Author Archives: Raymond Alexander Kukkee

About Raymond Alexander Kukkee

A published author and freelance writing professional, Raymond lives and writes in Northwestern Ontario.

Civilization ReInvented

© 2015 by Raymond Alexander Kukkee  

Civilization  Reinvented

If anyone happens to ask, I happily and optimistically describe myself as a Christian, a believer in God, a  writer, a published novelist, story-teller, poet,  blogger, reader, creative dreamer,  explorer, outdoors enthusiast, prospector, inventor, gardener, carpenter, builder,  DIY'er, Jack of all trades,  farmer,  family man, father, husband, grandfather, and loyal friend to one's end, however challenging. The list is long, but as long as it may be, it feels inadequate and  incomplete for any human being, much less an aspiring writer full of words and ideals. Wanting to change the world for the better. What then? Perhaps more importantly, I consider myself a dedicated observer of humanity; at times it seems we exist somewhere in the outlying fringes and watch, undaunted,  as an experiment on a blue bubble in space  drags us ever onward out to the unknown. Undaunted? The old adage 'there's nothing new under the sun'  comes in handy, and 'the only thing sure in life is change itself' might be applicable. No matter; in the last few years we can easily suggest there have been changes on earth, in the environment, in weather, in probabilities; There have been disturbing changes in civilization, as usual not necessarily for the better, warfare, racism ugly politics, manipulation, not for 'improvement' of society, but for the benefit of social feel-good manipulators, the profit of power-mongers, self-awarded perks of the self-entitled rich, the development of seemingly uncontrollable, unethical corporate interests, parasitic freaks with over-the-top one-world agendas, and blatant, exponential growth and expressions  of shameless, insatiable greed pursued at any cost to humanity as a whole. In the humble beginning of IncomingBytes.com it was my dream,  a fantasy, absolute madness, delusion, foolishness,or perhaps just a fond wish to somehow do the impossible — with logic, reason, humility, cajoling, satire, good writing, or just good-old-fashioned persuasion—tempt  individuals to actually think for themselves,  one at a time or with circles of  friends, in neigbourhoods,  provinces, states, and even nations. Start dialogues. Discover new paths. Encourage. Initiate. Cultivate open minds. We hypothesized that all of humanity could be persuaded eventually into  entertaining and participating in serious new dialogues on the reinvention of civilization and humanity itself. One miniscule motion toward common sense, one step at a time would eventually complete the longest journey, the pen is mightier than the sword; speak up, wake up, take those essential, first, difficult steps,  and all that. —the astute reader will get the idea. So here in 2015 the need for change is still almost painfully obvious; back in 2012 the necessity for civilization reinvented was obvious; two hundred years ago , even two thousand years ago it was fact—unheeded,  —and it is inevitable the bell already tolls for humanity. Humanity continues to fail itself; civilization is becoming less civilized instead of advancing.  Should we tear our hair out and blacken our faces in repentance? In preparation for doomsday so desired by so-called "leaders"?   Shall we, like sheep, silence ourselves and like the majority, practice apathy in anticipation of the end of humanity itself? There has never been a period in history without greed or warfare. Countries, long recognized in the 'modern' world, are becoming increasingly unstable and self-destructive. The universal model of a 'nation'  is deteriorating and fragmentation is occurring. The  greatest causes of failure on all scales continue to be poverty, disenfranchisement and economic disparity—the result of greed, abuse and corruption of  imperfect, existing models  whether they be social, religious,  political or economic. This same topic was approached in a previous post optimistically called   'Civilization'   (1.0)   which in part suggested little has changed over the duration of 'civilization' as we know it :

"The modern world remains subject to the same economic disparities, with groups of defined peoples  divided into ‘have’ and ‘have-nots’ –relative at all levels, from the personal and individual to the largest universal, international scale. The rich and poor struggle bitterly in established classes, while  ideological and political warfare is shamelessly propagated.  The powerful and political exploit  individual weaknesses. Ambition coupled with  greed, hedonism, and mindless power preys on fear and apathy of the masses to realize and maximize  their own entitlements regardless of lack of compassion or ethics. "    (1.0)

