Comments (3)

Younger Person (Emma Levene- Nevel): "Naima- Let me start by saying that you are truly a wonderful writer. All of your pieces are a beautiful mixture of thoughtfulness, personal experience, and amazing insight. I think that this piece offers an interesting perspective regarding an aspect of illness that is often ignored. In your discussion of "The Motorcycle Diaries" (which I really want to see!), you mention multiple instances in which Che acknowledges that the "lepors" are being stigmatized for their illness and thus isolated from society- not because they have to be isolated, but because the community can't and won't accept them. I think that Che's resistance to this inhumane treatment is indicative of his passion for social justice and his recognition that everybody, even those with mental and physical disabilities, are just as human as everybody else. I think that you share those same beliefs, which are reflected in this piece. I think that your connection to cancer is also really interesting. If you were to elaborate on this piece, I think you could elaborate on how, specifically, people with cancer become isolated from their surroundings, maybe using your personal experience to develop your points. Overall, I think the piece was very well written, and I can't wait to read more!"


Older Person (Joaquin Noguera):
"I appreciate how you tied it all together in your closing sentences, Naima. Using Che's language to describe those that not only empathize with the I'll, specifically cancer patients and survivors, but in doing so also combat the stigma surrounding those with such illnesses, you inadvertently praise the "wise" for their greater understanding and encourage the reader that taking such an approach is to do good! I too love the concept of treating or viewing those who see the human behind the illness as "wise folk", almost more evolved or awakened/enlightened beings. I think everyone is "wise", in this way, in some aspect of their life. Too often, people confine their "wisdom" too only a few aspects of their reality. Too often does that wisdom not transfer over to other parts of life. This empathy, this wisdom, is one major distinguishing feature of humans and the "most wise" know that there are few aspects of our lives where it should not apply. I would argue that whether the issue is war, health control, immigration, crime and punishment, etc, our ability to listen, care for and about, and empathize with others can be a measure of a peoples evolutionary development.

Let's all work on being a little more wise, Eh?

Thanks Nai.

Love,
Joaquin"