Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Why Minions Are So Important

Warning the following content my be unsuitable for some people of all age groups.  Mindfulness is suggested.

          I found this website http://despicablememinions.org/minion-quotes/ I know that many of these saying are just recycled for the minions but something about a minion saying them makes me appreciate them more. Just because i smile
Then there's the one, that the minions don't cover, something about all the worlds a stage and we are merely players.  And something about how movies reflect life, not the other way around.  It all got me to thinking.       
We, hubby and I, and sons, have friends.  I know hard to believe but true.  We have friends that are not...hmmm...I will state this in a language many will understand, white.  Many of these friends we have known so long they are considered family.  We laugh, love, cry and get angry with them.
 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/friend
          Recently I had lunch with a friend, one of my BFF's who I love and respect dearly.  We tell each other when to stop whining, to buck up and put on our big girl panties; when its ok to shed those panties and either substitute them for a nighty and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream, or with an awesome, get the hell out of the house, out fit instead.  The bottom line is we trust each other and feel safe to talk about anything and everything.  Recently we had a pretty intense discussion about what is happening in the United States these days concerning, what appears to be, the war between police and people of color. 
          Now, let me share, I try to stay neutral on many topics.  Viewing many things that take place around us in a neutral light enables me to stay compassionate to all concerned. Staying compassionate keeps me grounded and happy. Do I periodically vent off my anger and frustration? YES!  I understand that it is my human nature to do so in order to get to the place where I can be more useful to myself and others.
          In the end, however, I believe that we are all human; subject to all the same frailty's, and imperfections.  In the end I know it is frustrating sometimes to my friends, and family, when I site all sides of the picture, appearing to not take sides at all when they need, and, or want me to in support.  And for this I apologize.  I will explain something's using our current social crises to better share how my mind works. 
          My friend and I went out to lunch to a combination sushi, tai, Chinese place, sat down and began our visit.  At some point in the conversation my friend shared that she is afraid not only for herself, but for her adult son, who, has Asperger's.  This man, who has never harmed anyone, and is one of the sweetest human beings I have ever met, could be walking down the street, stopped by a cop, and having Asperger's, not be able to reply to questions, and then be possibly, violently tossed to the ground, ruffed up unnecessarily, detained, and put through an event that would, quite honestly, change his life, and the way he perceives it forever.  Honestly this scenario really doesn't happen to "white" people as often.  Fact.  And I felt, and feel, for my friend.  We are after all both mothers. (commonality)
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/news/2012/03/13/11351/the-top-10-most-startling-facts-about-people-of-color-and-criminal-justice-in-the-united-states/
          I remember when recently my youngest was pulled over for driving with out a license.  My husband received a phone call from him while he was standing there with the cop.  Hubby drove up, talked to policeman and brought son home.  I guarantee that this does not happen as often with people of color.  I also know that this scenario is dependent on the environment.  What kind of neighborhood it is, or what kind of neighborhood a person comes from.  Which, as a retired social worker, I can tell you doesn't, and shouldn't, make a damn bit of difference.
 http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/143/beforekatrina.html
          YES there are neighborhoods out there where crime is so bad police will not enter a neighborhood.  In fact, many people who do not live in these neighborhoods will not enter them.  Even Social Workers.
           I remember watching something on TV. about gangs and hearing a story about a neighborhood in New Orleans that was so bad cops didn't go in unless they basically had an army with them.  Gunfire, deaths, drugs, abuse, etc. happened daily, and more than once a day.  The people who lived there were so lost that they didn't care to find another way of life, they didn't know where to begin, they were hopeless, it was, and still is in many neighborhoods across the country, about survival. When Katrina came through it demolished this neighborhood, New Orleans has never rebuilt it in hopes of replacing it with something better.
