Wanna start this off by making a shout out to the consistent readers, the subscribers, those who support me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blog-The-Ugly-Truth/172853439408795), those who share my work with others, and etc....I really appreciate and love you all! If this takes off and ultimately gets me somewhere I def. owe it all to you :)
Now to jump right into it... here's a video :)
So what did you guys think? Kinda rushed? Yeah, it was slightly difficult to squeeze everything I had on the topic into that 10 time frame however I DID get a lot of information out there. Basically all of that is to say that petty things divide us as a people (Afro-descendant) and also as a bigger people (Human beings). It's important for us to work out our issues individually as it relates to personal security in terms of who we are to ourselves and to others. This term "black" to describe a people is intercepted different ways by different people in different parts of the world. It's important to be sensitive to one's feelings as it relates to THEIR individual beliefs about who they are and what they believe in. Similarly to discussion on religion and God...It's almost a battle that you cannot win. The focus should be on the similarities rather than the differences and no judgement should be passed in order to live most harmoniously and in accord with one another. Black IS NOT an equivalent term to someone of African (or partial African) descent; at least not in most places outside of the US. Black is black and was created as a means to deal with issues, hurts, and identity issues in America. Take heed and do not project self hate, lack of education/ignorance, or personal LEARNED biases on people. Entertain the thought that the ancestor 500+ years ago that landed on what is now American soil had a brother who landed on a latin American or carribean countries soil and that your ancestor in this country may very well be related to someone else's in another making you FAMILY. Petty issues of race and origin as it compares to others aren't often concepts I stress or preoccupy myself with as Man is MAN and we all bleed red and return to the ashes and dust we came from when our physical time on this planet has expired. Be blessed people...peace, light, and love!
About Me
- Rah
- A student of the human mind...a searcher...an advisor...a teacher... loves easily and easy to love. Come share with me...:)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Bridges and Borders (part 2)
So this post won't be as formal or as long as the normal ones, I just wanted to follow up on the first post I made entitled Bridges and Borders. Basically, I want to say that since writing that post/video I've come to learn, accept and realize a few things about the position I was coming from and also the different positions that exist. There are many many videos on youtube, a lot of my friends, and a few associates with whom I have a bit of value to their opinion and through all of these mediums I've accepted that not everyone likes, appreciates, or agrees with many of the views I expressed in the first part of this post. Whereas usually I don't really give much attention to expressed opposing opinions and political correctedness, I'm really writing this because something in me and MY thinking on the topic changed and therefore I don't want old feelings and ideas, especially documented, to reflect my new position or state of mind.
Here goes:
I still maintain that to make up a LATINO one needs the three parts (however equal or unequal)of African blood, Native people's blood, and European blood. We all know the history of the slave trade, the intermixing, so on and so fourth. HOWEVER, I've come to realize that SOME communities of people have more AFRO-reflectant lifestyles, afro-reflectant practices such as religion, dance, and language, and an afro-reflectant overall identity which makes the term afro-Latino make sense. I've also come to realize and accept that there are going to be some blond hair, white skin, blue eyed people who obviously know their history but are clearly "white" Latinos with African ancestry. That the american concept of BLACK is different from the overall world views and that this term BLACK is the culprit of much too much confusion.
BLACK
In America, refers to someone of darker skin AND the culture of the people who were brought to the USA during slavery and lived through it, came out of it, and developed into present day BLACK Americans. Black refers to those people who have no recollection of their culture, native tongue, native religion, or family name. The BLACK culture is almost synonymous with the URBAN culture. It's where the blues, rock and roll, soul music and the ever popular hip hop/rap culture came out of. It's the baggy jeans and over-sized tee-shirts of the 90's-early 2000's. It's the sagging pants, the use of nigga as not a word of hate but of love, slang like "what's good" and so much more.
Black
In the rest of the world, as I understand it, refers to a skin color and NOT a culture. This is why when placed next to a Latino the debate rages..."I'm not black i'm Latino". The Latino is trying to hold on to their culture not trying to end up with the same fate of the "black Americans" those who lost and had to redefine their culture. The black american just see's skin color and not culture however and says "nah, they're black. Just black people who speak Spanish."
We have to evaluate the words, who's using them, who's reacting to them, and finally what difference it makes in life. To some people...(most people in America) black is black!...to others...the idea of holding on to culture for dear life is worth all the fighting and arguing...worth NOT identifying with black american's and standing up for common ground, goals, and enemies. The concept of the afro-Latino is a concept of pride...a concept I can understand as not being redundant as I phrased it. I still believe strongly that we all must see past our differences...especially those of us with darker skin who will be the object of the prejudices that come with it. Those of us who as a people, started at the same place and ended up in many others. Those of us who have AFRICAN blood running through us, AFRICAN melanin making our hair kink, skin shine in the sunlight, lips wide, curves curve, and that AFRICAN rhythm that no doubt allows us to create and move to the music we all love. It's a debate I'm tired of having...it's an ignorance that is wide spread...something that cannot be cured in a video or a blog post.
I thank you all for reading and baring with me! Much love!
Here goes:
I still maintain that to make up a LATINO one needs the three parts (however equal or unequal)of African blood, Native people's blood, and European blood. We all know the history of the slave trade, the intermixing, so on and so fourth. HOWEVER, I've come to realize that SOME communities of people have more AFRO-reflectant lifestyles, afro-reflectant practices such as religion, dance, and language, and an afro-reflectant overall identity which makes the term afro-Latino make sense. I've also come to realize and accept that there are going to be some blond hair, white skin, blue eyed people who obviously know their history but are clearly "white" Latinos with African ancestry. That the american concept of BLACK is different from the overall world views and that this term BLACK is the culprit of much too much confusion.
BLACK
In America, refers to someone of darker skin AND the culture of the people who were brought to the USA during slavery and lived through it, came out of it, and developed into present day BLACK Americans. Black refers to those people who have no recollection of their culture, native tongue, native religion, or family name. The BLACK culture is almost synonymous with the URBAN culture. It's where the blues, rock and roll, soul music and the ever popular hip hop/rap culture came out of. It's the baggy jeans and over-sized tee-shirts of the 90's-early 2000's. It's the sagging pants, the use of nigga as not a word of hate but of love, slang like "what's good" and so much more.
Black
In the rest of the world, as I understand it, refers to a skin color and NOT a culture. This is why when placed next to a Latino the debate rages..."I'm not black i'm Latino". The Latino is trying to hold on to their culture not trying to end up with the same fate of the "black Americans" those who lost and had to redefine their culture. The black american just see's skin color and not culture however and says "nah, they're black. Just black people who speak Spanish."
