culture – kimi blog

2016011720160117

Ultra-Rich ‘Philanthrocapitalist’ Class Undermining Global Democracy: Report

As foundations and wealthy individuals funnel money into global development, what “solutions” are they pursuing?

Bill & Melinda Gates — Melinda and Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2009. (Photo: World Economic Forum/flickr/cc)

From Warren Buffett to Bill Gates, it is no secret that the ultra-rich philanthropist class has an over-sized influence in shaping global politics and policies.

And a study (pdf) just out from the Global Policy Forum, an international watchdog group, makes the case that powerful philanthropic foundations—under the control of wealthy individuals—are actively undermining governments and inappropriately setting the agenda for international bodies like the United Nations. read more

20160114

A very well delivered lesson about who the real immigrants are

photoEscudo_Tianguis_de_Tlacolula_Tlacolula_Header-830x379 — Woman selling produce in Juarez Market in Oaxaca, Mexico. Image courtesy of Visit Mexico.
Read more: http://thepointsguy.com/2015/12/visit-these-small-towns-in-mexico/#ixzz3xFD3kiQX

I was on my way to a gathering with a friend, but before we arrived there, I pulled over to the side of the road where a woman and her daughter were selling cherries.

I wasn’t craving cherries much, but I just wanted to support my people.

“Hold on, I’m gonna’ go get me some cherries.” I said to my friend, and then approached the cherry-stand, and in Spanish said to the woman, “4 Crates, please.”

The woman looked down to face her daughter, which was when I realized that the woman didn’t speak Spanish, so her daughter was her translator. read more

20150831

10 ways well-meaning white teachers bring racism into schools

cultural sensitivity components — Photo credit: uvm.edu

I’m blown away by this great list of 10 ways well-meaning white teachers bring racism into schools. Number 2 is my favorite:

2. Being ‘Race Neutral’ Rather than Culturally Responsive

In my work with teachers, I sometimes meet teachers who claim that they “don’t see Color,” both in naïve attempts to be “progressive” but also in an ill-advised attempt to avoid tracking students based on race/ethnicity.

But our students don’t need a “race neutral” approach to their education. read more

2013050720221207

Whale Rider is so worth watching

Whale Rider is a lovely story of a native New Zealand girl coming of age in a dichotomized society in which the role of native women is being redefined. It’s a beautiful and exciting story, and the girl both rides a whale and is transformed by the experience … This is a movie you will find enchanting, mystical and thought-provoking.