Giant Robots Fighting Climate Change

"Lisa, Pacific Rim has been used as an example of how we should rally together as a planet and fight climate change. You NEED to see this movie!!!"

.....

Andrew is really quite clever when it comes to trying to convince me to see movies he wants to see. That said, he also realized that he married a superhero, comic book movie lovin', Sci-fi Fantasy lovin', Trekkie AND Star Wars fan who didn't really *need* the extra, made-up incentive to go.

Environmental film aside:
(Just this weekend I watched "Chasing Ice" on Netflix and was BLOWN away. It had been on my radar to watch for a year now... and I can't believe it took me that long to watch it. The images and cinematography were gorgeous and the in-your-face reality of what climate change means for our planet is staggering. Seriously. Go watch it.)


Now. I will admit that I am excited to finally see a movie that is planetary in scale as opposed to the typical American centric "The World Is Gone to Shit, but Only America is Taking Action" type movie. The "USA floating in space as their own microcosm of reality" was my number one complaint (after the fact that I HATED Katniss's whiny character) for the Hunger Games. (Seriously, the NUKED a section of the US and are killing children every year in an extremely public manner- where the eff is the rest of the planet???).

It's kinda neat to see a monster fighting, ass kicking, bigger than life movie where humans vanquish a big baddie on a global scale in a show of solidarity and cooperation.

Maybe Pacific Rim isn't really about fighting climate change, but perhaps sometimes I feel like the approach and strategy should be the same. Finally agreeing on a global scale, countries band together to make really big effing robots to smash the oil companies to smithereens... peacefully encourage oil and polluting companies to switch to environmentally friendly products, energy alternatives and business profiles. (ahem).

 We are going tonight.

Guest Post by Mi'kmaq Mama: Fashion Divides. Fashion Unites.

Back in March I wrote a post on cultural appropriation in the yoga world, specifically regarding First Nations fashion. That post was the result of inner musings, twitter convos and a fabulous conversation with Mi'kmaq Mama over coffee last fall.

As today is Beltane: a time of peace, spirituality and new beginnings, I'm very excited to share a thought provoking and heartfelt post by Mi'kmaq Mama on cultural appropriation and the recent hipster (and yoga) fashion trends. I thank her for sharing her knowledge and perspective and hope you enjoy her post as much as I did.

Fashion Divides. Fashion Unites.

You walk into a clothing store and you see it – the perfect outfit. It’s the right color, style and shape to complement your skin tone and body type. You describe the design to your friend as rustic and tribal. “It’s even outlined with fringe. Fringe is in this year!” You anticipate her reaction to be full of excitement. After all, she’s Mi’kmaq so wouldn’t she be excited you are wearing this type of clothing? Your friend pauses, not sure how to react.

Cultural appropriation is the borrowing of materials from another culture. I would argue that it is in fact the stealing of ideas from another culture, taken without permission nor understanding of its significance. 

What if a clothing designer spotted the Pope’s mitre (ceremonial headdress) and thought, “Hey! That looks neat!” Or eyed a Jewish man’s kippa (head covering) and said to themselves “that’s cool!” Then, without talking to anyone from the Catholic or Jewish faiths about the significance of each headdress or covering, decided to design a trendy and fashionable version for everyone to wear? What if that happened? If you are Catholic how would you feel? … If you are Jewish how would you feel? … about everyone wearing something of religious meaning, honor and respect, as a fashion fade? What would you think if Victoria Secret models walked down the runway wearing a mitre or kippa while they modeled lingerie? Outraged, I’m sure. Indigenous people were outraged to see a lingerie model adorned with an Indigenous headdress walk the run way in Nov 2012.

I know what you are thinking, “but my yoga outfit only has fringes, fringes aren’t culturally significant.” Or “but my shirt has a tribal motif, that’s not sacred.” How do you know that? Let’s consider for a moment the message you send to anyone with Aboriginal heritage when you wear mass produced clothing made in a foreign country, by foreign workers, created by foreign designers who have no connections to or business relationship with an Aboriginal community or organization. 

