Lawd! Lawd! People make me so tired. So, so, so tired!
I already planned on writing a blog today. But, as is often the case the ever evolving news cycle altered the topic I was planning on writing. I was going to talk about how some progressives are fake and hypocritical. But, along came Roseanne Barr, her itchy Twitter finger and her inability to keep her racism tucked in.
For those who don't know ABC cancelled Roseanne today due to her saying former President Obama adviser, Valerie Jarrett, was the "child of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes". The joke was obviously racially charged and Roseanne admitted as much in her subsequent half-assed Twitter apology.
Now, I have some mixed emotions about ABC cancelling the show because of Roseanne exercising her First Amendment right. But, then again, I have a problem with the President of the United States wanting NFL players fired and deported for exercising their First Amendment rights. So, what do I know.
Oh, I know that I am already tired of Trumpsters and their faux outrage and blatant hypocrisy. I'm going to say to them exactly what they've been saying for the last week about the NFL anthem protest rule. "Everyone has the right to exercise their First Amendment rights but that doesn't mean they are exempt from consequences. These NFL owners are business owners and have the right to look out for what is best for their company. They've determined these protests are un-patriotic, immoral and bad for business." Well, ABC decided Roseanne comparing Black folk to apes is racist, immoral and bad for business. Nothing wrong with that, right? You hypothetical clowns were good with it last week with the NFL and should be good with it this week with ABC, no.
I can hear Trumpsters now, "Well, Roseanne wasn't at work." Um...and your point is...what? Kathy Griffin wasn't at work when she made that tasteless joke with Trump's severed head. Yet, y'all demanded she be fired. And, she subsequently was. Um, y'all demanded the Dixie Chicks lose sponsors and be fired from their label because they exercised their First Amendment rights. So, I'm confused about the anger with Roseanne's cancellation. What is the difference? Can't quite put my finger on it.
What I've truly found rich and exposing today is the amount of false equivalencies I have heard. I mean, shit, it's like y'all aren't even trying anymore. I mean I have been insulted at the fact people can't even fake something half-assed intelligent.
I have heard how what Michelle Wolf said about Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the White House Correspondents dinner was just as awful as what Roseanne said. 😐 So, lemme get this straight. Michelle Wolf talking about Sanders' "smokey eye" (which wasn't even a reference to her looks) is just as offensive as Roseanne's racist comment saying Valerie Jarrett was derived from a monkey? Seriously! Oh, wait, it wasn't racist because this one time "I was told by a doctor we're all descendants of monkeys", which is the defense I was told. I wish I was making this up.
But, wait, there is more! The other gold medal apologist false equivalency I found fascinating was comparing what Stormy Daniels said about Trump. What did she say you might ask. Well, her saying she had sex with Trump and his saying she reminds him of Ivanka. Yes, that is every bit as awful as Roseanne saying an educated well read Black woman is derived from an ape. I swear on everything holy. Stop laughing! I'm not making this shit up!
Then, basically the next line of defense I've read and heard is "we're too sensitive"; "people are snowflakes". Yes, the very same people who are triggered whenever anyone calls Trump a Cheeto or references his orange tint are calling me and others a "snowflake" for being offended at a Black woman being referenced to an ape in an obvious racially insensitive tweet. Let that shit sink all the way in for a minute. I mean you really can't make this ish up!
It actually hurts me Roseanne was cancelled. Although I have never been a fan of Roseanne Barr, the show is one of my favorites. I'm on the fence about whether it should've been cancelled or even how much credit for moral standing ABC deserves here. Likely, advertisers would've bolted sending the show into a downward spiral. Not to mention one of the head writers, Wanda Sykes, already said after the tweet she wouldn't be coming back. And, some co-stars were already showing anger and consternation. So, Roseanne single-handedly killed the show.
Lemme leave you with this. The same people who are blasting the NFL players for disrespecting the flag are the very same people who are all in their feelings defending a woman who once spit and grabbed her crotch during the national anthem and who never really apologized for it all because she likes their dear leader.
So, tell me more about how you're more patriotic than I am and how you're not a shameless hypocrite.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
There Are Still Sexual Assault/Misconduct Apologists
Today CNN broke a story about sexual misconduct allegations regarding Morgan Freemam. MORGAN FREEMAN! Yes, Mr. Driving Ms. Daisy; Mr. First Black President; Mandelaaaaa; god! That Morgan Freeman. Is nothing real anymore?
The fact is I was shocked but not surprised. This trend of sexual predators being exposed is starting to look like steroid users in baseball. The actual number of dudes I could list that I'd be genuinely surprised at being accused of sexual misconduct is pretty damn miniscule. It really is. I was genuinely surprised that Catfish's Nev Schulman was accused. But, at this point should I be. I'll note that if it turns out to be false I won't be surprised. The story is shaky.
But, for Morgan Freeman I can't say the same. I read the story thoroughly. Multiple women went on record describing what he did. Some called it "inappropriate behavior"; others called it sexual assault and/or misconduct. The story had 16...SIXTEEN sources who confirmed the accusers accounts either in part or in full. One of the victim accounts was by a CNN reporter who has part of the incident on video. And, the real clincher for me was from Freeman himself. He gave a statement-not of denial- but the 'ol "If I did anything to offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable...". That is damn near a confession. Why, Mandela, why? 😡
But, as with Bill Cosby; Harvey Weinstein; Matt Lauer; Charlie Rose; ect, the excusing and moralizing was almost instantaneous. The half-assed victim blaming began.
Here we are in the crux of the #MeToo movement and an alleged enlightening of men about their attitude toward women and I hear some of the most inane ignorant ass shit possible! I literally had said to me today, "Why are they coming out now?" (An oldie but still moronic goodie) I replied some of these accounts are within the last three years. Next question, "Why didn't they do something or say something then?" (Ya know low-key victim blaming.) I said, "Oh, I don't know...because it was freakin Morgan Freeman and they were afraid of their careers being ruined!" Then I heard, "Some of these claims are just about nothing. It's not like they got raped." Uh-huh. Real convo. Then the minimizing of #MeToo accounts began with the, "A lot of these women's stories are 'he told me a dirty joke' or 'he brushed up against me'." I then had to drop a little knowledge, "Most of these claims are more than dirty jokes. Sure, some of these accusations are incidents blown way out of proportion. But, the vast majority are credible with contemporaneous accounts. And, brushing up against someone to cop feel without their consent is sexual assault. 😒" The response to that was the classic apologist go-to. "Well, they'll have to go after every man to ever be in the workforce. Because man has been doing that since the beginning of work. And, every man has inappropriately touched a woman or groped her." I said, "Well, men have been sexually harassing women since the beginning of time. Also, not every man has sexually harassed woman. It's actually very easy not to do. A lot of men have never groped a woman or try to lift up their skirt or put their hand down their shirt."
What kills me about this type of attitude is the total lack of awareness and the fact it's still pervasive. It is an archaic attitude but is one held by many men and women! It is astounding to me that rape culture is still rampant in this country.
How ridiculous is it for someone to still believe it's ok for "boys to be boys". OMG! It is not ok! How about we teach our boys to properly respect women and our "big boys" to be FUCKING MEN! How about dah! How about men and boys stop thinking women's main role in life is to be there for their pleasure. How about we as men stop thinking women's asses, boobs and vaginas are ok to grope and grab without consent! How about we quit bullshittin about we don't know what is ok and what isn't. Quit mudding the waters. A glance at a woman because you think she's attractive is infinitely different from glaring at her. Respectfully telling a woman, "You look nice today", is a far cry from, "Dayummmm! Look at the tits on you! I'd like to see what that ass looks like bent over. Come sit on my face, Honey!" I mean fucking really we don't know the difference! Seriously, if you don't know the difference, you're a hopeless dumbass! Sorry. Not sorry!
Respecting women, respecting their space isn't that hard. Hell, it's not hard at all. Knowing what's consent or approval to do something and what is not isn't really that taxing to decipher.
