Some Food for Thought

Dear Opposites,

"I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace."
~ HHDL

"The Dalai is a wolf in monk's robes, a devil with a human face but the heart of a beast. We are now engaged in a fierce blood-and-fire battle with the Dalai clique, a life-and-death battle between us and the enemy."
~Zhagn Qingli, CPC Chief

There must be a way.

Dear Neema,

In 1948 the UN formally adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights based on the assumption that every person, regardless of nationality, should be granted fundamental rights and freedoms. The document was pivotal in furthering the UN's recognition of a common humanity and brought significant attention to the common vulnerability of every individual. Unfortunately this global declaration has proved to be nothing more than a symbolic standard -- a yardstick to which behaviour can be measured. A paradox emerges for states are the only actors that retain enough power to protect and enforce these international standards. Thus it is at the discretion of each country to choose to follow or ignore these supposedly global principles.

In light of the events of the past week in Tibet, it pains me to write that China has chosen the latter.Since the Cultural Revolution which began in 1966, the Tibetan people have suffered continual devastating blows in economic, political, and social arenas. With the escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the small population lost its sole political and spiritual leader. Unable to return home for fear of persecution HHDL has been incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities he has towards his country. He has remained dedicated in his efforts to re-establish what once was, but has thus far failed (though not without significant steps forward) in doing so. Since the initial take-over by the CPC the Tibetan people have suffered a number of grievances including: exclusion from economic development, religious persecution, and a weakening of cultural and ethnic identity. Though an uprising of what we are witnessing right now has never occurred before it seems that the long wait may have been worthwhile. The Tibetans and their supporters have chosen an opportune time to rise up and command the attention of the world as the spotlight is on China for the Beijing Summer Olympics.

While not an expert on international law nor human rights, I can boldly say that through my own curiosity and research the events of the last few days have violated at least ten of the Articles (6 - 11, 15, 17 -20 etc.) outlined in the Declaration. I can also testify to witnessing the tragedy of an eroding culture first hand. I have seen the railroad, the six-lane highways, the results of a foreign culture imposed upon generations of tradition. More distinctly I remember being told over and over the numerous stories of injustice and violence.

Despite what I have just written above what is prevalent among all the people that I have encountered, and all the literature that I have read, is hope. His Holiness preaches the practice of compassion, kindness, and peace whenever possible, he also says it is always possible. Please let it be so.

For more information:
Amnesty International
Students for a Free Tibet
The Independent
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Website

Sources:
Amnesty International
UN Declaration of Human Rights
My Brain

Just one suitcase?

Dear Faithful Readers,

Nine thousand years ago the so-called 'cradle of civilization' was born. Since the birth of Mesopotamia people have slowly been migrating away from the countryside and into cities for what they hope would become a golden life. In the past century, this migratory process has been expedited exponentially so much so that during the mid-1900s the first two megacities were born(cities with 10 million + inhabitants): New York and Tokyo. It was long before 17 other cities joined the ranks of these gigantic urban dwellings.

Quoted as the "dawn of the urban millennium" the early twenty-first century is already revealing staggering trends of human movement. While only occupying around 3% of the Earth's surface, about 50% of the global population will call these cement forests their home by the end of 2008. A further UN forecasts predicts that by the end of 2050, that number will be closer to 70%.


But what does this all mean? Well one's initial thought might be directed towards the exponential growth of slums. Lured by the "bright lights" of a city, many migrate with the misconception that an urban area is equated with a higher standard of living...unfortunately they are often wrong. With this idea one cannot help but paint a picture of rows upon rows of corrugated tin-roof huts, lack of access to clean water, no form of proper sanitation, and denial of many of the fundamental necessities of life. While it is ignorant to deny the existence of these tragic pockets of civilization, it is also irresponsible to view the slums in another light.

From an optimists point of view, these concentrations of people represent potential. In factual terms social services such as education and health care cost less per capital in urban than in rural areas. With appropriate governance and adequate resources (yes, I know a lot easier said than done) governments can channel the people and the energy into an avenue to which positive opportunities are realized. So its not all bad.

In fact, I would term this trend as phenomenal. I am not insinuating that it is negative nor positive, but only that the "trickle that has become a torrent" is yet another feat humanity has brought upon itself.

Sources:
National Geographic

My Family Is Funny

Lots o' Naked

Dear Abs and Non-Abs alike,

While I'm not opposed to a fine specimen of man complete with Romanesque abs and all that jazz, I find it only slightly awkward to walk into a clothing store and be greeted by a shirtless male model. Call me old fashioned but with so many gigantor muscles floating around the store I begin to feel a little uneasy and most likely start getting red and sweaty.
That being said, if the following happened during one of my shopping experiences I would have peed my pants. Literally.

Where They're Going...

Dear Edumacation,

The current craze that is taking over Japan is not some fashion accessory nor some cutesy anime character. Though the aforementioned fads may still be quite popular, there is a rapidly increasing demand for an Indian education. Over the past several years, Japan has suffered (and is suffering) from a 'crisis of confidence'.

With the rise of the Dragon (China) and the Elephant (India), Japan is no longer viewing itself as Asia's most advanced nation. Forced into a flux, Japan's domination of the continent has been shaken as China and India gain economic weight and become technologically innovative, respectively. As a result, Japanese parents are becoming worried about their traditional systems of education which seem feeble in comparison to the general Indian curriculum. In Little Angels School, a school run by a India expatriate, two-year olds count to 20, three-year olds are introduced to computers, and five-year olds are able to multiply past 9x9, solve words problems, and write one-page English essays. Really though, this doesn't come as a huge shock once you learn that one of their textbooks is called, "Extreme Indian Arithmetic Drills." Even reading that title makes you feel empowered with Einsteinian math skills.

Sources: "Losing an Edge, Japanese Envy India's Schools"

Where I've Been...

Dear Absence (not Absinthe),

I've been around. Not doing much of anything really. A little bit of skiing here and there, mixed in with some "thanks a lattes!", with a little bit of accidental drunkeness sprinkled on top. I'm not really one for New Years resolutions but I shall try to get back on board the blog train and get my ratings back up to where they should be. FYI: I don't have ratings but if I did I could imagine them being low right now. Imagination is key.

With that being said, here is a vid-eeeey-o that Christian made of Part A of the 3-Part mix.


Enjoy!