I've always been pretty firm believer that karma does not exist. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. We should just treat people better. It shouldn't be because our good deeds will pay off in a week. I do believe in God, but I don't think the universe is keeping score. However every once in a while, my theory is tested. On Tuesday I spent most of the day hunched over in my bed, because I was experiencing hell in my lower abdomen. I didn't eat anything bad. I didn't have the cha cha's and I didn't have gas. It was sharp painful spasm that was on and off for about 24 hours. I don't have health insurance so I did the next best thing. I googled it. I discovered I had problem that somehow doesn't have any useful treatments. I laid there thinking "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" As I walked to work on Wednesday in the snow I asked myself the same question again "What did I do?" A little montage ran through my head. The guy I saw on crying in the rain; and me laughing. I also thought of Yami and I watching video after video of people getting hit by cars. Suddenly I was on the street, hunched over again. My stomach aching; because I couldn't stop laughing.
"I've always been considered an asshole for about as long as I can remember. That's just my style." -Royal Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenebaums, 2001
it was featured in an exhibition called "Chocolate Saints...Sweet Jesus". He also recently made a scary sculpture of Obama as Jesus. Oh yeah, and this ham in a bed. I dont get it either.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The year 2008 has been over for about 8 days. Yami and I tried to think of our favorite moments, but never got around to typing them up before the year ended. We enjoyed getting lost in Baltimore; Yami telling some guy she would cut his balls off; Jessie Jackson wanting to cut Barack Obama's balls off; The Olympics; Latarian; The Dark Knight; Chicago; skipping class too much; A Practical Guide to Racism; admitting to others we like Lil' Wayne and many many more things. The biggest moment of this year was of course the end of the election. Barack Obama winning meant a lot to us. For more reasons then we can explain. Even though I was recently asked to do so at a party. Seriously. In front of a room of people, who were all atleast 10 years older then me, I was asked "What does the election of President Obama mean to you as a young African American woman?". I just wanted cake. The way I feel can best be explained by others.
Obama and the Discussion of Race
"It shouldn't be about race" is one the truest and most over-used statements made this entire election. It is true, but no matter how much we tried, it was on everyones mind. I know, we don't discuss race enough on this blog, but it's important to us. I don't care what you say. You do see color, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's how you treat people based on their color that matters. We should recognize it, embrace it, and grow. One of the most honest and interesting analysis' of race was the November 2008 GQ article " Will You Be My Black Friend?" by Devin Friedman. It's a white guys perception of the relationship between Black and White people, and he wants to make some black friends. Surprisingly it is neither cheesy or offensive. It is insightful and made me hopeful. It is possible to have a meaningful discussions of race, withouy one side shying away or becoming offensive. It's difficult, uncomfortable and absolutely necessary.
Here is a little part of the article to remember when making black friends: "White folks might wonder: Will they be angry at me? (No.) Is it okay if I ask to touch their hair. (No.) What should I do when it comes time to shake hands? (This is a serious fucking question and is harder than winning a game of rock-paper-scissors.)"
Not surprisingly the most moving comment on race, was by the man of the year, Barack Obama. The controversy of Rev. Wright could have destroyed Obama's campaign. On March 18, 2008 President Obama delivered his speech "A More Perfect Union". Obama shadowed the spirit of great American Presidents like Lincoln, and defined our culture with words. This is the speech that (in my opinion) made him one of history's greatest. When he declared he was unable to denounce Wright because of all he gave him, I cried. Robot-soul Melissa, sobbed in front of the television. This displayed great character and courage. With the dream of millions around the world on the line, he fought back tears as he poured his heart out.
Initially I started writing this entry complaining about all the ways I was ruining my life. 1. In my evaluation I was told I suck at my job. Basically in every way possible 2. I am reading not one but two self help books. Its OK. Judge me. Just I would you. 3. School. I don't want to discuss it or I might freak out like I did in my counselor office. His response to my out of character flush of emotions.... "Somethings wrong. Are you pregnant?" As I wrote each agonizing sentence I wrote about my life I realized something. I dont even want to read this shit. I sound like every other rusted up bear trap with a blogspot. Instead of wallowing in my trouble, lets think about the future. Lets indulge in the exceedingly popular route of spiraling out of control. Which of the following options could I take so I can officially become a train wreck?
A) Drug Dealer: Chance to live out my favorite rap songs, and then eventually end up jail or die a horrible horrible death. This could also result in me getting my own hour on the best show on BET "American Gangster". All of those people look miserable now but they forget "I AM ON BET".
Makes it all worth it now, right?
B) Drug addict: Laughter, Sorrow, Bleeding from every hole in my face. What wouldn't I learn from being a crackhead? Most importantly I would also improve my dancing skills. Remember Gator's new dance in Jungle Fever. Or I could finally learn the harlem shake, like Tyrone Biggums.
C) General Whoring- Now I know this sounds bad,but the world oldest profession has come a long way. Thanks to Pretty Woman and the accessibility of internet, prostitution has hit new heights. Brothels and street corners have the feeling of impending death constantly in the air. maybe its the legend of Jack of the Ripper or too many episodes of America's Most Wanted, either way there are more options.
= RECORD DEAL = COLLEGE FUND = TV SHOW
Whoring has gone mainstream and I'm sure this results in a book deal. Everything results in a book deal. Fantasia "wrote" a book and she can't read.
However all of these women pay a price
You can't write a rap song about how you downed a couple Plan B's and took 30 scoulding showers after being with Mr. Burns or Moesha's brother. ughh. I think I'd rather get shot.
It's fathers day, and unfortunately I feel like I know a lot of people who will not be celebrating. For those of you who have been resenting all those Father themed commercials, LISTEN UP. Stop listening to John Mayer's "Daughters" and get out of the fetal position. I'm not saying it's not all his fault, it probaly is. just be thankful he's that guy and not one of these guys.
LRD Presents: Dad's Worse Then Your's
Stage Dads: Joe Jackson, Joe Simpson, Mathew Knowles
God bless these men for bringing us Icons like Michael Jackson and Beyonce. Hey, I even appreciate Simpson for bringing us the whole Chicken of the Sea thing. However I don't think i could come out of this family on top. Working since you were five and routine beatings are not for me. I'd probably be an Ashlee, Solange, or Tito.
Josef Fritzl
This man trapped his daughter in a cellar for 24 years and fathered 7 children with her. Doesn't he look like someone who would do that.
OJ He raises them, so i guess they have to sort of overlook the whole "murder" thing, but could I really get over "If I did it.." no.
Darth Vader He abandoned his kids, killed his wife and chopped his sons hand off. Bastard. Best Dad: Alec Baldwin I don't think Alec Baldwin is a bad father. I think if I ignored my dad like this, I would get a very similar message. However, this tape is hilarious. So happy Father's day you rude little pig! I don't give a damn if you're 12.
"I've always been considered an asshole for about as long as I can remember. That's just my style." -Royal Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenebaums, 2001
