28 Oct 2009 @ 13:05, by Unknown
Heres an essay I wrote to my fellow country persons.
enjoy
ed
OUR UNITED DIVERSITY
My Fellow Canadians
With regard to these times we live in,
the idea of disability and difference stems from the concept that there is some all pervasive "norm" of being. Stray to far from the said norm and disability, stigma and labeling rear their ugly head. Yet in any diverse society, norm can be unmasked for what it is but a kind of convenient fallacy. Norm thus truly is more a thing of fashion than an absolute or certain state. So one could thus hope that any truly civilized community or society would or should function within a greater degree of tolerance, accommodation and acceptance of the variations around a supposed norm.
Unfortunately though, time has not stood still and societies and generations change. Some tolerances and visions of old change to or fail to get properly passed on or rooted in the new and succeeding regimes and social guards and some of times old lessons, wisdom's and ways are or can be lost, forgotten or misplaced in the ensuing transition and translation. Perversions, biases, bigotries and cronyism's, forged by the trials and misfortunes of troubled or indifferent life's, thus can creep in and taint the waters of tolerant and diverse societies and communities, with the fears, prejudices and hatred of old and or new.
True enough though, there are certain and perhaps many unlawful and offensive things, beyond the general acceptance, sense and tolerance of even the most liberal of communities but then as well we should and can not be so rigid in our guards, fears and misgivings that we paint trivial deviations from a said illusory norm with the same kind of impassioned and self righteous vigilante brush. To do so would be to lose or tarnish the gains we have made towards being a more humane, just and responsible species, society and country.
Thus in that regard then, in changing times of mistrust, distress, disasters, disease, poverty, spin, disinformation, divisions, terrorism and change itself, let us not lose sight of who we were and who we are and who we still can be and thus let us strive to remain true to the hard won principles and virtues of harmony, justice, tolerance and care for most if not all. Less not doing we descend into the ensuing rigid, despotic kind of police state that could follow such. Let us show as well, proper regard, concern, compassion and value to and for our environment, ecozones and precious sources of ecological health, upon which we all ultimately depend and are dependent upon.
Walking thus, this middle road of being is perhaps a fine and difficult line at times but we must discern it and walk it and show it the due diligence and mutual regard that it deserves for the continued benefit, respect, justice and future of and for all or most. This is the "third way" after all, our true and unique Canadian way. A way which we have inherited and is thus deserving and right to call and make our own and to give and teach to our children and grandchildren hence.
So let us do so now, with the conviction and love of and as those who imparted, bequeathed and won such to us and by such sustain the Canada many have come to know, cherish and love. And in this, our "united diversity", we will and shall find and know enduring strength, joy and continuance.
In short let us chill people, Let us chill out.
Alfred G. Jonas
Oct 28 2009
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