It has been my experience so far that you, sifu, don't really care what other people think. Are you intimidated by the opinions of others?
It is not that I don't care what other people think about me... I just do not usually concern myself with the opinions of others. Unless it was my Father or Sigung Chiang (my other father). The personal opinion of me is more important. As it should be yours.
It is because I am not intimidated by the opinions of others that I tend to not be "Politically Correct" with many issues. Human Beings have not changed that much since the dawn of time. Only society has changed. Has society changed for the better? I have mixed feeling on this question. My concern has always been to be true to myself and to NEVER 'sell-out'! I hold firm in certain values to be true to my nature. However, I think you have a valid point about this issue.
Like most people, I am still growing. We never had any women in Sigung Chiang's school performing on the Demonstration Teams. He also (initially) taught only Chinese Students. I am the (accidental) result which led him to teach Non-Chinese students. Because of that... you are a student in this system. Bethany Maben (Sears) is also the result of my willingness to change. Bethany showed the diligence and fortitude which allowed me to justify even allowing women on the team. Since that day... she has shown even more to prove that she should be allowed to do more. That is why she is working on dangerous weapon routines and hopefully more in the future.
I am willing to allow anyone to perform with the lion or work the drum. However, that person must have the strength and endurance to do the work. It doesn't matter if you are male or female. My only concern is to make sure that whoever is on the team, make the necessary commitments to ensure its excellence! If you or anyone else proves that they have the capacity to excel… I will support those people.
If you can do it… GO FOR IT!
By the way... that is a policy change. Good job Lena!! I am not easy to convince.
