In Kafka on the Shore, Kafka is conversing with a man named Oshima about a piano piece. Oshima talked about how many of the most skilled composers would try their hand at recreating the piece but would fail because they would always mess up on a few parts. Then the secret was unveiled that the specific piece was made to be imperfect.
As I ponder that, it makes perfect sense. Imperfection inspires people more than perfection. Being imperfect leads people to work harder until they get as close as possible to it, like the composers who tried to play the piece.
In another view, imperfection can lead us to being ok with who we are, while striving for perfection can lead us to madness. When people realize that they are not perfect and that their flaws make them who they are, they seem to be more accepting of themselves. Sometimes the chase for perfection can make you lose yourself. Trying to attain something that is impossible is strenuous.
In a way, there is a beauty in being imperfect. It makes you more attractive in a sense, than what is perfect.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Fate?
Calvinists believe that a higher power has already determined your fate upon birth, from what you will do, to who you will marry and especially when you die, and you can't do anything to change it. I disagree. I believe there are too many variables in life for someone to not have control of their fate. I believe, upon birth, you have control of your fate. Whatever you do as a child on to your teen years have the most significant effect on the course of your life. Think about how when athletes and musicians talk about how they developed their love for what they do. It started and grew when they were young.
Your youth is pivotal in determining your life. You have the opportunity to try different things, get a like/dislike for them and go on from there. Like a weapon crafting, only you are a person. I don't believe our creator would take what we are to become out of our hands, unless whoever set aside some of us to do specific things. But even then, I believe that we have the power to put our own spin on it. I don't think we would be individuals if we didn't have the power to do what we want.
Your youth is pivotal in determining your life. You have the opportunity to try different things, get a like/dislike for them and go on from there. Like a weapon crafting, only you are a person. I don't believe our creator would take what we are to become out of our hands, unless whoever set aside some of us to do specific things. But even then, I believe that we have the power to put our own spin on it. I don't think we would be individuals if we didn't have the power to do what we want.
Open Letter
A little while ago Jay-Z made a song called "Open Letter", just a random track touching on topics like the hood, politics (Obama), Chief Keef, etc. It was a great way to let us in on his stream of consciousness and how he views certain things. I mean, it isn't very often that we get in the inside of the great Hov's mind.
Me on the other hand, I want to talk about the great teachers I have had while in high school. Yeah, most of them are still pretty lame, but in a tolerable way. But teachers like Ms. Graf, Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Heeseman, Mrs. Smith, Mr. English, Ms. Clotworthy, Ms. Reist-Jones, and Mr. Johnson all played a hand in the person I am and have helped me significantly to be able to grab my diploma and walk across the stage June 14. Most of them know about the troubles I have had in high school, and instead of being in an uncomfortable situation and pitying me, they sympathized with my struffle and gave me additional help and advice to help me go on in life. I was scared to tell people about what happened to me and I was even more afraid about how they would treat me after I told them. But they treated me just like everyone else still and I really appreciate that. Made me feel much more comfortable with dealing with the aftermath of those problems. Now, here you see me now writing about how much I will forever appreciate and cherish what my teachers mean to me and my life as I go to another developmental stage. Thank you guys! I'm outtie.
Me on the other hand, I want to talk about the great teachers I have had while in high school. Yeah, most of them are still pretty lame, but in a tolerable way. But teachers like Ms. Graf, Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Heeseman, Mrs. Smith, Mr. English, Ms. Clotworthy, Ms. Reist-Jones, and Mr. Johnson all played a hand in the person I am and have helped me significantly to be able to grab my diploma and walk across the stage June 14. Most of them know about the troubles I have had in high school, and instead of being in an uncomfortable situation and pitying me, they sympathized with my struffle and gave me additional help and advice to help me go on in life. I was scared to tell people about what happened to me and I was even more afraid about how they would treat me after I told them. But they treated me just like everyone else still and I really appreciate that. Made me feel much more comfortable with dealing with the aftermath of those problems. Now, here you see me now writing about how much I will forever appreciate and cherish what my teachers mean to me and my life as I go to another developmental stage. Thank you guys! I'm outtie.
