Blog archive
March 2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Who Controls Our History Controls Our Future
By Blog MasterPosted: 07/25/2021
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.