Let's Get Serious

So, St. Patrick's Day is coming up which, naturally, brought to mind my heritage. It's all a bit muddy and my parents change their story every time I talk to them and I'm too lazy and generally uninterested to FamilyTree.com myself but I know it looks something like this:

1/4 English
1/4 Irish
1/4 German
1/4 Polish
Little bit of Sioux Native American tossed in there somewhere

Basically, I'm American.

Sad to say, I'm very unfamiliar with my heritage and the majority of these cultures.

Though, I think America has created it's own culture of containing and accepting many cultures. We are so unique in our ability to participate in a variety of cultural activities that may or may not have something to do with our own.

I know this is true thoughout the country but particularly here in Southern Cali there is a plethora of opportunities to get to know the world and our neighbors.

In Palms Springs there are several Native American museums educating all interested on the various tribes that lived, and still live, in the area. There are also art and craft workshops so we can physically understand the culture and even take it home with us.

In San Diego, one of my favorite areas is Little Italy. Generations of Italian immigransts have moved to this beautiful area offering their food, arts, language, religion, and family-oriented culture to all. And, yes, they actually speak Italian which is so beautiful! And the men aren't bad to look at either.

In LA, there's Little China, a very popular tourist destination as the slightly commercialized culture is available in shops and sidewalk carts all along this colorful downtown nook. The cuisine is generally authentic and while not necessarily delicious to all, definetely interesting.

LA is really just full of amazing cultural opportunities from all over the world.

One of the things LA offers that encourages cultural pursuits is The Museum of Tolerance. In this unique place, we learn a little of Jewish culture but, mainly, we learn the importance of promoting tolerance, acceptance, and love.

By showcasing what hate looks like and what it is capable of, this museum paints a vivid and often graphic picture of what we should avoid at all costs - the Museum of Tolerance also shows that a lack of interest or knowledge in other people and culutures can breed ignorance. And ignorance can make almost anyone fall prey to charming and dynamic words, no matter how evil.

I have adopted the American idea of, not the melting pot, but the tossed salad. While fondu's can be fun, they're messy. We don't want to all melt together in sameness and complete assimilation. It's better to keep our identities, cultures, and beliefs while all living together in peace and compassion.

Knowledge and love make a beautiful pair.

For more articulated and well thought out ideas then my own ramblings, visit, and hopefully join, Charter for Compassion.

Tell me about your culture and what cultural opportunities are in your neck of the woods.

-Age

Being Love Has Never Been Easier (Repost)

I am reposting this from Jason Mraz's blog, Freshness Factor Five Thousand. It's what the holiday of love should be all about. Not gifts and romantic words, but compassion and action.

"Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In my opinion, people have attached themselves to this holiday in a way that makes single people sad, those in relationships nervous, and those in marriage pressured. No matter what your status, I invite you to give love in a powerful, new way this year.

On Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, the peninsula nation of Haiti was devastated by the worst Earthquake to hit the world in generations. Hundreds of thousands are dead and Millions are displaced. They are only one hour off the shores of our mighty country and they need our support more than ever.

This Valentine’s Season I invite you to take action as a world citizen and contribute to our less fortunate neighbors. Here are a few ways to do so:

Donate Over the Web:

Free The Children – “Children Helping Children Through Education.” Having been working in Haiti for more than a decade they were fast to respond. Their primary objective is making sure children are safe, sourced, and have a future to look forward to. (This organization was founded by a 12 year old by the way. Of all the groups I’ve met and worked with – these guys move me like no other. They are my inspiration for being in action.) Please give generously.

http://www.freethechildren.com/haiti

InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people. Collectively, InterAction’s more than 180 members work in every developing country. Member organizations are large and small, faith-based and secular. They have a special link for Haiti.

http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti

Google is also maintaining a page with information on what you can do to help. This is trusted source for reputable organizations you can contribute to such as the International Red Cross, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders.

http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/

Donate by Text Message

Yele Haiti – The Non-Profit, created by Haitian born recording artist Wyclef Jean (who I had the pleasure of meeting at “We Are The World”) is accepting $5 donations when you text “Yele” to 501501 or $10 donations when you text “Haiti” to the same number. Charges will appear on your cell phone bill.

Or Donate with a Phone Call:

You can make a phone call and donate to any number of organizations presently bringing relief to Haiti. Here are a few:

American Red Cross: 800 RED CROSS

Americares: 800 486 4357

International Rescue Committee: 877 REFUGEE

UNICEF U.S. Fund: 800 4 UNICEF

Habitat for Humanity International: 800 422 4828

Oxfam America: 800 776 9326

International Medical Corps: 800 481 4462

Don't put this off. A gift today would create so much possibility for the many lives waiting for a miracle. This is your opportunity to be such a miracle. Thanks for considering, Jason"

-Age