Author: Maya Angelou Review first posted April 2004 It took a while to decide to review this book. There is an unfortunately strong current societal meme which says if you are: (less victimized, &/or more financially secure, male, white, privileged, whatever) then you don’t get to comment. I understand it’s a natural reaction to the…
This makes me feel bad — so it must be bad! On deeper examination of this issue, I believe the selfish desire to profit regardless of the pain or damage it causes others is behind the deliberately inaccurate reframing of cultural appropriation as something good. For example, I’ve seen terms such as “cultural evolution” and…
But why does it matter? Well, I feel it’s always easier to understand something when it’s personal… so let’s do a little thought-exercise. Yes, I know what this example will most properly describe is something more like a copyright issue, but work with me here; I’m trying to explain something conceptual in an emotive matter,…
A few years ago I was in a class about being a good ally to people of color, or POC. It is a sad fact that often any such class on allyship is least well attended by those who most need it. As a white woman I can certainly understand that — had it not…
Just got back from another personal first: a town hall meeting with my Congressional representative, Zoe Lofgren, at the Mt. Pleasant High School. She’s a Democrat and has been this area’s Congresswoman since 1995, if I heard her correctly. She mentioned returning home (this area) each week, and she’s got that smooth way of responding…
Well, PantheaCon is concluded for another year! Also, our ritual/performance of The Descent of Inanna was enormously successful — “House of Inanna” has been asked to do it again! There were far more audience members than we expected, which was a real delight — they filled the room and we even had folks standing in…
Tonight I’ll be at PantheaCon for the ritual of the Descent of Inanna performed by “House of Inanna” (my ATS belly dance troupe) and friends. It’s been a fascinating experience so far, especially since I’ve not previously participated in any plays. Oh, I was the head of a green dragon during a play when I…
I did a thing! Well, I painted a thing — for my ATS bellydance troupe’s upcoming ritual of the Descent of Inanna, taking place this Sunday at Pantheacon. Woo! This is my first time creating stuff for the stage, so I’m really quite pleased with how it all came out. The object in question is…
(A review written in August 2005 of a book suggested by the Philosopher’s Café group I used to attend. This review, while not that enthralling, is referenced in a later and better blog I wrote on torture. Both are creepily pertinent to today’s issues) – – – – – – – – – – –…
(A review written in August 2005 of a book suggested by the Philosopher’s Café group I used to attend. This review, while not that enthralling, is referenced in a later and better blog I wrote on torture. Both are creepily pertinent to today’s issues) – – – – – – – – – – –…