Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Friday, April 30, 2010
Black Agenda
Greetings viewers,
The criticism of President Obama has come to a point where I simply must comment. Not shocking are the comments from republicans and commentators like Rush Limbaugh or the entire Fox political panel, however, when it starts to come from "black community leaders" that is a different story. For months now, so called "black community leaders" such as Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Louis Farrakhan have been criticizing the president for his lack of an aggressive Black Agenda.
Lets all keep in mind that President Barack Obama is the 44th president of the UNITED STATES. He is not the president of Black America, White America, Hispanic America, or any other division of the overall population of the United States of America. As an African American, I can understand this group's concern for the state of "disproportionate suffering" faced by African Americans and other minority groups, however, I also understand that the President is not in a position to create agendas specifically designed to alleviate stress from one specific race. Can you even imagine the ramifications of Pres. Obama announcing a Black Agenda or Black Prosperity Bill? No? Ok, better question, can you imagine if Pres. Bush had introduced a White Agenda. Ok...im sure its becoming more clear now.
All that having been said...How can the so called leaders not see that the President's efforts are in fact benefiting Black America as well as everyone else. Seriously, the health care reform...what part of the population has the highest numbers of people without health care? The Public School Education Plan...Gee I wonder who the majority is that are falling through the cracks in public schooling? And last but certainly not least, the Financial Reform designed to help the "most vulnerable consumers"! And who exactly are these "vulnerable consumers"? Those targeted by payday lenders, check cashers, and other alternative financial service companies...ie Blacks and Hispanics.
So, the basic lesson here is: read and listen before you collaborate and criticize. And if the newspapers don't cover it for you, you can always listen to Tea Party members complain about "too much being done about problems facing blacks"...but ill save that for another day.
Until next time, Dr. Z out.
The criticism of President Obama has come to a point where I simply must comment. Not shocking are the comments from republicans and commentators like Rush Limbaugh or the entire Fox political panel, however, when it starts to come from "black community leaders" that is a different story. For months now, so called "black community leaders" such as Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Louis Farrakhan have been criticizing the president for his lack of an aggressive Black Agenda.
Lets all keep in mind that President Barack Obama is the 44th president of the UNITED STATES. He is not the president of Black America, White America, Hispanic America, or any other division of the overall population of the United States of America. As an African American, I can understand this group's concern for the state of "disproportionate suffering" faced by African Americans and other minority groups, however, I also understand that the President is not in a position to create agendas specifically designed to alleviate stress from one specific race. Can you even imagine the ramifications of Pres. Obama announcing a Black Agenda or Black Prosperity Bill? No? Ok, better question, can you imagine if Pres. Bush had introduced a White Agenda. Ok...im sure its becoming more clear now.
All that having been said...How can the so called leaders not see that the President's efforts are in fact benefiting Black America as well as everyone else. Seriously, the health care reform...what part of the population has the highest numbers of people without health care? The Public School Education Plan...Gee I wonder who the majority is that are falling through the cracks in public schooling? And last but certainly not least, the Financial Reform designed to help the "most vulnerable consumers"! And who exactly are these "vulnerable consumers"? Those targeted by payday lenders, check cashers, and other alternative financial service companies...ie Blacks and Hispanics.
So, the basic lesson here is: read and listen before you collaborate and criticize. And if the newspapers don't cover it for you, you can always listen to Tea Party members complain about "too much being done about problems facing blacks"...but ill save that for another day.
Until next time, Dr. Z out.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Impulse and Loyalty
On this day, Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Thomas Hagan, otherwise known as Talmadge X Hayer, was released from his 45 year stint in prison. Why was he arrested? The assassination of Malcolm X.
When asked why he would murder such an enormous international figure and revolutionary hero, he states that he "acted out of rage on impulse and loyalty" to Elijah Muhammad. Now he avoids making many statements about how he feels about being released, but states that he now "understand[s] a lot better the dynamics of movements and what can happen inside them...I have deep regrets about my participation in that."
Many have mixed feelings about the release of Thomas Hagan, however I feel the Malcolm X & Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center board chairman Zead Ramadan said it best..."We just don't think it's ours to decide the fate of this man. We allowed the laws of this nation to develop that".
