I have to weigh in on this Black Friday nonsense that is boiling up all over the country. I have already seen numerous videos of people stampeding and being trampled and fights breaking out over the chance to get discounted electronics. See here and here. It is a sad day when this is what American holiday celebration is all about.
What does this all mean for a country that prides itself on excess consumption and material acquisition? Especially in the wake of a holiday that is steeped in genocide and colonialism? Does it mean that after we all sit around saying what we're thankful for, we immediately need to go out and spend money on material things?
The new thing now is not even waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to shop, but now big corporate retailers are opening up the night before, further fueling the consumption-driven American holidays. People are forced to be away from their families to serve the needs of the public - but does the public really want it or is this a carefully orchestrated supply and demand hoax creating an unfettered need and want for cheap consumer goods?
I think about who is being marketed to in these seemingly insane deals and cheap prices. I think they are marketing to middle-class and working poor people who see big discounts and feel that this is the only way they'll be able to afford and provide a decent holiday to their loved ones. I know my mom is utilizing this day because she makes minimum wage and wants to be able to get gifts for everyone at a good price. But is it really worth it? Is this the philosophy we want to encourage - that the holidays are about receiving big-box deals at times that we should be spending with our families anyway? It's a tricky situation and I wonder if in the end its serving a good purpose at all.
Observation
Big retailer Wal-Mart is asking its employees to donate to other Wal-Mart employees for the holidays. This implies that the wages are so low at Wal-Mart that employees will need charity to make their holidays bright. Maybe they should just raise wages?
dissecting social justice in everything i live, breath, and see. intersectional feminist approach. constant learning process. continually open mind. peer education and accountability. acknowledging privilege. building community.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Corporate Accountability - Combating Monsanto (#12)
Whatever your take is on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), I think it's safe to say that most of Americans are FOR some type of disclosure or labeling of GMOs - "Skepticism of Genetically Modified Foods".
While this poll may be informal, it still highlights the fact that people want to know what they are eating. A few days ago in Mexico, they banned GMO corn from the country altogether citing "imminent harm" to their environment and native corn production. Monsanto has an unsettling past of suing farms that have inadvertently been contaminated with Monsanto seeds by a gust of wind or cross-pollination. They have been successful countless times in closing down small farms that don't have the financial means to take on these corporate giants in court.
However, in my home state of Washington, the litigation tables have been turned on Monsanto financial contributors, Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA). They have recently been sued by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson in the hopes to get some corporate accountability.
Ferguson claims that GMA illegally obtained and spent over $7 million dollars to lobby for Monsanto while concealing the identity of its contributors, which include big junk food and GMO-heavy corporations like Pepsico, Coca-cola, and General Mills. Ferguson claims the GMA is subverting the law of disclosure that states campaigns must identify the source of their funding. With no transparency, how can citizens judge the agenda of corporate entities involved in combating legislation meant to inform the public.
This all started because Washington state created Initiative 522 which would "mandate the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)". Big corporations have a vested interest in keeping their GMO use quiet, and the money being funneled into the "no labeling" campaign is astronomical.
Unfortunately, Initiative 522 did not pass and many say the almost $22 million dollars spent by the opposition may have been one of the main reasons. Small grass-roots organizations cannot garner the public support and attention that glossy ads and millions can buy. In the end, the rural areas of Washington just didn't support the labeling of GMOs, just like the California initiative of 2012.
Here is another article I ran across that talks about the engineering of junk food and what it does to your brain. Scary stuff. Why We Crave Junk Food.
Observation
The response to the Young Conservatives of Texas "game" was quite substantial and even gained celebrity support when America Ferrera showed up to the counter-response at the Towers on Wednesday.
While this poll may be informal, it still highlights the fact that people want to know what they are eating. A few days ago in Mexico, they banned GMO corn from the country altogether citing "imminent harm" to their environment and native corn production. Monsanto has an unsettling past of suing farms that have inadvertently been contaminated with Monsanto seeds by a gust of wind or cross-pollination. They have been successful countless times in closing down small farms that don't have the financial means to take on these corporate giants in court.
However, in my home state of Washington, the litigation tables have been turned on Monsanto financial contributors, Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA). They have recently been sued by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson in the hopes to get some corporate accountability.
Ferguson claims that GMA illegally obtained and spent over $7 million dollars to lobby for Monsanto while concealing the identity of its contributors, which include big junk food and GMO-heavy corporations like Pepsico, Coca-cola, and General Mills. Ferguson claims the GMA is subverting the law of disclosure that states campaigns must identify the source of their funding. With no transparency, how can citizens judge the agenda of corporate entities involved in combating legislation meant to inform the public.
