WHAT’S THE TRUTH ABOUT FOOD DYES?
Also known as ARTIFICIAL COLORINGS.
Many foods we eat today, here in the USA,  contain (have) lots of dyes (food colorings) that are made from artificial sources or chemicals. Today many of these chemicals are added to foods that our families eat. They aren’t healthy. Let me tell you why.

Most artificial food dyes (in the USA) are made from petroleum.  The same petroleum used in gasoline and tar! Numerous studies have linked artificial food coloring to behavioral problems such as, ADHD, hyperactivity, and mood swings.  Other problems associated with food dyes are obesity, asthma, diabetes, and allergic reactions.


The most common artificial food dyes (red no. 40, yellow no. 5, and yellow no. 6), which contain known carcinogens.  A carcinogen is a known cancer-causing substance.  Yellow no. 5 contains benzene, which is a known carcinogen.  Benzene is still allowed (used) in artificial food dyes, but it has been banned from use in gasoline.

Many of the same controversial dyes used in the United States require a warning label in Europe and Canada.  In Europe Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain cereal bars are colored with Beetroot, Annatto, and Paprika (natural food colorings), but here in the US they are colored with Red no. 40, Yellow no. 6, and Blue no. 1.  And although there have been decades of on-going studies looking into the potential health risks associated with these artificial food dyes, as well as thousands of petitions signed asking the US Food and Drug Administration to remove them, they are still there. Our government has done nothing. As a matter of fact, food dyes are present in record numbers.  

 

In 2009, just over 16 million pounds of food dyes were added to our food. And in July 2010 the Canadian Centre for Science sent a letter to our government informing them of the dangers of dyes and/or food colorings. Here is what they said, and I quote:

“Re: Need for banning risky, cosmetic food dyes to help reduce the prevalence cancer, allergic reactions, and (in children) of hyperactivity. In the last sentence of the 1st par. They stated:
“We have reiterated to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration our call for a ban on most dyes.”

I'd like to share a recent letter/warning by Citizens for health;

Attention: Everyone Who Eats

April 11 is Read Your Labels Day - 

Mark Your Calendars Now!

February 24, 2015
Dear Citizen for Health,
This April 11th marks the third annual Read Your Labels Day (#RYLD), sponsored by Citizens for Health - a day to share the "4-1-1" about what manufacturers really put into their products.
It's a day when we hope everyone will be a little more thoughtful, much more vigilant, and recognize the risks involved in eating "in the dark".
By that, we mean purchasing and consuming processed foods without reading ingredients and nutritional information on product labels. Ignoring ingredients can be very hazardous to your health.
If you have any doubts about the dangers of eating "in the dark", fret not - our countdown of the worst additives returns this year, with an addition to be announced soon. (One that manufacturers have disguised to deceive you into thinking it is healthy and "natural" - which couldn't be farther from the truth.)
So grab your magnifying glass - you may need it to read all the fine print and discover what is actually in those products, before you decide to feed them to yourselves and your families.
Once again, here is the Top 10 Food Additives to Avoid, thanks to our project Food Identity Theft:
1. High Fructose Corn Syrup             6. Potassium bromate   
2. Aspartame                                  7. Brominated vegetable oil
3. Hydrolyzed protein                       8. BHA and BHT                       
4. Autolyzed yeast                           9. Trans fats
5. Monosodium glutamate                10. Artificial colors


Why hasn’t our government taken action to stop it? Could it be that profits for big food corporations are more important than the health of our children here in the USA? Or is it possible, that the government thinks that this is a free market and no one forces us to buy these foods loaded with junk?
Whatever the case maybe, there are a few things we, teachers/parents, can do.

• We could boycott foods that have these chemicals (e.g., dyes, artificial coloring, sweeteners, corn syrup, and many others). Yes, it’s up to us to make the correct choices. 
• We should buy and eat fresh foods as much as we can. However, we must realize that many poor families may not have lots of choices when it comes to diet. That is why I believe that our government should ban the use of artificial food dyes and other chemicals in foods, or at the very least label them and specify/explain that these artificial (not natural) food colorings may be harmful to your health.

Still Life. Oil on wood board. Ottavio Lo Piccolo (c) 1984.

What else can we do? Additional actions we can take. 

