As much as I truly hate talking about race, I've come upon a few stories lately that I think can help us all understand one another. My banner on this story is a little misleading, so let me start by saying we're never going to completely eliminate racism. I'm sorry to have to tell you that, but I wouldn't be being completely honest if I didn't come clean and explain that racism, like terrorism, violence, crime, bias, and a lot of the other plagues of mankind are unfortunately here to stay. The best analogy I can give you is one that was given to me by my friend Will, "I mow my grass even though I know it will just grow back, the point isn't to stop it completely, the point is to keep it under control." I think everyone should agree, all the things I mentioned above should be kept under control as much as possible. With that in mind, I have a few suggestions on how we can help keep racism as limited as possible.* DON'T DEFEND RACISM*
Just so we all understand how extreme racism can get and why it is viewed as such a major issue particularly by minorities, I'm afraid I have to point out this example; Six sick twisted individuals in West Virginia, tortured a young black women in ways that are too horrific to even mention here. If you feel you have to know what really happened , I've linked the story here. Generally, I'm against Capital Punishment, but my reason is the inequity of the application of it, not the morality of it. With this in mind, I say B.B.Q. the bastards......'nuff said. This is the way we should all respond to acts of racism of this degree. No excuses, no examples of equal acts by the other side. In fact, let's just simplify it and say anyone who treats another human being in this way deserves the worst punishment you'll stand for morally. Too often I hear people rush to relativism just because race is part of the story. Think how bad you look when your on their side for any reason. This applies to all races, genders, or sexual preferences. Wrong is wrong and we should never diminish it.
*MAKE RACE AN ISSUE ONLY WHEN IT IS AN ISSUE*
Too often we separate ourselves when we don't need to. I don't care that Mike Vick was black, torturing animals for entertainment is wrong. I don't care that the people in the story above are white, kidnapping and torturing someone is wrong. I never will be able to figure out why race is brought into some stories but not others. Often I've seen articles about acts of violence against white people that would not mention color at all. I was only able to determine that the victims were white by looking at their obituaries or by their pictures in related articles. At the same time, I've seen articles on crimes of an equal degree that make race an issue when the crime was white on black. This is a common complaint by white people. What is the standard? I once questioned the editor of a major local newspaper on why this was so. He told me their policy was to publish race only when a advocacy group made them. When I asked if there was a advocacy group that would do that for white people, he said there wasn't one because they refuse to recognize any group that was deemed a racist organization, and all white advocacy groups get put in that group. I look at it this way; if there is some value in pointing out race, such as a description of a criminal, a systemic flaw in the system showing bias, demonstrating that a wanted criminal has shown a pertinacity toward a certain kind of victim, or anything else that would help the general public protect itself, then it's O.K. to show race. Otherwise, I would like to see this minimized as much as possible. A robbery is a robbery, A murder is a murder, it shouldn't matter what color, gender, or style of clothes the perpetrator or victim had.
*DON'T LET POLITICIANS USE RACE TO DIVIDE*
From Willie Horton to Marion Barry, politicians use race to separate and divide for their own benefit. Sometimes they do it to get elected (Willie Horton) and sometimes they do it to get themselves off the hook (Marion Barry). The idea here is simple, use code words and innuendo to move people (usually the most racist among us) to their side even though we know what they are doing or did is wrong. Unfortunately, this usually works, which explains why they do it. Sometimes they do it even when it makes no sense at all. A recent example of this is the case of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick of Detroit. Mayor Kilpatrick was sued by two Detroit police officers for firing them in retaliation to complaints the officers had made against the Mayor. The officers had gone to the press about a supposed wild party that Kilpatrick had thrown which included a couple of strippers and an attack by Kilpatrick's wife on one of the strippers. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the two fired officers, awarding them $6.5 million for wrongful discharge. Kilpatrick then went on to assert the verdict was returned due to a mostly "suburban" (read white) jury. Never mind that both officers were themselves black. Even black Detroit Free Press journalist Stephen Henderson expressed his disdain for the Mayor's tactics by saying the Mayor was basically claiming, "Whitey stuck it to him." Unfortunately, the Mayor is right in believing a certain segment of black Detroiters will back him based only on that premise. We have to come to a standard that says it wrong for a politician to act badly....no matter his color, or don't be surprised if our cities fall to corruption.
