SHARED HUMANITY
The summer of 2021 Olympics brought some wonderful moments that remind us of our shared humanity. The games began (and lasted through) the COVID pandemic and opposition to the competitions. It was in the relations among the athletes that some of the most human emotions and actions showed heartwarming humanity. When we witnessed their contacts, the humanity touched us, nearly bringing tears to many of us watching.
While the sportscasters mostly focused on who won, how fast they went, what country they represented, and the various competitive factors, there were deep emotional lessons that were fascinating. They started right from the opening ceremony. There we saw the Japanese-Haitian tennis champion light the torch. The flag bearer for Japan, a forward for the Washington Wizards basketball team, has a Japanese mother and father from Benin, West Africa. No, the Japanese are not suddenly tolerant of race mixing; this was an effort to encourage acceptance of all of us. Athletes for Europe, Canada, the U.S., and even places like Qatar were obviously immigrants or descendants of Africans. You can’t tell where someone is from and that shows we are not separate even if political lines assign us to certain nationalities.
Appreciation of athletes for each other was often on display. The sweetheart of the Olympics, Simone Biles, shocked everyone by withdrawing from most events. Her poise remained steadfast, and she cheered others who had opportunities to win because of her non-participation. We could then cheer her as she performed on the balance beam. Among the oldest participants was a 46-year-old gymnast who was applauded by would-be rivals. The youngest Olympian was a 12-year-old table tennis player who snapped a picture with the contestant who defeated her. Two high jumpers hugged and shared the gold when they were basically tied. Two runners who fell helped each other up.
Surprise winners were winners in more than their sport. A Tunisian swimmer who was the slowest qualifier in his field won gold, his country’s hero during a time of political turmoil. A Dutch runner fell early in her race, got up, and came in first. Some of those who did not come first showed pride in coming second, third, finishing their race, or just being Olympians.
Gender issues took center stage as never before. There were a number of mother-contestants, including Allyson Felix who ran in her fourth Olympics, and some who could bring infants who were breastfeeding. Three fencers protested a fellow team member who is under investigation for sexual assault.
Sports fans and those cool to competitions can find much to commend in spite of the challenges and controversies of these games.
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
We like to be with “our own kind.” We even have some reluctance (if not open prejudice) against some others—often entire groups. Yet we also know that there are some who are close to us genetically or naturally who we are not that fond of. The cousin who is bombastic, the arrogant uncle, the needy in-law, or that not-too-distant family member who never gets her act together. Then there is the funny co-worker of the other group. We get along great and over the years he’s become like extended family.
So the thought comes up periodically that I’d like to shake that pocket of prejudice I hold on to. I’m not sure how to do it, but I know diversity is good. Diversity is profitable, it drives innovation, its importance is even shown to us in nature. Biodiversity is needed to sustain life. In a cycle of life, insects feed on plants; birds eat the insects; larger animals—including ourselves—eat chickens and other birds. As each of the animals dies and decomposes, it feeds plants. In the wild at a watering hole the tall giraffes detect any predators are coming. The animals that are low to the ground see movement in the bush of any possible attacker. They need and warn each other.
In the economy diversity brings innovation, progress, and a better life for all of us. When an organization brings together a group to brainstorm for creativity, the more diverse the participants, the more likely new, useful, and popular ideas will come. There is power in collective intelligence. The mix can include women, men, and those whose sexuality is nonbinary, younger and older people, those with different levels of education, the differently-abled, those from urban and rural backgrounds, assorted language speakers, varied socio-economic levels, religions, ethnicities, personalities, and others.
Our societies can create more opportunities for those who have been marginalized. I cannot relegate all responsibility to others. There are ways for me to play my part. First, watching my thoughts makes a difference to keep me open and friendly. I can learn about other cultures, beliefs, and ethnicities. There is always something to appreciate in them and something that can enrich my life. I can celebrate differences instead of dismissing or trying to just tolerate them. Being less judgmental will make me a better person.
BENEFITS FROM HARD TIMES
During the time that we have been frustrated by the long pandemic lockdown, it has been difficult to see good that we are experiencing. However, if we look at past disasters and pandemics, there were many ways in which we can note benefits that have happened—for a few people or for society as a whole, for a brief span or for centuries-long changes. Many hardships also brought about a new world with significant advantages.
In the ancient natural world annual floods were recognized as essential for bringing soil fertility, irrigation, and replenishing water supplies. Earthquakes and volcanoes …
During the time that we have been frustrated by the long pandemic lockdown, it has been difficult to see good that we are experiencing. However, if we look at past disasters and pandemics, there were many ways in which we can note benefits that have happened—for a few people or for society as a whole, for a brief span or for centuries-long changes. Many hardships also brought about a new world with significant advantages.
In the ancient natural world annual floods were recognized as essential for bringing soil fertility, irrigation, and replenishing water supplies. Earthquakes and volcanoes thousands of years ago allowed minerals to emerge that still make farming more productive. Today’s media reports of natural catastrophes lead to charitable contributions that are not only appreciated by those who suffer but even help to develop responsibility and compassion in the givers.
