample evidence to prove this is … [Read more...] about Bobby (aka RFK)
‘Dear White People…’
Former Texas Longhorn and NFL player Emmanuel Acho has a strong message for white people what they can do to help. In what he says is the first video in a series titled, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” the Austin resident addresses many questions he’s been asked by white people. I recommend this as a good thing to show your friends who still don't get … [Read more...] about ‘Dear White People…’
Violence, looting, destruction of property
Today, many newspeople & elected officials are complaining about looting & destruction of property. Why have they been silent about ongoing oppression and racist, structural violence? Did they forget what we learned as children: that one of the foundational acts of this country was the ‘Boston Tea Party’, an often-glorified case of property destruction used to … [Read more...] about Violence, looting, destruction of property
A few good reads for the week
Here are several articles that look at food, the pandemic, and other topics from a more holistic point of view than we usually see, showing the need for re-thinking in these areas. From the current issue of Yes! Magazine — the 'Community Power issue'. What’s in a Social Justice Diet?The Light at the EndWhat Indian Country Remembers About SurvivalWe Had … [Read more...] about A few good reads for the week
What did you do when you knew?
it's 3:23 in the morningand I'm awakebecause my great great grandchildrenwon't let me sleepmy great great grandchildrenask me in dreamswhat did you do while the Planet was plundered?what did you do when the Earth was unravelling? surely you did somethingwhen the seasons started failing? as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?…. did you fill the streets with … [Read more...] about What did you do when you knew?
Zoom fatigue?
The following article from National Geographic covers some side effects of the exponential growth of video conferencing platforms such as GoToMeeting & Zoom, as well as video calling with FaceTime or Skype. This may be one of the largely-unarticulated reasons why so many students are very unhappy with their college and school classes being held online instead of in … [Read more...] about Zoom fatigue?
‘Garden’, by Matt Bednarsky
This is a reminder that the arts are powerful ways to communicate, to raise awareness of contemporary issues. Local singer-songwriter Matt Bednarsky recently wrote a song titled "Garden", about losing touch with our roots and surroundings. "Where I’m currently living, there’s a factory that’s nearly always working away. Constantly and consistently humming, clanking, and … [Read more...] about ‘Garden’, by Matt Bednarsky
If It’s Not Fair Trade, It’s Not Fair to Small Producers
Fair Trade America interviewed key people at three companies that have committed to Fair Trade. Their responses should be enough to convince you how important it is to buy / coffee, chocolate, & tea that has the FairTrade seal (and the Organic seal, of course). Vague terms such as ‘fairly traded’ or ’sustainably grown’ are often used to cover up products that aren’t … [Read more...] about If It’s Not Fair Trade, It’s Not Fair to Small Producers