I can't even name how many times in my 24-year-old life that I've heard the world was ending tomorrow.
Some people have laughed, while others have been cautious and frightened, buying eggs, milk and bread in preparation for "the end of the world." To my fellow people of faith..believers, the Bible lays out how the world is going to end. As theatrical as the movies have made it, I often wonder if the world truly is ending...slowly--not in the fashion of the abrupt halt that everyone thinks it should come to.
When a relationship ends, it's usually not-so-abruptly. The signs of demise are there before the ultimate end all of the love affair. Lovers and lusters just choose not to see it.
Things are changing in the world...and don't act like you haven't noticed. What was once societal taboo is now acceptable. When someone is doing the opposite, they're often judged more harshly for not conforming to a "changed and changing society" around them. Having a significant other and moving in together with no real commitment, that's normal. Praising the increase of a secularity dominated country? Great. But is it really? I live my life by what I think is right but I often almost feel embarrassed to share what I'm not doing and how I choose to live my life. I get labeled as "cute" or "sweet"..."old-school," "old-fashioned," and even a rarity. ( Yes, I have actually been called all of these.) But the opposite just gets a simple nod. Everyone's doing it. It's just the way things are...but does that make it right?
What triggered this post was last night while I was watching an episode of Wendy Williams. She was describing a young actor and she mentioned ( I'm not sure why) that he was a virgin. Laughter resounded across the audience. I couldn't see why the fact that a 19-year-old single, attractive guy would get laughed at for NOT being sexually active. Wendy told the audience not to laugh, that she commended the young man for not complicating his life with sex at age 19. I couldn't get over how quick the audience was to laugh at the young man for abstaining from sex? Is it really that funny? I reflected on the world changing around me and maybe it truly is ending...I guess until then, I'll just dance and attempt to pretend like nothing is happening.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Congratulations to America's re-elected President Barack Obama
If you read my blog, you already know how I feel. Congrats, President Obama! I am mighty happy and enormously proud that I got to take place in yet another historic victory for you! History has been made once again.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Sensationalism
written by: stacia_doss.
The definition of sensation (according to good ol' Merriam-Webster) is "arousing or tending to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick, intense, and usually superficial interest, curiosity, or emotional reaction." This is what we, as Americans, love. We love the documentation of "reality TV." Yes, even when that reality is quite pseudo, something about the drama and excitement of it makes us continue to watch. I found myself doing so the other day as I watched "Breaking Amish," TLC network's reality show that documents young adults who seemingly have recently broken free from their Amish (and Mennonite) communities to live life as the "English" (as they call it) in New York City. I started looking up information about the characters and all that appeared was that it was not as real as I had hoped, and TLC admitted it. These people were not-so-new to the world outside of the communities in which they were brought up, but had been away for some time. But did I stop watching the show? No. I continued...I liked the drama of it. I liked the sensationalism that TLC was trying to bring and it piqued my curiosity.
Look at the presidential debates. People are drawn to the drama of it all and if there is not much action, we typically are not that interested. Things could get boring for many. Yes, the debates are important. I know that. However, the media focus has been the "aggressiveness" and drama of the past two debates. Does it really matter who interrupts the most or who speaks the loudest? Of course not! The issues are what matters, and fortunately for the Americans, the debates give them a chance to hear both. The "winner" according to polls is usually the "most aggressive," rather than who said the most words that were actually meaningful and cohesive together. The concept of a debate is basically an argument, so there you get both. It's more dramatic to watch the demeanor of the candidates on television, but hearing it on the radio can be just as "exciting." Have you ever thought about it that way? People get so anxious and aroused to hear candidates call each other out on issues. A sense of excitement nearly overcomes them. I guarantee you that the highlight and the most remembered moments of last week's vice presidential debate was the laughter and sarcastic smirks of Vice President Joe Biden. I am not saying he was not making some great points, but that was the most sensational aspect of the debate. It brought a hint of drama.
My sister sent me a video today. "You have to watch this," she said. She was in disbelief that I had not seen this viral video, so I checked it out. It was part of what inspired this post. (Before you click, the language in the video burned my ears. It may be better to watch it on mute.) Here is the video. It was ridiculous, right? But it wasn't so much the main point of the video that made me think, it was the fact that there is a video. When we see anything exciting or dramatic unfolding before our eyes, many of us reach for our phones to proceed to take photos and record. It looks as if someone in the video got closer to the drama to film his or her own version.Why?! Is it just a human instinct to be drawn to these types of things? Beware that any type of "fight" or dispute that makes others uncomfortable is likely going to be documented by some onlooker around you.
I challenge you to think...what is it about us that makes us this way? I am pretty sure it has not always been this way. What do you think? I'd like to know.
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| TLC's "Breaking Amish" Cast (via the TLC website) |
My sister sent me a video today. "You have to watch this," she said. She was in disbelief that I had not seen this viral video, so I checked it out. It was part of what inspired this post. (Before you click, the language in the video burned my ears. It may be better to watch it on mute.) Here is the video. It was ridiculous, right? But it wasn't so much the main point of the video that made me think, it was the fact that there is a video. When we see anything exciting or dramatic unfolding before our eyes, many of us reach for our phones to proceed to take photos and record. It looks as if someone in the video got closer to the drama to film his or her own version.Why?! Is it just a human instinct to be drawn to these types of things? Beware that any type of "fight" or dispute that makes others uncomfortable is likely going to be documented by some onlooker around you.
I challenge you to think...what is it about us that makes us this way? I am pretty sure it has not always been this way. What do you think? I'd like to know.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Chicago.
Can I be honest? I mean, can I really be honest? (Permission granted.)
I've been in Chicago for just slightly over a month now and it has its negatives and its positives, but I what I love best is the support among its residents for the president. President Obama.
I guess because this is kind of his home. As the election approaches, conversations are starting...political sidenotes from us, "the people." Though I'm open-minded to others' opinions, different from my own, I (as most) enjoy hearing conversations among strangers that I actually agree with. It's pretty awesome!
Unfortunately, I missed last night's debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. From the news, I didn't miss much. It seems as if the media outlets (outside of FOX) have been leaning towards conservative Romney. Next week, I will be able to see the debate for myself and I will be the judge of who I think did the best, as un-biased as I can possibly be.
Look for a post. I will be covering the points I deem as important and how each of the presidential candidates did.
But until then, I'll enjoy this good 'ol Chicago talk.
I've been in Chicago for just slightly over a month now and it has its negatives and its positives, but I what I love best is the support among its residents for the president. President Obama.
I guess because this is kind of his home. As the election approaches, conversations are starting...political sidenotes from us, "the people." Though I'm open-minded to others' opinions, different from my own, I (as most) enjoy hearing conversations among strangers that I actually agree with. It's pretty awesome!
Unfortunately, I missed last night's debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. From the news, I didn't miss much. It seems as if the media outlets (outside of FOX) have been leaning towards conservative Romney. Next week, I will be able to see the debate for myself and I will be the judge of who I think did the best, as un-biased as I can possibly be.
Look for a post. I will be covering the points I deem as important and how each of the presidential candidates did.
But until then, I'll enjoy this good 'ol Chicago talk.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
"Celebrate Tonight"
Graduate school is no joke...(duh). So I have been writing a lot...kind of, but clearly not on my blog. My apologies!
Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing singer Allen Stone perform live at Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was great! As part of Chipotle's "Cultivate Festival," Mr. Stone sang all of my favorite tunes from his latest EP and I won a free burrito! (If you don't know who he is, please Google him.)
