There is a song on Young Jeezy's album that I have suddenly fallen in love with: My President. I just like the first part of the hook, "My president is black". Its just nice to be able to make that statement. And to be perfectly honest, I'm not a big fan of Obama nor was I excited/overwhelmed/etc... about the inauguration. There is just a sense of pride in the fact that this day has come.
I can't imagine how those that paved the way for this are feeling right now. So many suffered and fought in this country, a country where they were treated as second class citizens. I'm so happy for those like my mother and others in her generation who experienced hate just because of their skin color. I see photos of my elders crying and it truly touches me.
For the black community, I hope that this moment inspires. If you felt there was a ceiling for you before, then maybe now you will feel that ceiling is no longer there, or it is higher, or it's something you can simply push through. Hopefully many will see Obama and his family as role models. A successful black family and it is not the Cosby's! Maybe now the rest of the world will view American Blacks differently. The "Change" that I hope for is in the black community. President Obama can't do that.
To Barack Hussein Obama II, I send my prayers out to you and your family. I wish you the best in these next four years. Your success will mean success for this country in coming out of tough times. Every true American wants that. And with majorities in both the House and Senate you have the opportunity to leave your imprint on this country for years to come. God Bless You!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
From Republican to Race conversation
Now I have stated before that I am new to politics so there is much that I do now know or understand. I work with all republicans. They also happen to all be christian and white. I constantly mess with them about losing the past election and about being republican. They try and pull me over to Republican thought a.k.a. the darkside. I don't care for either party more than the other. Anyways, I was asked why I'm not republican or what I think about them. I have stereotypes about them. The joke I say is old crusty whites are republicans. I began to tell him that fiscally I tend to agree more with republicans, but socially not. He wanted me to elaborate. I told him that I perceive that most republicans are just like they are. They see the world as all rosy right now and that if as an individual you work hard you will be fine in life simple as that. You get what you work for. An idea that I agree with and want as everyone's attitude and belief. The problem I said is that everyone is not playing on a level field. So because of that I think more money or efforts need to be put into certain rural and urban areas, and not just for blacks. Also hiring practices and things need to be monitored. This is where the conversation got going.
They say that you get hired off of your efforts and resume. I said I disagree somewhat. There is some nepotism that exist out there. I then said that people hire and want to work with people they are comfortable with and relate to. I believe that if there are equally qualified candidates and one is white, one black and one mexican that the white would get the job. I should have extended it to an equal pool of people of all the races and said that more whites than the other two pools would get hired. Of course, they did not agree. And I don't think they are racist and maybe they are right it would be no factor. So I brought up college football. 119 top level schools and only 5 black coaches. I said in a sport with a lot of black players and coaches only that many are head coaches. So I asked, if it is not racist then what is it? My coworker responded that he didn't think when Alabama hired coach Saban that they cared what color he was but that they thought he could win the most games. Okay I said, then what about Auburn? They hire a guy who in the two years he was coach at a school the team got worse. Turner Gill, a black coach, turns around a program in a few years and wins his conference and has a winning record gets interviewed and doesn't get the job. How he didn't get the job over that guy is beyond me if it had nothing to do with race. Again he is basically saying that is who they thought was best but they are just stupid. I brought up Notre Dame and how they extend a white coach to a ten year deal, but did nothing and fired there black coach. At the time of the extension the coaches had the same record. One got an extension and one didn't. I said I don't know if it was racist, but it is interesting. He also said they were stupid and are now paying for it. Then it gets to him saying that there aren't enough qualified candidates maybe or that all the good black coaches go to the NFL for money. I said no that there are plenty of black assistant coaches, coordinators and position coaches in college football. I said the Auburn guy goes out and hires like 5 to his staff. I said so they are good enough to coach the team in many areas but never improve enough to be head coaches while the white coaches do improve to be head coaches? He threw in a well there you have it they have black coaches on the staff. Now I almost lost it here but it is my job so I remained calm. I simply told him being on the staff is not the same as being in charge. But he kept going back to what I think of as the republican attitude, that if they were the best coach and candidate to give the school a chance to win they would get hired. And I kept saying it is odd to me that in all those jobs with so many blacks out there coaching only that many make it to be head coaches. I also included other races. So then I started saying that by default, you are saying that the black coaches are not good enough (qualified) to be in charge. He says no, but I repeat what he said and that is that the best get hired and therefore the black coaches must not be good enough. After a while he just says so how many would be enough. I don't know, if I have to give a number it should at least have two digits in it. My other coworker ask what percent of America is black. Somehow we just through 30 out there and I pointed out that percent was no where near 5/119.
