O.K., you are an individual who considers themself as part of a "group," with regard to your belief system.
You are a "good member" of a certain Race, Religion, Society (the Masons, as 1 example), Culture (Latino, African-American, Oriental, Native American, Other) Ethnic Origin, or even a "gang" (Sons of Silence is 1 example).
Whatever Race, Religion, Society, Culture, Ethnic Origin, "gang," Other, you know how you identify yourself and often, to those folks around you and with whom you come in contact. Most folks might say, "well, I belong to more than one of the above" (I am Roman Catholic and Italian, as 1 example).
Fine. However you identify yourself, it is your CHOICE to be a part of whatever group with whom you identify. Do you realize that your value system is largely determined by the choices you make with regard to the group(s) with whom you identify?
I am Protestant, Anglo-Saxon and Caucasian. (I will label this collection of "groups," a Culture Set.") Some of my "Culture Set's" core" values might be:
-Martin Luther was a "hero."
-I identify and feel most comfortable, with "white people,"
-I live in a mostly white suburban neighborhood,-
-I attend a protestant church with a predominantly white congregation,
-I vote for mostly caucasian politicians. Further, I could never vote for a black person for high office...
You get the idea.
These are some of the "traditional" values of Caucasian, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant culture (WASP's = White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestants). If you are a WASP, reading this, you may find some of these "traditional" values uncomfortable, but you probably wouldn"t deny they exist.
If you are of another "Culture Set," you are saying "Yes!" to the above identified WASP values and maybe, just maybe, in the privacy of yourself, "belittling" and rejecting them.
But WAIT! Whatever "Culture Set," of which YOU are a part, (as you identify that "Culture Set" for yourself, remember) has it's own core values that other culture sets belittle and also reject.
Are you still with me or are you now so uncomfortable you are "bailing out" on reading this blog further?
Then for those who "stick with," this blog to the finish, I ask you this question?
Do you "fudge" on your Culture Set Values?
For example: "I am a Roman Catholic and I practice birth control." I am Muslim but I don't bother to pray 5 times every day, facing toward Mecca." "I am honest but I cheat a little on my income tax, consistently drive far over the speed limit, occasionally "swipe" something I really, really want from a store...etc., etc.
In some Culture Set sub areas, it is still "officially" not OK to "fudge" on a core value.
But many, many do so.
So, here's the point of this blog.
If I consistently (discarding more than 1, by choice) "fudge" on core values of my Culture Set, what makes me different from someone who has discarded ALL traditional core values and created their own value system by which they live?
Stated another way, whatever choices I have made with regard to the Culture Set groups to which I belong, if I disregard some of their core values, then I am "not one of them." Not really.
My Values determine everything I do.
It is out of my Value System that all my thoughts, words and deeds, originate.
If you follow this reasoning and find yourself in a value dilema, what are you going to do?
If you have read these blogs so far, read the next installment, The Passing Parade, #3
Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Components of Spirituality # 2: Being an Individual or Part of a Crowd: Your Choice
At the "Core" of every human being is this choice: Am I an indvidual or am I part of a crowd, group, or even, "gang?"
I believe most individuals sort of "drift" into this choice, often without really realizing we have made such a choice. This may be, the most important choice, made by every individual.
We follow the value-teachings of our parent(s), become a part of a group of peers, attend school with classmates and a teacher, visit places we like and sometimes, don't like (the Dentist comes to mind here). Whatever we do or say, whatever others with whom we come in contact do and say, every life experience, great and small, is recorded and often "judged" by our individual self. "These things are "good," these things are "bad," these things are "inconsequential." All thoughts, words and deeds are recorded, even though we don't often consciously realize they are.
How we categorize all these thoughts, words and deeds, of ourself and others, becomes our own personal "Value System" (I place these in capital letters and quotes because of their importance to each individual).
My Value System IS ME.
In the series by Jack Whyte, "The Camolud Chronicles;" published by Tom Doherty, Associates; New York, the Author identifies this individual value (am I an individual or part of a crowd?), as each of his books in the series, unfolds. The series is an interesting and different view of King Uther, King Arthur, Merlin and Camelot.
Within the different books, one of the "sub-plots,"is how the main characters deal with the early formation of the Catholic Church. They meet "real" monks, self-appointed monks (fakes), knights who avow allegegiance to the Church and even despicable practioners of the so called "black or evil" arts, who practice in the name of the Church.
Whyte's main characters "wrestle" with either following their own "inner self" or accepting and becoming, followers of the young Catholic Church. Read these books for yourself to discover the outcome of this inner struggle by Whyte's main characters.
My point is, EVERYONE goes through this struggle, am I an individual, think, speak and act from a self-created value system, or...
Do I say I am a (fill in the blank here: Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Native American, Other)?
If I answer as an individual, I accept the responsibility for all my thoughts, words and deeds.