• We must encourage, inform and show our children and students how to eat healthy foods. Because if we don’t, we cannot function, we cannot work and/or lead a productive healthy life.
• Consider healthy options for meal planning with healthy, delicious and nutritious snacks that are dye free. Avoid grocery store aisles and children’s lunches, snacks full of artificial (not natural) food dyes. 
• Have fresh foods available in our homes/schools so that kids are exposed to them.
• Write and/or call your State and Federal representatives about this health risk. Ask them pass legislation (laws) that bans (prohibits/removes) dyes and artificial coloring from foods, or at least ask them to add warning labels on foods that have artificial dyes. (22 March, 2012. Adapted from Victoria Slocum, www.greenplaterule.com)   
•  And last, but not leas, talk about this problem with others, parents/teachers. Copy this article and pass it around and or email. You have my permission.

Sources: 

1. http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
2.  http://www.cspinet.org/fooddyes/
3. http://www.sortacrunchy.net/sortacrunchy/2011/12/ten-things-everyone-should-know-about-artificial-food-coloring-.html

All writings/images are © Copyrighted by Ottavio Lo Piccolo 2014 (unless otherwise specified). All rights reserved. No part of these writings, images/artworks, may be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the authors’ written permission. Classroom teachers may copy individual articles with the images included in each piece, but only for instructional purposes and only for their classroom students. However, you have my permission to copy this blog/article for your family and friends. All images from Google Images, unless otherwise posted.

What is ADHD? What’s the Teacher’s role?
Suggestions for Teachers and Parents.18-April, 2012

Introduction
US researchers estimate that 3 to 6% of the US population has it (AD/HD for Dummies). These facts don’t surprise me because in the last several 3-5 years I have noticed that some of ESL (English as a Second Language) children display ADHD symptoms. These are more prevalent (noticeable) in urban or inner city school districts. ADHD symptoms can be impulsivity, making noises/singing during a lesson/lecture, being sarcastic/rude, a short attention span and sometimes being downright defiant. In this paper I will ask two questions; how do we cope as teachers? How can we help these kids do better in school and in life?

1. What is ADHD?
According to “The Everything Parent's Guide, to Children w/ADHD”, Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) n., is an individual who is markedly inattentive, disorganized, distracted, and forgetful. Low self-esteem and academic underachievement are common. And Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) n. is an individual who is exceptionally active, restless, and/or impulsive. These individuals encounter difficulties learning in traditional academic environments and defiance are common symptoms.

2. What’s the Teacher’s role? How do we cope as teachers who have these children in the classroom? The teacher should be their advocate (supporter/defender). In fact, when we stick out (for the child with AD/HD symptoms), he/she will feel safe, protected and loved. In addition, our positive action will lead the child to feelings of self-worth; hence he/she will try to please us and do better in school. It is important to remember that children w/ADHD symptoms may be disruptive because of stress, that maybe caused by many factors, including the loss of a family member; family issues - divorce, and parents constantly away (The Gift of ADHD).
Here are some suggestions, on how we should behave with these children.

Paintings by Ottavio Lo Piccolo. They were on display at the Niskayuna Starbucks, NY. Dec. 2014

 

• Be kind/compassionate, understanding and consistent.
• Use positive reinforcements as much as possible. See the glass always half full.
• Change/update reward/consequences, if the child gets bored in following your process/direction
• Apply reward/consequences quickly, when possible.
• If possible use the Montessori pedagogy (teaching methods/strategies, e.g., letting the Ss chose their topics of investigation/exploration/learning).
• Use Student/Teacher contracts (Abnormal Child and adolescent Psychology).
• Use a classroom that is well organized, predictable  and with attractive posters, and sitting children (who have these symptoms) near the teacher for close monitoring/supervision.
• Placing the child‘s desk away from other children and near the teacher, can reduce peer reinforcement/inappropriate behavior. (Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology).
• Use visual reward/consequences (behavior charts, jars w/marbles, stickers, cereal, etc.).
• Make home/classroom less cluttered, reduce noise/distraction.
•  Use attractive posters/signs.
•  Avoid confrontation. This only leads to the child shutting down, and it may lead to worse behavior. Do not yell, try to stay calm/compassionate, explain why you’re scolding him/her (if you don‘t then communication will stop- the child will not listen to you).
• Validation/Reassure. When you lose your patience/cool (you yell and/or get upset at the child’s  behavior, after you’re calm talk to him/her in private, and reassure him/her that you’re not upset at him/her, but only at his/her inappropriate behavior. In addition, tell him/her that you care about them, and that their behavior concerns you. As they say: Hate the sin, not the sinner.
• Admonish w/a disappointed look and/or by staying to close proximity
• Use humor to defuse tension and relax.
• Lead by example. Your words are backed up by your actions and keep your promises.
• Spend time in contact with nature and animals (e.g., take walks, visit the park, woods, farms)

