At this time of the year

This post was published on 9/9/ 2010, on another blog. God, how many of these exist, scattered all over the place. Just bringing it over, without reading it first.

At this time of the year.

My friend Latha posted a very valid and loaded question on my Facebook page this morning. We must be soul sisters or something but I had been thinking of how this time of year major religions of the world come together to celebrate, reflect...you know the drill. 

So this one is for you, Latha. 

What Koran stuff, Lata? Do you mean the NYC controversy?

So strange and such a co-incidence, Latha- as I was doing the dishes this morning, I was thinking about the discriminatory attitudes of some people and how individuals get either lumped together by color or by all the different religions in the world. 

It started off as I was watching an episode of "The Choir", (BBC) where this black woman has experienced some offensive behaviour by a few teenagers, as she has recently moved to the community. There is also the local boxer with a very 'limited vision' for South Oxley, to quote Gareth (the chap who brings the choir together) and who put it so well.

Anyway, so I remembered being told recently by a muslim friend, that the largest Orlando mosque stands on land donated by a Jewish person. Yesterday was the Jewish New Year and tomorrow is Ramadan, culminating in 40 days of fasting. While Jews and Muslims along with the Christians are all children of the book, Hindus are not. However, invariably, our holidays fall close to each other. Ganapti festival is around this time. Also, in March/ April, close to Lent we have the Navratras. How much more are we similar as people, than we are different as defined by our faiths?

While Hinduism is very tolerant and never advocates conversion and Christianity is full of examples of selfless service, people of all faiths have their crooks and vagabonds and murderers and rapists and pedophiles. But the media markets and propagates what suits the agenda of their patrons. So we have muslim terrorists and hindu yogis and Christian orphanages and schools, and Jewish moneylenders (banks now I suppose and businesses) because Shylock now lives in rural communities in India where bonded labour still exists, but I digress. So back to the basics of how perception is propagated as factual truths or traits.

A recent and well researched book out on Winston Churchill makes a good point. It was a real shocker when I read its review:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/churchills-secret-war-by-madhusree-mukerjee-2068698.html

because I am a fan of Churchill's wit and oratory. Also, through one of my lists I was sent another review/ official press release of the book which was such an eyeopener. 

As individuals we must and only can focus on other people as individuals first, because as people, we are closest to them as individuals, to know them first for who they are is more comprehendible that to try to relate in any other way. To make sense of our faith and get into their religious dogmas, all of which are centuries old, is such a waste of a lifetime, which is not even a blimp on a blimp in this vast and timeless universe. 

Ah, Latha, I miss not doing this over lunch, my friend. Wouldn't it be more satisfying and fulfilling to break bread together! *hugs* 

PS. I also miss your chatter, the parties, you hospitality and cooking, and just hanging out on relaxing Sydney weekends!