We have to evaluate the words, who's using them, who's reacting to them, and finally what difference it makes in life. To some people...(most people in America) black is black!...to others...the idea of holding on to culture for dear life is worth all the fighting and arguing...worth NOT identifying with black american's and standing up for common ground, goals, and enemies. The concept of the afro-Latino is a concept of pride...a concept I can understand as not being redundant as I phrased it. I still believe strongly that we all must see past our differences...especially those of us with darker skin who will be the object of the prejudices that come with it. Those of us who as a people, started at the same place and ended up in many others. Those of us who have AFRICAN blood running through us, AFRICAN melanin making our hair kink, skin shine in the sunlight, lips wide, curves curve, and that AFRICAN rhythm that no doubt allows us to create and move to the music we all love. It's a debate I'm tired of having...it's an ignorance that is wide spread...something that cannot be cured in a video or a blog post.
I thank you all for reading and baring with me! Much love!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Embracing the feminine
This blog title probably has captured a lot of attention and raised eyebrows.
The post is going to cover a wide range of topics all relating back to what I'm going to refer to as "The feminine".
...As of late I've been doing a lot of growing and maturing. Credit for which I cannot and will not totally accept. It's the people I've met and interacted with, the teachings and ideas planted in my mind and soul young coming to fruition, it's my aging, searching, learning and natural growth, and finally and most importantly it's my embracing and humbling myself before one who is greater than myself and all I know. Without this last element in my life, without this humility and conscious casting aside of EGO, ARROGANCE, PRIDE, and INTELLECT I will have been living the same empty existence, growing physically and mentally but not spiritually that I've been living for some almost 4 years now. One of the things I've decided to give voice and attention to is "The Feminine."
To jump right into it, this concept refers to all that is feminine in nature. The feminine aspects of human beings (MALE and female), the MOTHERLY aspects of Nature and the Earth, SUSTAINING aspect of the MOST HIGH and exalted being that many refer to as God and its MANY MANY other names. In today's backward and confused society you have misplaced focus. Misplaced in that it's properly placed by those who aim to confuse and impede development. Misplaced in that we, those that make up society focus on the these distractions and allow them to hold us back, to deny ourselves total fulfillment and to engage in acts and ideas that serve to fill this void but can't.
I want to reference the eastern philosophic concepts of yin and yang, positive and negative, masculine and FEMININE. These concepts are often translated to Good and Evil here in the western world. A translation that is incorrect and off target. With the concepts of Good and Evil you have two opposing sides that fight at what seems a constant stalemate. In this fight exists limited options...here or there, this side or that side, right or wrong, black or white. I find, if my understanding of these concepts are correct, Yin and Yang aren't at battle or a stalemate at all. That Yin and Yang are at an understanding. That there exists no compulsion or force, no here or there, right or wrong, etc. That with Yin and Yang there exists harmony, balance, peace, and UNDERSTANDING. That to every situation that arises there is a positive or negative approach to dealing with it however it's not a right or wrong, good or bad, this or that.
Back to the feminine...it's the aspect in life most men (especially westerners)and some women neglect. It's the aspect in our nature that would prevent war, encourage peace, and connect us to the world in such a way that is unimaginable. The soul exists in the feminine, the ability to give life, to carry life, to NURTURE life. The ability for compassion, for understanding and love, to exhibit WISDOM all exist in the feminine. The appreciation of art, music, poetry, the ability to create and so much more... With pride and ego flooding our existence and the over intellectualization of thoughts, feelings, scenarios, technology, politics and everything the mentioned interacts with, it's easy to see why we exist in the state we do...why we destroy our women and our children instead of building them up and raising them, why we destroy our earth...why we deny our God...why we cannot FEEL the living force flowing through our bodies (sorry to get cliche with you all but it's TRUE!)
The feminine exists in all things of FAITH and WILL...the manifestation of anything in this world comes first through INSPIRATION. Embracing the feminine isn't pledging yourself to a world of domination by women, or changing your belief in a God to that of a Goddess... It's not emasculating yourself so that you appear as a female...It's accepting what already exists in you...it's understanding what exists in your woman...your mother, your sister, your aunt...it's understanding the power of your God. In today's society most men are afraid of "catching the gays" ... accepting the feminine has nothing to do with homosexuality or even "metro" sexuality. Embracing the feminine is about maturity...growth...acceptance...SECURITY. I invite you all...men and women alike...explore and accept it and transform into a being of light!
The post is going to cover a wide range of topics all relating back to what I'm going to refer to as "The feminine".
...As of late I've been doing a lot of growing and maturing. Credit for which I cannot and will not totally accept. It's the people I've met and interacted with, the teachings and ideas planted in my mind and soul young coming to fruition, it's my aging, searching, learning and natural growth, and finally and most importantly it's my embracing and humbling myself before one who is greater than myself and all I know. Without this last element in my life, without this humility and conscious casting aside of EGO, ARROGANCE, PRIDE, and INTELLECT I will have been living the same empty existence, growing physically and mentally but not spiritually that I've been living for some almost 4 years now. One of the things I've decided to give voice and attention to is "The Feminine."
To jump right into it, this concept refers to all that is feminine in nature. The feminine aspects of human beings (MALE and female), the MOTHERLY aspects of Nature and the Earth, SUSTAINING aspect of the MOST HIGH and exalted being that many refer to as God and its MANY MANY other names. In today's backward and confused society you have misplaced focus. Misplaced in that it's properly placed by those who aim to confuse and impede development. Misplaced in that we, those that make up society focus on the these distractions and allow them to hold us back, to deny ourselves total fulfillment and to engage in acts and ideas that serve to fill this void but can't.
I want to reference the eastern philosophic concepts of yin and yang, positive and negative, masculine and FEMININE. These concepts are often translated to Good and Evil here in the western world. A translation that is incorrect and off target. With the concepts of Good and Evil you have two opposing sides that fight at what seems a constant stalemate. In this fight exists limited options...here or there, this side or that side, right or wrong, black or white. I find, if my understanding of these concepts are correct, Yin and Yang aren't at battle or a stalemate at all. That Yin and Yang are at an understanding. That there exists no compulsion or force, no here or there, right or wrong, etc. That with Yin and Yang there exists harmony, balance, peace, and UNDERSTANDING. That to every situation that arises there is a positive or negative approach to dealing with it however it's not a right or wrong, good or bad, this or that.
Back to the feminine...it's the aspect in life most men (especially westerners)and some women neglect. It's the aspect in our nature that would prevent war, encourage peace, and connect us to the world in such a way that is unimaginable. The soul exists in the feminine, the ability to give life, to carry life, to NURTURE life. The ability for compassion, for understanding and love, to exhibit WISDOM all exist in the feminine. The appreciation of art, music, poetry, the ability to create and so much more... With pride and ego flooding our existence and the over intellectualization of thoughts, feelings, scenarios, technology, politics and everything the mentioned interacts with, it's easy to see why we exist in the state we do...why we destroy our women and our children instead of building them up and raising them, why we destroy our earth...why we deny our God...why we cannot FEEL the living force flowing through our bodies (sorry to get cliche with you all but it's TRUE!)
