Conflict and Peace

A RESPONSE TO A PERSON WHO WAS CRITICAL OF CONFLICT AND HURT, YET WAS HYPOCRITICAL IN HER STANCE AS SHE OFTEN PROVOKED CONFLICT.

It reminds me of your introduction message when you promoted the TEAM mantra - Together Everyone Achieves More.

Of course, working together works best when everyone is equal and treats each other with equal respect. But in order to get equality (or freedom or truth or justice) one often needs to fight. And in any battle someone often gets hurt.

There are many words of wisdom in the world ... at least one for each cause (good and evil). Often the difficulty is not in living by the mantra (anyone can blindly follow), but in determining what truth lies beneath the inspiring anthem and pretty coloured flags.

"Truth, justice and the American way" is the mantra proudly voiced from beneath the star spangled banner of the USA flag and its well known anthem. But truth and justice are now seen to be rare privileges in that nation and they mean to bring this "American way" to the rest of the world without regard for the free will of others.

One of my favourite quotations is from Martin Luther King Jr, who said:

"True peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."

War can be avoided, conflict cannot. If we all were to have the same beliefs, goals and ideals then the world would be a most boring place. With diversity we will always have conflict. What is important is ensuring that truth and justice prevail over lies, corruption and power.

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Rosa Parks

The first of December should be a national holiday in America as it was on this day in 1955 that a seamstress refused to move to the back of a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama.


The law said she had to move because her skin color was black. Her singular act of courage rocked the nation and started a revolution.


This woman, Rosa Parks, ... is an important reminder that the great changes in society occur when one or two people of conscience act.

- Michael Moore, _Stupid White Men..._, p. xv

Diversity ... not Normalcy

"Normal" is a word best left to the right wing religious fundamentalists who can't see past their own rose coloured glasses and white-picket fence ;-)

Heteronormativity should be opposed every step of the way by straights and queers alike. If there was such a thing as "queernormativity" I would equally oppose that
concept too!

Diversity is the only concept we should be promoting.

I came to the same conclusion about the refugee debate. Refugee activist groups were playing on the "they are the same as us" line, and that failed to wash with the majority of conservative Australians because they failed to see the similarities and instead focussed on the differences.

Yet it is the differences that should be highlighted to ensure that the average Jo Citizen is educated in the need for multiculturalism, diversity of sexuality, gender variance, racial harmony and religious acceptance.

Tolerance is about seeing the differences but grudgingly putting up with them because the law or the culture expects you to accommodate everyone. Respect is about understanding that the differences exist and supporting the individual's rights of human expression and being, often in spite of the prevailing law or culture.

Sport or War?

The international live coverage is exceptional on the syndicated "Wide World of War", even if it might be a little biased in favour of the visiting team, the Coalition Invaders.

We are nearing the end of the first quarter in this game with the Invaders clearly ahead on points over the Baghdad Baddies. However the home team appear to be holding back, perhaps leading the Invaders into a false sense of security and saving their best for a powerful battle at the halfway mark.

There have been numerous allegations from the coalition team claiming that the Baghdaddies are using or intending to use banned performance enhancing systems, but so far the independent inspectors have not been able to detect anything. There was even allegations that the team were intending to supply these enhancements to other teams for future games against the Coalition in the World Domination Cup.

Sportsmanship is all important and this type of aggressive behaviour from the world champions can only be considered as underhanded, unfair and unjustified play.

Some may call me a traitor, but I'm changing my allegiance and will be barracking for the underdog in this game.

It is about time that the coalition got a massive whoopin' as they've been getting more arrogant in the last few seasons. As the world watches intently, the question on many spectators' lips is "Whose your Baghdaddy?" !!

Iraq, Iraq, Iraq ... oil, oil, oil!!

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Phobia vs ism

REGARDING THE LIMITATION OF USING THE TERM "HOMOPHOBIA"

Wouldn't it be just easier to talk about and use the terms "heterosexism"(1) and "heteronormativity"(2)? Of course this might take some education, but it is inclusive and more accurate terminology.

Most acts of discrimination, vilification and yobbish behaviour are not homophobia, biphobia or transphobia (all being the fear of 'x') but are resultant from attitudes of normalcy or even superiority from a heterosexual perspective.

It is the same attitudes that cause sexism, racism, nazism, anti-semitism etc. It is definitely an ism rather than a phobia. Even though there are a few clinical phobics out there, those people are more likely to shun us or campaign against us rather than attack.

Focussing on 'anti-gay', 'anti-lesbian' or even 'anti-bi' or 'anti-trans' behaviour is not appropriate because the specificity of these focal points always means that a fringe group is left out. Using the term homophobia to try and encompass all the above is also incorrect and reduces the visibility of key segments. What about the heterosexual transvestite or the straight fag hag?

