In every culture, society, or semi-organized group there is the necessity for a strong and intelligent leader. In the 21st century we have made leaps and bounds from in the issues we face from the issues of ancient civilizations. So why is it that one of the world powers has multiple obviously stupid candidates; how did they get to the positions they have in the first place? The question is daunting almost completely due to the unorthodox answer that would catch many off guard, or they would simply refute said answer. The candidates do not need to be qualified so long as you have money, or reputations. There are two ways to interpret the reasoning as to why one would want a airhead as the leader of their nation, number 1: because the government is run by aliens and they want to control us, or 2: the government is run by CEOs of top end businesses that would rather bypass lobbyists in congress, and help them get elected so to influence policy making, and bend it in their favor. Who in their right mind wants businesses regulating themselves? This is precisely why so many of our governmental departments such as the USDA are messed up. The department isn't completely at fault, but the people who are making the big decisions are, the people who make those decisions are appointed by upper level officials ultimately leading up to the president, and the people elect the president. The people have all the power in this, but the majority doesn't realize it leaving the few who do frustrated and hopeless.
The John Wayne reference could easily be misconstrued seeing how typically white Americans view him as a hero of some sort, but Native Americans as well as other individuals that sympathize with their plight would be offended by him. I don't know of all that many Native American republicans though so as far as their voters it isn't really going to have a negative effect.
Misunderstandings are a part of the American political system, but they are simply tools which are exploited by people who have something to gain from other people's misfortune.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Hispters vs. Hypebeasts
Currently being a hispter or hypebeast is not necessarily a good thing. Many people don't know the difference between the two, so here are a few tips on how to identify them. Hipsters are trendy offsprings of hippies traditionally (when it wasn't such a bad thing), they are easy to spot if a group (but not a large group) of people start wearing some obscure or vintage attire. A hypebeast doesn't really have a roots like hipsters and hippies. It's more of an evolution of typically minorities that have adopted many previously shunned fashions ex: neon colors, tight jeans, shirts that fit (in some cases too small). All of this applies solely to their style, but their personalities are an even bigger part of what makes them hispters and hypebeasts.
Hipsters are easy to spot with their "too cool for school" mentality and always talk about how they did something or listened to someone before it was cool(which results in a bias towards "indie" music), which isn't so bad, but recently they have developed a few distasteful qualities. Hipsters can be annoyingly apathetic, and generally think they are better than other people. Hypebeasts in many ways are the polar opposite of hipsters, rather than constantly trying to stay original they try to pull off "the look" better than everyone else, and do not care how many people are doing/wearing the same thing. Music also a polar opposite and evolutionary development resulting in a large amount of mainstream music(including rock which was previous taboo) Hipsters will try to always stay as far away from the norm as possible, but after enough time has gone by will happily bring an old style back and call it vintage because to hipsters vintage trumps all name brands. Hypebeasts oddly enough do the same thing, and call them throwbacks, but it takes a little more time for something to become cool again. The hipsters go straight for the vintage look wearing the 20 or so year old clothing, but before hypebeasts can wear something old it has to look new again.
Seeing how these are new terms almost solely used among younger demographics (14-25) there are some older people (25-35) who just can't seem to grow up and continue abiding by these trends. Despite all of the differences between these two mixing them up, or not being able to identify them is still common and understandable due to the amount of people trying to do one and failing, or simply walking the tightrope between them(which is done fairly often). It all depends on your personality and fashion sense. There are white hypebeasts and minority hipsters. Now you know a little about these significant(because they are everywhere) yet insignificant(because no one really care) social categories.
Hipsters are easy to spot with their "too cool for school" mentality and always talk about how they did something or listened to someone before it was cool(which results in a bias towards "indie" music), which isn't so bad, but recently they have developed a few distasteful qualities. Hipsters can be annoyingly apathetic, and generally think they are better than other people. Hypebeasts in many ways are the polar opposite of hipsters, rather than constantly trying to stay original they try to pull off "the look" better than everyone else, and do not care how many people are doing/wearing the same thing. Music also a polar opposite and evolutionary development resulting in a large amount of mainstream music(including rock which was previous taboo) Hipsters will try to always stay as far away from the norm as possible, but after enough time has gone by will happily bring an old style back and call it vintage because to hipsters vintage trumps all name brands. Hypebeasts oddly enough do the same thing, and call them throwbacks, but it takes a little more time for something to become cool again. The hipsters go straight for the vintage look wearing the 20 or so year old clothing, but before hypebeasts can wear something old it has to look new again.
