The subject is politics. Not everyone's favorite topic, but one that happens to rear its head to the surface of observations quite a bit as of this writing, and you would literally have to be living under Grand Central Station with the Mole people without any media to not catch wind of things happening. Even those not into politics or having an opinion find themselves trying to add their two cents to the din of armchair pundits, bar stool talking heads, and self proclaimed experts of political science. Quite a few people have opinions, and those opinions are as wide and as varied as species of animals on the planet. Demographics, and survey polls be damned, you cannot take for granted that a person will think a certain way, because you will get fooled and surprised quite a bit. People are for the most part 3 dimensional and diverse, and aren't caricatures of thought. The problem is that sometimes some create their own label as that, and paint themselves in a corner of a stereotype picture, and here's how it happens:
With all of the social medias, news forums after an article, or blogs, people take disagreeing to a whole new indecent level. I believe that it is essential to this country that there be disagreements and civil discourse, because we have a distinct balance in this country and this country's growth depends upon different points of view being aired out and actions eventually compromised to benefit all. It's essential for us as humans also to hear different points of view even if we have a distinct opinion because if we listen, it helps us formulate ideas, and challenges our own ideas about why we believe or think the way we do..That is if the disagreement is civil. Sometimes people are able to now hide behind idiotic statements anonymously, or buffered by cyber space, where they can just state something without any face to face discussions where civility has to be adhered to.
Too many times I see, hear and interact in conversations where people froth at the mouth. I am all for a debate, and discussion, but I despise people just spewing out idiocy without any basis of thought behind what they have stated. People too often take some talking point that they have heard and display it, repeat it, or spew it out with absolutely no rational reason behind it. I call it "Sensationalistic thought". Things pop up in people's minds and they say to themselves, "Yeah that sounds good..I'll say that." The problem is that this is not debate or discussion material because when people spew things out from their "sensationalistic thought" process, it hasn't really been processed by them. So when asked why someone feels strongly about what has just been spewed out, there is usually no answer other than, "You're just a(Insert political name jab here) and I am right." And then out comes the froth, where that person will continue to spew out idiotic talking points with absolutely no details of why logically they feel that way.
I like to think that folks are for the most part thoughtful and can articulate to you why they believe their argument is valid. If I make a statement about something I feel strongly about, you better damn well believe that I have given it some thought, and can explain how I came up with my own particular logical conclusion. I don't repeat what someone has said because it sounds good, and if I don't have a strong opinion on something, I will say that also, but I will gladly hear out opinions of something that I may not have thought of. I think it will help to make me a well rounded person, to even hear radically different thoughts, but maybe that's just me. But too often the makers of froth take over, and get the weaker minds to join the mob, and spew out more garbage. All of a sudden you have a froth fest taking place where a nice discussion and perhaps agreeing to disagree could have happened. I am passionate about my particular ideas as everyone else is, and for the most part when discussing things, political people will put forth their ideas, and receptive or not, be able to state their case in a calm passionate manner. Most times these calm rational discussions end up where folks just move on, and agree to have differences which is fine. Whatever you think, make your case be heard, but at least put thought behind it, so it can be rationally discussed, and not ridiculed. I and I believe a good amount of folks will never ridicule a person for being able to articulate ideas no matter how different. But dismissal is in order if there are no solid idea footing for you to stand on. I may not like your ideas, but I will certainly hate them if there is just no thought put behind what you say.
When it comes to politics, there is no other subject that commands more passion from someone other than religion. It's because those two things are representative of someone's core beliefs, and to disagree with them is in some weird way disagreeing with what a person has become, or who they are, It really shouldn't be that way because there is so much to learn from each other, even the parts that someone deems as negative ideas. And as I said before, given the choice of facing their own hypocrisy, or ideology, folks will usually choose the latter, because it is easier to swallow than accepting a flaw in thought.
But what we all need to do even in the most polarizing climate is at least engage in dissent that is productive to each other. History shows that I am just living in a fantasy world when it comes to that concept, because there will always be producers of idiocy and froth who cloud the mix up for those just trying to negotiate through each others' ideas. And is it so bad to think before opening your mouth or typing something? I don't think so.
We are all strong willed Americans and it has taken all sorts of opposing ideas to make this work. Make your case without froth, or talking points. Discord can be so harmonious if we agree to act like adults, and have meaningful passionate discussions that maybe we can never all agree about, but at least learn from instead of calling someone a "Libtard" or "Rethuglican".How bout we address each other as Americans who happen to have a difference of opinions. Because that's what we are. Let's stop the descent of dissension. Can it happen? Or am I just dreaming of a country without froth?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Dogmatic Static: The fallout of Musical opinion
When it comes to music, anyone out there who knows me knows me well knows that I have things that I love passionately, and things that I really hate badly. My tastes are extremely eclectic, but to some narrow because of what my qualifications for liking it are. I know what I like usually within 20 seconds of hearing it, and I know that I hate something in less time than that. When it comes to music I have been called, "Dogmatic", a Music "Nazi", and a host of other things I feel aren't really fair, but understand how someone can perceive that. I really have to be careful because to some I may come off as arrogant, when that is far far from the case. I really don't know it all, have never claimed to, and am always trying to learn something new. In fact, I probably know way less about music than more because of not being formally trained, but that's not my point. My point is that I was very lucky to be exposed to some of the best music early on such as B.B. King, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Motown, Stax, and other 45's of various Blues, Soul, Rock and Jazz that happened to be in my grandparent's record collection. My standards of how a record should sound, how an artist should be able to play, and sing, and what constituted good music was set in me very early, and that bar was pretty high, and I never forgot it, nor lowered it. There was no video around of these folks for me to watch, so I had to use my ears to learn and interpret just what they were doing. And what they were doing was good. There was no doubt about it. I didn't have to see them. I heard them. And I believe that after 32 years of being a musician, being around other musicians, and listening to, reading about, and gathering up as much music history in my mind as I have so far, I know a little something..Not everything but a pretty decent depth of perspective.
Where I often get into trouble is by the simple fact of being an old soul trapped in a new world. I never liked the music of the 80's when I was in junior high and high school because it relied upon seeing, and the emerging technology that made it sound less organic. I am a firm believer in the hearing aspect of music, and Billie Holiday needed no video to accompany her..She moved people live and on record, even with her limited range, because it was all emotion, and it was an innovative style like no one had ever heard before. And what you heard with her and her musicians was what they sounded like. No auto tune, no enhancements, no frills. Just tremendous musicianship. That is my standard of what is good, no matter what genre. The ability to play and sing on demand by artists and throw down whatever time of day, is my standard of listening pleasure. I like the sound of real instruments, and I need to be able to picture the sweat of musicians and singers performing it. No matter what style of music it is..If I can picture that, then it has a chance with me. I can listen to the same song 30 times in a row, and hear stuff I've never heard because of its greatness, and density, or intensity of playing or singing. I need to feel that the way I am hearing things is the way it sounds, and not manipulated radically.
