Human Revolution

As human beings, we are constantly evolving. We take steps both forwards and backwards, fumbling towards some undefinable goal. Social experiments have been a big part of history, whether or not they were explicitly labeled as such; socialism, communism, religion, genocide, and much more. Some of these were leaps forward, while others led us backwards in civilization.

This past weekend I felt like I entered into a few hours of socialism. I went to this event called The Really Really Free Market which they do on the last Saturday of every month. People put out blankets and display all their items they wish to get rid of for zero cost. Some bring homemade food - one girl actually brought homemade biscuits with lavender butter! Overall, it is like a semblance of a tiny village, everyone gathering together with a common purpose: to share our items and get along in the sun. It was a magnificent time with people who have open minds and open hearts that I wonder how I hadn't heard of this before. I was told about political rallies and got involved in some in-depth conversations with people I barely knew.

I think about the act of giving, the ability to do something charitable. Not just clean out your closet and go down to Goodwill, but to do something above and beyond. Something that doesn't require a tax ID. How many people really go out of their way to help those in need? Homeless rummage through garbage for recycling and many just stare with disgust. Someone on the street asks for change and we ignore them to keep on walking, not even apologizing for not having change (even if we do).

This is my soap box and I'm standing here preaching about what we can do for each other, how we can embrace the sadness of the world. We will never be able to overcome it, but if we can make one person's day a little brighter, isn't that a bit of a success?

Here is my own personal goal: in the next month I will buy a homeless person lunch and either start a toy drive or food drive for a local hospital or shelter.

Here is my challenge to you: do the same. If everyone works together, all we can do is make someone happier and someone smile.

What's the Compromise on Female Circumcision?

Many of us are familiar with the mutilation of female genitals in African and Asian countries. From removal of the clitoris to keeping virginity in tact, many of this horrifying traditions being outlawed in the US are "forcing families to have it down overseas." Now, this is outlawed for a reason, right? I mean, you watch Tyra or Oprah or some other self-titled talk show and they have women who have undergone these procedures speak about their past and I will admit a few tears have fallen because I personally cannot understand what that is like. To be sewn up in an unsanitary shack? No, thank you.

Now because genital mutilation is illegal, I guess some families go out of their way and send their daughters overseas to have this tradition followed through? So according to the NY Times, the American Academy of Pediatricians is coming up with a compromise allowing pediatricians to be able to perform a ritual "nick" to keep parents from sending their daughters overseas. One member said that the committee is opposed to "all types of female genital cutting that impose risks or physical or psychological harm." They refer to the nick as a "last resort," and state that the nick is “supposed to be as benign as getting a girl’s ears pierced. It’s taking a pin and creating a drop of blood.” Um, isn't female genital mutilation of no health benefit? I don't know if I'd consider a cosmetic piercing on par with mutilation.

So this committee has gone the opposite direction of banning overseas mutilation, they are negotiating ways for their daughters to refrain from pleasure. While maybe they think they are doing the right thing in coming up with a less severe compromise, some things (in my opinion) are a non-negotiable. Actually, not just my opinion, as the mutilation has been considered, internationally, a violation of the human rights of girls and women since 1984.