In a landscape where women and minorities often find themselves marginalized, Kamala Harris stands as a beacon of hope and possibility. As the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States, her journey is nothing short of historic. Her powerful declaration, “I may be the first, but I will not be the last,” resonates deeply, especially for women who have been overlooked, dismissed, or bullied in the workplace and in life.

Now, as speculation grows around her potential run for the Democratic Party’s nomination, Harris’s message takes on even greater significance.

Breaking Barriers and Shattering Ceilings

Kamala’s ascent to the Vice Presidency shattered multiple glass ceilings. In a society where women, particularly women of color, often face systemic barriers, her success is a testament to resilience and determination. For many, Kamala’s achievements symbolize that being the first to break into male-dominated and predominantly white spaces is possible, albeit challenging. Her potential presidential run serves as a reminder that these spaces are not just to be entered but to be transformed.

Women, especially women of color, frequently encounter biases that lead to being overlooked for promotions, dismissed in meetings, or even bullied for asserting their presence. Kamala’s journey reflects these struggles, but also the triumphs that come from perseverance. Her potential candidacy for the highest office in the land highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Each step forward is not just a personal victory but a collective one for all women who face similar battles.

Kamala’s statement about not being the last emphasizes legacy. It’s about more than personal achievement; it’s about paving the way for future generations. Her presence in the White House has already inspired countless young girls and women of color to dream bigger. A presidential run would further solidify her commitment to creating a more inclusive and representative political landscape. This is about ensuring that the doors she has opened remain open and that the pathways she has forged are walked by many more.

Kamala Harris’s rise to prominence underscores that every voice matters. For women who have felt silenced or sidelined, her story is a powerful affirmation that their experiences and aspirations are valid. Her potential presidential campaign could amplify this message on an even larger scale, championing the idea that leadership should reflect the diverse tapestry of America. It’s a call to action for all women to stand tall, speak up, and keep pushing forward, knowing that their contributions are essential to the nation’s progress.

Kamala Harris’s quote is more than an inspirational soundbite; it’s a mission statement. In the context of a potential run for the Democratic Party’s nomination, it takes on even greater weight. Her journey and her message are clear: every time a woman breaks a barrier, she paves the way for others. For women who have been overlooked, dismissed, or bullied, Kamala’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation.

As Kamala Harris potentially prepares to step into an even more significant role on the national stage, her words remind us all that while being the first is challenging, it is also profoundly impactful. She may be the first, but she certainly will not be the last.

The thing that gives people courage is ideas. And it is not only courage that comes from ideas; it is determination; it is the power to act, the power to go on acting coherently. For though it is true that most ideas are the rationalizations of feelings, that does not mean that feelings are more important in the world of action than ideas. Feeling provides the original supply of energy, but this supply of energy soon fails if the feelings are not rationalized. For the rationalization justifies the feelings and serves at the same time both as a substitute for feelings and as a stimulant for them when they are dormant. You cannot go on feeling violently all the time-the human organism does not allow of it. But an idea persists; once you have persuaded yourself of its truth, an idea justifies the continuance in cold blood of actions which emotion could only have dictated in the heat of the moment. Indeed it does more than justify actions and feelings; it imposes them. If you accept an idea as true, then it becomes your duty to act on it even in cold blood as a matter not of momentary feeling, but of enduring principle. It is even your duty to revive the emotion which was originally at the root of the idea—or rather the new and nobler emotion which, thanks to the idea, has taken the place of the root feeling from which the idea started.

Aldous Huxley.

Jazz in Japan has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting a unique blend of Western influences and Japanese cultural elements. The journey of jazz to the Land of the Rising Sun began in the early 20th century, but it truly took root after World War II, evolving into a distinct genre that continues to thrive today.

Jazz first made its way to Japan in the 1920s, introduced through recordings and performances by American musicians. This period saw the emergence of dance halls and nightclubs in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where jazz was often performed. The genre initially captivated the Japanese audience with its lively rhythms and improvisational style, a stark contrast to the traditional music of Japan. However, the 1930s brought political turbulence, and the rise of nationalism led to a temporary decline in jazz’s popularity. The government, viewing jazz as a symbol of Western decadence, imposed restrictions on its performance.

