Curiosity

  
     Some claim curiosity kills the cat, but perhaps it actually helps to understand surroundings, broaden territory, procure food, and increase survival.  Curiosity helps everyone learn, go beyond artificial limits of tradition, and understand the world, nature, and other people.
     Curiosity also guides us toward better communication.  When we have a genuine curiosity about each other, we can share our joys and sorrows, help create solutions to problems, and feel a real connection to each other.   We discover our commonalities and differences.  We  make a friend.
     We also need to be curious about ourselves, why we think and behave the way we do, why we limit ourselves and wish to limit others.  Sometimes learning is forced upon us at school and on the job.  Other times, our curiosity can lead us to discovery and understanding.
 

Radicalized

 
      At the present time, this term describes someone who has been swayed or converted to an extreme section of a philosophy or religion, usually Islam, even though mainstream Muslims would disagree with these radical beliefs.  A  radicalized person may have been led to extreme beliefs through personal contact at home or abroad or through the internet.  They may participate in acts of violence, murder, and suicide.
     What we consider as radical can vary, but we usually don't recognize this type of thinking within our own belief systems.  Most of us consider our beliefs as reasonable and fairly ordinary.  When we place ourselves on either extreme of a controversial issue, our ideas may seem radical to many people, especially to the opposing view.  Liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, very religious or agnostic, your opposite may consider you radical.  The more you try to persuade others to your "extreme" views by using emotional appeals with promises of rewards, the more radical you appear.  You may feel you need to radicalize others in order to change their minds, get their votes, or save their souls.
     Better to try to understand others.  Encourage them to try to understand all points of view and to aim for compromise when necessary.  Instead of swaying others with emotion to convert them to your point of view, encourage them to use rational thinking and logic.  Being radicalized reduces the ability to think clearly and act wisely.
            

Too Quick To Judge

     Sometimes out of necessity, we have to make snap judgments for self preservation or self defense.  There may not be time to carefully consider how to react.  Other times, we may be too quick to judge; we may allow past experiences and prejudices to automatically form a first impression.  Emotional reactions of fear and anger can block logic.  We may not wait for evidence to give us the complete picture.
     At times, we can be blinded by our narrow perspective.  We more readily add to our preconceived opinions and side with people like us who agree with us. We can have negative feelings towards an individual or dislike a stereotype of a group of people. When cultures collide, we naturally favor our own.  The differences between us and them can become exaggerated.  We need to be wary of individuals who promote dislike of others in order to further their own ideas and ambitions.
     Seeing others as enemies can lead to cruel words and violent actions.  When we fear for our safety or feel powerless, we often seek help from others.  We may band together in neighborhoods, in political parties, and within our nation to preserve our lives.  We count on our police force, our military, our politicians, and our judicial system to make good decisions.  Although most members of these groups have good intentions, some do make mistakes, costly mistakes.  We need to carefully investigate the evidence and not make hasty judgments.  Don't be too quick to judge.
           

Algorithms

  
     Some words originally used in a narrow specific context often expand into everyday vocabulary.  In the past, the term algorithm was connected to the world of higher mathematics.  As math instruction and computer science has advanced, most young students become familiar with the term and concept of algorithm.  We now hear this term used frequently to refer to any step-by-step method for solving problems, creating processes, or accomplishing goals.
    I never studied advanced math and grew up before computers were household items.  I lack any technical knowledge of algorithms but have a fascination of how language develops.  We all can benefit, however, by forming a set of steps to solve problems and complete goals: algorithms.
     First analyze the problem or goal.  Think of ways to improve the situation, then implement and experiment with some of your possible solutions.  Design a set of logical steps.  As you work your way through your steps, analyze what works and what doesn't.  Continue to do what works; redesign what doesn't.
 

        

Shadows

      When something is between a light source and a surface, a shadow is produced.  If we think of light as being the truth, something may block our understanding and cause a shadow on our thinking.  Many obstacles block us from the light: ignorance, prejudice, and faulty reasoning, just to name three.  When we increase our knowledge, broaden our perspective, and truly use our heads, a greater amount of light will shine on our lives.
      People may intentionally or unintentionally block us from the truth. Their own ignorance or their desire to manipulate may cast a shadow on our judgement.  We may be the one casting a shadow on others.  Overconfidence in our own opinions and perpetuation of our faulty beliefs onto our children and acquaintances may cause generations to be blocked from reality.
     We may not want to be aware of the truth because it can be anywhere from uncomfortable to brutal.  The bright glare of the light may cause us to escape to the shade and shadows.  We may prefer living in unrealistic hopes and dreams.
      Temporary relief like the darkness of night may be necessary so we can deal with the daylight, but try to seek the truth even if it means coming out of the shadows.

Prayer

  
     Prayer calms and comforts, reduces stress and anger, improves self-control, directs focus, promotes forgiveness, gives a sense that someone is in control, and provides hope for solving problems.  When a group prays together, a sense of unity is promoted.  Prayer also gives a sense of accomplishment, doing something to help.
     Some believe prayer is a direct communication to a higher power who provides guidance, help, and miracles.  Some believe meditation can provide similar benefits of prayer without the religious connotations.
     Find quiet time to communicate with yourself.  Realize your own needs and be sensitive to the needs of others.  Keep your mind open to help from various sources.
 

What's in a name?

     If you are a man, your last name is your father's father's father's name and so on.   Your son(s) and his son(s), your grandson(s), will carry on that name.  Some fathers even give their sons their entire name with a Jr. added.  If you are a woman, you give up your (maiden) name the day you marry and take your husband's name which has no blood ties to yourself.
     The public often assumes a married woman has the same ethnicity as her husband.  Her accomplishments will be attributed to her husband's family.  Her children will assume the identity and ethnicity of their father and their accomplishments will go to that name.  Her son(s) will keep their father's name all their lives.  Her daughters will give up their (maiden) name and take their husband's name.  A woman's grandchildren and their accomplishments will never be attributed to their grandmother's family.  And so it goes down through history and into the future.
     This is a reflection of patriarchy.  The male name, identity, and power goes on.  In the past, the oldest son often inherited the wealth of the father.  Now, we usually try to treat sons and daughters equally with inheritances, but only the male keeps his name.
    Some couples use a hyphenated last name or give their children the mother's maiden name as their middle name, but this is only a temporary fix and gets complicated.  There is no law against a husband taking his wife's last name, but doing so is rare.  Most couples will continue in the traditional path.  They should be aware of what the woman is giving up.
     Perhaps the most realistic "solution" is to make your children aware of both sides of the family tree.  Their last name reflects only one of many, many family names.  They should take pride in being part of many families, many identities, and  many ethnicities.
     What's in a name especially a last name?  It represents only one of many names that go to make up you.