What I have a hard time with is someone accepting mediocrity just because it's easy on the ears. Good cuisine can be had out there while people eat canned goods. But it drives me nuts when an artist is hailed for mediocrity and, not taking their gift seriously, and pissing it away for the sake of peripherals not associated with the art of performance. I get in the most trouble by stating my opinion on artists who are popular, because I reject the notion that just because something is popular then it must be good. Sometimes things become popular by default, or because of laziness on the part of the industry and public. When I explain this concept it always gets me in trouble because music really is subjective. People like what they like, but often the average listener who is not deep musically, likes what they like because it's what has been presented to them with smoke and bombast, while there is no substance involved. I repeatedly get disappointed because I often feel that if I can present to, or educate someone about the history, and where things come from and what is quality, then they will accept it. Wrong!! I cannot impose my passion onto someone else no matter how good I think it is, but I always get caught trying, which leads people to think that I am dogmatic about music, while I consider it a crusade.
I do not wish to be characterized as arrogant, dogmatic, or a music "Nazi." I know more than some, less than others, and just want good music to be heard. Nothing more nothing less. I will plead the fifth when shown what I consider bad music, and will just do my thing on Facebook sharing music to whomever is receptive, and talking with friends about what I consider good music, or pointing folks in the direction that I think they might be fruitful in going should they ask. Otherwise my opinion is just whatever other opinions are..One of many. Music is the gift that I have been given. I love to share that gift and have people feel the joy as I do for experiencing it. My soapbox happens to be an unintentional accessory within my framework.
Where I often get into trouble is by the simple fact of being an old soul trapped in a new world. I never liked the music of the 80's when I was in junior high and high school because it relied upon seeing, and the emerging technology that made it sound less organic. I am a firm believer in the hearing aspect of music, and Billie Holiday needed no video to accompany her..She moved people live and on record, even with her limited range, because it was all emotion, and it was an innovative style like no one had ever heard before. And what you heard with her and her musicians was what they sounded like. No auto tune, no enhancements, no frills. Just tremendous musicianship. That is my standard of what is good, no matter what genre. The ability to play and sing on demand by artists and throw down whatever time of day, is my standard of listening pleasure. I like the sound of real instruments, and I need to be able to picture the sweat of musicians and singers performing it. No matter what style of music it is..If I can picture that, then it has a chance with me. I can listen to the same song 30 times in a row, and hear stuff I've never heard because of its greatness, and density, or intensity of playing or singing. I need to feel that the way I am hearing things is the way it sounds, and not manipulated radically.
What I have a hard time with is someone accepting mediocrity just because it's easy on the ears. Good cuisine can be had out there while people eat canned goods. But it drives me nuts when an artist is hailed for mediocrity and, not taking their gift seriously, and pissing it away for the sake of peripherals not associated with the art of performance. I get in the most trouble by stating my opinion on artists who are popular, because I reject the notion that just because something is popular then it must be good. Sometimes things become popular by default, or because of laziness on the part of the industry and public. When I explain this concept it always gets me in trouble because music really is subjective. People like what they like, but often the average listener who is not deep musically, likes what they like because it's what has been presented to them with smoke and bombast, while there is no substance involved. I repeatedly get disappointed because I often feel that if I can present to, or educate someone about the history, and where things come from and what is quality, then they will accept it. Wrong!! I cannot impose my passion onto someone else no matter how good I think it is, but I always get caught trying, which leads people to think that I am dogmatic about music, while I consider it a crusade.
I do not wish to be characterized as arrogant, dogmatic, or a music "Nazi." I know more than some, less than others, and just want good music to be heard. Nothing more nothing less. I will plead the fifth when shown what I consider bad music, and will just do my thing on Facebook sharing music to whomever is receptive, and talking with friends about what I consider good music, or pointing folks in the direction that I think they might be fruitful in going should they ask. Otherwise my opinion is just whatever other opinions are..One of many. Music is the gift that I have been given. I love to share that gift and have people feel the joy as I do for experiencing it. My soapbox happens to be an unintentional accessory within my framework.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Gimme The Ball: Back on the mound of life
A relief pitcher's mentality parallels that of life in many distinct ways. They have to be prepared to enter a game at any point and feel that they can control the chaos ensuing. They sometimes have a nice comfortable lead, and feel that they can cruise through the situation. They have to have focus and intensity for the task at hand, and be prepared for a tough fight. They sometimes go out there with a nice lead and things start to slip away from them, causing them to lose the game. When they look at themselves in the mirror after that game they may say to themselves, "You suck! You no longer have it! It's time for you to just pack it up!" But then after a good night's sleep, they have to have regained the confidence in themselves, and believe that they are the greatest again, all the while forgetting about the devastating loss that happened the day before. They have to block that moment out, and decide that today is a new day on the mound.
Which brings me to life.We often get placed in some hairy game time situations, and have to face tough batters who are willing to do what they have to in order to win the game for their side. There will be all of these situations where life asks us to step onto the mound and get the side out to win the game. We may come in with some incredible "Rocky-ish" theme music, and our confidence is filled to the brim. When we take the ball on the hill, we are pretty sure that things will in the end be in our favor, and that when we get back to the locker room, someone will ask just what it took for us to get as tough as nails. But then the unthinkable happens:
Things begin to unravel, and we become unnerved as the batters begin to get the best of us. We slip into some old ways, get setbacks in our goals, someone gets the better of our judgment, or we just get plain old knocked around trying to do the right thing and win the game for team "I". After such a defeat the walk back to the dugout drawing board is just the longest one in the world. We are dejected, angry at ourselves, and overall disappointed with our performance, and we now look at ourselves in the mirror saying, "You absolutely suck." It is low points like these where a metaphoric shower of the mind, and a review of the game is in order.
Life does that often where you think you've got a particular batter figured out, but they get the best of you. And it sometimes is very hard to get your head back into place after such a defeat, but you have to. Stepping up to the mound everyday in life takes courage in itself, and the line drives, bloop hits, home runs, and squibblers that get between fielders is something that will happen always. Couple those with our own errors on the field makes for some possible bad days of trying to pitch for ourselves. The key is to not let it live in our minds and have the mentality of real baseball relief pitchers..You have to shake it off, forget what happened the previous night, and decide how you want to proceed again. But the absolute most important thing that you need to do is regain your confidence, and say to yourself, "I am great..I can do this." Because regaining confidence means the difference between getting defeated again, and mentally firing yourself up for a win, and achieving it.
Whenever the time comes where you get called to the mound in life, forget about previous slip ups, blown games, and unfulfilled performances. Life has to go on and so do you. Every day there will be screw ups, crossed signals, and wins and losses. But no matter what, always take the ball. Even demand it. Because everyday is a new day on the mound...And a chance for you to win.
Which brings me to life.We often get placed in some hairy game time situations, and have to face tough batters who are willing to do what they have to in order to win the game for their side. There will be all of these situations where life asks us to step onto the mound and get the side out to win the game. We may come in with some incredible "Rocky-ish" theme music, and our confidence is filled to the brim. When we take the ball on the hill, we are pretty sure that things will in the end be in our favor, and that when we get back to the locker room, someone will ask just what it took for us to get as tough as nails. But then the unthinkable happens:
Things begin to unravel, and we become unnerved as the batters begin to get the best of us. We slip into some old ways, get setbacks in our goals, someone gets the better of our judgment, or we just get plain old knocked around trying to do the right thing and win the game for team "I". After such a defeat the walk back to the dugout drawing board is just the longest one in the world. We are dejected, angry at ourselves, and overall disappointed with our performance, and we now look at ourselves in the mirror saying, "You absolutely suck." It is low points like these where a metaphoric shower of the mind, and a review of the game is in order.
