Below are several amusing or interesting links, by chapter, to a sampling of topics referenced in Resilient Americans that help illustrate eras, people and places. They’re offered as general examples of the thoughts discussed in the book.
Dead Ducks and a Whack in the Head
To be resilient, we need to put our heads together…
https://youtu.be/uL5mHE3H5wE
Getting Out of the Trenches
War metaphors are frequently used in disaster response and recovery. And yet, the nature of war is hatred, destruction and death while the very essence of resilience is compassionate human connection.
Whackadoodles
Sometimes our strongest opinions are the ones most in need of more facts. It’s important we keep listening and learning.
Northridge Earthquake
There are many types of natural hazards: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms, fires, mudslides and pandemics. As you watch, notice that it’s the point where a hazard intersects with people and the things we care about that a natural event becomes a disaster. This is a recap from 2019.
The link “Like a Punch Delivered from Below” is one man’s story of his behind-the-scene experience of government disaster response to the Northridge Earthquake.
Each state has its own disaster response and recovery systems that coordinate with local jurisdictions and can request support from the federal government when needed.
Moving Beyond Disaster to Us
We’re Each Unique
- Our personal development stories, perceptions and conclusions from childhood underlie our usually unspoken life philosophies…
Adults Help Shape Our Views
Children learn moral lessons and develop values from everyday experiences. A simple pez dispenser was part of forming the moral code of the author.
One generation shapes the development of the next in ways that are either deliberate and intentional or accidental and unconscious as adults model behavior to children daily and during crises.
https://youtu.be/Auv4H6VJxws
School and Other Ways We Learn
We know we all learned in formal learning environments, but we probably learn best through lessons gleaned as we play.
The author’s childhood friend, Julie Fox Ashley Pomilia, was the granddaughter of television and movie stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. For children, both make-believe and reality can shape their understanding of the world and how it functions.
As a child, the author came home from her visits to Disneyland’s Indian Village, with an appreciation of Native American cultures.
Consequences
As we grow up, natural and logical consequences shape our understanding of how the world works. Our personal actions have both personal consequences and consequences that may impact our larger community and its resilience as well.
Wanna Race?
Learning to understand and talk about racial issues is essential to resilience. Research shows that the relationships within our communities that bridge and connect us across any separation and division, strengthen us as a whole.
Show and Tell
In the book, the author illustrates bridging relationships by sharing, among other things, how her friend’s dad trained with Bruce Lee.
The childlike simplicity of building bridging connections.
Stories From Africa
One of the author’s favorite childhood meals was ugali shared with African friends.
Revolutionary Love
Revolutionary love is willing to give all for what’s right.
Fear Focus
Simply avoiding what we fear will not lead us to freedom, progress and innovation.
Change the World
The author’s sons created this music video in 2006 to highlight the need for a change of heart.
What’re You Lookin’ At?
The Substitute, a light-hearted short film (2007) about a success-driven, white salesman suddenly confronted by his easy-going black reflection changes his perspective (watch through the credits).