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Posts from the ‘Politics’ Category

Aug 10

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The word “hole”

My greatest fear realized

A blogger/artist recently wrote a psuedo-review/academic criticism about the Dyke March in Toronto, taking issue with the fact that participants were carrying individual, crafty vaginas called “holes” while chanting “We’re here. We’re holes. We’re fabulous. Come fuck with us.” She felt the organizer was ignorant about the history of the word “hole” and how it has been used to repress women even today. She provided a link to my post for precarious reasons to illustrate her point.

One of the problems I have with extremely left leaning people is that they have restricted parameters around what people are allowed or not allowed to say, so much that they become conservative in their rigidness. How ironic.

I don’t consider myself a liberal, or a conservative. I’m not going to limit or categorize myself. I’m going to be a free-thinker who makes up his own mind through his experiences. Perhaps some people think that is naive, but I prefer my method, as opposed to the alternative.

What I do know is that for those marching in last month’s Dyke March, the word “hole” had a positive meaning, and because the word might have derived from less than virtuous means, it doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be used because it makes someone uncomfortable. That’s the same as saying “I don’t believe people should be gay because it makes me uncomfortable”. Who cares what you think? If it’s not hurting me, or anyone else, why bother being academic about it?

The author of the post noted that because the participants were unaware of the history of the word that they were in error for using it. I take the opposite argument. I think that for them carrying a “hole” had a positive message, one that has been altered from the original intended use of the word. That’s good.

It bothers me that so-called “liberals” want to regulate what people can say, and what words are appropriate to use. It’s absurd to say that a word should be forbidden because someone might be offended by it. As soon as you open your mouth and express an opinion someone is bound to be offended. What should you do? Not speak? Constantly apologize?

The words “dumb” and “lame” have very negative connotations and histories, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to refrain from using them. Doing so does not make me a bad person, nor anyone else. I’m sensitive to people’s perceptions and feelings, and always willing to hear their arguments, but I’m not in the habit of censoring myself or anyone else.

I’m happy that she’s familiar with the root meaning of the word “hole” but maybe some people aren’t, or they’re attempting to reclaim it. Perhaps she’ll educate them, but the word has a different definition to them as it does to her. And that’s okay. Definitions often change.

We should celebrate diversity, and independent thought if it brings the world closer to harmony. Words don’t always have to be negative, we can change them to fit our personal philosophies.

Aug 1

Fort York 6
4 Comments

Fort York

For those of you unfamiliar and who enjoy history, you’ll be interested to know that Toronto used to be named York, and Canada was a British colony. Settlement of York began in 1793 by a man called John Simcoe, who built a garrison on the site of the present Fort York. Simcoe wanted to establish a naval base in Toronto so the British could control Lake Ontario, and prevent an American occupation. If you read this blog and see photos of water, it’s usually of Lake Ontario, or Balsam Lake, which is located in cottage country.

By 1812 American and British relations declined, and America declared war and invaded Canada. By 1813 the Americans had reached Fort York and occupied it for six days. In 1814 the British retaliated by attacking Washington and burning the White House, and several other public buildings.

By that time, the Americans had abandoned Fort York and left it defenceless. The British focused on rebuilding it, and by August of 1814 repelled American forces, effectively ending the war in 1815. The defence of Canada against American invasion was successful, albeit long and costly.

In 1909 Toronto purchased Fort York and by 1934 had completely restored it. Today it serves as a historic site museum.

Canada confederated by 1867, with Newfoundland and Labrador being the last province to join in 1949. By 1982 Canada patriated its Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedom. To this day it maintains a strong relationship with the United Kingdom and Queen Elizabeth II remains our head of state.

Below are some photographs from Fort York.

Jul 23

Balsam lake
9 Comments

As I am dying, I promise to hate you

Balsam lake

We should demand from ourselves purity, like nature

When Norah Ephron passed away earlier this month many who knew her reported that she was smiling and joking right up until the end. I understood that for those who loved her it was important to paint a picture of a bright, positive individual, even in times of peril and uncertainty. I have no doubt that these characterizations of Ephron’s last days are true.

It did get me thinking about the alternative though. I don’t think that I would be as happy if I knew that I only had a few days to live. Perhaps because Ephron received her diagnosis six years prior, she had come to terms with the end of her life. Still, that doesn’t negate the possibility that she was suffering from great physical pain, like most people with cancer experience.

It appeared to me that if she had been angry, and screaming on her deathbed, that that would have somehow diminished her memory. Grace under pressure, and silently suffering is revered, while being vocal and expressively upset, angry and sad, is not.

