Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friend With Benefits Introduces Co-Pay
Friend With Benefits Introduces Co-Pay Thought this may be interesting to some.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
X not always on spot
A friend of mine sent me this: Interesting blog about Malcolm X…..
http://www.irenemonroe.com/2011/04/06/malcolm-x-was-gay-for-pay/.
I don’t know if it will have that profound of an impact. It would not make me take his poster down or deny the impact he had on others. I would ask what is the purpose of it. To show that the Black community has always had examples of prominent people who were gay? Or to encourage and empower members of the LGBTQIA community that a figure such as X had that stature. Is it similar to knowing as a Black male that we made many significant contributions to the worlds and are not what many portray Black people as?
If that is the point cool. This reminds me of a conversation we have where I work. It seems like people are surprised or disgusted when Black people have other identities besides being Black. We think that you only get one identity that represents something “different.” That is why we do not hire as many Black people or people of color. It kills the “other diversities."
I actually think it is sad how it is made to look like Black culture is the main culture that has a problem with sexuality when things like this come out. Society in general has a problem. What cultures when it comes to race are really that much more accepting. That is the sad thing about being Black. We think things like this about ourselves and others do also. I do not deny the personal responsibility that comes with anyone. Being Black does not strip me or anyone of that. But, why would anyone not believe it is possible that a figure head in the Black Community is gay. And why does it seem like we make Black people in certain instances more homophobic than other groups. Indeed there are some cultural differences between Black Americans, White Americans and others. However, do not make it sound like we are more ignorant and vicious towards each other than another group. We just get highlighted more seems like. I know my identity affects the way I think on that. Religion is a prominent point, but we have the same religion that many other groups have. What base religion does not have people from all different groups. And if you say Nation of Islam, please remember they are Muslims and the homophobic reactions would not just come from being “Black.” At the end of the day conspiracy theories will be started, people will be upset, many will simply not believe it. But the same would happen if George Washington was known to be gay, and I am sure we can find some literature on him and other white people. But when the white communities and others get upset, the homophobic white people are addressed not all of the white community or religious groups.
Again, what was the aim of the article? If it is religion, then certainly it is something to examine and look at how religion really plays a part in judgments, statements, and possible harm we inflict. But who want s to tackle it? We do not here and there is certainly, like with other injustices, not an easy answer. I would like to say treat each other right, but that is the utopian answer. We all know we need to think better and do better. Does this article help others do that, or is it for a shock value? Black people owned Black slaves, King cheated, Malcolm X had a gay lover, Michael Jackson tried to make himself white? I still love them, while knowing that it is possibly another part of their identity to agree or disagree with.
Again, we have people problems that manifest themselves in subcultures, but the root problem is people do not treat each other accordingly and afford everyone certain inalienable rights that God has allowed us to have.
http://www.irenemonroe.com/2011/04/06/malcolm-x-was-gay-for-pay/.
I don’t know if it will have that profound of an impact. It would not make me take his poster down or deny the impact he had on others. I would ask what is the purpose of it. To show that the Black community has always had examples of prominent people who were gay? Or to encourage and empower members of the LGBTQIA community that a figure such as X had that stature. Is it similar to knowing as a Black male that we made many significant contributions to the worlds and are not what many portray Black people as?
If that is the point cool. This reminds me of a conversation we have where I work. It seems like people are surprised or disgusted when Black people have other identities besides being Black. We think that you only get one identity that represents something “different.” That is why we do not hire as many Black people or people of color. It kills the “other diversities."
I actually think it is sad how it is made to look like Black culture is the main culture that has a problem with sexuality when things like this come out. Society in general has a problem. What cultures when it comes to race are really that much more accepting. That is the sad thing about being Black. We think things like this about ourselves and others do also. I do not deny the personal responsibility that comes with anyone. Being Black does not strip me or anyone of that. But, why would anyone not believe it is possible that a figure head in the Black Community is gay. And why does it seem like we make Black people in certain instances more homophobic than other groups. Indeed there are some cultural differences between Black Americans, White Americans and others. However, do not make it sound like we are more ignorant and vicious towards each other than another group. We just get highlighted more seems like. I know my identity affects the way I think on that. Religion is a prominent point, but we have the same religion that many other groups have. What base religion does not have people from all different groups. And if you say Nation of Islam, please remember they are Muslims and the homophobic reactions would not just come from being “Black.” At the end of the day conspiracy theories will be started, people will be upset, many will simply not believe it. But the same would happen if George Washington was known to be gay, and I am sure we can find some literature on him and other white people. But when the white communities and others get upset, the homophobic white people are addressed not all of the white community or religious groups.