When asked why he would murder such an enormous international figure and revolutionary hero, he states that he "acted out of rage on impulse and loyalty" to Elijah Muhammad. Now he avoids making many statements about how he feels about being released, but states that he now "understand[s] a lot better the dynamics of movements and what can happen inside them...I have deep regrets about my participation in that."
Many have mixed feelings about the release of Thomas Hagan, however I feel the Malcolm X & Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center board chairman Zead Ramadan said it best..."We just don't think it's ours to decide the fate of this man. We allowed the laws of this nation to develop that".
PWI vs. HBCU
Greetings viewers,
It has been requested that I delve into the ongoing, controversial debate of Predominantly White Institution versus the Historically Black College or University. As an African American that was fortunate enough to experience both types of campuses during my Undergraduate matriculation, the following opinions are based on my personal experiences.
The Predominantly White Institutions, or PWIs, have been universities filled with resources, instruments of every kind, and a diverse student body that most people believe mimics the "real world". It was refreshing to walk the same halls that a gaggle of rich and prestigious Americans walked, all the while knowing with all assurance that I was receiving the very best education that could be afforded to me. Walking past the finely manicured lawns and impressive statues, I never once stopped to think about the debt I was collecting or the competitive nature in which my fellow classmates would ask, "how did you do on the last exam?" Conversely, there was a slow and sometimes difficult acquaintance with the University that was made much easier with the help of organizations like the Black Student Union and National Society of Black Engineers. Overall, the experience was enjoyable and filled be with a singular pride in myself and my accomplishments.
The Historically Black College or University, or HBCU, was an altogether different experience. While the buildings were not as new, there were no bushes shaped like men, and if you had a morning appointment at the Registrar's Office you had better pack a lunch, there was a different sense of pride instilled here. This was pride in your history and community. Initially I believed it didn't really matter after whom each building was named or how the school came to be. However, after being forced to read the biographies and being surrounded by the old pictures I came to value these things more than the school budget or fast-food restaurants on campus. Gone was the competitive spirit among the student body, and sadly many of the Major options. In its place though were the sentiments of helping your fellow man, we must all succeed, and "Find a Way or Make One". This togetherness and support was overwhelming, even if the student body did not represent the "American population".
So, can I say that one school was "better" than the next? Can I tell anyone what type of school is best for them? I most certainly cannot nor would I. What I will say is that I learned different lessons at each of the schools I attended, and I wouldn't trade either experience for the world. Visit your potential school and decide for yourself....
It has been requested that I delve into the ongoing, controversial debate of Predominantly White Institution versus the Historically Black College or University. As an African American that was fortunate enough to experience both types of campuses during my Undergraduate matriculation, the following opinions are based on my personal experiences.
The Predominantly White Institutions, or PWIs, have been universities filled with resources, instruments of every kind, and a diverse student body that most people believe mimics the "real world". It was refreshing to walk the same halls that a gaggle of rich and prestigious Americans walked, all the while knowing with all assurance that I was receiving the very best education that could be afforded to me. Walking past the finely manicured lawns and impressive statues, I never once stopped to think about the debt I was collecting or the competitive nature in which my fellow classmates would ask, "how did you do on the last exam?" Conversely, there was a slow and sometimes difficult acquaintance with the University that was made much easier with the help of organizations like the Black Student Union and National Society of Black Engineers. Overall, the experience was enjoyable and filled be with a singular pride in myself and my accomplishments.
The Historically Black College or University, or HBCU, was an altogether different experience. While the buildings were not as new, there were no bushes shaped like men, and if you had a morning appointment at the Registrar's Office you had better pack a lunch, there was a different sense of pride instilled here. This was pride in your history and community. Initially I believed it didn't really matter after whom each building was named or how the school came to be. However, after being forced to read the biographies and being surrounded by the old pictures I came to value these things more than the school budget or fast-food restaurants on campus. Gone was the competitive spirit among the student body, and sadly many of the Major options. In its place though were the sentiments of helping your fellow man, we must all succeed, and "Find a Way or Make One". This togetherness and support was overwhelming, even if the student body did not represent the "American population".
