Ghetto Gold

Dont tread on me

2008-07-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Its Route 66,
red convertibles,
and wet tits,

its big ass guns with damsels in distress,
flags that fly no matter the test,
its the good ol USA, knee deep, in all the rest.

can you feel me,
its Americana.

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El Negrito

2008-04-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

self portrait.
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Equilibrium

2008-04-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Mecha,
Murder,
Magik,
Minds.

and as we fall deeper out of balance, more things become apparent. We all have roles, realizing them will help you maintain your equilibrium...

Mecha,
Murder,
Magik,
Minds.

remember this.
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Draconian Music

2008-04-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

13) In which manner, if any, do 'the possible' and 'the impossible' interact with the 'actual'
when seeing and image and thinking about it?

// De qué manera, si hay alguna, "lo posible" y "lo imposible" interactúan con lo "real"
al ver una imagen y pensar en ella?

It depends on the contextual reality of each one person. In my particular case, every sight -and more precisely, every image- means a reading, therefore, a question, an analisis, a criticism and a proposition of any or various reviews. Sometimes even an experimental imposition of meaning, just in order to work with my own reads & concepts.

// Depende de la realidad contextual de cada persona. En mi caso particular, toda visión -toda imágen- implica una lectura, y por ende, una pregunta, un cuestionamiento, un análisis, una crítica y una propuesta de otra o varias relecturas. En ciertos casos inclusive la imposición experimental de determinado sentido, como una manera de trabajar sobre mis propias lecturas y conceptos.

Still exploring the verse...
sometimes I come home,
to share,
to remember.
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Free form

2007-05-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

A free form ass whuppin was what Ali gave.

He beat you physically,
He beat you mentally,
He beat your hench men,
He beat your hate,
He beat your ideology,

The free form ass whuppin is the most comprensive ass whuppin around. Its a dimensional ass whuppin, with spatial characteristics in that it fux with your definitions (the intangible BS that an ego is made of), it eats away at your cultural and social "significance", and no matter what you do its will cannot be denied.

I told you suckas,
H4t3r$ G3t Pwn3d...

Remember this.

More on Microaggressions

2007-02-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

So I'm watching some Sci Fi wack ass TV show, and while I'm not really following along with the story my ears perk up when I here this line:
Nobody's gonna O.J. this crime scene
no wonder this punk ass show got canned.
Special unit 2 (UPN trash...)

Microaggressions are subtle insults (verbal, nonverbal, and/or visual) directed toward people of color, often automatically or unconsciously. In and of itself a microaggression may seem harmless, but the cumulative burden of a lifetime of microaggressions can theoretically contribute to diminished mortality, augmented morbidity, and flattened confidence. Little is known about microaggressions, and yet this subtle form of racism has a dramatic impact on the lives of African Americans. Pierce and his colleagues have defined racial microaggressions as "subtle, stunning, often automatic, and nonverbal exchanges which are 'put downs' of blacks by offenders" (Pierce, Carew, Pierce-Gonzalez, & Wills, 1978, p. 66). They further maintain that these "offensive mechanisms used against blacks often are innocuous" and that the "cumulative weight of their never-ending burden is the major ingredient in black-white interactions" (p. 66). Additionally, Davis (1989) defined racial microaggressions as "stunning, automatic acts of disregard that stem from unconscious attitudes of white superiority and constitute a verification of black inferiority"
Critical race theory, racial microaggressions, and campus racial climate: The experiences of African American college students

Burn Hollywood Burn
NARO%

Repost: The Blackface Agenda

2007-02-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

Blackface is a style of theatrical makeup that originated in the United States, used to affect the countenance of an iconic, racist American archetype - that of the darky or coon. Blackface also refers to a genre of musical and comedic theatrical presentation in which blackface makeup is worn. White blackface performers in the past used burnt cork and later greasepaint or shoe polish to blacken their skin and exaggerate their lips, often wearing woolly wigs, gloves, tails, or ragged clothes to complete the transformation.

Blackface was an important performance tradition in the American theater for over 100 years and was also popular overseas. Stereotypes embodied in the stock characters of blackface minstrelsy played a significant role in cementing and proliferating racist images, attitudes and perceptions worldwide. In some quarters, the caricatures that were the legacy of blackface persist to the present day and are a cause of ongoing controversy.

By the mid-20th century, changing attitudes about race and racism effectively ended the prominence of blackface performance in the U.S. and elsewhere. However, it remains in relatively limited use as a theatrical device, mostly outside the U.S., and is more commonly used today as edgy social commentary or satire. Perhaps the most enduring effect of blackface is the precedent it established in the introduction of African American culture to an international audience, albeit through a distorted lens. Blackface minstrelsy's groundbreaking appropriation, exploitation, and assimilation of African-American culture—as well as the inter-ethnic artistic collaborations that stemmed from it—were but a prologue to the lucrative packaging, marketing, and dissemination of African-American cultural expression and its myriad derivative forms in today's world popular culture.
(wikpedia)

Every time an individual adorns black face it’s the equivalent of adorning the veil of supremacy. One assumes the cultural standpoint of subjugating the “negroid appearance, norms and customs” into an edifice, an easily manipulated highly recognizable form of power used by those whose wish to display the ability/capability of exploiting the focus group (black people).

The secondary effects of blackface allow the perpetrators to adapt any new appearance to the overall faciality of the tool. This is the essence of the weapon, a very important piece within the qualia of the distortion. It creates the stigmatic effect of "blackness"; no matter how you evolve as a culture the “blood” of the shuffling negro flows within you.

Thusly creating an asymetric vehicle which transcends time, accomplishments, reason, soley based upon the need to denigrate every aspect of the negro space.

In modern context, asymmetric warfare is increasingly considered a component of fourth generation war . When practiced outside the laws of war , it is often pejoratively characterized as " terrorism ."

Tactical basis
The tactical success of asymmetric warfare is dependent on at least one of two assumptions:

If the inferior power is in a position of self-defense; i.e., under attack or occupation, it may be possible to use unconventional tactics, such as hit-and-run and selective battles where the superior power is weaker, as an effective means of harassment without violating the Laws of war .

If the inferior power is in an aggressive position, however, and/or turns to tactics prohibited by the laws of war, its success depends on the superior power's refraining from like tactics. For example, the Law of landwarfare prohibits the use of using a flag of truce or clearly marked medical vehicles as cover for an attack or ambush, but an asymmetric combatant using this prohibited tactic depends on the superior power's honoring the corresponding rules prohibiting attacking those displaying a flag of truce or a medical vehicle. Similarly, laws of warfare prohibit combatants using civilian settlements, populations or facilities as military bases, but when an inferior power uses this tactic, it depends on the superiorpower respecting the law that they are violating, and not attacking that civilian target.

(Anoca.org)

If I see yo ass in Blackface you will understand what it is to fall under the will of a superior power, I promise...

No more stupid questions...

2007-02-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

Is America ready, has to be the first officially asked "Stupid question". I thought 60 minutes was supposed to be thought provoking, inquisitive, and all that other hardcore journalistic BS...
The real question is, if he runs are you gonna vote?
Holla.

Senator Barack Obama

I know Keyes is lurking with his tap shoes on...

NARO%

FOOTBALL TALK...

2007-02-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Ok Boomer, ok Dan please shut the fuck up!! I'm trying to watch football and you 2 clowns are really putting a big ol' shit cloud on the festivities and I havent even gotten the grill fired up yet.

Boomer who gives a rats ass about your message or your punk ass opinion for that matter. (why are you even on TV???)

Dan you can keep the gun comments to yourself too, unless you talking bout Dick Cheney....

Ok to any other blantanly racist ass commentators flexing the shit out of the "Anti Nigger Machine" I dont care if you dont like dancing after the touch down black folks... And please stop comparing every athlete to T.O. I have never seen a nation rally against something so insignificant, Y'all Bitches is some professional ass Haters.
Please spare me the racist ass dialogue:

Black--- Raw, Natural, rhythm, emotional, and any other adjective dealing with anything non cerebral.

White---Leader, poised, focused, and anything that has to deal with leadership (like these mo fo's just got through reading some Senge)

Oh yeah I havent forgot about my favorite college commentator too, you know the bitch on gameday with the big ass mouth, fuck you too.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system I'm gonna prepare for next weeks talk of sports, all I gotta do now is find me a T.O. jersey so I can set the tone off right.

NOTE TO ANY IDIOT ON THE STREET
I DONT CARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT BLACK ATHLETES, DONT CARE, IF YOU LIKE DONOVAN, HATE, T.O. LIKE LT, HATE A.I. , HATE BARRY, LOVE TONY. IF THE ONLY WAY OF MEASURING THE PROBABILITY OF ME AND YOU COMMUNICATING IS BY WHO I FAVOR IN SPORTS THEN YOU A STUPID ASS FOOL...

Nuff said, time to BBQ.
NARO%

The Blackface Agenda #2

2007-02-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is the 2nd segment on the Blackface Agenda previously posted at my other joint Forms of Thought. If you goto clemson you know exactly what I mean...

Lets take a look at some
numbers:
Texas A.M. Mens basketball has 13 black players on a team of 19. I am assuming from the promo pic that the Womens team mirrors this statistic as well, and lets not forget the pride of aggie land the mens football team. My question is how is it that in a time where blacks attending college (males especially) is supposed to be scarce, how is it that we have this saturation of black student athletes in the sports which happen to generate the most revenue for these schools? So the institutional minstrel show takes shape in the form "Collegiant Athletic Programs" its ok to do it formally, its the crude physical manifestations we happen to frown upon, hence the condemnation for the actions of some students doing exactly the same thing we see every time we turn on a TV. The statistical irregularites presented by the institutions of higher learning really dont require to much in the way of investigative reporting, take a look this coming March at the ratio of black players on each team (The Basketball tournament) and compare this number to the to overall enrollment of black students at the school and I am positive we will have some disparities. I guess the atheletic director didnt get the blacks are in short supply memo... And please spare me the "rising up from the challenges" scenario, its tired and condescending beyond relief. The segment you see on ESPN about how Little Latrell's (black athlete) momma had to work 3 jobs and lived in the projects, but by the grace of god (I am so blessed) and some serious tough love (throw in some white mentorship here) Latrell was one of the lucky ones. Latrell gets to dance on the big stage at my "institution" its an opportunity for him to make something of his life, and you should be thankful.

Now dont get me wrong Texas A.M. is just one of many (pretty much all) who fall into this scenario. But dont take my word for it look at the stats, and the stat that matters most is the money. Schools make big bucks from TV, the better the school the more money to throw around, (and spare me the booster club alumni BS because if that was the case Yale, Harvard, etc.would be winning everything hands down (which they are but in a different/same kinda spectrum)). The big sports bring in cash to help develop other programs, and in many cases carry them outright. Lets take a look at the swim team or in the case of Texas A.M. the womens volleyball team which has 1 black player (got this from their website) or for that matter any team out side of Football or Basketball, and I am sure you will get a much more realistic ratio of black students in attendance at the school in question based upon their representation on these particular teams. Now I like Womens Volleyball, and I am sure LaCrosse is a big deal to many people, but I dont see these programs bringing in multi-million dollar contracts (advertising, merchandising, telecast) to anyone/institution/program period, end of discussion, stop, let it go....

Blackface minstrelsy's groundbreaking appropriation, exploitation, and assimilation of African-American culture—as well as the inter-ethnic artistic collaborations that stemmed from it—were but a prologue to the lucrative packaging, marketing, and dissemination of African-American cultural expression and its myriad derivative forms in today's world popular culture. (wikipedia)

BlackFace incidents
Fraternity Skit Splits UW-Whitewater Campus
Matthew Schram is sorry that he appeared in a UW-Whitewater skit in blackface. I'd like to apologize," the junior said. "I'm sorry for my ignorant actions. I am not a racist. I was brought up to love my neighbor." But few students who attended a campus forum on diversity Monday were ready to accept his apology.

"We should have prevented it," Chancellor Jack Miller said. "We can do a better job in watching acts on and off stage." Mike, a Lutheran pastor, said his son has many black friends and never would intentionally do anything to offend them. "There were two black students in the variety show, and if they had thought it was a racist presentation, they would have objected,"

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee will not penalize six white fraternity members accused in a "blackface" incident, saying the right of expression must be protected even "when some find it to be insensitive and offensive."

This month, in a Web posting and an ad in the student newspaper, the university denounced the incident but said it would not punish the students or the fraternity. It said in a statement that the students' First Amendment rights limited the school's ability to punish them.

"The University of Tennessee is firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and expression — even when some find it to be insensitive and offensive," the statement said.
"To African-Americans, blackface recalls old time minstrel shows that depicted African-Americans as ignorant simpletons — mere human scenery. Blackface resurrects latent stereotypes and undermines progress."

The 25,500-student university is about 7% black.

In the past , Auburn University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Virginia all have experienced fraternity blackface incidents.

With "friends" like these...

2007-02-01T10:18:00.001-08:00

Lets kick off Black History month with some words from one of "our" most progressive "democratic" leaders, Mr Joe Biden.

Gone Native

2007-01-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

They give you glimpses into the format. Passing moments of flippancy, my mother and I’m sure many others called it being a smart ass. The structure, the architecture, the parameters are given to you. Right straight smack in the face, amidst all of the clutter, all of the noise, taunting your blindness.
Such audacity should not go unpunished.
Remember this…

3X Saddam,

Friend, Foe, Fucked.

Imposed to stop the spread of another ideology.

Bitch got greedy.

Ass whuppin ensues?

Hollywood elevator pitch, history 101 (Saddam shoulda stopped burning those books, or was that Hitler?). Anyways why do all of our “Villains” look like morphed out Orwellian/Zamyatin knockoffs?

How you gonna loose a country? This is some serious Columbian ownage. A long time ago somebody already knew the outcome of this scenario:

We’ll put this goon in to stop this -----> (%)
Why?
Because we can control him---->(!)
What if?
Then we remove him-----> (#)
For what?
Don’t ask stupid questions------> ($)

Ownage, Recidivism, Regime Change.
Go study now.

Friend, Foe, Fucked.

3X Saddam

Richmond Virginia NASCAR purist.... 24.125.255.#

2006-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

My travels bring me to this area quite often, I'd be more than happy to discuss your "views" on society over coffee, call it an invitation to a debate on real social issues.
Hope to see you soon.
NARO%

IP Address 24.125.255.# (Comcast Cable)
State : Virginia
City : Richmond
Lat/Long : 37.5409, -77.4801 (Map)

Anonymous said...
number one why do yall insist on being called african american damnit either you african or american if your african go the hell back if yur american then so be it my ancestors are from scotland but i dont go around calling myself scottish american. now black folks are just as racist as white folks hell look at your own damn comments
now i might say that i personally and most other normal as in white nascar fans dont want niggers in the stands we like to be able to go to a sporting event without getting shot at pick pocketed or having some dumb nigger try to fight us

if only the south had know we would have PICKED OUR OWN DAMN COTTON

stay the hell out of nascar you damn niggers

OPEN SOURCE

2006-12-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

IN AFRICA THERE IS A WAR, A WAR OF A THOUSAND YEARS,
A WAR OF THE MIND. IT'S A BATTLE THAT TRANSCENDS MODERN
POLICY. THE FASHIONS OF THIS WAR JUXTAPOSED AGAINST
THE SETTING, REPRESENT THE PUREST DECADENCE.
THIS IS SAPE,
THIS IS THE PINNACLE, OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
A THOUSAND YEARS WAR.

THIS IS AN OPEN SOURCE
A SOCIAL TREATISE; THIS IS THE PUREST FORM OF COMMODITY
FETISHISM. ITS THE BATTLE FOR RESOURCES, TIME, AND
STRATEGIC EFFICIENCY APPLIED TO WHAT? APPLIED EXACTLY
TO WHAT IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN,
FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.

IT HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE DESIRE TO POSSESS THAT
WHICH WE CANNOT, THE IDEAS OF ANOTHER.

OPEN SOURCE

The Black Face Agenda #4: Star search?

2006-12-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

Ariz. cop had black men rap away ticket
By AMANDA LEE MYERS

The officer then tells the men that they can avoid getting a littering ticket "if the two of you just do a little rap about — what do you want to do a rap about? Littering? About the dangers of littering."

The two men agree, and each performs a short rap, laughing afterward. One says, "The dangers of littering, you will get a ticket. If you ain't wit' it, you better be experienced."

The second man raps, "Yo, I just got pulled over 'cause I threw my trash out the window when they rolled over. They got behind me and pulled me over."

Later, Schoville talks football with the men, one of whom agrees with his prediction that the Oakland Raiders will make it to the Super Bowl this year.

Schoville then says, "You know why you say I'm right? Because I got a gun and badge. I'm always right. That's the way it works, right?" The three laugh and the two men get in their car.

Nothing like a good dose of the shuffling negro to put them boys in their place. The good ol' mistrel show on demand. I know somebody some where is gonna make a "joke" about rappers doing that anyways (rapping for the police). This whole system, this entire thought process (white mainstream accepted norms) has gone awry, the open source version of the "politically incorrect" yet hip (are you nuts?) forms of racism are just another glimpse into the ambivalent attitudes about the condition (racism is a disortion/mental condition).
You better ask somebody...

