Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Poverty & Culture
I did not write this and do not know who the author is. This is taken from the Sept 2009 "Poverello News", the newsletter for Poverello House located in downtown Fresno.
Culture: the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought...the predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization---The Free Dictionary
Culture is a word that has many meanings, just two of which are cited above. Culture is something that is deeply ingrained in people. While many grow up and lose their religion, consciously change their habits, or strive to be different than their parents, they are often nevertheless haunted by the "socially transmitted behavior patterns" and the "predominating attitudes and behavior" that defined their childhoods. Yet, people are generally unable to see the profound effect culture plays in their lives. Seldom does anyone examine his or her cultural assumptions unless forced to by crisis.
Culturally transmitted attitudes toward poverty are also deeply ingrained and not prone to change, and there can be little doubt that poverty is one of the major issues that has shaped history. "Solutions" to poverty have been hypothesized and tired with varying rates of success and failure, often with tragic results. Whole nations have been convulsed, and millions have been uprooted or exterminated, in the quest to eliminate poverty.
Our own country has had an ongoing struggle to define and address the problem of poverty. In colonial and post-revolutionary times, treatment of the impoverished was harsh, based largely on the English Poor Laws, and dictated by the need for communities to survive. Unless disabled, anyone not making a working contribution to the commonweal was compelled to do so by shaming, physical punishment, or exile. In the nineteenth century, the flowering of the great charity movement in the US and Britain sought to treat the poor with the compassion and practical ways of helping. A national shift of populations to urban centers and mass immigration brought about a new, large-scale poverty. The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul society, the Rescue Mission movement, and various Jewish social services were among the many charities born out of concern for the urban poor.
The twentieth century brought about a seismic shift in attitudes toward helping the poor. Prior to this time, poverty was viewed as a cultural issue. That is, the poor were seen as victims of the "culture of poverty", a subculture within the larger culture. This subculture was believed to have different values and many vices, and the methods for ameliorating poverty entailed not only tangible aid, but also teaching poor individuals to assimilate the virtues of the larger society: hard work , thrift, sobriety, moderation, and Judeo-Christian morality.
The shift in the twentieth century was from culture to economics. Poverty came to be viewed as the result of economic inequities and class stratification that was oppressive, rather than a outgrowth of deep running cultural attitudes that predisposed people to destitution. Intervention, therefore, was to become a simple case of giving money or goods to the poor in the form of various welfare programs.
In many cases, class oppression undoubtedly took place. However, the new economic reformers tended to throw the cultural baby out with the bathwater. It is true that some people are so ruined that the will perish if a charity or government agency doesn't take care of them materially. Two examples of this would be someone who is homeless, disconnected, and severely mentally ill, or a child who is taken away from an abusive situation.
However, there are others who are capable of change, and need to be encouraged to embrace a different culture, one that supports virtue rather than dysfunction. Many today think of this as patronizing, saying that all cultures are equally valid. Common sense disputes this notion: can one say with a straight face that a neighborhood riddled with drug dealing, frightened families, rampant murder and widespread child abuse is "healthy"? Is it not obvious that a child who grows up in such an environment and absorbs its dysfunctions will be seriously hampered in pursuing meaning and happiness in his/her life?
Poverello House operates its services on many levels to accommodate many realities. We have a charitable, custodial function for people who will probably always be poor and homeless. Recognizing that these folks will continue to exist, we provide shelter, food, clothing, medical and shower services with no stringent requirements.
At another level, we also recognize that many can change if they alter their cultural presuppositions, such as learning to save money rather than impulse spending, or steadily working instead of relying on welfare or unemployment benefits. Our Village of Hope has minimum requirements for staying, and gently encourages, the occupants to give up damaging habits and find ways to provide for themselves.
Finally, the utter devastation of drug addiction requires a forceful approach. Our Resident Program seeks to replace the addiction culture's destructive values with the spiritual, positive values of the culture of recovery.
