The Dilemma of Commemoration: ANZAC Day Through a Quaker Lens

Attending this morning’s Dawn service gave me time to reflect on my attitude to commemorating war. The following article was formulated while standing in the dark and cold and polished off with a little help from Copilot in the warmth and comfort of my home office.

As dawn breaks on ANZAC Day, a solemn silence envelops the crowd gathered to honour the memory of those who fought and died for New Zealand. The day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace. Yet, for some, like the Quakers, the commemoration stirs a complex mix of emotions. 

Quakers, known for our commitment to pacifism, hold a deep conviction that war and preparation for war are fundamentally wrong. This belief is rooted in the principle of non-violence and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions to conflict. It’s a stance that often places us at odds with the traditional narratives of valour and heroism associated with military service. 

In New Zealand, ANZAC Day has evolved to emphasise the losses and tragedies of war, reflecting a national consciousness that mourns the cost of conflict rather than celebrating its martial aspects. This shift aligns more closely with the Quaker perspective, which acknowledges the courage of those willing to risk their lives while advocating for a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary. 

The white poppy, often worn by Quakers in the days leading up to ANZAC Day, symbolises this dual acknowledgement. It represents remembrance for all victims of war and a commitment to peace, challenging the conventional view of war. Wearing it to a dawn service may be seen as controversial, but it also opens a dialogue about the ways we remember and the values we uphold. 

As New Zealanders and Australians diverge in their approach to ANZAC Day, with Australia seemingly placing more emphasis on the glory of war, the question arises: how can we honour the bravery of our soldiers while actively seeking alternatives to armed conflict? The answer lies in a proactive role for New Zealand in international diplomacy and peace-building efforts, embodying the spirit of the white poppy in its foreign policy. 

In commemorating ANZAC Day, we find ourselves at a crossroads between past and future, tradition and progress. It’s a day to reflect on the past sacrifices and to renew our commitment to a future where peace is the norm, not the exception. As we lay wreaths and observe moments of silence, let us also pledge to work tirelessly towards a world where the tragedies of war give way to the triumphs of peace. 

— 

This article aims to capture the essence of the internal conflict experienced by myself and others who deeply respect the sacrifices made by soldiers while holding firm to the belief in non-violence and peace. It’s a conversation starter, inviting readers to consider the full spectrum of emotions and beliefs that ANZAC Day evokes and the role each of us can play in shaping a more peaceful future. 

Sources

1. What do Quakers believe about war and serving in the military? 
2. The Quakers and Their War of Resistance | NCpedia 
3. Quakers in the American Revolution – Wikipedia 
4. Quaker Pacifism in the Context of War – Friends Committee On National … 
5. Explainer: Why do we commemorate Anzac Day? | Newshub 
6. What do the different coloured poppies mean? – BBC Newsround 
7. The ceremony – Anzac Day | NZHistory, New Zealand history online 
8. Anzac Day | New Zealand Story 
9. Anzac Day resources | NZHistory, New Zealand history online 
10. Anzac Day: How to mark the day in your town | RNZ News 
11. The Significance of Poppies in WW1, Memorial Day & Anzac – Lotusmagus 
12. Sharing the Significance of ANZAC Poppies With Our Tamariki! 
13. The History of the ANZAC Day Poppy – Lucy’s Florist 
14. http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1947/press.html 
15. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/apr/16/rare-memorial-inspires-quakers-work 
16. en.wikipedia.org 

ANZAC Dawn Parade and Service 2024

This morning our daughter, her two boys and I attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Parade and Service at the cenotaph in the Feilding town square. It was a very cold and shall we say breezy autumn morning as we made our way into the square shortly before 6 a.m.

As a Quaker I am conflicted between the courage that those who are prepared to put their lives on the line for what they believe is an honourable cause and those who are willing to kill for what they believe is an honourable cause. More often than not these are the same people.

Perhaps my attendance his morning was to honour my father, who fought with the NZ army in Egypt and Italy and who, as a senior sergeant, had the courage to countermand the orders of a commissioned officer to open fire on a group of unarmed Italian soldiers. My father was relieved of his duty and the order re-issued, resulting in a massacre. The commissioned officer was commended for his bravery and my father was court marshalled.

Despite his court marshal, my father gained a chest full of medals, and as long as I can remember he attended the Dawn Parade every ANZAC day, but unlike every other returned serviceman/servicewoman he alone would march with no medals pinned on his chest.

