His name is Jason, with flames tattooed up one arm, a trim goatee, his apple t-shirt and iPod name tag. He looked like any hipster working in an Apple Store.
I was in the Durham, NC Apple store for about 30 minutes when 3, African-American kids around the age of 17-19 walked in and began to use the computers. There excitement to have access to computers was evident with each of them saying, "Facebook time". They barely got a key stroke in when Jason approached them and asked them to leave. I was in shock and asked Jason why they had to leave when the store barely had a dozen people in it and I had been on a computer for over 30 minutes. He tells me they scare customers away. I offered the solution of separating them to computers scattered around the store and he tells me I need to speak with his manager. His manager arrives quickly with a police officer and I am escorted out of the store before the 3 kids had even made their way to the exit.
This all happened in Durham, NC and as much as it tries to be a progressive area of the world, actions like this keep it firmly planted as a typical Southern racist town. What is the purpose in denying 3 kids the use of computers. I have yet to go into any other Apple store and be given a time limit as to how long I can use a computer or even talk on an iPhone, yet these 3 kids couldn't even get a chance to view a single web page.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Responsibility
The problem is us.
We have a lot of problems amongst those of us wanting change. Whether it be change for human rights, animal rights or the broad spectrum of injustice in this world we must realize we are part of the problem. Responsibilities have taken a backseat to blame and fame. This is getting us no where. We must stand together, stop supporting and start going the other direction from all things unjust.
In terms of cooperation we are again to blame. We do not work together, instead we bicker and climb the moral ladder in an attempt to feed our own egos and bellies. From blogs to undercover investigations we are all asking for hand outs just to eat some tasty vegan food. Why not commune and share our efforts, our intellect, our love and bring this injustice system to a close.
Each day we weaken our efforts with internet, conference calls, and public meetings. What happened to the days of knowing one another, trusting one another, sharing with one another, and most importantly believing in ourselves in order to not fear the consequences. We have over paranoid ourselves, we fear the consequences of snitches and prison for lack of truly believing in convictions.
Many seek to find refuge in the anti-system but merely join the system. This is exemplified in the selling of books, t-shirts, speaking engagements and so on for one's own benefit and makes she or he nothing more than the same capitalist entity many of us are trying to bring down. How do you dignify your efforts when money greater than your expenses is exchanged for what you do or produce? This is not beneficial to the whole and only to the self. We simply need to live, not to profit. Share and share alike is our ultimate aim. So why do we beg for donations if we feel our efforts are just and beneficial to all. Isn't the benefit to others enough payment?
We have a lot of problems amongst those of us wanting change. Whether it be change for human rights, animal rights or the broad spectrum of injustice in this world we must realize we are part of the problem. Responsibilities have taken a backseat to blame and fame. This is getting us no where. We must stand together, stop supporting and start going the other direction from all things unjust.
In terms of cooperation we are again to blame. We do not work together, instead we bicker and climb the moral ladder in an attempt to feed our own egos and bellies. From blogs to undercover investigations we are all asking for hand outs just to eat some tasty vegan food. Why not commune and share our efforts, our intellect, our love and bring this injustice system to a close.
Each day we weaken our efforts with internet, conference calls, and public meetings. What happened to the days of knowing one another, trusting one another, sharing with one another, and most importantly believing in ourselves in order to not fear the consequences. We have over paranoid ourselves, we fear the consequences of snitches and prison for lack of truly believing in convictions.
Many seek to find refuge in the anti-system but merely join the system. This is exemplified in the selling of books, t-shirts, speaking engagements and so on for one's own benefit and makes she or he nothing more than the same capitalist entity many of us are trying to bring down. How do you dignify your efforts when money greater than your expenses is exchanged for what you do or produce? This is not beneficial to the whole and only to the self. We simply need to live, not to profit. Share and share alike is our ultimate aim. So why do we beg for donations if we feel our efforts are just and beneficial to all. Isn't the benefit to others enough payment?
Monday, December 19, 2011
I do not believe…
I do not believe in evolution; at least not as it is understood by science today, nor do I believe in any religion or spiritual being. What is apparent to me is that we are dust; we breathe, we die, we rot; just as every other being does on this planet we share. It's a simple fact to see that air alone has us connected and this goes for those in the sea, the air, and the land. We all need this one essential element a long with so many other factors that keep each and every one of us alive.
Now where does humanity stand in a world where even the plankton in the sea is needed for our very existence? Are we better than one species or another simply because of our minds and capabilities? Is there more to the apes in the trees? Do they know what we know, but choose to live in a coexisting manner where war is not a creation utilized for greed?
