Contrary to popular belief, the Day of the Dead is a celebration that, in one form or another, has existed in many cultures. Having said that, Mexico is credited with making it popular. And for that we can all be quite grateful. But, although it may be known by other names, this practice has existed […]
Force Feeding
When I was a teenager my girlfriend asked me to come with her to visit her older brother, who lived in a town about 80km away. I said I would do that. I was looking forward to spending time with her and to meeting her brother, whom she had never mentioned before. Unfortunately, he was […]
Pleasure or Practicality?
Believe it or not, there are some folks in the world who actually believe that things that bring us pleasure are not worthy of our time or attention! I know! I was surprised to discover this as well. There was a person in University that I encountered who was brought up in a very strict […]
The Shunning
Not “the shining,” but “the shunning.” I have written before regarding aspects of abuse and coping mechanisms. What I have not yet touched upon is the act of shunning as a form of abuse. In ancient times it would take something pretty drastic to have the community shun you. Something along the lines of adultery […]
Upside Down, Backwards and Naked
I often think that we live in a world that is backwards. Compassion and empathy are often drilled out of us as children and we have to work at regaining our humanity over time. There was a time that guns were made to aid in war efforts. Now wars are begun so that manufacturers can […]