Data bits, Sounds Bites, and random thoughts #1: Bad Rap Music?

2006-11-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

USA Today Opinion
Bad rap music just feeds ghetto image
DeWayne Wickham

"the fraternity urged attendees to wear the most "despicable" costumes of "regional clothing from our locale" such as "bling bling ice ice, grills" and "hoochie hoops." In Baltimore, a city that is 65% black, this reference to removable gold or platinum teeth and earrings worn by loose women (WTF!!!) was considered racially insensitive by the civil rights group."

Sure, the NAACP is right to sound the alarm when college students mimic rap music's bad images. But it'll be a wasted effort if the civil rights group doesn't also mount a surgical strike against those who create its ugly images.

DeWayne Wickham

So now we're blaming bad rap music for racism?

Sinbad on Kramer...

2006-11-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

I copped this over at Reappropriate peep Sinbad on CNN.

Shooting Lil Old Ladies???

2006-11-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

Police insisted the officers did everything right before entering the home Tuesday evening, despite suggestions from the woman's neighbors and relatives that it was a case of mistaken identity.

The woman, Kathryn Johnston, was the only resident in the house at the time and had lived there for about 17 years, Assistant Chief Alan Dreher said. The officers had a legal warrant, "knocked and announced" before they forced open the door and were justified in shooting once fired upon, he said.

Anyone with 2 bits worth of rational sense could have thought about 10 different ways this could have gone down no matter what was expected on the inside of this house. You got murders to old to execute, but you can SWAT Team, Rambo a 92 year old lady WTF???
I cant wait to hear the rationalizations that pop up from this one, this is way outta control, no excuses, just the usual common disregard for black folk... Pitiful, pitiful, pitiful.
Protect and serve what?

The Blackface Agenda #3: Appropriation, Wiggerism, and other subsidiary intangibles

2006-11-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

A look at a collection of videos.

"Quatoof"
A bit of comedic relief from Eddie Bravo. Quatoof is the story
of a misunderstood white male who just happens to like a few
black things...

"The Wiggers"
A spoof based on the ever popular wiggles guys. This disses
whites for trying to act black.

Ali B: The Life Story
A segment on the quest of a young man to be "down". He
goes on a tour (in his own hood) guided by his Ghetto sherpa.

"Wiggers with Attitude"
NWA Hip Hop parody? Video displays notable Hip Hop Icons,
scenarios, and typical mannerisms.

"Wigout 1 of 2"
Is your kid acting up? Dont worry Snoop has a soul-ution for
you. Its the WIGOUT.

"Wigout 2 of 2"
Another satisfied customer...

Talking ghetto trash
An exchange between to people, these cats are working the
minstrel act hard, only thing missing is the shoepolish.
Youtube keywords: Trash Talk Nigga Wiggers

"Wigger Collection Agency"
If you gonna act black you gonna have to pay taxes for the
appropriation. Another service to help us keep it real.

Wigger Adventures
A fairytale about the Journey of a random wigger on his way
home and his animated GhettoFab encounters.

Cadillac Don
Two young ladies do their rendition of a popular Rap tune.

This collection while no means comprehensive covers a wide range of appropriation. From the out right to the "innocent". We even have our own offerings to police up white folks gone astray... Is the portrayal of "wiggerism" a display/form of black face? The "White Nigger" embodies notions that blackness is something that can be portrayed by people other than black. That "niggerism" is a condition when it is adopted by those not organically endowed with the state of being black (blackness is prerequisite for true niggerism). Just ask Kramer " I am not racist, but they were acting like Niggers"

The Blackface Agenda.

2006-11-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Thusly creating an asymetric vehicle which transcends time, accomplishments, reason, soley based upon the need to denigrate every aspect of the negro space.

(Anoca.org)

If I see yo ass in Blackface you will understand what it is to fall under the will of a superior power, I promise...

I've seen that face before...

2006-11-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

I've seen that face before,
Those eyes focused and determined,
tired, furious.

I've seen that face before,
across the globe, it's a face that
knows no time because pain dillutes time,
pain freezes time, pain suspends time...

but how do we make it go away?
you give those eyes something
beautiful to look at, and for a little while atleast,

the pain seems to go away.
It goes away until the illusion is no longer valid, no longer acceptable,

no longer capable
of suppressing the pain.

Africa, South America, Asia, Mesopotamia,
the South Pacific, Los Angeles.

I've seen that face before...

AfroerotiK stories

2006-11-13T01:07:00.000-08:00

Help me show publishers that people are interested in my book. I need to be able to show publishers that people are interested in my erotic stories, the reasons why, and that they would purchase a book of erotica WITH PHOTOGRAPHY. They want to know that I really do have white readers, male readers, literate readers, and readers who would purchase a book that shows Black, interracial and GBLT stories in the same book. They need proof that what I have is a product that people really want. If you could take five minutes of your time and send an email to inlovingcolor@afroerotik.com stating that you are interested in AfroerotiK stories, why you are, and that you are anxious for the release of the book I would be so appreciative. I need as many emails as possible to forward to publishers. Every email will help me secure a book deal. My erotic stories are healing, transformative, and arousing. If you appreciate what I've done, if you enjoy my stories, if you are interested in reading my very best erotic work that hasn't been seen by the public before, if you want to help me move to the next level, wont you please consider writing an e-mail that shows your support.

Thank you.

Scottie

Scottie hit me up on my MYSPACE joint so I had to throw out the assist. While I for one am looking for ways to self-actualize/self-substantiate, I do feel that it is extremely necessary for US (blackfolk) to frame/re-frame the sexuality of our culture by way of any venue possible. "Baby got back" and "Mandingo" leave much to the imagination and for the most part lump all of the possibilities within the sphere of sexuality (specifically afroeroticism) into some of the most rudimentary and banally elementary themes (centered specifically around physical qualities and how much ass you can tap).

Part of the reconstruction of the Afro-Psyche is creating eroticism based on our own thoughts and our own impressions, its about sharing what we explore, what we feel, how we love, and these all need to be developed organically.

White people have defined sexuality within "western civilization" to the extent that we concede everything to their connotations of normality/ deviance etc. If your purpose in the literary field is about expanding the erotic horizons (or any horizon for that matter) then it would seem that the truly avant-garde vehicle is one that explores visions outside of their own familiarity.

Regime Change...

2006-11-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Regime change is a euphemism for the overthrow of a government (or regime) considered illegitimate by an external force (usually military), and its replacement with a new government according to the ideas and/or interests promoted by that force.

In contrast to a revolution or a coup d'état, regime change happens as the result of an external force. Regime change may or may not replace the whole administrative apparatus, existing bureaucracy and/or other regime remnants.

Regime Change is cats running yo ass up out the spot...
Holla

Unable to relate.

2006-10-31T05:12:00.000-08:00

While Stern was winning Red China with Yao Ming, he was losing the red states with Allen Iverson.
There was a part of the nation whom had been unable to get past the tattoos and cornrows, unable to relate.

Adrian Wojnarowski

It is this, the very core of our cultural marginalization, the core of the streamlined mass media proliferated imperialism (yes I'm going there), the utter audacity to attempt to rationalize then reverse rationalize the exploitation of young black men. Unable to get past the tattoos? So now you want your entertainment served up more to you liking (Yessuh missa boss man i wears my sunday bes to da game suh). This is just plain ol ugly ass racism, and you can dress it up anyway you want to, but we all know, ugly is, as ugly does. So with an industry (the NBA) and the media working in tandem to generate revenue, control mechanisms to regulate norms and I don't mean the rules set forth by Mister Stern, I mean the transparent blanket culturally accepted racism we see and hear daily. I mean really, what's wrong with cornrows? Why is it that white people always have to go the hair route, then the dress route, then the how we talk route? What about the black NASCAR fans who are unable to relate to good ol dixie? Ahhh you gotta love the convenience of racism it definitely pays the cost to be the boss...

"Our guys are out there with shorts and a tank top. So, if it's LeBron (James), Dwyane (Wade) and Carmelo (Anthony) on the cover of SI, it's one thing. But if it's Stephen Jackson at a strip club at three in the morning, it's another thing.

This continual state of juxtaposition is the physical manifestation, the faciality of the cultural control device. Its the assemblage and utilization of terms like: I hate Miami (the college football team) because they lack discipline, or Team USA lost because it was lacking fundamentals. This doesn't require any Deluzo analysis to figure out the code, it easy to weave through the feeble attempts at double speak, to witness the new post modern politically correct form of engaging in racism. What's really hood is that you allow this to happen in public, in your very face, and why? So as not to embody the very same traits that those who are "unable to relate" scorn with impunity. Just to show them how you are not "from the ghetto" or you deserve to be treated equal (if only all those cornrowed tattoo clads negro's would follow suit).

"And this is why you fail" because you are attempting to emulate an individual based upon the standards of a system (a system created for and by that individual which provide the measures of control, allowing for the sole proprietary manipulated continual advancement of that individual) in which you have been deemed inferior from the out set... Think about it

It is time to evolve, move past the norm, crack the code (both physically and mentally).

Holla

Perfection...

2006-10-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Been a fan since I was a little man...

15 Miles

2006-10-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

The one and only...

Black NASCAR fans? Stars, Bars, and Cars...

2006-10-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

So I'm deep into my second season of Fantasy NASCAR over at yahoo and I'm already contemplating on the travel trailer I will be buying within the next few months to prepare for the 2007 Nextel Cup season, cause them white folks be having waaaay to much fun at them races. First off I wanna send a shout out to my Homie "Days of Thunder" for getting me hooked on this stuff, NASCAR is like crack, once you get into it, it's over, I'm serious.... For years me and the fellas did the fantasy sports joint, it was our way of staying in touch. We pretty much played all the sports, football, baseball, basketball, the usual fantasy stuff until "Thunder" hit me up and with an invite to a league he was forming, a NASCAR league. Now mind you I didn't know shit about NASCAR other than a few big names, and its not that I wasn't a fan of motorsports because I love F1 and I'm deep in AMA (cause black folks like sportbikes ;) I just never paid attention to NASCAR because it seemed to be for "white folks only". Now don't get me wrong I still feel this way and that's pretty much the reason for this entry, but I do like watching NASCAR the shit is exciting, but that don't change the fact of the dominating demographic mentality surrounding the sport and its "cultural icon" of choice The stars and bars, yeee haaw!!!
The attempts at diversity by NASCAR are all good, but why in the hell would I wanna goto a race where the first thing I am gonna have to explain to my child is "what's that flag Daddy?"

Punk ass response: "Oh child that's just a part of history that these people choose to Identify with. It doesn't mean anything its just a mindset relating to a particular time when certain people in our nation choose to go their own way, and that way is carried on as a notion of pride by displaying the colors those courageous people used to identify themselves"

My response: "Child that's white folks acting really F#@KING STUPID"

How you gonna be the Hard Headed American in your own country? Its one thing to piss the rest of the world off, but you'd think we'd finally get a reprieve in our own country, a free pass from the audacity, a break, a little slack. HELL NO! Whitey don't play that!!! Lets keep it real We got dress codes in the NBA, why because they wanna cater to the demographic of their fan base, middle class white folks with expendable incomes who can afford to blow up 400 or 500 bucks on a Laker game with the kids in tow. We all remember the words of the great Larry Bird, if you wanna maintain the fan base you better get some white cats up in here (or at least get these black boys into some kinda non hip hop, gangsta ass nigga ensemble), I have talked this issue quite a few times so you'll just have to hit the archives to brush up, but the fact of the matter is---> the dominant demographic which supports (financially) the majority of our sports is "white folks".

Yahoo Posted an excellent story on the topic:
Red flag By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports

After a decade of massive growth, NASCAR's popularity has slowed and television ratings have slumped. To restart its progress, NASCAR must continue to attract new fans in fresh, more diverse markets, many of whom view the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism and oppression. Yet NASCAR doesn't want to alienate its loyal base, many of whom view the waving flags in the infield as a symbol of honor, history and traditional Southern pride.

The story goes into areas which on the surface seem to deal with a specific focus the flag and its symbolism, but what we are really discussing is the effects of a "collective cultural ego" and what those who are a part of that collective are will to do in the face of "Adversity". This is an absolute no brainer and for the CEO of NASCAR Brian France its also a matter of PR and job security. How do you shift the paradigm in a situation where the primary icon is the primary road block to change? The effects of Rapper's touting the Cristal notwithstanding, how do incoporate new cultures without the alienation of the core group, which as the dynamics of the country change so shall change the make up of the core. Right now there is and will be a continuing amount of tension surrounding the "icon" and its effects on the sensibilities of new customer markets. Lets take a look at some cultural "fields of view";

Average Black guy: If I see a field full of RV's topped with a particular cultural Icon how are you gonna persuade me to think that these people are the one's I wanna speed my weekends with? Let alone watch your stuff on TV. That's just plain ol' common sense....

Average white guy: I cant speak for white folks, but I have heard the tired ass line of it represents blah blah blah. If its been banned in so many places or is known to offend people en mass why are we even having this conversation? I don't see German F1 fans waving swastika's, do you? Same shit different country, guess those rules don't apply to white folks in the US.

NASCAR driver: These cats been doing this for a while and for the most part this "icon" has been a part of their culture, their fans culture. So the lack of comments coming from the drivers is just another form of "Solidarity", another way of getting around the rules. That's what your team is there for, to help you win...

The Sponsors: These are the big companies that make all the bucks and place the big ass placards all across the cars I watch every weekend. Since NASCAR has done the official PC move by "banning it" they don't have to worry about what the fans do. The typical "whitewash" (so fitting) which gives some of the most powerful players in this puzzle an easy out. You are sponsoring people (the racers) who have no problems with people (their fans) displaying culturally insensitive images weekend after weekend. That's my kinda role model, I can see the united way commercial now, helping kids by destroying their cultural fitness one race at a time!!!

Editorial note:

Some Funny "stereotypes" that exist in our "diverse" world of sports.
Utah Jazz- Who in the hell came up with this one? I didn't now Utah had a jazz thing going on...
LA Lakers- Ya'll know black folks don't swim
LA Clippers- Ditto, plus they got the boat thing going on WTF!
The Washington Bullets- anybody who knows anything about the 80's and DC knows why this hand to be the butt of some serious ass water cooler humor... You know the kinda jokes where the fat ass bigot spits game and you're supposed to laugh in order to be considered a "team player"?
I'm gonna throw in the "Indian thing" too just because I'm on a roll, and it always comes up like we made these names up? And for all of you really slick assed haters I got your Minnesota Vikings so please spare me the we have our own "cultural icons" on display as well. The reason why this space (football and hoops) is filled with imagery which may appear to be "more culturally diverse" (sans the Indian repartee) is the fact that the professionals which comprise the make up of the teams (at least in football and basketball) happen to be black... Drum roll please, and a big fat NO SHIT! So knowing this why would any good hearted plantation owner, I mean Team owner want his "staff" to be subjected to cultural connotations represented by the Confederate Flag? "Hell these boys aint gonna go for that no matter how much we payem" I can hear it now. And yet NASCAR seems to think that while preaching "Diversity" (that shit sounds really BITCHMADE) that Black folks, Asian folks, Mexicans, and all the rest of the melting pot are gonna come a running, as long as we turn the other cheek, just like at the ol' water cooler....

If you really wanna make some money off one of the largest consumer bases in the US you gonna have to get your street teams rolling... Gonna have to up your "Street IQ", black folks like cars (that's for sure) and black folks like winners (hell everyone does). So if you wanna get the scoop on how to get in, you gonna have to holla at ya boy cuz that's gonna cost yo ass a few zero's for that bit of consultation... Or you can keep up the hot ass "diversity BS" you talking on 60 minutes and on your wack ass commercials. NASCAR and DIVERSITY, fool thats an oxymoron, no doubt!!! They should put that in the oxymoron Hall of Fame, cuz I cant even say those 2 words without laughing my black ass off... The problems with NASCAR have nothing to do with the sport and that's all I have left in the advice box.

Well I guess you gonna see my ass on Chappelle show season 4 "When keeping it real goes wrong" the Black guy at the NASCAR race!!! Now don't get me wrong I'm gonna be deep in the game at my first NASCAR event trailer, BBQ, and a gang of 40's and I'm bringing my whole crew BITCHES!!! So you can keep your punk assed attempts at calling on the need for diversity, like I said it sounds condescending to say the least. Just provide me with some good quality entertainment where I don't have to be subjected to "your" culturally insensitive "last bastion" (please get over this one, like you fools are really losing something?) it represents this __________ (insert the stupidest white comment ever heard here) and has nothing to do with blah blah blah, and yo greedy asses might make a few more bucks, off of your new "black friends".

Now I gotta send a shout out to Joe Gibbs (of the Washington REDSKINS, go figure...) for trying to (or at least mentioning) the need to sponsor racers from other ethnic backgrounds, addressing issues is a step in the right direction. I also wanna give a mad shout out to my main man SWEETNESS (Walter Payton, Fool!!!) for sponsoring his own race team (that's rich folks bidness). I could go on and on about the few black achievements in NASCAR but if you reading this and you really interested you'll look it up yourself, I am sure somewhere on the NASCAR site they have 2-bits on the achievements of African American drivers.

