Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Games People Play
Yesterday I had a conversation via Twitter with my cousin regarding an article I read on Philly.com about a Philadelphia based Reverend who was dis-invited from speaking at Morehouse commencement ceremony for an article he had written in a news paper being critical of President Obama. The article (I will attach a copy) questioned the amount of Black people in his cabinet as well as his lack of addressing Black issues during his Presidency. Of course the article drew a wide range of reactions from various people. A lot of people defended the President and some sided with the Minister. I was curious as to how my cousin felt about this, since he lives in Philly and has a closer pulse of what is going on the city than I do. I visit Philly but haven't really lived there in years. Anyway, he didn't disagree with the main points in the article he just disagreed with the timing of the article. He felt that the minister had his own agenda and wasn't playing the political game correctly. I don't like to really go deep on Twitter because a conversation can fill up a whole TL is you're not careful, but we went back and forth not really disagreeing in substance but really on the timing issue in the article.
For the record I don't agree with the Morehouse decision, even though they claim that the article was not the reason for the change. I felt their timing was off and it does not encourage critical thinking in a society that becoming more and more devoid of critical free-thinkers. Basically it is censorship of those we disagree with. Now to be open about it, it is often pointed out that I am not a "supporter" of the President which is true, but I don't support too many politicians on either side of the "aisle". I have been a staunch proponent of a 3 (4 or 5) party system for roughly 20 years now. We need more options... Better choices... Too many people in this current system go under on unserved and many of them are Black and/or poor. This system has not addressed poverty, failing education or unemployment in a substantive way. Yet Black people support the Democratic portion of this system anywhere from 85 to 95% per any given election, but the return on investment doesn't match the effort put out to get them elected. Honestly it is more aggravating at this point because it is clear that things won't change as long as we keep doing the status quo, and keep using the lame argument that they are better than Republicans for "us". Being better than something that is bad doesn't make it good for anyone. We are stagnant, complacent and comfortable in a situation where should not be any of those. We can do better.
The argument that also annoys me is when I hear folks talking about the political game that needs to be played. Well it is not a game when children go to bed hungry, when the people cannot get proper medical attention because even under the new medical reforms they can't afford it. It is not a game in Chicago (or other major cities) where the crime rate is sky rocketing on weekly basis, and the high school dropout rate is soaring as well. It is not a game for those who have to give up their homes and cars because they can't find a job. Life is not a game for most people, or at least not a game they feel they can win. We can do better. We have to ask more questions about why the resources don't trickle down in a political system that is supposed to spread the wealth. The dream is too often deferred for many. If this was a game the clock is running out on way too many of us. It is time to move beyond symbolism, we need tangible improvement not simply change. We need better! We need to do it now!
http://www.phillytrib.com/newsarticles/item/8637-a-president-for-everyone,-except-black-people.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20130427_Group__College_disinvites_Phila__pastor_who_criticzed_Obama.html
For the record I don't agree with the Morehouse decision, even though they claim that the article was not the reason for the change. I felt their timing was off and it does not encourage critical thinking in a society that becoming more and more devoid of critical free-thinkers. Basically it is censorship of those we disagree with. Now to be open about it, it is often pointed out that I am not a "supporter" of the President which is true, but I don't support too many politicians on either side of the "aisle". I have been a staunch proponent of a 3 (4 or 5) party system for roughly 20 years now. We need more options... Better choices... Too many people in this current system go under on unserved and many of them are Black and/or poor. This system has not addressed poverty, failing education or unemployment in a substantive way. Yet Black people support the Democratic portion of this system anywhere from 85 to 95% per any given election, but the return on investment doesn't match the effort put out to get them elected. Honestly it is more aggravating at this point because it is clear that things won't change as long as we keep doing the status quo, and keep using the lame argument that they are better than Republicans for "us". Being better than something that is bad doesn't make it good for anyone. We are stagnant, complacent and comfortable in a situation where should not be any of those. We can do better.
The argument that also annoys me is when I hear folks talking about the political game that needs to be played. Well it is not a game when children go to bed hungry, when the people cannot get proper medical attention because even under the new medical reforms they can't afford it. It is not a game in Chicago (or other major cities) where the crime rate is sky rocketing on weekly basis, and the high school dropout rate is soaring as well. It is not a game for those who have to give up their homes and cars because they can't find a job. Life is not a game for most people, or at least not a game they feel they can win. We can do better. We have to ask more questions about why the resources don't trickle down in a political system that is supposed to spread the wealth. The dream is too often deferred for many. If this was a game the clock is running out on way too many of us. It is time to move beyond symbolism, we need tangible improvement not simply change. We need better! We need to do it now!
http://www.phillytrib.com/newsarticles/item/8637-a-president-for-everyone,-except-black-people.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20130427_Group__College_disinvites_Phila__pastor_who_criticzed_Obama.html
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Preying On The Vulnerable
A little post about questioning thing, and folks who prey on our vulnerabilities...
