The Weight of Films: Black Panther

My roommate and I have a tradition of seeing superhero movies together. Last year we were really excited for Black Panther, and went and saw it opening weekend. We fell in love with the film. Together we explored the political theories behind the various character's views, and became absorbed in learning about the intention behind everything in the film: costumes, colors, fighting styles, ..... 

Personally, I also used the film as motivation for a reading challenge to read books by non-white-male authors. I read authors I had not read before and discovered some cool anthologies such as:

When Black Panther went to Netflix I was excited because it meant some of my family and friends who had not seen it in theaters had their chance. I knew some were not big superhero film fans but I felt that Black Panther was different enough they would enjoy it. I was wrong.

Person A: It was just another superhero film, not that original, too many battles, too many special effects, I was not impressed 

Person B: But we watched a different movie than she* did, we watched a superhero film, she* watched a history and cultural film

And I realized this was true. We had seen two different types of films and had two different reactions to those films. And I recognized that part of what made Black Panther amazing for so many was the truth it was "just another superhero film". But in most superhero films, POC are an afterthought, or find themselves in token roles, in Black Panther they were able to star.

I was reminded of this when I found out Black Panther was up for the Oscars. I am glad it was chosen to be the first superhero film nominated for best picture, I am glad that it opened peoples imaginations to new stories and new authors. And I know there are many out their who will not understand why because they see it as "just another superhero film". But I also recommit myself to keep doing the work of exploring and learning and working to better understanding the experience of others. And that is a pretty good call of action from a superhero film. Break a leg at the Oscars Black Panther.

*Referring to me Dreaming Ace

Legacy. What is a Legacy?

The question Legacy. What is a Legacy? from the musical Hamilton seems like a useful frame for this Martine Luther King Jr Day. So what is the Legacy of MLK Jr? 

How are you standing up for what matters? What justice issues are calling your heart and soul? 

• Issues surrounding our broken Immigration system? 
• The death of refugees in the US Government facilities? 
• The separation of families at the border?
• The Black Lives movement? 
• Police violence? 
• The school to prison pipeline? 
• Education in general? 
• The environment? 
• Issues of our Native Peoples? 
• LGBTQ Issues?
• Disability rights?
• ...

Have you been to jail for justice? I want to shake your hand

Cause sitting in and lyin' down are ways to take a stand

Have you sung a song for freedom? or marched that picket line?

Have you been to jail for justice? Then you're a friend of mine

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuwsjKvOIoQ)

And if the ever-growing list of areas that need justice is making you want to hide in bed you are not alone. One place you might find inspiration is the song "Have you been to Jail for Justice" which brainstorms some of the ways you can get up and take a stand for justice.

• Sit-ins and lie-ins
• Singing and marching
• Writing and speaking up
• Calling out our politicians 
• Running against those who don't hear justices call
• Going to jail for justice.
• Using our physical bodies to protect those in danger 
• ....

MLK Jr did all of these things and reminds us no matter who you are there is something you can do today or this week or this month for justice. Keep moving.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUZOKvYcx_o)

I believe that is the Legacy of MLK Jr, the path towards justice is long and rocky and cuts and scrapes and bruises you but we have to keep going, keep moving, otherwise we don't have a legacy at all. What will your legacy be?

Techniques for Change

New Years Resolutions: Something I enjoy and something that many others don't. This year I have found ways to modify lasts years resolutions to make them more doable. Through this process, I have learned a few techniques which are working for me.

1. Incorporate flexibility (The sweet spot):

I have found flexibility is key to creating a set of goals. This year many of my daily resolutions are set up as "Pick One" from a small list. Such as "Pick One": Complete a daily Spanish lesson or a lesson in the online class I am taking that month. I can always do both, with or without it being Christmas (Yes West Wing reference :) ) but only having to do one is more manageable and accomplishable.

2. Examing the Why behind my resolutions:

Last year I had a daily resolution to be creative because I thrive on creativity. I discovered that because it had been a daily resolution I found the quickest/easiest way to check it off each day and while I was doing creative things I was not actually being creative. This year I made being creative a weekly resolution instead and already have seen a difference. One week was a complex coloring page and this week was a watercolor project. Sometimes by examining the Why you find that your time scale was off.

3. Be fun with your organization

Fun is important. I created some worksheets for my daily/weekly/monthly resolutions and each day I use different colored pencils to color them in. (At one point I was thinking of getting tiny stickers like they use in classrooms but even the tiny ones were too big for my lines so I tried plan B) I also have a folder where I will place completed sheets etc so at the end of the year I will have an organized overview of 2019.

Going along with my goal of 2019: A year of magic I decided to buy a journal instead of just using a composition notebook because it is more durable and more fun. The one I got is a "travel" notebook so has pictures and quotes about traveling. The cover looks like an old-time map and fits with the idea of finding magic.

The more fun it is to accomplish your resolutions the more likely I am to actually do it. I am excited about my resolutions this year and I hope you find resolutions which excite you too

A Year of Magic: 2019

Everyday pockets of sunlight filled magic
Birds chirping, snow melting, Home of Wee Folk
Home of fairies, of Magical Creatures, Maybe a God?
Breath in this timeless moment, breath it in
Everyday pockets of magic can be found by us all

Happy New Year, 2019 is here. In this period of resolutions (I have a few and these will come up in future posts) and intention setting for the year; I have committed to A Year of Magic. This is what happens when I see Mary Poppins Returns in the Theater and a DVD of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in close temporal proximity.

This year will be a year of magic in order to help me become big and bold and wild like the firebird's child that I am. (Here is a video of the song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9RV-Wgottw)

Intention setting can change how you see the world. Seeing the world through magic makes it .... well more magical. Last week I was walking in my neighborhood when I was able to capture the photo which began this post and inspired the opening poem. For me taking the time to notice and savor such things is clearly magic at work.

So as we all start 2019 I hope you have a magic and meaningful year. I hope you find something to be your gentle intention ... Maybe Magic or Simplicity or Savoring or Stories or Adventure or Creativity or Travel. There are so many self-loving ways to begin the new year pick what works for you.

Happy, Happy, Happy New Year and remember to always incorporate self-love into any resolution or intention.