I tried to take this same attitude and apply it to corporate America. They all still felt the same way. I told them my point in bringing up college was that the people in charge and a lot of the boosters are of one race and they happen to be white. And whites get the coaching jobs. Is it racist? I don't know, but there has to be something there. I said the same goes for corporate America. Because of slavery, we started off on the bottom floor and all those in power were white. So I just ask, why would the same sort of thing not take place in other areas of life be it that they are racist or not? Is it that there just are enough qualified blacks and we aren't as good as the whites? I told them by their thinking that has to be what it is, because if you are deserving and qualified you get the job. I don't think they got what I was saying. Maybe if you are reading you don't either. To them racism really isn't a problem anymore. Of course, look at who is president came up at some point. Not that I didn't know when he was running that from this point forward no one will care what reasons you may try and have because the president is mixed. One person getting through doesn't fix anything or many the problem is solved.
In a last ditch effort, before we left for the day I asked them all if there church was predominantly white. They said yes. And I said mine was predominantly black. Then I said that I don't think any of you are racist and neither am I nor are your churches. But, in a place that is supposed to represent the most important aspect of our life, we remain segregated. So if it is not racism then what is it? They kind of had blank looks on their faces for a second as they thought. Then they asked me if I thought it was because of racism. I said no, and I don't really know why. I know there is a history to it, but if everything is so rosey as they say then surely this area of our lives would not be so heavily separate. I told them that I thought it was a comfort thing. And to me, if in this area we remain separate for whatever reason, why would it not be fair to think that this phenomena would not spread over into other parts of society like corporate America? Between us no one had a good reason why church was like that and they just pointed out they had invited me to church before and that all people are welcome they just seem not to come back. Then my coworker as we were walking out talked about their pastor search. He said he was sure there were no blacks applying and wondered if they would even truly consider a black pastor at his church. He knows that it wouldn't happen. Then we discussed ways churches could change this by coming together across racial lines with things like the youth doing things together. What I should have said but didn't because I had thrown a lot out there that day, was that at your predominantly white church they would have trouble following someone of another race. They may not be racist, but something does still remain here in America.
I know this was long, but I just wanted to hit most of the highlights. It was just so interesting to me talking to them about this stuff. Me being the lone black, and them all white. I'm always throwing stuff out there. I threw in stuff about me and cops (which one said he gets pulled over, and I responded like dude I've had a gun in my face twice for nothing and been in cuffs several times for nothing.) and racist experiences. Not sure if they can understand how these things can shape my view of the world but its nice to have a forum and people I can discuss this stuff with.
They say that you get hired off of your efforts and resume. I said I disagree somewhat. There is some nepotism that exist out there. I then said that people hire and want to work with people they are comfortable with and relate to. I believe that if there are equally qualified candidates and one is white, one black and one mexican that the white would get the job. I should have extended it to an equal pool of people of all the races and said that more whites than the other two pools would get hired. Of course, they did not agree. And I don't think they are racist and maybe they are right it would be no factor. So I brought up college football. 119 top level schools and only 5 black coaches. I said in a sport with a lot of black players and coaches only that many are head coaches. So I asked, if it is not racist then what is it? My coworker responded that he didn't think when Alabama hired coach Saban that they cared what color he was but that they thought he could win the most games. Okay I said, then what about Auburn? They hire a guy who in the two years he was coach at a school the team got worse. Turner Gill, a black coach, turns around a program in a few years and wins his conference and has a winning record gets interviewed and doesn't get the job. How he didn't get the job over that guy is beyond me if it had nothing to do with race. Again he is basically saying that is who they thought was best but they are just stupid. I brought up Notre Dame and how they extend a white coach to a ten year deal, but did nothing and fired there black coach. At the time of the extension the coaches had the same record. One got an extension and one didn't. I said I don't know if it was racist, but it is interesting. He also said they were stupid and are now paying for it. Then it gets to him saying that there aren't enough qualified candidates maybe or that all the good black coaches go to the NFL for money. I said no that there are plenty of black assistant coaches, coordinators and position coaches in college football. I said the Auburn guy goes out and hires like 5 to his staff. I said so they are good enough to coach the team in many areas but never improve enough to be head coaches while the white coaches do improve to be head coaches? He threw in a well there you have it they have black coaches on the staff. Now I almost lost it here but it is my job so I remained calm. I simply told him being on the staff is not the same as being in charge. But he kept going back to what I think of as the republican attitude, that if they were the best coach and candidate to give the school a chance to win they would get hired. And I kept saying it is odd to me that in all those jobs with so many blacks out there coaching only that many make it to be head coaches. I also included other races. So then I started saying that by default, you are saying that the black coaches are not good enough (qualified) to be in charge. He says no, but I repeat what he said and that is that the best get hired and therefore the black coaches must not be good enough. After a while he just says so how many would be enough. I don't know, if I have to give a number it should at least have two digits in it. My other coworker ask what percent of America is black. Somehow we just through 30 out there and I pointed out that percent was no where near 5/119.