People have to quit being apologists for behavior that is clearly wrong. Just because "it's always happened" means it's right or should continue. There are a lot of things that have "always happened" in our society that should stop. I find it disappointing and frankly disgusting that people have to be told sexual harassment/assault is wrong and should never be excused.
Be better!
The fact is I was shocked but not surprised. This trend of sexual predators being exposed is starting to look like steroid users in baseball. The actual number of dudes I could list that I'd be genuinely surprised at being accused of sexual misconduct is pretty damn miniscule. It really is. I was genuinely surprised that Catfish's Nev Schulman was accused. But, at this point should I be. I'll note that if it turns out to be false I won't be surprised. The story is shaky.
But, for Morgan Freeman I can't say the same. I read the story thoroughly. Multiple women went on record describing what he did. Some called it "inappropriate behavior"; others called it sexual assault and/or misconduct. The story had 16...SIXTEEN sources who confirmed the accusers accounts either in part or in full. One of the victim accounts was by a CNN reporter who has part of the incident on video. And, the real clincher for me was from Freeman himself. He gave a statement-not of denial- but the 'ol "If I did anything to offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable...". That is damn near a confession. Why, Mandela, why? 😡
But, as with Bill Cosby; Harvey Weinstein; Matt Lauer; Charlie Rose; ect, the excusing and moralizing was almost instantaneous. The half-assed victim blaming began.
Here we are in the crux of the #MeToo movement and an alleged enlightening of men about their attitude toward women and I hear some of the most inane ignorant ass shit possible! I literally had said to me today, "Why are they coming out now?" (An oldie but still moronic goodie) I replied some of these accounts are within the last three years. Next question, "Why didn't they do something or say something then?" (Ya know low-key victim blaming.) I said, "Oh, I don't know...because it was freakin Morgan Freeman and they were afraid of their careers being ruined!" Then I heard, "Some of these claims are just about nothing. It's not like they got raped." Uh-huh. Real convo. Then the minimizing of #MeToo accounts began with the, "A lot of these women's stories are 'he told me a dirty joke' or 'he brushed up against me'." I then had to drop a little knowledge, "Most of these claims are more than dirty jokes. Sure, some of these accusations are incidents blown way out of proportion. But, the vast majority are credible with contemporaneous accounts. And, brushing up against someone to cop feel without their consent is sexual assault. 😒" The response to that was the classic apologist go-to. "Well, they'll have to go after every man to ever be in the workforce. Because man has been doing that since the beginning of work. And, every man has inappropriately touched a woman or groped her." I said, "Well, men have been sexually harassing women since the beginning of time. Also, not every man has sexually harassed woman. It's actually very easy not to do. A lot of men have never groped a woman or try to lift up their skirt or put their hand down their shirt."
What kills me about this type of attitude is the total lack of awareness and the fact it's still pervasive. It is an archaic attitude but is one held by many men and women! It is astounding to me that rape culture is still rampant in this country.
How ridiculous is it for someone to still believe it's ok for "boys to be boys". OMG! It is not ok! How about we teach our boys to properly respect women and our "big boys" to be FUCKING MEN! How about dah! How about men and boys stop thinking women's main role in life is to be there for their pleasure. How about we as men stop thinking women's asses, boobs and vaginas are ok to grope and grab without consent! How about we quit bullshittin about we don't know what is ok and what isn't. Quit mudding the waters. A glance at a woman because you think she's attractive is infinitely different from glaring at her. Respectfully telling a woman, "You look nice today", is a far cry from, "Dayummmm! Look at the tits on you! I'd like to see what that ass looks like bent over. Come sit on my face, Honey!" I mean fucking really we don't know the difference! Seriously, if you don't know the difference, you're a hopeless dumbass! Sorry. Not sorry!
Respecting women, respecting their space isn't that hard. Hell, it's not hard at all. Knowing what's consent or approval to do something and what is not isn't really that taxing to decipher.
People have to quit being apologists for behavior that is clearly wrong. Just because "it's always happened" means it's right or should continue. There are a lot of things that have "always happened" in our society that should stop. I find it disappointing and frankly disgusting that people have to be told sexual harassment/assault is wrong and should never be excused.
Be better!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Fake News Works!
I didn't really plan on writing a blog today. I thought maybe posting a blog four days in a row would possibly be oversaturation. But, then I heard something that triggered my mind into contemplating on a subject I've been wanting to write about. Then, I thought, "No. I'll wait until tomorrow or Friday." But, I opened Facebook and lo and behold there staring me in the face was the very thing I'd been contemplating writing on, fake news.
Facebook had placed in my news feed a guide to detecting fake news and how to determine if a article is legit. I'm sure the grilling from Congress and the having to admit the Russians infiltrated Facebook feeds with false and/or misleading stories forced this guide's publishing. In any event it lead me to deciding to write a blog. I am going to go over each bullet point because it's important. Fake news is real. And, it's not difficult to see how it influenced the 2016 election and how it will likely influence the 2018 midterm elections.
I'm sure some people will now blow off this blog but I hope enough people will just give it a read and consider that maybe they can be myopic in their thinking at times and that living in their bubble without ever venturing outside of it can be dangerous. And, it is silly to never vet a news source to make sure it's legit and the articles they are publishing are, first exist, and are legit.
The following are the guidelines from Facebook (My thoughts are in parentheses.):
1.Be skeptical of headlines. False news stories often have catchy headlines in all caps with exclamation points. If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are. (This is very true. As a journalism major I can tell you rarely does a headline have an exclamation point. Headlines are designed to get your attention. However, if your first thought is, "Wow! That sounds crazy! That sounds weird!" It is 99.5% of the time. Real stories have eye-catching headlines; not the shit you see on a National Enquire front page.)
2. Look closely at the URL. A phony or look-alike URL may be a warning sign of false news. Many false news sites mimic authentic news sources by making small changes to the URL. You can go to the site to compare the URL to established sources. (Yes, you should watch this closely. Same goes for Facebook and Twitter handles. I'll admit I've been fooled a few times. Often the differences between the fake name and the real name are subtle, but after a little inspection the difference is noticeable.)
3. Investigate the source. Ensure that the story is written by a source that you trust with a reputation for accuracy. If the story comes from an unfamiliar organization, check their "About" section to learn more. (This is the most difficult rule that is listed. Let's be honest here sometimes reputable sources like Fox News post stories that are false. They have enough truth in them to avoid libel charges or they're littered with quotes that are more opinion than fact. But, this goes to people believing what they wanna believe. My best advice is before believing a source is to see if other news sources are reporting the same story or something similar. But, then we get into what is "reputable". Some people think the New York Times and the Washington Post aren't reputable but sources like alt-right and White Nationalists sites are. Can't always compete with willful ignorance and willful racism. My compromise would be if you're right leaning check the Wall Street Journal, Washington Examiner, New York Post, The National Review or even Sinclair. If they aren't reporting it also, it's likely false. Same goes for left leaning people. Checkout Huffington Post, The Root, MSNBC or Rawstory. If none of them are reporting something you read, it's probably not true.)
4. Watch for unusual formatting. Many false news sites have misspellings or awkward layouts. Read carefully if you see these signs. (Look, I'm no fan of alot of Fox News. But, their actual news corp is solid. They're not illiterate. Same goes for Breitbart. I find their narratives on many things to be repulsive and racist; however, their writers can punctuate and actually employ spell check. If you read some shit that looks like it was written by a fifth grade remedial student, it's highly likely it's a Russian bot or some highly partisan (on both sides) assclown that is spouting off. Or, *sigh* it's um...the President's Twitter feed. Trumpsters, don't get in your feelings. You know I speak the truth.)
5. Consider the photos. False news stories often contain manipulated images or videos. Sometimes the photo may be authentic, but taken out of context. You can search for the photo or image to verify where it came from. (Yassss! Google is your friend. It's not some tool of the establishment meant to brainwash you. Stop that ignant ish! Just stop it. A quick search on the internet will tell you if a photo or video is real and will provide you if it's being used in proper context. Again, you have to realize what's legit, whether you like the source or not. If the photo comes from CNN, it doesn't automatically make it "fake news". Use commonsense and quit being remedial. Yeah, I said it!)