This all started because Washington state created Initiative 522 which would "mandate the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)". Big corporations have a vested interest in keeping their GMO use quiet, and the money being funneled into the "no labeling" campaign is astronomical.
Unfortunately, Initiative 522 did not pass and many say the almost $22 million dollars spent by the opposition may have been one of the main reasons. Small grass-roots organizations cannot garner the public support and attention that glossy ads and millions can buy. In the end, the rural areas of Washington just didn't support the labeling of GMOs, just like the California initiative of 2012.
Here is another article I ran across that talks about the engineering of junk food and what it does to your brain. Scary stuff. Why We Crave Junk Food.
Observation
The response to the Young Conservatives of Texas "game" was quite substantial and even gained celebrity support when America Ferrera showed up to the counter-response at the Towers on Wednesday.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The Privilege Walk of Shame (#11)
This week in my Introduction to Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy class we did the infamous privilege walk. First, let me start with some background information. If you haven't familiarized yourself with Peggy McIntosh's "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" please do so here: Overview and Summary
This is a basic document that challenges white privilege and the invisibility of it's oppressive structures. It is a great starting point and provides much food for thought and tangible ideas that can help you better understand your place in the world and possible unearned privilege. You may be surprised by how little you actually have to think about race if you are part of the dominant group. This can be extended to gender, sexual orientation, class, national origin, disability, age, ethnicity, and many other identity demographics.
Now for the exercise we performed. You start in a space large enough to accommodate the entire class. Everyone must stand in a horizontal line, with equal amount of space to the front and to the back of the group. The entire thing is done in silence, as some of the questions are sensitive in nature and any reactions, positive or negative, may inhibit someone else's full participation in the exercise. I have decided to include some of the questions that were asked in our group, but if you look online, there are tons of formats and questions that can gauge the amount of privilege one has in relation to others.
If your ancestors came to the United States by force, take one step back.
If your family automatically expected you to attend college, take one step forward
If you went to galleries, museums, and plays with your family, take one step forward.
This is a basic document that challenges white privilege and the invisibility of it's oppressive structures. It is a great starting point and provides much food for thought and tangible ideas that can help you better understand your place in the world and possible unearned privilege. You may be surprised by how little you actually have to think about race if you are part of the dominant group. This can be extended to gender, sexual orientation, class, national origin, disability, age, ethnicity, and many other identity demographics.
Now for the exercise we performed. You start in a space large enough to accommodate the entire class. Everyone must stand in a horizontal line, with equal amount of space to the front and to the back of the group. The entire thing is done in silence, as some of the questions are sensitive in nature and any reactions, positive or negative, may inhibit someone else's full participation in the exercise. I have decided to include some of the questions that were asked in our group, but if you look online, there are tons of formats and questions that can gauge the amount of privilege one has in relation to others.
If your ancestors came to the United States by force, take one step back.
If there were more than 50 books in your house growing up,
take one step forward.
If you were ever stopped or questioned by the police because
of your race, take one step back.
If you have ever felt uncomfortable about a joke directed at
your gender, take one step back.
If you can show affection for your romantic partner in
public without fear of ridicule or violence, please take one step forward.
If you were embarrassed about your clothes or house while
growing up, take one step back.
If your parents or guardians attended college, take one step
forward.
If you were raised in an area with crime and drug activity,
take one step back.
If your family automatically expected you to attend college, take one step forward
If you went to galleries, museums, and plays with your family, take one step forward.
If you attended private school or summer camp, take one step
forward.
If you were raised in a single-parent household, take one
step backward.
If you studied the culture of your ancestors in elementary
school, take one step forward.
If members of your gender are portrayed on TV in degrading
roles, take one step backward.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, take one
step backward.
If you have been a victim of violence because of your race,
gender, class, or sexual orientation, take one step back.
If you ever went on a family vacation, take one step
forward.
If you have ever had a maid, gardener, or cleaning service,
take one step forward.
Wow. Heavy, I know. But completely and utterly necessary. Many people commented how badly this exercise made them feel. They expressed feelings of guilt and shame for having unearned access to resources like higher education and family vacations. While I don't think it's bad to feel pains of guilt if you are confronting these issues for the first time, it's very important to take the shame and guilt and turn it into action and change. Even if that action is merely educating others on the affects of privilege, it's better than sitting around having a pity party for all the things you have been given in life. We all have advantages and disadvantages, but it's what we do with them that matters. If you feel guilty for what you have, own it, acknowledge how it hurts others, and move on toward making things more just and equal for all. Allow people who have been oppressed the space and time to process without taking over or making it about you and your feelings of guilt.
