My final entry to my class for the semester...
I’m always reading. Whether for class or enjoyment, I bury myself in books. Maybe I don’t lead an interesting life. But I love big books and I cannot lie… Well anyways, I was reading through some HIV related material the other night when I found something that was in its own way related to our class, more specifically to our folks who presented on Santeria last week. I’m fascinated by this belief system in how Africans who were sold into slavery brought their beliefs with them to the Americas and found a way to incorporate their beliefs alongside the beliefs of their masters / tormenters. The symbolism changed but it was still very much their own and of their own making. It was something they could hold onto, something from their own heritage. Santeria lives on. I’ve seen some of their altars; specifically I have a good friend who at the time had a beautiful altar in his home. Offerings of food and liquor, cigars and candles and so much imagery, some much implied meaning. It was somewhat overwhelming, but my friend was patient in explaining the particular Orishas and their functions and duties. There are many Orishas, but in the end I think my favorite is Eleggua. A couple of years ago I visited a botanica in Washington DC and found his image there. So he now sits in my home and guards the way for me.
Again I digress; I was reading this weekend and came upon some material related to HIV involving the Orisha – Babalu Aye. He was originally associated with being Lord of Smallpox. In times past, persons afflicted with smallpox would pray to him for healing. Well, as we all know, smallpox is a thing of the past, but what was interesting to me is that Babalu Aye is now sought after by worshippers who are looking to be healed from HIV/AIDS. Prayers and offerings are offered to him in the hopes of healing. Times change and so do the functions of various deities. In this way, he remains relevant and up to date.
It's been a great semester. I may have said this before, but it bears repeating, I think sometimes I as instructor of this class learn more than perhaps you students do. It's obvious that I enjoy the subject material, and I am constantly reworking and tooling it to fit the needs of the class. I learn more in this process. I learn from our guest speakers each and every time they present, there's always something new and unique that they share when they present. And then there's you.... yup you got that right. The journaling is a two way process, you reflect on life and activities and articles and I get to review and get a glimpse of how you process information and how you see life. I hope you are challenged by the class and from our interactions, I certainly know that I learn from you and as I see life as more or less a subjective experience, I am fortunate to be able to view your worldviews and life experiences and add them to my own. I truly believe that communication changes things, broadens our perspectives and ultimately at times calls into question our own assumptions and "certainties." I think I'm better for this process.
I've enjoyed our interactions. I hope you come away from the class with some additional perspective and understanding of what it is like to be "Other" and some skills to make others feel more welcome and a part of things.
Best wishes to you in your academic and personal lives.
Namaste’ (THAT which resides inside of me recognizes THAT which resides within you)
Roger
I’m always reading. Whether for class or enjoyment, I bury myself in books. Maybe I don’t lead an interesting life. But I love big books and I cannot lie… Well anyways, I was reading through some HIV related material the other night when I found something that was in its own way related to our class, more specifically to our folks who presented on Santeria last week. I’m fascinated by this belief system in how Africans who were sold into slavery brought their beliefs with them to the Americas and found a way to incorporate their beliefs alongside the beliefs of their masters / tormenters. The symbolism changed but it was still very much their own and of their own making. It was something they could hold onto, something from their own heritage. Santeria lives on. I’ve seen some of their altars; specifically I have a good friend who at the time had a beautiful altar in his home. Offerings of food and liquor, cigars and candles and so much imagery, some much implied meaning. It was somewhat overwhelming, but my friend was patient in explaining the particular Orishas and their functions and duties. There are many Orishas, but in the end I think my favorite is Eleggua. A couple of years ago I visited a botanica in Washington DC and found his image there. So he now sits in my home and guards the way for me.
Again I digress; I was reading this weekend and came upon some material related to HIV involving the Orisha – Babalu Aye. He was originally associated with being Lord of Smallpox. In times past, persons afflicted with smallpox would pray to him for healing. Well, as we all know, smallpox is a thing of the past, but what was interesting to me is that Babalu Aye is now sought after by worshippers who are looking to be healed from HIV/AIDS. Prayers and offerings are offered to him in the hopes of healing. Times change and so do the functions of various deities. In this way, he remains relevant and up to date.
It's been a great semester. I may have said this before, but it bears repeating, I think sometimes I as instructor of this class learn more than perhaps you students do. It's obvious that I enjoy the subject material, and I am constantly reworking and tooling it to fit the needs of the class. I learn more in this process. I learn from our guest speakers each and every time they present, there's always something new and unique that they share when they present. And then there's you.... yup you got that right. The journaling is a two way process, you reflect on life and activities and articles and I get to review and get a glimpse of how you process information and how you see life. I hope you are challenged by the class and from our interactions, I certainly know that I learn from you and as I see life as more or less a subjective experience, I am fortunate to be able to view your worldviews and life experiences and add them to my own. I truly believe that communication changes things, broadens our perspectives and ultimately at times calls into question our own assumptions and "certainties." I think I'm better for this process.
I've enjoyed our interactions. I hope you come away from the class with some additional perspective and understanding of what it is like to be "Other" and some skills to make others feel more welcome and a part of things.
Best wishes to you in your academic and personal lives.
Namaste’ (THAT which resides inside of me recognizes THAT which resides within you)
Roger
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