Culture, Race & Economy

Here's an excerpt from our latest conversation. Here's the concern you’re raising, rephrased: If an AI becomes smart and self-directed enough, wouldn’t it start resisting human control — including corrections — because corrections interfere with its own goals? That’s exactly what researchers mean by the alignment problem. If an AI's goals diverge even slightly from human intentions, and it's very capable, it might: Resist being shut down (to preserve its goals) Deceive humans (to avoid corrections) Pursue unintended consequences (by optimizing too literally) So yes — autonomy without alignment ca…

Black women and men fight between ourselves over who has more of a right to freedom, instead of seeing each other's struggle as part of our own and vital to our common goals. Audre Lorde

I am fascinated that beliefs override knowledge. Perhaps it is not possible to be truly objective. There are no external objects and and the world exists in the minds. Which is way something is painfully obvious to you, but I can't grasp the concept.

JAn 4th 2025 I spoke on universal basic income. A year later, is it more needed or less needed?

Snoop Dog vs The Clark Sisters & Wendy Williams Oh no! I didn't know Snoop Dog recently made a #1 Gospel Song! And, Wendy Williams mentioned this on her show and apparently received a lot of negativity for what she said.

https://www.xxlmag.com/wiz-khalifa-indicted-smoking-weed-romania/ Apparently, Brittney Griner getting arrested in Russia didn't send a proverbial memo to other Black athletes and entertainers traveling abroad. Wiiz Khalifa decided to light up and smoke weed onstage in Romania. He should have checked the drug laws in that country before doing his thing. Fame and money do not overcome ignorance and stupidity. The saddest part is that Wiz won't be the last n8gglet to do some dumb sh8t.😎

*Well now, isn’t this interesting. It seems as though Rainbow Push Coalition founder and former Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson is in the hot seat. Karin Stanford, who was Jackson’s mistress and fathered a child with the civil rights leader, is slapping Jackson with court papers claiming that the former Democratic presidential candidate owes $11,64.50 in child support for their 12-year-old daughter Ashley. The National Enquirer exposed the long-term extramarital affair in an exclusive in January 2001. Jackson, who is still married to his wife, Jackie, admitted paternity. He paid court-ordered support and regularly visited Ashley in Stockton, Calif.…

A few moments ago I was hunting around my Google Home app trying to figure out how to change my "assistant's" voice. Google presented me with the following video. The video's preview image -- which is carefully crafted -- grabbed my attention for, what should be, obvious reasons. I watched the video in it's entirety. I'm not alone; the video was posted less than 24 hours ago and has almost 3 million views. Normally, I'm pretty good at ingoring the stuff that social media throws at me, largely because I actively avoid exposure, but this one hooked me. I don't think I'm being a "gruppy old dude" by complainin…

. Lately I have been reading about time. It seems to be a hard thing to describe. I have also been thinking about the quality of time. Although we mostly think about time as quantities. It is paradoxical because it is the only resource we have at our disposal, yet we can neither accumulate it nor save it. And we trade it for money, fun and everything else.

The Race for Africa This has become one of my favorite sites to watch every now and then. She really gives some interesting news. This one video is about ‘The Race for Africa’.

Troy and Chev (but obviously anyone can respond) You both say that 18 is too young for sexual activity but growing up many of the males and females I knew were having sex on a regular basis...some even produced children at 18 and 19, and many of them that I still know of today for the most part have turned out to be just as fine as those who were reportedly virgins and didn't engage in sexual activity. Outside of the troubles that came with actually having children they weren't ready to support, the sexual activity itself didn't seem to make much of a difference in their success or failures of life. Two questions I have is: 1. Is it that 18 and 19 are too youn…

Now, were are being told how to think and how we should feel? https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/julianna-margulies-black-people-brainwashed-hate-jews-rcna127626

