The Owl's Thread: Transitions...
- Thread starter owl
- Start date
Let me explain to you playboi
where you scared to go I'm a title holder
Don't misthink the steps
I was on the steps
thought I could out think the pain
so when it sucked me in
I couldn't help but start thinking again
I'm thinking again
and letting all my influences speak
like remember the first time you saw a fiend?
and that fiend was the mother of your best...
man, the years as a teen
And they still replicating at least a million people like me
In the environments, what are they selecting?
It's all random, like the whole world is ran by
godless men who scream that god is kin
i walked through godless life
and made god like my strife
and reach more chakras than you know
and reach into the roots like a hoe
and if that parallel is a problem
then you the problem
I don't need to hurt to feel fixed
I don't need a crucifix to feel planet
I meant planted
or maybe my eyes slanted
like I tried to give
but the weeds kept choking
and the rocks wouldn't move
and a glock didn't prove
economically sound for me dude
I ain't no victim
I'm a curse
I tried more than once to ride in that hearse
But I'm still here
still raw
still fresh
still thought
still live
still loud
still wild
still OWL
where you scared to go I'm a title holder
Don't misthink the steps
I was on the steps
thought I could out think the pain
so when it sucked me in
I couldn't help but start thinking again
I'm thinking again
and letting all my influences speak
like remember the first time you saw a fiend?
and that fiend was the mother of your best...
man, the years as a teen
And they still replicating at least a million people like me
In the environments, what are they selecting?
It's all random, like the whole world is ran by
godless men who scream that god is kin
i walked through godless life
and made god like my strife
and reach more chakras than you know
and reach into the roots like a hoe
and if that parallel is a problem
then you the problem
I don't need to hurt to feel fixed
I don't need a crucifix to feel planet
I meant planted
or maybe my eyes slanted
like I tried to give
but the weeds kept choking
and the rocks wouldn't move
and a glock didn't prove
economically sound for me dude
I ain't no victim
I'm a curse
I tried more than once to ride in that hearse
But I'm still here
still raw
still fresh
still thought
still live
still loud
still wild
still OWL
Code Book...
Major themes refer to a topic or topics in the song that are central to the meaning of the song. If the topic were removed it would change the meaning of the song.
Minor themes refer to a topic or topics in the song that are mentioned briefly or are secondary to the central or major topics in the song. Without these themes, the song would still make sense and have the same basic meaning
Supports the American Dream refers to any theme or topic in the song that suggests that economic success is one or more of the following: 1) the idea that there is a level playing field and reaching the Dream is equal to all and possibly even easy, 2) the idea that hard work is all that’s required to reach the Dream, 3) the idea that virtue is a central key to reaching the Dream, 4) the idea that there are no excuses or legitimate obstacles to stand in the way of reaching the Dream (e.g. prejudice, difficulties in life, etc) other than laziness or lack of virtue, 5) any of the other elements of the traditional American Dream (see Media Messages, chapter 3).
Love Conquers All refers to any theme or topic in the song that indicates that when there is difference in economic or social standing of a couple and even if the family and friends are against the relationship; that their love for each other will overcome any or all of this.
Personal Sorrow About Money refers to any theme or topic in the song in which the narrator of a “character” in the song reveals sadness about lack of money or about loss of money.
Complex Story or Character refers to any theme or topic in the song in which the narrative or “story” of the song and/or the character is multi-layered, multifaceted, intricate, or contradictory and is not a simple or perhaps even easy to understand. A complex character can be a “good guy” or a “bad guy” or something in between.
Criticism/Economic Disparity refers to any theme or topic in the song, which criticize the economic system, the American Dream, the unfairness of poverty, wealthy people or the inequity of the discrepancy between undeserved wealth and undeserved poverty or any other economic struggles.
Codebook Questions
Note: Any time there is a response of “cannot code”, write a brief description of the reason and/or the issue in the song.
1. Name of song ____________________________________________________
2. The chart the song is listed on is:
a. Hip Hop/Rap b. Country c. Top 40
3. Rank # for the year 2005 on the particular chart (e.g. 1st, 2nd, etc)______________
4. Name of artist/group____________________________________________
5. Name of record label________________________________________________________
6. Corporation that owns or of which the record label is a subsidiary ____________________________________________________
7. Is the record label:
a. part of a large conglomerate b. part of a large corporation that is not a conglomerate c. independent d. other e. cannot code
8. Brief summary of song:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Does the song have any major themes about class?
a. yes b. no c. cannot code
10. Does the song have any minor themes about class?
a. yes b. no c. cannot code
11. The topic of “Supporting the American Dream” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
12. The topic of “Love Conquers All” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
13. The topic of “Personal Sorrows of Money” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
14. The topic of “Complex Story or Character” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
15. The topic of “Criticism/Economic Disparity” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
Major themes refer to a topic or topics in the song that are central to the meaning of the song. If the topic were removed it would change the meaning of the song.
Minor themes refer to a topic or topics in the song that are mentioned briefly or are secondary to the central or major topics in the song. Without these themes, the song would still make sense and have the same basic meaning
Supports the American Dream refers to any theme or topic in the song that suggests that economic success is one or more of the following: 1) the idea that there is a level playing field and reaching the Dream is equal to all and possibly even easy, 2) the idea that hard work is all that’s required to reach the Dream, 3) the idea that virtue is a central key to reaching the Dream, 4) the idea that there are no excuses or legitimate obstacles to stand in the way of reaching the Dream (e.g. prejudice, difficulties in life, etc) other than laziness or lack of virtue, 5) any of the other elements of the traditional American Dream (see Media Messages, chapter 3).
Love Conquers All refers to any theme or topic in the song that indicates that when there is difference in economic or social standing of a couple and even if the family and friends are against the relationship; that their love for each other will overcome any or all of this.
Personal Sorrow About Money refers to any theme or topic in the song in which the narrator of a “character” in the song reveals sadness about lack of money or about loss of money.
Complex Story or Character refers to any theme or topic in the song in which the narrative or “story” of the song and/or the character is multi-layered, multifaceted, intricate, or contradictory and is not a simple or perhaps even easy to understand. A complex character can be a “good guy” or a “bad guy” or something in between.
Criticism/Economic Disparity refers to any theme or topic in the song, which criticize the economic system, the American Dream, the unfairness of poverty, wealthy people or the inequity of the discrepancy between undeserved wealth and undeserved poverty or any other economic struggles.
Codebook Questions
Note: Any time there is a response of “cannot code”, write a brief description of the reason and/or the issue in the song.
1. Name of song ____________________________________________________
2. The chart the song is listed on is:
a. Hip Hop/Rap b. Country c. Top 40
3. Rank # for the year 2005 on the particular chart (e.g. 1st, 2nd, etc)______________
4. Name of artist/group____________________________________________
5. Name of record label________________________________________________________
6. Corporation that owns or of which the record label is a subsidiary ____________________________________________________
7. Is the record label:
a. part of a large conglomerate b. part of a large corporation that is not a conglomerate c. independent d. other e. cannot code
8. Brief summary of song:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Does the song have any major themes about class?
a. yes b. no c. cannot code
10. Does the song have any minor themes about class?
a. yes b. no c. cannot code
11. The topic of “Supporting the American Dream” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
12. The topic of “Love Conquers All” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
13. The topic of “Personal Sorrows of Money” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
14. The topic of “Complex Story or Character” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
15. The topic of “Criticism/Economic Disparity” in the song is:
a. a major theme b. a minor theme c. not present d. cannot code
Coded Subjects...
