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Black bodies, black spaces

The recent verdict by an Ohio grand jury on the killing of 12-year old Tamir Rice is yet another indication that the rule of law is not very often upheld in courts in the United States. Tamir Rice is not the first unarmed black teenager to be shot in America and my fear everytime a black person is killed senselessly by cops is – Will this really be the last time?

There have been way too many Twitter hashtags acknowledging the deaths of African-American mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, fathers, sons, brothers and children. Way too many and there needs to be no more. The horror has to stop. This is part of what all those hashtags have been about. It is time for some waking up. Justice and equality is long overdue. Why should people even have to struggle for their inherent human right to equality, fairness and justice.

It is true that America occupies an infamous presence in conversations surrounding racial injustice (even in Hollywood movies, ever notice how the Black characters very often tend to die first?), however, the latter exists in Western nations around the world. A friend told me of another friend of hers who had mentioned that he has been stopped several times by police in Canada. As she was telling me that story, she paused and added – that’s probably because he is black and that is not good. Desmond Cole’s story on  the racial profiling that he has experienced in the hands of police officers in Canada, gained so much attention last year. Oh and let me not forget the condescending language and attitudes that sometimes surface from inhabitants of Western nations, at the mention of the word ‘Africa’ or any country in that continent.

There is a need for de-cleansing of minds, there is a need to face head-on and overcome, the stronghold of white supremacist thinking. I write “face head-on” because people say and do things without even realizing how racist what they just said or did is. Also, there seems to be that idea that because of how far Western nations have come in terms of formally recognizing the existence of different races, we should thus use sparingly the word – racist, in this 21st century. However, concealing issues doesn’t solve them.

From slavery and colonization till present day, there still seems to be something about black people and black spaces (eg. African countries) that spurs white supremacy into action and any kind of action from that sort of ideology of supremacy can hardly be good. We have seen white supremacy among police officers, civilians and in courts of law lead not only to embarrassment and injustice but also to untimely, painful and unwarranted deaths.

Racial injustice against blacks is pretty much a global problem. I do hope this article is a wake up call for those who need it. Enough is enough.

Love & peace,

Chiamaka

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2600 views in 2015. THANK YOU!!

Fireworks

Photo from: http://flinttown.com/event/4th-of-july-fireworks-friday-july-3rd/

Happy New Year everyone!!! I am really grateful to have you all as readers of this blog – Blurred Creations and I hope that 2016 brings you an abundance of joy, success and peace! I would like to inform you of the amount of attention this blog got in the year 2015. I received an Annual Report on the blog from the people at WordPress.com and the contents of the report are pleasing to my heart. Blurred Creations garnered 2600 views from 53 countries in the year 2015. The majority of these views came from Canada with the United States and Nigeria “not far behind”.

I am very committed to doing my part to raise awareness on attitudes and issues that rid our world of justice, equality and peace, so it means a lot to me that there are people like you all who can connect with the content of my posts and who certainly share my desire for a better world. THANK YOU for reading. Let’s make 2016 rock too! If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to, please CLICK HERE.
Love & peace,
Chiamaka
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Asserting, surviving and thriving

Assertiveness. This is one of the main attitudes amongst others that takes us from wishing and wanting for something to actually working towards obtaining that thing. Assertiveness takes us to the point of action. Something that can be observed from the works and stories of some of the greatest pioneers of social change in our world is that spirit of assertiveness. For these people, we can see that desire to strive for change regardless of threat, regardless of their financial or racial class in the society and so on.

The world is filled with many ethical issues and an abundance of violence. So, neither is it wrong nor beyond human nature to feel hopeless but do not drown in doubt. Take a stand on the kind of person you want to be in order to help make the world at least a little less harsh. Be assertive about the kind of change you wish to see in the world and work towards it. Remember that after all, it is our conscious or unconscious assertiveness to survive that keeps us standing in spite of life’s occasional heavy blows – in spite of pain, disappointment, rejection etc. That assertiveness to survive takes us from not just surviving  but also to thriving. So imagine how asserting to be part of creating a better world can make a positive difference because assertiveness leads to action. Our world thrives in different aspects because of people who did not ignore injustice but promoted love, peace, justice, fairness and equality.

It is not enough to just complain about injustice and war in our world. It is important that you be assertive on what you can do – in your school, at your place of worship, in your family etc – to promote social justice. Be assertive to be a part of creating a better society. Being assertive is hard, in general because we tend to lose focus, we tend to get discouraged. I often fail at this thing so a few months ago, I decided that I must have assertiveness as a mindset. I wanted to just be assertive with regard to my passions and desires, and fixing my mindset towards assertiveness has definitely made me bolder, more in control of the kinds of people I surround myself with and before I go way off track … it has made me more accepting of my passion for advocating for human rights in this beautiful but truly heartbreaking world.

