Participation is a leveler and harbinger of Equality which is thought to be elusive

Jimmy (Jim) is a Marine Air Wing Veteran and served in the late 1970s to early 90s in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Israel as part of the air-borne combatants. He now spends time at the library reading and researching for a memoir. We discussed environmental issues and conservation. I almost gave up the day to be with him. He gave me insightful earfuls on politics of eco-conservation. He also went through my writing points on equality. That is another subject so dear to him. His argument is that we have tended to aggrandize the big concepts of equality and failed to strengthen the small day to day activities that are the roots to equality. Jim is a white American and I, a black new American. He is of the view that at the highest level of government, at non-governmental/civil societal level and at the individual level each one has a role to play to bring about equality and access. He intimated that opportunities of interracial mixing offered at say, the library should be such that they empower many to say, use the library services, read and have motivation to come to the library voluntarily. That it should be such that many are motivated to attend the library activities. It should be part of one’s continued growing and fulfillment. I was floored by the veteran. I was given a means of approaching my essay from a very basic point of view. Parity is a reward that can be achieved if these ingredients are in place: dignity, effort on the part of the beneficiary and provider (persistence), empowerment, opportunities for participation that involve all humans. I used to assume that all work is rewarding money-wise and that all persons should engage in a form of work to earn their bread. I realised crucial ingredients have to be in place for work to translate into bread (make it paying) including physical state of one’s body and mind. If dignity were to be the first pillar towards parity I realised that all humans should be treated with dignity. Work may add value to one’s dignity but it is not the panacea. I do stress work because it enables one afford to address life’s necessities and happiness. Work ensures that one saves for the future and that out of one’s own volition and spontaneity happiness is ensured. One is not restricted because they can afford to pick out from many choices of enjoyment. I also realized that quality work is the result of the structures and systems of training, recruitment, empowering personnel through skills and creation of a critical mass of skilled workers require standards that hinge on quality. The living conditions, health and recreations of these workers follow as the next level that motivates them. The standards may be at national and international levels. Whole ministries or departments are created to maintain standards.  One has to understand and input gender, race, regional representation, levels of qualifications and insure the workers in case of accidents. This is the ideal context. Policy, religion, culture, opportunities and lack thereof impact on access. In the book by Lorenzo Morris (1979): Elusive Equality; systems that ensure distribution, enrolment and engagement in highly remunerative professions by black Americans is noted as an enduring equalizing opportunity and sets the grounds for what works in the real world ( in which it is not possible to for equalization to occur) . These very systems can be applied to all other categories of persons and it is a model that engenders participation which can be used in promoting equality. For a participation/ equality practitioner some of the questions to ask when gauging equality can be: What kinds of people are participating? What are the reasons that may cause others not to?  What are the other means of participation? When one applies such factors like; degree, amount, universality, eligibility and satisfaction then one is promoting equality. One should not only provide the best standards of living but make it endure even for those to come in the future. Even those who have retired need quality opportunities because like we said earlier this is dignifying. All humans need to be treated with dignity and because of this a semblance that is equitable (justice) is not far behind.

