Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a joyful Christmas, and prosperous new year...

"What you write is who you are." CC

Marginalized

Marginalize: definition~To relegate to the fringes, or out of mainstream society; make seem unimportant.

Recently, I decided to look into a topic that's talked about a lot, especially in the political sector. The marginalization of groups of people in society. This post is dedicated to these groups of people who are struggling to be noticed in society, and what they actually go through. I've heard people say they felt marginalized, so I decided to do some research about what it really meant. It made me realize that some people who say they are, really are not. And it also made me realize who really is. It was a real eye opener, and I'd like to share my findings with you.

Different types of marginalization

There are three major types of marginalization. Individual, community, and professional. An example of individual marginalization would be a disabled person being denied suitable employment because of their disability. Homelessness is an example of community marginalization. An example of professional marginalization would be when a former criminal finds it impossible to find a decent job because of their history, or when a person is stuck with only one type of work because of lack of skills, illiteracy, or a poor economy.

The homeless

As many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in America alone in a given year. That's about 10% of the poor in America at any given time, according to Wikipedia. In the world, it is estimated that there are approximately 1 billion people world wide who do not have suitable housing. There are approximately 100 million people world wide who have no homes at all. The homeless are by far the most marginalized group in society.

Native or aboriginal peoples

As a result of colonialism, or colonization, many native or aboriginal peoples, such as American Indians, were displaced. Were not allowed to sell or purchase goods, or to own property. This practice of colonization unfortunately still exists in Australia, where the aboriginal people are still cruelly treated as a result of racism.


Single mothers

Before the welfare system was reformed in the early 1900's, single mothers were denied services that married women with children had access to.

Women 


"An environment that maintains world peace and promotes and protects human rights, democracy and the peaceful settlement of disputes...is an important factor in the advancement of women."
~quoted from www.commondreams.org

Poor workers

In America, we are in the midst of an awful recession. It wouldn't be wise of me to downplay it, and try to say things are great with the economy. They aren't. It's been really bad for a lot of people lately. You could say that the recession's caused the marginalization of a lot of workers, who've had a hard time making it, or holding onto their jobs. People that once had a lot of income are finding themselves without work, due to massive downsizing, another form of marginalization.

A lot of workers who've managed to hold onto their jobs are feeling marginalized as well. They're not able to advance to positions they want, because of downsizing of those particular jobs that used to be available, but no longer are. They're stuck in the same circle. And they're tired of it. I've heard this a lot. Americans are tired of the system marginalizing them. But Americans are also a very resilient lot...

The poor in other countries are marginalized in other ways. Illiteracy gets a lot of people stuck in the virtual prison of a job that confines the mind, as well as getting them physically stuck doing work that is menial and demeaning. The tea fields of India are a good example. Seven out of ten of the tea pickers in India's Assam State Plantation can't read or write, thus continuing this circle of marginalization.

The disabled

Disabled people are discriminated against by employers who don't want to give them a chance, due to fear of low productivity, too many sick days, or hurting company image. Disabled people who want to work are sometimes forced to collect disability, even when they want to work.


The elderly

One in four elder persons will go without food at some point in time during the next month. This is due to many factors. Sometimes, they don't have access to transportation, or it is too tiring for them to get to the super market. Sometimes, they don't have money, and don't want to burden anyone, so they wait until they receive their social security or pension checks, and quietly suffer alone. Just knowing this is heartbreaking, and makes communities grateful for Meals on Wheels, which provides hot meals to elderly people in the comfort of their own homes, along with a little extra company and conversation with a person that cares. Sometimes, that is the only interaction with people they will have for days.


Helping people who are marginalized

The question you might be asking is, "What can I do?" Clearly, one person can't save the world. I think the answers will come to each person differently, but if everyone could do something, it could really make a difference in the lives of others. Start in your own community. If you don't have money to give, then give of your time. Whatever you can do to make your community better can really make a difference. The United Way has done a phenomenal job at helping those in American communities to receive so many needed services they otherwise would not have access to. You'd be amazed how far they stretch a few dollars to help our communities. In whatever way you choose to help, I'm sure there is a person out there who will be grateful that you did.

www.liveunited.org
www.meals-on-wheels.org

Thanks for stopping by...CC

My love never breaks...

