Do we value difference or fear it?
In the image above, I see an alien creature with many limbs waving hello, wanting to approach me, to form a peaceful relationship. What do I do?
In my own relationships, do I embrace those that are different from me or do I judge them and look for ways to say they are inferior in order to protect the images I have of myself? And what exactly are these images, these stories I tell myself of who I am?
76 comments:
**And what exactly are these images, these stories I tell myself of who I am?
very good question Tre. Im 'different' just cos I like 'differences' :)
Keshi.
And for that you have stolen my heart. Diversity makes me stronger and in your case ... well, it makes for some other good things too. :-D
now I see that vibrant pic! different shades and different shapes ha? wow!
**Diversity makes me stronger and in your case ... well, it makes for some other good things too
aha. wud luv to hear of those 'other' good things :):)
Keshi.
Well, come to the land of pulled pork and we can discuss the finer points of the "good things." :-D
Such a pretty little creature. :-)
Diversity makes me think of the big stuff first and foremost, but I'm not sure this is what you mean.
I'd like to think for myself, and I'm certain the same is true for you, that the only unwarrented rejection we offer is to those who offer us the same.
(no coffee yet, may be back to elaborate/explain the above :-D)
Great post!
Morning Sunshine. I think of those who are different from me and how I relate to them. For example, last week during my chiro work, Lisa asked me what kind of music I enjoyed. I spoke of James, and she mentioned Rap music. I had a reaction to Rap and it made me think where this reaction came from and how many other things and people that are different that I have that same reaction. If everyone was like me, what would the world look like? LMAO, thank Janus for diversity!
That is awesome. I'm saving that to use for a writing prompt with my students next year!
It takes a lot of self-knowledge to be so comfortable with yourself that you don't need to 'compare' yourself to others. It also helps to be happy with where you are in your life and what you've accomplished.
I've met young people, though, who are there. And I've met old people who aren't there.
Absolutely, thank Janus :-D
Things and people, two different things though. Having a reaction to rap music is not the same as having one to a 'type' of people.
Honestly, none or few of us is perfect, we all make generalizations of some sort and we do it often, positive as well as negative, I'm not sure that we can help our thoughts, based as they are on real influences and experience (anything else is just prejudice plain and simple) - but we can react against them, if nothing else have the conscious thought that it is a generalization, nothing more, nothing less.
The worst thing we can do is pretend, and I guess that's why I like this post so much, for its honesty, for the fact that you question yourself, you are not complacent.
PS Sweet dreams when you get that far. :-)
**pulled pork
enlighten me plzz :)
Keshi.
I saw ballons in the image, and I wanted to poke one.
I think we place far too much importance on labels and exteriors. It is partly conditioning, partly our fear of something new. Once we learn to embrace life with an open mind, we can start to move beyond that.
Look at blogging and the variety of people it brings us in contact with; many of whom we would probably dismiss in RL or find some excuse to exclude them from our lives. Yet they enrich it in so many ways.
I value diversity...but maybe that's the artist in me...who knows.
And I see a flower...made out of rubber...LOL Nevermind me :p
As for other people I think that we all judge to a certain limit since we always compare with outselves. But I always try not to go any further than that. People are individuals and that's the way it should be. We're different...which is what makes life around us so colourful.
I think that if we cannot accept that for what it is, the ones we're hurting the most are ourselves.
Guess what
I see balloons ;)
But your post is thoughtful. People have preconceived notions owing to their upbringing, education experience etc. Thus some will have the misguided notion that soem are better than the others.
I prefer to see it as different people being blessed with different gifts.
A mathematian who can solve questions is no less a better person than a poet or a waiter or a roadsweeper regardless of skin colour or educational background. All of them contributes to the betterment of society in total. And that is what matters.
Conformity, uniformity, robots belong to a factory, not to society.
Saffy, that is a beautiful comment. If you look at great teams, they usually have players with very different abilities and the meshing together of those different abilities creates a synergy that would not exist without the diversity of skillsets. Thanks for the very thoughtful comment.
My guess Sunshine, you are going to see James in two weeks at Blenheim Palace. :-D
As I posted on your site, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for you. You are going to have the time of your life. Poppet says it will be almost as good as ... well, never mind Poppet this morning. :-D
Christa, your comment is the exact reason I tend to like most artists. And I agree wholeheartedly that our lack of awareness and acceptance of those different from us hurts us the most. The more narrow our view, the more restricted a life we live. I've always felt the greatest prisons in the world are the ones we construct with our own minds and live within on a daily basis with little hope of escape. Imagine living in a prison and never knowing it.
Oooh Chicky, be careful with using the word poke. Poke and Chickybabe in the same sentence causes my imagination to go into overdrive. :-D
You are so right about the blogosphere. I wonder often, how many of the relationships we form and enjoy that enrich our lives would have never been established in real life because of this idea or that that we have fixed in our minds.