Friday, April 19, 2013
Searching
Searching for something that doesn't exist
In a clinched fist
Or open hand
Love on Demand
Temporary Rental
Serene yet temperamental
T
O
B
E
C
O
N
T
I
N
U
E
D
!
In a clinched fist
Or open hand
Love on Demand
Temporary Rental
Serene yet temperamental
T
O
B
E
C
O
N
T
I
N
U
E
D
!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Central Park 5
A last minute post on my thoughts about the Central Park 5, and my own personal experience.
Peace,
MAB
MAB
Creative Something
So in this vid, I am really just free-styling about the creative space I am in. Yeah.
Peace,
MAB
The End Of Eating Everything
I love the trailer for this film. The visuals are crazy. I will be posting more things the creatively inspire me too.
Peace,
MAB
Peace,
MAB
Monday, April 15, 2013
Compassion and Courage...Courage and Compassion
In this vid I kind of talk about Jackie Robinson's indirect impact on me, and a little bit about having compassion in the wake of disaster.
Peace,
MAB
Peace,
MAB
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Make It Plain
Back in the Day one of the churches I used to go, a Deacon would always shout "make it plain" as the Pastor was preaching.
I get it now...
I thought I got it then...
Make it Plain!
Yes!
I get it now...
I thought I got it then...
Make it Plain!
Yes!
Like Father Like Son
Last Thursday my Pop was in a car accident. It was a 5 car collision and the person who rear ended him was either texting or something but she didn't break and that led him to hit the car in front of him and so forth and so on. The lady who hit him, her car flipped twice. I am thankful that he is okay (and the driver of the other cars as well), he is a little sore, but he is doing well otherwise. I went to Philly to check on him this weekend. I took him grocery shopping and just spent a few hours with him. I'm realizing as we grow older tomorrow is not promised and we have to cherish each moment. I was planning to go down that way this weekend (Philly/South Jersey) to see my niece off to her junior prom (she looked beautiful) so I decided to extend my stay and check in on him and my aunt as well. Even though I am very much a loner and love my me time, my family is very important to me. Sometimes I get so rapped up in my own world of activities that I forget to check in and simply say I love you. I take for granted that they know this but it is always nice to hear....
So yeah, while hanging with my Pops I just listened and I really noticed that we do have a lot of similarities in the way we think. On top of having similar mannerism as well. My mother always told me I walked with my Pop. This is peculiar to me, because I was not raised by my father; actually we had very little contact until my early 20s. Our relationship has been an exercise in forgiveness on probably both behalf's because I was passive aggressive and held a grudge longer than I needed to. He constantly reminds me to let go of yesterday and live in the moment. Build on the good things that happen and let go of the negative things. He has said this to me for 20 years now, but my bitterness didn't let me hear it for half of those years. I need to grow up, be a man a learn to forgive. I have and I am a better man for it.
Bottom line is, I am my father's son. I am of course paving my own way through life and am learning as I go along. He told me years ago he won't give me advice unless I ask because they are my choices and I have to live them and then he said..."plus you gonna do what you want to do anyway." I appreciate that, he supports me in what I do and doesn't dwell on the choices I make that may not turn out as I hoped. It is my turn to continue to accept him as he is, which in the overall scheme of things is pretty darn good. Funny, I feel like a kid when I am around him now, even though he never treats me like one. Just a thought popped into my head. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him as a man and as my father, and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to spend this time with him. So many cats never get that opportunity, so no more whining about what wasn't. It is about the present moment.
Side note on the end of this...
I was impressed that when we went shopping he bought healthy things read the labels for sodium content, and stayed away from red meat and pork. He has hypertension, so it is good to know he is watching what he eats.
So yeah, while hanging with my Pops I just listened and I really noticed that we do have a lot of similarities in the way we think. On top of having similar mannerism as well. My mother always told me I walked with my Pop. This is peculiar to me, because I was not raised by my father; actually we had very little contact until my early 20s. Our relationship has been an exercise in forgiveness on probably both behalf's because I was passive aggressive and held a grudge longer than I needed to. He constantly reminds me to let go of yesterday and live in the moment. Build on the good things that happen and let go of the negative things. He has said this to me for 20 years now, but my bitterness didn't let me hear it for half of those years. I need to grow up, be a man a learn to forgive. I have and I am a better man for it.