I just wanted to share these photos. Don't worry! I will be back to my sports and political writing very soon. Don't think I haven't been paying attention to football and politics lately...I have :-)
Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing singer Allen Stone perform live at Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was great! As part of Chipotle's "Cultivate Festival," Mr. Stone sang all of my favorite tunes from his latest EP and I won a free burrito! (If you don't know who he is, please Google him.)
I just wanted to share these photos. Don't worry! I will be back to my sports and political writing very soon. Don't think I haven't been paying attention to football and politics lately...I have :-)
Friday, June 29, 2012
You didn't care about politics before Obama.
Politics.
You hear the word all the time in reference to behavior in the workplace. It's not something you like to see. On the other hand, you may hear about "politics" amongst co-workers...The other kind of politics I mean. You know, Presidential stuff and talk about the donkey and elephant. I prefer not to discuss either in the workplace, especially if it can lead to talk about morals and heated arguments that will make you temporarily or even forever hate your co-worker(s). This is why I have this blog...and I'm going to say what I want.
Not too long ago, a Twitter follower of mine posted something while President Obama was giving a State of the Union Address that basically said "y'all didn't care about politics before Obama." I thought to myself...maybe not. Then I realized why I wasn't as concerned before.
Before the age of 18 years (2006), I didn't know much about politics. I knew who the President was and I knew about certain laws, terrorism, and the then-President Bush's declaration of the War in Iraq, but before that age, there wasn't much I could do. One year, I served at my high school as a class representative, but I don't remember having the power to do much of anything...so I quit. We had certain awards and nominations we democratically voted for at school...but as far as politics of the United States, I was pretty ignorant.
When I went to college, I began to take classes, some politically focused, and my classroom experience did what it was supposed to do: it taught me. When I turned 19, I was still not registered to vote...but I was summoned for jury duty. Something about that moment and all that I had learned within that past year made me realize just how important it was that I become a registered voter. So I registered, and I became more involved.
I began to write about how the importance of voting. I was so excited that I would have the chance to vote for the next president of the United States... (a chance I clearly had never had before.) At the time of the election, I was taking an African-American political thought class...one of the most memorable classes I would ever take in college.
After carefully evaluating the candidates and doing my own research, I decided ultimately that I would cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama. I went to the campaign headquarters in Memphis (where I was at the time) with a couple of my friends close to election day and we held signs and stood on the corner of a busy intersection to campaign for the man I believed was best qualified to lead our country.
When Election Day came, I had to drive about three hours to Nashville to cast my vote at my home precinct. Since that day, I have never regretted my decision.
I have benefited in a few ways since that day in 2007 and am now directly affected in ways I can see...and I DO CARE.
-As a student and former student with student loans, I am very appreciative of some of the governmental changes that have occurred. Many students loathe paying back loans, but the 2009 enacted Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan has made it possible to me to afford the payments based on how much I earn. The plan was originally introduced under the Bush administration in 2007 and became effective in 2009. It has since been amended under the Obama administration, capping monthly payments as 10 percent of an individual's income, versus the previous 15 percent. It also forgives any debt remaining (after consistent payments) after 20 years, rather than 25, along with allowing borrowers whose incomes are less than $20,000 per year will pay $0 in monthly payments. Though it may take a while to pay them in the case that one has a low-paying job, at least they will be able to pay something without defaulting. http://business.time.com/2011/10/27/can-income-based-repayment-on-student-loans-save-the-economy/
-I will soon return to school, and as a 24-year old, I normally would not have insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act-ACA (Obamacare), I can now stay on my parents' insurance until the age of 26, or until I can find a position that offers insurance to its employees before then. If in the case, I can't find full time employment with benefits, I will be able to pay for insurance at a much lower rate than before Obamacare, based on my salary (hence the term "Affordable"). I don't mind paying for my health...especially if it costs me a lot less than it would have in the past.
-As a woman, under the new healthcare law, I can receive recommended preventive services, like contraception, mammograms, new baby care and well-child visits, with no out-of-pocket costs, (if needed)....Also, just a little FYI, birth-control is not always prescribed solely to prevent the birth of babies! Lol
-Under President Obama’s leadership, the government is trying to help students and recent graduates find job opportunities with the Federal government through USAJOBS with "Pathways." The programs are new still in progress, but they are a major step for someone like me who maybe doesn't have the full time experience a lot of jobs require right out of college. It's another great opportunity that directly affects someone like me.
There are a few other things I was going to list, but this post is too long at this point, so I won't.
I'm still young...but I know a lot more than I did when I was younger and with that knowledge, I care and pay attention. The fact that the President cares about policies and laws that affect people in my age group and women, (along with so many other groups that together comprise this country), makes me proud that I have and had the opportunity to get ever involved with POLITICS...and I still won't stop paying attention after him.
You hear the word all the time in reference to behavior in the workplace. It's not something you like to see. On the other hand, you may hear about "politics" amongst co-workers...The other kind of politics I mean. You know, Presidential stuff and talk about the donkey and elephant. I prefer not to discuss either in the workplace, especially if it can lead to talk about morals and heated arguments that will make you temporarily or even forever hate your co-worker(s). This is why I have this blog...and I'm going to say what I want.
Not too long ago, a Twitter follower of mine posted something while President Obama was giving a State of the Union Address that basically said "y'all didn't care about politics before Obama." I thought to myself...maybe not. Then I realized why I wasn't as concerned before.
Before the age of 18 years (2006), I didn't know much about politics. I knew who the President was and I knew about certain laws, terrorism, and the then-President Bush's declaration of the War in Iraq, but before that age, there wasn't much I could do. One year, I served at my high school as a class representative, but I don't remember having the power to do much of anything...so I quit. We had certain awards and nominations we democratically voted for at school...but as far as politics of the United States, I was pretty ignorant.
When I went to college, I began to take classes, some politically focused, and my classroom experience did what it was supposed to do: it taught me. When I turned 19, I was still not registered to vote...but I was summoned for jury duty. Something about that moment and all that I had learned within that past year made me realize just how important it was that I become a registered voter. So I registered, and I became more involved.
I began to write about how the importance of voting. I was so excited that I would have the chance to vote for the next president of the United States... (a chance I clearly had never had before.) At the time of the election, I was taking an African-American political thought class...one of the most memorable classes I would ever take in college.
After carefully evaluating the candidates and doing my own research, I decided ultimately that I would cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama. I went to the campaign headquarters in Memphis (where I was at the time) with a couple of my friends close to election day and we held signs and stood on the corner of a busy intersection to campaign for the man I believed was best qualified to lead our country.
When Election Day came, I had to drive about three hours to Nashville to cast my vote at my home precinct. Since that day, I have never regretted my decision.
I have benefited in a few ways since that day in 2007 and am now directly affected in ways I can see...and I DO CARE.
