The wisdom of Daedalus.

Arguments du jour, a sampling (part 6 of 67).

I got into a big argument with our 6-year old, who was irate after I designed a word search of different countries, and he was stumped on one. The clue I provided was that it’s not part of a continent.

When he finally figured it out - Greenland - he was displeased:

“You told me it wasn’t part of Europe!”

“It’s not physically connected to the continent,” I explained.

“Daddy!” he stage whispered, “Greenland is partly controlled by Denmark, and Denmark is part of Europe, you know?!”

I hung my head, and vowed to continue learning. Technically, there are ways in which we’re both correct.

Icarus.

Is there a version of humanity where would choose, collectively, to use our knowledge and techno-achievements to benefit…all? Or is it in our default nature to perpetually devolve to a proto-fascist, faux-egalitarian pragmatism?

Language, pt 1.

We like to use words such as “strong-willed” and “free-spirited” to describe our own children.

We like to use words like “disobedient” and “obstinate” to describe other people’s children.

Language, pt 2.

We never use words like “tourist” or “meddling” in referring to ourselves. When we interfere in other peoples’ lives, or other countries, it’s always for a good and necessary and motivated reason. Others meddle.

Not us.

Language, pt 3.

So many words have been meaning-inflated. “Awesome” used to mean majestic, extraordinary, towering. Now, it’s a casual, flippant one-off used to avoid the brainwork it takes to specifically and vividly describe what we appreciate.

Not Eve.

There’s a boy walking around with a “Trump 2024” piece of “currency,” e.g. fake money with Dear Leader’s visage. He’s soliciting bids to sell it, in the in-class “store” at which students can sell or barter art, curiosities, or collectibles for in-class currency. “Will you pay me $10 for this?” he asks with a big grin, to other 3rd and 4th graders.

I restrain myself from telling him I’ll take it off his hands if he pays me. Then into the trash heap it would go, or better yet, in direct contradiction of the values represented by Dear Leader’s Administration, into the recycling bin, to someday find a better life in paper form.

But no, I say nothing, and it’s so hard anymore to know when to say nothing and when to say something.

Language, pt 4.

I think “spellbound” might be one of the greatest compliments a speaker, teacher, preacher, filmmaker, artist, or human could be given:

…to be the catalyst for spellbound is to have the total attention of an audience voluntarily…

…that is a magnificent thing.

Speaking of meaning.

Certain dates are forever woven into our national or global consciousness.

Sometimes to remember what is beautiful.
Sometimes to remember what is horrific,

and with the latter, in the act of remembrance, to take actionable steps to prevent those events from ever happening again.

January 6, 2021. A day of infamy for America, for the rule of law, for democratic ideals.

A prayer, hope, mantra: may we develop the courage to connect with others, the boldness to speak up when it’s difficult, and the wisdom to discern when to talk and when to listen.

Even when we do not speak, however…we can always observe, learn, seek to understand, and…document.

Fascism, authoritarianism, and bullies do not like journalists or those who document, in real time, what is happening. Because it is a contradiction to the tale they want to tell in the future that contradicts reality.