So with about 6 races left in this seasons "chase for the cup" I have whats looking to be another year atop of the podium and bragging rights at the water cooler forever! The first year you can play the luck card the second year I'm fixing to show my natural black T.O. ass at the cooler cuz I know its gonna eat that ass up.

Yeee HAW!!!
LETS GO RACING!!!

SAMO's story or Famous Negro Artists...

2006-09-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Samo's Story, a day in the life of my main man Jean-Michel. So if you got some time, fix up a pot of Joe, kickback and peep game.
Downtown 81

PART1

PART2

PART3

PART4

PART5

PART6

PART7

PART8

Recognize Great Black Art!!!

That's my peoples people.

2006-09-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

The sons of the city, that's my peoples people. People from Oceanview, Bayview, Fillmore, Balboa Park and all of the other locales that we the colonies of black folk who migrated to the city by the bay chose to reside. This is were I was created, by a man whose family rose to prominence through hardwork, a sentiment long forgotten. We were bus drivers, we worked the shipyards, we painted houses, we owned shops within the community. We were the community. We went to socials, we played sports, we loved life in the city by the bay. Country boy done gone to the beach, and met him a pretty girl from Mississippi with an angelic face, and as they shared space, their space grew, and grew.

The story I recommend to you all on this Sunday, is the story of my peoples people. The story of Black folk by the bay. What Happened to Black San Francisco?

"The year was 1943, and Jackson's family was arriving along with thousands of African Americans from the South, mostly farmers. Many blacks came here to work in the shipyards and steel industry associated with World War II, but they also worked in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, construction, anything that was available. Between 1940 and 1945, San Francisco's African American population grew more than 600 percent. Many moved to Bayview-Hunters Point"
Jaimal Yogis

This story touched on so many issues within the history of my family, it was like going home again. I remember the tales of work in the shipyards, the yards that would take both my Father's and Grandfather's lungs away. I remember the stories about coming of age in the city, the Sheiks, the Van Dykes, the White Shoe boys, and how "gangs" were different back then, it reminded me of a black version of the "Outsiders". I remember stories of great athletes from the city, who would go to another city by the shores just a few hours south and would become one of the greatest to ever play the game, some people know him as O.J. but we knew him as the "greedy ass boy" at the party. This story talked of where I got my values from, my fathers mentors: The men that were influential to my father, whom I had the privilege to meet. Old men who wore coveralls with they good shoes on, clean shaven and all ways had something to do. These were the trips my father took me on, trips to meet the men who inspired him. Little did I know that this would be the reason why I work so hard today, even when I'm not working.

I remember living in Bayview we had a big ass crib right off Gilman heading towards the Stick. This is where I played with my Daddies friends chillens and we got in to all kinds of bad ass stuff. I remember when they had the 49er helmet that used to drive down the street and into the city to promote the game and how we would make sure we pelted the smack outta that thing every Sunday (this was the pre Joe Montana - Renaldo "Skeets" Nehemia era so you can dig the tension). I also remember when we moved away, but I knew we really had'nt "moved away". It was only until Mom's and Pop's (the official title of my grandparents) who stayed until the end of their days had passed, that I considered us officially moved away, the day the Pillars of the Family passed on. You see all of the children moved away, some far, some close, but the now City was no longer home.

Take a look at Jaimals story, its the story of my family.
Peace

Props to: Negrophile Good looking out.

From the second chapter...

2006-09-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

People with intelligence will use it to fashion things both true and false and will try to push through whatever they want with their clever reasoning. This is injury from intelligence . Nothing you do will have effect if you do not use truth.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo

I see it every day...

Peace

Black Aristocracy

2006-09-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, there was a renaissance, of culture, of spirit, of the soul. we need this again...

A time when we traveled the earth, and wrote of our adventures.

A time when we created new forms of dance, new forms of music.

A time that we still feel to this very day.

The Digital collage above was made from a photo by a man from this era, a man who became one of the most prolific photographers in the world. James VanDerZee was the visual historian for generations of our culture.

Peep game, and remember that every minute of your life is black history...
Peace

Black Schooling...

2006-09-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Documentary By Diamond Dallas Dudley, for Black Studies 6 Course at the University Of CA, Santa Barbara, Summer 2006
part1

part2

part3

part4

The schooling of a cali kid. I been that kid, seen that system, and what I see now is even worse. A la John Taylor Gatto, the system needs interventions from a new source. Propers to my man Dallas for dropping the video in summer session no less!

Peep the Science, my joint collabo with MIKO, girl where is that dissertation at?!!! (lmao) BECOMING AP a look into the world of the advanced placement program brought to you and your chillins by the COLLEGE BOARD, yeah the same cats who been hustlin that wack ass Test they use to continue the institutional apartied we endure in so many ways, every day...
Holla

"Schools always in session fool"
NARO%

Bougie Niggers...

2006-09-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

*****Editorial note******
If there is one thing I hate a little less than a WS, it's a Bougie ass nigger with a disdain for black folk. That shit reeeeaally gets me uptight. I ran into one of these cats yesterday, I guess you could call it an inverted BCM (Bill Cosby Moment) but any ways, I can smell the shoe shine on these niggas lips bout 2 blocks away from kissing so much feet, and then they wanna look at me funny? NEGRO PLEASE!!!Get yo shit right, because you really fucking it up for the rest of us, especially when you try to "come on home" after the inevitable unleashing of the anti-nigger machine, so please stop with the "Mr Tibs" funky ass, these niggers are below me, before you catch some of this drop squad, Beeeeotch...
and oh yeah! wipe the polish of yo fat ass lips stoopid! Now thats what I call a REAL "EMBARRASSING NIGGA MOMENT"

"Niggas be frontin"

Petroleum Icons: Hell's Motor Oil

2006-09-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lil' Shorty.

2006-09-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

Children come in all the colors of the earth-
The roaring browns of bears and soaring eagles,
The whispering golds of late summer grasses,
And crackling russets of fallen leaves,
The tinkling pinks of tiny seashells
by the rumbling sea.

Children come with hair like bouncy baby lambs,
Or hair that flows like water,
Or hair that curls like sleeping cats in snoozy
cat colors.

Children come in all the colors of love,
In endless shades of you and me.
For love comes in cinnamon, walnut, and wheat,
Love is amber and ivory and ginger and sweet
Like caramel, and chocolate, and the honey of bees.
Dark as leopard spots, light as sand,
Children buzz with laughter that kisses our land,
With sunlight like butterflies happy and free,
Children come in all the colors
of the earth and sky and sea.

Sheila Hamanaka

Happy Birthday Lil Shorty Daddy misses you...

More on Adoption.

2006-09-03T02:10:00.000-07:00

The videos listed below represent a snipet of what I was able to find on youtube in relation to adoption. My only inputs were the word Adoption placed in the search bar. I came up with some interesting returns, China is definately producing some happy families for those in the west, while the rest of the world (at least those representing on youtube) are way behind, waaaaay behind. I was hard pressed to find video stories of any kind on black children (all of them) period. If this is some thing that is of interest to you please read more at:

Rachels Tavern

One way to look at racism is to think of adoption as an industry. While adoption agencies may be full of well meaning people, adoption is a market, like it or not. In the adoption market children are the commodity, and these commodities are assign monetary values. Sociologist Amanda Lewis has studied race in the adoption industry. In a presentation I saw in 2004, Lewis noted that Black children are put into a separate category in most adoption agencies. Lewis also found that the prices quoted for adopting Black children were significantly lower than those assigned to white children. In the adoption industry, healthy white babies are in high demand and low supply. I hate using economic language to talk about children in the ways that we talk about cars, jewels, or houses, but racism assigns a higher value to white babies. While love is certainly important in the adoption process, money and power are also important. There are more whites who want to adopt white babies and have the financial means to do so. Unfortunately, in some cases white families decide to adopt black children when they are unable to find or afford a healthy white child.

Talking about adoption.

Subject shares her experiences as a foster parent and goes into some detail about the process of becoming one.

Our Gotcha Day

Another of the many (on youtube) stories about families adopting from China, the title caught me a little of guard until after viewing several video's I saw that this was a particular term used in international adoption (or at least in China).

Bring me hope

The Chinese videomercial for adoption. Very polished and tailored to a specific audience (guess who?)...

Mia Rene: The Road Home

A South American Story. This appears to be a personal account of 2 people adopting a baby girl from Guatemala.

New Life Home

This is a story on the New Life Home, I am positive I have seen this one BET on Sunday afternoon during the paid programming sessions.

The Adoption of Shen

More from China. Notice the adoption center scenes quite a few white people in the waiting room...

Gay Adoption: Colbert Quickie

Colbert being Colbert.

Haiti adoption

The second of a very few Black adoption stories that I found.

Losing Isaiah

This is the court room scene where Sam works his way through the "love is blind" defense/stance/approach/method. Question, why do we have to playout every funky ass streotype imaginable in this movie?

Once again this was/is a continuation of my blog entry on the NYT Transracial Adoption piece, and after reading Rachel's take I decided to revisit this from the experiences of others via youtube. Your thoughts would be appreciated...
Holla...
NARO%

Event Horizon

2006-08-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

RO-MAN 06: The 15th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication
6-8 September 2006University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom

Theme: Getting to Know Socially Intelligent Robots
Human-Robot Interaction and Communication is a quickly growing research area at the intersection of research fields such as robotics, engineering, psychology, ethology and cognitive science. Significant initiatives are currently underway funded by public, academic, governmental as well as industrial initiatives, exploring and aiming at advancing this research field and opening up novel and challenging applications. Robots moving out of laboratory and manufacturing environments face hard problems of perception, action and cognition. For robots to be accepted as assistants or companions in people's private homes and everyday environments technological solutions do not suffice: The `human in the loop', as the potential customer and user will decide on the ultimate success of a `home robot' as a product. Application areas that heavily involve human contact are a particularly challenging domain.

Welcome to UbiComp, September 17-21, 2006

Ubicomp 2006, the Eighth International Conference of Ubiquitous Computing, will be held in Orange County, California, September 17-21, 2006, hosted by the University of California, Irvine. Ubicomp is the premier international forum for research in ubiquitous computing, bringing together designers, computer scientists, social scientists, and artists, to discuss recent developments and future advance.

ADAPT 2006 ConferenceMontreal, Quebec CanadaSaturday, September 23 - Sunday, September 24, 2006

The ADAPT 2006 Conference will allow concept artists, modelers, riggers, animators and the like an opportunity to expand their capabilities and stimulate innovation by exposing them to the latest and most advanced digital art techniques used by the most acclaimed artists from Montreal to Hollywood and around the world.

Propaganda Techniques

2006-08-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

FREE YOUR MIND.

Fight the Power: The Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force

2006-08-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

This is fighting the power, this is repping the hood, this is setting it off. I just wonder how many more people fighting for thier rights, are going to be looked upon as militants and the like. How long are we going to let this kind of shit go down in our homeland. Some times I think people have really "lost" their minds. This is our people, this is our fight. Whats really hood about this whole situation is we are talking about the same old stuff, the same old natural resource, the same old funky ass spin. but before we begin our lesson lets do a quick review to get everyone up to speed. Please refer to my other entry on Africa if you need anymore background info.

NIGERIA Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Despite some irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history. A series of repressive and corrupt governments in Nigeria have been supported and maintained by western governments and oil corporations, keen on benefitting from the fossil fuels that can be exploited. As people and transnational oil corporations have been fighting over this “dark nectar” in the delta region, immense poverty and environmental destruction have resulted. There have been many clear examples of corporate influence in the Nigerian military repressing the protestors. The military have been accused of thousands of killings, house/village burnings, intimidating people, torture and so on. From Shell's involvement in the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa to Chevron-marked helicopters carrying Nigerian military that opened fire upon protestors, the corporations are facing harsh criticisms for the way they have been handling (or encouraging) the situation. Criticisms abound about the way the oil companies have neglected the surrounding environment and health of the local communities. The Niger Delta is the richest area of biodiversity in Nigeria, but regular oil spills that are not cleaned up, blatant dumping of industrial waste and promises of development projects which are not followed through, have all added to the increasing environmental and health problems. The latest government has tried to be more democratic and open, which provides hope. However, there are still a number of problems to be solved, including corruption and religious tensions between Muslims and Christians. There were riots and killings, for example, at Muslim calls for imposition of Sharia, Islamic criminal law. (CIA FACT BOOK)

The Usual suspects:
Olusegun Obasanjo (born March 5, 1937) is the president of Nigeria (since 1999). A born-again Christian of Yoruba extraction, Obasanjo was a career soldier before serving twice as his nation's head of state, once as a military ruler, between February 13th, 1976 and October 1st, 1979 and again, currently, as elected president.

PERSONAL INFORMATION Full Name : Lieutenant General Martin Luther Agwai Date of Birth :8 November 1948 Place of Birth :Gidam Mana, Kaduna, Nigeria Armour Officers Basic Course (USA). : April-August 1974 Gunnery Instructors Course (UK). : January-April 1975 Armour Officers Advanced Course (USA) : August 1977- May 1978 Junior Division Staff College. (Nigeria) : October-December 1978 Senior Division Staff College. (Nigeria) : August1980- June 1981 Special Staff Intelligence Course.(Nigeria) : October-November 1983 British Army Staff College (UK). : September 1985- November 1986 National War College. (Nigeria) : September 1996 – July 1997 National Defence University (USA). : June 1999 - June 2000

The main multinational oil companies operating in the region are Shell (accounting for more than 40 percent of the volume of production), Mobil and Chevron, in that order. Other companies with significant presence in the Delta are the Italian company Agip, France's Elf-Aquitaine (commonly known as Elf), and Texaco. All of these companies operate on the basis of a joint venture with the Nigerian government. The itch: The upstream oil industry is the single most important sector in the country's economy, providing over 90% of its total exports. Oil is produced from five of Nigeria’s seven sedimentary basins: the Niger Delta, Anambra, Benue Trough, Chad, and Benin. The Niger Delta, the Onshore and Shallow Offshore basins can be considered fairly well to well explored. Ventures here are low risk and the basins contain about 80% of producing wells drilled in Nigeria. During the later 1990s exploration focus turned to high risk ventures in the frontier basins of the deep water offshore with encouraging success. These ventures are becoming increasingly attractive with developments in deepwater exploration and production technology. Nigeria is a member of OPEC. Its crude oils have a gravity between 21·API and 45·API. Its main export crudes are Bonny Light (37·) and Forcados (31·). About 65% of Nigeria’s oil is above 35·API with a very low sulphur content. Nigeria’s OPEC quota is 1.89 million bbl/d. The upstream oil industry is the single most important sector in the economy. In January 2005 Oil and Gas Journal estimated that Nigeria contains proven oil reserves totaling 35.2 billion barrels. The Nigerian government plans to expand its proven reserves to 40 billion barrels by 2010. Most of this is produced from the prolific Niger River Delta. Despite problems associated with ethnic unrest, border disputes and government funding, Nigeria’s wealth of oil makes it most attractive to the major oil-multinationals, most of whom are represented in Nigeria, with the major foreign stakeholder being Shell.
The truth and nothing but the truth: Shell in Nigeria Security Policy Our policy in response to community incidents is clear. We will neither use force, nor request its use to suppress demonstrations by peacefully protesting communities, even if oil production is disrupted. Dialogue to resolve the underlying problems - not force - is the answer in such situations. But there is a difference between peaceful protest by a community (where a large number of people in that community support the non-violent action) and criminality (or lawlessness) by groups of individuals. As in any other part of the world, the government has a duty and an obligation to uphold the rule of law - whilst at the same time respecting the human rights of its people. In areas where armed crime and lawlessness are widespread, appropriate policing is required. It is against the law to employ armed civilian guards in Nigeria. Instead, businesses apply for specially seconded police, whose sole task it is to provide protection against crime. The duty of these people is to protect and guard our staff and facilities. The military does not guard any of our operations, except the two crude oil terminals at Forcados & Bonny which are of strategic importance to the country. Hostage taking and violence Since 1998 there has been a spate of hostage taking and violent incidents involving the use of guns which at one stage, involved over 200 Shell staff and contractors being held against their will. Other incidents involved the forcible shutting down of facilities by armed gangs, road and rig blockades, seizure of equipment and widespread sabotage. One pipeline was blown up with explosives. These activities on the part of those who chose to take direct action against us precipitated a crisis, which to a certain extent still continues, although incidents of this nature have decreased in number since 2000. While there are ongoing problems in the Delta region, it is true to say that Shell Nigeria has a good relationship with the majority of its host communities. If this were not the case the company's oil production would have decreased considerably more than it has. Tackling unemployment and inequality, are the keys to reducing tension and restoring peace in the region. Some body must be smoking some good ass royal dutch crack cuz these fools dont even believe this shit. The shell truth was taken straight from their corporate site. Thats what happens when you wear wooden shoes...

The resistance:
Moujahid Dokubo-Asari, who heads the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, is seen as a folk hero by many poor residents who complain they've never shared in the country's oil wealth. Dokubo-Asari claims to be fighting for self-determination in the region and greater control over oil resources for more than 8 million Ijaws. The NDPVF says it is seeking a better deal for the Ijaw people, the largest tribe in the Niger Delta which accounts for most of Nigeria's oil production. The Egbesu Boys and the other Ijaw youths who are sabotaging oil installations issued an ultimatum called Kaiama Declaration on December 11, 1998. The Ijaw Youth Congress demanded the immediate withdrawal from Ijawland of all military forces of occupation and repression by the Nigerian State. Any oil company that employs the services of the armed forces of the Nigerian State to "protect" its operations will be viewed as an enemy of the Ijaw people. It has expressed solidarity with other peoples organisations and ethnic nationalities in Nigeria who are struggling for self-determination and justice, notably the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (Mosop), and the Egi Women's Movement.

