As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect upon my previous thoughts. In particular the lines: "Why should a majority rule over a minority, or why should a minority rule over a majority?" I also began to connect this thought at a historical level. My thoughts are representative of an idealistic society. It would be so beautiful if everyone regardless of the colour of their skin could see each other as their equal. The thoughts of human being's working together, living in harmony regardless of the color of the skin, class, ethnicity, gender etc, is so lovely. However, can we negate the harsh histories that have taken place? It is my view to hold that it is important to learn about these, but also to find solutions to overcome and prevent these from taking place. For example: It was International Jazz Day. This was a day that was celebrated around the world and also at The White House. This event reminded me of The Harlem Renaissance. A time where many African American individuals were experiencing racism, in the deep south of America. Individuals moved to the Northern Area's. They wanted to find places to live where they could express who they are. Individuals began to write poetry, sing songs, Jazz, Blues, rhythm, dance and much more. The expressive arts formulated a platform not only to express how people were feeling, but also to create awareness. You see minorities have been through and are still going through many struggles to this present day. To say it in simple terms" THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. The struggle was and continues to be real. The struggle to achieve the harmony that I envision is also real. However it begins by putting our hostile natures to the side. There are histories, when we learn these histories it opens up new doors, new perspectives and new ways of thinking. When should acknowledge these, but we also don't want these histories to discourage us to getting to know people of difference. For example: in my previous thoughts I mentioned my own experience with racism. These experience do frustrate me, sometimes I loose hope. However if I continued to remain in that space of thinking I would simply shut down, Experiences do discourage us, but it is having the courage to continuously believe and see the positive. Even from a negative experience, we can ask: what did we learn from this? How can I improve? Was there a lesson in this experience? I once had this type of conversation with a Professor (African descent) , we talked a lot about histories, but we also agreed that we have to be open and willing to know and learn from each other, we have propel ourselves to move forward. It's all about the children of today and tomorrow globally. We may not have the tensions and harsh histories of yesterday but these can still be seen when we hear of terror attacks, how do these impact children? I began to relate this question to my daughter. Her name is Sabbah, she questions just like me, she is interested in histories just like me, she wants everyone to get along just like me. She learned about the Holocaust and the incarceration of the Jewish people. She was devastated. One of her best friends is Jewish. When the attack on Paris, Brussels and Pakistan took place each and every time she asks "Mama, why are Muslims killing?' This is what she asks. She is saddened because this is the faith that she embraces. She wonders why such a peaceful way of life - Islam is being displayed in such a manner. Even though this type of attack is direct, they are impacting Muslims adults and children who practice a peaceful way of life at a psychological level. We also see constant attacks in the eastern hemisphere's and murderous plots in the west. The hate, hurt, and terror that is induced is being carried forward to east and west. The war of today is psychological warfare at the expense of the ones who serve their country through loyalty, and innocent civilians. These are wars of human dignity. The other day when I saw His Royal Highness King Abdullah II share a video to a factory visit in Jordan which was shared via twitter. His Royal Highness met with women, shook their hands. Truly I cried my heart out, not only because it reminded me of my first job as a factory worker, as a sewing machinist in the UK, but because: Muslim's have migrated all over the globe, living peacefully, but these attacks, constant acts of terror leave us searching, searching and questioning. I thought ... we too need His Royal Highness King Abdullah II we also need to know that you love and care for us. Our children don't understand. They don't understand they want peace, they are also seeking validation. I also took the time to reflect upon President Obama's speech at Howard University commencement 2016. It takes courage for a leader to stand up and talk these truths, especially in a Presidential position where we have to be mindful of everyone. However, when we embrace these teachings as learning opportunities we all benefit. Learning is lifelong, it is continuous. Perfection is unattainable, but we can and should always strive to do better. For Educators: It is all about the children of today and tomorrow, and even our own sanity as adults. Children are growing up in very different and diverse environments. We may decide to ask students what kind of world they imagine. We could even do classroom based activities. Students could draw images, or write reflections about a world they imagine. Then as a class community analyze these thoughts collectively, to find a common vision that unites all of these thoughts. To conclude this activity students can collectively think of an action that they could do to promote a positive, for the envisioned vision. For example: If students want to see more happiness in the world, then students could decide to smile more at people that they interact with, or take sometime to engage in a conversation. To Conclude: Be the change you wish to see! Be Love! Love is universal Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to His Royal Highness King Abdullah II and Beautiful Queen Rania, I am glad to have found you both through twitter. To President Obama, thank you all for your thoughts, and carrying the risks that come through leadership. You have inspired me. These words are also dedicated to all beings, know that you are loved. My thoughts with love and kindness. :) This post was originally had-written on May 3rd 2016, it was amended on May 8th to include the You Tube videos. For more information and teaching and learning resources about the Harlem Renaissance, please visit: Our Community Of Learning.
Please also visit With Love and Kindness ENG1D1 for resources Image 1 - Weblink
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