THE CITIZEN INDEX

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Just Another Day

Prayer does not change God, 
but it changes him who prays.  
~Søren Kierkegaard

This may be a long & wordy post. Let me warn you off the bat- It's not going to own an ounce of fashion, and I am deliberately not putting my stylish image here. This,  is NOT an outfit post. This, is NOT an escape from the realities of the world that YOU and I are lucky to share. So, you may want to skip it, and if you do, I'll understand. I lured you here as a reader of a fashion blogger. And today, I'm writing as a world citizen. 

Yesterday I started off a discussion regarding acknowledging real world events in the space we use as bloggers.  Quite frankly, I was put off by the incessant tweets about, in the context of what was happening, the most inane posts. I was astounded that while in real time, news was being published on Twitter about earthquakes and the subsequent tsunami that was devastating Japan, among other places, people were actively ignoring these latest developments. The timing seemed a bit off. For me, it reinforced the stereotype others have of the fashion industry and fashion in general- that it is superficial. I expressed hope that as fashion bloggers, we would insert more context into our experience. 

I wasn't demanding people POST about the earthquake, or stay home in their pj's and be depressed; my intention was to remind myself and others that sometimes the best reaction to SOMETHING is to acknowledge, and respond, even if that means keeping silent.

I guess I'll come right out and say it- perhaps the best moment to shill your outfit post ISN'T when news is breaking of an earthquake in Australia, or Japan. For me, the best response may have been a momentary silence. Perhaps a later time might be more fitting to share your awesome pics of your latest trip to F-21. To put it bluntly: if death and devastation doesn't remind you of proper priorities, I guess nothing will.

I was surprised by the reaction of people who HAD been respectful and not at all the people I had been referring to, who seemed to take offense to my opinion. I was sincerely surprised by the knee-jerk reaction from a handful of whom I DO consider to be women of substance and mystified that they would feel put-off by my post. I'd prefer to think that I wasn't articulate enough, and was misunderstood, than to think they are defending what I consider indefensible.

We are all aware that tragedies and political upheavals happen daily. I am not postulating that we don sackcloth and ashes, wring our hands and pull our hair. It is MY opinion that we are doing OURSELVES a grave dis-service to stay unaware of world events. I'm NOT saying that fashion bloggers become political bloggers or journalists, and blog about politics or natural disasters.  But I'm going to challenge you to trade in your business-as-usual during these times for something that means something.

Fashion may be superficial but fashion bloggers don't need to be.  A number of bloggers did NOT blog in a vacuum, and  either chose to refrain from posting, or chose subject matter that came with a bit more gravity. Some even chose to acknowledge directly what was going on. These posts moved me the most- I guess I'm a sucker for context. 

Many of the defenders stated that they'd been watching the news all day, therefore welcomed the trite escape of fashion posts. Fine and good. I'm just still surprised about the amount of defensiveness. I was addressing this to a rather specific group of folks who seemed clueless of world events and shamelessly voiced a lack of interest in the recent spate of burgeoning democracy, or the impact earthquakes on communities around the world. My point was aimed in particular to those that shilled mind-numbing nada in the midst of  breaking news. If you still choose to defend or condone this reprehensible and blase behavior, well, you & I are going to have to agree to disagree. I don't condone the callow or the shallow, and if I lose followers for being vocal about it, I will take my lumps. 

I beg that you keep your heart open to the sufferings of others, hold them in your thoughts and keep them in your prayers. While it is difficult to be reminded that we were born to a world of suffering, I'd rather live firmly planted in the world that I've been lucky enough to bloom in, even if it means my heart's destined to break over and over again. This life is precious, folks, and the price we pay to live it, is the pain that it accompanies.

One of the most courageous acts is to bear witness. Sure, you may feel helpless and  overwhelmed, it is a hard thing to do. It is a powerful act- to feel helpless.  It is a brave soul who is willing to see the world just as it is. But, I invite you to bear witness. It is the spark of the artist, the journalist, the freedom fighter, of those who seek justice.  No positive change is possible without it. 

To bear witness we must be willing to  see what our world looks like- in all its beauty, majesty AND tragedy. You aren't doing this for the good of those suffering in Japan, you are doing this for the good of YOU, because it gives YOUR life context.   And perspective is EVERYTHING.