6. Inspect the dates. False news stories may contain timelines that make no sense, or event dates that have been altered. (This is commonsense. If a story is saying Hillary Clinton accused Trump's administration of trying to secretly start up slavery plantations and the story is dated "May 23, 2005", it's obviously fake. Do I really need to say don't share or retweet that garbage? Yes, I need to say it! Don't share or retweet that garbage!)
7. Check the evidence. Check the author's sources to confirm that they are accurate. Lack of evidence or reliance on unnamed experts may indicate a false news story. (I can already hear Trumpsters now. See! See! Anonymous sources! No, Skippy. Slow ya roll. Any journalist has to use anonymous sources at some point. If a reporter is using one source without any verification from another source or documents it may be false. If they're using multiple sources (anonymous or otherwise), there is likely at least some truth to the story. *Side note: If someone is only denying the story but taking no action against the author, the story is true!* Again, a little research will do you a lot of good. Research the reporter. Checkout their history. If they don't have a history of false reporting it's legit. And, false reporting doesn't include negative reporting against your candidate or reporting you don't like.)
8. Look at other reports. If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it's more likely to be true. (As I stated above, if nobody else is reporting it, it's probably false. For example, MSNBC will often say something like, "Heidi Pryzbilla of USA Today is reporting.... NBC has not independently verified this story, but are working on it." Then, 20 minutes later they may say, "NBC News is now verifying what Heidi Pryzbilla reported earlier..." That's how it actually works in the news business. Other news organizations whether they're print, tv or online will pick up on a story and give it credence even if they don't confirm it right away. Contrary to what the Trump/Fox News bubble believes CNN and MSNBC do this for Fox News all the time.)
9. Is the story a joke? Sometimes false news stories can be hard to distinguish from humor or satire. Check whether the source is known for parody, and whether the story's details and tone suggest it may be just for fun. (If it's from The Onion, it's satirical and not real. Absolutely astonishing how many people share Onion stories on Facebook thinking they're real. Or, they go apeshit over a story, perhaps demanding Obama be jailed or apologize for something only to look fucking stupid when someone points out, "It's a joke. Story isn't real." Of course, rarely is there contrition or an apology. *Smh*)
10. Some stories are intentionally false. Think critically about the stories you read, and only share news that you know to be credible. (Unfortunately, this requires people to be fair, honest, balanced, have an intellectual curiosity and to be rational. I've discovered in the last few years an alarming number of people are none of these things. It cuts across political affiliation, gender, race, religious affiliation and class status. People think truth is subjective and facts are a matter of convenience. If they support their narrative, wonderful; if they don't, fuck 'em. And, that is exactly how many people feel whether they admit it or not. Folks are so myopic and simpleminded they either can't or refuse to think critically and curiously! Don't get sideways with me for saying it neither! I dare you to say I'm wrong. People in the #Resistance won't hear of anything unless it rips Trump and Trumpsters to shreds. They attack people who agree with them because they only agree with them 95%. It's the most asinine thing. But, Trumpsters are just as bad if not worse. Anything from the so-called mainstream media they won't believe even when irrefutable proof backs up the media's account. If there is any story about racism, xenophobia, homophobia or the #MeToo movement they immediately disregard it and call it #FakeNews. It's really pathetic and absurd. It really is.)
It's not difficult to see how Russia interfered with our election and swayed voters. They used our two biggest weaknesses against us. They used our partisanship and our willful ignorance/lack of intellectual curiosity/unwillingness to be informed. Honestly, they didn't have to work that hard. They just planted some false stories, some triggers and some instigation about racial resentment and sat back.
What Russia did speaks more about us than it does them. It's not a very attractive narrative. It's actually quite shameful and disgraceful.
Fake news is employed because IT WORKS! Think about that!
Facebook had placed in my news feed a guide to detecting fake news and how to determine if a article is legit. I'm sure the grilling from Congress and the having to admit the Russians infiltrated Facebook feeds with false and/or misleading stories forced this guide's publishing. In any event it lead me to deciding to write a blog. I am going to go over each bullet point because it's important. Fake news is real. And, it's not difficult to see how it influenced the 2016 election and how it will likely influence the 2018 midterm elections.
I'm sure some people will now blow off this blog but I hope enough people will just give it a read and consider that maybe they can be myopic in their thinking at times and that living in their bubble without ever venturing outside of it can be dangerous. And, it is silly to never vet a news source to make sure it's legit and the articles they are publishing are, first exist, and are legit.
The following are the guidelines from Facebook (My thoughts are in parentheses.):
1.Be skeptical of headlines. False news stories often have catchy headlines in all caps with exclamation points. If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are. (This is very true. As a journalism major I can tell you rarely does a headline have an exclamation point. Headlines are designed to get your attention. However, if your first thought is, "Wow! That sounds crazy! That sounds weird!" It is 99.5% of the time. Real stories have eye-catching headlines; not the shit you see on a National Enquire front page.)
2. Look closely at the URL. A phony or look-alike URL may be a warning sign of false news. Many false news sites mimic authentic news sources by making small changes to the URL. You can go to the site to compare the URL to established sources. (Yes, you should watch this closely. Same goes for Facebook and Twitter handles. I'll admit I've been fooled a few times. Often the differences between the fake name and the real name are subtle, but after a little inspection the difference is noticeable.)
3. Investigate the source. Ensure that the story is written by a source that you trust with a reputation for accuracy. If the story comes from an unfamiliar organization, check their "About" section to learn more. (This is the most difficult rule that is listed. Let's be honest here sometimes reputable sources like Fox News post stories that are false. They have enough truth in them to avoid libel charges or they're littered with quotes that are more opinion than fact. But, this goes to people believing what they wanna believe. My best advice is before believing a source is to see if other news sources are reporting the same story or something similar. But, then we get into what is "reputable". Some people think the New York Times and the Washington Post aren't reputable but sources like alt-right and White Nationalists sites are. Can't always compete with willful ignorance and willful racism. My compromise would be if you're right leaning check the Wall Street Journal, Washington Examiner, New York Post, The National Review or even Sinclair. If they aren't reporting it also, it's likely false. Same goes for left leaning people. Checkout Huffington Post, The Root, MSNBC or Rawstory. If none of them are reporting something you read, it's probably not true.)
4. Watch for unusual formatting. Many false news sites have misspellings or awkward layouts. Read carefully if you see these signs. (Look, I'm no fan of alot of Fox News. But, their actual news corp is solid. They're not illiterate. Same goes for Breitbart. I find their narratives on many things to be repulsive and racist; however, their writers can punctuate and actually employ spell check. If you read some shit that looks like it was written by a fifth grade remedial student, it's highly likely it's a Russian bot or some highly partisan (on both sides) assclown that is spouting off. Or, *sigh* it's um...the President's Twitter feed. Trumpsters, don't get in your feelings. You know I speak the truth.)
5. Consider the photos. False news stories often contain manipulated images or videos. Sometimes the photo may be authentic, but taken out of context. You can search for the photo or image to verify where it came from. (Yassss! Google is your friend. It's not some tool of the establishment meant to brainwash you. Stop that ignant ish! Just stop it. A quick search on the internet will tell you if a photo or video is real and will provide you if it's being used in proper context. Again, you have to realize what's legit, whether you like the source or not. If the photo comes from CNN, it doesn't automatically make it "fake news". Use commonsense and quit being remedial. Yeah, I said it!)
6. Inspect the dates. False news stories may contain timelines that make no sense, or event dates that have been altered. (This is commonsense. If a story is saying Hillary Clinton accused Trump's administration of trying to secretly start up slavery plantations and the story is dated "May 23, 2005", it's obviously fake. Do I really need to say don't share or retweet that garbage? Yes, I need to say it! Don't share or retweet that garbage!)
