This message is for everyone; the religious faithful, the political activist, the atheist and anyone else who considers themselves an American. Lately, I have come to the assumption that tolerance amongst people goes only as far as an individuals personal interest or belief. Sure, some will allow themselves to go to the point of civil discourse, yet for the majority, tolerance stops at their viewpoint. The advantage of living in this country is the freedom of self expression and speech as well as to exercise said expressions. What we as a country have to realize is that because of this freedom, demonstrated in the first amendment of our Constitution, there are going to be viewpoints you are going to disagree with. Some are bigoted, racist, sexist, anti-God, anti-religion, and the list goes on- the point is each individual has the right to express themselves in a peaceful manner. This does not indicate that you have to agree or even perhaps argue their viewpoint but you can not argue their right to say it; understand the distinction?
The danger behind stifling an individuals right to exemplify their faith or opinion is in essence a battle against your very own right to express your set of opinions. Thus, if the time were to arise for you to denote your individual set of beliefs and all you have done is rally to have other individuals rights taken away, yours will be taken too. As my mother use to say, "you can't have your cake and eat it too". Instead, know what it is that you believe so you can distinguish truth from fallacy. Learn how to reform an ignorant, bigoted ideology instead of taking away their right to say it. One more thing, just because someone share's their faith or beliefs does not mean they are forcing/shoving/indoctrinating you, unless of course it involves a threat, yet simply it means that the individual is passionate about their belief. For example, I have friends of every walk of life, I love hearing their stories and ideologies; many have shared their beliefs with me but because I am confident in what it is I hold to be truth, I do not find their beliefs intrusive. I can respect their ideas, even if I do not agree with them. I can even discourse with them and present another ideology without disregarding their right to express themselves.
In summation, stop getting huffy over a Jesus facebook post or a pro-gay marriage segment on TV (these are just examples) instead respect another individuals freedom of speech and religion. Be educated and educate your children to the values you hold to be true. If someone abuses their right to speech in the form of hatred, learn to reform mindsets or cultural stigmas. Tolerance and acceptance are two separate entities. "Of course, there are dangers in religious freedom and freedom of opinion. But to deny these rights is worse than dangerous, it is absolutely fatal to liberty." -Truman
You have probably seen at least one of these logos or icons at some point in your existence, perhaps you even identify with one of these symbols. Each one, along with the thousands more, are representative of an ideology or philosophy. Each symbol evokes an emotion upon first sight, some may evoke passionate sentiments and others are a fleeing thought.
I was sitting in my U.S. History class watching a documentary about the Freedom Riders (if you do not know who they were I suggest you look it up) and the sight of the Confederate flag roused my distaste for what that flag represented. It also reminded me of the disdain I sometimes have towards individuals in this state who wave around that flag proudly as if they had something to do with the history of it. That flag to me represents a bigoted, oppressive Southern mindset that held people in bondage for generations and the fact people still are proud of that history disturbs me. The point being, each symbol represents something. Businesses use logos to distinguish a product to the masses and we the people enjoy representing those emblems all over our clothes, cars, etc... In essence, there is nothing wrong with this but what one should take in consideration is the fact that the symbols one wears or advertises, identifies them with that ideology, company or philosophy- conscious of it or not.
Symbols have power and meaning- just because certain symbols are trending does not deprive them of the original and intended meaning. So next time you tote around a symbol, remember you are representing an ideology you may not truly associate with. So, what symbol are you representing?