The feminine exists in all things of FAITH and WILL...the manifestation of anything in this world comes first through INSPIRATION. Embracing the feminine isn't pledging yourself to a world of domination by women, or changing your belief in a God to that of a Goddess... It's not emasculating yourself so that you appear as a female...It's accepting what already exists in you...it's understanding what exists in your woman...your mother, your sister, your aunt...it's understanding the power of your God. In today's society most men are afraid of "catching the gays" ... accepting the feminine has nothing to do with homosexuality or even "metro" sexuality. Embracing the feminine is about maturity...growth...acceptance...SECURITY. I invite you all...men and women alike...explore and accept it and transform into a being of light!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Bridges and Borders (with video)
This blog post was actually suggested to me based on an interaction I had with a peer of mine not too long ago in a group on Facebook. This group, I must start off saying is an AMAZING group and has held my attention since I joined it maybe a week and a half ago. It's called La Conga De America, has awesome administration *shout out to the administrators* and awesome members *yup you guys too* and it continues to grow daily. In this group there are people from all over the country (and world I believe) who participate in sharing, debating, teaching, learning, laughing, empathyzing, and just overall interacting as a sort of cyber family. It's time much better spent than the hours on end of Mafia Wars, or Farmville(not knocking the game heads) because of the sense of familiarity and the dual value of education AND entertainment. It's an awesome group, awesome awesome awesome and I could write about it all day but it's not the topic of discussion today.
Moving on...
There was a debate of sorts between me and an admin (way to be a rebel Rahkim) that seemed to be the result in a difference in position.After the debate however I realized that we stand on a united front as far as what we aim to accomplish but the way we go about accomplishing them...eh Let me explain...
As most of you may well know I have a strong affinity for the latino culture, namely those latinos in the Caribbean. (RE: My post "Negro, Blanco y Rojo por todas partes!" ) It started as I learned to speak spanish in school and I fell in love with the language. Soon I realized that you cannot separate the language from the culture and I began to embrace it..so on and so fourth....
What most of you however may NOT know is that I'm also an advocate for the advancement and unity of people of color, not exclusive to blacks or people of African ancestory however very strongly focused on those people's who's culture is the result of the FORCED migration of African's throughout the world known as the MAAFA (or African diaspora). These include the North and South American continents, carribean, and the rest of the world! I have a very strong love for my people, for the varying shades of skin, varying grades of hair, our rich heritage through music, dance, food, science, medicine, mathematics and the list is long before finished. It pains me however to know that within our people there's so much self hate, insecurities, false pride, and any otherwise dividing factors as skin shade, hair grade, location of birth, or which conquering people's piece of land your ancestor's landed on.
With that being said, I always in this group promote (if I can) the inclusion of black american's (also referred to as African American's or AA's) in our discussions so as not to allow the gap to widen as for the unity of our beautiful people. THIS is what started the debate as many people of color do NOT identify with their African roots, I imagine many more don't want to be associated with black american's at all...In fact, most black american's would rather not be associated with being a black american...sad but true. So my constant re-introduction of this concept was warned as being something that wouldn't be readily accepted by many as it's already almost too much to ask of these people to accept that they have an African heritage and to be proud of it! (and I'm not talking about anyone in the group because we all seem to be pretty well informed) It came down to an issue of diplomacy (in my eyes anyway) vs. bluntness. Here's the break down though...FACT! European's got word of this awesome and exotic "new spot" (that incidently already had people living there) and wanted to expand their world. FACT! Those Europeans came over and killed off (through diseases and physical force) the native habitants of these lands, those who didn't die were made slaves, often raped, and/or "converted and civilized". FACT! They felt alot needed to be accomplished and the peoples who they decimated were all but extinct so they needed some source of free labor...slave trade began, African's were transported, mixing, mixing, mixing years later you have what you call in this area a latino. Fact! In order to make lemonade you need lemon, sugar, and water. Why is that important? You'll see...
Fact! In order to make lemonade you need lemon, sugar, and water.
So I like my lemonade analogy(...sorry if you don't but you'll deal with it) because I feel its MOST appropriate. You see, if anyone has made homemade lemonade they know that you need a certain percentage of water, sugar, and lemon juice to make it at least somewhat desirable. That, if Grandma made it, it's usually a perfect balance of tart/sweetness, that if lil Jonny made it, it's probably too sweet, and that if you made it...well it may not be sweet enough! That being the case...regardless of who made it,and how it tastes it's still LEMONADE!!! So most of you may have been able to follow me so far but for those of you who didn't I'm simply saying that in order to make a latino (yea Rahkim we're doing a science project) or rather the make up of the peoples historically known as latinos include those ancestors who were the conquerers, those ancestors who were the native people and those ancestors who were the Africans. Some people however refuse to acknowledge a part of their history..which is almost the same as taking out the lemon from the lemonade isn't it? You'll simply have sugar water. Having cleared up what a latino is, this is generally the case with all BLACK people in whatever part of the world they were dropped off and whoever was responsible for making the lemonade (too much sugar, not enough, or just right akin to being darker, lighter, or in the middle). Now let me put in a disclaimer to say simply that for one...I'm not calling you guys lemonade and for two the analogy isn't meant to be taken literally as its just here to help illustrate my point that point being you cannot have one without the other...it's pure nonsense. Now that we're both had time to calm down (because we are both very passionate about what we feel is correct) I can see the logic in his approach...introducing truths slowly...however too often it's the black American who's left out in the cold and...I cannot sit there and let it be that way. Truth is we'll all in the same struggle...
MY PEOPLE! PLEASE HEAR ME! It doesn't matter where your ancestors landed...you and I are the same. ACCEPT and LOVE your African heritage...it's what gives you your beauty! Embrace your brother be he from England or Japan...Santo Domingo or Haiti...Colombia or Mexico! Stop leaving your brothers and sisters here in America in the dark...embrace us too! Because to those eyes that can see, and those responsible for our being this way...BLACK IS BLACK...and thats Wesly Snipes black or A-Rod Black or Michael Jackson Black...BLACK IS BLACK AND BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A new direction...
So it's been a long while and I've decided that since so much has changed I'm going to take this blog in a new direction. While initially I waited for inspiration to hit and hot topics to sizzle, now I think I just want to document much more in the area of my thoughts, concerns, questions,frustrations, doubts, clarifications...so on and so fourth. Today's topic is one I think deserves to be addressed in that I made a decision, took a chance, and am holding onto it. Here goes...
