Hate is Not Okay

Over the past few days I've been seeing this popping up on my Facebook feed as "friends" have joined it:

One would have thought things like this far behind us- somewhere in that corner of recent history people try studiously to ignore. But no, apparently it's still being flaunted out there in the open.

This is not okay. What you see above is a group praying for Obama's death. Take a look at the numbers, too- there's over a million supporters. When did this become acceptable, and on Facebook, of all places? The matter is not one of free speech; people are, after all, perfectly entitled to voice dissent and disagreement and anger if they wish it.

But "I fervently hope my president dies" is another matter altogether. It matters not whether you agree or disagree with someone. Having harm wished upon one is something no one deserves, not even the lowliest. And like Obama or not, he has been, as all presidents before him, elected into office by the people. It also takes a considerable amount of ability to lead an entire country, or even to get into office in the first place. Could the majority of us do any better, with the responsibility of a nation on our shoulders? 

Here we have a country and a government system for which we ought to be grateful- the government is not perfect, but at least we have the free speech that haters themselves are using and abusing. Do you want to live  under a government where governmental leaders can be killed whenever disagreements arise? I thought not.

Some of the commentators on the page try to justify their actions by claiming that "liberals would have done the same, if it were Bush in office." Really? I don't remember that. Personally, I might not have agreed with many of Bush's views and actions, but I did and do still hold a significant measure of respect for him. 

Death is much too grave a sentence to deal about so freely. 

What makes me incredulous is how long this page has been up, and that it has not yet been removed. If you are on Facebook, bring this problem attention by joining this page instead, then sign the "Clean Up Facebook" petition.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. When you next stumble across a hate-promoting-group, please stop, think, and report.

Dear People,

Dear People Who are Screaming Big Brother at the Healthcare Bill,

Please calm down. This legislation will not fix everything, but it neither will it be the end of world. Anything anyone, including the government, can do will have both positive and negative effects. It is well-intentioned and not a plot to take control of everyone's lives. The end.

DISCLAIMER: BEYOND THIS POINT, I AM NOT PLAYING DIPLOMAT. I AM NOT GOING TO REMAIN CAREFULLY NEUTRAL. I AM GOING TO RANT.

DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING IS NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND. THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Dear Chinese Government,

You ask the world to accept you as one of them but like to turn a convenient blind eye to the fact that you are still doing one thing but saying another. "Hey, we're totally free!" Uh, no. No, you're not. Liars. That probably just made you censor my blog (if Blogger wasn't already blocked in the first place). Thanks, Chinese government. Stop trying to block every bit of information that differs from your love-us-or-die doctrine. You're like an oversensitive three-year-old in that you're way too insecure to hear the smallest bit of criticism. I don't think you've realized that if you stop threatening/imprisoning/killing people that don't like you, they'll like you more. Bing bing! Amazing logic!

Dear People Still Reading This,

Congratulations, you win... um... nothing, actually. But you do get extra stars for putting up with my cynicism/sarcasm/slightly deranged ranting.

Giving What's Due (and That's Certainly Not It)

November 9th. Fall of the Berlin Wall. Significant moment in history, methinks? While I usually admire and respect the constantly changing appearance of the Google logo on its homepage for significant dates, the one today (or variation thereof; they've been on all week):

There is nothing wrong with Sesame Street. It's a classic part of our culture. But failing to recognize the beginning of German reunification- a meaningful step that changed political dynamics worldwide in favor of a children's show... really?

I also observe an alarmingly large number of racist/[malicious] politically charged statements made out of ignorance on the internet today. Kindly go inform yourselves.

Don't Even Get Me Started.

I am summarizing an article. The first line I have written thus far:

The article... lays out the debate between those pushing intelligent design and those defending real science evolution.

As this should be written with as little slant as possible, it's taking a bit of restraint. Thankfully the author has taken care of the problem by agreeing with my position. Speaking of which-

This past week, there have been a number of sign-toting religious zealots swarming the central campus square. They're not nice things like "I love my religion because of _____." They're more like "God is the Answer to Everything, and if you don't agree with me, you are going to Rot and Burn in Hell", "except worded about ten times nastier. They keep insinuating that anyone who disagrees is a Sinner of Cosmic Proportions, that Your Soul is Going to Wither and Die, that You Are Unworthy to Live, and that You Will be Begging for Mercy (muahaha).

