When you hear that a school or business is installing a zero-tolerance policy over something, you think that they are going to crack down on a certain problem. When I was a kid, I thought that when the US government was establishing a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, I was thinking that it was a great thing. But now I have experienced life more and been reading the news of stories about children and my opinion has changed about zero-tolerance policies.
Recently a little girl was talk to her friend about a 'bubble gun' at school. The little girl was suspended from school because she was going to shoot her friend with a pink plastic hello kitty bubble gun. The little girl had to have a two day mental evaluation , of which she was found to be a typical little girl. The gun comment was placed on her school record. Her parents couldn't switch schools because of the gun incident.
I am stunned that this girl was considered a threat to others because she talked about a bubble gun. She didn't even own one. This was purely a school employee hearing something and going to the extreme. I don't care if the country is still recovering mentally from the Sandy Hook school shootings, it doesn't mean that any and all gun talk should be taken seriously. Thinking things through completely before acting upon a situation is always best.
In this zero-tolerance mentality, any and all possible violations of a law are given the same exact treatment. So under this concept the little girl is just as dangerous as the Sandy Hook shooter. Stop and think about that for a moment. A little girl talks about taking her hello kitty bubble gun and spraying her friend with it, and she is considered as dangerous as any mass murderer. Zero-tolerance was meant to close some loopholes and help enforce laws. Zero-tolerance was never meant to stop people from thinking. Billy forgets his cap gun in his coat pocket from the weekend. Monday he discovers it at school, by Monday afternoon he is in police lock-up, the school is still in lock-down, counselors were called to assure the students and teachers that everything is alright. The media get attention of the story and little Billy's life is over before it started. Why because zero-tolerance and zero-thinking turned a student into a cold hearted killer. The teacher couldn't access the situation and take Billy's cap gun away and call his parents.
I think that this mentality is starting to affect society, people are losing their ability to judge a situation. Yes you have to look at the full picture. What is worse, calling a little girl a threat or allowing a killer into the schools? I understand that, but what about the price of freedom? When you can't talk openly or act freely with your friends and peers because something might classify you as a threat. Could the company's zero-tolerance drug policy result in your desk/locker getting searched because you have talked about legalizing marijuana. Are the Schools going to have to tell the little boys that they can't play cowboys and indians because it involves making gun gestures?
What makes each and everyone of use unique is not just how we look, but how we think as well. A person's view of the world and the desires they have make them unique as well. I feel that this zero-tolerance mentality is oppressing some of the creative aspects of humanity. We should have the freedom to talk openly, and what type of world are we living in when a little girl is threat like a killer because of her desire to play with a bubble gun.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Divided we stand , united we fall...
Pagans like all religious groups have troubles, there is nothing we can do to escape it. In my experiences with online groups, pagans are better off in small groups. When we get so big we fight and argue over the smallest things. I have recently interacted with a Celtic pagan group on facebook. Some of my posts were troublesome for some of the members. This group's most active members are Celtic Recon, people that try to base their Celtic pagan beliefs on historically proven facts, with as little modern interference as possible. Because my views are more liberal and open to many types of pagan, they were not welcomed warmly.
What is bothering me greatly is the way the handful of members treated the posts that I made. They stated that there were standards and that I wasn't meeting their standards. If your group is called 'Celtic Paganism" and the posts are relating to Celtic paganism in general how could they not be valid to the group. I tried to have discussions with the members of the group and names I used as references were laughed at. Raymond Buckland and Isaac Bonewits were looked down on. I learned from Scott Cunningham that everyone is a teacher and that everyone had information to learn from. So I am starting to see this group as too closed minded to work with and be a part of.
So I think about how this reminds me of the Lutherans versus the Southern Baptists. How two groups that share so much can be miles away at the same time. They are both christian denominations, they both use a version of the Catholic bible, They both talk about accepting jesus as their savior. But because of a different view points here and there, the two groups have members that speak badly of the other. There are families divided because one member is of a different christian denomination.
