Sometimes you just have to speak up. Thank you for sharing your voice, Denise. You are such a beautiful soul. - mnd xo "It took me a lot of tries to get this picture right. I remember the day so vividly with tears streaming down my eyes I recalled the story of a boy making fun of me at school to my parents. He called me a " Mexican chicken" I told them and they believing it was kids being kids laughed at my story. They knew that there was nothing to be ashamed of. But for me a young El Salvadorean girl growing up in two cultures it was the first memory of recognizing my differences. It was at that tender age of grade 1 that I knew that my cultures expressions always had the chance of being made fun of. In that moment I learned I must hide in order for acceptance to occur. I didn't want to stand out. I just wanted to "fit" in. I don't have all the "right" ways to express what is happening in this current state of the world in regards to race. It's not a new thing. Racism exists. This post is a simple small window into my world view that perhaps you didn't know exists within me. Within this 30 year old woman exists that little girl with her big hair and insecurities attempting to raise her voice for change. I encourage you to take the time to fully listen to your friends of colour who are your loved ones in regards to the hurdles that they have had to overcome by the colour of the skin. These are my thoughts for now... To be continued..." Posted with permission by Denise Valle
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On this International Women's Day, I struggle with what to say or do that would make an impact.
To me, International Women's Day is more than just a day to recognize a pay gap between women and men. It is not just a day to lift up our women. It is a day to celebrate what makes us (women) special, reflect on those who have paved the way, and carry on by moving mountains (side note: have you seen the movie Hidden Figures - talk about moving mountains). Move mountains in your community and your city. Soon you will see mountains move in your country and eventually the world over. During the last federal campaign for prime minister I was struck by hurtful things said in the name of: Conservatism, Liberalism, Nationalism, Protectionism, and Religion. I cried for our country. We are a very privileged nation and it makes me angry to see such hate among people who cannot see past themselves. Make no mistake, we are all immigrants (or refugees) on this land we call home. We settled on this land and stole it from its rightful owners. We appropriated their customs and claimed them as our own (who doesn't love canoeing)? We tried to assimilate them by separating them from their families and teaching them the "christian way of life". I realize there is a bit of irony in these statements as I do not come from a European background, but you get the point (I hope). Today and everyday, let's stand and be the people we are called to be. Women's Rights are Human Rights. "For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ ... "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matt. 24: 34-36, 40 I'm a creature of habit. Routine keeps me sane. I'm not compulsive, however, if I switch up my routine in the morning, for example, I get lost and don't really know how much time I have for doing my hair, make-up, picking out clothes (which I always tell myself to do at night, but don't), and getting my lunch together.
This is not to say I don't like spontaneity. There have been times when a friend sends a message and asks if I want to go to the lake or a concert and I jump at the chance. I might be tired the next day at work, but it's worth it if you get to spend time with close friends, have a laugh or two, or see an iconic Canadian band. |
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