Life does that often where you think you've got a particular batter figured out, but they get the best of you. And it sometimes is very hard to get your head back into place after such a defeat, but you have to. Stepping up to the mound everyday in life takes courage in itself, and the line drives, bloop hits, home runs, and squibblers that get between fielders is something that will happen always. Couple those with our own errors on the field makes for some possible bad days of trying to pitch for ourselves. The key is to not let it live in our minds and have the mentality of real baseball relief pitchers..You have to shake it off, forget what happened the previous night, and decide how you want to proceed again. But the absolute most important thing that you need to do is regain your confidence, and say to yourself, "I am great..I can do this." Because regaining confidence means the difference between getting defeated again, and mentally firing yourself up for a win, and achieving it.
Whenever the time comes where you get called to the mound in life, forget about previous slip ups, blown games, and unfulfilled performances. Life has to go on and so do you. Every day there will be screw ups, crossed signals, and wins and losses. But no matter what, always take the ball. Even demand it. Because everyday is a new day on the mound...And a chance for you to win.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hidden Agenda: Prejudices that unknowingly lie under the surface.
There is a distinct difference between ignorance, and stupidity. Ignorance is not really knowing how to present an idea, or thought that may be offensive to some, and putting it out there anyway. If notified that the presentation may be offensive you may change your approach for next time, and be sensitive of what happened the last time. Stupidity is continuing to approach the same idiotic perspective the same way, even when told that the approach undermines your point. Now in this day and age of political correctness people are sometimes way to sensitive, and we need to be able to joke about one another, and others to laugh as humans, and take the weight off of the air. But I'm not talking about comedians, or just general joking around, I am talking about when folks are serious in their commentary or critique of others, and how in their inability to articulate themselves, they reveal undercurrents of just how they think.
Everyone has to a certain extent some hidden prejudices that they have had to wrestle with and defeat. If they choose to. Some decide that they don't like certain folks, and aren't afraid to say so. Both actually reveal who you are because if you are fighting it then you are trying in earnest to be a good tolerant person who will make an occasional mistake in judgment, but who acknowledges these prejudices and will often think before opening their mouth. If you choose to have no desire to fight your bigotry, you will be a complete fool who will be driven by fear, and stereotypes, and will often times open your mouth without any hint of thought involved, spewing idiocy for all to see, and creating scapegoats for your shortcomings. Small minds, small thoughts, and even smaller perceptions about how the world works.
Then there is the third type of individual whom I have the most problem with. The ones who announce that they have no prejudices, but continue to say things and present points of view that are very questionable and offensive. These folks are the hardest to deal with because the bigotry is covert, and not overt. They announce that they have friends who are this, or have dealt with people who are that, and refuse to acknowledge their twisted perceptions of things, and cannot for the life of them understand why someone would be offended by their innocent comment. Yet even though they have been told that X, Y, or Z is offensive in some manner, they continue to do the same things over and over in an effort of humor or enlightenment of people.
As I have said, sometimes people need to lighten up, and believe me, I know more jokes of every group than I could possibly list here. but my point is one of malicious underlinings where in the true soul of the individual there lies a pattern of saying the same things over and over, in just a different fashion. I could give examples here, but I want people to do the simple thing of really looking at and listening to the nuances(there's that word again) of what people say and write. These folks just don't think about what they say or write, and just spout off some idiotic statement that needs questioning. I am torn daily on Facebook and different forums and blogs, and in dealing with people to comment, and hopefully constructively confront, but I will never have the opportunity to leave the house or continue about my day. It is frustrating as a Black man who loves words as much as I do, and who is very sensitive to the "Nuance" of bigotry, because I have lived in the world, and learned how to decipher just who is joking, and who has these serious underlinings of bigotry. The only thing that I have decided to do is observe and pick my battles for some of these things, because I alone can't change people, but what I do like to do is hold the mirror up to their hypocrisy and hopefully make them see themselves.
As I have said there are prejudices inside all of us, but we need to turn the rock over and expose those worms to the world so that we can eradicate it as we examine ourselves. Those willing to accept that it exists in them will have no problem identifying it, and hopefully fighting it. Those not willing to admit it, and continue to indulge in idiotic comments without thinking, write things that are stereotypical in a malicious fashion, and even encourage others by laughing at stupidity while making it very hard for all of us who do want to laugh at, and with one another about our differences. because our differences as it pertains to groups of people are fun and should be celebrated, and even joked about in a jostling manner. But our differences as just people of the world are very slim. We are all the same in that respect. Just the geography of ourselves as soul islands is the major difference. The people that want to get that concept will. The people that don't want to acknowledge it will continue what they do...... And have absolutely no clue that they are doing it.
Everyone has to a certain extent some hidden prejudices that they have had to wrestle with and defeat. If they choose to. Some decide that they don't like certain folks, and aren't afraid to say so. Both actually reveal who you are because if you are fighting it then you are trying in earnest to be a good tolerant person who will make an occasional mistake in judgment, but who acknowledges these prejudices and will often think before opening their mouth. If you choose to have no desire to fight your bigotry, you will be a complete fool who will be driven by fear, and stereotypes, and will often times open your mouth without any hint of thought involved, spewing idiocy for all to see, and creating scapegoats for your shortcomings. Small minds, small thoughts, and even smaller perceptions about how the world works.
Then there is the third type of individual whom I have the most problem with. The ones who announce that they have no prejudices, but continue to say things and present points of view that are very questionable and offensive. These folks are the hardest to deal with because the bigotry is covert, and not overt. They announce that they have friends who are this, or have dealt with people who are that, and refuse to acknowledge their twisted perceptions of things, and cannot for the life of them understand why someone would be offended by their innocent comment. Yet even though they have been told that X, Y, or Z is offensive in some manner, they continue to do the same things over and over in an effort of humor or enlightenment of people.
As I have said, sometimes people need to lighten up, and believe me, I know more jokes of every group than I could possibly list here. but my point is one of malicious underlinings where in the true soul of the individual there lies a pattern of saying the same things over and over, in just a different fashion. I could give examples here, but I want people to do the simple thing of really looking at and listening to the nuances(there's that word again) of what people say and write. These folks just don't think about what they say or write, and just spout off some idiotic statement that needs questioning. I am torn daily on Facebook and different forums and blogs, and in dealing with people to comment, and hopefully constructively confront, but I will never have the opportunity to leave the house or continue about my day. It is frustrating as a Black man who loves words as much as I do, and who is very sensitive to the "Nuance" of bigotry, because I have lived in the world, and learned how to decipher just who is joking, and who has these serious underlinings of bigotry. The only thing that I have decided to do is observe and pick my battles for some of these things, because I alone can't change people, but what I do like to do is hold the mirror up to their hypocrisy and hopefully make them see themselves.