Seeing how these are new terms almost solely used among younger demographics (14-25) there are some older people (25-35) who just can't seem to grow up and continue abiding by these trends. Despite all of the differences between these two mixing them up, or not being able to identify them is still common and understandable due to the amount of people trying to do one and failing, or simply walking the tightrope between them(which is done fairly often). It all depends on your personality and fashion sense. There are white hypebeasts and minority hipsters. Now you know a little about these significant(because they are everywhere) yet insignificant(because no one really care) social categories.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Terrorism?
The reason our government focuses on terrorism rather than social, or humanitarian issues is simple: terror has be turned into a tool that the government can use whenever it is convenient. To most American's terrorism is synonymous with 9-11, Iraq, or car bombs. Why is that what we view terrorism as? It's because our government has spoon fed us the ideology and we have accepted it. I would call police brutality terrorism because I personally don't like the idea of individuals that are supposed to be there to protect the citizens of this nation, and uphold the law abusing people. A huge social problem in America is the crime rates, and a large amount of that is attributed it minority groups. From when these minority individuals are young there are given little to nothing, have little encouragement from friends, family, or school. This is one of the worst situations to be in psychologically. There aren't many options for these individuals, they are surrounded by bad role models and aren't encouraged to be any better. So lets bring it back to terrorism versus social, and humanitarian issues. Terrorism is a tool that can be used to scare citizens into agreeing with the government. Social and humanitarian activism requires a large amount of work from the government, and there would be a sharp increase in political activism if the issues spoke to the people as a whole. Terrorism is the easy way out.
The picture that grabs me is the one of the boy in a destroyed Haitian building. My mother is from Jamaica, and I have plenty of relatives in the Caribbean; so this made me realize that a disaster similar to the one in Haiti could happen in Jamaica. My mother volunteered, and went to Haiti to help the thousands of children, and women displaced by the catastrophic earthquake. There were heart-wrenching pictures, and stories that followed her return. America made a huge deal about raising money and sending relief to Haiti, but at the end of the day nothing has been put in place for these people to get back on their feet. The American people helped raise 1.4 billion alone, and foreign nations "pledged" to give 10 billion to the Haitian people. The 1.4 billion has been partially used, but on tents (that are no place for a family, and often break), food (not enough for the amount of people), and other basic necessities. There is only one reason I can think of that is keeping the money from being spent, and that reason is simple; the money isn't there. I wouldn't put it past the multi-tiered corrupt government (that is severely in debt) we currently have that puts their own pockets before the mouths, and lives of others. If you have a better explanation as to why 50-100 million dollars (a fraction of the money raised) can't be used to help these people get back on their feet I would love to hear it.
The picture that grabs me is the one of the boy in a destroyed Haitian building. My mother is from Jamaica, and I have plenty of relatives in the Caribbean; so this made me realize that a disaster similar to the one in Haiti could happen in Jamaica. My mother volunteered, and went to Haiti to help the thousands of children, and women displaced by the catastrophic earthquake. There were heart-wrenching pictures, and stories that followed her return. America made a huge deal about raising money and sending relief to Haiti, but at the end of the day nothing has been put in place for these people to get back on their feet. The American people helped raise 1.4 billion alone, and foreign nations "pledged" to give 10 billion to the Haitian people. The 1.4 billion has been partially used, but on tents (that are no place for a family, and often break), food (not enough for the amount of people), and other basic necessities. There is only one reason I can think of that is keeping the money from being spent, and that reason is simple; the money isn't there. I wouldn't put it past the multi-tiered corrupt government (that is severely in debt) we currently have that puts their own pockets before the mouths, and lives of others. If you have a better explanation as to why 50-100 million dollars (a fraction of the money raised) can't be used to help these people get back on their feet I would love to hear it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Schlong Goodbye
The aspect of the media that is being satirized is the seriousness of what they are reporting on. Like most of today's television programs the news is also more interested in entertaining the general public rather than actual reporting and coverage of stories that matter. Admittedly ex-congressman Weiner's scandal was funny for the first week or so, but the time for laughing over juvenile issues should have ran its course by this time. The issue is that the few people interested in Jobs, Medicare, and the middle class people of America are going to hear Nancy Pelosi's speech one way or another. It's sad that the few stations on television that are supposed to be dedicated to bringing us the news are now more interested in entertaining us. Are the ratings so important that you have to make a mockery of your own profession? I am sure there are numerous journalists that would be offended and appalled by the immature manner in which all of these stations acted in.
