TRANSCENDING TRANSCENDANCE; SAMMY DAVIS Jr. and MAKA TAYLOR

I watched “American Masters-Sammy Davis Jr” last nite and I was absolutely moved. I found myself moving between very uncomfortable cringing and complete AWE. He was an amazing man in a very unforgiving time.

The documentary went through the life and times of Sammy Davis Jr. By the time I had become familiar with the magnanimous entertainer--he was a punchline who typically came thru, in my era, from a Tommy Davidson impersonation. Watching “American Masters”, I felt that we may share in common---brilliance in a time that is unable to contain it(HIM). His career began in the 1930’s; which means he was groomed by those like Ethel Waters, Paul Robeson and the ideals of “Old Hollywood” in its’ infancy. Sammy stated in the documentary that he had worn “blackface”. I gather it was all par for the course at the time; and quite possibly even in contemporary times.  I also gathered that he truly wanted to transcend the color of his skin; a noble concept; but a difficult transition, to say the least.

While watching “How to Identify Psychopaths and Psychopathic Behavior;Evelyn Gilbert”; it was said “...we were domesticated by psychopaths…”. This is a vital point, especially when you look at the treatment of America’s “Golden Boy”, as an entertainer juxtaposition to him as a black man. I have not read his autobiography but I remember my mother reading it; I recall my mother saying, “he was humiliated his whole life”. Connect this to the statement made by his publicist David Steinberg, a paraphrase, he was saying he wishes that people would not see him as a token or a ploy. However--Mr. Steinberg also alluded to Sammy, a grown man, being totally fine; living on what was basically a perpetual allowance(that is another blog). His life was threatened for dating Kim Novak; a white woman. Ohh and Frank and Dean stole from him years after they stopped performing together.  

During all of that, all he wanted to do was perform and do what he knew he was purposed to do. His race, his religion, his actions; all scrutinized through the eyes, actions and opportunities of a white media and business conglomerate; interpreted through the previous lens by the culture which he immediately identifies. Talk about a jumblephukk. And I repeat, all he wanted to do was perform.

This is so important because in a world of polarizing politics and lacking critical thinking, in 2019; everything surrounding Sammy’s core created various funnels of phukkery with him at the center; just because he wanted to share his talent and spread joy. I understand this. And I thank Sammy posthumously for living out loud---I am grateful for the power of his story and facing the day everyday knowing he was not his own man, anywhere. I won’t even imagine the strength that required.

So what does that have to do with MAKA TAYLOR? Maka is a DC transplant; St. Louis2SoufEaseDC in 2008. I moved here and in the 11 years of my residence I have created an international grid to do globally impacting work as an independent professional. I am non traditionally trained, just like Sammy, I excel at charm and functioning in circles outside of my immediate demographic. I, like Sammy, understand, sitting at the table is better than being on the menu. Sammy embraced the notion of integration despite all his hardships and he sought to just be a performer---notwithstanding his experiences and humiliations. Sammy wanted his essence of entertainment to allow audiences to feel and not see. Sammy Davis Jr. was a man ahead of his time.

As I am a woman ahead of mine. I want to transcend color-but my cultural identification is that of a black woman. I want to transcend that experience-the experience of being told I was a nigger, the experience of all negative media depictions of me-i want to transcend the thoughts deposited in my mind as a result of the experience of being while black. I want the pathology of the word nigga to die. So I wrote “7 Steps to Kill My Nigga”. Nigga redefined to transcend the immediate color associated with the word. Transcendence is the order of the day; ancestors and energy did the gridwerk to bring Sammy, me--and all who join are or already here----to manifest TRANSCENDANCE in this time as the patients have been running the asylum too long.

Media inceptions’ (Old Hollywood/Hollywood Codes)narratives of blacks, images of blacks and outcomes have been determined by the powers that be. Notice no matter how we showed up, when the chips fell we got/get the super short end of the stick(think generationally). I stand with the essence of my ancestor and commit to speak, act and engage as my skills and spirit see fit. I ask Sammy to take a special look over me as I execute and put a little tap in my feet so they delight upon my coming in and my going out. Nothing is in concrete and with independent studios like DameDashStudios and concepts filtering out to the general public like in the movie “Bird Flying High”---we have an amazing opportunity to honor those who came before us and begin to control and concrete who we are and what we are and return unto the earth the majic of miracles and manifested purposed living. Because all know---blackmajic is real. purposepotion#

I DEDICATE THIS TO ALL MY ENTERTAINMENT ANCESTORS and in the essence of them call forth the TRUE STORIES OF HOLLYWOOD as told by Black Entertainers. IT IS TIME. damijustrealizedtranscendenceiscoOpted--still Spirit over Order.

“SAY HER NAME; FEEL THE FEELING; THINK THE THOUGHT” THE LIFE & DEATH OF SANDRA BLAND

“THE LIFE and DEATH of SANDRA BLAND”

I had the opportunity to prescreen the HBO documentary on “The Life and Death of Sandra Bland”. The viewing occurred at the Landmark Theatre in NW DC---the film is genre’ noir.   Producers /Directors; Kate Davis and David Heilbroner created a global canvas for Sandy to paint her own picture and narrate her own story.  Through Sandy’s own words, video content and commentary from her family and friends; #SandySpeaks and the film will take you on a journey.  Mentally and emotionally, I felt the experiences of decades spanned and generations lived. The film also served as a refresher to my mind about what a bYOUtFULL spirit #SandySpeaks shared with the world.

I think the innovation of the directors/Producers and the process of all the moving parts; playing out during the filming is a true testimony to the endurance of the family and reason this vital portrayal of history was able to be captured. I truly thank the family for sharing their journey with the public and nurturing the lovely Ms. Sandra Bland. I thank those who had the foresight, intuition and follow through to bring this project to viewers. With all due respect, I want to share my experience of you sharing the beloved Sandra Bland with me and with all my soul I hope my sentiments are received.

