Occupying Wall Street--ghettoGEEKS style.

My GradSchool potna' getting engaged in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement out in California...

Let's keep GEEKIN' and being bold and decisive in our quest for liberation and freedom!

---or Run & Hide....

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Letter 2 Tha President

“How hypocritical is Liberty?
That BlindBitch ain’t never did shit for me!
My History----full of CASKETS and SCARS.
My own Black Nation at WAR.
Whole Family behind BARS.
And they wonder why we SCARRED?
Thirteen [years old] lookin’ HARD.
Sister had a baby as an adolescent where was GOD?"

---Tupac Shakur

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Good Day, Good Sir.

We hope this letter finds you in Good Spirits.

But, We write with Great Urgency.

The People are POOR. The People are ANGRY. The People are INSECURE. With each passing day, We find it harder to trust GOVERNMENT or BIG BUSINESS. And for the record, We see little separation between Corporate Interests and Public Policy.

The citizens of this nation do not feel well, Mr. President.

Our purpose here is to speak to you, openly and honestly, regarding the current State of the Union. Above anything else, please know that this Letter was written in with a “solution-oriented” posture in mind.

Who are we?

[This letter is written by TWO individuals. ONE will remain anonymous.]

I, eRiC Durham, am a native of the Great State of Texas. I lived in the Washington, DC area for a period of seven years. I’ve traveled throughout various regions of our country. I love our country. Considering the troubled history between America and African- Americans--and the current social inequalities--I remain proud to be an American.

But....

I left the United States two years ago. I made, then, what seems like an increasingly popular decision now. I moved to South Korea as a “native-speaker” English language instructor. In the two years I lived here, my overall Quality of Life [QOL] has improved...significantly. The improvement in QOL was instantaneous. I haven’t had the money woes I had in America since the day I received my first Korean paycheck.

(I have spoken and written on the differences between South Korea and the U.S. on issues such as Education and HealthCare.)

It was through exiting America, and actually experiencing another system, I came to truly understand the level of influence a governmental system actually possesses. My time and experience in various countries has given me both visible and tangible material through which to observe differences in social order and social control. From my perspective, Law has become more Apparent as opposed to Invisible.

But, back to the issue at-hand: Life as an expatriate has granted me "benefits of citizenry" that were much more difficult to attain in the U.S. As a service to our countrymen, we would like to offer you domestic policy ideas that would benefit The People. That said, we outline our proposed policy agenda:

1.) GOVERNTMENT –ISSUED FIAT CURRENCY

We are proposing a FUNDAMENTAL change in the National Monetary System. The solution for our current fiscal woes resides in the idea of United States sovereignty. It is exactly that simple. As a sovereign nation, we have the right to decide we are no longer fiscally beholden to international Private-Banking Cartels.

As a country, We can decide the value of National Currency is not based on precious metals. We can decide to change to a FIAT system; whereby Currency is valued by the Government. The Government controls the VALUE of the currency by controlling the QUANTITY in circulation.
It should seem incomprehensible that a collection of banks yield more power than the Government. But, that is where we are today. As is, the Private-Banking Cartels are the Masters of the Universe.

In the Fiat system, the banks are forced to operate just like any other business or individual. Banks will no longer have the ability to practice Fractional Reserve Lending (FRL)—which basically means the ability to loan out money that they do not have. Using a fiat-system, coupled with fair and just governmental regulatory arm, might curtail other forms of fiscal trickery as well. The benefits of the fiat system have been displayed during three periods in history; 1.) ancient Rome; 2.) King Henry’s rule of England; and 3.) Abraham Lincoln’s introduction of the “greenback” during the American Civil War period.

For more information on this point, please refer to Bill Still’s “The Secret of Oz.”

2.) SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN HONESTY

We must develop a Culture of Honesty.

--and that begins with exercising Honesty about the most BASIC national issues.

America is a nation whereby Hegemony has always ruled with an elusive yet strong hand. Historical American legal documents boast of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; but a formidable argument can be made that speaks of an American history full of totalitarian, facist, and imperial undertones. A Culture of Honesty would lead to greater understanding of who "We" are.

America was founded on notions of racial inequality. But, no one dare mentions issues of race in polite conversation. A Culture of Honesty would lead us to a greater understanding.

Education: In absolute terms, money MUST be spent on Public Education. There’s no way to argue against the pragmatic benefit to a society where more children are educated well. The Nation can only stand to benefit from a well-educated populous.

Everyone KNOWS this. Korea knows it. Nigeria knows it. Japan knows it. China knows it. All nations understand the importance of Quality Education. America knows it. But, in this country, Public Education is under-prioritized and under-funded. A Culture of Honesty would lead us to the solution.

In order to take advantage of a significant investment in Education, we have to enact public policy that would provide RESPECTABLE and LIVABLE wages for families. Affordable housing, quality affordable healthcare, and an economic environment conducive to small businesses are things that compliment the education agenda—and benefit the People and the Nation. A Culture of Honesty would lead to readjusting the increasing debt burden that is piled on EveryDay-Working Americans.

In short, if we are HONEST with ourselves, we will know that a “redistribution of wealth” is NOT a bad thing—instead, it is the ingredient that would make a positive impact on the average American household….and the nation as a whole.

3.) GET RESPONSIBLE WITH DEFENSE SPENDING

Electronics Costs

Large flat screen televisions are wastefully littered throughout national and international US military instillations; the majority of which have cable access. Therefore, the government is stuck with a bill for the costs of the televisions, the necessary installation costs, and the monthly cable invoices. In order to reduce these costs, I suggest limited authorized cable television. Cable television should be reserved for operational use only; i.e., specific units who require monitoring CNN for real-time updates.

Korea Specific Costs

During my time in South Korea, I have witnessed exploitation of U.S. government funds in both minor and major fiscal amounts. Some Koreans entrepreneurs use government resources for personal profit; one example includes cleaning Service Members’ vehicles with government water. Local Korean entrepreneurs have taken advantage of ServiceMembers through inflating prices of goods and services based on the difference between the “cost- of- living” in Korea and the salaries for American military personnel.

There have been operational planning teams working to figure out how to reduce cost on bringing personnel and their families to Korea. In over 50% of the cases, personnel and/or family members arrive separately—this means the U.S. government incurs additional relocation cost. This is yet another issue which could be solved by placing more focus on the scheduling arrivals and departures; and communicating aims and fiscal goals with personnel.

End of year waste

End-of- year budget spending is outrageous. It is common practice throughout every branch of the U.S. military to expend the remainder of funds—in order to justify current budget allotments and request for future increases. These practices result in several wasteful purchases that are not essential to the successful completion of any mission. A common example of this is easily illustrated with core supplies; like that of munitions. Any, and all, ammunition not used during a particular fiscal year is spent. These practices have been in place much longer than you have been in office; but if you see fit, these are areas on which you can affect change and save the US “some cheese.”

CONCLUSION

During the 2008 campaign season, We believed you could help stimulate some type of meaningful change. We campaigned for you. Though our hope was rooted in things larger than you, We saw you a possible catalyst and conduit for Change. Though we have grown skeptical of the “American Dream” over the years, our hope is based on the possibility of America putting forth a sincere effort to move in a better direction. Before We lose total faith in the system, We send you our thoughts.

And thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

eRiC Durham, Ph.D.
OuttaBoundz
AnomaliesLiveOnPeripheries

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

3rd World Girl

ONE man. ONE BackPack. THREE countries. #AnomaliesSTILLonPeripheries

"Hello, Sir!" "Tuk-Tuk?" "Boom-Boom?" "Massage?" "Marijuana?"

These were the chants I heard stepping off the bus in Siem Reap. ---and these would be the same chants I would hear in EVERY other city I would visit. Every single city. I won't lie. It was a bit shocking. It definitely let me know that I "wasn't in Kansas anymore."

A couple of dudes and I got a "Tuk-Tuk" (scooter taxi) into the main part of the City. We all went to secure rooms in guest houses and/or hotels...and then met up later for dinner and drinks.