4. What causes of ADHD?
Although there’s no definitive evidence, most researchers suspect three factors; Hereditary traits, environment, stress, and possibly also the diet. ADHD may be in the child’s genetic make-up, often believed to be a medical disorder, rather than medical, hence can be caused and cured by changing thoughts and behaviors, and environments. 

The Shock. Pencil drawing by Ottavio Lo Piccolo (c) 1974.

Linda Sonna, PH. D., in her book, The Everything Parent's Guide, to Children w/ADHD, states that “most children’s w/ADD/ADHD symptoms, and often their learning problems are caused by nutritional imbalances, deficiencies, excesses, allergies, and sensitivities.”
 
However, there’s plenty of controversy in this theory, and not enough definitive evidence to support the idea that certain diets/foods may cure/relieve and/or worsen ADHD symptoms. She believes that the following foods that may alleviate/worsen ADHD symptoms;

• Sugar/salt (sweets, soda, chips), simple carbohydrates like white bread/rice, pasta, potatoes & processed cereals, sucrose, glucose, corn sweetener, fructose, maltose and artificial/processed foods, food additives/coloring/ dyes. (see my blog on food colorings/dyes.)
• Low protein, deficiencies in fatty acids and B- vitamin, allergies to food additives.

Other researchers suggest that a diet rich in the following foods may alleviate ADHD; 

• Fresh foods 
• Complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and wheat breads, lentils, brown rice, beans. 
• In addition, being in contact to Nature (outdoor green and animals) - helps children relax and possibly relieve ADHD symptoms.

The comedian Robin Williams (Google image).

5. Famous People with ADHD
According to some researchers, ADHD isn’t debilitating (devastating), in fact, many people who
have had this disorder and/or symptoms are known to be creative. Some of them include; Albert
Einstein, Robin Williams, Thomas Edison, Leonardo Da Vinci, John F. Kennedy, Mozart.
In addition, Jerome Pierce, the author of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, states that Dione
Healey and Julia Rucklidge from the University of New Zealand, published an article in 2005
comparing the performance of children with and without ADHD on several tests of creative thinking
and found that the two groups performed similarly. Another study by researchers at the
Medical College of Ohio in 1993 found only a very small (7%) increase in nonverbal creativity
associated with ADHD. (page 17).

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A man to Imitate / Un'Uomo da Imitare

(Source Google Images)

On Wednesday January 7, 2015, a day after the bestial terrorist attack at the French satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, I gave my students the following three questions;
1. Is violence acceptable? 
2. Do you think that violence is a good way to solve problems? 
3. What can we do to stop/avoid it? 

I was happy that all of my students agreed that violence is never acceptable, and that there are better ways to solve problems. I believe that answers can also be found in these images. In fact, I also hope, that in time of crisis, we will remember Dr. King's values. Especially at this time, in which we face worldwide terrorist threats, and here in the USA, we have some police forces that sometimes abuse their powers, and at times some of them use violent methods/responses toward blacks and minorities.

Let us use love, cooperation and tolerance instead. That is what Dr. King would tell us today if he were here. 




Let us work for a better world built on tolerance, respect of all religious/political ideologies (those that have everyone's good as a final objective), and respect for all life and our planet. Let us boycott violence, and hate. Let's use love, cooperation and tolerance instead. 
Let us boycott violence, and condemn it, because any form of abuse and/or violence is like planting the seeds of hate, provocation, pain, suffering and destruction. The only result from violence and abuse is more violence and more suffering..



