all is vanity - look on my works but don't despair

It is sunny and clear and cold outside - and I am inside writing. Today is a poetry and philosophy kind of day. A clear and sunny and crisp thought kind of day. A day for seeing far away. Thinking about the coming season of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is an extended time of refection, of thinking, of quiet. Like early spring, a time when a lot is happening, but underground where it can't be seen. Thinking about what is real and good and necessary. For a lovely discussion about the value of Reality check this interview on Bill Moyers Journal (a program I highly recommend - interesting guests - thoughtful and thought provoking discussions). Parker Palmer interview But then I began to ponder Parker Palmer's words about how his life work can never be done, that we are mortal. What is a life's work worth? Percy Shelly had a pretty stark thought about that in his poem, Ozymandias,



A thought that echoed the words of another poet thousands of years earlier whose wisdom became part of the collected religious teachings of Judaism and Christianity. All is vanity... Then I went back to Bill Moyers' guest, who said, "we need to live in the tragic gap between what we know to be true and what is possible." Turns out the London Underground voice is not just a safety message. It may also be a voice of wisdom, "mind the gap".

K

Our tinted windows

A couple of weeks ago at a church meeting we discussed what our public response should be to Canadian involvement in the continuing war in Afghanistan. This is not an easy subject. It is especially difficult because we are far away and unable to get good information about the war. The conversation is also dependent on how the information about the war is given to us. This blog is meant to be my spin on media and messages and faith but today I want to empower each of you, my readers. As an exercise in awareness I encourage you to look at each of the resources below. As you read or watch each article keep the following key concepts of media literacy in mind. Fair warning, some of the clips contain poor language and violence. But then, "war is hell."

All media is constructed.
The media do not present simple reflections of external reality. Rather, they present carefully crafted constructions that reflect many decisions and result from many determining factors.
What is the image of reality that is constructed in each report?
What gets shown? What is not depicted?

Media contain ideological and value messages
All media products are advertising, in some sense, in that they proclaim values and ways of life..
What are the values that are held up as important or right in each one?

Audiences negotiate meaning in the media
Each of us will "negotiate" meaning according to individual factors: personal needs and anxieties, the pleasures or troubles of the day, racial and sexual attitudes, family and cultural background, and so forth.
What do you bring to the conversation? How do you feel about each report?

First a report from the CBC aired on the National Feb. 2. The video is long but the report is worth a look. View video here.

Below is a trailer for the movie that is discussed on the CBC. How is it similar or different from what you were expecting based on watching the CBC story?
At War Trailer


This next one is a non Western view of the war. Is there a difference in how the story is constructed? In the underlying world view? In how you respond?
Al Jazeera Interview


This is a fascinating look at the world view of the Taliban.
What assumptions are made about what the Taliban should know? What argument is the reporter trying to make?
Talking to the Taliban – Check out Part 5 View of the World

Last but not least a reminder that reality can change over time. The war in Afghanistan 1985.
What do you feel reading this article? How have the associations connected with the word "jihad" changed since this article was written? Why?

As people of faith, or people interested in faith, or people struggling with our faith, we also need to be people who think critically.

May you serve God with all you strength, all your heart, and all your mind.
Peace
K