"The People" and "the Tourists" are EASY to differentiate because it is simply based on the Color Line. For all intensive purposes, Westerners are White. Cambodians are dark-skinned Asians. Westerners have money. (not necessarily; but they DO possess the semblance of money) Cambodians are poor. (But, they HUSTLE HARD for the little money they DO make.) Westerners get serviced. Cambodians do the servicing. **But, I'll be writing more about these issues in further detail at a later date. It's not as simple as what is stated in this paragraph.**

"Food, sir?" "Massage, Sir?"

"No, that's okay, Buddy...I'm just going to this bar."

"Boom-Boom, Sir?" "We have Pretty Girlz? You choose. Boom-Boom, Sir?"

"I'm sure, Buddy. Thanks, I'm just going over here."

"Smoke, Sir?" "Want weed, Sir?"

I'll be honest. Early in the trip, I was torn. Seeing the people. Smelling the city. Witnessing poverty like I had never seen. All this tugged at my heart. I felt like one of the Powerful. I wanted to patronize all who asked to sell me a good or service; but immediately understood that could not work.

---and that's when it happened.

I understood "first-hand" how the average White person must feel. To have the SEMBLANCE of Power in the eyes of those with less---but in actuality, you aren't as Rich and Powerful as they might think. (--which can take quite a psychological toll.) This might have actually been the first time I EXPERIENCED this in my life. To be one of the Powerful; in a racial or cultural sense. This alone, shook me at my core. Quite humbling.

The Children.

In the midst of drinking and dancing, I decided to leave one of the clubs to get some fresh air. I stepped out into the warm night air of the Mekong Delta, and caught a vision that literally forced a smile upon my face. Two young Cambodian girls, who couldn't have been older than ten, were dancing the night away. They were putting on quite a show, too! This particular club was an open-air establishment; so even if you were in the street, you could look right into the club and see the dance floor and hear the music with no problem. So, these girls basically brought the party outside with them. ---and right there, in the street, at 1:00 AM, with nothing but drunk Westerners around, these little girls danced. Danced, as if, they had no care in the world....

I started to walk toward my hotel room...I was tired.

Something hit me hard on the leg. I turn around quickly to discover it was a LittleHand. I see this LittleFace smiling up and me, and she hits me again...and then does a little pirouette and smiles at me. *I'm dumbfounded. I've been attacked by a ViolentBallerina.* Her brother starts giggling....most likely because his little sister has rendered me speechless through her combination of Violence and Dance.

The Westerners I'm with are now starting to join in the laughter...and her LittleFace is lighting up---I can see her enjoying the attention. She sees the crowd forming...and then she turns up the heat.

"Oh, you weakling! That didn't hurt."

"Girl, go find your Mama! It's past your bedtime..."

"No, it's not. Plus, you can't tell me what to do, Weakling!"

**WTH?! Realization: I'm no longer in Korea. These people are NOT shy.**

"Girl, if you don't go find your Mama, then I'm going to be one to "put some Heat on that Meat!"

[I make hand motions that simulate a spanking.]

"You don't scare me, Man! Plus, you just got hit twice by a LittleGirl!"

I could not stop this particular child. She eventually wins the "back-and-forth" between us; which had grown into a bit of a public spectacle.

So, I did only the honorable thing. ---I got a picture with the victor.

That interaction epitomized my experience in Cambodia: BIG things jumping out of SMALL packages and surprising the shit out of me.

---This post is dedicated to all those BeautifulPeople I met throughout SE Asia; people who occupy "ghetto" conditions far more intense than the conditions that spawned "ghettoGEEKS." We appreciate the new followers, and we look forward to your contributions.


WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

White Niggaz

At the heart of these thoughts, is the desire to initiate an HONEST conversation on the ways in which race, racialization, and racism are carried out in America. The exigencies responsible the construction of the song “White Niggaz” are rooted in the experiences of a contemporary African-American. The experiences are mine. Through a period of [un]employment and [non]opportunity, I was able to experience phenomena that reinforced and reminded me of what it means to be a “nigger” in America. Coupling these experiences with conversations I’ve had with non-blacks and their use of the word “nigger”---especially as related to “Hip-Hop”---led me to articulate thoughts on a piece of lexicon that remains just as powerful today as it did in the years 1619, 1776, 1865, 1955, 1984, or 2008. Today, “nigger” [and all the subsequent symbols associated with the word] remains as over-used and under-discussed as it has ever been. History unequivocally demonstrates that race has been an issue in this country for as long as the country as existed. This is difficult for some people to admit, but we all know it is fact. “Nigger” is as American as apple pie. –and that is one of the reasons “White Niggaz” is such an effective communication tool. The song immediately challenges audiences to operate from a position of raw truth—as uncomfortable as it may be—for the sake of having an honest discussion on the issues. If we are mature enough to begin the discussion with honesty, then perhaps we will conclude at a place of new insight…a place closer to freedom.

The organization of “White Niggaz” is Key. Dare I say, the organization of the song is just as important as the lyrical component. “White Niggaz” is built as ONE seamless verse separated by rhetoric aimed at TWO different audiences. The first part of the song is directed toward White people, and the second part of the song is directed toward Black people. Both audiences are referred to as “Niggaz” throughout the entire song. In fact, the word “nigga” is used a total of 20 times within the 1:09 verse. The portion of the song that is directed at the white audience is aimed specifically at two specific groups within the greater white community. These groups are the (1) elites and the (2) gullible group of people who have been historically used by the elites as “foot soldiers” for overt racist action. In short, this verse is directed at the Cheneys, Rumsfelds, Kochs, and Wolfowitzes AND the Reagan Democrats, Tea-Baggers, and any other poor/working-class whites who have been unwittingly used by elite groups.

The second half of “White Niggaz” is special for a variety of reasons. An obvious reason is that it is a surprise. The title, “White Niggaz,” leads most people to believe they are about to hear a song totally dedicated to chastising white people. As a result, many are surprised to hear rhetoric that critiques the black community—and challenges black people to correct their mis-steps and question their participation in the continuing destruction of their own interests. Indeed it is rare to hear this type of rhetoric, and blacks who have offered constructive critique to the African-American community, in the public forum, have been labeled “Uncle Toms” or crazy (i.e., Bill Cosby). Similar to the first half of the song, there are two distinct groups within the black community that are the focus. These groups would be the stereotypical lower-class young “gangsta/hoodrat” who idolizes rap fiction. –and the second group is the bourgeoisie black families that deem themselves far too reformed to participate in the issues that affect the greater black community.

WHITE Niggaz:
WHITE NIGGAZ---
--always wanna FIGHT NIGGAZ.
REARRANGE the GAME
Just to fuckin’ SPITE NIGGAZ.
Don’t LIKE NIGGAZ.
But, yet and still, they BITE NIGGAZ.

BLACK Niggaz:
These WHACK NIGGAZ
These fiction over FACT NIGGAZ
Insecure as fuck—so they ride around in PACK NIGGAZ.
Tis-for-TAT NIGGAZ

"White Niggaz" is currently playing on the BlogSpot. So, take a listen for FREE.

Like the song?

Click on this link: CD BABY and purchase the song for $1.00 or the entire album for $5.00!

Please share any comments or questions!

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Hip-Hop 101: On-line Syllabus

Department of Organic Intellectualism
ghettoGEEKS University
Daejeon, South Korea

Bustin' Gats thru Spittin' Raps: Culture, Power, & Politics
Spring/Summer 2011

Instructor: eRiC Durham, Ph.D.
Office Phone: 042-821-5296 [Country Code: 82]
E-mail: ghetto_geeks@yahoo.com
Office: Building W-7, Room 420, 인문대학
Office Hours: TBA (To Be Announced)

Required Text:

1. ghettoGEEKS. (2011). WeNeedBeatz mixxtape, vol. 1 [Audio recording]. Portland, OR: ghettoGEEKS.