The end of World War II marked a significant turning point for jazz in Japan. The presence of American troops during the Allied occupation brought with it a resurgence of Western culture, including jazz. American military bases hosted jazz performances, and Japanese musicians began to learn and play alongside their American counterparts. This period also saw the establishment of jazz cafes, known as “jazu kissa,” where enthusiasts could listen to the latest jazz records. These cafes played a crucial role in popularizing the genre and nurturing a new generation of Japanese jazz musicians.

By the 1960s, Japanese jazz had begun to develop its own identity. Influenced by American jazz giants like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, Japanese musicians started experimenting and incorporating traditional Japanese music elements into their compositions. Artists such as Sadao Watanabe and Toshiko Akiyoshi gained international acclaim, demonstrating the versatility and depth of Japanese jazz. The 1970s and 1980s saw further diversification, with the rise of jazz fusion and the incorporation of electronic instruments. Japanese jazz festivals, such as the Mount Fuji Jazz Festival, became major events, attracting global attention and showcasing both domestic and international talent.

Today, Japanese jazz remains vibrant and innovative. Modern artists continue to push boundaries, blending jazz with various genres, from classical to electronic music. The scene is supported by a dedicated fan base, numerous live venues, and a wealth of educational programs that ensure the genre’s ongoing evolution.

Japanese jazz’s journey from a foreign import to a dynamic and integral part of the country’s musical landscape illustrates the power of cultural exchange and adaptation. It stands as a testament to Japan’s ability to embrace and transform global influences into something uniquely its own.

For a taste of Japanese jazz, you can listen to “Minoru Muraoka – The Positive and the Negative”

Held hostage by the Dopamine Cartels:
BigTech’s feast and the remaining void

We live in a time where, for many, the allure – or should we say score – of the next swipe, like, or share is just a flick of the thumb away, we’ve unwittingly become the leads in a ‘structured reality show’ remake of The Matrix ([1999]. Our director? Algorithms with a perversion for human psychology, intent on turning us into the very essence of what we consume: a series of endless, augmented human adverts and mind-numbing distractions. Ted Gioia’s, soberingly insightful and terrifying exploration of the “State of the Culture, 2024” unveils a society teetering on the brink of a post-art, post-entertainment apocalypse.

To summarise, Ted Gioia’s central hypothesis is that our culture is transitioning from a focus on, and means of expression by, traditional arts and entertainment to a post-entertainment society dominated by distractions and superficial engagements. The shift, he suggests, is driven by technology platforms that exploit our brain’s dopamine responses, leading to addiction rather than genuine cultural enrichment. As a result, we’re moving towards a future where constant, short-lived stimuli replace meaningful artistic expression, leaving in its wake a society of digital addicts.

Once upon a time, art and entertainment served as our windows to the soul, mediums through which we could explore the depths of human emotion and connection. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has morphed into a bizarre bazaar of distractions, where the art of conversation has been reduced to exchanging memes, and Coleridge’s verse, Woolf’s prose, or, even Dylan’s lyrics are about as enticing as last year’s tax returns to our brains when they’ve become big-tech-dopamine-lab-rats. Gioia’s observations aren’t just a wake-up call; they’re an alarm blaring in the void of our collective consciousness, begging us to reconsider our insatiable addiction to…well, vacuous nonsense.

But here’s the problem: as we navigate this brave new world, we’re witnessing a curious phenomenon. The very language of psychotherapy—once a lexicon mostly reserved, appropriately, for the therapy room— has been appropriated, diluted, and repackaged as bite-sized pseudo-therapeutic affirmations served up between TikTok dances and OOTDs. Where influencers casually declare everyday difficulties or embarrassments as “trauma” that leave them with (undiagnosed) “PTSD”, sandwiched between sponsored posts for weight loss tea and a luxury watch. The irony? The commodification of mental health discourse has created an echo chamber of superficial validation, distancing us further from the genuine introspection and the healing we desperately seek. Not to mention the linguistic slippage: the dissonance and growing distance between ‘sign’ and ‘signifier’. How can we communicate our feelings and become less of a stranger to ourselves when the very language that was used and created to express and communicate our inner selves acutely has become so diluted it no longer means those things?