If you want to help, please do so! I know our aid seems a drop in the bucket, but raindrops makes oceans.  If you can't spare a nickel, I beg you to spare a prayer. 

Here I offer you, not to a place to escape, but for a space for substance. Substance not made of grand gestures, but in small acts, taken from the infinity of moments that knit our day. No act is too small to contain a grain of substance, not even on a fashion blog.

And for the record, I don't feel helpless. I feel grateful.



 If you'd like to donate to the Red Cross, please click here.

(photo credit: Kristy Elena of Full Time Fabulous)


58 comments:

Joanne Faith said...

I love reading raw and real blog posts, and thank you for articulating this view that I am sure many people share alike.

I think many bloggers do not know how they should respond to such a catastrophic event; I think it takes a certain type of knowledge to know how to act online after an event of such magnitude. I know that I can't say that I know the right way to act & aside from posting an expression of sympathy & respect in the footnote of a weekly post I have not spoken of the event online. & it is genuinely because I do not know what to say. Who does?

As an aside, as I think you may find it interesting. In New Zealand the Japan EQ has not taken center stage, you don't see donation boxes or anything... and I think it is because Christchurch EQ is still very real for us and as a nation we are still recovering.

ps Rumi Neely's post regarding the earthquake was the most amazing thing I have read from a blogger regarding the recent events.

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

Bella, this is exactly why I -- and many others -- adore you. You are so real and raw in your posts, and you're not afraid to get personal. Thank you for addressing such a sad subject.

As for me, I honestly don't know what to say about the tragedy. I mean, we can all agree that it's an awful, scary situation. I'm just not sure what I would say about the subject that'd be different than the next person, that'd be different than something blog readers have already heard so many times.

Also, I try to eliminate negativity from my blog because, in years to come, I won't want to look back on the sad things I wrote, but the happy points. I've addressed hard, personal issues in the past, but for the most part I try not to involve them in my blogging. If I do write about difficult personal experiences, it's for the sake of, hopefully, inspiring others in a positive way. I also want to be one of those escapes from reality, as some bloggers said. In fact, I've been sick with a monster cold for the past week but haven't said anything on my blog because I don't think it's relevant or something people would want to hear (especially given the recent events).

I did express in a tweet that I was worried about Californians along the coast and of course, the Japanese.

If someone wants to address the subject, or not address it -- I think it's their prerogative. I don't think either reaction is right or wrong.

On a sidenote, I donated to the Red Cross after the Haiti disaster, and then heard rumors that money donated to them is not entirely used for good and that the company can be shady with their donations. I'm not sure where else we could donate, though... perhaps that's something I need to research.

I know I'm rambling here and I'm not sure if what I'm saying makes sense but mainly, I commend you for addressing such a topic fearlessly. Although I haven't written a blog entry about Japan, I'm sending up those prayers like nickels in a bucket. :)

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Joanne and Steph- Thank you SO MUCH for commenting. This is not just about Japan, as Joanne noted Christchurch is still very fresh in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders and Austrailians, and it is not business as usual for them there.

Stephanie- I'm not sure why I'm not being understood- I AM NOT SAYING WE SHOULD BLOG ABOUT IT- not one bit. I am saying we should make room for current world events. WE DON'T BLOG IN A VACUUM. This need to be acknowledged, no BLOGGED per se, but at least with a well timed silence (for example don't tweet your fashion post while news of a catastrophe is storming) But to go on, business as usual is dismally out of touch with reality, and a gross failure to our fellow human beings. -Bella Q

Dusk said...

Well... I posted outfit posts but my posts are never about my outfits anyway. I very rarely explain what I'm wearing, will never mention labels nor cost because the point of my blog is... me. And how I express myself. That includes the layers I wear, material or otherwise. Certainly includes my thoughts. I'm not one of those that shares my deep feelings. If I've had a bad day, that was in my world so my readers don't need to know it but... the world has had bad days... how can you not talk about it??

Also... the main premise of the way I dress and only long term readers know this... is that I am a mood dresser and a chromatherapist... I use colours to change perspectives.

I have referred to all of the happenings a few times so far. Why wouldn't I? I have expressed that I feel 'survivors guilt'. I can't stop thinking about it. In 'real' life I can't stop talking and writing about it and planetary activity is something I write about often.

