John Ralston Saul punched me in the chest

I am reading a wonderful book. It is giving me a new framework with which to think about canadian politics, and in particular, our "interculturalisme" or the circle of diversity which makes Canada, and our way of existing different from other places. Saul makes many thoughtful and persuasive arguments towards the adoption of his view of history, and a new way of conceptualizing ourselves.

I hold this author and in particular, his oinions in high regard which is why, last night as I read this passage, it felt like a punch in the chest.

"The desire of many in the established middle classes to withdraw their children from the public school system is deeply irresponsible. To do so is a failure of citizenship; an unwillingness to take the time to help right whatever is wrong in the system; a failure to consciously accept that Canada works because of the mixes created in those schools. If the elite desert them, they betray their country."

pg. 149
A Fair Country
by: John Ralston Saul

He then goes on to blame past governments for the debilitating cuts to education funding that have happened over the past decade, but even so, as a teacher I feel that Saul is throwing down a gauntlet for me.

I have been dubious about entering into the public school system again, and don't totally agree with this sweeping statement, as I feel that for many people close to me, even just a few years of homeschooling and/or attending alternative schools has resulted in a sea change for them. Fortunately I am no longer a student, and thus MAY be in a position to embetter this system, in some small way. I am reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi that I "must be the change I wish to see in the world". I will try John. For you, and your wise words, I will try.

Cultural Appropriation

Recently my friend held a talk at the Haida Heritage Center in Skidegate to discuss cultural appropriation.

This is a topic I have been interested in and thought a bout a lot, for years.

During my undergrad I wrote a paper relating to the use of the "imaginary Indian" and it's pervasiveness. The subject is intensely interesting to me and I hope to use this space to share some food for thought and hopefully for future discussion around the topic.
One person often linked to this controversy is Edward S. Curtis, the photographer responsible for the image above, in which Curtis payed Natives to simulate what he deemed to be traditional practices.

Some other food for thought is the new Canadian documentary movie "Reel Injun". You can watch it on the passionate eye here.