If I answer as a member of some religion or philosophy, I can always credit "a Higher Power," (God, Allah, Jehovah, The Buddha, The Great Spirit, Other and, of course, "The Devil") for my thoughts words and deeds (actions).
The Lucky and "Skilled" human beings, are those that have CONSCIOUSLY made this choice. One can always "come to consciousness" at some point in their life and review their value personal value system and how they arrived at it. This is the way to confirm oneself or to change and become the person I really want to be. Often, individuals "come to consciousness" as the result of tragedy in life, such as the death of a loved one or divorce.
So, who am I? What/Whom do I want to be? Do I "belong to me," or do I "go with the crowd?"
Everyone has to answer and be accountable for the answer, this question. It is the central, core question in every human being's life.
So how do you, have you, answered the question? Are you an individual, accountable to yourself for all your thoughts, words and deeds, or are you answerable to a set of values formed by a religion or life philosophy, in which you have ultimate belief and trust?
Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell
I believe most individuals sort of "drift" into this choice, often without really realizing we have made such a choice. This may be, the most important choice, made by every individual.
We follow the value-teachings of our parent(s), become a part of a group of peers, attend school with classmates and a teacher, visit places we like and sometimes, don't like (the Dentist comes to mind here). Whatever we do or say, whatever others with whom we come in contact do and say, every life experience, great and small, is recorded and often "judged" by our individual self. "These things are "good," these things are "bad," these things are "inconsequential." All thoughts, words and deeds are recorded, even though we don't often consciously realize they are.
How we categorize all these thoughts, words and deeds, of ourself and others, becomes our own personal "Value System" (I place these in capital letters and quotes because of their importance to each individual).
My Value System IS ME.
In the series by Jack Whyte, "The Camolud Chronicles;" published by Tom Doherty, Associates; New York, the Author identifies this individual value (am I an individual or part of a crowd?), as each of his books in the series, unfolds. The series is an interesting and different view of King Uther, King Arthur, Merlin and Camelot.
Within the different books, one of the "sub-plots,"is how the main characters deal with the early formation of the Catholic Church. They meet "real" monks, self-appointed monks (fakes), knights who avow allegegiance to the Church and even despicable practioners of the so called "black or evil" arts, who practice in the name of the Church.
Whyte's main characters "wrestle" with either following their own "inner self" or accepting and becoming, followers of the young Catholic Church. Read these books for yourself to discover the outcome of this inner struggle by Whyte's main characters.
My point is, EVERYONE goes through this struggle, am I an individual, think, speak and act from a self-created value system, or...
Do I say I am a (fill in the blank here: Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Native American, Other)?
If I answer as an individual, I accept the responsibility for all my thoughts, words and deeds.
If I answer as a member of some religion or philosophy, I can always credit "a Higher Power," (God, Allah, Jehovah, The Buddha, The Great Spirit, Other and, of course, "The Devil") for my thoughts words and deeds (actions).
The Lucky and "Skilled" human beings, are those that have CONSCIOUSLY made this choice. One can always "come to consciousness" at some point in their life and review their value personal value system and how they arrived at it. This is the way to confirm oneself or to change and become the person I really want to be. Often, individuals "come to consciousness" as the result of tragedy in life, such as the death of a loved one or divorce.
So, who am I? What/Whom do I want to be? Do I "belong to me," or do I "go with the crowd?"
Everyone has to answer and be accountable for the answer, this question. It is the central, core question in every human being's life.
So how do you, have you, answered the question? Are you an individual, accountable to yourself for all your thoughts, words and deeds, or are you answerable to a set of values formed by a religion or life philosophy, in which you have ultimate belief and trust?
Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Passing Parade # 1: NFL Labor/Management collective bargaining comment.
When I was a boy and attended movies with my parents, there used to be a short-subject film called , "The Passing Parade." This "short" often chose a subject to film and discuss, to do with American Culture/Society.
I'm going to borrow the Passing Parade title, from that old movie "short," to write about the same thing; American Culture/Society. This blog then, is the first of this writer's view of "The Passing Parade," 2010 and beyond.
I admit to being a fan of a certain professional football & baseball team. When I was 10, I carried some of my father's equipment into the stadium and "helped" him set up the technical aspect of the game. His job title was "radio engineer."
I have long since moved away from the city of my boyhood, parents are deceased, sisters live elsewhere and I have no "ties" that remain, to "my home sod."
Except following the baseball and football teams.
I watch as many games these teams play, whenever I can.
I think football is too violent, especially at the professional level, yet I enjoy following my favorite team, despite my concern about the violence and other aspects of the game and team.
OK, I'm a fan.
Currently, the National Football League (NFL) is in labor/management collective bargaining on a new labor Agreement (contract). The current labor contract expires in June of 2011.
In the past, both strikes, by the players and "lockouts" by the owners, have occurred.