Again, what was the aim of the article? If it is religion, then certainly it is something to examine and look at how religion really plays a part in judgments, statements, and possible harm we inflict. But who want s to tackle it? We do not here and there is certainly, like with other injustices, not an easy answer. I would like to say treat each other right, but that is the utopian answer. We all know we need to think better and do better. Does this article help others do that, or is it for a shock value? Black people owned Black slaves, King cheated, Malcolm X had a gay lover, Michael Jackson tried to make himself white? I still love them, while knowing that it is possibly another part of their identity to agree or disagree with.
Again, we have people problems that manifest themselves in subcultures, but the root problem is people do not treat each other accordingly and afford everyone certain inalienable rights that God has allowed us to have.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Rage
There is a saying that goes "if you are not mad, you are not paying attention." That is clearly a privileged and white saying. As a person of color in this world, I cannot show my true rage. It is difficult to tell my complete truth. If I show that side, I am categorized as the angry conspirocist. AKA, the angry black man who is yet again painting a picture from his imagination from a past that no longer exist.
So, why be mad. I can pay attention and not be mad. I can also atste my piece without showing my anger. I believe it is better to push the anger out and try to love any way. I have seen so many let the anger and madness consume them that they cease to live. The only thing they know is anger. That becomes the way they deal with all of their frustrations and problems. That anger becomes burdens that are carried on their shoulders like the world Atlas was given. That creates the bitterness and creates the blinders that help further oppress us and keep the different oppressed from working together. I am guilty myself and am probably speaking as a hypocrite. My frustration often keeps me from wanting to work with the other hypocrites. I forget my true mission of education and salvation.
That is why I will try not being mad and try love. Love allows barriers to be broken down. Love is one of the three things we have. Faith, hope, and love. Of those three, love is the greatest. Love allows me to live off vailent efforts. Those are the efforts of King and X who realized that we need each other. Anger is not a product of that collaboration. My true prayer is that we make it, that we get it, that we unite and stop so much questioning and start finding answeres in each other.
One Love...
So, why be mad. I can pay attention and not be mad. I can also atste my piece without showing my anger. I believe it is better to push the anger out and try to love any way. I have seen so many let the anger and madness consume them that they cease to live. The only thing they know is anger. That becomes the way they deal with all of their frustrations and problems. That anger becomes burdens that are carried on their shoulders like the world Atlas was given. That creates the bitterness and creates the blinders that help further oppress us and keep the different oppressed from working together. I am guilty myself and am probably speaking as a hypocrite. My frustration often keeps me from wanting to work with the other hypocrites. I forget my true mission of education and salvation.
That is why I will try not being mad and try love. Love allows barriers to be broken down. Love is one of the three things we have. Faith, hope, and love. Of those three, love is the greatest. Love allows me to live off vailent efforts. Those are the efforts of King and X who realized that we need each other. Anger is not a product of that collaboration. My true prayer is that we make it, that we get it, that we unite and stop so much questioning and start finding answeres in each other.
One Love...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Guilt
I write this as I currently feel like I am always asking for forgiveness. It is true that one of the hardest actions to do is to forgive yourself. At some point, I want to start doing things from a point of true humaneness not from any guilt that I may possess over my actions in the past. I truly hope we can look at the occurrences in this world right now and make things right by forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and then working on making it right. My fear is that right now we are losing. And I do not mean Black people, poor people, or just the oppressed. I mean we as the whole. My guilt starts at what did I do wrong and how come I have not made it right? Hope you enjoy, reflect, and analyze. Sincerely, Yenba.
Can you drive out guilt by being driven by your guilt. A famous King quote says that you cannot drive out darkness with darkness or hate with hate. Where does guilt lay its head?
Is it a stretch to say that we struggle with guilt without having a real answer for it? In our efforts to overcome guilt we overcompensate by trying to drive it out and replace it with our good deeds. That is noble and needed in a wicked world. But the deciet is that you will never overcome your guilt without forgiveness. It seems that helps lead to deeds been done from a spirit and heart that is in a place to heal and teach others. Not to blame and hate others for past and current inequalities. True diversity and love is found by realizing that we all have the right to think,act, and love how we want as long as it does not inhibit others right to do the same.
Can you drive out guilt by being driven by your guilt. A famous King quote says that you cannot drive out darkness with darkness or hate with hate. Where does guilt lay its head?
