For the holiday of love «Christmas» I would like to share the following lines by Bell Hooks, a pioneer of feminism and one of the most important voices for citizens' rights. Bell Hooks became known as a critic of racism, capitalism and patriarchy, and as a representative of Black Feminism. The fact that Bell Hooks' death now coincides with Advent is symbolic for me. Persistently, she also trusted in the coming of a better world....

«Cultures of domination rely on the cultivation of fear as a way to ensure obedience. In our society we make much of love and say little about fear. Yet we are all terribly afraid most of the time. As a culture we are obsessed with the notion of safety. Yet we do not question why we live in states of extreme anxiety and dread. Fear is the primary force upholding systems of domination. It promotes the desire for separation, the desire not to be known. When we are taught that safety always lies in sameness, then difference, of any kind, will appear as a threat. When we choose to love we choose to move against fear - against alienation and separation. The choice to love is the choice to connect - to find ourselves in the other.»
—Bell Hooks, «All About Love: New Visions»

In the spirit of love, I wish you, valued clients, colleagues, friends and family a «peaceful» Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you again in a better world. It's up to you...
 
Warmest regards, Ina