I then look at all the pagan online groups that I have been a member of and I see the same thing happening. Paganism like Christianity is a blanket term for a collection of similar groups that have a similar theme and structure. A handful of pagans can get together and build a wonderful group. Once the group gets big enough, egos and differences of opinions butt heads and some cracks appear and the foundation starts to fall apart.
So you don't like wiccans, you think they are a joke. That was the opinion of one member of this group. Wiccans do share many traditions that have Celtic roots. How can you laugh and abuse people that are honoring the same people you do in a different but similar manner? That is like a Methodist laughing at catholics when they pray. We are supposed to gain strength through our differences. We are supposed to live with our fellow man to make this world a better place. And yet the attitudes of this group shows a complete lack of consideration for any pagan outside of their mental set.
Pagans like to say that we are better than that, several love to explain that pagans should take the high road. We are human just like the christians and the muslims are, we will have personality clashes and ego trips. But that doesn't mean that we can't try harder, open our minds to a new way of thinking. If you want to be part of a larger community you have to be part of the community and work with those that differ in the community. So what if you are a wiccan, if you walk a Celtic path like me in many ways, there are grounds for us to share information and be stronger together.
If you are going to be reclusive in your pagan path and only share with those that think just like you, you are just like those gated urban developments. You only become part of a community when it fits your needs. Outside of the gate, nobody really knows you and wants to be a part of your group. I seen people in this group act as if they were superior to many others. They said what others should be reading and what others should know. These are the elitist Celtic pagans of facebook.
I posted a Pagan book list from my group onto this other group. and I was told outright that it was a 'crappy list', but the person that posted that comment stated she couldn't do much better. My book list was too wiccan. My pagan group is open to all pagans and no pagan path is alienated. A list of books that contains information about the Celts in some form was rejected in a "Celtic Paganism" group . A group of Celtic pagan elitists passing judgement on something that was meant for the whole group. Over 900 members to this group and 5 say that it is not worthy to be in the group.
I hope for the day when this sort of thing stops. We can and should have differences of opinion on many topics in life, but who are we to judge what is worthy for everyone else. It is your life, live by your own standard of ethics, but never impose them on others. Don't be an elitist over other pagans, try understanding their way of thinking and remember how much you dislike people holding rules over yourself.
What is bothering me greatly is the way the handful of members treated the posts that I made. They stated that there were standards and that I wasn't meeting their standards. If your group is called 'Celtic Paganism" and the posts are relating to Celtic paganism in general how could they not be valid to the group. I tried to have discussions with the members of the group and names I used as references were laughed at. Raymond Buckland and Isaac Bonewits were looked down on. I learned from Scott Cunningham that everyone is a teacher and that everyone had information to learn from. So I am starting to see this group as too closed minded to work with and be a part of.
So I think about how this reminds me of the Lutherans versus the Southern Baptists. How two groups that share so much can be miles away at the same time. They are both christian denominations, they both use a version of the Catholic bible, They both talk about accepting jesus as their savior. But because of a different view points here and there, the two groups have members that speak badly of the other. There are families divided because one member is of a different christian denomination.
I then look at all the pagan online groups that I have been a member of and I see the same thing happening. Paganism like Christianity is a blanket term for a collection of similar groups that have a similar theme and structure. A handful of pagans can get together and build a wonderful group. Once the group gets big enough, egos and differences of opinions butt heads and some cracks appear and the foundation starts to fall apart.
So you don't like wiccans, you think they are a joke. That was the opinion of one member of this group. Wiccans do share many traditions that have Celtic roots. How can you laugh and abuse people that are honoring the same people you do in a different but similar manner? That is like a Methodist laughing at catholics when they pray. We are supposed to gain strength through our differences. We are supposed to live with our fellow man to make this world a better place. And yet the attitudes of this group shows a complete lack of consideration for any pagan outside of their mental set.
