Saturday, August 30, 2008

Michelle Obama Keynote Address at DNC

The family that campaigns together...
Seeing as how this blog is about current events, I have decided to reflect on the DNC happenings of this past week. Above is the video of Michelle Obama at the DNC. She is amazing. Now, no matter what your political leanings are this speech is wonderful. She speaks of respect, hard work and children; raising a family when making ends meet just doesn't seem possible... The American dream.
I have to tell you, my blogging audience, I have a leaning towards the Democratic party. I have no problem admitting that I will vote for Barack Obama this fall. Even though I am Black, he will not receive my vote because he is Black. Even though I am female, he will not receive my vote because he is Pro-Choice. I am voting for Barack because he, and his wife, embody what I think politics in America should resemble.
Listen to the hopefulness in Michelle's voice, listen to the words of empowerment- not just for other Black women, but women in general. Listen to the pride that she expresses when speaking of her family, and her work. Michelle seems to have taken grasp of the American Dream. That is some idealism that I can grab onto. Like Barack said himself in 2004, it is the Audacity of Hope that America is built on.
Some of my friends have told me that I am wearing rose colored glasses, and that the world is not ready for Barack and Michelle's brand of idealism. To that I respond: If not now, when? There is nothing wrong with a little idealism. That is what made this country. People come here everyday to catch a piece of the American Dream, some quality education, the ability to raise a family with the freedoms outlined in the Constitution. Yeah, it is a bit like a PBS after school special, but isn't about time for something like that? Who wants to hear gloom and doom all the time? Life is not all bad. There is not a black cloud hanging over ALL the time. That is just not real. Granted, everything is not going to be sugar and spice all the time either. I realize that too. But I would take politics seasoned with hope over politics peppered with cynicism any day. I will take the positive outlook over the negative. I will take a liberal, rose colored, idealist view. I will continue to fight the good fight for under represented minorities, the unemployed, the rights of gays, lesbians and transgendered people. I will fight for equal pay for equal work, women's rights, healthcare for everyone and educating our youth effectively. I will take on the responsibility of looking out for my fellow man and woman, because I realize that while the American Dream is ASSISTED by hard work and determination, it is impossible without the help of others who have achieved it before. I will raise my hands and say Yes I Can... Yes We Can... Yes We Can...

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Def Poetry - Julian Curry... Miss Mox's reflection on the "n" word...

Anyone who knows me, or has spoken to me knows that I DETEST the "n" word. I don't repeat it in song, in conversation or in jest. I think that you can NEVER expect this hurtful word to go away if you use it on a regular basis. Men and women (not just blacks, either) fought and died so that we did NOT have to face the "n" word- at least not overtly; we can get an education; have an unlimited journey that is no longer stifled by the fact that our skin tones are a bit darker. Yet, here we are in 2008, using a word that evokes such hate.
To my surprise, there are "poets" out there who have embraced the word, while they claim to fight towards an ever elusive equality. How will the equality ever become a reality when you spend time calling your friends a word that has brought so much damage to the psyche of the people that you are claiming to love?
These "poets" are so quick to condemn interracial love, higher education, and those they believe have betrayed the "black experience", those who have risen above a line that they have drawn in the sand, but rush to identify their beloved people as the "n" word. They can say it because they are black, right? But then there is an attitude that cannot be matched if a White person says it, an Asian, anyone other than the "chosen few".. the Blacks that "keep it real."
What exactly are you teaching the children coming after you? The double standard that you protest, the one that "keeps a Black man (or woman) down", that horrible double standard that has been enacted to keep you away from the American Dream... THAT double standard is ok, when you (and only you and people who look like you) say this word? Alright Johnny, if mommy says this word it is ok, but if the white guy down the street says it, be upset- he is trying to belittle you. Yep Johnny, it is ok to listen to music where the "n" word is prevalent... Don't worry about it Johnny, it is a term of endearment for Black people... NO, IT IS NOT!
Never is it ok for anyone, OF ANY RACE, to use the "n" word. It should be erased from the language. I don't want White people to use the word- as much as I don't want to walk down the streets of southside Chicago and hear the word being used by adolescent Black kids, thinking that they are cool. "n" is not cool- it is the biggest fairy tale ever sold. There is no embracing this word, or the way of life that goes with it. Comments?
- Jumping off the soap box... J

Friday, August 22, 2008

The Cure-Friday I'm In Love

It is Friday... I'm in love! I love the Cure and this song is a great way to start off one of the last Friday's of the summer season. Throw your head back and smile... it is later than you think! :) Have a great weekend. J

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