Although Poverello began as the charitable impulse of one man, it has grown into a mission that is truly multifaceted. Poverello is well known for feeding people; fewer realize that, in our small way, we are attempting cultural change.
Culture: the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought...the predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization---The Free Dictionary
Culture is a word that has many meanings, just two of which are cited above. Culture is something that is deeply ingrained in people. While many grow up and lose their religion, consciously change their habits, or strive to be different than their parents, they are often nevertheless haunted by the "socially transmitted behavior patterns" and the "predominating attitudes and behavior" that defined their childhoods. Yet, people are generally unable to see the profound effect culture plays in their lives. Seldom does anyone examine his or her cultural assumptions unless forced to by crisis.
Culturally transmitted attitudes toward poverty are also deeply ingrained and not prone to change, and there can be little doubt that poverty is one of the major issues that has shaped history. "Solutions" to poverty have been hypothesized and tired with varying rates of success and failure, often with tragic results. Whole nations have been convulsed, and millions have been uprooted or exterminated, in the quest to eliminate poverty.
Our own country has had an ongoing struggle to define and address the problem of poverty. In colonial and post-revolutionary times, treatment of the impoverished was harsh, based largely on the English Poor Laws, and dictated by the need for communities to survive. Unless disabled, anyone not making a working contribution to the commonweal was compelled to do so by shaming, physical punishment, or exile. In the nineteenth century, the flowering of the great charity movement in the US and Britain sought to treat the poor with the compassion and practical ways of helping. A national shift of populations to urban centers and mass immigration brought about a new, large-scale poverty. The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul society, the Rescue Mission movement, and various Jewish social services were among the many charities born out of concern for the urban poor.
The twentieth century brought about a seismic shift in attitudes toward helping the poor. Prior to this time, poverty was viewed as a cultural issue. That is, the poor were seen as victims of the "culture of poverty", a subculture within the larger culture. This subculture was believed to have different values and many vices, and the methods for ameliorating poverty entailed not only tangible aid, but also teaching poor individuals to assimilate the virtues of the larger society: hard work , thrift, sobriety, moderation, and Judeo-Christian morality.
The shift in the twentieth century was from culture to economics. Poverty came to be viewed as the result of economic inequities and class stratification that was oppressive, rather than a outgrowth of deep running cultural attitudes that predisposed people to destitution. Intervention, therefore, was to become a simple case of giving money or goods to the poor in the form of various welfare programs.
In many cases, class oppression undoubtedly took place. However, the new economic reformers tended to throw the cultural baby out with the bathwater. It is true that some people are so ruined that the will perish if a charity or government agency doesn't take care of them materially. Two examples of this would be someone who is homeless, disconnected, and severely mentally ill, or a child who is taken away from an abusive situation.
However, there are others who are capable of change, and need to be encouraged to embrace a different culture, one that supports virtue rather than dysfunction. Many today think of this as patronizing, saying that all cultures are equally valid. Common sense disputes this notion: can one say with a straight face that a neighborhood riddled with drug dealing, frightened families, rampant murder and widespread child abuse is "healthy"? Is it not obvious that a child who grows up in such an environment and absorbs its dysfunctions will be seriously hampered in pursuing meaning and happiness in his/her life?
Poverello House operates its services on many levels to accommodate many realities. We have a charitable, custodial function for people who will probably always be poor and homeless. Recognizing that these folks will continue to exist, we provide shelter, food, clothing, medical and shower services with no stringent requirements.
At another level, we also recognize that many can change if they alter their cultural presuppositions, such as learning to save money rather than impulse spending, or steadily working instead of relying on welfare or unemployment benefits. Our Village of Hope has minimum requirements for staying, and gently encourages, the occupants to give up damaging habits and find ways to provide for themselves.
Finally, the utter devastation of drug addiction requires a forceful approach. Our Resident Program seeks to replace the addiction culture's destructive values with the spiritual, positive values of the culture of recovery.