The English language is poor by anyone's definition, but the best terms that I know (when explained correctly) are heterosexism and heteronormativity. They also put the problem fairly and squarely on the perpetrators, being (generally speaking) the hetero side of the fence, rather than focussing on the identity of the victims.

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As I state in one of my personal signature file, "End heterosexism - embrace diversity".

(1) HETEROSEXISM

The assumption that everyone is a heterosexual until it is otherwise known and that being heterosexual is the proper sexual orientation.

(2) HETERONORMATIVE

the prevailing culture that falsely views heterosexuality as ‘normal’ behaviour and alternative sexuality or gender identity as deviant. i.e. the nuclear family on the qtr acre block with a white picket fence, a dog, cat and a Holden Commodore is considered heteronormative. Anyone falling outside the "norms" characterised by a generalised view of heterosexual society would be considered non-heteronormative.

Here is a more detailed definition of the concept:

By heteronormativity we mean the institutions, structures of understanding, and practical orientations that make heterosexuality seem not only coherent--that is, organized as a sexuality--but also privileged.


Its coherence is always provisional, and its privilege can take several (sometimes contradictory) forms; unmarked, as the basic idiom of the personal and the social; or marked as a natural state; or projected as an ideal or moral accomplishment.


It consists less of norms that could be summarized as a body of doctrine than of a sense of rightness produced in contradictory manifestations--often unconscious, immanent to practice or to institutions. Contexts that have little visible relation to sex practice, such as life narrative and generational identity, can be heteronormative in this sense, while in other contexts forms of sex between men and women might not be heteronormative.


Heteronormativity is thus a concept distinct from heterosexuality. One of the most conspicuous differences is that it has no parallel, unlike heterosexuality, which organizes homosexuality as its opposite. Because homosexuality can never have the invisible, tacit, society-founding rightness that heterosexuality has, it would not be possible to speak of "homonormativity" in the same sense.


See Michael Warner, "fear of a Queer Planet," Social Text, no. 29 (1991): 3-17."

Source: University of Chicago

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Leader or Lap Dog?

LETTER SENT TO VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS AND CC'D TO THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

Where is the representative of our Head of State, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, our Governor General, His Excellency Dr Hollingworth? What are we paying him for?

Surely a man of conviction with thought and care for the human casualties of war, especially a former Archbishop of a Christian sect, would be at pains to command such an unnecessary and unjust invasion of another nation?

He has the power to stop Australian participation in a conflict with Iraq and he has the power to sack the Prime Minister.

Then again, Peter is just another political appointee playing the dutiful role of yes-man to a loyal US lap-dog!

Heel, boy! ... sit! ... good dog!

Why are world leaders so gung ho for war?

Even more disappointing and of greater concern to me, was watching a television news report which had a brief interview with one of the UK servicemen in the Middle East.

He happily stated that the forces were ready and would be very disappointed if they were sent home without going to war!

If that guy is so eager to potentially get himself killed, or worse, murder hundreds or thousands of Iraqis, then I must concede that I can have no faith in the integrity of our armed forces.

It seems that the rumours of brainwashing troops to be gung-ho killers is not absent of some truth.

What a sad world we live in.

IF ...

IN RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION:

"IF you could ensure that your children never have one experience that you have had, what would it be?"

I never want my Sophie to ever, even for a split second, think that she isn't loved.

There is nothing worse than that moment in time when you feel there is no-one you can talk to, who is willing to listen and cares enough to just hold you without actually having to say anything in particular.

I hope she never doubts the unconditional love her family will always provide.

Happy Birthday Richard!

My Rock

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My Rock

The tuft of brown, grassy hair

caressed by the wind as it catches the sun’s golden hue

seems to radiate like sparks from atop the mountain peak

A stark cliff falls away silently in front

finely polished by the elements, erasing any evidence of time

the rock is still young but daringly announces its presence

Peaceful, inviting caverns

set deep beneath the rim of the precipice

wise eyes keeping watch, reflecting an inner tranquillity

The contoured pink granite face,

moulded like clay in the hands of a gifted sculptor from another aeon,

bereft of unnecessary action, there are no sudden, unforseen tremors

A sturdy, reliable rock

Neither treacherous nor unyielding, he invites and willingly succumbs

appreciated by all who bear witness and by those who welcome his embrace

My rock, steadfast and true

A towering mountain of strength, sheltering me with a calm presence

The flawless reality of perfect love and constant companionship

Happy birthday to my darling Richard!

18 February 2003

Dare!