Sometimes the absurdity of it all makes it more tempting to find humour than alarm. Picture this: A world where ‘therapy speak’ – if, indeed it hasn’t already, becomes so mainstream that we’re diagnosing our morning coffee with abandonment issues because it went cold. Which to be frank, is a more relatable and applicable situation to our own relationships than, an influencer sharing a tip for the post-yoga enlightenment they felt at a “stunning café that serves the best matcha-nut-oat-wahtever ”, which when you turn up is just a queue around the block of people stood in silence staring at phones – and when you get there, the coffee is cold, and the croissants stale #blessed.

Beneath the absurdity, however, lies a sobering truth. As we drift further from the “source” – genuine human connection and understanding—our collective mental health teeters on the edge of a virtual precipice. The appropriation of psychotherapeutic language by the very algorithms that ensnare us in the dopamine doom loop, makes hiring the proverbial fox to guard the henhouse look like a sound decision. It’s not just the Arts that are being swallowed whole by the insatiable beast of distraction; it’s our very ability to communicate, empathize, and connect on a deeply human level.

So, where do we go from here? What is the path forward? Language is a living thing, it evolves, as does technology, work and culture. However, until now this evolution has happened in a slow and inherently diplomatic way over decades, rather than delivered lightening-fast into our brains by a few oligopolies.

I do think most of us now look at our phones as a tool to speed up time, when we’re sad, overwhelmed, bored, lost. We can lose hours and indeed days, months, years. And speaking for myself it’s a deeply regrettable loss. And, most importantly, it never ‘feels’ like a choice.

So, perhaps we embrace the challenge laid before us by Gioia: to unplug, if only for a moment, and notice the trees. Or perhaps, to simply start noticing each other. When caught in the “dope loop”, and feeling more a stranger to ourselves than normal we should remind ourselves to, “touch grass” (as I believe the kids say?).

Jacques Lacan, a pioneering figure in psychoanalysis, introduced a compelling framework that sheds light on the intricate dance between self-perception and external influences. In the realm of therapy, understanding Lacan’s three versions of how individuals perceive their main caregivers—the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real—provides clinicians with a profound tool to unravel the complexities of human development and identity formation.

The Imaginary, the initial stage in Lacan’s triad, unveils the early, pre-verbal connection between an infant and its caregiver. This phase involves a sense of unity and wholeness, where the child’s self-perception is intricately intertwined with the image of the caregiver. Therapists, drawing from Lacan’s “mirror stage,” explore how clients’ early attachments and idealized images impact their present relationships, laying the groundwork for understanding and reshaping distorted self-perceptions.

Transitioning into the Symbolic realm, therapy delves into the second stage, where language and societal structures come into play. Clients navigate the symbolic order, acquiring language and internalizing societal norms that influence their perception of reality. Therapists, mindful of Lacan’s concept of the “Big Other,” guide clients in examining how language and cultural influences shape their identity. This exploration facilitates the reconstruction of symbolic frameworks, empowering clients to redefine themselves within the broader societal context.

The Real, the final dimension, emerges in therapy as clients confront the unattainable and traumatic aspects of their experiences. Therapists assist clients in navigating moments of crisis or rupture, acknowledging the limitations of symbolic representation. By creating a safe space for clients to explore and express genuine emotions, therapists help them integrate the Real into their understanding of self, fostering resilience and authenticity.

In the therapeutic space, the application of Lacanian concepts involves a dynamic exploration of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to unravel idealized images, reconstruct symbolic frameworks, and navigate the uncharted territories of the Real. This process contributes to a more authentic and liberated understanding of self, fostering personal growth and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Lacan’s legacy continues to enrich the field of psychotherapy, offering a profound framework for clinicians dedicated to guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery.

