Why are Pigs considered Unclean?

So this has long been my question growing up as a Muslim. In the beginning, of course, I don’t question why pigs were considered haram. Then I reach early adolescence and start questioning the reasons behind why they were prohibited. The explanation that I received was that back in the biblical times, they had no refrigerators and so pigs’ meat would go bad faster than other meats. I found this explanation to be hilarious because why then would they still be prohibited today? The answer to that was because following the tradition was all that matters — another explanation that I just can’t accept.

This semester I am taking Intro to Anthropology and we did a little section on religion and covered the Book of Leviticus, the section where they discussed the different dietary prohibitions. In Mary Douglas’ Purity and Danger, she covered a section on the Abominations of Leviticus and I found this section very informative! Douglas’ explanation of why Muslims and Jews consider pigs as unclean really opened up my eyes to understanding the reasons behind the prohibitions. For shorter explanation, I will just copy an excerpt from my textbook discussion this section of Douglas’ book:

“The Abomination of Leviticus” (Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition, Emily Schultz, Robert Lavenda)

Consider the prohibition against eating pork. For Jews and Muslims, pork is inedible, culturally speaking. According to Mary Douglas (1996), this has nothing to do with ecological problems associated with pig raising in southwestern Asia nor with defects in the digestive systems of Jews or Muslims. Douglas analyzed the Jewish dietary prohibitions detailed in the biblical Book of Leviticus. She argues that certain animals were prohibited as food because something about them violated the prototypes for edibility recognized in ancient Hebrew culture.

Prototypically “clean” land animals were supposed to have four legs and cloven hooves and to chew the cud; pigs were an “abomination” because they were four legged, cloven-hoofed beasts that did not chew the cud. “Clean” beasts of the air were supposed to have feathers and to fly with wings; therefore, hopping insects were “unclean” because they had six legs, neither walked nor flew, and lacked feathers. “Clean” water animals were supposed to have fins and scales; shrimp were forbidden because, although they lived in the sea, they lacked fins and scales.

By itself, Douglas argues, a prohibition against eating pork is meaningless and appears irrational. However, when the prohibition against pork is taken together with other dietary prohibitions in Leviticus, and when these are compared with the foods that were permitted, a pattern emerges. Douglas and Isherwood write, “Goods assembled together in ownership make physical, visible statements about the hierarchy of values to which their chooser subscribes” (1979, 5). Thus, Jews who consume only “clean” foods that meet the ritual requirements laid down by their tradition are doing more than procuring the means to satisfy their hunger; they are also making a social declaration of solidarity with their religious community, and the care with which they adhere to the dietary laws is a measure of their commitment. Their need for food is being met, but selectively, and the selection they make carries a social message.

Basically, it’s not just the rules that the people are following but what it means to follow the rules. They may seem irrational and meaningless, but the whole point to follow the different rules is to be “holy,” and not be different. Basically, by following the rules, they are sending a message that they are able to make choices and show their commitment to the religion. So in the end, basically, pigs are unholy because the bible said so.

Well it’s a much better explanation than what I have understood all these years. I certainly appreciate the information, but whether or not I will return to Islam will remain a question.

Philosophy or just plain Bullshit?

You’ve heard it: the wise words coming out of the respectable intelligent man. As the “big” words flow into your ears, you quickly sum up the interpretation and ideas. Yet at the same time, you thought, “man, just say what you mean already.” I’ve had that experience, boy, way too many times and I’m sure you have too. The use of “intelligent talk” to pass along a meaningless or careless ideas is a method many people use to appear better than others. It’s sad, really.

There are what is called the real philosophers and the philosophers-wannabe. In my opinion, an actual philosopher often won’t attempt to use their ways of thinking in order to benefit themselves but instead to benefit others. Think about it, if you have a great idea you would like to share, would you make it sound like it’s rocket science when it really isn’t? If your true purpose of sharing your ideas to simply share, you would try to make the other person understand as best they could. Misunderstandings only lead to nowhere, and wouldn’t you want to have a great discussion in the first place, anyway?