FEEL the FEELING

The movie opens with a #SandySpeaks clip and I immediately tear up.

In my mind all i see is my last interaction with an authority figure and I am so grateful that I walked away. Alive..and yet so Very sad My Sister in this “werk”----perished. I was deeply moved and overwhelmed by her brilliance and the fact #SandySpeaks my language.

THINK the THOUGHTS

I hear her words..”My white friends…..do i intend to incite….i want to unite……” but this fight has never been easy. I see the picture they say is her official booking photograph, I see the floor that has an uncanny resemblance to the background of Sandy’s mugshot. I see a trash bag in the trash can in the cell Sandy was said to have been housed; a crime scene that was said to be undisturbed. I see the trash bag Sandy was said to have hung herself from; I think they killed her. I think I have a lot in common with Sandy. I think about how many times I have been “curbed” due to my own advocacy with an agency or authority figure. I think about how articulate and well spoken my 8 year old daughters are; I wonder if there will be any justice for Sandy and her family. I wonder if I will have a better reality, about the state of race and its’ relations for my daughters before they become of age. I wonder how do I keep from teaching them a struggle that is not theirs to inherit; but on full display for their viewing. I wonder what would “Justice” look like in this case of senseless death of a beautiFULLY self identified woman of advocacy, activism, ethics, morale and overall LIGHT. HOW COULD ANYONE OR ANYTHING RECTIFY THIS LOSS? WILL WE AS A COLLECTIVE ORGANIZE, MOBILIZE, UNITE, UNTANGLE and APPLY all the love and resources #SandySpeaks shared and potential benefits circulating in our trillion dollar community? I think did I do enough to defend her honor and uphold her essence?

It has been three years since Sandy’s death; I think about Korryn(Gaines)--I call them by first name, not because I am familiar with them; but we are familiar with the same struggle.

We three, amongst countless others unidentified; identify as the least, the last and the left behind, but in demographics alone. What we, and, again: countless, unidentified others, know and practice is a right to Live from deep in our souls; and for some reason that challenges some caucasians, and can be even more challenging to a caucasian man in authority.

I watch the scene of the officer( using this term very loosely) approach Sandy’s vehicle and begin to address her. I think she did nothing wrong in any of her response or the way she handled the officer. I think his epigenetics kicked in and he asked himself at some point; “why am I arguing with a nigra woman”. I think he took it upon himself to disrobe mentally from being an officer; or his actions are par for the course of “how to handle a “nigra woman” in Waller County, Texas. When he asked her to get out of the car and she refused; he then responds; “...I’m gonna light your ass up…”.  There is a sound that comes from in the vehicle--it could be said the officer hit Sandy and was already in full escalation mode when he began to physically handle her. I choose not to recount her mistreatment and leave that to you when you watch the documentary.

I think, what did he see when he began to treat her with such malice.

STRICTLY RACE/WHAT I THINK I KNOW

I know this is strictly about race. There is commentary in the documentary that speaks to this. I know that or I think I know that this should be a very clear cut conversation that involves the pathology of that old word “nigger” and all its implications and by products. I think what else could he have seen to treat her with such disregard and inhumane actions. I think he never saw Sandra Bland or Sandy-he didn’t see Geneva’s daughter. All he saw is something that his most basic and instinctual nature tells him to dehumanize, terrorize and torture; even up and until death. I am reminded that I AM SANDRA BLAND and all I can hope is I use my time to work towards the creation of all Sandy spoke. A socioeconomic environment where liberation is truly tangible and purposed living is profitable livelihood. I am reminded it is 2018 and what seems like every day I have to surpass the headline.. ”Another…...Killed today...officer, or local...man shoots unarmed…”.

THIS SHIT IS NOT NEW---in the words of producer and director David Heilbroner; while sharing during Q & A after the viewing.  (paraphrasing) He was saying he had been all over the world previewing the movie and when speaking to the audience and when he would begin to talk about instances of being pulled over by the police and profiling and search and all the ill mistreatment that can be endured during a “standard stop”; he had never had one white audience member who had this experience. On the other hand in every viewing, the response was close to if not 100% of black audiences had experienced mistreatment during a “standard stop”. His simple yet verberating response; “...What the Fuck...” and that is a quote.

I think this may be a white man who gets it..or has a presence too receive..the notion of #beingwhileblack. None living in this present moment created the lingering behaviors or toxic and unsustainable models for “successful” living in North America; the mechanics were in place long before we were glints in our daddy's eyes.  However, we continue to copy the model; I think we copy the model without enough review or oversight. I think we copy the model without review, oversight or the ability to move beyond personal bubbles and cultured trajectory for life. I think if we look at the foundation (constitution), I think if we look at M.O.V.E. in Philadelphia in the 80’s, and I think if we look at the numbers and the stats---ohh and please can we revisit the “Black Codes”? NOT SO YOU CAN REENACT THEM EITHER. I think there is much work to be done and...the sooner we engage in dialogues in american pathology; maybe my Daughters’ won’t have to be told what a threat speaking up for herself could be.  

SPEAKING UP

I stand to ask my question. While I normally hate the person who stands and rants instead of asking a question-I was her in this moment--I cannot remember everything I said; but I do recall repeating ”...DON’T WALK OUT OF HERE ENTERTAINED…”.  SAY HER NAME...I wasn’t raw but I was wide open--I think I may have admitted; roughly,  that I may be able to benefit from having more multicultural experiences and associates. I believe I personally challenged Neera Tanden to use her Center for American Progress resources to begin to open up real dialogue about “The Pathology of Race; For the Oppressed and the Oppressor”.  I think “it is past time for the accredited halls of intellectual policy to nurture the dialogue from the point of aggression far too often played out in media on a strong and regular basis”. At the time I write this yesterday's’ USA Today headline read: “Independent autopsy shows black man killed by police in Alabama mall was shot from behind” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/12/04/autopsy-black-man-police-shooting-alabama-mall-shot-behind/2200531002/

I start thinking about why..and I am unsure of what I am asking. Then I know; I am asking how do I make the connection between Sandy Bland's’ death and my favorite quote on race. Neely Fuller said; “if you do not understand racism/white supremacy,everything that you do understand will only confuse you”. This is my axis, pivot and sling, I welcome any and all to the power.

