Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer
Helpful Village logo
Donate Now
Add me to your mailing list
Youtube channel Facebook page
Header image for Pasadena Village showing nearby mountains and the logo of the Pasadena Village

Blog archive

June 2023

May 2023

One Villager's Story
05/31/2023

Pasadena Area Literary Arts Center
05/31/2023

Pasadena Village Responds to Rainbow Flag Burning at Pasadena Buddhist Temple
05/31/2023

Plan Ahead - And Be Prepared
05/31/2023

Tuesday, May 23 Pasadena Celebrated Older Americans
05/31/2023

Rumor of Humor #15
05/28/2023

Reparations, Social Justice Activity
05/24/2023

Rumor of Humor #14
05/19/2023

Rumor of Humor #13
05/12/2023

Issue #12
05/09/2023

Science Monday - Review of Meeting on April 10, 2023
05/09/2023

Conversations Re African American Artists Before 1920
05/08/2023

Beyond the Village – Suzi and Phil Hoge
05/01/2023

Congratulations Wayne April! Honored at UNH
05/01/2023

Table Topics
05/01/2023

Volunteer Appreciation at the Village
05/01/2023

“ACCIDENTAL HOST—The Story of Rat Lungworm Disease”
05/01/2023

April 2023

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023

Who Controls Our History Controls Our Future

By Blog Master
Posted: 07/25/2021
Tags:

Special thanks to Sharon Jarrett

The meeting began with a reflection which employed the statement “He who controls

the past controls the future”.


The group focused on the concept that “traditional”; historical narratives were being

revealed to not, in fact, reflect history as revealed in primary source materials,

contemporaneous reporting and oral history. Many participants reported finding this

emerging knowledge to be unsettling and disturbing.


Many examples were provided by the participants of historical matters they were

unaware of such as the role of African American women in the suffrage movement, the

Tulsa Massacre, the Mt Meadow massacre, and the new information on the events of

the Alamo.  The fact that these events are being revealed to be very different from the

history taught in the past led to a brief discussion of the myth of history rather than fact

of history.  Several participants reported feeling this was endangering the country.


One participant noted that beyond the facts not being taught, current education did not

teach students how to judge facts and sources, make judgements or ask questions. 

Students are not taught the skills to be a critical thinker.


The group next reflected on the appropriateness of having varied laws on voting among

the states.   The question was raised about the federal level determining how voting

proceeded.  No conclusions were reached.


One participant suggested familiarizing ourselves with the work of Marshall Rosenberg

in the book “Compassionate Communication”.  The author outlines a process for

discussion including:


  •  observing the behavior of those you are engaged with
  •  identifying your feelings about this behavior
  •  stating your needs 
  •  respectfully requesting changes in behavior


Starting conversations locally using these processes was discussed.  Included was the

suggestion that using elements of the sharing economy can be an open way to begin. 


One participant shared how her neighbors changed when she placed a mini lending

library in her yard, then began sharing vegetables from her garden and eggs from her

hens.  An environment of trust was established and a willingness to be open to

discussion.


The meeting concluded with another thought for reflection...appreciate others and care

for yourself.


The next meeting is scheduled for August 20th at 12 PM PST.


The regular meeting scheduled for the first Friday of the month, August 6th, has been

canceled due to other personal commitments of the moderator. We hope to see everyone

again on the third Friday.


Blogs Topics Posts about this Topic