I created an email address so that any comments on the posts can be sent there. The address is floatingsomewhereinthere@gmail.com. I realize you can’t leave comments on here without registering so if you email your comments I will then post them on the blog. I’d love to hear other thoughts on the subjects that I bring up here or get suggestions on other topics. Hearing other viewpoints is a great way to learn and grow. Also, feel free to pass the blog on to anyone you think may be interested in reading/commenting. I enjoy doing this and would like to open it up more to conversation rather than just my thoughts. Regardless, the blog will continue.
Thanks,
Jewel’s Seed.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Big Brother
Don’t know why I haven’t posted on this topic before, but it is something I feel pretty strongly about. I was fortunate in my life to have men to help guide me growing up. They had no obligation to me in any way, just the goodness of their heart to take time out of their lives and spend it with me. Some had families of their own, but treated me as a son or brother. My appreciation for the roles they played in my lives is hard to put into words. In the moment, I didn’t fully realize and appreciate the things that they did for me. When I first got out of school I started doing Big Brothers Big Sisters. For me it was a natural step looking back at my upbringing. Giving back in the way I received in a way feels like me showing my appreciation to those who were there for me.
The experience of working with one of these children is a very rewarding experience. It is not something that has to take up a lot of your time or money. They only ask for a couple of hours out of the month. Part of my motivation is because of the view I have of young black men in our society. I feel they need role models because often they lack that presence. How can I complain and critique what goes on in my community if I am doing nothing? One of my resolutions this year is to get back involved in the program. I’ve gotten one person that I know of to participate in the program. I hope others who read this will think about it or suggest the program to others. Our role models should not be athletes and entertainers. We need role models that are more tangible to the eyes of the youth. People who have taken the more common paths in life and are successful contributors to society.
For many my words may ring hollow because who am I? I’m not famous. Have no real voice or platform to speak from. Now that we have more respected minorities in power calling for service, hopefully the message will hit home for more people.
www.bbbs.org
The experience of working with one of these children is a very rewarding experience. It is not something that has to take up a lot of your time or money. They only ask for a couple of hours out of the month. Part of my motivation is because of the view I have of young black men in our society. I feel they need role models because often they lack that presence. How can I complain and critique what goes on in my community if I am doing nothing? One of my resolutions this year is to get back involved in the program. I’ve gotten one person that I know of to participate in the program. I hope others who read this will think about it or suggest the program to others. Our role models should not be athletes and entertainers. We need role models that are more tangible to the eyes of the youth. People who have taken the more common paths in life and are successful contributors to society.
For many my words may ring hollow because who am I? I’m not famous. Have no real voice or platform to speak from. Now that we have more respected minorities in power calling for service, hopefully the message will hit home for more people.
www.bbbs.org
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Chimp to Guerrilla
First off, I had to go look up how to spell guerrilla. Akeelah would kick my ass.
Of course everyone is now aware of the chimpanzee incident and the NY Post cartoon which followed. As for the incident, what the hell would make a person think having a 200lb chimp as a pet makes sense? They are like 2x the strength of humans. You should never have a pet which if things go bad you can't handle. If any of my friends or anyone I know has a pet like this, I'm not going in your damn house. I know this is ignorant to say, but these people could not have been black. Although we are starting to do more and more of the things one would tend to think blacks don't do.
Now for the Post. WTF. This magazine first of all is all about shock journalism and things like that so to give them too much credit is a mistake. This is the same paper that had "A-Hole" on the front. The person who drew the cartoon could be racist, but I don't know and don't think so. I really think they were just trying to get attention and sell papers at a time when papers aren't doing so well. But, to try and justify it as if people wouldn't associate the chimp with the president is trying our intelligence. Someone at the paper thought about what someone might infer from the picture. True, Obama did not write the bill but the bill is associated with him and everyone knows that. That stimulus bill will define his presidency. So I don't believe for a second they didn't figure someone would take that cartoon that way. If they wanted to poke fun at congress they could have had more chimps, or put a sign on the chimp with congress written on it. The whole thing just lacked taste. Because of the history with blacks and monkeys they could have picked a different animal even though the chimp story was out there.
