A interesting discussion came up today in my African American history class. We were discussing the structure of the Civil Rights movement post-King assassination (consisting mostly of a band of King's followers and the Black Panther party) and the professor posed the question of how far have blacks progressed since 1968. This, in itself, is a question that can't possibly be explored in a blog post, or even a book. A few responses were heard, mostly consisting of the same argument: not much has changed. I sort of disagree with this (progress is relative, in my opinion), but I am more interested in the question he asked after. Could a New Civil Rights Movement occur?
It is a interesting supposition. Perhaps a more viable question would expand the definition of "Civil Rights" to deal with economic matters. In fact, Martin Luther King Jr. correctly moved from Civil Rights to Economic Rights (and consquently the Vietnam War) towards the end of his life. It was his assumption that poverty was at the heart of Civil Rights, and economic and political rights were essential the same. Once again, though, I digress and return to talk of a new Civil Rights Movement.
The crux of the argument would deal with the condition of minority youth today and it's ability to unity. Some might view this as a bit of a misnomer because many movement leaders were old in the 1960s. The fact remains, though, that older blacks are most likely content with their place in society. They have been through movement(s). The Youth gave the 1960s Movement its numbers and eventually its energy, producing leaders like Jesse Jackson. Thus, the youth will have to be the leaders of this so-called New Civil Rights Movement.
The notion of individualism verses collectivism is paramount to this discussion. America is a individualistic culture. This individualism existed in the 1960s, but only to a certain degree. Crisis unifies people and causes the emergence of a collectivist identity, and the aforementioned time period has its fair share of crises. Events like World War II, the murder of Emmit Till, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott motivated a collectivist attitude to form. The question is whether or not Black youth could adopt this collectivist attitude.
On September 11th, America came together. Before that, I daresay the last collectivist galvanization occurred during the Vietnam War. This is due to the desensitization that has occurred in America towards violence and fear -- mainly due to the media. Black America is a "me" culture and a "we" culture is needed to be a catalyst for said political movement. A absolute plethora of products are produced as a result of the need to maintain a self-image rather then a group image. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that the black youth could not adopt a collectivist approach to the movement.
Still, the Populist message of Collectivism is heard throughout America during this election cycle with Barack Obama. It obviously is working to a degree -- and could be further expolited if put in the hands of a "right" leader. Unfortunately, Black America does not have this leader. And as much as Blacks want to adopt Obama as said black leader, it is abudantly clear that he is not a typical African American. His background, his culture, his life do not represent the struggle of the African American. Even if he was this atypical African American, his political sway would be greatly diminished if he replaced his populist message with a cry for Black rights.
Therefore, the only way a New Civil Rights Movement could exist would be for a Martin Luther King-esque figure to arise -- someone who is not interested in political power. This, coupled with the media's willingness to cater to such a message (which is very doubtful) could jumpstart this movement.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset
More than ever, it fits.
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Looking kind of anxious in your cross-armed stance
Like a bad tempered prom queen at a homecoming dance
And I claim I'm not excited with my life anymore
So I blame this town, this job, these friends, the truth is it's myself
And I'm trying to understand myself and pinpoint who I am
When I finally get it figured out, I've changed the whole damn plan
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Talking shit about a pretty sunset
Blanketing opinions that I'll probably regret soon
Changed my mind so much I can't even trust it
My mind changed me so much I can't even trust myself
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Looking kind of anxious in your cross-armed stance
Like a bad tempered prom queen at a homecoming dance
And I claim I'm not excited with my life anymore
So I blame this town, this job, these friends, the truth is it's myself
And I'm trying to understand myself and pinpoint who I am
When I finally get it figured out, I've changed the whole damn plan
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Talking shit about a pretty sunset
Blanketing opinions that I'll probably regret soon
Changed my mind so much I can't even trust it
My mind changed me so much I can't even trust myself
Friday, April 18, 2008
Finding a Path
It is course registration time again.
In other words, its time for me to have a existential crisis. This next semester has a climactic feel to it. The classes that I take have to work towards my major or I will be, pardon the pun, majorly fucked. I have been working towards a History and Religious Studies double major with a additional minor in Arabic and possibly Political Science. And as structured as my path seems to be, I'm freaking out.
It's not that I don't enjoy these subjects -- History has always been a passion of mine and the Indiana University Religious Studies department is #1 in the nation. It's the finality of it. The classes I choose to take will inevitably be the types of classes I will be taking the rest of my collegiate career and possibly into graduate school. I feel like I need to be 100% content with the goals I intend on pursuing. If I don't, I'll lose motivation.
