"Encouraging genealogy is an effective method of combating racism. By understanding the diversity of one's own background, 'celebrating,' or at least respecting, the diversity of others becomes more likely.
"Genealogy can also be a spur to education. We will pay more attention to history and geography if our families are caught up in it. There is also the sobering thought that as we evaluate our ancestors we focus on what our descendants will think of us – if they can be bothered to find out."
-- British writer Harry Phibbs in an article in The Guardian
The comment about racism seems rather silly to me, but then I no longer live in the USA and alot of things of that sort seem silly to me.
Posted by: Israel Pickholtz | August 18, 2008 at 04:45 AM
... and yes I know the Guardian is not a US paper.
Posted by: Israel Pickholtz | August 18, 2008 at 04:48 AM
I found this to be in line with my findings, and understanding, on the oneness of humanity, not just as we learn our origins linearly, but with the technology and DNA discoveries confirming the spiritual truths of our relatedness. When we discover our own diversity and passages with the historical timelines, we also see our families connected to the world, literally and figuratively. As we learn how our own families crossed borders, continents, and oceans, or just crossed over traditions, and found love or connected with new cultures, we all have transcended the racisms, nationalisms and other fundamentalisms that still want to divide us. We are one Family. With a heritage of growing and changing ideas, religions, locales and dreams.
Posted by: Loretta Garcia | August 18, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Education is of utmost importance. Most Americans today are VERY weak on history and geography. If it isn't in People magazine, they have no idea what is going on or where. The ability to logically analyse today's issues is also missing. For example, look how many were surprised by Russian tanks and troops in Georgia. I wonder will they be surprised when China and Iran no longer accept the US dollar, but prefer the Euro?
Happy Dae.
http://www.ShoeStringGenealogy.com
Posted by: Dae Powell | August 18, 2008 at 05:08 PM