(Italian)
Mercoledi passato (il 7-1-15), dopo l'attacco terrroristico bestiale al giornale satirico Charlie Hebdo, di Parigi, ho assegnato le seguenti 3 domande ai miei studenti adulti d'inglese. 
1. La violenza e' una cosa accettabile? 
2. La violenza e' un buon metodo per risolvere i problemi?  
3. Cosa possiamo fare per fermarla, o ostacolarla? 
Tutti i miei studenti, che sono emigranti da tanti paesi del mondo (inclusi alcuni mossulamni), hanno detto che la violenza non e' mai accettabile e che ci sono modi migliori (alla violenza) per risolvere problemi. Comunque, io credo anche che le risposte le troveremo qui in queste immagini e dichiarazioni di Martin Luther King Jr. Penso che se vogliamo la pace, tutti dobbiamo lavorare per raggiungerla. Tutti dobbiamo fare qualcosa. Allora lasciamo perdere l'odio e gli abusi perche' queste cose creano ancor piu' violenza.

Spero' che in tempi di crisi, come oggi, ci ricorderemo delle sue parole, del suo esempio di vita, e dei suoi valori. Oggi, specialmente in tanti paesi Europei, e la nostra l'Italia, i tempi sono molto difficili, sono violenti con terroristi pronti a colpire, gente senza lavoro, famiglie che non arrivano a fine mese, fabriche che chiudono. E qui, negli USA, ora che l'economia e' gia' da tempo in fase di recupero, ci sono sempre tante ingiustizie. Di questi tempi la polizia commette abusi di potere, e usa troppa forza e violenza, contro i neri e le minoranze (come poveri e emigranti)- i deboli.Cosa direbbe Dr. Martin Luther King se oggi fosse ancora qui con noi? Scenderebbe in piazza per protestare pacificamente, ecco cos afarebbe! Allora, seguimo il suo esempio, uniamoci in pace e nel rispetto, lavoriamo/lottiamo pacificamente per un'Italia, un'America, e un mondo migliore. Un mondo costruito sulla tolleranza e il rispetto di tutte le ideologie religiose e politiche, che abbiano come fine il bene comune, il bene di tutti, il rispetto della vita e del pianeta. Boicottiamo, lasciamo perdere la violenza e l'odio- mettiamo in atto l'amore, la cooperazione, e la tolleranza. Ecco cosa ci direbbe Martin Luther King, Jr. oggi a noi Italiani, Americani e a tutto il mondo.


You can also see this blog on my Face Book page, if you're not my friend, send me a friend’s request on FB.
All images from Google Images.  
All writings/images are © Copyrighted by Ottavio Lo Piccolo 2014 (unless otherwise specified). All rights reserved. No part of these writings, images/artworks, may be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the authors’ written permission. Classroom teachers may copy individual articles with the images included in each piece, but only for instructional purposes and only for their classroom students.

Introduction & Objectives to Ottavio's blog - Introduzione e obbiettivi del blog di Ottavio

Ottavio Lo Piccolo. 2014
Six Doves in Space. Acrylics on canvas. Ottavio Lo Piccolo (c) 2017.

Introduction/Why American Pensieri (thoughts)?
In this blog, I will present (show) my artworks, blogs, articles, letters to the media (news/Internet). 

 Ottavio Lo Piccolo in front of the 109th Force Support Group Mural. Dining Hall, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, NY. Summer 2012.

This is a work in progress- in evolution (always growing/changing/improving), which I will be filling gradually (little by little), and will be sharing it with anyone who is interested; in particular (especially) family, students, parents and friends who have an interest in reading. The words in bold (black) are presented (shown) with synonyms (with words with similar meaning) in parenthesis (like these two), so that ESL (English a Second Language) Ss (Students) will grasp (understand) the meaning- those do not know much English. At the end of each blog, article and/or reflection, I will post some questions to stimulate discussions. I also may share my answers/replies, not to influence, but to show ESL students how one answers these questions.
The topics (subjects, main ideas) will include social/ethical themes (ideas/points), education, the environment/nature (land, water, air), politics/corruption, health/fitness, spirituality (questions/meaning of life, existence, creation, religion, God, spirits, the unseen), and biographies (stories) of people who have made significant contributions to society, leaders, inspirational human beings, who have made positive contributions to humanity- especially those who had vision, honesty, compassion and perseverance. I am referring to people who sacrificed their lives for good/worthy causes so that others less fortunate could have a better life/future- a world free of violence. Some of these heroes are: Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr, Cesar Chavez, Mother Theresa, Mother Francesca Cabrini, pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Saint Francis, my friend Fr. Joe Girzone (the author of Joshua, and many others), and others. 
Why talk about these individuals (people)? Because mass media (all the big news agencies/organizations) focuses on the negative, the shocking, and the attention grabbers. As we say in Italy: "Tutto fumo e niente arrosto!" Meaning, All show and little substance! But, not in this blog! In addition, we need good models, good examples- individuals who did good things for our society, because these people help us to persevere in doing good, they help us stay focused, and hence they inspire us in making positive contributions  in our communities. And I think that we all want to contribute  something in this tapestry (life), this journey- because doing good will add meaning to our existence to our lives, which hopefully will lead to a better future, one built on peace, understanding, cooperation, charity and tolerance of all people.