So, I've been thinking. Honestly, if I could do anything for the rest of my life, it would to be to go to school. If I ever get enough money to retire young - which is looking like a daunting task considering the current state of our Social Security program - I would do it in a college town, attending lectures and classes just for the hell of it. College is great. Where else can you experience top of the line athletics, academics, and partying? Bloomington, without a doubt, has the best atmosphere of any small town I've been to. I ran this belief across a friend of mine and he suggested education. After investigating it, Indiana University does have one of the best Education programs in the nation. But, as much as I love to learn, I'm not sure if I would have the same passion for teaching.
I've thought about other things -- Business, mostly. It's a surefire way to get cash right out of college and I need the money to get rid of this massive debt that's piling up already. Philosophy - I love intellectual, abstract conversations. Criminal Justice - being a cop would be total badass. Anthropology - very, very interesting. English - I love to read. It really goes on and on. But, in the end, I've come back to the same path. I still don't know what I want to do after college, but I have a feeling that these classes with be interesting and prepare me for the world.
So, after all this, what's the point?
I guess what I'm thinking is that one really doesn't have to be 100% content with what you are doing. If your conscious tugs and pulls you to different roads, it's not that big of a deal. In fact, if anything it is showing how much you care about your life. So although I may not be content, I still signed up for classes fufilling my major. I may not be content, but I am happy.
2008 Fall Classes
NELC A200: Intermediate Arabic (MWF: 9:05-9:55)
HIST B323: History of the Holocaust (MW: 1:25-2:15, F: 10:10-11:00)
REL R257: Introduction to Islam (MW: 2:30-3:45)
HIST C376: Greek History: Bronze Age to the Persian Wars (TuTh 1:00-2:15)
HIST W325: World War II: The Peoples (TuTh 2:30-3:45)
In other words, its time for me to have a existential crisis. This next semester has a climactic feel to it. The classes that I take have to work towards my major or I will be, pardon the pun, majorly fucked. I have been working towards a History and Religious Studies double major with a additional minor in Arabic and possibly Political Science. And as structured as my path seems to be, I'm freaking out.
It's not that I don't enjoy these subjects -- History has always been a passion of mine and the Indiana University Religious Studies department is #1 in the nation. It's the finality of it. The classes I choose to take will inevitably be the types of classes I will be taking the rest of my collegiate career and possibly into graduate school. I feel like I need to be 100% content with the goals I intend on pursuing. If I don't, I'll lose motivation.
So, I've been thinking. Honestly, if I could do anything for the rest of my life, it would to be to go to school. If I ever get enough money to retire young - which is looking like a daunting task considering the current state of our Social Security program - I would do it in a college town, attending lectures and classes just for the hell of it. College is great. Where else can you experience top of the line athletics, academics, and partying? Bloomington, without a doubt, has the best atmosphere of any small town I've been to. I ran this belief across a friend of mine and he suggested education. After investigating it, Indiana University does have one of the best Education programs in the nation. But, as much as I love to learn, I'm not sure if I would have the same passion for teaching.
I've thought about other things -- Business, mostly. It's a surefire way to get cash right out of college and I need the money to get rid of this massive debt that's piling up already. Philosophy - I love intellectual, abstract conversations. Criminal Justice - being a cop would be total badass. Anthropology - very, very interesting. English - I love to read. It really goes on and on. But, in the end, I've come back to the same path. I still don't know what I want to do after college, but I have a feeling that these classes with be interesting and prepare me for the world.
So, after all this, what's the point?
I guess what I'm thinking is that one really doesn't have to be 100% content with what you are doing. If your conscious tugs and pulls you to different roads, it's not that big of a deal. In fact, if anything it is showing how much you care about your life. So although I may not be content, I still signed up for classes fufilling my major. I may not be content, but I am happy.
2008 Fall Classes
NELC A200: Intermediate Arabic (MWF: 9:05-9:55)
HIST B323: History of the Holocaust (MW: 1:25-2:15, F: 10:10-11:00)
REL R257: Introduction to Islam (MW: 2:30-3:45)
HIST C376: Greek History: Bronze Age to the Persian Wars (TuTh 1:00-2:15)
HIST W325: World War II: The Peoples (TuTh 2:30-3:45)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
American Idol - The Top Six
Yes. I am a huge fan of American Idol. I am -damn- proud of it. I work around my scheduavile to watch contestants butcher songs. Once in a while, however, a contestant really pulls off a decent performance and shines. This season, there have been few spectacular acts. Yet, it seems like this season has the most unique singers, and I daresay that this Top 6 is the most diverse yet. I have my favorites and I definitely despise a equal number of them. That being said, here are the contestants and some highlights of the season.