1. All Jacked Up - Gretchen Wilson
2. b.
3. 1st
4. Gretchen Wilson
5.Sony
6.
7. a
8. Artists discussing a bar fight that ensues when she is highly
intoxicated("all jacked up").
9.b.
10. c
11. c
12.c
13. c
14. c
15. c.
1. A Real Fine Place To Start - Sara Evans
2. b.
3. 2nd
4. Sara Evans
5. BMG
6. Sony(??)
7. b.
8. Artist discusses her feelings of romantic love for subject of song
9. b
10. c
11. c
12. a
13. c
14. b
15. c
1. Anything But Mine - Kenny Chesney
2. b
3. third
4. Kenny Chesney
5. BMG
6. sony(???)
7. b
8. Artist discusses the last night with a romantic interest before
"leaving for cleveland" in the morning
9.b
10. a
11. c
12. a
13. b
14. a
15. c.
1.Arlington - Trace Adkins
2. b
3. fourth
4. Trace Adkins
5. EMI
6.
7.
8. Artists discusses his past in "Arlington" and his death there.
9. a
10. a
11. a
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. As Good As I Once Was - Toby Kieth
2. b
3. fifth
4. Toby Kieth
5. Universal Music Group
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses an event where he was propositioned for sex and a
fight, and has to explain that he isn't "As good as I once was"
9. b
10. b
11. c
12. c
13. c
14. c
15. c
1. Awful Beautiful Life - Darryl Worley
2. b
3.sixth
4. Darryl Worley
5. Dreamworks Records Nashville
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses pride for religion and life
9. b
10. b
11. b
12. c
13. c
14. b
15. c
1. Baby Girl-Sugarland
2. b
3. seventh
4. Sugarland
5. Mercury
6. UMG
7. b
8. Artist discusses her trials and tribulations being away from home
on tour.
9. a
10. b
11. a
12. c
13. a
14. b
15. b
1. Back When - Tim McGraw
2. b
3. eigth
4. Time McGraw
5. Curb Records
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses generational changes that make him nostalgic
about "Back When"
9. a
10. a
11. b
12. c
13. c
14. a
15. b
1. Believe - Brooks & Dunn
2. b
3. ninth
4. Brooks & Dunn
5. BMG
6. sony
7. b
8. Artist discusses a narrative of an older man that inspired him to
"Believe" in the afterlife.
9. b
10. a
11. a
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. c
1. Best I Ever Had - Gary Allan
2. b
3. Tenth
4. Gary Allan
5. MCA
6. UMG
7. b
8. Artist discusses the pain of a romantic interest's death
9. c
10. c
11. c
12. d
13. c
14. a
15. c
1. The Game ft. 50 Cent - Hate It Or Love It
2. a
3. 1st
4. The Game ft. 50 Cent
5. Aftermath
6. Interscope Records
7. b
8. Artists discuss the trials and tribulations of thier various lives
as they live the "rags to riches" tale, and the world can "Hate it,
or Love it"
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15. a
1. Aasim - Hip-Hop 101
2. a
3. 2nd
4. Aasim
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses their climb from poverty, and describes their art
in a competitive fashion
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15.a
1. Three-6-Mafia ft. Young Buck, Eightball & MJG - Stay Fly
2. a
3. 3rd
4. Three-6-Mafia ft. Young Buck, Eightball & MJG
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist describe enjoying their wealth and why they have a need to
"stay fly"
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1.Common - Testify
2. a
3. 4th
4. Commmon
5. Universal Music Group
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses the testimony of woman whose husband on trial for
crimes that she has committed
9. b
10. b
11. c
12. b
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Paul Wall - Sittin' Sidewayz
2. a
3. 5th
4. Paul Wall
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses enjoyment of having presense at a local weekend
car show
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Young Jeezy ft. Jay-Z & Fat Joe - Go Crazy (Remix)
2. a
3. 6th
4. Young Jeezy ft. Jay-Z & Fat Joe
5.
6.
7.
8. Artists discuss the appreciation of success given to them by
former peers.
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Zion-I ft. Talib Kweli - Temperature
2. a
3. 7th
4. Zion-I ft. Talib Kweli
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discuss the hardship attached to life apart of urban oppression
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15. a
1. Gorillaz ft. De La Soul - Feel Good Inc.
2. a
3. 8th
4. Gorillaz ft. De La Soul
5.
6.
7.
8. Artists describe a hedonistic Utopia where they are their music is commanding hegemony
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. c
14. a
15. b
1. Jay z - Dear summer
2. a
3. 9th
4. Jay-Z
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist expresses his enjoyment of making music for the summer time
9. b
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1.Diamonds From Sierra Leone"
2. a
3. 10th
4. Kanye West
5. Rocafella Records
6. Def-Jam
7. b
8. Artist discusses Blood diamonds from Sierra Leone and inner worth based on material success
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. a
1. All Jacked Up - Gretchen Wilson
2. b.
3. 1st
4. Gretchen Wilson
5.Sony
6.
7. a
8. Artists discussing a bar fight that ensues when she is highly
intoxicated("all jacked up").
9.b.
10. c
11. c
12.c
13. c
14. c
15. c.
1. A Real Fine Place To Start - Sara Evans
2. b.
3. 2nd
4. Sara Evans
5. BMG
6. Sony(??)
7. b.
8. Artist discusses her feelings of romantic love for subject of song
9. b
10. c
11. c
12. a
13. c
14. b
15. c
1. Anything But Mine - Kenny Chesney
2. b
3. third
4. Kenny Chesney
5. BMG
6. sony(???)
7. b
8. Artist discusses the last night with a romantic interest before
"leaving for cleveland" in the morning
9.b
10. a
11. c
12. a
13. b
14. a
15. c.
1.Arlington - Trace Adkins
2. b
3. fourth
4. Trace Adkins
5. EMI
6.
7.
8. Artists discusses his past in "Arlington" and his death there.
9. a
10. a
11. a
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. As Good As I Once Was - Toby Kieth
2. b
3. fifth
4. Toby Kieth
5. Universal Music Group
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses an event where he was propositioned for sex and a
fight, and has to explain that he isn't "As good as I once was"
9. b
10. b
11. c
12. c
13. c
14. c
15. c
1. Awful Beautiful Life - Darryl Worley
2. b
3.sixth
4. Darryl Worley
5. Dreamworks Records Nashville
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses pride for religion and life
9. b
10. b
11. b
12. c
13. c
14. b
15. c
1. Baby Girl-Sugarland
2. b
3. seventh
4. Sugarland
5. Mercury
6. UMG
7. b
8. Artist discusses her trials and tribulations being away from home
on tour.