I tried to take this same attitude and apply it to corporate America. They all still felt the same way. I told them my point in bringing up college was that the people in charge and a lot of the boosters are of one race and they happen to be white. And whites get the coaching jobs. Is it racist? I don't know, but there has to be something there. I said the same goes for corporate America. Because of slavery, we started off on the bottom floor and all those in power were white. So I just ask, why would the same sort of thing not take place in other areas of life be it that they are racist or not? Is it that there just are enough qualified blacks and we aren't as good as the whites? I told them by their thinking that has to be what it is, because if you are deserving and qualified you get the job. I don't think they got what I was saying. Maybe if you are reading you don't either. To them racism really isn't a problem anymore. Of course, look at who is president came up at some point. Not that I didn't know when he was running that from this point forward no one will care what reasons you may try and have because the president is mixed. One person getting through doesn't fix anything or many the problem is solved.
In a last ditch effort, before we left for the day I asked them all if there church was predominantly white. They said yes. And I said mine was predominantly black. Then I said that I don't think any of you are racist and neither am I nor are your churches. But, in a place that is supposed to represent the most important aspect of our life, we remain segregated. So if it is not racism then what is it? They kind of had blank looks on their faces for a second as they thought. Then they asked me if I thought it was because of racism. I said no, and I don't really know why. I know there is a history to it, but if everything is so rosey as they say then surely this area of our lives would not be so heavily separate. I told them that I thought it was a comfort thing. And to me, if in this area we remain separate for whatever reason, why would it not be fair to think that this phenomena would not spread over into other parts of society like corporate America? Between us no one had a good reason why church was like that and they just pointed out they had invited me to church before and that all people are welcome they just seem not to come back. Then my coworker as we were walking out talked about their pastor search. He said he was sure there were no blacks applying and wondered if they would even truly consider a black pastor at his church. He knows that it wouldn't happen. Then we discussed ways churches could change this by coming together across racial lines with things like the youth doing things together. What I should have said but didn't because I had thrown a lot out there that day, was that at your predominantly white church they would have trouble following someone of another race. They may not be racist, but something does still remain here in America.
I know this was long, but I just wanted to hit most of the highlights. It was just so interesting to me talking to them about this stuff. Me being the lone black, and them all white. I'm always throwing stuff out there. I threw in stuff about me and cops (which one said he gets pulled over, and I responded like dude I've had a gun in my face twice for nothing and been in cuffs several times for nothing.) and racist experiences. Not sure if they can understand how these things can shape my view of the world but its nice to have a forum and people I can discuss this stuff with.
Is heaven segregated?
I know it sounds outrageous and ridiculous because surely heaven is not. But look at society today. Where and when is the country most segregated? Sunday morning at church. So if we Christians don't interact and mix here on earth with our religion, and we hopefully will make it to heaven, will our souls behave differently? This question is more of a look at a way we worship rather than something I'm concerned with a true answer to. But if a good answer is there I love to hear it.
The division in church became apparent to me at a young age but I just accepted it because it was what I knew and grew up in. Then I read a book given to me by a coworker that breached the topic and got my mind going again. Also yesterday I had a conversation with my coworkers about this (I love working with Christians who are open with their faith by the way). That conversation started off Republican/Democrat talked but evolved into this. I will recap that conversation in the next entry because I found it to also be very interesting and maybe you will as well.
I really can't think of a "good" reason for the separation of race in church. I have attended white churches, Puerto Rican churches, etc... and they have all be friendly and invited me to come back and worship with them again. The fact that I/we can at times even label churches, as _____ church says a lot to me. So is it about our comfort? The style of church? A refuge from a racist or integrated society? Around people who look like us we can then be ourselves? Or is it just nice to be around people that look like you?