About 3 weeks ago, I physically left what I've known to be home for my whole life...the great state of New York. It wasn't an easy choice to make as it came with many sacrifices, struggles, criticism, expenses, and lastly but very importantly courage. It's not everyone who can pack up their entire life in a few boxes and suitcases and relocate to a completely different state, timezone, or part of a country. Going into it I was all of excited, scared, nervous, annoyed, angry, overjoyed, and a host of others I can't remember. Overall however the one thing I've learned through this trip and through being here is a deeper meaning to the word FAITH.
Well I'm here now, enjoying the weather...employed (though barely), and getting ready to enroll in the University out here. I've yet to make friends or become active,and I'm still pretty much living out of a suitcase...I get lonely and bored, and sometimes I even get sad because I miss so many of my family and friends from home who either don't understand what went on the last few weeks I was in NY, or were right there with me helping me get ready to go. Point is, I made a very conscious decision as to the direction my life was going in. Yes, the decision was faith based, I wasn't sure but I had an idea, a PLAN and I intend on following it through until either another choice comes in my path or my plan is met with success. At the end of the day, my decisions about life will have been made, with or without someone else's influence and I will have to determine if I'm ok with where I ended up...but that's for me, and ONLY me to determine.
I want to close this out saying that I'm slowly getting use to things out here. For those of you who care about me so much and want to know how I'm doing, I'm doing great! I'm struggling, I'm learning, I'm GROWING and you'll all see the product of that when I return. For those of you with an attitude or issue for whatever reason, I'm sure you'll get over it and if not then thats the burden you want to carry. I'm not coming home a little boy, diplomatic and afraid to hurt your feelings. I'm coming home a man and about a man's business. Doing MY thing and being proud of it... and it's as simple as that. I love you all and peace!
About 3 weeks ago, I physically left what I've known to be home for my whole life...the great state of New York. It wasn't an easy choice to make as it came with many sacrifices, struggles, criticism, expenses, and lastly but very importantly courage. It's not everyone who can pack up their entire life in a few boxes and suitcases and relocate to a completely different state, timezone, or part of a country. Going into it I was all of excited, scared, nervous, annoyed, angry, overjoyed, and a host of others I can't remember. Overall however the one thing I've learned through this trip and through being here is a deeper meaning to the word FAITH.
Well I'm here now, enjoying the weather...employed (though barely), and getting ready to enroll in the University out here. I've yet to make friends or become active,and I'm still pretty much living out of a suitcase...I get lonely and bored, and sometimes I even get sad because I miss so many of my family and friends from home who either don't understand what went on the last few weeks I was in NY, or were right there with me helping me get ready to go. Point is, I made a very conscious decision as to the direction my life was going in. Yes, the decision was faith based, I wasn't sure but I had an idea, a PLAN and I intend on following it through until either another choice comes in my path or my plan is met with success. At the end of the day, my decisions about life will have been made, with or without someone else's influence and I will have to determine if I'm ok with where I ended up...but that's for me, and ONLY me to determine.
I want to close this out saying that I'm slowly getting use to things out here. For those of you who care about me so much and want to know how I'm doing, I'm doing great! I'm struggling, I'm learning, I'm GROWING and you'll all see the product of that when I return. For those of you with an attitude or issue for whatever reason, I'm sure you'll get over it and if not then thats the burden you want to carry. I'm not coming home a little boy, diplomatic and afraid to hurt your feelings. I'm coming home a man and about a man's business. Doing MY thing and being proud of it... and it's as simple as that. I love you all and peace!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Negro, Blanco y Rojo por todas partes!
So I know it's been awhile but I've been busy with work and all that..to catch you up a bit, I've given up on some of those new years resolutions; not through weakness, but by choice. As for work, yesterday (7-29-10) was my last day. Sad day indeed, I put a lot of hours and energy into that job but...one must move on. Now to the packing, throwing away of items, and preparations for my cross country trip to Texas. (whoo hoo!)
Today's topic is one that's been on the slow burner for a while now. It concerns my immersion into the Latino culture. Many of my BLACK peers have expressed an issue with me embracing the Latino's culture; from my using the language on a day to day basis from my interest in the dance and musical forms. I've been called a traitor, told I was being untrue to myself, that I was "trying to be Spanish", that I'm black and asked if I remember such...trust me as horrible as it seems I've heard many more and much worse.
My question to those peers are such: How am I not being true to myself by embracing a culture that itself has so many subcultures? And if I were indeed going around claiming to be a Latino (of which I actually DO have a connection to biologically) 1) why would that bother you so much and 2) with what culture do you suggest I identify? It's well known that the American "blacks" have a misplaced identity, one of many origins. For us all to identify with a single specific African tribe would be equally criminal as me identifying with a single specific Latino culture if I go around telling people I'm of this tribe when in reality I've no idea. Truth is, the African culture pre-slave trade is one that every HUMAN should know and identify with...Africa is indeed the mother of civilization; however, the connection between blacks in America and their African roots are so far displaced that a simple connection cannot be established. What's important is that we develop a national identity first, then an international identity WHICH INCLUDES those blacks in the Latin American countries as well as around the world!... moreover, it would be a crime for the Latinos to identify with their culture(following this ignorant logic of course) because THEIR ancestors are African as well in large part.
STATEMENT: YOU CANNOT SEPARATE THE LANGUAGE FROM THE CULTURE! In order to understand the language the way it's used you have to experience things the way the people who use it do. English does not directly translate A LOT of Spanish words and somethings won't ever make sense unless you deal with the people. I've taken Spanish from 7th-11th grade and then again for a semester in college and there is a lot I know..but a lot more that I would never know had it not been for the street Spanish or the involvement I've had with the Latino community.
QUESTION: SO WHAT YOU'RE GONNA REVOKE MY "BLACK" CARD?: For starters I am what I am and will always be. Even under drug induced delusion I will always be a man born of two parents on the 15th day of the 5th month in the year 1990. With that being said, if I were to deny my blackness which is preposterous I would still be just that history, skin color and all.
SECOND STATEMENT: THERE ARE BLACK LATINOS MORONS!Do you think if I couldn't pass for one that this confusion would even exist about me "trying to be something I'm not?"
BOTTOM LINE: I'M 20 AND I'VE BETTERED MYSELF BY DECIDING TO LEARN AND STUDY A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN THE ONE I WAS BROUGHT UP SPEAKING. Having a problem with this says more to YOUR insecurities than it does to mine. No matter what I do I'll always be wrong to someone...I can play the "nigga" role and sag my pants, smoke weed, fight, party, sit on the corner and drink and talk about all the girl's I've slept with and I'm savage. I can be the clean cut 5 times a day praying, Ramadan fasting,Arabic using, kufi wearing, prayer rug having Muslim who is too "straight edge" and not fun or "a terrorist". I can be the higher vocabulary, book smart, dictionary reading, non-ebonics using "trying to be white" black man "uncle tom". I can be the bachata/merengue dancing/listening, spanish speaking, eye brow shaping, platano eating "wanna be dominican". or I CAN BE ME! THE PERSON WHO DOES ALL OF THE ABOVE WHEN ITS APPROPRIATE AND BEST FITS THE SITUATION ME! RAHKIM SABREE AND "si no te gusta, FUCK YOU!"