  

JOINT ADDRESS SURVEY RESPONSE

My ideas are that we deal with the nation as it is---DIVIDED---address head on; with all hands on deck  the western philosophy; that should transmute to "#HumaneFeelosophy" of repairing a shitstym, created to be broken. We, as a nation need to "kill the creation of the nigga" of systemic sabotage indelibly woven into the very constitution you uphold as law. I believe there are only 3 economies---Drugs
                           Human Trafficking
                           Illegal Gambling
If you are willing to have this conversation, we can go further---until then. Every man for himself and God for us all.

POLITICS of BEING BLACK in 2016

              There is sooooo very much going on in the community; regionally, nationally, globally; bear with me if I veer. I AM writing this with a full intention on using my creative outlet to express myself on the symbolization of our current civic atmosphere and environment.

              It only takes a moment to peruse the days’ hot topics for plain view sight to reveal the rift between black America amongst black Americans; the discord between white America and their vehement cultural dissonance; the contrast of bloodlines between descendants of slaves and the lineage of “founding fathers”. Leaving me, a descendant of slaves, at a loss for the rhetoric of and desire to “Make America great again”.

             My question as a descendant of stolen people, is where were my founding fathers when this Declaration and Constitution were conceptualized and written?

I will wait for the answer.

            While I wait, allow me to share thoughts to illustrate a potential symbology to the rhetoric of making america great agin and Generational Institutionalized Systemic Marginalization (GISM) of the black demographic in America.

            The line of thinking I would like to engage; is relatively simple. During the time the “founding fathers” of America conceptualized, envisioned, carried out to pursue, negotiated upon, agreed upon, wrote, sealed and enacted the instruments of “freedom”(very loosely interpreted); the HUMANS/PEOPLE I originate; were in full slave submission.

            The bloodline I originate from was not and statistically, still is not an accepted textile in the fabric or tapestry that is readily identified when one speaks of "great america". The truth, for my hue, is typically the opposite. Be the reference be #OsarsSoWhite #SandranBland #MikeBrown---too many and too much to recount. These blatant statements about the value of a/all black lives bear the question. What America AM I taking part? 

           I will not tell the story---mine pale in comparison and an aspect of my writing is to induce the state that causes black people (melanated people) to share their own vulnerabilities as relates to race. I do, acknowledge that I have had to face my own traumatization about the skin I live in. It is the premise of my work and passion to make this trauma, pain and triumph globally understood.

           I begged your patience in the beginning, I share that because I know I veered a bit; back to symbology. If “founding fathers’ did not require our input then---why would they need it now? How far will we as a DEMOGRAPHIC allow the disregard to go before we realize where true POWER lies? There is an inherent system;rearing its' unwarranted and unacceptable head. My offering, short of BLACK PEOPLE coming to grips with a number of agenda items---and one another-the ability for a  Force/system/government/ENERGY to enchant us will forever be prevalent.

          While I would love to be petty and give my two cents in judgement on the various stories; I close with and offer #TaylorFamFeelosophy's 10 Point Redemption Plan.

        Universal Melanated Line Items (for review & consensus)

10 Point Redemption Plan

1.        Agree that Melanated peoples have been and are systematically oppressed globally
2.        Agree there is a “dominant culture” maintaining this order
3.        Agree to objectively receive new information
4.        Agree to research anything you do not understand
5.       Agree to ask and receive help, encouragement, support and love on this journey
6.        Agree that single agenda movement(monogamous movement) is not only vital; but required
7.        Agree to maximize organization
8.       Agree to maximize mobilization
9.       Agree to maximize resources
10.     Agree to commence “Take Your POWER back”

Please discuss, engage, support and share. More to come.

GISM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv_p7e5-6w0

Me, Talking RaceTics; tell me if I AM worth a listen. #yoSonMysonOurSons

PoliTalk 2015/Monica Crowley

                As I watched Monica Crowley sharing her op-ed on Obama, Clinton and the scandal that prevails; I felt the need to work towards a conversation. There are many points in which I would like to analyze---so bear with me as I make these suggestions and allusions.

Following in the same vein of opinion as the author; Monica Crowley, I am responding to “Why Obama is Torpedoing Hillary Clinton”.

                 I would first like to point out that the headline itself is indicative of a dark and sinister plan for the POTUS to be personally infringing upon the free reign of Mrs. Clinton’s campaigning efforts. If this is true then the by-product of oligarchs and political cohorts defining and “making” the status of men and women; is also true. Indicating the strong fact that we do not have a democracy at all.

I listened to Ms. Crowley as she touted such assertions as “he needs a successor he can control” and saying the “…investigation would not move forward unless he wanted it(investigation) too…”

Again, I say wrapped up in these words are all powerful actions and/or exemptions from men---there is a strong lean toward there being little to no value in the investigation of possible crime and/or misconduct performed by Mrs. Clinton. Ms. Crowley; when asked “does he(Obama) have the power to slow down the FBI investigation” Ms. Crowley responded with a resounding “of course he is the President of the United States”.

                 When further queried on her thoughts about the Presidents’ hand in high profile political investigations and allegations---she stated “yeah, listen, technically, no; the FBI is supposed to be independent. But we know how this man has operated from the beginning.” She goes on to say that the only way the “daily leaks” are making press is that POTUS himself is encouraging and proliferating the practice of “torpedoing Hillary Clinton”.