-As a student and former student with student loans, I am very appreciative of some of the governmental changes that have occurred. Many students loathe paying back loans, but the 2009 enacted Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan has made it possible to me to afford the payments based on how much I earn. The plan was originally introduced under the Bush administration in 2007 and became effective in 2009. It has since been amended under the Obama administration, capping monthly payments as 10 percent of an individual's income, versus the previous 15 percent. It also forgives any debt remaining (after consistent payments) after 20 years, rather than 25, along with allowing borrowers whose incomes are less than $20,000 per year will pay $0 in monthly payments. Though it may take a while to pay them in the case that one has a low-paying job, at least they will be able to pay something without defaulting. http://business.time.com/2011/10/27/can-income-based-repayment-on-student-loans-save-the-economy/
-I will soon return to school, and as a 24-year old, I normally would not have insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act-ACA (Obamacare), I can now stay on my parents' insurance until the age of 26, or until I can find a position that offers insurance to its employees before then. If in the case, I can't find full time employment with benefits, I will be able to pay for insurance at a much lower rate than before Obamacare, based on my salary (hence the term "Affordable"). I don't mind paying for my health...especially if it costs me a lot less than it would have in the past.
 |
| Me, a friend, and a fellow campaigner in Memphis before the 2008 Presidential election. |
-Under President Obama’s leadership, the government is trying to help students and recent graduates find job opportunities with the Federal government through USAJOBS with "Pathways." The programs are new still in progress, but they are a major step for someone like me who maybe doesn't have the full time experience a lot of jobs require right out of college. It's another great opportunity that directly affects someone like me.
There are a few other things I was going to list, but this post is too long at this point, so I won't.
I'm still young...but I know a lot more than I did when I was younger and with that knowledge, I care and pay attention. The fact that the President cares about policies and laws that affect people in my age group and women, (along with so many other groups that together comprise this country), makes me proud that I have and had the opportunity to get ever involved with POLITICS...and I still won't stop paying attention after him.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Thunder strikes the Spurs in Game 3
After being down 2-0 in the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder proved the reason for their playoffs spot Thursday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Oklahoma City.
The 20-point victory came after two back-to-back wins by the Spurs on their home court in San Antonio.
The final score was 102-82 at the end of the night. The teams will meet again in the Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma on Saturday night, where the Thunder to tie the series 2-2.
Meanwhile, drama almost but didn't quite make it to the "Will Call" in the Chesapeake Arena lobby. Check out this story about rapper Lil' Wayne (and other random sports news).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Can Grizzlies Force Game 7?
written by: stacia_doss.
Since the start of the NBA Playoffs, there has honestly only been one series I have been following: The Memphis Grizzlies v. the Los Angeles Clippers. Right now, L.A. leads the series 3-2.
Wednesday night, the Clippers were one game away from ending the series, but the Grizzlies managed to survive the game, winning on their home court at the FedEx Forum.
This is how the series has played out so far (in case you haven’t seen it).
Game 1 in Memphis: Clippers win
Game 2 in Memphis: Grizz win
Game 3 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 4 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 5 in Memphis: Grizz win
So, you see, the Clippers managed to take advantage of their home court, winning both games, along with a victory on the road. The team heads back to the Staples Center to face the Grizzlies in Game 6 on Friday night. Game 6 is an absolute must-win for Memphis if they want to make it past this first round of the playoffs.
During Wednesday’s Clippers loss, the L.A roster and coach certainly got a little hot under the collar, earning the team a total of five technical fouls, four amongst the players and one for coach Vinny Del Negro.
The Grizzlies have managed to keep their composure, but have not been playing like the seemingly "unstoppable" team they seemed like near the end of regular season.
While Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins was grateful for the victory in Game 5, he feels the momentum of the team is still not where it needs to be.
Memphis closed the game with a 92-88 winning score, and at one point had a 24-point lead. But the faces on the fans during the last five minutes of the game were fearful as the lead at one point became as small as six points.
Can Memphis manage to stay in this NBA Playoff race? I sure hope so.
Since the start of the NBA Playoffs, there has honestly only been one series I have been following: The Memphis Grizzlies v. the Los Angeles Clippers. Right now, L.A. leads the series 3-2.
Wednesday night, the Clippers were one game away from ending the series, but the Grizzlies managed to survive the game, winning on their home court at the FedEx Forum.
This is how the series has played out so far (in case you haven’t seen it).
Game 1 in Memphis: Clippers win
Game 2 in Memphis: Grizz win
Game 3 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 4 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 5 in Memphis: Grizz win
So, you see, the Clippers managed to take advantage of their home court, winning both games, along with a victory on the road. The team heads back to the Staples Center to face the Grizzlies in Game 6 on Friday night. Game 6 is an absolute must-win for Memphis if they want to make it past this first round of the playoffs.
During Wednesday’s Clippers loss, the L.A roster and coach certainly got a little hot under the collar, earning the team a total of five technical fouls, four amongst the players and one for coach Vinny Del Negro.
The Grizzlies have managed to keep their composure, but have not been playing like the seemingly "unstoppable" team they seemed like near the end of regular season.
While Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins was grateful for the victory in Game 5, he feels the momentum of the team is still not where it needs to be.
Memphis closed the game with a 92-88 winning score, and at one point had a 24-point lead. But the faces on the fans during the last five minutes of the game were fearful as the lead at one point became as small as six points.
Can Memphis manage to stay in this NBA Playoff race? I sure hope so.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Grizz Fever
written by: stacia_doss.
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| Memphis Grizzlies victorious against Dallas Mavericks on April 7, 2012. |
This weekend was just what I needed...some time away from the St. Louis area and a visit back to my home state, Tennessee.
The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, April 7, at the FedEx Forum for a game that was pretty integral to securing the Grizzlies a more favorable playoff spot.
The team successfully defeated the Mavericks 94-89, placing the Grizzlies at fifth place in the Western Conference.
Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph led the team in scoring with a combined 40 points. Recent addition Gilbert Arenas looked almost unstoppable, bringing high energy and contributing 14 points to the team's victory, spending just over 17 minutes in the game.
Overall, every player that stepped on the court for Memphis in some way contributed to the win over Dallas. It was "team work" in every sense of the phrase.
Dallas was led by Dirk Nowitzki, who had 17 points and 2 assists. Jason Terry led the team with assists, ending the night with 8, and 12 points total.
Sadly, this was the first and last time I'd see the husband of one of my favorite reality stars in a Dallas jersey (Lamar Odom).
*The Grizzlies faced the Los Angeles Clippers Monday night at home, and added another victory to the list with 94-85 win.
This was the first regular season Grizz game I have attended in a long time. The atmosphere was great, the attendance was great, and I had an overall good time. It felt just as good as the playoff game I attended last year. Check out my pictures from the game. I had some pretty amazing seats!
*=updated
Monday, March 19, 2012
A weekend of "madness"
Written by: stacia_doss.
Friday evening to this Monday has brought about a pretty shocking turn of events in sports. The latest being that Peyton Manning made the decision to join the Denver Broncos, dismissing the San Francisco 49ers, the Tennessee Titans, and anyone else who wanted him as their new, "seasoned" QB.
In basketball news, "March madness" truly proved to be madness this weekend. Underdogs many were rooting for like Murray State and VCU's trails ended this weekend. Who would have thought that Duke, Mizzou, or even Memphis would be knocked out of the tournament as early as they were? It was a shocker, and pretty heartbreaking (to say the least) for many fans. I know how disappointed I was watching my Memphis Tigers get to this point only to be beaten by an underestimated team (The St. Louis U. Billikens) under the leadership of a great coach. I have to give the Billikens credit, though. Even though they were eliminated in the following game against Michigan State, the team played a good, physical game in both rounds. I just hope that my alma mater Tigers can go all the way next season during their last school year in C-USA.
Peyton Manning. He's no doubt a great player, but I wasn't seeing Denver in his future. I thought, for sure, he'd join the Titans. Denver is expected to trade Tim Tebow. But what happens if 35-year-old Manning gets hurt? Tebow would seem to be a fitting back up, but time will only tell if he will move on to another team.
