Memorable Monday

You are a human being. You have rights inherent in that reality.

You have dignity and worth that exists prior to law.

-Lyn Beth Neylon

Suffrage for Saudi Women?

There is much still to be seen in regards to Saudi Arabian women exercising their promised right to vote, which the King has announced will go into effect after municipal polls on Thursday, but such an announcement is, nonetheless, exciting. The ability to vote and stand for election will not be practiced until the next election cycle in four years, for municipal polls, which are the only polls available to the public. Time will tell how such a right will bode in the more outwardly conservative Saudi Arabia, and what effect newfound suffrage will have for the contestation of guardianship laws and driving restrictions for women. We've blogged before on such issues, but this latest article from the BBC may be the most exciting yet.

Caitlin and I have been in dialogue with each other on how we approach human rights universally, particularly when it comes to recognizing cultural values and religious beliefs. Is there such a concept as universal human rights? What are the core values behind it that can be held up in every society? Post your thoughts in the comments sections!

Memorable Monday

People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea

that most things are keyhole shaped.

~Author Unknown

Memorable Monday

I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think any one will deny us.

~ Louisa May Alcott

Would you take revenge?

This poem by Taha Muhammad Ali presents an interesting view on revenge...which revenge would you take?

Memorable Monday

Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.
~ African proverb

17

We all know that age plays a big part in one's perspective. As we grow older and experience more of life, we gain more knowledge and wisdom, and our views of the world can take a 180. Sometimes we even become more cynical. But I think in our rush to dismiss the naive views of younger people, we miss out (and forget) some of the wisdom that comes from seeing the world so simply. I read this advice from a 17 year old recently that reminded me of some simple principles in life that tend to get lost in the rush of daily life:

"There are a few things I've come to realize this year. One - don't hold on to things too tight. Hold on tight enough and long enough to enjoy them, but know that you'll eventually have to let go. Don't hold too tight, because change has to happen. And change is okay - even good. Without change we would never grow, never get to become the people we want to be. 

Two - enjoy the little things. 'Make the good stuff count for more than the bad stuff.' Remember the little things that make you happy, like reading a book in the afternoon while eating chocolate and wearing fuzzy slippers. They make life more fun.

Don't brood over past mistakes and live in guilt - learn from them. If you learn from them, you're less likely to have to go through a situation twice. 

Take time to daydream. It's just a whole lot of fun. 

Work hard at everything you do. Whether it's at school, in sports, on the job, in ministry, do it to the best of your ability. You feel so much better knowing you worked your hardest to accomplish something, and it gives you something to be proud of. 

Find your comfort zone, then go out of it. Stretch yourself. You usually find something new you like to do or are good at. And it's fun to scream and holler and make a fool of yourself at a soccer game. 

Remember those who have helped you get to where you are. Thank them and love on them. Appreciate your friends, because you never know when they might be gone. And love your family. (Yes, even when they are monstrously irritating.) They love you no matter what, and they're the only one you've got." 

One City, Two Stories

How is it that two people living in the same city at the same time could have two completely different perspectives?

As humans, it is so easy for us to fall into the (very bad) habit of categorizing people and their perspectives. It's common to hear "Europeans think this" or "the West/the East thinks that" and so on and so forth, and unfortunately, we tend to leave it at that. We typically forget to consider the role that personal experiences play in shaping one's attitudes and beliefs, and we simply lump them in with the group and the perspectives we feel fit them best.

There was an article published by the BBC this week that explores the memories of two people living in Baghdad during the US invasion of Iraq. Despite the fact that both of the Iraqis interviewed have lived in the city the entire time, they have entirely different perspectives of the war, US troops, and Americans in general. Reading their stories in their own words serves as a clear reminder that each individual, regardless of any similarities we may share, has their own unique story and perspective.