7. Check the evidence. Check the author's sources to confirm that they are accurate. Lack of evidence or reliance on unnamed experts may indicate a false news story. (I can already hear Trumpsters now. See! See! Anonymous sources! No, Skippy. Slow ya roll. Any journalist has to use anonymous sources at some point. If a reporter is using one source without any verification from another source or documents it may be false. If they're using multiple sources (anonymous or otherwise), there is likely at least some truth to the story. *Side note: If someone is only denying the story but taking no action against the author, the story is true!* Again, a little research will do you a lot of good. Research the reporter. Checkout their history. If they don't have a history of false reporting it's legit. And, false reporting doesn't include negative reporting against your candidate or reporting you don't like.)
8. Look at other reports. If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it's more likely to be true. (As I stated above, if nobody else is reporting it, it's probably false. For example, MSNBC will often say something like, "Heidi Pryzbilla of USA Today is reporting.... NBC has not independently verified this story, but are working on it." Then, 20 minutes later they may say, "NBC News is now verifying what Heidi Pryzbilla reported earlier..." That's how it actually works in the news business. Other news organizations whether they're print, tv or online will pick up on a story and give it credence even if they don't confirm it right away. Contrary to what the Trump/Fox News bubble believes CNN and MSNBC do this for Fox News all the time.)
9. Is the story a joke? Sometimes false news stories can be hard to distinguish from humor or satire. Check whether the source is known for parody, and whether the story's details and tone suggest it may be just for fun. (If it's from The Onion, it's satirical and not real. Absolutely astonishing how many people share Onion stories on Facebook thinking they're real. Or, they go apeshit over a story, perhaps demanding Obama be jailed or apologize for something only to look fucking stupid when someone points out, "It's a joke. Story isn't real." Of course, rarely is there contrition or an apology. *Smh*)
10. Some stories are intentionally false. Think critically about the stories you read, and only share news that you know to be credible. (Unfortunately, this requires people to be fair, honest, balanced, have an intellectual curiosity and to be rational. I've discovered in the last few years an alarming number of people are none of these things. It cuts across political affiliation, gender, race, religious affiliation and class status. People think truth is subjective and facts are a matter of convenience. If they support their narrative, wonderful; if they don't, fuck 'em. And, that is exactly how many people feel whether they admit it or not. Folks are so myopic and simpleminded they either can't or refuse to think critically and curiously! Don't get sideways with me for saying it neither! I dare you to say I'm wrong. People in the #Resistance won't hear of anything unless it rips Trump and Trumpsters to shreds. They attack people who agree with them because they only agree with them 95%. It's the most asinine thing. But, Trumpsters are just as bad if not worse. Anything from the so-called mainstream media they won't believe even when irrefutable proof backs up the media's account. If there is any story about racism, xenophobia, homophobia or the #MeToo movement they immediately disregard it and call it #FakeNews. It's really pathetic and absurd. It really is.)
It's not difficult to see how Russia interfered with our election and swayed voters. They used our two biggest weaknesses against us. They used our partisanship and our willful ignorance/lack of intellectual curiosity/unwillingness to be informed. Honestly, they didn't have to work that hard. They just planted some false stories, some triggers and some instigation about racial resentment and sat back.
What Russia did speaks more about us than it does them. It's not a very attractive narrative. It's actually quite shameful and disgraceful.
Fake news is employed because IT WORKS! Think about that!
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Don't Let A Minute Few Determine Your Self-Worth
A mistake so many people (including me) make is letting the opinions of one, two or three people determine our self-image.
We should always determine our own self-image. Of course, take input from others. But, as the saying goes, you can't expect others to love you if you don't love yourself. Now, that doesn't mean having an inflated view of yourself. It doesn't mean being cocky and arrogant is ok. But, it also doesn't mean being self-loathing is ok.
What I noticed (including myself) is that way too many people allow negative toxic people to shape our self-image. We don't listen to those who give us positive feedback and constructive criticism. We indulge those people who put us down, criticize us about insignificant innocuous things and compare us to other people pointing out the ways we are "inferior" to them.
We allow people to assault our self-esteem. We permit people to make us feel worthless or overly flawed. And, the question is why? Why do we do this? Why do we allow the opinion of one or two people (which is usually unfairly biased) outweigh the opinions of the many? It's fascinating to me because I see it in myself and others.
I've recently had an epiphany-one which I wish had come earlier in life. People who intentionally put you down or make you feel inferior will wrap their criticism in packaging of concern or "love" or "being honest" when in reality it's just toxic. This toxicity is almost always born out of insecurity and/or narcissism. People who make you feel less than are often jealous or merely have disdain for whatever it is in you that makes people like you or gives you confidence.
People will ignore positive things 10 people said to them and give credence to something negative one petty ass fool said. I've been guilty of this and seen it in others. It's absolutely inane. People who give real constructive criticism will look to lift you up instead of just tearing you down.
We have to stop letting negative people infiltrate our lives with their toxicity. We can't allow negativity to shape how we see ourselves. People who are always shading you in favor of themselves or someone else they deem "worthy" aren't having your best interest at heart. You have to determine if someone is simply demeaning you to make them feel better about them. You can't shape your self-worth by that.
Know who you are. Know what you're real flaws are and work to improve them. Also, know your strengths and your positives and celebrate them. Know your self-worth and let nobody actively seek to tear you down. Your self-esteem is one of the few things you have that is all yours.
Don't let anyone rob it!
We should always determine our own self-image. Of course, take input from others. But, as the saying goes, you can't expect others to love you if you don't love yourself. Now, that doesn't mean having an inflated view of yourself. It doesn't mean being cocky and arrogant is ok. But, it also doesn't mean being self-loathing is ok.
What I noticed (including myself) is that way too many people allow negative toxic people to shape our self-image. We don't listen to those who give us positive feedback and constructive criticism. We indulge those people who put us down, criticize us about insignificant innocuous things and compare us to other people pointing out the ways we are "inferior" to them.
We allow people to assault our self-esteem. We permit people to make us feel worthless or overly flawed. And, the question is why? Why do we do this? Why do we allow the opinion of one or two people (which is usually unfairly biased) outweigh the opinions of the many? It's fascinating to me because I see it in myself and others.
I've recently had an epiphany-one which I wish had come earlier in life. People who intentionally put you down or make you feel inferior will wrap their criticism in packaging of concern or "love" or "being honest" when in reality it's just toxic. This toxicity is almost always born out of insecurity and/or narcissism. People who make you feel less than are often jealous or merely have disdain for whatever it is in you that makes people like you or gives you confidence.
People will ignore positive things 10 people said to them and give credence to something negative one petty ass fool said. I've been guilty of this and seen it in others. It's absolutely inane. People who give real constructive criticism will look to lift you up instead of just tearing you down.
We have to stop letting negative people infiltrate our lives with their toxicity. We can't allow negativity to shape how we see ourselves. People who are always shading you in favor of themselves or someone else they deem "worthy" aren't having your best interest at heart. You have to determine if someone is simply demeaning you to make them feel better about them. You can't shape your self-worth by that.
Know who you are. Know what you're real flaws are and work to improve them. Also, know your strengths and your positives and celebrate them. Know your self-worth and let nobody actively seek to tear you down. Your self-esteem is one of the few things you have that is all yours.
Don't let anyone rob it!
Monday, May 21, 2018
We Have A Right To Be Pissed
"Why are you making so much of this? It is one incident. Oh gawd, just let it go. Everything is not racism. And, even if it is, y'all make such a big ordeal. I mean do you even know what I go through. I can't even go into a McDonald's without hearing that Spanish or some Black chick butchering the English language. I mean if they can't speak no good English, then why are they here? White people are far more prejudiced against. I mean say "jungle bunny" and see how all the 'brothas' get offended. Used to be in this country a person could say something without er'body getting upset. I mean, shit, I know slavery happened but my ancestors did pull your asses out of the jungle and taught you about decency and Jesus."
*Raise your hand if you've had part or all of that or something similar said to you before.*
Hell, I've had similar intimated and flat out said to me in the last two weeks.