Although Poverello began as the charitable impulse of one man, it has grown into a mission that is truly multifaceted. Poverello is well known for feeding people; fewer realize that, in our small way, we are attempting cultural change.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Form Letter From my State Representative
I'm so disappointed. I took the time to write my local representative and I still got a very generic form letter. This could have been referring to any other bill as the language is so vague and generalized. Here is what his aides sent out, boilerplate email(they couldn't even merge my name in the note???):
Dear Constituent:
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding SCA 21 and ACA 24. It is important for all elected officials to hear from their respective constituents regarding matters of concern.
I believe, as you do, that California is a great state which needs to be maintained in such a manner. As we move forward, you can be assured that I will take your concerns into consideration.
Once again, I appreciate your time and effort in contacting my office. Please do not hesitate to call my district office at (559) 445-5532 if I may be of further assistance to you on any state related issue.
Sincerely,
Juan Arambula
Member of the Assembly
Thirty-First District
Here is my original email:
-----Original Message-----
From: treva@cal.berkeley.edu
Date sent: 08/03/2009 11:47 pm
I am writing to express my opposition to SCA 21 & ACA 24, which would cause irreparable harm to California's world-class public university system. First of all, I really hope I don't just get some templated email form as a reply. Secondly, I bleed Blue & Gold, I attended undergrad at CAL and grad school at UCLA. I am a productive, tax-paying individual, who actively contributes to the well-being of my community. I had the best education that public funds can buy. I think the UC system should remain relatively free and autonomous of the legislature and it's tendency to do whatever is politically expedient. The so-called legislative take-over of UC is a misguided and over-reaching proposal under the false guise of reform. That's why I'm joining a broad coalition of concerned Californians -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- to oppose this plan. For 140 years, the current system of governance has served UC, its faculty, its graduates, and all Californians well. The University of California has an unparalleled record of success. Why should we put that at risk with an unproven, untested, undefined legislative take-over? The University of California must remain true to its mission, which is firmly and historically rooted in its independence. We should not take lightly any attempt to weaken UC's ability to compete and succeed and, in turn, weaken California's future. Fiat Lux ! Thank you, and I urge you to oppose SCA 21 and ACA 24.
Dear Constituent:
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding SCA 21 and ACA 24. It is important for all elected officials to hear from their respective constituents regarding matters of concern.
I believe, as you do, that California is a great state which needs to be maintained in such a manner. As we move forward, you can be assured that I will take your concerns into consideration.
Once again, I appreciate your time and effort in contacting my office. Please do not hesitate to call my district office at (559) 445-5532 if I may be of further assistance to you on any state related issue.
Sincerely,
Juan Arambula
Member of the Assembly
Thirty-First District
Here is my original email:
-----Original Message-----
From: treva@cal.berkeley.edu
Date sent: 08/03/2009 11:47 pm
I am writing to express my opposition to SCA 21 & ACA 24, which would cause irreparable harm to California's world-class public university system. First of all, I really hope I don't just get some templated email form as a reply. Secondly, I bleed Blue & Gold, I attended undergrad at CAL and grad school at UCLA. I am a productive, tax-paying individual, who actively contributes to the well-being of my community. I had the best education that public funds can buy. I think the UC system should remain relatively free and autonomous of the legislature and it's tendency to do whatever is politically expedient. The so-called legislative take-over of UC is a misguided and over-reaching proposal under the false guise of reform. That's why I'm joining a broad coalition of concerned Californians -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- to oppose this plan. For 140 years, the current system of governance has served UC, its faculty, its graduates, and all Californians well. The University of California has an unparalleled record of success. Why should we put that at risk with an unproven, untested, undefined legislative take-over? The University of California must remain true to its mission, which is firmly and historically rooted in its independence. We should not take lightly any attempt to weaken UC's ability to compete and succeed and, in turn, weaken California's future. Fiat Lux ! Thank you, and I urge you to oppose SCA 21 and ACA 24.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Central San Joaquin Valley-centric videos on YouTube
Ok, last Christmas I got one of those Flip video cameras as a gift. Kind of like the “point & shoot” equivalent between SLR cameras and auto-everything cameras. Easy to use and not too many bells & whistles to confuse someone else that you’d hand the camera to for an impromptu photo or video. For a newbie like me to upload/download stuff to different websites, their very direct and simple instructions makes it very easy to share stuff with everyone. So my YouTube “channel” is Yayvalley. That means go to www.Youtube.com/yayvalley and you’ll be able to view what I’ve got posted up on there. Pretty mundane things like my kids’ concerts and activities and of course, since I’m a dentist, I’ve included in some of my pleased patients (hey, do you think I’d put “Ms Grumpy-grouchy” in there?). So I hope you like my slice of life. Please feel free to comment on here, or on the video itself on the website.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Kids and Cell Phones:Discuss Amongst Yourselves!
