Rationality?

How do we justify killing? How do we justify torture? Those seem to be questions that come up when speaking of news stories in the last few weeks.

How do we justify killing? How do we justify torture? Questions we ask after events take place where we feel these questions must be answered. 

How do we justify killing? How do we justify torture? We say these questions as if they are necessary. As if justification makes it easier to do or makes it benevolent. 

What we should be doing is asking ourselves: What the hell happened to rationality?

These two questions in my opinion shouldn't even be asked. Far to often we say "How" and not "Why." When you say "Why do we justify killing?" or "Why do we justify torture."

Think about it.

We're not asking why because it's terrifying. Realizing the moment when you ask why instead of how recognizes that there's something wrong. Asking how means finding reasons to find our actions against the weakest acceptable as long as we find a "benevolent" reason to commit these acts.

We are suppose to be a rational society. Yet over fifty percent of our nation feel torture is justified. 

Why? Not how, why?

Here's what John McCain thinks, a literal P.O.W.

Yet we don't ask why? We ask how?

When police shoot within 2 seconds of arriving at a playground.

We ask how and not why.

How do we justify killings? How do we justify torture? We can come up with many reasons how to justify these actions, but when we ask why of these actions is when the nature of actions is challenged and if those actions taken were right or wrong.

It also makes us think from a first person perspective. Why do we means putting ourselves in that persons shoes, taking those actions, and emotions we would experience. How do we justify instead of why we justify in some ways as implicit it seems that we need to cover our actions.

I guess why is a little more of an accusation but with the gravity of these events shouldn't they be?

So we can make sense of it instead of blindly agreeing with actions taken and their aftermath.

Our rationality just seems applied without curiosity but with a way to ease our confusion. So we can just make sense of things and move on.

What the hell happened to Rationality?

We apply it irrationally.

Honest Conversations

I recently read a piece about the twitter conversation that John Legend had with Piers Morgan.

You can read about the conversation here in thegrio.com.

It's a conversation that really isn't connecting. In my opinion two points are being made that have validity. To which the degree of validity ranges.

Piers Morgan's point about the use of the ugly ole' "N-word" is this: it doesn't help.

To which I say, you're right and you don't even know what your right about.

It doesn't deepen racism. It doesn't exacerbate racism. It doesn't make racism acceptable.

It takes away identity Piers. When you refer to someone as just that it's demeans who they are. Imagine being called that everyday instead of Piers Morgan. You're no longer you, you are just another face in the crowd. It's use is to disenfranchise and it's become socially acceptable to refer to each other as such instead of by their given name. It's use as a term of endearment to me is laughable, but understandable. Language is ever evolving and to claim it's use in 2014 is a civil rights issue is a soft-ball of an argument. 

The "N-word" is just as bad as "some dude" or "that one guy." It takes away the importance of an individual.

Recognize me for who I am and call me by my name.

  

That's the point you should of made. 

Validity of Piers Morgan's point is minimal. Which is something John Legend points out.

In one of his tweets John Legend says:

"Assume black people stopped saying the word and white people had no excuse to say it, what would that solve?"

 I understand his question, especially since Piers regards himself as a civil rights advocate in his op-ed.

John Legend's twitter remarks about his Op-ed is this: Piers Morgan's point is pointless.

John Legend is an activist and avid one at that according to his TED profile. So his question doesn't come from someone just pointing the finger at Piers' perspective.

John Legend also points out something else with this tweet:

"What you suggested was actually useless and directed the blame for racism on the victims' use of a word. focus elsewhere."

Victim blaming, the defensive response by any aggressor who doesn't want to take accountability.

What I don't like here by John Legend is the way he shuts down the conversation. Rational minds know racism isn't black people's fault. Using that instance to have a "drop the mic" kind of moment against Piers doesn't help either.

Have an honest conversation. You know what he believes, but why does he believe that? Why does he think it's the responsibility of the black community? What are some real solutions in your opinion to fighting racism Piers? How did you come to this conclusion factually?

Open up the conversation to every tweeter following the thread to something enriching and meaningful. Give the public something to simmer on.

