assalamu alaikum,
fun gregorian date, today.
So I've been seeing people flashing purple on facecrack and tw.itter to protest the suicides due to bullying of gay teenagers. There have been meetings, support groups on campus for graduate students to talk about homophobia.
t'tell the truth, I'm sure of what I think. What I'm not sure of is where I can say that, except here.
First off, hate has no place in my heart. Where I find it, I do my best to work on it and pull it out. And as with most negativity, if I'm pointing one finger at someone else, I've got 3 coming right back at me.
I think that bullying is wrong, no matter who or where it's done. And I think Noah's Dad has a lot of good ideas on how to face both bullies and victims, by the way.
Gay marriage, 'don't ask, don't tell', and suicides by various kids because they're gay bring homosexuality to mind a lot.
Honestly? I don't think homosexuality should be a topic. So if homosexuality is a reason we're letting kids be bullied, keeping people from setting up house legally with whomever they please, and keeping people who want to serve out of our armed forces, that reason is invalid. Sexuality of any type is healthily only one of many important facets of identity and life.
That's NOT the same thing as saying that I think it's right. Is it right for two men to be spouses? Nope. Should they be able to do so if they want? YES. That's their free choice to do so. I don't think it's prudent. I don't think it falls under the rules and religion I follow with my life. But you know what? I don't think it's right that men and women live together without being married, either; we don't stop them with a law or anything else. People should be able to make and follow through with their own choices. I'm even more hands-off when it comes to sexuality; the parties involved aren't affecting bringing anyone into the act but themselves; they're adults and agreeing and consenting; what they do is NONE of my BUSINESS. And you could probably substitute a lot of concepts with sexuality there.
I think that homosexuality in itself is NOT a reason to withdraw or refuse to love or talk to or treat or work with or smile at or be polite to or live around any person. We used to say it so simply when I was a kid: 'Don't hate the player, hate the game.' So many of us forget that. We are called to love for each other what we love for ourselves; and if they don't love these things for themselves... what? lakum deenukum wa liya deen! To you be your Path, to me mine.
And no use asking if, on their part, gay people will stand up for polygyny or the rights of Muslims to have prayer time at work or to cover properly. No use, because it isn't about reciprocity; it's about being able to inspect and respect myself and what's around me, and still sleep at night.
So no, I didn't wear or show purple today; and yes, it's because I live this out day after day.
_________
Today was the televised debate for my congressional district. Let's just say I want the incumbent to stay in. Last election he beat a congressman who I'd loathed for every one of the 14 years he represented Conservopolis. The old guy wants back in. We're in a conservative area, and he's conservative, so he might actually win (retch). If I were being true to my inclinations I'd go and give the new guy a hand; but 18 credits demand all of my time. Yeah.
And now.
Can I just say I HATE the new Law and Order?! I never watch TV, and now I know why! Did they just put the most unoriginal hater story on the new LA show this week? Why did they just get a child to get in a fictional court and say that she had to obey a man? And have her lie for him? And say that as a conservative muslim she had to obey a man she wasn't even married to?!
I will never watch that show again. I'm so tired of people trying to put an image on my deen that doesn't belong. Really.
Please say a prayer for me; tomorrow is the second of two serious tests in two days, and we have two half-hour presentations next week. And I need to resolve a tax situation with Conservopolis AGAIN (apparently it didn't reach the records the first time). Just... patience. I need some renewed supplies of patience and perseverance. InshaAllah I'll get back to the tests and presentations later.
peace
twennytwo
Showing posts with label yalla Vote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yalla Vote. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Alhamdulillah! Election
Assalamu Alaikum,
I decided that since my absentee ballot never made it, that I'd vote early. I rose at fajr (yay Macs with the Guidance system!) and made my way over.
Imagine my surprise to find NO parking spaces and an hour and a half wait. Yes, I was in line at 6:15 and didn't vote until 7:53.
An African American PResident. Alhamduilillah.
peace
TwennyTwo
I decided that since my absentee ballot never made it, that I'd vote early. I rose at fajr (yay Macs with the Guidance system!) and made my way over.
Imagine my surprise to find NO parking spaces and an hour and a half wait. Yes, I was in line at 6:15 and didn't vote until 7:53.
An African American PResident. Alhamduilillah.
peace
TwennyTwo
Friday, October 31, 2008
October 31st Excitement
Assalamu Alaikum,
My students are going on a field trip today, and then returning to the school later tonight for the annual October 31st Game Night. Their parents have been hyping them up for both (which is in the Official Job Description of a parent so I'm not bad), and I'm looking forward to the trip. I love my little ones, and this year as with last I have some joyful as well as challenging personalities, it'll be fun to see them enjoy (or just encounter) a different environment.