*HOLD OUR MEDIA TO A HIGH STANDARD REGARDING RACE*
I have to give my friend Andre (Inside Andre's Head) credit on this one. He pointed out to me that the mainstream media has an obsession with missing white women and kids. At first I was a little sceptical, but soon I began to notice that what he was saying was true. (Sometimes it is necessary to point out inequities) White women and kids graced my T.V. screen almost exclusively. I have noticed though, that in recent times Fox News has responded to these accusations by running more stories about missing black children. (I'm still waiting on the missing black women) In the past two weeks they have run a story about a missing 10 day old child and a missing 3 year old. For at least recognizing this inequity, even if only under pressure, I give Fox Kudo's. I hope other networks follow suit. We need to make sure that our media, for whatever reason, doesn't seem to value anyone's life more than someone else's. I've said it before and I'll say it again, everyone's mother, father, brother, sister, whatever, grieve's for their loved one. If for any reason, you find yourself caring less about a child, or for that matter anyone, because of their race, gender, or sexual preference, take a long look at yourself in the mirror and see if you like what you see.
*DEFINE RACISM IN A WAY THAT'S FAIR TO ALL SIDES*
If there is any hope of us winning in our fight against racism, we have to come to terms on what racism is. I would hope that on the first example I gave you at least, we can all agree. As you all went through the rest of my piece, I'm sure it got more debatable. I hope that I at least gave all of you food for thought. One problem I see in our task of defining racism is in who should do the defining. Often on my campus, I see an effort by advocates to be the ultimate definers of what racism is. In there efforts to gain power, they work hard to shut out any other voices besides their own. If we are to come to any real consensus, we need to hear all sides. Certainly the debate will be emotional.... but it is necessary. To have one group do all the judging, or to have a group excluded from contributing is a way of guaranteeing that the problem will continue forever. If we can only make one step toward ending this plague, let it be hearing all sides and coming to a consensus, not a dictation. As I was telling a black police officer friend of mine the other day, " Your Great-Grandfather and mine would have never envisioned us standing here like this today; you a cop and me your friend." We have come far, but we have far to go. Let's all walk down this path together, we don't have to agree on everything. Only on the goal. H.C.
28 comments:
How to end racism? God! Do you want the long answer or the short one?
I'll form a response and get back at you. But let me just start by saying that your raising the question is the first step.
To be continued...
hi HC, this is an excellent post and a subject that's been around for centuries and will be around for a long time to come. racism is an ugly spirit of satan to keep races divided. that's the spiritual side of it. that being said, i still have to deal with the realities of what is and what isn't.
i've been the brunt of many a remark or deed because i am black (also because i'm female and single, but that's a whole other subject). i can think back to jr high school, which was predominantly white at the time, and mistreatments from teachers because of my race. then as i got older and was out more, experiencing more mistreatments, even in this day and age. these things tend to stick.
last december, in one of my classes, long story short, my professor got very heated with me during a class discussion. he's white and i'm sure never experienced the things i have, but even so, you don't have to be black to know racism does exist. he was trying to deny certain things, but in the process got really angry with me. he admitted how angry he had gotten on the last class day, but i saw it during the discussion anyway.
i definitely agree with you that it will never be eliminated. not only is it a black/white issue, but with other races immigrating more to the states, racism is spilling over to them too.
one of my pet peeves: i always wonder why white people feel they have to mention race when someone they're talking about is black. for instance, "i was on the bus, and this black lady got on, and sat beside this man, and they began to talk, then a black guy joined in....." i notice, people do it on the blog. they don't say a white lady got on the bus. why even mention race?
it sounds good, but i don't feel that racism will ever be defined in a way that's fair to all sides. there are too many mentalities and personalities involved. how will fairness be defined and by whom? that's part of the problem now. for so many centuries, certain people have thought they're the ones to decide who's superior and who's inferior, and unfortunately, that mentality still exists today, in more ways than one.
i'm going to stop here for now, but i'm sure i'll be back to post some other comments as i ponder this some more, and see your response and other people's comments.
it would be nice if racism could be ended, but as i mentioned before, other races are becoming more a part of it now. i know you listed suggestions, and they were good ones too. now if only everyone would read your blog and take heed, in the words of louis armstrong, "what a wonderful world this would be."
Hey Dre,
I am, as always, eagerly waiting your views. Like I said, dialog is the best first step. I already had my say, so be as honest as you can.