On that note, I would like to hear from you in the comment section. In what way(s) are you working towards achieving social justice for your society/the world and how would you go about being assertive about this? Please share:)

I wish you and yours the best of this Christmas season and a Happy New Year!!

Love,

Chiamaka

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My Two Cents on Change and Human Rights for Nigeria

What does bringing change in the governance system of Nigeria mean if it does not include enforcing human rights? Simply nothing. Nigeria, as is the case of many developing countries, has been a hub of many human rights violations that often go under the bus. Jungle justice happens on the streets, speculations fly around of how much political leaders have squandered – just speculation, no sight or news of an official investigation) and 20 years after the unjust execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, an artwork to commemorate the anniversary of his death was seized by customs officials.

As someone who ran a campaign centred around “Change”, human rights recognition and respect must be at the top level of the agenda for President Buhari. For Nigeria, I do not see how development can really be attained when we have laws but they do not necessarily govern. For the poor in Nigeria, human rights violation is all too common for them. Their homes are the ones that get demolished when there is a so-called building/housing development agenda (see this). They are the ones that get mobbed and killed on the streets because of an allegation that a banana was stolen. Yet, there are many politicians who have not been able to give account to Nigerians on how they used the public purse but walk freely and are celebrated. Human rights is for everyone but in Nigeria, I especially see that the poor are vulnerable and seem invisible but yet are boldly exploited.

For Mr. President, I urge that he sees the urgency of the need for Nigeria to uphold human rights strictly and change with the times. For Nigeria, any promise to “Change” the system of governance must encompass upholding human rights for all, strictly. We are a country of laws, so therefore, the public should not feel like we live in a lawless society. Human rights also means that a people should not be duped of their resources. Recently, it was reported that the World Bank allegedly stated that the money Sani Abacha stole is too much for them to “handle”. For a country in dire financial need as Nigeria, I advise that President Buhari should not just focus on investigating the previous government of President Jonathan. Basically, retrieve as much of Nigeria’s stolen funds as you can for re-investment in our dwindling economy and this retrieval should be without restriction. It can go back to 50 years ago. So many people live in abject poverty in Nigeria, how then can restrictions be put on when and from who any stolen funds may be retrieved?

I was reading the ministerial list a few days ago and was impressed at the cultural diversity it encompasses. However, when I did see the group photo of the ministers with Mr. President, I spotted an issue. A gender imbalance which is disturbing for 2015. I would advise Mr. President to encourage and allow for more female participation in the political and public administration of Nigeria.

This is not an attack on the President but an advisory note to him. Like millions of others, I am eager to see a better Nigeria and a better Nigeria cannot be achieved without equality, fairness and justice.

Peace,

Chiamaka

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Thinking beyond your bounds

It is true that it is often hard to step out of your comfort zone or to step out of your personal reality into that of someone else but it is not impossible. We live in a world where many do not see beyond their racial or societal privilege and this is a problem.

In terms of racial privilege, every now and then, we see people that want to absolutely shut down claims that someone’s abuse or death was as a result of racism. Sometimes the stereotypes come out randomly and even innocently but are defended by – “It’s just a joke”, “I have a sense of humour”. To be born white in the world that we live in, is frankly to be born with a sort of privilege that many are rid of. Sadly. So, on occasions when I have heard white people make racist jokes about another ethnic group or culture and defend themselves with – “It is just a joke”, “I have a sense of humour”, I view such claims as baseless. Why don’t you just deal with the insensitivity of your joke? That thing that is a joke to you, well it a reason for someone else’s harsh reality in this world of a continuous oppression of the so-called ‘other’. Learn to think beyond your bounds.

Moving on to societal privilege …

In the same way that there are white people who do not recognize or acknowledge their white privilege, it is often common for persons (irrespective of their race) in developed countries mainly in the West, to look down on people in developing countries. The latter are usually seen as in need of empowerment, resources, in need of a different culture (remember colonization?). These are the general lenses that developing countries are viewed from and for this reason, almost every discussion on poverty, war, violence etc in Canada for example, must be linked to “developing countries” – even when this concept encompasses numerous countries, some of which in reality are not entirely defined by poverty, violence or a need for empowerment.

Privilege-thinking can blind your worldview. It affects the way you look at people and treat them – and in return, it will affect the way people treat you. The ability to think and learn beyond your bounds and have respect for all peoples is a critical element for creating a better world.