Pagans like to say that we are better than that, several love to explain that pagans should take the high road. We are human just like the christians and the muslims are, we will have personality clashes and ego trips. But that doesn't mean that we can't try harder, open our minds to a new way of thinking. If you want to be part of a larger community you have to be part of the community and work with those that differ in the community. So what if you are a wiccan, if you walk a Celtic path like me in many ways, there are grounds for us to share information and be stronger together.
If you are going to be reclusive in your pagan path and only share with those that think just like you, you are just like those gated urban developments. You only become part of a community when it fits your needs. Outside of the gate, nobody really knows you and wants to be a part of your group. I seen people in this group act as if they were superior to many others. They said what others should be reading and what others should know. These are the elitist Celtic pagans of facebook.
I posted a Pagan book list from my group onto this other group. and I was told outright that it was a 'crappy list', but the person that posted that comment stated she couldn't do much better. My book list was too wiccan. My pagan group is open to all pagans and no pagan path is alienated. A list of books that contains information about the Celts in some form was rejected in a "Celtic Paganism" group . A group of Celtic pagan elitists passing judgement on something that was meant for the whole group. Over 900 members to this group and 5 say that it is not worthy to be in the group.
I hope for the day when this sort of thing stops. We can and should have differences of opinion on many topics in life, but who are we to judge what is worthy for everyone else. It is your life, live by your own standard of ethics, but never impose them on others. Don't be an elitist over other pagans, try understanding their way of thinking and remember how much you dislike people holding rules over yourself.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
It is about the Journey...
As I continue my spiritual path to a better me, I have to remind myself that it is the journey that makes all the difference. We learn from experiences and seeing new concepts or things in the world. I have been so happy building my pagan 101 video series. I am actually getting more views for my videos. The wheels are turning and picking up speed. I have even picked-up a couple of subscribers since I started this project. I am happy, and the bonus is that I am remembering and learning things that I need to know. I am looking at my spiritual mirror and liking what I see.
There is a little uproar in the pagan community about a movie that is being released. Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters. I was going to just walk away from the movie, but I have been seeing the commercial for it and it bothers me. The quote that bothers me is about how not all witches are bad, but they are going to kill them all. This movie is promoting the wrong way to think in so many ways. They are talking about killing people, murder is wrong unless it is to defend yourself and/or others that can't defend themselves. Blind judgements toward a class of people. A person could be a good person, but because they are a part of a certain class of people, they must die. I was spending the day trying to think about how I would counter this movie. What if I was to write a screenplay for a man that was molested by catholic ministers as a kid, and then at some point in his life, decides that they all must die. Not all ministers molested little boys, so to kill all would be wrong. I know that the christian community would be forming mobs to protest such a movie from being made. It is just a movie though, and I hope that the mentality of this movie fades away quickly.
I read today about a fellow pagan preparing for a massive change in how she presents herself. I will not state her name out of respect. This pagan has used her witch name for many years and has become well established in the pagan community. She also mentioned that her fame has come at a price. So she is going to stop using her witch name and start using her real name. I must give her credit for such a bold move. I wish her the best of luck in this transition. This has made me started to think about me using my witch name compared to my real name. I have enjoyed the degree of separation, and it is needed because I am a divorced father. I know that there would come a time that I might have to use both together. Until them I am very happy being "Blue".
I have splurged on myself in silly little matters this week. The local Dollar General is selling Christmas stuff for 25 cents each, no matter what the item is. So I have been buying metal tins and a few other things that could be used for pagan purposes. Some of the tins will be used as storage tins for nails and screws in the basement. I have been wanting to build something real bad as of late. I have the urge to use my hand tools for something. I just haven't figured out what I want to make.
I am feeling very proud of myself at work, but there is a little shame as well. I have a reputation of being a mean person. I am stubborn and I like to get the job required done right and as fast as possible. When things are going good, I will laugh and joke. But when things go wrong, I am complaining and rather rude with everyone that is not doing what they need to do. I have a co-worker that works with me in the cooler, and he is a rather cranky person. The level of profanity and bad attitude is worse than mine. Reflecting back on the person that I used to be, I hope I was never that bad. I told myself that I owed several people and apology if I ever was that bad.
