Small Minds

Ever wonder why people will talk about other people behind their backs? I frequently do when I have a simple conversation with someone else. As the conversation strays to slander other people, my mind wanders and I think about this popularly supported quote:

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

The quote says it all; however, it can get more complicated than just saying that they are being small minded.  With a whole spectrum of emotions that people can have, surely it must be unfair to jump into the conclusion that the person is just being narrow-minded. Especially if your conversationalist partner is someone who you have known for a long time; if they aren't the type of person to do that in the first place, what else could it be that motivates them to talk about another person behind their back?

It otherwise is very easy to talk behind someone's back, but perhaps, it's in awe instead of the initial reaction of disgust at that person.  We tend to deflect more than we realize it.  It then becomes the never ending fight of trying to empathize what we don't know and to be that much more open at the end to all parties involved. 

Purpose of this blog

Travel is definitely in my genes.  My ancestors are native to Asia and are a group of wandering immigrants with no country.  You might have heard of them before, we call ourselves Hmong.  It is the name of our people and language.  Popular theory has it that Hmong means "free people," but to be honest, it could have been easily be made up.

Having lived in three countries and traveled to over ten countries in Southeast Asia before my mid-twenties, I do have quite a different perception of reality and conditions of living compared to a typical American.  To be honest, I already had a different slice of reality due to my background as a Hmong growing up as a citizen in America.

I hope this blog will be a place to not only fuel my passion for traveling but be enlightening for people who are interested in seeing the world through my eyes.  As I try to piece together the world in a holistic way, some posts may seem to be random while others will tie snugly into the theme of travel.

The wonderful thing (and sometimes horrendous) about the internet is that it allows people to connect with one another no matter the distance.  So in regards to future comments, please be respectful or your comment will be reported.  I'm interested in hearing where everyone is from and add a positive comment for the day because a little positive reinforcement goes a long way.