When I think back to my years as a child (like, let's say pre1985) and my felt perception of our family values, expectations and rules, I recall with what feels like crystal clarity, many things were verboten.
A few examples:
+ Rock music and/or dancing - I remember getting "caught" dancing to a Beach Boys record (which was, ironically, part of my parents' own vinyl collection)
+ Work on Sundays - including homework and piano (so I didn't really mind this one)
+ Movies - Oh, the devastation when I was not allowed to go see E.T. with my friend Jennifer and her mom!
+ Mini-skirts, nail polish, getting my ears pierced...
The list goes on.................................................................................................................
The bold, blue "Judy for Mayor" placard that sits stiffly on our yard has got me to thinking lately.
Perhaps it was the indoctrination of the public school system, but I always remember being proud to be Canadian. So proud, in fact, that I was viciously jealous of my neighbour Dawn and the huge Canadian flag that flapped in the wind on her yard. I thought we should have one too. After all, we love Canada as much as anyone.
Of course the answer was: No way.
Now, looking back, I can imagine that the "no" was about many things, not the least of which was likely the expense and sheer hassle of putting the pole up in the very first place. (In some ways, it was a ridiculous request.)
The rationale that was provided at the time, however, came in the form of a small seminar on Church and State. In summary: As Christians, our only loyalty is to God and the church. And the church, by its very nature, needs to separate itself from the state to maintain its integrity. Therefore: no flag.
I suppose this made some sense to me. It was at least consistent with the other values that I had been taught at home. It conflicted, though, with the ideas about civic pride that I was learning in other places in my life. Particularly in a post cold war era. Canada was the best place on earth and would always be as long as the Soviet nukes didn't explode over us on their way to the US (Nyet nyet Soviet. Da da Canada...).
In my childhood, this idea of the separation of Church and State felt like a great, unresolved dilemma for me. While I understood that the evil/sinful influences of "the world" must be resisted (a la Paul: Do not conform to the patterns of your world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind), I also understood that it was only through actual participation that one can affect change (a la Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world).
So, I am surprised when a red Liberal poster board appears on my uncle's lawn circa 1987: Vote for Harry Pelissero! WHAT is going on?! I am confused.
Another memory from around that same time seems so strange that it must not be true. I think it's Christmas time, some time in the late 80's. Singing German carols in the basement of our church with extended family. And my great grandfather suggests that we sing the national anthem. And we do. And it blows my mind.
One of the blessings (and curses too, I suppose) of human interaction is the ability that people, family, communities have to influence one another. The power of ideas to shape and reshape our thoughts, our opinions, our sense of self, our actions.............................
By the time I get to high school, I'm all about Michael J. Fox and Bryan Adams. With my parents (albeit tacit) approval, I wear hideously huge earrings, purple eye shadow and always leave my homework to the last possible moment on Sunday night. I only dream I could ever be as cool as Molly Ringwald.
We never did get a flag pole, but I remember writing letters to politicians and standing with pride beside both of my parents as we march in protest of conservative government policy.
So today, my little "Judy for Mayor" sign proclaims to me something big. Not just about the power of participation in change (VOTE FOR JUDY!!!) but about the power of ideas and the wonder of human engagement.
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