"German POWS on the American Homefront" vs. Treatment of Current POWs

German POW Camp in Nebraska from the article in the Smithsonian.

I've just read an article in the Smithsonian by J. Malcolm Garcia:  German POWs on the American Homefront

The subject interests me because I've been working on a short story based on a story my father told me about German POWs who worked on a farm for Libby's canning factory outside of his one room schoolhouse in rural Illinois in the early 1940s.  When my father was telling me the story of his interactions with these German men working on the farm, I was struck, immediately, by how differently the US treats POWs now.  As I searched the Internet for information, I came across this account published in the Smithsonian.  The writer of this post directly addresses that difference.  There is also, in the article, a reference to how civilians responded differently to the idea of a "prisoner of war."  Civilians want more retribution.  To mind, this represents a shift in our cultural mindset that runs far deeper than trying to blame the military forces.

As I was perusing the unreliable Net, I did find differing views of how the German POWs were treated.  Some were put into camps.  Those who tried to escape were kept in stricter conditions. What I also find notable in terms of "now vs. then" is not all prisoners of war were assumed to be Nazi supporters whereas now we assume a great uniformity about those who labeled as an "enemy."

This account byJ. Malcom Garcia sounds most like my father's story.  Racism must play a part in this different treatment in addition to the need for media sensation.  The subject is far too complicated for simple blogpost, but our society seems, with advancing technology to have less and less respect for human life.  Drones, prisons, people stripped of all rights, an alarming trend in comparison to this story in the Smithsonian.

Maureen Fleming Intensive at La Mama: November 2012

Maureen Fleming (Photo: Jennifer Sears)

Maureen Fleming, an inspiring teacher and performer I have studied with for many years is teaching an intensive course and a one-day master class at La Mama in NYC on November 17.  Here is an Argentinean report on the event:
http://www.hoydia.com.ar/espectaculos/agenda/item/13830-maureen-fleming-en-el-teatro-real.html. 
They used my photo (above) in the paper!  A hoot.

In the meantime, please consider DANCING THE INTERNAL BODY: A workshop

• 10 a.m. at 47 Great Jones Street New York, NY The workshop description.  Also consult the website: http://www.maureenfleming.com

• Dancing the Internal Body - For everyone. Access your creative inspiration and learn to move in new and transformative ways. Maureen Fleming, acclaimed New York City choreographer and performance artist, creates surreal movement poetry that gives birth to a new vision of the body. In this workshop, Maureen Fleming shares her distinctive approach, which originally arose from the avant-garde Japanese dance movement: butoh. Her unique approach adds catharsis and alchemy to the traditional dance techniques o f strength, flexibility, and balance. In a disciplined way, Maureen expertly guides you to your deepest creative core, helping you discover and reveal the transcendent that resides in physical form. You will learn: • FLEMING ELASTICS TM, original exercises that initiate movement and voice from the innermost layer of muscles, promoting efficient movement and increased flexibility • Transformative imagery to challenge the way you think and help you move past physical form • Massage that incorporates stretching and shiatsu techniques to increase joint flexibility and unlock energy blockages This deep, regenerative inner work allows for a more complete realization of your personal and creative vision and is geared for directors, actors, dancers, singers, yoga enthusiasts, therapists and anyone interested in discovering their movement potential through an efficient and integrated training that becomes a part of daily life.

NYU Belly Dance Class Cancelled: Nov. 2

Good luck to students and faculty recovering for the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
The official alert is here.
Best wishes to all.....