There was a time that there were three classes: lower, middle, and upper. Now, there are subtypes such as working, lower-middle, and etc. I’ve done some research regarding my income and come to learn that I fall within the range of “middle” class. In the midst of research, I also came to learn that “working” class is typically referred to those who make their earnings via manual labor, also known as “blue collar” professions. Let’s not proceed any further on this topic without the understanding that this isn’t a post to slander any income class. However, there are some things that I’ve learned along the way. One of the most recent learning experiences is the struggle of the middle/working class.
Read MoreI googled two drugs this morning followed by “crisis.” One drug was crack and the other was heroin. There was something interesting that I noticed. Heroin was paired with crisis more frequently than crack. One of the first and only instances that I saw “crack crisis” was directly related to “Black America.” I’ve read several articles and interviews regarding the Heroin crisis. It seems that the crisis is affecting people of all ages. I’ve seen responses from professionals in an array of fields including the paramedics, law enforcement, and social services. Some states have declared the crisis as a state of emergency, providing funds to aid for treatment. Police officers have been said to guide those who overdose or are caught with paraphernalia to treatment centers as a diversion to arrests.
I’m reading the testimonies of families who were grieved to learn that their loved ones died from overdosing. There have been appeals to government officials and other authority entities to request treatment opposed to incarceration or other punitive actions. Drug addiction is an uphill battle that has taken numerous lives. I empathize with families who have watched their loved ones’ lives diminish before their eyes. However, I can’t shake the question: Where’s the war on drugs? Mandatory sentencing?
Read MoreMy post wouldn’t follow the pattern if I did not lace it with transparency. I am greatly disturbed by the election as well as the results. It’s not so much that I am concerned with the violence and “racism” that may occur as some predict. If we allow truth to further prevail there has always been an uncanny way about our government and politics. I honestly don’t want to make this a “race thing” but let’s skip down our country’s timeline: there was slavery, American-based concentration camps, Jim Crow, the infiltration and destruction of Black leaders, terrorist groups trained by the US government, school-to-prison pipelines, the list continues. Television has a way of distorting reality; it makes us believe that what we see “live” is real-time when there are some conspiracies and actions that were in the makings behind the scenes before the media is ever involved. Our government has some mess with them. Do I want to “go back to Africa?” Heck no; but let’s face the facts.
Read MoreI believe it’s human nature to gravitate towards people we identify with. It’s not always physical characteristics; it can be beliefs, political parties, tax brackets, age groups, etc. This is what has prompted me to consider #NoLivesMatter closely. Some may hate the very thought of such a concept but the issues that we are seeing today present all the facts. Based on my observation, everyone wants to be acknowledged. There’s nothing wrong with wanting acknowledgment. It becomes problematic when one group (or person) cannot allow another group (or person) to “be great.” There is a growing controversy between #BlackLivesMatter and #AllLivesMatter. In the wake of cries for justice, some believe that identifying the significance of black lives is an attempt to omit the importance of other lives. The very fact that lives matter has to be mentioned should raise concerns. Our society is self-centered. It seems that no life can matter without being interpreted as a threat to another. The problem with “lives mattering” is the absence of balance and consideration for others. As long as humanity continues in self-centered perspectives and actions, no lives will ever matter except for an individual’s own. We were prepackaged to love and be loved. Here’s my take:
Read MoreIt's impossible to dig into this post without revisiting the ugly scars of slavery; the primary concept in this context is Willie Lynchism. For those who are unfamiliar, Willie Lynch constructed a letter to other slave owners that provided insight to ensure division among the slaves by using their complexions, hair texture, and other factors. This may have been one of the most influential implementations as it is a form of slavery that continues to exist. There's nothing wrong with preference. However, there is something wrong when a person's physical appearance causes personal bias. I have dark skin. Throughout my 30 years, I have experienced the transition from being a "dark-skinned girl" to "being cute for a dark-skinned girl." Now, being "cute" for a dark-skinned girl is a much more pleasant experience than just being dark-skinned. Frankly, some other complexions make it seem as if being dark-skinned is a curse or misfortune. Neither of which is so.
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