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Dare!!

Dare to think and to challenge,


experience, question, and admire,


take wonder; be amazed; stand in awe,


believe and hope and dream.

Just dare to do it when others can't be bothered or have given up and just know that every individual has the power to move mountains.

Apathy, hopelessness and fear create a slow and painful death.


While passion, hope and courage create a fast and fulfilled life.

Written 18 February 2003

Support and Caution

As we come to terms with the horrific acts of violence around the globe I want to share with all citizens of our small Earth the following words of support and caution, written shortly after 11 September 2001:

Empathise with the unspeakable pain and loss,
but refrain from words and acts of bigoted anger
Acknowledge the need for swift and certain justice,
but quell the voice of revenge and retribution
Honour the victims and provide solace to those they loved,
but protect all people from wrongful blame or premature judgement
And above all, no matter what the future holds,
gain strength from hope (or faith) and let peace prevail.

Misandry

IN RESPONSE TO SOMEONE WHO WROTE:

"The Lesbian mother's groups I've attempted to contact in the past have been ..er.. shall we say less than welcoming to someone who doesn't hate her husband."

Aaahh .... misandry - A rare condition, caused by an unidentified irritant, believed to be responsible for the rise of feminist separatists. Reported cases have been decreasing since the epidemic of the 1970s, although pockets of infection can still be seen amongst the queer community.

A similar condition, mysogyny, has been more widely reported throughout history, having once existed in significant numbers of the male population. Recent infections have tended to be limited to religious groups, especially in developing or under-developed nations, however isolated cases are often discovered among the queer community.

Symptoms of both infections are generally referred to as sexism or genderism, but can present themselves as heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other conditions.

Dr Collin ;-)

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The Wrong Leader

Letter sent to the Australian & West Australian newspapers:

Under the national constitution there is only one Australian capable of sending our country into war. As yet we have not heard from him on the deepening crisis with Iraq.

We have only heard from Prime Minister John Howard, a hawkish lap dog of the USA. His deference to public will and international law is blatant and arrogant, yet he does not have the authority to send our troops to battle.

Our Commander in Chief is Governor General Peter Hollingsworth. He is also the only person with the authority to act on the will of the people and prevent Australia becoming embroiled in a war we do not want, cannot justify and from which we will not benefit.

Unfortunately the GG appears as a bumbling fool trying to keep his head down in times of trouble. He will never adequately compare with the grace, astuteness and empathy of his predecessor, Sir William Deane.

A true leader leads with the support of their people, not by dragging them kicking and screaming for their lives. What we need is a modern day Sir John Kerr, but don't look toward Yarralumla with any great hope as the Queen's representative has relegated military rule to the President of the USA.

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Democracy & the right to participate

IN REESPONSE TO A NEWS ITEM THAT AN ISLAMIC GROUP WOULD ESTABLISH A POLITICAL PARTY

I've thought long and hard about this issue and have come to the conclusion that true democracy upholds the right of any group to take part in political activities, including establishing a political party.

There is no difference between an Islamic party, the Christian Democratic Party, Fred Nile's Call to Australia party or any other party built upon a strong foundation of core beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs centre around a deity or not. As such I could not, in all fairness, object to a party formed by indigenous people, gays, the disabled, particular industries (eg teachers or doctors), or even a group with illegal foundations (eg the Marijuana Party).

The separation of church and state applies to the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government to protect the process of accountability that each must uphold. It cannot be applied to the pursuit of political expression and the freedoms of speech and association.

If a particular group wishes to establish a political party based upon their system of beliefs and the common bond of their association (just like the Australian Democrats and all other parties) then all the more power to them for taking part in one of the most open systems of democracy in the world.

Of course if they become merely a front for undesirable activities or promote policies of hate and intolerance as One Nation before them, then I will fight tooth and nail to see them fail.

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Expletives

I don't get phased when someone calls me a poof, faggot, bum-puncher or shirt lifter .. whatever!

Water off a duck's back! It just shows ignorance and poor character, rather than specific bigotry or homophobia. Names are a weapon - even I use them. No excuses, but that is our culture.

So if using the word "cunt" makes us question our attitudes to women, should the use of "fuck" make us question our attitudes about sexual intimacy? Somehow I don't think it is that simple because these expletives can also be used in a jovial and admiring manner.

"How are you, you old cunt?"
"Oh you are a silly fucker!"

I don't believe that the use of any expletive has any direct relevance to the dictionary definition of that word. It is an expletive and should only be seen as such.

The question we should be asking is why do people grow up with an understanding that particular words can be used to be derogatory in one context and not another and do we consciously take this into account when we use them? Most of the time bigotry is not the motivator.