The future: No matter what you think, what happens at "home" affects us all. The struggle is world wide and there is no amount of rationalization you can feed me to change this. These people, our people, are getting played, my question is what are you gonna do about it? Talkin bout revolution aint nuthin but talk... Bricks cost about a buck at lowes, home depot, and the garden center. Luckily for you there's a shell station on just about every corner.

"I'll hit yo ass with a brick"
NARO%

the power of ventriloquism

2006-08-23T00:49:00.000-07:00

when you say things to people, to your people, in the spaces that you do, from the space which you occupy, do you think we feel you, see you, hear you, recognize you?

Public calls sound like just what they are, background noise, its sounds political, sounds like you really talking to someone else, through someone else. If you wanna reach me stop talking at the university and take yo ass to the streets, if I am at a university you can best believe I am in a "better" space. Take yo ass to a jail, take yo ass to the deepest ghetto and talk this talk you talk, show me some gold nigga. I can say this to you because I have defeated the "odds" and do so daily. I face the odds, and they don't like me, and this leads me to my question for you and all of your talk on responsibility:
IF I AM HERE AND I STILL GET ALL THE BS YOU TALKING ABOUT WE MIGHT GET OVER IF WE GET OUR SHIT TOGETHER, WHATS REALLY GOING ON?
As a matter of fact shits no damn different than the hood nigga, and that's real. Everyone ready to bust yo ass at the drop, lack of morals, lack of character, all kinds of foul stank bitch made weak ass pootbut shit! And you want me to aspire to this? Get yo shit right Bill, cut the strings cuz I'm tired of the house nigga gonna get the darkies in line routine, didn't you make a movie about that shit awhile back with ya boy? I'm tired of funky ass oblique, ambivalent, secondary racism which indirectly you promote. How so? Well lets just say a lot of white folks are comfortable with cliff huxtable, white folks that have those very same forementioned traits, are quick to spout of some of your hot ass gibberish like I'm supposed to fall my black ass in line cuz yo ass said it? Get the fuck outta here! Bill you really fucking up my steeze, by invalidating the space that we have been provided/exist/try to expand you are serving the very whims of those who don't wish us to excel, and I'm getting tired of the "exceptional negro" character I don't need to prove to no one who and what I am. What I am is an individual who is at the threshold of the institution and I see our sons and daughters becoming, becoming what is my mission, my passion, and its real. Not some make believe toughlove pull yourself up by the boot straps BS, nigga you better get yo ass in these streets, everyday, if you wanna see the change you say you wanna see.
Take some notes from Harry (Belafonte), all balls, no bull.

when you say things to people, to your people, in the spaces that you do, from the space which you occupy, do you think we feel you, see you, hear you, recognize you?

Editorial note: while I try to avoid polarizing situations within our cultural space I must make an exception on things of this nature, especially by individuals who have the power to make sweeping changes on our behalf.

Cut the strings...
NARO%

it doesnt matter any ways.

2006-08-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

The invisible barrier is what separates us, keeps us from our true selves. Me from me, you from you, you from me, and me from you. All of these things blocked, preventing what it is we ultimately desire, the truth. We use these barries as a shield, and at times a spear, but in the end we are left with what? I stepping away from my barriers (shit was slowing me down anyways) stepping into myself, some who know me think, there's more? If you only knew... Rise to the challenge, and not to the false games man places in front of you. Rise to the challeges of your dreams. Not to the status quo, but your own path, you are and always will be your own greatest challenge.

Elevate

Supernova

2006-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

A supernova is a stellar explosion that produces an extremely bright object made of plasma that declines to invisibility over weeks or months. There are several different types of supernovae and two possible routes to their formation. A massive star may cease to generate fusion energy from fusing the nuclei of atoms in its core and collapse inward under the force of its own gravity to form a neutron star or black hole, or a white dwarf star may accumulate material from a companion star until it nears its Chandrasekhar limit and undergoes runaway nuclear fusion in its interior, completely disrupting it. In either case, the resulting supernova explosion expels much or all of the stellar material with great force.

Flame on...

Modern day slavery: The continued focus group experiment

2006-08-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

The School to prison pipeline

Prisons in America

Project footprints

Incarcerated scarfaces

As I stared into the beautiful distance towards the field I was griped with this enormous feeling of trepidation. I began to panic. I took a deep breath and still I panicked. An overwhelming feeling of sadness and pain came over me. There was also a connection with the spirits of my own ancestors. This is not some romantic post about someone who is in touch with the ancestors. There are some of you who may not believe in a connection with the ancestors. This is something that I have always believed in.

Stephen Bess
Morphological Confetti

Yo Stephen, I feel it too...
NARO%

Tertiary awareness...White people, Black babies.

2006-08-17T02:06:00.000-07:00

“It’s about getting people to realize that they should not be thinking about being, as one 8-year-old put it to me, ‘a white family with a weird child,’ but a multiracial family,” Ms. Stigger said. “The way most white people use the term ‘colorblind’ is just silly. We want to create color aware families, not colorblind families.”
Breaking Through Adoption’s Racial Barriers By LYNETTE CLEMETSON and RON NIXON
Published: August 17, 2006 New York Times

At the heart of this story lies a very interesting point within the confines of faciality, what it is to be raised black, and what it is to be raised black from an outside perspective. while the story brings to light some points of interest in the areas of "transracial" adoption (which I am cool with as long as all participants are ready to man the hell up) since I wasnt privy to all the data I will base my assumptions on the data provided.

Geography the importance of space in social development- "A white judge initially denied Nick and Emily Mebruer’s petition to adopt a black child, ruling that the Mebruers, a white couple who live in rural Lebanon, Mo., were “uniquely unqualified” to parent a black child because of their limited interaction with black people and culture." While this ruling was overturned I think the focus of the means to disqualify the family was vaguely defined, and rooted in theories which end up leaving children without the opportunity to grow up within a family setting. Not saying that the Judge wasnt on the right path, but just saying "uniquely unqualified" is an extremely weak "politcally correct" cop out. Now if this couple was from the Bay Area (Berekely, Oakland, San Francisco) do you think this ruling would be appropriate? Are white people who are exposed to Black people on the regular more suitable subjects for transracial adoption? We could argue these points, but this would be a superficial argument at best, even the article cites research from an individual right out of this process "Robert O’Connor, 39, who was raised by a white family in Rush City, Minn., recalled his struggles growing up in a small town with few other blacks. Throughout his youth, he said, he felt awkward around other blacks." I think the parameters need to be one identified, explored, understood, then acted upon, by white people who want to enter into these types of responsibilities (hence the man the hell up). The responsibility of a parenting is now twofold with the responsibility of providing these black children with the proper exposure the their indigenous culture, sans bias, without the caveat of "colorblindness". There are too many babies without homes for me to squander away time that could be spent in a nurturing environment, but that environment must be equiped to handle the social and cultural needs of the subject. The love will find away mentality is a quick ticket to sentiments provided by Mr. O'Connor and others in the story.

Foreign vs Domestic- What I didnt seem to understand was the reoccuring theme of foreign vs domestic, and why every one cited in the story who was against this practice happend to be black (american). Either these are some very short sighted individuals or I 'm reading into this waaay to much. My question is whats the difference if a white couple adopts a little child from Rawanda or one from Detroit? The child is still black, the parents still have the twofold responsibility, every dynamic that was in place before is still in place. It also goes to show the scope of the plight of black children on a global scale (stop thinking local folks, this is global).

Hero worship- What I see from some of our more publicized adoptions as of recent, is the glamoritization of the white savior (see forms of thought for the analysis). While I hope that this would never be the intent of an individual who chooses to adopt a black child, it is something that needs to be addressed.What is your intent, is this some sort of psuedo altruism based on shallow notions which indirectly satisfy your own ego? or is this truly the one fight you are prepared to take on knowing there is no final round, no end, once you go black you never go back...

Variables- Since we are on the topic of transracial adoptions lets take it "above the rim". Lets say two white women (lesbians married in New Hampshire) decide to adopt a little black boy what are the parameters involved here? Now we got the race/sex thing right up front where we really, really, dont like it!

For the good or the bad that surrounds the global future, I for one do see a more "multicultural" society but not in the superficial redundant usage of the word we kick around today. I mean a multicultural society where everyone understands and values the cultures present on this planet (WHITE PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AND PRIMARILLY) to a degree where condescending notions are cast aside to make way for the true "civilized" stanards we (you) claim to want for humankind.

“We felt like it was an indictment of us and our entire community,” said Mrs. Mebruer, a family doctor, as Maggie played with a black doll in the center of the living room and danced to the Australian children’s group the Wiggles. “It was assuming that we didn’t have the desire or the capacity to learn.”

"Cowboy Up"
NARO%

Pre-season Hype.

2006-08-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

A discussion that was never finshed...
When I compare sports to legal slavery I do so on a very MACRO level. I involve the entire system, educational (or lack there of), social (exploitation), and the overall mentality of a select few men who as a hobby and an over abundance of cash can affect the hopes and dreams of so many black people. It starts off with the field negro mentality, the owners aquire the best bucks to tend the farm (in this case the court/gridiron). Now these cats are making mad loot no doubt, but the money does not free you from the confines of culturally imposed and enforced codes that exist in our land today. Ask Stephan Mabury, ask Allen Iverson, ask any nigga playin hoops,who he works for. What I really love is the fact that these owners can pay these cats 100mil, and we call the player greedy, hell if i can afford to throw some ghetto ass kid who cant read a hundred mil for six years to shoot the rock, how much money am I really making. And have you ever been to a combine, that shit looks like something straight outta Amistad, cats walking around damn near naked while all these white cats are preparing to pick who they gonna put on their plantations (opps I mean teams). Now All of these kids coulda done something else for a living, and looking like you at a slave auction maybe part of the territory, but if you view all the drafts in sports, its like they have commercialized the slave trade, and these kids whose only "opportunity" in life is to play hoops, for organizations that could give 2 shits about your beliefs, your culture, and will sell your ass to a new master the moment your production falls off. And dont get uppity with master or hell get his media buddies to really put a slant (anti nigger machine) on your funky/cocky/ungrateful nigger attitude. I could go on and on especially with the whole farm system, it starts in high school, kids place a premium on being the spectacle the icon (thats some ol roman gladiator left over pimpin) instead of learing, and why, cause master will pay you good money to shoot that ball, but if you can read and write well, we all know what that will get you. So we end up with a million baby jordans, baby T.O.'s just lookin for the chance to shake they ass every time they make a basket or, get a first down. Just watch how the owners sit up in they box and laugh at they coons as they do the jig. Slavery is anything that MAKES YOU FEEL as if you cant do nothing more than that to succeed in life. Thats your role, thats what you're here for. I 'll bet if you took all of the atheletes of color out of the who's who of money that list would fall the fuck off (as far as "minority" representation goes). Now dont get me wrong I love hoops, football, and baseball (if they got a black player), but the message that society gives in the case of the NBA, NFL, and all the other sport is that niggas aint good for nothing but entertainment purposes. So in the end the slave mentality manifests in several ways: 1 we cant even see how massa sells us on tv and makes a big ass production outta being the first nigga picked to shake his ass, and drink sprite. 2 More and more of our people see this as a means for ESCAPING the plight of the kneegro, having a 50 mil dollar house aint gonna make white folks treat you no better, especially when the boss has a 500mil dollar stadium you play in as a hobby. 3 if I can keep niggas out real shit like math, science, writing I will always be the boss. Remember when niggas wasnt allowed to read? The concept has been supplanted by the need to play sports, if all my people wanna play hoops and rap/sing/dance, who gonna lead us to the promise land? Chris Rock made an excellent comment when he said books is like KRYPTONITE to a nigga, and I'm sure there are a bunch of owners/masters who are just fine with that...

They ask you to wear suits, they dont like your tattoo's, no dancing, every thing you do they have a counter for. Just play the game, and keep the distractions to a minimum... Just keep making me that loot boy. And every year they look for that new improved, well "packaged" kneegrow that six millon dollar man, faster, better, stronger, kneegrow. And you have kneegrow's who try to rationalize this practice as an opportunity, and that just what it is, an opportunity to serve the M/F.

"we can rebuild him"
NARO%

Childrens books: Barnes and Noble's on Chlidrens Africana...

2006-08-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

The little white boy that could... So I'm video conferencing with my wife and I remind her that my nephews Bday is steadily approaching and we need to get him something to read before he heads off on his own transcontinental voyage (This kid logs damn near as many frequent flyer miles as I do). So as we talk and surf the web simultaneously; me checking blog entries for the multiple typo's that I leave (I know, I know), and her in search of a good book for my little "jet setter" to rock on his travels around the world, until she comes back with "you need to check out the selections in the Barnes and Nobles Childrens Africana section" (my wife has a keen eye for the profoundly obvious) I knew right then I was going to have my next blog entry. So we said our good nights and good mornings and thats when I started my research/study/critique/rip session on some punk ass literary tycoons...

Mind you, the defenders of Barnes & Nobles will say these are based on certain criteria (blah blah blah), or the categories are computer generated (just like the wal-mart planet of the apes fiasco) but lets get one thing clear, the computer dont input data, people do, and this is the focus of this blog entry.

Who decides what is Africana? Is it a programmer from some suburban town with 10 black families? Is it the board of trustees, working with the publishers to ensure the maximum exposure for their products? How does a book like The Adventures of Huck Finn end up in the Africana section in the first place?Now I cant rip on the fact that if you go to childrens africana and use the bestseller input that 3 Twain editions pop up in the top 10, thats not my argument, I just wanna know who said these books represent childrens africana?

The little white boy that should, while my own personal bias towards/against this book isnt the only reason for my position.
***Huck Finn established/maintains the "lovable" notions of a more genteel time. Where a little "free sprited" white boy could lead a runaway slave on a journey along the mississippi. This story has been the corner stone for every black/white buddy movie in hollywood, 48hrs, the Toy, Mission Impossible, White men Cant jump, you name it, and somewhere in the story I see good ol Huck leading Jim up the mississippi, okay maybe its just me, but this book will never be on any of my top tens except Books that shouldnt be required reading in every public school in america?***** My real question is towards Mr.Riggio. It would seem that as an individual who has created one of the biggest venues for the aquisition of books on the planet, that you would have a better lets say "understanding" of the operational mechanics of your empire. Now I see you have an outstanding management team (none of which are black), with accolades and acomplisments that any literary tycoon would love to have working for them, but my question to you Sir is, would you consider Huck Finn to be Childrens Africana? I mean you gotta know a little something about books, its what you do...

Yo Leo, I thought you were on the Black Childrens Community Crusade tip like it says in your bio? Huck Finn doesnt have shit to do with childrens africana, thats like saying Star Wars the Empire Strikes Back is a black film because Billy Dee Williams played Lando, so get at your peoples and fix this shit up, thank you.

"Dont Let the smooth taste fool ya!"

NARO%

Industrial Complex.

2006-08-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

Ok I’ve been working on a level of communication with you the reader, and for the most part I think you can see my process, so from now on I'm just gonna run with it, newbies bear with me.

Industry- Industry in the second sense became a key sector of production in European and North American countries during the Industrial Revolution, which upset previous mercantile and feudal economies through many successive rapid advances in technology, such as the development of steam engines, power looms, and advances in large scale steel and coal production. Industrial countries then assumed a capitalist economic policy. Railroads and steam-powered ships began speedily integrating previously impossibly-distant world markets, enabling private companies to develop to then-unheard of size and wealth.

Complex- In psychology a complex is generally an important group of unconscious associations, or a strong unconscious impulse lying behind an individual's otherwise mysterious condition: the detail varies widely from theory to theory. The term "complex" was coined by Carl Jung when he was still a follower of Sigmund Freud. He described them as being 'nodes' in the unconscious. If a trauma from childhood, say, is still affecting a patient, then the behaviours, thoughts, and dreams of the individual could well still be under the influence of a complex developed in their formative years. The term complex system formally refers to a system of many parts which are coupled in a nonlinear fashion. Because they are nonlinear, complex systems are more than the sum of their parts because a linear system is subject to the principle of superposition, and hence is literally the sum of its parts, while a nonlinear system is not.

Just some basics, definitions so we can all agree on what it is we are talking about. Ok you can probably see where this is going, and while not to make this a white supremacy diatribe etc, etc. We can assume from the DEFINITIONS that Industry is linked with Europeans and North Americans (White), and Complexity could be described as a system or thought process in relation to the individual or institution. Taken farther, one could assume that the term industrial complex relates to a system/methodology where its facilitators have induced a condition which perpetuates this complex (mental and physical) in every form of people activity among those in contact with the system. In the intel world they call it the “floating box” it’s a surveillance technique where your entire environment is constructed and manipulated by those who wish to enforce some type of control. You become a “Project” the subject of intense scrutiny and the best way to control this project is through modeling. A controlled experiment in which all of the inputs and outputs are tested to ensure maximum affectivity. We will take a look at modeling from an old favorite IBM.