In a realm of minds, where thoughts took flight,
A therapist wise, in therapeutic light.
Omnipotent she deemed herself, with counsel grand,
Guiding troubled souls across the mental land.
Yet pride consumed her, an arrogant sway,
Till a storm of shadows swept her away.
In the tempest of troubles, her wisdom did wane,
As she grappled with demons, her own mind’s bane.
The therapist, humbled, faced a daunting quest,
Through the valleys of anguish, she sought her best.
No longer omnipotent, but a seeker in pain,
Learning empathy’s depth in the torrential rain.
In the tapestry of souls, a humbler thread,
Waltzing with vulnerability, where wisdom is bred.
Her fate a reminder, a tale to unfold,
Even the mighty must yield to lessons untold.

In the vast landscape of psychotherapy, the allure of an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach can, paradoxically, become a stumbling block rather than a foundation for therapeutic success. The concept of omnipotence in therapy often suggests an excessive sense of power or authority on the part of the therapist, and while expertise is crucial, an unyielding belief in one’s infallibility can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship.
Firstly, an omnipotent stance can create an unbridgeable chasm between the therapist and the client. In the ideal therapeutic relationship, there exists a delicate balance of power, trust, and vulnerability. When a therapist assumes an all-knowing position, it risks eclipsing the client’s autonomy and inhibiting the open exchange of thoughts and feelings. The client may feel diminished, unheard, or reluctant to express their true concerns, hindering the very essence of therapeutic progress.
Furthermore, an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach can inadvertently magnify the therapist’s unresolved issues. The need for omnipotence often stems from the therapist’s own insecurities or unresolved conflicts. This could manifest as an attempt to maintain a façade of absolute control, masking vulnerabilities or uncertainties within the therapist themselves. The therapeutic space should be a crucible for personal and professional growth for both client and therapist; an acknowledgment of imperfections and a shared journey toward understanding.
As the therapist grapples with their own omnipotence, a profound opportunity for self-reflection arises. Unveiling the layers of personal bias, insecurities, or unresolved issues becomes essential for fostering an authentic therapeutic alliance. Acknowledging fallibility and embracing a more collaborative, humble stance can deepen the therapeutic connection, allowing the therapist to resonate with the client’s struggles in a more genuine and empathetic manner.
In conclusion, an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach, though rooted in a desire for mastery, can jeopardize the very core of therapeutic effectiveness. The therapist’s journey toward self-awareness, humility, and an acknowledgment of their own evolving nature is integral to fostering a therapeutic relationship that thrives on trust, authenticity, and shared growth. The therapeutic space, after all, is a dynamic landscape where the therapist’s vulnerabilities, when embraced and understood, can pave the way for profound healing and transformation.

In the realm of mental health treatment, both long-term psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stand as valuable tools. While CBT is renowned for its structured, goal-oriented approach, long-term psychotherapy offers a different perspective, delving into the intricate layers of one’s psyche. In this exploration, I will unveil the benefits of long-term psychotherapy, emphasising the unique advantages it provides over the more succinct CBT approach.

Long-term psychotherapy allows individuals to explore the depths of their emotional landscapes, often reaching the root causes of psychological challenges. Unlike CBT, which primarily focuses on modifying behaviors and thought patterns, long-term therapy seeks to understand the origins of these patterns, fostering lasting transformation.
The extended duration of long-term psychotherapy cultivates a deep, trusting relationship between the therapist and the individual. This rapport provides a secure space for open exploration, enabling individuals to share vulnerable aspects of themselves that may take time to emerge in a shorter-term, solution-focused CBT setting. Long-term therapy also allows for a more holistic understanding of an individual’s life, including their relationships, past experiences, and overarching life narrative. This comprehensive view aids in tailoring therapeutic interventions to address underlying issues, promoting enduring well-being rather than surface-level symptom management. Mental health struggles are often complex and multifaceted. Long-term psychotherapy embraces this complexity, recognizing that meaningful change may require time and a nuanced understanding of the individual. This contrasts with CBT’s more streamlined approach, which may not fully capture the intricacies of certain psychological challenges.