On the other hand, a philosopher-wannabe would often make their ideas sounds grandeur. A point that can be explained in a simple sentence turn into a long eloquent paragraph. Sure it sounds intelligent, but once you hear closely to the points that is being said, there are multiple repetitions and the use of unnecessary verbs and adverbs. Really, just get to the point already.

I’m a believer in simplicity and speed. The faster and more efficient one way is, the better. So I don’t see a point in wasting another person’s time trying to explain an idea simply to make myself look smarter. Let’s face it here, “big” words aren’t used in everyday language, only in written scholarly journals for its own separate purpose. If you can simplify a 30 page journal into a simple, yet content-heavy paragraph when trying to summarize a journal, then your original intent is kept. Simple, fast, to the point.

There is also the issue of purpose in starting the conversation in the first place. One is to simply share an idea, the other is to push that idea onto another person because one think that that’s the only idea that’s right. You can hear it in the person’s voice and words when they simply want to share. They will ask for your opinions and be open about it. In the end, it simply turns into a healthy discussion resulting in better understading of both sides’ points of view. On the contrary, a selfish and “all-righteous” individual would try and push their idea to the other person and not listen or even ask for the other person’s opinions.

Can you see where I’m going with this?

To all individuals trying to sell dignity and respect through blatant philosophical bullshit, please stop. Just get to the point, and be quick about it.

P.S. Sorry I haven’t written in a while, school’s been taking over my life.

Me vs. The Culture

“Shame on you for no religion.”
“Where’s your respect for your ancestors?”

I must say, I have grown even further away from my culture’s beliefs and ways of life. I don’t blame modernity and technology, really, I simply grew into a more individualized person who wish for no attachments with religion and silly customs. What do I get for voicing out my opinions? Criticism from my own blood relatives.

I have grown to be much more open in life, to accept things as they are, and to explore every inch of possibilities there are to offer. Arts, for example, is one way that I really express my thoughts and feelings. But sometimes, even arts can be viewed as taboo. Nudity, sex, profanity and everything in between are parts of arts itself. In my opinion, if that’s what it takes to express your artistic views, then that’s the only way there is. No need to shy away from honest expressions.

Unfortunately, even until today, I am still unable to express my views wholly. My views on sex, drugs, the beauty of nudity and using profanity. What will the family say!

“It’s not just all about you. It’s about our culture too, you have to preserve it.”

Aren’t I preserving my culture anyway? In ways that doesn’t require signing up for religion and following the customs. I am proud of my heredity, of my ancestors and the way the community live their lives. I am proud to be Indonesian, to have shared such rich background and be able to experience such different lifestyles. But I am me, and to be proud of my culture, I don’t think I HAVE to live the life everybody else is living.

In fact, I know many individuals who perhaps have the same ideas and thoughts as me, who wish to be more open and expressive, but are bound to the ties of their culture. The result? Hypocrites. Individuals who say one thing and do another. Who wears veils for nothing, who reads the Qur’an for nothing, and who live a life of lies. Who swears for no sex before marriage, who swears for no alcohol or drugs… lies. It’s a shame, really.

At least I’m honest. I am not brave enough to be as expressive as I’d like to be, but hey, I’m getting there. It isn’t easy to be slowly breaking away from the ways of one’s customs. It isn’t easy to be a separate individual. But perhaps and hopefully one day I will be able to express my thoughts in feelings in my own open ways. I’m sure some people will understand. I’m sure some people won’t judge me, won’t look at me from where I came from, whose family I was raised with and so on. I’m sure that there are and will be some people who will view my expressions for what they are.

Me vs. the culture. Today, I win.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

You know that commercial “Sweet Surprise” about the “truth” behing high fructose corn syrup? Believe me, the first time I saw it, I was in a surprise myself, but not so much of a “sweet surprise” as how they put it. It is a fact that high fructose corn syrup is not simply a corn syrup, but it has been enzymatically processed to highten the fructose level (making it sweeter.) Unfortunately, not organic, and unhealthy.