The Departed:
12th place David Hernandez - David wasn't cut much slack. He was, after all, a former gay stripper. After the scandal broke, it was clear that his reputation would be damaged. If anything, his boot shows how most of America (or at least the American Idol audience) still cannot accept homosexuality. His performances were strong and contained hip-swaying that was, now that I remember it, probably reminescent of a male stripper. My personal favorite performance is his cover of The Temptations "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" -- possibly the best male vocal performance yet.
Video: David Hernandez - Papa Was a Rolling Stone (Temptations Cover)
11th place Chikezie Eze - Yes, that is his name. Originally despicable and arrogant, Chikezie definitely came around in the end. After his boot, it became clear who the chosen winner would be: a white male. He tried really hard to be a Luther Vandross-esque singer, but his real talent lied in - you guessed it - country? Yes, the black soul singer excelled in turning songs like the Beatles "She's a Woman" into bluegrass straight out of O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
Video: Chikezie Eze - She's a Woman (Beatles Cover)
The Top Six
6. David Archuleta - When David Archuleta first auditioned, singing "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer, I thought I liked the kid. Most of America did as well. In fact, right now he probably is the best bet for the winner of this competition. The producers and his fanbase, which consists of rabid thirteen to sixteen year old girls, have done all they can to ensure this eventual victory. I, however, fucking hate this kid. This hatred is deep and angry, surprising even myself. I oftentimes don't even watch his performances. Why? Part of it is because he's so clearly the producer's favorite. His voice sucks -- he sounds the same every performance - like he smokes a pack a day. That being said, I did find his cover of "Imagine" by John Lennon rather endearing, although most of the credit can be given to the song itself.
Video: David Archuleta - Imagine (John Lennon cover)
5. Syesha Mercado - Syesha is probably one of the better technical singers left. Her tendancy to oversing, however, has given her the nickname "Screamsha". For me, there are nights where she is really endearing and nights where she is disasterous. She never seems to have a mediocre night. She seems to have a solid fanbase as the only African American and the only woman who can pull off diva-esque songs. One of my favorite performances of this season came from her during Dolly Parton night -- her performance of "I Will Always Love You" is powerful, poignant, and sincerely underrated.
Video: Syesha Mercado - I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton cover)
4. Carly Smithson - Carly is, without a doubt, the producer's favorite girl. And for a reason: This girl can sing. And, with her numerous tatoos and Irish grunge rocker look, she definitely brings a certain uniqueness to her performance. Unfortunately, that's all she can do. Her stage presence is lacking and she makes the most awkward maneuvers when trying to hit a note. Carly at her best, though, is really, really good. And plus, she can clean up if she wants to: case in point, her excellent performance of "Here You Come Again" during Dolly Parton week.
Video: Carly Smithson - Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton cover)
3. Brooke White - Originally, she was my favorite female contestant. Although her performances have definitely gotten worse lately -- she still is. I'm not sure if this is a testament to how good Brooke is or how bad the rest of her competition is. She, without a doubt, has the most stage presence of any other girl. Her Carly Simon singer/songwriter vibe is really kickass. She performs with a lot of emotion, and is easy to connect with. And did I mention she is the hottest girl ever on American Idol? That always helps. Anyways, here's probably my favorite performance of the season by any Idol:
Video: Brooke White - Let It Be (Beatles Cover)
2. Jason Castro - Jason Castro is the most unique American Idol contestant ever. His audition was never shown, and he wasn't even a known contestant until he reached the top 24. Swiftly, though, his popular skyrocketed and I became a avid fan. With dreads to die for and magnificent talent with the guitar, I'll even admit to getting lost in his eyes a few times. He won me over the first week with "Daydream" and hasn't looked back. Unfortunately, though, he is too much of a singer/songwriter to become the type of monetary success that the producers want, and thus he will probably lose.
Video: Jason Castro - "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen Cover)
1. David Cook - Anyone who auditions with "Living on a Prayer" is good in my book. I appreciated David Cook as a rocker early, but he has emerged into a frontrunner that could defeat David Archuleta and his squadrom of teenies. He, without a doubt, is the best rocker this shown has ever seen. Yes, beating out the famous Chris Daughtry. He's inventive and fresh -- something that this show has needed for a long time. And, on top of that, he has a pretty kickass voice. Enough of that -- here are my two favorite performances of his:
Video: David Cook - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)
Video: David Cook - Always Be My Baby (Mariah Carey Cover)
The Departed:
12th place David Hernandez - David wasn't cut much slack. He was, after all, a former gay stripper. After the scandal broke, it was clear that his reputation would be damaged. If anything, his boot shows how most of America (or at least the American Idol audience) still cannot accept homosexuality. His performances were strong and contained hip-swaying that was, now that I remember it, probably reminescent of a male stripper. My personal favorite performance is his cover of The Temptations "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" -- possibly the best male vocal performance yet.