Other topics will cover social/ethical/spiritual issues, like the , NDEs (near death experiences), sports, food/fitness/health, etc. In my discussion will often include three dimensions (3-D), the body, the mind and the soul (or spirit). 
I believe this third dimension has been neglected (put aside, ignored) for a long time in our western secularized society. Many people, scientists and intellectuals (thinkers) thought, and many still do today, that it was old fashioned, naive and ignorant, to believe in it, or to talk about the human soul/spirit. In fact, in the last 50 years or so, these so called intellectuals/materialists (those who believe only in the physical/matter-what they see and touch), have led us to believe that the physical world is the only reality. In addition, in the last 20 years or so, they also have had the audacity and arrogance of mocking those who thought otherwise-  those who didn't buy into it and didn't believe their materialistic view. But I, and many others (millions of believers- the majority of people on this planet- and also scientists and intellectuals), disagree with this view. It is also a fact, that most, if not all, ancient civilizations believed in the after life (the Greeks, Aztecs, Egyptians, Romans, etc.). So it is a fact that many contemporary thinkers, ans scientists, have neglected this historic fact, or should I say, they have no respect for past knowledge. Why? I suspect it may be a combination of ignorance, arrogance, neglect, and/or lack of respect/appreciation (of the discoveries/people of the past) that has blinded them to the truth, and has lead them to conclude that if they can't see it, or if they can't understand/visualize it doesn't exist. This way of thinking in my view is limited! Is not the way to see/imagine the future! Because human intelligence has its limits! But it takes humility to accept this fact!
So, I will present scientific and non-scientific evidence (with logic, reason, philosophy, my life/work experience, etc.) that will prove the existence of the spiritual dimension (where our consciousness, our soul/spirit continues to live).

 I will do my best to present honest, simple, clean, and unpolluted ideas, facts, evidence, without the influence, bias, manipulation of the big media, or materialist thinkers, corporations, multinational companies, etc., who have their own agendas and interests- not ours and/or the well-being of all.
My goals are is to share, inform and educate because when we share we get to know each other and learn from one another.  The final objective is the common good of everyone, not the elite or a few individuals. 
I think we can all make our world a better place to live- a more compassionate/understanding and less violent society. We can do this if we do our part (take care of our individual responsibilities; taking good care of our families, doing our jobs well, being good/responsible/honest citizens/neighbors and friends, etc.). We can achieve this if we respect all people (no matter their race, ethnic background, country of origin, sex, social status, religious/political beliefs/ideals (that have the common good as final objective).
I also promise to accomplish this goal this without being offensive/degrading- because I am not a hypocrite and I am not Charlie Hebdo! I will try to be respectful, and although I may disagree, I will be a decent person. I hope you will enjoy this blog, and hopefully join me in these discussions/efforts. Please leave any questions/comments/views if have any.

Who am I?
I like to create (make art and to write), and in this blog I would like to do just that- present my work (both written and visual) to express my thoughts, my views, which will be drawn (taken) my life/work experience, which is pretty wide. I am an Italian emigrant. I arrived in the USA with my family at a teenager, in 1974, and so I am fluent in Italian. I am a husband and father of two children (a girl 25, and a boy 16). I have worked as a mechanical designer and graphic artist (in civilian life and in the US Air Force. I was on active duty for 4 years). I have been teaching ESL, English as a Second Language to children/adults for 14 years. I am also a free lance artist (of paintings, drawings, murals, and I also fix statues- restorations). I am a part time member of the New York Air Guard (I was in food service, graphics/audiovisual field, and now I am a chaplain assistant). So my experience, as you can see, is large and varied, and it will be reflected here.
Thank you. Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 1-18-15

 Doves in Space. Acrylic on canvas board. By Ottavio Lo Piccolo (c) 2013.