You want to know why black and brown people are upset, frustrated, exasperated, straight up pissed as hell? The answer is very simple. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the attitude described above still being prevalent in today's society. We are fed the eff up with aforementioned attitude and it's prevalence leading to the police constantly being called on us for merely existing. We are tired of having to prove we belong somewhere simply because some random White person assumes we don't belong or has some bigoted irrational fear of black/brown skin. We are so over of never being able to speak up or speak out or take a stand when an injustice occurs without being labeled "ignorant", "thugs", "ungrateful", "uppity", "uninformed" and "disrespectful". We are beyond done with everything about us being attacked, belittled and disrespected whether it be our leaders, our clothing, our music, our history or our culture.
We are accused of not assimilating into society which is just inanely stupid! We have no choice but to assimilate and we do. We have a white president whom can barely put consecutive coherent sentences together and spells like a remedial sixth grade student. But, it's Black folks who are "illiterate" because we say "fo sho". Get all the way the fuck outta here!
Honestly, though, what we are done with the most are the number of "good people", "Christian people", "tolerant/progressive people" who see this nonsense happening and either stay silent or become apologists. Many people know (or should know) recent events along with things like #Charlottesville and the president's Twitter feed are patently and inherently wrong; yet, they say nothing. They know #BBQBecky, the chick that called the cops on the #Airbnb folks and the chick who called the cops on the Yale student are trifilin heffas. They know, if they aren't racist, racism at least played a part but stay silent.
They can be outraged at a comedienne saying Sarah Huckabee Sanders has a "smokey eye" but can't be outraged at a woman calling the police on a black family who was peacefully attempting to enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the park and then blatantly lied to the police they were harassing her? What is wrong here? How do they justify that? How do they reconcile that?
And, I get it. I do. People don't wanna speak up or even hit the like button on a post they agree with because they don't want to get blasted. They don't wanna be labeled or seem political. They don't wanna get hammered by the #Resistance or have some #Trumpster call them "un-American" or "un-godly". I understand.
But, at some point we all must acknowledge right is right and wrong is wrong. And I know the Christianity I was taught said to love one another and lookout for one another. I don't remember any qualifiers regarding race or religion or political affiliation. But, maybe I'm wrong.
So, yes, we are pissed. Like it or not we live here too. We are just as American as any other American. We deserve to be respected. We have the right to bbq without some nosey bigot calling the police on us for illegal grilling. We have the right to sleep in the common area of a dorm we live in like everyone else. We have the right carry luggage out of a rental house without some wanna be neighborhood watch calling the po-po on us because we "look strange" aka because we're Black. We have every right to get that greasy ass shit from Waffle House and ask for some extra napkins without getting the police called and subsequently choked out.
Until, we can just live and not fear of getting arrested or worse simply because some chicken shit bish ass coward shutters at the site of a Negro, we are going to stay pissed. I'm tired of saying, "This is happening in 2018?" Yes, it fucking is and it needs to stop now!
I can hear folks now saying, "Uh, I'm tired of hearing about racism." Well, we are tired of experiencing it and living it! So now what?!
*Raise your hand if you've had part or all of that or something similar said to you before.*
Hell, I've had similar intimated and flat out said to me in the last two weeks.
You want to know why black and brown people are upset, frustrated, exasperated, straight up pissed as hell? The answer is very simple. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the attitude described above still being prevalent in today's society. We are fed the eff up with aforementioned attitude and it's prevalence leading to the police constantly being called on us for merely existing. We are tired of having to prove we belong somewhere simply because some random White person assumes we don't belong or has some bigoted irrational fear of black/brown skin. We are so over of never being able to speak up or speak out or take a stand when an injustice occurs without being labeled "ignorant", "thugs", "ungrateful", "uppity", "uninformed" and "disrespectful". We are beyond done with everything about us being attacked, belittled and disrespected whether it be our leaders, our clothing, our music, our history or our culture.
We are accused of not assimilating into society which is just inanely stupid! We have no choice but to assimilate and we do. We have a white president whom can barely put consecutive coherent sentences together and spells like a remedial sixth grade student. But, it's Black folks who are "illiterate" because we say "fo sho". Get all the way the fuck outta here!
Honestly, though, what we are done with the most are the number of "good people", "Christian people", "tolerant/progressive people" who see this nonsense happening and either stay silent or become apologists. Many people know (or should know) recent events along with things like #Charlottesville and the president's Twitter feed are patently and inherently wrong; yet, they say nothing. They know #BBQBecky, the chick that called the cops on the #Airbnb folks and the chick who called the cops on the Yale student are trifilin heffas. They know, if they aren't racist, racism at least played a part but stay silent.
They can be outraged at a comedienne saying Sarah Huckabee Sanders has a "smokey eye" but can't be outraged at a woman calling the police on a black family who was peacefully attempting to enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the park and then blatantly lied to the police they were harassing her? What is wrong here? How do they justify that? How do they reconcile that?
And, I get it. I do. People don't wanna speak up or even hit the like button on a post they agree with because they don't want to get blasted. They don't wanna be labeled or seem political. They don't wanna get hammered by the #Resistance or have some #Trumpster call them "un-American" or "un-godly". I understand.
But, at some point we all must acknowledge right is right and wrong is wrong. And I know the Christianity I was taught said to love one another and lookout for one another. I don't remember any qualifiers regarding race or religion or political affiliation. But, maybe I'm wrong.
So, yes, we are pissed. Like it or not we live here too. We are just as American as any other American. We deserve to be respected. We have the right to bbq without some nosey bigot calling the police on us for illegal grilling. We have the right to sleep in the common area of a dorm we live in like everyone else. We have the right carry luggage out of a rental house without some wanna be neighborhood watch calling the po-po on us because we "look strange" aka because we're Black. We have every right to get that greasy ass shit from Waffle House and ask for some extra napkins without getting the police called and subsequently choked out.
Until, we can just live and not fear of getting arrested or worse simply because some chicken shit bish ass coward shutters at the site of a Negro, we are going to stay pissed. I'm tired of saying, "This is happening in 2018?" Yes, it fucking is and it needs to stop now!
I can hear folks now saying, "Uh, I'm tired of hearing about racism." Well, we are tired of experiencing it and living it! So now what?!
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Beware Of Narcissists
No, this will not be a blog about Donald Trump. Well, at least not specifically. It will, however, be a blog about people like him, whom can effect one's life in a more direct personal way.
We all know at least one person who is a narcissist. Most of us know more than one. Some of us know more than we care to admit or which we are comfortable.
Some narcissists are obvious and over the top like Trump or Kayne West or Johnny Depp. They don't (or can't) even care to hide it. Many narcissists, though, attempt to be low-key. But, the rub is they can't. Their narcissism prevents them from ever being humble or inconspicuous.
Often times we tend to laugh off narcissists as attention whores or #KnowItAllGuys. But, the truth is it's dangerous to do that because most narcissists if allowed to infiltrate your life can be detrimental. They're not positive people and will usually bring negativity and chaos into your life. It's the same negativity and chaos that encapsulates their lives.
We all know those people who make everything about them. It's a staple characteristic of a narcissist. If you have good news, they have to top it with news about them or anyone they deem worthy of their inner circle. If you have bad news they have worse news. It has to always be about them. And, the caveat to this is often their news is either in part or totally untrue.
Now, that leads us to another common characteristic among narcissists and that is their lying. They love to lie. They lie about their accomplishments. They lie about their character traits. They lie about situations. They lie about other people. And, all of this lying has one primary goal, which is to make either seem great or a victim. It depends on the need and situation.
They also love to project. Projection is more of a favored hobby than lying. They love to say about other people the things which are in fact true about them. The reason for this is simple. Narcissist have to think everyone is as trifilin and paranoid as they are. When you here someone go on and on about how somebody lies or is unfaithful or lazy, ect they are in reality talking about themselves. They project those things onto others whether they be true or not to moralize and justify their own actions.
At their core narcissists are insecure and self-loathing.
This is where they can truly become cancerous in your life. Because of the insecurity and self-loathing they are always looking to tear others down, belittle them, demean them and make them feel insecure. They do this to make themselves feel better about them. And, it's not always obvious. They will do it through little jabs, actions, inaction, ect.