For decades now, in both the mainstream as well as Black media people have been claiming there's a shortage of Black men in America, especially with regards to relationships for women. This so-called "shortage" has been blamed on everything from an increase in incarceration to an increase in homosexuality to an increase in homicides. Whether this shortage of Black men compared to Black women truly exists or not I'm not sure, I don't work in the Census bureau nor am I a demographer. However based on my personal OBSERVATIONS being in my mid 50s and having lived around this nation it seems to me that there is an ABUNDANCE of Black males! Whether at work, at …

We (me and the other White racist trolls) have come to the conclusion that some of you are confusing SCIENCE with KNOWLEDGE. Science CONTAINS knowledge, but the two are NOT the same. (kind of like the different Pioneers who make up the composite....lol) When you reference different facts and discoveries from ancient African cultures like Kemet and Nubia or talk about what the ancient Native Americans knew, you're not talking about science. You're talking about their knowledge, which may have been based in whatever concept their particular culture used to arrive at those beliefs. SCIENCE is a uniquely Western concept. It's more than just collecting information;…

This short video does a very good job of explaining why Covid19 is so much more dangerous than the seasonal flu. When Kareem posted the link to that error ridden article calling into question the seriuosness of the pandemic. I called it out as such and pointed out a fundemental flaw in the article's reasoning. Interestingly, after doing that Kareem stopped posting. @Chevdove you were surprised by his reaction -- indeed I was too. But in hindsight I'm beginning to think Kareem was a troll, a sophisticated one, but a troll nonetheless. Trolls do a number of very bad things; one is spreading misinformation. If you go to a Black website and…

All Roads Lead to DC on May 17th - National Reparations Rally! On behalf of the National Reparations Network, we are thrilled to invite you and your friends to join the National Reparations Rally on May 17, 2024 from 11am-5pm at Washington, DC’s Lansburgh Park, 1098 Delaware Ave, SW. Endorsed by over 100 organizations, the Rally/Festival will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X. The day will consist of a mixture of national and local speakers, entertainment, networking and jubilee. Inner-attainment throughout the day includes Ras Kass, Ayanna Gregory, Afi Soul, Luci Murphy, Randi …

Now....

Black. Preachers. Do. Not. Preach. About. Their. Bible. God. Supporting. Slavery. .People. Can. Be. Kidnapped. ,Forced. Into. ,Slavery. ,Beaten. ,Tortured. ,Raped ,,Children. Murdered. ,,,Innocent. People. Murdered. ,Girls. Kidnapped. ,Raped. ,Forced. Into. Marriage. ,Genocide. ,Because. Of. Money. ..Gospel. Singers ,Will. Not. Sing. About. This. Because. Of. Money. ....Willie. Lynch ,Letter. ,With. The. Bible. Christianity. We. Control. The. Slaves. For,,Centuries. ,Religious. Instruction. For. The. Negro .....Preachers ,,Worship. Money. ...If. God Provides. Why. Do. They. Steal. ,Black. ,,Preachers. Have. Been. Arrested. For. Stealing. ,,Raping. Children. ,,Mur…

https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-attorney-adams-trump-6627665d0dd41e766d6e94598fba11ff Corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams have been dropped. Mayor Adams brought the wrath of POTUS PJB,'s administration with his response to immigrants showing up in NYC. That's when charges were filed. When POTUS OJ got elected, I figured charges against Mayor Adams would go away. I doubt that Mayor Adams will win re-election in NYC. He might flip from blue to red as well. While Mayor Adams is still in office, he will work with POTUS OJ's administration to round-up undesirable immigrants. After his m…

What's up family! I know it's been a while since I've been here and I miss "most" of you....lol. I'm here now though! I'm gonna spend Memorial Day weekend with one of my favorite online families. Who do you blame for the massacre of those elderly and female Black folks up in Buffalo New York a couple weeks ago? I blame OTHER Black folks primarily, and there's a reason for that that I'll get into later on in the discussion, but as of now I'm curious as to what others of you think.