Every day is a step on your spiritual path. We don't go from Point A to Point B overnight. with every step we discover new things upon the horizon and down by our feet when we take the time to look down and around ourselves. The road less traveled is the journey of discovery of who we are as individuals and the truth of the world around us. Don't run when you can walk, don't stare at the horizon when something amazing is right beside you.
There is a little uproar in the pagan community about a movie that is being released. Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters. I was going to just walk away from the movie, but I have been seeing the commercial for it and it bothers me. The quote that bothers me is about how not all witches are bad, but they are going to kill them all. This movie is promoting the wrong way to think in so many ways. They are talking about killing people, murder is wrong unless it is to defend yourself and/or others that can't defend themselves. Blind judgements toward a class of people. A person could be a good person, but because they are a part of a certain class of people, they must die. I was spending the day trying to think about how I would counter this movie. What if I was to write a screenplay for a man that was molested by catholic ministers as a kid, and then at some point in his life, decides that they all must die. Not all ministers molested little boys, so to kill all would be wrong. I know that the christian community would be forming mobs to protest such a movie from being made. It is just a movie though, and I hope that the mentality of this movie fades away quickly.
I read today about a fellow pagan preparing for a massive change in how she presents herself. I will not state her name out of respect. This pagan has used her witch name for many years and has become well established in the pagan community. She also mentioned that her fame has come at a price. So she is going to stop using her witch name and start using her real name. I must give her credit for such a bold move. I wish her the best of luck in this transition. This has made me started to think about me using my witch name compared to my real name. I have enjoyed the degree of separation, and it is needed because I am a divorced father. I know that there would come a time that I might have to use both together. Until them I am very happy being "Blue".
I have splurged on myself in silly little matters this week. The local Dollar General is selling Christmas stuff for 25 cents each, no matter what the item is. So I have been buying metal tins and a few other things that could be used for pagan purposes. Some of the tins will be used as storage tins for nails and screws in the basement. I have been wanting to build something real bad as of late. I have the urge to use my hand tools for something. I just haven't figured out what I want to make.
I am feeling very proud of myself at work, but there is a little shame as well. I have a reputation of being a mean person. I am stubborn and I like to get the job required done right and as fast as possible. When things are going good, I will laugh and joke. But when things go wrong, I am complaining and rather rude with everyone that is not doing what they need to do. I have a co-worker that works with me in the cooler, and he is a rather cranky person. The level of profanity and bad attitude is worse than mine. Reflecting back on the person that I used to be, I hope I was never that bad. I told myself that I owed several people and apology if I ever was that bad.
Every day is a step on your spiritual path. We don't go from Point A to Point B overnight. with every step we discover new things upon the horizon and down by our feet when we take the time to look down and around ourselves. The road less traveled is the journey of discovery of who we are as individuals and the truth of the world around us. Don't run when you can walk, don't stare at the horizon when something amazing is right beside you.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Pagan Nerd Warrior...
With the New year now here, we have all did our reflections into the past, present and future. We have all decided on some level to better ourselves in some matter. I have reflected in the past year and while there are somethings that I didn't accomplish, I am very happy with who I am at the moment. I tried to find the words that best describe who or what I am. And the Best that I could assemble is 'Pagan Nerd Hero". I am without a doubt a very dedicated pagan that has placed a lot of time , money, effort into my way of life. I think everyday of pagan concepts and what projects to work on. When I go to a local consignment shop, I am always asking myself what here has a pagan flare to it. The Nerd is easy to tell you about, I go to the book store and I get reference books along with my pagan books. One of my latest books is "The New York Public Library Desk Reference." Warrior is the last word that describes me. I have decided long ago that I will stand for what I believe in. I will not let friends get in the way of what is right. I sign petitions, print and voice my opinions anywhere I feel it is needed.