John Legend's point: It's great but go for it all. Keep the conversation going.

As far as the N-word goes, I don't use it. Personally it's just not for me, and I have chosen to not use it. I do get offended when I hear it. I voice my stance, which is to be called by my name: Matthew. I leave it at that.

Yet we're seeing this word as something just being apart of a national culture.
A generational divide exists here to.

After all is said and done, the very rappers Piers Morgan brings up have normalized a once derogatory word into a word that is being seen more and more as a term of endearment or reference to ANY human.

It's negative connotation is lost to younger generations because of that context. Which is really what we are striving for: Social Change.

Words can generate hate. Words can generate love. Words can change the consciousness of a nation.

If we talk openly about our differences, about our misunderstandings, we can change perspectives. We can create a much more honest portrait of our nation, an inclusive image of every walk of life.

We don't have to be the same to live equally and with respect for one another.

What the hell happened to honest conversations? We're not good listeners.

Cops and Community

I start this post by saying one thing. I'm troubled. I am troubled by the lines that are being drawn by citizens and also by the police. The polarizing state of unrest and distrust has the makings of being incredibly problematic.

The power dynamic here seems to be the police, whom have resources and means to uphold the law as written by local and state governments. The citizens, whom have each other and the constitution that protects the rights of every single American. However between those two groups one of these powers seems more tangible and readily available.

I like anyone else are appalled by videos that surface questioning the practices of law enforcement. Often violent the question we have to ask ourselves first is: Why did this happen? Once we see the evidence, once the accurate information is released, and the police officer is found to be justified in his actions we have to respect that decision. Sometimes it's not that easy I know, justice systems are another topic for another day. When he is found unjustified, his actions are his alone and do not represent the police force as a whole.

Condemning them as a whole does not make communication between law enforcement and citizens easier.

They have a job to do and we can help with it when we are having an open dialogue with police.

The police however must respect the citizens and their rights. They do not get to dismiss a citizen's rights simply because the citizen you have come into contact with doesn't respect them or has personally made you angry. Most local law enforcement is paid by taxpayers. We entrusted you to protect us, and uphold the laws made by our elected representatives. Show us as citizens that respect.

When it comes to violent stand-offs and altercations that can result badly it is up to them to decipher whether or not what is the proper course of action.

The particular example of that use of power in this story is not one of them because the narrative is basically unacceptable:

What the hell happened to Cops and Community?

Officer Nick Schultz of Merrillville Indiana was shot in the line of duty. According to reports by The Chicago Tribune he even gave his organs to six other people to save lives after being taken off life support. 

He was the first Merrillville officer to be killed in the line of duty. The services honored him and his life accomplishments remembered.

With memories of the funeral services fresh still in many minds a man named Kevin Kirby posted a controversial post about the police officers. He was arrested hours later after the post for having several arrest warrants, it hasn't been reported yet as to what those warrants were reportedly for, and also as a person of interest.
This particular image has been making the rounds on Facebook.

 

The post by the man Kevin Kirby is heinous and insensitive. Everyone agrees, as do I that he should never even thought to type such an offensive post.  With several outstanding warrants, photos, and a post like these:

 It shows there's plausible reason to arrest him. This arrest is fine with me, but the narrative is what is most concerning. I am sure as more information is released we will see what is next for this man Kevin Kirby..

Surfing the internet searching for more on this unfolding story I came across a Facebook user whom made a manifesto that I believe is troubling while posting a picture of this man's arrest:

Why is that meme post getting so much traction? Why would someone state something so threatening? Why images under that narrative and rhetoric were used when he clearly had actual warrants out for his arrest? It leads to a question of making an example of a citizen not by just the law enforcement that apprehended him but also by some law enforcement reaction and response to the narrative.

We can't have rhetoric that says:

"Let this message be clear. We will not tolerate social media cop bashing and threats. Just ask Kevin Kirby." 

