Confucius Say. . .

If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one's entire life, perhaps it would be 'thoughtfulness.'

Confucius, 551-479 BC

Chinese Philosopher and Teacher

Surprise, Surprise

Last week started out heavy and ended lighter, thank goodness.  After I lost both my substitute teaching job AND my extras film role, I got an e-mail from my agent asking if I could work as an extra on TRUST last Friday.  Of course, I jumped at the opportunity and ended up spending 13 hours with David Schwimmer, the director and Clive Owen, the hunky star.

We filmed at a nearby school.  Outside, I was a parent walking back to my car with my daughter.  And, inside, I was a parent rooting for her in the gymnasium as she played volleyball.  Then, Clive Owen had to walk across the gym, single out the perpetrator who's bugging his daughter on the internet, and beat him up. It was really exciting although, I must admit, I detest violence of any kind. 

Still, it was Hollywood!  It was the movies, and I was in it--yey!  The only thing that really bothered me that day was that they served a gourmet meal, of succulent scallops, prime rib, pepper steak, redskins, corn, pies of all kinds plus two healthy salads, one a spinach and the other romaine and other dark greens with savory dressings.  Yet, for the "extras," they set up a separate buffet of macaroni and cheese, little chicken wings and iceburg lettuce called "salad."  Yuck!

Discrimination, period, bothers me.  And when it's directed at my tummy, to deny me nutritious food due to greediness, then I have a problem with these intentions.  I mean, after all, a Hollywood film is budgeted in the millions, so what's the difference, a few pennies?  This was the first film set I've been involved with that did that--separated the cast and crew's food from the extras (peons.)  And that's simply not right. It harkens to discrimination anywhere, any time. 

Nutrition, of any kind, should be shared.  Sustenance is important for everyone.  Whether it be in the form of food, nurturing, parental/sibling relationships or personal exchanges.  Anything that provides qualities that enhance one's life and extend one's longevity, should be shared equally.  The optimum word being "equal."  For when there's discrimination, there is violence.  Whether it be passive, as in the separate food for extras, or blatant, as in the race riots of the 60s, hosing of Kent State student protestors or any number of national or global acts of aggression.  It's all just plain WRONG.

If animals ruled the world, especially pups like Suzy, we'd all be much better off.  For there would be no discrimination.  Only equality, kindness and love.