Small Is Beautiful

Shiraz Ramji [email protected] Canadian Culture (2017) Written for reflection by Shiraz Ramji (Pacifist, Educator,Gerontologist) C Canadian culture is contradictory, dynamic, but not homogeneous. Class, Age, Ability, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, and Spirituality defines Culture diversity, languages, and food habits. - Coffee, cow, pig, eggs, cereal, milk, yogurt, fruit for breakfast. - Cola, chocolate, pizza, burger, potatoes, sushi, or soup for lunch. - Coffee, chicken, fish, curry, rice, bread, or noodles for dinner. - Cars, Buses and Bicycles for shopping, work, school, leisure. - Consumerism and wastage is promoted by advertisements with coupons in print and electronic media. Bargain sales are popular. A Aboriginal multi-generational culture of social justice and peace with the participation of Elders provides a model of humanity and human relations. Aboriginal Circle represents egalitarianism. N Non-violent Green and Greedy Multiculturalism with multi-cultural programs for Global Justice and Global Greed. A All Canadians are covered by basic Education and Medicare. Life Expectancy is 60-80 years. Life Span for Humans is 120 years. D Democratic Political Elections every four years at federal, provincial and municipal levels to choose Green and Greedy politicians. However, only about 50% of the adults vote. Discrimination against any community is “not acceptable”. I Ice hockey, soccer, and basketball are female and male games. Internet and telephones are used by grandchildren to communicate with parents and grandparents. Face-to-Face communication occurs on Family Days and/or on Mothers day. Impressive Food Banks serving food every month to 750,000 men, women, and children – victims of greedy and grumpy. Impressive “Blue-Box” recycling programs while the rich continue producing junk mail and extra-thick newspapers without news. A Americans and Canadians share the capitalist culture of credit cards, corporate television, music, movies, clothing, fast-food, and gambling in casinos and stock markets. American and Canadians share the Politics of Divide and Rule with the Culture of Fear: People fear people, Communities fear communities, Neighbors fear neighbors, Spouses fear spouses, Parents fear children, Teachers fear parents, etc. Americans and Canadians share a common history of genocide, and slavery/holocausts of Aboriginal/Native and African people. N No tobacco smoking in public places including schools, buses, and trains. However, about 20% of teenagers smoke. S Shake hands, Hug, and Touch to express Peace on Family/Friends Days and Mothers/Fathers Days. - Smile when Happy and Smile when in Debt; - Smile for Peace, and Smile for Social Justice. - Smile, Swim, and Enjoy your Age, Gender, Race, Spirituality, …

1 Shiraz Ramji [email protected] Community is a School of Learners and School is a Community of Learners (2008) Draft written for reflection by Shiraz Ramji (Pacifist, Educator, Gerontologist)

School Community:

Students (5-18 years) Teachers (25-44 years) Teachers (45-64 years)

Community Community: 0-19 years 60- 79 years 20–39 years 80- 99 years 40-59 years 100-119 years