The threats this post claims pales in comparison to threats of what is seemingly an officer considering the tone of the post. Citizen's have power, but the police have an entire arsenal on their side that any regular citizen does not have. Threats I get, I hear that loud an clear. Not one citizen should be threatening anyone especially not the police. We have agreed we need local law enforcement for order. Your message is heard as one to an entire society who wants to hold it's public servants accountable when necessary.This post however isn't a message to criminals. It's to people they serve and protect. It's to the people recording interactions as a way to protect themselves to have a visual account from their perspective of law enforcement contact.

It is a message to all of us. Put the cameras down or be arrested. No more recording us.

We need police officers though to protect us from dangerous people. We as citizens need cameras because for some individuals power that is bestowed upon them is abused and corrupted. My family has many that served in the armed forces and police. What they taught me was to know my rights, and to go to the good guys when your in trouble.Communities need police officers to look after them not fear based messages like this. Disassociating yourself from the community makes it that more dangerous to do your job. 

We have to start seeing ourselves in each other. The Ferguson riots are an example of the mistrust and disconnect between community and law enforcement. You're the good guys. I still believe that.

What the hell happen to Cops and Community? They stopped living in the same neighborhood.

being human.

I haven't had a post in awhile due to a concussion I suffered in July. The day before Independence Day is when it occurred. Many things have happen since that time: I am no longer with Our Neighborhood Times, albeit informally, my relationship is not soured just ended. The protests in Ferguson to which I took to my personal Facebook account to engage in conversations about racism, equality, and change that I feel is much needed.

However the most recent thing on my mind is the hacking of Apple iCloud and release of celebrities nude photos to the public. The identity of the hacker has yet to be found but the names listed in this report have either tweeted disgust or denied completely the photos are of them.

This display from the virile underbelly of entertainment media stems from the lack of sexual education and sexual exploration. The sexual objectification of women, where it is normative to strip away humanity of women and happens far to often.

What the hell happen to human?

It's not enough that you violate people's privacy. It's not enough that they try to be as genuine as they can in interviews. It's not enough they setup places to meet you, create twitter feeds to stay connected with you, and sign your autographs at expos and Comic-cons. Somehow it wasn't enough was it.

It's not enough that some of these stars have already done sexy photo-shoots that they have consented to. No really. This is a consented photo of  Ms. Lawrence:

There's more too, but this isn't enough? To the extent we sexually objectify women and to what means we will go has no bounds.

As a Man I take responsibility for feeding this dehumanizing culture of seeing women as objects and normalizing the reaction as acceptable. However I will do everything I can in my personal everyday life to not be a sexist, chauvinistic, and downright deplorable individual who takes the stance of #NotAllMen. I will be an ally. Why? Because #YesAllWomen. 

Because yes she consented to the photo shoot above but that does not mean they had this coming, or that it's something they should have expected if they had nude photos on a private hard drive. An intrusion of privacy and exploitation of their physical appearance is not only a complete violation of who they are as women, as humans it is also ILLEGAL. 

We can try to reason with this all we want, but the truth is not that we are voyeuristic and curious that makes us want to see the photos now that they are available. It is because we are a sexist society that holds the perception of sexual objectification heavily on women. Because the mentality, be it suggestive and nuanced, is that sexual objects is all women are good for. That perception must die. We are not entitled to seeing these women's bodies nude simply because they are entertainers, actresses, and public figures.

Despite how public a lot of their actions are, they still deserve privacy and respect so they can have some sort of normalcy in their lives to which none of us can relate to.

You may see the pictures and say "I didn't leak them" and you may justify with that thought, reason, and logic so you can do whatever it is your going to do with the photos just know this: Whatever you are doing, is without the consent of the other party. Sound familiar?

What the hell happen to being human? Sadly and most disappointing, you'd have to ask a man first, because women are still fighting to try and find out what that feels like.

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George Zimmerman

First I have to start this blog by saying this: I am going to be at times a little profane, because I am outraged and disappointed in the twisted scheme that is this "Celebrity" Boxing Match that is "Zimmerman vs. Any Challenger." I usually ask "what hell happened to" when starting these blog-posts, but today, at this moment I have to ask: What the fuck happen to George Zimmerman?