Hey Heiress,
Your Black????? This changes everything. Now I'll have to think of you differently, pre-judge you, stereotype you, change my expectations of you....and... ah forget it, it's too much work. I guess I'll just have to continue to like and respect you for the person you are. I'm sorry to hear you had to suffer idiots, believe it or not, I know how it feels. I've caught myself referring to Andre as "My black friend" before, as if it made a difference. I can't tell you why I do it, but I can tell you I always scold myself for it. I'm getting better, I always ask myself, "Was that relavent?" Mostly...it's not. As far as things ever being fair. I agree, it never will be, but we can still work on getting closer.
P.S. I love that song, I can never get my voice to have that great gravely sound. Thanks for your side of the issue. "Each journey begins with a single step."
Hi H.C. :)
This is the best piece to date that I have read of yours!
I disagree with most of the major point's 'though.
However, since I went WAY OFF topic on your last piece, I promise to restrain my BIG mouth here. ;)
The definition of racism has changed recently to include hatred, prejudice, etc. Wonderful?!
So, I checked in my Black's Law Dictionaries 5th and 6th Ed.'s, and guess what? No LEGAL DEFINITION! The 6th Ed. was last published in the late 1980's.
Hmmmm, maybe it's listed in the 8th Ed.?
Racism has no legal definition?!
Ahhh, so! We all know what it means...
What is hatred - racism?!
What is prejudice - racism?!
What is bad service - racism?!
What is a dirty look - racism?!
What is he got more - racism?!
What is we have to look after our own - rascism?!
What is sorry, I got here first - racism?!
What is sorry, you're here illegally, you will now be deported - racism?!
VIVA LA ROZA!
Terrorism used to mean in the 1940's: a system of government that uses opression to rule. That's our government now. But that's not the only definition, it was expanded to include people. Police departments are being taught that George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were terrorists since they were against the Crown of England.
I think that changing definitions to fit the masses or government's perceptions is an act of democracy. Boo on democracy!
Rod Ryker...
The horrors of government manifested on the minority,
are the warnings of tyranny from the majority.
Hippie,
I think that ending all racism starts with the all important move to Kill Whitey.
*silence*
Alright. Never mind that. But seriously, I think that true racial reconciliation is a multi-linear process. It involves an assortment of variables that have to work in concert with one another. First, we start with FINALLY admitting that there IS a such thing as "white privilege." Too often I've noticed that any attempts to raise awareness about race relations, history, etc. are met with indifference and apathy by whites because of the perception of modern equality. Deduct a point from your score if you've ever said things like "It's hard for a white person to catch a break", "Well, things aren't as bad as they once were" or "Why are they always so mad?" or "My family never owned slaves" or "I don't see color" or "My ancestors (most likely white or something that is passable as white) came to this country with nothing and still made it."
Don't get me wrong: you've got your elitist blacks who'll say the same sh*t, but that's an overwhelmingly white sentiment; usually said in opposition to things that are perceived as "black" causes (Affirmative Action, minority-based scholarships, etc.)
So essentially, whites MUST realize that -- for them -- a certain level of privilege exists. This privilege can be both applied and implied. So even the white dude who went bankrupt or who's living in a trailer park, or who's missing the big toe on his left foot still carries a white card. I'm sorry to say, but carrying that card has privilege; whether it's actually utilized or not.
Another role that whites can play is to realize that a lot of the effects of racism they experience are frankly caused by their own doing. It's self imposed. I heard an example that blew me away; using the classic example of neighborhood layout. You have a predominately white neighborhood. Suddenly a wave of black families move in; causing many of the white familes to move out. When that happens, the white families are faced with all sorts of costs associated with their decision to move; above and beyond the cost of buying a new home. There are also social implications for their decision to move. Rather than embracing diversity and difference, they prefer being in circles that uphold the status quo of "whiteness". When they suffer because it of, they blame black folks. Simply put: if more whites began to count the cost of maintaining that "whiteness", they'd give it up on it in a nanosecond.
Now, let's turn our attention to Blacks...