Is it a stretch to say that we struggle with guilt without having a real answer for it? In our efforts to overcome guilt we overcompensate by trying to drive it out and replace it with our good deeds. That is noble and needed in a wicked world. But the deciet is that you will never overcome your guilt without forgiveness. It seems that helps lead to deeds been done from a spirit and heart that is in a place to heal and teach others. Not to blame and hate others for past and current inequalities. True diversity and love is found by realizing that we all have the right to think,act, and love how we want as long as it does not inhibit others right to do the same.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Its Alive
Everybody has an opinion, song, or movie (Brown Sugar one of my favs) on hip-hop. So of course, I had to write something about it. I think it is like many of the social constructs that we create. Hip-hop is a tremendously influential force that for the most part should be taken as entertainment, but it has the power to be a catalyst for social change if used that way. Hope you enjoy. As always, please comment, follow me, and/or email me at yenba.cire@gmail.com for questions. Take care, Yenba
Hip Hop is still alive,
If you every thought it exist,
Hip-hop is the people,
Not just rhyming or
Alliterative words that dis,
Nas says Hip-Hop is dead,
I say it has just changed forms,
Hip started out as being a voice for the weak,
Now has hopped in the storm,
I do not mean turbulent times,
Or a storm with rain or hail,
I mean the storm or capitalism,
Going back to Cali with Rocking Bells,
I’m not so mad at the sell out,
Everybody’s got to eat,
I’m not so mad that it has changed,
And infused the majority into the streets,
I do sulk at the fact, that in its effort to overcome,
Hip-Hop has become a distributed tool,
To brainwash where we come from,
We are not all from the gutter,
Or about small waist and big behinds,
Some of us jump up at gimmicks,
Making us look like we’re blind,
Blind to the facts,
And like a base head on crack,
Hip-hop has become addicted to stardom, women and money,
Its alive, we just need to take it back.
I still believe you are beautiful!
Hip Hop is still alive,
If you every thought it exist,
Hip-hop is the people,
Not just rhyming or
Alliterative words that dis,
Nas says Hip-Hop is dead,
I say it has just changed forms,
Hip started out as being a voice for the weak,
Now has hopped in the storm,
I do not mean turbulent times,
Or a storm with rain or hail,
I mean the storm or capitalism,
Going back to Cali with Rocking Bells,
I’m not so mad at the sell out,
Everybody’s got to eat,
I’m not so mad that it has changed,
And infused the majority into the streets,
I do sulk at the fact, that in its effort to overcome,
Hip-Hop has become a distributed tool,
To brainwash where we come from,
We are not all from the gutter,
Or about small waist and big behinds,
Some of us jump up at gimmicks,
Making us look like we’re blind,
Blind to the facts,
And like a base head on crack,
Hip-hop has become addicted to stardom, women and money,
Its alive, we just need to take it back.
I still believe you are beautiful!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Different gifts-One God
-Hello everyone! Thank you again for checking in. My writing today was inspired by a talk I had with my mother and some friends of mine. Also, the arguing of co-workers who are so narrow minded in their efforts made ponder if we argue too much over who has the right answer instead of attacking the problems in society. We have to pull it together before we can conquer it together, “Without you, there is no me… without unity there will never be happiness.” Check the link to see where I pulled that verse from. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26fTzVncfXY. As always, please feel free to comment and/or email me at yenba.cire@gmail.com. Sincerely, Yenba S. Cire
In this wicked world,
We are always looking for the next gimmick to save us,
We often try to find out what is going to work best,
We often forget that there is not one right answer,
Do not confuse this for right and wrong,
There is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things,
Our ideals become caught up in parties and individual interest that do not represent the best idea for everyone,
What a trying task,
I will use the example of Booker T. and W.E.B.
They both had ideas to help Black Americans progress,
I for one do not think either idea was wrong,
The wrong in the situation was that Black people were being oppressed and were struggling to find a better way of survival in a newly freed society,
A society which was not welcoming to Blacks or anyone perceived as other,
Booker T. believed in Blacks working and developing skills and trades that would help build some industrialism and wealth through those skills,
W.E.B. believed that a talented tenth of educated representatives would lead Black people to higher standards of living and equality,
This resulted in what is now perceived as a rift between them because of their different ways of fighting evil,
This rift exaggerated still haunts us because type of thinking still exists,
How often do we look at the blue-collar factory worker or plumber and somewhat turn up our nose,
How often do we look at the new brother and sister with the master’s degree and applause,
How often do we look at the juris doctorate and medical doctorate and say you are doing so great and you have achieved so much and set them on a pedestal of ultimate achievement while not giving that praise to the worker who has been working as a teacher or custodian for twenty-five years making lives better for the people around them,
But we expect things to get better?