With Z-Bo's (Zach Randolph's) return the Memphis Grizzlies faltered against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, but were able to come back with a 97-92 win against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
I'm anticipating the first weekend in April, because I will be returning to Memphis to watch the Grizz face the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Many photos will be taken and posted upon my return!
**Update: Tim Tebow was traded on March 21 to the New York Jets along with a Denver Broncos' seventh round pick player in exchange for a 4th round pick. He will be joining Mark Sanchez in New York!
In basketball news, "March madness" truly proved to be madness this weekend. Underdogs many were rooting for like Murray State and VCU's trails ended this weekend. Who would have thought that Duke, Mizzou, or even Memphis would be knocked out of the tournament as early as they were? It was a shocker, and pretty heartbreaking (to say the least) for many fans. I know how disappointed I was watching my Memphis Tigers get to this point only to be beaten by an underestimated team (The St. Louis U. Billikens) under the leadership of a great coach. I have to give the Billikens credit, though. Even though they were eliminated in the following game against Michigan State, the team played a good, physical game in both rounds. I just hope that my alma mater Tigers can go all the way next season during their last school year in C-USA.
Peyton Manning. He's no doubt a great player, but I wasn't seeing Denver in his future. I thought, for sure, he'd join the Titans. Denver is expected to trade Tim Tebow. But what happens if 35-year-old Manning gets hurt? Tebow would seem to be a fitting back up, but time will only tell if he will move on to another team.
With Z-Bo's (Zach Randolph's) return the Memphis Grizzlies faltered against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, but were able to come back with a 97-92 win against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
I'm anticipating the first weekend in April, because I will be returning to Memphis to watch the Grizz face the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Many photos will be taken and posted upon my return!
**Update: Tim Tebow was traded on March 21 to the New York Jets along with a Denver Broncos' seventh round pick player in exchange for a 4th round pick. He will be joining Mark Sanchez in New York!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
From prison inmate to Morehouse grad.
Written by: stacia_doss
Genarlow Wilson.
Does this name ring a bell? It may not for a lot of people, but it does for me. The other morning, something made me turn my radio to something I don’t normally listen to. I heard an announcement on the Tom Joyner radio show about Genarlow Wilson. Joyner explained how Wilson had recently graduated (or is going to graduate) with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. I couldn’t help but smile at the sound of this news.
I first randomly stumbled upon Mr. Wilson’s story in 2007, the summer after my first year in college. His background can be explained here (from Morehouse.edu):
“In 2003, he was 17, a Douglas County (Ga.) High School senior, a football star and homecoming king who was fielding interest letters from Ivy League schools. But during a party, he was videotaped while a 15-year-old classmate performed consensual oral sex on him.
An old Georgia law considered that child molestation and a felony, carrying 10 years in prison since the girl was under 16. Through a quirk in the law, had they had intercourse he would have only faced a year in jail.
Wilson was found guilty and sent to prison.
The sentence’s harshness was denounced by the likes of civil rights leaders Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson along with former President Jimmy Carter. Heavy criticism forced Georgia lawmakers to change the crime to a misdemeanor punishable to a year in jail.
But it wasn’t retroactive, meaning the law spurred by Wilson wouldn’t free him. The Georgia Supreme Court eventually deemed Wilson’s sentence was cruel and unusual. He was released in October 2007 after two years in prison.”
The story gained a lot of attention and some people were outraged. Wilson maintained his innocence. Though the video presented in court showed the young woman willingly performing oral sex on Wilson and the other young men present at the party, the young woman said she was too intoxicated to remember engaging in such acts. (Yes, remember this was a 15-year-old with a 17-year-old).
During the time that I read his story, Wilson was still in jail. I found out later that year about his release but I never heard anything about him after that. Issues like this (possibly mis-directed?) sodomy law, (among others instances like this and this case) show how backward some southern states, and particularly, the state of Georgia was in 2003 and still is. But Wilson did not let that stop him from being a successful young man. He may not be playing in the NFL but he has overcome adversity and accomplished success despite the one reckless night that cost him years of his life in prison.
I encourage you to read more about him. You probably won't hear the positive outcome of his story on CBS or CNN or ABC, but you won't have to look hard to find out about his jailing. The announcement on the radio is all I could find about Wilson's success at Morehouse, but I will continue looking online. He has been criticized for being honored by his accomplishments, but I believe that his punishment was by no means equivalent to his "crime."
Monday, February 27, 2012
"That year my grey world became a black and white world..."
Through the the eyes of: Brittney
(Written by Brittney)
1. When Did You First Realize You Were Black?
I am a military dependent and I started school in Midwest City, Oklahoma at a private Catholic school. I was the only Black in my class but I never noticed that no one had my complexion or my hair texture. I was just Brittney the girl whose mom drove the cool van. No one treated me differently. At Saint Phillip Neri we were a family and I had no idea there was such a thing as race. My dad received new orders and we were moving back to Clarksville, Tenn. I began the 3rd grade in public school and at Kenwood Elementary I realized that I was Black. I started to notice how people of the same race cliqued together on the playground and at lunch. Then the Black girls would get frustrated with me and ask me “Why are you hanging with the white kids?” I even was asked repeatedly if I was biracial because of the length of my hair. At my private school we all played together and at my new public school there seemed to be rules and an apparent difference in how races interacted with one another. That year my grey world became a black and white world and it opened my eyes to many issues that would encounter, as I grew older.
2. How Black Are You?
If referring to the shade, I’m in the middle of the color spectrum. When it comes to culture, I could not rate it. Growing up in Tennessee, I was told many times that I was not Black. I was an academic success, winning multiple awards at banquets and ceremonies and I always made the honor roll. I spoke as proper as I could use the correct use of words. One day a group of Black girls asked me, “Why do you speak like that?” “Why do you act like that?” I asked them what did they mean and they proceeded to explain that Black people do not speak the way that I did and that Black people did not make the honor roll. I was so confused because I was looking at girls who looked like me but they refused to claim me as their own. I knew that they were wrong in their perspective of me. The “oreo” perspective that I look black but act white. I despise that term and dislike when Blacks refer to themselves as such. There is nothing White or Black about your personality. You are being you and I am being me. Black kids continued to ask me those same questions up until I graduated from that school system. One day I told some of them that I was Blacker than they would ever be because I refuse to be a stereotype and I am exceeding expectations. I was uplifting our race while they were bringing it down. It was a constant battle between them and I. I had longed for them to celebrate my achievement instead of knocking it down. I wanted no more than to be understood and to be accepted by them without having to demerit myself. However, I did find a group of Black friends who had the same experience as me and we are still friends to this day. We were exceptional students with the same middle class status and it was a breath of fresh air for me to have some people who dealt with the same issues.
I am happy that I had this struggle with my standing in the Black world as a teen because it helped me to want to find other people like me with the same experience. I knew that at Howard University I would find what I was looking for. I walked the grounds that Zora Neale Hurston walked and I sat in classrooms where Elaine Locke taught. I would be able to study with students like me and have an academic challenge to succeed. I would also find my purpose as a young Black woman and how I could use my knowledge to educate others. At Howard I learned that I could be a CEO or an activist. I finally seen Black faces with extraordinary talents and status. I learned at my alma mater that we might have the same ancestry, but we are different. We come from different countries with different cultures and different experiences. No one person is Blacker than the other. No matter the socioeconomic status we all have a story and we can all learn from one another to help make a better experience for people of color everywhere.
