Other groups have done so to underly their "commonness". American Blacks have done so with "Kwanzaa". Despite Africa being multicultural and multilingual, certain characteristics are portrayed as representive of Africa. Swahili and the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.
We should do the same. With symbols and a philosophical basis that represent us and our commonality.
A celebration marking a coming together desipte the diaspora. giving thanks for finding others like ourselves. and celebrating the daulity of our existence of needing others and needing our apartness.
Wasnt Kwanzaa an historically existing celebration? I dont think it was invented recently, but has been promoted, which I think is good if people wish to enjoy it.
We have autistic pride day as one celebration, if we had more days to enjoy ourselves it would be good, especially if it had lovely food too, or even presents :lol:
I dont know if others would be very interested, but its a nice idea.
I just had a read on wikipedia, seems that it was based on traditional celebrations, but was 'repackaged' in the 60s.
If we had a day/days for a celebration, would it need to be based on something traditional, or something completely new? Hans Aspergers anniversary will be celebrated next year, would that count?
make it during christmas. :wink:
I think we should ask edan. He is a genius at this sort of thing.
I think we should soemthing pre-existing a repackage perhaps something sumerian or roman.
Wouldnt xmas be a huge clash?
We miss out on thanksgiving here in the UK, what about thanksgiving for our differences? Held in november too? Just an idea.
What about something linking with the solstices?
yes
thanksgiving is near the soltice
perhaps on that special day when night is the same length as day.
good food and good drink
a day to celebrate balance that should be central to every aspergian.
the 4 points of the compass could be representative of behavoir
In the UK 21st december is the shortest day I think, too close to xmas.
An idea - Difference Day. A symbol for it -
http://www.hermetic.com/crowley/libers/lib30.html
there is a link along the lines I was thinking
south,Fire - be energetic and strong <snip> but avoid irritability and ferocity;
east, Water - be flexible and attentive to images<snip>, but avoid idleness and changeability;
west,Earth - be laborious and patient <snip>, but avoid grossness and avarice.
north,Air - Be <snip> prompt and active <snip>, but avoid frivolity and caprice;
these guidelines has when I apply them being helpful to me.
Well I found it on google :lol:
It would need to be changed, just a basic idea. A spectrum of colours in a wheel.
I think you've got a good idea here :smile:
I wish there was a holiday where everyone had to experience what is was like to have some disability. That might mean someone who could walk would had to spend a day in a wheelchair.
I do not have too many ideas about what people could do to understand what it is like to have AS. Maybe they could be talked to half the time so they never knew what was going on. Other people could wear masks over their faces so they could not see facial expressions and maybe people would only communicate to them briefly using e-mail or notes.
There have been charity days like that here a couple of times, and people have been sponsored to be in a wheelchair for the day, or be blindfolded, etc.
If other people understood us more too it would surely be a bonus.
Helping people to understand others is important. I know I learned alot from having a friend with cerebral palsy stay with me on vacation for a week. I started to understand how important having access for wheelchairs and motorized scooters was. I also noticed how people were not so patient with her slow speech and would just look past her to ask me questions. I was telling people "ask her" because she is not stupid. Which is somewhat our problem with people not understanding us. I was trying to explain my AS to my friend but she really did not understand.
I think that trying to get people to understand some people's difficulties getting around and with communication is the most important aspect. Celebrating diversity is just as important but people have to understand what diversity is and why it is a benefit to society. If more people understood diversity and just respected diversity then I would say I would want a holiday to celebrate it.
I dont think they'd like that or agree to it though.