Ok, this essay has been prompted by the fact that my 11 yr old daughter just recently lost the cell phone she was supposed to "share" with her 14 year old brother. The phone is supposed to be mainly for communication with us, her parents, regarding schedule changes for after-school rehearsals, pickup needed school project items, etc. You know, "important" relevant stuff. We are on a family plan that currently only shares voice minutes...but wait! The kids are all into texting now a days, and that can really run up a phone bill fast! And given that you are usually locked into your current plan for at least a year to two years, those extra data minutes can add alot of zeroes onto your bill.
So what's a parent to do? Well for starters, the phone is not for recreational use. At least, not when it's in the kid's possession:
1. Just Say NO! No texting to friends via cell phone, especially when they're just hanging out in the same room or playground, or have just finished talking on the phone.
2. Set a number to limit the # of text messages sent/received and voice minutes. Check the account on-line and have your child graph it...good practical application of math.
3. Use parental controls to set time limits, time of day usage, or block certain numbers. One cellular service provider, www.kajeet.com makes it very easy to do this. Check to see if your wireless company gives you access to the same features.
4. Your child cannot give out their phone number to their friends without your approval. Only relatives or recognized extended family members will make the cut. This will help to keep teasing/harassing/bullying opportunities to a minimum. If someone calls or texts them, and it was not prearranged, your child will lose cell phone privileges accordingly. Your child, however, may initiate calls
5. Give them the oldest cell phone in the family. They should not have the latest, most expensive phone with all the bells & whistles. They don't deserve it! You deserve the souped-up version. Good for us parents is that an older phone simply won't do as much, and kids are less likely to be tempted to do the latest and greatest thing on the Web with it.
6. Use a pre-paid phone or phone cards, or have your child pay a small fee to help defray the cost of the cellular service...once some of their money is involved, your child will quickly learn ways to "save".
What do you think is the best way to moderate cell phone usage by your children?
So what's a parent to do? Well for starters, the phone is not for recreational use. At least, not when it's in the kid's possession:
1. Just Say NO! No texting to friends via cell phone, especially when they're just hanging out in the same room or playground, or have just finished talking on the phone.
2. Set a number to limit the # of text messages sent/received and voice minutes. Check the account on-line and have your child graph it...good practical application of math.
3. Use parental controls to set time limits, time of day usage, or block certain numbers. One cellular service provider, www.kajeet.com makes it very easy to do this. Check to see if your wireless company gives you access to the same features.
4. Your child cannot give out their phone number to their friends without your approval. Only relatives or recognized extended family members will make the cut. This will help to keep teasing/harassing/bullying opportunities to a minimum. If someone calls or texts them, and it was not prearranged, your child will lose cell phone privileges accordingly. Your child, however, may initiate calls
5. Give them the oldest cell phone in the family. They should not have the latest, most expensive phone with all the bells & whistles. They don't deserve it! You deserve the souped-up version. Good for us parents is that an older phone simply won't do as much, and kids are less likely to be tempted to do the latest and greatest thing on the Web with it.
