Bon Voyage!

So, I have to address the change of online decor...I'm leaving tomorrow for Africa! I'll be on a medical mission with PINCC, and organization that conducts cervical cancer exams for the local female population. And, thanks to an awful, long, disconnected series of flights that my mile happy dad booked, I get to visit Istanbul!

Here's what I've got planned for Turkey:















I am so excited! I've packed and re-packed...had huge fits and anxious spazzes...and finally, I think I am ready to go. Now, all I have to do is catch some Z's. Like I can possibly do that at a time like this!

Well here goes nothing!

The All-Indian Woman

So, obviously, women aren't exactly appreciated back in the homeland.

What with the disparities in the workforce, the second class status, and let's not forget the occasional widow burning...women are supposedly an "underutilized resource". Economic objectification aside, it's a wonder the female population hasn't openly retaliated, unleashing years of bottled up feminine angst and injustice.

You'd think with the example set by the women of the West, who achieved their own independence back in the 20's, Indians would look to them for guidance in their empowerment endeavors. Or even if they're trying to maintain an elusive isolationist policy by turning up their noses at outside influence, why not look to their own religion and culture? After all, that can't be taboo, right?

In Hinduism, you've got your three main gods: Bramha, the creator, Shiva, the destroyer, and Vishnu, the preserver (a.k.a the one who's gotta get in the middle of those two). After that, you have numerous amounts of gods and goddesses, reincarnations, and demi-gods. The great thing about Indian gods is that they're surprisingly human. They have their own human flaws and vices, not to mention their own set of mistakes...mistakes that end up costing the WHOLE world, mind you. Shiva, normally pictured in deep, self-composed meditation, is actually notorious for his pride. Disgusted with the constant begging that the world does, Shiva decided that there would be no need for begging...because he was going to fulfill every single wish in the world. Boy, did that plan backfire. In the end, he was running away from some loon who wanted the power to turn anyone he touched into ash. Big mistake.

Anyways, Shiva's consort, Parvati, is known as the embodiment of the universe, the supreme Mother. "Parvati and Shiva are the divine embodiment of creativity (the feminine) and consciousness (masculine). She is the generative energy of the universe; he is its formless wisdom. Whatever Shiva imagines, Parvati brings to life. He dreams it; she materializes it" (Elizabeth Gilbert). So though, essentially, the man is the brain behind the operation, the woman is the one who makes it happen. She has the power to conceive and create. In addition, she is said to tame Shiva...when he's in one of those "manly , aggressive fits". She civilizes him. Scholar David Kinsley explains, "The fact that Parvati is able to physically restrain Shiva dramatically makes the point that she is superior in power."

So here we are, India. An example of Feminine strength. Maybe Parvati will finally get enough of the inequality and bestow upon Indian women some forcefulness, some will power...then maybe they'll let their hair loose, stir up some trouble, and stick it to the MAN.

Let's Shosholoza

Shosholoza By Dan Moyane

After watching Invictus, which was a powerful movie about Nelson Mandela and the patriotic power of the South African national rugby team, I became enamored with this song. Shosholoza is, traditionally, a folk song sung by the miners, but I was really taken by the word and song's meaning. Shosholoza means to strive or to endeavor. In addition, it means "to move ahead". This next year, I take this one word to be my inspiration and guide. I will fervently utter it when I'm scrambling to finish my college applications. I will joyously yell it when I am finally at that graduation podium, ready to accept my diploma, and I will proudly state it when I walk into my college campus, books in hand, ready to start the shosholoza-ing all over again!

In addition, it is my prayer for the world. For man to move past their differences and look forward to harmony and humanity. For governments to aid in the common advancement of all nations. For leaders to move ahead of their prejudices and dogmas so they may judge clearly and without bias. Let the world adopt this slogan, for it encompasses much of the terrors we see around us, the emotions we all feel, and the burdens we, as a race of men, must all bear.

She Gives, They Take, and Who Ends Up With the Wallet Ache?

It's a rare day when you're asked to examine the meaning of friendship and the spirit of giving all at the same time. I mean, it's a lot to handle for the old noggin. It's being asked to think deeply, philosophize, and ponder...all during summer vacation? Pardon me, vacay? And just when you thought you left your pal Sigmund and his compadres Montagine and Herr Nietzsche behind.

So, Alisha, my sweet, sensitive, emotional lug of a twin, has a problem. She feels it her responsibility, no, duty to constantly pick up her friends' slack, which includes, and is not limited to, paying for her friends (all the time!), doing THEIR homework, running THEIR errands, and any other favor she can think of. Give. Give. And More Give.

I'm not trying to be cynical or anything. I am totally into the whole spirit of giving! It's right up there with the spirit of kindness, the spirit of cooperation, even the spirit of...of...the spirit of St. Louis, for pete's sake!

I liked this one idea that was written on the inside of a journal I picked up at the bookstore. Friendship is like a checking account. You put some in, and you take some it...it's the fundamental philosophy of the Friendship Account. Well, so I believed. For Alisha, friendship is an eternally one-sided affair. Even I love paying for my friends and buying them gifts, but not every single moment of my life. And when you start realizing that you keep giving, but getting nothing in return, you start to feel a tad sad, lonesome...pathetic, even? I believe a true friend would notice the lovely things you're doing for her, and then, out of the love she feels for you, reciprocate. Because friends do things for EACH other!

I'm actually worried about what she's going to do when the time comes for us little birdies to fly out of the nest for the big collegiate world. A world of mystery, wonder, and eternally empty wallets and bank accounts. I can just imagine her paying for her friend's meal with the $25 she needs to get through the rest of the week...and then she's forced to eat Top Ramen from plastic cups and beg for spare change the rest of the days. Ok well, since I'm not cynical about being generous, you can say I'm cynical about the whole "college experience". But that's a post for a different time.