Lastly, long-term therapy provides a platform for ongoing self-discovery and personal growth. Through extended exploration, individuals can develop a deeper awareness of themselves, their patterns of behavior, and their potential for positive change, fostering a stronger foundation for long-lasting well-being.

While CBT remains a valuable and effective therapeutic approach, the benefits of long-term psychotherapy lie in its capacity to delve into the complexities of the human psyche, fostering profound understanding and sustainable personal growth. The choice between these approaches ultimately depends on individual preferences, the nature of the challenges, and the depth of exploration one seeks on their mental health journey.

Navigating Cultural Dynamics.

Immigration has long been a driving force behind the cultural tapestry of nations. When immigrant groups enter a new country, they often undergo processes of assimilation or integration, each with its distinct characteristics. In this article, I will explore the nuances of assimilation and integration, shedding light on how these approaches shape the relationship between newcomers and their adopted homeland.

Assimilation:
Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms, values, and practices of the dominant society to the extent that they become indistinguishable from the majority population. In an assimilationist model, immigrants are encouraged to shed their cultural distinctiveness in favor of embracing the dominant culture entirely. This approach implies a one-way process, with the expectation that newcomers conform to the established societal norms.
Pros of Assimilation:
* Unity: Assimilation can contribute to a sense of unity among the population, fostering a common identity.
* Rapid Integration: Immigrants who assimilate quickly may find it easier to integrate into social, economic, and political spheres.
Cons of Assimilation:
* Cultural Loss: Immigrant groups may experience a loss of their cultural identity, leading to a sense of alienation.
* Exclusion: Assimilation can perpetuate exclusionary practices, marginalizing those who struggle to conform. While assimilation can be a means of societal integration, its effects on the confidence of individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, warrant careful consideration. People of color often face unique challenges when navigating the assimilation process, and the impact on their confidence can be profound.
* Identity Struggle:
* Assimilation may prompt individuals to grapple with a conflict between preserving their cultural identity and conforming to dominant societal norms. This internal struggle can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, as individuals may feel pressured to relinquish aspects of their cultural heritage.
* The expectation to assimilate can sometimes result in the erasure of cultural markers that contribute to a person’s identity. This erasure, intentional or not, may leave individuals feeling disconnected from their roots, impacting their confidence in social and professional settings.
* Microaggressions and Bias:
Assimilation does not guarantee immunity from systemic biases and microaggressions. People of color who assimilate may still face discrimination, and the experience of navigating these challenges can erode confidence. Feeling compelled to assimilate to avoid such biases can perpetuate a cycle of self-doubt.
* Code-Switching Challenges:
In an assimilationist environment, people might find themselves constantly code-switching—altering their behavior, language, or appearance based on the cultural context. This constant adaptation can contribute to a sense of imposter syndrome and hinder the development of authentic confidence.
While assimilation is often seen as a pathway to societal acceptance, its impact on the confidence of people cannot be overlooked. Striking a balance that acknowledges and values diverse cultural identities is crucial for fostering a society where individuals can authentically express themselves without compromising their confidence and self-esteem.

Integration:
Integration, on the other hand, emphasizes a two-way process where both the immigrant group and the receiving society adapt to one another. This model recognizes and respects cultural diversity, aiming to create a society where different cultures coexist harmoniously. Integrated societies value the contributions of immigrant communities without pressuring them to abandon their cultural heritage.
Pros of Integration:
* Cultural Diversity: Integration celebrates and preserves the rich tapestry of diverse cultures within a society.
* Social Harmony: Embracing integration can lead to increased social cohesion and reduced intergroup tensions.
Cons of Integration:
* Potential for Fragmentation: In some cases, too much emphasis on cultural differences may lead to fragmented communities with limited interaction.
* Challenges in Policy Implementation: Crafting policies that support integration while respecting cultural diversity can be complex and challenging.

In the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration, the choice between assimilation and integration remains a critical consideration for policymakers and communities alike. Striking a balance that values diversity while fostering a shared sense of identity is key to building resilient and inclusive societies. Ultimately, the approach chosen shapes the narrative of immigrant experiences and influences the social fabric of the nation.