We have to learn the true meaning of diversity,
In Corinthians, it says many gifts are given but it is through the same Holy Spirit and that there are different ministries but there is still is only on Lord,
I ask, should we be making our brothers and sisters weak and building stumbling blocks while they are trying to get their gifts,
These gifts given by Spirit are used to help all, not for individual interest,
We have to apply these principles and guidelines to our life and realize that the bickering and fighting over who has the best does not work,
Collaboration will help us get through the differences not fighting, proving who is smarter, or finding one right answer,
What is the true, right, and wrong,
Often, you will look over your shoulder and realize that the wrong was that monster both of you were trying to come up with a solution for,
Instead, the fight to prove each other wrong consumed you and the monster still prevails with little work done,
The slave, poor, middle class, and upper class are all created in the Image and all have the ability to be giants because they all have gifts that can be used in His name to uplift people surrounding us.
1, Corinthians 12 v 4-6 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all
In this wicked world,
We are always looking for the next gimmick to save us,
We often try to find out what is going to work best,
We often forget that there is not one right answer,
Do not confuse this for right and wrong,
There is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things,
Our ideals become caught up in parties and individual interest that do not represent the best idea for everyone,
What a trying task,
I will use the example of Booker T. and W.E.B.
They both had ideas to help Black Americans progress,
I for one do not think either idea was wrong,
The wrong in the situation was that Black people were being oppressed and were struggling to find a better way of survival in a newly freed society,
A society which was not welcoming to Blacks or anyone perceived as other,
Booker T. believed in Blacks working and developing skills and trades that would help build some industrialism and wealth through those skills,
W.E.B. believed that a talented tenth of educated representatives would lead Black people to higher standards of living and equality,
This resulted in what is now perceived as a rift between them because of their different ways of fighting evil,
This rift exaggerated still haunts us because type of thinking still exists,
How often do we look at the blue-collar factory worker or plumber and somewhat turn up our nose,
How often do we look at the new brother and sister with the master’s degree and applause,
How often do we look at the juris doctorate and medical doctorate and say you are doing so great and you have achieved so much and set them on a pedestal of ultimate achievement while not giving that praise to the worker who has been working as a teacher or custodian for twenty-five years making lives better for the people around them,
But we expect things to get better?
We have to learn the true meaning of diversity,
In Corinthians, it says many gifts are given but it is through the same Holy Spirit and that there are different ministries but there is still is only on Lord,
I ask, should we be making our brothers and sisters weak and building stumbling blocks while they are trying to get their gifts,
These gifts given by Spirit are used to help all, not for individual interest,
We have to apply these principles and guidelines to our life and realize that the bickering and fighting over who has the best does not work,
Collaboration will help us get through the differences not fighting, proving who is smarter, or finding one right answer,
What is the true, right, and wrong,
Often, you will look over your shoulder and realize that the wrong was that monster both of you were trying to come up with a solution for,
Instead, the fight to prove each other wrong consumed you and the monster still prevails with little work done,
The slave, poor, middle class, and upper class are all created in the Image and all have the ability to be giants because they all have gifts that can be used in His name to uplift people surrounding us.
1, Corinthians 12 v 4-6 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fallen
This is my first ode to love poem. It actually has three phases. The first of course is Phase 1. Phase 2 and 3 are also included to takeaway suspense☺. Please feel free to make comments/respond at the end or ask questions. Also if you have not joined, please do so under "Follow Me." You can also email me at yenba.cire@gmail.com. Promise to respond. As always, Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy.
Sincerely yours, Yenba.
Fallen: Phase 1
I want to fall in love. I see her and light up inside. I remember her warmness and smell even when we leave, and I looked forward to the next embrace. Sex is not important because we can express ourselves in other ways.
When we are not together I start counting the days.
When I see her smile or just catch a glimpse from far away, something inside makes me uncomfortable, but it is a feeling I want to stay.
Falling is a beautiful thing. You remember the first kiss and the second. You think of her in your dreams. Your visions churn while the desire to see other females burn. For that digital black book you’ve prepared an urn. And you are happy with the product you have in return.
Love that I feel like I could go to the end for her. Looking at not the complete future, but enjoying each moment as one.
Soft gentle words and a caring listening ear, listening to my hope, aspirations, and fears.
Falling is wonderful.