                The importance of this statement to Jane & Joe 6pack is that Ms. Crowley failed to think before she spoke. The outcome of her commentary ultimately insinuates the democratic process can and is usurped by men in positions of power. She fuels the thought that there are those who are above the law and by dictation of status alone should not be bothered by such mundane things as the law.

I encourage Ms. Crowley to look past her very close circle of influence and recognize there are those of us---without pedigree or pretense; who can interpret information minus the Manhattan minutia that many pundits have to pace in precision reporting. I offer her my thoughts as a civilian, voter, parent, progressive and WOMAN. YOU Ms. CrOwLEY are full of it. You have failed to report a full story; inclusive of a lack of response to the Trump intro---where he states that what “Petraeus did was a small fraction” in comparison to what Hillary Clinton has done. You have failed to make any citing or reference to any similar case-Petraeus or Sterling. You have also made it clear, that in your thinking; sitting Presidents’ have the strength to “control” tickets run shadow administrations.

My purpose in sharing my thoughts with you are to:

1.      Give you hard copy evidence that the story of Clinton, Emails and the criminal element can be interpreted by the least of us and it would warrant answers; yet to be answered.

2.      Ask of you to make a broad thought application a possibility in your reporting----if you look at all the facts, parallel references and take a real general poll---you will find something very different than that “Manhattan Minutia” "Sex and the City" flurries you and your phonies are so accustomed to dealing with. (yep ended w/a prep)

3.      FIND YOUR REAL SELF AND DO SOME REAL REPORTING; what you currently do I find to be garbage—and the world really needs people to commit to truly working a craft and bringing dignity to professions, citing journalism as a crux of societal conjecture. Spinning bullshit and lies will not help this election or the people.

              In closing, as I watched your interview; I almost felt sick as I wondered if the masses would be able to grasp what it really was that you were saying. I hope this offering incites you to have a bit more truth and a lot less autonomy.

The Arrogance of America/Y Trump is in the Lead

The arrogance of America is, unnerving, to say the least. To jump right into the story; I AM currently a resident of the District of Columbia and I make my way to the museums and galleries as much as I can. On an outing one day, I decided to take my then three year old twin daughters to the “National Museum of The American Indian” I CRINGE TO WRITE THE WORDS----can you see why? Quite possibly not; this is the purpose of this paper---but I digress. This was my first visit to this particular museum; I have visited the Smithsonian, The Air and Space Museum amongst others; this is relevant. I validate my relationship(s) to museum to say that I felt familiar and comfortable in museum environments. Upon walking into this building---I could almost hear the spirits say “you believe this shit”----The powers that be could not even allow my ancestors the word Native.

I felt atrocity, death, regret, war; a level of massacre I could not describe in words any one persons’ ear should hear. I felt the anguish of a people who had to come to the stark revelation of beasts and plunderers in their midst. I felt a supreme sense of disrespect, blatant disregard and murderous intent. I felt like it could all happen too soon all over again. As I walked through the first exhibit---I remember it was a kayak exhibit, showing kayaks from the days of the Natives through modern day. I thought what a resource this must have been for them and I went into thinking about how this one resource more than likely changed their complete concept of how things were or could be done. With the ability to now be mobile traversing waters and having the ability to move goods and/or services allowed them to maximize their opportunity.

I cite this, because this is what the power structure of America is really known for. When government, patriots and others speak to the “GREATNESS” of America---they never discuss the tortuous bullshit America is guilty of committing. I AM #Exhaustedfrombeingwhileblack and I have to take my time to express my extreme disdain with the Illusion that is the American dream or the western ideal.

A conversation, exposing, engaging and empowering individuals to understand the system in which they revere; is the same system that initiated, nurtured and maintains oppression, caste systems and consumer status quo.

If anyone can tell me why we continue to visit and support these monoliths of colonialism and debauchery; I would greatly appreciate it. I AM hurt to my inner being about the current socioeconomic status of the culture I so readily identify. Black men are being mutilated by the media, black women are being murdered at an alarming rate and the detriment caused by systematic socialism continues.

In the spirit of the forefathers of Tyranny and Exploitation. I will say I AM at the point of Freedom or death. I also cite the extreme of having to jump straight to deaths gate as a result of requiring #MyReconciliation. TELL THE TRUTH #TRUTH2POWER #MelanatedMajority

TWINS WIN I QUIT

Confident that I AM worthless as a mother; I sat on the side of my bed and cried. I come to the same monthly decisions; who gets paid? What Am I able to afford for the house and how am I going to move around with nothing left over. I phone a friend to lift my blues. I begin to cry again; then I am angry at myself for crying. I am angry that I AM angry, AGAIN; I AM ANGRY. I do not want to be, I want to be positive. But I am finding it challenging to find the positives. Between my personal challenges, my sensitivity and my broad scope of civic society; i find little or no solace in my world.

In my anger I reached out to a friend, a friend who knows me and offers me a vision of myself to help me thru my hardtimes. Before we get to that remembrance, we go thru me venting. Which sounds like; " I do not know how to be a professional, a parent and a social butterfly at the same time. Those are three very different gears for me. So I tell her; "I know women have been doing this for as long as women have had babies, but I am not adjusting well to being a single parent." I also tell her, "it was different with my son; but with my twins it is just different and for every black bitch that said "I don't need a man; Imma strong black woman"; I could line them up one by one and slap the pure DEE shit out of them. I have never wanted a "Man" so bad in my life. I will explain "Man" a little later. Right now, my focus is these children I have created and my adjustment or lack thereof to parenting them on my own.

After the grief and tears; she always asks "so what now Maka?". I normally have answers and many which address various issues. But, for me and my single parenting dilemma, I have none. I share with her that it is a constant mindphuck of I AM doing the best I can, but I should not have to do this on my own. I go on to say that the worst part of it is the reality that my babies were created by a man whose greatest desire is to hurt me. This means the children lose lose because if my state of being is negatively affected; so is theirs.  I try to explain this to their father; to no avail.