For example, one time this person I know was attempting to belittle the intelligence of someone else. In their attempt to belittle this person's intelligence they used me to make their point by saying something that on the surface sounded complimentary but was really a shot at me. They said, "Hey, Rob, you're fairly intelligent...". I retorted, "Well, I would say I'm more than 'fairly' intelligent." I then received a sneer and disdainful look, which confirmed it was meant to be an insult.
Another time (not long after my stroke) I mentioned to someone that I was coming along and while adjusting to my temporary limitations was difficult I was managing. This person responded, "Yeah, it must be tough being less than a man now." I was so taken aback I didn't respond. Of all the emotions and thoughts I was going through in the aftermath of my stroke being "less than a man" wasn't one of them. And, shamefully, I admit for a minute I started to question if I was less than a man or if that's how people saw me. But, I snapped out of it and saw the comment for what it was and what it's intention was.
These are the types of things narcissists say because they want to strip your self-esteem. They do things to destabilize your life emotionally, financially and physically all in an effort to aggrandize themselves. Narcissists truly believe everyone is always and should always be thinking about them. Everything you do should benefit them or it shouldn't be done.
And, perhaps, the greatest danger is if you don't think they're the smartest, toughest, best looking, ect and don't believe everything you do should be to their benefit they see you as the enemy. They begin hating you and will seek to destroy you in every way they can. With narcissist there are only two types of people: those whom either worship them or are willing to be beholden to them; and, the enemy.
And, most narcissists are almost always angry and hateful and anxious because the vast majority of people aren't going to worship them. So, they literally think that almost everyone is out to get them. They stay surly and mad because their narcissism has them believing that everybody is always thinking about them but the truth is 99.5% of people don't know them nor care to and 99.4% of people don't give two damns about what they're doing at any given time nor do they care to cater to them. Narcissists constantly get reminded of this, which drives them batshit crazy.
Narcissistic people can be really bad for you.
We all know at least one person who is a narcissist. Most of us know more than one. Some of us know more than we care to admit or which we are comfortable.
Some narcissists are obvious and over the top like Trump or Kayne West or Johnny Depp. They don't (or can't) even care to hide it. Many narcissists, though, attempt to be low-key. But, the rub is they can't. Their narcissism prevents them from ever being humble or inconspicuous.
Often times we tend to laugh off narcissists as attention whores or #KnowItAllGuys. But, the truth is it's dangerous to do that because most narcissists if allowed to infiltrate your life can be detrimental. They're not positive people and will usually bring negativity and chaos into your life. It's the same negativity and chaos that encapsulates their lives.
We all know those people who make everything about them. It's a staple characteristic of a narcissist. If you have good news, they have to top it with news about them or anyone they deem worthy of their inner circle. If you have bad news they have worse news. It has to always be about them. And, the caveat to this is often their news is either in part or totally untrue.
Now, that leads us to another common characteristic among narcissists and that is their lying. They love to lie. They lie about their accomplishments. They lie about their character traits. They lie about situations. They lie about other people. And, all of this lying has one primary goal, which is to make either seem great or a victim. It depends on the need and situation.
They also love to project. Projection is more of a favored hobby than lying. They love to say about other people the things which are in fact true about them. The reason for this is simple. Narcissist have to think everyone is as trifilin and paranoid as they are. When you here someone go on and on about how somebody lies or is unfaithful or lazy, ect they are in reality talking about themselves. They project those things onto others whether they be true or not to moralize and justify their own actions.
At their core narcissists are insecure and self-loathing.
This is where they can truly become cancerous in your life. Because of the insecurity and self-loathing they are always looking to tear others down, belittle them, demean them and make them feel insecure. They do this to make themselves feel better about them. And, it's not always obvious. They will do it through little jabs, actions, inaction, ect.
For example, one time this person I know was attempting to belittle the intelligence of someone else. In their attempt to belittle this person's intelligence they used me to make their point by saying something that on the surface sounded complimentary but was really a shot at me. They said, "Hey, Rob, you're fairly intelligent...". I retorted, "Well, I would say I'm more than 'fairly' intelligent." I then received a sneer and disdainful look, which confirmed it was meant to be an insult.
Another time (not long after my stroke) I mentioned to someone that I was coming along and while adjusting to my temporary limitations was difficult I was managing. This person responded, "Yeah, it must be tough being less than a man now." I was so taken aback I didn't respond. Of all the emotions and thoughts I was going through in the aftermath of my stroke being "less than a man" wasn't one of them. And, shamefully, I admit for a minute I started to question if I was less than a man or if that's how people saw me. But, I snapped out of it and saw the comment for what it was and what it's intention was.
These are the types of things narcissists say because they want to strip your self-esteem. They do things to destabilize your life emotionally, financially and physically all in an effort to aggrandize themselves. Narcissists truly believe everyone is always and should always be thinking about them. Everything you do should benefit them or it shouldn't be done.
And, perhaps, the greatest danger is if you don't think they're the smartest, toughest, best looking, ect and don't believe everything you do should be to their benefit they see you as the enemy. They begin hating you and will seek to destroy you in every way they can. With narcissist there are only two types of people: those whom either worship them or are willing to be beholden to them; and, the enemy.
And, most narcissists are almost always angry and hateful and anxious because the vast majority of people aren't going to worship them. So, they literally think that almost everyone is out to get them. They stay surly and mad because their narcissism has them believing that everybody is always thinking about them but the truth is 99.5% of people don't know them nor care to and 99.4% of people don't give two damns about what they're doing at any given time nor do they care to cater to them. Narcissists constantly get reminded of this, which drives them batshit crazy.
Narcissistic people can be really bad for you.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Stop Calling The PoPo On Black Folks Simply Because They Are Black!
Read this very carefully. STOP CALLING THE DAMN POLICE ON BLACK FOLKS FOR JUST BEING BLACK! Yeah, I said it!
This crap of wanting Black people to be arrested for simply existing has to stop. It is getting to the point we can't do schnizit without some nosey trifilin cowardly bigot calling the police. We can't do our paid job without the po-po being called. We can't grill some damn rib tips without the police getting called. We can't get that greasy ass sausage and just barely not salmonella eggs from the Waffle House without the police being called. We can't sit at Starbucks waiting on a friend without the police showing up. We can't be in a dorm we live in at an university where we're an enrolled student without the police showing up. We can't show up at a junior high dance without-oh wait, that's just R. Kelly.
In all seriousness this ish has got to stop. I understand some are upset Black folk are in this country and our merely existing is upsetting. But, as y'all tell us about slavery GET OVER IT! We are here. We aren't going anywhere. This is our country too! We have the God given and constitutional right to live our lives without some racist punk ass clown calling the cops on us for living.
Look at these incidents in recent weeks at Waffle House. What? Black folks can't ask for some extra napkins and condiments? We can't point out when our order is incorrect and ask that it be corrected? We can't do that without being told to leave, then subsequently having the police show up and rough us up? For effin what? Some ketchup to put on those dry ass hashbrowns? GTFOH!
We can't wait for a friend at Starbucks without buying anything just like those child molesting looking white dudes do that hang out at every Starbucks?
A brotha can't take his wife and two kids to the park? He can't barbeque some food up for a picnic without some stringy haired bish calling the cops wanting the family jailed for illegally grilling chicken quarters?
I mean a young college student can't accidentally fall asleep in the common area of her dormitory after a long day of working and studying without some stuck up Ivy League bigot calling the police on her because she thought she broke in. Yeah, skank, she broke in, took nothing and decided to nap it out. STFU! You didn't think her type belonged there and could possibly be a student. And, before any of you apologists get to excusing she did the same effed up shit to another African-American student months earlier. Oh, and the local police aren't off the hook. After the African-American student proved she lived there the cops still harassed her. Too bad they all couldn't deny it but other students caught it on video. Damn cellphones!
This is ridiculous! The so-called "good" people of this country need to speak up! How do decent people let this kind of crap repeatedly happen to their fellow citizens? How do they not call it out? Well, unless, they're doing it themselves.