Keshi, pulled pork is a way that pork is prepared. The pork is literally pulled into small string-like strips, which makes it ideal for sandwiches. Tennessee is famous for pulled pork and if you ever come here, you must sample a little pulled pork first hand. :-D
Of course, there is more than one way to experience pulled pork, but we would need to discuss that in private. :-)
Sunshine, I am fully aware of most of my failings and those I'm not aware of, well, Ms Mario is quick to educate me on those. :-D
I wish we all had a pretend meter attached to us and whenever we started to kid ourselves with pretending it would go off like a fire alarm. If that was the case, I think we would live in a very loud and noisey world. :-D
One of my fears is to be pretending yet not know that is exactly what I'm doing. I still catch myself doing it. The older I get, the more I'm able to see through my own BS, but from time to time I get a wake-up call to come back to reality and see things as they are, not as I imagine them to be.
Catherine, thanks for that awesome comment. Always a pleasure to have you stop by and say a few words.
Please, by all means use this image. I'm deeply flattered. The thought that students could be using one of my images in their education brings joy to my heart. If you do, please let me know how the exercise goes.
Clicking through on Blog Clicker.
I like the pics - and I think that whatever you decide will depend on how you were raised to think... How your experiences in life blend with your genetic predispositions and the combination of mood, thought process and experiences will give you your outlook on what it is you see... what your reaction is to it - and how you approach it.
Now - also wanted to say - fantastic that you're part of that computer program set up!
That is splendid!
I just got dx with HCV 3 days ago- so the concept for a cure for cancer is about the same thing - something that isn't quite found yet or something that hasn't been released yet... So - I'm hoping someone will find a cure - some how, some way - before it's too late.
Keep on keeping on - and nice to run in to your blog.
Wager Witch
Wager Witch, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. First let me say I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers with regard to the HCV. There are two projects our team works on with Oxford. One is dedicated strictly to cancer research and the other takes a broader approach in mapping protein structures with potential to find cures for a variety of diseases. Here is the official blurb:
Human Proteome Folding Project
This project seeks to predict the structures of all proteins in the Human Genome. Scientists use these structures, which also indicate function, to better understand how the protein affects the body and to develop treatments for potential illnesses caused by the protein. At present, only a fraction of human protein structures are known -- at conclusion of this project scientists will know them all!
Thanks again for stopping by and leaving such kind words. Hope to see you again. :-)
:-D
Good morning to you and thanks for that sweet comment, for sharing in my enthusiasm.
As for the other, all we can do is our best - you're lucky, you are aware, and it makes you a better and improving you.
Have a great day!! xo
Afternoon Sunshine. Check your email. I sent you a link to James playing GML on Star Academy in duet mode. Never thought of it as a duet before but after seeing this, I would love to see a version with a female artist. Of most interest to me on this video is seeing the judges singing along. I have a new found respect for the French now--LMAO. Enjoy my sweet. :-)
I believe I value diversity, I hope I can trust my belief :-)
Karen I have a feeling you have no problems with appreciating diversity. Hope you are keeping those beautiful mountains in safe keeping for me. I'm heading to Utah next week and then back again in July.
Those judges were adorable :-D Thanks again for sending the link, much appreciated.
Hope you're having a wonderful evening, sweet dreams when you get that far!
My evening has been Pama wonderful. :-)
ooh, that long one looks like something I might like. Glad you're having a good evening. You know, if you go to bed early, tomorrow comes quicker. :-D
If I have a few more Pama-ritas it will come pretty early too. :-D
So are you saying you like long ones? :-D
All depends on the taste.
Though there is a lot to be said for presentation to.
Good answers. :-D
:-) Sleep tight fracmeister, x
**Of course, there is more than one way to experience pulled pork, but we would need to discuss that in private
I'd wanna try every possible way that there is ;-)
Thanks for the explanation Tre-o!
Keshi.
Imagine living in a prison and never knowing it.
I think a lot of people do. It's all about the values that we grew up with, and those are usually very difficult to change.
One example of this is the word "openminded". That's about diversity big time and it's very abused since no matter how it's used, there's always limits to it created in our own mind.
And the limits are often set very early without our consent, but later built up in the belief that it is the right thing.
A lot of ppl are "openminded", but still stuck in their closet their narrow mind have created for them. They just doesn't know about it.
I could go on forever about this subject...LOL
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, dear Tréeeeeeee
Happy Birthday to yooooooou!
:-)
Sings together with Autumn
Have a great birthday, Trée :hugs:
ooh, excellent, Christa, let's do another one
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellooooooooow
Which nobody can deny
Wake up you old fart ;-D, I want to give you your virtual birthday hugs!
I'm awake sans coffee, but always available for a virtual hug. :-)
Thanks for the bday wishes. Now it's time for me to rub some sleep from my eyes and go get some coffee. Seems the older I get the more time I want to spend in bed. :-D
Christa, thanks for the bday wishes. I too could talk forever on the limits we impose on ourselves that we never know or acknowledge are there. As for openminded, I'm not sure I've met many people that are truly openminded. Seems most of us have our preconceived notions about how the world should be and the shame of it all, is those notions tend to do more harm than good.