So, can I say that one school was "better" than the next? Can I tell anyone what type of school is best for them? I most certainly cannot nor would I. What I will say is that I learned different lessons at each of the schools I attended, and I wouldn't trade either experience for the world. Visit your potential school and decide for yourself....
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Music as Motivation
As I scroll through the updated statuses on various social networking sites, I am bombarded with quotes from various R&B and rap lyrics. And while I understand that sometimes the way you feel has already been expressed in a clearer fashion than you are capable of producing, I still usher this warning.
Music is ENTERTAINMENT. Most artists don't even write their own lyrics, and those that do generally focus on the topics they feel will be most readily accepted by the consumer, the listener. That being said, not all rap lyricists have been to jail, sell drugs, disrespect women, or spend all their income on cars and rims. Not all female rappers are promiscuous, bisexual, or scantily clad. Not all R&B artists are currently in love, or falling out of love. Not all Blues singers are really in a rut. These are all stereotypes to be learned from, they are not being illustrated for you to take on and become the stereotype.
These songs are fictitious accounts of situations and activities that COULD influence a persons life. The lyrics should be amusing...not motivation nor the motto for your lifestyle. Anything that you hear or read can responsibly be used as a tool to objectively check you life and change according, however it should not be become the blueprint.
That being said, people please STOP scrapping together all your cash so that you can make it rain, spending more money on your car than you do on your rent, giving up opportunities in the career world so you can sell drugs, buying jewelry based on size and not quality, using song lyrics in arguments to make a point, and collecting baby momma/daddy.
Instead try opening a bank account, investing your money, buying property that appreciates in value, respecting your fellow man, and getting a career. Because until we can change our mindsets and do all of these things....
...How can we really hope to advance as a people?
Music is ENTERTAINMENT. Most artists don't even write their own lyrics, and those that do generally focus on the topics they feel will be most readily accepted by the consumer, the listener. That being said, not all rap lyricists have been to jail, sell drugs, disrespect women, or spend all their income on cars and rims. Not all female rappers are promiscuous, bisexual, or scantily clad. Not all R&B artists are currently in love, or falling out of love. Not all Blues singers are really in a rut. These are all stereotypes to be learned from, they are not being illustrated for you to take on and become the stereotype.
These songs are fictitious accounts of situations and activities that COULD influence a persons life. The lyrics should be amusing...not motivation nor the motto for your lifestyle. Anything that you hear or read can responsibly be used as a tool to objectively check you life and change according, however it should not be become the blueprint.
That being said, people please STOP scrapping together all your cash so that you can make it rain, spending more money on your car than you do on your rent, giving up opportunities in the career world so you can sell drugs, buying jewelry based on size and not quality, using song lyrics in arguments to make a point, and collecting baby momma/daddy.
Instead try opening a bank account, investing your money, buying property that appreciates in value, respecting your fellow man, and getting a career. Because until we can change our mindsets and do all of these things....
...How can we really hope to advance as a people?
Dorothy I. Height
Greetings all,
I have to begin today by addressing the passing of the phenomenal Dorothy I. Height. She passed yesterday at the ripe age of 98 years old. While I am saddened to see the departure of a women of such strength and character, I am ecstatic that we were ever graced with her presence in the first place.
When many of us think of doing service for our community or country, we seldom come close to even fathoming the level of service that was performed by the late Dorothy Height. During her lifelong fight for civil rights, she played an influential part in every publicized battle (Desegregation of schools, the bombing of the Birmingham church in which four girls died, organizer of the March on Washington, etc.) and she stood up in some battles that the public had no idea were even being fought.
Yesterday, the Country, the world, the movement, and the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., lost a phenomenal woman who was known for saying "I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as one who tried."
....How will you be remembered?
I have to begin today by addressing the passing of the phenomenal Dorothy I. Height. She passed yesterday at the ripe age of 98 years old. While I am saddened to see the departure of a women of such strength and character, I am ecstatic that we were ever graced with her presence in the first place.