Here’s to love & respect,

Chiamaka

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The Common Ground of Fear

To each, their own definition and method of fostering justice, peace, equality etc. And it is true that with different conceptions of ways to continuously transform our societies for the better, there is a common ground. A common ground of fear. Having fear does not mean that there is an absence of courage. It just means that usually in the quest for change and a desire for a better society, there are those emotions, threats and doubts that transform into fear.

I do not always want to seem as the advocate in the room. I will be honest with you that I have overheard racial slurs and stereotypes and did not react. It is indeed true that one does not have to respond to every ignorant or evil statement. However, most times, my decision to not react is as result of fear. Usually, the fear of alienation and/or the fear of attack. Some of us can agree that stereotypes tend to come out when people feel comfortable with each other. So, in terms of fear of alienation, I may keep quiet or address the issue in a different way than I feel that I should because I do not want to have a fall out with someone who’s relationship with me, I cherish. In public, I am very less likely to react because I want to safeguard myself from harm or verbal abuse.

Sometimes, you may fear not mainly for yourself but for those that you cherish – family members, a spouse, friends etc. You may find yourself carefully selecting the approaches that you take towards social justice, for example, for the sake of the safety of your loved ones, especially if you do not reside in a democratic and free state. You could fear that benefits will be withdrawn from you and replaced with sanctions, if you decide to take a bold step towards what you think is the right move for your community.

It is okay to be afraid and again, the feeling of fear does not mean that you are no longer courageous. I think that fear sometimes is a guide. It can help us choose our battles wisely because in truth, we cannot react to everyone and everything. However, there is a difference between letting fear guide you and letting it rule you. Sometimes, it takes trying to see that our fears were just a figment of our imagination. It takes trying even while feeling afraid, to discover that people are ready to support your quest for a better society and that their influence and numbers are more than those of your detractors.

Love,

Chiamaka

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A beautiful yet marginalizing world

Living beings tend to have the ability to look up and look down, to move forward and move backward, to sit down and stand up. We can analyse the concept of our conscience in the same way. No matter the amount of riches that you have, you should be able to empathize with the hungry and those in need, and try to be a helper. Those without a disability should be able to imagine the hardships that come with having a disability and be kind to people with a disability. The point is that life shouldn’t be viewed from our own personal reality.

Here is an example: When people in positions of power embezzle money, it seems as though they are viewing life through their own reality. They have offered themselves to enslavement, under the dictatorship of power. They have not allowed themselves to be conscious of the plight of the young woman who wants to get an education but can’t afford it or the plight of the family who is going to lose a loved one to an illness because of poor hospital equipment – an issue that the money being embezzled could fix. These are examples but for many in different societies, a truth, a reality.

As human beings, we must tap into our conscience, we should make a bond with it and not abandon it. Life is not perfect for anyone – at some points in our lives, we all have struggles. I like that quote that advises us to be kind to one another because we all go through hard times. Whether you are poor, rich, disabled, marginalized etc., we all have something to offer one another. We all have the ability to empower one another. So, the fact that I have used the examples of the rich aiding those in need or that those without a disability should care for those with one or more disabilities, does not debunk that last sentence.

However, I see that we live in a beautiful yet marginalizing world. The poor are not always cared for and are often stigmatized. Disabled people in society are not always respected, some are bullied. There are many oppressions that people face in society because of their socioeconomic status, race, religion, level of education or disability. This is why we must all bond with our conscience, so that we do not become oblivious to the realities of people ins situations of need and we should strive to make extinct, systems that push people to the margins of society. I will leave you with these words by Jack Layton: “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world”.

Love,

Chiamaka

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Power, Potential and Social change

An interesting or even scary concept about leadership is how easily it can take turns – whether positive turns or shocking, disturbing ones. To people in the position of followership (as everyone is at some point in their lives), hope is what we hang on to as we are under leadership. The truth is that even when you are an avid supporter of someone and had a hand in getting that person into power, after he or she assumes leadership, hope is what you hold on to. This is because leadership can take turns. Someone who made impressive promises and seemed very compatible for a job, may turn out to be a poor performer. Or there may be systematic barriers that will slow the person down Or hopefully, the person could be the dynamo that you expected.

There are different angles that one may choose to analyze leadership from. However, leadership should be seen as a mandate to deliver, to make things better than before, to influence people positively, to produce solutions and to create future leaders. Leaders hold influence and as such, should be careful that their influence is being directed towards a greater good.