Bottom line is, I am my father's son. I am of course paving my own way through life and am learning as I go along. He told me years ago he won't give me advice unless I ask because they are my choices and I have to live them and then he said..."plus you gonna do what you want to do anyway." I appreciate that, he supports me in what I do and doesn't dwell on the choices I make that may not turn out as I hoped. It is my turn to continue to accept him as he is, which in the overall scheme of things is pretty darn good. Funny, I feel like a kid when I am around him now, even though he never treats me like one. Just a thought popped into my head. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him as a man and as my father, and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to spend this time with him. So many cats never get that opportunity, so no more whining about what wasn't. It is about the present moment.
Side note on the end of this...
I was impressed that when we went shopping he bought healthy things read the labels for sodium content, and stayed away from red meat and pork. He has hypertension, so it is good to know he is watching what he eats.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Resistance is Futile
I woke up this morning (duh) and as I was going about my morning rituals I felt some resistance to thoughts I was having. Didn't know why I was resisting this particular idea but I was. Anyway it got me to contemplating some things...
Peace,
MAB
MAB
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Revealing Oneself
So yesterday I had my first date since I've been back to NYC. There was the usual (well for me at least) nervous jitters type of thing happening. Will I make a good impression? Does my breath stink? Why did I forget to put on deodorant? You know the mind races all over the place. My mind naturally races and wanders and creates scenarios that are sometimes productive but can also be a distraction for me. We went to see the Basquiat exhibit at the Gagosian art gallery; yesterday was the last day and I wanted to see it one last time before it left. Then we went to Williamsburg for Thai food after walking around Manhattan a little bit. The conversation flowed pretty easily. It was good to be on a date with a woman who is extremely interesting, funny, beautiful and intelligent. The whole situation was very comfortable. Even the moments of silence were not awkward.
Anyway, when I initially met her there was definitely an attraction there, but my inner 7th grader came back and the words just didn't seem to flow right at first. I stumbled about trying to express myself. The thing that I noticed immediately was that she was assertive without being pushy or aggressive. It was a confidence about her, and that confidence was still evident on our date. During the course of our date I felt the urge to just let it all out. There was an honesty about her that helped me put my guard down. I am notoriously guarded about sharing my feelings. Add that to my commitment issues, and that more explains my singleness. Ok, I digressed and threw in a sympathy moment. Yeah, her energy was dope, and even on the areas which didn't seem to immediately compatible there was openness to the discussion that didn't make it seem that much of an issue after all.
Sometimes we meet people whose mere presence helps us to feel at ease. Their energy and warmth create a space that is conducive to sharing. The thing is if they are sincere they may not recognize that they have that type power. She has it, and if she knows it she does't let on. The thing is I'm enjoying the moment and not looking to far into the future and setting expectations based on some fantasy of how shit should be, but allowing it to just be. Which is how life should be in all of our relationships and experiences. Not that we go tell everything to everyone, but when we find that space where we can be vulnerable and open...do it. If you don't find a person then blog, journal or whatever. Create a space that you can just be so when you find a person who opens up your soul you don't feel like you are burdening them with your life story.
Peace,
MAB
Anyway, when I initially met her there was definitely an attraction there, but my inner 7th grader came back and the words just didn't seem to flow right at first. I stumbled about trying to express myself. The thing that I noticed immediately was that she was assertive without being pushy or aggressive. It was a confidence about her, and that confidence was still evident on our date. During the course of our date I felt the urge to just let it all out. There was an honesty about her that helped me put my guard down. I am notoriously guarded about sharing my feelings. Add that to my commitment issues, and that more explains my singleness. Ok, I digressed and threw in a sympathy moment. Yeah, her energy was dope, and even on the areas which didn't seem to immediately compatible there was openness to the discussion that didn't make it seem that much of an issue after all.
Sometimes we meet people whose mere presence helps us to feel at ease. Their energy and warmth create a space that is conducive to sharing. The thing is if they are sincere they may not recognize that they have that type power. She has it, and if she knows it she does't let on. The thing is I'm enjoying the moment and not looking to far into the future and setting expectations based on some fantasy of how shit should be, but allowing it to just be. Which is how life should be in all of our relationships and experiences. Not that we go tell everything to everyone, but when we find that space where we can be vulnerable and open...do it. If you don't find a person then blog, journal or whatever. Create a space that you can just be so when you find a person who opens up your soul you don't feel like you are burdening them with your life story.