As I have said there are prejudices inside all of us, but we need to turn the rock over and expose those worms to the world so that we can eradicate it as we examine ourselves. Those willing to accept that it exists in them will have no problem identifying it, and hopefully fighting it. Those not willing to admit it, and continue to indulge in idiotic comments without thinking, write things that are stereotypical in a malicious fashion, and even encourage others by laughing at stupidity while making it very hard for all of us who do want to laugh at, and with one another about our differences. because our differences as it pertains to groups of people are fun and should be celebrated, and even joked about in a jostling manner. But our differences as just people of the world are very slim. We are all the same in that respect. Just the geography of ourselves as soul islands is the major difference. The people that want to get that concept will. The people that don't want to acknowledge it will continue what they do...... And have absolutely no clue that they are doing it.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Technological Ecstasy: Roddenberry was right
I remember as a kid watching episodes of Star Trek, two things always came to my mind. 1)The fact that people of all races and colors were working together for a common good without fears or prejudices to ruin the advancement of the human race, and 2) The technology that enabled people to do incredible things.It's obvious that we have a very long way to go with achieving the first one, which should actually be the simplest out of the two, but continues because of idiocy to be the most elusive. The second is the one coming to fruition in front of our very eyes on an almost yearly basis. All of us who remember watching the show as kids were fascinated by medical instruments that could scan the human body, talking computers, video conferences, and people living in space. I'm sure that many of you thought the same thing I did watching that show sometimes.."Yeah Right,,That will happen." Well amazingly as it seems, Gene Roddenbery creator of Star Trek wasn't too far off the mark with quite a few things. The technology to do things nowadays is absolutely amazing, and wondrous, if we just stop for a minute to marvel at it. But here's the problem:
There's a bit by one of my favorite comedians out there by the name of Louis CK. he suggests everything is amazing, and no one is happy. The most incredible discoveries and advances in history so far are wasted on the whiniest most self centered generation ever. Ones who can't stand still for one second to appreciate or comprehend just what life was like before laptops, cell phones, ATM machines, or GPS devices in their cars. They can't even appreciate having nothing but imagination and little green Army men made out of hardened plastic to take outside, and play with created imaginary skirmishes, and battles. Even the young adults that were just at the forefront of the technology revolution have zero patience as they curse their Blackberries, need more intense and faster internet service, and haven't the ability to hold regular conversations that don't involve texting. It is a shame as all of the incredible advancements that are being made and developed to make our lives smarter, are actually making the people who depend upon them dumber, and less appreciative of just what is involved to make what they now take for granted to happen.
Yesterday I looked at an application for a phone that enabled me to point the phone towards the sky, and see the stars on the phone in their positions in exactly the direction I was looking. Like a map of the sky..On a phone! Completely incredible to me, as I felt for a second actually closer to nature because I could really understand what I was looking at in the heavens in real time. Just that is amazing to me, and that it exists in the palm of ones hand. Is it because I didn't grow up with such a thing? Maybe, but it's something I won't forget because that is what technology when you really think about it is supposed to make you feel. You should feel honored to be living in a time when things like this exist, and these are things just 50 years ago would have gotten you laughed out of the barber shop for even speculating about. Of course 5 years from now this might be completely archaic, but for right now, in my time of living, the technology that surrounds me astounds me daily. Here I am writing this blog and as soon as I hit publish, I have something written by me, an amateur writer that can go all over the world in seconds. Something that would have taken weeks just 30 years ago.
The possibilities of technology are endless if put to good use of course. The other side of the coin is the wars created, cyber sabotage, and the damage done by any other incredible advancement in the hands of someone of significantly less than stellar character. Just think if we put all of the technological advancements to achieve nothing but good, how much better things could get for quite a few people starving, suffering from parasites, or just not having drinking water that is fit. Yes this technology can do so much good, and we could all be amazed, and proud of its existence, but we are much too busy being pissed that the phone has an auto spell correction, or that dammit you have to wait on a tarmac for 20 whole minutes before flying through the sky. If you take the time to look around you at the marvels of technology, maybe there would be less bitching when something doesn't go fast enough...But probably not. We as human beings want things yesterday, and and actually today is a ho hum so what prelude to something we take for granted, and want to happen tomorrow.
Today's me me me, complaining, whining, blackberry, smart phone toting, designer coffee drinking, X box playing, internet surfing, App downloading, Mp3 storing generation wants more and more and more. But in reality, they have no idea what it's like to want. Louis Ck was right.."Everything is amazing, and nobody's happy". And Gene Roddenberry was right also..."Everything has not been invented..The human adventure is just the beginning."
There's a bit by one of my favorite comedians out there by the name of Louis CK. he suggests everything is amazing, and no one is happy. The most incredible discoveries and advances in history so far are wasted on the whiniest most self centered generation ever. Ones who can't stand still for one second to appreciate or comprehend just what life was like before laptops, cell phones, ATM machines, or GPS devices in their cars. They can't even appreciate having nothing but imagination and little green Army men made out of hardened plastic to take outside, and play with created imaginary skirmishes, and battles. Even the young adults that were just at the forefront of the technology revolution have zero patience as they curse their Blackberries, need more intense and faster internet service, and haven't the ability to hold regular conversations that don't involve texting. It is a shame as all of the incredible advancements that are being made and developed to make our lives smarter, are actually making the people who depend upon them dumber, and less appreciative of just what is involved to make what they now take for granted to happen.
Yesterday I looked at an application for a phone that enabled me to point the phone towards the sky, and see the stars on the phone in their positions in exactly the direction I was looking. Like a map of the sky..On a phone! Completely incredible to me, as I felt for a second actually closer to nature because I could really understand what I was looking at in the heavens in real time. Just that is amazing to me, and that it exists in the palm of ones hand. Is it because I didn't grow up with such a thing? Maybe, but it's something I won't forget because that is what technology when you really think about it is supposed to make you feel. You should feel honored to be living in a time when things like this exist, and these are things just 50 years ago would have gotten you laughed out of the barber shop for even speculating about. Of course 5 years from now this might be completely archaic, but for right now, in my time of living, the technology that surrounds me astounds me daily. Here I am writing this blog and as soon as I hit publish, I have something written by me, an amateur writer that can go all over the world in seconds. Something that would have taken weeks just 30 years ago.
The possibilities of technology are endless if put to good use of course. The other side of the coin is the wars created, cyber sabotage, and the damage done by any other incredible advancement in the hands of someone of significantly less than stellar character. Just think if we put all of the technological advancements to achieve nothing but good, how much better things could get for quite a few people starving, suffering from parasites, or just not having drinking water that is fit. Yes this technology can do so much good, and we could all be amazed, and proud of its existence, but we are much too busy being pissed that the phone has an auto spell correction, or that dammit you have to wait on a tarmac for 20 whole minutes before flying through the sky. If you take the time to look around you at the marvels of technology, maybe there would be less bitching when something doesn't go fast enough...But probably not. We as human beings want things yesterday, and and actually today is a ho hum so what prelude to something we take for granted, and want to happen tomorrow.
Today's me me me, complaining, whining, blackberry, smart phone toting, designer coffee drinking, X box playing, internet surfing, App downloading, Mp3 storing generation wants more and more and more. But in reality, they have no idea what it's like to want. Louis Ck was right.."Everything is amazing, and nobody's happy". And Gene Roddenberry was right also..."Everything has not been invented..The human adventure is just the beginning."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Athletically Pleasing: Derek Jeter and drama where it should be
I first got hooked onto baseball after watching the 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox, and the Cincinnati Reds. I still consider that one of the finest baseball series that happened in my lifetime. I came to be a fan of baseball, and Pete Rose in particular, because of his passion for the game, his determination to win, and play hard every day, and of course as a kid, that head first slide which I tried to emulate many times on the playground. I became a New York Mets fan after watching them on Channel 9 here in the Metro NY area, and have been a Met fan ever since. I would still watch any baseball game that came on, and would watch Yankee games on channel 11 with Phil Rizzuto, and Bill White, and the other hosts as well. I love baseball, and besides Muhammed Ali, baseball players were my first glimpse into how athletes were and how they approached what they did, and how they approached their craft. Obviously there were some jackasses and there were those that seemed to no matter what, put their nose down, shut up, and just played, and "took it to the stage" as the saying goes, and let their playing on the field do the talking. I respect anyone who does that in any idiom, and conducts themselves with authority, yet dignity, and quiet intensity. That's why I loved Hank Aaron as a kid, and why he's so revered today by everyone. Which brings me to Derek Jeter.