As someone of Aboriginal heritage, the message is clear: “I think your cultural designs look cool, so I’m going to wear them while it’s still a fashion trend. I assume your culture was consulted, otherwise they wouldn’t sell clothing like this, right?” My response, “since when was it cool to look like a member of an oppressed and marginalize group in society? … to proclaim that your parents and grandparents were stolen and beaten in residential school, that governments are committing genocide against your people disguised as legislation, and that your identity requires permission from those who have committed these crimes.

“Hold on! That’s not what I meant,” you respectfully protest. What you were hoping to communicate through the clothing was a sense of unity and shared pride in the respect for our cultural ways. There are better ways to do that. Let’s figure this out together. Here are some suggestions:

1. Purchase clothing from authentically Aboriginal owned business. There are many Aboriginal designers and clothing retailers around. Honor their hard work and dedication by purchasing their products, even if it means spending more money. (Lisa's note: this applies to aboriginal artists: I just discovered a mindblowing Canadian First Nations DJ group of electronic powwow: "A Tribe Called Red"- check them out!). Examples: "Beyond Buckskin" and "National Aboriginal Fashion Week".
   
   
2. Look for companies who honestly partner with, I mean truly consult and partner with, an Aboriginal artist, community, or organization. Product labels will acknowledge and give credit to all their partners for their contributions. Look for information about how the Aboriginal community was involved.
   
   
3. When you purchase items such as dream catchers, jewelry, crafts, etc. please check the label. Ensure it was made by an authentic Aboriginal artist. Be smart. If you are looking at this item in a Dollar Store, or department store, chances are the artist was not Aboriginal, right? Be a wise shopper, not a cheap one. If such items can only be purchased by visiting a First Nation community, then by all means do so - it is a journey worth taking.

Remember! Settlers survived in this new country they “discovered” not because they had the skills and knowledge to do so, but because the local Indigenous people were kind, compassionate, and friendly. And we continue to be that way.

Honor our legacy past and present.

The Pow-Wow Dress and My Discomfort with the 'First Nations Yoga Fashion' Trend

There has been quite a bit of discussion in the yoga blogosphere concerning accessibility, inclusion and diversity (or lack thereof) in yoga.

There have been some fabulous posts recently, and I strongly encourage you to check them out.

What I've been wanting to comment on for the past six months is the uncomfortable feeling I get whenever I step into a 'non-lulu' yoga clothing space.

Full disclosure: I am an invisible minority from a place of privilege. As an Acadian woman, I have shared history with the Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia and live with the feeling of 'otherness' while benefiting from being able to 'fit in' to mainstream white society. I am not an expert on cultural appropriation, nor do I pretend that my culture's history of being oppressed even closely compares to that of the First Nations Peoples.

Instead of writing an 'expert' post, this is a personal sharing of my discomfort with the increasing 'First Nation' fashion trend creep into the yoga world.

Firstly, I need to admit that I do find all things First Nations beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. I have always been drawn to dream catchers, feathers, stone and natural jewellery and I will admit, all things that are stereotypically portrayed as 'First Nation'. This is very hard for me to write, but I've always felt that it's so important to recognize that I am influenced by our North American, white, culture. In order to be honest, I need to recognize that I am biased.

I don't believe people of privilege who claim to be completely unbiased. I work every day to honestly acknowledge how my small village and (loving) family and education have shaped my thoughts and perspectives while working to move to something real, respectful and empathetic.

About a year ago, I walked into a local yoga wear store (that I love) and stumbled across these 'Be Love' shirts sporting feathers, dream catchers and 'Peace warriors' with obvious First Nation references. They made me uncomfortable. I took some time to think on that, wondering if I were being extra sensitive.

Months later I was back in this store and noticed the 'Pow-wow dress'. Yes. That is the name of the dress. Admittedly, I own several dresses by this company and I heart them very much. However, while holding up the dress I couldn't help timidly voicing my discomfort that this was a bit too much like 'cultural appropriation- don't you think?' to the owner. She was surprised, and kindly said she assumed the company, as with 'Be Love' had most likely consulted with local First Nations community... 'The company is based in Vancouver after all'.