First, black people need to realize that they are NOT the only oppressed group in this nation. Race relations is NOT black and white. They're the key players, sure. But it's not solely an 'us versus them' situation (I liken it to the Democrat vs. Republican phenomenon). Being the group with the most nefarious history tends to make us desensitized to the plights of others. That's number one. Two, Blacks need to be less pissed at the advances that whites make because of racism/white privilege and start shifting their attention more on their own self-determination IN SPITE OF racism. Whites are NOT making 15 year olds get pregnant. Racism is not forcing blacks to rob, rape, and kill others (whites included). Racism is not making you put your textbooks down and replace them with a 40 oz. True, there is FAR MORE that elected officials, activists, and the general society can do to raise awareness, build communities, improve infrastructure, and inject new life in dying urban segments. But the move also needs to happen on OUR end. In that sense, Dr. Cosby was correct during his assault on the black lower class. He was a little imbalanced by not also placing fault on institutional racism that enforces and perpetuates many of the injustices. But he DID at least bring black folks to bear on the choices they make; whether racism was involved or not.
Blacks need to also raise their own standards as it relates to how we respond to each other and to White America at large. Practicing double standards provides the very impetus that whites need in order to maintain their opposing sentiments towards blacks; further igniting racism. We can joke about white people (their style, their culture, their walk, their mannerisms), but the minute we're on the receiving end all hell breaks loose. If you're white, don't even THINK about calling a black dude a nigga. If we can rise above the temptation of taking shots at Whites just because of their social positioning, we put ourselves in a better position to accomplish racial reconciliation.
I'm sure that there are TONS of "experts" in the field of racial reconciliation who can provide more thorough commentary. But I think it ultimately comes down to the individual. Can the individuals who are apart of the dominant, privileged group just step up and admit it (even if it doesn't apply to them directly)? Can the people who have been systematically disenfranchised stop resting on history and get their own acts together without playing the blame game every chance they get? If the answer to both is "yes", I can see progress.
If you my couple my ideas with the great suggestions you cited in your post; the ideas Sylvia included; and the observations Rod made, it's increasingly clear to me that solving the problem of racism just won't happen in our lifetime. There are too many uncomfortable truths that we have to face and too many arduous tasks we must do in order to completely annihilate the problem. I just don't see enough people in the world being committed to that. In fact, I'm not even sure if it's in our human nature to focus more on the similarities we all have rather than on the few things that make us different (race, gender, the social dynamics that take place because of those differences).
All that said, I don't think that race is something that can ever be resolved. At best, it can only be assuaged. Still, taking into consideration the sundry of ideas presented here are a good start to pacifying racism. If nothing else, there is at least the dialogue.
Hey Rod,
Definately the hardest part is finding a definition we can all agree on. But I don't think it's as hard as everyone makes it seem. The biggest move we can make toward reconciliation is in not defending things we know damn well are wrong because we become so entreched in the us vs. them mentality. I'm sure there are tons of examples of things we all agree should not be tolerated. Scaring school children with nooses in trees for example is something that HAS to be looked at with utter distain. We can start there and work or way out to the things that are more debatable. When all sides see that there is some points of agreement it makes the rest seem more open for resolution. Thanks for your input.
Hey Dre,
You made some great points and every white person should take the time to read your input. It would benefit them a lot to understand the other side. I was going to just let your statement stand but there are a few things you need to understand from the white POV. While I agree there is always some "White Privilege" in America and white people should except that they reep the benefits, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. I've been turned down for positions several times because of Affirmative Action. In fact, two black guys got the position I have now (Both failed the background check, one had too many points on his license and the other had a prior sexual assualt) only then was I able to get hired. I know there's reasons for this, but when you hear the words, "I'm sorry, but your the wrong race for this job." It feels discriminatory. Second point, my family was one of the people you refer to that "embraced diversity and difference" and did not move. Their reward for for their nobility was lower house values, messed up racially charged schools, and guess who the incoming black people took their anger out on for their situation? It's not as simple as it looks in the books. The truth is there was no good answer and everyone suffered except those that ran. Other than that I agree with a lot of your points. The important thing for white people to understand is that there is another point of view that is very hard for them to comprehend simply because they've never had to suffer the kind of prejudice that you have. Thanks for your thoughts Dre, and I appreciate your honesty. Hopefully we're all learning something here.
"I was going to just let your statement stand but there are a few things you need to understand from the white POV."
Uh...you can start by telling me what a white POV is.
" I've been turned down for positions several times because of Affirmative Action. In fact, two black guys got the position I have now (Both failed the background check, one had too many points on his license and the other had a prior sexual assualt) only then was I able to get hired."
How do you know it was Affirmative Action? Did somebody specifically say to you "I would've hired you, but...?"
Aside from that, it's not as if Affirmative Action says that an institution HAS to pick up just any old applicant as long as they're a minority. That would be ridiculous. Any persons accepted into the institution must first meet the requirements of that institution. I should also note that (1) Affirmative Action is not mandated and (2) it's not some quota system (contrary to what your dim-witted President thinks) that calls for a certain number or percentage of minorities.