Why? What’s so wrong with being grateful and appreciative of the life we’ve had, while simultaneously expressing frustration, anger and fear about it ending? To me, there is nothing negative about being emotive about stressful life experiences. I think it’s more refreshing, and honest, but we’re only respected if we choose the option that makes other people comfortable, and that is the role of a smiling person.

Why do we demand of people that they be fake?

Politicians offer the greatest example of how our collective standards effect an individual, and therefore an entire society. Specifically in places like the United States. Politicians are preened and bred to have the ‘perfect life.’ They must be married, preferably only once, and have children. They must have no prior indiscretions, which is impossible, and they must smile and know everybody’s names. Their desire to be embraced, and liked, is more important to them, and to us, than being authentic. We demand from them perfection, but in doing so force them to be inauthentic. We rarely see the irony.

I’ve noticed that we’re only comfortable with people if they fit into categories, archetypes, and therefore characters that are familiar and safe. It’s not just politicians who we demand this of, but of our neighbours, colleagues and relatives.

Look at how job interviews are conducted. They are set up in such a fashion that are inane, impractical and false. Is it no wonder that narcissists are proven to be very good at them? How about psychopaths? Research has shown that those who can fake it, or demonstrate little human emotion, move ahead.

I’ll end with a story that may be familiar to some of my readers but excellently illustrates my point. About three years ago I interviewed for a public relations job at Rogers Telecommunications on Bloor Street in downtown Toronto. I arrived promptly, extensively prepared answers to the stock questions I knew I was going to be asked and was jovial enough to convey some confidence that calmed my nerves.

My potential future employer was 15 minutes late, boasted about how ‘busy’ she was, and consistently checked her Blackberry throughout my interview.

Frustrated, I stopped her, and without hesitation asked, “Excuse me, if I arrived 15 minutes late for this interview, and routinely checked my mobile telephone, would you be considering me for this position?”

Her reply was obvious, “No.” She stuttered, looked visibly frazzled.

I retorted, “Then why should I consider you as my future employer if you demonstrate the same disrespect that you would not accept from me?” I thanked her for her time, and ended the interview. She was shocked. As she was seeing me to the front door, I muttered to myself, “You’re better than this job.”

Many people tell me that this is not a story I should be proud of, because conventional wisdom says that the employer holds all the cards, and as job seekers, we should do whatever it takes, put up with the most abhorrent behaviour, for a job offer. Unfortunately for them, that isn’t who I am. And I prefer my way, over the alternative.

So on my deathbed, I’m probably going to curse the world. Because I damn well feel like it.

Jun 30

Dyke March 3

Dyke March

Dyke March

I was in the Dyke March

Clearly I am not a lesbian. But when the opportunity to participate in the Toronto Dyke March was presented to Lisa and me this afternoon, we couldn’t resist. We were each handed a vagina, told to hold it high in the air and chant the following:

My hole has lots of surprises
Dykes come in all shapes and sizes
We are the holey army
We’re here, we’re holes, we’re fabulous please fuck with us

It brought tears to my eyes. Making our way from Church and Bloor we walked South on Yonge to Carlton and then west to Jarvis. After that the march was over, and we returned our holes more confident than ever. This weekend is very important to the gay community because it’s the only time we can be free to be open, and share our experiences with other gay people.

Sure being gay is not the taboo it once was, but we still have farther to go in terms of awareness and acceptance. Many gay couples don’t hold hands in public because they fear being physically attacked. Think about how easy it is for straight couples to demonstrate affection in public; it should be just as tolerated for gays.

Our children should be free to attend school without being bullied because of who they are. I’ve always maintained that homophobia is a form of misogyny: the fear of the vagina and anything feminine. It has to stop, and one day it will.

Dyke March 2

Lisa and me holding our vaginas

Dyke March 3

Lisa marched with me

Dyke March

Participants lied down to remember gays who have been murdered

Dyke March

Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble

Dyke March 6

Holding hands, the only week it’s safe for gays to do so

The Dyke March

Lesbians and bikes. Loves it!

The Dyke March

We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it!

The Dyke March 9

I’m a celebrity!

Jun 17

RedCar
2 Comments

Do you know what your problem is?

Finding a place to park in Buenos Aires can be a challenge. There are a lot of vehicles on the road, and few spaces to put them. When you’re lucky enough to secure a spot, you’re elated enough to almost kiss the pavement.

In areas with higher populations, like Recoleta, San Telmo and Palermo, there are homeless men who carry a yellow cloth directing drivers to empty parking spaces. As though you wouldn’t be able to find that spot without his help, he is immediately beside your door with an offer to “protect” your car in exchange for a few pesos. It seems harmless enough, until chaos ensues.