But then of course, any type of sugar is okay in moderation, right? This is true, but there are much more options out there than sweetening your food with high fructose corn syrup and/or even regular white sugar. Try organic cane sugar, that “sugar in the raw” stuff, or honey, or maple syrup. There are much less processing to those products, and since there isn’t much need for shipping, it is more nutritious (no need for extra preservatives).

Sure, the FDA stated that it is “Generally Recognized as Safe” and the American Medical Association concluded that it does not contribute to the increasing level of obesity in America… This is because high fructose corn syrup is not deadly / poisonous (we all know that), and of course, the increasing level of obesity is not because of high fructose corn syrup itself, but the products that it is in. When is it that you see an organic healthy food containing high fructose corn syrup. Although it may not be as unhealthy by itself, healthier foods often opt for healthier sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup isn’t it.

A recent reading in the Washington Post, “High Fructose Corn Syrup: Not so Sweet for the Planet” also concluded that the production of high fructose corn syrup is not environmentally friendly. Ouch. Since the production of corn requires large amounts of land specifically for corn, there is no diversity. Also, corn production requires extra fertilization and insecticides causing the top soil to “die” and become nutrion-less and leads to erosion. An area in the Gulf of Mexico the size of New Jersey already is a dead zone, because there is a soil runoff from Mississippi and therefore nothing could grow there.

So, I’m sorry “Sweet Surprise”. Your high-fructose-corn-syrup-is-healthy advertisement is not completely true.

Save Ourselves

Save the Earth. No. Save Ourselves.

Global warming swarms a panic. Environmentalists screams for help. The government is stressing out. Who are we kidding here? After watching and reading various documentations, studies and theories, I have come to a conclusion that it is not Earth we should be saving, instead it is ourselves and our fellow living organisms that live on Earth.

One of National Geography’s most treasured show (in my opinion) would be Earth: The Biography, among many others. The show premiered just last month and it took my breath away! Truly an amazing way of showcasing the history and biography of Earth, the planet us humans are living in. There are so many interesting facts that are shown in this documentary, and the one fact from a study that I found most intriguing is how Earth has gone through so many throughout its history of development.

Funny how we think that humans are destroying Earth. In fact, Earth is so strong and such a unique survivor that it withstand the attack of various meteors and soaring heat. Yes, humans are destroying Earth now, but Earth will survive, and Earth will return to its original form once humans are no longer capable of surviving in it.

Link this to another showcase from National Geography, Aftermath: Life After Humans which focuses on how the Earth will take over everything that humans have created and destroyed and return to its original true form. Mother nature will let pollution breathe itself out, leaving only clean air within merely 100 years. Imagine unpolluted air; oxygen that current humans never even naturally breathe.

Every civilization has an end, and so will the human civilization as well. We can only survive for so long in this weather and conditions. The Earth is changing so much, unfortunately much too fast for humans to keep up. Let’s face it, humans are not evolving as fast as we would like us to be. We are unable to live in sweltering heat, with not enough vegetation, harsh weather and short supply of other resources. Unfortunately, the end to humanity is not too far and the human civilization is short lived not by any other factor but humans themselves.

Well, there is no turning back now. The Earth will move forward with its course, changing and being changed, surviving every step of the way. But will the humans survive? Nope. What to do? Nothing.

There is only so much that the green living idea can do to our own survival. It is a way for us to slow down our own extinction. A way to slow down and let our later generations live on this Earth that we love so much. A chance to breathe some air, a chance to survive before the end of humanity. Thinking green day today will not undo the environmental harm that humans have done, but it will give humans the time.

Live your live to your fullest, said a good friend of mine, Ann Tran. It wouldn’t be long until our later generations would simply be wiped out by natural disasters triggered by human actions. Our time on Earth is coming to an end. Not in my lifetime or your children’s, but maybe your later generations. You only live once, and don’t take that to advantage because you have no idea how lucky you are to still be able to breathe the oxygen, here on Earth.