What maybe infuriates me the most is hearing people say such ignorant mess like, "Racism against Whites is way worse than it is against Blacks. Black people aren't recipients of biasness." 😐..........
*Breathe* What kind of bitchassness and fuckery is that?!You know what you can say that to me without me shading and dragging your ass from pillar to post when White folks are getting the police called on them for grilling in park or being in their own college dormitory or asking for ketchup from a low rent Denny's knock off or for inspecting a house, which is their paid job or for being in a Starbucks 10 minutes waiting on a friend. When that happens holla at 'cha boy. Until then, quit being disingenuous and blatantly dishonest. STOP IT!
AGAIN, QUIT CALLING THE PO-PO, THE SHERIFF, THE FBI, THE DEA OR LEROY JETHRO GIBBS ON US BECAUSE YOU HATE BLACK FOLKS AND/OR HAVE SOME DELUSIONAL RACIST FEAR OF US! STOP DOING IT! And, I'm very aware it was all in caps!
This crap of wanting Black people to be arrested for simply existing has to stop. It is getting to the point we can't do schnizit without some nosey trifilin cowardly bigot calling the police. We can't do our paid job without the po-po being called. We can't grill some damn rib tips without the police getting called. We can't get that greasy ass sausage and just barely not salmonella eggs from the Waffle House without the police being called. We can't sit at Starbucks waiting on a friend without the police showing up. We can't be in a dorm we live in at an university where we're an enrolled student without the police showing up. We can't show up at a junior high dance without-oh wait, that's just R. Kelly.
In all seriousness this ish has got to stop. I understand some are upset Black folk are in this country and our merely existing is upsetting. But, as y'all tell us about slavery GET OVER IT! We are here. We aren't going anywhere. This is our country too! We have the God given and constitutional right to live our lives without some racist punk ass clown calling the cops on us for living.
Look at these incidents in recent weeks at Waffle House. What? Black folks can't ask for some extra napkins and condiments? We can't point out when our order is incorrect and ask that it be corrected? We can't do that without being told to leave, then subsequently having the police show up and rough us up? For effin what? Some ketchup to put on those dry ass hashbrowns? GTFOH!
We can't wait for a friend at Starbucks without buying anything just like those child molesting looking white dudes do that hang out at every Starbucks?
A brotha can't take his wife and two kids to the park? He can't barbeque some food up for a picnic without some stringy haired bish calling the cops wanting the family jailed for illegally grilling chicken quarters?
I mean a young college student can't accidentally fall asleep in the common area of her dormitory after a long day of working and studying without some stuck up Ivy League bigot calling the police on her because she thought she broke in. Yeah, skank, she broke in, took nothing and decided to nap it out. STFU! You didn't think her type belonged there and could possibly be a student. And, before any of you apologists get to excusing she did the same effed up shit to another African-American student months earlier. Oh, and the local police aren't off the hook. After the African-American student proved she lived there the cops still harassed her. Too bad they all couldn't deny it but other students caught it on video. Damn cellphones!
This is ridiculous! The so-called "good" people of this country need to speak up! How do decent people let this kind of crap repeatedly happen to their fellow citizens? How do they not call it out? Well, unless, they're doing it themselves.
What maybe infuriates me the most is hearing people say such ignorant mess like, "Racism against Whites is way worse than it is against Blacks. Black people aren't recipients of biasness." 😐..........
*Breathe* What kind of bitchassness and fuckery is that?!You know what you can say that to me without me shading and dragging your ass from pillar to post when White folks are getting the police called on them for grilling in park or being in their own college dormitory or asking for ketchup from a low rent Denny's knock off or for inspecting a house, which is their paid job or for being in a Starbucks 10 minutes waiting on a friend. When that happens holla at 'cha boy. Until then, quit being disingenuous and blatantly dishonest. STOP IT!
AGAIN, QUIT CALLING THE PO-PO, THE SHERIFF, THE FBI, THE DEA OR LEROY JETHRO GIBBS ON US BECAUSE YOU HATE BLACK FOLKS AND/OR HAVE SOME DELUSIONAL RACIST FEAR OF US! STOP DOING IT! And, I'm very aware it was all in caps!
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Selective "Tolerance" Doesn't Exempt You From Being A Racist
"I'm not a racist. I have a friend who is Black."
" How can you call me a bigot? I work with a Hispanic girl whom I adore."
"I'm not prejudice against any race. My little girl is friends with a Hispanic girl. I work with a Black guy, Asian chick and a Muslim dude who I all get along with. I even eat lunch with one of them frequently."
"I don't dislike White folks. There's an 'ol boy at the gym I talk to every time I'm in there."
I am sure we've all heard or made these statements or similar ones dozens, if not hundreds, of times before. I know I hear them frequently and read them on social media often. However, they are statements that are made either disingenuously or defensively missing the larger point usually.
People think if they like a poc or two it completely exempts them from being a racist. It does not. It's a silly argument at best. At worst it's a blatantly dishonest comment meant to swerve or muddy the waters.
Just because you like the Black guy, Dedric, at work or Elisa, the Hispanic chick who sits on the PTA with you or Raheem, the Muslim dude, whose son plays on your son's baseball team means that you are Mr./Ms. Equality or the " most un-racist person ever". It doesn't mean that whatsoever. It simply means you like "those" people. But, you generally don't like minorities.
I have dealt all my life with people who like me but speak negatively or insultingly about Black folks. When I was a young kid I blew it off or ignored it despite my parents drilling into me to be leery of anyone who does that. My mom would always tell me, "Those people may like you and even consider you a friend but at the end of the day when push comes to shove you're still a nigger. A nigger they tolerate but a nigger nonetheless." As I got older I began to understand exactly what she was saying and see the world less naively (at least through that lens).
Liking me didn't equate them believing I was truly equal to them nor did it equate to thinking poc in general were equal and the same. Sure, I was cool but they wouldn't want me dating their sister or cousin or friend for that matter. I am a "great guy" but I can't be family. *Whispering* "You're Black for God's sake. Interracial dating causes problems. For the kids, ya know." No, it causes problems for you! You don't think I'm good enough because while you like me or more like tolerate me, you don't like Blacks. And, therein lies the rub and the dishonesty about how some people really feel.
Look, I don't like Justin Bieber. I despise him. Howeva, I like his song, "Love Yourself". In fact, it's one of my all-time favorite songs. So, does me liking that song make me a Bieber fan? Of course, not. That is just ignorant. It means I like that particular song but generally hate his music. I mean people who hate vegetables don't usually hate ALL vegetables. They usually tolerate carrots or green beans. They like potatoes. They'll say, "But, potatoes aren't really vegetables."
And, that view leads to another thread of the subject. How many people have you heard say, "I like Jay-z. I like Chris Rock. I like Ice Cube. I like Kerry Washington. I loved Scandal. I really think Selena Gonez is cute." And, you reply (as you side-eye them), "Uh, you know they're all people of color, right?" Then, they respond, "Well, yeah but they're different. They're not really Black. They're celebrities." Every single time I hear that and I hear it more than you might think I wanna scream, "No, dumbass, they're not different. They're the same!" And, of course, somebody like Jay-z found out quickly (not that he already didn't know) that some saw him as just another "thug" or "nigger" the second he showed support for President Obama and Hillary Clinton.
So, the gist of this is simply liking or tolerating someone or a few people doesn't make you exempt from being a bigot or racist. Just like not using blatant slurs like "nigger" or "spic" or "gook" or "faggot" means you're automatically not racist or homophobic. If you genuinely have negative or hateful feelings about a particular race/ethnicity or say hateful things about a group of people, you need to evaluate how you really feel and check yourself.
I have always said and will always say, "Don't come at me with some shit about how tolerant and loving you are regarding other races and we are all equal if you would have a problem with your son or daughter or mother or father or best friend dating/marrying someone of a different ethnicity." I mean don't! I will call your ass out! Because if you truly believe we're all God's children and all equal then skin color or nationality shouldn't matter one bit! If the person is good and good to (insert family/friend) you shouldn't give a rat's left nut what they look like.