Modeling can be an effective way to manage the complexity of software development. It enables communication, design and assessment of requirements, architectures, software and systems. In spite of these virtues, mainstream software development has yet to take advantage of modeling in everyday practice. This white paper examines how modeling provides not only visual but also textual content, and why the combination is important. It also explains how to model throughout the various phases of the software development life cycle and what modeling types are appropriate for each phase. Although the focus will be on modeling as a discipline in itself, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) will be used as the common means for expressing the models.

The Value of Modeling
An IBM technical discussion of software modeling
June 2004

I’ll leave the white paper thing alone (for now), what I do want to point out is that when you look at systems it’s very easy to understand the commonality of effects regardless of the situation. Meaning wither you are building a computer software program, or a social control program, the system follows a set of basic principles. This is where we see the effects of modeling in relation to the complex (mental). The construct has been manipulated to a point where any attempt to define or react to controls are deemed as deviations from the norm, extreme, or radical. The Focus Group is conditioned both consciously and unconsciously into a state of blindness. So how do we lift the veil that is set into place to eliminate the logical assumptions, first you must learn the language of the system, its process, its method.

This process of logically questioning what is commonly accepted can be used to help a non-white person ensure that they aren’t confused about exactly what is actually happening. Although this piece of counter-racist codification may appear to be “simplistic” overall, it is effective enough to help the user remain focused on exactly what the problem is, and the best way to go about solving it without mistreating anyone. While existing in a system of Racism/White Supremacy, the only way a victim of- racism (a non-white person) can be 100% certain that a White person is NOT a Racist/White Supremacist is by the destruction of the system of Racism/White Supremacy altogether. Until this takes place, there is no way a victim can be absolutely certain that a White Person is or is not a Racist/White Supremacist. Moreover, the chief weapon of a Racist/White Supremacist is deception via the use of language. Therefore, it can be dangerous for a victim-of-Racism to accept any other evidence that a White person is or is-not a Racist/White Supremacist other than the replacement of the system of Racism/White Supremacy, preferably with the system of Justice.

A Counter-Racist review of what Racism/White
Supremacy is and how it works.
By Winston Wolfe

Now that we can see the system emplaced around us, how do we orchestrate change within a system that was created to administer control in all forms of people interaction? How do we change the structure, redesign the industrial architecture to relieve the stress imposed upon those previously classified as subjects. How do we reboot a complex system that is continuously refined in rhizomatic fashion, can we reboot a complex system of this nature without the total destruction of one or more participants in the game? Who’s gonna take the weight?

An institution may be represented as one of a number of possible conventional equilibria in which members of a population typically act in ways that are best responses to the actions taken by others and have formed expectations that support continued adherence to these conventional actions. Examples include simple principles of division such as "finders keepers" or "first come first served," as well as more complicated principles of allocation such as the variety of rules which have governed the exchange of goods or the division of the products of one's labor over the course of human evolution. Because a convention is one of many possible mutual best responses defined by the underlying game, institutions are not environmentally determined, but rather are of human construction (but not necessarily of deliberate design). Thus it is of some interest to ask which of these will obtain, and why one convention might in the course of time be eclipsed by another. Game theorists refer to this as the problem of equilibrium selection; historians call it the problem of structural change, institutional innovation, or (in some settings) social revolution.
Samuel Bowles

Santa Fe Institute and the
University of Massachusetts
July 7, 2001

This if anything was an attempt at creating a dialogue about systems thinking and its application in society (especially for black folks). It was a peek into constructive realism and the need to be aware of environments that occupy the space around us. Finally it is a question that I present to all of you; How do we cure the “Industrial Complex”?

Inquiring minds want to know…
Naro%

Related links:
INTRO TO FOT
Santa Fe Institute
IBM Systems Journal
General Systems Theory
Art of War Strategy cards

My own personal collection: 10 shots to the dome...

2006-08-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

My ten shots to the dome:

EMPIRE OF CHAOS

SAMIR AMIN

This is one of those books that makes people look at you like "That dude is trouble"

THE REALITY OF THE MASS MEDIA

NIKLAS LUHMANN

"SHE WATCH CHANNEL ZERO"

THE WORLD IS FLAT

THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

When everybody in business class was reading this book on five different flights I thought it was time to take a look...

TOWARDS A NEW ARCHITECTURE

LECORBUSIER

This nigga put the "P" in the projects. Lecorbusier was to the projects like Einstein was to the A bomb.

SCHOOLING IN CAPITALIST AMERICA

SAMUEL BOWELS

This cat works/writes does something for one of my favorite sites for working papers the Santa Fe Institute, and they only roll with really big brained bitches.

COUP D'ETAT

EDWARD LUTTWAK

Just in case cats grow some nuts they gotta have a good handbook.

A THOUSAND PLATEAUS

DELEUZE AND GAUTARI

I have been reading this since 2000 and it still blows my mind... Over and over again.

THEORY OF THE LEISURE CLASS

THORSTEIN VEBLIN

"Shaping the cannons of taste and decency" Yo jigga you should have read this joint before you started your boycott...

YURUGU

MARIMBA ANI

Use your own words, we all got black books, but this is an exceptional treastie on the psychosis of european racism

HAGAKURE

YAMAMOTO TSUNETOMO

Notes on being a great man

Some good reads from my private stock, I tried to work the list in a way that reflected books of action. I also tried to put in some books that many of us educated black folk may not normally recommend. Change the game up on these suckas. Holla back if you feeling the list, holla back if you don't.

Reading bad ass books,
Now that's Gangsta...
NARO%

Ambivalent Racism (sexism too...)

2006-08-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

What is ambivalent racism- It is the prevailing train of thought in the mainstream that perpetuates attitudes that don't outright say nigger this or nigger that, but they mean it indirectly/directly. Its the get over yourself attitude or the subtle why you so sensitive, usually right after some galactic social faux pas which you happen to be the butt of.
This applies to Mens Magazines especially, you see the written word goes along way towards defining perceptions even in the high testosterone world of mens magazines. I have had the "fortunate" opportunity to review more than my share of mens magazines and while the latest lot favored by lacrosse players all over the US aren't political platforms, they are most definitely social ones. The cropping, cutting and pasting, the clever usage of photomontage with endless captions feed to an attention deficit, male form of thought, and it works. This is cultural programming for the next generation of white thought. The two areas I have noticed the most usage of the "white priviledge" are in the areas of racism and sexism.

Racism- The blurbs, info bleeps, and all the social data that provides content for these magazines are highly critical/satirical of people of color to the extent of extreme racism. The subtle usage of fashion, topless girls, and gadgetry often mask what many write off as good ol social fun.

Sexism- this is another area of even more blatant innuendo. While I am not talking about the direct visual content, I am describing the pretext for the captions that go along with the photo's/scenario's. Case in point Mixed Media Watch pointed out an excellent example of the utilization in a blurb about Pershia White.

What these magazine's create are the notions for the next generation of racist, bigots, sexist albeit well dressed assholes. The ability to create such a control mechanism, a mechanism which exudes the underlying tones of racist and sexist behavior on such a large scale create an environment of validation. The message must be "real" due to the sheer logistical scope of the undertaking and all of the other subsystems (white) which allow for it to thrive, function, and cultivate in the first place.

Its the racism you see on a daily basis
Its world leaders giving out backrubs...

The continued take it easy chill out dude, vibe is extremely dangerous. Its a culling of the mind telling you, its ok to be lesser, non equal, an object, a blurb. I see it all the time, a white person throws out the stooopidest comment IE. Nubian "so like your skin absorbs heat", and then expects an answer (a serious one) to this utterly ridiculous, grossly infantile, plain ass stupid inquiry. Or what about the "Voltron" technique (conflict you crazy!!) where you happen to be in the company of a group of white people and person A, starts going duke lacrosse on your ass and just when you are about to put him in check, these cats go and pull the old "whitey unitey" move and generally frame the situation as 1. being your fault. 2. Just a joke 3. why you so sensitive. 4. being your fault 5. being true. All of which are perpetuated indirectly/directly by magazines like Maxim;

"its no coincidence Spike Lee's highest grossing movie was the one where he stopped beating us over the head with politics"

(maxim august 2006)

Ohh this is waaaay to easy,the coincidence of money in relation to the subjects entertainment value to white people. This blurb while to most white people and many blacks may not appear overly offensive (like we have grades for this shit) is definitely operating within the sphere of ambivalent racism:

Translation- Stop making those Marcus Garvey back to Africa wake the fuck up movies and you might make some money, nigger.

I really like the beating us over the head that was some serious subtle slickness (these niggas aint feeling my double entendre ass). Since when have black folks ever beat anyone one over the head (except themselves, but that's another story) especially white folks in any kind of concerted mass media type scenario like we receive on an on going daily basis? Hell lets keep it way to reel (pun intended) how many white people have been on the receiving end of a Spike Lee bashing? Next time you go to to starbux, hooters, where ever ask your white homies if they seen a Spike Lee joint... and make sure you prepare for the "Voltron" because it will show up no doubt. The average white person has made his opinion of Spike based on trusted sources like Maxim, CNN and all the rest of the "mainstream" machine, which have formulated a method of "bulletizing" condescending cultural notions like the one presented in maxim.

MY Maxim white boy.
I got this "work homie" he's cool likes Hip Hop (thinks EMINEM is the greatest rapper), dresses hip (slightly metro) and rocks the cool slang, and disses the geeky white boys. Now as with everything there are many levels (but really only one) and this is how we engage normally: We share space when it is both mutually advantageous for the other. Social posturing to say the least. So one day he asks if I can hook him up with some MP3's for his IPOD "you know the hot shit", so I make sure I go professor griff on that ass and drop all of my non pop tight ass mental wordz afro dashiki positive black shit on his ass and then I throw in a control measure for the purpose of science.

MP3's include:
Pitch Black-Its all real
Jada Kiss-why
MOS Def- any cut he ever made
KRS One- Old school classic's
and then one or two cuts from Nelly, or the Yin Yang twinz.

So after some of my "best black shit" I wait about a week or so and ask "well how did you like the cuts?" And I immediately see a change of expression on the guys face one that haven't seen before, its him thinking. Yes I have set up the space, and yes this is a loaded question, and you know I am ready to see if this fool is gonna fumble the ball like Reggie bush in the rose bowl (I forgive you reggie). You see right now we are at war------> I am fucking with his space, the cool aloof ambivalence it about to show its head, and this is where you come to realize the problem with blurbs, the shit aint enough info to go to war one on one wit a nigga. The other's present not knowing the content of the music will have to rely on assumption and his use of codes words to begin the battle cry of "Voltron". His reply first off was "I liked the twinz cut, and that Nelly remix was the bomb, but the other stuff was too preachy". So I counter with "which stuff", because I gave you about 25 songs and you only mentioned 2. (not that I have a problem with Nelly or Yin Yang I just like my Rap with a different lets say overall value)

Move number 2---------------> This is how you fuck up the "Voltron" formation. You mean to tell me you weren't feeling the old school BDP? This has never failed to pull out the white cat who; one wanted to trump the Maxim white boy infront of everybody. This gives said individual the space to step in and put the heat on maxim and delays the formation because while its still a black white issue, it is now two white boys battling over the title of "uber cool" thus negating the call for "whitey unitey".

Editorial note: another quick way to disperse BS sans argument is state the obvious: Maxim would always ask me usually/always in the company of others who is the best MC (like this muther fucker know shit) and he would rattle off the usual biggie, nas, jay-z, pac, and eminem. Then he would press me for my list in front of his peers like this was the validation space for him to trump my blackness and further solidify his uber cool foundation. So Id break out my list of

#1.Rakim
#2 KRS One
#3 GURU
#4 MOS Def
#5 Big L

and his instant retort was EM has sold way more records than those cats (In typical maxim fashion), so he has to be the best rapper. and I replied "YES he is the best rapper", which drew some serious stares momentarily, and maxim was like "Ahh you feeling me now" ala malibu's most wanted, when I commented "yup EM is the best White rapper in the world" and walked off. Thats how you fuck a niggers space all up... You marginalize it, sound familiar?

Now I am not going to go into a further psychoanalysis of Maxim but his methods show several instances of cultural appropriation, and then attempts to use this appropriation at the expense of said culture for his own egotistical gain. This is the essence of ambivalent racism it lies in leveraging particular aspects of our own culture against us as a means to indirectly/directly further the "management of our space" by the manipulator utilizing "accepted mainstream notions" aka previously prepackaged "bulletized" blurbs when convenient.

5 things I don't give 2cents about you liking, doing, have done, wonder etc. about black people.

5. I don't care if you didn't grow up around black people (I didn't grow up around **inserert ethnic group here** and you dont hear me whining about it).
4. I dont give a fuck if your daddy, and mommy were/are racist so fucking what (you wanna cookie?)

3. I dont care if you like black girls, white boys, black boys, white girls, does it really matter, unless you are trying to impress me (which you just fucked up).

2. I dont give a rats ass what you think about greedy athletes, or how much you like Tiger Woods? You dont hear me complaining about Tony Stewart acting a damn fool on the track or kissing Steve Nash's ass to get in with you.

1. I REALLY DONT GIVE A FUCK IF YOU DONT LIKE RAP MUSIC SO GET THE FUCK OVER IT. Like you chastising me personally for all rap music and shit, next mother fucker who randomly just pops up and tosses that shit out they mouth better be ready for the BRICK i'm gonna toss at they ass... I dont like country music and you dont see me abitrarily telling white folks how funny that shit sounds to me or how every damn song sounds the same or cracking on the goofy ass ten gallon hats they rock or how wack Kenny Chesney looks with a tye dye shirt spitting country lyrics out his mouth WTF!

extra credit maxim bullets
I dont care if you think OJ was guilty. I dont make the laws so get over that one too...
I dont care about your political affiliation (all them fools can kiss my ass)
I dont care if you think Affirmative Action is reverse racism (IF YOU EVEN BRING THIS UP YOU ARE IMMEDIATELY PLACED IN THE FUCKING IDIOT CATEGORY FOREVER)
I dont care about------> any of the stupid ass even remotely racist qualifiers you might entertain throwing out of your mouth, keep it real or shut the fuck up. (thank you)

You remember that old crazy ass movie "They Live" where you had to rock the glasses to see the space niggas who was trying to take over the world? That was mad crazy, but the sad thing is, alot (yes i said alot, GET OVER IT) of white folks are practicing some form of ambivalent racism almost everyday and this is why magazines/people like maxim flourish because this is a culturally accepted practice. Better go and put yo Hata Blockers on if you think otherwise. thats enough for sunday,
Class Dismissed.

Ya'll cant see me.
NARO%

So you wanna make a black film...

2006-08-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

I dropped this science on Forms of Thought last year, but since I havent seen a bunch of ridiculous black movies on the horizon my spidey sense has started tingling. So for all of you suckas (punk ass hollywood film producers) who think you know something about black film, if you follow any of the operational conventions noted in the BMOC you really fuckin up... PS I heard ya'll niggas was makin a movie bout one of my favorite books (The White Boy Shuffle by Paul Beatty) PLEASE DONT FUCK MY SHIT UP, thank you...

The key to making a black move that is authentic is to follow the standard cultural conventions that are commonly called stereotype’s. Stereotypes unlike urban legends have evolved form cultural eccentricities that may not represent the majority of the culture but is recognizable by the culture as to having “black” qualities. Hence the affirmation of the stereotype by the focus group. By applying the stereotype’s to themes or issues that are identifiable to the focus group and applying the proper aesthetic anyone can create a truly black movie.

The black movie is defined by a set of cultural circumstances which are universal and no matter what your overall plot and theme, must be observed to keep the overall cultural quality “real”.

Must have scenes In this section we learn that every black movie has scenes that need to be included to “keep it real” because black people know when their lives are being misrepresented on the big screen and they take offense to that shit. So we have compiled a list of must have scenes and depending on your genre (sports, drugs, shitty schools, smart kid in da ghetto) the rules of implementation for the scenes. This is where you can really flip your creativity, feel free to mix and match genres just make sure you follow the conventions. Think of it like the Matrix some rules you can bend or break as long as you have a ghetto logical basis for the scene (and that pretty much gives you the license to do whatever, shoot a baby, runnin ten niggas over in a stolen car, have a gun fight in church! ) just make sure black folks can relate to this shit in some shape or form.

Back in the day scene – This usually brings up a senario in the transitional niggas younger life where he got his first “Message”
Getting Booty scene cause you gotta have the reason for “Miss Johnson’s” loud ass baby.
Nino Brown nigga scene every time this guy shows up on screen it has to be big time
We shall over come some day kneegrow spirtual scene where the transitional nigga decides to “do the right thing”
The bad nigga going to jail, getting shot scene
Your homeboy getting smoked scene
Black girl with a baby scene
Savior going to the ghetto scene
“You can do this I believe in you!”

