The Wall of Wonder

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, joy, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to reflect upon my previous thoughts, that were focused upon the building of the US - Mexico border wall, and the US Immigration rules. The thoughts I shared were packed with emotion, as I heard the voices of the many immigrants who share their stories via twitter. This is what it means to be a human being, that possesses the quality of sympathy / empathy. This characteristic is something that we are born with, our survival is dependant upon this. For example: Think of the mother who reaches out for her child. The baby is crying. She reaches out because she has an innate drive, an innate instinct to respond. She wants to nurture, and care for this child. 

     As we evolve, and grow through the years, our capacity for sympathy / empathy must also be that of growth. Not only for personal growth, but also important for those in any position that involves customer or public service. This characteristic is not only for the purposes of fulfilling our basic needs. These are needed to feel the depths of the human suffering, or imagine others with differences, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, disability, or age. Just because I am saying this, it will not be a given that everyone we encounter, will be able to tend to the growth of the characteristics of: sympathy and empathy, or metaphorically speaking, being in the shoes of others.

     Our capacities are limited and expanded dependent on our own experiences, and those with others. For example: If a person has lived in a rural area that is of one dominant race, then the person who is also of this race, will find it difficult to adjust, or understand others who are of difference, minority groups, those who have suffered oppressions, etc. This is why it is important to have conversation about social justice issues within the classroom setting. This is the beauty of being an educator, we are able to discuss topics, and create spaces for these discussions.  

     With regards to my own thoughts about the immigration rules in the USA, after taking the time to listen to Speaker Paul Ryan's thoughts, I learned that it was important to keep the American people safe. If Iran is engaging in any suspicious activity, then this has to be investigated, or there has to be some sort of sanctions, so that these threats do not harm American's or other countries as well. I think that the initial confusions did stem from how the initial orders were rolled out. And this should be understandable, as this is a new leadership, it just takes time to get to know a new style of leadership as well. 

     As much as I do care about the health of the economy, and was listening to the many CEO's about how these rules have affected their company employees, it made me wonder. Yes, these CEO's have spoken up, and it is only now they have felt sympathy and empathy for their Muslim employees. Where were their voices when Syria was constantly being bombed? Where were their caring voices when there was, and still is injustice to various populations? It seems like their concerns were only stemmed when they realized that they will incur a financial loss, at the expense of this travel regulation.

     This thought can also be transferred to the University Admins, who are now beginning to care for the international Muslim students who are affected by this order. International students, or students that are Muslim who are not international students contribute to a knowledge sharing society as well. It is just a shame that it is only when there is an extreme measure put in place that people in the hierarchical chain begin to feel sympathetic. You see international students arrive from all over the world. They want to learn. A university should not be interested in a personal political interest of that student, or a political party they support. International students are, and have always been contributors to the creation of knowledge.

     Maybe this Immigration ban, rule, or executive order is actually a type of a moral lesson for large companies, and learning institutions. Also this is a great time for smaller tech companies to think about entering the market as well. So we do see some positive lessons arriving from this measure.

My thoughts show how thinking is never linear. It involves a type of interaction with the world as well. Education or learning is about coming into a presence. This presence will require us to challenge our own thinking. 

     With regards to the wall. Once again I do believe that the roll - out of this order was met with a vengeance. This once again shows how rhetorics matter. Whilst the problem of illegal immigrants, drugs, and crime does exist on both sides of the border, there has to be some sort of order. What if we were to turn the rhetorics of the wall, or border solution into something beautiful? What if we were to say we are going to create a land mark to show -  case the strong historical ties between the nations of Mexico and the USA, by creating a wall / border that is a symbol of friendship, and protection for both nations? Maybe this will be met with less resistance. Because when we say that these people are a problem, or we don't want them, it creates a sense of anger, angst, and also tensions between nations. It is about trying to control the issues that both nations face, but in a way that does not hinder the relations between the nations. Also I think that it is important to point out that one of the reason that Brexit happened was because of the migrants entering the UK through Europe, Brexit is also trying to curb this out illegal immigrants, so it is actually quite hypocritical of the UK to say that they are critical of the US - Mexico border solutions. 

     Whilst my previous thoughts were packed with emotion, about the wall and Immigrant rule, these thoughts should exemplify and demonstrate that learning is not linear. This is what learning is. It arrives with a risk. It also arrives with a violence, because we have to intrude the self. Kind of like a slap, bang, cut, wallop like what President Trump did. No fuss. It is only when the learner him  / her self begins to take risks into the unknown can there be growth.

​     Whilst there is an examination of suspicious activity from Iran or any other nations on the list. I urge everyone, including myself to remain patient. Remember that this is a temporary order. The safety of the American People is a priority. As we remain patient, I also urge US officials to remind the American people, and also Global Leaders that America is a  proud loving nation, that possesses a wealth of diversity. 
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Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all beings, lets us be patient, and have hope. This is a new leadership, a new beginning, there will be some disruption, this is where the growth happens. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on February 2nd, 2017
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