3. Have You Ever Wanted to Not Be Black?
No, I love the skin that I’m in and I love my ancestry. I would not change how God made me.
4. Can You Swim?
No, but if you threw me in the pool, I would survive.
5. How’s That Post-racial Thing Working Out for Ya?
No such thing as a post-racial society. Whoever thinks so has been sheltered or is naïve. Race will never go away. Race will always be a problem. I think the racial problems now stem from stereotypes that make the ignorant think that everyone is the same. A lack of knowledge has led to innocent Black men getting pulled over by police and either questioned, assaulted or killed. A lack of knowledge has led to Blacks being the most unemployed race in the U.S. It is definitely why you do not see many Black faces in the Media/Communications industry. I am having a hard time gaining an entry in the field and its not because I’m not smart and not experienced. It’s because of the culture and the politics that run that industry. As Blacks we also live with our own societal stereotypes and a lack of knowledge is why our Black men are raised to be athletes and not doctors or schoolteachers. It is also why some of us are raised to take the short cuts in life and cheat the system instead of ever learning how to work hard, do the right thing and be patient.
7. Has Social Media Affected How People Understand What It Means To Be Black?
If anything I think it has harmed us. Blacks make up a large number for user of Twitter and Facebook. Especially in using mobile apps for those social networks. We are the ones creating the trending topics on Twitter and if you haven’t noticed many of them are based off of black stereotypes. Then we participate and bring each other down. We underestimate our cultural influence on this world. If we were using it to push out positive messages it create a different perspective for how others view us. It was clear from the BYU viral video that circulated this month that other races are ignorant to many Black legends that have helped shape America. They were also ignorant to other aspects of our culture. All other people seem to view us as hip-hop Ebonics using pants sagging group of people. I wrote a blog post about how Blacks use social media. Please check it out.
8. How Does Race Affect Your Faith In The United States?
United States is a growing blend of people. The melting pot as they say. We have come a long way from slavery and from Jim Crow. Doors have open for us and we are rising above it all. I think Hispanics will experience many injustices as they grow in population. I believe Generation Y will be fair and tolerant. I have faith that the United States will grow out of its be better than it is now. In years to come people will no longer be able to ignore diversity. No one will be in a bubble and not know how the various races of people have help shape this country. It is up to my generation to share knowledge with the upcoming generation. It is up to us to make sure that they are cultured and experience the unique and diverse set of people who make up this country.
(Written by Brittney)
1. When Did You First Realize You Were Black?
I am a military dependent and I started school in Midwest City, Oklahoma at a private Catholic school. I was the only Black in my class but I never noticed that no one had my complexion or my hair texture. I was just Brittney the girl whose mom drove the cool van. No one treated me differently. At Saint Phillip Neri we were a family and I had no idea there was such a thing as race. My dad received new orders and we were moving back to Clarksville, Tenn. I began the 3rd grade in public school and at Kenwood Elementary I realized that I was Black. I started to notice how people of the same race cliqued together on the playground and at lunch. Then the Black girls would get frustrated with me and ask me “Why are you hanging with the white kids?” I even was asked repeatedly if I was biracial because of the length of my hair. At my private school we all played together and at my new public school there seemed to be rules and an apparent difference in how races interacted with one another. That year my grey world became a black and white world and it opened my eyes to many issues that would encounter, as I grew older.
2. How Black Are You?
If referring to the shade, I’m in the middle of the color spectrum. When it comes to culture, I could not rate it. Growing up in Tennessee, I was told many times that I was not Black. I was an academic success, winning multiple awards at banquets and ceremonies and I always made the honor roll. I spoke as proper as I could use the correct use of words. One day a group of Black girls asked me, “Why do you speak like that?” “Why do you act like that?” I asked them what did they mean and they proceeded to explain that Black people do not speak the way that I did and that Black people did not make the honor roll. I was so confused because I was looking at girls who looked like me but they refused to claim me as their own. I knew that they were wrong in their perspective of me. The “oreo” perspective that I look black but act white. I despise that term and dislike when Blacks refer to themselves as such. There is nothing White or Black about your personality. You are being you and I am being me. Black kids continued to ask me those same questions up until I graduated from that school system. One day I told some of them that I was Blacker than they would ever be because I refuse to be a stereotype and I am exceeding expectations. I was uplifting our race while they were bringing it down. It was a constant battle between them and I. I had longed for them to celebrate my achievement instead of knocking it down. I wanted no more than to be understood and to be accepted by them without having to demerit myself. However, I did find a group of Black friends who had the same experience as me and we are still friends to this day. We were exceptional students with the same middle class status and it was a breath of fresh air for me to have some people who dealt with the same issues.
I am happy that I had this struggle with my standing in the Black world as a teen because it helped me to want to find other people like me with the same experience. I knew that at Howard University I would find what I was looking for. I walked the grounds that Zora Neale Hurston walked and I sat in classrooms where Elaine Locke taught. I would be able to study with students like me and have an academic challenge to succeed. I would also find my purpose as a young Black woman and how I could use my knowledge to educate others. At Howard I learned that I could be a CEO or an activist. I finally seen Black faces with extraordinary talents and status. I learned at my alma mater that we might have the same ancestry, but we are different. We come from different countries with different cultures and different experiences. No one person is Blacker than the other. No matter the socioeconomic status we all have a story and we can all learn from one another to help make a better experience for people of color everywhere.
3. Have You Ever Wanted to Not Be Black?
No, I love the skin that I’m in and I love my ancestry. I would not change how God made me.
4. Can You Swim?
No, but if you threw me in the pool, I would survive.
5. How’s That Post-racial Thing Working Out for Ya?
No such thing as a post-racial society. Whoever thinks so has been sheltered or is naïve. Race will never go away. Race will always be a problem. I think the racial problems now stem from stereotypes that make the ignorant think that everyone is the same. A lack of knowledge has led to innocent Black men getting pulled over by police and either questioned, assaulted or killed. A lack of knowledge has led to Blacks being the most unemployed race in the U.S. It is definitely why you do not see many Black faces in the Media/Communications industry. I am having a hard time gaining an entry in the field and its not because I’m not smart and not experienced. It’s because of the culture and the politics that run that industry. As Blacks we also live with our own societal stereotypes and a lack of knowledge is why our Black men are raised to be athletes and not doctors or schoolteachers. It is also why some of us are raised to take the short cuts in life and cheat the system instead of ever learning how to work hard, do the right thing and be patient.
7. Has Social Media Affected How People Understand What It Means To Be Black?
If anything I think it has harmed us. Blacks make up a large number for user of Twitter and Facebook. Especially in using mobile apps for those social networks. We are the ones creating the trending topics on Twitter and if you haven’t noticed many of them are based off of black stereotypes. Then we participate and bring each other down. We underestimate our cultural influence on this world. If we were using it to push out positive messages it create a different perspective for how others view us. It was clear from the BYU viral video that circulated this month that other races are ignorant to many Black legends that have helped shape America. They were also ignorant to other aspects of our culture. All other people seem to view us as hip-hop Ebonics using pants sagging group of people. I wrote a blog post about how Blacks use social media. Please check it out.
