Archive for ‘June, 2016’
Men Parade With A Giant Taiko Drum
A Bodhisattva In Hanno, Japan
Mystical Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
A Nepalese Man In Chequered Contrasts
Ger Tents In The Gobi, Mongolia
Why I Voted To Remain In Europe
Britain is no longer an empire, although it likes to pretend it still is. Independently, we are nothing more than a rock in the Atlantic. The world has decided to grow much, much bigger around us. We need to be part of an effective balance to counteract, in political and economic terms, against a rising China, a blustering Russia and a potential Trump USA. Britain is stronger united with our European neighbours.
From tribes to fiefdoms to countries to a conglomeration of countries, the EU is an evolutionary stage that attempts to unify people, rather than divide. For 70 years, the blood-drenched continent has had relative peace.
I know that the EU is far from perfect, but it is a work in progress, that requires vision and intelligent stewardship to survive. Britain is positioned to positively contribute from within and try to shape the EU so that it can be more effective, powerful, inspiring, peaceful and remain an essential part of the world. To leave would be like cutting away our anchor and setting ourselves adrift, with neither a sexton nor sails to influence the direction of our future. I have no interest to set foot onboard the maniacal Captain Boris’s sea vessel, with his ragbag crew of eccentrics, like Farage and Gove.
Choose the correct option to REMAIN!
A Buddhist Nun At The Bayon, Angkor Thom
Evolving Beyond Hate
As a human rights activist, daily I am made aware of the constant chatter of bigotry and the expressions of violence that all too often occur across the globe.
We ALL have differences of culture, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender and opinion. How we respond to differences, can either be harmful or positive. Some choose to wallow in the belief that what is different cannot be understood, so it is comforting to cause harm.
However, there is an alternative. Instead of cultivating fear, when we are faced with the unfamiliar or different, it is better that we should extend our hand in friendship with all the curiosity we can muster to learn, listen and embrace difference. Instead of segregating, we should incorporate with love. Instead of fearing, we should open our minds to understanding. Instead of hating, we should demonstrate our innate potential to love all without prejudice.
Every one of us is just a brief visitor upon this beautiful planet. Let’s behave accordingly in a way that spreads happiness and love, instead of conflict and hate. IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE!
Photography & Words by El-Branden Brazil