If you've been following the news recently then you may have heard of the freedom fighters in Libya. Ordinary citizens who, not unlike some plucky Americans, have taken up arms against a tyrant. For America, we had our King George, the Libyans have their self-styled "King of Kings," Gaddafi.
As another day dawns since the rebellion began, freedom loving Libyans are taking up arms against a vicious killer. With no way out, it's quite literally, victory or death. With such fierce determination, these people can't help but garner admirers and supporters.
The French government is once again at the forefront in support of liberty. Recent reports indicate that France will attempt to resupply the rebels. America is doing her part by preaching coordinated action in support of innocent civilians. In a moment such as this, we as Americans ought to reflect on the bravery of those free Libyans (as we recall our own history) and support their efforts in whatever ways possible.
While such fire for freedom burns, there is hope for democracy everywhere. I'll be keeping a free Libya in my heart and mind as I wish, hope, and pray for those brave lads. Here's hoping that whatever can be done causes more good than ill.
Showing posts with label editorials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label editorials. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, April 30, 2007
History is Culture
A word today, friends on the notion of culture. It is firmly my belief that culture is based on family and an understanding of history. Despite a widely held belief that race impacts culture - I don't buy it.
Put anyone into a cultural society not their own and they will adapt to the societal norms to become a participating member of the new culture. Typically such new members of society will add their own cultural traditions and thus evolve the culture of the new society.
This is one of the secrets to the successfully merging of identities and cultures in New York City. It is the reason we celebrate New Years and then Chinese New Years. We also participate in a host of other cultural parades and activities throughout the year.
The Afro-American diaspora (link) is an example of such cultural integration. There is however a portion of the peoples for whom the mass dissipation has left it's original culture in tatters. I refer to those former slaves and their descendants (of whom I am one) who have had their original culture ripped away from them.
That is not to say that this removal process was either intentional or by any means complete. Nor has the lack of a historical binding to our original cultures hindered us from contributing new cultural idioms to the emerging society. Much of the stylized origins of popular culture originate from the Afro-American community.
Notwithstanding these contributions, it may be useful for the aforementioned community to reconnect with their historical roots. A re energized base of society, newly endowed with a sense of their original culture would no doubt add a new perspective to the self image of the community. It is out of this frame of reference that we now celebrate Kwanzaa (link).
But on to my main point. It should be well known if you read these pages (of the New Freedoms Journal) that I am a strong advocate of self-education. I cannot think of many things that are closer to understanding oneself than by the introspection obtained through a historical examination of one's culture in addition to the classics.
As it stands now we have access to the greatest information resource on the planet (the Internet). In addition to this resource there is a movement afoot to make available for free Education at the highest levels to anyone with access to the Internet (your public library will have free access).
Lastly I would like to direct your attention to the free resource of lectures and notes on the African American History (link). This resource is available to anyone free of charge from one of the nations top schools (The University of Notre Dame). There is a further collection of free Education materials at the Open Course ware Consortium (link) and Curriki (link). A search for free eduction on Del.icio.us (link) will yield many similar sites.
Put anyone into a cultural society not their own and they will adapt to the societal norms to become a participating member of the new culture. Typically such new members of society will add their own cultural traditions and thus evolve the culture of the new society.
This is one of the secrets to the successfully merging of identities and cultures in New York City. It is the reason we celebrate New Years and then Chinese New Years. We also participate in a host of other cultural parades and activities throughout the year.
The Afro-American diaspora (link) is an example of such cultural integration. There is however a portion of the peoples for whom the mass dissipation has left it's original culture in tatters. I refer to those former slaves and their descendants (of whom I am one) who have had their original culture ripped away from them.
That is not to say that this removal process was either intentional or by any means complete. Nor has the lack of a historical binding to our original cultures hindered us from contributing new cultural idioms to the emerging society. Much of the stylized origins of popular culture originate from the Afro-American community.
Notwithstanding these contributions, it may be useful for the aforementioned community to reconnect with their historical roots. A re energized base of society, newly endowed with a sense of their original culture would no doubt add a new perspective to the self image of the community. It is out of this frame of reference that we now celebrate Kwanzaa (link).
But on to my main point. It should be well known if you read these pages (of the New Freedoms Journal) that I am a strong advocate of self-education. I cannot think of many things that are closer to understanding oneself than by the introspection obtained through a historical examination of one's culture in addition to the classics.
As it stands now we have access to the greatest information resource on the planet (the Internet). In addition to this resource there is a movement afoot to make available for free Education at the highest levels to anyone with access to the Internet (your public library will have free access).
Lastly I would like to direct your attention to the free resource of lectures and notes on the African American History (link). This resource is available to anyone free of charge from one of the nations top schools (The University of Notre Dame). There is a further collection of free Education materials at the Open Course ware Consortium (link) and Curriki (link). A search for free eduction on Del.icio.us (link) will yield many similar sites.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Black Riders
As an Afro-American motorcyclist and life member of the American Motorcyclist Association - AMA. I have been finding an interesting correlation between my perceptions of the Black Cowboy in America and that of the Black motorcyclist. The ability to ride any conveyance of one's choice is something that anyone can acquire...
Why then are such facts either under-published or not making it into the pages of our history books?
The answer to this it seems to me is the lack of black publishers having the capacity and audience to publish the material facts. I am pleased to be able to redress this imbalance by submitting this article. I hope that New Freedom's Journal will enable me to cover many of the lesser known topics related to the Afro-American culture.
From a personal perspective, I ride a Suzuki Volusia™ although I have had my eye on the American Rocket III which is produced by Triumph. I find that I am pretty typical among the other black riders that I know. Most riders in general will give their right kidney to help anyone out of a tough situation.