8. How Does Race Affect Your Faith In The United States?
United States is a growing blend of people. The melting pot as they say. We have come a long way from slavery and from Jim Crow. Doors have open for us and we are rising above it all. I think Hispanics will experience many injustices as they grow in population. I believe Generation Y will be fair and tolerant. I have faith that the United States will grow out of its be better than it is now. In years to come people will no longer be able to ignore diversity. No one will be in a bubble and not know how the various races of people have help shape this country. It is up to my generation to share knowledge with the upcoming generation. It is up to us to make sure that they are cultured and experience the unique and diverse set of people who make up this country.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
"...after that point you could say I "woke up" to race."
Through the eyes of: Stanley
(Written by Stanley)
I don't think anyone can really trace when they were truly aware of race and his/her own race. As far as I am concerned, I knew I was black since I understood that I existed. But obviously, there comes a time in a child's life when they become aware of race, especially those around you that differ from your own. For me, I think this was when I was in the first grade. The school that I went to was pretty diverse, and up to that point most of my interactions with other kids were of my own race. It wasn't until 1st grade that I truly had white, asian, latin, etc. friends.
I will never forget the time when I realized that the culture I was used to was different from the culture that some of my white friends were accustomed too. Me, a white friend (can't remember his name), and mixed friend (I didn't realized he was mixed at the time but looking back now I know he was half white/half asian) were talking about football. I was telling my white friend how bad Emmit Smith was, but I was using the term word "bad" in the sense that he was awesome and unstoppable. My white friend didn't understand this and we argued because we didn't realize that we were confusing the use of the word. He thought that I was saying Smith was bad, as in not good. My mixed friend understood both sides and he explained what I was trying to say to my white friend. That confusion and then clear up opened my eyes to cultural differences. Now how someone speaks is not necessarily a race thing, but something about that moment made me aware of myself and the race. I don't even think I had grasped the idea yet, that two of my friends were of a different race than my own, so after that point you could say I "woke up" to race. I don't understand why or how, but after that moment I started actually paying attention to the differences in race around me.
So I can't say when I first realized I was black, but I believe it was in the first grade that I realized not everyone was black and that there was a diverse world around me everyday.
(Written by Stanley)
I don't think anyone can really trace when they were truly aware of race and his/her own race. As far as I am concerned, I knew I was black since I understood that I existed. But obviously, there comes a time in a child's life when they become aware of race, especially those around you that differ from your own. For me, I think this was when I was in the first grade. The school that I went to was pretty diverse, and up to that point most of my interactions with other kids were of my own race. It wasn't until 1st grade that I truly had white, asian, latin, etc. friends.
I will never forget the time when I realized that the culture I was used to was different from the culture that some of my white friends were accustomed too. Me, a white friend (can't remember his name), and mixed friend (I didn't realized he was mixed at the time but looking back now I know he was half white/half asian) were talking about football. I was telling my white friend how bad Emmit Smith was, but I was using the term word "bad" in the sense that he was awesome and unstoppable. My white friend didn't understand this and we argued because we didn't realize that we were confusing the use of the word. He thought that I was saying Smith was bad, as in not good. My mixed friend understood both sides and he explained what I was trying to say to my white friend. That confusion and then clear up opened my eyes to cultural differences. Now how someone speaks is not necessarily a race thing, but something about that moment made me aware of myself and the race. I don't even think I had grasped the idea yet, that two of my friends were of a different race than my own, so after that point you could say I "woke up" to race. I don't understand why or how, but after that moment I started actually paying attention to the differences in race around me.
So I can't say when I first realized I was black, but I believe it was in the first grade that I realized not everyone was black and that there was a diverse world around me everyday.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"I knew I was different when I had to take standardized testing and could only pick one..."
Through the eyes of: Rebekah
(Written by Rebekah)
When did you first realize you were black?
I am biracial (black/white) so even though both of my parents skin tones were completely different I did not understand race or acknowledge it for a long time. I knew I was different when I had to take standardized testing and could only pick one race but it took me awhile to comprehend what that meant.I think the first time it hit me that I was really different was in the sixth grade. My best friend had an older friend and I guess she didn't like me for some reason...anyways she told my best friend, "why was I hanging out with all the black people...that I didn't belong with them." I swear my heart dropped because I started to think well where do I belong? It's crazy because when I was in elementary all my good friends were black( I did have one white friend named Nicole, she was awesome). I guess I felt like I was more comfortable around black people even if I didn't pay attention to race at the time.
I felt like I wanted to associate myself deeper with the black community after that rude ass girl said those things about me. At times I felt like I had to prove my "blackness" to people because I was mixed.Then there were others who told me that I was considered black because my dad was black. It was like I almost got a pass LOL.
I really didn't start fully embracing both of my races until I was well into college. I went to an HBCU my first two years and was pro black everything. I never really talked about my white side which was kind of weird.
One day I was hanging out with a friend listening and enjoying non hip hop music and it just hit me. I thought to myself wow liking different things that are not just associated with the black culture is okay. I felt like this wall had come down and I was free to embrace both sides. Now I can say that I proudly embrace both of my races and don't care if people think "I'm acting white or acting black" <----I hate when people say that.
It may sound weird but even though I embrace both races I still feel the most comfortable around black people. I feel like I can relate more. Whether it sounds right or not, that's the way I feel.
Just call me confused & mixed up & I LOVE IT!! :)
(Written by Rebekah)
When did you first realize you were black?
I am biracial (black/white) so even though both of my parents skin tones were completely different I did not understand race or acknowledge it for a long time. I knew I was different when I had to take standardized testing and could only pick one race but it took me awhile to comprehend what that meant.I think the first time it hit me that I was really different was in the sixth grade. My best friend had an older friend and I guess she didn't like me for some reason...anyways she told my best friend, "why was I hanging out with all the black people...that I didn't belong with them." I swear my heart dropped because I started to think well where do I belong? It's crazy because when I was in elementary all my good friends were black( I did have one white friend named Nicole, she was awesome). I guess I felt like I was more comfortable around black people even if I didn't pay attention to race at the time.
I felt like I wanted to associate myself deeper with the black community after that rude ass girl said those things about me. At times I felt like I had to prove my "blackness" to people because I was mixed.Then there were others who told me that I was considered black because my dad was black. It was like I almost got a pass LOL.
I really didn't start fully embracing both of my races until I was well into college. I went to an HBCU my first two years and was pro black everything. I never really talked about my white side which was kind of weird.
One day I was hanging out with a friend listening and enjoying non hip hop music and it just hit me. I thought to myself wow liking different things that are not just associated with the black culture is okay. I felt like this wall had come down and I was free to embrace both sides. Now I can say that I proudly embrace both of my races and don't care if people think "I'm acting white or acting black" <----I hate when people say that.
It may sound weird but even though I embrace both races I still feel the most comfortable around black people. I feel like I can relate more. Whether it sounds right or not, that's the way I feel.
Just call me confused & mixed up & I LOVE IT!! :)
Friday, February 17, 2012
At 96, First Black Woman To Serve In U.S. Coast Guard Continues Fight For Civil Rights
 |
| Photo by Dina Sciortino |
(Repost from White Plains Patch and Huffington Post.)
An angry mob of white men charged into her house while her mother was cooking breakfast. They robbed the house and tossed out the freshly made meal after burning down a clothesline where her doll clothes hung. Dr. Olivia Hooker first experienced discrimination at the age of 6, while hiding under a table with her siblings for of fear of being shot.
“They didn’t break the [family’s] old rugged cross,” said Hooker, who has lived in White Plains [Greenburgh] for the last 59 years. “In a sense, they gave us a message about what they thought was appropriate for us.”
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"I can not remember having any negative feelings associated with (color) as a child."