Now, I have no problems with Game Night being every year on the same night, even the night that it is. I do have problems with the *ahem* fitna that comes with this particular day, every year. As a teacher, I stand with and actively promote the school policy, which is that there is no celebration of any non-Muslim holiday in the school, and the only Muslim holidays are the two Eids. Anything else we take a break for is federally mandated (e.g. the reason for Thanksgiving and winter breaks). And I truly feel that, even at the age I teach, this is the best thing for my classroom. All the children are happier for it, and no one is left out.
That says, I've had to be really resolved to not condemn the celebration of other holidays, either. I don't want feelngs hurt that way, either, since several of my students have a non-muslim parent or live in families that have more relaxed views of holidays. I ran into this with the celebration of the Prophet's birthday. And um, yeah, I was like- that's not Eid! My assistant at the time had to remind me that, um, some people will try to hurt you if you tell that to their kids! Ohhhh-kay. So the line was that, we don't celebrate birthdays at school- at all. And the children understood that, even if the parents didn't.
I'm not a parent so the issue is pretty much moot on a personal note. I personally will not celebrate it with my children, I don't think. (note the cya I don't think because I have no idear if/who I will marry, that one is still up to Allah.) I'm not exercised about it; I'm just opting to follow what I've been taught of the sunnah and not participating. A family gathering on that day is okay with me, as is Game Night- do something with people of like mind, y'know?
I feel the same way about the elections coming up. I volunteered a while ago to work in Spanish with a certain candidate. I think it was because I temporarily lost my mind. I'm just refusing to get all exercised about it. I will try to meet up with them since I said I would... but if it continues to be a problem I won't be mad. I know I'm going to VOTE but I'm not screaming about my choice of candidate. And I'm certainly not telling the world who my choice is- that's no one's business but my own. That viewpoint I caught (heh, like a cold) from my parents, who have probably been for a certain party since before I was born. Do you know I have never heard them (I mean EVER) identify with any party? I don't know half of their views because we just don't discuss it. My mother put the point on it the other day: "I remember when we were still fighting to vote. Nobody needs to know what I think either way." One of my colleagues was shocked when she straight asked me, "Are you voting Obama?" and I said it wasn't something I talked about. I must've grown two heads, y'all. I know some people feel they can't vote at all Islamically, and that's bunk too. There's no hadith that says we can't exert our influence to say who will be our leaders- ESPECIALLY since we don't live under a khalifa. (Yes, I just lit that firecracker.)
So yes, I'm excited about today, and yes I'm excited about the vote, but you won't catch me screaming about it. Who'd'a thunk it?
peace
TwennyTwo
My students are going on a field trip today, and then returning to the school later tonight for the annual October 31st Game Night. Their parents have been hyping them up for both (which is in the Official Job Description of a parent so I'm not bad), and I'm looking forward to the trip. I love my little ones, and this year as with last I have some joyful as well as challenging personalities, it'll be fun to see them enjoy (or just encounter) a different environment.
Now, I have no problems with Game Night being every year on the same night, even the night that it is. I do have problems with the *ahem* fitna that comes with this particular day, every year. As a teacher, I stand with and actively promote the school policy, which is that there is no celebration of any non-Muslim holiday in the school, and the only Muslim holidays are the two Eids. Anything else we take a break for is federally mandated (e.g. the reason for Thanksgiving and winter breaks). And I truly feel that, even at the age I teach, this is the best thing for my classroom. All the children are happier for it, and no one is left out.
That says, I've had to be really resolved to not condemn the celebration of other holidays, either. I don't want feelngs hurt that way, either, since several of my students have a non-muslim parent or live in families that have more relaxed views of holidays. I ran into this with the celebration of the Prophet's birthday. And um, yeah, I was like- that's not Eid! My assistant at the time had to remind me that, um, some people will try to hurt you if you tell that to their kids! Ohhhh-kay. So the line was that, we don't celebrate birthdays at school- at all. And the children understood that, even if the parents didn't.
I'm not a parent so the issue is pretty much moot on a personal note. I personally will not celebrate it with my children, I don't think. (note the cya I don't think because I have no idear if/who I will marry, that one is still up to Allah.) I'm not exercised about it; I'm just opting to follow what I've been taught of the sunnah and not participating. A family gathering on that day is okay with me, as is Game Night- do something with people of like mind, y'know?
