“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” ~ Ray Bradbury.

When I was very young, I was volunteered to be a model in a ‘mannequin parade’.  This was a fashion show, and I don’t recall the details, but it may have been some kind of fund-raising event.  I have a newspaper cutting of the affair, along with a photo of my two-year-old self, dress courtesy of the sponsor of the event.  Unfortunately, my fashion career went downhill from there!

This week in New York was the ‘Met Gala’ event, a fundraiser where the guests (celebrities all) rock amazing outfits, this year in the theme of ‘The Garden of Time’.  Since I am not much of a celebrity watcher a quick Google search of the guests and their outfits let me know how out of touch I am – I did not recognize many of the names or faces! Apparently they raise enough money each year to pay for the annual budget of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum, so it is all in a good cause.  I had heard an interview with one of the organizers earlier in the week, in which she said that the event was important in ‘shaping culture’.

Which made me wonder if that is possible?  It got me into a ‘chicken and egg’ discussion in my mind, since culture should arise from a people and their art, their history, their traditions, rather than being imposed from above.  When I turned once more to the Google, I found this definition: ‘Culture is defined as shared beliefs, values, and practices, that participants in a society must learn’.  I also found other definitions that were a bit beyond the scope of a Friday morning message!  So the statement that a fashion show can shape culture seems a bit optimistic.  We have all seen some fashions that look as if they were either made of a garbage bag or belong in one!

One of the benefits of travel is the privilege to observe the cultures of other countries, and on our recent cruise we were treated to various displays.  On Cozumel we watched a dance of three indigenous Mayan people, costumes including a stylized head of a jaguar as the headpiece, with feathers and body paint designed to inspire fear and awe in any observer.  In another Mexican port, four colorfully dressed men climbed 75 feet up a pole to then dangle upside down on ropes (with no safety harness), while one drummed and another played a flute as they slowly twirled around the pole, gradually descending to the ground.  This act was to appeal to the gods of fertility and harvest, to guarantee a good food supply. 

In honor of the different occupants of the various countries, some of whom, as we know, were stolen from Africa and then sold as slaves in the Americas, there was African drumming and dancing at some of the ports of call.  And in the country that was finally colonized by the British, our driver was proud to point out the similarity between his ‘creole’ and Jamaican patois.  Common roots, mixed with some different flavors, resulting in cultural similarities.

For those who cannot travel to observe or participate in cultures unlike their own, there are books. Recently, with my newly retired status, I have been able to dip into so many books.  Audio books have accompanied us on many of our road trips.  One novel that shocked, horrified while entertaining us was based loosely on the actual horror story of ‘The Dozier  School for Boys’, a ‘reformatory’ school that was in existence in Florida for over 100 years.  Boys sent there (often under false pretenses) experienced brutal beatings, and there were at least 81 unexplained deaths (with no official burial sites).  The author of the novel, Tannanarive Due, was motivated to write the story once she realized that one of her uncles had been sent there at age 13, and died there.  Despite the painful theme, she produced a novel that was playful and hopeful, even though the reality was not so.

When we look at our current world, it seems to be more polarized than ever.  We have leaders around the world who have used fear and grievance to motivate.  This has had very strange results, such as the current ban on books that explore diverse stories.  Books that move us by their evocative stories of the lives of people who may look different from ourselves.  Books that can expose us to a wealth of cultural experiences, to help us understand and empathize with those who may have grown up in an environment unknown to us.  These same leaders have decided that having programs that allow us to openly discuss difficult topics about injustice, inequality and divisiveness is not only unhealthy but a waste of taxpayers money, and have banned them. Programs that should be celebrated are having to find other ways to provide an outlet for those who are feeling ‘othered’, threatened, and made to feel less than their peers.

I write this Friday morning to celebrate diversity of cultures, that melting pot of global stew that enlightens and educates us.   I read to make sure my knowledge includes those from walks of life I have never traversed.  I write to hopefully share the reality of injustice and inequality that continues to be a barrier for many, that impacts them and future generations as they struggle to make up for the inequities of past policies. 

On this Friday morning, I hope you can reach out for a book that educates and entertains you, and I hope you will share that knowledge with a friend.  I hope we can go back to being empathetic, compassionate and kind human beings, as we all struggle with the challenges of this life.  I hope you can take a lesson from nature, which throughout time continues to show us beauty, resilience and constancy, without needing to compete in a fashion show.

Have a wonderful weekend, Family!

One Love!

Namaste.