The Biblical stories of the ten plagues inflicted on Egypt end with the freeing of Hebrew slaves and their (long) journey to the Promised Land. Because of the Black Plague of the Middle Ages European feudalism collapsed as workers were fewer and therefore more appreciated. A new economic system began. Culture, arts, science, religious and intellectual advances thrived. The explorations of the New World begun by Christopher Columbus led to the devastation of the native population. They also brought exchanges of plants, animals, ideas, and people among the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The lives of millions changed forever. Following many horrible situations, social and economic transformations did make life at least somewhat better for large numbers of people. Innovations were common as some individuals or groups found ways to deal with the new circumstances.
The ways people have noticed life is better for us now are numerous. With many jobs shifted to online there has been less pollution, fewer hours of commuting, more family time, greater opportunities for serious or recreational reading and media. Some have done more cooking, adopted pets, spent less money, and even investigated spiritual practices.
What are the enduring differences that COVID-19 will bring? Predictions are all over the place. We can hope that the recognition of the importance of essential workers will lead to more equitable earnings for them. The general inequalities and inequities of society, in medical access, in the economy, in status levels, in availability of technology, and many other areas, should be rectified. Each of us plays a role in society and therefore can be part of the change for the better.
The NBA – Leading from the Front
The NBA – Leading from the Front
…On one of the biggest nights of the 2021 season, NBA All-Star Weekend, the Players Association paid tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Not only was homage paid to players who graduated from an HBCU but they also honored current HBCU students…
According to BET and CNN, at the urging of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and the leadership of the NBPA Executive Committee, the players and league of the National Basketball Association (NBA) have embraced their national and global platform for social justice and civic awareness. Amid the NBA restart of the historic 2019-2020 season, with, the players and league stood, knelt used terms of equity on the back of their jerseys, and a Black Lives Matters mural on the court—using their celebrity voices openly supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. They have spoken out against police brutality and the killing of unarmed Black men and women in the United States.
On one of the biggest nights of the 2021 season, NBA All-Star Weekend, the Players Association paid tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Not only was homage paid to players who graduated from an HBCU but they also honored current HBCU students. They spoke about the impact HBCU institutions have on their students, the country, and the world. During All Star weekend, current students were given opportunities to showcase their artistic talents with the graphic designs and marching bands performances. In a video montage, alumni, voices shared the power their HBCU had on them and the professional, global citizen, and person they have become. Additionally, in keeping with a new tradition of the NBA All-Star game, the NBA made charitable contributions to two organizations based on the performance of players during the game. This season, with the overarching theme of raising awareness and honor to HBCUs, several players independently funded scholarships for current students while the NBA made substantial contributions to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), both organizations that focus their service and contributions on HBCUs. For further details on the HBCU elements featured and included in the All-Star 2021 Game click here.
The military – among other entities – uses the adage, “lead from the front.” The NBA, with impetus from the Players Association, has been leading from the front, not just during these last two seasons but overtime. Individually, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Isiah Thomas, and Wes Unseld engaged in social activism during their time as NBA players. And now NBA players and the NBA as a whole have increasingly engaged in social activism for the benefit of all, demonstrating how individuals and organizations Lead From The Front. Leading the sports world by doing things to bring awareness and benefits to offset some racist and violent problems of this country. Kudos to the NBA and its players!
#NBA #NBA2K21 #HBCU #uncf #tmcf #vutech #ChangingOne #leadingfromthefront
Getting Into Good Trouble
Getting Into Good Trouble — Joining the Legacy of John Lewis
Joining the Legacy of John Lewis
Our February 24th, “Neighborhood Chat on The Way Forward with the Biden-Harris Administration”TM VuTech continued the legacy of the great John Lewis when we discussed the most recent attempts at voter suppression by the GOP. During our discussion, we mentioned the 165 voter restriction bills being drafted in 35 states. As of today, March 4th, there are 253 voter restriction bills under discussion in 43 states! What is clear, these attempts at voter suppression, specifically target Black and Brown voters, because we showed up and showed out! Observers are saying, these attempts are largely—if not exclusively—based in fear by Republicans and Trump supporters. Along with news outlets such as NPR and Fox News (with contributions from the Associated Press), we wonder why Republicans are attempting to “fix” elections that not only were not broken but have been reported to be among the “most secure in American history”. For the sake of our republic, it would seem more prudent for the GOP to work toward using sound campaigning and fair policies rather than working to deprive any American the right to vote. Thank goodness the House of Representatives recognizes the need and importance of voter rights not just across the country, but specifically in Black and Brown communities. On Wednesday, March 3rd—one week after our first episode of Neighborhood Chat of Season 2—the For the People Act of 2021, also called “The John Lewis Bill,” passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. Now is the time, more than ever, that we continue to stay informed, continue to hold our elected officials accountable and honest, and continue to fight for democracy and our inalienable rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and The Right To Vote. Now is the time that we either continue or finally get into some good trouble!
Join VuTech as we continue our quest to change the world… by staying informed, informing a friend or family member, and joining the fight. Consider, Plan, and Decide how YOU will get and be involved. Some suggestions for staying informed & getting involved:
Call or Email your Congressional Representatives!