Peace,
MAB
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Labels And The Ties That Bind
This one is about labeling and how labeling can be counterproductive to truth. I've eschewed labeling myself in the past because often times we are caught defending that label and what it means as opposed to finding the truth in the situation. Anyway, just some thoughts on the matter.
Peace,
MAB
Peace,
MAB
Thursday, April 4, 2013
This Journey
I've been thinking a lot lately about this journey, my journey, this Life, my Life. After my friend took his life, a feeling of mortality really hit me. Life is short and precious...Our time is valuable, or should be at least. We matter to someone somewhere out there. Even if we may not see it or believe it. So many times many of us go through life not knowing we are loved simply because. True love requires no return investment (although it would be nice). People may love us from afar or via a casual encounter somewhere, and something about us touched a place in their heart. The way we smiled or held open a door for someone and let them pass first. The slightest gesture can inspire feelings of love from another. I am speaking on that intangible love, by the way, not the Hollywood romance type of thing.
Anyway, I began this blog a while ago to track the changes in my life. To share my experiences as I change my thought to change my life. Looking back on it now it was kind of vague because change could mean anything. I wasn't as clear then in my own mind as to what it is I wanted or was seeking. Ask and It is Given, but what am I asking for? At the time I may have been clear but through evolution, space and time we realize that life is so much more than just what we previously experienced. Yeah, so I was starting this blog because I was unhappy, dissatisfied or eager for something new in my Life. Chances are it was surrounding money since I always seemed to be unhappy financially, but I digress. So again the question arose in me today, why am I doing this? What is it that, before I physically leave this planet, would leave me totally fulfilled?
As a child 3 things that people said about me resonate the most. I was sensitive (a cry-baby/mommy's boy), funny and had a vivid imagination. Although Moms is not here to a certain extent all 3 are still very true. They've been my foundation and the thing I retreat to when I need a release from the real world. I've added other dimensions to my personality but at my core these are the elements I've carried with me the longest. They've sustained me... I hide the sensitivity part because... well I just did. Lately though with so much turmoil in the world, it has been more difficult to just tuck it away. So I use a pen, pad and camera to work through it. The thing that I am working on is "worrying" about how it will be received, and simply letting it Be.
MAB
Pieces Of A Man
Gil Scott-Heron
Anyway, I began this blog a while ago to track the changes in my life. To share my experiences as I change my thought to change my life. Looking back on it now it was kind of vague because change could mean anything. I wasn't as clear then in my own mind as to what it is I wanted or was seeking. Ask and It is Given, but what am I asking for? At the time I may have been clear but through evolution, space and time we realize that life is so much more than just what we previously experienced. Yeah, so I was starting this blog because I was unhappy, dissatisfied or eager for something new in my Life. Chances are it was surrounding money since I always seemed to be unhappy financially, but I digress. So again the question arose in me today, why am I doing this? What is it that, before I physically leave this planet, would leave me totally fulfilled?
As a child 3 things that people said about me resonate the most. I was sensitive (a cry-baby/mommy's boy), funny and had a vivid imagination. Although Moms is not here to a certain extent all 3 are still very true. They've been my foundation and the thing I retreat to when I need a release from the real world. I've added other dimensions to my personality but at my core these are the elements I've carried with me the longest. They've sustained me... I hide the sensitivity part because... well I just did. Lately though with so much turmoil in the world, it has been more difficult to just tuck it away. So I use a pen, pad and camera to work through it. The thing that I am working on is "worrying" about how it will be received, and simply letting it Be.
MAB
Gil Scott-Heron
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Hidden
I hide behind Jokes and Fairy-tales
Hiding the sensitive parts of me
Head in the sand
Emotionally uncommitted
Wanting the very thing I fear
Fearing the happiness it will bring
Retreating into safety's layers
Leaving it for tomorrow
Unresolved
Tucked away
Hidden
Hiding the sensitive parts of me
Head in the sand
Emotionally uncommitted
Wanting the very thing I fear
Fearing the happiness it will bring
Retreating into safety's layers
Leaving it for tomorrow
Unresolved
Tucked away
Hidden
Monday, April 1, 2013
Let's Be Social
So yesterday I was talking to a friend of mine about a myriad of things as we usually do, and the topic of R&B singers came up. He said that there weren't as many good "singers" today as it was in our day (I know we sound like our elders before us but hey). As the conversation went on I realized that part of the issue may be social networking and how entertainment is disseminated to the public. My point was and is that now people don't really have a focus on live shows, because even the live show are digitized and auto-tuned. Anyway, this is not an indictment of any sort just a recognition if you will of some differences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)