It seems the concept of logic or reason, somehow, is not only individually, but  universally difficult to understand —or is it perceived as treason to become genuinely human, accept, initiate, and practice civility, which is currently trumped by hedonism, corporate culture, brainwashing, corruption, power and greed?   Is there a  silent collective, disheartened acceptance of  destiny doom,and self-destruction? Disenfranchisement of the poor is perpetrated not only upon the poor as individuals, but as complete segments, classes of people, and ethnicities, all conveniently exploited by the powerful. The same indignities are suffered by complete nations of peoples on a global scale; the international  community of nations itself is divided into 'haves and 'have-nots', exacerbated by historical exploitation of the resources of poor countries with little or no social benefit or remuneration, and abandonment when resources are depleted  —a historical plague which continues unabated. Poverty, hate, racism, unrest, uprisings, civil war, ugly, uncivilized expressions of disenfranchisement and ambition surface, fueled by hate. Terrorism, expansionism, and most recently, arbitrary, lunatic 'declarations of imaginary states of perfection based on questionable ideology and misinterpreted religion' ensue-- and are today being forced upon populations with horrific genocide, murder and terror  at a huge cost in innocent lives. [caption id="attachment_1163" align="aligncenter" width="300"]When do we face Reality? When do we face Reality? Right, Alice[/caption] As human beings, we must object strenuously to the essential wrong and foundation of evil of many existing processes;  the pretense of 'advancement of civilization' is blatant hypocrisy.  As previously noted:

" Civilization at times is most uncivilized; and humanity is, at times, the least humane entity observable upon the face of  this earth. It will not change until quantum changes are made in basic thinking. Humanity and civilization itself needs to be reinvented. "  (ibid)

Can civilization be reinvented?

Civilization reinvented —essential for survival of the human species, —to be sustainable —will require a planned, thoughtfully-executed and somewhat brave quantum leap from the status quo. There remains little doubt a major overhaul is essential with  current environmental, economic and socio-political models clearly unsustainable. Why?

Think and consider:

  • Interference by powerful nations in the political affairs of third-world nations and the Middle East have long-reaching and unintended results including the establishment of undesirable, ugly regimes. Can this policy be continued?
  • There are enough nuclear bombs in modern nuclear arsenals to destroy the globe several times over;
  • Can the world continue to consume resources at the existing rate? No.
  • Is it logical to waste millions of lives and limited resources on warfare that could be used for the betterment of humanity?
  • Is it logical or feasible to burn non-replaceable fossil fuels with atmospheric carbon dioxide levels already at the highest levels in 800 years—when clean technology and superior materials are readily available?
  • Should  the population of the earth continue to grow, uncontrolled, without adequate resources, without food and clean water, —when many world nations are already suffering starvation,  poverty, overpopulation and inadequate  water?
  • Some 50% of known species of all wildlife have gone extinct in the last 50 years
  • Deserts and dry lands are expanding
  •  Underground aquifers are dropping as ocean levels are rising
  • Underground aquifers are being polluted with gas and oil fracking processes with toxic contaminated fracking fluids being disposed of underground
  • Thousands of spills of crude oil and other petroleum products occur every year;
  • Polar ice caps are melting and glaciers are retreating at an unprecedented rate
  • Large 'dead zones'  already exist in the oceans; traditional ocean fisheries stocks are depleted or contaminated with chemicals
  • The oceans have been used as dumps for raw sewage and garbage; huge 'gyres' of floating garbage including plastic endangering sea life and birds are known to exist
  • Choking and deadly smog already blankets major Asian cities a result of uncontrolled industrial pollution. Industrial pollution is ignored.
  • ____________________________  (the reader is encouraged to fill in the blank)
....and the list goes on, and on...with "leaders" worldwide  and corporate interests  in a state of denial. The broken clock is ticking. Right, Alice. Fantasyland. The sad fact is, there IS no "Plan B" for the human race. There is no magic solution, no place to run to.  Loyal readers of Incoming Bytes are encouraged to think for themselves and take those first tiny, difficult steps..wherever possible. What do YOU think?

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Is that Incoming I hear? 1.0     Civilization:    https://incomingbytes.com/civilization/ 
Posted in Civilization, Economic issues, Ethics, Life, Major Issues, Politics, The Human Mind | 9 Comments

Issues: The Great Niqab Debate

©by Raymond Alexander Kukkee   [caption id="attachment_3233" align="aligncenter" width="332"]The Niquab The Niqab--A Traditional Face Covering[/caption]

The Great Niqab Debate is Upon Us, Like it or Not.

