to marci about meaningful thoughts and words

[Guest guest]

Dear marci ~ your heartfelt thoughts and words were very meaningful to me.

One thing I remembered was when I first found out that there were actually

woman artists who were valued in their own time, but who did not make it into

the

art history books. Not only that, but women, much as people of color, were

thought to be the property of their husbands, even in this decade. I thank all

the women who went on hunger strikes, who chained themselves to the White

House fence, and who picketed and lobbied so that I, a woman, was able to vote

in this historic election. In art school I was always aware that the male

artists were treated more seriously, whether the teacher was male or female.

 

Now I am finding out all the ways society " discriminates " against ill and

handicapped people. It's not so much that it's overt, it's more that there is no

room made for those who can't function at full speed. I am aware of this

every time I have to explain my illnesses to someone because it is affecting my

ability to participate, attend, etc. It is difficult to climb stairs, but

guess how often I am confronted with stairs to climb. I am embarrassed to use

my

handicapped sticker because, unless I am so weak I have to use my cane,

I don't " look " sick.

 

And I will never feel that deaf people are included in our culture until

they start teaching sign language as a second language in every elementary

school.

 

Western history and practice has always singled out which it has identified

as " other " for discrimination, hate, even death. Women's studies have shown

how those regarded as " other " often represent the " shadow " of the dominant

culture. So many of us have to contend with our shadow side for that is the

only

way we can heal. Similarly, our culture has been going through a prolonged

healing of it's relationship to its shadow side. Whenever a voice, such as

temba's, or yours, marci, can be raised to counter this, it is a huge gift. I

thank you both for sharing your deep hearted thoughts. Jai Jai Ma ~ Linda

 

 

marci wrote:

 

....Temba i welcome your thoughts, feelings and voice. . .i see both your

heart

and courage to express that which your ancestors where killed for saying. .

..Your voice is important for it is anchored in Amma's heart. . .and that is

the kind of healing that is needed by so many. . .

 

....I will close with this sincere request for forgiveness from me

personally. .

..for all the wrongs, misdeeds, tortures, death and injustices of so many of

your ancestors by my ancestors. . .What happened can sometimes get covered

up with words like history. . .but they where beautiful, strong, courageous

people that where oppressed by the lack of soul that revealed evil from my

peoples. . .

 

....Please allow yourself to use this fourm to express what ever you need to

express. . .that which could not be expressed by so many for too long. .

..whether it be joy, happiness, sadness, anger or hope we are within the

embrace of Amma's Circle. . .may you know i care and can listen to your

voice. . .

 

 

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