(Italian Intro)
Questo blog si dedica a informare, educare, condividere idee, opinioni, e azioni concrete con un'obbiettivo basato sulla pace e il rispetto, per cercare di costruire un mondo migliore - Un mondo piu' compassionevole, e una societa' meno violenta. Quest'obbiettivo verra' raggiunto attraverso il rispetto di tutte le genti di buona volonta'; di qualsiasi razza essi siano, o di qualsiasi origine etnica, o di qualsiasi paese d'origine, sesso, eta' o status sociale (ricchi o poveri), o qualsiasi ideologia politica e religiosa (l'importante che abbiano come obbiettivo finale il bene comune).
Presentero' biografie di persone comuni e persone interessanti, grandi e piccoli leaders, ma sopratutto uomini e donne, che si sono sacrificati per creare un mondo migliore basato sulla pace, la tolleranza e il rispetto di tutti (come per esempio Gesu', Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr, San Franceso, Cesar Chavez, Mother Theresa, Mother Francesca Cabrini, Nelson Mandela, papa Giovanni Paolo II, e tanti altri). Queste persone ci aiuteranno a stare concentrati sulla via della pace e dell'amore reciproco- perche' queste sono le sole cose che ci aiuteranno a costruire un mondo migliore. Spero vi piaccia e  magari parteciperete in queste discussioni e obbiettivi.
Grazie. Ottavio Lo Piccolo. 18-1-15. Stati Uniti D'America.

All writings/images are © Copyrighted by Ottavio Lo Piccolo 2014 (unless otherwise specified). All rights reserved. No part of these writings, images/artworks, may be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the authors’ written permission. Classroom teachers may copy individual articles with the images included in each piece, but only for instructional purposes and only for their classroom students.

 Ottavio in front of the Force Support Group mural at Stratton ANGB, Scotia, NY. Summer 2012.

Violence of any Form is Immoral and Should Not be Excused by Freedom of Speech.

Anyone who abuses others in any form is a terrorist and a bully! Violence is never Acceptable! Decent Peace Loving People Must Respectfully Stop and/or Restrain them!
Terrorists do terrible things, but freedom of the press, as interpreted and displayed by the publication Charlie Hebdo is down right offensive, filthy, immoral and repugnant! Their cartoons are seeds that plant/spread and instigate hatred and violence! They have humiliated thousand, possibly millions, especially believers in God; Jewish Muslims and Catholics- all major faith groups! It is evident that their aim, their only objective seems to be the degradation, put down, and humiliating the Prophet Mohammed, the Muslims, the Jews, pope and the Catholic faith. I did not know about their degrading cartoons, until I read about it in the NY Post last Thursday (January 8, 2015). I saw them online and I was deeply saddened and offended because they disrespected Jesus, Mary His mother, and the pope. Their caricatures have drawn criticism, dismay and shock from many civilized, sensitive and decent people, including many previous western leaders, even French President Jacques Chirac. In fact, he stated the following, after one of their cartoons was published:

“Anything that can hurt the convictions of someone else, in particular religious convictions, should be avoided. Freedom of expression should be exercised in a spirit of responsibility.”

Charlie Hebdo has used freedom of the press as a tool, an excuse, to ridicule all major religions. Even their own (past French) President! I think they should stop publishing such filth, and apologize to the whole world, all civilized people! For their immorality and obscene cartoons!

Physical violence isn't the only type that hurts, words and images can also hurt and “kill” others- especially the human soul! Can you imagine if Charlie Hebdo cartoons were paraded in our schools, places of work, offices? We would be fired! Why? Simply because they are immoral and disrespectful, they simply teach the wrong ideals!  They preach hatred/violence. They degrade and put down people’s values, their culture, their way of living/thinking, their religious beliefs and their religious leaders too.

(Source: Google images)

People should boycott this paper, and democratic governments should do something- not suppress freedom of the press- but find solutions (possibly pass laws- Dignity Laws) that protect people’s dignity, their religious beliefs, their traditions, their identity. So that abusers can be stopped, or at the very least restrained.  People of good will should be united in one voice and speak out against offenders/abusers of human dignity (not just this particular paper, but anyone, or any organization) who kill the soul, the human spirit!