Good thing I don't believe in hell.

(They were so serious, it was almost funny. I tried to get pictures several times, just so I could blog about them, but alas. No pictures.)

Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with people believing in their own religions. The problem arises when people try to guilt-press their beliefs onto others. And further worse is when they believe you are A Lower Creature who deserves to be condemned or even pitied, for goodness' sake, because You're Not Like Us.

You know that little "Coexist" symbol/logo/thing that's printed on bumper stickers and t-shirts and just about everything else? Because it's got the right idea.

Honestly. What happened to diversity? Tolerance? Acceptance? Religious supremacy is not okay. Believe what you want, but don't use your faith to judge others.

This topic drives my blood pressure through the roof every time, without fail. But it's okay, I won't bite (unless provoked). Feel free to respond, but kindly restrain from flaming. Thanks for listening, in any case.

It's Musical Season

We fumble blindly down a set of concrete steps in the darkness, emerging in a low-ceilinged room with the feel of a disused basement (which it undoubtedly is). Occupying the majority of the space is a makeshift sort of plywood stage. Everyone gingerly navigates the steps up. The platform is covered in a rather musty-looking carpet and a tangle of cords and wires. The only light comes from the opening in the ceiling, around which chairs and music stands are tightly clustered. This is pit orchestra, and once again the height of musical season approaches. We're here to play.

Up on stage someone is tap dancing. A gentle shower of sawdust drifts down from the stage floor overhead. Moments later a stampede of chorus members thunders over our heads. The sound system isn't quite coordinated yet- sometimes we can't hear what's happening upstairs, and they can't hear us. It's okay though. This is merely a rehearsal, and although opening night is tomorrow, this counts as being on schedule.

Typically, I audition to join the cast. The lure of bright lights of the stage, the energy, the freedom of unrestrained singing, and the pure satisfaction of giving it your all right in front of a live audience is strong. It's still something I would enjoy doing, but recently I've been finding the backseat, more out-of-view supporting role just as appealing. Playing in the pit has been, in a different way, an experience just as satisfactory.

From outward appearances, I seem to devote more time and energy to vocal music. It's easier, it feels, to fake experience at singing than at playing an instrument. But I was an instrumentalist before a vocalist, and deep down, if I had to choose, I would not give up my longer-standing skill. It often feels that many are divided along an unspoken line, in which those who play instruments are dry, distant bores and those who sing are fluff-headed, flighty creatures. Few are those who belong to both camps. I, who have been part of both, have gained a respect for both. More people ought to give the other a second chance.

Twilight

As you may be aware, it's Twilight day.

Now, there are two primary types of people, it seems- those that think that Twilight is shallow, and then there are the rabid, drooling fangirls. I believe I can safely ascertain that I belong to neither. Let's call this being a reluctant appreciator of the story. For some time, I'd been seeing people, many of whom I had never before seen with a book in their hands, buried in the Twilight series. As the number increased exponentially, it became evident something had to be drawing all these readers in.

One can infer much about any given piece of pop culture based solely on its fanbase. The fact that nearly all Twilight readers, as far as I could tell, were teenage girls, made me yet more resolute in resisting (Overlooking the fact that I technically do demographically fit under abovementioned category). Anything like that must be superficial, silly, and a bit self-indulgent. But alas, I eventually succumbed. I have to admit that I don't regret having caved in. Obsessed, no. But addicted? Well... yes. I recognize that the later books and the film are catering very much to the fanbase, to appeal to the masses. I don't usually latch on to blind crowd-following, so it shouldn't be some sort of terrible vice if I do it. Once, that is.

So today I went to see the movie. Before we turned into the theater from the street it was already evident that the size of the crowd was going to be just as ridiculous as predicted. Inside, it was packed nearly from wall to wall. There was a slightly disturbing amount of squealing and screaming going on, and even the normal levels of anticipation in the atmosphere was palpable. Fortunately, the film turned out to be much like the books, so I walked out without being disappointed. Many a decent book has been ruined by its film adaptation, but here's an exception.