As a North American I assume that I can choose to pay this man or not; I’m mistaken, payment is mandatory. If you refuse to pay, then he may physically assault you, or while you’re running your errands, take revenge by damaging your precious vehicle.

Apologists say, “What’s the big deal? Just give him a couple of pesos.” My retort is to imagine this scenario: It’s Christmas Eve, and you have many appointments in various parts of town. Each time you park your car you’re confronted by a man demanding that you pay him a specific sum. The going rate is 10 pesos. Imagine you have ten places to be that day, and each time you have to pay a different man who, let’s face it, does nothing to protect your car. That’s 100 pesos in a matter of hours! It’s not like the average porteño is rolling in dough.

Back in the 90s Toronto had a problem with a group of individuals who sat on the sidewalk waiting to clean the windshields of stopped vehicles at traffic lights. The problem was that they never asked if the driver wanted the service, and when they were done, demanded payment. Eventually it got out of control, fights and arguments were a daily occurrence and the city officials had to get involved and put an end to the madness.

As a tax payer, I’m secure in the knowledge that Canada has sufficient social programs in place for the homeless. Even in lovely neighbourhoods with lots of children, there are homeless shelters where people can go to get a bite to eat and a bed to spend the night, free of charge. During the winter, Toronto city staff frequent areas popular with the homeless and offer them a warm blanket, hot soup and a ride in their patrol van to the nearest shelter where they can sleep in a warm bed.

I understand that these type of programs are not as available in Buenos Aires, because there is more poverty and less access to funds, but the president of Argentina’s solution to this problem is to make it mandatory that drivers pay these men, and if they don’t, face a monetary penalty. I understand that her heart is in the right place, but her primary concern should be to tackle the homeless problem in Buenos Aires, and make it safe for the average porteño to navigate through their city and run their errands, without the fear of harassment as a result of parking their car, which is a necessity.

I know that Cristina likens herself to a socialist, but you’re not going to eradicate poverty by giving hand-outs to the poor. As it stands now most poor Argentines receive 1,800 pesos a month from the government. As a result, there’s no incentive for them to find work. Cristina should be motivated to create jobs, but instead she is more concerned about securing votes by giving the poor — 50% of Argentines live in poverty — money. As you can see, her goodwill is far from altruistic.

A day does not go by, while I’m in Argentina, where I don’t shake my head in bewildering confusion. How this corruption is tolerated, from one generation to the next, is beyond my comprehension.

Jun 16

4 Comments

Latinoamérica

Earlier this evening Lisa sent me a link to this music video and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve spent so much time in Argentina, yet have never come across it until now. After repeated listens I was curious to get a South American’s perspective on the song’s meaning. Keep in mind that in Argentina there exists a multitude of experiences depending on where one is born, as outside of Buenos Aires, poverty is very real, and hardship a way of life.

Here is what I gathered from my conversation with an Argentine friend:

Many Argentine people work long hours, and make little money; their fridges may be empty but that would never deter them from welcoming a stranger into their home with open arms and treating him or her like family. The warmth displayed by South Americans is quite unique, and their hearts are as expansive as their diverse and wide geography.

By living in Buenos Aires I have begun to value how important living in the moment is, but it goes further than that. A South American hopes. They hope that one day they will see a better day. They hope that one day they will find comfort and escape economic volatility. They hope for equality.

Compared to North American standards, an Argentine, from my experiences, will feed you before he feeds himself. Thanks to living in Argentina I have learned what love really is.

Despite the hardships in South America, there is hope, but most importantly, there is so much kindness.

Jun 12

BA street art
5 Comments

Some observations from Argentina

BA street art

I snapped this photograph of just completed street art on Sunday

There is nothing more enlightening and eye-opening than living in another country for an extended period of time, especially in one that is developing economically, or not.

In 2010 I went to Africa for two weeks, but not even that experience prepared me for life in Argentina. The warmth of Argentines is drastically different from the attitudes of the Canadians I know, and it has been a welcome change.

I was at a party a while back and introduced myself to a few of the expats in attendance when they confided in me that Canadians don’t usually stay too long in Argentina, because they can’t adjust to disorganization. My intention when moving to Argentina was never to live here full-time, but to embrace the culture. If I was duly impressed, I might have taken up long-term residence.

I love Argentina for many reasons. For starters most South Americans do not have to be entertained in the same fashion that North Americans have to. They rarely get bored, and they are a calm, relaxed people who put family and friends above all else. I enjoy that quality, and I hope to take these lessons with me when I return to Toronto. I have learned that I am overly concerned with keeping busy, and filling my days with activities. I don’t know where I developed this trait, because I wasn’t this way ten years ago, I’m sure.