Video: David Hernandez - Papa Was a Rolling Stone (Temptations Cover)
11th place Chikezie Eze - Yes, that is his name. Originally despicable and arrogant, Chikezie definitely came around in the end. After his boot, it became clear who the chosen winner would be: a white male. He tried really hard to be a Luther Vandross-esque singer, but his real talent lied in - you guessed it - country? Yes, the black soul singer excelled in turning songs like the Beatles "She's a Woman" into bluegrass straight out of O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
Video: Chikezie Eze - She's a Woman (Beatles Cover)
The Top Six
6. David Archuleta - When David Archuleta first auditioned, singing "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer, I thought I liked the kid. Most of America did as well. In fact, right now he probably is the best bet for the winner of this competition. The producers and his fanbase, which consists of rabid thirteen to sixteen year old girls, have done all they can to ensure this eventual victory. I, however, fucking hate this kid. This hatred is deep and angry, surprising even myself. I oftentimes don't even watch his performances. Why? Part of it is because he's so clearly the producer's favorite. His voice sucks -- he sounds the same every performance - like he smokes a pack a day. That being said, I did find his cover of "Imagine" by John Lennon rather endearing, although most of the credit can be given to the song itself.
Video: David Archuleta - Imagine (John Lennon cover)
5. Syesha Mercado - Syesha is probably one of the better technical singers left. Her tendancy to oversing, however, has given her the nickname "Screamsha". For me, there are nights where she is really endearing and nights where she is disasterous. She never seems to have a mediocre night. She seems to have a solid fanbase as the only African American and the only woman who can pull off diva-esque songs. One of my favorite performances of this season came from her during Dolly Parton night -- her performance of "I Will Always Love You" is powerful, poignant, and sincerely underrated.
Video: Syesha Mercado - I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton cover)
4. Carly Smithson - Carly is, without a doubt, the producer's favorite girl. And for a reason: This girl can sing. And, with her numerous tatoos and Irish grunge rocker look, she definitely brings a certain uniqueness to her performance. Unfortunately, that's all she can do. Her stage presence is lacking and she makes the most awkward maneuvers when trying to hit a note. Carly at her best, though, is really, really good. And plus, she can clean up if she wants to: case in point, her excellent performance of "Here You Come Again" during Dolly Parton week.
Video: Carly Smithson - Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton cover)
3. Brooke White - Originally, she was my favorite female contestant. Although her performances have definitely gotten worse lately -- she still is. I'm not sure if this is a testament to how good Brooke is or how bad the rest of her competition is. She, without a doubt, has the most stage presence of any other girl. Her Carly Simon singer/songwriter vibe is really kickass. She performs with a lot of emotion, and is easy to connect with. And did I mention she is the hottest girl ever on American Idol? That always helps. Anyways, here's probably my favorite performance of the season by any Idol:
Video: Brooke White - Let It Be (Beatles Cover)
2. Jason Castro - Jason Castro is the most unique American Idol contestant ever. His audition was never shown, and he wasn't even a known contestant until he reached the top 24. Swiftly, though, his popular skyrocketed and I became a avid fan. With dreads to die for and magnificent talent with the guitar, I'll even admit to getting lost in his eyes a few times. He won me over the first week with "Daydream" and hasn't looked back. Unfortunately, though, he is too much of a singer/songwriter to become the type of monetary success that the producers want, and thus he will probably lose.
Video: Jason Castro - "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen Cover)
1. David Cook - Anyone who auditions with "Living on a Prayer" is good in my book. I appreciated David Cook as a rocker early, but he has emerged into a frontrunner that could defeat David Archuleta and his squadrom of teenies. He, without a doubt, is the best rocker this shown has ever seen. Yes, beating out the famous Chris Daughtry. He's inventive and fresh -- something that this show has needed for a long time. And, on top of that, he has a pretty kickass voice. Enough of that -- here are my two favorite performances of his:
Video: David Cook - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)
Video: David Cook - Always Be My Baby (Mariah Carey Cover)
Gone
There were few men who are more passionate about their careers then Cliff Guilliams was. There were few men who were more passionate about life than Cliff Guilliams was.
Since his untimely death, many have written or spoke about the man. Admittedly, I do not have as much to offer as they do. My image of him consists of a comfortable man, smoking and drinking while enjoying his passion - horse racing. I have a feeling that's all he wanted.
Since his untimely death, many have written or spoke about the man. Admittedly, I do not have as much to offer as they do. My image of him consists of a comfortable man, smoking and drinking while enjoying his passion - horse racing. I have a feeling that's all he wanted.
We've Lost More Than Horse Sense
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