I can only admire his courage for not wearing his medals in the face of not inconsiderable opposition from his fellow servicemen as they marched to the cenotaph, year in and year out until age and injury put an end to his participation. At this morning’s service one speaker made the comment that all service personnel have an obligation to wear their medals at the Dawn Parade. I can only imagine what my father’s response would have been if he was still alive.

ANZAC Dawn Parade and Commemoration Service, 25 April 2024, Feilding town Square

Progress!

I notice here in Aotearoa that there is a trend away from referring to April as Autism Awareness Month. Even a trend away from naming it Autism Acceptance Month. Instead I see a new trend towards referring to April as Autism Appreciation Month. May the rend continue.

While autistic people do face many challenges living in a society built around the needs and wants of neurotypical people, we can also offer unique perspectives and skills that can benefit a diverse and accepting society.

Musical Monday (2024/04/15) – We Tried

A powerful message. There’s nothing more I can add.

Louise Harris – We Tried (Official Music Video)

The world is changing all the time
And you know it ain't right
Yeah, I know you think twice
And love, it takes you on a ride
And leaves you with no respite
Well, I think I've done my time

But I
I don't want to cry

So take me where the bluebirds sing
While we lose everything
There's too much poisoning
And fly me where the birds still fly
'Cause smoke fills up our sky
'Cause we ran out of time
Oh well, we tried

Well, maybe this was meant to be
A mother wanted peace
And we were not conceived
Or maybe we were meant to win
But not enough good drowned out the sin
They watched the world cave in

But I
I can't work out why

So take me where the bluebirds sing
While we lose everything
There's too much poisoning
And fly me where the birds still fly
'Cause smoke fills up our sky
'Cause we ran out of time
Oh well, we tried

(We tried, we tried, we tried, we tried)
(We tried, we tried, we tried, we tried)
(We tried, we tried, we tried, we tried)
Oh well, we tried

Musical Monday (2024/04/08) – Slightly Delic

I’m a sucker for quirky music. Slightly-Delic by House of Nimrod is a fascinating piece of New Zealand music history. It’s a psychedelic pop song released in 1967. A delightful oddity that captures the essence of the summer of Love with its harmonious and experimental sound, the track features a blend of dreamy harmonies and trippy instrumentation, characteristic of the psychedelic genre. While it didn’t achieve global fame, it resonated with local listeners and became a cherished gem.

The House of Nimrod was a short lived band from Auckland. Quoting from the House of Nimrod page on the Audioculture website:
In the context of the times, the group made musical sense. Who better than a folkie and children’s songwriter, who dug classical, jazz, folk and pop – all elements of the current sound – to capture the childlike psychedelic pop of the time? Who better to back him than four survivors of rock and roll’s frenetic beat and R&B years? I don’t doubt the relevance of a Bob Dylan fan like Petersen linking up with an electric band was lost on any of them.

At the time I was a an 18 year old with no friends and unable to tolerate the loud rock music at venues that teens and young adults of the day frequented. I spent most evenings by myself with the transistor radio tuned to Radio Hauraki – a pirate radio station that operated from just outside NZ territorial waters in the Hauraki Gulf. Reception was somewhat sporadic as the the radio signal had to cross a distance of around 500 Kilometres to reach my home town of Whanganui over the mountainous terrain of the North Island’s Central Plateau.

Slightly-Delic – House Of Nimrod

Slightly Delic

Slightly Delic
Slightly Delic

I live in a castle with Fairies and Things
Got lots of gold pieces and diamonds and rings
Last night I had tea with the Man in the Moon
And Aladdin is coming to visit me soon

Slightly Delic
Slightly Delic

Play Hidey go seek with Snow White and the dwarfs
I’ve been for a ride on the Lone Rangers horse
Gotta big golden coach with six horses to drive
But I’m not supposed to cause I’m only five

Slightly Delic
Slightly Delic

The hippies all know me as Chief Sitting Bull
I knew Bah Bah Black sheep when he had no wool
Whatever you’ve done I have done it before
And I’m just full of love for my mother-in-law

Slightly Delic
Slightly Delic

Autism research: Nothing about us without us

In the realm of autism research, a disconcerting pattern emerges: autistic individuals are often treated more like subjects in a laboratory experiment than as intelligent contributors capable of shaping and conducting research. Our voices are rarely sought, and our active participation in studies is infrequent. This approach inadvertently pathologises autistic individuals, excluding us as if our perspectives hold no value. However, it is crucial to recognise that those most adept at expressing an authentic autistic viewpoint are we, the autistic community.

Imagine a parallel scenario in any other field of research: excluding the very group under study from shaping the discourse. Such exclusion would be deemed unacceptable, undermining the fundamental principles of rigorous inquiry and equitable representation. Therefore, it is imperative that researchers actively involve autistic individuals in research, recognising our unique insights and contributions as essential to advancing the understanding of autism and fostering a more inclusive scientific community.