The unpopular 3 N Words: Nigga, Nazi, Nuclear

The three words that have depicted so much trouble in a long line of human history are: the nuclear bomb, Nazi and Nigger. I am going to talk more about the word Nigger here. In my opinion it still wreaks much more havoc even today whether in jest or not (http://www.nazi-lauck-nsdapao.com/nigger-jokes.html and http://www.somethingawful.com/d/awful-links/awful-link-2566.php). The other words can be looked up by those interested in these topics. I was prompted into writing after I met two great friends who introduced me to a sensitivity cultural shock. It all began when I tried to figure out how to address them out of respect to their status, age and my cultural background. It turned I was asked to use their first names comfortably. I admit it was not easy at first but now am used. Once you live in someone’s home you do everything in your power to behave and remain cordial. You are called upon to balance the tenets of the adage ‘when in Rome do as the Romans’ and common sense etiquette. But, all this is lived experience that depends on whim, attitude and moods. These friends also introduced me to sensitivity towards diversity where such terms like: tolerance, feminism, race, equal opportunities, sexuality, power, inter-ethnicity, integrity, eco-conservation and rights hit me back strongly, even more strongly than before. And so in that situation I got to hear of a case of Paula Deen, a very well established celebrity chef who was being put to task for having used the word Nigga ( N-word) and arranged to recreate a wedding party in which black Americans would dress like slaves; the way it was before abolition of slavery in USA. This was the un-doing to Paula’s businesses (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2013/0622/Paula-Deen-and-the-N-word-A-plate-of-bigotry-with-that-fried-chicken-video).  Paula did apologise for using the N-word but two incidences pointed towards pre-arranged and deliberate insensitivity towards racially inciting tendencies: arranging a slavery-themed Southern plantation wedding and; her attitude that was verbally expressed in a form that spells no remorse (http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2013/06/paula-deen-will-never-use-the-word-nigger-again-suffers-more-losses/). Paula Deen became a poster girl of racism and in the process lost allies and sponsors. It was also said that these very sponsors were not fair and needed to hold celebrities to the same standards like politicians whether democratic or republicans (http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2013/06/paula-deen-will-never-use-the-word-nigger-again-suffers-more-losses/). There are those who are called upon to talk about the ills going on as a result of bad governance and leadership at various positions. That the same tone they condemn the use of the N-word should be the same against say, corruption (http://goarticles.com/article/Why-So-Mean-to-Paula-Dean-for-Using-the-Word-Nigger/7700585/). Then one comes across a blog that posits treating ‘niggeritis’ a hate for black people (http://bluefolktronica.blogspot.com/2013/06/on-paula-deen-and-n-word.html). Many people are reacting differently. There are those who say that the privileged positions of those in charge of slaves and/or having a skin color other than that of slaves gave them the impression of lords. They expected to be served and have everything coming to them. The word nigger which is also spelled Nigga has been used been used abusively and as a demeaning attribute. The word was a death-cry and it led to the death of Emmett Till a 14 year old boy in Mississippi for making passes at a white girl (http://abcnews.go.com/US/BlackHistory/story?id=1543526&page=2#.Uc9jaGK1FiE).  The use of the word was followed by apportioning out suffering, despicable ill-treatment, ridicule and sub-human conditions. That is how the word was passed on to the present generation from past generations (http://www.philasun.com/news/4389/38/Paula-Deen-s-sin-wasn-t-that-she-said-a-bad-word.html). The National Association for the Advancement of Colored buried the word Nigger in 2007. Others, like the hip-hop and entertainment industry say in using the word Nigga (especially not spelled nigger), it is used as a ‘friendly’ term   (http://abcnews.go.com/US/BlackHistory/story?id=1543526&page=2#.Uc9jaGK1FiE). In various cases the N-word has been used to define lifestyle, outlaw and criminal identity (http://leejohnbarnes.blogspot.com/2010/07/mel-gibson-chris-rock-and-niggers.html). It is argued that the N-word can also be used as an euphemism depending on one’s peers or as an abusive term and that way it is still used derogatively. This has to be determined and one has to be put to task to explain their circumstances. In the case of Paula Deen there was an expectation of remorse but apparently it was lacking. The N-word is taboo and that is how American society is packaging that word. It has historical roots, tied with slave era and it is an extension of such mechanisms that lower a black person (denigrate). 

Death Song (Tecumseh)

Live your life,
that the fear of death
can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about his (her) religion.
Respect others and their views
and demand they respect yours.

Love your life,
perfect your life.

Beautify all things
in your life.
Seek to make your life long
and of service to your people.

When your time comes to die,
be not like those whose hearts
are filled with fear of death
so that when their time comes
they weep and pray for a
little more time to live their lives
over again in a different way.

Sing your death song.
And die like a hero (heroine)  going home.

What makes America a great nation?

This was the conversation we had before the end of day yesterday. We are a group of five people who are new to USA and reminisce about where that 'made-it-grail' is found. Who doesn't? I hear a lot of 'sky is the limit,'  ' you are in the land of milk and honey,'........ Now,I want to be honest. I am standing on a brown, sort of dark grey soil and do see many stones. This must be sedimentary rocks. I know honey is made by bees and milk by cows. It takes effort to rear cows and much resilience to establish an apiary. No government provides a plateful of food, spoon-feeds one and clears the tables. I waited for US Government to come to my place to get me benefits while I lie in bed like a royal ( by the way even royals-the ones of my tribe most especially earn bread from their sweat). Sweat? "Did I hear you well?" This was a statement I heard once a year ago. Those who never want to toil cannot make it better in USA. What makes this, US of A  a great nation? Industriousness of the people, established systems that translate as opportunities and belief of the people in possibilities if they apply themselves. A patriotic pride is not far behind.