2. Durham, E. (2009). Before Barack there was Tupac: Manifestations of Afrocentricity Within the Lyrical Component of Tupac Shakur. Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.

3. Durham, E. (2009). Bustin’ Gats through Spittin’ Raps: The Rhetorics of Violence in the Lyrics of Dead Prez. Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.

Course Assignments:

In this course you have two primary responsibilities: you must read and write extensively and you must think. The effort you put into your reading and writing and the quality of the thoughts you produce as a result of that effort is what I will attempt to evaluate in determining your final grade for the course. I have developed the following assignments toward that end.

1. Participation in Class Discussion: Your first assignment is to come to each class meeting having carefully read the day’s readings, in turn, being well-prepared to discuss the content and your introspective insight during class discussion. The level of your preparation and quality of your participation in the class discussion will determine 10 % of your final grade. At various points in the semester, I may ask for your input in helping to determine this portion of your grade.

2. Reaction Papers: Your second assignment is to keep a written account of record of your reactions to our reading. I want to know what you think of each of the major perspectives that we will encounter during this term. You are to write thoughtful responses on issues that will very well include—but in no way limited by—the following:

1. Human Communication
2. The intersections between Language and Culture
3. The current Geo-political Situation
4. World Travel
5. Race, Racialization, and Racism
6. Oppression
7. Gender Issues
8. Music and Culture

Please note these assignments ARE NOT to be a compilation of book reports. I do not want these writings to be mere summaries (or worse, collections of quotations) of your readings. Analysis and critique is what is desired; along with a sense of interaction and engagement with the readings. Think of this assignment as a way for you to show that you have fulfilled the primary purpose of this course, as stated above: you have been reading and thinking. (Indeed, like you have never read and thought before.)

Reaction papers are due at each individual’s discretion. Each reaction paper must be turned in on the day when the particular topic is to be discussed. Please refer to the schedule to determine when the reaction papers are due for each topic. Papers are 3-5 pages in length.

Course Expectations:

• All class members are expected to read both assigned and other materials and be prepared to discuss them in class.

• You must write all your papers according to the guidelines outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Please make sure that the print of your paper that you submit is clean and readable. Please proofread carefully to check for spelling, grammar, logic, clarity, and completeness. In summary, all your papers should be focused, tightly organized, and well written. For your protection, please make a copy of the final draft of all your written assignments for your own files.

Deadlines:
All written assignments must be turned in class on the day they are due. No exceptions. Assignments turned in late will receive a letter grade reduction for that particular assignment. Each student is also responsible for collecting whatever information is given in class, such as announcements and handouts, etc.

Non-duplication of Credit:
Work should be original for this course. Work submitted for grading elsewhere will be denied credit. Plagiarism is unaccepted and will be severely penalized.

Grading Criteria:
Paper Presentation………………………………10 %
Reaction Papers (5 @ 10% each)………………………………50 %
Pop Quizzes (4 @ 10% each) – Participation & Attendance…………………40 %
TOTAL……100 %

*All students will respect the rights of others, including the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought.
* Instructor reserves the right to change the schedule/and requirements as necessary

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

WeNeedBeatz Mixxtape, vol. 1

In a world that seemingly seeks to obliterate the relationship between Music and Education, ghettoGEEKS seek to reconcile this relationship. WeNeedBeatz contains the intellectual/spiritual stimulation that has been devoid in contemporary rap music. ghettoGEEKS attempt to revisit a time when people received more than just syncopated instrumentation from their music. With this project, ghettoGEEKS supply people with a cultural/racial/economic/political critique of the current geo-political situation created by the PowerStructure. --and we have some fun along the way....

In essence, we have set the blog to music...and WeNeedBeatz is the SoundTrack!

Pick it up at CD Baby.com---and enjoy!

Click the link to purchase! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ghettogeeks1

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

ZigZagMan - WeNeedBeatz Mixxtape, vol. 1

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

We're stepping away from WRITING for a quick second to hit everybody in the head with some MUSIQ for a moment!

Do yourself a favor and put the first single, "ZigZagMan," in your IPOD today...and then get ready for next week's release of the ENTIRE "WeNeedBeatz" mixxtape, vol. 1. This game will NEVER be the SAME!!!!



WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

The Minority Report

The position of the Minority is Undervalued. ---it truly is.

In the 1970s, a disenfranchised minority of young people in the South Bronx came together to communicate the frustration, anger, and angst of ghettoLife. From this Minority, Hip-Hop culture was birthed. In the late 1800s/early 1900s a minority of Jamaican outcasts took to the mountains to escape the influence of Babylon. From this Minority, the world was given Rastafari. Currently, a minority of Americans (5%) control most of the wealth (70%) in America. (Domhoff, 2011). (---and though this example may be antithetical to the others, one can still recognize the power of the Minority.) In terms of Biology, a minority of sperm cells [ONE] reaches the egg for fertilization. LIFE is spawned from that Minority. The point is simply this: the position of the Minority should NOT be considered a position of weakness.

I challenge you to never see it that way again.

The Minority position is one of Strength.

Personally, I have been no stranger to being in the Minority. I have felt the isolation, loneliness, insecurity, and the need to belong---just for the sake of belonging. As a result, I understand the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) required to be in the Minority and be comfortable with it. I understand that it is much easier SAID than DONE. I understand the power of racial allegiances, political affiliations, economic dependence, personal ties--and anything else that can possibly be used to compromise your principles. But, I also understand the Power of Freedom. Through practice and patience, I have grown aware of the benefits of holding such a position when it is the RIGHT thing to do. I have felt the Power and Freedom granted to those who are willing to be the Minority---despite temporary discomfort.

I dream a Dream. I dream a Dream where I am looking down a soft, malleable, fleshy tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, I see fluorescent Light bouncing off a freshly waxed linoleum floor. I don't want to reach the Light. I want to go back where I was before all this movement. But, against my will, I am pushed closer to the Light. Before I reach the Light, I dream I am Great. I dream I will make a difference. Sometimes I will be popular. Sometimes I will be unpopular. But, at all times, I will be Great. Then...I am Born.

This has been my longest recurring dream.

We all have Dreams. But, many of us avoid the painstaking process of actualizing those dreams because sometimes we know we may be uncomfortable and ALONE. ---and many of us choose not to pay this price.

I have decided to pay that price.

I challenge you today--and from this point forward--to develop the mental, spiritual, and physical fortitude that will enable you to grow comfortable with YOURSELF. Yes, Community is important. Cooperation over Competition goes without saying. There is no point in being a rebel WITHOUT a cause. But, The Minority Report isn't about "kickin' up dust" for the sake of causing unnecessary rifts. The Minority Report is about Leadership, Courage, Faith, Service, Discipline, Commitment, and Perservance. You develop these skills through understanding who YOU are.

--and you never find out exactly who YOU are, if you are too scared to BE ALL BY YOURSELF.

---now listen to WILL spit the REAL....



WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Reverbz...Echoez...Boomerangz

Sometimes you don't know if the work you do is making a difference---and then, you receive FEEDBACK.

---and often times, it comes from the most unlikely places. Feedback, whether in words or deeds, can serve as a huge reminder of WHY you have committed yourself to your work in the first place.

Here at ghettoGEEKS, we, like you, ponder on the impact we are making. And, like you, words of support, understanding, and criticism are valuable tools we use to measure our efforts. We are, of course, most appreciative of these messages.

But, SOMETIMES the Feedback is so STRONG; we have to stop and pause. There are some messages that remind us EXACTLY WHY we do what we do....the WAY that we do it. [You follow?] Though we usually don't post private messages, "once-a-blue moon," someone sends something so powerful that we would be remiss if we did not share it with our larger audience.

The following message was an e-mail sent to us from an acquaintance whom I met while working in South Korea; he is no longer employed in the country. We will refer to him as "J" for purposes of this particular post. In the following message, he describes his abrupt decision to leave and return home. Certain details have been altered/ omitted as to protect his privacy and refrain from causing unnecessary offense.

"J" is special because he was an UNLIKELY comrade.