But, that's the elephant always in the room isn't it. To way too many people it does actually matter. Despite what they say they really do have bigoted and/or racist feelings. In some cases they may have interracial relationships in their family but while they smile and grit their teeth it actually disgusts them. "Your Aunt Macy may be married to a Black dude but don't let your ass think you're going to do that. Sure, Ben is ok but you ain't doing that. Plenty of good White fellas to choose." "Yes, Keisha is a sweetheart. She's funny and I love sitting next to her at work. But, she's an anomaly. Most of those people are thugs and lazy and breed like rabbits. It's not being racist. It's just being truthful. You know I'm right. I tell Keisha that all the time. She knows I'm just telling the facts because she just smiles and never says anything."
Don't tell me how you love Chinese people. And, the closet thing to Chinese that will ever be allowed in your home is an egg roll and some sweet and sour pork. Feel me.
" How can you call me a bigot? I work with a Hispanic girl whom I adore."
"I'm not prejudice against any race. My little girl is friends with a Hispanic girl. I work with a Black guy, Asian chick and a Muslim dude who I all get along with. I even eat lunch with one of them frequently."
"I don't dislike White folks. There's an 'ol boy at the gym I talk to every time I'm in there."
I am sure we've all heard or made these statements or similar ones dozens, if not hundreds, of times before. I know I hear them frequently and read them on social media often. However, they are statements that are made either disingenuously or defensively missing the larger point usually.
People think if they like a poc or two it completely exempts them from being a racist. It does not. It's a silly argument at best. At worst it's a blatantly dishonest comment meant to swerve or muddy the waters.
Just because you like the Black guy, Dedric, at work or Elisa, the Hispanic chick who sits on the PTA with you or Raheem, the Muslim dude, whose son plays on your son's baseball team means that you are Mr./Ms. Equality or the " most un-racist person ever". It doesn't mean that whatsoever. It simply means you like "those" people. But, you generally don't like minorities.
I have dealt all my life with people who like me but speak negatively or insultingly about Black folks. When I was a young kid I blew it off or ignored it despite my parents drilling into me to be leery of anyone who does that. My mom would always tell me, "Those people may like you and even consider you a friend but at the end of the day when push comes to shove you're still a nigger. A nigger they tolerate but a nigger nonetheless." As I got older I began to understand exactly what she was saying and see the world less naively (at least through that lens).
Liking me didn't equate them believing I was truly equal to them nor did it equate to thinking poc in general were equal and the same. Sure, I was cool but they wouldn't want me dating their sister or cousin or friend for that matter. I am a "great guy" but I can't be family. *Whispering* "You're Black for God's sake. Interracial dating causes problems. For the kids, ya know." No, it causes problems for you! You don't think I'm good enough because while you like me or more like tolerate me, you don't like Blacks. And, therein lies the rub and the dishonesty about how some people really feel.
Look, I don't like Justin Bieber. I despise him. Howeva, I like his song, "Love Yourself". In fact, it's one of my all-time favorite songs. So, does me liking that song make me a Bieber fan? Of course, not. That is just ignorant. It means I like that particular song but generally hate his music. I mean people who hate vegetables don't usually hate ALL vegetables. They usually tolerate carrots or green beans. They like potatoes. They'll say, "But, potatoes aren't really vegetables."
And, that view leads to another thread of the subject. How many people have you heard say, "I like Jay-z. I like Chris Rock. I like Ice Cube. I like Kerry Washington. I loved Scandal. I really think Selena Gonez is cute." And, you reply (as you side-eye them), "Uh, you know they're all people of color, right?" Then, they respond, "Well, yeah but they're different. They're not really Black. They're celebrities." Every single time I hear that and I hear it more than you might think I wanna scream, "No, dumbass, they're not different. They're the same!" And, of course, somebody like Jay-z found out quickly (not that he already didn't know) that some saw him as just another "thug" or "nigger" the second he showed support for President Obama and Hillary Clinton.
So, the gist of this is simply liking or tolerating someone or a few people doesn't make you exempt from being a bigot or racist. Just like not using blatant slurs like "nigger" or "spic" or "gook" or "faggot" means you're automatically not racist or homophobic. If you genuinely have negative or hateful feelings about a particular race/ethnicity or say hateful things about a group of people, you need to evaluate how you really feel and check yourself.
I have always said and will always say, "Don't come at me with some shit about how tolerant and loving you are regarding other races and we are all equal if you would have a problem with your son or daughter or mother or father or best friend dating/marrying someone of a different ethnicity." I mean don't! I will call your ass out! Because if you truly believe we're all God's children and all equal then skin color or nationality shouldn't matter one bit! If the person is good and good to (insert family/friend) you shouldn't give a rat's left nut what they look like.
But, that's the elephant always in the room isn't it. To way too many people it does actually matter. Despite what they say they really do have bigoted and/or racist feelings. In some cases they may have interracial relationships in their family but while they smile and grit their teeth it actually disgusts them. "Your Aunt Macy may be married to a Black dude but don't let your ass think you're going to do that. Sure, Ben is ok but you ain't doing that. Plenty of good White fellas to choose." "Yes, Keisha is a sweetheart. She's funny and I love sitting next to her at work. But, she's an anomaly. Most of those people are thugs and lazy and breed like rabbits. It's not being racist. It's just being truthful. You know I'm right. I tell Keisha that all the time. She knows I'm just telling the facts because she just smiles and never says anything."
Don't tell me how you love Chinese people. And, the closet thing to Chinese that will ever be allowed in your home is an egg roll and some sweet and sour pork. Feel me.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Blunt Honesty Is Often Disingenuous Honesty
Some people love to tell you they admire honesty. They love to tell you they're just honest; not rude. But, I've discovered that isn't actually the case.
I had a friend in high school who was pretty blunt and straightforward. She rarely minced words and she was very matter of fact in what she said. She often came across as bitchy.
One day I told her she could be terse sometimes. She asked, "You mean I can be a bitch?" I told her yes. She paused a few seconds before answering and said, "Perhaps, you're right. I don't mean to be. I'm just very matter of fact in what I say." I then thought about her response and her pause before responding. I realized that whenever I or anyone else came back at her or responded to something she said she always paused before responding. Although she could be terse she never became defensive or had an attitude. She always said she respected honesty. And, she did. Because while she could be blunt she always took bluntness in return.
Now, I compare to most "blunt" people I've known since. They all say they respect straightforwardness and honesty, but what they really mean is they respect it as long as it's coming from them. Whenever someone is blunt with them they almost always immediately respond with defensiveness, an attitude and pettiness. They don't take the honesty in and see if it has merit. They immediately become hateful. But, of course, they expect the recipients of their "bluntness" to take it and "deal with it".
This fake love of honesty is part of the problem in this country when it comes to the division and polarization that is rampant in our society. If someone is going to be brutally honest, then they have to be willing to accept it when it's given to them.
I had a friend in high school who was pretty blunt and straightforward. She rarely minced words and she was very matter of fact in what she said. She often came across as bitchy.
One day I told her she could be terse sometimes. She asked, "You mean I can be a bitch?" I told her yes. She paused a few seconds before answering and said, "Perhaps, you're right. I don't mean to be. I'm just very matter of fact in what I say." I then thought about her response and her pause before responding. I realized that whenever I or anyone else came back at her or responded to something she said she always paused before responding. Although she could be terse she never became defensive or had an attitude. She always said she respected honesty. And, she did. Because while she could be blunt she always took bluntness in return.
Now, I compare to most "blunt" people I've known since. They all say they respect straightforwardness and honesty, but what they really mean is they respect it as long as it's coming from them. Whenever someone is blunt with them they almost always immediately respond with defensiveness, an attitude and pettiness. They don't take the honesty in and see if it has merit. They immediately become hateful. But, of course, they expect the recipients of their "bluntness" to take it and "deal with it".
This fake love of honesty is part of the problem in this country when it comes to the division and polarization that is rampant in our society. If someone is going to be brutally honest, then they have to be willing to accept it when it's given to them.
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