09Nov

The Diversifieds A publication of the EDRC at Grays Harbor College

Be sure to thank a veteran on November 11th!

Volume 2, Issue 2

November 2009

"Ragged Old Flag" By: John R. Cash I walked through a county courthouse square On a park bench, an old man was sittin' there.

I said, "Your old court house is kinda run down, He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town".

I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit, And that's a ragged old flag you got hangin' on it".

He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down, "Is this the first time you've been to our little town" I said, "I think it is" He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kinda proud of That Ragged Old Flag "You see, we got a little hole in that flag there, When Washington took it across the Delaware. and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it, writing "Say Can You See" It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson tugging at its seams. and It almost fell at the Alamo beside the Texas flag, But she waved on though.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville, And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on That Ragged Old Flag "On Flanders Field in World War I, She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun, She turned blood red in World War II She hung limp, and low, a time or two, She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. She waved from our ships upon the briny foam and now they've about quit wavin' back here at home in her own good land here She's been abused, She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused, And the government for which she stands Has been scandalized throughout out the land.

And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearin' thin, But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in.

Cause she's been through the fire before and i believe she can take a whole lot more.

"So we raise her up every morning And we bring her down slow every night, We don't let her touch the ground, And we fold her up right.

On second thought I *do* like to brag Cause I'm mighty proud of That Ragged Old Flag"

November is...

• National American Indian Heritage Month

Awareness Dates: Children’s Day: Panama

1

All Saints Day: Christian

1

Day of the Dead: Mexico

1

Victory in WWI observed: Italy

1

All Souls Day: Christian

2

Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday: Sikh Culture Day: Japan Ind. of Cuenca: Ecuador

2 3 3

General Election Day: U.S. Flag Day: Panama

3 4

National Unity Day: Russia

4

Constitution Day: Dominican R.

6

Commemoration Day: Tunisia

7

Remembrance Sunday: U.K.

8

Father’s Day: Finland

8

World Freedom Day: U.S.

9

Allama Iqbal Day: Pakistan

9

Independence Day: Poland

11

Rembrance Day: Belgium

11

Veterans Day: U.S.

11

Sun Yat‐sen’s Birthday; China

12

Birthday of Baha’u’llah: Baha’I

12

Seven, Five, Three Festival: Japan 15 Dutch Am.Heritage Day: U.S.

16

Independence Day: Latvia Independence Day: Morocco

18 18

The Diversifieds are a publication of the EDRC of Grays Harbor College. The mission of the EDRC is to promote awareness, respect, & equitable treatment of the diverse individuals and groups that exist within our campus and surrounding communities. The EDRC is open to all! Please come visit us in the 200 building.

The Diversifieds

A Diversified Perspective of the First Thanksgiving

Local History “Long before the first white settlers arrived, numerous coastal Indian tribes inhabited the region destined to become Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. In Grays Harbor County, the Chehalis tribe was by far the largest and most powerful. Other tribes in the area were the Hoquiam, Humptulips, Satsop, Quinault, and Wynooche. Of the tribes in the Pacific County area, the largest was the Chinooks, who inhabited the mouth of the Columbia River in what is now southwest Pacific County. Smaller tribes were the Wilapah, Nickomen, Wharhoots, Querquelins, Palus, Nemah, and Nasal—all of whom lived near the coast. The Indian population, though, was decimated by the 1850s because of outbreaks of smallpox, measles, and other diseases introduced by white explorers and settlers.”

“In July of 1775, non-Indians entered the area for the first time.”

Source: Grays Harbor & Pacific County Profile, April 2002

GHC Native American Student Association (NASA) President: Miki Cabell Vice President: Rebel Jordan Secretary: Katie Main Treasurer: Tanya Roberts Advisor: Mark Ramon Next Meetings: Tues., Nov. 3rd at both 9:00 am and 1:00 pm

Page 2

by Gail Morehouse

Most notably throughout the US, people consider Thanksgiving a day when family gathers to share a feast, in many homes to thank God, and express thanks for their bountiful blessings. I was also taught that the first community dinner was a combination of many things. Thanksgiving has always represented a harvest celebration. The first gathering was the enactment of the English and Dutch form of harvest fest with much assistance from local tribes.