To transform this exclusionary approach in autism research, researchers must actively embrace a more inclusive and collaborative model. Here are some essential steps:

1. Autistic Representation: Involve autistic individuals at every stage of research, from conceptualisation to implementation. Our lived experiences provide invaluable insights that can shape research questions, methodologies, and outcomes.
2. Co-Design Research: Adopt a co-design approach where autistic individuals collaborate with researchers. Together, we can identify relevant topics, design studies, and interpret findings. This ensures that research aligns with the needs and priorities of the autistic community.
3. Community Engagement: Establish meaningful connections with autistic communities. Attend conferences, workshops, and support groups. Listen to our stories, concerns, and aspirations. Engage in dialogue to build trust and foster genuine partnerships.
4. Accessible Communication: Use clear, jargon-free language in research materials. Provide accessible formats (such as visual aids or plain language summaries) to enhance understanding. Autistic individuals should be able to access and comprehend study information easily.
5. Ethical Inclusion: Prioritize ethical considerations. Obtain informed consent, respect autonomy, and protect privacy. Ensure that research protocols are respectful and considerate of individual differences.
6. Diverse Research Teams: Assemble interdisciplinary teams that include autistic researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates. Diverse perspectives enrich research and challenge biases.
7. Dissemination and Advocacy: Disseminate research findings in formats accessible to the autistic community. Collaborate with advocacy organizations to amplify voices and advocate for policy changes based on evidence.
8. Challenge Stereotypes: Address stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. Research should highlight strengths, resilience, and diverse abilities rather than perpetuating deficit-based narratives.
9. Funding Priorities: Allocate research funding to projects that actively involve autistic individuals. Support initiatives that empower self-advocacy and community-driven research.
10. Shift Paradigms: Recognize that autistic individuals are experts in their own lives. Their contributions are not just valuable; they are essential for advancing knowledge and promoting inclusivity.

By embracing these principles, researchers can create a research landscape that celebrates neurodiversity, respects autonomy, and fosters meaningful collaboration.

Autism Speaks (but not for autistics)

Autism Speaks, despite its prominence as a major autism advocacy and research organisation, has faced significant criticism from autistic self-advocates. Let’s delve into the objections raised by the autistic community:

1. Viewing Autism as a Disease:
   • Autism Speaks was founded on the premise that autism is a disease that needs to be cured. Their original mission statement reflected this perspective.
   • Most autistic self-advocates emphasise that autism is not a disease but rather a natural variation in neurotype. We advocate for acceptance rather than seeking a cure.
2. Stigmatization and Discrimination:
   • By framing autism as a problem to be fixed, Autism Speaks inadvertently contributes to stigma and discrimination against autistic individuals.
   • This portrayal reinforces the idea that there is something inherently wrong with autistic people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
3. Lack of Autistic Representation:
   • Autism Speaks is primarily led by non-autistic parents of autistic children. This lack of authentic representation is a major concern.
   • Autistic self-advocates argue that an advocacy organisation without autistic voices is akin to a whites-only group addressing racism or a men-only panel discussing sexism.
4. “I Am Autism” Video:
   • One of the most criticised aspects is Autism Speaks’ “I Am Autism” promotional video.
   • In this video, autism is portrayed as an enemy, causing fear and perpetuating negative stereotypes. Many found it deeply offensive and dehumanizing.
5. Focus on Difficulties Over Possibilities:
   • Autism Speaks tends to emphasise the deficits and challenges associated with autism rather than celebrating the unique strengths and possibilities of autistic lives³.
6. Financial Allocation:
   • Critics point out that only a small fraction of Autism Speaks’ budget goes toward direct services for autistic individuals and families.
   • Less than 1/3 of 1% of their budget is allocated to the “Family Service” grants that fund services.
7. Autism Acceptance vs. Awareness:
   • Autistic self-advocates prefer a shift from mere awareness to autism acceptance. We advocate for understanding, inclusion, and celebrating autistic achievements.

In summary, while Autism Speaks aims to raise awareness and provide support, its approach has sparked controversy due to its framing of autism, lack of authentic representation, and focus on difficulties rather than possibilities.

