The Teddy Bear Parable http://www.one38.org/a177/2004_04_18_archive.html#108277474256942262

They sent them
teddy bears
after the bombardment,
dressed in tiny
fatigues.

They meant well:
we're bringing you
democracy
and teddy bears.

But the children,
having been sleeping
beneath the bombs
dropped by planes
with Democracy's
corporate logo-
   those stars and stripes
   of hope and purity
   divided by blood-
the children
were not so trusting
of these little acts
of kindness,
so they burst
into tears:
even their toys
are joining
the occupation,
even the toys
are plotting
an uneasy alliance.

So it goes
with democracy
and teddy bears:
it's never as simple
as your best intentions:
One nations gift
is another nations trauma;
one nations plaything
is another nations tears,
and one nations
good intentions
are another nations
blood.


-e.



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