When many of us think of doing service for our community or country, we seldom come close to even fathoming the level of service that was performed by the late Dorothy Height. During her lifelong fight for civil rights, she played an influential part in every publicized battle (Desegregation of schools, the bombing of the Birmingham church in which four girls died, organizer of the March on Washington, etc.) and she stood up in some battles that the public had no idea were even being fought.
Yesterday, the Country, the world, the movement, and the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., lost a phenomenal woman who was known for saying "I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as one who tried."
....How will you be remembered?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Are You Serious!
Greetings viewers. Today is my first day blogging so ill begin by introducing my blog. The title is PolitikZ which represents Dr. Z's (that's me) personal look at some of the issues I encounter. These will not be limited to the news, pieces of legislation, and country wide scandal, but will also touch on neighborhood issues, inschool behavior, and anything else I encounter that deserves to be mentioned.
So lets jump on in here.
Today's topic is Are You Serious: Night Club Edition.
As one grows older, the natural progression of things is that one would mature and move away from childish and unscrupulous behavior. You begin to change and thus the activities that you participate in follow suit. Ultimately, you begin to dress differently for these new activities and find yourself changing a bit more until...before you know it, you have become an adult.
Or so one would think.
And while all this changing can sometimes be a challenge, it should not be viewed as "selling out" or "being flaw" but as an effort to mature. To be able to participate in more adult activities, in mature settings, while dressing the part so as to not look like a dang fool. This is the way to be taken seriously as an adult in today's society.
Here is the kicker....wait for it.....
So, why is it then, that so many of us would like to go on behaving ignorantly and in a juvenile fashion while everyday quoting Cedric the Entertainer's "Im a grown ass man, dog".
There are many examples I could choose from, however as previously stated, this is the Night Club Edition.
So lets jump on in here.
Today's topic is Are You Serious: Night Club Edition.
As one grows older, the natural progression of things is that one would mature and move away from childish and unscrupulous behavior. You begin to change and thus the activities that you participate in follow suit. Ultimately, you begin to dress differently for these new activities and find yourself changing a bit more until...before you know it, you have become an adult.
Or so one would think.
And while all this changing can sometimes be a challenge, it should not be viewed as "selling out" or "being flaw" but as an effort to mature. To be able to participate in more adult activities, in mature settings, while dressing the part so as to not look like a dang fool. This is the way to be taken seriously as an adult in today's society.
Here is the kicker....wait for it.....
So, why is it then, that so many of us would like to go on behaving ignorantly and in a juvenile fashion while everyday quoting Cedric the Entertainer's "Im a grown ass man, dog".
There are many examples I could choose from, however as previously stated, this is the Night Club Edition.
So here is a list of inappropriate Night club behavior for "Adults". (mostly addressing people over the age of 21)
First, and most important....these club photos:
15 people taking a picture in front of an airbrushed picture of Patron
Using bottles of alcohol as props in the photo
Obscene hand gestures (shooting a bird) at the camera
Women Bending over in the front
Framing your club photo to display in your home
Taking your photo standing backwards to show off the goods. (ladies...don't blow us)
Now, attire...[deep sigh]
Going out with underwear showing (boxers, thongs or bras)--you look dirty
Small men wearing Tall Tees to the club (if you are under 6' tall, this means you)
Taking your shirt off--it's never that hot
Taking your shoes off--if they hurt, you should have figured that out before you got there
No gym shoes PLEASE (no i don't care if they are Jordans)--especially the ladies
Lastly the behavior
I know sometimes its hard, but please avoid holding your arm up and yelling "This My Song"...I guarantee nobody cares!
If this club sells food, eat it BEFORE proceeding to the dance floor.
If at any point you have to throw up, realize that your night is over and proceed to an exit, DO NOT think this means you are ok now and can continue to party. You ARE NOT ok.
If you are like 45 yrs old, stay away from 18 & up clubs. When they say & up, they dont mean that high.
Those are all the tips I can come up with for now, please take this free advise, I promise it will do wonders for your social life. If there are any I forgot...Feel free to comment.
Until Next time, Dr. Z signing off ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)