In an article by The Independent George Zimmerman offers up a shot to be in a Celebrity Boxing Match, and confides that he is willing to take on anyone. With just this statement alone I want to break this down, because it's devilishly genius, and fucking despicable. He is by every means using the resentment against him to make money, not only that he is using infamy to deem himself as an influential figure to American society. Let me be clear, he is using his infamous image from killing this boy, Trayvon Martin "justifiably":

George Zimmerman after using the defense that he could not even win a fight or be effective in any kind of way in MMA has decided to have an event that is basically saying "come get some." This action is just a device being used against you  for his own personal gain. Of course him getting his ass kicked sounds great, but you don't think for a second that asshole won't get knocked onto the mat with a smile on his face with all the money he would make from this?(With a portion of the proceeds going to an Animal Rights Group which has not been disclosed.) and the worse case scenario is what if he wins? What if the match is rigged? And the fact that it's The Game? Don't you think Racial Vengeance is an angle conservative news outlets will choose for this? Fucking seriously! We are about to set ourselves back 300 fucking years right after the month of which is dedicated to recognizing African American public figures that need to be recognized and not forgotten like Martin Luther King who advocated for non-violence. We deserve better. I was ashamed of one of my favorite news outlets perspective on the Boxing Match set for March 1st (The Young Turks). Here's the video. 

Vigilante Justice bought and paid for by a promoter and a boxing ring, is still Vigilante Justice. It's barbaric, and most importantly I wouldn't give this worthless piece of flesh a dime, because win or lose you are rewarding his behavior by watching this Pay-Per-View Match (and putting money in his pocket). I hate to say this but shame on you TYT. To The Game, you have paid respects to the Trayvon Martin Family by the Tattoo you have on your leg:

This is more than enough tribute. Fighting didn't solve anything on that night, and fighting on March 1st won't solve anything either. 

I believe the unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality, this is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

-Martin Luther King Jr.-

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#1empFI8KxF3bSTO5.99

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#1empFI8KxF3bSTO5.99

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#1empFI8KxF3bSTO5.99

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#1empFI8KxF3bSTO5.99

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#1empFI8KxF3bSTO5.99

Look, I know that the "he's going to get what's coming to him" mantra is what many people have taken on in this case, which is why it's so disappointing. You are giving George Zimmerman exactly what he wants. He hasn't been the most quiet citizen either since killing Trayvon Martin. His criminal record continued to grow, most notably domestic disturbances with his estranged wife, Shellie, and another with his girlfriend whom put forth allegations but later the charges were dropped.

We have to stop feeding this mans lust for aggression and violence. We have to stop. My message also to The Game, as seen in the video beating a man up. You are about to cement an image of the "angry black man" in racists, bigots, and supremacists all over the nation that isn't true. Martin Luther King was a non-violent activist until the day he died. Can we follow in his footsteps for once. George Zimmerman has shown his true colors to everyone with his actions. Show yours by pointing out the HUGE inconsistency with his defense of killing an unarmed 17 year old boy. Get in the ring, take those gloves off and resist anger. Resist the urges we all have against this man. Show this man what peace, resolve, and discipline look like. If you don't, it will accomplish nothing good. Show the world that we as a people will not stoop to his level for justice. Let Trayon Martin's soul rest. Trayvon nor Zimmerman deserve any of this.

  

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

-Martin Luther King Jr.-

What the hell happened to George Zimmerman? Everything he ever wanted. 

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People and their phones

I have read some really tragic stories over the last few days. The two that caught my attention the most are two articles that ended in death involving cell phones. In one story a man jumped into an icy river in Chicago to go after his smartphone. His friends who were with him followed in after him. One man and One woman trying to save their friend from going after his phone. The woman is missing presumed drowned, and the other is in critical condition from report I read on here. The next story which can be read clicking here. It was between two men in a theater and texting during the trailers. There was a verbal altercation that ended in one man being shot and killed, and another being injured.

So here's the question: What the hell happened to people and their phones?