This makes me think back to Brene Brown and her research on shame and guilt. If we are attaching judgement to ourselves for feeling those feelings, we are doing the same to others without even thinking about it. The people at the front of the line admitted their ill feelings about being there, but it was almost without any thought that the people in the back were feeling the exact same way. Being in the back myself, I did not hear anything from anyone who was there. Instead, most of the comments came from people who had made it to the front. This real-life example captures the entire idea perfectly. People with privilege are so busy worrying about how it affects them that they don't see the opportunity to build community through the commonality of shame. Unearned privilege hurts everyone. It's about time we get real with ourselves and others in the effort to enact change.
Observation
It's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Here are a few events going on around the community:
Hunger Event at Johnson's Backyard Garden
Volunteer in the garden on Saturday, November 23rd at Johnson’s Backyard Garden from 8 am to 2 pm. We'll provide lunch and the Capital Area Food Bank will give volunteers a presentation on hunger issues in Austin. Volunteers can be 12+ with parent/guardian! Event flyer here: Hunger Event
Other events can be found here: H & H Week Events
Monday, November 11, 2013
Age and Privilege (#10)
I think ageism ad adultsm may be hard concepts to wrap one's head around. What does it really mean and who has privilege in this context? Some say that if you are between the ages of 18-65, that you have age privilege. But have you ever seen or felt the impacts - positive or negative - of ageism?
Think about it this way, those under 18 are thought to be minors, incapable of advocating for themselves in the legal context. We care for the very young and the very old in similar ways - feeding, clothing, and a lot of the time, making decisions for them. I think the young and old both face stereotypes that they cannot care for themselves and need assistance. While this may be true in some circumstances, the right to autonomy and self-determination is often not afforded to the young and old alike. Instead of assuming and doing, I think we should take an informed, respectful approach of asking and aiding only when requested.
When I worked with preschool aged children, we took a developmentally appropriate practice approach and offered challenging but manageable tasks for young children based on their developmental stages. People, whether they are 18 months old, 18 years old, or 80 years old all have a need for mastery and independence. It's the human condition to try and do and when we take that away fro someone, young or old we are stifling their humanity. I am sure you've overhead a young child saying "I can do it" or "Let me try". It is only natural that we want to participate and be a part of the process. Maybe this is a bad analogy for ageism, but I like the idea of working together to understand the needs of any presenting individual - young or old.
Observation
You can donate for victims of the Austin floods in the lobby. They are accepting clothing, blankets, toiletries, and gift cards. Basically anything anyone would need when they've lost everything. You can donate to the Philippines as well through various accredited organizations. I chose Red Cross.
Think about it this way, those under 18 are thought to be minors, incapable of advocating for themselves in the legal context. We care for the very young and the very old in similar ways - feeding, clothing, and a lot of the time, making decisions for them. I think the young and old both face stereotypes that they cannot care for themselves and need assistance. While this may be true in some circumstances, the right to autonomy and self-determination is often not afforded to the young and old alike. Instead of assuming and doing, I think we should take an informed, respectful approach of asking and aiding only when requested.
When I worked with preschool aged children, we took a developmentally appropriate practice approach and offered challenging but manageable tasks for young children based on their developmental stages. People, whether they are 18 months old, 18 years old, or 80 years old all have a need for mastery and independence. It's the human condition to try and do and when we take that away fro someone, young or old we are stifling their humanity. I am sure you've overhead a young child saying "I can do it" or "Let me try". It is only natural that we want to participate and be a part of the process. Maybe this is a bad analogy for ageism, but I like the idea of working together to understand the needs of any presenting individual - young or old.
Observation
You can donate for victims of the Austin floods in the lobby. They are accepting clothing, blankets, toiletries, and gift cards. Basically anything anyone would need when they've lost everything. You can donate to the Philippines as well through various accredited organizations. I chose Red Cross.
