I must say that I agree with all of the posts -- respect the source of
unique tools and don't take yourself too seriously seem to stand out for
me. I too never had heard about the deep history of the talking stick as
told by Ray and was deeply touched by the description. I have never felt
comfortable as Lilly also described, perhaps because it always has felt
forced and superficial to me.
But Dave made a point that we need new tools to help us learn and listen
and respect each other. Sad that this is an on-going dilemma. I
regularly work with people to help them understand HOW to listen to others
and am pleasantly surprized when a group does well -- it IS rare!
I had a thought that perhaps the outrage at the inept use of other's
ceremonies and tools causes outrage because people are floundering for
identity. Needing to keep some precious aspect of their history and
culture alive. We are so driven by history... Does it give us a sense of
who we are? Does it give us a sense of security? Does it provide us with
superiority? I ask that simply because the US is young compared with the
rest of the world and, when living abroad, had that pointed out to me many
times... I also have memories of my Grandfather, who was born in Lebanon,
telling me with great pride that our family lineage goes back to the Kings
of Kazan and the Phoenecians... History... Are we in some kind of wierd
circular time loop because our identities are so wrapped up in history?
You know the old saying... history repeats itself!
Sherri
sherri@maloufinc.com Tel:603-672-0355
LMA, Inc Fax:603-673-7120
--Sherri Malouf <sherri@maloufinc.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>