Sources used in preparing this post:

• The Mary Sue: The Autism Speaks Controversy, Explained
• Psychology Today: A Reporter’s Guide to the Autism Speaks Debacle
• The Conversation: Autism advocacy and research misses the mark if autistic people are left out
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Before you donate to Autism Speaks, consider the facts
• Autistic Mama: 4 Simple Reasons I Don’t Support Autism Speaks
• Reporter Magazine, RIT: The Autism Speaks Controversy

NZ trivia

Today is Autism Awareness Day, but given my ambiguity towards what it stands for, and particularly for the role of Autism Speaks has in it, (See my previous post Coming soon: Autism Awareness Day (and month)) I’ll devote this post to some trivia about Aotearoa that most people outside our archipelago are unaware of:

• Name Origins: When Dutch explorers realised that New Zealand was not connected to South America, they renamed it from “Staten Landt” (South America) to “Nova Zeelandia” (New Zealand) after the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which approximately translates to “Land of the Long White Cloud.”
• Southernmost Capital: Wellington, New Zealand, holds the distinction of being the southernmost national capital in the world, situated at latitude 41.2° South. It shares the title of the most remote capital with Canberra, Australia, over 1,243 miles (2000 km) away.
• Transgender Trailblazer: Georgina Beyer, a former sex worker, became the world’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament in 1999, serving two terms representing the conservative Wairarapa electorate from 1999 to 2006.
• Ninety-Mile Beach: Despite its name, New Zealand’s Ninety-Mile Beach is only 56 miles (90 km) long. Perhaps it’s a case of poetic license!
• Long Life Expectancy: New Zealanders enjoy one of the world’s highest life expectancy rates: 82.3 years for females and 78.3 years for males.
• Pizza Hut’s Kiwi Connection: The mozzarella cheese used by Pizza Hut restaurants doesn’t come from Italy. It’s sourced from the Taranaki region of New Zealand.
• Tallest Freestanding Structure: The Auckland City Sky Tower, soaring to 1,076 feet (328 m), holds the title of the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Kiwis and Their Cars: New Zealanders love their wheels! With 2.5 million cars for 4 million people, we boast one of the highest car ownership rates globally.
• Number-8 Wire Ingenuity: The saying goes that a New Zealander can fix anything with a length of Number-8 fencing wire. This reflects our spirit of inventiveness and resourcefulness. (Fun fact: Number-8 wire is commonly used for fences to keep cows and sheep in their paddocks.)
• No Snakes Allowed: New Zealand is a paradise for ophidiophobes—there are no snakes in Aotearoa.
• Sheep Rule!: New Zealand boasts the highest sheep-to-human ratio in the world. With approximately 5 sheep per person, there are over 25.3 million sheep grazing across the country However back in the 1980s when sheep were a more valuable commodity, we had a sheep-to-human ratio of 22:1 (more than 70 million sheep roamed our hills when the human population was a little under 3.5 million)
• The Elvish Weather: In 2012, New Zealand broadcast the first weather report in Elvish, the language from the iconic Lord of the Rings movies. It’s no surprise, considering our stunning landscapes served as Middle-earth in the film series.
• Golf Enthusiasts: New Zealand takes golf seriously! It boasts over 400 golf courses, making it the country with the most golf courses per capita in the world. And no, I have never swung a golf club, nor do I ever intend to do so!
• Bungee Jumping Origin: The adrenaline-pumping activity of bungee jumping has its roots in New Zealand. In 1988, AJ Hackett made the world’s first commercial bungee jump from the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. Inspired by cultural “bungee” jumps in Vanuatu, he introduced this thrilling adventure to the world. And no, I have never bungee jumped, nor do I ever intend to do so.
• The “Fake” Kiwi: Surprisingly, the kiwifruit (yes, the green one – or gold or red or purple) you slice open) is not native to New Zealand. It actually hails from China! However, it was named after the kiwi (the bird), and the fruit didn’t arrive in New Zealand until the early 20th century. We knew it as the Chinese gooseberry until the 1960s. The name change came about when it started to become an export product, and producers realised that at the height of the cold war, the name was a significant hindrance in marketing.
• Crystal-Clear Waters: Nelson’s Blue Lake holds the title of the clearest lake in the world. Its visibility reaches an astonishing 80 meters deep. Located in Nelson Lakes National Park, this pristine lake is a natural wonder.
• No Nuclear Ban: It’s a common misconception that New Zealand is nuclear free. There is a complete ban on nuclear weapons including nuclear powered warships, but we have a law allowing high schools to hold one pound of uranium and one pound of thorium for nuclear experiments. However, any accidental nuclear explosion would result in a hefty $1,000,000 fine.
• Coffee Culture: New Zealand has a vibrant and thriving coffee culture that’s deeply ingrained in our daily life. Tourists and locals alike laud New Zealand’s coffee for its high quality and superb taste. The debate over who invented the Flat White continues between New Zealand and Australia. Both claim credit, but every Kiwi knows the Aussies are wrong. Besides our Flat Whites boast a double shot of espresso coffee while the Australian version has just a single shot. Regardless, the Flat White has become a beloved coffee choice in New Zealand.
• New Zealand has more highland pipe bands per capita than Scotland.