Whether it is a mild social debate,  a tempest in a teapot, an opportunistic politician's wet dream in an election year, a growing phobia, a racist argument; or an issue of women's rights, religious beliefs, a genuine, growing concern for public safety, or Islamophobia, the great niqab debate is upon Canadians, like it or not.  One may choose to participate or not. One may express opinions, or not. Here at Incoming Bytes we encourage comments, as long as they are polite,  civilized, constructive, and offer reason.

*First, a disclaimer:   I am male, senior, born Canadian, and here at Incoming Bytes I demand honesty first from myself.   I have NO  intention of mincing words or using cute lies  feel-good euphemisms  to please  devious "politically-correct" , factions, social manipulators with an agenda, devious religious zealots, homesick immigrants,   devious, lying politically-motivated opportunists,  or the whining variety of any of the above.  Opinions expressed in the niquab debate may not agree with mine, but  I will defend your right to express an opinion in a civilized manner.

As for me? I am not 'racist' —If I were racist, I would have been  censured or killed off as  a child by my kind and gentle folks, who accepted everybody, no matter what their origin, race, color, age, occupation, or gender. As a published author and writer,  to maintain integrity, I make every effort to continue with that tradition;  Christian values, life lessons, honesty, and above all, common sense, a trait too often overlooked in hot-button debates such as these.

Let us consider the great niqab debate. 

A niqab is a traditional head covering that covers the face but exposes the eyes.  It is not to be confused with the 'hijab'  which is a head-scarf covering for the head and hair,  or the 'burqua'  which is a complete covering including the head,  eyes and body of the woman wearing it.

So— Do Canadians Prefer to see the Faces of Others?

I'll go first.  IHMO, yes.  Most certainly  I prefer to see the faces of other people around me,  and here's why.  An open, exposed face is an instant first-impression evaluation and confirmation of identity with a simple glance. Instinctively, as a matter of human self-preservation, faces covered are construed  naturally as a potential danger, as someone who may have something to hide,  or be someone with less than honest intent. First impressions--rightly or wrongly.

You can decide for yourself, but fact is, it is a natural human instinct to be wary of the unknown entity, the unexpected, the covered face, the stranger, regardless of the type of mask. Does your natural instinct upset you?  Does that offend ?  "Feel-good " social manipulators take advantage of that fact.  Contrary to popular opinion,  politicians insist it is "non-inclusive, " "being intolerant" 'Un-Canadian"  and "racist";  apparently they are certain they know the natural instincts of Canadian human beings better than Mother Nature herself.

*Polls suggest the majority of Canadians know better. The majority of Canadians want the niqab and burqua banned in public places; particularly in traditional Canadian ceremonies such as the swearing of an oath for Canadian citizenship and courts of law (1). 

Is Human Distrust of the Niqab-Covered Face  instant "Islamophobia"?

Liberal politicians would have you believe the distrust of the niqab is Islamophobia, but NO, it is not.   In western culture, the covered face has always been associated with evil  intent.  Murderers, thieves, bank robbers, break-in artists and burglars, stage-coach robbers and horse thieves  in the old west all wore face masks. Rapists, looters and and rioters inciting trouble in modern, peaceful demonstrations invariably choose to wear face masks. Evil spirits favour the dark, which is simply another form of mask. Racists, the KKK.  Masked rabble-rousers invade peaceful demonstrations and less than stellar characters committing home invasions all prefer to wear masks or hoods to hide both their identities and their agendas. The common petty thief holding up the Mac's Milk on the street corner near you —will wear a balaclava, hood, or mask. The Western world is  conditioned to be wary of the covered face, regardless how innocent it may actually be.

Strangely enough, 'super-heroes' in North American culture, individuals  like Batman and Robin, Zorro, and Spiderman wear masks too, but it must be pointed out that we, the omniscient comic-book observers and movie-goers--are allowed to see their super-hero faces unmasked in the super-hero's  own, safe environment.  We know who THEY are.

The Niqab Wearer --What does SHE Think of the Covered Face?

