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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Black Friday

Now that Black Wednesday and Friday have passed. I read a few stories of injuries and deaths, yes DEATHS from Black Wednesday and Friday Shopping. Then while scrolling my Facebook Newsfeed I came across a link that sparked my interest.

You can check the link out yourself here at blackfridaydeathcount.com.

Black Friday Death Count

Deaths Injuries

Know Your Death Count: The New York Daily News has recently republished an article from 2008 leading many to believe it happened this year.

		Deaths	Injuries
2013	Shopper Pepper Sprayed, Arrested in Argument Over TV at New Jersey Walmart	-	1
2013	Thanksgiving Day bargain shoppers send 11 year-old to hospital	-	2
2013	Teen returning home from Black Friday shopping fell asleep at wheel, killed in wreck	1	4
2013	Man Stabbed During Black Friday Event at Carlsbad Mall	-	1
2013	Newport, Arkansas Walmart employee injured during Black Friday sales	-	1
2013	Scenes of chaos during chain store's Black Friday sales in Ireland	-	1
2013	Several injured in Black Friday-related shooting outside Kohl's in Illinois	-	2
2013	Black Friday: Virginia Man Stabbed In Walmart Parking Lot Over Space	-	1
2013	Rialto Walmart brawl sends one police officer to hospital	-	1
2013	Shopper carrying TV home from Target shot in Las Vegas	-	1
2012	Father charged in crash that killed daughters after Black Friday shopping	2	5
2012	Two People Shot at Tallahassee Walmart Over Parking Space	-	2
2012	Black Friday Shoppers Hit By Suspected Drunk Driver In Walmart Parking Lot	-	2
2011	Black Friday Worker Rescued From Canal After Losing Control Of Car Due To Exhaustion	-	1
2011	Black Friday: Target Shoppers Step Over Walter Vance As He Collapses, Dies	1	-
2011	Fights break out at Rome Walmart during Black Friday shopping	-	2
2011	Woman Wounded in S.C. Black Friday Robbery Attempt	-	1
2011	Off-duty police pepper spray NC shoppers	-	20
2011	Shooting outside Calif. Walmart, 1 wounded	-	1
2011	Black Friday pepper-spray attack at Walmart injures 20	-	20
2010	Former Marine stabbed in Best Buy store by violent customer	-	1
2009	Clarksville Woman Trampled During Black Friday Shopping	-	1
2008	SoCal Toys 'R' Us Shooting Leaves Two Dead	2	2
2008	Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede	1	4
2006	10 Injured in SoCal Black Friday Mall Stampede	-	10
2006	Salt Lake Tribune, The : Red-hot on Black Friday‎	-	1

Corrections, Comments: info@blackfridaydeathcount.com © 2008 – 2013 blackfridaydeathcount.com

Not affiliated with a certain site, with a strikingly similar layout, touting Cyber Monday death counts. Spoiler: there aren't any!

I understand that people want their deals, but seriously though at what cost? The fact that some people in society are more jubilant to push and shove each other for a flat screen TV rather than sit with family calmly and peacefully is disturbing. This year some stores opened on Thanksgiving Day! In some cases shortly after most people are finishing Thanksgiving Dinner. I digress, the important issue here is that there is a death count for shopping, Family Shopping.

The chaotic mess and waves of people shopping for deals on "stuff" and "things" directly after giving thanks for what you already have and being thankful. Maybe we like being a hypocritical society it seems. Now an internet big board keeping count of how many people die from fatigue or trampling from Black Wednesday Shopping. This video: 

Not affiliated with a certain site, with a strikingly similar layout, touting Cyber Monday death counts. Spoiler: there aren't any!

 

Why do we feel this is okay? Being arrested over a television, or dying even for items that are basically crap, yes crap. The doorbuster deals are for items that are made by cheaper parts and less features. 