Through the eyes of: LaShawndra (Written by LaShawndra)
I realized I was black when I was in elementary school. I had to be in either the first or second grade. I often noticed that the majority of people at my school were very similar to me and lived in the same areas I lived in and knew so well. I had one friend who did not exactly look like me or what I was use to, but she was apart of the things (places and people) that I had associated with the norm. Although, I was able to realize the difference (as far as color of skin was concerned) amongst my childhood friend and I, I will say that I can not remember having any negative feelings associated with it as a child. Today, being a product of the South, having an African American president, and being consciously aware of subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) prejudices has inevitably made me more aware of my blackness.
I realized I was black when I was in elementary school. I had to be in either the first or second grade. I often noticed that the majority of people at my school were very similar to me and lived in the same areas I lived in and knew so well. I had one friend who did not exactly look like me or what I was use to, but she was apart of the things (places and people) that I had associated with the norm. Although, I was able to realize the difference (as far as color of skin was concerned) amongst my childhood friend and I, I will say that I can not remember having any negative feelings associated with it as a child. Today, being a product of the South, having an African American president, and being consciously aware of subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) prejudices has inevitably made me more aware of my blackness.
Monday, February 13, 2012
"You talk like a white girl."
My last post described my plans for the month of February and possibly an extension beyond this month in honor of Black History. One website is asking one question a day about "blackness." The responses I've read thus far have been quite interesting, but I wanted to feature some responses on my own blog.
Sure, I know other people who are shades of brown like myself. But I don't know their life experiences. Just like no one really knows mine...I couldn't tell it if I tried, but I could offer a piece of it.
I reached out to some of my good friends, as well as family members to help me out by sharing their stories by answering a question of their choice, posted for the month of February. We each have a unique experience and no one can understand and tell it better than the person who's been through it. I will feature the entries I receive one a week or two a week, depending on how many entries I have.
With a goal of opening minds and taking a chance at understanding the life of someone different from your own, I offer these entries...starting with my own (below). If you have a submission, please comment/contact me and I will be happy to feature you.
-Stacia
Q: When did you first realize you were Black?
A: I can’t say I particularly remember a defining moment where I looked at myself and said “I’m black.” As a child, the term “black” can be damaging because it’s looked at as a literal term, and it can be confusing…most “Black” or “African-American” people (whatever term you choose) look down at their hands and don’t see a shade resembling black. I would say that a child views the term “Black” that same way. For this reason, my family often refrains from using the terms “black” and “white”, especially around my nephew, a 4-year-old child. So, looking at my skin tone, I always thought I was brown. My time as a small child, up to about 3rd or 4th grade, was spent on military bases where I played and interacted with kids of all shades, and saw combinations of parents from different backgrounds all the time. This was my reality as a military brat. I viewed everyone as just another color out of a box of crayons. I couldn’t see a difference when it came to inequality, discrimination, etc. I didn’t experience any of that as a child.
But when I moved to Tennessee (where my father retired), I remember a little Black girl saying to me in 4th grade “you talk like a white girl.” I couldn’t really fathom what this meant but I cried and cried. I just knew it hurt my feelings. At that point, I struggled for a while to find my “identity.” My eyes were opened to how some people talked differently from others but there were people of all shades who were just like me…I don’t really remember a specific point where I could blatantly see the difference in treatment but it was probably sometime in high school. I’d be around groups of people that were white and while they’d talk, they would often reference a Black person with some offensive description that made me feel some kind of way…a feeling of discomfort. Quite a few things happened, actually. I can recall some examples so clearly it’s as if they happened yesterday. When one of my white friends would hang out with me and other Black people, she’d be accused to acting like a “wigger.” Whatever that meant…it was pure ignorance. Like déjà vu, I was told (by a white person this time) that I was the “Whitest black person they knew.” Once again, I was insulted and my feelings were hurt. I even heard a girl in my class once reference Black people as “colored.” SMH. One of my Korean friends told me the negative things she would hear about African-Americans in Korea before coming to the United States…how we were “bad.” However, she told me that she realized that she had more in common with us than most of her white counterparts. She spoke as if she understood Black Americans better through some sort of “minority connection” that caused her to experience the same types of discrimination and uneasiness that Black people in America faced. These particular things stuck in my mind, obviously. To this day, I haven’t forgotten them and several other instances where I’ve felt…well, Black, I guess.
I could never and will never understand why certain people, white or black, equate my intelligence, the way I speak, or the way I carry myself as being “white-like.” I’ve always just done me…and, until Tennessee, that was good enough. My life experiences have forced me to open my eyes and see that ignorance doesn’t discriminate. It crosses color barriers. It's a taught behavior to see that people are different and my parents never taught me to see that. They raised me to believe that we are all the same. But it was the kids whose parents did teach them to see differences that opened my eyes to realizing, I was different.
Sure, I know other people who are shades of brown like myself. But I don't know their life experiences. Just like no one really knows mine...I couldn't tell it if I tried, but I could offer a piece of it.
I reached out to some of my good friends, as well as family members to help me out by sharing their stories by answering a question of their choice, posted for the month of February. We each have a unique experience and no one can understand and tell it better than the person who's been through it. I will feature the entries I receive one a week or two a week, depending on how many entries I have.
With a goal of opening minds and taking a chance at understanding the life of someone different from your own, I offer these entries...starting with my own (below). If you have a submission, please comment/contact me and I will be happy to feature you.
-Stacia
Q: When did you first realize you were Black?
A: I can’t say I particularly remember a defining moment where I looked at myself and said “I’m black.” As a child, the term “black” can be damaging because it’s looked at as a literal term, and it can be confusing…most “Black” or “African-American” people (whatever term you choose) look down at their hands and don’t see a shade resembling black. I would say that a child views the term “Black” that same way. For this reason, my family often refrains from using the terms “black” and “white”, especially around my nephew, a 4-year-old child. So, looking at my skin tone, I always thought I was brown. My time as a small child, up to about 3rd or 4th grade, was spent on military bases where I played and interacted with kids of all shades, and saw combinations of parents from different backgrounds all the time. This was my reality as a military brat. I viewed everyone as just another color out of a box of crayons. I couldn’t see a difference when it came to inequality, discrimination, etc. I didn’t experience any of that as a child.
But when I moved to Tennessee (where my father retired), I remember a little Black girl saying to me in 4th grade “you talk like a white girl.” I couldn’t really fathom what this meant but I cried and cried. I just knew it hurt my feelings. At that point, I struggled for a while to find my “identity.” My eyes were opened to how some people talked differently from others but there were people of all shades who were just like me…I don’t really remember a specific point where I could blatantly see the difference in treatment but it was probably sometime in high school. I’d be around groups of people that were white and while they’d talk, they would often reference a Black person with some offensive description that made me feel some kind of way…a feeling of discomfort. Quite a few things happened, actually. I can recall some examples so clearly it’s as if they happened yesterday. When one of my white friends would hang out with me and other Black people, she’d be accused to acting like a “wigger.” Whatever that meant…it was pure ignorance. Like déjà vu, I was told (by a white person this time) that I was the “Whitest black person they knew.” Once again, I was insulted and my feelings were hurt. I even heard a girl in my class once reference Black people as “colored.” SMH. One of my Korean friends told me the negative things she would hear about African-Americans in Korea before coming to the United States…how we were “bad.” However, she told me that she realized that she had more in common with us than most of her white counterparts. She spoke as if she understood Black Americans better through some sort of “minority connection” that caused her to experience the same types of discrimination and uneasiness that Black people in America faced. These particular things stuck in my mind, obviously. To this day, I haven’t forgotten them and several other instances where I’ve felt…well, Black, I guess.