Do the Right Thing
In class I remember talking about jumping the gate at Lollapolooza and Pitchfork. Everyone looked at me as if I was crazy but I'm not. I couldn't score a ticket to either and I would still like to enjoy the festivities like everyone else, so drastic measures will be taken. But then Mr. McCarthy told me about the Nas story. Illmatic is one of my favorite albums of all time and I believe it is top 5 of all time hands down. For him to give everyone in the crowd $20 because of an equipment failure is so admirable. One of the reasons I have so much respect for him.
Hearing that made me think about how awful I am for considering jumping Lolla and Pitchfork. I am robbing the events and artists of cash because I slept on getting tickets. I should just stay home. Got my conscious in a swirl. I think about all the times I refused to pull up my pants or take off my hat or just simply tell the truth and feel disgusted at myself. Those three things are all just to make me a presentable, decent person. Civics is quite lost in today's society. Not many believe in doing the right thing anymore, especially if it goes against them making a come-up. Yes, I know that technically paying taxes is stated as VOLUNTARY in the IRS code (look it up), but taxes is how America produces cash and we need cash to run things. And think about how many people don't want to testify in court or provide a statement because they don't want to be a snitch, although it would help the family of a man/woman/child that was killed. Let's not forget about the people who take handicap parking spots because they are convenient, making it inconvenient for someone who is actually handicapped.
We shouldn't have to demand that people be outstanding citizens. People should just want to be them naturally. It makes society that much better.
Hearing that made me think about how awful I am for considering jumping Lolla and Pitchfork. I am robbing the events and artists of cash because I slept on getting tickets. I should just stay home. Got my conscious in a swirl. I think about all the times I refused to pull up my pants or take off my hat or just simply tell the truth and feel disgusted at myself. Those three things are all just to make me a presentable, decent person. Civics is quite lost in today's society. Not many believe in doing the right thing anymore, especially if it goes against them making a come-up. Yes, I know that technically paying taxes is stated as VOLUNTARY in the IRS code (look it up), but taxes is how America produces cash and we need cash to run things. And think about how many people don't want to testify in court or provide a statement because they don't want to be a snitch, although it would help the family of a man/woman/child that was killed. Let's not forget about the people who take handicap parking spots because they are convenient, making it inconvenient for someone who is actually handicapped.
We shouldn't have to demand that people be outstanding citizens. People should just want to be them naturally. It makes society that much better.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Intergration for the Nation
To no surprise, Chicago is still one of the most segregated cities in the country. In the stereotypical view, African-Americans are confined to the southside, Latinos and Polish to the westside, and Caucasians to the north and surrounding suburbs with Asians secluded to Chinatown and Bridgeport. However, there are instances where integration is apparent. The best examples are Hyde Park, Wicker Park, Bronzeville/Bridgeport and Lincoln Park. Even with those shining examples, it is not enough to really make the city as diverse as it can be.
There are neighborhoods that are suffering and it is mostly because of the disparity in wealth and race. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods, Englewood, Roseland, Back of the Yards, Little Village, are also some of the most impoverished and are dominated by one race.
I am not saying the problems in these neighborhoods are specifically about race, but with integration, some can be fixed. Still using Chicago as an example, Englewood was once majority populated by Caucasians. The neighborhood was thriving. It wasn't until the 60s-70s that the white people started to move out and an influx of African-Americans moved in. Unfortunately, that's when the deterioration started. And that situation isn't limited to just Englewood. This is similar to many neighborhoods across America with the same problem. People would rather move away than integrate. Whether it is because they sought something better, see one particular group of people (not just race, but also financial standing) as inferior, or they feel endangered, people just aren't too accepting of integration as the fix to poverty and to level the field.
