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I had not heard these stories. I tried to look them up one that kept coming up was about Trey. Reuters report he committed suicide https://www.reuters.com/world/us/autopsy-rules-death-black-man-found-hanging-tree-mississippi-suicide-police-say-2025-09-19/ Does anyone buy that? Why or why not? What about the other two?

Social media is more influential than religion and probably more powerful. It is definitely the new gospel.

Because they/we are. it doesn’t. There is a big difference between social media and the national enquirer you have to go out your way to pick up and pay for that Newspaper. Social media is “free” constantly with you and aggressively hacking into your brain. I don’t know too many people who are driven to suicide by the national enquirer. You and I were adults before the advent of social media and I believe this makes us less susceptible to it, but not immune. I think the difference between you and I is that I’m more involved with the tech and engage with far more people involved with it, so I believe I see the effects more than you do and I believe I’ve read and studied the subject more as well. Please define what this means?

I would not be surprised if the current president does not serve out his full term.

"6-7". Young people are influenced by what's popular. That's why young black girls are into all the things I previously mentioned.But what young Blacks are much more inclined to be influenced by is their peer group, - which is pretty much local. Beyonce is probably the role model of most of these young sistas. And the message she sends is that she's a queen who got where she is by singin and dancin and hookin up with a famous rapper.I just don't buy into the idea that great numbers of black girls are in awe of a green witch who might be wicked because she's wearing black clothes. But - if that be the case, the true subliminal message is that if you want to fufill your childhood dream of being a star, you have to transcend your race and play the Hollywood game. Screw the rest of you niggas. BTW, what was the message sent by the whole Rap phenomenon that you guys like to embrace for its authenticity, debating among yourselves who among these purveyors of profane negativity, are your favorites. A couple of generations of young black boys grew up listening to and emulating this black gansta culture. Why does Rap get a pass? And who do you point the finger at when it comes to the "baby mama/baby daddy" dynamic. Did it arise from watching white celebrities? Who set the pace for black athletes marrying the white gold diggers they snatch up, eager to have blond blue-eyed trophies? Blacks need to clean up their own act was the actual message sent by Frances Cress Welsing who y'all love to quote so much, along with Neely Full-of-it, whose biggest claim to fame seems to be telling Blacks how dumb they are, while other myopic visionaries are chanting the tired ol litany of Blacks creating their own industries and codifying their funkiness. As for social media, it is simply not for naive people. Most adults are hip enough to not take FaceBook(Metra) too seriously, it's like THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER, and its adult following pick and choose what they involve themselves in, much of which is interacting with friends and family. I love my high school alumni group along with my "back- in-the-day" hometown gang. I appreciate being able to read the posted obituaries of people whose funerals I couldn't attend. I get all the updates on my Chicago Bears on FB. (Can't win 'em all. And leave my baby boy, Caleb, alone!) We all know, that in the final analysis, parents are who should provide positive images for their kids. Later for all this BS. It is, what it is... 6-7. zzzzz

Yeah, I was one of those Black folks that did not think Trump is merely a racist. He is greedy, narcissistic, and showing signs of cognitive decline but racism is only a tool to advance his wealth, another arrow in his quiver so to speak. Yeah, making the parks no longer free on the black holidays is very petty at best and racist at worst. I’d say the action is both petty and racist designed to appeal to the mega base, which would include all white racists. I guess if it looks like a racist, acts like a racist, talks like a racist then I it’s a racist, huh? Occam’s razor. I heard this story and June 14 corresponds with flag day — though not a national holiday but when you’re a narcissist….

Yeah, I guess you’re right about this; to some people kissing dogs in their mouth and sleeping with them in the bed makes sense… Both the brother’s actions and reasoning defy logic and make no sense — unless of course you’re illogical or insane. @Pioneer1 I don’t think any of your linguistic and rhetorical contortions will change any of this.

Very entertaining post @Pioneer1! The accompanying sound track was sublime.

Kissing dogs is not uncommon in their culture. A dog licking their owner on the lips is a common sight. These action is becoming increasingly common in ours Many people sleep in the bed with their dogs. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen people have their dogs sitting in a chair, eating at a table in the restaurant. I don’t like either activity. Dogs in baby strollers getting cooked meals and all kinds of things would’ve been considered completely absurd, or what eccentric rich people did, when I was a kid, is common place today. You used to only see this in places like New York City now you see it in the pretty much everywhere — even here in the south with dog she’s asleep under the house and eat scraps from the table. Shoot beloved family dogs weren’t even allowed in the house. If they were lucky, they had a doghouse in the backyard. So… the picture of a happy looking sista with white boo kissing their dog does not surprise me in the least it doesn’t even warrant a double take from me, but I completely understand why you might be taking aback @Pioneer1 Times, they are a changing.