The Bible, according to this book, does not speak of race but rather of nations and groups of people based on geography and ancestry. We have taken those descriptive differences and run with them. We are all God's children, yet we choose not to worship in a manner that reflects that. So then are Christians racist on some low or unconscious level? Churches have historically preached and justified racist attitudes with justification from their Biblical interpretations. At those periods good Christians somehow believed these preachings. In hindsight we can see how absurd some of those things were. Will the future look back at the division in church now and think the same about us? (Although we are living in the last days and have been since I can remember, at least according to my mom and grandmother).
If we are to be a beacon of God, what our we then showing the world? Surely this is not what He wants. I wonder how many churches consisting predominantly of one race has a pastor of another race? Or when a church searches for a pastor are there any viable candidates outside the churches dominant race? Of all the churches that I have been to, non-denominational churches seem to be the most progressive when it comes to the racial mixture of the congregation. (Non-denominational - Ummm.., by being non-denominational aren't you a denomination? Really makes no sense. Might as well have a name like Methodist.)
So maybe it is just the style in which we worship. Blacks seem a bit more passionate and interactive than other races, but I have been to churches of other races that were very similar to what I grew up in. After our conversation, my coworker sent me this article:
https://mercury.dynetics.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/04/segregated.sundays/index.html%23cnnSTCText
I just think Christians need to work to change this phenomenon. Segregation by color is not of God. If we change, maybe this could bring about change in our attitudes towards each other and spread throughout society. Then again, I'm not sure if that is realistic. At least not in my lifetime.
The division in church became apparent to me at a young age but I just accepted it because it was what I knew and grew up in. Then I read a book given to me by a coworker that breached the topic and got my mind going again. Also yesterday I had a conversation with my coworkers about this (I love working with Christians who are open with their faith by the way). That conversation started off Republican/Democrat talked but evolved into this. I will recap that conversation in the next entry because I found it to also be very interesting and maybe you will as well.
I really can't think of a "good" reason for the separation of race in church. I have attended white churches, Puerto Rican churches, etc... and they have all be friendly and invited me to come back and worship with them again. The fact that I/we can at times even label churches, as _____ church says a lot to me. So is it about our comfort? The style of church? A refuge from a racist or integrated society? Around people who look like us we can then be ourselves? Or is it just nice to be around people that look like you?
The Bible, according to this book, does not speak of race but rather of nations and groups of people based on geography and ancestry. We have taken those descriptive differences and run with them. We are all God's children, yet we choose not to worship in a manner that reflects that. So then are Christians racist on some low or unconscious level? Churches have historically preached and justified racist attitudes with justification from their Biblical interpretations. At those periods good Christians somehow believed these preachings. In hindsight we can see how absurd some of those things were. Will the future look back at the division in church now and think the same about us? (Although we are living in the last days and have been since I can remember, at least according to my mom and grandmother).
If we are to be a beacon of God, what our we then showing the world? Surely this is not what He wants. I wonder how many churches consisting predominantly of one race has a pastor of another race? Or when a church searches for a pastor are there any viable candidates outside the churches dominant race? Of all the churches that I have been to, non-denominational churches seem to be the most progressive when it comes to the racial mixture of the congregation. (Non-denominational - Ummm.., by being non-denominational aren't you a denomination? Really makes no sense. Might as well have a name like Methodist.)
So maybe it is just the style in which we worship. Blacks seem a bit more passionate and interactive than other races, but I have been to churches of other races that were very similar to what I grew up in. After our conversation, my coworker sent me this article:
https://mercury.dynetics.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/04/segregated.sundays/index.html%23cnnSTCText
I just think Christians need to work to change this phenomenon. Segregation by color is not of God. If we change, maybe this could bring about change in our attitudes towards each other and spread throughout society. Then again, I'm not sure if that is realistic. At least not in my lifetime.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
No ply toilet paper!!
Okay, I am generally the type to try and handle my business at home. I like to relax and get comfortable and not have someone next to me doing the same thing and hearing there noises. Not a pleasant experience. Sometimes you just can't wait till you get home like the other day when I was at work. Fortunately the bathroom had just been cleaned. We don't have any toilet covers at my job so I line the seat before I sit down. Don't understand how people do otherwise. So as I go to pull out some toilet paper it just keeps breaking before I can even get one square. This paper is so thin. Imagine the tissue paper used for gifts, and then think of something half as thick. It's like a veil you can see through it so easy. Are you really saving money with that stuff? Cause I'm going to use four times as much just to make it like regular paper. Took me forever just to cover the damn toilet. Now imagine what happens when you finish your business. I know it is a bad thought but, if something is that thin and you are wiping your butt.... That just pisses me off. I guess I need to bring in my own toilet paper. But really, how cheap can you be?