Phase 2
How do you maintain love? What happens when that person does not love you back? I have heard the excuses: it is not working, you can get someone better for you, it is not you it is me. I have thought of those lines you see.
To me that is crack. Just a way to get me high off the blow of, “Tough break, but I do not love you back.”
What a blow that is to take. It literally takes your breath for days.
Feeling like you are close to death. The blow has you craving for a hit. But you see know matter how high, the love you wanted you cannot get. Why doesn’t love love me? If I had not fallen, I would not enter this plea. But the mental and physical high of fallen is too much to flee.
I want you, I like what I fell in. I like the way your love looks, tastes, and smells. But the feeling is more than that, and saying that I can do better is like giving me a weaker dose.
That love is what you want the most. Don’t tell me what I want and need. I know I wanted you. Now I am in Fallen Rehab. Looking for another feeling to bring me down. Fallen is great, not getting it back is not, but the world is still going to spin and rotate around.
Phase 3
Nothing is wrong with fallen in love, it is hitting the ground that hurts.
Falling so fast watching future memories go by.
Remembering loving so hard that you could cry.
The funny thing is it is fresh and a great place to be.
You visit the memories and if it stayed good how it might be.
You see her face in the darkness when you close your eyes.
You think of her name when you first wake up and before you rest.
Wondering if you will shake the guise.
The very face of fallen in love and how it makes you feel.
How do you stop fallen, once you have reached the peak of that hill?
I know I wanted to but could not.
I tried to stop climbing, but it was not in my heart.
I fell in love, and now I am fallen to what feels like the end.
Still feeling her touch, and seeing her face as she wakes up, watching her read, and seeing that smile, knowing that she needs time to herself and I chill for awhile and come back to an embrace that made me feel whole.
Regretting before my crash, that my love was not good enough to behold.
The landing hurts more than the fall.
I hope I never fall again. The fond memories of the fall are not worth it in the end.
Sincerely yours, Yenba.
Fallen: Phase 1
I want to fall in love. I see her and light up inside. I remember her warmness and smell even when we leave, and I looked forward to the next embrace. Sex is not important because we can express ourselves in other ways.
When we are not together I start counting the days.
When I see her smile or just catch a glimpse from far away, something inside makes me uncomfortable, but it is a feeling I want to stay.
Falling is a beautiful thing. You remember the first kiss and the second. You think of her in your dreams. Your visions churn while the desire to see other females burn. For that digital black book you’ve prepared an urn. And you are happy with the product you have in return.
Love that I feel like I could go to the end for her. Looking at not the complete future, but enjoying each moment as one.
Soft gentle words and a caring listening ear, listening to my hope, aspirations, and fears.
Falling is wonderful.
Phase 2
How do you maintain love? What happens when that person does not love you back? I have heard the excuses: it is not working, you can get someone better for you, it is not you it is me. I have thought of those lines you see.
To me that is crack. Just a way to get me high off the blow of, “Tough break, but I do not love you back.”
What a blow that is to take. It literally takes your breath for days.
Feeling like you are close to death. The blow has you craving for a hit. But you see know matter how high, the love you wanted you cannot get. Why doesn’t love love me? If I had not fallen, I would not enter this plea. But the mental and physical high of fallen is too much to flee.
I want you, I like what I fell in. I like the way your love looks, tastes, and smells. But the feeling is more than that, and saying that I can do better is like giving me a weaker dose.
That love is what you want the most. Don’t tell me what I want and need. I know I wanted you. Now I am in Fallen Rehab. Looking for another feeling to bring me down. Fallen is great, not getting it back is not, but the world is still going to spin and rotate around.
Phase 3
Nothing is wrong with fallen in love, it is hitting the ground that hurts.
Falling so fast watching future memories go by.
Remembering loving so hard that you could cry.
The funny thing is it is fresh and a great place to be.
You visit the memories and if it stayed good how it might be.
You see her face in the darkness when you close your eyes.
You think of her name when you first wake up and before you rest.
Wondering if you will shake the guise.
The very face of fallen in love and how it makes you feel.
How do you stop fallen, once you have reached the peak of that hill?
I know I wanted to but could not.
I tried to stop climbing, but it was not in my heart.
I fell in love, and now I am fallen to what feels like the end.
Still feeling her touch, and seeing her face as she wakes up, watching her read, and seeing that smile, knowing that she needs time to herself and I chill for awhile and come back to an embrace that made me feel whole.
Regretting before my crash, that my love was not good enough to behold.
The landing hurts more than the fall.
I hope I never fall again. The fond memories of the fall are not worth it in the end.
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