2 great Questions from the poet, Amanda Gorman in her TED talk; here are a few of our answers from our TEDxCircle on Valentine’s Day 2021 as we focused on love! Thanks to all of you who contributed to this fascinating discussion! Let me know if you want to add or subtract to what you said in the chat yesterday or have thought of something since – as I have below.
I asked my husband his opinion – he had been making the dinner in the kitchen as we talked; he too says he stood on the shoulders of his parents who were so amazing in how they managed to provide in the toughest of times and survive; and that he stands for “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity and all the pie-in-the-sky stuff that’s gone out of fashion”. As I think about his making my dinner as I sipped my cool drink, I am adding that I am standing on his shoulders too as he does the washup, the shopping, the garden as I busy myself with the tree planting! An he stands on mine, metaphorically.
I’m going to keep asking those questions of people I meet, they are thought-provoking!
Here is where she puts the questions; https://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_gorman_using_your_voice_is_a_political_choice?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare#
- Whose shoulders do you stand on?
Whose shoulders do I stand on: Probably my mother’s and ….. , the woman who lived with us for nine years and was like a second mother to me.
My mother’s; she was an early adaptor. Did NOT want to be a farmer like her mother (drudgery). Did NOT want me to be a nurse like her, (more drudgery!). Gave me (and my brothers)every opportunity for educating ourselves so we would be equipped for life to the fullest & my Dad who backed her up. And all their ancestors who presumably were doing their very best and those everywhere supporting!
I stand on the shoulders of my mother and grandmother, and all the teachers of Ireland who innovated and worked to make our education system what it is.
I stand on the shoulders of my wonderful ancestors, mum, dad, and extended family
I’ll stand on anyone’s shoulders to get a better view (seriously I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors…)
My parents, mom and dad
I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the vote, scientists, artists and musicians, who make our world so wonderful.
A giraffe has largest view of the world (biggest heart of any mammal, highest world view!)
And here is her great poem;
- What do you stand for?
I stand for love
Salvaging life on the planet; Releafing Ireland with Ireland’s children to give them hope from carrying out a climate action and dispel gloooooooooooooooooooooom
My husband …. and I stand for truth
I would like to stand for courage…But it’s an ongoing battle with lesser self. I also hope I stand for a generosity of spirit.
I stand for kindness and looking at things intelligently.
I stand for equality
Stand for generations to come…
Being optimistic and giving people opportunities to talk to do things… Just time and space
I stand for honesty and taking care of self, others and the world we live in.
& I echo one of our group’s parting words….It was really lovely to see you all. Much love on this Valentine’s Day.
Easy Treesie 