Monthly Archives: November 2020

Do What You Can

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NaBloPoMo 2020 – Today’s Lesson

I thank my friend for re-introducing me to Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert.  He conducts long form interviews with people who dig into important topics, but with some lightheartednesss. 

Jon Bon Jovi appeared on Episode 251 this fall. I’m reminded why I so admire this pop culture icon, philanthropist, and all around good human. From 44:24 they discuss his new album, 2020. As a rock star also known for his strong give-back ethos, he discusses the risk he takes by making a topical album in a year of remarkable political turmoil. He describes his perspective as a witness to history with an opinion, but without taking sides. He addresses gun violence from the perspective of how it feels for those affected, without stepping in the fray of “guns are bad” or “they’re coming for our guns.” He acknowledges the reality of white privilege, without shaming anyone for it. He recognizes how simply trying to open a conversation may alienate some. He owns his positions and convictions, and earnestly invites discourse from any other perspective. This is what I admire and aspire to myself—to engage by coming alongside rather than coming at.

“Do What You Can” is my new favorite rock anthem.  It’s an uplifting balm for all we’re going through, and reminds us that we can be okay, if we stick together: 

Although I’ll keep my social distance
What this world needs is a hug
Until we find the vaccination
There’s no substitute for love
So love yourself and love your family
Love your neighbor and your friend
Ain’t it time we loved the stranger
They’re just a friend you ain’t met yet

What risks are we each willing to take, to make our world better?

Funny Helps

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https://twitter.com/mitsurutenma/status/1008561308273401856/photo/1

NaBloPomo 2020 – Today’s Lesson

“Your quarantine nickname = how you feel right now + the last thing you ate.”

Hello, my name is Tired Toast.  Please meet my Facebook friends Anxious Carrot, Determined Wasabi Pea, Vexed Guacamole, Chilly Gingersnap, Perky Wontons, Grumpy Curry, Happy Nachos, and Bored Dried Cherries.  Welcome to the quarantine buffet, where we commune and relax.  Bring what ya’ got, just who you are, no matter your condition.  We don’t care how you smell.  You have a seat at the table here.  But ya gotta play nice; no food fights.

One of my leaders acknowledged this week that whereas we used to refill on weekends, these days our tanks never get all the way full before the next week starts.  I take my analogies seriously, so I contemplated this one.  It depends on the weekend, I think.  If I can avoid overscheduling and the sun shines, I can get mostly back to F.  But no doubt, I head into weekends ‘way more empty now than I used to.

Small funnies help.  They’re the perfect combination of low effort, instant connection, and mood boost.

What made you smile and laugh out loud today?

I recommend The Big Bang Theory—any episode of the twelve seasons (it’s syndicated).  I’ve seen every one multiple times, and I still love every minute.  Friends with nerds—what could be better??  When I’m old and demented, park me in a recliner with a tub of ice cream and BBT on loop, and I’ll die happy.  If you’re looking for funny to share, check out Nathan Pyle and his fun-speaking blue beings. 

Formidable forces ride toward us.  We’ll all need our humorous wits about us now.

https://www.facebook.com/nathanwpyle2/photos/a.163399730411365/3431835476901091/

Men’s Health and Misogyny

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NaBloPoMo 2020 – Today’s Lesson

“Today is International Men’s Day!  How should we celebrate?”

I saw this posted on a progressive women’s Facebook group today.  In that context, I inferred the question to be sarcastic.  Most comments responded in kind.  My knee jerk reaction aligned—why celebrate the patriarchy?  Burn it down, women say.

Why do some of us feel such instant, visceral disdain at the idea of celebrating men for a day?  Could it be centuries of oppression and institutional misogyny, physically, politically, and otherwise?  Though we may know individual men who are kind, generous, and non-abusive, maybe we still feel the stifling weight of cultural male dominance on our consciousness every. damn. day.

I explored the International Men’s Day (IMD) website.  The group aims to promote men’s health, listing five statistical health challenges for men, including shorter life expectancy and higher suicide rate.  Their objectives include highlighting discrimination against men and improving gender relations/promoting gender equality.  I find multiple articles supporting the former, and none for the latter.  But maybe it doesn’t matter.  I can wholeheartedly endorse evidence-based initiatives that promote cancer screening and mental health support for men.  I also uphold and justify my right to guard against insidious misogyny that promotes men’s health and advancement at the expense of the same for women. 

Men feel discriminated against.  Huh.  Is the argument that women suffer discrimination through financial and status deficit, while men pay with their very lives?  If that’s the premise I’m not sure I buy it, but it’s worth exploring.

So, I have work to do.  What a fantastic opportunity to confront my own assumptions, biases, and narratives.  I can celebrate men and advocate for their equality… As long as they celebrate women and  advocate for ours.