It is I imagine extremely tough being an athlete in any sport today, more so than years before because of a host of things. 24 hour sports news and radio cycles question and analyze every move you make on and off of the field, the pressure of having to perform at top levels constantly, forcing players to not take the "off season" off, but to train year round, and of course the now enhancing influences that seem to permeate all of sports right now. Put all of that together with the paparazzi following athletes into nightclubs, parties, and other places where there is public activity, you would figure that someplace somewhere anybody could slip up, and say something stupid, or get caught in some idiotic behavior that they have to have a press conference to clear up. The distractions then work their way onto the field, and players lose all focus as their personal lives are now in headlines.
That's what makes Mr Jeter a throwback to great players like Hank. he has a quiet intensity, and sheer love of what he does. Conducts himself respectably on the field, and in press conferences. He is never boastful, feeling the need to watch his home runs, or beat his chest in some braggadocious "I'm a man" fashion. His head is always in the game, and he always seems to be where he should have been when something happens. His manifesto seems to be of the "Take it to the stage" variety where there is no room for saying what you're going to do, or announcing what you are capable of. It is the way it should be: Shut up and play. Derek Jeter is not an outstanding athlete physically, but brings to the table outstanding qualities of leadership, focus, intensity, and sheer love and desire of winning and believing that with hard work, and team effort a group of folks can be successful. This is definitely not a new idea in sports, but too often we see athletes talking about Me, Me, Me, and their sentences always start with I this, or I that, and somehow they make themselves larger than life by insinuating that the world and team revolves around them. Conceit, arrogance, and complaining seem to be the norm in sports as players constantly say stupid things on the field, and do even stupider things off of the field, dragging the whole team downward with scandal, and chaos.
I have never seen Mr. Jeter say anything idiotic, or for that matter even questionable, as he seems to be well grounded with realistic ideas of himself, and just what he does in the scope of the bigger picture. His parents seem to be in constant presence and availability, he always seems to have a good perspective on how things work in his organization, and while we have no idea what the man is like in his private life besides being a single guy with girlfriends, there never seems to be any scandal, any idiotic Madonna like individuals in the stands creating distractions, and there is never some report of Mr. Jeter acting like a complete fool in a nightclub such as bringing a gun, or some other moronic activity that requires an investigation. What he does in his private life has been so far, private which is a hell of a feat in this day and age.
Why is he to be admired? Because of those things, and above all else he has a job to do, and he goes and does it. Period. Whether he succeeds that day or not, he goes out there and gives 100 percent of his blood and sweat, body and mind for the thing he loves to do. The only drama is on the field. No external or peripheral shenanigans. He is to be respected as a true ambassador of a great sport, and a model of how to conduct yourself within it. No athlete should have to have the responsibility as role model, but let's face it, it is there, and like it or not, kids observe and emulate what they do. I would be proud to have a son or daughter look at Mr. Jeter and say. 'That's how I want to approach whatever it is that I do." Because it's how we all should approach what we love to do. With a consistent work ethic, determination, respect for others, that help you achieve collective goals, and most of all shutting up and just doing what you are supposed to be doing.
When the smoke clears and he is all done with this sport, hopefully he will go down as the complete professional who did what it took to raise the level of acceptance of behavior on and off the field, and in the process achieved desired goals. For right now, to describe him, I will use a phrase that for the last few months has been associated with negativity. I will take this one word phrase and reapply it to positivity where it should be. And I can't think of a better place to reapply and reestablish this phrase than describing Derek Jeter. The phrase is simply one word.......Winning.
It is I imagine extremely tough being an athlete in any sport today, more so than years before because of a host of things. 24 hour sports news and radio cycles question and analyze every move you make on and off of the field, the pressure of having to perform at top levels constantly, forcing players to not take the "off season" off, but to train year round, and of course the now enhancing influences that seem to permeate all of sports right now. Put all of that together with the paparazzi following athletes into nightclubs, parties, and other places where there is public activity, you would figure that someplace somewhere anybody could slip up, and say something stupid, or get caught in some idiotic behavior that they have to have a press conference to clear up. The distractions then work their way onto the field, and players lose all focus as their personal lives are now in headlines.
That's what makes Mr Jeter a throwback to great players like Hank. he has a quiet intensity, and sheer love of what he does. Conducts himself respectably on the field, and in press conferences. He is never boastful, feeling the need to watch his home runs, or beat his chest in some braggadocious "I'm a man" fashion. His head is always in the game, and he always seems to be where he should have been when something happens. His manifesto seems to be of the "Take it to the stage" variety where there is no room for saying what you're going to do, or announcing what you are capable of. It is the way it should be: Shut up and play. Derek Jeter is not an outstanding athlete physically, but brings to the table outstanding qualities of leadership, focus, intensity, and sheer love and desire of winning and believing that with hard work, and team effort a group of folks can be successful. This is definitely not a new idea in sports, but too often we see athletes talking about Me, Me, Me, and their sentences always start with I this, or I that, and somehow they make themselves larger than life by insinuating that the world and team revolves around them. Conceit, arrogance, and complaining seem to be the norm in sports as players constantly say stupid things on the field, and do even stupider things off of the field, dragging the whole team downward with scandal, and chaos.
I have never seen Mr. Jeter say anything idiotic, or for that matter even questionable, as he seems to be well grounded with realistic ideas of himself, and just what he does in the scope of the bigger picture. His parents seem to be in constant presence and availability, he always seems to have a good perspective on how things work in his organization, and while we have no idea what the man is like in his private life besides being a single guy with girlfriends, there never seems to be any scandal, any idiotic Madonna like individuals in the stands creating distractions, and there is never some report of Mr. Jeter acting like a complete fool in a nightclub such as bringing a gun, or some other moronic activity that requires an investigation. What he does in his private life has been so far, private which is a hell of a feat in this day and age.
Why is he to be admired? Because of those things, and above all else he has a job to do, and he goes and does it. Period. Whether he succeeds that day or not, he goes out there and gives 100 percent of his blood and sweat, body and mind for the thing he loves to do. The only drama is on the field. No external or peripheral shenanigans. He is to be respected as a true ambassador of a great sport, and a model of how to conduct yourself within it. No athlete should have to have the responsibility as role model, but let's face it, it is there, and like it or not, kids observe and emulate what they do. I would be proud to have a son or daughter look at Mr. Jeter and say. 'That's how I want to approach whatever it is that I do." Because it's how we all should approach what we love to do. With a consistent work ethic, determination, respect for others, that help you achieve collective goals, and most of all shutting up and just doing what you are supposed to be doing.