Honestly I'm not upset though. Not offended either. For those who are, I understand. I'm just tired of every time something happens black people making it into something big. Or how the world is against us and blah blah blah... Sometimes it is very necessary for us to take note of these things. Obama is the president people. He is going to get jabs from people. Everyone doesn't love the man or think he is the greatest thing ever. Bush was hated. Bush got drawn as a monkey. Bush got called many things. Same for Clinton and any other president. It comes with the job. So before you get all riled up about this cartoon I just challenge you to look at some of the things that have been drawn about other presidents? Other things said about other presidents? If this is so far out of the ordinary and not close to things that have been done before, then outrage is warranted. I just think at some point we have to move past these things even upsetting us. Hell, instead of boycotting these advertisers, take your ass to a school and volunteer. Use that effort to do things to better black communities. Just like with the Imus thing. Big to do about some comments (which honestly I was thinking those girls looked rough the night before) from a show but what perspective did you have of the man's show? I listened to him later and he says crap like that about all kinds of things. Pretty intelligent and kind of funny at times actually. The same thing can go for the sermons of Pastor Wright. Can't just take clips of a sermon and judge the whole man from that. You have to get some context.
I wonder at times what it is like to be a white person in this country. Are the comments, statements, and actions of whites held to the same standards as others? I challenge you to listen to comments your friends make. Listen to what radio personalities say that are minorities. Think about the callers to talk shows and what they say. Then think about would that be accepted coming from a white person about another race. I'm not saying it should be okay for them to say all things, but at the same time it shouldn't be okay for minorities to get a pass either.
The Post should be ashamed, but that is what they do. People should feel however they do, but keep it moving. Don't buy the paper anymore. This isn't worth some kind of movement. It isn't something to look at and say this is how they do blacks. Everything isn't because someone is black. But people will take it that way and continue to carry the baggage with them into their day to day lives. This only fuels their beliefs. Whites will continue to think blacks just make everything racist. And that is why we will never in my lifetime move past racism.
Of course everyone is now aware of the chimpanzee incident and the NY Post cartoon which followed. As for the incident, what the hell would make a person think having a 200lb chimp as a pet makes sense? They are like 2x the strength of humans. You should never have a pet which if things go bad you can't handle. If any of my friends or anyone I know has a pet like this, I'm not going in your damn house. I know this is ignorant to say, but these people could not have been black. Although we are starting to do more and more of the things one would tend to think blacks don't do.
Now for the Post. WTF. This magazine first of all is all about shock journalism and things like that so to give them too much credit is a mistake. This is the same paper that had "A-Hole" on the front. The person who drew the cartoon could be racist, but I don't know and don't think so. I really think they were just trying to get attention and sell papers at a time when papers aren't doing so well. But, to try and justify it as if people wouldn't associate the chimp with the president is trying our intelligence. Someone at the paper thought about what someone might infer from the picture. True, Obama did not write the bill but the bill is associated with him and everyone knows that. That stimulus bill will define his presidency. So I don't believe for a second they didn't figure someone would take that cartoon that way. If they wanted to poke fun at congress they could have had more chimps, or put a sign on the chimp with congress written on it. The whole thing just lacked taste. Because of the history with blacks and monkeys they could have picked a different animal even though the chimp story was out there.
Honestly I'm not upset though. Not offended either. For those who are, I understand. I'm just tired of every time something happens black people making it into something big. Or how the world is against us and blah blah blah... Sometimes it is very necessary for us to take note of these things. Obama is the president people. He is going to get jabs from people. Everyone doesn't love the man or think he is the greatest thing ever. Bush was hated. Bush got drawn as a monkey. Bush got called many things. Same for Clinton and any other president. It comes with the job. So before you get all riled up about this cartoon I just challenge you to look at some of the things that have been drawn about other presidents? Other things said about other presidents? If this is so far out of the ordinary and not close to things that have been done before, then outrage is warranted. I just think at some point we have to move past these things even upsetting us. Hell, instead of boycotting these advertisers, take your ass to a school and volunteer. Use that effort to do things to better black communities. Just like with the Imus thing. Big to do about some comments (which honestly I was thinking those girls looked rough the night before) from a show but what perspective did you have of the man's show? I listened to him later and he says crap like that about all kinds of things. Pretty intelligent and kind of funny at times actually. The same thing can go for the sermons of Pastor Wright. Can't just take clips of a sermon and judge the whole man from that. You have to get some context.