"We are all searching for something valuable enough to live our lives for"- Dr. Woods. This was the introduction to my Eastern Civilization class this semester. In the introduction to the course, Dr. Woods challenged the class' world view by postulating the question every human since the beginning of time has dared to ask: What is humanity? What makes something wrong? In essence, Woods asked 'who am I' and where does morality derive from? About 16% of the class considers themselves composed of matter. Meaning they believe they were created through matter and will die as matter. In regards to morality, 43% of the class determined that individual conscience constructs our moral code; with 27% believing in God or a higher power who created moral law and 28% of the class believed society dictates morality. The issue behind some of these ideologies is the fact they are all subjective to the individual's or culture's set of beliefs. Even reason is dictated by what you perceive as truth. Where do our beliefs come from in the first place? Who says one is right and the other is wrong? What is wrong and right? How do we as a culture implement justice of those who have been wronged? Lots of philosophical questions that are hard to answer without an absolute standard in which we all agree upon.
All of these inquiries begged in me the question of 'what is worth' and 'who gives people worth?' Apart from a Creator i.e. God, worth can only be defined or given either by the self (to be self-defined) or worth is determined by others. If you boil it down to brass tax, both options are like building a house on sand. If our worth is determined by one's own self definition- it is no wonder why many people suffer from depression or false self image. We are our own worst critics, constantly on a tirade of pinpointing our flaws. In some ways, understanding our flaws and weaknesses can help us grow and discern but it also can skew our perception of who we truly are. Especially considering the fact we are so driven by emotions. Worth defined by others is flawed as well. I asked an individual the other day 'what gives people value or worth' and he responded that people give validation to a person. If you look down the timeline of history, even to present day, the value of human life has been degraded in pursuit of progress, greed, resources, reproductive rights, etc... The opinion of even the ones closest to us can vary from day to day pending on a multitude of factors. If it is society or other people who apply worth to an individual, how do you explain the worth of the Jewish people to the Nazi regime? Or the slaves' inherent worth to Southern whites during the slave trades?
If people are simply matter, with all of our destinies ending in eventual death- what would cause an individual to value another's life over their own? Why try to cure cancers or risk our lives to save someone else's? The worth and value of each individual person is so incalculable that even our own perception or the opinions of others can not dictate it. I believe this worth can only be given by an unwavering truth. The Word of God is considered to be everlasting, eternal, a solid rock, never changing...what does the Creator say about you? He has given you infinite value...value that was not meant to be compromised. How absurd would it be for the most precious, prized jewel to sell itself short of its value? I leave you with this to ponder, who is allowing to give you value and worth in your life? Below is what God would say you are...just saying. ;)
Ever wear a pair of TOMS? How about a pair of TOMS with your American Apparel tee? Sure, we know that when we buy a pair of TOMS they send another pair to someone in a third world nation. A pretty neat idea and too be honest, I am glad that it has become trendy to have a pair of these shoes because of the heart behind the business. But if you break it down, how many people at this point are buying these shoes because of the humanitarian effort or because it is the latest hipster wear? Not trying to sound cynical, but honest. I wonder if those same hipster TOM wearers who sport their V-Neck American Apparel tee, know that the two brands contradict one another. Recently I found that American Apparel was an honorable mention in the 2010 Sweatshop Hall of Shame for poor business practices amongst Honduran workers. This brings me to my next point: how much do we know about the products we buy?
As I have researched human trafficking and others forms of indentured servitude, I have found the urge and importance to become a better consumer. I recognize that raising hell and picket fences is not going to accomplish much besides loud noise, yet realized that raising awareness and choosing not to support certain businesses is the best tactic against these poor practices. My research is far from over, yet some of the data I have found is a little disheartening, especially if some of these corrupt companies products can be found in your very own closet! I am all for giving people jobs, but to not provide workers with proper treatment, rights and adequate wages is wrong! Many sweatshop workers are forced to work obscene hours with no overtime pay in poor conditions with little to no breaks. Children are also at the brunt of this forced/unlawful labor. There is really no excuse for this type of business practice- especially since a majority of the companies in the hot seat have plenty of money and resources to operate with integrity. As far as I am concerned, Wal-Mart is completely dead to me- there are so many accusations, charges and complaints made against this corporation. Enough to bar me from ever wanting to support that company ever again. I would rather spend a little extra money, but unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury to be picky where they shop because of their financial state themselves. But I know we can do better! It's time that we stop oppressing the poor so we can have the latest fashion trend. I suppose Ecclesiastes was correct in its statement, "for much wisdom, comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief". Eccl. 1:18. The sacrifice we would make by not supporting these companies is minimal compared to the change we could actually create! Love you all! Here are some resources...