(Source: Google images)

We must not respond with hate/violence, no we must remember great leaders, who taught us about peace, understanding, respect and tolerance. The first one that comes to mind is Jesus (2BC - 7AD), the second is Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), and the third one is Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968). Many other people who used non-violent means can inspire us in working toward peace and cooperation to build a better world. A world built on the foundation of mutual respect and dignity.

For a list of many great human beings, who have worked for peace, please visit http://www.biographyonline.net/people/world-peace.html

If you have never seen the cartoons that Charlie Hebdo has published, you can see them by visiting the site below, or simply Google: Charlie Hebdo Cartoons.
http://gawker.com/what-is-charlie-hebdo-and-why-a-mostly-complete-histo-1677959168

Freedom of speech should not give anyone the right, the license- the absolute freedom- to carry out any form, or  any type of abuse (be it moral and/or physical).  News establishments, such as Charlie Hebdo, are dangerous for everyone- they offend and provoke/instigate violence. Hence, they should be restrained, and possibly closed down- because their propaganda contribute to society's demise, since their only aim is to humiliate/offend others. Governments should consider passing decency laws, that forbids such incivility and abuse!                  (Source: Google images)

Some people think that freedom of speech cannot censor (stop) publications, and/or anyone to say/write or do whatever they want. But does this mean that we have the right to offend, mock, ridicule and provoke others? Let's reflect and ask ourselves these basic questions:

First. How would we feel if the people in those cartoons were our families, our mothers, or our fathers, and/or sister/brother?

Second. Does freedom of the press give people the absolute right to abuse, humiliate and offend our families?

Third. What has Charlie Hebdo gained so far, from publishing obscene and obnoxious filth? Seventeen people are dead because of their provocation! Should they be allowed to continue their mockery of religions, and hence risk sacrificing more lives? 

Fourth. What will they gain by defying civility, and staying on the same path of arrogance and offensive provocation?

I do not think that decent/honest, and even those who do not follow any religion (and/or atheist who are civilized and caring people) would accept this shocking, offensive, and degrading way of behaving (creating/publishing indecent/obscene work). I don't think that people who have a bit of dignity would ever want themselves, and their families abused, humiliated, ridiculed and mocked. And I also don't think that it makes sense to let this abuse go unchecked/unrestrained because it spreads hate, which in turn breeds/incites provocation anarchy/violence.
As pope Francis said a couple of days ago: 
"You can't offend other religions. If you do, it's like offending my mother. Expect to be punched in the nose!"

I hope that Charles Hebdo, and those who read it, buy it and support it, will soon realize that they are making a grave mistake, because this paper is not promoting peace, but rather adding gasoline to the fire (hatred, provocation, humiliation), which inevitably leads to one result- the ruin of the human family.

We, the people who believe in the God of the universe, and even those who don't, but yet have decency/dignity and respect for all, must have the courage to do something (but always in a peaceful and respectful way) to stop and/or prevent abusers of free speech. We must demand from our governments that only moral and civilized values be propagated, shown, upheld, and encouraged from those who speak, show (on TV, computers, Internet, etc) and those who publish forms of literature (newspapers/magazines, books, etc.). Only values like love, respect, cooperation, tolerance must be encouraged/disseminated. Freedom of expression should not be used to mock other religions/cultures/peoples because they destroy our world, our bodies, our minds and our spirits.

   The Man and the Machine. Oil on canvas. By Ottavio Lo Piccolo (c) 1976.

As a teenager I believed that machines could save mankind. But I was naive!

Technology can be good. In fact, machines/computers can do a lot of good for us, but they also can harm us. They are just tools, like any others. It depends how we use them. 
Freedom of speech is also a "tool". A tool that we can use to help people learn/grow, or we can use it to humiliate,  hurt, destroy and suppress others!

The final outcome is up to us. I hope we use the "tool of freedom" of expression in a respectful/considerate way, in order to build a better world. A world built on understanding, compassion, tolerance, peace and love. Not on mockery and disrespect!

All writings/images are © Copyrighted by Ottavio Lo Piccolo 2014 (unless otherwise specified). All rights reserved. No part of these writings, images/artworks, may be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the authors’ written permission. Classroom teachers may copy individual articles with the images included in each piece, but only for instructional purposes and only for their classroom students.