mind control

Someone told me that money and policies were all we could do to cure the problems that began in our past. We cannot tell people what to think. We cannot control their minds nor can we impede on their freedom. I don't believe that policies and money alone will change the reasons so many social justice issues exist. And, for those who claim that we cannot control our citizens' minds, I must point out our current educational system. It seems to be designed exactly for that reason. It teaches our people what to think and how to think (or not think). If a school or teacher tries to teach outside of regulations demanded by our government, they are in danger of being shut down or pushed out.

The "radical" teachings of oppression, institutional racism, imperialism, and human rights are not to be taught in any in-depth fashion, if at all. By teaching such things, one is accused of causing problems. It is assumed or believed that our youth cannot handle such issues and would not know how to express themselves "correctly." Many of our youth are trying to survive these issues but have no way to name it. They know something ain't right but no one's talking about it. They wonder why is it that if anyone could be anything, how come they know so few people making a better life for themselves.


If we were really trying to remedy social justice issues which can linked to these "radical" teachings, then why aren't we discussing them in our schools? If our youth are not being taught about them in our schools, how would they ever come to understand the depth of our isssues? If they are not taught about them in our schools, where are they suppose to learn about them? And, if no one is learning about them, how are we to cease them from existing? A policy alone cannot create the real change that is needed. We need to educate our people on why we continue to face these problems, even after the civil rights movement. Che Guevara pointed out that we cannot change our country, if we do not change our consciousness.

28 years of life

As I look back on my 28 years of life, I am becoming more aware of how my journey has prepared me for my next steps. I had a very late awakening but I've come to realize that opening my eyes has allowed everything else to fall into place. Unexplainable feelings now make sense. Misguided determination now has purpose. And, my words are now genuine and carry significance.

My experiences, good and bad, had to have happened for me to see what I see today. The struggle between my mother and father represents more than a sad love story. The various clicks I grew up with as an adolescent was more than mere boredom. All the loves and heartbreaks, I have survived were part of the perfect path to lead me where I am today. Each person was a messenger that has slipped truth and knowledge into my pocket while I was weeping, laughing, or looking elsewhere. Their messages weren't always read right away but definitely were read or will be read when I'm prepared for them.

I have realized that it is not up to us to create our own purpose. We were all born with one. It is up to us to discover what it is . But, like with anything else , you'll only experience what you open yourself up to.

the appropriate woMAN: Clinton, Obama, McCain

A quick comment, perhaps i'll expand more later...

Regardless if you are or are not a Clinton supporter I think it should not be denied that Clinton was a victim of sexism. Many people aren't aware of how these -isms occur or when they do.

One thing I thought was absolutely ridiculous was the discussion on Clinton's wardrobe. It's amazing how what's appropriate for a woman to wear is so bluntly based upon what a man perceives as appropriate. Clinton was criticized for wearing "man" suits and not being feminine enough. When she wore a blouse with a low neck line, she was criticized because someone saw the line of her cleavage. I forgot what news station I was watching but it went so far as to saying she looked trashy, slutty, or a word similar to those with the same intent.

Then with Clinton out of the race, Michelle Obama is criticized for showing off her shoulders and wearing "fitted" outfits. I swear what these women were wearing did not even cross my mind until the media thought it was so important to discuss it.

So when is a woman's attire appropriate or inappropriate? How much of her body can she show off? When can she show it off? Only when it could be fully admired my men? I say that because we (and i do mean all of us) see cleavage lines and cleavage flashed around all the time. And, shockingly we see shoulders as well. One might answer that in the political sphere it's never appropriate. My response: Cindy McCain also work a blouse with a low neckline (recently, last week i believe) and yes, there was a cleavage line (at least her shoulders weren't showing) but no news station reported it. (at least none that I saw which means it wasn't as high of a topic as Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton). Is Cindy McCain's cleavage line part of a more appropriate woMAN (which only takes us so much further in sexism)?

I do not think Cindy McCain should be criticized either but I am only criticizing those that have criticized Clinton and Obama.