Trzyna.info : : Personal website of Thaddeus C. (Ted) Trzyna
Why the bear?
I'm a Californian, and that's important to me. Although I've worked mainly in the global arena, many of my projects have been about California (see Bio), and that will continue.
The bear in the yellow logo more or less resembles the one on the California state flag. It's the California grizzly, Ursus arctos californicus, a once-numerous s
I'm a Californian, and that's important to me. Although I've worked mainly in the global arena, many of my projects have been about California (see Bio), and that will continue.
The bear in the yellow logo more or less resembles the one on the California state flag. It's the California grizzly, Ursus arctos californicus, a once-numerous subspecies that was hunted and trapped into extinction by the 1920s.
The official flag is a stylized version of one used by what is often called a "ragtag group" of American settlers who in June 1846 led a revolt against Mexican authorities in what was then still part of Mexico. The independent "Republic" they declared was overtaken by annexation of California by the United States later that year.
In 2
The official flag is a stylized version of one used by what is often called a "ragtag group" of American settlers who in June 1846 led a revolt against Mexican authorities in what was then still part of Mexico. The independent "Republic" they declared was overtaken by annexation of California by the United States later that year.
In 2015 there were calls to remove the bear flag as an official state symbol because it represented white settler colonialism.
The Los Angeles Times printed my letter to the editor, "In defense of California's bear flag" (full text) which included the following:
"The Bear Flag, in spite of its origins, is a striking symbol of a diverse and constantly changing state that needs strong symbols to hold it together as a political community. . . [The flag] is likely to
The Los Angeles Times printed my letter to the editor, "In defense of California's bear flag" (full text) which included the following:
"The Bear Flag, in spite of its origins, is a striking symbol of a diverse and constantly changing state that needs strong symbols to hold it together as a political community. . . [The flag] is likely to evoke two positive ideas.
"First, nature, and the need to protect it, is represented by the California grizzly bear, a subspecies extinct since the 1920s.
"Second, California’s long tradition of political innovation within the federal system is suggested by the word “Republic.” . . .
This kind of regional patriotism may seem parochial, but in moderation I think it's a good thing.
If people identify with and understand the region where they live, they are more likely to want to protect its heritage and quality of life. It's especially important to draw on the positive values represented in the region's history and envi
This kind of regional patriotism may seem parochial, but in moderation I think it's a good thing.
If people identify with and understand the region where they live, they are more likely to want to protect its heritage and quality of life. It's especially important to draw on the positive values represented in the region's history and environment.