Their father is an older man who I thought was "safe", I was extremely vulnerable at that time. My error; life had been really hard and I thought I could love this man and create a good life for me and my son---my daughters were not born. I share this because I frequently find myself angry at myself for being in this position. I love my daughters; I just never saw myself raising my child(ren) alone, this is my achilles heel. I cannot seem to get over the fact that the decisions I made, in a very vulnerable state, caused me to be "left" doing this enormous job all by myself. I call bullshit.

So, how do they win; because I submit---I submit to parenting without all of the answers. I submit to my dark side; which creeps up in the weirdest ways at times; I submit to the love of Creation that consistently reminds me that it will not forsake me. I submit to the fact that if I can make myself show up-----I allow Creation the opportunity to show out for me. I submit to the fact that "My Life" is a journey and not a destination. I envision that my good days will outweigh my bad ones.

In closing, TWINS WIN, I QUIT; trying to hide behind the veil of image and begin to live in the space of continuous source, granting me ReSource and abundance.

Hunter S. Thompson on Letterman, 11/25/88

I'M GON TELL GOD HOW YOU TREATED MY CHILDREN

Rejoice: A Review of “The Welcome Table” by Alice Walker

Maka K. Taylor

Ashford University

Prairie Markussen

ENG125/Intro to Literature

February 14, 2013

Abstract

Using Ashford University’s Discovery Series textbook, Journey into Literature (R. Wayne Clugston-2010); I have read and reviewed a short story by Pulitzer prize winning activist and author; Alice Walker.

                        Keywords: suffer, welcome table, activist,Alice Walker, #BlackLivesMatter, #ToHellw/Dying #redemption

The short story I will review in this paper is “The Welcome Table” written by Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and peace activist; Alice Walker. The theme of the story is triumph despite tribulation. In the preface of the story Walker says I’m going to tell him how you treated me.  The statement is insinuative of comeuppance and successful retreat. The story tells of an “old woman” who enters somewhere she does not belong. The story depicted “the old woman” as “dusty” and unkempt; from the reading I deduce that she entered a church where the “good” people decided she did not belong amongst them. The church people took action; ultimately throwing the woman out of the church. Upon her removal she sees “Jesus” and they begin walking together and she receives her place at the table to tell him of how they treated her. The theme of the text illustrates the disregard of the human self by humans. In further review I sense allegory in this story; I think the old lady is symbolic of lowest rung on the human hierarchy and the good church people represent the cream of the crop of society. The reaction of the good church people to the old woman is reticent of the invisible—all noticing eye of upper crust society. Ultimately the story represents the paradox of the human dynamic, its’ incumbent response to that which it deems unfit, and the text, as a by- product; hints to the scripture “the meek will inherit the earth”.

I enjoyed reading this story, in the story it is stated that the old lady looked, to know suffering. I think this text is key in setting the tone for the story. In a word I was transmuted into the story; the physicality of her character, illustrated “suffering” and I was at that church door with her. I have been acquainted with suffering; this is the tone of the story; in my humble assertion. I felt the anticipation of opening the door of the church; her entrance and procession to the pew. I was thrown out of the church with her and my eyes lit up at the reading of” I would know him anywhere”. Through the tone of the story I found myself empathizing with the old woman and celebrating her opportunity to “tell God how you treat me”. I reveled in her right to exercise herself and walk with her power to conclude her days.

I would also like to expound on the paradox conveyed via the omniscient voice the story was delivered. The setting of this story was a church. As previously referenced the church members aggressively remove this feeble and elderly woman-----whom the pastor addressed as “Auntie” upon reminding her that this was not the church she belonged to. I recount the church peoples’ reception of the elder woman…”Some of them there at the church saw the age, the dotage, the missing buttons down the front of her mildewed black dress. Others saw cooks, chauffeurs, maids, mistresses, children denied or smothered in the deferential way she held her cheek to the side, toward the ground. Many of them saw jungle orgies in an evil place, while others were reminded of riotous anarchists looting and raping in the streets. Those who knew the hesitant creeping up on them of the law, saw the beginning of the end of the sanctuary of Christian worship, saw the desecration of Holy Church, and saw an invasion of privacy, which they struggled to believe they still kept.”

In a house of worship, the house of God; the exact people(souls) who are supposed to assist and be kind----ultimately fail when the opportunity presents itself.  This woman was not good enough to worship with the good Christian folk----she was such an aberration that she was required to be immediately and violently removed from the church.

The church should; in theory; be a place of resource for the less fortunate. The church should offer love and salvation to those in need; but; allegorically; the story is relating to irony in doctrine, life application and visible values.

I have stated throughout the paper that I was really taken into this story. I will also reiterate that I am bias for the motif of this story. Although the triumph is subjective in nature, again, I am biased; the fact that she gets her moment to tell the biggest protector of them all how they “treated” her; I find solace in that thought.          

This is the beauty of the art of the pen; I am very passionate about words and the various combinations and conclusions that can be created from them. The narrative elements I spoke about in this story; in this paper, are text tangible mechanisms that cause a story to come to life. The purpose of literature; of taking the time to delve into a story is to connect; in some manner to the story. I seek to find various aspects of self in searching through the libraries of life; the library is far to vast to absorb in a single lifetime----so we are blessed to have the writings of the ages and the “creative’s” find modern myriad media to share one side of a two headed coin. The narrative elements evoke the human emotion epitomal to espousing the story intrinsically and initially.