Proud to be an American?
I have been hearing this phrase a good bit after the election on radio, tv, and from friends. And honestly it really bothers me. In some instances I’m sure that pride spoken of was there before and the fact that a milestone was reached only made them more proud. But I am also sure that others just developed this pride in America. What the hell? America is far from perfect, but to only now be proud because a multi-racial American is the next president, why? Has America before now not provided us with opportunities and freedoms? Pride should come from the fact that you can openly criticize the government! You can openly practice any religion! It baffles me and angers me when I hear such sentiments. People take for granted what has become expected as the norm in our country. But these rights that we expect here in America, are desired and wished for in many places around the world. It is fine to disagree and be upset with actions the government takes, but to lose pride in our country loses sight of how great this country in fact really is. So if you really think it is so bad or there is better elsewhere, please leave!
If you have lost pride in America, it should be in the citizens of this country. Our apathy will be our downfall. To be the champ and remain the champ, you must work like a champ. This is where I believe we have fallen short. Too many expect the “American” Dream, rather than strive and work for it. Where is our pride in workmanship? Parenting? Education? Our economy and markets depend on the citizens to prosper. Have we done our part to be better than the rest of the world? I don’t think in recent years we have. Citizenship does not afford you 40 acres and a mule, but it gives you the opportunity to go and attain your 40 acres and a mule. Now is the time to wake up and “change” our attitudes. Quality American workers and products. Invest in America, i.e. buy American. Dependency on other countries only weakens ours.
Every American should be proud to be an American. For whites or others out there who may have lost pride because we have a multi-racial president, I feel sorry for you. For blacks and others who feel a sudden pride, I wonder about you. It is a shame to me that blacks suddenly feel like they can do and accomplish things now and haven’t felt that way. But anything that makes my race step up and do better in this country is fine with me.
If you have lost pride in America, it should be in the citizens of this country. Our apathy will be our downfall. To be the champ and remain the champ, you must work like a champ. This is where I believe we have fallen short. Too many expect the “American” Dream, rather than strive and work for it. Where is our pride in workmanship? Parenting? Education? Our economy and markets depend on the citizens to prosper. Have we done our part to be better than the rest of the world? I don’t think in recent years we have. Citizenship does not afford you 40 acres and a mule, but it gives you the opportunity to go and attain your 40 acres and a mule. Now is the time to wake up and “change” our attitudes. Quality American workers and products. Invest in America, i.e. buy American. Dependency on other countries only weakens ours.
Every American should be proud to be an American. For whites or others out there who may have lost pride because we have a multi-racial president, I feel sorry for you. For blacks and others who feel a sudden pride, I wonder about you. It is a shame to me that blacks suddenly feel like they can do and accomplish things now and haven’t felt that way. But anything that makes my race step up and do better in this country is fine with me.
To the Atheist
Why not God? Is there a better explanation for our existence out there? I certainly don’t know of any. Big Bang and Evolution are a joke to me. When is the last time you saw a monkey/gorilla have a human baby? These explanations are just theories made by man to try and explain what they can’t. But scientists are constantly making theories and then modifying those or disproving them. God is constant, and so is His word.
Simply though, I see it like this. As a believer in God when I die and I have been wrong in my faith what is the worst that can happen? I turn to dust and fertilize a plant some day. But the atheist if proven wrong goes to HELL for eternity. Eternity is a very long time. Seems like an easy choice on what to pick to me.
Furthermore, don’t we all have some of the same fundamental values we would like our kids and ourselves to exemplify? Don’t kill, lie, steal, fornicate, respect elders, etc… Most religions enforce quality values. So why not bring up a child in an environment where people are trying to live with a certain moral code? Especially considering how increasingly liberal society is becoming. Look at all the broken families we have. Church can help fill these gaps. My role models and father figures were men from my church. At least the figures that most would consider to be more positive influences. The youth of today get exposed to more and more each day with all the constant access to information. Why not surround them in an environment that shows a different lifestyle promoting morals, discipline and self-control? Wouldn’t this make for a better society even if you don’t truly believe in God? Let them choose on their own. I wonder though if they don’t believe their parents truly believe, will they?
I wish that everyone believed in God, but that is not realistic. In my eyes, the benefits of believing and practicing faith far outweigh those of not believing. To the atheist, I just ask why not?
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