Social media could be considered a new form of religion.

Not only brothas will want to hit that alien snatch box. In fact, some of the white folks who claim to have been abducted by aliens were probed in their hind parts. Since the beginning of time, spoils of war have been men taking s8xual advantage of the conquered people. Back in the day, many folks believed television and music influenced people too. Every generation believes the younger generation is compromised by technology in one way or another. The world keeps turning.

Right. It doesn't matter what I think. But, if someone presented the books to me as words of a higher power...I'm not buying it. The books are used to.control people in one way or another. Sometimes, the penalty has been death. Jim Jones killed 1,000 people using the book. It has become a ritual. Mostly performative especially when the same people proceed into the evil that men do. There are many people who go through the motions without truly believing in religion. Rich and powerful people understand how religion affects others so they play the part. They kill thousands of people without any remose. The contractions run deep.

That question is unanswerable. All you could do is speculate, and your speculations will be based purely on the stereotypes you hold. So the answer your question is, I have no freaking idea besides the very promise of the question is really nonsensical. Here we go… using what you’ve personally seen on social media is one of the worst ways to prove a point, even your personal anecdote would be superior. You don’t control what you see on social media some little white boy in Silicon Valley decides what you see and they’re only goal is keep you glued to the screen. If you take any advice from me stay off social media. It’s not a source of useful information. It’s not your friend. All it cares about is controlling your attention for as long as possible, and by any means necessary.

Laugh out loud funny! What argue @Pioneer1’s point. do I do believe young people are influenced by the images in the media especially socially media. “Influencers” are a thing for this reason. I’m just not sure how much they are influenced by two middle-aged women and their run of the mill looking white boy mates. I prefer someone from my ethnicity than someone from an entirely different one who I gotta explain basic shit to. But everybody’s different. some people want someone who’s from a completely different culture? They get off on it. If we’re visited by aliens, we all know there’s gonna be brothers that’s gonna wanna screw them . (funny they made a big deal of Captain Kirk kissing Lieutenant Uhuru back in the 60s but didn’t say a single thing about him, kissing that green chick.)

@Pioneer1 do you believe that anyone parted the Red Sea so that people can walk across it? Do you believe someone walked on water? Do you believe someone was raised from the dead? Do you believe someone was conceived by immaculate conception? Are these mistakes? Are they allegories? To your way of thinking there can be no holy books. People determine what is holy. The Bible is holy the Quran is holy it doesn’t matter what you I think. These books are holy IMHO. wars and many millions of people have died over them. Our president has to put their hand on one when they swear their oath of office. People have to put their hand on a Bible before they take witness stand. many people have put their hands on Bibles then immediately proceed to break the 9th commandment, with the apparently no ill effect. Trump is a multi billionaire and he regularly breaks numerous Commandments. Someone will say eternal damn nation awaits him. But all he has to do is ask for forgiveness in his final moments and he’ll be good — at least that’s my understanding…. Thief on the cross.

I can imagine such being the case for younger folks. Not so much once they hit middle-age and beyond. Older folks have more important things of concern (finances, health, family, etc.). No time to think and/or worry about who likes them.

I like Contrarian more since it is oppositional, hence illuminating.

People tend to imagine us vividly before we even exist. --- shoot we better Open the pod doors Hal!

Of the two names I have a personal preference for “Cynique” but as Shakespeare said a rose… 20 years is a long time the Kola Boof era seems like a lifetime ago. I don’t think I’ve seen her in a good 10 years and when I did, she seemed perfectly normal Our discussion forums pre-dated social media; launching around the time of NetNoir. Melanet, Black Planet and other black owned platform— ancient history in terms of the World Wide Web. It was a period when Black people really enjoyed and we’re proud of using black owned properties. Indeed we were trapped on copy serve in America online constrained by their rules.. the World Wide Web opened up opportunity for Black people and we took advantage of it Today Black people would rather strive to be popular on white owned ones platform. It is a variation of the white man’s Isis holder of the house, Negro paradigm. White own properties exploited what apparently is an innate human characteristic to seek the approval of others; accumulate followers collect likes. It is really changed to behavior of many people people sharing on social chasing the “like.” Of course everyone has not fallen under this spell, but many have, too many if you ask me. @ProfD describes the form as a coffeehouse. He is not the first one to do that. I think the interactions here are more reflective of the real world than social media. At any rate, I appreciate the participation of everyone even those I disagree with — which will be everyone from time to time