My journey in being a Diamond in the rough has been achieved. I am not the nicest person, I lack some of the basic social skills that others dwell on. But I am valuable, I work hard on everything that is important to me. I extend my hand to help others that need it. My knowledge in many topics is growing, I have so much to learn it is scary. I don't want to be one of those polished refined people, because they are expected and required to work on such a higher level and with such poise. When you are still a little rough you can handle the difficult matters with a rougher plan. I am more able to think outside of the box, because I have the ability to react more openly and without restraint.
Tomorrow I have a busy day planned, I will be creating many more videos for my YouTube Paganism 101 series. I made a decision to be more of a teacher, I spent a day making 11-23 lessons , I was being general in topic, only explaining the basics of the various topics. A three minute video is not what I want to use to teach people. So I am scraping those videos and redoing many of them tomorrow. I am wanting to help those that are just starting out understand the basics and help them be better pagans.
I am in planning mode for a mini pagan garden. The plan is to find the large wooden barrels that people use for planting and create a mini garden out of it. I am going to create a stone cairn out of some flat rocks from Springbrook. I am also going to find small figures and pebbles to make a mini meditation garden that I can Astral travel to. Then in the rest of the garden I am going to plant some herbs. Because I have to be creative, I am also designing glass flowers for the back yard. I have a collection of blue and green wine and vodka bottles. I am going to connect the old fashioned glass power line bases to the bottles and give them the look of glass flowers.
I am very glad that the holidays are over, that means that the stress levels for not just myself but for most of society are down. Things can go back to a normal rhythm and life will be even more wonderful. Yes I a can look in the mirror and be happy with who I am. Some things I didn't finish last year, so I must push myself harder. I can do it, I will be stronger and better in 2013.
My advice for you is simple. Don't dwell in the past, but don't forget it either. You can be anything you wish to be. If you can picture yourself being such a person, then do it. Sometimes the small little things are the start we need to better grander things. We set our own limitations, tear down those hurdles and be the best you that you can be.
My journey in being a Diamond in the rough has been achieved. I am not the nicest person, I lack some of the basic social skills that others dwell on. But I am valuable, I work hard on everything that is important to me. I extend my hand to help others that need it. My knowledge in many topics is growing, I have so much to learn it is scary. I don't want to be one of those polished refined people, because they are expected and required to work on such a higher level and with such poise. When you are still a little rough you can handle the difficult matters with a rougher plan. I am more able to think outside of the box, because I have the ability to react more openly and without restraint.
Tomorrow I have a busy day planned, I will be creating many more videos for my YouTube Paganism 101 series. I made a decision to be more of a teacher, I spent a day making 11-23 lessons , I was being general in topic, only explaining the basics of the various topics. A three minute video is not what I want to use to teach people. So I am scraping those videos and redoing many of them tomorrow. I am wanting to help those that are just starting out understand the basics and help them be better pagans.
I am in planning mode for a mini pagan garden. The plan is to find the large wooden barrels that people use for planting and create a mini garden out of it. I am going to create a stone cairn out of some flat rocks from Springbrook. I am also going to find small figures and pebbles to make a mini meditation garden that I can Astral travel to. Then in the rest of the garden I am going to plant some herbs. Because I have to be creative, I am also designing glass flowers for the back yard. I have a collection of blue and green wine and vodka bottles. I am going to connect the old fashioned glass power line bases to the bottles and give them the look of glass flowers.
I am very glad that the holidays are over, that means that the stress levels for not just myself but for most of society are down. Things can go back to a normal rhythm and life will be even more wonderful. Yes I a can look in the mirror and be happy with who I am. Some things I didn't finish last year, so I must push myself harder. I can do it, I will be stronger and better in 2013.
My advice for you is simple. Don't dwell in the past, but don't forget it either. You can be anything you wish to be. If you can picture yourself being such a person, then do it. Sometimes the small little things are the start we need to better grander things. We set our own limitations, tear down those hurdles and be the best you that you can be.
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