Friday, November 1, 2013
What kind of Feminist are You? (#9)
Feminism -- is it a dirty word? Though many people might identify with parts of the movement, they may be very hesitant to publicly align themselves with the big, bad f-word. To make some personal sense of it, I thought I would list out all of the factions of feminism that I identify with-
Postcolonial
Black/Afro-Centrist
Chicana
Third-world
Liberal
Environmentalist
Marxist
Socialist
Post-structural
Post-modern
Lipstick
Body-positive
Sex-positive
Riot-Grrl
I think a big point of contingency in feminist identity politics is the question of how one group can meet the needs of such a diverse global population. Using the term "woman" as universal reduces women down to a social construct - which means this experience differs across the board and cannot be defined in concrete terms. Here is a fabulous quote by Mary Ann Weathers that describes the intersectionality of women's experiences:
"All women suffer oppression, even white women, particularly poor white women, and especially Indian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Oriental and Black American women whose oppression is tripled by any of the above-mentioned. But we do have females' oppression in common. This means that we can begin to talk to other women with this common factor and start building links with them and thereby build and transform the revolutionary force we are now beginning to amass."
Weathers, Mary Ann. An Argument For Black Women's Liberation As a Revolutionary Force ''No More Fun and Games: A Journal of Female Liberation', Cambridge, Mass, by Cell 16 vol. 1, no. 2 (Feb 1969)
Observation
In class discussion, I reacted from my emotions rather than having an open mind to new information. When I spoke with a fellow classmate after class, we were able to calmly talk about the points and found that we had common ground, but since I reacted with my emotions, I shut off open communication. This is a great teachable moment for me and something I will hopefully learn from.
Postcolonial
Black/Afro-Centrist
Chicana
Third-world
Liberal
Environmentalist
Marxist
Socialist
Post-structural
Post-modern
Lipstick
Body-positive
Sex-positive
Riot-Grrl
I think a big point of contingency in feminist identity politics is the question of how one group can meet the needs of such a diverse global population. Using the term "woman" as universal reduces women down to a social construct - which means this experience differs across the board and cannot be defined in concrete terms. Here is a fabulous quote by Mary Ann Weathers that describes the intersectionality of women's experiences:
"All women suffer oppression, even white women, particularly poor white women, and especially Indian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Oriental and Black American women whose oppression is tripled by any of the above-mentioned. But we do have females' oppression in common. This means that we can begin to talk to other women with this common factor and start building links with them and thereby build and transform the revolutionary force we are now beginning to amass."
Weathers, Mary Ann. An Argument For Black Women's Liberation As a Revolutionary Force ''No More Fun and Games: A Journal of Female Liberation', Cambridge, Mass, by Cell 16 vol. 1, no. 2 (Feb 1969)
Observation
In class discussion, I reacted from my emotions rather than having an open mind to new information. When I spoke with a fellow classmate after class, we were able to calmly talk about the points and found that we had common ground, but since I reacted with my emotions, I shut off open communication. This is a great teachable moment for me and something I will hopefully learn from.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
The Revolution Starts with Awareness (#8)
Some of you may know Russell Brand from his acting exploits or his marriage to Katy Perry, but he has recently been on my radar for a different reason. For his radical and exciting new ways of thinking. I ran across this article in my Facebook feed and I thought I would share it: "Russel Brand may have started a revolution"
This video is inspiring and moving. Brand challenges the narrow parameters in which political decision are made and the populations they serve, and at the same time, ignore. He talks about voting apathy in a new way - the disenfranchised feeling of the system not working for the lower class. He feels like the system doesn't currently address these issues - why would people participate in a broken system that doesn't meet their needs?
He is calling for change - for a radical overhaul. He asserts that awareness of these issues - environmental degradation, disparity of wealth, and the broken democratic system, is a place to start. How is it radical to challenge a system that doesn't currently meet the needs of all? He faces criticism for not applying solutions, but I think bring awareness is the first step. Plus, he does offer some great solutions, like heavy taxation on corporations and lifting subsidies and redistributing wealth on a massive scale.
Further in the video, Brand talks about engagement. He talks about engaging in these emotions that highlight the injustices and wrong-doing in the world. I think his passion, honest critiques, and idea of oneness are where the revolution will begin. If you are interested in some of his musing on spirituality, here is another great video. I think Russel Brand is my new spiritual and political leader
Don't be scared off by Alex Jones. Russell speaks some truth.
Happiness through serving others. Kinda cheesy at some parts.
Brand is also a spokesperson for the power of yoga and mediation in battling addiction. It has helped him overcome addiction problems and stay clean. He also talks about decriminalizing drug-offenses. Here are two videos about that:
Addiction Treatment and Decriminalization
Yoga as prevention/treatment/intervention
Observation
I get frustrated sometimes by a perceived lack of engagement from my cohort, but I had to take a step back and realize everyone is coming from a different place and there may be unknown reasons why participation is limited by each individual. I'm trying to be mindful and respectful of that.