The 3day festival included secular music and dance that was forbidden by the Puritans’ religion, so it was not a religious holiday. The local First Nation Peoples, the Pawtuxet, Wampanoag, and Nauset tribes (to name a few coastal tribes), were viewed by the Puritans as “savages” rather than people.

(Columbus thought the same thing in 1492 when he slaughtered the Taino in Puerto Rico and the Arawaks in Bermuda.)

Another group of Caucasian people who were not of royal blood or enjoyed the privileges of a high socioeconomic status, appreciated the local natives and bonded with them for protection. In keeping with the belief that in order to be blessed, one must be a giver, the Wampanoag were particularly giving and taught the newcomers how to grow indigenous crops and survive in their newly encamped terrain. Tisquantum, a well-known Pawtuxet, also befriended the Pilgrims. He had been kidnapped in 1605 and taken to England, but managed to escape and returned to New England. He was once again captured by Captain Hunt and sold into Spanish slavery; however, he escaped yet again and returned to this continent.

Many First Nations people died from various diseases such as typhoid and smallpox that sailed across the ocean, but Tiquantum remained with the Pilgrims who were artisans. He taught them when and how to plant and fertilize corn and other crops. He taught them how to catch the best fish in traps and many other survival skills. Tisquantum taught them how to navigate the waters.

He pointed out poisonous plants and showed how other plants could be used as medicines. Governor Bradford called Tisquantum "a special instrument sent of God," but his intentions were of evil. Indeed, the elitist Pilgrims were thankful for the plagues that wiped out so-called savage tribes to make room for their Puritan population.

The Native nations along the eastern seaboard practiced harvest feasts and ceremonies (and some continue these traditions). The Wampanoag feast, called Nikkomosachmiawene, or Grand Sachem's Council Feast, is marked by traditional food and games, telling of stories and legends, sacred ceremonies and councils on the affairs of the nation. It was because of this feast in 1621 that the Wampanoags had amassed the food to help the Pilgrims. Massasoit came with 90 men and brought five deer as well as other food. He also negotiated a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and Massasoit, head chief of the Wampanoags, that gave the Pilgrims everything and the Indians nothing. All this was celebrated at the First Thanksgiving.

Volume 2, Issue 2

Seven Five Three Festival:Japan

by Steven Nelson

On the 15th of November Japanese citizens celebrate an annual holiday for children known as shichigosan. Shichi, go, and san are Japanese words for three specific Japanese based numbers; shichi (7), go (5), san (3). You may have noticed that if you add up the numbers they all equal 15 and what you may have also noticed is that the numbers are all odd numbers. According to Japanese culture odd numbers are signs of good luck. The Japanese emphasis on uneven numbers is a product of Japan’s zen orientated culture which celebrates the uniqueness of art and symbolism.

SEVEN

The true spirit of shichigosan has nothing to do with death and spooks, unlike Halloween.

What shichigosan does celebrate is the odd numbers associated with children’s age. Notable features related to shichigosan are processions of gifts and candies, specifically, chitose ame known as the 1,000 years candy (millet jelly based treat) giving to ensure a joyfully and fruitful rite of passage for children. All preparations related to this event are to ensure the welfare and future happiness/luck of children that are of the ages 3, 5 and 7. Many children of these ages are dressed up for the shichigosan festival.

FIVE

Girls, always of ages 3 and 7, generally are dressed in their best outfits or a kimono. Boys ages 3, and always 5, will be dressed in similarly nice clothing or a hakama. The hakama is similar to the kimono as a type of formal wear. The festival is not too different from Sunday church gatherings that take place in European countries. However, children enjoy dressing up for this event usually because they know that sweets and gifts will be handed to them. I find this event to be very charming and there is a beauty in seeing such a large number of families gathered with their children.

THREE

The gathering proceeds to local Shinto shrines. The reason for entering the Shinto shrines during this festival concern the children. In hopes of bring their children good fortune families have their children of certain age blessed at local shrines. It is believed that prayers will ensure the happiness as well as luck for children that are growing into adulthood. Evil spirits attaching themselves to children of these ages are thought to exist. This may have been seen as a reason for blessings in the past, I believe, and even today such superstitions involving spirits exist.

We all have some idea of what may and may not strike us as a product of one’s perseverance or a chance of good fortune. Some people believe that luck is passed down by one or more gods, an example of this can be witnessed through Christian prayer. Luck can also be purchased in many places located in both Japan and the US. In Japan I have found a certain candy bar with a name similar to a word suggesting luck (kitto katsu) is believed to be lucky.