I had no problem with anyone posting outfit posts. I don't like that kind of false empathy. The world turns regardless. You cannot be in denial about anything. I do not begrudge anyone anything eg. Bil Gates and his squillions BUT it so much sweeter that he gives back.

it is absolutely neccessary to acknowledge the here and now because it is our future and I am stunned that there were people/bloggers who didn't do that. I simply do not understand how.
...But then I was lucky enough to not encounter it on my blog travels. Many bloggers I love expressed their genuine thoughts and feelings and were 'raw' and I love that. My posts have been more hmmm... 'esoteric'... life goes on. Nothing can defeat life not even death.

I do feel helpless. Not because I cannot do anything because I can and I do but because there is nothing that I can do to stop Mother Nature just doing her thing. We live on a living entity. We are not pests, we are not guests... we just are. Life goes on. Disasters happen, humanity weeps but always ALWAYS gets up and starts all over again. It's what we do but we don't do that by being in denial.

We do that -as you say- by bearing witness and giving voice to what our world looks like.

Ohhh this comment is all over the place!

Franca said...

Thanks Bella for this post. I do completely know what you mean, though I suspect I may have been one of those defensive people (I think I even noted how defensive I sounded), but it was certainly not my intention to justify doing nothing, or not caring.

I guess I was just saying that different people react to this in different ways, and their reaction to all of this might be very private and might never be seen on the public platforms that are twitter and the blogs. Which people may feel they should keep going as usual for their own sanity. You can disagree with that approach, but I just don't think it's fair to assume that because a person tweets their outfit post they aren't also upset, and donating to the red cross. That's all I was saying! I'm NOT saying ignore world events!

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Franca- I just don't understand the defensive part. I feel you are defending those who are proud that they don't follow world events. YOU are not the people I'm talking about from twitter. I feel you do post substance and act with caring. But I'm so bewildered why you feel the need to defend people who aren't showing any consideration- sorry.

the Citizen Rosebud said...

And for the record friends: I am well aware that we mourn differently- but if for example I were to "mourn" at a funeral talking and laughing on my cell phone, I doubt many of you would rise to my defense. There is a time and a place. I am not saying to blog about Christchurch, or Japan. I am pointing out that in our superficial field we could possibly do ourselves and others a favor by knowing a proper time and place. TWEETING about an insubstantial OVER BREAKING NEWS of tragic proportions is indefensible- so don't even try. Fashion doesn't need to be skin deep. And I call on all of you, IN YOUR OWN WAY to make room for a deeper call to purpose than snapshot of your new handbag.

Anonymous said...

I've come to read your blog through Stephanie (theloudmouth) and I really want to thank you for writing this.

It's something that i've definitely felt in my heart and my mind since the new's first started spilling out. The reflection of these horrible times not only in Japan but in New Zealand and economies and places all over the world needs to be felt and not just over looked. I think its an amazing thing that you can call out to people for just kindness in thought and even if just for a moment that reflection is felt and honored by people who need it and yearn for it the most.

I understand exactly what you're saying and i appreciate it so much and i also know there are so many others who may not say it but appreciate it as well.

thank you
Kimberly

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Thank you for hearing me Kimberly. And thank you for visiting and reading. That's it, a moment of reflection and a well-timed moment of consideration. Thank you for hearing this. -Bella Q

Vix said...

Beautiful post, Bella. I thoroughly enjoyed going back and reading yesterday's comments, too.
There's so many intelligent women in blogland that I sometimes struggle to articulate my thoughts for fear of sounding stupid.
I didn't get the impression that you were specifically singling anybody out for criticism and I must admit that I share your sense of amazement at some blog commenters who didn't even mention the Japanese Tsunami in response to those bloggers who posted in depth about the situation.
I don't understand Twitter so I can't comment about tweets regarding outfits but personally I would probably find this crass if there were comments also doing the rounds regarding death and devastation on such a grand scale.
xxx

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Thank you Vix! I am glad you understand my point. And thanks to you reminding me to donate to the Red Cross, I did! xo.

