Introduction to Karen Flittie

Having started this project interviewing the youth, I was interested to see the comparison and contrast between the thoughts of the young and the thoughts of the experienced and older generations. Karen, a woman whose age I do not dare to ask, absolutely took my breath away with the things she had to say.

Though heartbreakingly so, the majority of her initial interview had been lost on the really bad recording device of which I used to do the interview. I was only able to save the first five minutes of what was an hour long discussion. Her piece, though only one, packs an incredible punch. It’s a human right to love who you want to love. How basic and how raw, yet simple perspective.

She is a woman who has deep connections with the world around her. She aches for those who fight the wars, she is conscious of the environment, cares deeply about our healthcare system, and worries about the society we are building for the young. Though a substantial age difference between herself and I, listening to the things she had to say, I began to see a lot of myself in her.

What an amazing gift- the ability to see in your fellow (wo)man, a mere reflection of who you are. My hope for this work is that those that care to read and experience these stories, begin to open themselves to receiving the same gift.