9. a
10. b
11. a
12. c
13. a
14. b
15. b
1. Back When - Tim McGraw
2. b
3. eigth
4. Time McGraw
5. Curb Records
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses generational changes that make him nostalgic
about "Back When"
9. a
10. a
11. b
12. c
13. c
14. a
15. b
1. Believe - Brooks & Dunn
2. b
3. ninth
4. Brooks & Dunn
5. BMG
6. sony
7. b
8. Artist discusses a narrative of an older man that inspired him to
"Believe" in the afterlife.
9. b
10. a
11. a
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. c
1. Best I Ever Had - Gary Allan
2. b
3. Tenth
4. Gary Allan
5. MCA
6. UMG
7. b
8. Artist discusses the pain of a romantic interest's death
9. c
10. c
11. c
12. d
13. c
14. a
15. c
1. The Game ft. 50 Cent - Hate It Or Love It
2. a
3. 1st
4. The Game ft. 50 Cent
5. Aftermath
6. Interscope Records
7. b
8. Artists discuss the trials and tribulations of thier various lives
as they live the "rags to riches" tale, and the world can "Hate it,
or Love it"
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15. a
1. Aasim - Hip-Hop 101
2. a
3. 2nd
4. Aasim
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses their climb from poverty, and describes their art
in a competitive fashion
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15.a
1. Three-6-Mafia ft. Young Buck, Eightball & MJG - Stay Fly
2. a
3. 3rd
4. Three-6-Mafia ft. Young Buck, Eightball & MJG
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist describe enjoying their wealth and why they have a need to
"stay fly"
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1.Common - Testify
2. a
3. 4th
4. Commmon
5. Universal Music Group
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses the testimony of woman whose husband on trial for
crimes that she has committed
9. b
10. b
11. c
12. b
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Paul Wall - Sittin' Sidewayz
2. a
3. 5th
4. Paul Wall
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discusses enjoyment of having presense at a local weekend
car show
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Young Jeezy ft. Jay-Z & Fat Joe - Go Crazy (Remix)
2. a
3. 6th
4. Young Jeezy ft. Jay-Z & Fat Joe
5.
6.
7.
8. Artists discuss the appreciation of success given to them by
former peers.
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1. Zion-I ft. Talib Kweli - Temperature
2. a
3. 7th
4. Zion-I ft. Talib Kweli
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist discuss the hardship attached to life apart of urban oppression
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. a
15. a
1. Gorillaz ft. De La Soul - Feel Good Inc.
2. a
3. 8th
4. Gorillaz ft. De La Soul
5.
6.
7.
8. Artists describe a hedonistic Utopia where they are their music is commanding hegemony
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. c
14. a
15. b
1. Jay z - Dear summer
2. a
3. 9th
4. Jay-Z
5.
6.
7.
8. Artist expresses his enjoyment of making music for the summer time
9. b
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. b
1.Diamonds From Sierra Leone"
2. a
3. 10th
4. Kanye West
5. Rocafella Records
6. Def-Jam
7. b
8. Artist discusses Blood diamonds from Sierra Leone and inner worth based on material success
9. a
10. a
11. d
12. c
13. b
14. a
15. a
Shit I be writing sometimes..hahah..."wild", "loud"...hahaha...the comparison of the "owl" in and of itself...eh...there is a certain catharsis there though.
Interesting enough is the particular identification with the "ghetto", or "hood". This internalizing of poverty as an expression of "survivor", you know(won't go away without effort, I swear)? There is this sense of achievement of just saying you lived in a particular neighborhood, even if the person is still living there. Many have this need to blame the environment, and yet are determined to hold on to it. Define themselves by it.
There is a major sense of pride that comes with that. In the same way that soldiers or people who have been in the military during occupations and wars might point to a medal, or mention the particular operations they were a part of. We even hear it, "I'm a ghetto vet". Now, would that be a domestic occupation? And for some, being a "thug" is an occupation! And although I'm being slightly facetious, there is something in A) the reality for some that there is a war occurring on US soil, and B) the overall comodification of the urban male/female image.
To be certain, it would be wise of us to realize that the image isn't a new one. Nor is it for the most part an organic one as opposed to a manufactured one. The same sorts of behavior projected through time that were once used to make the American Black seem animal like, or less civilized, have been used to criminalize them. What would once be considered highly offensive, propagandistic, and in many ways inhumane, is now widely accepted as the way it is. It is just "keeping it real". In many ways it is a pattern of how some might even want it. For some, it is just a joke, depending on who is telling it of course.
Granted, the notion that stereotypes are exaggerations of possible truths may have some validity. The roles that we choose to adopt to express native ability, or even gender, are often given to us by those who have an interest in promoting a particular image. There is market for a Queen Latifah to be a cover girl, or even for women to adopt the ideal of "Barbie". There is something telling when we see a personality such as Monique exerting herself, comically or otherwise, to replicate the movements of Beyonce. As if to say yes, it is "F--- skinny b----es, but we still can dance like you."
So, it would seem as though, if the stereotype doesn't apply, or if the role presented by the image is difficult to maintain, a certain insecurity is developed. In that insecurity it seems that overcompensation occurs. Or humiliation, whichever comes first. Even in a Kanye West, a black male rap icon that admits to dressing like a homosexual there is a need to reflect the images of what might be the stereotypical rapper. Although, Kanye is in a league of distinguished gentlemen, we find him posing with his hands on his girlfriend's butt holding a bottle Hennessey. Later in the same night, after possibly enjoy the said bottle cognac, he upstages, as part of his normal award show routine, Taylor Swift while giving her acceptance speech.
For black males in the urban community there is no Marlboro man to consider. But there is the "real nigga". Not only is there the difficulty of simply being a man, and whatever standards come with that, there is the need to push beyond "real" man, into a role that society has been taught to fear. The athletic professional must not only be skilled in the techniques of their sport, but highly aggressive, demeaning, and often wrought with a lifestyle that mimics rappers mimicking what is perceived as the drug lord's lifestyle. Which can get confusing these days, as many drug lords are mimicking rappers and athletes.
The need to not only possess that traits commonly held as masculine, there seems to be the desire to adopt the projected roles. You can't just be highly talented basketball player, you've got have guns, and be seen with an entourage of "friends" from the dreaded "hood". You can't just be a brilliant scholar, a political phenom, a gifted orator, you've also got to have Ludacris on your ipod, play basketball, walk with a limp, and eat at the local grease pit. You can't just hold a phd in theology or philosophy, and boast of intelligent works, you've got to be able to recite Nas' discography.
Even as the black man with the most respect and fear in the world, it doesn't matter if it doesn't fit the description. You've got to have that nigga gene...
Interesting enough is the particular identification with the "ghetto", or "hood". This internalizing of poverty as an expression of "survivor", you know(won't go away without effort, I swear)? There is this sense of achievement of just saying you lived in a particular neighborhood, even if the person is still living there. Many have this need to blame the environment, and yet are determined to hold on to it. Define themselves by it.