When the smoke clears and he is all done with this sport, hopefully he will go down as the complete professional who did what it took to raise the level of acceptance of behavior on and off the field, and in the process achieved desired goals. For right now, to describe him, I will use a phrase that for the last few months has been associated with negativity. I will take this one word phrase and reapply it to positivity where it should be. And I can't think of a better place to reapply and reestablish this phrase than describing Derek Jeter. The phrase is simply one word.......Winning.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Flip Flop Fly: Contradict until we die
Hypocrisy is a part of human nature. We are all guilty of it, and we all do it at times known and unknown to ourselves. We as human beings, and adults in particular are products of the combination of nurture, nature, and received information, and experiences. These things shape our philosophies on life, our perceptions, and assessments of situations, and our actions and reactions concerning attitudes and beliefs about others. No one thing gets outweighed in influence, as each item checks and balances the other shaping us into who we are. And often times it really is that saying "Child is father to the man." Our youthful experiences really do end up shaping us as adults, and we constantly are in a battle with our younger selves to break free and become independent.
All of that said, we are constantly walking contradictions. Hypocrites who sometimes say one thing and do another. Hypocrisy is at the core of our being as often we try to stick to behavior, beliefs, and ideas that are consistent with the way we view the world, and will not interfere with what we perceive as a divided mindset. This desire to be consistent comes from the notion that two or more trains of thought equals weakness. The weakness does not come from having two or more trains of thought. The reason is, that it is impossible to be completely consistent. People's ideas change, grow, and take significant turns from where they once thought before. We are children of our beliefs, and are slaves to our emotions and that often times than not rule our logical roost causing the hypocrisy. But that's ok, because we are perfect human beings which means we are imperfect. So hypocrisy is not the weakness. The weakness is this...Refusing to acknowledge the hypocrisy inside you.
Example: There are two people in your life that you know. One whom you like, the other that you don't. The one that you don't like makes a statement, that rubs you the wrong way, and you say that you don't like it. The one you like makes the exact statement, and you have no problem with it. You actually agree. There is the hypocrisy that you possess. The only reason that you have a problem with one person, and no problem with another for the exact same statement is for one reason only. You don't like one of the individuals. There is nothing wrong with that if you state that reason. That is being completely honest, and honesty trumps hypocrisy. Refusing to see it and acknowledge the evidence of hypocrisy makes for lack of credibility, therefore the illusion, and presumption of weakness. By just saying " I don't like what person A said because I just don't like him and can't bring myself to agree with him" makes you honest and human, and even though there is hypocrisy, you are strong for being honest with yourself. Therefore garnering respect from others because they will say about you, "Yeah so and so is a hypocrite sometimes, but so and so will be the first to tell you that and why."
Nowhere is this more prevalent and out in the open than politics as we watch on an almost hourly basis politicians from every venue on every ideological side contradict themselves, twist and turn their own words and others, and become hypocrites in the name of votes. They posture, lie, and do the opposite of what they said, but that is not where the problem is. The problem is that they don't acknowledge it. If they mess up, misspeak, put themselves on a pedestal, or flip flop, the failure is ignoring it, and not perhaps saying, "I know I said that, or did that, but I changed my mind, or I made a mistake, or this thing I did doesn't match what I said, but here's why I said it." That is being honest, and people may not like the outcome, but they will respect the honesty. This goes for folks who are not politicians whose ideology rules their line of thinking about politics. I firmly believe that given the choice between acknowledging hypocrisy, or an ideological stance, people will choose ideology because it's easier than saying, "Yeah I see the hypocrisy, but I stand with this side anyway." That is honesty, and that is not weakness. It is truth and when folks face the truth about their beliefs and their contradictions everyone deals with each other better, because there are no head games.
There are no completely consistent angels out there, yours truly included. If you think you are completely consistent and not a hypocrite,then you are fooling yourself, and part of the problem of why people don't like hypocrisy. But the truth is that hypocrisy is actually OK. As long as you recognize it, and call it what it is, and not sugar coat it. Hypocrisy makes us well rounded because it constantly keeps us evolving, and questioning ourselves, and how we see things, and any time that happens with folks it makes for better human relations with one another, agreeing or disagreeing. Taking responsibility for the contradictions and hypocrisies that we all have will actually in some strange way bring people together...As honesty always does.
All of that said, we are constantly walking contradictions. Hypocrites who sometimes say one thing and do another. Hypocrisy is at the core of our being as often we try to stick to behavior, beliefs, and ideas that are consistent with the way we view the world, and will not interfere with what we perceive as a divided mindset. This desire to be consistent comes from the notion that two or more trains of thought equals weakness. The weakness does not come from having two or more trains of thought. The reason is, that it is impossible to be completely consistent. People's ideas change, grow, and take significant turns from where they once thought before. We are children of our beliefs, and are slaves to our emotions and that often times than not rule our logical roost causing the hypocrisy. But that's ok, because we are perfect human beings which means we are imperfect. So hypocrisy is not the weakness. The weakness is this...Refusing to acknowledge the hypocrisy inside you.
Example: There are two people in your life that you know. One whom you like, the other that you don't. The one that you don't like makes a statement, that rubs you the wrong way, and you say that you don't like it. The one you like makes the exact statement, and you have no problem with it. You actually agree. There is the hypocrisy that you possess. The only reason that you have a problem with one person, and no problem with another for the exact same statement is for one reason only. You don't like one of the individuals. There is nothing wrong with that if you state that reason. That is being completely honest, and honesty trumps hypocrisy. Refusing to see it and acknowledge the evidence of hypocrisy makes for lack of credibility, therefore the illusion, and presumption of weakness. By just saying " I don't like what person A said because I just don't like him and can't bring myself to agree with him" makes you honest and human, and even though there is hypocrisy, you are strong for being honest with yourself. Therefore garnering respect from others because they will say about you, "Yeah so and so is a hypocrite sometimes, but so and so will be the first to tell you that and why."
Nowhere is this more prevalent and out in the open than politics as we watch on an almost hourly basis politicians from every venue on every ideological side contradict themselves, twist and turn their own words and others, and become hypocrites in the name of votes. They posture, lie, and do the opposite of what they said, but that is not where the problem is. The problem is that they don't acknowledge it. If they mess up, misspeak, put themselves on a pedestal, or flip flop, the failure is ignoring it, and not perhaps saying, "I know I said that, or did that, but I changed my mind, or I made a mistake, or this thing I did doesn't match what I said, but here's why I said it." That is being honest, and people may not like the outcome, but they will respect the honesty. This goes for folks who are not politicians whose ideology rules their line of thinking about politics. I firmly believe that given the choice between acknowledging hypocrisy, or an ideological stance, people will choose ideology because it's easier than saying, "Yeah I see the hypocrisy, but I stand with this side anyway." That is honesty, and that is not weakness. It is truth and when folks face the truth about their beliefs and their contradictions everyone deals with each other better, because there are no head games.
There are no completely consistent angels out there, yours truly included. If you think you are completely consistent and not a hypocrite,then you are fooling yourself, and part of the problem of why people don't like hypocrisy. But the truth is that hypocrisy is actually OK. As long as you recognize it, and call it what it is, and not sugar coat it. Hypocrisy makes us well rounded because it constantly keeps us evolving, and questioning ourselves, and how we see things, and any time that happens with folks it makes for better human relations with one another, agreeing or disagreeing. Taking responsibility for the contradictions and hypocrisies that we all have will actually in some strange way bring people together...As honesty always does.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Mouth Say Tongue: The most powerful weapon that can be carried.