Many, if not all, expatriates ["ex-pats"] go through a process of Culture Shock as they matriculate into a foreign culture. Customary beliefs, habits, and practices are questioned at a core level. That said, I just knew I wouldn't get along with "J." His look and demeanor spoke volumes. When I first met him, I thought to myself, "I'm not going to like this guy--at all." He was a tall, slender, white dude with a bald head--who seemed to always be adorned in dark/black clothes. He constantly reminded me of a Neo-Nazi reject. That was my first impression. He didn't necessarily resemble the picture below, but according to general racial/class schema, he reminded me of this type of guy:



To be honest, I always thought if we would have known each other longer, he may have told me that he participated in a Neo-Nazi organization in the past. I just always got that feeling.

But, lo and behold, we clicked---and I ended up liking the dude. I don't think it took long at all for us to get into some real, deep, socio-cultural issues. ---and these conversations were not superficial. We spoke on subjects of power, economics, politics, and oppression on a level that I am rarely able to reach when discussing these issues in inter-racial/cultural interactions. It's important to note that we didn't agree on EVERYTHING; but we could DISAGREE without being DISAGREEABLE. And though we may reach points of difference, Respect was always mutual. (On a lesser note, "J" has a good sense or humor, too--was never short on wit.)

Anyway---while I was in the U. S. of A. for vacation, "J" was in the process of permanently leaving Korea. He was mad, too.

Aside from his apparent frustration with his job situation, it was humbling to know that after reading "The Road Not Taken," he was inspired to make a decision that was in sync with his perogative, priorities, and preferences. This letter immediately let me know that the work of ghettoGEEKS is not in vain. These words and ideas have a substantial impact on our readers/followers. There are people out here that "get it;" they understand and appreciate the Philosophy. "J's" letter stands as a testament of that.

So, let this stand as a reminder that the work you do, if sincere and consistent, is impactful whether you know it or not. "J" was kind enough to share his thoughts with us...and now we share those thoughts with you.

Without futher ado, "J":

Hey E, it's me J.

I don't know when the fuck you're coming back but you might not see me again. I was going to coast along, evade drama, get my pay and pull a runner sometime in September. Nevertheless, the nasty bitch who employs me tried to get fucked up on me and I made up my mind to get the fuck out. I left my shit apartment and now I'm living swell in a fine motel.

Know what inspired me? Your blog post on when you quit your fuckin job because it was bullshit.

You comin back in the next week? If you do we gotta go hit up some bitches one last time. I'll try to get another job in Korea but I may just get blacklisted by that dumb fuckin rat-face woman. Who the fuck knows huh? Korea is one small country out of many. My options are teach overseas, do manual labour in the tar sands, or join the army again. I gotta go home and straighten out my cousin. Fuckin asshole's 16 and he's robbing houses for coke money. I gotta kick his ass well and good. Nonetheless, whatever I end up doing let's keep in contact. When we're both in the States let's hit up New York. I know some good fuckin spots in Brooklyn. Or wherever, maybe I'll check out Texas. I've only ever been to Dallas/ Ft. Worth and the girls there were kind of snooty.

Anyway, I've checked out your blog and you've got a lot of knowledge. The world is coming to a crossroads and we're all in for some big changes. We just need the right people to make sure those changes are positive and not negative. This is a fucked up world, but a few good thinkers can make a big difference. Don't ever let any cocksuckers derail you, I think you've got the right idea.

I have to leave two good women behind and it breaks my fuckin heart. Nevertheless, there's no such thing as unconditional love and I keep reminding myself that those bitches will turn into cutthroats if the circumstances permitted. I've loved a woman once and I got my nuts hurt for that.

You're one of the few intelligent people that I could relate to here in Daejeon. The other one is an Irish dude named Danny. I'm gonna go outside now and try to get some pussy. If that fails, I'm headed to a hooker tonight! I've been in a 3 week dry spell which is fucked up because I used to fuck a new woman every week here in Daejeon. This is not the same place anymore.

In the meantime, check out these songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORifieiZiP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVFqSHXnrY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWeBm61vBhU
If I see you again here in Daejeon, great. If not, best of luck dude.

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

NewStripClubSong

Warm Summer Nights can be quite comfortable....especially in one of my favorite cities; Houston, Texas.

---so I like to stop by Club Onyx whenever it's time for me to leave the southern portion of the United States. I'm well aware that the "PrettyBrownRound" is at a minimum in Korea, so before I depart, I like to fill my eyes with some of the finer aspects of 미국문화 [American culture].

It was a Wednesday night--not crowded at all--perfect for my taste. Upon entering, I made eye contact with an attractive YoungLady [read: stripper] who was standing by the bar. After watching me send a couple of her StripperFriends away, she began to make her way across the room. Before she reached me, I got the impression she was going to offer a "cool experience" for this particular outing. Without any strained/awkward conversation, she smiled...and I smiled back...

She sat down easy on my lap, and put her around me. She smelled good. Cinnammon and shampoo. She looked good. Hazlenut skin...cute face...glitter sparkles on those luscious thighs...pretty toes. ---and yes, she was equipped with the "PrettyBrownRound--Drivin' Me Wild." I was Happy.

We chatted for a minute. She asked me what I did for a living. I told her the truth. She seemed interested. ---and then a nice song came on. I reached in my pocket, pulled out a monetary note...placed in on the table in front of us...and she proceeded to "do her thang." To her credit, she did it well.

Though I can't quite remember, I'm almost certain the song she danced to was of the Hip-Hop variety, had a nice bass line, and it was something we both enjoyed hearing.

But, I've had an epiphany.

From this moment forward, my official LapDanceSong is Tina Turner's "Private Dancer." This choice is made for a variety of reasons...and I'd like to share some with you.

I'm currently doing some reading on Feminism.

In the past, I've actively avoided learning about Feminism. Throughout Graduate School, I had a plethora of opportunities to read Feminist material and discuss topics with women who were actively engaged in Feminist research. Despite this conducive environment and the recognition of utlity in Feminist dialogues, I never really invested serious time and energy becoming more acquainted with it. But, that was wrong. It was short-sighted. It was cowardly. It was chauvanistic. It was debilatating. So, with the help of bell hooks (1984; 2000), and her book Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center, I am attempting a LifeChange. I should have known bell hooks, of all people, would have been a good introduction to Feminist thought as I am a fan of her work on masculinity. (By the way, bell hooks stimulates me intellectually as well as sexually. Her writing, alone, does something to a Playa. No lie.)

The one thing that has impressed me with hooks's (2000) argument is her supposition that Feminism is NOT the complete antithesis of Masculinity. As a result, Feminists should not be seen as people who want to trump, rule, and dominant Men. In fact, a large perecentage of her ideas are focused on critiquing the original feminists for a lack of definition, clarity, and communication of thorough Feminist Theory. One chapter, "Men: Comrades in Struggle," is dedicated to articulating the various ways in which the majority of Men are powerless victims of the sexism perpetuated by hegemony; just like women are also victims (2000).

hooks (2000) stresses finding commonality between the sexes; based on the ACTUAL ways in which the PowerStructure treats both Women and Men. She writes with a style and tone that challenges readers to sympathize, and dare I say, empathasize with the EveryDay Woman. So, when I hear Tina Turner croon:

"All the men come in these places,
and the men are all the same.
You don't look at their faces,
And you don't ask their name."

These words immediately situate the listener [me] as the Woman who is working in the StripClub; unlike most contemporary rap music. While listening to "Private Dancer," I receive the opportunity to understand how the situation looks to the Stripper who is servicing me. I'm a believer that self-reflexivity is healthy and beneficial in a variety of situations; I don't see why the StripClub should be different. A moment of self-reflection might go something like this:

"I am just like all the other tricks who enter this club. I am no different. I might try to come across like I'm different. But, in my attempt to do so, I probably look like the last 100 guys who did the same. It probably looks comical."

.....by the way, come to think of it, that cute lil' Stripper never "asked my name."

