Humans adapt. Behaviors can be changed. Wrong-headed thinking can be corrected. It just takes time. Often too much time but still, change can occur. I’ve seen it in my lifetime. Last week International Human Rights Day happened to coincide with Nelson Mandela’s funeral. I remember first learning about Mandela and other prisoners of conscience when I was in junior high. That’s what kickstarted my activism. Classmates and I even founded our own Amnesty International chapter. Progress has been made since the 80s but when we win, we win in inches. There is still too much injustice on this planet. People with power persecuting those without. Often with the most arbitrary of rationalizations. People with power could be doing more. I was hoping for a greater international response to the discrimination in Russia but I do agree with this: President Obama’s selection of Billie Jean King for the official U.S. delegation to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games is a stroke of genius. Now if Obama would just get cracking on this: Gay Blood Donors Ban Endures In The U.S., Despite Lacking ‘Sound Science’
Now for five fascinating things:
- Meant to post this last week but it’s still on my mind. Go read it (it’s where this post’s title came from). “What Happened On Easter Island — A New (Even Scarier) Scenario“
- Projects like this give me hope for my son’s future: An Organic Greenhouse Run by Farmers With Autism
- More than anything I want to give Emily Graslie a high five. Or a hug. Or both. Science YouTuber Delivers The Perfect Response To Sexist Commenters.
- Odd that this is coming up in a shampoo ad in the Philippines but a great message nonetheless. “70% of men think that women need to downplay their personality to be accepted. Pantene asks everyone to whip away the double standards that hold women back.” Which leads me to The Representation Project: “…exposing and challenging the gender injustices that limit girls and women in our culture was only half the story. She knew that we couldn’t move toward real cultural change without also exposing and challenging the damaging masculinity narrative that is fed to our boys and men.”
- Similarly amusing projects: 1) Artist drew himself and his cat in 100 different cartoonists’ styles and 2) This Guy Spent The Last Month Dressing Up Like Local Realtors And Pasting Himself Over Their Bench Ads
Speaking of humans adapting…all of last week my sad smashed-up car sat out in front of my house. But I was able to work from home, which was great. It was snowy and cold anyhow. When I did need to get somewhere I took an Uber car. That’s how I met up with my boyfriend at the Trylon after work for a screening of “The Punk Singer” (amazing, btw) and at my company’s holiday party (so my boyfriend wouldn’t have to haul ass from the other side of the metro to pick me up before either happening). Eventually the other driver’s car insurance returned my call. On Friday afternoon. Nearly one week from the day of the accident. They were apologetic and arranged for my car to be towed within the hour (though I haven’t yet heard from the auto body shop) and I took yet another Uber car to the car rental place. Where I was given an oversized American car to drive around in, all expenses paid. I can barely reach the pedals. Now while my beloved little car is being patched up, yet again, I’m back to debating whether or not I need a car of my own. But it may take some time before I land on a decision.
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