Today's topic is one that's been on the slow burner for a while now. It concerns my immersion into the Latino culture. Many of my BLACK peers have expressed an issue with me embracing the Latino's culture; from my using the language on a day to day basis from my interest in the dance and musical forms. I've been called a traitor, told I was being untrue to myself, that I was "trying to be Spanish", that I'm black and asked if I remember such...trust me as horrible as it seems I've heard many more and much worse.
My question to those peers are such: How am I not being true to myself by embracing a culture that itself has so many subcultures? And if I were indeed going around claiming to be a Latino (of which I actually DO have a connection to biologically) 1) why would that bother you so much and 2) with what culture do you suggest I identify? It's well known that the American "blacks" have a misplaced identity, one of many origins. For us all to identify with a single specific African tribe would be equally criminal as me identifying with a single specific Latino culture if I go around telling people I'm of this tribe when in reality I've no idea. Truth is, the African culture pre-slave trade is one that every HUMAN should know and identify with...Africa is indeed the mother of civilization; however, the connection between blacks in America and their African roots are so far displaced that a simple connection cannot be established. What's important is that we develop a national identity first, then an international identity WHICH INCLUDES those blacks in the Latin American countries as well as around the world!... moreover, it would be a crime for the Latinos to identify with their culture(following this ignorant logic of course) because THEIR ancestors are African as well in large part.
STATEMENT: YOU CANNOT SEPARATE THE LANGUAGE FROM THE CULTURE! In order to understand the language the way it's used you have to experience things the way the people who use it do. English does not directly translate A LOT of Spanish words and somethings won't ever make sense unless you deal with the people. I've taken Spanish from 7th-11th grade and then again for a semester in college and there is a lot I know..but a lot more that I would never know had it not been for the street Spanish or the involvement I've had with the Latino community.
QUESTION: SO WHAT YOU'RE GONNA REVOKE MY "BLACK" CARD?: For starters I am what I am and will always be. Even under drug induced delusion I will always be a man born of two parents on the 15th day of the 5th month in the year 1990. With that being said, if I were to deny my blackness which is preposterous I would still be just that history, skin color and all.
SECOND STATEMENT: THERE ARE BLACK LATINOS MORONS!Do you think if I couldn't pass for one that this confusion would even exist about me "trying to be something I'm not?"
BOTTOM LINE: I'M 20 AND I'VE BETTERED MYSELF BY DECIDING TO LEARN AND STUDY A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN THE ONE I WAS BROUGHT UP SPEAKING. Having a problem with this says more to YOUR insecurities than it does to mine. No matter what I do I'll always be wrong to someone...I can play the "nigga" role and sag my pants, smoke weed, fight, party, sit on the corner and drink and talk about all the girl's I've slept with and I'm savage. I can be the clean cut 5 times a day praying, Ramadan fasting,Arabic using, kufi wearing, prayer rug having Muslim who is too "straight edge" and not fun or "a terrorist". I can be the higher vocabulary, book smart, dictionary reading, non-ebonics using "trying to be white" black man "uncle tom". I can be the bachata/merengue dancing/listening, spanish speaking, eye brow shaping, platano eating "wanna be dominican". or I CAN BE ME! THE PERSON WHO DOES ALL OF THE ABOVE WHEN ITS APPROPRIATE AND BEST FITS THE SITUATION ME! RAHKIM SABREE AND "si no te gusta, FUCK YOU!"
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
It's all semantics!
So I decided to be a little bit lazy this time and test out my webcam's video capabilities...I must say I'm a little disappointed...the video can't be more than 10 minutes however it did cut off at an appropriate point (thank God). It's really self explanatory...I discuss the word nigger or nigga to an extent...I expect this won't be the end of it however you gotta start somewhere. I got a bit of feedback from a few of my friends and family before I made this post... and here it is...
"i think ppl know their place...i personally say u 'nigga' is hood language...its used by ppl in the hood and those who emulate them" -my friend Patricia
"I guess we're gonna wait till they eventually fade out and their past meanings are forgotten?
like how awesome was used to refer to something bad but the meaning for it completely changed
gosh, I dunno! lol" -my friend Joanna
"I find the word NIGGA to be acceptable under certain circumstances. Clearly its acceptable to those who use the word (me)! As far as its level of being appropriate, that's determined by the person its said to. If they catch feeling (hint hint) then its clearly not. It all depends on the people saying it and the people its said to....I don't say it to or around just any old everybody. In the society that we find ourselves growing up in, its viewed as just another word. Idk... they say u shouldn't talk about religion, money and politics. I think this is something similar to those categories" -co-worker Louis
"It's a WORD, ALWAYS used INAPPROPRIATELY but a word nonetheless ... and people give it the POWER it has. It is NOT an acceptable word (U know and have been taught this all your almost 20 years on this planet!!! ... but in the interest of the topic I will play along ...) but no matter how offensive, derogatory, etc ... PEOPLE DO GIVE IT POWER not the ones that USE it, but the ones that ARE offended by it.White people look and EXPECT black folks to react negatively to being called a NIGGA ... and we eat it up! It's a distraction and most of us fall for it EVERY TIME. It's their "go-to" word when all else fails. We (black folks) then puff our chests out and want to lash out. Why? Because a white person called u a nigga ... ??? ... They (or anyone else on this planet) has that power over me. They call me a NIGGA, I call them a CRACKA and keep it moving!" -My ever wise mother Twanette.
"i think ppl know their place...i personally say u 'nigga' is hood language...its used by ppl in the hood and those who emulate them" -my friend Patricia
"I guess we're gonna wait till they eventually fade out and their past meanings are forgotten?
like how awesome was used to refer to something bad but the meaning for it completely changed
gosh, I dunno! lol" -my friend Joanna
"I find the word NIGGA to be acceptable under certain circumstances. Clearly its acceptable to those who use the word (me)! As far as its level of being appropriate, that's determined by the person its said to. If they catch feeling (hint hint) then its clearly not. It all depends on the people saying it and the people its said to....I don't say it to or around just any old everybody. In the society that we find ourselves growing up in, its viewed as just another word. Idk... they say u shouldn't talk about religion, money and politics. I think this is something similar to those categories" -co-worker Louis
"It's a WORD, ALWAYS used INAPPROPRIATELY but a word nonetheless ... and people give it the POWER it has. It is NOT an acceptable word (U know and have been taught this all your almost 20 years on this planet!!! ... but in the interest of the topic I will play along ...) but no matter how offensive, derogatory, etc ... PEOPLE DO GIVE IT POWER not the ones that USE it, but the ones that ARE offended by it.White people look and EXPECT black folks to react negatively to being called a NIGGA ... and we eat it up! It's a distraction and most of us fall for it EVERY TIME. It's their "go-to" word when all else fails. We (black folks) then puff our chests out and want to lash out. Why? Because a white person called u a nigga ... ??? ... They (or anyone else on this planet) has that power over me. They call me a NIGGA, I call them a CRACKA and keep it moving!" -My ever wise mother Twanette.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Let's Talk about Me... =)
2010
It's Almost April! WHOOT WHOOT!