Roles
The Savior:
Is seldom a young person, middle aged usually a rebel. Has had some type of police/military training. See’s what the transitional nigga can be. Usually has had some type of personal tragedy that leads them to the path of savior, a role of atonement, this person is usually damaged goods on the rebound, Goes in to the depths of the ghetto unscathed (save for the “why you wanna save us” speech/narrative) and NEVER, EVER DIES

The Transitional Nigga:
Is the one with the “gift” If he plays sports then the bald head nigga mustn't die, If his gift is intelligence bald head or some other ghetto influence must die. Is in direct communication with the nigga who made it back and the savior. Transitional nigga can elevate to the role of savior but he must die, and then and only then can bald head live to exact revenge fo his homie: note if you use this twist state bald head died or went to jail doing some grimey shit 3 weeks later.

The Bald Head Nigga:
Is always pulling the transitional nigga to the dark side, you gotta show the role doing some real grimey shit. The other side of “The Choice”. Usually played by a rapper. Must Die or go to jail, if this does not happen then the transitional nigga or the nigga who made it out must die. Bald head nigga must wear a hoodie some time in movie usually doing some grimey shit, unless he has corn rows which means it’s a west coast hood movie.

The Nino Brown Nigga:
Is the emperor, a ghetto legend has a benz or a hummer, bling, bling, and a crew of bald head niggas. The mentor to the bald head nigga, usually the reason for the choice the transitional nigga makes. Must die or go to jail, unless he is the nigga who made it out*(see rules) if he dies then bald head nigga must go to jail*. If he goes to jail then its most likely for killing bald head nigga or some other bald head niggas or even another Nino Brown Nigga. Insert crack, hoops, the projects, and some tight ass hip hop beats when he is on the scene. Usually has a show down with nigga who made it back, or the savior, this usually happens on the trip to the ghetto by the savior.

Names
Names Another very important part of your movie is how the characters address each other. Do not underestimate the effect and utilization of this convention. This is that phone call you got from Tyrone the telemarketer last night and you KNEW he was black based on the pinpointing of cultural norms in his speech utilization. This can make or break a hood movie, the accurate utilization of tense, pronouns, and proper names, in relation to the black cultural identity is a core element in KEEPIN IT REAL.

You already have a good black movie in you its just that you don’t know how to put it together. The easiest way to make a black movie is to keep it real simple. All of the characters have been well researched and tested. Just come up with a simple premise: Jamal wants to go to college, Lamar wants to own a rap label, Antwan don’t wanna go to jail like his daddy KEEP IT SIMPLE!! Use the plug-ins provided, and follow the rules that go along with them and BLAM you have a turn key Black film with every thing you need to get it in the theaters.

Full text (PDF) on "How to make a Black Film"
Way too real baby...
NARO%

P.S. peep this trailer, watch how the white cat breaks dudes ankles on the cross over! That shit reminded me of that ol Richard Pryor "Jerry West made niggas look ridiculous". Support Indie films... Fuck hollywood

No new growth: Dont get it twisted...

2006-08-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

And just when you thought I was about to go easy on you... Challenge yourself daily operate on many levels, maintain momentum, and follow up. You can relax later, right now we got things to do. Accepting responsibilty for a condition or the results of an implied condition, is a fools task. Recognize the system and be aware that any acceptance of conditions and the outcomes implaced by that system (imperialism) is nothing but a deflection of the true responsibility by the prime beneficiary. When you read books like Asset Based Thinking or any other for that matter be sure to stretch the limits of critical inquiry, then stretch'em again. Once more I am taking a piece of a discussion I had from an earlier post due to "similar conditions" reoccuring as of late. The truth is not mutually exclusive, no white truth, no black truth, just the truth, it's the individual who creates/emphasizes "inattentional blindness" to establish buffers that allow the mind to operate in predetermined socio-cultural settings. The box is all fucked up and there is no fix, no cure, time to move on... New formations, new growth, based upon the roots of this system eventually lead to the foundation. No new growth, for it is only a waste of time, which is in all actuallity a waste of space; how do you measure time? Think about it.

Forms of Thought April 06
What I see is the continued oppression of our people. It doesnt matter if the people who are inflicting the opression mirror us culturally or not (when it comes to the american version of this picture). While I praise and fully believe in rising up against persecution, what I see in this picture is the continued systematic ripple of imperialism that we face in America and Africa. What we have to do is to dig really deep into what it is that we are standing up against, and look this evil in the eye. I know for a fact that the same people who fight for "Democracy" around the world are the same people who benefit from pictures like the one posted above. A "gen" is an illusion, I dont want to fight for an illusion created by people who fund and facilitate the very same injustices pictured above. Maybe I'm looking at this on a very Macro level, but you can take this same image put a white dude in the place of the "Police man" and whammo you have any ghetto in the USA. Same persecution, same fight, same people standing up against the fight (me and you) and the exact same perps. I am just ready (beyond ready to take this) to another level, a level where we achieve global recognition as a people (respect) meaning that the "western democracy" stops manipulating the conditions which allow for the "prosperity" of our people both directly and indirectly. What I see in this picture is a attempt to maintain the status quo, an attempt to keep the reigns in place that have decimated our people in Africa and America, what I see in this picture is remote control. Now as an "asset based thinker" I would like to use this image and the hundreds of images like this as a catalyst for something even greater than change, and that would be an end to the system, an end to greed, an end to the exploitation, an end to the wanton death and destruction (in the US and Africa) of our culture and our people. Why is it the only time a new road gets built in the Cameroon it because it benefits an oil companies (non african) profits? Profits which would go to the people if this was and should be locally owned, like the Saudi's,Kuwaiti's etc (these are some of the richest people in the world). I cant comprehend why private (non African) companies run the oil game, rubber game, coco game, diamond game in Africa especially now in this day and age, but then I see images like this and understand the greed of men, and what it drives them to do...I know I was all over the place with this but like I said I am "a bit perplexed" and ready for some SERIOUS CHANGE.

HOT LIKE FIRE...

Naro%

Barbara "The Snatch" Walters

2006-07-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

All of you out there should have known this was coming. How you gonna ask a guest if you can touch they head? You lost bout 25 million credibility points, and to think, I tought you had a little bit o sense for an old white lady, but I guess not. If anyone who thinks this is not even remotely offensive you might wanna hit up this; "you might be a white supremacist if" over at Rachels just to refresh your memory. Shit dont make no damn sense, can I get a WTF up in this piece!

Stupid ass old lady...
better start acting like you know
before you get you some
NARO%

Thinking Positive: Asset Based Thinking

2006-07-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

I hit up on this book before, but the thoughts to action process has been on my mind as of late, so bear with me. I know many of the themes discussed in the book are nothing new and self help books are plentiful I just wanted to ask all of you 'know it alls' (in theory) to take a moment from your busy schedule of "knowing it all" to have a read. The book is fast and for the most part combines principles that are effective. The reason I am asking you to do this is because we need some change, quick effective, unilateral changes within or focus group. Lets just say I'm adopting this book until we come up with some of our own self help guides as a culture. We have plenty of books which describe situations, or give way to our plight at the hands of so and so, but what I am talking about is more in the areas of practicle exercise. We can get deep and technical and pitch intellectual theoretics all day long or we can start making our own changes. I'm cool with talking shit just as long as you ready to walk it.

"This brilliantly simple book on the philosophy known as Asset-Based Thinking, instills success-oriented habits in even the most die-hard cynic. Its transformational lessons--conveyed through unique photographic metaphors and inspiring stories from real people--reveal how the slightest shift in perception can lead to monumental results in both business and in life."

nepo ruoy seye
NARO%

I get my thang in action

2006-07-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

When I was a little man, this was the joint that made my day, made my week, and later defined my life. The message of this one little cartoon has had a profound impact on who I have become. I always believed that lil boy in the movie was me and I wanted to do everything to become the hero. That whole scenario was pure motivation, I was feeling Verb for real. Icons, images, positive aspects of our culture displayed to the masses, hell thats like finding a diamond in a bag of charcoals, shits rare as hell son. So when you ask me who were your influences I'm gonna say Mom, Pops, and a saturday morning cartoon that made me believe I could do anything... and I am.

Thats Whats happening

NARO%

Aron Ranen's Black Hair Documentary

2006-07-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I found this on my travels through youtube, I recommend you hit the link and check out all of the segments on the Black Hair Industry by Aron Ranen, this is an excellent piece. This is some serious black sixty minutes type stuff.
Peep game,
NARO%

The Geography of the Bush...

2006-07-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

I had to drop this since I heard the Politics of Hair Carnival was going down over at the TRUTH. I kinda hit off on this awhile back, Febuary I think it was, right before I was about to head to DC on some bidness. Anyways here's my story.

It was our second trip to the east coast as a family in less than 5 years, I didnt know all the reasons behind the moves but I did know one thing, I still had my "Bush" and I knew them lil DC niggas was gonna be clownin on my ass the moment I stepped off the bus, hell somma them bitches was gonna have jokes on the bus. The whole drive across the states I was obsessing over the fact that my Cali-Curl- Mini-Fro Circa 1982-83 was about to recieve some serious scrutiny (part 2), and it seemed like I was the only person in my family who gave a shit. Moms was still rolling with the "no fly zone" on the head so anything short of Dwayne from "whats happening" was out of the question. I dont know If you truly understand hair politics (especially DC early 80's hair) but this was the equivalent of wearing a swastika to a barmiztvha, niggas was gonna be on yo shit INSTANTLY!!
I remember rolling up to my school the first couple days, shit was quiet I guess niggas was feeling me out but I knew that shit was coming... you see my gear was ok so I was spared from the usual "Jonnin" (pronounced Joan-ing) but it was only a matter of time until some punk ass fresh off a defeat in front of the homies was gonna bust out with the "bush" jokes. And for the most part I held my own, I stayed away from groups, and avoided the funny niggas like the plague. So my middle school years spent in Landover MD, were ok I guess, if you wanna call lurking through the hall ways avoiding social contact cool, then ok, shit was fine. I guess for some reason Largo niggas was cool with the bush, that even became my nick name. "The Lil nigga with the bush". As long as I was in familiar territory cats would spare me the beat down and limit the "Bush" jokes to a minimum.
I remember a trip to the smithsonian with Mom's and some of my homies, Matt a lil white cat who could Pop Lock his ass off, and Jerald the chunkyass smartalec. The night before our trip I was starting to get that paraniod "Hair feeling" because I was going to DC. DC was like one big giant ghetto fairytale. That shit was the ultimate ghetto test, if you could hang in DC you had some real cred, cuz DC niggas didnt play. You always heard some kind of Ghetto Fabulous legendary shit about DC, hell you woulda thought niggas was ten feet tall up in that bitch. So my terriffied Berkeley -Landover ass was gonna do some preventive measures on the head real quick. So after everyone went to sleep I snuck into the bathroom and went for the razor... Since the clipper woulda been way too loud and the scissoirs were usless in my situation, I figured the razor would be my best course of action. So after an hour or so of some serious dry shaving I had what I thought was a pretty good fade. You see the fade was was a modified position of the "bush" meaning you had hair on the top of your head but not on the sides, this was some pre kid and play shit, pre heavy D square ass fade looking nigga. DC Fades or "Phillies" as they were called was some real pimp shit. I'll say one thing for DC them cats they was up on their hair game way before everyone else. I went to bed feeling relieved and knew that them DC niggas wasnt gonna be clowing on my ass. Needless to say the next morning Moms was pist!!!! She was not feeling the hairstyle one bit, my Dad just laughed and grabbed my head and inspected it up close then laughed his ass off again even louder than the first time, but I didnt care at least them DC fools werent gonna be clowing me! I could tell Moms was sad cause she was really proud of my hair, she always said said "why you wanna be like all the bald heads? Your hair is beautiful" but I wasnt trying to here that shit in no kinda way and woulda opted for the first free hair cut I coulda got for my lil ass had I the opportunity. With that we left for the museum and what I thought was cool happened to be jacked the fuck up...
So We were on the Metro and after a few stops we passed into DC and I was like ok shits not that bad, when all of the sudden the doors opened up on the train and some "Real DC Niggas" got on (theme music here). it took about 3.2 seconds for the first cat to bust out and say check out lil dude with Air force ones (jerald), yeah and check out the "bama ass nigga with the fucked up fade". I could have sworn the whole train busted out laughing. This cat was like dave chappelle in the nutty professor on my ass (you remember reggie) he was going to town, "That cats fade look like the barber took a break and never came back" now usually Moms would drop the glaring adult look and that would suffice (back then black moms had heat, they still do, but back then any moms could freeze yo ass up at anytime, anywhere, and you best act like you know) but Moms didnt even look in my direction, no assist, no nuthin, you fucked your head up, you deal with it... (now mind you my moms has never spoken a curse word in all, ALL of the years I have been around but I know she was cussing my stupid ass out in her mind!) After about three or four stops my tormentors resigned to deeper darker areas of DC and got off, and we continued on to the museum where after a few smart ass comments from fat ass jerald he asked "why did you do your hair like that?" and my mom was like yes why did you do your hair like that? So I said I didnt want the DC kids to make fun of me, and Moms was like "well I guess that didnt work" and we all had to laugh at that one...

Hair is deep,
this some ol 1990 swap meet T-shirt "Its a black thing you wouldnt understand" type shit. Its a bane, its a banner, its a painting by Henry O. Tanner. Jigga what Jigga who, I aint no nappy head jigga bo. Shits like this twist the soul, make a nigga wish he was creole... But dont cry, just go get you sum dat lye, let ya head fry, then a nigga be SOOPAFLY.
Hair is deep...

Nuff said, ya'll know the rest.
Naro%

Expanding my exposure...

2006-07-25T01:32:00.000-07:00

As of late I have been expanding the levels of exposure for Naro% and FOT, all of my primary vehicles for communication are converging, its time for a paradigm shift, a new form for the chaos of my thoughts to manifest. So if you made it here by way of my website,Forms of Thought, myspace, or the many who happen to come across my path IRL and actually use my business card, please connect the dots. Entertain these spaces for what they are, and what they represent.

Peace
Naro%

PS: What in the FUCK is up with Barbara Walters grabbing peoples hair????
"

Tactical notes #1: ReCognize Formations

2006-07-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

ReCognize Formations, I am Fig. 2 not Fig. 1, while the perception and condition of leading is alluring this fact is I am not "important". I am not the symbol, my thoughts, my words are not to be marveled upon. They are better served when they are used. Steal, copy, desseminate, and post in the widest possible method. That is your "Copyright", if you understand anything about wealth you will understand what it is I am "authorizing" you to do, and that is creating environments, moving space. A movement is about immanence and the particular qualia I am refering to is purpose, the sheer ubiquity of purpose. This is all men, not one, So as you study formations understand the importance of breadth, and the functionality of span. This is gradute level in the ART of WAR practice. A true king walks amongst his peoples.

Quick note on span: The amplification of the message seen in figure 1 is what is commonly know as charisma. The Power of the message is amplified for the leader by the space he occuppies, he is ahead, he is alone, and we follow him. Until the leader is stricken, and by the means of that very same span, we separate thus allowing our leaders to fall. Its all about the space baby...

Class dismissed.
Naro%

American Insurgent

2006-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

look, im hearing some things
right now that I don’t like at all
cause according to destiny’s child
aint none of us here soldiers at all

and the whole country right now
they just in love with that song
but I aint hear emsay nothing
but keep using the word soldier wrong

and I’ve been thru too much here
for yall to use the term so lightly
and these mofuckers they are describing
they are nothing like me
Reality Check

Live from Iraq 4th25

Black voices from the war in Mesopotamia.

Keepin it way to real son...

Fungible thoughts

2006-07-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

The continued polarization of our culture by our culture, works against the very core of what it is we wish to achieve; equality, respect, and all of the other universally civil standards which accompany humanity. This practice should be the first one we eliminate in our attempts to overcome oppression.

NARO%

I am Ghetto Gold,

from the inner cities,

to the country roads,

I am Ghetto Gold,

From

Los Angeles to Paris,

Rio to Nairobi,

I am Ghetto Gold,

From

Kingston to Chicago,

and all the other lands to be told,

he, she, you and me,

We are Ghetto Gold.

The effects of Racial Geometry in Spatial environments: "Mad at me, I think I know why..."

2006-07-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

This entry is best viewed with 50 cent's "Window shopper" playing on repeat in the background for the the real "NLP" experience!!

I been peeping game on the steeze, Nubian been catching some flack as of late, and its starting to piss me off. Lets just say I'm a little selfish but I needs my energy, I feed off of my little community on the web, like minds help the cause, but suckas keep hating. Really this is about space, vehicles, orbits and planes, if you wanna break shit down to the LCD. Veiled utilizations of the Anti-Nigger Machine not with standing, how in the fuck is anyone gonna tell some one else how to run they operating system?

If you niggas who don't like Nubians stance, maybe (just sometimes) its better to shut the fuck up and try to learn a lil something, instead of trying to be the FACILITATOR. like you the only niggas who know how to run shit, right now looks like all you running is ya mouth...

Space: This is quantification of thoughts translated into data and registered across many environments. This is the shit we occupy the place where we interact in all forms, virtual, physical, actual, and perceived. Nubians space was her mind which in turn she expanded/amplified via the net. She started taking up space, cultural/social bandwidth, which went against the grain of those occupying said space. So now we got a gang of "white liberal lesbians" trying to flip the script on somebody, check the technique: coercion is coercion no matter what the guise. You think black males got it bad, well lets just say "black lesbians" are right behind us on the shits-fucked-up-o-meter, and spare me the condescending ass "victimology" bit cause I will slap that ass... How you gonna tell me how to clean my house, fool don't you know how we roll, we tend to do shit a lil different round here: I aint never been in a white persons house who had the ol' "plastic on the couch move". Shit that was a staple and still is in some parts of the black community. This is shit you haven't even been exposed to, so how you gonna run ya mouth? What ya doing is window shopping for your next Vehicle.