As the song goes on, Tina goes a bit deeper in the explanation of the Psychology of Stripping:

"You don't think of them [male patrons] as human,
You don't think of them at all.
You keep your mind on the money,
Keeping your eyes on the wall."

After reading hooks (2000), and coming to understand how the majority of Women and Men are simarily victimized through Sexism and perverse notions of Power, I have a better idea of how both parties mistakenly de-humanize each other. In the lyrics above, Tina Turner illustrates how young females, for the sake of sanity, de-humanize men in order to perform their roles in the production of sexual fantasies (for monetary gain). On the other hand, the proliferation of images that celebrate pimping and the comandering multiple women are constantly being peddled to young males (AND females). Consequently, unjustified [and unnecessary] de-humanization occurs on both sides of the gender coin. We are "tricking" each other. And we are "tricking" ourselves. Everyone's a loser.

Throughout her entire discussion on Feminism, bell hooks (2000) reiterates the notion of COOPERATION between the sexes. She argues that Feminisim should never be about Retaliation or Retribution. If Feminism becomes consumed with "turning the tables," then it is not a revolutionary concept at all. Instead, it is the same system with different PowerBrokers (hooks, 2000). Throught her entire book, she encourages readers to look past stereotypical notions of what is Male and what is Female. She consistently argues that Feminism's main role is to present a NEW WAY to relate to each other. COOPERATION over COMPETITION.

In her discussion on "Revolutionary Parenting," she illustratres this cooperative spirit quite well:

Men will not share equally in parenting until they are taught, ideally from childhood on, that fatherhood has the same meaning and significance as motherhood. As long as women or society as a whole see the mother/child relationship as unique and special because the female carries the child in her body and gives birth, or makes this biological experience synonymous with women having a closer, more significant bond to children than the male parent, responsibility for child care and child-rearing will continue to be primarily women's work. Even the childless woman is considered more suited to raise children than the male parent because she is seen as an inherently caring nurturer. The biological experience of pregnancy and childbirth, whether painful or joyful, should not be equated with the idea that women's parenting is necessarily superior to men's.

What have I learned?

Well....the next time I stop through Club Onyx, to fulfill my role as a LostBoy [read: trick], I am going to ask the YoungLady [read: stripper] to put on Tina Turner's "Private Dancer." I'm going to ask her to pay close attention to the words in the song. And as she begins to dance, I will lean back in my over-sized chair, and imagine the "EntertainmentExperience" from her vantage point...as Tina sings...

Deutsch marks or Dollars,
American Express will do nicely--Thank you...
Let me loosen up your collar,
Tell me do you wanna see me do the shimmy again?

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

The World iz Flat, MyNigga.

So, after listening to a couple of people pitch the book, I decided to pick up a copy--and yes, Thomas Friedman makes a strong case that Globalization is Real AND it a phenomenon to be taken seriously. The World Is Flat has been a nice read...thus far. I'm not yet finished; so don't confuse these words as a book review, by any measure. [Currently sitting comfortably at the beginning of Chapter 11.]

Rather than a book review, I aim to provide an EXTENSION of Friedman's argument, if you will. I would like to SUPPLEMENT his thesis without making any adjustments to his TRAJECTORY; which I happen to believe is true and exact. My intention here is to merely add VALIDITY to his claim through offering a conversation on the ways in which Race and Culture may be understood through this process of FLATTENING. As an educator, my commentary will focus solely on the thread of Education.

EDUCATION

Friedman does allude to the issues I will highlight; but his allusions are tertiary at best and are absent of substantial historical context at worst. So, consider this a rudimentary framework by which Race and Culture should be meted in the future; in America, specifically, and other multi-racial/cultural societies, generally. After all, ghettoGEEKS WorldWide are, and will continue to be, affected by this current Global Flattening.

Friedman spends a considerable amount of text discussing the culture of education in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. As a current US ex-pat residing in South Korea for the last 14 months, I will reiterate his point: AMERICANS!! PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THE MAN IS SAYING: EDUCATION IS A BIG DEAL IN ASIA!

Here is a small sample the observations he makes in reference to Asian Educational systems:

SUMMER 2004- Discussion on how aggressive Chinese students are about obtaining American visas for entry into American universities. (p.223)

SPRING 2005 - Harvard students form a student group with the purpose of assisting Chinese students with resume writing and joint study projects. Despite most of the Chinese students being from RURAL China, they introduce the American students to Skype--which is the primary means of communication between the groups. (p. 214)

FALL 2005 - "In one of Chennai's [India] ubiquitous academic-coaching classes, a hundred 12th graders are crammed into a purple room, about 30 feet long and 25 feet wide. The energy-sapping temperature is well over 100 degrees despite the constant whirr of overhead fans. {sic} The students listen, rapt, although it is nearly 10:00 pm. When Mr. Arulselvan asks a question, the students rush to reply in chorus. When the tutor poses a problem, they bury their heads in notebooks, chewing on pencils, eager to finish before everyone else" (p. 212-13).

Friedman's (2007) commentary on Education runs throughout the entire book. He goes on to speak about the aggressive ways in which China, India, South Korea, and Japan are handling Education. Through conducting interviews with Chinese government officials, he reports that in 20-50 years it may not be necessary for young Chinese to obtain US visas to attend Harvard or a Yale because Chinese institutions will be on par with elite American universities OR perhaps---better. Friedman makes sure to reiterate China doesn't want to be on par with America: They want to be better. He offers a conversation between a Chinese central bank official and a Mexican journalist. The bank official describes the Chinese-American relationship with the following: "First we were afraid of the wolf, then we wanted to dance with the wolf, and now we want to be the wolf" (Friedman, 2007, p. 404).

FIRST-HAND OBSERVATIONS

Upon my arrival in South Korea, I IMMEDIATELY got the picture. There was no way I could mistake it: Koreans believe in SCHOOL. The typical "teacher-student" relationship impressed me. Dress codes are mandatory; even in Public Secondary institutions. Outside of school, high school students are easily identified because they are ALWAYS in uniform. Why?....oh yeah, that's right, they're ALWAYS IN SCHOOL! For three years of high school, a student is in school from 7:30 AM to roughly 10:00 PM Monday thru Friday. Two (2) Saturdays of the month students are in attendance from 8:00 AM - NOON. During the third and final year of high school school, students are in school seven (7) days a week. (High school students often joke amongst themselves by saying they can't wait to get to college so they can "get a life.") What are American students doing? Waiting for Superman?

Now, one may be able to provide a substantial argument that the Korean system is a bit much. Finland shares the top spot in Global Education and they spend LESS hours at school than any other developed nation. So, while it is true that the Korean way is not the ONLY way to go about educating a nation---I do know this....I've been impressed with the discipline I've seen in South Korean high school students who will tell you, "I can't join you for this activity, because I have to study." Or, "I'll have to spend more time talking to you next year, because I'm currently in my last year of high school." I know far TOO MANY adults who haven't developed this type of discipline.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN TO AMERICA?

Americans have GOT to start being HONEST with each other. Friedman continually discusses the inevitably of global collaboration, convergence, and cooperation. That means we, as an ENTIRE people, are going to have to learn to communicate/cooperate with non-Americans assuming a power dynamic that doesn't automatically place Americans at the top. That "American arrogance" is going to have to go. Our real-world leverage is slipping. We're going to have to learn to communicate with the rest of the world as EQUALS rather than SUPERIORS. Now, as an African-American, I can only imagine how that will play out due to the ways in which productive/progressive racial healing has been constantly stunted and held in a perpetual state of RETARD.

You have seen, and continue to see, the social fallout from Barack Obama's presidency.