http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/sweatshops/resources/12211 http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/geteducated/childlabour.htm http://www.globallabourrights.org/alerts
I have sat down to write this blog on several occasions but have turned away multiple times because how do I put such a serious issue into words that ward off the trendy "pick-a-cause" types or in the most important sense; how do I convince people that by their consumerism into this market, is indirectly or even directly contributing to the death and enslavement of many? This market I speak of is the diamond market. America consumes over two-thirds of the diamond market, yet most of its mining is done overseas. Many of us remember the hit movie "Blood Diamond" starry Titanic hunk Leonardo DiCaprio- the movie was attempting to shed light and awareness to the conflict diamond struggle in Sierra Leone in 1999. As with any Hollywood political piece, it has its impact on a few, but many times its never enough to create real change. Especially since Hollywood itself is about as diamond hungry as the rest of the world. So we see movies such as these, perhaps shed a tear at the thought of such atrocities, maybe even feel a little shame and remorse but for the majority, it stops right there.
Awareness was first brought international in 1999, when Sierra Leone was in a civil war between the government and war rebels know as the R.U.F. (Revolutionary United Front)- both were at war against one another for power. The R.U.F. would go into villages dismembering or killing people to prevent people from voting, getting involved in politics or who would not comply with their orders, including women and children!
They would force able bodied men to mine diamonds day and night, they even had to use the toilet right where they worked. If they tried to escape or stop for a break, they would be shot. The R.U.F. would also kidnap young children from the villages forcing them to become child soldiers. These 8 and 10 year old kids would be forced to commit heinous acts of violence towards their own people. The R.U.F. would use these diamonds for funding of their war efforts, usually trading diamonds for weapons. Diamonds were smuggled into Liberia where they would get bought and mixed with the "clean" diamonds. Once conflict diamonds are intertwined with other diamonds, there is no way of sorting them out. When the U.N. got wind of what was taking place, action started to take place. De Beers diamond company was placed under investigation and the Kimberley Process was put into effect. This process attempts to certify the origin of a diamond to ensure it does not come from a conflict zone. The problem is that it isn't one hundred percent effective. And the Kimberley Process only investigates diamonds that are purchased from war rebels in conflict zones, it does not cover government's who use forced slave labor to mine. Which an organization called the Human Rights Watch is working towards adding slave labor imposed by governments as part of the process. Sierra Leone is at peace today and yes, there are processes and certifications to help ensure that the diamond you are purchasing is not a conflict diamond. But as long as there is a market in the first place, there will always be conflict diamonds!
The best way to combat this is by buying diamond alternatives. I know there is no way that I can convince people to stop buying diamonds altogether...us American girls want our shiny diamond wedding rings right? Well, not all of us anyway. So I have looked into some alternatives- you can purchase what are called "cultured diamonds". They are real diamonds but they are created in a lab. They have the same components as a diamond mined from the earth and cost about the same, they just have been created in a lab which means they are better for the environment and you can ensure that no indentured servitude was involved! I am not writing this to bring condemnation upon those who have diamonds or want them, yet I really want to bring awareness to this issue. It's something that has been a passion of mine ever since awareness was brought forth to me. I'm praying that perhaps if we knew what our consumerism did to people, we would be more conscious about our decisions. I know that the diamond market is not the only market involved in forced labor and it takes education along with sacrifice to know what to buy, so for now, let's create awareness and let the people make the choice. For once you know something, you have no excuses anymore.