A tweet not long after on this topic resulted in a response from a (then) local blogger Mi'kmaq Mama that solidified all my remaining doubts: "Since when is being Indian cool? I wish someone had told me that". I had the lovely opportunity to meet up over coffee and chat further. It was eye opening. Just listening to how these images of First Nations religious and traditional dress and culture were being portrayed and 'sold' as a trendy, superficial fashion trend made her feel was enough for me to rediscover how the media and images shape our society's view on people and culture. And how that can be hurtful and disrespectful.

(From Native Appropriations post in November 2012 re: Victoria Secret's use of Headdresses in their runway show)

I think âpihtawikosisân says it beautifully in her post "the do's, don't's, maybes and I-don't-knows of cultural appropriation" with her analogy of the importance of symbols and their meaning (please read the entire article, it is critical and insightful as well as logical).

"...eagle feathers are restricted symbols in the many indigenous cultures found throughout Canada and the US.  They represent various achievements made by the person who is presented with the feather.  Being presented with a feather is a great honour.  Many indigenous people will receive only one in their life-time, or perhaps never have that opportunity.Because of the significance of the eagle feather, very few native people would display feathers they haven’t earned.  It would be like wearing that Victoria Cross I keep mentioning.  Someone outside the culture might not realise what the symbol means and perhaps would not call that person out in disgust for wearing it…but those from within the culture probably would.  It would be shameful.
It also cheapens the symbols earned by others..." (emphasis added by EcoYogini)

It's important, I feel, to recognize that in our current society, we are inescapably influenced by media, fashion (as it pertains to media) and the images we are confronted with every day. The advertising industry wouldn't be a billion dollar industry if it didn't work. As such, we can't simply discount the relevance of how fashion trends and our support of such trends, impact and affect those people who continue to be oppressed in our society. I will argue that what we choose to outwardly present to others does have a direct impact in how we shape perceptions of others and our own acceptance of these stereotypes.

I am not writing this because I feel that we should tread on tiptoes for every single piece of First Nations inkling in a shirt, jewellery or dress you'd like to wear. I'm writing it because after some thought, further reading and earnest discussion, I've come to realize that simply the fact that I feel uncomfortable should be enough.

I also feel that this topic isn't discussed enough beyond the 'you're exaggerating' 'lighten up' defensive reactions we get from most online and in person community. Especially in the yoga world where it is simply ASSUMED if you are a yoga company that you will magically have all the empathetic and almost righteous tools to 'with authenticity' create and share your product. It's completely taboo to call out a company that is sharing 'from a place of love'. Unfortunately, this blind acceptance of the yoga label discounts the opportunity for critical growth, acceptance and honest discussion.

Some fantastic reading: "But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?" (by Native Appropriations)
"A critical fashion lovers (basic) guide to cultural appropriation" (by À l'allure garçonnière)
"A Much-Needed Primer on Cultural Appropriation" (at Jezebel)
"Dear Defender of the new Atlanta Braves cap" (by Native Appropriations)
"Playing Indian" (by Lindsay Raining Bird at the Coast)

GPB: Violence Against Women and Violence Against Our Planet

I am a feminist... and an environmentalist.

After reading an interesting interview of Eve Ensler's views on how climate change, feminism and violence against women are all interconnected, I felt like sharing it with you.

Go on over to the Green Phone Booth and share your thoughts, comments, observations, opinions! (of course, always mindful of being respectful :) ).

For my Atlantic coastal peeps: stay safe and warm this weekend during the scary winter Blizzard!

GPB: Idle No More: Why You Should Care

Idle No More...

If you are Canadian, I know you've heard about it.

Maybe you weren't sure how this movement impacts you...

It does.

Go check out my post at the Green Phone Booth on how the Idle No More movement matters to us all, and why you should care.

Le potager urbain: Grow Food Not Lawn-GPB

I may not be a great urban gardener, but I do believe that in order to change our way of living and cultural views on food, front yard urban gardening should be encouraged not punished.

Check out my post on a Canadian couple's fight to keep their beautiful front kitchen garden (photos and video!) over at the Green Phone Booth (and sign their petition!)