 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/home?s=t
 http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/frequently-asked-questions
          Now on one hand an argument could be made that this was home to many people, on the other hand, in the social work field, the definition of home does not really fit this area.  There is a part of me that is disappointed in the law enforcement, social workers, and government, even the people of the city of New Orleans for disserting the people of this neighborhood.  Isn't it their job of some of these agencies to put their lives on the line for the general public?  What is the definition of the general public? Isn't it our job as human beings to help where we can? I find it hard to believe that in that whole environment of this neighborhood there wasn't one person worth defending/ helping.  Then I remember hearing that this neighborhood was so bad, according to the experts, that if someone choose to live there it was because they had made the choice to engage in extreme unlawfulness, and high risk behaviors.  I also remember that sometimes I had to accept that their were people in the world that I couldn't help because they didn't want to be helped.  Many of these people didn't mind the life they lived, they were doing what they needed to do to live.  My daughter in law works with prostitutes.  First thing she learned before going out on the streets was not to try and change them; don't judge them, don't preach to them.  Just help them be safe in the choices they are making.  Let them know you are there.  I wonder tough if this particular neighborhood in New Orleans knew anyone was there for them?  For the record in case you didn't check out the site I linked, the neighborhood was black.
          Then I also remember that cops are human.  They have family's, friends, loved ones, a life, that they are responsible to and for.  So can we really judge?  I would defend someone I love to the death.  But a stranger?  Honestly I'm not sure.  I like to tell myself, and others, that if put in the situation to defend a stranger who is being treated unjustly I would, falling back on the fact that my Karma is in jeopardy.  A healthy selfish.  Perhaps this is the exact moment in time, and the reason for me, us, being on earth.  My actions change someone else's life.  I know that if I made a very brave decision to protect someone who is suffering, what ever the definition of suffering entails, my loved ones would know, and understand, why I put my life on the line.  They already have understood, and see that the choices I, and hubby and I have made together, and separately, have influenced our sons, and many others.  Which brings me full circle to the role of being a law enforcer. 
          My friend and I questioned the level of training many of these individuals are receiving.  My husband who has a tendency to go the opposite direction in thinking from me even said that many law enforcers are now considered to be little more than thugs themselves.  My eldest who works as a security guard, wears a bullet proof vest, and carries a gun does not want to go into law enforcement.  He said it is a shitty job.  My son should be one of those individuals who enters the law enforcement world.  He is patient, understanding, compassionate, and instead of reacting, he responds.  Hubby said that world (law enforcement) would convert him (our son).  Technically, as a mom, I don't want to see my son "converted", but what does that say about our perception of law enforcement? (commonality) I consider hubby, and I, our sons, our extended family, and friends all to be rationale, intelligent, wise people; of course I am biased.  So if we are distrustful of the law, what does it say about people with more, or less intelligence, and wisdom then us?
http://www.westernjournalism.com/todays-slave-mentality/
http://yourblackworld.net/2013/09/23/yassuh-massuh-13-ways-to-know-you-might-be-infected-with-a-slave-mentality/

          On the other hand a couple of years ago I had an African American Lit class taught by a worldly, well traveled, wise professor.  I had a love hate relationship with this guy.  On the one hand I completely agreed with many of his perspectives.  The idea of the slave mentality for instance.  This idea basically says that people of all colors think that all blacks are descended from slavery, and this just is not true.  In fact many persons now come from other country's, looking to get away from religious prosecution, political unrest, etc.  The exact same reasons many of us are here.  In my family my dad's side of the family left Europe during WW2.  They were polish and escaping Hitler.  We knew of a priest, from Poland, with numbers tattooed on his wrist.  My professor argued that in no other part of the world was there anything that was like America's history.  But I argue that pain is pain, suffering is suffering, hate is hate.  It is wrong in all and any of its forms.  (commonality)
          Imagine, however, if you are raised knowing one truth, but much of society treats you using a lie?  Human natures says it would make you angry.  It makes me angry.  Ignorance fuels more fear, and anger than anything else. (commonality)
http://www.highbeam.com/topics/race-riots-of-the-1960s-t10642
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=97
http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/04/history_repeats_itself_when_civilized_people_ignore_its_lessons.html
         NOW add another aspect.  Approximately 50 or so years ago is when the Civil Rights Document was passed.  A law dedicated to making us all equal even though the ERA was supposedly all ready in effect.  Equal education, equal politically, equal spiritually, but seriously this had not taken place. After 1964 riots broke out all over the country.  People angry that the laws were not applying to everyone, angry because laws had to be passed to make some people accountable to their actions in a country that basically was founded and built on fair principles.