That's just one little tidbit from this video from buzzfeedvideo below:

 

I know some will say, "It didn't happen like that where I am from..." However with Black Wednesday and Friday inching closer and closer into Thanksgiving, people trading more and more of what has become very precious time with loved one's for waiting in long lines for cheap prices and even cheaper products. Turkey Day begins a day before the actual holiday with much preparation in most cases. Families preparing for large groups of people to eat a hearty meal with all the trimmings. When the okay is giving to dive in, the feeding frenzy begins. We consume and overindulge not caring about the potential negative and damaging consequences of overindulgence, We like how good it feels. We do it the same way every year. What the hell happened to Black Friday? We treat it like Thanksgiving. As always follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times.

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With Drug Testing?

Now, I have seen this particular photo floating around on Facebook:

What a headline right? Welfare drug testing saves money in the state of Utah. Here's a video from +The Young Turks  on that very story:

 

Here's the kicker however, according to a report from the Associated Press the whole whopping twelve people being confirmed drug users does not mean they will be denied benefits. They will be required to enter substance abuse treatment. So despite being confirmed users these people will still get benefits anyway.

Why is society insistent on trying to frame the poor as lazy do-nothing American Citizens because of drug use? Don't believe me? Here's one post from Facebook after seeing the headline:

Post by Delia Payne.

So here's the context according to the people who believe this is so very important: Drug users get benefits to buy drugs, this law stops that (or so they think). However substance abusers still need drugs, because they are addicted. Do you think they will stop finding ways to get drugs even without benefits? Don't you think they would probably go about doing illegal things to get those very substances, potentially increasing the crime rate, and filling up prisons even more. That is within the context of what some people believe the intention of the law is. How do you the solve problem if you are so worried about drug abusers receiving benefits? My opinion, legalize drugs and regulate them. End this non-sense War on Drugs. With over 45 million people in poverty according to Reuters. 22 million "abusers" and about 18 million are smoking marijuana according to drugabuse.gov. What drug is being used by such a large  part of the population that using drug testing is a must? I digress, back to this headline in Utah.
Not pushing in the headline that even if you are a confirmed substance abuser you can still receive benefits is entirely misleading. Why would you want to misguide your readers into thinking they won't get help from the state? They just might use that money to buy your news publication. Instead of encouraging people who need help to receive benefits from the state, the press bought right into the scare tactics trying to be used when lawmakers put the provision into their law. What the hell happened drug testing? Despite what the headlines try to do, it does nothing. People can still get help...for now.

Alternatives

Looking back at yet another mass shooting in this country got me thinking, then a few days later on the local news channels in Chicago they interviewed a child shortly after being shot in the face to ask him "Do you know what happened?" To which the child replied, "Yea, I got shot." He was four.
All the talks are about pro-gun or anti-gun. I thought about something that hopefully will appease both sides, non-lethal against lethal. I understand first the 2nd amendment right to bare arms, however that right is not restricted to just lethal firearms. "Arms" is honestly loosely defined. I digress, non-lethal weapons are a form of protection for the average citizen that isn't hit on hard enough ever. That nature to kill should not be nurtured. What the hell happen to Alternatives? For example this non-lethal alternative is legal in all 50 states it's called the ARMA100 here's a nice picture of it:

 

 Also here's a fancy little video explaining what you are looking at.

What's important to note here are a few things:

1. It doesn't kill anyone. No one has to die, immobilizing and running away from your aggressor is a smart thing. Self-defense doesn't mean kill someone.

2. Running away to find a safe place to call the police. Yes, Call the police. Trusting the very people you pay with your tax dollars to protect you is a good thing. Before we can strengthen a community you have to gain the faith back that law enforcement officers uphold the oath, and protect the citizens.

3. This can make you feel safe without the dangers of having a weapon that can cause lethal, devastating damage to a home or community.