However, wanting to remain busy is not such a bad thing, and it keeps people active which I fully endorse. Maybe what I can take home is a little moderation from both perspectives.

I’m saddened to learn that Argentina is not without its many flaws. The government is corrupted, and this is true not just in Argentina, but most of South America. The locals have learned to tolerate it and that’s where much of their patience comes from. Their politicians routinely lie to them, and they know it, but it’s generational corruption, and most of it has trickled down into every facet of Argentine life. It’s within their culture, and you’ll be hard pressed to find an Argentine who does not believe that all the rules must apply to everyone else but him/her. That’s how their government works, and that’s how they work.

The Argentine government restricts almost everything. Strict import laws are maddening. The reason given is to protect Argentine industries. That’s why as an expat you’ll find most Argentine people ask that while you’re home visiting your family for Christmas, if you can return with iPods, and the like, because they simply can’t get them in Argentina without paying astronomical fees. That doesn’t stop government officials though from procuring these products; these rules do not apply to them, even though they’re the policy makers.

The president of Argentina labels herself a socialist, but she’s a millionaire with homes all over Argentina and a wardrobe said to rival Eva Perón. The latter grievance Argentines brush off because they believe everyone should look good, but they fail to recognize alarming mixed-messages that arise from this kind of double standard. Cristina wants Argentines to live in a socialist state, but she obviously does not want to adhere to the laws and provisions that she demands of her populus. It’s maddening to this freedom loving Canadian.

Simple tasks take ions to complete in Argentina. The pervasive thought is that red-tape, bureaucracy and arbitrary, yet unorganized and ill-planned rules and regulations make everything appear more official. But when I have to wait in three lines just to  buy a pair of scissors, you haven’t convinced me. In the end these rules are put in place for optics, but even that they can’t do well because they never see long-term.

I have had man conversations with South Americans about this, and I look towards developed nations like Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., most northern European countries like Norway as an example of best practices that their governments can implement to make effective and positive change. Many times I will hear the excuse that the reason things are so disorderly in Buenos Aires, is because of the high population. But NYC and London are cities of almost 10 million people and they manage to make things work. Surely there are lessons that the Argentine government can learn from these places.

There are two reasons that I can think of as to why there is no improvement here. The first is cultural, and as I stated earlier, the people of Argentina are just as guilty about this as the officials that they elect. The second is that Argentina is not as democratic as other countries, and politicians hold an unusual and concerning level of power that allows them to make schizophrenic and eyebrow-raising legislation that requires little consensus to become law.

Laws change over night, government subsidies are taken away with only an hours notice, and workers strike for the mildest of grievances. Protesters take their demonstrations to Plaza de Mayo where they’re ignored; but they try, however hopeless their efforts are.

These are just theories, I don’t know if I’m even close to hitting the nail on the head.

One other concerning element of Argentine life that I’ve noticed while living here is an unhealthy obsessions with appearances, especially among women. Plastic surgery is covered under almost every medical insurance program, and anorexia is a real problem. When I was teaching English at International House I was shocked by how often my female students spoke about image, and how important it was to look good. If we somehow discussed movies, or singers, the conversation always veered towards how ugly or fat an actress or singer was.

Granted these problems exist globally, and our demands on women to meet social guidelines on appearance definitely contribute to their body image problems, not just in Argentina, but in Canada and other countries too.

Also, Argentines work a ridiculous number of hours. A typical work day is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with many working until 7 p.m. They do not return home until after 8 p.m. eat extremely late, usually at 11 p.m. and make very little money. The quality of life is almost non-existent. They sleep very little, and that’s why on Sundays Argentina is dead to the world, because the majority of people are catching up on much-needed rest.

Conversely, what I find refreshing about this is that porteños try very hard to enjoy their free time, and restaurants and bars are packed with people every day of the week. However, there is a lack of energy from what I’m used to in Toronto. I use the word boring, but I know that’s not fair; however there is something so subdued about their demeanour that makes them almost unexciting.

Finally, I think that Argentine men are overly arrogant. If they have a thought, everyone must listen, even though their opinions are pretty basic. It’s not a good template for young boys to work from when their fathers think that everything they believe is valuable just because they happen to have a penis between their legs. Even gay men are overly concerned with being masculine, and look down on more effeminate gay men.

Couples are overly affectionate in public, and they each profess how much they love each other to anyone who will listen. It all means very little when they have a new boyfriend the following week.

