words and pictures....
December 5, 2014
The question for me daily, is how can I make a difference in the world? With keen eyes and a listening ear, as I strive to understand the problems of world, I affirm each day, that every voice for social justice matters. Every heart filled with compassion matters. Every soul exuding empathy matters. I can not solve the problems of the world, but I know that in my own way, I contribute each day to making a difference.
Namaste… Pamela
October 15, 2014
Change is inevitable. We see it all around us every day in every aspect of our lives and the lives of everyone we know. We see change at work, we see change in nature, we see change so constantly that sometimes we miss the subtle nuances that bring change forward. Some of us have the desire to be part of the change, to make a difference in the world by helping to facilitate change. To make a change in the world we must often change our own thoughts and actions so that we align with the change desired. To be catalyst for change, we must be willing to change our own selves, listen to others and commit to making a difference in the world.
Namaste… Pamela
July 21, 2014
Every Sunday morning, I listen to Lisa Garvey’s show A-Train on UMass Boston’s PBR station WUMB. Every now and then Lisa will play Les McCann and Eddie Harris’ Compared to What. It’s one of my all time favorite jazz and protest songs. From Les McCann and Eddie Harris’ seminal 1969 live performance album Swiss Movement
“Compared to What“, was a huge Billboard pop chart topper crossing into pop from the soul/jazz genre. The lyrics criticised both President Nixon and the Vietnam War. Written by Atlantic composer/artist Eugene McDaniels, the song first recorded by soul vocalist Roberta Flack, on her debut release, First Take
Lyrics: Compared to What
I love the lie and lie the love
A-Hangin‘ on, with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
that is hangin‘ up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin‘ to make it real — compared to what? C’mon baby!
Slaughterhouse is killin‘ hogs
Twisted children killin‘ frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin‘ logs
Tired old lady kissin‘ dogs
I hate the human, love that stinking mutt (I can’t use it!)
Try to make it real — compared to what? C’mon baby now!
The President, he’s got his war
Folks don’t know just what it’s for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We’re chicken-feathers, all without one nut. God damn it!
Tryin‘ to make it real — compared to what? (Sock it to me)
Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin‘ to duck the wrath of God
Preacher’s fillin‘ us with fright
They all tryin‘ to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut (I can’t use it!)
Tryin‘ to make it real — compared to what?
Where’s that bee and where’s that honey?
Where’s my God and where’s my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol’ young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real — compared to what?!
(Music break)
Tryin‘ to make it real — compared to what?
July 15, 2014
We tend to watch films without much thought about how politics effects film-making. The documentary The Celluloid Closet gives an insight into world of film-making, politics, censorship and equality.
Narrated by Lily Tomlin, in the opening scene of the movie, Tomlin tells the audience, “For 100 years, laugh at, pity or fear, Hollywood taught straight people what to think about gay people and what gay people should think about themselves.” Film critic, Susie Bright said, of the roles played by gays and lesbians if you were gay, “you felt invisible.” Hollywood relied on stock characters to portray gays and lesbians in film and those characters never showed realism. (more…)
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