Keshi, I like your attitude. :-D
:-D
Virtual hugs across the waves. :-)
And what wonderful virtual hugs they are! Thank you dear sweetest for being you and making me smile. :-)
Oops Autumn...I missed the second tune...LOL
Sowwries ;)
Seems I missed just a bit more than some reading here. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Is it today? Are you celebrating another year of life? Hope whatever your day holds in store for you that its simply grand! Oh, and since its your birthday, go out and do something slightly illegal, immoral, or mischevious :)
t/c
Thanks Meg. Sounds like the two of us could figure out how to get into just a wee bit of trouble. :-D
Yes, and today is the day. :-)
My dearest Tree... You always have a way to make people think... You're amazing... Kisses ~Y
Hey Birthday Boy! Hope the day thus far has been dazzling. Did you have cake yet? :-)
Thanks Y. I do love my flattery and you are very good at giving me what I love. :-D
No cake yet Sunshine, but I did get the most incredible gift at lunch. On Saturday night I'm going on a real life paranormal investigation at a local residence with hot activity. We start work at 11:30pm and work through the night. Woohoo!!! Can't tell you how excited I am to experience this first hand!
Oh wow, what an excellent gift!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! :-)
You and me both! I can't wait to spend my night in the dark. What an excellent gift. How many times do you get to tag along on a real paranormal investigation. :-)
You've done well, poppet, a margharita mixer and a night of spooks. :-D
I'm off to the land of nod, have a great rest of the day and ya just know I'm gonna be around to wish you once more before your day is over :).
Depending on how many pamaritas I have tonight I may or may not still be in the land of the conscious. :-D
Thanks for the wonderful post today. That was a very special thing you did and much appreciated my dear friend. :-)
Don't forget your ghostbusters badge :-D
Oooh Terry, thanks for that heads up. I would have completely forgotten the badge. Must go the the mall now. :-D
I could see you in one of those Ghost Buster suits too, lol how funny would that be if you turned up dressed as a Ghost Buster :-D
PS Most welcome - so glad you had a wonderful day! xo
I would need some great {censored} to turn up with a ghostbusters suit on. Now, if I can find a woman willing, I'm open minded. :-D
Woman willing to do what, wear a GB suit? :-)
That's how I'm going to picture you on Saturday now, GB suit looking very hot wearing you glasses and a big ole pair of doc Martins (there's a nice little thought:)
humming the song as you rattle about the place looking for disturbances...
Head my dear.
Now for Saturday night, I could be wrong since this site has a lot of activity, but I have a feeling we will be sitting in this old house in the pitch dark black of night through the early morning hours.
I've been wrong before and I hope I'm wrong this time. I would love to hear the footsteps or the marble dropping and rolling across the floor or the coldness next me me as has been reported many times. Just a couple more days and you'll know everything I know. :-)
Wonderful :-)
There's an old castle in Somerset England that my father and brothers (first my elder, later my younger) have spent time at. There are two very mischievous, giggly young girls there that love to play all sorts of tricks on them - the events there on their many trips have turned them into believers. Hope you get to see or hear something, either way, it will be exciting and fun - as said, look forward to hearing all about it. :-)
You're a lucky man, poppet, cherry cheesecake and such thoughtfully wonderful gifts - you deserve it though :-)
Yes, my dear sweet woman, I am indeed a lucky man and I must continue to remind myself of that fact.
In about 48 hours I'll be in the middle of our investigation. I must say, this is perhaps one of my most intersting bday gifts. I can't tell you how excited I am to have this experience. To watch it on TV is one thing. To be there is to see and hear with one's own eyes and ears is quite another. Full report when I'm able. :-)
i would welcome him / her with arms wide open :-)
Kandykane, excellent answer. :-)
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you around again. All the best with your blog.
This looks like the Brazilian cousin to the yellow AOL man to me.
I have never met anyone who was really like me, sometimes this depresses me but more often than not I enjoy the diversity. Everyone is different and you can learn something new from someone who may be your complete opposite.
"This looks like the Brazilian cousin to the yellow AOL man to me."
Dang, I wonder if AOL will sue me now? :-D
Jack, we are all unique and all equally valuable. I choose to celebrate diversity--all of it. :-)
When people ask me if I miss the city, I can most often say in all honesty "I miss the diversity".
Peace...............
Helen, this is very true of city life, especially the bigger the city.
Great post Trée. Accepting diversity would solve so many problems on our little planet, wouldn't it.
Deb, I don't think it would hurt. :-)
You're in Utah?? Where are you going??? I'm in Ogden, just north of Salt Lake.
Karen, I'm going to be in Midway for a few days this week and then again in the middle of July. We are staying at the Zermatt Resort and Spa, which I believe has just opened it doors. I'm very much looking forward to staying in a brand new resort.
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