Category Archives: Community

Slavery’s Last Stronghold

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“Slavery’s Last Stronghold” by John D Sutter (pictures/video by Edythe McNamee)

Please read this article from CNN. This story was so moving. I believe slavery exists in this world in many forms, but even I did not believe that it still existed to this degree. While the world is screaming outrage for KONY2012 and other online articles make its way virally, let’s spread this reality like wildfire and spawn change.

link: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/03/world/mauritania.slaverys.last.stronghold/index.html?on.cnn=1

you’re welcome,
notjustmythoughts

Caste System

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When you think of the Caste System largely you think of India, but today, think of Mexico.

Mexico has long been considered to be a non diverse country. Meaning, people there consider themselves to be of largely the same background, mostly of mixed race of European and Natives. However, this isn’t exactly truth. Yes, a lot of Mexicans are of mixed race, but there is still a large number of indigenous people. There are also blacks. Mexico was not sheltered and they experienced their own waves of immigration into the country which brought slaves and different European backgrounds. In a docu-series Black in Latin America, there was an episode exposing the truths of blacks in Mexico. While I knew there had to be (simply because I believe every country has their share of black, native, and European mix) I didn’t really know anything about it. While watching this episode on blacks in Mexico, I was surprised at the discrimination. I am not sure why I was even surprised. If you think about the Black community here there is an onslaught of discrimination against them and they American. So American in fact, that they helped build this wonderful country. Though much of it was through slavery under unfortunate circumstances, if it wasn’t for the Black community our country wouldn’t have made the progress it did early on (think about the cotton/textile industry, the tobacco industry, etc.). I am not praising slavery AT ALL. I am simply saying, that African Americans helped shape America and they are discriminated. So why did the discrimination of Black Mexicans surprise me? I am not sure. I guess maybe because I just like to hope things are better than they really are, which I am continually reminded of the fact that no, things are not better…they are just as I believe them to be (discriminatory, harsh, unforgiving, destructive, racist, etc).

I’ve digressed from the point of this post… the point is that there are unofficial caste systems all around the world (even here in America). And I wanted to shed light on one of them – Mexico. Check out the link below. It is from globalpost.com and and talks about some of the injustices in Mexico faced by the black and indigenous community. The article specifically highlights 3 YouTube videos that have gone viral showcasing the upper “white” class of Mexicans berating other Mexicans. It seems that with money, people believe they can treat others without it anyway they want. The sad reality is, this is mostly true. The saying Money, Power, Respect isn’t just a moniker used in rap songs. This is tried and tested in the workings of government and policy. Money buys you the power (over people, power to buy government [hello, this is EXACTLY what lobbyists are]). Money buys you the respect (albeit respect garnered in fear of repercussions). Money is the highest caste system of all.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/mexico/120309/social-gaps-on-youtube

notjustmythoughts

Power of Voice

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I support the KONY2012 movement that as been sweeping the internet and the nation these last few days. Below I’ve copied my email response to a friend who has been sending me information on the criticisms about the movement. While I do hear and understand a lot of the critique, for me this represents a bigger picture of the POWER OF VOICE.

Me: They may have left Uganda 6 years ago but the fight isn’t over. they still exist, just have been in hiding and not as active. That doesn’t mean he should go without having justice brought against him. And i think that Kony represents a bigger picture of the power of the people and the internet to spread the word to troubling things that happen in other countries. at least that is what i see from this. Nothing is perfect. No revolution is sought and found without first being met with resistance. These people (the critics) are resisting the positive effects that come along with this KONY2012. I agree that they should’ve said made him infamous rather than famous and they should’ve added something to the KONY2012 posters to not seem like he is running for election, but the posters as they are, will get people to look it up and they will find that he’s not running for anything. I stand by this 100%. I am prepared to hear criticisms and down right opposition to the movement. But I still support this because of the meaning behind this. I see the bigger picture in showing the nation/world, that people can stand up for what they believe and that many people feel the same way. Voices are being heard and 26yrs after this man ravaged the country he is FINALLY coming close to his doom and justice. He may be in hiding for 6 years, but look at Osama…he was hiding since 2001.

notjustmythoughts

KONY 2012

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Join the cause. If you have never stood for anything now is your chance to take an important stand. History is YOURstory to make.

www.kony2012.com
To buy action kit/bracelets: http://invisiblechildrenstore.myshopify.com/
To make a donation: http://bit.ly/yp5Ffv
To sign the pledge: http://www.causes.com/causes/227-invisible-children
To watch the film: http://vimeo.com/37119711

I look forward to seeing you there.

notjustmythoughts

Disparate Impact: Black Lawmakers and Ethics Investigations

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Is anyone surprised by this? As you may have guessed, there was no shock value in the article for me because… It is as I believe them to be, systematic racism and discrimination…

check out the article from theatlantic.com… http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/03/disparate-impact-black-lawmakers-and-ethics-investigations/253931/

notjustmythoughts

Systematic Racism and Discrimination

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Below is a link to an article I found on Blackdoctor.org. This seems a fitting post when looking at my previous post yesterday. The article is about mental health and how there is little information in regards to mental health treatment and best practices in black communities.