How are we to collaborate with others if we haven't learned to collaborate with ourselves. Friedman (2007) comes close, but he doesn't really address it head on. In speaking about our flawed Educational system in relation to the Asian model he says, "despite the gains of the civil rights movement, the 1960s witnessed growing defacto racial segregation in the schools, as white families with children largely abandoned the cities, leaving behind what we know is an even more segregated (by race and class) city" (p. 360). That is as close as he has gotten in addressing the ways in which America's system of racism has affected America's system of Education. (We are going to have to have more rich, honest, and thorough discussion than that Tom.) If Friedman would have picked up Charles Mills' The Racial Contract, he may have found reasons why the American educational system is as contorted as it is. Race and Racism are at the CENTER of America's Educational problem.

America and Americans are going to have to find HONEST ways to bridge the racial divide. A good place to start is tackling issues of WHITE GUILT and BLACK RAGE. From this point, we can move the conversation forward.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ghettoGEEKS?

The ideal country in a flat world is the one with no natural resources, because countries with no natural resources tend to dig inside themselves. They try to tap the energy, entrepreneurship, creativity, and intelligence of their own people--men and women--rather than drill an oil well (Friedman, 2007, p. 358).

Stop. Grab a mirror. Look into it. THIS is who you have control over. Love yourself enough to practice SERIOUS introspection everyday. Study. Build upon your Strengths. Be honest about your Weaknesses. Study. Stop crying. Start planning. Study. Have a Goal. Get a Goal. Make proper steps toward achieving that Goal. Study. Develop some Discipline. Study. Set your own expectations. Because your school is most likely underserving you, ALWAYS do more than your teachers require. Study. Take a match and some lighter fluid and Burn Up Your Television. Study. Go outside your block, neighborhood, and community---make some new friends. Learn a new language; preferably Chinese, Korean, and/or Japanese. Study. Stop focusing on the White Standard; start focusing on the Global Standard. Buy a Passport. Study. Travel. Practice frugality with your Money. Refrain from being a Label Whore. Have PRODUCTIVE relationships with people; or learn to be comfortable ALONE. Use more weekends for WORK. Study. Create a lifestyle that allows you to take a "weekend" on Tuesday and Wednesday while everyone is at work. Study.

It's time for some serious changes. Alas, the World is Flat, MyNigga.

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Obama Presidency + 2-Year Mark + Long Vision + Frank Schaeffer

In three months, President Barack Obama will hit the two-year mark. The following article was written at the one-year mark, and we at ghettoGEEKS, believe that many of the principles and points outlined within still ring true. We would like to "tip our hat" to Frank Schaeffer for composing this piece. Its value is in its clarity, articulation of fact, and acknowledgement of the flaws within the American political/legislative system (and its people). Please visit his blog and follow his writing...because we will definitely do so.

Without further ado, we present:

Obama Will Triumph — So Will America
By Frank Schaeffer

Before he’d served even one year President Obama lost the support of the easily distracted left and engendered the white hot rage of the hate-filled right. But some of us, from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds -- including this white, straight, 57-year-old, former religious right wing agitator, now progressive writer and (given my background as the son of a famous evangelical leader) this unlikely Obama supporter -- are sticking with our President. Why?-- because he is succeeding.

We faithful Obama supporters still trust our initial impression of him as a great, good and uniquely qualified man to lead us.

Obama’s steady supporters will be proved right. Obama’s critics will be remembered as easily panicked and prematurely discouraged at best and shriveled hate mongers at worst.

The Context of the Obama Presidency

Not since the days of the rise of fascism in Europe, the Second World War and the Depression has any president faced more adversity. Not since the Civil War has any president led a more bitterly divided country. Not since the introduction of racial integration has any president faced a more consistently short-sighted and willfully ignorant opposition – from both the right and left.

As the President’s poll numbers have fallen so has his support from some on the left that were hailing him as a Messiah not long ago; all those lefty websites and commentators that were falling all over themselves on behalf of our first black president during the 2008 election.

The left’s lack of faith has become a self-fulfilling “prophecy”-- snipe at the President and then watch the poll numbers fall and then pretend you didn’t have anything to do with it!

Here is what Obama faced when he took office-- none of which was his fault:

# An ideologically divided country to the point that America was really two countries

# Two wars; one that was mishandled from the start, the other that was unnecessary and immoral

# The worst economic crisis since the depression

# America’s standing in the world at the lowest point in history

# A country that had been misled into accepting the use of torture of prisoners of war

# A health care system in free fall

# An educational system in free fall

# A global environmental crisis of history-altering proportions (about which the Bush administration and the Republicans had done nothing)

# An impasse between culture warriors from the right and left

# A huge financial deficit inherited from the terminally irresponsible Bush administration…

And those were only some of the problems sitting on the President’s desk!

“Help” from the Right?

What did the Republicans and the religious right, libertarians and half-baked conspiracy theorists -- that is what the Republicans were reduced to by the time Obama took office -- do to “help” our new president (and our country) succeed? They claimed that he wasn’t a real American, didn’t have an American birth certificate, wasn’t born here, was secretly a Muslim, was white-hating "racist", was secretly a communist, was actually the Anti-Christ, (!) and was a reincarnation of Hitler and wanted “death panels” to kill the elderly!

They not-so-subtly called for his assassination through the not-so-subtle use of vile signs held at their rallies and even a bumper sticker quoting Psalm 109:8. They organized “tea parties” to sound off against imagined insults and all government in general and gathered to howl at the moon. They were led by insurance industry lobbyists and deranged (but well financed) “commentators” from Glenn Beck to Rush Limbaugh.

The utterly discredited Roman Catholic bishops teamed up with the utterly discredited evangelical leaders to denounce a president who was trying to actually do something about the poor, the environment, to diminish the number of abortions through compassionate programs to help women and to care for the sick! And in Congress the Republican leadership only knew one word: “No!”

In other words the reactionary white, rube, uneducated, crazy American far right,combined with the educated but obtuse neoconservative war mongers, religious right shills for big business, libertarian Fed Reserve-hating gold bug, gun-loving crazies, child-molesting acquiescent “bishops”, frontier loons and evangelical gay-hating flakes found one thing to briefly unite them: their desire to stop an uppity black man from succeeding at all costs!

“Help” from the Left?

What did the left do to help their newly elected president? Some of them excoriated the President because they disagreed with the bad choices he was being forced to make regarding a war in Afghanistan that he’d inherited from the worst president in modern history!

Others stood up and bravely proclaimed that the President’s economic policies had “failed” before the President even instituted them! Others said that since all gay rights battles had not been fully won within virtually minuets of the President taking office, they’d been “betrayed”! (Never mind that Obama’s vocal support to the gay community is stronger than any other president’s has been. Never that mind he signed a new hate crimes law!)

Those that had stood in transfixed legions weeping with beatific emotion on election night turned into an angry mob saying how "disappointed" they were that they’d not all immediately been translated to heaven the moment Obama stepped into the White House! Where was the “change”? Contrary to their expectations they were still mere mortals!

And the legion of young new supporters was too busy texting to pay attention for longer than a nanosecond… “Governing”?! What the hell does that world, uh, like mean?”

The President’s critics left and right all had one thing in common: impatience laced with little-to-no sense of history (let alone reality) thrown in for good measure. Then of course there were the white, snide know-it-all commentators/talking heads who just couldn’t imagine that maybe, just maybe they weren’t as smart as they thought they were and certainly not as smart as their president. He hadn’t consulted them, had he? So he must be wrong!

The Obama critics' ideological ideas defined their idea of reality rather than reality defining their ideas—say, about what is possible in one year in office after the hand that the President had been dealt by fate, or to be exact by the American idiot nation that voted Bush into office… twice!