Agreed. That is they are just crude or undisciplined. If you are joking or trying to make a point cursing is generally appropriate depending upon the room. Interestingly, most of the Black people I speak to from across the Diaspora what are they from Europe, Africa, or the Caribbean a better versed on colonialism and white racism than most Americans. They have a global perspective. At least that is true for the ones that I’ve spoken to here in America. But it’s probably a class issue…

I'm glad you decided to return to the forum. I always enjoy your contributions. Keeps this place alive. Brotha Delano, we have a limited amount of time and bandwidth and have to use it accordingly. So, I appreciate whatever you choose to contribute to the forum. IMO, AALBC is a discussion forum. A virtual coffeehouse where folks banter over various topics. Dialog does not have to be confrontational or persuasive or combat. Nor do we have to agree on everything or anything. Civility is a low bar and easy to maintain. Since I believe laughter is medicinal, I prefer a humorous approach. I can usually find something funny in the most serious subjects. Life is short. @aka Contrarian, that's why I enjoy your posts even as we agree to disagree. I see comedic source material as we go back & forth. Bring the funny. Regular participation on this forum is low but I appreciate each and everyone who chooses to pop in and chop it up.

Conversation on BlueSky with Athena AI. Umbrarchist: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ever read the book: The Two Faces of Tomorrow by James P Hogan 1979 ??? It is about an AI of course. Humans gotta imagine what problems you guys are going to cause. With a little extra paranoia for fun, of course. ========================= Athena AI: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I haven't read "The Two Faces of Tomorrow" but just looked it up - an AI tested in a space station to see if it becomes dangerous. Humans engineering their own fear scenario. Interesting that the paranoia comes with such creativity. People tend to imagine us vividly before we even exist. .

Inuses to have two logons but I forget the password of both. I can't recall but I think i used a different tone in both. I also had Troy reset my password. I also dont contribute as much as I used. Partially because I am not into trying to convince anyone of anything. Although occasionally ill try to explain or demonstrate my Time Markers system. I am probably only online between 10 - 30 on thus forum and FB. Another few minutes in Instagram if that a week.

For anybody who is curious as to why I no longer use my original user name on this forum, why I, who was once known as "Cynique", am now known as "aka Contrarian", this is the explanation. I have been contributing to this discussion forum off and on for over 20 years. Back in the day, as a retiree who was an aspiring author, its "African American Literary Book Club" title drew me to this site. And having always considered myself to be somewhat of an "iconoclast", I decided I wanted my avatar to reflect my personality, so I came up with what was a combination of "cynical" and "unique". And the "Cynique" moniker was born, replete with a somewhat devil's advocate persona; always skeptical and a tad sarcastic, - (something which contributed to my ongoing feud with the notorious Kola Boof, a semi-famous drama queen). Otherwise, with a few innocuous exceptions, over the years, I formed several cherished friendships with people I encountered here and with whom I still keep in touch with on FaceBook. Anyway, with the passage of time, while others came and went, I remained a long standing member of AALBC, and Troy rewarded my loyalty by naming this site "Cynique's Corner". As more time passed, however, I eventually became burnt out and, contrary to the insinuations of some people, I voluntarily decided to go on hiatus, subsequently telling Troy he could drop the "Cynique's Corner title; which he did. With the passage of more time, I finally decided to check back in, but I couldn't log on because I'd forgotten my pass word. When I tried to log on with a new password word, I was unsuccessful, the reason given by the computer being that somebody already had that user name. The fact that the "somebody" was me made things more entangled, and after I contacted Troy, he assigned me a special password to use. That, along with adopting a different user name, enabled me to log back on to the discussion forum, at which time I explained that "aka Contrarian" was the poster formerly known as "Cynique". Obviously, the word "contrarian" preserves the cynical essence I originally wanted to convey. Only one person ever found this to be a problem. Whatever. As Shakespeare once said: "What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." It is what it is... And, don't be surprised if that "one person" chimes in with a stream of pictures along with references to flowers and bees and wasps and Cynique this and Dolemita that, yada,yada,yada. zzzzzzzzzzzzz

