Summer Begins: Exploring Memorial Day

Memorial Day Weekend is here. In our beach town, this signals the return of the summer people, the amusement park and board walk open and yard sale signs flutter from every corner telephone pole. On Monday, the traditional date for Memorial Day, our town holds a parade, commemorating the service and sacrifice of our military, (but will also include older adult men, riding tiny cars, and other such parade goofiness.)



Memorial Day when I was a kid, way back when in the 1970s, living in a small, coastal village downeast, meant we woke early to decorate our bikes in red, white and blue crepe paper. We then rode our bikes to the town cemetery where a solemn ceremony was held, with flags, pipes and drums and folks dressed in uniforms of wars gone by. (This blog has photos of that town's Memorial Day ceremonies, which look just the same now as they did 35 years ago.) We also decorated with tissue paper poppies, some we made and others were bought for .25 at the market, from a veteran. Poppies have long been a symbol of remembrance.



Today, many people still celebrate Memorial Day by decorating grave sites with flags and flowers, attending parades, firework displays and pops concerts. Others still, simply gather with family and friends, have cookouts, or head to the beach or lake.(Still others shop the big sales that have somehow become associated with this holiday.)

There are some interesting ways to view Memorial Day (and similar holidays, like Independence Day and Labor Day). Is it truly just a day for remembrance or is it an example of something known as American civil religion, which is the idea that, "Americans embrace a common civil religion with certain fundamental beliefs, values, holidays, and rituals, parallel to, or independent of, their chosen religion?" This theory talks about how a new country relied on civil ceremony during times of social crisis (the Revolutionary War, Civil War and Vietnam War) to define, unite and direct the country. This process has close ties to the idea of American exceptionalism. This idea was originally used to mean that America was unique in it's democratic foundation. Eventually however, especially during the Cold War, between the US and USSR, American exceptionalism became the idea that America was uniquely moral, right, justified, strong, worthy and chosen by God to assert its values on the world. Through that lens, Memorial Day can be seen as a celebration of America's God-given directive. While honoring the memory of those who served, we participate in an act of civic nationalism, designed to profess our loyalty to the myth of America, Better Than All The Rest, (not to mention white and Christian.*)



So, what do you think? Do you think it hurts to participate in Memorial Day activities, this civil religion? Does it bring communities together, forge a common identity as a nation? Is it just about remembering the loss of so many during times or war, or is it about giving American a big whoop-whoop? Is it possible to both recognize America's unique-it's exceptional, place in the world, while also being able to recognize America's faults or overreach? Or has Memorial Day become so far removed from its origin, that it is only about barbecues and car sales?

*For a good read on what it means to have a white culture, read this.

The Civil War: 150 Years Later And How We Remember

Because today marks the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War, not only will we resume our viewing of Civil War, we will also examine and scrutinize how the Civil War is being remembered 150 years later. Is there national agreement on what the cause(s) of the war? Just how is the Civil War being remembered; with somber ceremonies or celebration? Is the war glorified at all? Does the 150th anniversary mean different things to people? What might some of those differences be? How do you think the Civil War should be remembered?

Let's look at that first question: is there national agreement on what the cause(s) of the war? It's telling, I think, that in my link research for this post, so often the main reasons given for the Civil War (slavery, economics, culture, state vs. federal rights, and President Lincoln's politics) slavery, the actual buying and selling of human beings is disregarded. Slavery is often discussed only as it pertains to the North vs. South and their respective cultures (city vs. plantation) or framed as abolitionists vs. slave owners. Rarely are the moral and ethical ramifications of human trafficking discussed as a direct cause of the war.



Certainly all those other reasons had their role in the cause of the Civil War, but here we are 150 years later and still ignoring the giant elephant in the room, and it's that half of the Union owned other people. To argue that the war was fought over states' rights, is disingenuous, as the very right being fought for was the states' right to own people; to continue the slavery. To say otherwise is inaccurate. This blog, US Slave, contains many resource links.



Let's note too, that just 50 years ago, the 100 year (or centennial) anniversary of the Civil War coincided with the civil rights movement, when most of the South was still segregated. It was hardly the case that the war resulted in all peoples being free and equal and despite the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves (not all slaves and those only in the states that had seceded), people still suffered the cruelty of segregation for another hundred years. Listen to the Emancipation Proclamation.



Okay, so that was 50 years ago. What about today, does national agreement exist today? If battlefield plaques don't even mention slavery or some state governments continue to fly the Confederate flag or designate one month as Confederate History Month (as Virgina did, April 2010, only to retract that proclamation later), can it be said that the entire nation has reconciled its history of slavery with that of the Civil War? Some states are seeking tourism dollars and a boost in their economies by marketing certain war artifacts, battle grounds and museums. Additionally, in some states the commemoration of the Civil War takes on a celebratory tone, replete with parades and beauty contests and battle re-enactments. In Montgomery, Alabama, (the seat of the civil rights movement) one organizer of the 150th anniversary festivities there said, "while civil rights activist Rosa Parks is revered by many for moving from the back of the bus to the front, the "people of the Confederacy have been forced to the back of the bus." This viewpoint differs hugely with that of other community leaders who see the events another way. "It's almost like celebrating the Holocaust," said Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "Our rights were taken away and we were treated as less than human beings. To relive that in a celebratory way I don't think is right."