These news stations deem the economy, loss of middle class jobs, and medicare less important than the ex congressman's scandal because the majority of the public does not deem it important. These stations are out for the ratings because at the end of the day these stations have salary's to pay. My old English teacher used to love the term "you gotta get paid" to explain our country's emphasis on income, and living the "good life" (which we coincidentally discussed today). Everyone wants to have money not only to live a comfortable life, but also to travel, go out, and impress their friends. Thus the deeper reason that these stations don't deem these issues as important as a scandal is they are more interested in keeping money in their pocket.
If the American people want to progress as a nation to save the middle class, medicare, jobs (which includes yours assuming you have one), or any other issues that have not yet been brought to light then we have to change the way we as a people live our daily lives. To change our daily lives we must encourage others to change, to encourage others we must first change ourselves, to change our self we must change the way we think. Change is scary for a lot of people, but is necessary and good in the long run.
These news stations deem the economy, loss of middle class jobs, and medicare less important than the ex congressman's scandal because the majority of the public does not deem it important. These stations are out for the ratings because at the end of the day these stations have salary's to pay. My old English teacher used to love the term "you gotta get paid" to explain our country's emphasis on income, and living the "good life" (which we coincidentally discussed today). Everyone wants to have money not only to live a comfortable life, but also to travel, go out, and impress their friends. Thus the deeper reason that these stations don't deem these issues as important as a scandal is they are more interested in keeping money in their pocket.
If the American people want to progress as a nation to save the middle class, medicare, jobs (which includes yours assuming you have one), or any other issues that have not yet been brought to light then we have to change the way we as a people live our daily lives. To change our daily lives we must encourage others to change, to encourage others we must first change ourselves, to change our self we must change the way we think. Change is scary for a lot of people, but is necessary and good in the long run.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
From reggae to rock
Vybz Kartel, Damian Marley, Foo Fighters, System Of A Down
Above are a the videos I will be refering to. The Vybz Kartel video does not make sense because these people are in Jamaica which is not very far from a third world country in many parts of the country (Portmore being a fairly impoverished area). Despite the poverty and hard life many citizens of Jamaica face they are imitating the ignorance we face in America. The video does not make the song any better. The videography is mediocre, and I like the song a little less when I saw the video. The song inadvertently makes a political statement about two things. The influence of American culture on the rest of the world, and the want to be trendy and stylish regardless of socio-economic standing in our day in age. I like this artist because his music is catchy, and it's what my cousins listened to the last time I visited them in Jamaica.
The Damian Marley video makes sense and depicts the harsh truth the Jamaica and its people face everyday. While Jamaica is not war-torn or in a major crisis the citizens do not all have the basic building blocks for a good life: education, steady meals, and a safe place to live. The video does make the song better because it provides a visual for the profound story he is telling. It makes a strong politically statement, and in one line he says "To win election them trick we, then them don't do nothing at all" referring to the corrupt government. I enjoy listening to Damian Marley because it brings me back to my roots, and many of my friends who don't always understand what he is saying can enjoy it.
The Foo Fighter's video makes sense in regard to the message their song is conveying. The video makes the song better because there is a lot of build up, and creates a clear climax of the song. The statement that is being made is that you are free to be an individual, and there will always be powers in numbers so long as you stick to your guns. I personally like this band because their songs have good messages, and a great sound.
System of a Down's video makes sense because it perfectly depicts the message they are conveying. The video makes the song better because it demands attention, and the listeners should be attention to what this band is saying. The message is both social and political. They attack the government for withholding information from citizens and overall doing us a disservice. They call out the people for buying into their mind control media, and consumerism. I like this band because no matter how much I love their music because they are one of the few metal bands that I have come across to actually have a linear message throughout their message that I can agree with.
Above are a the videos I will be refering to. The Vybz Kartel video does not make sense because these people are in Jamaica which is not very far from a third world country in many parts of the country (Portmore being a fairly impoverished area). Despite the poverty and hard life many citizens of Jamaica face they are imitating the ignorance we face in America. The video does not make the song any better. The videography is mediocre, and I like the song a little less when I saw the video. The song inadvertently makes a political statement about two things. The influence of American culture on the rest of the world, and the want to be trendy and stylish regardless of socio-economic standing in our day in age. I like this artist because his music is catchy, and it's what my cousins listened to the last time I visited them in Jamaica.
The Damian Marley video makes sense and depicts the harsh truth the Jamaica and its people face everyday. While Jamaica is not war-torn or in a major crisis the citizens do not all have the basic building blocks for a good life: education, steady meals, and a safe place to live. The video does make the song better because it provides a visual for the profound story he is telling. It makes a strong politically statement, and in one line he says "To win election them trick we, then them don't do nothing at all" referring to the corrupt government. I enjoy listening to Damian Marley because it brings me back to my roots, and many of my friends who don't always understand what he is saying can enjoy it.
