Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers.I spent the whole afternoon at CERD, the Committee to Eliminate Racial Discrimination, as the Russian Federation presented a report and then was grilled, thoroughly, but diplomatically about their treatment of minorities and migrants, including major issues like treatment of Roma (Gypsies), Neo-Nazi groups and other violent extremists who target ethnic minorities, and land and economic rights for the indigenous peoples who tend to populate fossil-fuel rich areas.
It was kind of a sobering contrast with what today is "supposed to be," whatever that means. Never been a fan of Valentine's day. It's different for everyone, but for me it seems an attempt to candycoat everything and fit relationships, romantic and otherwise, into a prepackaged heart-shaped box, when what's really important are the unique ties between peoples, those that acknowledge pockmarks and imperfections, and then seek to fill in one another's flaws with the most generous love we can muster. The candy version seems so insubstantial, especially as I was vividly reminded of man's inhumanity to man. Sad about being single on Valentine's Day? Imagine being a Chechen or Roma in Russia. . .
These meetings do get a little long and repetitive, as every speaker "warmly welcomes the delegation," and then throws down their two cents of well-phrased criticism. My mind started wandering to things like, "If you don't love me back, it'll be a crime against humanity. Be Mine."
I'm a terrible person. Don't let me bring anyone down. Have a beautiful day.
Love from Geneva,
Laura
2 comments:
Ha! :) Love your twist on a very sad topic, there at the end.
Thanks for appreciating my somewhat dark sense of humor. And thanks for reading. Let me know if you have any more questions!
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