Obviously holocaust is a strong word and sensitivity is required when choosing to use it, so let's take a moment to examine whether holocaust, as used above, applies to slavery. First, holocaust can be defined as any mass slaughter or reckless destruction of life. So let's look at the facts.

approximately 10,700,000 Africans were displaced when they were brought on slave ships during the Middle Passage (the journey over the Atlantic) to America.

approximately 1,800,000 Africans died en route, their bodies thrown overboard.

current estimates for the number of Africans forced into the slave trade: 12,500,000, the largest forced migration in modern history. Here is another excellent source on the forced migration.

the 1860 census numbers the amount of U.S. slaves at just under 4 million.

total military casualties of Civil War: 625,000

The Civil War was brutal and resulted in terrible losses and of course it should be commemorated. To do so, however, without acknowledging the holocaust that slavery was, and one that lasted for over 300 years, and one that led to war that nearly destroyed a young country and her democracy, is not honoring the past with honesty and accuracy. To celebrate rather than remember what was lost by so, so many, is abhorrent. What should be historical remembrance, somber and respectful, becomes glorified and hateful and perpetuates the divisiveness and racism of 150 years ago.

By no means is this post exhaustive. To further read about history spanning the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, this is a good place to start.

Like A Box Of Chocolates

This post is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

What's a Scenester? Do you recognize any apple store indies, perhaps? Do you think it's fair to generalize about others based on fashion, or do you think the portraits are largely accurate? Do you recognize yourself in any of the scenesters? Is there a point where seeking individualism simply becomes a uniform; is it possible to be the non-conforming conformist? And if indivdualism is the goal, to be outside the collective interest, how is adopting a fashion trend, emo, for instance, contrary to this goal--or is it? Can you think of examples where individual expression morphed into a fad?



In fascinating science news, did you know it was possible to help make a reef out of old subway cars? It's happening along the east coast (USA) and these subway reefs are teeming with life, in areas that were once practically ocean deserts. Why are reefs so important? Though the practice has been discontinued primarily, it's only because the subway cars are being built differently and it's not financially beneficial or necessary to dispose of old cars this way. Environmentally it seemed to be a winning solution. Watch a short video here.

In creepy science news, the newly discovered zombie-ant fungus ZOMBIE- ANT FUNGUS, surely takes the cake. (What the heck does the phrase take the cake mean, anyway?)

Because yesterday was International Women's Day and Josephine Baker came up in conversation, read more about her. I think we all found her heroic work with the French Resistance during WWII to be the most intriguing, but by no means is this her bravest act. (You can read all about it here, under the heading Rise To Fame. *There is one bare-breasted photo of Josephine.) It's important to understand, as you read about Ms. Baker, that every ounce of her life was impacted by racism. While she left the US for France and Europe to escape the Jim Crow Laws in the US, her ready acceptance and fame in France was very much due in part to France's then-colonization of Africa (the height of which occurred in the 1920s-1930s, when Ms. Baker arrived in France). African art, images and yes, people were embraced for consumption by the whites, and African-descent people were objectified, so it's important to read about her life, her career and mutual admiration of her and the French people in this context. For another look at her life, view this six-part video of Josephine Baker: The First Black Superstar.

State Of The Union

With our eyes and ears focused on Wisconsin and other state legislators as collective union bargaining power is increasingly threatened, let's revisit unions and their role in democracy. A year ago you both read Upton Sinclair's The Jungle.

"And, for this, at the end of the week, he will carry home three dollars to his family, being his pay at the rate of five cents per hour-just about his proper share of the million and three quarters of children who are now engaged in earning their livings in the United States." Chapter 6

And

"To Jurgis the packers had been equivalent to fate; Ostrinski showed him that they were the Beef Trust. They were a gigantic combination of capital, which had crushed all opposition, and overthrown the laws of the land, and was preying upon the people." Chapter 29

Also, read about the Triangle Factory Fire of 1911. Do you think labor unions are as important today as they were in reforming the factory at the start of the Industrial Revolution? What about the protests in WI indicates that unions are still considered necessary? Why do you think so many have chosen to protest?

In the coming weeks, as we watch the political events unfold in the state governments, consider any parallels between today's politics, labor disputes, political philosophies, debates, etc, between today's events and what we learn about the Civil War.