In the article Dr. Carl Bell (CEO and president of the Community Health Council and director of the Institute for Juvenile Research at the University of Illinois in Chicago) says, “It’s really hard getting mental health services in black communities.These services are a scarcity, because there is no consideration for poor people with mental illnesses…Bell says there is little to no research on how to properly treat blacks suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, drug and substance abuse, and other mental illnesses, mainly because no one has devoted time to understanding the social and cultural issues affecting poor black communities.”

I’ve bolded for emphasis on what stood out to me. Last night I went to my mother’s house for dinner. I was talking about my beliefs in systematic racism and policy, to which she just nodded. Her boyfriend on the other hand laughed. His beliefs and perceptions are polar opposite to mine. But for those that don’t believe, all they have to do it look (which I said to him).

The policies of health and healthcare that affects minorities and underprivileged communities are continuously cut or not even given thought. The communities are under represented in the government and their voices are often not heard. Sadly, many times they don’t even speak up. I know many people might say, that is exactly the problem. But that’s not entirely true. There are scholars and doctors and numerous people who are fighting for these rights and yet they too are unheard. If they (the “respected”) aren’t even heard how are the “lowest” on the totem pole going to be heard? And so, many don’t try. This too I can understand… sometimes after trying and trying and failing and failing there comes a point where there is no fight left in a person. For all of those that feel defeated I am speaking up. THIS MUST CHANGE!

This systematic racism and discrimination MUST stop. The purposeful actions of harm by those with the clout to change discriminatory policies must stop. I read in an unrelated book (Hip Hop Wars by Tricia Rose) a very powerful statement, “profit over people”. This idea of profit over people and rights of ALL people must stop.

What is democracy when only some people have it?
notjustmythoughts

Article on blackdoctor.org: http://blackdoctor.org/news/article/Mental_Health/Why_Black_America_s_Battle_With_Mental_Health_Is_Failing.aspx

UPDATE: this got me thinking… a few years ago someone I know stabbed a 9 year old boy to death over a video game. This person was in and out of the mental health clinics in NYC from a young child. Due to the lack of care in the community, he was continuously released. He is now in prison for committing murder. Prison, he should not be. I don’t believe he should be “free” either (I’ve used quotes around free because truthfully, was he ever free? His whole life he was burdened with mental conflict and instability and the country that promotes freedom and equality failed him by not allowing him proper care). But [instead of prison] he should be in an institution tending to his illness rather than caged. People believe he is a monster and I’ll leave you to your opinions. I have my own and while I don’t think he was right, not by any means, this person is a sick individual and should not have been in a situation to harm anyone. He should have been given a chance at life BEFORE this incident by recieving the mental help he needed and deserved. He is the one punished, when the community and government failed him (and the family he harmed). Where is their [those that cut funding and don’t even care about the mental health in poor communities] punishment?

notjustmythoughts

Welcome to Life?

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An exerpt from the article on: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/michelle-ugenti-arizona-rep-justifies-tuition-hike_n_1304731.html

“An Arizona House committee passed a bill last week that would require every student at a public college in the state, regardless of economic status, to pay a minimum of $2,000 in tuition.
As Think Progress noted, nearly 100 Arizona students attended the committee hearing to speak out against the bill, HB 2675, expressing concern that it would make it more difficult for many students to afford college. Rep. Michelle Ugenti (R-Scottsdale) responded bluntly in favor of the new measure: ‘Welcome to life.’”

I read this article a day after reading an article in TIME Magazine’s latest issue regarding Latinos (in Arizona) potentially “electing” president. (proper sourcing to come) In this article TIME was detailing the potential force behind the Latino vote and this potential is greatest in states like Arizona. Arizona is largely a Republican State with an abundance in the Latino population. The population of Latinos here feel they are Republicans on paper but that the Republicans don’t want them (their vote) and that they aren’t Democrats on paper, but that the Democrats do want them (this is a paraphrase of a statement by a Latino community member in Arizona).

Now, I’m not a political person. I vote yes. I believe it is important. If I want to voice my opinions well I better cast my ballot vote… so of course I follow things going on politically, but I don’t consider myself to be a largely political person. (Though I admit from my blog people often consider me political. But to me, this is just human nature. It goes beyond politics… it’s.. well this is something that should be ingrained in every human…I talk about things that are rights and equality based and that shouldn’t be political. It shouldn’t be up to a Republican or Democrat…it should…well it should just be.)

