[to (dis)associate]

On the day of my graduation, one of the speaker had speech that it is extremely important to have community. It means to join good professional association(s). I remember it very well, although until now I still haven’t found the right association yet. There are a few associations on social research or development or similar to those. However, they were overseas. Many interesting associations are even not only based on interest but also restricted in specified geographic areas.

I would not be mind to join one or two of those. But, I am currently seeking for more “local” ones. Either in the regional or the country. It is because I would like to extend my network! To learn from others’ experiences, to hear and share, to associate one another. I still highly value the real discussion although I am grateful with the online ones. I like to put a face on a name!

[the price of comfortability]

(while dragging the television box into the security check and lift) “There are taxies in the lobby”

(smiling) ”But this lift can go directly to the basement too right?”

“ooh yes, the parking lot for motorcylces is at the basement second floor”

(smiling again)

Those conversation happened when my boyfriend and me bought a television. Obviously the salesman thought that we were a young couple (although we are not that young) who use public transportation. Or even if we went there with personal transportation, it would be a motorcycle. In other words, he did not (or does not?) classify us as “worth” enough to use any private car. Well, he did not wrong totally as we used the car from the company. We did not feel bothered too as the salesman did not say those words with negative expression as all of us might see on how the saleswomen/men in the sort-of-exclusive stores do. Well, we experience this sort of behaviour several times so it would not be that surprising anymore. We even observe this.

Afterwards, we laughed and smiled. We even still laugh on that event whenever we remember. It is understandable why he said that way. We wore polo shirts, jeans and sandals. We spent around half an hour only to think which kind of television that we will buy, of course, with making  comparison on prices and benefits. It might be too long for him. As the televisions that we were compared are not the luxurious ones (not those with eight digits Rupiahs). The standard ones! He might think that, “Gosh, they think that long only to buy this one standard television“. Social expectations.

A friend said to me, that whenever she go to department stores with her friends, they always play a little game. “The perfume sample” The game is very simple, whoever be offered of a piece of paper contains sprayed fragrance means that she is the one who wear clothes “properly”. That she is the targeted consumer.

[mightiness defense]

Lately, religiosity is being an important issue in daily life. Many things happen in the name of religions.

In my case, yes, I have a faith that I hold dearly. Yet, I could not say that I can not share few things that I do not like in the religion. Yes, I divide those into two different things. Most of the time, religion is the organization(s) which have responsibilities to ensure the faith keep going on track. That the followers would behave as expected. Sometimes, unfortunately, the organizations talk about marketing ideas too!

Many violences in the name of religion happen in the world. Many claim what they have done in the name of the Almighty. Many believe that they did the right things, no matter how many people suffer due to their acts. That what they did might cause negative images instead of positive as expected.

Humans' ideas: Division and subtraction (Frank & Ernest - April 07th, 2000)

[Garuda (always) be with us]

On last days of 2010, I have an interesting experience in Indonesia. Many Indonesians shout out loud on their social network accounts, “Garuda di dadaku – Garuda in my heart”. A symbol of the proudness amongst Indonesians. Where the euforia comes from? Nah, it is not for the Independence Day. Nor the National Awakening Day. Nor the Youth Pledge Day. Not even the Pancasila Sanctity Day. Sooo??!!

It is because of Indonesia’s National Soccer Team!

The euforia of being the winner candidate, was very huge. All of sudden, the National Jersey is being the most wanted thing. Many, many, many people wear that jersey. Quite “odd” as usually people wear other countries’ jerseys who have won world cups. Pathetically, the players become public figures in infotaiment mass media!!!

I always raise my eyebrow whenever sportmen and sportwomen put too much time on infotaiment things.True, that media is important to raise awareness, so that many people aware what have been achieved. Yet, it would not help to achieve the real goals! Well, unless the goal is to be popular!???!

The result?

We lost on the first match of the final. Regardless, the rotten tricks that the opponent’s supporters did, the team did not play with their best capabilities! I against those rotten tricks as I always consider things like that belong to those with lack of capabilities! Yet, I also unfavour with the idea to revenge. Simply because it would mean that we are just like them!

Anyway, the team suceeded to revenge on the second match. We won the match, yet not be the winner. The good thing is that the team did not give up easily! And also due to sportmanship of the supporters who did not take revenge.

Yet, the greatest thing is that, this time, almost all Indonesians go into one voice! 

[mother: hardwork+perseverance]

Today is the Indonesian Mothers’ Day. As always, many people in networking sites have proudly updated this as their statuses. It creates the hype of reminder and spirit of its importance. Indeed it is important. Being a mother means you have a profession without time to rest, a lifetime commitment. Unfortunately, regardless its huge responsibilities, there is no such training or certificate on how to be a good mother!

As many people say, “You are ready when you are (being mothers)”

 

Mother: Untiring hard-work and perseverance profession (Frank & Ernest - April 27, 1996)

Around a year ago, I have started to realize the reasons behind this Mothers’ Day. My prior university has published a book on it, titled as “The First Indonesian Women’s Congress of 1928“. It is the manuscripts of the conference in old version of Bahasa and English, which apparently I could not find in my home country.

Yes, that congress is the reason behind!

That back to 1928 -82 yeas ago- there was the congress by and for Indonesian Women. By Indonesian Women I am not talking only Javanesse Women. Can you imagine how great it was? Back to 1928, when the women empowerment has not being as famous as now. Indonesia even has not declared their independence from the colonialization. When traditional values and beliefs were strongly impact daily lives, as information were very limited.

Great, isn’t it?!!