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Friday, November 5, 2010

Work of art.

On Tuesday I was blessed enough to attend one of Ralph Moisa's workshops.
Maybe I’m just a sucker for these types of things… but I found myself so touched by the history and lives of Native Americans.

I was first moved when Ralph explained the symbols on the teepee—the colors especially. The teepee is outlined in circles created by the colors white, yellow, red, and black. Why? Because this is how the world describes themselves and others, by colors. I’m yellow, you’re black. I’m red, you’re white. Ralph enlightens us, “Yes, our identity is deeply rooted in these colors. We cannot have them prevent us from interacting with those who are different from us. The colors work together to form the circle. We must work together to form the world.”

That’s beautiful isn’t it? The world will be so much better if we work towards better it by breaking down walls and allowing ourselves to shine through others.

Another thing that I absolutely loved…

Every year, Ralph and his clan hold a huuuuge pow wow. They invite the public to participate with them. Not just that, but they invite people from many many cultures to join in and dance with them. This pow wow is a big celebration and an opportunity for Sudanese, Vietnamese, Irish, Thai, Cambodian, Indian, and etc. to dance together.

We are all different, that is what makes it beautiful.

We all work and play in harmony while embracing our similarities and differences, that is what makes a work of art.
Ralph briefly shared the heartbreaking history of Native Americans. He doesn’t dwell too much on it though. He acknowledges the horrible treatment that his people endured. Yet he tells us that we only need to know the history so that we can prevent it from repeating.
This is why he hosts the Pow Wow every year—so others can learn about his people’s past and work towards preventing anything like that from happening again.

How beautiful.

your's truly
Trinh

To learn more about Ralph Moisa and the White Eagle Pow-Wow please go to http://www.whiteeaglepow-wow.org/1.html.


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Veterans Day

It's not surprising that Veterans Day hits close to home for most of us considering how many families have members who have served or are currently serving. When I think of past and current soldiers on this day, I always consider the amount of sacrifice that surrounds soldiers. There is the heartache of his/her parents, children, and spouse; the unimaginable physical and mental strain a soldier is under; and the emptiness of a country with all these young men and women abroad.

I think this Veterans Day in particular will be a politically charged one considering the war in Iraq hasn't been conclusive yet. However, I really hope that soldiers' names and contributions will not be quoted in vain or used in a political platform as has been done in the past. Even though I don't agree with war, that does not mean I look down upon soldiers. They are much braver than I and are very noble in their cause to defend people they know nothing about in order to maintain the security of the nation. Overall, I hope this Veterans Day serves its purpose, which in my opinion is for all citizens to show appreciation and empathy for all those that have served.

P.S. Intercultural Life will be selling patriotic silly bands for 50 cents each! You can choose from the Statue of Liberty, bald eagle, Liberty Bell, etc. in Maytag on Veterans Day (November 11) from 11-1 PM. All of the proceeds will go to a charity that sends care packages to soldiers serving abroad.

Felicia