I would also be remiss if I did not use the word rejoice in review of this story. It seems there were varied accounts of her whereabouts; but the voice said---“she would know him anywhere”. Be it literal, metaphoric or delusional; the fact that this woman found her reprieve after what seemed to have been a life of constant suffering; is food for my soul. -----“The Welcome Table—Alice Walker”

   

References

Journey into Literature-R. Wayne Clugston/2010

The Welcome Table-Alice Walker

MORAL MINIMA; Ethics in a Society Lost

                 Using “Some Moral Minima” (Len E. Goodman/2010) as a reference; my intention with this paper is to peer into my own psyche and show perspective that universal moral conduct is a vital component in maintaining societal peace and prosperity. Mr. Goodman outlines a minima of global issues including but not excluded to; polygamy, human trafficking, genital mutilation and military child recruitment. Being asked to assume a position on the acts in relation to culture or society and choose whether the act is wrong or right. I would be remiss if I did not emphatically state that these acts should be considered reprehensible, wrong.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                   I am delighted to have the opportunity to take a written position on right and wrong, I personally live by a four word foundation for my life and I practice using the words as an active conduit between myself and humane treatment of all I come into contact with. I know that what I share may not be academic in its’ content, it is however equally as pertinent in the notion of right and wrong.

                     My four word foundation for life is” Willingness, Accountability, Sacrifice  and Negotiation”,  Consider it my spiritual black card if you will; 

1. Willingness- An individual ability to proactively seek out purpose in any and all interactions----the action of being 100% present wherever I AM. 
2. Accountability-My individual ability to maturely account for my actions ---100% truth. 
3. Sacrifice-I AM always willing to discuss the terms of an agreement. I AM willing to compromise in the name of what is best for the whole.
4. Negotiation-I AM always willing to work through objectives to meet the needs of the whole. (7 Steps to Kill My nigga; Bahtyah B. Israel-2011) 

                    I insert this relatively in response to moral code of conduct, taking for granted that this process is instituted in a righteous manner, it leaves open the ultimate possibility for win-win outcomes and power sharing in opposition to power mongering. However, as stated in “Some Moral Minima-Len. E. Goodman-2010)”; “Matilal’s aim was consensus, which often carries blandness as its price—if not compromise of principle. Yet compromise is the stuff of politics.”

                   Let us; for the sake premise define “politics”. Politics as defined by Mirriam Webster online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics) is a set of definitions; listed are those most relevant to the position I am taking. “Politics- : the art or science of government  b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy  c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2: political actions, practices, or policies 3 a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices 4: the political opinions or sympathies of a person 5a : the total complex of relations between people living in society.” Politics, by definition, is ambiguous at best. There is an innate concept of trickery involved in politics because politics is relevant to the politician and individual agenda, needs and/or wants. As a byline of the definition it would seem plausible that “sympathies” could be feigned and false alliances created that have a relative hand in the day to day activities of civilians. Politicization of the issue creates never ending banter between politicians, and politics easily usurps human need. If we continue to fail to look at actions from a paradigm of right and wrong, we, as a society will continue to fail at humanity.

                  One must beg the question who really benefits from the mass destruction, violent and terroristic descent upon nations and human trafficking----we have to ask is there an omnipotent power system that holds these ties together?  Has there ever been a society that lived via application of ideologies of right and wrong?  How do you really feel about the politics and politicization of human need?  I find this line of inquiry to be base for bridge building from the political practice we currently exist; into a flourishing humane commune of health, wealth and prosperity.

                 In closing, just for the sake of reference and history; I would like to identify an ancient civilization whose lifestyle utilized right and wrong as a conduit for qualitative and quantative life. I cite the Ancient Egyptians and the practiced doctrine of the time; Ma’at. “Ma’at is a comprehensive construct that existed throughout ancient Egyptian civilization. Cosmologically, maat is the principle of order that informs the creation of the universe. Religiously, Ma'at is a goddess or neter representing order or balance. Last, philosophically, Ma;at is a moral and ethical principle that all Egyptians were expected to embody in their daily actions toward family, community, nation, environment, and god. This work extends maat beyond the boundaries of ancient Egyptian culture and tests its conceptual elasticity by developing it into an catalytic tool for studying classical African cosmological knowledge and how it relates to cultural expression. It focuses on the conceptualization of Ma'at as the foundation of the universe and then uses the manner in which Ma'at appears in ancient Egyptian culture as a basis for distinguishing patterns within classical African knowledge. This pattern contains 10 characteristics or dimensions: sacred, symbolic, visual, functional, moral, oral, communal, rhythmic, multidimensional, and holistic.”( Ma'at and Order in African Cosmology A Conceptual Tool for Understanding Indigenous Knowledge Denise Martin-Journal of Black Studies-2008)

                The information shared in this paper is my personal position. I have interpreted, hypothesized, and now I shall conclude. In my humble opinion and based on the information I have presented in this paper; I am confident that there are certain behaviors, acts and motives that are wrong. I cannot come up with a rational argument for that. Now, should the question transform itself to is there a right in a wrong situation? That is a different paper. In my conclusion I will apply my best self to always securely discern right from wrong and veer myself towards a community that works toward the healing of a hurt people to recreate environments to reflect the true beauty that resides within each human being.

INSIDIOUS LANGUAGE

LISA NICHOLS on the STEVE HARVEY SHOW

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcu92UlIQfs&ab_channel=SimuelYoung

      So I love this---but......----I just want to play devil's advocate. Entertain me if you will. The situation-----a struggling single mother is wonderful in her duties as a teacher, nurturer and nation builder for her children. She is not an earner. She exists on a low-income lifestyle, although she would love to “live”. The struggling mother would like to use her talents to further the socioeconomic status of her people. A DYNASTY is what she sees in her mind. But broken screens throughout the orifices of her home disrupt her VISION.

         Her work as a mother overwhelms and exhausts her frequently; another dynamic she is dealing with is generational abuse issues manifesting in the relationship of her and her childrens' father. She asks herself if she should give the children to someone who could raise them financially better than she could; because in that moment she has no hope for herself caring for them. Should she, in search of her own truest happiness; give up the children.