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

As a journalist, I'm conflicted when it comes to posting on my fashion blog following catastrophic events. As soon as a news-worthy event kicks off, I can research, do interviews and write stories as I've been trained to do. However I'm in no-man's-land when it comes to blogging - I have no idea what I "should" do on my blog when there's a disaster as there is no professional etiquette involved. I hope I employ the same sensitivity I do when wearing my "work-hat", while blogging during those sad times.

feministified said...

So proud. xoxo

Penny Dreadful Vintage said...

You have a big heart Bella, I really admire you for standing up for what you think is right xxx

Collette Osuna said...

Nice post Bella...points...this is YOUR blog, you can say what YOU want....you have the right to feel what YOU want and express yourself:)
Everyone does deal with things differently....and alot of what I saw that day was just the ignoring....as if it didnt happen....thats the part that made me sad.....

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Bella, I love your response...I love your heart...I think your encouragment to cause others to pay attention to the entire world around them is critically important..it is what I do with teens every day. I am teaching a workshop this summer on Citizen Journalism with a desire to open the eyes of more adults. You have convicted me to include more of my daily world with the blog world. Thank you for your courage to speak out and for your tender loving spirit.

Anonymous said...

Twitter is not a funeral.

I feel that there's a difference between being actively disrespectful - making jokes, talking about "karma", directly expressing a lack of care - and choosing to keep communication open.

Anonymous said...

Bella this is my favorite post. As an aspiring journalist, (not just a fashion blogger,) it's topics like this that make me proud to be apart of such a wonderful community.

My life has changed since this devastation hit. My best friend of 7 years lives in Japan and is 8 months pregnant. It was terrorizing and completely traumatizing when I saw what was going on. Luckily, for her, she lives on the top of a mountain on the island of Okinawa, where her and her husband serve as American Marines. I was so proud to know that all of her friends and husband were called on first to North Japan. Her being 8 months pregnant prevented her from going along, (luckily.)

Thank you for your sincerity, honesty and blunt-ness. You are wonderful.

Luna Tiger said...

Yes, it's so sad and worrying. We are more than ever citizens of the world and we share the pain of the ones who suffer...
http://selenite.weebly.com/

The Style Crone said...

I love your thoughtful and passionate posts. You are a treasure!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Beautiful post lady! I do think people have the right to deal with tragedy in a way that's healthy for them. For me, it was tweeting and FB'ing about my sorrow. But for others...it may be to deal with it internally.

brookemeagan said...

Thank you for this post Bella. One of the things I admire most about you is that you are real and you are raw. Your honesty inspires me and it's just one part of your beauty that brings tears to my eyes.

I know that with the events that have happened, blogging has become a bit of an internal battle for me lately. I've been questioning priorities, amongst many other things, and really didn't know how to approach the topic on my blog. Because of that I took the weekend to journal privately and kept my discussions and thoughts to a few close loved ones.

I admire you Bella, and place this post on a pedestal. Japan is in my thoughts; my prayers; my actions, and you are in my heart. xoxo

Marissa said...

Thank you for your wonderful honesty here and in your previous post, Bella! I too was disturbed by what I saw from a few bloggers on Twitter the day the earthquake occurred. I'm embarrassed to admit, though, that I did get a bit defensive when I saw your first post on this topic - not because I engaged in any behavior that needed to be defended, but rather because I had felt utterly paralyzed when it came to posting on Japan. I had remained silent because I wasn't sure what was appropriate for a blog like mine. Your post inspired me, though, and I finally addressed Japan yesterday, linking it up with design so that it wasn't totally out of character for my blog. I hope rather than getting defensive and turning away, other bloggers are inspired by your post as well.

Anonymous said...

Your post brings tears to my eyes. You say so many of the things that are in my mind this past week. The only post I've done this week is on Japan and I can't bring myself to do another one as I sit on the edge of my seat waiting to see if there will be nuclear meltdown on top of the natural disasters. How can I write about clothes, bronzer or sandals in good conscience, while the disaster is so visceral?

I don't have sponsors to please or contracts to honor, so I have the luxury of writing and posting what I want.

Thanks for your brave honesty and open heart. You won't lose me as a reader. In fact, you gain my respect tenfold.

xLaura

Marissa said...

P.S. - I realize your intention wasn't for everyone to blog on Japan, but rather to respect and acknowledge what is happening. You inspired me to take it to the next level, though, and I'm really thankful for that.

