smarieack

I'm sort of new to this group and have been wondering a few things about LJ and how it counts the "status?" If you have any insight about this would love to know. But, here are my questions:

1. How do you (personally) try to get more people to read your blog entries?

2. Do you link your entry to any other outside source, such as fb, and do you get any hits that way?

3. Do you have an affinity or passion about spirituality, and if so, why? Or why not?

shidevotion

Now that I've posted this photo, would like to start a civil discussion. This is a beautiful Kimono. The lavander sweeping sleeves, the purple flowers. It's so elgant and pretty.
Because this is a traditional Japanese garment lets discuss cutural appropriation. Here in America, if your not Japanese and where this lovely outfit, your being disrespectful and appropriating another culture. You run the risk of being called a racist, even if your not and believe in equal rights for all.
Now on the flip side, many Japanese people do not mind seeing people of other races and other countries wearing the Kimono. In fact they find it flattering and wouldd encourage anybody to wear one. There are a few other Asian countries who also feel the same way.
Here are my questions for this topic:
1. What is your feelings on Cultural Appropriation?
2. Are is there a way to show another community respect and interest in learning about their culture without seemingly trying to apprpriate it?
3. Would you wear a kimono?
4. Would you wear a traditional garment of another culture?
5. Do you believe cultural appropriation is out of hand?
6. Do you believe there should be guidlines for what is cultural appropriation?
...
Most of these questions are based on things i have read or heard people to discuss. And honestly going off personal experience, i believe this is an important discussion to have and explore.
My personal experoence was based off reposting a link to a sugar skull photo on a blog I had. I thought it was beautifully done. I have always enjoyed sugar skull art and find Dia de los Muertos to be a fascinating holiday that I have sought to learn more about. However i was calked a radcist for posting it and for showing interest in knowing more about the customs around this holiday.

piperki

I have a longterm casual friend who was planning a semi-retirement move out of state last fall, immediately after a vacation somewhere outside the country. I saw her shortly before the vacation, and reminded her I was happy to help organize, pack, clean etc, but she didn’t need me (she has grown kids nearby who planned to help.)

When her tentative moving date was looming, I texted her to see how everything was going. This was her answer. “It’s been crazy and a real whirlwind. Soon as we’re back in the states I'll send more info. On our way home now.”

That was one year ago. Should I assume the crazy whirlwind still has her too busy to get in touch? How long do you go without hearing from someone, before you just understand that they are GONE?

kirstennnnnn

how long is it reasonable to wait for a train to move?

how long must you wait before it is reasonable to think of terrorism as retaliation for wasting your life?  (just thinking, not doing)

dark_faith

Has anyone travelled with their partner and had the relationship break down while they were abroad? How did it turn out?

kirstennnnnn

i was mowing and flushed a bunch of juvenile tree frogs onto the side of my house.  i've known some people who are horrified by frogs, but i find them, especially tree frogs, especially barely out of tadpole tree frogs, quite adorable. 😍  is there something that you find adorable that many others might find repulsive?