There is a major sense of pride that comes with that. In the same way that soldiers or people who have been in the military during occupations and wars might point to a medal, or mention the particular operations they were a part of. We even hear it, "I'm a ghetto vet". Now, would that be a domestic occupation? And for some, being a "thug" is an occupation! And although I'm being slightly facetious, there is something in A) the reality for some that there is a war occurring on US soil, and B) the overall comodification of the urban male/female image.
To be certain, it would be wise of us to realize that the image isn't a new one. Nor is it for the most part an organic one as opposed to a manufactured one. The same sorts of behavior projected through time that were once used to make the American Black seem animal like, or less civilized, have been used to criminalize them. What would once be considered highly offensive, propagandistic, and in many ways inhumane, is now widely accepted as the way it is. It is just "keeping it real". In many ways it is a pattern of how some might even want it. For some, it is just a joke, depending on who is telling it of course.
Granted, the notion that stereotypes are exaggerations of possible truths may have some validity. The roles that we choose to adopt to express native ability, or even gender, are often given to us by those who have an interest in promoting a particular image. There is market for a Queen Latifah to be a cover girl, or even for women to adopt the ideal of "Barbie". There is something telling when we see a personality such as Monique exerting herself, comically or otherwise, to replicate the movements of Beyonce. As if to say yes, it is "F--- skinny b----es, but we still can dance like you."
So, it would seem as though, if the stereotype doesn't apply, or if the role presented by the image is difficult to maintain, a certain insecurity is developed. In that insecurity it seems that overcompensation occurs. Or humiliation, whichever comes first. Even in a Kanye West, a black male rap icon that admits to dressing like a homosexual there is a need to reflect the images of what might be the stereotypical rapper. Although, Kanye is in a league of distinguished gentlemen, we find him posing with his hands on his girlfriend's butt holding a bottle Hennessey. Later in the same night, after possibly enjoy the said bottle cognac, he upstages, as part of his normal award show routine, Taylor Swift while giving her acceptance speech.
For black males in the urban community there is no Marlboro man to consider. But there is the "real nigga". Not only is there the difficulty of simply being a man, and whatever standards come with that, there is the need to push beyond "real" man, into a role that society has been taught to fear. The athletic professional must not only be skilled in the techniques of their sport, but highly aggressive, demeaning, and often wrought with a lifestyle that mimics rappers mimicking what is perceived as the drug lord's lifestyle. Which can get confusing these days, as many drug lords are mimicking rappers and athletes.
The need to not only possess that traits commonly held as masculine, there seems to be the desire to adopt the projected roles. You can't just be highly talented basketball player, you've got have guns, and be seen with an entourage of "friends" from the dreaded "hood". You can't just be a brilliant scholar, a political phenom, a gifted orator, you've also got to have Ludacris on your ipod, play basketball, walk with a limp, and eat at the local grease pit. You can't just hold a phd in theology or philosophy, and boast of intelligent works, you've got to be able to recite Nas' discography.
Even as the black man with the most respect and fear in the world, it doesn't matter if it doesn't fit the description. You've got to have that nigga gene...
During the World War of Western powers, Native Americans were enlisted to create codes. The use of these codes and the brave men on the battlefield, allowed the United States to attack and take siege of an airstrip. The airstrip was on a small island called Iwo Jima. The United States would use this airstrip to launch two air attacks dropping atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The citizens of the US who where born here of Japanese ancestry, many second and third generation, where housed in prison like concentration camps. Many would volunteer to defend a country that had no trust and faith in them. Many would die on the battlefield.
The American Black, long held as a cowardly people, can boast of courageous soldiers who died defending the country in every war. From names such as Crispus Attucks, to the Buffalo soldiers, to those members of the 92nd infantry.
We all fall victim to the ideals given to us by our politicians and we should all remember the young men and women who have died and fought with valor, regardless of the manipulations of those who seek power by means unnecessary.
The citizens of the US who where born here of Japanese ancestry, many second and third generation, where housed in prison like concentration camps. Many would volunteer to defend a country that had no trust and faith in them. Many would die on the battlefield.
The American Black, long held as a cowardly people, can boast of courageous soldiers who died defending the country in every war. From names such as Crispus Attucks, to the Buffalo soldiers, to those members of the 92nd infantry.
We all fall victim to the ideals given to us by our politicians and we should all remember the young men and women who have died and fought with valor, regardless of the manipulations of those who seek power by means unnecessary.
So much goes through my mind...
Personally, I'm getting tired of writing about negative events that occur in the Black Community. I might start writing about family reunions and barbeques. This constant pouring over of heinous acts and just savage behavior can't be good for my rehabilitation. Where is superpresident when you need him...?
Alright.
You know the question was raised about the culture of males. For me that would immediately mean American Black males, but the stories abound in all communities. And although many of the crimes involve women and girls as suspects and perpetrators, the acts all stem from the male culture of hyper masculinity and oversexualization. The headers all read similarly:
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/06/02/2010-06-02_bloods_underage_hooker_rings_busted_da_gang_went_to_bklyn_schools_to_recruit_gir.html#ixzz0pjGYGGS9">Bloods gang members went to Brooklyn schools to recruit underage girls as hookers: prosecutors</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/nyregion/14newburgh.html">Agents Swarm Newburgh in Raid Against Gangs</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/nyregion/12newburgh.htm">In Newburgh, Gangs and Violence Reign</a>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/01/27-arrested-in-apartment_n_521937.html">27 Arrested In Apartment Complex Where 7-Year-Old Was Gang Raped</a>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/17/aiyana-jones-7-year-old-s_n_578246.html">Aiyana Jones, 7-Year-Old Shot And Killed By Detroit Police, Was Sleeping According To Family</a>
Although the circumstances of each is different, what we are seeing is a pattern of gang related, or collective male demonstrations of violence and rape that stigmatize the community. The stigma helps to legitimize the historical culture of police brutality. As a media analyst, it is difficult for me not to point to the prominent images of black males as super******s and black girls and women as ultra-sexual objects.
The historical portrayal of Black women in American culture and media has always been that of the sex toy. Regardless of figures such as Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, and even Oprah Winfrey, the media continues to present us with Halle Berry's and "Superheads". The idea that women are "eye candy" and for the most part just gyrating bodies, "bitches and hoes", has promoted a culture that deems the rape of a seven year old by a suspected 5 males ranging from ages 13 to 20 as acceptable.
If I may be so allowed to step outside of the objective, and ask, “How does a seven-year young child ever look sexually appealing to a 13 year young, let alone a 17 year young?" The forcible rapes should be punished by death squads, and deep in my heart I believe so should the touching. There is something sick and twisted about the whole idea that causes me to tremble inside. At what point does this all become acceptable behavior? The savagery of group behavior is well studied and documented, but the degree of pure immorality haunts me.