I could never and will never understand why certain people, white or black, equate my intelligence, the way I speak, or the way I carry myself as being “white-like.” I’ve always just done me…and, until Tennessee, that was good enough. My life experiences have forced me to open my eyes and see that ignorance doesn’t discriminate. It crosses color barriers. It's a taught behavior to see that people are different and my parents never taught me to see that. They raised me to believe that we are all the same. But it was the kids whose parents did teach them to see differences that opened my eyes to realizing, I was different.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Black History Month...Colorblind
Over the years, I've written a lot of poems that can all be relevantly used in honor of Black History month. I want to do something a little different on TWU this February and hopefully continue throughout the year in between my usual posting subjects.
I stumbled upon this site: http://howtobeblack.me. It offers viewpoints from a variety of people (not just Black people) in honor of the book "How to be Black," a lesson that people from any cultural background would be intrigued by, including myself. In short, here is what the site is doing: "Throughout Black History Month (and beyond), we’ll be focusing on questions of identity." Check it out on your own, because I have obviously given a pretty vague description. I, myself, will be answering some of these questions and I invite you all to, as well.
Here are the first eight questions that have been posted:
Blackness Questionnaire
1. When Did You First Realize You Were Black?
2. How Black Are You?
3. Have You Ever Wanted to Not Be Black?
4. Can You Swim?
5. How’s That Post-racial Thing Working Out for Ya?
6. Why Can’t We Just Ignore Racial Differences Already?
7. Has Social Media Affected How People Understand What It Means To Be Black?
8. How Does Race Affect Your Faith In The United States?
First, though, I wanted to post a note I published on Facebook in 2006. It still is and will probably always be relevant:
i didnt see color..
all i saw was people-
until that point in life that i realized,
we're not the same,
the point in life where one incident shows us
that we are treated differently...
but now , though grown and far from naive...
im still ignorant to the question of "why?"
why did i have to reach that point in life where i realized
such a thing as color existed?
sometimes i wish we all had the innocence of a child...
when different colors of skin were blind to my eyes,
and we were all ONE people....
Friday, January 20, 2012
Define charisma.
Article by:stacia_doss.
This is the noun commonly used to describe a quality possessed by our current president, Mr. Barack Obama. I’d say that (looking at the definition), it’s a pretty accurate term.
I’m a very open-minded person, so I’m interested in hearing various viewpoints. I may not agree and I may get frustrated at the opinions of others. Nonetheless, I listen to them…
With that being said, I have watched a couple of the Republican debates. Though I’ve missed most of them, I have refreshed myself after just about every one of them with recaps of the events from the night before amongst the GOP. I was not impressed by any of them.
All that I saw was a slew of candidates with some pretty harsh attacks toward one another who couldn’t agree on much of anything except for this clear intent: "Obama" needs to be out of the White House. They represented a divided party, and as potential candidates have dropped out, they haven’t even been unanimously endorsing the same sole candidate. (Huntsman endorses Romney, Perry endorses Gingrich, Cain endorses...uh..."the people")
Bottom line, when I look at the potential Republican nominees, I see nothing but wealthy candidates who seek POWER and a “title” with hardly any concrete plans for the country and little to no ability to relate to the average American at all. They pretty much just stand for “getting Obama out.” Do we know anything else about these candidates? I mean, personally, what do we know about them outside of their record on politics, their religious beliefs and their families. Do we know who they are as real people? Do they even know who they, themselves, are? Artificial is all I see.
President Obama is like no other candidate I’ve seen or witnessed in my lifetime or have read about in my history books. We know him, or at least we feel like we do. That, my friends is a very comforting quality. As a product of multiracial parents, he represents the “Melting Pot” we call America, meaning he can relate to so many of us. He also has experience working with real people…real Americans, not just being someone’s wealthy boss and “firing” people (as one of the GOP mentioned he liked having the ability to do).
Every time he expresses his opinion or shows his humorous/outgoing side… (the real him), he is criticized by “haters” and naysayers who blame him solely for them not having a job and the country’s current economic state. “He’s not funny.” “He should be creating jobs, not telling jokes.” When I read these types of comments, they make me shake my head and they irritate me….which is why I try my very best to not read them under articles and posts. However, like I said, I force myself to hear and read the opinions of everyone anyway.
He’s probably the “realest” candidate this country has ever seen, and he’s human. I guess POLITICS and only things involving POLITICS should be the only words that ever come out of his mouth, huh?
Give the guy a break. (People would even have a negative comment about that sentence)He does his job, he compromises and still stands his ground, all while giving us a piece of who he really is. I can’t say America has ever seen that, and I hope that we will continue to for the next 4 years.
I know this is long, and there are probably things I should have said and didn't but I'll end it here.
charisma[kuh-riz-muh]
1. Theology. a divinely conferred gift or power.
2. a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.
3. the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.I’m a very open-minded person, so I’m interested in hearing various viewpoints. I may not agree and I may get frustrated at the opinions of others. Nonetheless, I listen to them…
With that being said, I have watched a couple of the Republican debates. Though I’ve missed most of them, I have refreshed myself after just about every one of them with recaps of the events from the night before amongst the GOP. I was not impressed by any of them.
All that I saw was a slew of candidates with some pretty harsh attacks toward one another who couldn’t agree on much of anything except for this clear intent: "Obama" needs to be out of the White House. They represented a divided party, and as potential candidates have dropped out, they haven’t even been unanimously endorsing the same sole candidate. (Huntsman endorses Romney, Perry endorses Gingrich, Cain endorses...uh..."the people")
Bottom line, when I look at the potential Republican nominees, I see nothing but wealthy candidates who seek POWER and a “title” with hardly any concrete plans for the country and little to no ability to relate to the average American at all. They pretty much just stand for “getting Obama out.” Do we know anything else about these candidates? I mean, personally, what do we know about them outside of their record on politics, their religious beliefs and their families. Do we know who they are as real people? Do they even know who they, themselves, are? Artificial is all I see.
President Obama is like no other candidate I’ve seen or witnessed in my lifetime or have read about in my history books. We know him, or at least we feel like we do. That, my friends is a very comforting quality. As a product of multiracial parents, he represents the “Melting Pot” we call America, meaning he can relate to so many of us. He also has experience working with real people…real Americans, not just being someone’s wealthy boss and “firing” people (as one of the GOP mentioned he liked having the ability to do).
Every time he expresses his opinion or shows his humorous/outgoing side… (the real him), he is criticized by “haters” and naysayers who blame him solely for them not having a job and the country’s current economic state. “He’s not funny.” “He should be creating jobs, not telling jokes.” When I read these types of comments, they make me shake my head and they irritate me….which is why I try my very best to not read them under articles and posts. However, like I said, I force myself to hear and read the opinions of everyone anyway.
He’s probably the “realest” candidate this country has ever seen, and he’s human. I guess POLITICS and only things involving POLITICS should be the only words that ever come out of his mouth, huh?
Give the guy a break. (People would even have a negative comment about that sentence)He does his job, he compromises and still stands his ground, all while giving us a piece of who he really is. I can’t say America has ever seen that, and I hope that we will continue to for the next 4 years.
I know this is long, and there are probably things I should have said and didn't but I'll end it here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
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