Stun Devices are legal in 44 of our states and at www.beststungun.com you can purchase an array of different types of devices to immobilize your aggressor. In most cases it comes with training and how to handle them. There are alternatives to handled heightened stress situations that don't have to result in death. What's most alarming of this gun culture we as a nation have become drowned in is the instilled distrust of each other just as citizens. We are weary of the idea of someone having a gun so the reaction is to get one to protect yourself from other people who have them. Which leads to a better alternative than any non-lethal or lethal force option: Community, looking to our neighbors for help when needed. Not just our neighbors, our local law enforcement. They aren't to be feared, they are meant to be respected. They are trained to handle high stress situations. One of my closest friends is a police officer.


Don't know a police officer all that well. Some local enforcement has the availability of a ride-a-long. Where you get to ride around on his shift and see the life they have. Get to know your police force, why? Because you pay for it. It's your communities. We can no longer keep treating Guns as our only self-defense in the face of danger, as our only option.
What the hell happened to alternatives? We only know of last resorts. follow me on Twitter and like us at Our Neighborhood Times

Don Lemon

In recent weeks it's been a hot topic in the media and press, creating race issues. Now I say "creating" because it's not always there. In most cases we are baited into these issues because of the emphasis on skin color. It's a narrative we fall into almost immediately when the creation of these races issues manifest. Because of these manifestations the issue is brought up at nausea. Don Lemon an analyst for CNN on the weekends created this very issue with this video clip: 

What Don Lemon explains is that sagging pants is a contributor to crime in neighborhoods that are predominantly black. He actually has a list of things he believes the Black community should not do. It actually gives a history lesson about sagging pants origin. He also brings up the excessive use of the N-word. This is something I can agree with however it is in no way the contributor to negative affects, to be brutally honest there are rappers that make millions of dollars using it in music as a form of expression. Should certain narratives be weeded out like blaming every generation for the oppression of minorities and women? Of course. Should we learn to mature as a society together? Absolutely. However Don Lemon is explaining what most would call conformity. Become apart of the widely accepted societal expectations and pursue your chance (be it very slim) at becoming the "elite." 

Shouldn't you be judged by the content of your character? For it is not what is wrong with society, it is what's wrong with the system? These photos:

 Temar Boggs

Charles Ramsey 

 

See these two? Look at them, really take a close look. The first one saved a young girl, and the other saved a woman from a 10 year captivity and wanted no reward money in return. They do not fit the mold visually but the content of these two people's actions is a true testament to their character.  

This woman below also stopped a mass shooting without a gun or weapon of any kind:

Antoniette Tuff

Even now you are probably thinking: Bringing this up create race issues, I would

say to you that you are overlooking the most important thing: It's not about what these people look like, it's about what they valued most in the face of danger and fear of death. Humanity....not conformity. What the hell happen to Don Lemon? He bought in.

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Kanye West

It's probably more appropriate to say what didn't happen right? Kanye a few weeks ago was a felony suspect for attempted robbery. According to TMZ.
The Paparazzi being who they are followed Kanye around, and of course people were asking questions. Kanye apparently from the video had it and then this happened: 

Now according to NY Daily Times Kanye won't have felony charges put against him. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office says there isn't enough evidence against Mr. West.

Now anyone can make their own claims, as where some say he's pretty eccentric and controversial. Other opinions of Kanye West deem him to be for lack of a better word: asshole. Now with the raw footage video alone I have to ask: What the hell happen to Kanye West?! Why did he go off the henge on the Paparazzi, dude you just had a baby with the mosted wanted behind in the world (opinion). You aren't use to being hounded by people with cameras constantly repeating questions? Even if you aren't charged with anything, come on Yeezus don't act like you are brand new to being famous. Follow me on Twitter
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Reality Checks