         So then, it would seem the question is does she want the children. The answer is yes, but the society she lives in is so twisted, her energy becomes exerted by the mundane and daily, general, mental and physical exertions required. What I mean is, “It” has been set up for so long and ----I digress.

         What is “It” you may be asking. “It” is the Generational Institutional Systemic Marginalization (GISM) of people of color. As an individual who was born into the same system that claims my citizenship from stealing my ancestors (people), and my true forefathers from their land; I detest the false platitudes of the elite, I detest the colloquial “white elephant in the room” that is racism; or more pertinently, the dehumanization of people of color. The magnitude of shame, dysfunction, criminalization, sexualization, marginalization, institutionalization, exploitation, degradation, pacification, and de-moralization of people of color is; and I use this word with pursed lips; “disproportionate” in light of our cultural counterparts.

         Paradoxically, I chose the “red pill”, this has proven to come with its’ own consequences. What I can suggest to you as a result of my experience is that I have humbled myself to the fact that I do not know what I do not know until I learn I did not know “It”, pun intended. My journey down the proverbial “Rabbit Hole”; has been a journey and is best described, by what I have coined as “my process of processing my process”---in that, I find hope. I digressed earlier in the writing to illustrate “It” and a foundation for future reference to “It”. Using this as a foundation for this writing, I continue. 

     The train of thought I will follow in responding to the scenario of the hopeless, not so young, single mother; giving up her children to follow her individual happiness. I am taking the liberty to think that she, although weak in this moment will be able to find her strength. For shits and kicks----let’s travel the other road.

         She decides in that moment based on her hopelessness that she is going to ask a friend; a friend she had previously conversed with on the subject to keep her children. The conditions discussed for this arrangement are that parental rights are turned over and terminated.

         Now the friend is a very stable individual, tenured in the US Military, nice home and loving family. I find the need to mention, the single mother has no family and though she has many acquaintances; she has not been able to tap into the energy that would create a safety net/support system. Feeling dismal and hopeless, looking at the effect(s) of her affect, she asks her children; “if I could find you a new mommy, who could buy you everything a little child could have, would you want to trade me in?” The children emphatically reply “no” and although this response should make her feel really good. “It” only sends her spiraling further down the staircase of unworthiness and despair. She has been convinced that she is not good enough and her children deserve better than her. She feels that although she can fully equip them with the spirit of life, sustainable life-----because she had not earned the finances to seamlessly rear her children; that is the amount of her value. The single mother in this space of her life feels as though she cannot sufficiently apply herself to her work as a single mom. The space she is in, her choice to take the “Red Pill”, her ever looming responsibilities, her lack of per diem and other factors make it very easy for the single mother to deny herself opportunities. If you could bear with me, I must take a moment to further illustrate the “It” factor.

         The single mother, in her current life category feels stuck. In this space, the “It” factor and the pursuant GISM has affected her in such a way; the weight of having the full and dedicated responsibility of raising her children, is more than she can mentally endure. Her greatest desire is to build Nations in and through her children and to manifest the vision of a Divine family. In her current space she has run out of gas for hope and feels as though her earnings, life trajectory; or lack thereof; and track record are less than acceptable for her beautiful children. She continues to question her application of parenting simply because there is, all too frequently more month than money. No matter what is sacrificed. Now, let me address the impetus of this writing.   

     While watching the interview with Lisa Nichols on Steve Harvey, I found myself in conflict. Let me state, I use various methodologies for healing the soul, and Lisa Nichols is definitely in my armory, I work diligently at becoming more connected to my purpose and manifestation of my purpose. There are some key points I would like to relay to the aforementioned scenario.Lisa Nichols is a wonderful motivational speaker and I really appreciate the work she does. I will with hold comment on Steve Harvey. Lisa Nichols was speaking on turning her life around and states her transformation and “My biggest accomplishment is being willing to give myself 1000 second chances and every time I got to 999 I pressed reset…I didn’t ask permission I gave notice…unapologetically … not in a bragadocious way…I only got one life and I’m a ride this one till the wheels fall off, and then all the other stuff came (wow/Steve Harvey) as a result of a decision I made (right, but it was a decision you /Steve Harvey)…but it was a decision and it didn’t come from a motivational experience, it didn’t come from an inspiring teacher, it came from hitting rock bottom…(okay, okay let’s talk about this…I have been there, and I just wanted to hear how you had turned it around/ Steve Harvey…)  She then begins to share the details of her story, but most interesting to me is the statement; “…I was broke and I was broken…mommy will never be this broke again…I was bankrupt…”

         Now let me state for the record her illustration truly resonated with me; she goes on to say, “…I wasn’t doing anything with my gift…I was tired of having potential, I wanted my now…I have to be willing to drastically transform myself so that I can become the woman that I know I can be…I was radical…” 

         Steve interjects and asks “what did you do to change your life?”  She begins her response by saying “First, I realized I couldn’t grow with people who were struggling like me… I don’t want to stay with yall (jokingly)…it doesn’t make me any less committed to my community, any less committed to my culture, committed to my family; the best thing I can do is not stay here with you…When I got that I went to places I had never seen before… I went to the same conference 42 times…I am my rescue no one else is my rescue, I am my rescue…”Further in the conversation Steve Harvey states his father told him “…the best thing you can do for poor people is not be one of them…I got to do something if I want to go back to effectively change some people’s lives”.  Lisa further in the conversation asks; in reference to the lengths one must go to transform; “are you willing to do something you have never done before?...” 