Well, while I usually strive to leave my readers with somewhat of a different perspective, dissect a topic and offer insight that might otherwise not be offered...today I want to put myself under the scope so to speak... focus a little on me and what's going on in life for all my curious readers...and perhaps segue into a topic that is much more "blog worthy"....whatever that means =P
This year has been rapidly progressing and with my goals in place and go getter attitude it's been straight and narrow however...there are most certainly rough moments :( let me remind you of what I'm trying to accomplish...
It's Almost April! WHOOT WHOOT!
Well, while I usually strive to leave my readers with somewhat of a different perspective, dissect a topic and offer insight that might otherwise not be offered...today I want to put myself under the scope so to speak... focus a little on me and what's going on in life for all my curious readers...and perhaps segue into a topic that is much more "blog worthy"....whatever that means =P
This year has been rapidly progressing and with my goals in place and go getter attitude it's been straight and narrow however...there are most certainly rough moments :( let me remind you of what I'm trying to accomplish...
"With 2010, I intend on giving up fast food, any and all alcoholic beverages and getting (and staying) on a steady workout routine. I'm going to leave you with a personal quote...Wish me luck my people...and hit me back! Happy New Year! "Well...I haven't had fast food to date though I've been in McDonalds within fingers grasp of a fry...I've been to parties..offered alcohol...BEGGED to drink that alcohol and declined...and as for working out...I started strong, slacked off, strong again, and currently do a little here and there to say I've done it. Not quite 100% on target but def. doing a lot better than most people with their personal "resolutions" for the new and rapidly progressing year. Most people question why I'm doing what I'm doing...and sometimes even I question it but simply put I'm interested in the betterment and improvement of myself...point blank!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
strangers and friends....
Day 38
Thought I'd write a quick poem...won't publicize this too much..if you catch it you do if you don't...you won't.
Have you ever looked around you..like the people u deal with and just feel like they're all strangers?
...and what about the strangers? Have you ever seen lifetimes go by in their eyes? their laugh? their walk?
And of the friends...those who swore they'd stand by your side...how do you feel about gaining their trust, their loyalty, their promise to always be when all you can think about is getting away?
And of the strangers...why do their words penetrate you're being...criticism or praise; when those familiar voices barely catch your attention?...and conversations are reduced to "huh's?" absent "yea's" and the all too common repetition of the last words spoken in a sentence to pretend you share an interest.
And you silently ponder why strangers seem to have more faith in your ability and dreams while your friends laugh, sigh, or shrug your ambitions off...or maybe they support you because "you've always been the smart and successful one" and that's just what's expected of you.And with slight reflection you realize those strangers don't judge you because they don't know enough about you to do so...that one day those strangers will become friends and that at one time those friends were strangers...
-Rahkim
Thought I'd write a quick poem...won't publicize this too much..if you catch it you do if you don't...you won't.
Have you ever looked around you..like the people u deal with and just feel like they're all strangers?
...and what about the strangers? Have you ever seen lifetimes go by in their eyes? their laugh? their walk?
And of the friends...those who swore they'd stand by your side...how do you feel about gaining their trust, their loyalty, their promise to always be when all you can think about is getting away?
And of the strangers...why do their words penetrate you're being...criticism or praise; when those familiar voices barely catch your attention?...and conversations are reduced to "huh's?" absent "yea's" and the all too common repetition of the last words spoken in a sentence to pretend you share an interest.
And you silently ponder why strangers seem to have more faith in your ability and dreams while your friends laugh, sigh, or shrug your ambitions off...or maybe they support you because "you've always been the smart and successful one" and that's just what's expected of you.And with slight reflection you realize those strangers don't judge you because they don't know enough about you to do so...that one day those strangers will become friends and that at one time those friends were strangers...
-Rahkim
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Since when do you learn anything in school anyways?
Day 28
To start, I have to say it's only been 28 days into 2010 and it's been a long year already; productive...but long!
Today's topic is education in general...public education in specific and the task of learning how to "un-learn" that which was force fed to many of us for so many years...this topic was inspired actually in a classroom (go figure) while watching a movie on Christopher Columbus. Yup, one of the greatest force fed incidents of ignorance in my opinion was the story of Christopher Columbus, how he "discovered" America, made friends with the Indians, "civilized" them...and made happy thanksgiving...nope his ass got LOST in the Bahamas, he has nothing to do with thanksgiving and if I hear the native people referred to as Indians one more time I'll go crazy...Indians are clearly from India...
I've noticed an institutional trend since a very young age...you are only equipped with the tools necessary to barely get through that institution. This is true of hospitals, jails/prisons, foster homes/orphanages, other service/product oriented institutions, and my focal point schools.From a purely business perspective it's absolutely necessary for you to create a sort of dependence on your product or service. It increases the amount of money you make, decreases the amount of work you have to do and makes you, your product or service, and the value you have a priority to those "in need".However from a psychological aspect it’s extremely crippling and the source for so much that is viewed as "bad" in the world today.
Everything and I repeat EVERYTHING you interact with, your feelings about it, your method to approach or deal with it, how you feel about yourself, others, what you're interested in, so on and so fourth is a result of a LEARNED interaction, behavior, or response.
We are taught to become sheep...to follow all rules, signs, and regulations without question...to go for routine check ups and dentist appointments and put money in doctors and dentist’s pockets but not how to take care of ourselves so that we may not need to go. To ignore doors with a "do not enter" sign on it even in the event of an emergency lest we be told by someone of "authority" that it's ok. And who may I ask is responsible for that authority? ...right...I hear crickets.
My whole life I was encouraged to be a "non conformist" of sorts and to question everything...to think for myself as the question was asked of me time and time again "what does your brain tell you?" and thus I could read, recognize, and regurgitate the bulls*it "learned" in school, and then go out on my own and piece things together for what they were.
