Think for yourself and know that i believe you can

As i prepare for the birth of my child, i am constantly thinking about things that i want my child to know; things i want them to believe.

The thing i want for them most is to be able to think things through for themself. I want them to believe in their heart of hearts that i believe in them.

I don't expect my child to have all the same beliefs that i have, but i do hope i have the courage to support their conclusions and praise their effort to get to the conclusions.

And every day i will quote them dr. seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

living down to expectations

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Child pornography in society

For as long as there has been artists, there has been controversy about art. If art is meant to challenge society, not all art work will be pleasant. If art is meant to reflect society, not all art work will be pleasant. If art is meant to entertain society, art work will be frivolous.

Almost 2 years ago now Bill Henson displayed a photo of a naked 13 year old girl. She didn't wear make up or strike a seductive pose, she wasn't lit provocatively- but she was naked. This caused a fury about child pornography. The girl was nude, therefore it was porn, was the general gist of the news articles i read on the subject.

In a few days Miley Cyrus will turn 17. She is not yet at the legally be of the age of consent. About one month ago, she released the video 'Party in the USA' which (it can be argued, and i do argue) sexualise her. The song opens with her in short shorts and the camera panning up and down her legs. While the video refrains from showing her naked, it does sensationalise her sexuality even though she is not 'legal' in the United States, presumably where it was shot.

Why was there no outrage over this? Why is there no outrage when underage celebrities gyrate for a camera or an audience?

Perhaps the fault lies with the belief that naked = porn when in fact titillation = porn. If the object of pornography is to arouse the viewer, then Miley's video makes a good effort. If the object of pornography is simply to show a naked body...then shower gel commercials should be banned.

My point is not to say that Bill Henson was blameless to display images of a naked girl. My point is to question our values as a society. Perhaps while we were busy boarding up our house from the obvious we forgot what we were really trying to keep out. We've inadvertently attempted to gag those who want to talk about our exploitation of children and paid the exploiters extra for more shows.

ritual, tradition, and hell

Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Greetings
Originally uploaded by Fort Photo

Growing up my family had few traditions. But one of the few was celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve. We would read the Christmas Story, open presents, and all sleep under the tree. It was magical.

A good friend of mine, however, did not have these traditions for Christmas. In fact their family tradition at Christmas, was to pretend it didn't exist. They were fearful that the roots of the Christmas celebration hearkened back to pagan origin. They of course had proof. The evergreen tree was part of this ritual, the time of year Christmas is celebrated corresponds with winter solstice celebrations...and of course the family was absolutely correct. These are the origins for many of the things associated with Christmas. So does this suddenly make Christmas less Christian and more 'evil'?

I have often noticed that my local Church carries around dual baggage. On one hand they are quite fearful of the idea of accidentally celebrating and revelling in something that may actually hold less than savoury beginnings. Halloween, for instance, is definitely out! There is a fear that if you celebrate something that has "satanic" origins than, you are in fact worshipping the devil himself.

On the other hand, it is impossible to accidentally worship God. They tell me that even if i do all the rituals, like go to church weekly, say prayers, and read my Bible, I'm not *really* worshipping unless i give my heart to Him.

So dual beliefs continue. If i ritually keep a holiday, i could in fact be unconsciously giving myself to evil, yet if i ritually keep religion, i'm still in danger of hell.

I suppose there is no satisfying others.

Avenue Q

I was invited to go see a play in Sydney with Melody. It was so much fun. We went to see Avenue Q. It had some striking similarities to sesame street. The main difference was the language, drug references, and sex with puppets (which was very funny). Here is a taste...without the sex scene:)




And a bit of background, if your interested...

pop dogma

I was first introduced to 'Buddy Christ" in the film Dogma. Buddy Christ is used as a religious parody icon. It was created to BE a parody icon. It was created with the idea of making people go "woah! someone is taking their religion to the ridiculous level"

So it always makes me second glance when i see Buddy Christ being held with reverence, or placed in a home where it is taken seriously. "Of course, Christ is my buddy" i hear people say.

I suppose i could be in awe that something that was created to be ridiculous has been re-branded for a 'holy' or more meaningful purpose.

But generally i just think those people got scammed.

creating a top five

Could you come up with a top five favourite Joss Whedon characters? Sci Fi Uk thought they could.

They compiled a list of characters they believe are the most enduring Whedonverse characters. I disagree. So because i have my own blog, i will give my list.

5. Fred
4. Dr. Horrible
3. Willow
2. Spike
1.River Tam

The only problem is that after writing this list up, i realise that there are other characters who really should make this list.

Xander, Anya, Zoe, Captain Hammer, Lorne, Kaylee, Faith, Buffy, Tara, Topher....oh dear...my list of top five is turning into quite a mess. I guess the truth is i can't limit it to a mere top five. I'm not even sure i can really put them into an order!

I am left with no alternative but to admit that Joss and his people have some mad skill when it comes to character creation. I wonder if i can learn the skill...