I digressed… now after reading the article in TIME and reading the article from Huffington Post I think to myself… well isn’t this pushing the Latino voter further to the fringes? The statement, “welcome to life” was made by a Republican representative. These are the sort of things that push people away. I won’t openly admit if I am Democratic or Republican because to be honest I don’t believe I fit neatly into either box. The vote should be based on who is the better person for the job, not necessarily by party. BUT what I will say is, if the Republicans are out-casting a HUGE number of voters it sure doesn’t look good for them.

Furthermore, on the equality side…really, welcome to life? Who says that, besides a mother to a child? The fact of the matter is $2000 a semester is unaffordable for some people and yet people believe there is equal opportunity for everyone. What gets me is, sure the opportunity is there, but how could it be equal when it’s out of the reach of many people?

notjustmythoughts.

Girl Scouts

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Most of us are familiar with the organization Girl Scouts. The Girl Scouts represent an age range of girls boasting leadership and instilling a number of different skill sets in young women to help them positively through their life both in youth and into adulthood. I myself was a Girl Scout for a number of years of my childhood and though a Girl Scout is most known for their cookies there is a lot more that comes with it. I am an only child and this organization helped me garner different social skills by interacting with other children my age. They held events, ceremonies, trips, and different activities to teach a range of skill sets – many of which I carry with me today. I, as a former Girl Scout, was happy to find out that the organization does not discriminate against the transgender female. For those of you who are not aware, there is a growing number of children who are born one sex but feel completely opposite to their born gender. In the case of the Girl Scout, you can be an accepted member of the organization even if you were born male. There are certain things that must come along with this and there are provisions in place to handle such situations, but the underlying fact is that a little boy, who believes himself female and lives his life as a girl is accepted into the community of Girl Scouts and can learn (along with other young girls) all the positive things the Girl Scouts instill in children.

So, my issue here isn’t with the Girl Scouts, it’s with Rep. Bob Morris from Fort Wayne, IN. The Girl Scouts are hitting their 100th anniversary (I would’ve thought more!) and there is a proclamation in place to honor the group for their service and dedication to young women and the community. Morris could not sign the petition to have the Girl Scouts honored because of their attitudes to transgender and even abortion rights.

Personally, I do believe EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion. However, I do not believe personal opinions should interfere with the good of the overall population. The fact is, who cares what you think -there are people in the world who ARE transgender who DO practice abortion, who HAVE different religions, and cultures, and ethnicities, etc and they TOO should have the same rights as any one else. They should be ALLOWED to live life freely and in the form they believe is most natural too them without infringing on anyone’s rights and without violence.

Check out the article on globalpost: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120221/lawmaker-says-girl-scouts-destroying-american-fa

Also, check out the Girl Scouts website and see for yourself what they are all about: http://www.girlscouts.org/

notjustmythoughts

Stop and Frisk

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from 2007, but look at the %s for the races... the difference is vast.Interesting that even in this sketch it's white and black...

It does not surprise most New Yorkers that the NYPD are often malicious, aggressive, brash, and racist both as an individuals and in the tactics they implement to “fight” crime. This can be seen in Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, and many others who were forcibly killed or tortured in the name of “defense” and “crime” fighting. These are the extreme [and common] scenerios. However, there are other tactics used that aren’t as aggressive or overtly racial that overlooked. They get overlooked probably because there are such extreme cases that exist on a more frequent basis than ever necessary, but they shouldn’t be. All unfairness, inequality, and racial tactics of anyone ESPECIALLY the police should be looked at and encite reaction and outrage from the community. One of the most recent police procedures to seep into the media is the “stop and frisk” method. This is not a new tactic used by any means, but the number of stop and frisks are on the rise. The problem being, minorities are being targeted at an alarming rate. NYPD says it’s an important tool in fighting crime. I don’t believe this to be true. Sure there is a chance cops might stop and frisk someone who has a gun and actually be fighting crime, but most people stopped only recieve a summons for small amounts of marijuana or they recieve nothing at all because they were law abiding citizens. I see this is as an Apartheid policy creating an atmosphere of a second class citizen and subjecting them to unfair searches warrented only by the color of their skin, the neighborhood, or their clothing. It’s shameful and disgraceful. The police are their to respect, protect, and serve… I’m not sure who those things apply to, but I can tell you that doesn’t apply to my community…

To read the article about stop and frisk, click the link or copy and paste into your web broswer: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Stop-and-Frisk-Police-Arrest-Color-Civil-Rights-139275573.html

notjustmythoughts

p.s. if you Google Image “stop and frisk” most pictures show white cops frisking black men and minorities… tells me something, what about you?