I feel the same way about the elections coming up. I volunteered a while ago to work in Spanish with a certain candidate. I think it was because I temporarily lost my mind. I'm just refusing to get all exercised about it. I will try to meet up with them since I said I would... but if it continues to be a problem I won't be mad. I know I'm going to VOTE but I'm not screaming about my choice of candidate. And I'm certainly not telling the world who my choice is- that's no one's business but my own. That viewpoint I caught (heh, like a cold) from my parents, who have probably been for a certain party since before I was born. Do you know I have never heard them (I mean EVER) identify with any party? I don't know half of their views because we just don't discuss it. My mother put the point on it the other day: "I remember when we were still fighting to vote. Nobody needs to know what I think either way." One of my colleagues was shocked when she straight asked me, "Are you voting Obama?" and I said it wasn't something I talked about. I must've grown two heads, y'all. I know some people feel they can't vote at all Islamically, and that's bunk too. There's no hadith that says we can't exert our influence to say who will be our leaders- ESPECIALLY since we don't live under a khalifa. (Yes, I just lit that firecracker.)
So yes, I'm excited about today, and yes I'm excited about the vote, but you won't catch me screaming about it. Who'd'a thunk it?
peace
TwennyTwo
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Mph.
I'm already sogged out from working two jobs. Oooooweee, I cannot wait until June, when I'll be doing PB full-time only until something better shows up. As a matter of fact, I'm supposed to be getting ready for work now, but y'all know how this goes.
Met up incidentally with the Irish-Rican Bustop Cutie last night, and I have to say this: dude can write some serious stories. Of course, every diamond needs polishing and shaping before it sparkles. Keep it up, you're on the way.
('Course, one or two of those suckas had my eyes buggin out of my head there. WARN somebody when she's about to read those! They deserve an audience. Ok, maybe not. I hope you get what I'm saying, David.)
Still looking at au pair jobs. There's one that looks really promising, it's a Muslim family in Norway. Yes, Norway. What language is spoken in Norway? Wouldn't it be great if I could take care of some great muslim kids and stay in the land of midnight sun (and, alternately, endless night) and come back speaking a whole 'nother language? Hecky yeah. I hope they pick me. But I also hope they can pay me enough to where I can stay. And I hope I get the chance to travel.
Methinks I'm getting ahead of myself.
I'm really just forestalling getting ready for work. Three days of cash, but already I'm starting to dread the shifts. There has GOT to be a great-paying job out there that lets me work in what I'm truly interested in; waitressing is the pits.
**Yo, I take back 50% of the bad things I've said about the current president of the USA. He finally got a clue, met with Abbas, and is actually GIVING MONEY TO THE PLA FOR A CHANGE! YES! I don't know what blessing got that to happen but I'm thankful. Ok, TRK, I'm ready to start hearing the not-so-great side of all this. But seriously, for the exective head of this place to realise there's another side to the Israeli conflict is just... refreshing! Ooooooweeee!**
feel peace, feel love.
TwennyTwo
Met up incidentally with the Irish-Rican Bustop Cutie last night, and I have to say this: dude can write some serious stories. Of course, every diamond needs polishing and shaping before it sparkles. Keep it up, you're on the way.
('Course, one or two of those suckas had my eyes buggin out of my head there. WARN somebody when she's about to read those! They deserve an audience. Ok, maybe not. I hope you get what I'm saying, David.)
Still looking at au pair jobs. There's one that looks really promising, it's a Muslim family in Norway. Yes, Norway. What language is spoken in Norway? Wouldn't it be great if I could take care of some great muslim kids and stay in the land of midnight sun (and, alternately, endless night) and come back speaking a whole 'nother language? Hecky yeah. I hope they pick me. But I also hope they can pay me enough to where I can stay. And I hope I get the chance to travel.
Methinks I'm getting ahead of myself.
I'm really just forestalling getting ready for work. Three days of cash, but already I'm starting to dread the shifts. There has GOT to be a great-paying job out there that lets me work in what I'm truly interested in; waitressing is the pits.
**Yo, I take back 50% of the bad things I've said about the current president of the USA. He finally got a clue, met with Abbas, and is actually GIVING MONEY TO THE PLA FOR A CHANGE! YES! I don't know what blessing got that to happen but I'm thankful. Ok, TRK, I'm ready to start hearing the not-so-great side of all this. But seriously, for the exective head of this place to realise there's another side to the Israeli conflict is just... refreshing! Ooooooweeee!**
feel peace, feel love.
TwennyTwo
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