Meanwhile back in the reality-based community – in just 12 short months -- President Obama:

#Continued the draw down the misbegotten war in Iraq
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Thoughtfully and decisively picked the best of several bad choices regarding the war in Afghanistan
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Gave a major precedent-setting speech supporting gay rights
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Restored America’s image around the globe
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Banned torture of American prisoners
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free fall of the American economy
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely back in the bilateral international community
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely into the middle of the international effort to halt global warming
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Stood up for educational reform
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Won a Nobel peace prize
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Moved the trial of terrorists back into the American judicial system of checks and balances
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Did what had to be done to start the slow, torturous and almost impossible process of health care reform that 7 presidents had failed to even begin
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Responded to hatred from the right and left with measured good humor and patience
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free fall of job losses
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Showed immense personal courage in the face of an armed and dangerous far right opposition that included the sort of disgusting people that show up at public meetings carrying loaded weapons and carrying Timothy McVeigh-inspired signs about the “blood of tyrants” needing to “water the tree of liberty”…
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)

#Showed that he could not only make the tough military choices but explain and defend them brilliantly
(But that wasn’t good enough for his critics)


Other than those "disappointing" accomplishments -- IN ONE YEAR -- President Obama “failed”! Other than that he didn’t “live up to expectations”!

Who actually has failed...

...are the Americans that can’t see the beginning of a miracle of national rebirth right under their jaded noses. Who failed are the smart ass ideologues of the left and right who began rooting for this President to fail so that they could be proved right in their dire and morbid predictions. Who failed are the movers and shakers behind our obscenely dumb news cycles that have turned “news” into just more stupid entertainment for an entertainment-besotted infantile country.

Here’s the good news: President Obama is succeeding without the help of his lefty “supporters” or hate-filled Republican detractors!

The Future Looks Good

After Obama has served two full terms, (and he will), after his wisdom in moving deliberately and cautiously with great subtlety on all fronts -- with a canny and calculating eye to the possible succeeds, (it will), after the economy is booming and new industries are burgeoning, (they will be), after the doomsayers are all proved not just wrong but silly: let the record show that not all Americans were panicked into thinking the sky was falling.

Just because we didn’t get everything we wanted in the first short and fraught year Obama was in office not all of us gave up. Some of us stayed the course. And we will be proved right.

Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays, depending on your point of view) to everyone!

PS. if you agree that Obama is shaping up to be a great president please pass this on and hang in there!

Frank Schaeffer is a writer and author of “Patience With God – Faith For People Who Don’t Like Religion (Or Atheism).”


WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

WhiteNiggaz - Mixxtape 2010 Sampler

Here's a lil' something to BEAT up your EarDrumz! [Play at extremely high volumes in residential areas.]





Click HERE for sound!

Mixxtape StockingStuffers comin' Christmas 2010.....

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Dog Tastes like Meat

My first year in Korea is coming to a quick end.

When I took the plane ride over last year, I didn't know how long I would last out here. To be TOTALLY honest, I had visions of landing in the country...looking around for a day...getting some sleep in a hotel...and purchasing a return flight to the US the next day. I can remember rationing the $1,000 US dollars my father put in my hand the day before I left. I practiced extreme frugality with that money because the plane ticket home could have been necessary at any moment....or so I thought.

But, alas, I stayed. ---and it has made all the difference.

In fact, I 've had such a good time, I'm staying another year. I've managed to land a job at a Korean university; so now I have an additional year to increase my knowledge of the language and culture, get some additional work done, and continue a process of living and learning in a culture that is significantly different from the one in which I was raised. Which brings me to my latest intercultural experience....

June 30, 2010 marked the day I opened wide and ate Dog Meat for the first time.

It was an end-of-the-year lunch for the teachers at my school. (We have various dinners/luncheons throughout the year; large luncheons are a typical practice.) The day prior to this particular luncheon, a close friend of mine informed me that "Dog Meat" 개고기 was going to be served. In previous conversations, I had told this particular colleague that I was open to try it...and at the end of the semester, the opportunity now presented itself.

Since living in Korea, I have eaten a number of foods that I had never eaten before. Tofu is a food item I had tried in America, but did not care for. Now, I will eat tofu without much hesitation; and this is probably because of the way it's seasoned in Korea. 된장찌개 (twen-jang-chee-geh) makes tofu much more enjoyable than a bland piece of tofu. I have eaten raw snail (escargot), dried squid, raw squid, raw fish, cooked octopus, chestnuts, persimmons, kimchi, and 청국장 (fermented beans). In Texas, we would refer to the smell of fermented beans as "pretty bad," but it actuality, it tastes "pretty good." In any regard....DogMeat was still a significant step for me, but it was a step I was willing to take.

On the day of the luncheon, we all left school, as usual, and to my surprise, we pulled up to a restaurant where we had dined two or three times before. Interesting. When my party and I arrived, all the other teachers were already seated together on one side of the restaurant. My group took an empty table on the opposite side of the eatery. This is a bit different...we usually eat as one cohesive unit. But, anyhow.... We sat down and engaged in a bit of small talk. A teacher motions for someone to bring us some Soju (a popular Korean alcoholic drink). This is normal. I'm assuming we're all about to get pretty "lubricated"...and this is normal--alcohol flows freely at our outings. But, to my surprise, he pours one glass of Soju for me...and everyone else takes some water. This is a bit unusual. But, anyhow....

I drink.

When our food arrives, it is served to us in the same steaming hot bowls which are used for other Korean soups. When the waitress places the bowls before us, I must admit---it smells good. I could smell the onions and peppers that are typical of most Korean seasonings. As a result, the aroma eased my nerves a bit. I'm still thinking, though...I'm about to eat Dog. I looked into the bowl and saw the green onions, peppers, and soup before me. I'm still thinking....Dog Meat lay just below the surface. I bowed my head to pray, just as I would any other meal. During this prayer, I could feel my curious colleagues watching me. After finishing my prayer, I grabbed my spoon, stirred the soup around, found the pieces of Dog with my chopsticks, and begin to eat.

The taste was Wild---like that of Wild Game. It didn't resemble Deer. It didn't resemble Alligator. It didn't resemble Wild Boar. ---and no, it didn't taste like "chicken." I must say, Dog has a taste all its own. Lamb is the CLOSEST example of meat that I can use in relation to a Dog. Lamb always has a "medicine-like" aftertaste; it reminds me of eucalyptus---and DogMeat had a similar type of taste...not JUST like Lamb...but similar. It's a combination of tangy, wild, and "gamey"....that's how I'd have to describe DogMeat. As far as texture goes, you DO have to chew on him a bit more than other meat. He's kind of gummy. In any regard, I ate my soup. I mixed my rice with it, like I do most soups, and enjoyed myself. Interestingly enough, there was a lot of fat in this soup. I don't eat much fat from Beef, Pork, or Chicken...so I wasn't going to change that up for the Dog. I left the fat behind.

Of course, what was more interesting than eating the dog, was the human interaction that surrounded the event.....

The conversation was a bit strained in the car. No one was speaking as much as they usually do. Everyone was nervous. In this particular case, I assume the teachers were more nervous than I was. I DO know that Koreans understand Westerners don't eat DogMeat. I'm sure they've learned this through a variety of interactions...and I'm sure some of these interactions were coupled with deragatory attitudes. I was a bit anxious, too. I WAS going to eat DogMeat; something that is not done in my culture AT ALL. So, here we were: at a Intercultural Nexus--and it is at these particular moments where our moral fiber is tested.

Yes, it's EASY to talk about intercultural interactions amongst friends.
Yes, it's EASY to write/blog about intercultural interactions behind the veil of the internet.
Yes, it's EASY to ponder and pontificate on theories, and history, and case studies.
But, when you allow yourself to LIVE....
....To truly LIVE,
To let go,
To place yourself in a vunerable place where insecurities abound,
All of sudden it ISN'T SO EASY.
If you allow yourself to be challenged, you begin to understand yourself and another culture on a level that the books, the articles, and the intellectual debates just don't provide.
You learn through LIVING...if you're strong enough, patient enough, humble enough, and disciplined enough to do so.

On a FUNDAMENTAL level, ghettoGEEKS is built on a conversation on CULTURE. I am forever reminded just how DEEP and CENTRAL culture is to People. People take Culture VERY seriously. ---and we ALL have it. We all have Culture. --and when we learn to respect the differences, we will simulataneoulsy learn to live Peace and Harmony.

