Coralina and Yannaki, Great comments and discussion about stereotypes. I have been busy with my children and I have been following all these mindful discussion and just begging to have time to reply. Stereotypes and generalizations are so very hurtful. I am doing a whole theme unit with my Grade Ten English classes about Diversity and how it has two very distinct sides. One of celebration and the beauty of variety in culture and ethnicity, socio-economic status, religionetc.. but diversity can also be used by many to oppress, disempower and exploit those who are different from the dominant group in a community.

The initial reactions and reponses in our discussions have made me feel so comforted. They are seeing the stereotypes in the media and they are great at social deconstruction of hidden message and agendas. Most of them really do want the world to be a better and more loving place. I will share more of my experiences with them over the course of the next three weeks. They are 15 and 16 years of age but many of them really care about social justice and equity.

I'll leave you with excerpts of quotations that are very dear to my heart,

From the book Sacred Path of The Warrior
"...there is a basic human wisdom that can help to solve the world's problems. This wisdom does not belong to any one culture or religion, nor does it come only from the West or the East. Rather, it is a tradition of human warriorship that has existed in many cultures at many times throughout history. "
" warriorship here does not mean one who makes war but comes from the Tibetan pawo, meaning 'one who is brave"..." fearlessness of who we ourselves are prevents the selfishness which prevents us from bravely accepting others... "we can be heroic and kind at the same time when facing the world's problems."
- Chogyam Tungpa Rimpoche

Tolerance, love and freindship
Alfalfasprout ( AKA yummy)