And as a result I was always a star in school because I was "smart"...no sir, not me...no smarter than anyone else in my classes...I just questioned, and followed up on what I didn't understand. I processed and thought about the information I received and then came to conclusions that I could share rather than recite information like a robot...my parents also didn't sugar coat or "age appropriate" any information that I may have been concerned about knowing. I encourage you all to take the time to reevaluate and relearn everything you "think" you've learned...especially you religious ones out there...how could I forget my next favorite institution...THE CHURCH! ;-)
Let's all snap out of the matrix guys...this day and age there is no excuse to be blind...the 9 year old's walking around with blackberries literally have access to more power on their hip than any "school" can offer. READ READ READ AND EDUCATE YOURSELF!because once you graduate from high school, or get your multiple degrees and owe the government thousands of dollars in dept and realize that all you earned was a piece of paper and NOT an education...you'll be a heartbroken, ignorant, and blind, sheep with degrees.
To start, I have to say it's only been 28 days into 2010 and it's been a long year already; productive...but long!
Today's topic is education in general...public education in specific and the task of learning how to "un-learn" that which was force fed to many of us for so many years...this topic was inspired actually in a classroom (go figure) while watching a movie on Christopher Columbus. Yup, one of the greatest force fed incidents of ignorance in my opinion was the story of Christopher Columbus, how he "discovered" America, made friends with the Indians, "civilized" them...and made happy thanksgiving...nope his ass got LOST in the Bahamas, he has nothing to do with thanksgiving and if I hear the native people referred to as Indians one more time I'll go crazy...Indians are clearly from India...
I've noticed an institutional trend since a very young age...you are only equipped with the tools necessary to barely get through that institution. This is true of hospitals, jails/prisons, foster homes/orphanages, other service/product oriented institutions, and my focal point schools.From a purely business perspective it's absolutely necessary for you to create a sort of dependence on your product or service. It increases the amount of money you make, decreases the amount of work you have to do and makes you, your product or service, and the value you have a priority to those "in need".However from a psychological aspect it’s extremely crippling and the source for so much that is viewed as "bad" in the world today.
Everything and I repeat EVERYTHING you interact with, your feelings about it, your method to approach or deal with it, how you feel about yourself, others, what you're interested in, so on and so fourth is a result of a LEARNED interaction, behavior, or response.
We are taught to become sheep...to follow all rules, signs, and regulations without question...to go for routine check ups and dentist appointments and put money in doctors and dentist’s pockets but not how to take care of ourselves so that we may not need to go. To ignore doors with a "do not enter" sign on it even in the event of an emergency lest we be told by someone of "authority" that it's ok. And who may I ask is responsible for that authority? ...right...I hear crickets.
My whole life I was encouraged to be a "non conformist" of sorts and to question everything...to think for myself as the question was asked of me time and time again "what does your brain tell you?" and thus I could read, recognize, and regurgitate the bulls*it "learned" in school, and then go out on my own and piece things together for what they were.
And as a result I was always a star in school because I was "smart"...no sir, not me...no smarter than anyone else in my classes...I just questioned, and followed up on what I didn't understand. I processed and thought about the information I received and then came to conclusions that I could share rather than recite information like a robot...my parents also didn't sugar coat or "age appropriate" any information that I may have been concerned about knowing. I encourage you all to take the time to reevaluate and relearn everything you "think" you've learned...especially you religious ones out there...how could I forget my next favorite institution...THE CHURCH! ;-)
Let's all snap out of the matrix guys...this day and age there is no excuse to be blind...the 9 year old's walking around with blackberries literally have access to more power on their hip than any "school" can offer. READ READ READ AND EDUCATE YOURSELF!because once you graduate from high school, or get your multiple degrees and owe the government thousands of dollars in dept and realize that all you earned was a piece of paper and NOT an education...you'll be a heartbroken, ignorant, and blind, sheep with degrees.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Crazy Insane or Insane Crazy? (Day 9)
Welcome to 2010
We're 9 days in...lets get it! I must say, my mission to expose the truth is going well. The last post didn't get quite the response I was hoping for...however that's in large part due to the poor marketing I've done...*sigh* It's a work in progress.... However, of the people who did read the last post, I must say I'm satisfied with the responses I did receive. =) Today's post is appropriately titled Crazy Insane or Insane Crazy as I'm going to discuss a sensation known to most of my peers as depression.
...So there's my song and dance to keep the "professionals" (with quotes and without) off my back :), now to business. I've been throwing around the concept with a lot of my friends that depression, or the sensation a lot of us misuse as being depression, is actually something that can help and if not better, put into perspective our lives. Let's examine my statement... think about the symptoms of this state...EVERYTHING stops! You don't want to go out and party, you become anti-social and want to be alone, you're often sad or upset about the way things in your life are going...any of this sound familiar? There are a host of other symptoms but we'll focus on these and I'll explain how they can be "positized" haha
1) Everything stops... I have a friend with whom I shared a concept known as personal reflection time with at one point..and basically that time was for you to sit alone, review your circumstances, decide what you liked, what you didn't like, and then making moves to do something about it. It was YOUR time to be angry, happy, etc...without worrying about insincere "are you ok" or "what's wrong" statements. Well, all too often we forget about the "me" and "me" says ok...now it's "me time"...code red, LOCK DOWN.
2) Social life is murdered...
"let's go out tonight?"
"na...I don't feel like it."
....later that night you're kicking walls because you know you should have went and imagine your friends having a blast while you look at your wall paint or scream into your pillow...figuratively of course. Well, now you have ALOT more time to think about what's going on in your life.
3) AHHHH!!! Here, the anger sets in...I'm upset for no reason, I don't want to bathe, I don't want to shave, hell I won't even change my underwear...ok that's an extreme but hey, it happens.
Still trying to find the good in all of this are we? Well some of your minds work faster than others at putting the pieces together but depression, at least in accordance with the symptoms listed and my definition of it, provides you with a lot of idle time...GOTTDAMNN! Well what do we do with all this time? MASTURBATE!!! haha...though I'm joking this is all to often the case...not physically but mentally! (minds out of the gutter guys =P) We start to keep habits that make us feel good for a short, often too short, period of time just to end up not having done anything...alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex...and of course these lead to things such as poor decision making, diseases, car accidents, babies, and all kinds of other mental/physical health detriments.
TO SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU, with all that time on your hands you should be getting acquainted with the "me" in you...the whole reason for code red shutdown anyways...Look at what's making you unhappy, what you can do about it to either cope better, or totally change your situation. Look at yourself; are you eating well? Are you bathing? Shaving? Go get a haircut, your nails done, a new piercing, a tattoo, something different and for YOU! Find something or someone to believe in (God often helps :) ), someone to believe in you, believe in yourself ,and have faith that with all the positive energy you are radiating that things will work out...then attack the world head on! I'm not saying some days you won't cry, or clench your teeth, or pull out your hair...what I'm saying is be TRUTHFUL with YOU about YOU...don't worry about what society says about what you should be doing, thinking, saying, or how you should be looking...you gotta play the game, but YOU gotta play it. I had a short depressed stint myself this winter...it was bad...then I realized what I'm writing you now and I have to say I may not have everything I want...but I'm damn happy with the way things are going in my life. Cut a few people off here, made a few new friends there, let some important people know they were appreciated and important...then I just had faith and did my thing!
