Folks,
It has come to my attention that I need to clarify some things with you. I am sorry if I have appeared arrogant, one-sided, over-simple and unable/ unwilling to listen to things I disagree with in my e-mails to you all. That, by no means, is my intention.
I want to say several things:
I have been writing hurredly for a lack of computer and Internet availability thus far. I thought I clarified that; perhaps not clear enough.
I thought I also communicated, and will again now, that I think that the situation here in Israel/ Palestine is very complex, with deeply-rooted beliefs and opinions all across the political / theological spectrum. Please don't misinterpret my immediate perceptions as an attempt to sound conclusive, or that the matter is a simple one that I, the Great All-Knowing Darren, have special insight into. I'm just a dumbass trying to sort out everything that is overloading my senses. In the words of the Dude and Walter Socheck, "I'm a real reactionary!" right now.
If my e-mails reflect an inability / unwillingness to listen to things I disagree with, then it is only because I have not wrote about the internal struggles I face as I prepare to live in an Israeli context, making friends and relationships - seeking to KNOW people and be known - and also balance this 1st world life with the people I will be seeking to serve (Palestinians), who live in less-than legitimate conditions/ situations. I am dealing with an entanglement of cultures, traditions, not to mention the complexity added of me being a Canadian, trying to come to some sort of managability of being able to live here.
I hope I have not communicated that I am anti-Israel or anti-Semitic; I am trying to communicate that I am pro human rights, all across the board, regardless of ethnicity or nationality. I believe it is wrong for civilians to be killed no matter which civilians, white, brown, black, yellow, red, whatever! I am all for an Israeli state, I am also all for a Palestinian state; and I want to make clear that although I have leanings as to how that should be worked out, I do not presume to be an authority on the subject. I am just learning, and learning a lot. Sorry if I come across like a know-it-all.
I am sorry that I am not as diplomatic as I should be. I realise it is a personal weakness that I need to work on. Ten years in the Movie Industry has made me cyncial and had the effect on me of wanting to cut through all the fluffy crap, and just get to the point. It has come to my attention that I may be a little too extreme in the manner and mode in which I communicate. I want to make it clear: I am by no means an authority, an expert, or having any unique solutions or answers. I am simply a student, who chooses to write letters as I sort things through, my own flaws are apparently evident.
Again, I want to apologise if I have come across like I am riding some kind of a political or spiritual high-pony. I also want to make clear that no one is under obligation to put up with me or keep "membership" of my newsletter. Feel free at any time to cancel, full money refund!
I also realise that there is a huge task of trying to communicate humour through words - that I may not be so good at. I fear that much of my satire or sarcasm has been misconstrued as me being a closed-minded, one-sided jerk. Sorry for that. And for those of you who really love the symbolism and religious significance of the Holy Land, I want to say, Give'r! I just, personally, am such a Protestant that much ceremony and symbolism is lost on me. Not that I am a willing or eager Protestant; I just have been affected by what I have been affected by.
That's all for now,
D BLOCK OUT
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