Parents, teachers, peer groups and the wider community have the responsibility to define what is acceptable behaviour. Beyond adolescence, the individual sits in moral judgement on themselves with their life to date as precedent.

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Impending Gulf War mkII

Letter sent to the Australian & West Australian newspapers:

Even as an agnostic I pray that another Gulf war can be avoided. If the inevitable should commence, then I hope that the one god of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths will render all their weapons useless thereby forcing both sides to choose between peace and hand-to-hand combat. It is too easy to press a button without facing the resulting deaths and devastation.

The oil-hungry and war-mongering aggressors, the USA, need a swift, harsh kick up the rear and to be sent home in shame. An embarrassing defeat is the only way to curb their desire for world domination.

If Australia brainlessly decides to follow Bush's lead (against public opinion), then we ultimately deserve the same fate. After all, we get the government that we deserve and ultimately pay the price for our mistakes.

My heart goes out to the many dedicated services personnel merely following the orders of the cowards running the show from the security of the desks in Canberra. I look forward to your safe return before the first shot is fired.

To the families that may lose loved ones, my sympathy for your loss, but please do not blame Iraq or Islam. Full responsibility will belong to the hawks in Australia, UK and the USA, most of whom have never seen military action, let alone have a conscience to keep them awake at night.

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Gender Wars & Myths

I understand the Black-shirts "moral" (not that I think it warrants being called moral in my books) stance on the preservation of the family. But even though I understand it, I do not agree with it, hence my reason for stating that I abhor their philosophy.

I also understand the stereotypes of the 'bad husband' and the perpetuation of that myth, when it may be a 'bad wife' but in all reality is usually just a bad marriage. I will add that I am not in anyway saying that there are not spouses that abuse their partners - but women can be just as abusive in a relationship. Emotional abuse is not so easily spotted as a broken bone or bruises, but is just as evil.

Myths: If a man leaves his family he was probably a bad father, couldn't produce kids, wouldn't support the family (after all - that's a man's purpose in life!), had an affair or bashed his wife. If a woman leaves her family, she must have had a horrendous experience (especially to leave her kids behind), was bashed by the husband, found true love elsewhere or realised the terrible mistake she made by marrying 'that man'. Quite frankly there is more empathy given to women in a separation/divorce than is given to the men.

The Family Court process has a history of being more beneficial to the female partner, although this is changing significantly as more men decide to challenge for access, custody or property distribution.

So ... the scales are weighted differently depending upon the nature of the issue, whether you are male or female, and which perspective you take at the time.

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Musing About Human Biological Conditions

It is quite a simplistic concept. Everything about our living bodies is a chemical and electrical reaction. No one disputes that our bodies are finely tuned biological devices that react to our environments. Food contamination, pollution and contagion are merely a part of the whole environmental effect.

Sure, I am a strong believer that parenting styles have a fair bit to do with children's behaviour and that we should question why certain styles are adopted and what effect our new westernised (anti-extended family) domestic situation has upon our family life. But the answer to the question lies in looking at cause and effect (the old chicken or the egg paradox). Are we looking at a symptom or a cause?

I don't believe that the medical profession has delved deep enough yet to fully answer that question. I believe that illnesses are an effect, not a cause. Bacteria, viri, chemicals and genetic anomalies are the key cause for physiological, mental and behavioural conditions. The medical profession merely labels such conditions so that they can categorise and treat "it". But more often than not they are treating the symptoms, not the cause.

My well-used example is having a headache. More often than not, headaches (not migraines) are caused by dehydration and can be overcome by drinking adequate fluids. however, our usual reaction is to go and grab some paracetamol, aspirin or codeine and wash it down with a glass of water!! How ironic! Chemicals to fix chemicals .. .and yes, even water is a chemical ... but it is the CORRECT chemical required by the body.

I'm not saying that chemicals are the complete and sole reason for behaviour, but they are certainly proving to be a significant reason. I mentioned the physiological effect of electronic entertainment as another cause, but there are others and I'm not about to claim that I know all the reasons. It might be decades or centuries before we can claim to understand the forces at work.

Clearly, however, if our bodies are (at their most basic level) a series of chemical reactions, then surely changes in the function and behaviour of our bodies and minds can be influenced and caused by foreign chemicals or high/low doses of our bodies own chemical compounds. This is why mental illnesses are usually treated with chemicals. Whether we feel up or down, angry or scared, at peace or flighty, all depends on our level of chemical compounds such as dopamine, adrenalin, insulin, endorphins and hormones flowing through our veins.

Chemicals are not the only answer, but they are certainly significant enough to warrant close attention.