The Foo Fighter's video makes sense in regard to the message their song is conveying. The video makes the song better because there is a lot of build up, and creates a clear climax of the song. The statement that is being made is that you are free to be an individual, and there will always be powers in numbers so long as you stick to your guns. I personally like this band because their songs have good messages, and a great sound.
System of a Down's video makes sense because it perfectly depicts the message they are conveying. The video makes the song better because it demands attention, and the listeners should be attention to what this band is saying. The message is both social and political. They attack the government for withholding information from citizens and overall doing us a disservice. They call out the people for buying into their mind control media, and consumerism. I like this band because no matter how much I love their music because they are one of the few metal bands that I have come across to actually have a linear message throughout their message that I can agree with.
Exit through the gift shop
Exit through the gift shop is an interesting title because it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. From the perspective of someone who completely believes the documentary as a true story it can mean the state of art after the story has progressed fully. When I think of a gift shop I think of lots of cheap trinkets that are of monetary value, but little to no personal attachment to the artists if the trinkets were thought of as their art. From the perspective of someone who thinks this is a complete hoax the title could allude to Banksy's feeling about modern art; the meaning behind art is lost because after going to a gallery or finishing a show you simply go to the gift shop to purchase a material good that will be used as nothing more than a status symbol due to the current popularity of street art.
In reference to the article we read by Chuck Klosterman titled "Things We Think We Know" both sides are equally right. The fact that Banksy's identity is still unknown makes this topic even more debatable. Who's to say that this story isn't completely true, and an amazing story? Then there's the other side that looks at Banksy's track record and this being a big hoax fits as well. Each side faces the same burden of truth that neither side can provide. This debate is purely speculation.
Personally I would like to think that the documentary was based largely on real events. A more realistic hypothesis could be that many of the events were true up to possibly Mr. Brainwash's first artshow, and when Banksy heard about what was happening he decided to make something more of it. More often than not when something of this magnitude happens people want to challenge it, and I completely support that; except in this case there will never be a resolution because Banksy cannot be contacted leaving the public to continue to speculate further.
I know most people will agree with the idea that Banksy orchestrated the creation of Mr. Brainwash, but I know that there is no way of knowing the truth, but if everyone is in agreement then the truth becomes irrelevant and popular belief will dictate the verdict on this mystery.
In reference to the article we read by Chuck Klosterman titled "Things We Think We Know" both sides are equally right. The fact that Banksy's identity is still unknown makes this topic even more debatable. Who's to say that this story isn't completely true, and an amazing story? Then there's the other side that looks at Banksy's track record and this being a big hoax fits as well. Each side faces the same burden of truth that neither side can provide. This debate is purely speculation.
Personally I would like to think that the documentary was based largely on real events. A more realistic hypothesis could be that many of the events were true up to possibly Mr. Brainwash's first artshow, and when Banksy heard about what was happening he decided to make something more of it. More often than not when something of this magnitude happens people want to challenge it, and I completely support that; except in this case there will never be a resolution because Banksy cannot be contacted leaving the public to continue to speculate further.
I know most people will agree with the idea that Banksy orchestrated the creation of Mr. Brainwash, but I know that there is no way of knowing the truth, but if everyone is in agreement then the truth becomes irrelevant and popular belief will dictate the verdict on this mystery.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Immigration law
The immigration bill that was originally introduced in Arizona is a blatant violation of federal law, and encroaches on the civil rights of Hispanic citizens of this country. Immigration is undoubtedly an issue that must be dealt with, but America had to be careful When I was in sociology we talked about sanctions. Positive sanctions always have a better outcome when resolving conflicts. Negative sanctions also worked, but inevitably caused more problems for one reason or another.
Why are the America people allowing this to happen? As a Georgian, and American there is no excuse for legalizing racial profiling of any ethnicity. There is a right and wrong way to do everything and without a doubt these immigration laws are the latter. The main problems people have with immigration is that they don't pay taxes, and they benefit from out taxes. So rather than crippling our economies that need their labor by legalizing racial profiling we should come up with a constructive solution to this problem. We have to focus on solutions rather than the problem. Programs that can help us and them. It isn't all that hard to brainstorm an idea that will allow these people to become legal citizens and alleviate the problem that people are apparently so upset about.
People write this issue off saying or thinking things like "it's not my problem", but if our government is willing to legalize racial profiling of the second largest demographic in America then what do you think they will do next? The most troubling thing is that the federal government hasn't already condemned these laws, but with that said I am not sure where this would fall under the federal government's to do list. It is the civic duty of every American citizen to stand up and fight for our rights and the rights of our fellow man. If we don't we might as well all buy a copy of 1984 and get ready for the future.