I assume everyone knows that a strike is when the workers in a certain field of labor refuse to work.
"Lockouts" are probably a little less known by defition. Lockouts are when management "locks out" or prevents, it's workers from reporting to work.
In the past, the NFL owners have locked out their regular players, the names we all know and sometimes love, sometimes don't love at all and hired "replacement" players.
These "replacement players" come from a variety of places. Many are former NFL players who "could not make the grade" with any team. Some are former college players who never were "tried out" by the NFL and, it is rumored, even some "replacements" are former high school players.
These "replacement players" then dress in the uniforms of the regular players, the owner will not allow to play, and become the team of... The Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, whichever team.
In the past, too many people watched these games. I HOPE the players and owners come to an agreement when they next meet in December. Positive comments have been made by both the Union and Management to the effect that signs are hopeful in that direction.
I do not wish to "take sides" here, however::
You can count me among the fans of the NFL, who will NOT watch "replacement teams or games." In fact, I will call them "scab" games from henceforth.
In my opinion, the media networks, satellite TV outlets, the "visual media" has contributed to a strike by the players, or lockout by the NFL owners, by giving the National Football League money to broadcast 2011 season games.
It is in no one's best interests that either a strike or lockout occur, not the players, owners, media and especially, the fans, without whose loyal support, the entire NFL would not BE.
The payment for the 2011 games being carried by the media, is already in the NFL's bank account(s). I have seen the figure, the media has already paid for these games, set at 5 billion dollars by the NFL Players Union. I don't know if that figure is anywhere near correct. I wonder if all or part of the media payment already paid to the NFL will be returned to the media, if "scab" games are broadcast. I don't know.
Perhaps someone out there knows the answer to these questions: How much has the NFL media already paid for the right to broadcast the 2011 games? How much of that money will the NFL get to keep, if they air "scab" games, with replacement players?
But I tell players, owners and media of the NFL this, just from me.
If there is a lockout or a strike -
I will not watch "scab" games.
Further, I will cancel my subscription to my TV programing provider. (I have already informed the company of my intentions, twice. They have "replied" that " I am a valued customer of long standing and they are considering my views on this matter.")
If all "NFL fans" want to pay for and watch, games played by less than professional performance level players, well, it's your money and your time.
Not me.
Walter Hopewell
I'm going to borrow the Passing Parade title, from that old movie "short," to write about the same thing; American Culture/Society. This blog then, is the first of this writer's view of "The Passing Parade," 2010 and beyond.
I admit to being a fan of a certain professional football & baseball team. When I was 10, I carried some of my father's equipment into the stadium and "helped" him set up the technical aspect of the game. His job title was "radio engineer."
I have long since moved away from the city of my boyhood, parents are deceased, sisters live elsewhere and I have no "ties" that remain, to "my home sod."
Except following the baseball and football teams.
I watch as many games these teams play, whenever I can.
I think football is too violent, especially at the professional level, yet I enjoy following my favorite team, despite my concern about the violence and other aspects of the game and team.
OK, I'm a fan.
Currently, the National Football League (NFL) is in labor/management collective bargaining on a new labor Agreement (contract). The current labor contract expires in June of 2011.
In the past, both strikes, by the players and "lockouts" by the owners, have occurred.
I assume everyone knows that a strike is when the workers in a certain field of labor refuse to work.
"Lockouts" are probably a little less known by defition. Lockouts are when management "locks out" or prevents, it's workers from reporting to work.
In the past, the NFL owners have locked out their regular players, the names we all know and sometimes love, sometimes don't love at all and hired "replacement" players.
These "replacement players" come from a variety of places. Many are former NFL players who "could not make the grade" with any team. Some are former college players who never were "tried out" by the NFL and, it is rumored, even some "replacements" are former high school players.
These "replacement players" then dress in the uniforms of the regular players, the owner will not allow to play, and become the team of... The Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, whichever team.
In the past, too many people watched these games. I HOPE the players and owners come to an agreement when they next meet in December. Positive comments have been made by both the Union and Management to the effect that signs are hopeful in that direction.
I do not wish to "take sides" here, however::
You can count me among the fans of the NFL, who will NOT watch "replacement teams or games." In fact, I will call them "scab" games from henceforth.
In my opinion, the media networks, satellite TV outlets, the "visual media" has contributed to a strike by the players, or lockout by the NFL owners, by giving the National Football League money to broadcast 2011 season games.
It is in no one's best interests that either a strike or lockout occur, not the players, owners, media and especially, the fans, without whose loyal support, the entire NFL would not BE.
The payment for the 2011 games being carried by the media, is already in the NFL's bank account(s). I have seen the figure, the media has already paid for these games, set at 5 billion dollars by the NFL Players Union. I don't know if that figure is anywhere near correct. I wonder if all or part of the media payment already paid to the NFL will be returned to the media, if "scab" games are broadcast. I don't know.
