Ok, I don't want to make the blog too political but I ran accross this story this morning and I thought it was hilarious. The US put up a news ticker on a building they own in Havana broadcasting human rights and democracy messages in big red scrolling letters. I don't want to hate on the US government too much but this is just funny. And to make it even funnier the ticker features quotes from MLK and Lincoln. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the conflict between the US and Cuba has nothing to do with Slavery or Civil Rights. I have faith enough in our leaders to believe that they can engage in some better diplomatic relations with Cuba other than this. I bet it did provide some inspiration for a few and maybe just laughs for others. Read all about it: article
Also, check out this video. It's this artist that I've just begun to pay attention to. His name is Mark Horowitz and he did a national dinner tour. Check out how he did it: video
Have a good week-end everybody. I haven't seen you West Coast Gaines' in a while. Let's hang out soon.
Andy
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4 comments:
No, US relations with Cuba aren't about slavery or civil rights, but maybe the issue is freedom from oppression and the idea of nonviolent protest--people changing their government through nonviolent persistence to overcome unjust and immoral policies.
I just don't think it relates. Even when I saw people at Anti-war marches with MLK signs it was a bit upsetting because they were using this person, this figure out of context. This is to say that if Martin Luther King Jr were alive today he would oppose what is happening in Cuba or what is happening in Iraq. I don't think it right to presume or to use historic leaders to push current policy, especially when that figure can't speak for themselves.
i don't think it's fair to tie leaders like Dr. King to one cause like civil rights because--more than just a civil rights leader--he was an educator and leader of nonviolence and justice.
i do think there's a similarity of desire for non-violence in the civil rights movement, in anti-war protests, and perhaps even in the US's choices in Cuba this week.
it all depends on the motive of the people using it. sure, you can throw MLK's picture or quote on just about anything and there's a lot of immediate baggage that comes with it, but i do not think his teachings/mission/ideas ended with the end of the civil rights movement, and i do think his ideas have a place even today.
i think it's fair to agree to disagree on this one. cheers.
Ok, whatever. But you have to admit that putting a ticker on the side of a building is a pretty stupid way to 'communicate with the people'. Why not communicate with the people by letting their families come and visit them. Or even letting their families send money to help them through these 'oppressive' times.
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