The next morning, I began my research. The idea, born during those long hours driving home, was to create tools for therapists to use with the children to help heal the trauma my government had caused. I discovered that most of the asylum seekers who had their children taken from them were from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. I went to talk to local Latino people to get their views and impressions. In each conversation, it was affirmed that yes, this resource would indeed help, and to please make the idea a reality.
As I listened, one comment kept being repeated, “Make them look like us”. Afraid of cultural appropriation, I then spoke to more Latina women who assured me that this was the right way to proceed. The name, “Grandmother Healing Dolls,” came to me within the next few days.
In time, I would understand why making them culturally specific was so important and exactly the right thing to do–when people in power, and society in general, does everything possible to try to silence your voice and make you invisible, your story being honored means even more.
For more information, please see – https://www.grandmotherhealingdolls.com
If you would like to help, there is a Kickstarter here – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grandmothers/grandmother-healing-dolls-compassionate-creative-a?ref=user_menu Thank you!
#FamiliesBelongTogether #LoveThyNeighbor(NoExceptions) #Peace #StandWithImmigrants #LovingKindness #LoveKnowsNoBorders #AJustWorld4All #GrandmotherHealingDolls #PeaceLoveUnderstanding
Share your thoughts in meaningful dialogue –
(Please do not comment here, instead use these posts as opportunities for respectful communication directly with someone you know. Here’s an idea…how about talking with someone who disagrees with you on this or other issues?)
What is cultural appropriation?
Tell about a time when you felt uncomfortable with differences.
If it is not your life experience to be judged “less than” for simply being who you are (silenced and invisible), please take a quiet moment and imagine what that would feel like. Describe your real or imagined feelings to another.
When asylum-seeking parents and children were separated and put in detention centers; compassionate, creative action was needed & Grandmother Healing Dolls was born. Follow the journey of their creation and the 3000 mile trip to three detention centers, courthouses, and more on this Thrive Global series.