New Trend: Pregnancy

So it’s not hard to notice that Hollywood is taking a new step in creating a new trend, that is, getting pregnant. Of course, it’s not hard to say that pregnancy is beautiful thing, and often regarded as sexy, and more women are deciding to get the bumps this year. I am not just talking about the married or mature and ready couples here, but younger girls too. Girls who are not ready… but then again, who cares whether you’re ready or not, right? (No!!)

People like Jamie Lynn Spears who was 16 when she discovered that she’s pregnant. The media’s turn on this? That it is a great thing, Jamie will get all the support she needs, the baby will be okay, it’s not her fault, and so on. Well, the truth is, viewing teenage pregnancy like this will not help other teenage girls to look up to Jamie (who, by the way is Britney Spears’ younger sister), and actually believe that teenage pregnancy is okay.

Then we have the movies and TV shows. For example, Juno. If you have seen this movie, then you would understand. This movie is not for young girls who does not understand the complication and risks of getting pregnant. Why? Because this movie is about embracing and coping with teenage pregnancy. One scene from the movie goes like this:

Juno: “I’m pregnant.”

Stepmom: “Oh God.”

Juno: “But I’m going to give it up for adoption! I’d already found the perfect couple, they’re going to pay for the medical expenses and everything, and, and, 30 odd weeks so we can just pretend that this never happened! “

Dad: “You’re pregnant?”

Juno: “I’m sorry… and if it is any consolation I have heartburn…”

… And then they started talking about who the father was, and started making fun of the boy who had gotten Juno pregnant in the first place, and the focus of the later conversation was straight onto dealing with the pregnancy. You could almost feel that when you’re there with the scene, there is no stress level, no worries and it’s like telling your parents that you stole gum from the hardware store. Big deal.

Well the truth is, pregnancy is a big deal and is not an easy thing. A normal parent would not deal with their children’s pregnancy as easy and relaxed as the parents in this movie. Sadly, young oblivious teenage girls would not understand this, and would actually believe that if they are pregnant, it would just be as easy as telling your parents your stole gum from the hardware store.

Adding to all this, is the so-called “pregnancy pact” that happened in a high school at Gloucester, MA. Apparently, about 17 girls decided to get pregnant and raise the children together, and these girls go as far as getting random homeless man to get themselves pregnant. What is this, a pregnancy sorority? So many girls are trying to join the pact and so many girls are willing to do whatever it takes.

The blame to all this? The media, the lack of sex education (which apparently only reached up to Freshmen), and most importantly, the parents.

Perhaps it is about time that every young girl around the nation know and understand fully the risks, the process and everything in between of getting pregnant. It’s not as easy as how they showed in the Hollywood. If you really would like to see real pregnancy and real parenthood, go to Discovery Health channel and watch is once in a while. And, to know what it’s like to take care of a baby, take care of one for a night.

Plus, it’s expensive! If you think that your current household could definitely afford a baby, think again. A baby’s first year could cost $9,000-$11,000 (www.surebaby.com), and that’s only the first 12 months. And the cost only go higher as your baby grows older. And this is only the money figures, babies not only cost dollars, but they can cost you time as well. The time you will have to spend taking care of the baby considering a newborn is in need of constant care and attention. Lacking any of this will cause the baby a failure to thrive (both organically and emotionally).

Also, another important fact is that teenage girls are not physically nor mentally ready to have a child. This is probably a known fact that many teenage girls miss. A teenage girls’ body (say, around 13-16) are still in the stage of developing. Adding a baby to the mass of that developing body could cause complications to not only the growing baby, but to the carrying girl as well.

Then the most important of it all: the beginning. Having unprotected sex is really a dumb choice. Pregnancy is not the only risk (especially when these girls really want it), but there are other risks like STD’s. And, really, how much do you know about STD’s? How much do you actually remember about the different kinds of the most common STD’s out there? Or the fact that many STD’s does not show any symptoms in the first few months and some could even be deadly? And STD does not only proof a threat to the girls themselves, but to others that they may have sex with again in the future as well as the baby (if they are pregnant).

So, pregnancy isn’t so pretty after all ain’t it? Isn’t it about time… NOW, that we need to inform our young generations of healthy and full-of-potential girls about sex, pregnancy and everything in between?

