TRAVEL LIGHT

A world without mirrors

I have made a blog once about how our little ones can lead us in discovering life’s simple pleasures. I should say that it’s not only life’s simple pleasures but also great lessons in life.

Just this morning my baby Maia again led me into another great discovery. She insisted for me to sit with her and watch her favorite morning show at Nickelodeon Jr channel. There was this short musical cartoon (ala MTV) that really impressed me. It’s a song sung by the musical group Sweet Honey in the Rock about the influence adults have in forming attitudes of respect and wonder in their children and grandchildren.

No Mirrors In My Nana’s House
(Lyrics by Ysaye Maria Barnwell (c)1992)

There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
There were no mirrors in my Na’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
And the beauty that I saw in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).

I never knew that my skin was too black.
I never knew that my nose was too flat.
I never knew that my clothes didn’t fit.
I never knew there were things that I’d missed,
cause the beauty in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun);
…was in her eyes.

There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
And the beauty that I saw in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).

I was intrigued by the cracks in the walls.
I tasted, with joy, the dust that would fall.
The noise in the hallway was music to me.
The trash and the rubbish just cushioned my feet.
And the beauty in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).
…was in her eyes.

There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
And the beauty that I saw in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).

The world outside was a magical place.
I only knew love.
I never knew hate,
and the beauty in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).
…was in her eyes.

There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house,
no mirrors in my Nana’s house.
And the beauty that I saw in everything
was in her eyes (like the rising of the sun).

“Chil’, look deep into my eyes.”
“Chil’, look deep into my eyes.”
“Chil’…”

Imagine it - a world without mirrors, where we would not see ourselves reflected as too anything - fat, skinny, plain, pretty, white, black, rich, poor. Perhaps if we were mirrored only in the eyes of those who loved and cherished us, we would have less need to put others “in their place” or to carry on with our prejudices, grudges, hatreds, and fears.

Indeed, we come to realize that we are more our children’s pupils than we are teachers to them. If only we follow what they teach us.

In a New York (Times) State of Mind

The recent New York Times Editorial reads:

Filipinos thought they had put an end to electoral chicanery and governmental intimidation when they overthrew the Marcos dictatorship two decades ago. Unfortunately, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has completely lost touch with the ideals that inspired that 1986 “people power” movement.

Yes Virginia, it’s the New York Times. And yes, Sec. Gonzales couldn’t cite them for inciting to sedition…harharhar…

If anything, this editorial clearly states the fact that the US or some of its influential institutions are not happy the way GMA is running the show for Uncle Sam. Although the editorial says that “Mrs. Arroyo is no Ferdinand Marcos”, but it adds, “at least not yet”. Its succeeding statement however, shows that GMA has a strong tendency of becoming one.

Not only that, the editorial also called the attention of Dubya to warn GMA that she is undermining a hard-won democracy thus making Philippines a country far more vulnerable to terrorist pressures. When the US uses the keyword “terrorism” in the context of the Philippines, for them it also means the communist insurgency.

This NY Times editorial is not only a slight dissing, it is a serious warning for GMA. Everyone knows that Philippine politics is very much tied to US interests. Somehow, the US acting very much like a Pinoy’s Big Brother, decides on who’s in or out. Marcos received Uncle Sam’s eviction notice after he became the number one recruiter for the NPA. This time, Uncle Sam has an inkling to believe that GMA is just doing the same. Although the NY Times editorial comes only as the sharpest criticism against GMA but it is not the first time that the US expressed its doubts and criticism on GMA. Preceding this editorial was the statement released by the US giving GMA a polite caution when she delared PP 1017.

Now if other US institutions will follow suit soon, then its a sure signal for GMA to start packing up.The skies are now getting cloudy for GMA and Company.

Today is a Holiday

May you have a fool-filling day today.

Thanks to Mec for directing me to this site for the Einstein photo.