I was watching So You Think You Can Dance last night following which the headlines for the 10 o'clock news came on. Top story was about an armed robbery at a Smoothie King (which looked suspiciously like the one across the street from my work). Sure enough I was right. So apparently the story goes that on March 30th, 5 local highschool seniors hatched some plan to rob this store and in fact did so, with a gun. (News report can be read at: http://www.nbc4.com/news/9275046/detail.html
These comments from DCist.com illustrate how ridiculously this crime is being treated by those in the community:
"Whitman Students Charged In Robbery: "There's a fine line, sometimes, between going out and having a good time and committing armed robberies." Those words of wisdom come courtesy of Maryland State's Attorney Doug Gansler. He was referring to the five Walt Whitman High students who were charged yesterday with the armed robbery of a Smoothie King. NBC4 brings us the details of the alleged robbery: the kids netted $463 and celebrated at Pizzeria Uno's. Other key quotes from the story include their principal being "disappointed" that the students made "idiotic decisions", and the aforementioned Gansler lamenting that the crime was committed by young men from "good families" with "bright futures". Hmm... What's that noise? Could it be the sound of affluent white kids getting probation?"
My sentiments exactly. If the same crime had been perpetrated by 5 black kids do you think there would even be any discussion about how to proceed with prosecution? Simply ludicrous.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
feministing
I recently disovered this website. This is after I just finished reading the book Female Chauvinist Pigs by Ariel Levy. I've been thinking about feminism a lot the past week or so. What does it mean? How is it relevant? There's no doubt in my mind that it is still relevant today...but it is different than in past generations. Because, like anything it evolves along with society and culture. In her book, Levy talks about the "raunch culture" that many women have embraced and claim as liberating for women. In other words "girls say they're tired of acting "hot" just to get a man, and scoff at the notion, relentlessly pushed in magazines, movies, music and on MTV, that acting raunchy -- stripping or imitating porn stars in their dress or behavior -- is a feminist act that empowers women." (see http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05285/586648.stm). I think this raises a lot of questions...and probably a few eyebrows, and ultimately is very problematic. I personally wonder how this could be liberating for women. Being in control of one's own sexuality is crucial. But how does/should one live this out? To say that acting raunchy is an act of empowerment for women just doesn't sit right with me. I get the impression that those who espouse raunch culture as liberating for women do so at the exclusion of other expressions of sexuality and empowerment for women, which is not cool. When I think of feminism I think of the freedom to be what you wish, what is fulfilling for you personally (this should go for both men & women). If a woman chooses to stay at home and raise a family that is her choice. If a woman wants to dedicate her life to a career that is her choice. The key word here is CHOICE. True liberation comes when one can make a decision about how to live his or her own life without societal or cultural constraints. While this definition raises a whole slew of others questions I think it is a necessary starting point...and the thinking continues...
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
If only I were Jew-theran
Once again it's been awhile since I've posted on here. I guess I should just stop apoligizing because it will be a recurring theme. I had a great weekend. On Friday I attended my first Shabbat service (http://tikkunleilshabbat.blogspot.com/). I've always been intrigued by Judaism but this was my first non-academic experience with Judaism. It was incredible! I went along with my good friend Ilana who is in Avodah (the Jewish volunteer corps). The service was so beautiful. It was very informal, just a gathering of 20-30 20-something's in a room sitting in a circle. Different people took turns leading and the majority of the service was sung (all in Hebrew!) accompanied by guitar. It was so inspiring and powerful to hear different people explain their own feelings towards certain parts of the liturgy. They also spent a lot of time explaining the different pieces of the service because many of them come from different backgrounds. It was just very cool - did I say that yet? And afterwards we all partook (is that even a word?) in a vegetarian potluck. To finish off the evening, Ilana and I and her friend Josh went out dancing. Makes me wonder why we don't have church on Friday or Saturday nights ;)
I also had a busy weekend with speaking engagements. I haven't had to speak in public in over a year and I got to do it twice in one weekend. I had a blast. On Saturday night I spoke about homelessness at a youth event at a local church (http://www.wilsonlaneyouth.org). I was very impressed that the kids listened seeing as they were really there to hear some local bands play. Good music...brought back good memories of high school (glad they're memories though). And on Sunday morning it was my turn to share about my work placement at the church that sponsors my program. I made sure to do a mini sermon ;) And I think it went over alright. If you're interested...
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work at Bethesda Cares is the time spent in our drop-in center. The clients we see are predominantly male, the majority of whom are either alcohol or substance addicted and/or mentally ill. This has been my first experience working directly with this population and while initially I found myself outside of my comfort zone it has truly been an amazing learning experience. My comfort zone has increased by leaps and bounds.
In our office, it is always amazing to me what I witness each day. It is a community in its own right. Our clients are homeless; most live on the streets or in emergency shelters. For many of them, our office is a safe place for them to be and for many of them our office is their home – something which I need to remind myself of on an ongoing basis. As in any community, there are good days and there are less good days. Many days are filled with good conversation - sports, music, current events – the knowledge base that fills our office never ceases to amaze me. We also have days where there are disagreements and heated discussions. When you have an office full of people, many of whom are mentally ill, suffering from the effects of their addictions or simply just tired from spending night after night on the street, there are bound to be conflicts. And while we must have some rules in order to keep the community functioning, there is a tremendous amount of forgiveness. Many of these individuals have burned all of their bridges with family and friends and truly have nowhere else to turn. As such, we try to be a constant in their otherwise chaotic lives and give our clients as many second chances as they need, of course within reason. We always ensure that there is a basic level of respect held for both clients and staff. I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned over these past few months is the invaluable importance of human connections - and developing connections with a population that I otherwise would have very little contact with. These homeless individuals are no different from anyone else – they have their problems like the rest of us – the only difference is that society places them on the margins because of their differences.