     I have transcribed this interaction because I find the dynamic to be most pertinent in reference to the above scenario.Based on the ideology that one has to be willing to be authentic with the space they occupy. I am taking a liberty to surmise, the mother’s situation; in her own mind; is so bleak that she cannot even fathom having childcare, transportation, petty cash or even proper presentation of herself to attend any place 42 times; except the grocery store. That is her space, which then leaves her with the options of enduring and getting comfortable with the struggle or moving through her convictions, to get happy despite the gravity and potential permanent effects of her decision.

         The fact that a well bodied, skillful individual only has these two choices as options, is key and parcel to “It” on all accounts. The fact she feels this way, the fact the friend is only willing to help her if she relinquishes custody (control), the fact the children’s father is not present and counted for in the comprehensive position of father, raising their children; the outcomes are related to GISM. All have experienced as a result of white supremacy and the generational deficit in socioeconomic growth and personal development of people of color. The consistent and benign erosion of innateness, known as soul, is washed away for simply “being while black”. Feeling devalued, labeled low income and impoverished on paper; for over a decade; made her feel that way.

         I share this to juxtapose an ideal----there is an African proverb that says I AM because you are. The thinking that resonates in this interview, for me is “radical individualism”---it is a very coded language and one has to know how to decipher.The thought of one bringing themselves up from the bootstraps, being the backbone of America is pure fuckery. America is built on the backs of black people’s free labor and we labored in corporations that still profit from our individual lineage labor today. The corporations also exert an extra helping of fuck you and white supremacy by double dipping as we continue to labor and support these corporations our individual lineages built. How, then, is the come back for the come up, specifically for people of color, to pull yourself up? The current power structure and its’ talking heads request of us that which they did not even do. They also had the open opportunity to intermingle, collaborate and plan. Every black power group, individual or entity that gained or gains a foothold in uniting people of color have been systematically destroyed and murdered. A precedent and prime fact that speaks for itself.  

      I also offer; I comprehend the thinking---I choose to push in a different direction and apply a different modality. I find it abhorrent for spokespersons of color to continue to speak to the symptom and not the historic diagnosis or collective prognosis, as relates to them personally or the base they serve. I congratulate both of them in their success and efforts. I am working to relay the significance of this conversation in relation to Steve Harvey’s previous statement, he doesn’t care about slavery for the quote from Steve’s guest Lisa Nichols, renowned motivational speaker, woman of color, single mother; and an unwilling victim of “It” and ISM, to state in collusion; knowingly or unknowingly; to “…it doesn’t make me any less committed to my community, any less committed to my culture, committed to my family; the best thing I can do is not stay here with you…When I got that I went to places I had never seen before…” and for Steve to say his father’s “…famous words were, the best thing you can do for poor people is not be one of them…” diminishes the severity of why his father, with his third grade education instilled such a value in him in the first place. I grant it seems as though they both work to live fulfilled lives and do good philanthropic works.

         However, the labeling and subjugation of black people coupled with “radical individualism” is the perfect recipe for niggers and nigger behavior. Which, could, ultimately have an anti trajectory effect on individuals working to apply this practice through their own understanding. A current popular phrase is, “I gotta do what I gotta do”. That mentality perpetuates all types of behavior, my humble assessment. What I heard conveyed through this interview, is the foundation for one to:1.     “do what thou wilt”
2.      know that death is life
3.     Know that to “drastically” changing oneself, you have to be willing to do what the other guy wasn’t.

         Especially, if you seek to make the echelon of the American elite and black (African American) icon. There is a common language that exists in the content of every interview, every teLIEvision program, every advertisement we are vehemently bombarded with daily.   Listen to the elite in their interviews you will consistently hear; I transformed, I embody, I summon, something took over me etc.,.  The language; when placed under this light---comes under suspicion for me. Lisa and Steve had this exchange, “LISA:…I only got one life and I’m a ride this one till the wheels fall off… and then all the other stuff came (wow/Steve Harvey) as a result of a decision I made” (right, but it was a decision you /Steve Harvey) “…but it was a decision and it didn’t come from a motivational experience, it didn’t come from an inspiring teacher, it came from hitting rock bottom…”  (okay, okay let’s talk about this…I have been there,” Steve Harvey) Steve Harvey’s admission of “I have been there” is an identification of the path to this place in which they currently hang their hats. The fact that, I AM paraphrasing, but, that one must lose all any premonition and A-line from where you are to where you want to be, speaks to the connectivity of self or, ensuing lack thereof in doing what one has to do. I would also like to note, I never heard her say I reached out and asked for… 

         My point is the concept of “radical individualism” is a concept that ultimately further removes any accountability for the generational atrocities and GISM experienced by people of color both nationally and internationally at the hands of the progenitors and progenies of American government. It allows the haves of the black power elite to limit what they feel they should give/do because; they did it so why can’t you. It teaches that as opposed to having an expectation of someone else caring about you and nursing you through a situation; your only expectation in life is to struggle or fuck everything, literally or metaphorically to get money. This is a very insidious protocol that warps the mind of people of color into believing the illusion of disparity is real and it is your own fault that you lack; whatever the lack is. It would ultimately be the justification for the mother we spoke of earlier to terminate custody and find her “now”.      

         The premise is until you get happy you cannot do anything for anyone else. Which, I wholly agree with, however, if I make a permanent decision to a temporary problem; don’t I run the risk of ultimately placing myself in a worse long term position than where I started?  Assuming the backlash of permanent solutions to temporary problems is the crux of melanated people’s pain, historically. How, then, do we continue to justify self propelling behaviorisms, that serve the individual as opposed to the collective? I make no intimation that either Steve or Lisa has been selfish in their personal accrual of fame and fortune; but if the single mother relinquishes her rights and as a result becomes famous, rich and philanthropic. What did/does she do with the pain of giving her children up for that. Kanye??? In the words of the bible, “what good does it do a man to inherit the earth, if he loses his soul?”

         I leave you with I AM because you are and I will continue to pledge myself to the cause of correct consciousness in my community, culture and family.