The Naked Ape Party
Filed Under Mom Talk |
I attended a fundraising gala back in January for the David Suzuki Foundation; it was called the Naked Ape Party—with David Suzuki himself in attendance, no less. The theme of the night was getting back to basics and remembering who we really are and what we really need. Without those values in tow, how can we ever save the environment?
David Suzuki explained how we are an organic life form like all the others, taking on our own unique shape. We are in essence part of the earth because in some small way we each have a relationship to every thing on this planet, including the planet itself. As corny as that may sound, listening to David Suzuki explain the science behind it was certainly not.
A number of concerned media personalities and grassroots activists attended the event to do what they do best, which is get us (in this case the converted) to listen and take action. Many expecting moms and moms with babies were also in attendance, which is perhaps something you wouldn’t normally see at any evening gala fundraiser. They (and myself) were all there in the hope that one day we will all unite and get it. The message, which bellowed loud and clear at this event however, is that we are not doing enough and sadly, we are not even close.
The Foundation certainly practiced what they preach in terms of the planning for this event. From using labeled wine glasses (so you only used one) and Bullfrog Powered energy to providing appetizers made with all natural ingredients, everything about the event was green and environmentally friendly.
Singer-songwriter Tara MacLean, also in attendance, sang like an angel as always but then spoke like a ghost from the future with a searing message. As a mom from the year 2050, Tara painted a very clear and startling picture of what life may be like for children decades from now and how their lives will differ so radically from our own.
She spoke of her memories of playing outside when she was a child—how the sun beamed down on her as she played near the water and ran around outside with friends. She shared her sadness that her children have never had such experiences and that they never will. It’s just too dangerous. The air is not safe to breathe and safety is always a concern because those who can’t afford shelter are trying to break into the protected areas. When she sees how bad things are getting, she realizes that maybe it is for the best that her daughters are among a growing number of female children born without ovaries.
Listening to Tara ’s story, which may be a very dismal but realistic possibility for our future, I couldn’t help thinking that we need to reach as many people as possible with this message. No more preaching to the converted and no more living in denial. I urge you to mother and nurture everyone you possibly can away from fear and denial (it comes in many forms) and towards a place of hope through action.
Cheers,
Andrea Page