In the same vein, you have young boys and girls, some above the age we tend to regard one another as adults, recruiting young girls for prostitution. I remember watching Steve Cokley ask his audience would the women there be willing to have sex with someone for the revolution. If I were a women in that room, my immediate response would have been, "Nigga would you?" It seems to be a mentality even within the ranks of women that the female body is simply a sexual tool. For the American Black woman that is infinitely truer as her history in the US has always forced her to be at the disposal of male aggression. Even in R & B, which once placed the American Black woman on a pedestal, we see Usher with Niki Minaj soliciting a woman for multiple partner sex. Obviously pimping ain't dead, as the ring of gang members beat and forced high school age girls to ”get out there and make that money”. Brutalizing those that were tired or hadn’t met a daily quota of $500. Money and sex, male aggression and more raped black sisters. The US just doesn't change.
The degree of inhumane behavior only gives more and more credence to military style police involvement. After the rape of the seven-year old, the apartment complex was raided. Reports say that the arrests involved mostly women with minor infractions being yelled at and asked, “What happened to the little girl?" In what was reported to be the attempted arrest of a 34-year young accused of slaying JeRean Blake, half his age, a home was raided in a military fashion. That particular incidence of bloodshed led to the flash grenading of a residential home and the subsequent murder of Aiyana Jones by the police. The police and FBI are seen <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/14/nyregion/20100514newburgh.html?ref=nyregion">here</a> "gathered at a former National Guard armory to prepare for a raid of more than 36 homes". The pattern is quite clear.
From the destruction and terror of the communities of Negro Wall Street, to the destruction and terror of the communities within the MOVE organization, to the legitimized destruction and terror of black communities nationwide. From the caricature of the Buck, to the portrayal of the Black male as Buck in movies such as "The Birth of A Nation", to the media portrayal of the black militant movements of the sixties, to the release of "Colors" and the advent of the "Gangster rapper" to the "gangster" rapists and pimps. From criminalization to criminal. From slave patroller to military style invasion legitimized by the behavior promoted through so many channels.
How long will the nigga gene be acceptable? We've already reached a class breach where many in the middle class are too far removed from the slayings and the raping to understand the need for more education, more investors in the community, more jobs, and more vehicles for the expression of masculinity to be based upon. A sadistic and criminal culture of capitalism will only create a sicker, more sadistic culture of capitalism where capitalism has failed to be a viable system of economy and thought. As long as boys feel inadequate being intellectuals without having to play the role of the "thug" or "pimp" or "player", then the "thugs", the "pimps" and "players" are not going anywhere. Apart of human behavior is the desire to procreate, and that drive dictates a behavior that will allow boys growing into men, to be selected by women. If the women aren't truly happy with what they see in the community of males, choose more wisely. Stop feeding the culture the attention it needs to breed. Or watch more and more young girls being victimized. Watch more and more young boys find themselves dead or incarcerated until death.
Men have to be better role models. The "do or die" culture comes from the "ride or die" culture of the black power movement. The need for approval, the need for acceptance based on aggression has got to be worked on. Black people really are blessed that the suicidal culture stops at killing others before killing oneself. The minute that changes, a whole new problem will be bred. We are too hard. So hard that just being hard is acceptable. The male susceptibility to attention from the opposite gender has gone from niggas with attitude to niggas with their pants hanging off their butts. We are capable of altering and defining masculinity in ways that don't have to boil over into sexual aggression. That doesn’t boil over into massive homicides. That doesn't boil over into our homes destroying children's lives. Sure, you need a defensive and capable manhood, but don't let the superficial dictate. Marcus Garvey asked where are your men of industry, not where are your pimps, and dope dealers and brothers that want to look like a pimp and drive around dressed like a dope dealer. Not men with professional jobs who use the vernacular of the dope dealer and wish to act like the pimp, while turning their noses up at the real pimps and dope dealers. Stop being so comfortable with just being a nigga.
The massive bloodshed and pure lack of human life was the Black story as written by White America. Time for a new author…
Personally, I'm getting tired of writing about negative events that occur in the Black Community. I might start writing about family reunions and barbeques. This constant pouring over of heinous acts and just savage behavior can't be good for my rehabilitation. Where is superpresident when you need him...?
Alright.
You know the question was raised about the culture of males. For me that would immediately mean American Black males, but the stories abound in all communities. And although many of the crimes involve women and girls as suspects and perpetrators, the acts all stem from the male culture of hyper masculinity and oversexualization. The headers all read similarly:
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/06/02/2010-06-02_bloods_underage_hooker_rings_busted_da_gang_went_to_bklyn_schools_to_recruit_gir.html#ixzz0pjGYGGS9">Bloods gang members went to Brooklyn schools to recruit underage girls as hookers: prosecutors</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/nyregion/14newburgh.html">Agents Swarm Newburgh in Raid Against Gangs</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/nyregion/12newburgh.htm">In Newburgh, Gangs and Violence Reign</a>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/01/27-arrested-in-apartment_n_521937.html">27 Arrested In Apartment Complex Where 7-Year-Old Was Gang Raped</a>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/17/aiyana-jones-7-year-old-s_n_578246.html">Aiyana Jones, 7-Year-Old Shot And Killed By Detroit Police, Was Sleeping According To Family</a>
Although the circumstances of each is different, what we are seeing is a pattern of gang related, or collective male demonstrations of violence and rape that stigmatize the community. The stigma helps to legitimize the historical culture of police brutality. As a media analyst, it is difficult for me not to point to the prominent images of black males as super******s and black girls and women as ultra-sexual objects.
The historical portrayal of Black women in American culture and media has always been that of the sex toy. Regardless of figures such as Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, and even Oprah Winfrey, the media continues to present us with Halle Berry's and "Superheads". The idea that women are "eye candy" and for the most part just gyrating bodies, "bitches and hoes", has promoted a culture that deems the rape of a seven year old by a suspected 5 males ranging from ages 13 to 20 as acceptable.
If I may be so allowed to step outside of the objective, and ask, “How does a seven-year young child ever look sexually appealing to a 13 year young, let alone a 17 year young?" The forcible rapes should be punished by death squads, and deep in my heart I believe so should the touching. There is something sick and twisted about the whole idea that causes me to tremble inside. At what point does this all become acceptable behavior? The savagery of group behavior is well studied and documented, but the degree of pure immorality haunts me.
In the same vein, you have young boys and girls, some above the age we tend to regard one another as adults, recruiting young girls for prostitution. I remember watching Steve Cokley ask his audience would the women there be willing to have sex with someone for the revolution. If I were a women in that room, my immediate response would have been, "Nigga would you?" It seems to be a mentality even within the ranks of women that the female body is simply a sexual tool. For the American Black woman that is infinitely truer as her history in the US has always forced her to be at the disposal of male aggression. Even in R & B, which once placed the American Black woman on a pedestal, we see Usher with Niki Minaj soliciting a woman for multiple partner sex. Obviously pimping ain't dead, as the ring of gang members beat and forced high school age girls to ”get out there and make that money”. Brutalizing those that were tired or hadn’t met a daily quota of $500. Money and sex, male aggression and more raped black sisters. The US just doesn't change.