6. Use a pre-paid phone or phone cards, or have your child pay a small fee to help defray the cost of the cellular service...once some of their money is involved, your child will quickly learn ways to "save".
What do you think is the best way to moderate cell phone usage by your children?
Friday, February 20, 2009
SOS Seal & Save Our Smiles clinic (hmong version)
SEAL & SAVE OUR SMILES CLINIC
&
FAMILY CARE FAIR
Kuaj Hniav Dawb Xwb!
Rau cov me nyuam kawm ntawv nyob kindergarten –txog qib 6 es kawm nyob
Fresno, Central thiab Clovis Unified School Districts
- Muaj saib, ntsaws, txhuam, thiab ntsuav hniav pub dawb rau cov me nyuam nyob rau ntawm Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic
- Yog yuav tau looj hniav, ntsaws hniav, thiab lwm yam nyuaj nyuaj yuav tau mus ua rau pem ib tug kws kho hniav (Muaj tsheb loj khiav pub dawb)
- Txhua yam no yog muaj pub dawb los ntawm cov kws kho hniav nyob hauv zej zog!
Pib lub 1 hlis ntuj xyoo 2007 no mus muaj ib txoj cai tshiab hu uas AB1433. Txoj cai no yuav kom tag nrho cov me nyuam uas yuav pib mus kawm ntawv lauv yuav tsum tau mus kuaj hniav ntawm ib tug kws kho hniav ua tej yuav pib mus kawm ntawv.
Nco Ntsoov: Leej twg tuaj ua ntej tus ntawd yuav tau txais kev pab ua ntej.
Thaum Twg: Vas Xaum , Hnub tim 28 lub 2 hli ntuj, 2009
9:00 Teev Sawv Ntxov txog rau 12:00 Teev Tav Su
Qhov Twg: Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Health Science Building
Nyob qaum Weldon/Glenn
1101 E. University Ave.
Fresno, CA 93741
Muaj ntaub ntawv qhia txog ntau yam pub dawb thiab muaj neeg txhais lus rau neej.
XAV PAUB NTXIV,HU RAU NEJ TUS NAIS MAUM(school nurse) NYOB HAUV NEEJ TUS MENYUAM LUB TSEV KAWM NTAWV.
Posted by Dr.Treva D. Lee, 226-3010,www.DrTrevaLee.com
SOS:Seal & Save Our Smiles (Spanish version)
CLINICA SELLE Y MANTENGA NUESTRAS SONRISAS
Y
FERIA DE SALUD PARA LA FAMILIA
CUIDADO DENTAL GRATIS!
Para estudiantes en los grados de Kinder al Sexto que atienden a los Distritos Unificados Escolares de Fresno, Central y Clovis.
- Exámenes Dentales, Selladores, Limpieza de Dientes, Tratamiento de Fluoruro, y chequeos dentales serán proveídos en Colegio de la Cuidad de Fresno (Fresno City College).
- Tratamiento de Coronas, Rellenos de Amalgama y Porcelana, Extracciones y servicios adicionales serán proveídos fuera de la escuela (transportación será disponible)
- Todo los servicios serán proveídos por dentistas locales sin costo alguno!
Efectivo Enero de 2007 la Ley AB1433 requiere que todos los niños tengan un examen dental antes de entrar a su primer año en una escuela pública.
Atención: Los servicios serán proveídos a las personas que lleguen temprano.
Cuando: Sábado, 28 de Febrero del 2009
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Donde: Clínica de Higiene del Colegio de Fresno
Edificio de Ciencias de Salud
Esquina de Weldon/Glenn
1101 E. University Ave.
Fresno, CA 93741
Puestos Educacionales y Intérpretes también estarán disponibles.
Para más información, Por favor de comunicarse con la enfermera de la escuela
("Posted" para la Doctora Treva D. Lee 226-3010, www.DrTrevaLee.com)
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