Don't worry, we'll have lots of discussion about these topics and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Touchstones Of The Week

To catch us up a bit after days of being ill, I'll cover things that we discussed this week.

Since we just celebrated Valentine's Day, let's take a look at the history of the holiday.

Hey, you know that piece about making a cola that tasted like Coke, that we heard part of the other night? Here's the entire piece. Have fun exploring the archives for all kinds of interesting stories, from exploring True Urban Legends to asking What Is Money?

So, remember when Angela (Bones, The Foot In The Foreclosure, season 5) used the fictional Palentone color and ink palette to track down that orange fabric found in the crime scene? There is such a resource and it's called Pantone. Watch how Pantone works, here.

(And while I love Bones, I personally agree, she's no Dana Scully.)

You know that long car ride discussion we have sometimes, about winning the lottery (that we don't play) and how we would use the money? Ever wonder just how much a billion dollars is? Read this and find out. What do you think about this article? Does it raise any moral or ethical questions for you regarding wealth distribution? Does it make sense to you that so few should have control over so much? Do you think billions are being used well? Would you do anything differently if you had a billion(s) dollars?

I think you know, but Planned Parenthood is an organization that provides information, health care and screening, birth control and abortions, std (sexually transmitted disease) protection and prevention, counseling, and many other services to anyone seeking help, and often to people without socio-economic privilege (meaning they have under or unemployment, low wages, no health care benefits, and often minimal education-but not always-as well as other negative societal impacts, such as gender barriers, childcare, transportation, disabilities, etc). Today, the Republican controlled House voted to cut all funding for Planned Parenthood. Without federal funding, services provided to those who are the least economically and socially privileged will be hindered or eliminated completely. What are your thoughts about this? Do you think Planned Parenthood is a necessary institution? Do you think religious or political convictions have a place in deciding who has access to health care? How does this issue compare to the previous paragraph regarding wealth distribution? Let's discuss this further, as I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Of Rabbits, Art and Revolution

GUNG Hey Fat Choy! Happy New Year! This is the Year of the Rabbit, which means, Adam, that this is your year, as you were born in 1999. Tomorrow we'll get the chance to really celebrate this Chinese spring festival, and once again we'll wonder, just what is bubble tea? Also, check out this gorgeous work by a local artist.

What do you think of Colin Firth's The King's Speech after hearing the actual speech given by King George VI?

I know, Olivia, you especially were taken with Van Gogh's art (thanks to this inspiring Doctor Who episode--see, tv is valuable), and as it happens, the recently debuted Google Art Project, makes it possible to see paintings and art up close, including Van Gogh's work--the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam is a great place to start. After choosing a museum and artist, you can view a slide show of the paintings, and by using the little frame in the lower right corner, you can zoom in on the painting, too. It's incredible to see the textures, brush strokes and layers of paint, don't you think?

Finally, earlier this week, Sean Hannity of Fox News said, "“Can you name any country that became a democracy after a violent revolution? Honestly, can you even name one?” So, can you name one country that became a democracy following a violent revolution? Further--can you name a second, third, fourth or fifth*?

Does the Czech Revolution of 1989 mirror the current political climate in Egypt in any way? Do you see any dissimilarities?

* The United States, France, India, The Czech Republic, Poland, East Germany (and much of eastern Europe in 1989), all have had revolutions that involved loss of life, in the pursuit of democracy.

Cold Enough For Ya?

As you know, or must know if you live where we do (Maine), that it has been, well, in the Maine vernacular, a bit nippy, deah! And looking ahead to next week's forecast, we are settling in for a nice, cold stretch, too. With that in mind, it looks like Monday might be a great day to make frozen bubbles.

Thinking of cold and snow, it's interesting to note that a 19 year old homeschooler from Vermont took the first, amazing photographs of snow crystals--in 1885! Check the collection out! Here's more about the physics of snowflakes.

For Olivia: in honor of you beginning guitar lessons, meet Andres Segovia. Here he is playing Bach. You can learn more about classical music here.



For Adam: in honor of you beginning drum lessons, meet Lionel Hampton. Watch him play, here. Loads more drumming inspiration here.

Reflecting on certain beloved tv shows and movies, I wonder how many pass the Bechdel Test?

• Can you name a couple of examples of some that do pass the test? Which ones?


• Do you think it's important for tv and films to pass this test, or do you think it's not important at all?


• What do you think the reasons are that so much tv and film doesn't pass the test?


• What does it mean to you if a tv show or film doesn't pass the Bechdel Test?

One more thing to make your brain bigger: see how something called metamaterials might help make objects invisible, in effect, by fooling light by taking any arrangement of objects and assembling them into some sort of structure. Harry Potter might not be the only one with an Invisibility Cloak someday.

• Can you think of ways in which this technology could be used for greater good?


• Can you think of ways in which this technology could be used for doing harm?


• Do you think the creation and control of this technology could or would have political ramifications?