Vehicle: The vessel you "use" to traverse the space you wish to cross. In this case a particular "sect" saw an "opportunity" to expand their constituency. Thinking that this vehicle if approached under common terms my adopt the "cause" of the facilitator. The "cause" is based on the premise of your motives (see my anti -nigger machine break down on the left and the right) and as long as said vehicle works within the parameters you can incorporate it into your overall schema. This also works well for the vehicle (to some extent) because they now have a "credible support mechanism" (white support mechanism) to voice agendas (as long as this shit falls in line with the MF's parameters).

Orbits: The path of the vehicle has to be predictable... As long as the FACILITATOR knows your flight path he can work you, according to his/her needs in "SPACE". The space for many within our culture is extremely limited, so it is rather easy for a facilitator (white liberal lesbian) to "predict" (dictate) how you should move in "space" (their space).

Planes: Nubians stance "that race trumps sexual orientation" is absolutely true. the "plane" is race. I'll say that again, the plane is race. Lets take a look at this closely, black "gay" males are quantified for the most part on a racial basis (especially in the mainstream). Terms like the DL give way to the faciality of the intended culture. White people aren't on the "down low" they "come out of the closet" (I know this is a term used for ID'ing your sexuality to the public used by both races but white's don't use the DL terminology/plug in). If you take a look at the racially identifiable comments that Nubian has posted about her interactions with white people and their perceptions of her you hear the exact same things you do when you talk about "straight" black women (at least with white people). The point is race puts you on a plane within the space of human activity, and while we all share the same activities (for the most part) race does dictate the ability to expand within the space we all "share".

Black folks: We need to embrace all of our people. We cannot afford to isolate anyone on the "plane".

White folks: Stop, Listen, Learn...

whitey: I just broke yo punk ass down with a 50 cent verse, how ironic is that? Put them shits in ya Anti-Nigger Machine BEEOTCH!

I'm up out this Piece, top down, 2 fingers in the breeze...
"Mad as fuck when ya see me ride by"

Final Notes on Dave Chappelle, Transformational Leadership is a hell of a thang.

2006-07-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Transformational leaders present to the followers the vision and its high ideals and values and encourage and help followers to incorporate these in their lives. The resulting internalization by the followers of the leader's ideals and values is the basis for the followers' enhanced commitment, efforts, and actions toward the realization of the vision. Although transformational leaders also engaged in transactional type behaviors, the characteristics of behaviors that were primarily responsible for the followers' internalization of the vision have been identified as charismatic- that is, engendering faith in and trust of the leader; consideration of or sensitivity to followers' needs; a statement of the vision in a manner that causes followers to reassess their priorities and activities.

Ethical Dimensions of Leadership.

pg 23-24

So it seems we "cant win for losing". In an era where black achievements are critiqued in every way shape or form, it would appear that any anomaly that the mainstream hasnt incoporated into the Anti Nigger Machine is regarded as "Crazy".

Since when did standing up for your principles become crazy? When a black man walks away from 50 mil. everyone thinks he's crazy, but if Dave hadda took the dough he woulda been another "greedy nigger", like all the rest of the overpaid atheletes, entertainers etc. Once again this predictabilty is beyond elementary. Why is Dave crazy for going to Africa to blow off some steam? White folks been doing it for decades, you dont hear anyone calling Brad and Angelina crazy!? So he comes home and goes into kick it mode with his peoples, again what so crazy about that? Next he goes on TV and explains why he walked away, but most of you cant get past the 50 million dollars, FUCK 50 million dollars. You dont need money to be rich bitch!!!

Wake the fuck up!

Yo Dave holla at ya boy son!!!

NARO%

knowledge, will, courage, silence

The new jump off...

2006-07-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Had to up my game, been cleaning house on some projects and this was one of them. One day soon I'll have all my web content in one place for your viewing pleasure!!! So welcome to the new design, be sure to hit up the "Ghetto Science" section to peep some projects I been working for a while (I would love some feed back). This section will end up being my working papers area for Ghetto Gold, so If you got some science hit me up and I'll post your heat (try to make it a pdf if you can). As usual I look forward to breaking off all you coffee joint suckas...

If ya stay ready,
ya dont have to get ready...
NARO%

The dichotomy of perception: Rhizomatic epiphanies on black culture

2006-07-07T03:45:00.000-07:00

One of the comments left on my last entry was what do I think about the following story. My answers are in blue the strory is in black. Peep game...

Black men quietly combating stereotypes
By ERIN TEXEIRA
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

Twenty-year-old Chauncy Medder of Brooklyn says his baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts make him seem like "another one of those thuggish black kids." He offsets that with "Southern charm" he learned attending high school in Virginia - "a lot of 'Yes, ma'ams,' and as little slang as possible. When I speak to them (whites), they're like, 'Hey, you're different.'"

I touched on this issue (slightly) in my response to an entry on Tyra Banks over at Mixed Media Watch. The ability to “Code Switch” that was brought up by another blogger is definitely something that I will address here. Like “qualifiacation” (cultural barometer) which is used to send signals about an individuals cultural temperament, the “code switch” is a practice used by black people to communicate across cultures by adjusting his/her cultural posture to a more favorable stance for the intended receiver. In the case above the youth “offsets” his “thuggish” appearance by means of diction. His code switch exists in a world of “duality” where certain black cultural postures are predetermined (by white “mainstream” systematically reinforced stereotypical thought)- Dress, speech, physical appearance, and can be countered to some extent by the “Plug in” which is the ability to speak in terms that “white” people have determine as proper. We are working with several mechanisms when we discuss this process, Visual, Cultural, Psychological, and many more processes all work within this spectrum. How do “we” define this offset? Many have called it acting white, some call it “toming”, some say its just acting respectable, responsible, the right thing. What is applicable no matter what term you use to describe the process that blacks use to communicate with white people either directly, in the vicinity of, in public, or where ever is the fact that blacks must verify there stance socially. This constant validation is apparent within the “system”. I am non-threatening. I can speak proper english. I can dress like you. Are all forms of providing the existing system (white) with a means of data for the continued multifaceted critical inquiry of every black person they come in contact with based on “mainstream” standards. Everyday we hear this white person (insert jack ass here) refer to the ability to speak well for a reason; they assume that most blacks do not. It is this resistance to the ability to accept black people, black accomplishments, black life, black culture, that causes black people to “codeswitch” in the first place. Validation is achieved though adopting the “mainstream code” and being able to present it within a certain set of parameters determined by white people.

"If you're a black man who doesn't smile a lot, they (whites) get really nervous," he said. "There are black people I run across all the time and they're always smiling particularly when they're around white people. A lot of white people find that very comforting."

I have seen this very often and many times have felt serious contempt (in my younger days) for the individual performing the “Mr Bojangle’s” for said group of white people. The constant need for black people to present a non threatening “presence” in the face of skepticism, leads me to believe that the cousin to privilege (or its result) is guilt. Meaning that in particular situations the effects of “white supremacy” triggers in many whites the notions of the “angry black man” (rightly so) and cause them to fear said individual inherently based on their cultural guilt. This is a lot of baggage and is not to be taken lightly, it is this guilt which triggers some of the scenario’s many blacks must entertain if they wish to “get ahead” within a particular system. Hence the need to overcompensate in the face of “whitey”. I have seen and continue to see blacks control their diction, mannerisms, all of their physio/socio output to keep white people comfortable. It even comes down to the foods we eat; I have seen black people eat what their white counter parts eat to “create bridges”. Well lets just say some bridges are better left uncrossed…What good can come about if we are continually forced to endure this “cultural oppression”, this perpetual validation in the face of white people only goes against what its is we want the most.
Freedom without the caveat…

This is a key factor in the true process of self actualization for black culture. The letting go of the need to prove to white people that we can act “civilized”. Who came about with the notion that “whites” are the mean within the standard deviation of civility? By continuing the process of validation (induced cultural psychosis) we indirectly (directly) cede our cultural identity to white people (who have their own cultural psychosis to deal with).
The ability to adapt is natural, this is what has brought us (our collective world) to where we are today. There is nothing “miraculous” in the ability to codeswitch and in reality it only goes on to fuel condescending mainstream notions that perpetuate this condition in the first place. What is needed is a new synapse a new growth, existing on the fringe is chaos the stuff we don’t know about so we rely on old paradigms. It’s time to blow that shit out, you have puffed now it is time to give. The shift is the release of old ‘forms of thought’ and making sure you release all of it’s subsystems as well. The very notion of this article explains this need. Why should I act in a manner that you deem necessary? We are on the wrong path and subservience is not the way vilification. The skepticism, (masked racism) the surprise in the face of cultural communicative compatibility (blatant racism), the need for validation (operational racism) are just many of the culturally condescending environments that black people operate in. Commercial electrical power (for the most part) operates on 3 phases to get you the consumer to the point of being able to turn on the “switch” in your house and have “light”. This analogy works right along with the “white power system” that is in effect all around us; the 3 phases; Masked, Blatant, and Operational/Institutional all operate simultaneously to provide the customer (white people) with power, the ability to turn off and on the lights whenever they desire, but who pays they bill?

The sheer audacity of the title “Black men quietly combating stereotypes” says a lot about the cultural servitude of blacks in a “discreet” or “pc” manner; as if to say that these black people are trying to do good in the face of adversity and you (white people) should take it easy on the code switchers. This reminds me of several Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings where he inserts “HOBO codes” into his works of art, the term in particular is “NOTHING TO BE GAINED HERE” like a hobo’s way of saying move along and look for greener pastures. This story is for whites not blacks, and should be looked at as another tool for the quantification of their “cultural barometer”.

Black men quietly; those three words for most the part would appear to be an oxymoron to most white people, but when you add the ending; combating stereotypes you can see the effects of the ongoing cultural edema. How are you going to “quietly combat” anything? That’s right in tune with the “Non Violent Revolution” (Malcolm X). These are “hobo codes” used by the mass media to let the consumers know when and how to turn on the power of “mainstream thought”.

What we are witnessing in this article is not only the “framed” struggle of the black man to live up to “his potential” but the continued application of “power” in plain sight. This story proves that 1. White power does exist. 2. Black people operate in a system of white power. As of late there have been many stories to the effect/plight of the black man in society. I think what needs to be assessed first before we critique the focus group are the controls of the project and who emplaced them. The continual banter of I can be “just like you” is superfluous when you take away the need, take away the power, and connect on a common plane. Let’s all be post modern thinkers here for a minute, and ask the question of why in this day and age would you publish something like this?

The Nick Cannon factor: This is by no means a slight on my boy Nick this is just an example: For most “progressive white people” Nick Cannon is cool, he’s funny, he has some hip-hop inside but its “cool”. Hell he cant be that bad he was on nickleodian so he “cant be a threat”. When necessary, Nick’s star power is used to define “acceptable black norms” within the power system. Look at many of the premier black performers and study the “codeswitch” and its application in the maistream, then look at how whites view this particular black star. Ask a white person and you will hear the result in their particular answer.

Every day, African-American men consciously work to offset stereotypes about them - that they are dangerous, aggressive, angry. Some smile a lot, dress conservatively and speak with deference: "Yes, sir," or "No, ma'am." They are mindful of their bodies, careful not to dart into closing elevators or stand too close in grocery stores.
It's all about surviving, and trying to thrive, in a nation where biased views of black men stubbornly hang on decades after segregation and where statistics show a yawning gap between the lives of white men and black men.

I could go on, but I think for the most part you see my overall theme of “these stories really aint saying shit we don’t already know”. And the reason is; its for white folks plain and simple. Think long and hard when somebody criticizes/analyzes any body and look for the truth, and the motivation behind the criticism/analysis. Scolding the black community, calling on blacks to own up to (insert self righteous bullshit here), or giving praise to the "good Kneegrows" is just too damn easy.

Holla atcha boy!
Peace

Some thoughts on curiosity and serenity.

2006-07-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

An Article I just had to break down. My comments are in red the actual story is in black.

Rap and brand names an odd mix
By MARCUS FRANKLIN, Associated Press Writer Mon Jul 3, 11:57 AM ET

While some companies may shy away from being associated with a culture often marked by misogyny and violence, it is undeniable that hip-hop wields immeasurable power and influence in business.

I wanna know what companies shy away from misogyny and violence? Have you looked at TV recently, get the fuck outta here! How many cop shows, mafia shows, secret agents killing fools all day shows are there on TV that don’t even host black folks in any kind of role of importance. PLEASE spare me the hot BS!!! OH yeah lets not for get the misogyny piece too, why is it considered COMEDY when white folks joke around with “the roles of sexuality”? The double standard is beyond obvious, and once again another tool to keep “you know who” in check. Black videos are aired primarily in controlled environments (BET, MTV, VH1) so one could argue that the exposure to said misogyny and violence is far outnumber by the “programming” in the rest of the media universe. So why all of the attention on “our” version of M & V? Are we debating class, cultural capital, social affiliation, and RACE through the leaves? Of course we are, and depending on your motives:

Liberal – using proxies such as blacks, Mexicans, gays, you name it, to fight your battles to gain your political objectives. Which in the end only serve you, and leave said vehicle for change left out to dry.

Conservative - Require any constituent to lambaste any cultural ties that do not identify with an ultra Christian agenda, culturally vague/eurocentric focused identity, and denounce others within said individuals cultural sphere who do not identify with this ideology.

We can see how you apply the hammer to the “proliferation” of M & V in hip-hop. Since we did “we” become such a hot item? When the ability to produce silly ass amounts of cash by “spitting 16 bars” became apparent.

Before you even chime in about violence etc. just grab the TV guide and you do the math. How many shows center around violent themes and who are in these shows?

Aspirational in some respects and now synonymous with youth culture in many corners of the world, hip-hop has long been credited with — or criticized for — having an impact on everything from clothing to cars.

Hip – Hop criticism = Black Criticism. This is both a question and a statement. Many times I have been “qualified” by white people as to my stance. They say I don’t like rap music when the conversation isn’t even on music, or they will suggest that athletes are greedy or over paid when we are talking about geography? This qualification is used as a means to measure the kind of black person they are dealing with. Why does this need exist? Do you expect me to agree with your condescending take on THE EXPLOITATION of my culture, and take my cultural ass whupping like a good lil kneegrow…. (this is the LIBERAL version)

*Editorial Note* Qualified- This is the practice of identifying the cultural posture of an individual. This process can be exercised by utilizing particular cultural primers. Like music: HIP HOP = Black, or Rock/Country = White, of course this are basic primers, but they are analogies for the codes we use to identify the particular cultural orientation and the standing within that culture of the individual we are dealing with.

But periodically, hip-hop's chief arbiters — like Jay-Z — turn on brands because of slights, real or perceived, to the culture.

My take on this is pretty obvious. Once again we have an individual equating the ability financially mimic a certain sect as equality. So if you get rich you are now above “blackness” (you can throw in whatever culturally negative diatribe here). The whole turning on slights would have to mean that said product was intended for consumption by all, and not just a few. So the slight was intended from the on set, before Jay, Puffy, Pac, anyone even used said product. Basically you have a set of “products” which under any “normal” cultural standard represent excess wealth and are regulated by those who maintain this wealth. The rest of the populace may know of said products by name but are never privy to its access due to the lack of financial capital. Now enter HIP HOP where black men (primarily) in extreme fashion over emphasize this new found access. The cars, the women, the jewelry, the clothes, all represent excess (for the most part). It is this association of class and culture to a particular set of commodities attainable by a very few which is now finding its consumption increased by those once excluded. HOW YOU GONNA GET MAD AT SOMEONE WHO DIDN’T WANT YOU TO USE THEY SHIT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! (This is the Conservative version)

Pepsi agreed in 2003 to give $3 million to charity after Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons threatened a boycott because the soda company dropped an endorsement deal with rapper Ludacris following complaints from conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly.

Once again this reeks of the old liberal tactic of using some cause to promote its own agenda. Remember these are probably the same cats who will be calling for the head of Ludacris due to some other “cause" which it is looking to champion on down the line. Liberals know black folks like soda, and they (liberals) hate Bill O’ Reilly so let’s tap Russell as the voice. If we really wanted to make a difference why don’t we boycott every sponsor of that fools damn show? STOP BEING PROXIES and start exercising our OWN AGENDAS.

Designer Tommy Hilfiger was dogged for years by rumors that he didn't want minorities buying his clothes. His company, which denied the entire episode ever happened, never quite regained the same popularity in hip-hop.

This one is easy: Commodity Fetishism- but once again we get mad at a slight when we fail to realize that said product was never really intended for our consumption.

Fuck Tommy his shit was ugly anyways.

Lucian James, an executive with a branding agency that tracks mentions of products in Billboard's Top 20, warned that in a fast-changing marketplace luxury brands in particular must capture relatively "new" customers while maintaining "traditional or old" customers.