I wonder at times what it is like to be a white person in this country. Are the comments, statements, and actions of whites held to the same standards as others? I challenge you to listen to comments your friends make. Listen to what radio personalities say that are minorities. Think about the callers to talk shows and what they say. Then think about would that be accepted coming from a white person about another race. I'm not saying it should be okay for them to say all things, but at the same time it shouldn't be okay for minorities to get a pass either.
The Post should be ashamed, but that is what they do. People should feel however they do, but keep it moving. Don't buy the paper anymore. This isn't worth some kind of movement. It isn't something to look at and say this is how they do blacks. Everything isn't because someone is black. But people will take it that way and continue to carry the baggage with them into their day to day lives. This only fuels their beliefs. Whites will continue to think blacks just make everything racist. And that is why we will never in my lifetime move past racism.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Is the dream achieved?
With recent events, the election of Obama, I have noticed many people saying Dr. King's dream has been achieved. That, according to the speech that I read, is not the dream. It may serve as a nice symbol or moment to point to in order to show the dream has been achieved but that is it. I actually thought the dream had been achieved for years now. After recent conversations and things I have heard or read, I believe that maybe I was naive in my thoughts. When I read that speech last week I took from it that the dream Dr. King had in mind was one of equality for all people. Equality that equates to opportunity in all facets of life. So if by some miracle, McCain had won this past election would not the dream still have been achieved? I believe so.
I bring this up because in a sense I believe this does a disservice to what Dr. King and others fought for. The main focus was definitely in regards to black and white relations, yet the idea of the dream is all inclusive.
So I thought to myself, have I felt held back because of my color? Have I ever felt I couldn't do something because I was black? No. Did I feel it may be more difficult? Yes. Was that an accurate feeling that I have? No one can say, but it is definitely how I have felt. But that feeling has only motivated me to work harder so why not carry that with me? The thing to me is that we carry these burdens along with us in life and they affect us. How can we leave racism (and yes I know that blacks can't technically be racist but you get the point) behind and move forward if we continue to carry it? I've experienced some racism and I have probably made other things into racism that were not. Racism does exist, but not in everyone.
What we need to do in this country is stop being afraid to talk candidly about race with each other. I heard today the new attorney general say words along this train of thought. How can you understand another race if you don't communicate open and honestly with them? People are afraid to say how they feel or think and say why. If you are white and you think blacks are lazy, then say that and back it up with why you feel that way. If you are black and you think whites try and hold you down or whatever, then express that. Have these conversations with people of all races but be respectful of the other persons opinion. The goal would not be to change ones thoughts but to give them food for thought. It may not hit either of you for days after the conversation. Wouldn't you rather know where a person is coming from whether than speculate and have that affect the way you view a person? I talk with my coworkers about things such as my conversation about church with them. Since then I have really had a better understanding of how others may think, and at the same time I realized some things about myself. This is growth. Government can't force race relations to go any farther than they have. We all work together in diverse environments, but away from work how diverse is your life? Do you worship with other races? Invite a mix of races into your home at the same time?
It would be nice if we continue to move forward toward truly achieving Dr. King's dream. Take the dream further than he ever imagined.
I bring this up because in a sense I believe this does a disservice to what Dr. King and others fought for. The main focus was definitely in regards to black and white relations, yet the idea of the dream is all inclusive.
So I thought to myself, have I felt held back because of my color? Have I ever felt I couldn't do something because I was black? No. Did I feel it may be more difficult? Yes. Was that an accurate feeling that I have? No one can say, but it is definitely how I have felt. But that feeling has only motivated me to work harder so why not carry that with me? The thing to me is that we carry these burdens along with us in life and they affect us. How can we leave racism (and yes I know that blacks can't technically be racist but you get the point) behind and move forward if we continue to carry it? I've experienced some racism and I have probably made other things into racism that were not. Racism does exist, but not in everyone.