This video is inspiring and moving. Brand challenges the narrow parameters in which political decision are made and the populations they serve, and at the same time, ignore. He talks about voting apathy in a new way - the disenfranchised feeling of the system not working for the lower class. He feels like the system doesn't currently address these issues - why would people participate in a broken system that doesn't meet their needs?
He is calling for change - for a radical overhaul. He asserts that awareness of these issues - environmental degradation, disparity of wealth, and the broken democratic system, is a place to start. How is it radical to challenge a system that doesn't currently meet the needs of all? He faces criticism for not applying solutions, but I think bring awareness is the first step. Plus, he does offer some great solutions, like heavy taxation on corporations and lifting subsidies and redistributing wealth on a massive scale.
Further in the video, Brand talks about engagement. He talks about engaging in these emotions that highlight the injustices and wrong-doing in the world. I think his passion, honest critiques, and idea of oneness are where the revolution will begin. If you are interested in some of his musing on spirituality, here is another great video. I think Russel Brand is my new spiritual and political leader
Don't be scared off by Alex Jones. Russell speaks some truth.
Happiness through serving others. Kinda cheesy at some parts.
Brand is also a spokesperson for the power of yoga and mediation in battling addiction. It has helped him overcome addiction problems and stay clean. He also talks about decriminalizing drug-offenses. Here are two videos about that:
Addiction Treatment and Decriminalization
Yoga as prevention/treatment/intervention
Observation
I get frustrated sometimes by a perceived lack of engagement from my cohort, but I had to take a step back and realize everyone is coming from a different place and there may be unknown reasons why participation is limited by each individual. I'm trying to be mindful and respectful of that.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Compassion Starts With the Self (#7)
Brené Brown is an individual that "dares greatly" and urges others to take the steps necessary toward self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-love before we engage others in our experience. She suggests that until we accept ourselves without passing judgement, that we cannot help others without passing judgement onto them.
This is an eye-opening concept, and one that I think challenges many to ask themselves this fundamental question- do we accept ourselves, without condition, on a daily basis? Or do we fill or heads with doubt and shame about our perceived inadequacies and shortcomings - especially when we compare ourselves to others? I found a blog post from Ted Talks that highlighted some great quotes from Brené's new book - something I will definitely be reading over winter break. Here is the link - TED Blog.
When she discusses her phrase, "daring greatly", I like how she uses the gladiator allegory. If we do not put forth our best effort, and fail at times, how will we know the exultation of glory or the critical self-reflection of loss? Brené says that unless we give ourselves the opportunity to try and subsequently fail, then we are not allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and we are not encouraging contact with others. We are avoiding shame - with vulnerability as it's mirror-image. Brené's research suggests a critical link between these two human emotions and that by denying one, we are strengthening the other, which may be a huge detriment to building relationships and enacting change.
Although her notion of being vulnerable may elicit uneasiness in some, I think it's an integral step toward self-acceptance which in turn, fosters acceptance of others. I am going to make it my personal journey to try and be more vulnerable and open with others in an effort to accept my experiences and outlook, so that I may honor others wholly in return.
Observation
In an effort to increase my vulnerability and confront my blocks to self-acceptance, I've started to practice eye-contact more with others. I've noticed that while it may be uncomfortable at first, it really has aided in building relationships with others and groups.
This is an eye-opening concept, and one that I think challenges many to ask themselves this fundamental question- do we accept ourselves, without condition, on a daily basis? Or do we fill or heads with doubt and shame about our perceived inadequacies and shortcomings - especially when we compare ourselves to others? I found a blog post from Ted Talks that highlighted some great quotes from Brené's new book - something I will definitely be reading over winter break. Here is the link - TED Blog.
When she discusses her phrase, "daring greatly", I like how she uses the gladiator allegory. If we do not put forth our best effort, and fail at times, how will we know the exultation of glory or the critical self-reflection of loss? Brené says that unless we give ourselves the opportunity to try and subsequently fail, then we are not allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and we are not encouraging contact with others. We are avoiding shame - with vulnerability as it's mirror-image. Brené's research suggests a critical link between these two human emotions and that by denying one, we are strengthening the other, which may be a huge detriment to building relationships and enacting change.
Although her notion of being vulnerable may elicit uneasiness in some, I think it's an integral step toward self-acceptance which in turn, fosters acceptance of others. I am going to make it my personal journey to try and be more vulnerable and open with others in an effort to accept my experiences and outlook, so that I may honor others wholly in return.
Observation
In an effort to increase my vulnerability and confront my blocks to self-acceptance, I've started to practice eye-contact more with others. I've noticed that while it may be uncomfortable at first, it really has aided in building relationships with others and groups.
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