Blessings!

Casseroles for Environmental Rights

No one likes to read blog posts about politics and voting. No really, it's true (I have stats and minimal comments to prove it). Which is unfortunate, really, since by plugging our ears and shouting 'lalalalala!' on the increasingly depressing Conservative government we're allowing our country to do a whole slew of nasty things to our health, women's rights and the environment.

Yep, I will admit that I honestly hate hearing about what the Harper Government has in store for us each day. I no longer see myself in the political and social stance that my country's government is setting in place. For whom did Harper government back out of the Kyoto Agreement? Or cut thousands of environmental protection and Parks Canada jobs? Or put forth in a sneaky bill a drastic reduction in environmental regulation, policing in conjunction with mass scientist muzzling?

Definitely not it's citizens. Not for me.

Bill c-38, which the government is trying to push through WITHOUT citizen input or debate includes five scary changes and reasons to speak out (from BlackOutSpeakOut ou SilenceOnParle and why The David Suzuki Foundation is Speaking Out):

1. While they are cutting funding left and right to environmental protection agencies, the Harper government is funding 8 million dollars into the Canada Revenue Agency to police and audit charities and non-profit organizations (such as the David Suzuki Foundation)... making it more difficult for them to exercise their right to advocate for environmental policies and change. (um, don't see them upping the policing for oil companies now do we?).
2. Our participation in a democratic system is being completely ignored. Supposedly there is a well established process for citizen involvement and debate when it comes to such sweeping changes (unfortunately, my political involvement is really only since the days of a conservative minority government, so having an open democratic government almost seems utopic to me). Shockingly, the government has put forth these drastic changes in one massive budget bill... that doesn't allow any citizen input. At all.
3. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will be replaced... with something that has much less policing and investigation of new projects and new substances while allowing the government to 'ok' whatever new projects come their way (i.e. money making, polluting Big Oil projects). This means that our government will no longer be adequately protecting us against toxins and pollutants nor will they be safeguarding the country we live in and the resources that we depend on. 
1. Americans, this implicates you as well. Harper's push to get the oil sands piped to the US? That was WITH the current environmental assessment procedures lobbying against the decision. With less policing projects that affect our climate, oceans and forests will most certainly affect yours (it's not like the air, water or trees give a crap about borders).
4. Funding for environmental testing and safety are being cut or completely removed. Jobs in Oceans and Fisheries are being cut by the thousands (while our military budget for an imaginary war doesn't seem to have a lot of money woes...). 'Nuff Said. 
5. This bill would effectively muzzle government scientists and restrict their ability to communicate and speak out regarding their findings. This is so beyond shocking, that I can't even begin to articulate how disappointed and ashamed I am that my government is trying to restrict and control scientific exploration, discovery and debate. 

As you can see on BlackOutSpeakOut's web page, hundreds of environmental charities and organizations are joining together to fight this colossal step back in Canada's democratic and societal history. (SilenceOnParle pour le site français).

Today is Ocean's Day... and Canada has THREE Oceans (personally the Atlantic coast is my favourite- so powerful and majestic). 

Yes the government is frustrating, yes we feel helpless to create change, but THIS is a reason to be angry. Bill c-38 is a reason to get up in arms. Regardless of your political leanings. Regardless if you're a hardcore, tree hugging hippie or not. 

We can take courage and inspiration to become agents of change from the Casseroles in Québec (and now rippling across the country and internationally). As Québec citizens step outside to fight for their right to speak out and protest, so to should we not allow this blow to our political rights as Canadian citizens (read Mr Suzuki's comparison between the Québec protests and the implications on our country and government).

(these nightly 8pm protests have been happening for the past two weeks- and continue to do so)

Together, we can take our pots and pans, write letters (or send pre-written letters), sign petitions and gather our democratic right to protect our country, health and to be heard. 

Sign the BlackOutSpeakOut Petition (international readers are able as well)

Send a David Suzuki prepared letter in honour of Oceans Day to Stephen Harper

Send a letter to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty

Send a letter to your local MP

Or to... Stephen Harper himself: stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca 

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com