I will say that integration is a lackadaisical attempt by governing powers to not do what they are supposed to do, which is actually take action and fix the problems directly instead of side-stepping them and using scapegoats. However, whatever the solution, it at least has to experimented with to see if it is positive. I'm in favor of integrating people of many different races and finances. You just can't integrate a group in poverty with another group in poverty because that's not doing anything but causing more problems, such as violence and possibly more poverty. That's like spreading spoiled mayonnaise on stale bread. With more money and people of different backgrounds coming into a neighborhood, with people who show that they care about their homes and neighborhood, hopefully, it will become infectious towards in the neighborhood. Lead by example.
There are neighborhoods that are suffering and it is mostly because of the disparity in wealth and race. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods, Englewood, Roseland, Back of the Yards, Little Village, are also some of the most impoverished and are dominated by one race.
I am not saying the problems in these neighborhoods are specifically about race, but with integration, some can be fixed. Still using Chicago as an example, Englewood was once majority populated by Caucasians. The neighborhood was thriving. It wasn't until the 60s-70s that the white people started to move out and an influx of African-Americans moved in. Unfortunately, that's when the deterioration started. And that situation isn't limited to just Englewood. This is similar to many neighborhoods across America with the same problem. People would rather move away than integrate. Whether it is because they sought something better, see one particular group of people (not just race, but also financial standing) as inferior, or they feel endangered, people just aren't too accepting of integration as the fix to poverty and to level the field.
I will say that integration is a lackadaisical attempt by governing powers to not do what they are supposed to do, which is actually take action and fix the problems directly instead of side-stepping them and using scapegoats. However, whatever the solution, it at least has to experimented with to see if it is positive. I'm in favor of integrating people of many different races and finances. You just can't integrate a group in poverty with another group in poverty because that's not doing anything but causing more problems, such as violence and possibly more poverty. That's like spreading spoiled mayonnaise on stale bread. With more money and people of different backgrounds coming into a neighborhood, with people who show that they care about their homes and neighborhood, hopefully, it will become infectious towards in the neighborhood. Lead by example.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Can you spare a dolla?
I need a dolla, dolla, dolla is what I need. Hey Hey. To be honest I need about 1 million dollars. Again, honestly, a lot of people need a million dollars. Or even just one, because they don't even have a penny. Living on the streets or crap housing, tattered clothing, destructive environments, limited nourishment, and absolutely no outlets. The aforementioned is the stereotype for poverty or just being poor. I know about being poor. How? Because I am poor. Not afraid to say that if it's the case. Now here's a question. Is it me or my family's fault for being in poverty? Not necessarily so. The same goes for others.
Sure, you hear those stories of people who poorly manage their money or run away from home or don't/fail to pursue a good education or live a criminal lifestyle and resort to being in the situation I described. But those stories are rarer than you think. Majority of the impoverished people on this Earth had no choice. It was clearly just something circumstantial. Let's use impoverished African-Americans as an example. Go back to 1865. Civil War ended, all slaves are free by late June. Think about it. Millions of people, who own absolutely nothing, have nothing and really still can't pursue an education, are left basically to fend on their own. That's the equivalent to being thrown out home at 11 in modern times. The former slaves who became sharecroppers became indebted to the property owners (legal form of slavery after 1865). The former slaves who went up north had to struggle to survive almost as badly as the Negros in the south, fighting for jobs, dealing with high rent, and much more oppression than you would believe. Plus they were confined to certain areas within cities (Harlem, Roxbury, Camden, Bronzeville, 9th Ward in NO, etc.) still with almost nothing. How did these two parties survive? Borrowing and credit (which you have to pay back, oops no cash) and welfare, said as the poor man's saving grace. And now it brings up today's topic of are poor black people freeloaders and lethargic. Current unemployment in the US is down to 7.7% but that's still a lot of people out of work. Well, why don't they do well in school or choose better careers you say? Public schools systems around the nation aren't in the best shape, especially CPS (Chicago Public School). And it's not a stretch to say that schools have failed to really reach many youth, mostly within the inner city, to keep them motivated to stay in school. And even if people were to get a college degree, it doesn't guarantee anything but that you will have a plaque/diploma on your shelf forever. I can't speak for everyone, but I definitely think it's unfair to make that assumption. Yes, there are people who just
One thing concerning the issue of poverty is that it can be beat. There have been tons of rags to riches stories that have brought tears to our eyes and inspired us to achieve greater. But the key is within. Do people possess the determination and will to rise above their circumstances to bring about significant changes in their financial situation? Many do and have done it. As you see with lots of people who have become athletes, actors, musicians, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, inventors, etc, all it takes is one to break the cycle of poverty. But those one are so few within communities poverty is a forever reality for so many and will continue to be that way until changes are made. Everyday people are born into poverty and they have no control over it. So is poverty a choice? I don't think so.