New customers = Black Traditional customers = white
The major balancing act that we are witnessing is the acceptance of a new consumer base and what this means to the products identity. Do the makers consider this as a detraction to their standing as a measure of class within their society. A lot of this depends on the amount of money being made currently and how much do they think they can make in the future. For the most part the financial status of black people should continue increase so no matter what means of exposure to luxury items we get we should continue to buy “luxury items”. So why the hate?

James said Cristal put itself at serious risk of losing the new clientele because of the comments made by Frederic Rouzaud, the president and chief executive of Champagne Louis Roederer — a 230-year-old French company that makes the bubbly.
In a recent issue of The Economist magazine, Rouzaud said the company viewed the affection for its champagne from rappers and their fans with "curiosity and serenity."

“Curiosity and serenity” this asshole was trying real hard not to say “I don’t like diamond clad monkeys using my products to bathe big butt scantly clad whores” Who say shit like this? Let’s use this in a scenario: As I walked through the zoo I gazed at the baboons with curiosity in regards to their mental capacity and serenity knowing that if the savage element in the animal arose I was safe due the physical conditions emplaced by the zoo…

Asked by the magazine if the association between Cristal and the "bling lifestyle" could be detrimental, Rouzaud replied:

Bling lifestyle = “Kneegrows with too much money behaving badly”

"That's a good question, but what can we do? We can't forbid people from buying it. I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."

Dude put this right on the line. I DON’T WANT KNEEGROWS BUYING MY PRODUCT AND I NEVER HAVE. Plain and simple

Jay-Z, who has made numerous references to Cristal throughout his career, pulled the champagne from his sports lounges, where bottles sold for $450 and $600. And, at a concert this week at Radio City Music Hall, the Def Jam Recordings president omitted "Cristal" from some of his lyrics.
"What they don't seem to have been interested in is seeing the popularity of Cristal in hip-hop culture," James said of executives at Cristal, which ranked No. 8 in mentions in songs last year. James' company, Agenda Inc., compiles the list.
"I can't imagine Cristal recovering very quickly. It (hip-hop loyalists) was a huge part of their market," James said.

Once again this product was intended for a particular sect and they are intent on keeping that way…

Noel Hankin, vice president of multicultural initiatives at Moet Hennessy USA, said his company, which markets Hennessy, Dom Perignon and Belvedere, among other drinks, said his company welcomes the association.
"We appreciate that business. We want it. It's critical to our business success," Hankin said. "We've never had any hesitation or reservation about embracing the hip-hop community."
Moet Hennessy has sponsored the televised Vibe Awards, where bottles of Moet were conspicuously visible on tables. Hennessy ranked No. 6 on Agenda's report.
This company is placing its bets on “Diversity”
Louis Vuitton, which tied with Cristal at No. 8 on the list, declined to comment on the association. So did No. 2 Nike.

These companies can play the fence because they continue to “Plead the Fifth” even with the unabashed support of HIP HOP and its following they can rely on silence. These companies like money but don’t wanna commit to something that could destroy THEIR IMAGE the next time mister liberal or mister conservative wants to go on some kind of self serving campaign.

John Crawford, a spokesman for Bentley Motors (No. 4) released a short statement that said in part that the company "believes that increased interest in the marque, from any quarter, is good for the brand as a whole."

These cats are working the “Mo Money” spin any business is good business especially when you are sell cars for $500,000

An executive at Mercedes-Benz, part of DaimlerChrysler AG, viewed the attention from a business standpoint.
"Hip-hop is really a language of the younger generation and it's always great for a brand to be relevant with the younger or next generation of buyers," said Kass Dawson, who heads emerged markets at Mercedes-Benz.
"We consider it a compliment of the highest order," Dawson said, adding that Mercedes has sponsored events related to awards shows and hip-hop magazine parties. "It really speaks to what our brand stands for — the success, status, aspirations."

"It really speaks to what our brand stands for — the success, status, aspirations." Wow I never knew this…

Cadillac spokesman

Kevin Smith gave props to celebrities, including rappers, and their fondness for the Escalade for the company's resurgence. Cadillac has loaned vehicles for placement in videos and movies, he said. For the prototype of the 2007 Escalade, the company invited about 35 celebrities to an exclusive viewing.

Black folks been rolling Caddy’s forever so it would be pretty damn stupid for them to start “hating on folks” now. That would be like Kool Aid pulling a Tommy Hilfiger, SHITTY ASSHOLE “HYPHY” LITTLE SCHOOL BUS DUMB!!!

Even Rouzaud, the executive atop the Cristal brand, seemed to realize the potential impact a boycott by hip-hop devotees would have on his bottom line.
After Jay-Z announced the boycott of Cristal, Rouzaud issued a statement to "set the record straight and express our gratitude that people from a diversity of cultures and countries have been enjoying our wine."

Somebody musta put this fool in check (NOT JAY Z) and said hey lets not be too hasty fucking up millions and millions of dollars. Because you know how much “these people” like to spend money on trying to be what they're not? I wouldn’t call it a retraction, just a refocusing of the social intent. Some people need to be schooled on the new methods, some times, even those in positions which DEFINE CLASS.

Rouzaud characterized Jay-Z's accusations as "unjust." Moreover, Rouzaud said, the company has been "a little bit dismayed at seeing our wine sprayed around in celebration instead of being savored in a glass," in reference to scenes in rap videos.

Once again if you missed it:
“As I walked through the zoo I gazed at the baboons with curiosity in regards to their mental capacity and serenity knowing that if the savage element in the animal arose I was safe due the physical conditions emplaced by the zoo…”

Happy Fourth of July...??

2006-07-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Check out the black boy in the bottom left hand corner. If this is such a festive holiday, then what is he running from?

In 1813 black sailor, entrepreneur and activist Paul Cuffe wrote, "It is a well known fact, that black people, upon certain days of publick jubilee, dare not be seen after twelve o'clock in the day, upon the field to enjoy the times; for no sooner do the fumes of that potent devil, Liquor mount into the brain, than the poor black is assailed like the destroying Hyena or the avaricious Wolf! I allude particularly to the FOURTH OF JULY! -- Is it not wonderful, that the day set apart of the festival of Liberty, should be abused by the advocates of Freedom, in endeavouring to sully what they profess to adore."

What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy -- a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.

Frederick Douglass

Enough with the public apologies already....

2006-07-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

From the power some got

To get a nigger shot

The null and void I avoid I test the paranoid

Never had to be bad My mama raised me mad So what I got is hot I love my life a lot I'm never sad just glad That's why I thank my dad Once they never gave a fuck about What I said Now they listen and they want my head

Public Enemy

"Anti-Nigger Machine"

Plenty of things to say and while this isnt a "Kneegrow crisis support call" for Star Jones lets just say I told you so. This scenario is so scripted, so tired, so damn weak most would think "Niggers" would have stopped falling for this shit, but then again I guess not. I don't even have to get all black bougie, critical race theory, cultural guru, dashiki black fist on that ass for this one. Just goto to the good ol boy hand book for keeping "Niggers" in check: First off give them a little Space- Let'em feel like you are including them: A show with a gang of old white ladies and one black woman (Insert Mammy black stereotype here) . Now how many of you have ever witnessed this scenario outside of TV? This shit is a bootlicking in the making, the equivalent of putting a black person in a scary movie, (the first to go), the classic keep them kneegrows in check, but let me continue...
Second Let them get comfy real comfy- To the point where they do something "out of line". This is usually where you set them up for the okie doke. Most "niggers" want to be accepted so badly want to feel as if we actually think they have something we wanna see, share, or hear, that they will be blinded by the "opportunity" of being included. As you know most kneegrows are more than ready to show they ass when given the chance: Remember the episode of DR 90210 when they had the "nigger" pussy doctor on? Did you see how he had to show off his fleet of luxury cars or how much his dumb ass spent on his "Armani" suits. This is a Kneegrow who is preparing to "Kneel Before ZOD!!" When a "nigger" starts "showboating" you'll know because he'll start saying and doing things that emphasize his ability to produce money. To most kneegrows money = acceptance, because they equate the ability to buy shit with assimilation? See how stupid they are?
Third When the kneegrow in question is no longer tolerable turn on the ANTI-NIGGER MACHINE- Pick any arbitrary action of a "nigger" in the comfort zone and bring it to the forefront. In the case of Star: Her weight loss, who told mammy she could loose some weight and pull a Demi (go get a nice young buck to marry)? Zero in on all of the imperfections she had and target the change, you gotta make the sheep feel like this "nigger" is doing something detrimental to mainstream lifestyle: this is known as the rub because no matter how many "white" people have done the same thing, who said the "niggers" could too? This is also about the same time where most kneegrows are gonna act up because they feel "comfy, accepted, involved" and believe they can fight the power because they "belong here". This is when you work the real stupid nigger jedi pimp shit and feed them the upset the viewers, fans, whomever speel and the only way to make shit right is to apologize...
Fourth Wait for said apology and crank the ANTI-NIGGER MACHINE to the max!!! -While the "nigger" is out doing what he/she thinks is damage control and may save his/hers now more than recognizable piece of the pie, unleash the dogs of war... Everyone within the media spectrum needs to chime in on the "upsetting behavior" or "unruly swagger" or whatever nom du jour, you wanna use for the term "UPITTY NIGGER".
Fifth Get rid of the nigger- Press repeat.

2006 Anti Nigger Machine recipients:

Cynthia McKinney- Its even more effective when you get other niggers talking shit about the recipient.

Terrell Owens- A nigger doing a commercial with a nekkid white woman? Are you fucking nuts!!!

Ray Nagin-This cat got real lucky, real lucky. Or did he?

Suge Knight- They using his ass for anti nigger machine R and D.

Barry Bonds- This is America's pastime...

Reggie Bush- Yo kid they tried to put the ACKRITE on you before you even made some dough!

Allen Iverson-Allen been on the radar for quite some time but it is now time to turn up the volume. No Olympics for your cornrows this time.

Michael Jackson-He aint the king of shit now!

LIL Kim- Dont let them old navy commercials and a boob job goto your head!

Charles Taylor- Our international recipient

Past winners: Puffy Daddy, Michael Jordan, Colin Powell, Diana Ross, OJ (he is in the Hall of fame), Dwight Gooden, Martha Stewart

On the Horizon?
Oprah, Jay-Z, Condoleeza Rice, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, Wesley Snipes, ANY BLACK ATHLETE, Bono (he trying really hard to feel the heat).

Anti Nigger Machine SPAM BLOCKERS!!!
Kofi Anan, Dave Chapelle, Harry Belafonte

Black people: Stop following the same ol roads to the same old destinations. The need to assimilate is being used as a weapon AGAINST US. Why should you have to apologize for shit? If I see another "kneegrow" apologizing on TV I am going to jackslap said "kneegrow" 27 times for flinching. Stand the fuck up, be accountable but staunch in believing in what it is that YOU DO. All you players out there know this is called recognizing game. Or is this what you loose on your way to the bootlick?

White people: You need to realize machinations used to control you as well. The Anti Nigger Machine can be used on you too, just ask Britney Spears. Its ok to be white trash, but when you start acting up, marrying wanna be wiggers (with black baby momma drama), you can get a taste too. Hence the public apologies, and butt naked magazine covers, and all of the other oft used tactics of the Anti Nigger Machine. Peep game fool...

That's good enough for Sunday,

Peace.

NARO%

Good Ole fun.

2006-06-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a thread I jumped in on over at Rachels Tavern. I 'll just leave you with my comments:

Naro% said,
June 24, 2006 @ 10:06 am

This Uber Mockery that is appearing in nothing new… The conditions of African based Culture have been desacrated throughout time. Funny the european brand/version made its way into the conversation, as on many occasions I have had Germans, French, Spanish, you name the nationality explain to me the specific story behind their particular cultural attack on the African Culture. I didnt know you got a pass for some shit happening a long time ago, or that its been passed down from generation to generation, whatever… save that stuff for those who might entertain the sheer stupidity of your “argument”. So as you may already know this has lead many of my european friends to think that the racial climate in the US has shaped my perceptions, and that “they” dont have those kinds of problems there (Paris riots anyone?). To which I laugh and then explain that WS/Racism is GLOBAL. The images provided in the story not only degrade perceptions about people of African descent, they promote the euro-justification (the why you so sensitive US counter part) of it being a tradition. There is nothing remotely funny about this shit, and if you wanna see how funny its is, set up shop on lets say Crenshaw and Rosecrans and pull this shit or anywhere that people of color congregate. The only funny thing you are going to see is the ensuing ass whuppin that is going to pop off.
As for the whole Eddie/Dave and whoever else made it onto tv and did the ole “Play YT” scene Rachels Dad had a pretty good summation: “You don’t see Black people paint their face entirely White with and say things like “Enron Looter” “President of the United States.”
But it goes even deeper than this because it is a socio-psycological practice that has been reproduced globally.

Remember those old time ads from Life magazine? They read like this:
Look as the grinng kneegro, so happy, so carefree blah blah.

The grinning knegro (Sambo, big red lips cartoon)=Ojectified distortion of African culture
Distorting culture is a vital weapon in the WS aresenal, so on this point I am going to have to say that the “remnants” arent really “remnants” at all, they have just changed. while I am not saying that the mockery of hip hop style falls into this arena, white people should know that “situational WS” (see my other comment for an explanation) is real. Meaning that posers come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but it is interesting to see the sheer extent of the mockery that goes on when white people want to “joke around” at the expense of “black” people, and hip hop is an excellent tool to do this. Hell I hear it everyday on TV, when black atheletes are heralded as being “articulate”, or “so down to earth”, “humble”, and others as being “Problems” or “distractions”. Now I love me some nascar (dont ask!!) but never once have I heard the converstion on Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Rusty, Dale JR., Saddler, Martin, Mears and all the rest of the Nextel crew turn towards their ability to communicate effectively. Hell Tony Stewart has dual personalities (damn near) and you dont hear a damn thing about how his attitude affects the game, or his abilty to speak in a coherant manner etc, etc. There is a standard when it comes to mocking cultures and it is evident that these subtle “micro-Insults” (google it) are not intended for white people.
Holla Back Son,
;)

NARO%

Calm like a what?

2006-06-21T02:15:00.000-07:00

Calm like a bomb
I be walkin' god like a dog
My narrative fearless
My word war returns to burn
Like Baldwin home from Paris
Steel from a furnace
I was born landless
It's tha native son
Born of Zapata's guns
Stroll through tha shanties
And tha cities remains
Same bodies buried hungry
But with different last names
These vultures rob everything
Leave nothing but chains
Pick a point on tha globe
Yes tha pictures tha same
There's a bank a church a myth and a hearse
A mall and a loan a child dead at birth
There's a widow pig parrot
A rebel to tame
A whitehooded judge
And a syringe and a vein
And tha riot be tha rhyme of tha unheard

Calm like a bomb

This ain't subliminal
Feel tha critical mass approach horizon
Tha pulse of tha condemned
Sound off America's demise
Tha anti-myth rhythm rock shocker
Yes I spit fire
Hope lies in tha smoldering rubble of empires
Back through tha shanties and tha cities remains
Tha same bodies buried hungry
But with different last names
These vultures rob everyone
Leave nothing but chains
Pick a point here at home
And tha picture's tha same
There's a field full of slaves
Some corn and some debit
There's a ditch full of bodies
Tha check for tha rent
There's a tap, tha phone, tha silence of stone
Tha numb black screen
That be feelin' like home
And tha riot be tha rhyme of tha unheard

Calm like a bomb

There's a mass without roofs
A prison to fill
A country's soul that reads post no bills
A strike and a line of cops outside of tha mill
There's a right to obey

And a right to kill

Rage Against the Machine

Just a mental quote, some thoughts that I tote. Seething just below the surface, cat like me got some nervous while others think they know me, wouldnt let you punk bitches show me. shit, I am to legit to quit. When you prop up that mediocre bullshit that I'm quick to rip, bitches like you wanna go on and trip, buts its cool cuz quietly I'm making some new rules as you try to read me, thinking I'ma roll out like Jay-z, ya'll bitches cant phase me. Each and everyday you thinking, you testing my wit, I see you suckas, better get a grip, naw fool dont even trip. Getting mines wonderin why I gotta say "hi to the bad guy", shit dont even fly. As we tussle I beat thee,cuz like my mans "no one can defeat me" I smile leaving you stymied in my wake, like you just got Abdou by jake, been seen the sign across yo chest "watch out I'm a snake". Dont think for one moment my ass is gonna break, bootlick hell naw you can suck my.... And if you think I dont notice I do, stupid ass bitches I'm the one thats playing you. Every now and then I peel back a layer and scare, leave you saying damn didnt know that was in there. So as I walk in your midst, just remember this and you wont go wrong:

Bitch I'm calm like a bomb

2006 Remix fo yo ass!!!

Nerves of Steel

NARO%

Black power comics.The next episode

2006-06-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Finally cranked out the next episode! A special shot out to my nephew for the new characters you see in the story Voltan and J Rod. He drew the 2 newest players in the story of our special hero. Thanks for the artwork and the concepts it really helped me to get some direction on the story!! As always we need hero's and positive images sans the negativity, without the asterisk, just some good ol' inspiration for the soul.

I don't need a lecture fool, I need some action. So stop telling me about my plight, and gimme a hand in the fight.
Peace,
NARO%