Never, ever let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. Prove the cynics wrong. Pity them for they have no imagination. The sky’s the limit. Your sky. Your limit.

They’ve promised us that dreams come true - but forgot that nightmares are dreams too.

A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said …they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home.

Thoughts on Halloween and cultural appropriation

“Dia De Los Muertos” is going to get a second definition if white folk keep on thinking blatant racism is suddenly OK for Halloween. - lebanesepoppyseed

I’m not Hispanic or Latino, but I know the history behind Dia De Los Muertos because I believe you can’t fully appreciate something if you don’t know the history behind it. I originally thought about doing the face art for a Halloween party, but because I don’t want to be seen as a “racist asshole”, I guess I won’t. The main thing that irritates me about this quote is that cultural appropriation has seeped into everything. You shouldn’t point it out unless you’re willing to have it reflected back at you. 

Halloween originated from a Christian holiday in Europe during the 16th century. Does this mean only white Christians should celebrate this holiday? Should I not read manga or watch anime because I’m not Japanese? Sushi would certainly be out of the question. If I followed this logic, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy what makes up my personality.

Appropriation is the use of borrowed elements in the creation of a new work. Rap music has beats appropriated from other artists; fashion designers appropriate designs from earlier fashion; etc. There will always be copying regardless of origin. One would think the intention behind the appropriation would be more important than the act of appropriation itself. The problem with cultural appropriation is that it is based on group dynamics and the dominant group appropriating from smaller groups. I can’t help that I’m a white American, but I would rather be judged as an individual than as part of a group. At least then, you would know my imitation is a form of respect and not ignorance. Lastly, I realize the irony in posting this on Columbus Day, but ignore that and focus on this quote:

“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” - Goethe