Sure, you hear those stories of people who poorly manage their money or run away from home or don't/fail to pursue a good education or live a criminal lifestyle and resort to being in the situation I described. But those stories are rarer than you think. Majority of the impoverished people on this Earth had no choice. It was clearly just something circumstantial. Let's use impoverished African-Americans as an example. Go back to 1865. Civil War ended, all slaves are free by late June. Think about it. Millions of people, who own absolutely nothing, have nothing and really still can't pursue an education, are left basically to fend on their own. That's the equivalent to being thrown out home at 11 in modern times. The former slaves who became sharecroppers became indebted to the property owners (legal form of slavery after 1865). The former slaves who went up north had to struggle to survive almost as badly as the Negros in the south, fighting for jobs, dealing with high rent, and much more oppression than you would believe. Plus they were confined to certain areas within cities (Harlem, Roxbury, Camden, Bronzeville, 9th Ward in NO, etc.) still with almost nothing. How did these two parties survive? Borrowing and credit (which you have to pay back, oops no cash) and welfare, said as the poor man's saving grace. And now it brings up today's topic of are poor black people freeloaders and lethargic. Current unemployment in the US is down to 7.7% but that's still a lot of people out of work. Well, why don't they do well in school or choose better careers you say? Public schools systems around the nation aren't in the best shape, especially CPS (Chicago Public School). And it's not a stretch to say that schools have failed to really reach many youth, mostly within the inner city, to keep them motivated to stay in school. And even if people were to get a college degree, it doesn't guarantee anything but that you will have a plaque/diploma on your shelf forever. I can't speak for everyone, but I definitely think it's unfair to make that assumption. Yes, there are people who just
One thing concerning the issue of poverty is that it can be beat. There have been tons of rags to riches stories that have brought tears to our eyes and inspired us to achieve greater. But the key is within. Do people possess the determination and will to rise above their circumstances to bring about significant changes in their financial situation? Many do and have done it. As you see with lots of people who have become athletes, actors, musicians, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, inventors, etc, all it takes is one to break the cycle of poverty. But those one are so few within communities poverty is a forever reality for so many and will continue to be that way until changes are made. Everyday people are born into poverty and they have no control over it. So is poverty a choice? I don't think so.
Malcolm 1:12
To begin, I have to say I am completely in awe at the beginning of Malcolm's life. From his father's devotion to the teachings of Marcus Garvey to the eventual weasel, hustler lifestyle Malcolm picked up in his later years. They are almost direct opposites to each other. His dad wanted us to leave the US, like Garvey, and go back to Africa where we would reestablish ourselves as what we were before the slave trade and the pillaging of Africa began. Malcolm, not picking up where his father left off as is the cliche, became the embodiment of the average Negro Caucasians used as an example of why we couldn't be treated the same. Drug abusing, scheming, robbery and lots of adultery filled Malcolm's everyday activities. The person Malcolm became as a young adult was probably the person Marcus Garvey and his dad hated and also felt gave African-Americans at the time a bad name. And we gotta remember that he was not even 21 yet. Felt like he was a vet at being a criminal to me. But it also speaks to the influence he had and the potential that was inside him. If Malcolm became a top hustler in Harlem and Boston without building much street credit like his counterparts, think about what he would've accomplished had he focused his time on something more LEGAL and productive (as he did in the future). Gotta admit, I enjoyed this part and I don't think if I read any further I will find a part I enjoy more than his dog days.
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