Like many other Americans I also was watching the case of Trayvon Martin, and the verdict that was passed down. I don't want to get into details about the night that Trayvon Martin's life was taken to much. However, I do want to talk about a few things. The Young Turks and actually in the following video there is an image of Trayvon Martin the night of his shooting. Now while many have seen many images of Zimmerman all bloodied and trying to make a case for his self-defense claim which was held up in court by the State of Florida, it seems that we have forgotten one thing. Trayvon Martin is not here to make a case for himself. There isn't anyone to dispute Zimmerman's claims, because the one person that could is no longer with us. In the days after the verdict comparisons of other  unarmed children being shot for example a story about Marley Lion, not receiving the same amount of media coverage. Here is the Meme created by Elizabeth O'Neil according to upi.com
Also another Meme that depicts another terrible crime of an unarmed Mother of Three who was shot and killed for her tip money according to reports from The Post-Tribune:

When people ask the question what's the difference? I answer by saying, these men who shot Jacqueline Gardner and Marley Lion are real criminals who were out to do harm to people. Both instances started with the aggressors attempting to rob Marley Lion and Jacqueline Gardner, who ended up taking their lives. Video evidence in the case for Marley Lion and fingerprint matches for the three men who killed Jacqueline according to reports from the cities respective news stations.
Trayvon Martin was not doing anything other than leaving a store with some snacks. As images were framed of Martin by media and correspondents, this is the image that still to this day stuck with me:

And this is what Marley Lion looked like, this is what Jacqueline Gardner looked like. This is what many people in Chicago see with dead bodies from gun violence. So when I then ask myself what's the difference? There isn't one, reality check: we don't respect life. We say live as you see fit, however we as a society try to demonize races, creeds, and religions that we feel are inferior to our own. Real self-defense is an excuse to take life in any instance. There are many options to defense out there, yet we result to the ultimate resolver. We then validate violent, life taking actions by framing the aggressors as if you were given no other choice. We even have laws in place that set the precedent to make it excusable to take life. Cause we should be respecting the lives of Marley Lion, Jacqueline Gardener, Trayvon Martin, The Children of Sandy Hook, The people of Aurora, Virginia Tech, Columbine, and the list goes on. As we lay them to rest, the nation moves forward, but we don't check ourselves. We accept the outcomes, but we never ask the question: What can we do so this doesn't happen again? So that their aren't anymore Trayvon Martin's, Marley Lion's, and Jacqueline Gardner's of the world. I'll ask it, what are we going to do about Guns? We don't want to talk about that though. What hell happen to reality checks? Well it's pretty simple: we fear a better world. Please follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times

Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke (Explicit)

I want to first start by saying I love Tunnel Vision. Great tune with amazing music and lyrics. Not to mention two of my favorite producers of all time in Timbaland and Pharrell respectively. It's not the songs themselves I am worried about as much as it is the visuals. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke has an unrated video on YouTube: here it is. Again it's unrated so be warned:

What's the eye catcher? Well obviously these ladies are nude so that's the draw. As far as Blurred Lines go, there isn't anything distorted at all here. Now yes I know people will say it's "art" however the lyrics "I know you want it" and "Talkin bout getting blasted, must want to get at me" I don't see the artistic view point here. Now here is Tunnel Vision by Justin Timberlake same warning:

Again the video has the same visuals. It's a little more elegant in the ladies are dancing not as playfully I guess. Also Justin isn't shot at the same time or in the same room. However these women are naked as artistic value right? Define the value? If the answer is: It just is. I would have to say it is lacking artistic value. Justin croons "You give me that Tunnel Vision" yet you see multiple images of different naked women, so maybe they all give him that Tunnel Vision? I don't know.

