Remebering We are All Equally Human

When I chose my readings for this week, I chose ones by reading the title - reading the ones I felt connected with - my inner feelings – either I was familiar with the author, i.e. Winthrop – a connection the home town I work and reside in or there was something else drawing me to them.

With, “On the Dedication of the Bunker Hill Monument” - I chose this because it reminds me of BHCC. A place I also have a connection with – a place that feels warm and welcoming; accepting and supportive. Much like the feelings humans long for -- and get from their home or their family…..

Richard Rodrigquez’s memoir gave great insight of being bi-lingual. I always wished I was…my dad was Italian (grandma right from Italy) and Greek (grandpa right from Greece); mom – Irish, English, Scottish and somewhere Native American……I wish my dad spoke either Italian or Greek at home … but he was not well versed in the language…….

I was drawn to Rayna Green’s writing I feel because I have a longing desire to know more about “Who am I” – “Where do I come from” – “What great legacy do I inherit to carry on”?? I felt this connection with her title for a reason I cannot put my finger on. But I do feel that it drew me to it because I have a deep sense that I am of Native American heritage.

As I read “The Museum of the Plains White Person,” I was ashamed to be categorized “white.” When a Native America looks at me they would see what she saw….people with no respect for others. What disruption people have caused to the Native American lives, their living and deceased - used as an object of display – for what – they are just like “us” – PEOPLE. They are human – we are human – what right does one race have to do to another such sadness.

Yes, I want to know more – but I would rather find out through my family’s stories that are passed down – rather than disrupt others’ lives. We should respect everyone. There are no differences of what we are – we are all living souls wanting the same things – love, life, liberty, freedom, belonging, respect. But for some reason to make sense of this vast world we live in – one must compartmentalize.

As I think of what I called my BLOG page – “Karma” – I know the importance of being mindful of my actions. I know that I too like many others set out to be humane but sometimes need to be jolted back to reality. There is a moment in time where realization has to be presented to us because people “forget” – such a bad trait – Reminders (such as the Bunker Hill Monument) need to displayed to cause us to stop and remember. It is sad we need such objects to remind us to be human. Is that what it means to be American?

Namaste - Michele Karas