Perhaps someone out there knows the answer to these questions: How much has the NFL media already paid for the right to broadcast the 2011 games? How much of that money will the NFL get to keep, if they air "scab" games, with replacement players?
But I tell players, owners and media of the NFL this, just from me.
If there is a lockout or a strike -
I will not watch "scab" games.
Further, I will cancel my subscription to my TV programing provider. (I have already informed the company of my intentions, twice. They have "replied" that " I am a valued customer of long standing and they are considering my views on this matter.")
If all "NFL fans" want to pay for and watch, games played by less than professional performance level players, well, it's your money and your time.
Not me.
Walter Hopewell
Components of Spirituality # 4: Think for Yourself
Everyone has some things they want to say and share. In the USA, this is "free speech." Free speech is GREAT. Hopefully, my free speech here will be tempered. I won't use profanity and will attempt from belittling or "talking down," to anyone. It's more than OK to disagree with me but please refrain from threats or extreme anger. I will respect your thoughts and try to learn from what you have to say.
My first blog subject is "political" today. I have some questions:
Why does there seem to be so much anger abroad about the folks we elect to office? Is it the media, who seem to delight in offering these angry folks a forum on TV and elsewhere? Is it those who raise their voice to a "fever pitch," drowning out more moderate opinion?
When aspiring politicians use the term "socialist" to identify their opponent, how do they define "socialist?"
Why do we, the electorate, allow "muckrakers" (media personalities who attempt to market hate, anger and even violence by inference sometimes) any credibility in influencing our opinions?
Not so long ago, the "buzz word" in politics was "liberal." Any politician calling their opponent "a liberal" was attempting to belittle their opponent and scare the electorate into voting for them, rather than their "liberal" opponent. But the term "liberal" has been overused to the extent that it is not a "negatively defining term" to apply to one's political opponent anymore.
So "socialist" has become the new political buzz term to negatively identify one's political opponent.
My challenge to readers of this blog:
1. Look up the terms "conservative," "moderate" and "liberal" on the web or in any handy dictionary. Then, "in the silence of yourself," ask yourself which of the 3 words, by definition, you would like applied to you.
2. Look up the word "socialist" in the same source. How many different definitions of "socialist" do you find.? Are every one of those definitions of "socialist" so repugnant that any of them evolving in the USA, is unthinkable or un-American?
The aim of this blog today, is to help any reader, stop and think and define political terms for themselves, using a dictionary or dictionary-type source, rather than allowing someone else to define a word and making it "bad" according to the speaker's definition.
Think for yourself.
Whatever the outcome of thinking for yourself (conservative, moderate, liberal, socialist, or something else), using the dictionary definition you find and most like, rather than allowing another, ESPECIALLY someone seeking political office, to do your defining and thinking for you, will be better.
It will by YOU.
And, oh by the way, better for everyone, better for America.
Walter Hopewell - Friend of the Universe
My first blog subject is "political" today. I have some questions:
Why does there seem to be so much anger abroad about the folks we elect to office? Is it the media, who seem to delight in offering these angry folks a forum on TV and elsewhere? Is it those who raise their voice to a "fever pitch," drowning out more moderate opinion?
When aspiring politicians use the term "socialist" to identify their opponent, how do they define "socialist?"
Why do we, the electorate, allow "muckrakers" (media personalities who attempt to market hate, anger and even violence by inference sometimes) any credibility in influencing our opinions?
Not so long ago, the "buzz word" in politics was "liberal." Any politician calling their opponent "a liberal" was attempting to belittle their opponent and scare the electorate into voting for them, rather than their "liberal" opponent. But the term "liberal" has been overused to the extent that it is not a "negatively defining term" to apply to one's political opponent anymore.
So "socialist" has become the new political buzz term to negatively identify one's political opponent.
My challenge to readers of this blog:
1. Look up the terms "conservative," "moderate" and "liberal" on the web or in any handy dictionary. Then, "in the silence of yourself," ask yourself which of the 3 words, by definition, you would like applied to you.
2. Look up the word "socialist" in the same source. How many different definitions of "socialist" do you find.? Are every one of those definitions of "socialist" so repugnant that any of them evolving in the USA, is unthinkable or un-American?
The aim of this blog today, is to help any reader, stop and think and define political terms for themselves, using a dictionary or dictionary-type source, rather than allowing someone else to define a word and making it "bad" according to the speaker's definition.
Think for yourself.
Whatever the outcome of thinking for yourself (conservative, moderate, liberal, socialist, or something else), using the dictionary definition you find and most like, rather than allowing another, ESPECIALLY someone seeking political office, to do your defining and thinking for you, will be better.
It will by YOU.
And, oh by the way, better for everyone, better for America.
Walter Hopewell - Friend of the Universe
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