I hope you all have enjoyed and got something out of this....also...my new years plan is still on track...I ran one morning and got sick..but I'm still working out, haven't caved to the pressures of fast-food, alcohol, or any of the such...and believe me I've been tempted! I'm doing my thing...any questions? Twitter user name is Loco515, and there is the comment box appropriately placed...I also have email...rahk2100@yahoo.com :) Thank you, comment generously..and I'll keep bringing you more food for thought!
We're 9 days in...lets get it! I must say, my mission to expose the truth is going well. The last post didn't get quite the response I was hoping for...however that's in large part due to the poor marketing I've done...*sigh* It's a work in progress.... However, of the people who did read the last post, I must say I'm satisfied with the responses I did receive. =) Today's post is appropriately titled Crazy Insane or Insane Crazy as I'm going to discuss a sensation known to most of my peers as depression.
Here's the disclaimer front and center. I'm no licensed psychologist, I'm still learning and studying, and while my view is more than likely a controversial one...it's food for thought as any and all posts I make are.
...So there's my song and dance to keep the "professionals" (with quotes and without) off my back :), now to business. I've been throwing around the concept with a lot of my friends that depression, or the sensation a lot of us misuse as being depression, is actually something that can help and if not better, put into perspective our lives. Let's examine my statement... think about the symptoms of this state...EVERYTHING stops! You don't want to go out and party, you become anti-social and want to be alone, you're often sad or upset about the way things in your life are going...any of this sound familiar? There are a host of other symptoms but we'll focus on these and I'll explain how they can be "positized" haha
1) Everything stops... I have a friend with whom I shared a concept known as personal reflection time with at one point..and basically that time was for you to sit alone, review your circumstances, decide what you liked, what you didn't like, and then making moves to do something about it. It was YOUR time to be angry, happy, etc...without worrying about insincere "are you ok" or "what's wrong" statements. Well, all too often we forget about the "me" and "me" says ok...now it's "me time"...code red, LOCK DOWN.
2) Social life is murdered...
"let's go out tonight?"
"na...I don't feel like it."
....later that night you're kicking walls because you know you should have went and imagine your friends having a blast while you look at your wall paint or scream into your pillow...figuratively of course. Well, now you have ALOT more time to think about what's going on in your life.
3) AHHHH!!! Here, the anger sets in...I'm upset for no reason, I don't want to bathe, I don't want to shave, hell I won't even change my underwear...ok that's an extreme but hey, it happens.
Still trying to find the good in all of this are we? Well some of your minds work faster than others at putting the pieces together but depression, at least in accordance with the symptoms listed and my definition of it, provides you with a lot of idle time...GOTTDAMNN! Well what do we do with all this time? MASTURBATE!!! haha...though I'm joking this is all to often the case...not physically but mentally! (minds out of the gutter guys =P) We start to keep habits that make us feel good for a short, often too short, period of time just to end up not having done anything...alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex...and of course these lead to things such as poor decision making, diseases, car accidents, babies, and all kinds of other mental/physical health detriments.
TO SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU, with all that time on your hands you should be getting acquainted with the "me" in you...the whole reason for code red shutdown anyways...Look at what's making you unhappy, what you can do about it to either cope better, or totally change your situation. Look at yourself; are you eating well? Are you bathing? Shaving? Go get a haircut, your nails done, a new piercing, a tattoo, something different and for YOU! Find something or someone to believe in (God often helps :) ), someone to believe in you, believe in yourself ,and have faith that with all the positive energy you are radiating that things will work out...then attack the world head on! I'm not saying some days you won't cry, or clench your teeth, or pull out your hair...what I'm saying is be TRUTHFUL with YOU about YOU...don't worry about what society says about what you should be doing, thinking, saying, or how you should be looking...you gotta play the game, but YOU gotta play it. I had a short depressed stint myself this winter...it was bad...then I realized what I'm writing you now and I have to say I may not have everything I want...but I'm damn happy with the way things are going in my life. Cut a few people off here, made a few new friends there, let some important people know they were appreciated and important...then I just had faith and did my thing!
I hope you all have enjoyed and got something out of this....also...my new years plan is still on track...I ran one morning and got sick..but I'm still working out, haven't caved to the pressures of fast-food, alcohol, or any of the such...and believe me I've been tempted! I'm doing my thing...any questions? Twitter user name is Loco515, and there is the comment box appropriately placed...I also have email...rahk2100@yahoo.com :) Thank you, comment generously..and I'll keep bringing you more food for thought!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day 1
Welcome to 2010
It's the first day of a new year.I'm a man on a mission...To expose the TRUTH!....I find that of no fault of your own, (or my own) we have sandstorms in our mind that bury truths about ourselves that we might not want to accept. Moreover, the truths that don't get completely covered by the sand, we make excuses for...either "declaring" that we'll fix it and becoming the expert procrastinator, or finding a reason or excuse as to why it's acceptable. Let’s use me as an example; I'm a 19 year old who on appearance is healthy, happy, in good shape, and hasn't a worry in the world. Upon further inspection, if my attitude doesn't fool you, my intellect will...whereas I'm often mislabeled or misjudged for always having "the answer" and always being "happy"...Hey, if this satisfies you, it satisfies me :)
However I'm not healthy as I could be, far from happy most days, in awful shape, and rotate my worries nightly so as not to dwell on one so much so that I become circumstantially depressed.
I have isolated my sandstorm and am now working on uncovering the sand dunes!! The question most of you might (or should) be asking is how can such a misconception exist? As a matter of fact, a common question I receive is how I manage to project such an image...and for so long? Honestly I don't know...generally the answer I give is that it's taken many years of practice, conditioning, and yet I'm still mastering it. But another big part of this is being truthful with myself. I know who I am, what I am and am not feeling, how I look under my clothes, and most importantly if I'm comfortable with that. Whatever I project is completely a matter of fun house mirrors to you all...I like that...welcome to my "fun house"!
Being a student of the human mind, it comes almost as second nature to me to analyze, diagnose, and "fix" others...To understand and manipulate the mind of others wouldn't be such an amazing, (or possible) feat had I not a certain level of understanding of my own mind, and a certain ability to manipulate, (or select who I allow to manipulate) my own mind. I'm certain by now I've lost many, and for those of you who have held on I thank you this ramble will be over soon...One day I sat in on a therapy session with a licensed therapist and she said to me, "well, what do you want to talk about?" I answered her basically by telling her I just wanted to talk, I proceeded to tell her everything that was wrong with me and how I was going to fix it. She sat amazed and declared that I am one of the most self aware people she's met and she really doesn't understand the purpose of my visit....I smiled and went on my way :)
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