8.19.04
Training is almost pau, I have to admit that it has been getting more and more interesting, useful and worthwhile as the days go by. I was originally worried that it would be something like the wave of training courses that I had last summer. I suppose at the time they weren’t sure how many of us would be coming back as permenant employees, so thats why it was kind of lame. This time around is much more meaningful. Basically we’ve been working through a small mini-job with a policy team of about 6 new hires. We attended an engagement hearing, conducted some interviews, documentation, and have been developing writing sections. Tomorrow we’ll hit the referencing section which is the section that I hear is everyone’s favorite. yeah right.
Learning some tips on organization conformity and interpersonal relations in small groups on the side as well. I guess I’m a bit of an observer as well. There’s still a psychologist in me I suppose, I couldn’t help but notice the social dynamics and personality traits interacting with each other. Myself included. There were also a series of cognitive exercises that I was familiar with. I guess its not all BS afterall.
Another thought on that internment book. While the author argues that there is a liberal conspiracy corrupting Americans to being too PC when it comes to Japanese Internment, I wonder what she might say if a similar approach were taken towards Jews during the holocaust. Some of the Nazi propoganda justified that the labeling of Jewish citizens with stars of David, segregating them into ghettos, and liquidating them was in the best interest of the German Motherland. The Jews were scapegoated as the cause of economic struggles, and perhaps even caused Germany to lose WWI. To what extent did the average german citizen believed any this in the literal sense is debatable, but it gave the disgruntled masses someone to throw stones at. Once again, the Nazi propoganda told people what they wanted to hear - that the troubles, fears and hardship of the time had nothing to do with them, rather it was because of a select minority of the population.
My point here is that politically charged rhetoric is different than rationally thought-out public policy, and trying to pass ideology as logical reasoning is dangerous. I’m still confused how this author can write any of this with a serious face. She seems to be really out of touch with her identity, doesn’t consider herself Asian, or at very least doesn’t seem to realize that she looks like a minority.
Went to the Wolftrap national center for the performing arts last night to see the Brothers Cazamerio. It was a trip in itself seeing so many local transplants so far away from home. I saw a lot of young people that totally looked like they were from Hawaii, but were probably just kids of ex-pats. In the mix were a bunch of wannabee locals as well with their loud aloha shirts and bright fake flower leis. Part of me was nostalgic, part of me was a little worried that I might end up here a bit longer than I had originally planned for.
I also made some observations on the lack of upcoming artists of similar caliber in terms of showmanship and raw musical talent. The brothers have very strong voices just rang throughout the ampitheater. Just the presence of the music and aura of the performance gave a calming sense of place, thousands of miles away. Goes to speak to the idea that culture is a fluid, living entity, and a key component of our identity and concept of the self. Hearing the slack key and steel guitar in the old style gave me chicken skin, brought back memories and think of the future. I’ll have to head home someday, I’m sure.