Monday, August 26, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
My Relationship to the 21st Century.
Ok Ok Ok...I have been M I A for a minute. I have had to gather my thoughts. This has been a bit of a trying time for me. So this post will focus on my relationship with the world. I never knew how alone I was feeling until a few days ago. Don't get me wrong, I am in a wonderful relationship, it's just that I have always felt like no one understands me. It's inbred, I guess. For so long it's been me for everybody and no one for me and that's a lonely feeling.
Well, I now know that I am not alone, but my relationship with the world is still on shaky ground. It seems that for some reason, I am considered a miscreant because I am not willing to conform to the rigid rules that are set forth by a puritanical society filled with hypocrites. The crazy part is that I am finding other people are feeling the same way. So it can't be just me.
So I guess that it's now time to ask have I lost touch with the world, or has the world lost touch with me? It seems that the only way to connect with anyone is through social media and to some extent that is good. Over the course of the last few days I have met several new friends, but does that take the place of meeting someone in person and say, having coffee or drinks. I think not. So media has it's advantages, but it does not replace human interaction.
I miss those days when a conversation was not interrupted by the chiming of the cell phone. I miss those days when you could go to the store and did not have to hear someone's one-sided conversation over nonsense. We made it for almost a hundred years without all of these technological advances and we were, in my opinion, better off for it.
The flip side of that, we would lose so much. But if it's not advancing society as a whole, then does it really serving a purpose? I would so much so like to say yes, with the madness I see posted across social media, I am inclined to believe that it's at a point where it's becoming deleterious to society because no one is implementing any controls. Children are filming themselves doing things that should know better than. Adults are doing things that is reminiscent of adolescents. Where are the boundaries? How can we make this medium that we have all become so accustomed to more educational and use it to advance our society instead of putting forth wretchedness?
I am saddened by the lack of anything that remotely relates to parental oversight. I am saddened by the ability of adults to utilize their "smart phone" for such "DUMB STUFF". I am flabbergasted at the number of parents I see give their kids tablets and smart phones, not for educational purposes, but to keep them busy. It's a travesty. I have no answers for this. I can see no way out.
Well, I now know that I am not alone, but my relationship with the world is still on shaky ground. It seems that for some reason, I am considered a miscreant because I am not willing to conform to the rigid rules that are set forth by a puritanical society filled with hypocrites. The crazy part is that I am finding other people are feeling the same way. So it can't be just me.
So I guess that it's now time to ask have I lost touch with the world, or has the world lost touch with me? It seems that the only way to connect with anyone is through social media and to some extent that is good. Over the course of the last few days I have met several new friends, but does that take the place of meeting someone in person and say, having coffee or drinks. I think not. So media has it's advantages, but it does not replace human interaction.
I miss those days when a conversation was not interrupted by the chiming of the cell phone. I miss those days when you could go to the store and did not have to hear someone's one-sided conversation over nonsense. We made it for almost a hundred years without all of these technological advances and we were, in my opinion, better off for it.
The flip side of that, we would lose so much. But if it's not advancing society as a whole, then does it really serving a purpose? I would so much so like to say yes, with the madness I see posted across social media, I am inclined to believe that it's at a point where it's becoming deleterious to society because no one is implementing any controls. Children are filming themselves doing things that should know better than. Adults are doing things that is reminiscent of adolescents. Where are the boundaries? How can we make this medium that we have all become so accustomed to more educational and use it to advance our society instead of putting forth wretchedness?
I am saddened by the lack of anything that remotely relates to parental oversight. I am saddened by the ability of adults to utilize their "smart phone" for such "DUMB STUFF". I am flabbergasted at the number of parents I see give their kids tablets and smart phones, not for educational purposes, but to keep them busy. It's a travesty. I have no answers for this. I can see no way out.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Martin/Zimmerman
Singular post on the whole Martin/Zimmerman issue. It's not what went on in court that doomed this case, it's all public perception. For 30+ years we as a race have been hell bent on being a menace to society. It's been in our dress, our music, our attitudes. For some "thug" is a way of life. We have spent the better part of 3 decades honing this image, knowing full well that this country is not color blind. It's illogical to think that the jury that was seated for this trial would reach a different verdict. If you want this to never happen again. If you want to be seen as people, then stop with the whole "thug" mentality. It scares people, particularly people who are under the impression that all black people are products of the 'hood and we all carry guns.
By no means am I justifying the verdict or condoning the actions of the men who are out killing and claiming self defense. But this image problem that we have perpetuated has put a target on the backs of young black men. Parents, parent. When you have kids, you can't be, "bout dat life". You pull them into it. And you end up with a society that believes that they are threatened by every young black male they see.
By no means am I justifying the verdict or condoning the actions of the men who are out killing and claiming self defense. But this image problem that we have perpetuated has put a target on the backs of young black men. Parents, parent. When you have kids, you can't be, "bout dat life". You pull them into it. And you end up with a society that believes that they are threatened by every young black male they see.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Okay! I'm a Bastard. Now what?
Okay so I decided to admit the truth about myself. I'm a bastard. So what's the big deal?
Well the big deal is it seems to cause trouble in my relationships. "No kiddin?" You say. "You admit yiu are a bastard. It would take a saint to deal with you."
Well that brings me to my point....We all look for that someone that loves us even though "_________". Now that blank can be filled with whatever truth about you that you would like to add. But whatever it is, we want someone to love us in spite of it, whether is a body image issue, personality issue, etc. And it's what brings me to this topic.
Many times, and I admit this is personal observation, I see people who are in a relationship and are so afraid to reveal that one truth about themselves that they force people away because they would rather it not be known. It amazes me how much these people see themselves as less than worthy because of this secret, this "even though".
Some of us bury it so deep that it takes years of therapy just to uncover this obstacle that keeps us from loving not only ourselves, but others. We'll find a way to hide all traces. Cover all tracks...move on. But the funny thing about that damn "even though" is you can't escape it because it's a part of who you are. It's woven into the fabric of your being and the only way to deal with it is to confront it.
Well you say, "that's easier than it sounds!" I agree, it's not easy at all. Sometimes we find that the issue we must face is far larger than we thought or is far more chaotic and out of control.
In those cases I say seek professional help. But in others, I say learn to admit your "even though". Own it. Then CHANGE! It can only contfol as much of your life as you allow it to. It does not matter what it is, you have to realize you are far greater than it can ever be.
One of my ongoing conversations revolves around the concept of everything being a thought. Whether it results in action or not, it's begins as a thought. And so the internal dialogue should begin. And I say should because some people just get echoes when errant thought pass through. Any way...for me, that internal dialogue usually spins a yarn about 12 miles long with cross streets and detours and one way streets. I accept that because it leads me to a conclusion.
Now, far be it from me to say if it's the right conclusion, but it gives me a starting point for conversation externally and avenues of thought to explore with others.
What does this have to do with me being a bastard? Well that's my "even though". I can admit it's a character flaw. I can also be man enough to work on not being a bastard. In return, I can remove that from the long list of truths that I have yet to discover about myself.
But for right now I'm. .......
JustMike
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