P.P.S.- The Loudmouth expressed some concern with donating to the Red Cross. I don't know anything about this, but another wonderful organization to donate to is Doctors Without Borders. Just thought I'd let everyone know.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marissa,
CNN put out an article listing Ways to Help and all the charitable organizations that are mobilized and safe to send to. If interested, click this link:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/14/iyw.howtohelp.japan/index.html

Also check out Shelterbox.org

xLaura

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Regardless of how we pay our respect, it isn't for the the folks of Japan as to why it's essential- although communication and breaking new IS important. I think it's more of our blogger souls I'm worried about- to forget our connectedness to others even if they are half-way around the world, neglects our own humanity, and if I wasn't so hot around the collar about it, it would chill me.

Anupriya DG said...

Your words are always so thoughtful & sincere dear......they reflect your inner beauty every time! I think we all were with our fellow earthlings when Christchurch happened.....& we all are together in this now that Japan happened too!! Wether someone close to us is part of the tragedy or not, it's our duty as human beings to extend a helping hand in every possible way we can.....& I think every li'l bit we do will help!

A BRIT GREEK said...

Thank for being blatantly, brutally honest and being you. Some of us need a wake-up call from time to time.

Currently astounded by the courage of the 'Fukushima 50' as they lay their lives down for Japan-total selflessness and how their dealing with these extreme circumstances with such dignity.

I just hope things will get better for them.

x.o.x.o

Anonymous said...

Bella, you are a good and kind soul, and all we can do is keep our own light shining and hope that the flame catches on.

Mamma Q sure raised a wonderful woman. ( I still can't shake the sight of her smile in a recent post).

Peace and light,

Doreen

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Thank you so much Doreen. I am passing on your compliment to Mama Q, as I'm seeing her today!

Brit- thank you for loving the brutal in me, honesty that is. That's just it- I hate to be the cranky ol' lady boxing someone about the ears- but really we must wake up!

Again I reiterate- I am not saying to deal with grief the way I do, or blog about it, but I implore those who have not to do so and that is to make room for these very real and recent events in your life- and leave a space for something besides empty chatter of shopping exploits.

Polka Princess: you've said it so wonderfully! Thank you.

JTWisdom said...

Bella I feel your heart in this post.I agree with what you are saying. I didn't feel that I could post anything fashion related until I expressed my sympathies in some way. I felt wrong talking about a new outfit when people have lost their homes and only have the clothes that they ran out of the house with when the earthquake hit.

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

What can I say but AMEN. While I personally have chosen not to blog about these events, I was moved by Rumi's post and do believe in bearing witness. I think we should all do what's best for us, but we should be mindful of what is going on in the world. Whether it's a prayer, a post, or a donation, the suffering of our brothers and sisters in this life should not go unnoticed.

••V••
www.gritandglamour.com
@gritandglamour

Louise said...

Loved this. Thank you for writing it.

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Thank YOU!

I loved how Vahni put my sentiments of two posts in 2 sentences- exactly. I wish I could have summed it up so succinctly.

mispapelicos said...

After reading your post today, all i can say is AMEN.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Anonymous said...

Rosebud--I went to bed last night eager to read this post today, knowing it was coming. I think you are acting as a STRONG CONSCIENCE for all of us. I have touched on this very issue in a previous blog post...and then realized that I began to use Twitter as a way of following breaking news. I have only been using it to read fashion blogs for the past two months.

I want to nominate this post to Beautifully Invisible links of the week.

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Amen to you, dear Sacramento!
Terri: I'd be honored to be on B's weekly round-up.

StylePantry said...

I love the post and agree with it. It was had for me to move forth with work with what's going on in Japan. I did my part by tweeting and publishing a post for help. I hear you completely. How can we be so self absorbed?!

Marie said...

Wow, what a beautifully articulated post. I didn't acknowledge what was happening, and am guilty of going ahead with my planned (okay, vapid) posts. But I am not offended by your post, instead I am a bit ashamed and very thoughtful. I am not in the habit of sharing personal feelings on my blog too often- I enjoy what I do share and focus on that through thick and thin because it's a bright spot in my day. But I do appreciate this point of view and that you shared it with us.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge

WendyB said...

