"A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of idea." ~John Ciardi
Like The Muppet Show? I used to LOVE them. For my birth-month I've posted some of my favorite skits~ Check it out! http://www.tainowoman.com3 months ago
This year the US will be conducting a new, 10 year, population count and this brings me to the topic of questions 8 & 9 of the Census: the race and ethnicity questions.
We can google and find many a discussion and internet slogan rejecting the label of “Hispanic” or “Latino”. Folks claim to be neither regardless of Spanish names, surnames, languages spoken or country of origin. Although many hold a strong conviction with regards to this, my observation has been that few bother to question the basis of this opinion.
I usually don’t slam Christians. I know many people who follow that faith and they are good people. There are some times, however, that the magnitude of the stupidity reflected by some christian leaders is just too much to be ignored…
With the recent deaths occurring in an Arizona sweat lodge, three so far, many Indigenous Americans are rabidly repeating the mantras “That’s what you get when you mess with things you have no right to mess with”, “Non-natives have no right to participate, let alone conduct sacred native ceremonies” and “The spirits are clearly expressing their disapproval, when will non-natives learn?”
These are sad, angry and fear filled sentiments with which I do not agree. They weigh in my heart as I hear my relations repeat them at family events, powwows and even sacred gatherings. I have shared my feelings before pertaining to the separatist attitudes my relations have regarding our spirituality. Yet, further understanding compels me to revisit the issue and clarify, albeit to myself, this particular concern. Although I still do not agree with the segregationist views, I do believe my relations have some very good points and real reasons for concern. However, I suggest pause and deliberation lest our fears overcome and misguide us. By clarifying to ourselves exactly what it is that is really important, we can better express our concerns to others without sounding like rabid, bigoted hypocrites.
This is important because no one listens to rabid, bigoted hypocrites except other rabid, bigoted hypocrites and you end up preaching to the choir.
Recently, I received a response to the book review I posted on Ivan Van Sertima’s, They Came Before Columbus. This person was very passionate about defending the Afrocentric version of alternative history and emailed me an excerpt from his later book, Early America Revisited, in which Van Sertima replies to his critics: scientists, archeologist and professionals from different, but related, fields of study. I must say that his rebuttals prove quite an interesting read and encouraged me to further research, which I enjoy immensely. However, I must also say that the additional information just didn’t help Ivan’s case.
Although at the present moment we have no Authority on the Taino language, let’s pretend we do. Imagine we have a group of people who are recognized as the Authority on the Taino language by a great majority of the Taino people and organizations. And that this Authority has created the ultimate Taino Dictionary…
Wisegeek.com states “Adead language is a language which is no longer learned as a native language.“ Wikipedia says that a dead language has no competent speakers and that an extinct language is one that has no speakers at all, be that by language replacement or language evolution. Examples of these are Modern English having evolved from the Old English spoken in Medieval times and the death of the Taino language of the Caribbean when replaced by Spanish and French.
The discussion I was participating in on the UCTP forum regarding the Taino language, inspired me to further research other indigenous peoples who may be like us; folks struggling with their own individual decolonization while trying to help heal that of their people, reviving the culture and those things that are important to it, making it all work together- past, present and future-in balance. A people that may be similar to my own, in the ways I feel are important. My priorities lie in relationships; how we relate to ourselves, how we relate with each other, with the community and with the world at large. This to me, is the basis of society, and everything else depends on it.
These questions have been running around my head for a couple of weeks now… I had to put them out there. Just thoughts to ponder…
Is the good that a person does reason enough to accept abuse and disrespect from them?
Does the fact that a person chooses to sacrifice and give so much of his/her time and effort to a people, compensate for that person becoming dictatorial or tyrannical?
Do great strides allow a government the freedom to trample upon rights they claim to defend?
Should we over look the violations committed by leadership because of the “good” that leadership does for the people as a whole? Read more »
I am so glad you have taken the time to stop by and read a few lines. Thank you!
This blog is a mixture of personal experiences and interests, philosophies, political opinion regarding the Taino Movement and anything else that crosses my mind... Most of these are divided in pages, some which have tabs on the top for quick access, all of which are listed below. I attempt to post at least once a month. Sometimes I post more often, sometimes less, but I do try to keep up at least monthly. So if you find what I share interesting, stop by ever so often and see what's new!
If you feel moved to do so, please, take a moment to let me know you were here, if you agree or disagree with something or have had a similar thought or experience- I'd love to hear it. You may also send me an email via the email page.
Otherwise, have a wonderful day and thanks again for your time.
Nanu
Quote
"Knowledge dwells
in heads replete with thoughts of other men,
wisdom in minds attentive to their own."
~H.P. Blavatsky
The opinions shared on this blog are my own and are based on study, introspection, personal thought and point of view.
My purpose is not to offend nor to put down, but to question. The world is not black and white, things are not always one way or another- there are subtle shades in between. I like to examine opinions and beliefs and how I feel about them before subscribing to them and question everything! What are these beliefs based on and do I agree? And if I don't agree, why not? What are the discrepancies that are getting in the way of my acceptance? Sometimes something just doesn't feel quite right and deeper consideration will flag those inconsistencies for further study and thought. This leads to a more solid understanding of my own beliefs and a firmer footing within my center. My writings are an invitation to those who believe in critical thinking as a way of being.
You'll often find that I have more questions than answers, and in view of some of the topics I bring up, this can be very frustrating. But it also helps us realize that there isn't always an easy answer and ultimately, we are all in the same boat.
Feel free to disagree :)
Respectfully, I remain at your service,
Nanu
“A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion” ~ Chinese Proverb
The Suppressed Histories Archives
Asking questions about patriarchy and slavery, conquest and aboriginality. About mother-right, female spheres of power, indigenous philosophies of spirit– and the historical chemistry of their repression. Even more important, their role in resisting oppr