We cannot be so foolish as to pretend we know what is in the mind of the woman (or person) wearing the Niqab or any other face covering,  but dear readers, in the interest of fairness,  let us try.  Perhaps the niqab-wearer feels more confident in her own undercover world, assured that she is not identifiable. The value of anonymity. Being allowed to do anything she pleases. Really? That might be a stretch...but  would not be surprising considering the human penchant for role-playing, the characteristic human female desire to be "mysterious".  Fine.  Perhaps everyone should try it sometime.  Masks can be naughty. You get the idea. Perhaps, instead,  though, closer to reality, we should be asking, "what does the Niqab-wearer think—if a fully-masked 'person'  approaches her on a vacant street, in the late evening, or in the dark?" Or just outside of the bank as she's making a deposit?  Is she afraid? What is her natural instinct? To run? To escape?  To hide?  Is she wary, or afraid, like any average person, male or female, adult,  senior, or child might be?  Would she be wary, and be looking for potential help?  If she is followed by a masked person, would she be preparing to escape or defend herself?  Flight or flight.  Of course. To pretend otherwise is completely illogical and unnatural. So we must assume correct answer is yes, she would at least be wary, if not afraid for her very life, seek help, or get out the cell-phone and pepper-spray.... How then, can the same  niqab-wearer expect Canadians to appreciate a double standard?  We anticipate the fascinating answer to that question. 

The Niqab Debate and Religion

Although the mandatory wearing of the niqab because of religious beliefs has been offered by some niqab-wearers who infer the niqab is required by Islam, conflicting information suggests the niqab  is not a requirement of the Quran at all. Perhaps it is more realistic to recognize that social pressure from a controlling ancient culture, zealous males in her family  should not be confused with strict religious edicts. In observation, is it logical that " women free to dress as they wish" would be voluntarily and happily wearing stifling, black full-face coverings in 45C Middle East heat? No.   Our brilliant readers may offer alternative suitable answers to this dilemma. Here at Incoming Bytes we neither offer or  pretend to know all of the "politically-correct" answers expected in the contentious niquab debate.

Does the Niqab remind us of ISIS and a new world threat?

Are we leery of the niqab and the covered face because ISIS (ISIL) is inciting fear with mindless murder, terrorist activities,  threats, and ISIS images invariably show all faces covered? ISIS is inciting fear of Islam, in spite of the fact that mainstream Islam has issued a fatwah against ISIS, insisting "they" are not Islamic.  Have the scenes of murder, beheading, ethnic cleansing and genocide reduced Western tolerance for anything Islamic, including the niquab which is perceived to be 'Islamic' ? What  do YOU think instantly when YOU see someone wearing a niquab? It reminds one of  war,  ISIS and terrorism, again, rightly or wrongly.The suggestion that ISIS women also wear suicidal explosive belts is not helpful either. Neither is the image that suggests lunatic terrorist males could be hidden under flowing robes and niqab or burqua. Likely? No. Possible? Yes. 

Niqab and the Law in Canada

A recent Federal Court ruling struck down a ban on the niqab and other face coverings during citizenship oaths. The logical question must be asked: Why would Canada allow any unidentifiable person to disrespect our citizenship oaths? Does that mean anyone can now take a citizenship oath with a fully-masked face? Not on your life; —it involves 'special treatment' for the niqab-wearer. Based on the concept of 'equal treatment of persons' required under the Canada Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the niqab-wearer also has advantage over all other Canadians in that she(?) can see the faces of Canadians, but they are not allowed to see HER face. It seems logical that is not equal treatment under Canadian law either.... What do YOU think?  

Does Society in Canada have a right to dictate how women dress?

No. Of course not. To politicize the issue and  turn the niqab into a 'dress code' issue and 'repression of women's rights'  is ludicrous.

The best Part:  The Niqab debate and Common Sense

It seems totally logical that Canadians, politicians and feel-good social manipulators must eventually come to understand it is NOT necessary to alter our laws, traditions, ceremonies or change, diminish, modify our culture and customs to please newcomers of any ethnicity  who CHOSE to come to Canada as a better place to live. In  fact, changing OUR culture and laws is a complete disservice to newcomers who, although perhaps homesick for their homelands and culture,  DID choose to come to Canada for something BETTER--a better life, kinder laws, you name it.  SO, why would "leaders" freely and so easily modify Canada  to "accomodate" ? Changing Canadian values, law,  and customs for ANY other culture is NOT necessary to respect people of other ethnicities, even if they insist on wearing a niqab. "Those who flee oppression oft' flee to oppression of their own" comes to mind. Let us not change Canada to mimic their homelands, whatever they may be, niquab or not. Time to grow up, Canada. #   Is that Incoming I hear?  

* A recent  Leger poll taken for the Association for Canadian Studies, indicates some 70% of Canadians agreed with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's controversial statements regarding face coverings, and fully 60% of respondents feel the niqab should be banned in public spaces, for example, while taking the oath to become Canadian, or at the proceedings in Canadian courts of law.

Posted in Civilization, Humanity, Major Issues, Reflections, The Human Mind | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments