Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with cal.” Use a word starting with the letters “cal” as your prompt word. Have fun!
My first and persistent thought from our prompt was of Calamity Jane. I knew her name but nothing about her other than her handiness with guns.
When we read about the lives of historical figures, there are two ways we can interpret them.
One, is to attempt to build a ‘picture’ of a place and time. To briefly experience another, different, lifestyle and to empathize with dynamics we have never had to experience.
The second, is to gather information and place ourselves there. This, is as unnatural as cloning. Cloning can duplicate DNA but without identical life building experiences, there’s not ever a perfect match. Our modern selves are anachronyms to the past. The person we are now, would not have been the same then. To judge the past on our terms is intellectually dishonest and arrogant.
So, I looked up Ms. Martha Jane Cannary. Her past has many discrepancies and holes in it.
She was, however, the oldest of six children who became head of the household in her teens upon her father’s death as he was the last living parent.
She was known to wear men’s clothing. Well, we ladies of today know how much more functional pants are too.
When I got to the section about her taking many jobs, one being a prostitute for awhile, I paused, this was a gritty gal. She was a sharp shooter. And now, I was momentarily ashamed of her. But wait… her options to feed her siblings didn’t include food stamps. I yanked myself right out of my modern arrogance and looked at the whole of the time and the hardships that I couldn’t imagine. There, is where I could feel empathy without judgement. Besides, the historical references were not extremely reliable about her.
There were facts and there was rumor. This is not unlike our real time ‘news’ today.
Choosing our information wisely and refusing knee jerk judgements before any thorough investigation might be a good approach for us all to use?
For more on this courageous pioneer woman:
Calamity Jane – Wikipedia
The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 20, 2021 | (lindaghill.com)
Sillyfrog's Blog 
Excellent 😊
You remind of my old friend Karen. (So unlike the “New” impression of that name), She didn’t judge people according to their profession, looks or anything else.
You’re writing reflects that attitude.
Nice write! Thankyou.
I’m pleased, so pleased. that you think that of me. That’s an outlook I admire. Many Thanks!
Judgements are subtle. I see it too often when I read a post. Even if it’s about being non judgemental LOL
Keep writing!!!!
Yes. I see that all the time. Many people lie to themselves more than they realize. 😉
I don’t know what it is. Maybe their circumstances or history.
But probably not intentional. 🙂
Seems to me, that those who frequently judge others, have an odd assumption that ‘perfect’ is attainable in a human being… or a country. 😉
Is that a judgement? 😊
I see your point and I know I’m not perfect.
An observation. Probably flawed. LOL
LOL
Yes, whenever I read about a woman told from the his-story perspective, I have to read between the lines.
Perspective is important. Some people, use gender, race, and modern values to cloud ‘human’ stories. I’m careful about that.
Maybe WOKE could take a hint from your story and stop cancelling our history.
Dare to dream!
Is that a real photo of calamity jane, i only ask because she looks nothing like doris day lol lol brilliant post my lovely blog friend.
LOL… yeah, how we romanticize history! I’m taken aback by Hollywood biblical peasants with perfect teeth. Thanks! ;-D
Thank you for your wise and compassionate perspective. “The person we are now, would not have been the same then. To judge the past on our terms is intellectually dishonest and arrogant.” I will be more aware of romanticizing and examine my judgements a bit closer.
Gosh, I’m pleased we are equally seeking compassion over judgement. I’m thoroughly pleased by your comment! Thank-you.