I'm sorry that it took so many odd circumstances to finally get some love; but chalking that up to Affirmative Action is flawed. Even IF Affirmative Action really was the culprit, it "took" your job and "gave" it to a minority, that goes back to my point about White America truly assessing how expensive it is to systematically attempt to maintain a certain status of whiteness. Booker T. Washington once said that you can't hold a man down without staying down with him. If White America continues to perpetrate a lasting legacy of racial exclusion and injustice, the s**t has a way of coming back to haunt them. Sadly, it's people like you who have to take the grunt of it. You suffer because of the bulls**t from greater society. Whether it's Affirmative Action, OJ walking after killing two white people; or whatever. Every now and then, White America (sadly, as a whole) reap what's sown.
So basically, I'm telling you to call some more of you white folks out so you don't have to pay for their misdeeds. Likewise, I'd tell black folks the same thing.
Hippie, I hear white people say "I would've got the job if it wasn't for Affirmative Action." more than I care to. It's become somewhat of a mantra; an excuse to explain why a minority was "given" something that a white person felt entitled to. Not to diss you or anything (you know you're my hommie), but it's that sort of sentiment that makes Affirmative Action necessary in the first place. Unless you KNEW in advance that you were 'more qualified' than everybody else, assuming that a person got where they are because of some system and not by their own merits is a problem in and of itself.
Jennifer Gratz pulled a similar card when she sued U of M. Rather than being critical of the ENTIRE admissions process (I mean, there are some white folks at U of M who could be considered just as "less qualified" as she), she specifically attacked the minority selection component of the process. She's basically saying that if a person appears to be less qualified than she is and they're a minority, it must be Affirmative Action at work. Forgive my saying this, but that's utter bulls**t.
OK. I'm done. I think I've said too much already...
By the way, POV = Point of view? If so, that makes sense now. *embarassed right now*
Hey Dre,
Answer to first question: White Point Of View. Or did you mean what a white person's point of view would be?
Yes, they told me specifically, "This is a A.A. position and qualified minorities will be concidered before you." It's not A.A. or the lack of it that was my problem. The problem I had was being told flat out that I couldn't have the job because I was white. That's the part that bothered me. I understand and have even stated before that A.A. has it's place. You can even go back and read my piece "Is It Time To End Affirmative Action" and clearly see that I understand the need for it in some circumstances. That doesn't mean however, that you can just say A.A. is justified and then justify anything you want to do under that banner. That's the same mentality that people use to justify spying on Americans because it's under the banner "War on Terrorism" or randomly searching people under the banner "War on Drugs". Agreeing on the concept doesn't give anyone carte blanc(sp)to do anything they want to to acheive their objective despite how it treats other people. Other people's right's have to be respected too, right? That's all I was trying to say, that being told I need not apply because of the color of my skin seems wrong. You can disagree, that's your right and I respect it. You can never vent too much for me Andre, I love it. Your just being real. Why would I want a friend who pretends to be someone else? That's what I'm hoping to get out of this piece, honest dialog. As far as calling white people out, I do as much as I can, but as you know, some people only hear what they want to hear. Maybe by us demonstrating all the time that we can disagree and still respect each other...they'll learn to listen better. But there I go being optimistic, but it's better than hopeless. I'm not the absolute word, I like for people to hear all sides and then make their own decision. Thanks for giving your side elequently and intelligently as you always do.
I believe in the Kingdom Come, then all the colors will bleed into one.
i saw this on someone's blog today. well, that's one way to end all racism.
Hi H.C. :)
In re your: Sept. 18, 2007 post.
I don't believe nor think reconcilliation is possible nor meant to be. Tolerance and civillity - sure! :)
Let me explain my reasoning, before the Tower of Babel, the masses got along just fine. However, they angered God and God made them speak in different languages. Then the masses pointed fingers at eachother and presto!
And now we fool ourselves into thinking all races and ethnic groups (CAN) change God's will?!
I say no.
Sure, many will come together, not all. However, it is possible to bargain with God as Abraham demonstrated. So pray!
As per your example of nooses, MOST already agree that behaviour is wrong.
The problem is most people won't publicly denounce it or get involved otherwise. And that is the main problem with ALL the ills of our society.
