Food for Thought

[vivicere]

Something to ponder and post on the other blog... maybe this too. I don't know, this is more like a personal reminder. Mostly prompted by me purchasing a pack of cigarettes yesterday... smoking three cigarettes... and now about to throw away the rest of the pack

Comments

[subtle_overlord]

I don't think there is anything wrong with whiteness. If you're talking in terms of oppression then there are enough examples in history of whites being oppressed, and so I think the term "white" should only be used in terms of skin color or culture rather than the oppressor.

While who is to blame is often debatable (though it's always more politically correct to blame it on "The Man") I think there lies the problem in it of itself. The minute you point the finger at somebody else (e.g. That nice man in the tobacco ad said I'd feel better about myself!) you immediately divert energy away from self-improvement and thus the cycle of suffering persists. Self-improvement and overcoming internal colonialism must be done by the individual (though the individual can seek help from others) to assume full responsibility, learning, and understanding. Not victimization.

We are not entitled to happy lives; we are only guaranteed its pursuit. It is only when we recognize this that Buddhism can help us.

[vivicere]

I agree and disagree though it's a much longer conversation than I'm willing to type.

So yeah, we haven't really hung out in a long time, if really ever, and we should because I enjoy conversation with you.

I think this would make for good conversation, haha, and yes, your last line regarding Buddhism is very in line with Buddhism.