        Many now, just like 50 years ago, stand up and preach in their loudest voice possible that the United States is one nation under god.  Intellectuals will tell you that this goes against freedom of religion.  One of the reasons many founding fathers left their country(s) in the first place. (commonality)
        If you can pay for a great education then you can get a great education; those of us who cant afford it go to public school, community colleges etc.  While I believe that at one time it was possible to acquire a career based on experience and wisdom, now much more is being put on education the majority of Americans cannot afford.  People fresh out of college are landing jobs that once upon a time required wisdom.  Leaving many of us with out a career. (commonality)
       Has there been progress?  YES of course.  Things are definitely different from when I was a kid and riots took place all over the nation...or have they?  Are we not we kind of seeing the same kind of thing all over again? Everyone pointing the finger at someone else?  The law enforcers saying that there is no understanding for the stresses of their job.  People of color saying that they are being treated unfairly.  And everyone in-between taking different sides in general.  Everyone agreeing that fear is running amok thanks to the media, who supposedly is only doing their job reporting the facts when the fact is that they never pay as much attention to police who do great things, they never pay as much attention to people of color who make a difference for everyone and are out standing role models for all of us, and what about all the other in- between people who are just involved in the day to day maintaining of life that many of us know is what makes the world truly turn.  At the end of the day we silently pat ourselves on the back even when no one else does.  (commonality)
      Hubby has said often that we need to look past the drama of every situation to what the real issue is.  What is going on now sure is taking the heat off education issues, medical issues, the economy, etc.  Things that we all have in common. What we all have in common is that we all struggle, we all feel the fear, anger, compassion, etc.  Instead of looking at and for the differences we should be looking for the things that make us the same that should be our focus.  I often wonder what awesome changes could take place in this nation if everyone stood together for the same causes. (like a minion?)
        To my friends and family who think that I am not taking a side let me tell you this.  If, and when, you ever need me to stand up for you and state that this person is a wonderful, intelligent, compassionate person worthy of respect I will be the first person in line.  Because the side I take is love.  Compassion, and understanding.  While I do not in any shape or form agree with many of the tactics used by some of the cops who have recently been in the news, I do not think this applies to every cop.  I also do not think that they should be dealt with any less compassion then the persons on the others side who scream for justice.  Everyone is loosing here. 
       There are many persons out there screaming for justice who have engaged in many degrees of injustice.  They have challenged the law, not in productive, respectful ways, but in flat out, fact based breaking of the law.  My problem with the media is not that they report news, it is the fact that they omit much of the facts until it is too late. Greying everyone's perspective.  Shouldn't good reporting state both sides factually?
          We are all feeling the effects of a system that seems to be struggling.  Laws that appear to work for some but not for others.  IN order for justice to truly work everyone needs to be involved.  I would love to ask the white guy who stood and watched the cop throw a young black female to the ground when she was only acting like a teenager why he didn't step up and say," wooooaaaaa lets all take a deep breath here."  Kind of makes me wonder if he was afraid too?  Which also makes my mind naturally thank the media once again.  Who should also be held more accountable for their actions.  There is nothing in freedom of speech, and freedom of press is kind of vague, that says we have to agree with what someone says, or even how they say it.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Freedom+of+Speech
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Freedom+of+the+Press
          Don't get me wrong I think we all should know about these things, but isn't there a better way to report the news then using drama and emotion?  But then reporters are human too.  So basically what we are dealing with is a whole lot of human nature?  Perhaps this is a test?  To see if humans are going to give into the hate and fear or if they will follow the path of love and compassion? 
         There were a couple of men I saw on the news one a Baptist Pastor the other a lawyer, both fairly young men, younger then me anyways, not exhibiting anger or righteous indignation, stating the facts simply, logically and respectfully.  There was no reason for a cop to shoot and kill a twelve year old boy outside a community center.  Uh hello people, as a retired social worker I can tell you that if a neighborhood has a community center I guarantee that it is a neighborhood that cares!!!  Truth!!  Anyone and everyone who enters this neighborhood should go in with respect, not fear.   But what makes someone so fearful as to shoot a 12 year old?  There are no real clear answers.  And why is that by the way?  Why cant we find clear answers?  Something to think about.