A good amount of us that have the ability to talk, probably spend a good portion of their day doing just that. Whether your job requires it, or you are within a group of people, or sitting with someone one on one in a diner, you probably exert quite a bit of energy moving your mouth. Recalling a story, dealing with a customer, gossiping, or stating an opinion about something, it is a given that you will say many things during the course of the day, and quite a bit that you will forget that you even said because of the insignificance in the scope of the amount of words that have exited your mouth. There will be jokes, heated discussions, small talk, and significant words spoken that can be deciding factors in relationship outcomes. We take the ability to talk sometimes for granted, so much that we forget what impact our words really have on others positively and negatively.
At the center of all the words we say, and statements that we make is the most powerful weapon that anyone can carry. Louder than a gunshot, sharper than a Bowie knife, more hurtful than a baseball bat across the head, and more burning than some flame thrower. It is the tongue.
That enabler of vowels and consonants that happens to be its own worst enemy. The hand can't contain it in its cell, and the brain often arrives at the scene of the crime too late to admonish it. It is a powerful weapon that when unleashed can do just as much good as it can evil depending upon which emotion hitches its wagon to. It sometimes has a mind of its own. It gets advise, and sometimes ignores the information given it. It tricks the owner by agreeing how to act and then doing the complete opposite when given a green light. And more times than not has to work its way out of jams that it got itself into. It can relay the highest emotion of love, or be the highlight tape of the lowest forms of hatred and vitriol. It can be the beacon of truth and justice, or it can be the mud hole of lies and nefarious behavior. It can be the an encouraging motivator to another's self esteem, or it can be the crushing blow to someone's psyche. It is very powerful as some know just how to wield it, and utilize it as a disciplined machine, just as others have no clue how to control the rabid wild thing loose in their possession.
We all have one of these weapons if we can talk. All of us will at some point lose control of it, and have to deal with the repercussions of the aftermath. Mine has gotten me into trouble many times in life, and if I live long enough it will get me in trouble many times more. Making mistakes with your weapon is as much a part of life as breathing. If you don't make any mistakes with your weapon then you are just not trying to grow, because growth means mistakes, and the prelude of those mistakes will more than likely be something the weapon has done. Now an occasional mistake with it means that you are trying and growing. Frequent mistakes mean that you are not thinking. And part of the ability to control that thing depends upon just how much you think before unleashing it.
The ugly underbelly of the weapon can incite people to do evil destructive things, destroy reputations and lives of people, break up marriages and friendships, and just plain cause chaos and drama in not only the life of its owner, but in the lives of others in a nasty ripple effect of hurt, pain and anger. There are some that we wish weren't able to use theirs, as whenever it is unleashed, seems to be on a mission of negativity, and deception.
Then there is the positive side of the weapon that when used for good, can spread the emotion of love, and friendship, stand up against hatred and injustices, heal wounds that may have caused lives to separate, and solve problems that confront the owner, and the people around them. The weapon can also display and showcase laughter, friendly hello's to strangers who may need it that particular moment and time. The positive ripple effect and reward of the weapon in this regard is more positivity, which helps more brains control their respective weapons.
I own a powerful weapon and so do you. it is important for all of us to even in disagreement not let this weapon run amok. it has both a history and potential, and for all of us to recognize that means less chances that it will be misused and carelessly thrown at a situation. It is the most powerful weapon that anyone anywhere can carry, and if you don't believe me, there are two very important things to remember:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Carried this all powerful weapon.....So did Adolph Hitler.
At the center of all the words we say, and statements that we make is the most powerful weapon that anyone can carry. Louder than a gunshot, sharper than a Bowie knife, more hurtful than a baseball bat across the head, and more burning than some flame thrower. It is the tongue.
That enabler of vowels and consonants that happens to be its own worst enemy. The hand can't contain it in its cell, and the brain often arrives at the scene of the crime too late to admonish it. It is a powerful weapon that when unleashed can do just as much good as it can evil depending upon which emotion hitches its wagon to. It sometimes has a mind of its own. It gets advise, and sometimes ignores the information given it. It tricks the owner by agreeing how to act and then doing the complete opposite when given a green light. And more times than not has to work its way out of jams that it got itself into. It can relay the highest emotion of love, or be the highlight tape of the lowest forms of hatred and vitriol. It can be the beacon of truth and justice, or it can be the mud hole of lies and nefarious behavior. It can be the an encouraging motivator to another's self esteem, or it can be the crushing blow to someone's psyche. It is very powerful as some know just how to wield it, and utilize it as a disciplined machine, just as others have no clue how to control the rabid wild thing loose in their possession.
We all have one of these weapons if we can talk. All of us will at some point lose control of it, and have to deal with the repercussions of the aftermath. Mine has gotten me into trouble many times in life, and if I live long enough it will get me in trouble many times more. Making mistakes with your weapon is as much a part of life as breathing. If you don't make any mistakes with your weapon then you are just not trying to grow, because growth means mistakes, and the prelude of those mistakes will more than likely be something the weapon has done. Now an occasional mistake with it means that you are trying and growing. Frequent mistakes mean that you are not thinking. And part of the ability to control that thing depends upon just how much you think before unleashing it.
The ugly underbelly of the weapon can incite people to do evil destructive things, destroy reputations and lives of people, break up marriages and friendships, and just plain cause chaos and drama in not only the life of its owner, but in the lives of others in a nasty ripple effect of hurt, pain and anger. There are some that we wish weren't able to use theirs, as whenever it is unleashed, seems to be on a mission of negativity, and deception.
Then there is the positive side of the weapon that when used for good, can spread the emotion of love, and friendship, stand up against hatred and injustices, heal wounds that may have caused lives to separate, and solve problems that confront the owner, and the people around them. The weapon can also display and showcase laughter, friendly hello's to strangers who may need it that particular moment and time. The positive ripple effect and reward of the weapon in this regard is more positivity, which helps more brains control their respective weapons.
I own a powerful weapon and so do you. it is important for all of us to even in disagreement not let this weapon run amok. it has both a history and potential, and for all of us to recognize that means less chances that it will be misused and carelessly thrown at a situation. It is the most powerful weapon that anyone anywhere can carry, and if you don't believe me, there are two very important things to remember:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Carried this all powerful weapon.....So did Adolph Hitler.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Birth Of A Nation: Loving America Realistically
There is no doubt in my mind that America is the greatest country in the world to live in. I love this place, and wouldn't trade it for anywhere. We have wonderful places to see here, freedoms that we enjoy that are envious everywhere else, and a diverse melting pot of people from every walk of life that you can name, that we can learn from, and you can literally do whatever you want here. Would I love to visit other countries and cultures? Yes but my head will always come back to here because of my love of this country, and what it has to offer. There is a rich history here, but there is something transpiring nowadays that is really an annoying trend, and needs to be addressed.