"My love never changes, even though I might change. The love continues to grow. Even if everything around me breaks, my love will never be broken."

Is it really "just the internet?"

Something just occurred to me. I see folks neglecting their online contacts like they are just "internet connections." But, are they really? I mean, I have never planned on speaking directly with anyone I've networked with on the internet, but I never rule out the possibility. The idea that maybe, that person you connected with on Twitter, or any number of other social media sites, could turn out to be a FRIEND? Your future boss, perhaps? A great collaboration somewhere down the line, or simply someone to get great advice from. Imagine that! Is it really "just the internet?" 

My TSA nomination, and the final results...

I am happy to say I've placed third in the finals of the Top Sales and Marketing Awards for my blog post, Client relationships are like... It has been an amazing experience, especially considering the fact I didn't think a  lot of people would read my blog. I'm glad I decided to continue writing, because it  has led to great things happening in my life, and I am grateful. I would like to thank the judges for their votes. It means a lot to me that I was judged based on my content, and not how many people knew who I was. Thank you so much, and I would also like to thank those who have been so supportive in my efforts to make this website successful. People who have supported me from the beginning, who are the reason for me continuing. Your support means so much... CC    

Poetry of E.E.Cummings...

If you want to be successful in business...

Control your anger

I know it's easy to say, hard to do sometimes. But just think about it for a minute. Whenever anyone has done something heinous, stupid, or simply evil, where did it come from? Anger. Deep down, this is the emotion that can destroy a person's career, their family, their whole life. Too many careers have been ruined by someone's anger getting out of control, and them saying or doing something they shouldn't have. It may have been a purely rash decision, but with dire consequences that could last a lifetime.

Tempering your fire

Sometimes it's good to have a little fire inside you, keeping you motivated. Anger is not necessarily going to ruin your life, but it's like fire. It's beautiful from a distance, but dangerous at the same time. It could burn the house down, along with all your stuff. It could also warm your house, and make it comfortable, when it's kept under control. But you have to watch it. Fire is beautiful, and necessary. Just like anger. You'll need a little anger at yourself when you make a mistake, to help you correct it. And if something happens in your life that warrants it. But be careful...

Find a healthy distraction

If  I ever find myself getting angry, I try not to talk. I just get away from people as soon as I can, and take a break from what I was doing if possible. I've found that enjoying something, like a good cup of coffee, will give me enough new perspective on the situation to feel better about it. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone, and let them know you're upset. That's perfectly alright, and a healthy way to calm yourself. Just remember, nobody likes a whiner, so don't do that too often. And make sure it's with a trusted friend.

Sometimes, your child will make you mad. They do something you told them so many times not to do, and you lose your temper. And guess what? That's the worst time to say anything. So many things have been said that people didn't necessarily mean, simply out of their anger and over-reaction to it. These things can also do serious damage to a relationship, so please be careful with the words you let come out of your mouth when your angry. They matter.

Calm yourself

When you see yourself getting angry, the best thing to do is not to react right away. I know it's hard not to react when your emotions are high, and you have something happen to you that isn't fair. Life isn't fair sometimes, and that can make you angry. You may simply be over-worked, and more prone to anger. Get some sleep. Get some exercise. Whatever it takes to make you feel better. We don't want you to be grumpy. Just make sure that, if you get mad about something, re-direct that anger into a good action. Get busy doing something. Anything, as long as it's something productive. Just moving around, and working on a project can calm you down. It gives you something positive to focus on, and you're more likely to feel good. Not angry.

Mental clarity

When you're not angry, you can focus on reality. Anger can cause a twisted reality, and loss of focus. It can make the simplest of tasks a burden, because it mentally taxes you. Clear your head as quickly as possible, and let it go. It's for the best.

Don't get angry

What's the best advice I can give? Don't get angry. And if you do find yourself getting angry, cool the fire as quickly as possible. Re-shift it like you do when a fire gets too hot in a fireplace. Let the air circulate around it, and open a window or a door to a more rational point of view.

Thanks for stopping by...CC