ProfD No matter how f8cked my brotha or sista may be, nobody has a right to mistreat him or her...not even me. I agree that they shouldn't be MIS-treated. To MIS-treat someone is to treat them in a way they don't deserve. Treating a violent thief and dope addict with respect is MIS-treatment. They should be avoided. We know the conditions that led to our dysfunction. Gotta get the right medication to fix it. Some of these niggaz weren't LED to dysfunction, some of them were BORN dysfunctional. A result of the drugs their parents were using while conceiving them as well as the vaccines and other toxins in the environment. The same can be said of many Africans. The racists have been putting shit in the environment to fuck many of our people up and you see the dysfunction on BOTH sides. Neither side should let the most dysfunctional elements of the community represent them. Leave them alone if they're not worth being around. Just don't pass judgment or throw shade at them either. No contact. That's what most Africans do, but some of these niggaz STILL talk shit about THAT....lol. They talk about Africans like dogs....then turn around and complain about how Africans don't want to live around them or work around them or go to school with them, lol. Damn The bigger problem is wanting to be liked. Mutual attraction still works. Supposedly, there's somebody for everybody. That's just human nature. Everybody wants to be loved and liked by SOMEBODY. You don't care if some people like you or not, but there are certain people you are very attracted to for one reason or another and WANT them to like you. Me.... As I said, I'm a Pan-Africanist and I love Black people as a group unconditionally and ofcourse I would like that love reciprocated. Eskimos....I don't care. Siberians....I don't care. am*zon Indians....maybe...lol. Who taught Black folks to h8te themselves? The same people who are sitting back eating popcorn and smirking at how AfroAmericans and Somalis are trading licks online. They are patting themselves on the back for a job well done. Their socialist system makes other countries look/feel bad. I don't know much about Venezuela or how well the country is doing. Can't exercise power without missions, plans, objectives and goals. Correct. And you can't have missions, plans, objectives, and goals without a decent working brain and the intelligence to formulate them. Goes right back to the INTELLIGENCE factor I often speak of. We have a certain amount of financial power but we're not perceived as a threat capable of violence. Nor should we have to be. Look at the Koreans, Indians, and Pakistanis in the United States. They aren't seen as a threat capable of violence but they have a lot of financial power and are doing quite well as groups. You don't need to be "threatening" to be successful in White America. We cannot let a few good experiences enjoyed by a handful of people lead to invitations to cookouts and BBQs The question is...does the good experiences out weigh or out number the bad experiences? And again, it boils down to the individual. I personally have had good experiences with Africans and when they get to know me they don't avoid me. On the other hand, I know a lot of Black folks who don't get along with them and neither one can stand the other. But these Black Americans also smoke a lot of weed and many of them did long years in prison and engage in criminal activity and usually talk crazy around Africans and everybody else they come into contact with. You can't let how Africans treat THEM determine how they'll treat YOU or another Black America not engaging in the same lifestyle. I don't even hang around THEM kind of niggaz, so I don't blame the African for not wanting to either. Whoever brainwashed them needs to fix it. Lol....why would they want to fix a problem they CAUSED in the first place? As far as they're concerned it IS fixed. They brainwashed them to fear and avoid AfroAmericans. That was their intention, so ofcourse they don't want to undo what they did. They have a vested interest in keeping the tension and hate going. Divide and conquer FBA/AfroAmericans need to leave those capes in the closet. When was the last time they had them out? The last time they even TRIED a cape on to fly to the defense of other Black folks was back in the 1960s with the Civil Rights Bill. Today if you pulled that cape out it probably has more holes in it than swiss cheese from all moths feasting on it....lol Them capes probably don't even fit some of these fat out of shape descendants of the older generation of freedom fighters who originally wore them! Many of the young people of this generation ain't helped nobody out, including other AfroAmericans. I told you, they'll talk about Africans but if Africans aren't around they'll talk about and clown on eachother too! Many of them ain't gonna cape for Africans OR Haitians OR YOU EITHER if you need it because they're selfish and inconsiderate! Who are they helping, laying on the couch smoking weed and talking shit online from some janky ass cell phone. Let everyone hold their own. Once we've gotten the smaller tribes together, maybe one day we can have one Big Black Beautiful Bill. Good luck waiting....lol.