I am always struck by how frequently the poor are mentioned in the Bible. Jesus continually reminds us to remember the poor. He says “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” I like to reverse this phrase so it reads “You will not always have me, but you will always have the poor.” For me, this is a calling for us to be with the poor. Not something that is done easily in our society – we have busy lives and lots of commitments. For this reason I have been so grateful for this year where I can spend time “being with the poor.” Not in an act of charity but an act of mutuality – or so I hope. I have learned so much from my clients – about their lives, about relating to other humans, about connecting with other humans, and about my own strengths and weaknesses. It is my hope that I am able to offer something in return, even if it has only been a listening ear.
I also had a busy weekend with speaking engagements. I haven't had to speak in public in over a year and I got to do it twice in one weekend. I had a blast. On Saturday night I spoke about homelessness at a youth event at a local church (http://www.wilsonlaneyouth.org). I was very impressed that the kids listened seeing as they were really there to hear some local bands play. Good music...brought back good memories of high school (glad they're memories though). And on Sunday morning it was my turn to share about my work placement at the church that sponsors my program. I made sure to do a mini sermon ;) And I think it went over alright. If you're interested...
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work at Bethesda Cares is the time spent in our drop-in center. The clients we see are predominantly male, the majority of whom are either alcohol or substance addicted and/or mentally ill. This has been my first experience working directly with this population and while initially I found myself outside of my comfort zone it has truly been an amazing learning experience. My comfort zone has increased by leaps and bounds.
In our office, it is always amazing to me what I witness each day. It is a community in its own right. Our clients are homeless; most live on the streets or in emergency shelters. For many of them, our office is a safe place for them to be and for many of them our office is their home – something which I need to remind myself of on an ongoing basis. As in any community, there are good days and there are less good days. Many days are filled with good conversation - sports, music, current events – the knowledge base that fills our office never ceases to amaze me. We also have days where there are disagreements and heated discussions. When you have an office full of people, many of whom are mentally ill, suffering from the effects of their addictions or simply just tired from spending night after night on the street, there are bound to be conflicts. And while we must have some rules in order to keep the community functioning, there is a tremendous amount of forgiveness. Many of these individuals have burned all of their bridges with family and friends and truly have nowhere else to turn. As such, we try to be a constant in their otherwise chaotic lives and give our clients as many second chances as they need, of course within reason. We always ensure that there is a basic level of respect held for both clients and staff. I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned over these past few months is the invaluable importance of human connections - and developing connections with a population that I otherwise would have very little contact with. These homeless individuals are no different from anyone else – they have their problems like the rest of us – the only difference is that society places them on the margins because of their differences.
I am always struck by how frequently the poor are mentioned in the Bible. Jesus continually reminds us to remember the poor. He says “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” I like to reverse this phrase so it reads “You will not always have me, but you will always have the poor.” For me, this is a calling for us to be with the poor. Not something that is done easily in our society – we have busy lives and lots of commitments. For this reason I have been so grateful for this year where I can spend time “being with the poor.” Not in an act of charity but an act of mutuality – or so I hope. I have learned so much from my clients – about their lives, about relating to other humans, about connecting with other humans, and about my own strengths and weaknesses. It is my hope that I am able to offer something in return, even if it has only been a listening ear.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
May Days
I knew this year was going to pass quickly, but when it actually happens it's still a bit of a surprise. Only 3 months and a bit to go before my time in DC ends. I celebrated my 24th birthday last Friday! The celebrations were pretty low key but just what I needed. I had lunch at my favourite spot in Bethesda - McCormick & Schmick's for their Friday blue plate special: Fish Tacos. In the evening the roomies and I ordered in sushi and tuned into Austin Powers for a Friday night movie. I'm not quite sure how it happens. For the last three birthday's we've celebrated in our house there have been big plans to go out and party. And then the day arrives and we decide to be bums and stay in. We're such awful party animals.
I spent the weekend dog/house-sitting for a couple at the church. Magnus, the dog, made sure I got my exercise in giving him plenty of walks. And I got my fill of cable tv for a while - I've become a complete Food Network convert - so long TLC. On Saturday I headed down to Cleveland Park and treated myself to a pedicure & manicure (well, thanks to mum). And took a stroll through the National Zoo. It's just so beautiful here already - I'm going to miss DC spring so much.
And work continues on as usual. Our clientele has transitioned however from being predominantly addicts and alcoholics to the mentally ill. Which makes for some interesting occurences at work. Yesterday we had a client try to throw a chair at another. This morning however was quiet, fortunately. This afternoon I have a meeting with the pastor from one of our supporting congregations. As a special project I'm setting up these meetings to touch base with our supporting congregations and to look for ways in which we can collaborate. It's nice to have something a little different to keep me busy - a big change from working with our clients.
I spent the weekend dog/house-sitting for a couple at the church. Magnus, the dog, made sure I got my exercise in giving him plenty of walks. And I got my fill of cable tv for a while - I've become a complete Food Network convert - so long TLC. On Saturday I headed down to Cleveland Park and treated myself to a pedicure & manicure (well, thanks to mum). And took a stroll through the National Zoo. It's just so beautiful here already - I'm going to miss DC spring so much.
And work continues on as usual. Our clientele has transitioned however from being predominantly addicts and alcoholics to the mentally ill. Which makes for some interesting occurences at work. Yesterday we had a client try to throw a chair at another. This morning however was quiet, fortunately. This afternoon I have a meeting with the pastor from one of our supporting congregations. As a special project I'm setting up these meetings to touch base with our supporting congregations and to look for ways in which we can collaborate. It's nice to have something a little different to keep me busy - a big change from working with our clients.
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