Coming soon: Autism Awareness Day (and month)

Like many Autistic people I have mixed feelings about Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) and the entire month of April being designated as Autism Awareness Month. Every Autistic person will have their own reasons, but here are my reasons behind the discomfort:

1. Simplification and Stereotypes:
   • Awareness campaigns often oversimplify autism, perpetuating stereotypes and focusing solely on deficits or challenges.
   • I prefer a more nuanced understanding that recognises our diverse experiences, strengths, and contributions.
2. Pathologisation vs. Acceptance:
   • I feel that awareness efforts tend to pathologise autism, framing it as a disorder to be fixed or cured.
   • Autistic self-advocates prefer to emphasise acceptance over awareness, advocating for understanding and embracing neurodiversity.
3. Lack of Autistic Voices:
   • Awareness campaigns often feature non-autistic voices, leaving out the perspectives of those directly affected.
   • We want our voices heard, because only we can provide authentic insights into their own lives.
4. Focus on Pity or Fear:
   • Some awareness initiatives evoke pity or fear, emphasising the challenges faced by autistic people.
   • Autistic advocates such as myself prefer a focus on empowerment, highlighting achievements and celebrating neurodiversity.
5. Critique of “Light It Up Blue”:
   • The tradition of lighting landmarks blue on Autism Awareness Day has faced criticism From the autistic community.
   • The colour blue perpetuates an outdated concept that autism is primarily a “boy” problem. In reality, autism affects people of all genders, including girls and non-binary individuals.
   • Autism Speaks, the organisation behind the campaign (and considered a “hate group” by many autistic self advocates), originally focused on finding a “cure” for autism. We prefer to emphasise acceptance rather than seeking a cure.
   • The blue campaign oversimplifies autism, emphasising deficits and challenges rather than recognising the diverse experiences and strengths of autistic individuals.
   • The campaign lacks representation of autistic voices and perspectives. Authentic insights from those directly affected are essential for meaningful awareness efforts.
6. Autism Acceptance vs. Awareness:
   • Many autistic individuals and organisations promote Autism Acceptance Month instead.
   • This shift emphasises understanding, inclusion, and celebrating autistic achievements.

In summary, while awareness efforts have their place, we as autistic people seek a more inclusive, respectful, and informed approach that recognises our unique perspectives and strengths.

Musical Monday (2024/03/04) – Brandy

The song “Brandy” is a pop ballad that was originally released by Scott English in 1971. It tells the story of a man who regrets sending away his lover, Brandy, and misses her desperately. The song was a hit in the UK, reaching number 12 on the charts there.

Bunny Walters, a Māori pop singer covered the song in 1972. His version was quite successful in Aotearoa, peaking at number four and becoming one of his signature songs. He recorded the song for his album “Evolution”, which featured covers and original songs.

In 1974, Barry Manilow released his own version of the song, but renamed it to “Mandy” to avoid confusion with another song called “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass. Manilow’s rendition was a huge hit, reaching number one in the US and Canada, and launching his career as a pop star.

The Scott English version of Brandy did not chart in New Zealand, while the Barry Manilow version of Mandy reached number seven on the New Zealand Singles Chart. Therefore, neither of them was as successful in this country as the Bunny Walters version, which peaked at number four.

Of the three versions I’ve included below, my favourite is Bunny’s rendition. Why? It’s probably because for me, it’s the original, having not heard the the Scott English version until quite recently, and having become familiar with it for two years before the Manilow version appeared. I think the relative rankings of Walter’s Brandy and Manilow’s Mandy indicate I’m not the only Kiwi who thought this way.

Brandy – Bunny Walters

Brandy

I remember all my life
Raining down as cold as ice
Shadows of the man
Her face through a window
Crying in the night
And night goes into
Morning
Just another day
Happy people pass my way
Looking in their eyes
I see a memory
I never realized
You made me happy, oh, Brandy
When you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Brandy
When you kiss me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today, oh, Brandy

I'm standing on the end of time
I walked away when love was mine
Caught up in a world
Of uphill driving
While tears are in my mind
And left hand driving, oh, Brandy
When you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Brandy
When you kiss me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today, oh, Brandy 
(oh, Brandy Oh, Brandy)

Brandy – Scott English

Mandy – Barry manilow