This week, the Pope’s visit to the United States was highly publicized. Social media was abuzz – news alert after news alert kept coming in. It was hardly impossible for me to not get caught up in the frenzy. I skimmed through the excerpts of the Pope’s speech to the US Congress and I was impressed. I could imagine the thousands or millions of Catholics in America and around the world who would have watched the Pope’s speech or read it with way more enthusiasm than I – and were being positively influenced. I considered Catholics lucky to have a leader that is seemingly open-minded and an advocate for the fair treatment of the marginalized and our environment. The events surrounding the Pope’s visit reinforced within me, the importance of using the fortune of influence for good.

In a world shaken by injustice, war and pain, we need leaders who are dedicated to using their role to lead people in the direction of unity, peace, success and care. We need leaders who can see above the powers they possess – to the potential that each individual possesses – and in this way, understands that people can be great contributors and changemakers when they are rightfully empowered. Picture the professor-student relationship: The professor has the leadership mandate in the classroom and imparts knowledge to people who have a potential to apply that knowledge in the near future, in service to others.

So, here’s to hoping for a world with leaders that are humbled to be in a position to guide and work with those they lead towards the path of greatness and social change.

Love & Peace,

Chiamaka

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Passions are no small things

Passions are no small things. Most of us are driven by these. They are the means to what we deem as our ambition. Passions can be very hard to fight – this is a good thing if the passions will lead us to something right and good but may be subject to reconsideration, if they will lead us to do bad things or to bad consequences. But I guess we all hope that the passions to greatness, to make a positive impact in someone’s life, in your community – turn out to be irresistible passions.

I appreciate that I have irresistible passions. Are there times that you wish you don’t dream too much, work as hard as you do? If yes, I know you are not alone. I definitely have had those moments but it is in those  moments that I see that some dreams or hopes are just too invaluable to let go of or even regret. It is in those moments of exhaustion – at all the strength you put in, at all the rejection you are receiving and at how those passions won’t let you go – that gratitude hits you.

Gratitude because you have a sense of your life purpose and the more it is irresistible to your attempts to make it vanish, it continues to be visible to you. Yes, our purpose guides us. I was 15 when I started my university education overseas in Canada. Being away from most of my family, I had to take on some new responsibilities and there were some that adults were shocked that I would be in control of. I remember when I was 14 or 15, I called my bank and they were worried that it is was a fraud and they had me do all these tests to confirm my identity – because of my age. Till this day, now that I am 18, when I go to the bank, cashiers cannot make a correlation between the person standing before them and the age on the account. I often find these events hilarious but there are times that I have felt a little bit saddened by them. Sometimes I wonder – Am I going too fast? Why do people find me to be “mature” for my age (even when it is a compliment)?

I have such dilemmas but it is in those dilemmas that I re-discover gratitude for the opportunity to start young and have a sense of maturity that continuously drives me to not only aspire but also, to work towards achievement. I hope that you would listen to your body and respond your passions. I hope that in those moments of frustration at all the setbacks and the weight of your goals, you will find gratitude and strength.

Love,

Chiamaka

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No More War

Sometimes when an issue arises, you take a step backwards and try to get to the root cause of why that happened – why a person behaved in a certain way, why a building collapsed etc. However, when people are risking their lives in all sorts of ways including taking the risk to swim through sea to migrate to a new country, there is no need to look too deeply. It is easy to deduce that only desperation will lead to such an issue, to such a measure.

In recent times, the stories of people fleeing their nation in some of the most dangerous ways in search of a calmer society – have become more and more common. It is heartbreaking. It makes some appreciate their own freedom and it is probably easy to put yourself in the shoes of people who have been so tormented that they have to risk their lives in search of freedom away from their own society.

The picture of a drowned Syrian child, Aylan Kurdi – just 3 years old – is the most recent reminder that our humanity requires that we lend a helping hand to those who are in desperate need of safety and freedom. In this world, we have only got each other so we must be our brothers and our sisters’ helper. At this time, so many Syrians need a helping hand, so many need someone to sponsor for them, a safe migration to a place where they can be free from the turbulence, scare and heartache of war.

Desperation is driving many of these refugees and for those of us who have freedom, let us in our own capacity, be desperate to help. If you can, please sponsor a family or brainstorm with people who can. Raise awareness on the refugee crisis that the world is facing. Many – Syrians and Africans alike are taking to dangerous measures to secure a better, freer future for themselves and their families. Many are not making it to the land their dreams. So please try in your own capacity to help stop this crisis, to stop the horror that people have to go through by swimming through a large body of water. No human being deserves to fight so hard for his/her freedom. Please put Syria in your prayers.

[TRIGGER WARNING: Disturbing photo] Here is an article that contains links to initiatives/organizations to which people can donate and calm the refugee crisis : http://www.today.com/parents/refugee-crisis-how-you-can-help-syrias-children-t42261

Peace & love,

Chiamaka

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