The generosity of motorcyclists may have something to do with the high risks that we take to enjoy our sport. Many riders take time to ride safely and to learn the craft of operating a motorcycle. For anyone out there needing a good and cheap (but effective) safety course check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - MSF. In New York try the Motorcycle Safety School - MSS.
On black culture in America - a lot of Afro-American motorcyclists ride for fun, join clubs and support each other. A code of ethics exists to never leave a biker behind. The legacy of black family values comes with each biker making the motorcycle clubs an extension of one's family.
I have been fortunate to travel among these riders. Not only do they ride "well" and "straight" but they also tie into each other in ways that only those who have jumped off a cliff or out of a plane might appreciate. If you choose to ride we'll be waiting.
Why then are such facts either under-published or not making it into the pages of our history books?
The answer to this it seems to me is the lack of black publishers having the capacity and audience to publish the material facts. I am pleased to be able to redress this imbalance by submitting this article. I hope that New Freedom's Journal will enable me to cover many of the lesser known topics related to the Afro-American culture.
From a personal perspective, I ride a Suzuki Volusia™ although I have had my eye on the American Rocket III which is produced by Triumph. I find that I am pretty typical among the other black riders that I know. Most riders in general will give their right kidney to help anyone out of a tough situation.
The generosity of motorcyclists may have something to do with the high risks that we take to enjoy our sport. Many riders take time to ride safely and to learn the craft of operating a motorcycle. For anyone out there needing a good and cheap (but effective) safety course check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - MSF. In New York try the Motorcycle Safety School - MSS.
On black culture in America - a lot of Afro-American motorcyclists ride for fun, join clubs and support each other. A code of ethics exists to never leave a biker behind. The legacy of black family values comes with each biker making the motorcycle clubs an extension of one's family.
I have been fortunate to travel among these riders. Not only do they ride "well" and "straight" but they also tie into each other in ways that only those who have jumped off a cliff or out of a plane might appreciate. If you choose to ride we'll be waiting.
Thinking outside of the Box
What is it?
A phrase that has come into American society and is used occasionally, especially in business circles. Thinking outside of the box seems to have the general meaning of thinking in an unconventional way. For years I have heard and used the term to describe the application of tactics in business situations.
One recent interview had the respondent stating "What box?!.. I mean what is that box exactly?" I was forced to consider the probability that the term which I understood in large measure might be interpreted in other ways. An alternative pointed out by the respondent was that the "box" might conceivably refer to the ubiquitous "television".
Pertaining to this new realization then, the postulation of the "Box as Television" provides ample fodder for those folks who believe that the Box (TV) deadens the mind. Many feel that television is inherently detrimental to human beings on the physical (exposure to radiation), mental (mind-numbing content) and spiritual (negative images and force-fed commercials for unwanted products) levels.
I count myself among those with this disposition.
Why then do I still own and occasionally view a television?
Old habits die hard but I find myself moving ever closer and with increasing frequency to getting my portion of news content from the Internet. Information is available when and where I want to digest it. I only view those pieces of content that appeal to me. I have millions of channels rather than the normal set of 500-1500 channels that cable users possess.
The bad news is that television is reinventing itself as a medium that is available online.
The good news is that we will not be force-fed any more nonsensical content. If we don't like the content one may do as I have done and begin publishing your own material.
A phrase that has come into American society and is used occasionally, especially in business circles. Thinking outside of the box seems to have the general meaning of thinking in an unconventional way. For years I have heard and used the term to describe the application of tactics in business situations.
One recent interview had the respondent stating "What box?!.. I mean what is that box exactly?" I was forced to consider the probability that the term which I understood in large measure might be interpreted in other ways. An alternative pointed out by the respondent was that the "box" might conceivably refer to the ubiquitous "television".
Pertaining to this new realization then, the postulation of the "Box as Television" provides ample fodder for those folks who believe that the Box (TV) deadens the mind. Many feel that television is inherently detrimental to human beings on the physical (exposure to radiation), mental (mind-numbing content) and spiritual (negative images and force-fed commercials for unwanted products) levels.
I count myself among those with this disposition.
Why then do I still own and occasionally view a television?
Old habits die hard but I find myself moving ever closer and with increasing frequency to getting my portion of news content from the Internet. Information is available when and where I want to digest it. I only view those pieces of content that appeal to me. I have millions of channels rather than the normal set of 500-1500 channels that cable users possess.
The bad news is that television is reinventing itself as a medium that is available online.
The good news is that we will not be force-fed any more nonsensical content. If we don't like the content one may do as I have done and begin publishing your own material.
The case for a new Freedom's journal
(Vol. 1, Issue 1)
Friends, Family, NetizensNew Freedom's Journal
The name of New Freedom's Journal is taken from the original endeavor of an Afro-American paper established in 1827. Freedom's Journal made history as America's first black newspaper. The original Freedom's Journal lasted only two years but I find it refreshing that it's legacy remains today. Hence this editorial.
My hopes for this blog include a change of design to reflect a news oriented focus. I hope to encourage other Afro-American writers, students, teachers, scientists or just anyone in general to contribute content to this space. What prompted this desire to build a useful legacy?
Several reasons have lead to the existence of New Freedoms Journal -
- Recent exposure to the growing diverse cultures in New York City have made me keenly aware of my lack of knowledge of my own history and culture
- I noticed that a well known site removed some of my postings that simply made the case that Afro-Americans were smart and articulate, unlike what others were portraying us as (in a derogatory fashion)
- The ability to speak truth to power invites the individual to stand up and be counted
- Recent exposure to blog writing has encouraged me to explore topics that I consider important
- Journalism is one short step from blogging
- To encourage others in the quest for knowledge of oneself and ones' history
Antebellum Black Newspapers
The Story of Freedom's Journal
Freedom's Journal Archive (Vol. 1)
Freedom's Journal Archive (Vol. 2)
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