I believe, however, that shichigosan, reflects the desire for luck that we all crave. When it comes to children most of us would rather not leave the future to fate. This is why shichigosan is as closely woven to Japanese culture as Easter, or even Halloween is tied to American culture. If you think about it both shichigosan and Halloween share some likenesses. Both festivals involve candy and traditionally involve rites which ensured the protection of children from evil spirits. Perhaps Halloween too is a rite of passage as you may learn to face your fears in order to enjoy a truly successful Halloween and be blessed as the children in Japan are during shichigosan. In conclusion, I wish everyone many happy festivals no matter what kind of festival you celebrate this season.

World Freedom Day - United States In 2001, George W. Bush signed a proclamation dedicating November 9th as World Freedom Day in the United States. This proclamation states that on World Freedom Day… “We celebrate the new freedom in which much of the world lives today.” “...we also recognize that more than 2 billion people still live under authoritarian regimes.” “...we also honor those who, at this moment, fight for freedom half a world away.”

For the full text of the World Freedom Day Proclamation, visit http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/11/20011109-23.html

Page 3

Okay With Gay

Campus Happenings

by Michael Skinner It’s been my experience that the main reasons that people fear those of alternative sexual preferences have to do with three reasons. Fear and religious beliefs are contributing factors to the discrimination that is faced by individuals different from the norm.

Gay people are feared at times like it’s a contagious condition. This is sad, because some of the nicest, and most self-assured people I have been around are those who are comfortable with their sexuality being in the minority. Many distance themselves from a possible friend simply because they are different.

I’ve learned that even as a straight guy that everyone I come in contact with has something valuable to offer. I have a step-sister with an alternative preference who I greatly enjoy spending time with. I’ve yet to catch whatever others think she has.

Religion is another reason for the discrimination faced on a daily basis by those of same-sex preference. This is a challenge to me, because more people have been killed in the name of religion than for any other reason. The Crusades were perpetrated in the name of religion. World War II at its base had religious beliefs that the Jewish people needed to be eradicated. The attacks that happened on 9/11 were motivated by a hatred born of difference in religious beliefs. Most religions teach us not to hate, but only accept us if we conform to their belief systems. Most religions see homosexuality as wrong. I see a person’s orientation as their own business. I’m not the person to judge others because I am not perfect myself. As I stated previously – everyone has something to offer, whether the color of their skin, their educational level, and even their preference in gender is different than my own. I make the choice to be Okay with Gay based on that premise. Hopefully those of you who read this will at least consider what I’ve said.

For information about…

All Souls Day visit: http://www.churchyear.net/allsouls.html All Saint’s Day visit: http://www.churchyear.net/allsaints.html Day of the Dead visit: http://www.dayofthedead.com/

Fall Gala Art Show Opening Reception At Grays Harbor College Spellman Library Friday, November, 6 from 6‐8 PM

Champions of Dance At Grays Harbor College Bishop Center Monday, November, 9 from 7‐9 PM Adults $25 Seniors $22 Students and chil‐ dren and under $10

Veterans Day‐No Classes Wednesday, November, 11

Women’s Basketball Scrimmage vs. Portland CC

Saturday, November, 14 from 2‐4 PM

Advising Period November 16th –25th

Hamlet in the House At Grays Harbor College Bishop Center November 19th,20th, 21st, & 22nd from 7:30‐9:30: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors $5 Students

Women’s Basketball Scrimmage vs. PeninsulaCC

Saturday, November, 21 from 2‐4 PM

Thanksgiving Holiday‐No classes Thursday, November, 26 and Friday, No‐ vember, 27

Calling All Writers!

The Diversifieds are an extension of the GHC campus and our surrounding community. We would like to welcome and encourage students and staff to submit articles for publication in The Diversifieds. This is a monthly publication. Please contact Erin Frasier at efrasier@ghc.edu for next month’s topics and to submit articles, poems or artwork.

Equity & Diversity Resource Center

DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

360-538-4247

Committee Chair: Brian Shook

Room 219

The Diversifieds Staff: Beth Lavallee Erin Frasier

1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen, WA 98520 edrc@ghc.edu