Status-quo Retrograde

Generalizations are always prevailent when speaking of large things as putting large numbers of like things into groups helps us understand how they're inter-related and study trends. But as of late there seems to be a lot of generalization by nationality. Those Americans, those Canadians, those French, those niggers or fags for that matter! I understand my evidence is completely anecdotal as citing people's journals would be rather rude.

I think the point I'm trying to make is to remind ourselves that individuals vary. In times of heated politics making sweeping generalizations by nationality is prone to inaccuracy and bias. When we take into account the respect for the individual I think we're all able to better deconstruct the swaggering jingoism and propaganda coming from all sides.

It's a complex time and there no clear cut answers yet. There probably won't be for a long time. The worst thing we can do now is close the lines of communication due to peity differences.

Name Meme

1. What does your first name mean?
   
   Brodie is a traditional scottish name with a few possible meanings. It's derived from Brothac , meaning "muddy" in Gaelic or "brother" in Flemish. Brodie is a traditional clan name in the area surrounding Inverness in the highlands of Scotland where my Dad's side is from.
   
   There's some really interesting history surrounding the Brodie clan. Such as Deacon Brodie, a banker by day and burgular by night who is said to be the inspiration for the story of Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde. I also visited Castle Brodie near Inverness when I was in Scotland three summers ago.
   
   
2. What does your middle name mean?
   
   Noble is from my Mom's side, it's Irish but that's about all we know. I have a feeling the meaning is literal.
   
   
3. What does your last name mean?
   
   According to my late Grandfather John Chree it's Mannish (which I believe is a dialect of Gaelic) for "Kind Heart". The first Chree was said to be a man who appeared in town one day and was a mute so therefore could not communicate his name. He would tend to the stables and was apparently very good and kind with the animals. The people named him "Chree" and there you have it.
   
   
4. What would you have been named if you were the opposite gender?
   
   Dad has said he likes the name Heather and Mom likes Lydia.
   
   
5. Any other name oddities?
   
   Nope!