The degree of inhumane behavior only gives more and more credence to military style police involvement. After the rape of the seven-year old, the apartment complex was raided. Reports say that the arrests involved mostly women with minor infractions being yelled at and asked, “What happened to the little girl?" In what was reported to be the attempted arrest of a 34-year young accused of slaying JeRean Blake, half his age, a home was raided in a military fashion. That particular incidence of bloodshed led to the flash grenading of a residential home and the subsequent murder of Aiyana Jones by the police. The police and FBI are seen <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/14/nyregion/20100514newburgh.html?ref=nyregion">here</a> "gathered at a former National Guard armory to prepare for a raid of more than 36 homes". The pattern is quite clear.
From the destruction and terror of the communities of Negro Wall Street, to the destruction and terror of the communities within the MOVE organization, to the legitimized destruction and terror of black communities nationwide. From the caricature of the Buck, to the portrayal of the Black male as Buck in movies such as "The Birth of A Nation", to the media portrayal of the black militant movements of the sixties, to the release of "Colors" and the advent of the "Gangster rapper" to the "gangster" rapists and pimps. From criminalization to criminal. From slave patroller to military style invasion legitimized by the behavior promoted through so many channels.
How long will the nigga gene be acceptable? We've already reached a class breach where many in the middle class are too far removed from the slayings and the raping to understand the need for more education, more investors in the community, more jobs, and more vehicles for the expression of masculinity to be based upon. A sadistic and criminal culture of capitalism will only create a sicker, more sadistic culture of capitalism where capitalism has failed to be a viable system of economy and thought. As long as boys feel inadequate being intellectuals without having to play the role of the "thug" or "pimp" or "player", then the "thugs", the "pimps" and "players" are not going anywhere. Apart of human behavior is the desire to procreate, and that drive dictates a behavior that will allow boys growing into men, to be selected by women. If the women aren't truly happy with what they see in the community of males, choose more wisely. Stop feeding the culture the attention it needs to breed. Or watch more and more young girls being victimized. Watch more and more young boys find themselves dead or incarcerated until death.
Men have to be better role models. The "do or die" culture comes from the "ride or die" culture of the black power movement. The need for approval, the need for acceptance based on aggression has got to be worked on. Black people really are blessed that the suicidal culture stops at killing others before killing oneself. The minute that changes, a whole new problem will be bred. We are too hard. So hard that just being hard is acceptable. The male susceptibility to attention from the opposite gender has gone from niggas with attitude to niggas with their pants hanging off their butts. We are capable of altering and defining masculinity in ways that don't have to boil over into sexual aggression. That doesn’t boil over into massive homicides. That doesn't boil over into our homes destroying children's lives. Sure, you need a defensive and capable manhood, but don't let the superficial dictate. Marcus Garvey asked where are your men of industry, not where are your pimps, and dope dealers and brothers that want to look like a pimp and drive around dressed like a dope dealer. Not men with professional jobs who use the vernacular of the dope dealer and wish to act like the pimp, while turning their noses up at the real pimps and dope dealers. Stop being so comfortable with just being a nigga.
The massive bloodshed and pure lack of human life was the Black story as written by White America. Time for a new author…
A lot of you cats are lucky I am a professional now!!
For real. I can't even bring myself to just roast you. Some, but not everyone. Some I know are reading. Those will be great thinkers one day. The others...I really wish the board was like it used to be. Where the fuck is LD when you need a fucker to be lambasted...any fucking who...
Everybody scared to post.
Fuck.
And you know the ladies are out there.
You know.
You've been through the whose here page and hit them up dm.
Or responded to them in some obscure thread.
But...
This is button up, slacks, no tennis shoes, ladies get in free jazz pavalion. We got the button ups. We are going to have to enforce the no tennis shoes policy a little harder, but hell...the ladies get in for free, but they ain't here.
Don't trip.
I was going in for Femme back when she was telling me not to. Maybe she should have swallowed that pride. Who knows. Fuck it. I will post my face and address on the mainboard. Fellas, I ain't the one to get it started. I'm some dude who like talking shit and arguing and got good at it. I like roasting when I can, but I've gotten old. Shit. I can't just go in on dumb shit no more.
But I do miss logging in, and seeing ladies feel comfortable to do their thing. I think HNIC feels the same way. I don't know...This board always needed a "grassroots" type of measure. Can't no elitist run this side. You got to have heart, but you got you got to have more love. Trying to fit in ain't gone make a good moderator for SOL.
For real. I can't even bring myself to just roast you. Some, but not everyone. Some I know are reading. Those will be great thinkers one day. The others...I really wish the board was like it used to be. Where the fuck is LD when you need a fucker to be lambasted...any fucking who...
Everybody scared to post.
Fuck.
And you know the ladies are out there.
You know.
You've been through the whose here page and hit them up dm.
Or responded to them in some obscure thread.
But...
This is button up, slacks, no tennis shoes, ladies get in free jazz pavalion. We got the button ups. We are going to have to enforce the no tennis shoes policy a little harder, but hell...the ladies get in for free, but they ain't here.
Don't trip.
I was going in for Femme back when she was telling me not to. Maybe she should have swallowed that pride. Who knows. Fuck it. I will post my face and address on the mainboard. Fellas, I ain't the one to get it started. I'm some dude who like talking shit and arguing and got good at it. I like roasting when I can, but I've gotten old. Shit. I can't just go in on dumb shit no more.
But I do miss logging in, and seeing ladies feel comfortable to do their thing. I think HNIC feels the same way. I don't know...This board always needed a "grassroots" type of measure. Can't no elitist run this side. You got to have heart, but you got you got to have more love. Trying to fit in ain't gone make a good moderator for SOL.
I am the wrong person to talk to about money.
No doubt.
But...I know something about fighting for what you have never defended before. I know something about not folding under pressure. I know something about black culture. I know it down into its roots. Some may feel that I am questioning them, I'm not. I'm questioning what you should be questioning. I'm questioning life.
No doubt.
But...I know something about fighting for what you have never defended before. I know something about not folding under pressure. I know something about black culture. I know it down into its roots. Some may feel that I am questioning them, I'm not. I'm questioning what you should be questioning. I'm questioning life.
I've been thinking a lot today about unity. Mainly organizations and working with others. I find that I can work with others to a degree. It is like the minute we start getting too personal then it happens. And in the back of mind I'm playing this video of all the times I've had to deal with personalities that I clashed with. As the type of person that seems to get his kindness taking for granted, I have to constantly be on the watch for people who like to put boxes around you. Which I tend to believe is very normal, actually. Humans need a high level of repetition to feel comfortable, further we are socialized to be competitive. That creates a situation where people want to size you up, mentally comparing you to people that they have met in the past in order feel a sense of balance. Which is all fine and dandy, but when it comes to manipulation, my tolerance is real low.
