Brenda McLean

[Historic Vids @historyinmemes]

The concept of civilization is often associated with various tangible artifacts and advancements, such as tools, architecture, or systems of governance. However, anthropologist Margaret Mead presented a different perspective when she was asked about the first sign of civilization in a culture. Rather than focusing on material objects, she emphasized the significance of a healed femur bone.

In Mead's view, the animal kingdom provides a stark contrast to human civilization. When an animal breaks its leg, survival becomes nearly impossible. The inability to escape from danger, access water, or procure food renders the injured animal vulnerable to predators. Consequently, no animal lives long enough for a broken leg to heal naturally. Thus, the healing of a femur bone is a profound indication of civilization.

Why is a healed femur bone considered the first sign of civilization? Mead's explanation lies in the collective care and empathy demonstrated by a community. When someone breaks their leg, it is a moment of extreme vulnerability and danger. However, if the injured individual receives aid and support from others, they can overcome this critical period.

The act of caring for someone with a broken leg requires time, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others. Mead suggests that the healing process involves multiple steps. First, someone must have witnessed the accident and recognized the injured person's distress. Then, they would have provided immediate assistance, possibly by binding the wound and ensuring the person's safety. Finally, they would have stayed by their side, offering ongoing care and support during the recovery period.

By highlighting the significance of collective care, Mead emphasizes that civilization begins with the recognition of the suffering of others and the willingness to help. It is through acts of compassion and support that a community establishes its foundations of empathy, cooperation, and social cohesion. The healing of a broken femur, symbolizing the survival and recovery of an individual within a community, reflects the values and actions that underpin a civilized society.

Mead's perspective challenges the notion that civilization is solely determined by material progress or technological advancements. While such developments are undoubtedly important, they are built upon a deeper foundation of human connection and mutual aid. The healing of a broken femur bone serves as a metaphor for the care and support that individuals provide to one another, promoting the well-being and progress of society as a whole.

In conclusion, Margaret Mead's unconventional response to the question about the first sign of civilization reminds us of the fundamental importance of collective care. Civilization, she argues, is not solely defined by tangible artifacts or structures but by the empathy and support extended to those in need. The healing of a broken femur bone represents the compassion and responsibility that underpin a civilized society, highlighting the significance of human connection and mutual aid in fostering progress and well-being.

[Mohamad Safa @mhdksafa]

“In one of the most notable moments in sports history, Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was just a few feet from the finish line, but became confused with the signage and stopped thinking he had completed the race.

A Spanish athlete, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him, and after realizing what was happening, he started shouting at the Kenyan for him to continue running; but Mutai didn't understand his Spanish.

Fernandez eventually caught up to him and instead of passing him, he pushed him to victory.

A journalist asked Ivan, "Why did you do that?"
Ivan replied, “My dream is that someday we can have a kind of community life where we push and help each other to win.” The journalist insisted “But why did you let the Kenyan win?" Ivan replied, "I didn't let him win, he was going to win.” The journalist insisted again, “But you could have won!”Ivan looked at him & replied, “But what would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor of that medal?
What would my Mom think of that?”

Values are transmitted from generation to generation.

What values are we teaching our children?

Let us not teach our kids the wrong ways to WIN.”

Calltoactivism

[Jully Black @JullyBlack]

This is what I’m getting as a BORN and raised Canadian #HateRunsDeep

[Dr. Shazma Mithani @DrShazmaMithani]

Hey @ianhanomansing and @checkupcbc there are a few things I wanted to address about the recent episode on private healthcare clinics. I called in and went through screening, but unfortunately didn’t make it onto the show.

A thread 🧵 /1

[Brenda McLean @BrendaMcLean3]

@RichardCityNews And we at OLMC knew that you were hooked and would be in politics or media or both. AND I can’t believe I can name those other young people after all these years. Good times!

[S. Cilia @Mrs_S_Cilia]

I love this so much!!! 💕💕💕 @Equity_TCDSB @tcdsb

[Jennifer Valentyne @JennValentyne]

This statement says nothing. I didn’t participate because investigating mgmt was not included. Execs, the CEO and HR knew what was going on for years. FOUR women before me. We all begged for help. We were all denied. The women were blamed. The men were protected.
#accountability

[🎃Peady Spice ✨ (she/her)🐈‍⬛ @Peady]

Did I hear that correctly? 12 deaths from #COVID19NS? @infomorning With an abundance of flu in the community and RSV on the rise, I am bewildered at the lack of masks. It is such a simple thing to do. I think we are lacking *compassion*. It’s very sad.

[David Fisman @DFisman]

Hopefully at this point folks realize that the reason no senior Canadian public health official (including @CPHO_Canada) has used the word “airborne” (even if they’ve described airborne to a T in communications) is because we DO have regulations in place for airborne hazards…

[de Adder Canada @deAdderCanada]

Cartoon for @TheHillTimes #notwithstandingclause #DougFord

[Brenda McLean @BrendaMcLean3]

Something all educators should think about changing. A feel good activity for some can be uncomfortable and even deeply hurtful for others.

[Cassandra Glynn @Cassandraglynn]

Here’s a hill I’m willing to die on: Stop using family tree projects in WL. I’ve taken a lot of grief over the years from teachers in workshops not willing to let go of this. Here’s what happened with my 9th and 10th graders yesterday: 1/4

[Marisa Ruggiero @MissRuggiero]

Indigenous Inspired Fall Leaf Artwork 🍁🍂 @STM_tcdsb @TCDSB

[Chantelle @ms_chanty]

@ColinDMello The teachers unions are not the ones currently negotiating. Where is your integrity in reporting facts? Just because the premier the playing political games does not mean that you report on his version of the truth. Instead you should be questioning the premier’s intent?

[Brenda McLean @BrendaMcLean3]

@ms_chanty @STM_tcdsb @TCDSB Looks meaningful.

[Ian Morrison 🇨🇦 @IanDMorrison]

To all the unmasked public I interacted with over the past few days: you’re welcome. I had asymp. COVID the whole time & didn’t know it until now. I wore an N95. It was really easy to do. It wasn’t just about protecting myself. To those who couldn’t afford me the same courtesy:🖕

[Brenda McLean @BrendaMcLean3]

@ColinDMello D you can oq

[Andy Slavitt @ASlavitt]

COVID Update: a new highly mutated variant nicknamed Centaurus (BA2.75) is emerging around the world.

Even as BA.5 makes its mark in the US, Centatus has 11 unique mutations from BA.5. This gives a strong clue for what the future holds. 1/

[Gator⚡Gum @gator_gum]

Take Friday off work, drive across Ontario, stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, drink and dance in the streets and verbally assault police officers and tell me you're oppressed.

[Teachers Unite @Teachers__Unite]

Nothing to see at the TDSB yesterday except for the fact that 5% of its schools were closed due to staffing issues. Substitute teachers are in demand across ON, yet nothing will be done to adequately address the growing crisis.

[Andrew Longhurst @alonghurst.bsky.social @a_longhurst]

Smart people are convincing themselves that this virus is now benign. I get it. We all want the pandemic to wrap up happily ever after. But it’s just not the case.

Polio was “mild” for some, debilitating for others.

Covid isn’t a cold. It’s a vascular & neurotropic disease.