        What we are also seeing is the universe trying to show us that the laws need to change.  The old way of thinking is not working.  Those riots 50 some years ago?  Many of the people who experienced those times are now in their 50s. 60s and older.  We are seeing a generation who is use to one way of life not understanding that the world is changing.  That the world needs to and should change. These are also some of the people who have taught distrust, discrimination and prejudice to some of the younger people who are fighting and challenging the system now because these peoples who grew up 50+ years ago were themselves taught distrust, fear and anger. Which brings me to the love hate relationship with that professor. 
        People I will state this very matter of fact.  There is no such thing as reverse discrimination.  Discrimination is discrimination.  Hate is hate.  It doesn't matter who does it to whom, it is wrong in every form, simple as that. 
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hate?s=t
 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discrimination?s=t
These definition's do not recognize a color.  No one is better or worse, it is what it is.
        I personally for one am intrigued about what the end result will be of everything that we are seeing now.  My sons and their friends do not see the world as we did.  Interracial marriages are not the big deal that they were when I was young. Now I am not saying that there are still not people out their who have the "slave" mentality, on any and all sides.  What I am saying is that things have gotten better and they will continue to do so.  Big changes never take place with out some kind of turmoil from one degree to another.  And change on a huge grand scale takes time. 
        I remember once teaching my sons about change.  Individually and even with in a family it is easier to look at change as something that should take place with in a reasonable amount of time, however a reasonable amount of time is defined for an individual and or family.  In a family everyone works together, supports each other, supposedly anyways.  If we don't have that family we make a support system close to us filled with people we trust.
        BUT when it gets to the level of a neighborhood, a city, a state, a country, the world, those changes can take decades, even century's.  Its hard to get a society to understand the benefits of everyone understanding that in the end we are all just humans. Subject to all the same feelings and needs.  We all want to feel loved, appreciated, respected.  Its really that simple in the end.  But as humans we need to make things easy.  So we immediately go to anger, hate and fear.  AND the people who know how to use anger fear and hate to manipulate society rule the world.  I ask what my husband asks under these condition's, what are we really being distracted from?
        Something else to consider. I'm not a expert or anything, BUT in most spirituality's I'm pretty sure that if you give into negative emotions your siding with what is considered to be, addiction, suffering, the devil, bad Karma, and all the others bad influences in life that make us un-whole.  Hate is anti spiritual.  Anger is anti spiritual. (commonality) Just saying.... Even if you don't subscribe to spirituality and choose a more intellectual path it is not very smart to partake in anything that is mainly emotionally fueled and based.  It distracts us from being rational.
        Here is the Pith of the Matter.  I personally choose not to participate and or support the anger, hate, and or fear that many seem to be feeling now a days.  I had a moment of concern that I would loose many of my dear friends over what is taking place all over the country.  But then I remembered.  We are friends for a reason.  What we have in common. 
         My friend shared that sometime she feels like a person with out a country.  She doesn't fit in with the ghetto mentality, and she is an educated, single mother of color.  Let me tell you people she is up there in her wisdom.  I was thinking though, she is not a person with out a country.  Because if many of us are trying to work towards the same thing, a country where we respect each other, can live with out fear, live with hope, love, compassion, etc. we all ready have a great start with our friendship.  And that is what I will hold on to with every thing that I am.  I belong to her country. I do not let those few loud people on the news, Facebook, etc. influence my feelings about whom I choose to include into my life.  I for one find it sad that so many out their can be wrongly influenced allowing themselves to be swayed from love, compassion and respect.  I will always focus on what we have in common.  Being moms, being social workers, being teachers, being parents, being spiritual, being helpful, being kind, being compassionate humans who love the Minions.  So much harder and so much more worthwhile. 
          Maybe we could take a lesson from the Minions?  Blindly follow our evil leaders with a sense of humor and accidently killing them along the way, just simply by doing the right thing.  Always looking for someone else to follow, and in the end just doing the right thing, teaching small lessons along the way and having fun doing it.
Namaste Peace out
(PS.. disclaimer- I in no way meant that I, or anyone should some how put an end to any of our leaders, or anyone's perceived leaders.  I don not advocate violence in any form.  I do not advocate or support hate in any form.  I simply meant stay true to yourself, follow your spirituality, and in the end the path, the "way" will be known.  Use love, compassion and kindness to all always.  Sad that I needed to include this isn't it.....)

When you truly don’t care