Malcolm X states that he looked at Elijah Muhammad as a father. He states that he felt betrayed. Sometimes I revisit that thought as I enter into relationships with people. I once spoke with a brother that discussed leading and following with me. Many feel in order to be a good leader; you have to be a good follower. I tend to agree, however, I also notice that most people telling others that are in the leadership position, and aren't even trying to follow half of their own tenets. My acquaintance simply related to me that he had reached the point where he simply didn't want to be harnessed anymore. To "harness" means, “to tie together". And I understood exactly what he meant. It is quite appropriate to have a vision, and to even seek out those to assist you in carrying that out, as I discuss in my eBook, The Better You. Someone is willing to assist you in bearing that load. I am not as aggressive in my leadership, more of a magnet than a gun, so I have a difficult time accepting aggressive leadership and demands on my time. I dislike being taken for granted, and I don't like having my identity nullified by what other feel I ought to be doing. Working a job is one thing, pay me to do a service, I'll do it. At the end of the day, I go home. I don't like corporate bodies. I'm not trying to be a part of your "professional family" that I can be fired from. I would rather export my expertise, pick up my money, and bid you a fair ado.
I feel the same way with unity. I'd rather say solidarity, but we can interchange them as this thought progresses. I don't have to believe like you to be working on the same causes as you. I don't have to wear all black to feel a part of the pro-black movement. In fact, let's discuss that. I am not black by virtue of anything other than the trading of bodies that occurred during the birth of this nation. The whole notion of race for me is ambiguous, but I understand the social pressure. If you have whites who will toss my application away because it says "black", then I need to be working with other blacks. In order to ward off the economic and social ills of white power, I am forced to align myself with those who I've been categorized with. Although, I strongly believe that in order for a group of people to stay bonded, they should share some cultural norms and ideological percepts, as we say in dominoes...mine don't fit. And for the most part, I'd rather not have anyone force their beliefs on me, no matter what. Certain sacrifices I can no longer afford.
I am a pretty bright guy. I don't have to speak to shine. My gifts don't require me to play in any popularity contest. My personality doesn't need any extra wattage. What I have seen in the few black organizations I have been a part of, are these very things. I've watched people run out of meetings screaming that we need to do this and do that, and upon further reflection, I came to understand that to mean, “since I'm only good at this particular act, it is the most important one--thus you should follow me!!" I've heard the whispers in the pews of elder members, “They think they white..." Let me take a moment with that one.
This whole notion of a "real" black person has saturated and in my opinion, tainted the very fabric of every movement it has birthed. What I have found is that most don't want unity or solidarity of purpose, they want control. In that same vein, those that wish to label you as not being "black" enough, or the new one that has cropped up, you are "too black", seek to control you as well. In a world of transparency by surveillance, it is often difficult to for one to express their self honestly, because everyone either wishes to put you in a box, or assassinate your character. That is not something I'm always comfortable with.
I enjoy expressing myself a bit too much for the normal crowd. I don't want you in my business, mainly because I don't need your judgments. You can barely think without regret, what makes me think I'll get a good hearing in your courtroom? Many American Blacks are swept away by this notion of white unity. There really was none though. There were blacks and there were poor whites that needed to be harnessed by rich whites. This is your unity. You had landowners that had prospered and no longer wished to be taxed by England. Grand discussions and noble ideas were written in timeless documents, but the spirit was superficial. Unfortunately, for me, symbolic gestures are like masturbation. I say that this is unfortunate for me, because like Obama, you realize real quick how important symbolism means to most of the population of earth. There are way more metaphysicians than scientists. More "healers" than doctors.
Too many con artists and not enough truly skilled at the art of earning and deserving our confidence…
Malcolm X states that he looked at Elijah Muhammad as a father. He states that he felt betrayed. Sometimes I revisit that thought as I enter into relationships with people. I once spoke with a brother that discussed leading and following with me. Many feel in order to be a good leader; you have to be a good follower. I tend to agree, however, I also notice that most people telling others that are in the leadership position, and aren't even trying to follow half of their own tenets. My acquaintance simply related to me that he had reached the point where he simply didn't want to be harnessed anymore. To "harness" means, “to tie together". And I understood exactly what he meant. It is quite appropriate to have a vision, and to even seek out those to assist you in carrying that out, as I discuss in my eBook, The Better You. Someone is willing to assist you in bearing that load. I am not as aggressive in my leadership, more of a magnet than a gun, so I have a difficult time accepting aggressive leadership and demands on my time. I dislike being taken for granted, and I don't like having my identity nullified by what other feel I ought to be doing. Working a job is one thing, pay me to do a service, I'll do it. At the end of the day, I go home. I don't like corporate bodies. I'm not trying to be a part of your "professional family" that I can be fired from. I would rather export my expertise, pick up my money, and bid you a fair ado.
I feel the same way with unity. I'd rather say solidarity, but we can interchange them as this thought progresses. I don't have to believe like you to be working on the same causes as you. I don't have to wear all black to feel a part of the pro-black movement. In fact, let's discuss that. I am not black by virtue of anything other than the trading of bodies that occurred during the birth of this nation. The whole notion of race for me is ambiguous, but I understand the social pressure. If you have whites who will toss my application away because it says "black", then I need to be working with other blacks. In order to ward off the economic and social ills of white power, I am forced to align myself with those who I've been categorized with. Although, I strongly believe that in order for a group of people to stay bonded, they should share some cultural norms and ideological percepts, as we say in dominoes...mine don't fit. And for the most part, I'd rather not have anyone force their beliefs on me, no matter what. Certain sacrifices I can no longer afford.
I am a pretty bright guy. I don't have to speak to shine. My gifts don't require me to play in any popularity contest. My personality doesn't need any extra wattage. What I have seen in the few black organizations I have been a part of, are these very things. I've watched people run out of meetings screaming that we need to do this and do that, and upon further reflection, I came to understand that to mean, “since I'm only good at this particular act, it is the most important one--thus you should follow me!!" I've heard the whispers in the pews of elder members, “They think they white..." Let me take a moment with that one.
This whole notion of a "real" black person has saturated and in my opinion, tainted the very fabric of every movement it has birthed. What I have found is that most don't want unity or solidarity of purpose, they want control. In that same vein, those that wish to label you as not being "black" enough, or the new one that has cropped up, you are "too black", seek to control you as well. In a world of transparency by surveillance, it is often difficult to for one to express their self honestly, because everyone either wishes to put you in a box, or assassinate your character. That is not something I'm always comfortable with.
I enjoy expressing myself a bit too much for the normal crowd. I don't want you in my business, mainly because I don't need your judgments. You can barely think without regret, what makes me think I'll get a good hearing in your courtroom? Many American Blacks are swept away by this notion of white unity. There really was none though. There were blacks and there were poor whites that needed to be harnessed by rich whites. This is your unity. You had landowners that had prospered and no longer wished to be taxed by England. Grand discussions and noble ideas were written in timeless documents, but the spirit was superficial. Unfortunately, for me, symbolic gestures are like masturbation. I say that this is unfortunate for me, because like Obama, you realize real quick how important symbolism means to most of the population of earth. There are way more metaphysicians than scientists. More "healers" than doctors.
Too many con artists and not enough truly skilled at the art of earning and deserving our confidence…
Co-sign the above post.
