War

This post is first, a thanks to those who fought and died to protect our way of life and second, a somewhat rhetorical question about why they did it?

So, war, what is it good for?

Whilst Mr Edwin Starr’s lyrics were largely an anti-Vietnam reaction there are other wars and it’s now that time of year in the UK to remember those who fought and to to those who gave their lives in wars so we may enjoy a life of relative freedom. Whilst we do have a long way still to go, had people not fought on our behalf, our freedom to explore our self expression would not be so far advanced.

So as we approach Remembrance Sunday, November 8 2015, I thought I’d state my great admiration and thanks to all those who fought and continue to do so, for this way of life. Similarly for our US brothers and sisters they have Memorial Day towards the end of May each year.

And so to part two of this post. Sparked off by a comment on a You Tube video about transgender people* that all it needs is a ‘good war’ and it would weed ‘them’ out. My summary not the persons actual words.

* I believe it was on a Caitlyn Jenner YouTube video.

Now I dare say there are those with a point of view that goes along the lines of, “we didn’t win the (insert war of choice) to allow people the freedom to change their assigned gender.

I’d argue quite the opposite.

As an example, the allies fought WW2 to prevent invasion and protect a growing way of life. A culture that believes in democracy and the ability to make our own choices. Not to be dictated too. One person, one vote etc. Our democratic system we use has largely come to terms with the fact that the LGBT community have the same rights as anyone who can cast a vote, which is totally logical. Anyone remember the Nazis? They may not have gone along with this thought and I can think of some others who wouldn't in todays world.

No, the democratic systems of the world are not perfect. They are not resolved. They are a process of refinement so that as a society we can grow fairly and not waste the talents and positive energy of all individuals who contribute to it.

So why did they fight for freedom? Why do they fight for freedom?

So we can choose and not be dictated too.

That we can be free to grow and explore who we are as individuals and a society, without oppression of irrational conformity under someone else's ideal of what or who we should be.

Dedicated to not forgetting those who fight for us, Five Finger Death Punch's track, The Wrong Side of Heaven.

* I believe it was on a Caitlyn Jenner YouTube video.

Hate & Fear

Citizens Advice define a hate crime as an act of "violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are."

You know, every time I think of my blog I think I’ll do something about fashion or make-up and then something barges in from the side. It’s really an issue of priority and this is something I really didn’t want to do a blog about but, well… it’s a truth. I noticed a level of this personally when replying to a You Tube post on Caitlyn Jenna recently.

Whilst not all negative there was a contingent of comments which seemed irrational and based in dogma rather than thought.

So this was sitting in my mind when I was listening to Cami's Crossdressing Canopy Podcast and she mentioned how someone shouted swearing at her in public but not because she was dressed or presenting fem’ but simply because she was in an Asian country and she was western? Bigoted hate actions are not just aimed at Trans’ people obviously. Cami’s take on this is you will always find people who disagree or hate you but this shouldn’t taint your self belief.

This is mirrored in the main point of this article which is a BBC news report on how LGBT people experience hate crime 'too often’.

The article refers to Talulah Eve Brown who appears to be a really savvy and lovely individual who can rise above the hate she receives.

My point of view is fairly simple on all this. Blanket statement I know! Usually people who appear to hate irrationally are actually frightened. People can be hated because of their colour, gender, age, or many other reasons other than something they have actually done. Or like Cami, simply being from another place.

Most bias racism or any ‘ism’ can be described the same. Maybe it’s easier to react rather than think and deal with people as individuals? This is not an excuse and I have no sagely advice on how to handle it other than I believe how you face the world determines to some degree how the world reflects back upon yourself. Try not to react against their reaction and like Talulah hold to your belief and course. I admit I’m not always the best at taking my own advice.

Have belief in you. Treat others with politeness and compassion. And if you are a victim of abuse think: why are these people like this? Maybe their world is not so wonderfully coloured as yours? Maybe you should feel sorry for them…

This will not stop some of the more violent acts and it's very much easier said than done, but worth some thought.

Education, education, education

Education, education, education as Tony Blair* once pointed out is of paramount importance. Well if it’s relevant to the growth of a country it’s also relevant to the growth of a person and a society.

I’ve read quite a lot of scary comments regarding people who don’t conform to a gender binary model and must admit that the majority of the negative attitude comes from a simple lack of understanding. Ok so this article won’t change it all but at least the good old BBC are trying to live up to the public service model. Spurred on by the recent Caitlyn Jenner media coverage the BBC Magazine has ran this short article.

Yes there are far better guides out there but the people who really need the education are hardly going to go searching or going to bother reading a never ending web-scroll of Transgender terms and detail.

So thanks for the BBC acknowledging the issue.

* Not an endorsement. Most politicians are as good or bad as each other. Remember people, whoever you vote for, the Government always get in...

Call Me Caitlyn

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner on Vanity Fair Cover. Another positive cover story...

News links:
Yahoo
BBC Newsbeat
YouTUBE