I am under no illusions. I know it is not easy. I know it is uncomfortable. But, for all the differences between Koreans and Americans, White Americans and Black Americans, Black Americans and Koreans, Koreans and Japanese, Tibetans and Chinese, African-Americans and Africans, Mexicans and Central Americans, English and Irish, and every other relationship that has been riddled with difficulty---there is also the possiblity of healing, if we commit ourselves to that possiblity as well.

On the way home, I remember thinking, "Korea is INSIDE me." There's no going back. After I ate the Dog, the reality is I have always eaten a Dog.

---and yes, Dog IS Different....but, at the same time, Dog IS Meat.

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; --- Robert Frost, 1916


Let me tell you a story.

August of 2008 I would make a decision that would signal the beginning of one of the lowest points in my Life. I would eventually be Jobless. Aside from part-time work, I would be without a permanent full-time position for approximately one year.

Why?...

....because I decided I would not continue to "eat a dick" at my former place of employment. I decided that I was larger than the limited amount of professional courtesy they were willing to grant me. I decided that I could no longer afford to waste time in a situation/environment that was corrupt at its core. I could no longer attempt to elevate young minds with theories of freedom, liberty, diligence, and integrity, when at the same time, the administration of the institution was aggressively enacting "unwritten" policies that were quite the contrary. These issues, coupled with the professional jealousies, intimidation tactics, and "office war games," were sources of unnecessary stress and fatigue.

I resigned. I struck out on my own ignoring the news of an ensuing national Recession. I figured I had enough education, experience, and wherewithal to land another position without much worry. I was wrong.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2008, after selling everything I couldn't take, I packed all my belongings in a Jeep...and I headed home [Texas]. During that 1,500-mile trip west, I thought about how my nation's media was reluctant to discuss this Depression in open/honest terms. "Is there really a Depression?" "No, it's more of a slight recession. We'll bounce back shortly." "Is there an end in sight?" "If it's just a recession, how long will it take to recover?" Then they'd bring some "expert" economist on to discuss the "possibility" of a Recessionary/Depressionary economic climate. This BullShit would often times evoke profane rants leveled at my television as I banished all the pundits to Hell. "Those fuckers," I mumbled---and continued driving.

I pulled into Texas on Thanksgiving Day 2008...and I stopped at a friend's house in Dallas. His family was in the middle of having Thanksgiving Dinner, and they allowed me to shower "the road" off me. I was probably in need of a GOOD shower, too. I felt like a Bum. I remember looking at all the residue I left in their bathtub...and I knew I wasn't far from BumStatus at all. Little did I know, I was just at the beginning of a nine-month period of Awakening.

After visiting family in Austin, I eventually got to Houston. Houston would be home-base for this particular period of my life as my mother and sister live there. I moved my stuff in the garage, and immediately "opened up shop." I was on the internet everyday. Job search. Job search. Job search. I enacted the same routine that proved futile in Baltimore. But, the good news was I had my supplies ready [resume, e-mail, cover letter templates] and my rhythm down-packed. Everyday I would contact schools. I was in between the phone and computer. Go, go, go. Day in--Day out. Finding a job was my full-time job.

In between searching for a job, I found time to go through all the FEELINGS of insecurity, anger, depression, disgust, shame, bewilderment, confusion, frustration, angst, doubt, and embarrassment. Inviting my Brain to participate with my Heart wasn't too hard, as I also had THOUGHTS which included engaging in political violence, bank robberies, entering the dope game, panhandling, robbing random "rich people," pimping, and I even thought about working as a male stripper. Life was tougher than a MotherFucker.

I can remember sitting in church on Sunday mornings. In the seven years I was on the East Coast, I didn't attend church on a regular basis. I would jokingly refer to the DC/Baltimore area as "purgatory" with my SouthernBrethren...and I would also tell them that I was one of the CrunkestHeathens. (heehee.) They'd laugh. As I would sit and observe the deacons pray, the people clap, the choir sing, and the preacher preach, I would occassionally think about how I could collect a few dollars from the members as efficiently as the church did. *Oh, Devil, get thee behind me.* I did enjoy some of the inspiration presented in the sermons. Church also gave me the opportunity to mediate and relax. The music was often times uplifting. ---and it also gave me the opportunity to see my Momz in her HappyPlace. Accompanying her, was my major motivator for being present.

I DID have my Familee. ---and I am so Grateful for them, too. My Father, My Mother, My Brother, and My Sister; these People are the absolute best thing I have in this Life. Through this entire period, they never gave up on me. I hadn't lived in such close proximity to them in seven (7) years....but when I came back, we were right in sync.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

This day the rhythm of my Life took a drastic change. I hadn't realized that I had grown so accustomed to meeting "dead-ends" in the job hunt. I had grown so comfortable with hearing "No, sorry, we don't have a position available" that I actually got scared by hearing, "Yes, there's an opportunity." On this day, TWO opportunities lay before me. I suddenly felt a new kind of pressure. Now, the "ball was in my court," and I held a leverage that I hadn't held in nine months. In actuality, as it relates to the job market, I hadn't EVER held this type of leverage/choice. My options were as follows:

1.) Take a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor at a Texas university.

OR

2.) Sign a contract with Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education and take a job teaching English at a high school in South Korea.

Robert Frost's, "The Road Not Taken," is the poem I took with me to sleep.

Friday, August 21, 2009

I woke up that morning prepared to take "the road less traveled by." I didn't tell anyone about my decision to sign the contract for the job in Korea because I didn't want any external "noise" in my head. I signed it. I faxed it. I visited the Korean consulate and quickly finished the last steps of obtaining my Visa. I was going to jump on a plane five (5) days later and fly to country I had never been to, and knew very little about, to live and work for a one-year period of time. The refrain that kept playing repeating in my head was, "You're one Weird-Ass Muhphuka, E."

Soon after securing the position in Korea, I had to visit a professor who was quite instrumental in securing the Assistant Professor position at the university. It was going to be one of those tough talks that a person hates to have....but, nonetheless, HAS to be done. I had been at orientation for the entire week with the university; I had received a teaching schedule; I had met the faculty members of my department; I had met faculty university-wide; I had even seen my new office...I had all but signed a contract, and now, I had went to discuss my decision with my Colleague and Friend.

Though we hadn't known each other for the longest time, through this employment process, we had connected on a certain level. She was someone who I liked, and more importantly, someone who I respected....and still do. Not knowing how she would react to the news, I called her cell phone and requested to meet her on campus. I think she could tell by my voice that something was up. When I arrived on campus, she left an orientation session (a session I most likely would have been in) and met me in the hallway. "What's up? Everything okay?" she asked. I looked at her, and broke the news. "I've signed a contract with a school in Korea. I'll be flying out next week." I went on to explain how grateful I was for her help through this process; and I MEANT that. I was truly thankful for her honesty, candor, and kindness through the process. She accepted my decision with grace.

And if she ever reads this, I want her to know, "I got nothing but Love for you, Doc."

WHAT A DAY! ....and it wasn't even NOON yet!

I've shared this experience with you all now because I have one more month on my current Visa. I have been in Korea for approximately one year now; and I'm looking back on my time here. And I must say, this has been one of the BEST decisions I have ever made. I can truly say the "road not taken" is sometimes the BEST road to take. I had a mulitude of reasons to stay in the States. (In spite of the difficutly I was experiencing.) I had people who I KNOW Love me...try to convince me to stay. But, I knew that I had to leave. God had shown me how rough Life be thorugh this experience ....and I felt through the decision to come to Korea, He was also showing me that the choice to change my lot in Life is Mine.

The decision is YOURS, People. Do not limit yourself through Doubt and Fear. You can do Anything you want to do. You can. You can do Anything you want to do. AND you can do it the WAY you want to do it. It's going to take a Plan; It's going to take Dedication, a tolerance for Pain, an Endurance Reserve...and it may not be easy. BUT, you can do it. When opportunity arises, DO NOT BE SCARED TO SEIZE IT.

Growth ain't supposed to be comfortable---and Pain is an ingredient that comes with process.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. ---Robert Frost, 1916



WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com







WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com