I don’t mean to report that Canada is perfect. It’s not. But it’s my home and the place where I spent most of my life. I am proud of the efforts that Canadians make towards peace, and our universal health care and social systems that help those less fortunate with a chance to enjoy a society with a more equal distribution of wealth.

With 50% of Argentines living in poverty, and with Cristina securing their votes by giving them government money she simply can’t afford, I’m often left shaking my head in amazement that Argentina has been able to survive for as long as it has.

May 9

Bridgepoint Health

Bridgepoint Health

Bridgepoint Health

Bridgepoint Health is located on the Don River, and is visible in the distance

For two years I worked in the corporate communications and community relations department at Bridgepoint Health, a complex chronic disease rehabilitation hospital that has been serving the Riverdale community of Toronto for 150 years. It was my first job out of school and it taught me a lot about how unfair life can be.

I believe strongly in the mission and vision of the hospital, but had less faith in the executives who ran it. There was a never-ending rotating door of employees, and I knew that loyalty wasn’t enough to sustain long-term employment. I saw a lot of good people walk out with severances, and a lot of bad people stay and spread their toxicity, eventually evaporating any remaining morale.

But I digress. For those of you unfamiliar, chronic disease is something that is not curable, but that a person can live with for a long time. Examples include, HIV, diabetes, arthritis, etc. The word complex is added because many people are now living with two or more of these type of diseases, complicating treatment. Bridgepoint focuses a lot on prevention, as does the Canadian health care system. The life expectancy of Canadians is 83 years.

During my employment, Bridgepoint was heavily promoting redevelopment; ten years ago it was granted multi-million dollar public funding to build a new hospital, as the existing one was no longer meeting the needs of the changing patient population. Bridgepoint used to be known as Riverdale Hospital because that is the name of the community where it’s located, and for years, it only served that area. Unfortunately, because of its palliative care unit, Riverdale Hospital was known in Toronto as a place where people went to die, which gave it a bad reputation, obviously. Back in the 90s former conservative premier Mike Harris proposed closing the hospital but his efforts failed, and eventually Riverdale Hospital rebranded itself as Bridgepoint Health and extended its service beyond its community.

The redevelopment of the hospital was proposed back in the 80s, but politics and a campaign to stop the destruction of the current building, delayed the project for over 20 years.

These photographs that I took this morning show that the exterior is now complete, and by this time next year it will be fully operational. It’s been a long time coming, and finally the people of Toronto will have a state-of-the-art hospital to meet their changing health care needs.

For more information please visit Bridgepoint Health‘s website.

Bridgepoint Health

People dislike the rebranded name, and still refer to it as Riverdale Hosptial

Bridgepoint Health

It’s an impressive sight and I’m pleased with how it’s turned out

Bridgepoint Health

Standing proud, as it watches over Riverdale Park

Bridgepoint Health

The sun rises over the new hospital

May 8

7 Comments

Devastating account of loss and intolerance

I’m not going to write much about this, because I think you need to watch the whole video. Then share it with anyone you can.

May 5

Rob Ford is an embarrassing mayor

Rob Ford is the worst Toronto mayor in history. I can’t believe there are people in this city who defend his consistent immature, illogical and irrational actions. During one city council meeting he refuses to speak with Paula Fletcher because she’s a “socialist.” I don’t know how this man was elected. Here is evidence of what a despicable human being Rob Ford is.

1. He yells and pouts in council until he gets his way,
2. He dismisses the process when he doesn’t win the vote,
3. He lied about being drunk at a Leafs game, screaming at an out-of-town couple and asking the wife if she wanted to get raped,
4. He lied about getting busted for pot possession and his DUI,
5. He overreacted and verbally threatened a journalist who was investigating why the mayor wanted to purchase a portion of a public park behind his house,
6. For two years straight he has refused to participate in any facet of the Pride parade,
7. He launched a reelection campaign with 2.5 years left in his term,
8. He promised to campaign against the Liberal party in Kitchener-Waterloo, when he should be worrying about what’s happening in the city he is supposed to be running,
9. He has alienated his allies on council and refuses to work towards building consensus,
10. He lied about the “gravy train”,
11. He has a complete disregard for libraries and bike lanes and other vital elements that make a world class city,
12. He has both an alcohol and anger problem.

He’s had more than enough time to prove himself, and has failed at every turn. These videos further prove what an immature, pompous, ignorant and arrogant person he is. No one should be as proud of their stupidity as Rob Ford is. I suppose he is taking a page from Sarah Palin’s book. I’m sorry for infusing this post with my bias against Rob Ford and fighting fire with fire, but I can’t take anymore of this guy.

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