Gasoline Prices: Sudden Awareness

As we all just might already be aware of, gasoline prices has gone up to a painful $4 per gallon. Ouch. My mom just complained the other night how she’s spending almost $20 more per week in gas, spending close to $200 per month. Ouch. Well, I suppose it won’t be too long until people are leaving their cars in their garage, or might as well sell it and start looking into alternative transportation system. Is this what it really takes to get people to really ditch the non-renewable fuels and go look for something else?

1. Cycling, Walking, or just Run!

Really, not only will you burn fat and look SO good, you will not spend more than $10 / month with biking/cycling. And the money spent usually goes to maintenance of bicycle or if you’re a walker, well, safety pepper spray, an umbrella and one pair of extremely comfy shoes. Imagine the amount of money you will safe. A LOT. You will definitely won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on insurance, gas and maintenance.

Why is it so difficult? Yes, I understand how hard it can get during the tough seasons. But, raining boots usually help as well as a reliable public transportation. Or Taxis once in a while. And really warm weather and a decent pair of boots in the winter will make your walk more than bearable.

A little extra information:

Bicycle sales has actually gone up to almost double their last year’s sales. Strangely, people who are ditching their cars are usually those of older/senior citizens. Apparently college students through 30 year olds are still opting to drive instead of cycling. Even with their better physique.

2. Public Transportation

As a committed public transportation user, some states / cities actually offer really reliable systems. For example, while living in Montgomery County, getting to even the most remote places is never a problem. Thanks to the RideOn and Metro system that really helps me getting around.

Plus, most of the buses are hybrid which, of course, are very environmentally friendly. And the quality of the service as well as the buses are often quite acceptable. Some of the newer RideOn buses are actually really nice too. Comfy, safe ride that will get you to places.

3. Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars have actually been around longer than I had expected. Plus, I have just come to understand what the term “Hybrid” really means: combining two or more power resources in powering the car engine. Choices ranges from gasoline, electricity, compressed hydrogen, soybean, corn or other bio-fuels. I will post a separate entry on the details of one of my most desired hybrid car: the Honda Clarity which says to be released this summer. The Clarity uses compressed hydrogen which powers electricity to run the car. Zero emissions, only water. How cool is that? I am still doing some further research on how it actually works, but I think that’s really cool! Honda is even planning to use the energy station, using hydrogen to power not the only car, but the whole house as well. Even cooler!

Point is, there are so many other alternatives to driving high-mileage gasoline cars. Plus the prices of Hybrid cars are lowering! And bicycles are always out there for you to buy. It is a fact that many people who have cars has grown so accustomed to driving 1-2 miles down the street to grab a thing or two instead of opting for walking or cycling. What a waste. And you would think that along with the current economic downfall you will be able to afford a gasoline car by a couple more years? Maybe not.

Set an example, walk and ride

Addicted to Twilight

I am certainly not the first person who says this: I am completely, and utterly addicted to the Twilight series. A vampire love story written by Stephenie Mayer. How could I not? I myself am a hopeless romantic, and I am always intrigued, if not, close to believing in supernaturals. The Twilight series hit the jackpot.

Not to mention that I only recently bought the book for no absolute reason but to have some type of reading on the train home (this is Sunday.) Little did I know that I would be so absorbed. The series includes four books, only three has been released. I finished the last three just Wednesday. That’s three days of almost no eating, showering and getting out of bed of reading. I’m still starving for more.

I can go on and on with reasons of why I love the Twilight series. I might as well just make myself one of the 1 million ++ fans worldwide. Although I didn’t expect or realize that this book is so popular. Again, I found the book by accident. Wow. Also, this is the first book, EVER, that I would actually open and read again. Meyer really know how to write and attract the readers to non-stop reading. She writes so beautifully that I am always captivated no matter how many times I re-read her books.