What we need to do in this country is stop being afraid to talk candidly about race with each other. I heard today the new attorney general say words along this train of thought. How can you understand another race if you don't communicate open and honestly with them? People are afraid to say how they feel or think and say why. If you are white and you think blacks are lazy, then say that and back it up with why you feel that way. If you are black and you think whites try and hold you down or whatever, then express that. Have these conversations with people of all races but be respectful of the other persons opinion. The goal would not be to change ones thoughts but to give them food for thought. It may not hit either of you for days after the conversation. Wouldn't you rather know where a person is coming from whether than speculate and have that affect the way you view a person? I talk with my coworkers about things such as my conversation about church with them. Since then I have really had a better understanding of how others may think, and at the same time I realized some things about myself. This is growth. Government can't force race relations to go any farther than they have. We all work together in diverse environments, but away from work how diverse is your life? Do you worship with other races? Invite a mix of races into your home at the same time?
It would be nice if we continue to move forward toward truly achieving Dr. King's dream. Take the dream further than he ever imagined.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentine's Scrooge
This is by far the most pointless holiday there is every year. When it rolls around my eyes roll right around with it. Does anyone even know who this Valentine is supposed to be? Well, I read up a few years back and basically there is no one guy. Hallmark and friends did a great job of ballooning this day into what it has become. Kids want cards and candy so they don't feel left out at school, women want flowers to show off or feel loved, and men are stuck trying to do something just to keep the peace in their relationship. So tomorrow some will perform grand gestures, some small and thought, and others the simple flower, candy and dinner routine. I am usually one to say that things go both ways, but this day is completely driven by women's desire for some "romance" or sign of love on this day. Society has brainwashed many women into thinking their man has to do something on this day if he truly cares. In fact, many women understand the silliness of this concept but still can't help wanting something on Valentine's day or they will feel slighted in some way.
Now I am pretty sappy and romantic for the average guy, but I refuse to be told when to show my love. I'd rather show mine year round. If you only get treated well or shown romance on Valentines Day (or bday, christmas, etc...) then you have a problem in your relationship anyways. Everything the day supposedly stands for should be shown 365 no just for one 24. Another problem I see in this whole holiday is that I think many people have romance built up into this whole grand thing. Romance doesn't have to be what you see on tv or in the movies. Romance is what you and your partner make it. Take a walk, cook a meal, read a book, hold hands, etc... Recognize the things your partner does that make you feel loved. Don't take those things for granted. Things like keeping up the lawn, keeping the cars clean and running, paying bills, listening to you, massages, telling you how nice you look when you don't feel that way, and all the things you know he does because he knows you like it. You have all these little things then you really have so much.
Maybe I am crazy or weird, but let me explain some of the things that are sexy and romantic to me. This also may make me sexist or old fashioned but in my best Redman voice, "I'll be that!" My girl cooking a meal for me, fixing my plate, giving me a pedicure, rubbing my head, working out, damn I love a woman that works out, keeps up her appearance, watches the game with me, ... man I'm getting a little excited thinking about this stuff. Oh and a woman that knows when I don't feel like talking and just leaves me be (shuts up). Well that really doesn't exist but I'm hoping some woman remembers that and her man benefits.
I know this will be read after the holiday goes by but I hope no one is disappointed and enjoys themselves regardless. Ladies stop expecting gifts during this inflated price period (yeah I'm cheap but 70 bucks for flowers that die in 3 days is dumb). Expect and recognize love you get everyday in your relationship.
Now I am pretty sappy and romantic for the average guy, but I refuse to be told when to show my love. I'd rather show mine year round. If you only get treated well or shown romance on Valentines Day (or bday, christmas, etc...) then you have a problem in your relationship anyways. Everything the day supposedly stands for should be shown 365 no just for one 24. Another problem I see in this whole holiday is that I think many people have romance built up into this whole grand thing. Romance doesn't have to be what you see on tv or in the movies. Romance is what you and your partner make it. Take a walk, cook a meal, read a book, hold hands, etc... Recognize the things your partner does that make you feel loved. Don't take those things for granted. Things like keeping up the lawn, keeping the cars clean and running, paying bills, listening to you, massages, telling you how nice you look when you don't feel that way, and all the things you know he does because he knows you like it. You have all these little things then you really have so much.
Maybe I am crazy or weird, but let me explain some of the things that are sexy and romantic to me. This also may make me sexist or old fashioned but in my best Redman voice, "I'll be that!" My girl cooking a meal for me, fixing my plate, giving me a pedicure, rubbing my head, working out, damn I love a woman that works out, keeps up her appearance, watches the game with me, ... man I'm getting a little excited thinking about this stuff. Oh and a woman that knows when I don't feel like talking and just leaves me be (shuts up). Well that really doesn't exist but I'm hoping some woman remembers that and her man benefits.