Why do I pose the question of what happen to these two? Well music is all about trends. "The Sound of now" in this case the "visual of now" it sets a precedent. That precedent in turn impacts our social culture. Naked Women and Clothed Men. That's my issue. Visually it sets women again as a product or eye candy. "Admiring the female form" is still possible without these types of visuals. Objectifying probably about as simple as it can get. Robin Thicke's video at times seems uncomfortable, people will say "These girls wanted to feel sexy or be sexy." And that may be true, but stripping them down to nothing around a bunch of males who apparently aren't willing to do the same wouldn't be in my opinion the best approach. What is the obsession with women being naked? Watch Porn, no really watch porn. You want to see naked people: watch porn. That's what shouldn't be weird. Because this is weird. The men wear clothes the girls prance around or dance like toys or something. Yes, I get it is a personal choice to do what these women did. I also understand that money plays a factor. However people aren't going to go look at the most recent interview of Timberlake and Thicke's direction of the videos. According to Pitchfork.com JT's video was banned a whole day. I can see a little artistry in JT's but not by much. Pitchfork referred to the women as "props" and there lies the problem. We end up talking about women as beautiful creatures and so forth. Let's start with talking to them with respect and being beautiful isn't the only thing in the world. What the hell happen to JT and RT? (sounds like two characters from a Star Wars Movie) Not upholding a real standard to equality in my opinion. Leave comments, follow me on Twitter and like Our Neighborhood Times on Facebook

Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def Stressful video!

A video today came out of Yasiin Bey formerly known as Mos Def. The  video shows how Guantanamo detainees are force fed. It's pretty graphic and seriously if you cringe easily, be prepared. Why are they being force fed? 44 of them are on a hunger strike. I also found this video on Current TV's The Young Turks where Cenk Uygur interviews former chief prosecutor at Gitmo.  (Shown Below).
Back to Mos Def. His bravery to show what our government is doing to people in our name. These people haven't been charged in the cases of detainees on this strike but they won't be set free either. What the hell happen to Mos Def? He changed his named and basically showed us something all Americans need to see. Make sure you follow me on Twitter and to like Our Neighborhood Times on Facebook.

Beauty and the Truth

You have seen all these magazines of incredible pictures of beautiful people from Emma Watson and Kristen Stewart to George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. The real pressures put on normal people by the images we absorb. The truth here is that magazines, TV & Film, music, and social media shape our societies social culture consciously and even sub-consciously.

here are some examples of Photoshopping:

Just in case you didn't get it the first time imgur.com has a excellent way of showing you what the "finished" product is and the digital plastic surgery these People get. Our obsession with "perfection" seems to know zero limits. Doesn't it seem a little more humbling that these people have distinct features? Cindy Crawfords mole wouldn't have had a chance in today's idea of "beauty." If you think they don't care....WRONG! In an interview with Ryan Gosling on his Adonis like abs scene in Crazy Stupid Love  he says quote: "Absolutely Photoshopped" also saying: “I’m as uncomfortable with it as I am talking about it.” He's uncomfortable with the bar that Photoshopped Rock Hard Abs has given him. You know why? Because it's Not attainable, it's not real. Something we all need to break ourselves from. So when your significant other says you look better than (insert celebrity name here) the image you are thinking of isn't the right one and it isn't impossible for you to not look better than them. Here's a few more.....

What happen to photographers getting people to sit the right way, straighten out their backs. Shit even tell them to suck it in if need be. It's almost as if they point they click,say good work and turn these folks into cartoons. Red Eye, I get it. Photos to dark, alright fine.
Don't like the way their arm looks, make them do something else with it. Aren't photographers suppose to be artistic, capture moments of beauty that are unheard of. Don't think it's affecting society? Wrong! just a little over a year ago glamour.com put out an article talking about people hiring a site called lookbetteronline.com to Photoshop your pics for Online Dating services. SERIOUSLY?! CEO Giles Fabris says quote: “The right photo,” he says, “makes a huge difference in how people perceive you on the Web.” Yea, like not you. Is this what we are? Perception being more important than reality? We are becoming to comfortable with living in and with our ideals, not reality. Defining unique physical traits as "imperfections". I found a quote that I would like to share “Nature didn't need an operation to be beautiful. It just was.”
― Scott Westerfeld, The Uglies Trilogy

And Change is nature. So I gotta ask. What the hell happen to Beauty?
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