My I's - Schmidtke, Charlie

. .

Résumé :
The phrase An unexamined life is not worth living is a truism that became a guide for Charlie Schmidtke's journey of self-reflection. His book is a unique mashup of memoir combined with philosophical reflections on life, cast within the topics of race, religion, gender, generations, and grief. In an exploration that spans decades, he tells of encounters with Jim Crow, journeys through religious transformation, shifts from a male dominant lifestyle to a more balanced view of gender roles, wanders through generations, confronts profound tragedies, deaths, and grief, and encounters those who have blessed his life in ordinary as well as extraordinary ways. He looks specifically at the isms he himself has confronted, along with the social context that has pervaded his experiences. This highly personal narrative reflects how his attitude, language, and behavior have changed and become more inclusive, tolerant, and accepting. His stories range from light-hearted to serious and from amusing to introspective. By reflecting upon the I's of his life-isms, ignorance, interrelationships, and insights-the author encourages readers to examine the critically important human dynamics related to prejudice, bigotry, discrimination, stereotyping, and interpersonal relationships. He invites readers to reflect on their own stereotypes and behaviors and asks them to adopt the overarching theme of the book: love and respect for themselves and for others.

Biographie:
Charlie Schmidtke and his wife have four daughters and eight grandchildren. This book is dedicated to his Munchkins and written so they may learn lessons from his life while also understanding some family history and folklore. His academic degrees are all in Philosophy: BA from Canisius College (in Buffalo, NY) and MA and PhD from Tulane University (in New Orleans). He is Professor Emeritus from Canisius where he served in different administrative positions for 17 years followed by 18 years of full-time teaching. His academic interests were interdisciplinary and diverse having taught courses in English, Psychology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Communication Studies, Sociology, Sports Administration, Lifelong Learning, Women's Studies and most notably Gerontology. A seasoned speaker, he has given over fifty professional papers and presentations, has had 18 academic publications and has received several prestigious awards, including the Canisius Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. award and the Mildred M. Selzer Distinguished Service Award. He is a retired Army MP Captain who was born in Niagara Falls and currently lives in Tonawanda, NY.