In one instance let the phone float away, and in the other, someone text messaging during the trailers doesn't mean kill anyone (The man who was shot, his son was just two seats away.) over it. Also what's so important that you can't shut your phone off and watch a movie. Sit down, be at the theater with your family, and enjoy the show. That is what you came there to do right? Then again it happened in Florida, you don't have to hold much in that state to get shot. I digress, The actions by these people over someone using their phones and what they escalated too is simply mind-boggling.

Selfies, foodies, snapchats, and instagrams are fun ways to use our phones. However do we spend to much time capturing moments with our phone than being apart of them? Here's a video I watched via Upworthy.com. I would check them out, they find videos that challenge the way we think, and sometimes just uplift you. Directed by Miles Crawford and Written by Charlene deGuzman and Miles Crawford.

Phones now have speech functions that make it seem like you are carrying on a conversation. You what carries a conversation well, a person. Breathing human beings, in my opinion people see it as social acceptance. Playing games, showing pictures of nights before. It's a great tool, don't get me wrong, but at the end of the day it's just that. A tool. Nothing more. Maybe people should try this game more:

It's a thought, because do we really want a track worthy statistic of people dying from cell-phone related incidents like the two above? What the hell happen to People and their cell phones? #WeLostConnection.

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Artist Standards

Recently in Salon.com Prachi Gupta has an article that highlights a bloggers extensive interview with Jim Derogatis on villagevoice.com with Jessica Hopper  here. Jim Derogatis, a music critic, is the reporter who broke the story of sex abuse acts alleged against R. Kelly. Now in Salon's piece they raise the very important question which is: Would these allegations and lawsuits be more public if one of them involved a white girl? Gupta quotes Derogatis from the interview with Hopper:

“Nobody matters less to our society than young black women”

In the article Derogatis brings up issues surrounding R.Kelly and the lawsuits against him. His opinion is strong and you should definitely read it for yourself
However the interview on villiagevoice.com Derogatis brings up something that has bothered me really as a listener, critic, and blogger of music. What the hell happened to Artist Standards? In the interview Jessica Hopper has with Derogatis he says quote:

A lot of art, great art, is made by despicable people. James Brown beat his wife. Rare is the amount of evidence compiled against anyone apart from R. Kelly. I got the Bonham three rings [tattooed] on my foot. Led Zeppelin did disgusting things. People are always, "Why aren't you upset about Led Zeppelin?" I have a couple of responses to that: I didn't cover Led Zeppelin. If I was on the plane, like Cameron Crowe was, I would have written about those things if I saw them. The art very rarely talks about these things. There are not pro-rape Led Zeppelin songs. There are not pro-wife-beating James Brown songs.

Derogatis sites the list of lawsuits against R.Kelly that are on public record in Chicago courts. R. Kelly's multiple lawsuits involving sexual abuse, child pornography, and rape (Yes, Rape. Read the interview) Jim Derogatis can't really understand why Pitchfork in particular, a music festival in Chicago, would endorse this artist he refers to as a "Monster" as a headliner. Derogatis says:

I can still listen to Led Zeppelin and take joy in Led Zeppelin or James Brown. I condemn the things they did. I'm not reminded constantly in the art, because the art is not about it.

And that's a very important distinction. R. Kelly's current album is titled "Black Panties." Just by the title alone you can't help but be reminded of the long list of accusations after reading the interview and hearing the account of Derogatis' encounters with the dozens of women who have lawsuits against the singer.

In my personal opinion I believe that the pedestal we put these artists on is unrealistic, and we give them the excuse of being "rich and famous." That allows them the ability to do whatever they please without potential of a real consequence. It forms an absolutely terrible standard for creators of art we, I believe, based around the mindset that we too one day will all be millionaires so when our day comes we will act in the same manner if it was us in the same position. Derogatis refers to him as a monster, after reading the interview with Jessica Hopper and Derogatis' account of the reporting you can make your own conclusion.

What the hell happened to Artist Standards? Society somehow see's artist and their actions as a reflection of ourselves in those positions and instances that broadens the perspective of what we find acceptable, excusable, and justifiable. Maybe that is the real monster.

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