Elections (Are You Serious?)

Really. I'm voting-underage by one year. One. And subsequently missing what possibly might be the most important election of our lifetimes. As if that weren't enough, some people who are voting understand even less of the issues involved than some of the people who can't.

[/end non-partisan portion]

The following is merely an expression of personal opinion. I am in no way attempting to persuade anyone. Kindly do not take personal offense.

Let's face it. Getting any side to view an issue without bias is impossible. But there are some things, that no matter how much they're distorted, must be true. Typically I try to be non-judgmental when it comes to politics, but sometimes, enough is enough. Even a child could have noticed that the Republican party has been in general more likely to issue more negative ads, more scathing personal attacks, more opponents' innocent remarks blown out of proportion, and just a greater number of, well, dirty tricks. It's not that democrats are completely blameless, or that I have something against republican supporters in general, but isn't it slightly ironic that those who advocate morals and values are the same ones being especially nasty to their opposition? This is not a phenomenon restricted to this year. Comb over past political disputes, and just look it all over for a minute. Please, people. Play fair, and everything will be fine.

Learn Another Language

We all know that language is an essential part of life. But what are the benefits of knowing more than one language? Languages open the boundaries between different peoples, cultures, nations. It is amazing how much knowing more than one language can do. In our native tongues, we are comfortable; we are confident of our competence and skill in the familiar.

To those who know or learn another, however, there is more to the world. The comprehension of multiple languages is, in the words of a cliché, more than the sum of its parts. Knowing more than one language helps each one to be seen not only more clearly, but also in a different light. Connections will be drawn, realizations made. There is nothing so uplifting as the process of gaining insight- making sudden discoveries in addition to simple understanding.

I can personally attest to all of this. I grew up with two languages, and although I am not awfully fond of the other, non-English one, I am still wholly grateful that I understand both. Unfortunately, my abilities in the other have gone downhill over the years. At the moment I am also beginning to learn another, and the process can be described as nothing less than exhilarating. Even brief encounters with other, unfamiliar languages are like looking through windows you never knew were there.

Sometimes, we hear of, or even encounter, extraordinary individuals that have mastered half a dozen languages or more. This induces a certain amount of envy, to be sure, but mostly I am held in awe. But, more commonplace an occurence, are the ordinary people all over the world who speak two. Have you ever noticed how many people speak English in addition to their own language, as opposed to native English speakers, who mostly speak only English?

Learning languages may not be the center of your focus or top of your priorities, but keep in mind that it is or will be one of the most enriching and valuable experiences you will have- not to mention the merits of learning in itself. You are all encouraged. Learn another language (you can never know too many).

Now What?

Or, Where Did the Motivation Go?

Sometimes, inspiration can be elusive. Very elusive. We've all encountered a writer's block. Or perhaps an artist's or crafter's block, whatever we express our creativity through. Inspiration comes in unexpected spurts, but during dry spells, there is nothing to work with or even with which to start building upon. Where should we start? Here's my take:

Before You Start
Especially in the beginning, it is often unwise to grasp at things that don't exist. Pursuing yet-nonexistent ideas doesn't bring them into the light. Wait for ideas to occur in their own time; inspiration comes mostly when it is not being sought.

No Luck?
If you're still searching, start looking at the work of others.... but be very careful not to copy. Most of the time, what you see has been done by people who know what they're doing. The internet is a good resource here. Articles, image galleries, and anything else that sparks interest might help. Don't make any attempts to extract concepts and ideas. Just take it all in.

Brainstorming- or Not
If you're like me, the very word brainstorming causes an automatic brain shutdown. So instead of brainstorming, think of the process as spewing out whatever comes to mind. Think impulsive and instinctive. Lay it down on something tangible if it helps. Freewriting is a good way to get ideas going, whether you are trying to write or not.

Get it Organized
Once you have something, however little, to work with, it's all good. I think we all know where to take it from here.

Was this any help at all? Let me know! I run out of ideas fairly often (usually in the form of papers typed in the last wee hours of the morning)- is it just me or does this seem to happen all the time? It may come as no surprise, then, that I ended up writing a paper about searching fruitlessly for inspiration...