There are certain people in this country in the public eye who seem to bring up the constant catchphrases and talking points of "The Forefathers this......." and "The Forefathers that....." and "Family values that that the forefathers blah blah blah" There seems to be some strange and idiotic idea of a utopian America almost 240 years ago, where everything was rosy, everyone had integrity, and things ran as smooth as a new engine and if we can just go back there to whatever ideas existed, all will be right with this country again. I get extremely annoyed at these notions because The real history of this country and its beginnings are as dark as any country's darkest moments. These folks want you to believe that the "Star Spangled Banner" was playing loudly throughout our fight for independence, and that the path to greatness that this country took was wholesome, wonderful, and spiritual. The reality of loving this country unconditionally means understanding and accepting just what this country has done to get to where it is today, and having no dreamy music playing in your head as you long for the days of this place's early existence.
Accept the fact that this country has done things in its quest for independence, expansion and power, that we would condemn, sanction, and threaten other countries for doing. There has been slavery, genocide, deception, flat out lying, and cajoling, corruption, bloodshed, and war waging for territory, and a host of other things all done by America. Now the men that drew up the laws that govern us had nice foresight, and there are some genius things in place, but these very men were far from perfect, and in fact some of them owned people. That doesn't mean that they weren't great men, or not smart, but it means that this notion of a wonderful utopia in 1776 didn't exist when you have people enslaved by self proclaimed "Civilized" folk. That is called reality, and some folk seem to want to paint a revisionist history as they call upon the spirit of those that founded this place. This place did not become great by honorable means. We violated treaties, made our own laws, and broke them, and stole some of the things that are currently our property. That is a fact that cannot be gotten around, and anyone who doesn't acknowledge it is not based in any reality whatsoever. Historical facts that have taken place are not to be scrubbed, or turned around, or ignored. Today is tomorrow's history, and there will be moments of greatness as well as moments of loathing. That is why history is so rich, and dense. These contradicting things happen sometimes in the same moment.
Which leads me right to another annoying trait of these same folks who now throw the "P" word at folks who bring up and remind people of this reality. All of a sudden someone's patriotism is questioned, and now they don't love America as much as someone else. Anyone who questions my patriotism for this country is going to have a tremendous problem with me. I will never ever question another man or woman's love and patriotism for this country, and I dare someone to question mine, but you have people all of the time who throw this out onto some righteous platform when someone questions or critiques America, and its faults. There are tremendous warts and faults here, and the past of this country is as bad, and as good as any other country's. Loving something unconditionally means recognizing, and acknowledging faults, and accepting them. Truly loving America means understanding history, and how it affects today, and how you can possibly make it better tomorrow. But if you continue to have some weird love affair with an idea of the past that didn't really exist, you will never fix what's going on now.
America didn't lose its stature because we didn't adhere to some 240 year old dead person's family values. America lost its stature because it got fat and lazy thinking that the rest of the world would never catch up. But the rest of the world watched how we did it, and caught up by applying it to who they were, while we were bitching about the rest of the world, and not adjusting to the changing times ourselves. It's like the aspect of somebody complaining about how some job needs to be done. As they complain, they could have been doing it, and been done with it, while the co worker next to that person just did it and now is done and can go home.
My point in this post is very simple. You don't have to go backwards in time to make things great for America. This place is great now, and if everyone would just stop pointing fingers at everyone else calling them this ideological name or that ideological name, just maybe we could get some things done. There is no rainbow colored symphonic past for America where everyone carried Bibles. And there is no shortcut for making this place better in the future. It will take the unconditional love of all of us to get it going. And that unconditional love requires acknowledgement that your country isn't perfect, nor ever has been. Nor has ever even been close. But the name calling, and ideological stances need to stop. But since I am a history buff, history tells me one thing. They won't.
No matter what..I love you America. Warts and all. Happy Birthday. Have a safe 4th of July everyone.
There are certain people in this country in the public eye who seem to bring up the constant catchphrases and talking points of "The Forefathers this......." and "The Forefathers that....." and "Family values that that the forefathers blah blah blah" There seems to be some strange and idiotic idea of a utopian America almost 240 years ago, where everything was rosy, everyone had integrity, and things ran as smooth as a new engine and if we can just go back there to whatever ideas existed, all will be right with this country again. I get extremely annoyed at these notions because The real history of this country and its beginnings are as dark as any country's darkest moments. These folks want you to believe that the "Star Spangled Banner" was playing loudly throughout our fight for independence, and that the path to greatness that this country took was wholesome, wonderful, and spiritual. The reality of loving this country unconditionally means understanding and accepting just what this country has done to get to where it is today, and having no dreamy music playing in your head as you long for the days of this place's early existence.
Accept the fact that this country has done things in its quest for independence, expansion and power, that we would condemn, sanction, and threaten other countries for doing. There has been slavery, genocide, deception, flat out lying, and cajoling, corruption, bloodshed, and war waging for territory, and a host of other things all done by America. Now the men that drew up the laws that govern us had nice foresight, and there are some genius things in place, but these very men were far from perfect, and in fact some of them owned people. That doesn't mean that they weren't great men, or not smart, but it means that this notion of a wonderful utopia in 1776 didn't exist when you have people enslaved by self proclaimed "Civilized" folk. That is called reality, and some folk seem to want to paint a revisionist history as they call upon the spirit of those that founded this place. This place did not become great by honorable means. We violated treaties, made our own laws, and broke them, and stole some of the things that are currently our property. That is a fact that cannot be gotten around, and anyone who doesn't acknowledge it is not based in any reality whatsoever. Historical facts that have taken place are not to be scrubbed, or turned around, or ignored. Today is tomorrow's history, and there will be moments of greatness as well as moments of loathing. That is why history is so rich, and dense. These contradicting things happen sometimes in the same moment.
Which leads me right to another annoying trait of these same folks who now throw the "P" word at folks who bring up and remind people of this reality. All of a sudden someone's patriotism is questioned, and now they don't love America as much as someone else. Anyone who questions my patriotism for this country is going to have a tremendous problem with me. I will never ever question another man or woman's love and patriotism for this country, and I dare someone to question mine, but you have people all of the time who throw this out onto some righteous platform when someone questions or critiques America, and its faults. There are tremendous warts and faults here, and the past of this country is as bad, and as good as any other country's. Loving something unconditionally means recognizing, and acknowledging faults, and accepting them. Truly loving America means understanding history, and how it affects today, and how you can possibly make it better tomorrow. But if you continue to have some weird love affair with an idea of the past that didn't really exist, you will never fix what's going on now.
America didn't lose its stature because we didn't adhere to some 240 year old dead person's family values. America lost its stature because it got fat and lazy thinking that the rest of the world would never catch up. But the rest of the world watched how we did it, and caught up by applying it to who they were, while we were bitching about the rest of the world, and not adjusting to the changing times ourselves. It's like the aspect of somebody complaining about how some job needs to be done. As they complain, they could have been doing it, and been done with it, while the co worker next to that person just did it and now is done and can go home.
My point in this post is very simple. You don't have to go backwards in time to make things great for America. This place is great now, and if everyone would just stop pointing fingers at everyone else calling them this ideological name or that ideological name, just maybe we could get some things done. There is no rainbow colored symphonic past for America where everyone carried Bibles. And there is no shortcut for making this place better in the future. It will take the unconditional love of all of us to get it going. And that unconditional love requires acknowledgement that your country isn't perfect, nor ever has been. Nor has ever even been close. But the name calling, and ideological stances need to stop. But since I am a history buff, history tells me one thing. They won't.
No matter what..I love you America. Warts and all. Happy Birthday. Have a safe 4th of July everyone.
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