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"appropriation" Category


Before I continue,


Saturday, November 22, 2008

“before I continue, I must also include the most noble, impacting, profound and beautiful lesson that my travels have BEATEN into me – and that is of Humility. The thought of the arrogance and ignorance with which I set upon my world “stomp,” today, changes my cheeks to shades of shame. That I left my country on the spit and snarl of these two charges, just emphasizes the depth of my personal projection. Such self-righteousness we assume in the task and name of seeking change! The world IS change; it’s the predominant characteristic of nature and the Earth and nothing but comical to presume that we need seek it out. We human beings, both individually and cumulatively, will constantly be presented with the challenges and opportunities to evolve to our higher selves regardless of the continent upon which we happen to find ourselves born or standing. I need not cross the world on a jet engine to either solve the puzzles of the planet or recognize the mystery of life. But perhaps, like Santiago*, we just have to make the physical journey to come to that same, mocking-with-good-humor-at-our-humbling-expense, conclusion.”

—extracted from re-defining home, an article I encountered at Stephen’s blog.

*Santiago is the protagonist of Alchemist, by Paul Coelho. I got this book as a gift from my lovely friend Sherese Tong. Thanks.

Victim.


Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Extracted from NGOs and the victim industry, by Bernard Hours

“The ideology behind humanitarian aid depends on three principles. There must be universal human rights – a worthy premise, but problematic. You create victims whom you can save. Then you assert the right to have access to these victims.
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