Well, I knew that Hollywood isn’t going to stay still about this, I knew the movie must’ve come out soon! Well, lo-behold, I went online and look it up, and the movie Twilight will be released December 12th, 2008. I checked out the actors. Wow, perfect. I had always guessed that the male actor would be Robert Pattinson as Edward (the leading vampire character), but it was surprising to find Kristen Stewart to play Bella? Wow, I did not expect that. But she’s a great actress nonetheless! Her performance in some horror movie I watched a couple of years ago, she’s a great actress. Plus she’s really gorgeous and she could really pass for both human and vampire

Point is, I AM SO EXCITED.

The American Freedom and Equality?

When a stranger is asked on what they think of America, the most common answer is the freedom it has to offer. There has been many rights and laws that protects almost every group of people and there is freedom in choice almost in anything and everything. But the truth is, is there?

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which its stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” — The Pledge of Allegiance.

The word “under God” is added by President Eisenhower in 1954, passed, of course, by congress. So, is there really freedom in America? Freedom to believe in… whatever? What about those individuals who do not believe in God? How can they pledge in stating that America is a nation under God, while at the same time believing that God does not even exists?

Looking through the many leaders throughout history in America, Christianity is the one strong belief that many of these leaders hold. Then, let’s look at few teachings of Christianity: to disallow divorce, to view sex as sin, that murder is sin and that revenge is useless. Sure, at a glance, America certainly does not hold any restraints to divorce, sex, murder and revenge (i.e. the war). But look closer between the streets and behind the written pledge. The so called “God” is behind it all.

It is a fact that sex education has been very limited in many schools across the United States. Although it is, in fact, a very important aspect of education, especially among teenagers, many parents and boards of education deny the importance of sex education. These people believe that promoting sex education will only promote sex. That sex education is in line with sex itself, and therefore is against the teachings of the religion.

Sadly, across the globe, the United States is listed as the number one country with the highest number of under-age pregnancy and one of the lowest user of contraception. A coincidence? I don’t think so.

Then, the so very appraised “rights” of people which, sadly, is poorly taught. Let start with the Civil Rights, to free slaves and promote equal rights to those of African heritage. Look around. Do you see equal rights between those of the African heritage? The fight between whites and blacks are long from being over. It has been embedded in the culture itself, in the very talk of everyday and in the hearts of the Americans. Racism will always exist, and equality could never win.

Then the Women’s Rights, again, to give equal opportunity to women in all aspects of humanity. Sure, slowly women are taking the bigger work, becoming CEO’s and head contractors, even taking over positions in the parliamentarian. But look closer, and see that many of these women still are unable to be given the total and absolute respect that the rights is supposed to promise. Again, it has been embedded in the culture.

My explanation to this? Perhaps the celebration of rights and freedom is being promoted a little too much. Black History Month? How about White History Month? Or Chinese History Month? or Immigrants History Month? How can we find equality this way? How can we mark the calendars in celebration of one race, and one race only? Morgan Freeman, a famous celebrity, even stated on December of 2005 that Black History Month is “ridiculous… You’re going to relegate my history to a month?… I don’t want black history month. Black history is American history.” Touché.

Every single changes that happens in America is, in fact, the American history. I would say that focusing on any one type of rights and even mark the calendars with these celebration will not only cause a tiresome in preparation of the celebration itself, but it will only dis-promote equality.

So maybe our future generations will realize, that freedom and equality does not exist in written form, but it must exist in reality. Signatures and documentations of various rights will not succeed without the 100% belief from every single American individual. To unite America as a whole, I would say that we should look back into the history of America, up until this very day, and see which means the most to all of Americans, not just a group, but to all.

No partial history deserves a celebration of its own, the whole history should be celebrated together. No freedom should only be written in words and documentations, but is should be believed and act out in reality. Dear, free and equal America: you are not so free and equal, after all.

I found a counterfeit

So, I was wondering where my tips went and I remembered placing them in the back pockets of my work pants. So I went and grabbed it and forgot that it went through laundry. All the bills are fine, except this one:

Proof that counterfeit still exist (doh!) I’m not so happy that I lost $5, I could’ve used it for better things… I can’t believe anyone would tip Starbucks baristas with counterfeit money. Haven’t we worked hard enough?