01-25-2004, 04:58 AM
Where to begin?
Culture is a fine and wonderful thing. Till it kicks you in the teeth. In my quests to find out more about my culture, I got bashed three ways to Sunday for "worshipping the white man's god" and "having the white man's money." Not much is worse then being rejected by your own kind. What ever and whom ever they might be. As I have stated many times, there is much bitter irony in those statements, considering they came from a man hooked on "the white man's fire water." Don't even get me started on my issues with Tribal Casinos. "You gave us alcoholism, we give you gambling addiction. Fair trade eh?" Getting closer to my culture was one of the worst mistakes of my life. Out of all the minorities in America, I don't think I have ever met an angrier bunch. One day the silent seething masses will have their revenge, served in a way only they could. Slowly creeping up unheard and unoticed, and terrible fury unleashed with a woop and a holler. I want no part of it.
In many cases, those teaching culture are also teaching their own hidden agendas along with it as well. This is not my opinion, this has been what I have found time and time again. And most of them lace it with propaganda and slant. And I find that, well, icky. Just plain icky. I would use other words, but the mods would start beating on me instead of Old Gluey.
To use my self as an example, right now I am getting a crash course in Scottish Culture. Lots of it. I am going to a clan gathering with my wife, who is, you guessed it, a Scottish Lass. And it's been a hoot. I have had more fun learning about all of this stuff then I ever did learning about my own culture. I have been given something to embrace. I have been fitted for a kilt, made from a special tartan pattern made just for me. I am a clanless barbarian, an outsider, and I have been made most welcome, and I suspect I will be "adopted" or something when I go. Something is up, that's all I know. And I suspect my wife knows more then she lets on. I have absolutely no idea what I am getting in to, but I look forward to it all.
And that's kinda my point. Everything should not be melted down to unknown status here in the melting pot. Culture is important, but, perhaps, not our own. Maybe there should be more of "Adopting a member of another culture" or mayhap a holiday based on the principal idea of that sort of thing. Instead of a Black History Month, there should be a "Be Adopted By a Black Family Month." Or week. Or whatever. Sort of like a student exchange. Or something. Not sure how to put it.
Embrace a culture that's not your own. It's a sure fire way to bring about a little peace and harmony.
Culture is a fine and wonderful thing. Till it kicks you in the teeth. In my quests to find out more about my culture, I got bashed three ways to Sunday for "worshipping the white man's god" and "having the white man's money." Not much is worse then being rejected by your own kind. What ever and whom ever they might be. As I have stated many times, there is much bitter irony in those statements, considering they came from a man hooked on "the white man's fire water." Don't even get me started on my issues with Tribal Casinos. "You gave us alcoholism, we give you gambling addiction. Fair trade eh?" Getting closer to my culture was one of the worst mistakes of my life. Out of all the minorities in America, I don't think I have ever met an angrier bunch. One day the silent seething masses will have their revenge, served in a way only they could. Slowly creeping up unheard and unoticed, and terrible fury unleashed with a woop and a holler. I want no part of it.
In many cases, those teaching culture are also teaching their own hidden agendas along with it as well. This is not my opinion, this has been what I have found time and time again. And most of them lace it with propaganda and slant. And I find that, well, icky. Just plain icky. I would use other words, but the mods would start beating on me instead of Old Gluey.
To use my self as an example, right now I am getting a crash course in Scottish Culture. Lots of it. I am going to a clan gathering with my wife, who is, you guessed it, a Scottish Lass. And it's been a hoot. I have had more fun learning about all of this stuff then I ever did learning about my own culture. I have been given something to embrace. I have been fitted for a kilt, made from a special tartan pattern made just for me. I am a clanless barbarian, an outsider, and I have been made most welcome, and I suspect I will be "adopted" or something when I go. Something is up, that's all I know. And I suspect my wife knows more then she lets on. I have absolutely no idea what I am getting in to, but I look forward to it all.
And that's kinda my point. Everything should not be melted down to unknown status here in the melting pot. Culture is important, but, perhaps, not our own. Maybe there should be more of "Adopting a member of another culture" or mayhap a holiday based on the principal idea of that sort of thing. Instead of a Black History Month, there should be a "Be Adopted By a Black Family Month." Or week. Or whatever. Sort of like a student exchange. Or something. Not sure how to put it.
Embrace a culture that's not your own. It's a sure fire way to bring about a little peace and harmony.
All alone, or in twos,
The ones who really love you
Walk up and down outside the wall.
Some hand in hand
And some gathered together in bands.
The bleeding hearts and artists
Make their stand.
And when they've given you their all
Some stagger and fall, after all it's not easy
Banging your heart against some mad buggers wall.
"Isn't this where...."
The ones who really love you
Walk up and down outside the wall.
Some hand in hand
And some gathered together in bands.
The bleeding hearts and artists
Make their stand.
And when they've given you their all
Some stagger and fall, after all it's not easy
Banging your heart against some mad buggers wall.
"Isn't this where...."