Gee! I sure hope my comment wasn't one of those that upset you so much. Just offering a different perspective. People will be people...some sensitive, some involved, some not.

I remember when I traveled to Atlanta not long after 9/11 I couldn't believe there was a place where people didn't still talk about 9/11 incessantly. It was sort of a lesson of life goes on. My pain wasn't their pain. What can I say?

Elle said...

Hey Bella. Thank you so much for speaking your mind, and being honest. I just read your last two posts- I got caught up in exams this past week. I've been watching the situation unfold, keeping up with the news when I could, and it's just devastating to me- I know you saw my tweet asking for donations to the Red Cross. With many organizations, I'm unsure of how much profit goes directly to helping the people there rather than internal costs and such. As a volunteer of the Red Cross, I'm proud to see reports of what they're doing with the donations made to those with greatest need/ the Japanese, and the efforts they're making in cooperation with the Japan Red Cross. I didn't post mostly because of my own time constraints, but when I posted on Monday, I was sure to add in a note on Japan and ask for donations. Now I'm writing another post because of some comments I'm continually seeing on news articles and such. Thank you Bella though, for addressing this- and I assure you, we should NOT live in a box- however I'm sure some may be too devastated to say much- or be unsure what to say- it's times like these when I feel helpless. If only we could save the world- but for now, all I can do is encourage people to donate, and to pray for the recovery.

Angeline said...

Great thoughts--I love your honesty and your heart!

I wouldn't lump all of those who didn't directly address the events as ignoring them. Blogging and tweeting are only small part of my life, and I carefully choose how much of myself and my feelings I let out there. To be honest, I just don't feel that all my Twitter followers need to know how I'm privately feeling about these these things. I sat for much of that first night watching footage of Japan's tsunami in tears, and I prayed fervently for my friends who were in Christchurch during the incident there, but that is the private me, not the public me. While yes, I'm sure some folks were callous to the events, I don't think all should be faulted for wanting to keep their feelings to themselves.

I don't feel your post is accusatory or pointing at me in any way, but just wanted to offer my 2 cents. :)

FASHION TALES said...

I agree... I read & loved how you responded to these comments, (even ones w/ opposing viewponts) --- full of tact and honesty, but above all, still Bella! -xxoo

Raquelita said...

Thanks for writing this post, Bella. It really resonated with me. I was frustrated with twitter during the events in Egypt a few weeks ago. I almost exclusively follow style bloggers and running bloggers on twitter, and tend to post much more personal things on Facebook. The disconnect between the blogging world and the real world sometimes is jarring and bothersome.

Sarah said...

Thanks for writing this Bella!! Very well written and I can tell just what an amazing person you are!!

Unknown said...

I am so proud of You My Zen Master, Bella!
It takes strong people like you to remind us of priorities.
I propose we, as fashion bloggers, come together to DO something together to help raise money for the people who are literally digging through the rubble for food and h2o right now, it's cold there, and many have no blankets, nor shelter...........

Imagine if you will:
Just another day, drove or biked to town, a siren sounds, u wonder what's up....
Then you are hit like a mac truck with tons of water. You can't breathe....
You grab a hand and are lifted to 'safety'.......
For days you cannot reach your Mom, you cannot leave, for you are miles away from home and the roads are impassable or gone.......
So you sit. You get thirsty and hungry, but a child next to you needs the snip of food you are given............
You are getting weak and cold.....
No news, til someone walks in to tell you the nuclear plants are leaking radioactivity into the air. You, and maybe your Mom are breathing it right now..........
You watch as cadaver dogs are brought into the area........
Is my family OK?
This is a world tragedy, and this could be us.
xXx
Reva
E-mail me !

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

Bella, I just read about half the comments and skimmed the rest. I think you've affected everyone that's come to your blog and really made them look into their own hearts and minds, which is so healthy. Sometimes we need to face who we are and how we feel instead of pushing it aside.

Also, I hate to sound so ignorant, but I didn't know what Christchurch was or what had happened until I read this. I don't have TV at my home, so the only way for me to know about current events is through word of mouth or if I seek them out myself. Just wanted to let you know that I was informed about more than one topic through this post...!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you articulated what I had felt--but was very confused about. When the tsunami happened last friday, I was in a quandry as to post or not. I try and be mindful and do what I can--and yet do feel a bit guilty that my life in going on normally while theirs is not. Such is life sometimes. Paula

the Citizen Rosebud said...