Don't make waves, be quiet, people will laugh at you. People will get you too, Shh! It's not really your concern.
Besides, we enjoy apathy! Hey, it keeps us happy. :)
I suggest to everyone to grab a beer, turn on the game and chill.
Government will protect us. So there's no need to get involved or do something foolish like talk to strangers. Isn't that what we teach our children not to do?
We should remain in our castles as hermits. Better to be safe.
Rod Ryker...
Hi Heiress,
"I believe in the Kingdom Come, then all the colors will bleed into one."
What a great quote, as I've said before, I hate the way we, as humans, always see the need to divid ourselves. Wouldn't be great to see racist people confused in heaven (if God sees a way to forgive them) when they can no longer judge by color? Thanks for the optimism and your comments>
Hey Rod,
I guess I'm just an eternal optimist but I see a day when so many people will be in this country that the issues we have today will seem trivial. For far too long the debate has been black and white, but now it's getting to the point where Hispanics, Native Americans, Mid-Easterners, and damn near anyone you can think of is getting involved. At some point, it's going to become so Heterogenous the notion of a "White Power Structure" will no be relevent. We will still divide, it is, as you say, in our genes, but most likely by class or belief. As far as your statement; "As per your example of nooses, MOST already agree that behaviour is wrong.
The problem is most people won't publicly denounce it or get involved otherwise." I agree, just like spitting on public floors, it's not laws we need.....just people who openly condemn it. Thanks for your input.
Hippie, just to reiterate, I hate that you had to be on the bad 'receiving end' of an Affirmative Action policy. But I have to stand on my original idea that White America is doing most of this to themselves. If a perfect society (minus racism, Affirmative Action, and hopefully B.E.T.) can ever be acheived; a large burden is shifted to the dominant group. Is that fair? Probably not. But it comes with the territory.
Trust me; I'd say the same thing if any other group was in the majority.
Hi Andre! :)
This is in response to your post of
September 19, 2007 2:28:00 PM PDT
Andre said: "If a perfect society (minus racism, Affirmative Action, and hopefully B.E.T.) can ever be acheived; a large burden is shifted to the dominant group."
EXCELLENT!
This country was (supposed) to be founded on and operating under such reasoning.
Yet look at today's America, the police's hands are tied, so let's support a law that takes away a right, etc. We damn the ONLY document that set up the federal government, and (protects?!) us from it and state governments.
The Bill of Rights were designed to protect (the individual) from governments and the majority.
Again, I agree the burden (is) on the majority.
Because the "burden" is (respect)!
Rod Ryker...
The horrors of government manifested on the minority,
are the warnings of tyranny from the majority.
Hi Andre. :)
This is in response to your post of
September 18, 2007 9:46:00 AM PDT
Affirmitive Action is like most any Federal Law that bribes states or businesses with free Federal Reserve Notes.
It ain't about qualification(s)- (EVERYONE)- it's about F.R.N.'s!
Rod Ryker...
"...the rank and file are usually much more primitive than we imagine. Propaganda must therefore always be essentially simple and repetitious."
-Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister
it's interesting how much you see and read about a subject when it's being discussed. take a look at this article "prejudice or prudence?
http://outtabodymommy.clubmom.com/
outtabodymommy/2007/09/thats-just-perf.html?cell_id=6995.
hopefully, this link will take you directly to the above named article, but if another article is there, just look to the right for the article "prejudice or prudence?
forgot, read the comments as well.
Hey Dre,
This time I'm going to just let you have the last word. Thanks for your input my friend, you made some great points.
Hey Rod,
Great quote by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister under Hitler and the man who revolutionized manipulating the masses. It would do everyone a lot of good to read up on how he thought the masses could be controlled and then take a look at some of the media around you. I found it frightening how some of his methodology can be found in some of Michael Moore's works as well as right-wing fear mongering from the likes of the 700 club. Knowledge is power. Thanks again Rod, you've demonstrated once again why I like you here.
Great link Heiress,
I read the post but I don't have time to read all the comments yet...but I will. Scary stuff and some interesting thoughts.
@ Rod: Eff it. I'm moving to Guam.
@ Hippie: Concession?! Dude, that's unbecoming of you. Has my eternal pessimism finally seeped into your head?
*Cue the thunder and lightning*
In an unrelated note, I see you've got some Hispanic fans. Far out!
Hey Dre,
But of course, my Hispanic brothers love me! As do my Japanese friends-http://tubech.com/tag/Hippie
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