People talk about dropping out like it's glamorous. It is dumbfounding how naive people can be. A basic college education is equivalent to a high school degree 30-50 years ago. If you want to be successful in any professional field they will expect you to have college as well as field experience. Which brings me to my next point; one of the leading reasons people are brushing off college is the job placement rates. Not everyone is getting work after college, and this is partly the economic setback and partly recently graduates being young and dumb. They spend their college career partying non-stop and never preparing for the future where as the graduates that do find work were constantly applying to internships, joining clubs, being active on campus resulting in a much broader network of people to contact with it was time to start the job hunt. It's all about who you know and if you didn't meet anyone during your 4 or so years of college enjoy you minimum wage 9-5.
Why are the America people allowing this to happen? As a Georgian, and American there is no excuse for legalizing racial profiling of any ethnicity. There is a right and wrong way to do everything and without a doubt these immigration laws are the latter. The main problems people have with immigration is that they don't pay taxes, and they benefit from out taxes. So rather than crippling our economies that need their labor by legalizing racial profiling we should come up with a constructive solution to this problem. We have to focus on solutions rather than the problem. Programs that can help us and them. It isn't all that hard to brainstorm an idea that will allow these people to become legal citizens and alleviate the problem that people are apparently so upset about.
People write this issue off saying or thinking things like "it's not my problem", but if our government is willing to legalize racial profiling of the second largest demographic in America then what do you think they will do next? The most troubling thing is that the federal government hasn't already condemned these laws, but with that said I am not sure where this would fall under the federal government's to do list. It is the civic duty of every American citizen to stand up and fight for our rights and the rights of our fellow man. If we don't we might as well all buy a copy of 1984 and get ready for the future.
People talk about dropping out like it's glamorous. It is dumbfounding how naive people can be. A basic college education is equivalent to a high school degree 30-50 years ago. If you want to be successful in any professional field they will expect you to have college as well as field experience. Which brings me to my next point; one of the leading reasons people are brushing off college is the job placement rates. Not everyone is getting work after college, and this is partly the economic setback and partly recently graduates being young and dumb. They spend their college career partying non-stop and never preparing for the future where as the graduates that do find work were constantly applying to internships, joining clubs, being active on campus resulting in a much broader network of people to contact with it was time to start the job hunt. It's all about who you know and if you didn't meet anyone during your 4 or so years of college enjoy you minimum wage 9-5.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Short bio
My name is Daniel Yamhari Huffman (I prefer Yamhari) I was born and raised in Atlanta more specifically the west end and since then I have lived in East Atlanta, Little 5 points, Jonesboro, College Park, and I currently live in Candler Park.
I am a Managerial Science major at Georgia State University because they didn't have International Business as a undergraduate major. I studied Japanese for four years during High School and plan on teaching English in Japan for a year or two before returning to school to pursue my graduate degree in International Business possibly at State, but only time will tell. I am also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Georgia State.
I am a huge movie critic thus I have few favorite movies, but there are always some that stand out. As of lately the only genre of movies I tend to watch are Comedy, Suspense, and Romantic Comedies. Horror just isn't scary anymore, Action isn't that cool anymore, I haven't seen a really awesome Kung-Fu movie since The One, or House of Flying Daggers, and i was never a huge fan of other genres to begin with. So with all of that said my favorite movies are: Three Ninjas: Kickback, The Jungle Book, The Grinch, Gladiator, Donnie Darko, Garden State, Talladega Knights, The Hang Over, Superbad, Harry Potter: Prisoner of Askaban, Flubber, 300, and Austin Powers: Gold member.
Books is a bit shorter, while I do enjoy reading I have only come across 3 authors that I thoroughly enjoyed, but there are a few books that I took a liking too. All time favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut (Current favorite book: Cat's Cradle), George Orwell second, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn third. List of favorite books: Cat's Cradle, 1984, Catcher in the Rye, Kite Runner, One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich, Brave new world, and Frankenstein. ---I got to the 2nd Harry potter book and stopped cuz the 4th movie was coming out or soemething--- Also twilight sucks... Vampires do not sparkle.
I like an array of genres ranging from ambient to black metal. I do not like country music or scream/emo music. Favorite bands/Artists: Modest Mouse, Gorillaz, Coheed and Cambria, Eminem, TV on the Radio, White Stripes, Rhyme Asylum, Disturbed Nujabes, Childish Gambino, Muse, The Bravery, Frou Frou, and uhm... Skindred.
Other things I am interested in are Photography, Soccer, Swimming, Anime, Video games, Stumbling, Modern Art, Debates, and skateboarding.
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