If we could only see the universe is in each and every molecule that creates us, creates the animals, creates the plants; then and only then can we see each of us must unite with neighbor and friends to see we are a whole. Together and only together are we the almighty god so many have created fiction over.
Now where does humanity stand in a world where even the plankton in the sea is needed for our very existence? Are we better than one species or another simply because of our minds and capabilities? Is there more to the apes in the trees? Do they know what we know, but choose to live in a coexisting manner where war is not a creation utilized for greed?
If we could only see the universe is in each and every molecule that creates us, creates the animals, creates the plants; then and only then can we see each of us must unite with neighbor and friends to see we are a whole. Together and only together are we the almighty god so many have created fiction over.
In continuation...
In continuation…
My most inspiring night was in the early nineties when I drove to Washington DC to see a Positive Force show. After picking up a friend in Maryland we arrived at the show in the basement of a DC church. Positive Force also booked another show just down the street and many kids were walking back and forth. The other show was of interest to me, but the bands at this venue moved me in ways other than just what my ears can hear.
This show was Rain Like The Sound Of Trains; who were later signed by Dischord; Farside; which added much needed emotion to hardcore; and Into Another; which revolutionized not just hardcore, but music as a hole. No band before nor after has ever created music like that of Into Another and with lyrics that should change the very heart of any person with a sound mind and open heart.
The bands, the lyrics, the vibe, the friends they all had a huge impact on me and the rest of my life, but not as much as one larger factor; Positive Force.
Positive Force booked shows to educate and entertain, but also to create an awareness of the issues in their own neighborhood. With the money generated from shows, they created soup kitchens, to feed those in need. The truly positive nature of Positive Force changed me forever and put a fight in me that I hope to only strengthen which each day I exist.
It's been 3 months since I have been to a show and maybe longer before that show, but it's not the show that is important. Sometimes to do what you love, you have to step away from what brought you to love.
My most inspiring night was in the early nineties when I drove to Washington DC to see a Positive Force show. After picking up a friend in Maryland we arrived at the show in the basement of a DC church. Positive Force also booked another show just down the street and many kids were walking back and forth. The other show was of interest to me, but the bands at this venue moved me in ways other than just what my ears can hear.
This show was Rain Like The Sound Of Trains; who were later signed by Dischord; Farside; which added much needed emotion to hardcore; and Into Another; which revolutionized not just hardcore, but music as a hole. No band before nor after has ever created music like that of Into Another and with lyrics that should change the very heart of any person with a sound mind and open heart.
The bands, the lyrics, the vibe, the friends they all had a huge impact on me and the rest of my life, but not as much as one larger factor; Positive Force.
Positive Force booked shows to educate and entertain, but also to create an awareness of the issues in their own neighborhood. With the money generated from shows, they created soup kitchens, to feed those in need. The truly positive nature of Positive Force changed me forever and put a fight in me that I hope to only strengthen which each day I exist.
It's been 3 months since I have been to a show and maybe longer before that show, but it's not the show that is important. Sometimes to do what you love, you have to step away from what brought you to love.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
When the music stops…
After the show, it's time to put words in to motion. The sing along, dancing, and finger pointing have to be enacted. What your heart just poured out, your hands now have to create. This isn't another stage dive or pile on, this is the real thing. If you care for what you said and you mean it for yourself, your friends, all those you share life with, then you will create what you stand for.
Some times the music will have to stop and you will realize that was just a stepping stone into a pool of unending struggle that will only change when we step out of the words and but our efforts in to actions.
I'm not saying turn your back or forget the past. Just live it to the fullest with it in your heart and mind and make sure all those words come true.
Some times the music will have to stop and you will realize that was just a stepping stone into a pool of unending struggle that will only change when we step out of the words and but our efforts in to actions.
I'm not saying turn your back or forget the past. Just live it to the fullest with it in your heart and mind and make sure all those words come true.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Remember, remember 5th of November, but lets not forget...
On this day a man of dedication died for what he believed. His name is Barry Horne and he lives today stronger than yesterday. His memory, conviction, and cause live on today in the hearts minds and most importantly the actions of all those who feel the empathy he also felt.
As so many are being arrested and standing on the front lines for Occupy... how many of them are willing to resist? Resist the life that governments, religions, corporations, so on are forcing us to live. Barry Horne walked away from the norm and gave his life for others. Let us not forget this is all of us or none of us. Together in dedication we will make our dreams of compassion come true for everyone.
As so many are being arrested and standing on the front lines for Occupy... how many of them are willing to resist? Resist the life that governments, religions, corporations, so on are forcing us to live. Barry Horne walked away from the norm and gave his life for others. Let us not forget this is all of us or none of us. Together in dedication we will make our dreams of compassion come true for everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)