I am so grateful for each and everyone who is responding- I have so much high regard for you all, even though who share a differing opinion. Thank YOU so much for hearing me out.

AGAIN- I wasn't and am not saying we should tweet or post or publicize our personal grief on this international tragedy. I was using MY blog as MY platform to remind people that to make room and acknowledge it- it is NOT business as usual.

I was, and continue to be astounded by those who basically ignored this devastating news as it was first unfolding- and those who refused to learn more because they didn't want to be bummed. I am offering you a wake-up call to join the human race and share a prayer for the plight of another. I hope you choose NOT to hit the snooze button.

stylenuggets said...

Your post from yesterday has started a conversation/debate amongst bloggers that would not happened otherwise. That itself is heartening to see. I've tagged this post to my current post so my readers can read it too. Hope that's alright by you.

Beautifully Invisible said...

OK, I just typed a super long comment and your commenting system crashed on me when I hit submit, so believe it or not this is the shorthand version:

1. I think this post is as raw and brilliant as Rumi's, although for different reasons of course. Bravo for posting this and letting your voice be heard.

2. As a blogger, I chose to not post anything this week other than Link Love because everything seemed trite and frivolous. Until yesterday when I learned about For Japan with Love, which is apparently a frivolous idea to some. To each their own.

3. As a human being, I have been facebooking & tweeting (via my non-blogger accounts)/praying/talking and thinking about this tragedy since it happened.

That being said, each of us has an offline persona. I would like to think that at least SOME of the individuals that you perceived as ignoring the event simply may have been keeping their emotions disconnected from their blogging personas. I would like to think that our shared humanity connected us during this tragedy, even though it may not have appeared that way from the outside.

Again, thank you for this wonderful post. I love you, doll, and this post just reinforces that!

Heather Fonseca said...

It seems like there are always horrible things going on in the world, and if I wrote about world issues my blog would not be a fashion & design blog, but the situation in Japan has really touched me. The devastation is so total, the horror of that tsunami so unreal, and the continued meltdown of various nuclear power stations so truly scary, it seemed wrong not to mention it, at least in some regard, on my blog.

I can see where other people might have a hard time knowing how to approach the subject. I am currently trying to write my next post, and stuff is getting moved around because I don't think I can follow up with anything too trite. On the other hand I don't want to post anything that seems like I'm pandering to the situation either. It's a tough one.


Love,
Heather
http://heathersdesignblog.com/

Good Eye said...

Well said. I've been thinking about this for a few days & I think somehow the news itself has contributed to a certain numbness or ability to sort of "move on". So much sensationalism over every cotton pickin thing, coupled with all of the action/adventure shows & movies has desensitized us a little, I think. It's important to remember that real people & real lives are effected by the events unfolding before us on the news. Last night I started panicking about the children who have been orphaned. They are immediate targets for the sex trade industry, which is a whole other heartbreaking issue altogether. One which everyone should inform themselves about. It's happening right here in the Bay Area! Maybe your home town! And these are deliberate acts of evil, not natural disasters. Ok, soap box speech over. Sorry about that.

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Nickie you make such a good point about our cultural desensitization of REAL events and remind us that there are far reaching ramications of disasters. Also you remind me to keep my heart open beyond this one event, and to do my part in being actively involved with the world, whether or not we are experiencing tragedy or not. -Bella Q

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for this post (which I am late in reading). I can't really relate to so much of the "fashion blogging" world because it does seem so shallow and self-absorbed at times. You have broken that mold. I am honored to know you.

Namaste,
Nora

the Citizen Rosebud said...

That means SO much to me Nora! It is an honor to know you too!

Unknown said...

I really needed to hear this today because I had a defensive comment from a reader who took my post personally and the topic was not even a fraction as important as the natural disasters in Japan.
As bloggers who have the courage to take a stand on things we risk offending people. I'm okay with that but when people take things personally that aren't personal and seem to completely miss the point it is offputting. Just because I'm a fashion blogger doesn't mean I have to walk around being eveybody's cheerleader all the time. I'm not going to say "sorry" for taking a stand.
End rant :)