WHAT WORKS:

What works? If America ensures that an individual has opportunities to pursue possibilities and by extension benefits her or his community, then that is what works. There are various skills needed for one to navigate through life. Life has milestones and commodities that need to be addressed if one is to lead a quality fruitful life. Education, family, relations, health, diet, empowerment, fulfillment and ability to engage in activities are some of the crucial executions that are immediately evident. USA, is one of the countries ranking high in ensuring its populace is provided opportunities to pursue a quality fruitful life. It is the reason why all forms commerce, infrastructure and investment in human and non-human resource are made.  The basic criteria that make up what works for America are summarized in enduring systems and infrastructures that in turn are opportunities for people or individuals to see possibilities and achievements. A country that invests in mechanisms to ensure, sustain, improve, prolong and reduce suffering of its population will go a long way in providing contexts for quality life. Whereas the two contexts; possibilities and opportunities are two sides of the coin, they are in turn influenced by needs, wants and situations humans may find themselves in. Needs and wants reflect the multitude composition of Americans (both citizens and non-citizens but living in America). In America certain basic needs are met through standardized service provision mechanisms. Such services like: health, dental, education, literacy, restitution, conflict resolution, representation, enterprising opportunities, civic activities and security in the basic or tailored state are at a very high level in America compared to most other countries that are not in the first world. The level of choices presented before an American or a person living in America is immense. This is what differentiates America. Sustenance in America is provided with knowledge to make informed choices. Life is made easier with possibilities for one to weigh their situation, engage in basic problem-analysis and solving, know their way around service provision and engage in accessing opportunities to improve on themselves, families and communities eventually. Empower the individual and in turn you are empowering a community and nation eventually. That is the dividend.

When it comes to critical numbers be it in opportunities (translated as security, jobs and infrastructural investments), value and quality of life, US of A holds a candle.

Father's Day

On a day like this, I remember you Dad:

I call you old man, sometimes old-folk;

do not take my play on titles as mischief,

I am fond of you!

Remember when I got on your nerves;

I came home after wasting so much money,

you never gave up on me old-man,

you tried all means to maintain order.

A good child is from a good father,

Obedience, industriousness and care,

Long-suffering tenderness and love,

All are manifest because of a father.

Father when it comes to it,

When it comes to the little things,

 Or the big things, my appreciation of everything;

 is only possible because of you.

To work for no money and still be happy

I do enjoy working. What I really mean is I feel a need in me to contribute to the well-being of the community I live in. I do not mind whether that community is so sophisticated. I somehow know all communities have the same/basic needs to meet. Those needs start with shelter, stomach, smiles and sensibilities. I find myself in a situation where I need to be given so much and I need to give much too. I am not driven to do something just because I expect to get money in return.  I do engage in work to also know where I strike the balance. I am capable of many good and productive things. In the USA, where I am a new person there are many other new people who are less skilled in understanding and navigating their way around cities. I call this the urban-literacy and attendant skills and sensibilities (ULASS).

Building communities, making friends and finding sustenance are three skills (a continuing heritage if you may say so) one needs in a newer environment. I shall never go back to live a life I lived in the past but I am to move on in life. I want to be a professional and dedicated scientist. I also want to mentor, to work as a change agent. By change agent, I mean someone who can help many find meaning and possibilities. My niche is dealing with small things and entwining them into bigger things.  There are small steps we need to take to achieve much. We tend (humans) to fear to lose and in the process seek out bigger tasks to accomplish. Therein lies our failure. For in not addressing the small building blocks that make the bigger walls of achievement, we have already failed. In that state we are like a boat moored on the shore. We think we are sailing every time it is buffeted by the waves. In actual fact we are not. We have tied a rope that holds us in one place. Do not give up. Be a formidable and resilient person not because you are straining muscles and sinews but because you are using your grey-matter.

I deal with highlighting the step by step of things. I am happy doing it. I have done and hope to continue to do it without being paid a salary when called upon. I know am living in a country where my time is documented. One day, what am doing today as a volunteer who is going about my business without expecting money (but am happy and fulfilled), will be my passage to understanding needs, engage in problem-sharing and solving sessions. I shall leave this as a very experienced and happy person and move on to a next level. My next job and team will have a person who is sharper, a team-builder and problem-solver. Yahoo!!

Do it for yourself!

Around you there may be all these voices shouting, cajoling and ridiculing. Some may even be those of your loved ones. Stop and think. You have always done what they want, like and wish. You have never invested in yourself at all. Or, if you have it was again taken by those talking more.

This is your time. Do something good for yourself. Let it be positive and eventually make you lead a life of no regrets and misgivings. Those you are helping now may never be around when you need sugar, salt, a blanket, a coat or transportation to the nearest hospital when you get a heart attack. What eventually saves you is the knowledge you are not a burden to others. Then they may come running to help knowing that you did invest in the attendant support mechanisms. Read about Steve Jobs of the Apple Inc. He says something like this too.