We all know it, our nation's pledge..."I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." For the past few months I have been musing over the idea of allegiance and what it means to allege myself to something or someone. Ever since I can remember, grade school and so forth, it has been ritualized into our culture and academia to recite our allegiance to our flag. Honestly, how many of you really know the origins of our flag recitation? I am not going to give a history lesson this time, but look it up, it is rather interesting.
A lot of controversy boils over the issue of the pledge, most of what you hear about is the idea about it being a public prayer because of the words "under God". Which interestingly enough, did not get added to the pledge until 1954, the original was written in 1892. It also was revised to add "to the flag of the United States of America." But my query is neither about the revisions and religious connotations regarding it, yet my query lies in the fact that I am taking an oath that I can not solemnly swear I would uphold. Let me clarify, Blacks Law Dictionary, 6th ed. defines allegiance as "Obligation of fidelity and obedience to government in consideration for protection that government gives." That is one hefty exchange! Now, before I get written off as treasonous or unpatriotic, I would like to defend my honor by stating that I do not want to take oaths lightly. I try to be a person of my word, does not generally always work out that way but is the ultimate goal and with that being said, I do not genuinely feel that taking an oath to uphold all loyalty to my country and binding myself in an allegiance is something I can commit to. No, that does not mean I am going to commit an act of treason or espionage, but if there ever was a day that the government started contradicting, removing or abusing the Constitution and their power, I could not support that. In which I am sure many would agree with that.
As a Christian, my loyalties remain in God and people- those are the two for sure allegiances that I can pledge my loyalty to and even with people, that can be a challenge to uphold. Because lets face it, without sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I am sure we will reach a time when the government will not be our ally. Every week, kids and adults across this nation make a pledge to something they do not even know the history about. Really think about the things you bind yourself to..."It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it" Ecclesiastes 5:5 "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said" Numbers 30:2.
I love my country, I have Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" on my IPOD. I support this country, along with the men and women who serve and protect it, who I understand their allegiances, I just do not personally think I can pledge my allegiance to it wholly. Just a food for thought...
If you did not hear, Sunday I took off with four other ladies to Mt Hood, Oregon for the Burton AM Slopestyle competition. Our story goes like this...
Prior to our trip, Dylan Sifford and I had to head up to our local mountain to gather our gear and pick up our pal Kelley. Today the mountain was a sad sight, it had been pouring rain all day but in an odd way it worked to our advantage because Rachel and Kelley ended up getting off work early, thus enabling us to leave on our trip earlier. As Dylan and I are about half way up the rain soaked mountain, the windshield wipers on my car flutter and abruptly stop!! Concerned, we pull over to the nearest turn out to inspect the problem- apparently, a rock came up and lodged itself at the base of my right wiper and ended up burning out the mechanism that rotates the wipers. Since we had to get up the mountain, we continued our trek without wipers- gnarly! We made it to Bogus safely, gathered our things and Kelley and make a stop at the mechanic shop on the hill to see if they could fix it...but alas they could not. Oh and I slipped on the ice- twice!! Now, I am covered in water and have to drive back down wiper-less. Finally we made our descent home, met up with Rachel, picked up Sarah in Caldwell and hit the open road...life is a highway remember?
Our drive contained of typical girl antics, laughter and car games to pass the time and yes, we got a lot of it on camera. We set up camp at a country home-cookin' themed hotel with a single queen bed for five girls. The four all slept sideways on the bed and I opted for the floor with minimal blanket...but hey, this is what road trips are all about. We rose early the next morning, because we had to register and get checked in on the mountain by 9am. Pumped and ready we head out to the new challenge that awaited us. Mt Hood Meadows greeted us with freezing rain and high winds, but we still kept our excitement. We get all registered and head up the lift to begin our practice rounds- we had an hour to get as many runs in as possible. We see the set up from the lift and it looks like the first jump is about 30/35 ft, the second is 45 ft or so and then two lines of two rails each below the jumps. Butterflies fluttered in our stomachs because none of us have actually hit any real jumps this season, so we all touched our nose to see who dropped first- Sarah lost so she is first. On the second jump, all we can see from the top is her getting a lot of air and then moments later people running over to the landing, so we hastily scuttle down to the landing to what appears to be Sarah with a dislocated shoulder! Ski patrol wraps her up, toboggans her down while the rest of us follow them to the ski patrol building. It is a dislocated shoulder, so patrol sets it back into place and allow her to rest- she okay'd us to continue the competition so we get back out on the slopes...this time a bit more intimidated! Our girl just went down and we missed the practice runs, so our qualifying runs, the two that we were allotted would be our first time hitting these features!! Talk about pressure!