Too many people out here willing and wanting to ripoff and hustle felloe brothermen under the guise of "black unity" and the "black community".
Black church, I'm looking at you.
Too many people out here willing and wanting to ripoff and hustle felloe brothermen under the guise of "black unity" and the "black community".
Black church, I'm looking at you.
C/S both.
Owl, I don't even think it's like masturbation, it's more like watching a porno while the individual is castrated. The ideology is great but it's meaningless if I can't actively do shit with it.
I find that all systems and organizations are internally and deliberately flawed.
The 6th Sigma plan is obsurd when you think about it; the fact that you need to either hire these individuals or pay your own employees to go somewhere to learn how to better communicate between departments and people in your own organization is bullshit. The organization should have been built upon that premise to begin with and should be taught in house.
This is the same for our own civic and civil rights organizations. The ability to communicate and willingness to understand and work to gain perspective from another individual is a skill not possessed by many today...
The ironic thing is this, if you study the history of human revolt, change, or social evolution, you will find the scholarly gentleman there everytime. And not on the sidelines or at the after party. We love to criticize the intellectual, but it is the intellectual who has been in the vanguard of all of our social movements.
Hey, what's up everybody reading this.
Um, had a lengthy discussion with a child hood friend recently about male roles. Now, one thing that I often demonstrate is that we construct this patterns or paradigms of behavior based on what successfully places us in a position of power or success. I was watching this interview of Drake and I was amazed at how his persona is totally different than his music. I understand entertainment and the socialized views we often adapt to fit in. I also understand being phony. There is a difficult stretch to walk when we are in a line of selling images that can prompt us to be inauthentic.
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So that line of reasoning got me to think about the Owl avatar. For those that don't know, my name is Jay Farand. I'm a web designer and developer by trade, and a media analyst. Those are my professional titles, and I hold degrees in all of the said categories. I'm also a lover of good wine, good music, and I've been known to critique an art piece here and there. I'm also skilled at cunnilingus but that may not be any of your business.
What I have been able to distill and ascertain from my studies of media, especially technology is our inability to convey a third dimensional persona. Now, you can't possibly know me from my blog or my twitter stream. You can get an idea of what to ask me, but even then, you may be persuaded by your own personal judgments and insecurities. I'm a pretty well rounded character and extremely insightful. Much of what I write is not for the purpose of attention whoring. Not saying I am above exacting attention from people, but usually I am trying to get a message of some sort out. I'm much more of a teacher than I am an entertainer. In fact, I'd rather not be considered an entertainer.
I look at many of the antics of our "artist" and wonder where the hell the art is. Even boxers at some point have to put down the gloves and live a fairly reasoned life. When I walk through the neighborhood I notice that the young men don't seem to know when to call the posturing quits. And ultimately, the act of being a man is not quite as beneficial as actually being one. And I'm noticing more and more women embracing this culture of inauthentic aggression. I call the "OWL" an avatar because that is what it is. Does that mean this is not me? I say it is me in fluid poetry and writing. But if I don't eat, and if I don't get this internet or phone bill paid, there is no "Owl".
I don't have to make up my misadventures. I was fucking up way before I ever thought of using "Owl" as a screen name. I was living the life described through my online meanders long before twitter was ever developed. As a man, I am moving away from the insane thoughts and indiscretions. What I see in hip hop is the exact opposite. As I develop this blog and this forum, I am putting away many of the thought patterns that once caused me much anguish. In much of the music that is being embraced, the artist is attempting to conjure up visions of themselves that fit some sort of remake of the mindless Buck from the early days of media. It has gotten so coonish that a young man asked,"What's a goon to a goblin?" What the hell makes a person compare themselves to a fucking goblin?
As I ponder these things, there is a young lady who was raised on this music whose mother is still teaching her that a man should not be concerned about receiving, only giving. While that young woman sacrifices her college years for motherhood with a young boy who thinks education is a waste of time, I wonder what type of childhood these ladies had...
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Eh...who the hell am I but some guy who considers his most personal thoughts in public an asylum...
Um, had a lengthy discussion with a child hood friend recently about male roles. Now, one thing that I often demonstrate is that we construct this patterns or paradigms of behavior based on what successfully places us in a position of power or success. I was watching this interview of Drake and I was amazed at how his persona is totally different than his music. I understand entertainment and the socialized views we often adapt to fit in. I also understand being phony. There is a difficult stretch to walk when we are in a line of selling images that can prompt us to be inauthentic.
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc53X8UxsjE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc53X8UxsjE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>
So that line of reasoning got me to think about the Owl avatar. For those that don't know, my name is Jay Farand. I'm a web designer and developer by trade, and a media analyst. Those are my professional titles, and I hold degrees in all of the said categories. I'm also a lover of good wine, good music, and I've been known to critique an art piece here and there. I'm also skilled at cunnilingus but that may not be any of your business.
What I have been able to distill and ascertain from my studies of media, especially technology is our inability to convey a third dimensional persona. Now, you can't possibly know me from my blog or my twitter stream. You can get an idea of what to ask me, but even then, you may be persuaded by your own personal judgments and insecurities. I'm a pretty well rounded character and extremely insightful. Much of what I write is not for the purpose of attention whoring. Not saying I am above exacting attention from people, but usually I am trying to get a message of some sort out. I'm much more of a teacher than I am an entertainer. In fact, I'd rather not be considered an entertainer.
I look at many of the antics of our "artist" and wonder where the hell the art is. Even boxers at some point have to put down the gloves and live a fairly reasoned life. When I walk through the neighborhood I notice that the young men don't seem to know when to call the posturing quits. And ultimately, the act of being a man is not quite as beneficial as actually being one. And I'm noticing more and more women embracing this culture of inauthentic aggression. I call the "OWL" an avatar because that is what it is. Does that mean this is not me? I say it is me in fluid poetry and writing. But if I don't eat, and if I don't get this internet or phone bill paid, there is no "Owl".
I don't have to make up my misadventures. I was fucking up way before I ever thought of using "Owl" as a screen name. I was living the life described through my online meanders long before twitter was ever developed. As a man, I am moving away from the insane thoughts and indiscretions. What I see in hip hop is the exact opposite. As I develop this blog and this forum, I am putting away many of the thought patterns that once caused me much anguish. In much of the music that is being embraced, the artist is attempting to conjure up visions of themselves that fit some sort of remake of the mindless Buck from the early days of media. It has gotten so coonish that a young man asked,"What's a goon to a goblin?" What the hell makes a person compare themselves to a fucking goblin?
As I ponder these things, there is a young lady who was raised on this music whose mother is still teaching her that a man should not be concerned about receiving, only giving. While that young woman sacrifices her college years for motherhood with a young boy who thinks education is a waste of time, I wonder what type of childhood these ladies had...
<object width="448" height="374"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/e/16711680/wshhw7S67Wg0eFhtJ600" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="quality" value="high" /> <embed src="http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/e/16711680/wshhw7S67Wg0eFhtJ600" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" width="448" height="374"></embed> </object>
Eh...who the hell am I but some guy who considers his most personal thoughts in public an asylum...
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