Acknowledging

 

ARE TIMES A-changing?

Well tonight we in British Columbia, Canada are taking a bold step forward in moving forward our clocks for one last time. Like usual when a change is implemented, there is a surge of negativity which, sadly, seems to be the norm in modern society. It takes a heck of a lot of patience to tolerate negativity; but, with the backbone and determination of progressive thinkers, eventually the naysayers go back into their knolls until something else new comes along.

When it comes to change, I am an optimistic — albeit a cautious optimist. I once had high hopes that Canadians from coast to coast to coast would eventually embrace French-English bilingualism. It did not happen in most of western Canada but it sure feels good to be one who did and does. As a solo, I learned a lot and that’s a plus.

I once had high hopes that the political tide of my chosen political party would rise from the ashes. That was more than 40 years ago. It was a very long haul and massive change to come from zero wins to substantial wins. Then that too changed, and we are now bewitched with no pegs on the provincial political board once again. I learned a lot about people from that changing experience and that’s a plus.

So now this weekend we are supposed to be acknowledging International Women’s Day. I do acknowledge the day. I am a woman and when I compare what is now with what was then, times have changed for some, but progress continues to be slow. In fact progress is not even steady and often times it seems like a solo struggle to keep that light shining in civilized society— even that word “civilized” is an oxymoron when it comes to defining this topic. 

I think the purpose of declaring March 8 as International Women’s Day was to bring civility to society. When it comes to the lives of women and girls, generally, the realist side of me fails to feel civility. The movement started in the early 20th Century! We are now at 2026. Placate comes to mind. Tokenism. Crumbs. It’s best to soar solo like the eagle, rise from the ashes, change course, pave your own road because the intended international goal frightens the very people, locally, provincially and nationally, who can do something about it, with you or for you.

But I digress, or do I? My backbone and determination says: It’s time to change TIMES again, for one last time.