The girl competitors had to wait for the guys to get their qualifying runs in before we could drop. The wind was crazy and the sleet did not give up, but we mingled and did what we could to keep warm. There were thirteen girls competing, apparently twenty signed up but only thirteen showed (that is still more girls than I have ever seen at one comp). The four of us met and talked with some of the other women competitors, it was refreshing to meet some really great female riders who could actually throw down. The time had come for the women's heat to ensue and then we were approached by the event coordinator who was asked if we just wanted to skip the qualifiers and go straight into the finals, thus making our next two runs the "all or nothing". Since the weather was not agreeable, we accepted the offer and away we went. Surprisingly the jumps were amazing and not scary at all! They were super soft and forgiving! Our runs were not our best, but considering the circumstances, we were all proud of ourselves. None of us walked away with prizes, but as a Lifetime Original Story would end- we walked away with some self-confidence and a sense of pride. We all did something we had never done before, we gained some experience and who knows, maybe next year it could be any one of us on that podium. All in all, it was a great trip with lasting memories- nothing like getting the girls together and going snowboarding...except "this car smells like feet".
It has been four in a half months since my Alaskan departure and life has yet to slow down. I have realized that after high school, life goes into hyper drive. My reintroduction to the lower 48 could not have been better! Flew into Denver, only to be picked up by my best friend Lacey Massey and hubs, oh and I can not forget Titus :) Later that night, had a much needed "date night" with Lacey that can honestly be rated one of my top favorite dates...with a female anyway. After dinner and great conversation, we came back to her house only to be greeted by my other bestie and roommates, Glover and Jessie. We had such a blast together during our few days in Denver. Got to see my cousin Richie whom I hadn't seen in years and my dear friend since high school Tricia and her son Isaiah. So blessed to have all these amazing people in my life. Such a great way to end the summer.
The roomies and I drove back to the wonderful City of Trees- the place that has my heart: Boise. I finally got to meet the new man in my life, Chester- the four year rescue Beagle that immediately stole my heart. Oh, I love that dog!! Once arriving home, I had one day to situate and get prepared before Fall semester started the next day. I had a busy semester ahead of me, with 5 classes and and a lab to complete, I had more than enough to keep me busy. It certainly was a tough semester, but I ended up walking away with 3 A's and 2 B's. I even got a trip to Vegas for a few days to visit long time friend since middle school Randy as well as my grandparents. What I was not prepared for was Bogus Basin to have a miracle fall upon it and have a Thanksgiving opening!! A busy school schedule, work, snowboarding and I do not mix well together- something always gets sacrificed! I managed to pull it off and kept my priorities in check and now I am working/riding everyday.
I am really stoked on this season, I have been working with a couple of amazing shred betty's to get the female ride community up and going. Thanks to local support from Newt and Harolds and Mttheory, we have been able to start a Girls Ride Night every Sunday. I really hope it takes off and the female shred scene becomes a real cohesive and tight knit community. Well, thought I would update the world or those who actually read this on the current inner workings of my life, ha! Stay tuned for philosophical/theological posts in the near future...some things I have been chewing on the past few months. Also, looking into going to New Zealand for a snowboard trip this summer!! Hope that comes to pass! Blessings!
