Tag: Society

I Have No Idea

Working through an idea is human nature, right? I must dedicate “resources” to an issue in order to fairly appreciate and understand it. But coming to a workable solution isn’t always a possibility.

I was presented a very intriguing premise yesterday while listening to VeganFreakRadio, show #58, Gary Francione Returns to VFR. I’ve recently become quite attuned and extremely interested in his views on veganism and animal rights. Which would seem–after hearing and reading his thoughts–they are merely different terms used to describe the same thing. Abolitionism. 

Usually I’m a little hesitant about viewing issues as having such contrasting positions. There are almost always “shades of grey.” With that said some issues ARE that “cut and dry.” You’re either are a racist, sexist or homophobe, or you’re not. And speciesism–according to Gary, at least–would fall in such a category.

He spoke about many an issue I care deeply about, but one especially caught my ear. His notion on companion animals or “pets,” if you will. Continue reading I Have No Idea

Convergence

Jane Doe Album Cover

I’ve always been aware of the rumblings on the band Converge, and specifically that of their 2001 release “Jane Doe.” But for whatever reason I’ve never been that motivated to check them out.

Then one day a vagrant showed up on my doorstep with their Epilaugh debut You Fail Me. And hearing it was cool–in a much as anything that Jared subjects upon me can be considered a good thing–I eventually bought into it. And given the fact that the recording is harsh–way too much high end–I learned to enjoy, most of it. My main complaint–besides the “equalization”–being the album doesn’t flow very effectively. So with their release of No Heros, I felt a somewhat obvious compulsion to check it out. And I did. Continue reading Convergence

Religions role

Q: With respect to the topic of spirituality and/or religion could you comment on how these beliefs may have influenced you, members of your family or professionals you have worked with in your rehabilitation process?

I can’t and won’t speak for anyone but myself. But in my eyes spirituality and religion are two completely separate subjects.

For me spirituality is looking inward and recognizing our connections to each other and this planet and therefore respecting our role as an individuals interacting within nature. Which I believe.

Where I see traditional religion’s role is as primarily looking outwardly for influences to shape a persons understanding of purpose while the need for personal responsibility becomes less and less relevant the harder one tends to rely on it. Which I don’t believe. Continue reading Religions role

Educational Barriers

Q: What efforts do you feel you have made in educating the dominant or mainstream Canadian society and what barriers if any do you feel you have met in attempting to do so?

Well my original answer mainly revolved around mention and the purpose of this blog as an “educational” tool. To provide people some context into why I am the way I am. Both physically and mentally. And while this blog is still greatly relevant in such an endeavor, my friend made me consider something I don’t ever spend time mulling over.

That is what seeing me going about my business in life potentially provides another. She reminded me about what others see when I’m out. And what me “being out” actually means. And getting an opportunity to “interact with me is a valuable experience.” Her words, not mine. Continue reading Educational Barriers