I know this will be read after the holiday goes by but I hope no one is disappointed and enjoys themselves regardless. Ladies stop expecting gifts during this inflated price period (yeah I'm cheap but 70 bucks for flowers that die in 3 days is dumb). Expect and recognize love you get everyday in your relationship.
Quick Thought
Wrote my valentines entry by hand while I was sitting somewhere and man was my wrist and hand hurting. This made me realize that I never write anymore. Got me thinking back to when I was in school having to write papers by hand, double spaced. Now I love my mom, but I hated for her to check my work back then. She has some serious hang up about paying attention to detail cause there was no turning a paper in with a scratched out word, eraser mark, or white out. Nope, not with this woman. I don't know how many papers I had to write over for one mistake on a page. This may have been the start of my foul mouth cause when I got near the end of a page and made a mistake all kinds of words came out my mouth (under my breath though). So God, for many reasons I just want to say thank you for computers. This writing stuff is for the birds.
PSA
Be easy on the speeding out there. I have been seeing a lot of cops out lately. I guess they need revenue right now with the recession and everything. Plus I read an article about how they are raising the fines on tickets in some places. Just wanted to put that out there.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Black History
I have always found it odd that black history month fell in the shortest month of the year. Just seemed like another way to disrespect blacks in this country. Ergo, my ignorance pronouncing itself once again. Something I will tell you, and claim, often occurs. Turns out that Mr. Carter G. Woodson established this month in honor of Abe Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both of whom were born in the month of February. Don’t know if everyone else new this, but I thought that I would share.
Anyways, we have reached this time of year when we once again reflect on the contributions of those from African American descent. I think this is an important month and time to make all aware of a history that is often forgotten or ignored in history books. It is a shame that Black history simply does not come from the study of American history, but it does not. At least in my time in school it was not. But I think the saying goes something like, “history favors those who tell it.” Of course we know who has written most of the history books we study in public school. The impression you could get simply from history in the text often is that blacks mainly contributed labor (a very important part) to the building of this nation. Or how blacks were treated similarly to cattle and they were uneducated. It is no wonder that often blacks are viewed in a somewhat negative light (along with many other things).
Blacks have a rich culture that should be known by all. The same should go for all races that are a part of this country’s history. These things should be taught as a part of American History. You want to improve education, well include an all encompassing view of this country’s history that emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of all races. It could just be me that took these impressions from history class growing up. I remember hearing about melting pots and yada yada… Yet it still felt like white America with others playing minor roles.
This month is what we have to celebrate African American history and ensure it is recognized as it should be. It is our individual effort that will help these facts become common knowledge by retaining, sharing, and attaining the information learned this month. We should educate our children when our text books come up short and exclude or mislead the black contribution in history. If we do not, history will never equally reflect all.
Anyways, we have reached this time of year when we once again reflect on the contributions of those from African American descent. I think this is an important month and time to make all aware of a history that is often forgotten or ignored in history books. It is a shame that Black history simply does not come from the study of American history, but it does not. At least in my time in school it was not. But I think the saying goes something like, “history favors those who tell it.” Of course we know who has written most of the history books we study in public school. The impression you could get simply from history in the text often is that blacks mainly contributed labor (a very important part) to the building of this nation. Or how blacks were treated similarly to cattle and they were uneducated. It is no wonder that often blacks are viewed in a somewhat negative light (along with many other things).
Blacks have a rich culture that should be known by all. The same should go for all races that are a part of this country’s history. These things should be taught as a part of American History. You want to improve education, well include an all encompassing view of this country’s history that emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of all races. It could just be me that took these impressions from history class growing up. I remember hearing about melting pots and yada yada… Yet it still felt like white America with others playing minor roles.
This month is what we have to celebrate African American history and ensure it is recognized as it should be. It is our individual effort that will help these facts become common knowledge by retaining, sharing, and attaining the information learned this month. We should educate our children when our text books come up short and exclude or mislead the black contribution in history. If we do not, history will never equally reflect all.
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