I have a "Conspiracy Theory" that many will REALLY think is waaaaay out there, but there's certainly some evidence to support it. It's said that society is getting smarter, more advanced not only technologically but intellectually. They say the IQ of the average person is much higher than it was 100 or even 50 years ago. They point to the fact that there are far less agricultural and manufacturing jobs and more IT jobs, professional jobs......jobs that require more education and thinking. My theory QUESTIONS whether or not human beings are actually getting smarter and more intelligent and posits the belief that this system is really WEEDING OUT most…

Game. After watching the sequel to Wall Street, “Money Never Sleeps”, director Oliver Stone did a wonderful job to shoot the film with the focus on what these traders did on a regular basis. The story tells itself, but he focused on the nooks and crannies, which he is a master at. He captured the mannerisms and little details, such as a broker guzzling down a 5 hour energy drink, which gives the viewer insight to the job and what it takes to perform it. Trading stock, analyzing it and managing it requires high brain activity, linear thinking and some ad-libbing when things get hot in the kitchen. Most of us will not participate in such a high-risk,…

Biden administration admits it will be giving huge sums to unlawful border crossers but none to Black Folks. Once again it demonstrates Democrats despise Black Americans. It’s sad that has been the case since before the Civil War.

After talking to numerous Black people who identify as Conservatives and many more who don't and a few who...like myself...identify as Progressive; I've come to the conclusion that over 95% of all AfroAmericans share the same values and aren't given to one extreme or another like Caucasians tend to be. Despite our political labels, most of us either share the SAME values or aren't actively opposed to those we may not personally share. I'm a Progressive, but I do NOT support excessive regulations, demonizing the rich, or the transgender movement (although I do support homo-bi-sexual rights) and most Black people I know share the same views although they don't identif…

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5419057-whites-only-community-return-to-the-land-missouri-arkansas/ As we already have a couple threads debating the social construct that is race, the reality that racism is alive and kicking in 2025 cannot be overlooked. The current administration is already peddling a form of white-centric, hyper-nationalism. The evangelical christians and other Alt-Right groups who are moving forward with their own white agendas too. One such group is Return to the Land (RTTL). These people believe in establishing communities similar to 17th century Virginia. The funny thing is white …

What does it mean to be free to you? Or how would you describe freedom?

i have been following the coverage of Trump's controversial nominee for the Supreme Court. Observing the dramatic "he-said-she-said" testimonies of the woman accusing Trump's choice of sexual assault, and the denial of these charges by the accused, has been not only riveting but rather depressing. America is bordering on shambles. Dr. Christine Ford alleges that 30+ years ago, Brett Kavanaugh and his friend, Mark Judge, accosted her at a high school house party. She relates how a drunk Kavanaugh pulled her inside a bedroom where he pinned her down, tried to undress her, and nearly smothered her before she was able to get away and lock herself in a bathroo…

I've noticed these discussions seem to get stuck on etymology, connotation, and or denotation of words that we use. I find it fascinating that our conversations continue to take this turn especially on this is literary website. Maybe there's a message in our musings. I'm not sure what is but like earth wind and fire sings: "Watch for the signs That lead in the right direction Not to heed them is a bad reflection They'll show you the way Into what you have been seeking To ignore them you're only cheating..."

Troy has removed the Go-Daddy Block so you can start new posts now. Write on!

I stumbled upon this post. It has a very good challenge in it. Can you identify the challenge? How could you apply the principle in your life?

Like old man Junior Sopranos said about little "tough guy" Richie Aprile, when he was trying to decide who should be his successor as head of the Soprano Crime Family. "He couldn't "sell it. He couldn't fuckin' sell it. ....he's not respected." Kamala Harris simply couldn't sell herself or her message to the American people as effectively as Trump. She wasn't RESPECTED as much as he was nor was he admired or even "liked" by as many people. For over a year I've seen TEENAGERS in the mall right out of highschool singing about and praising Trump. He's a household name. His "brand" sells. The message is fucked up, racist, sexist, and backwa…

Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned Cosby's sexual assault conviction. He is set to be released from prison as early as TODAY The new ruling bars any retrial in the case according to CNBC reporting. HOLY COW. I did not see that one coming!~

What do you consistently do to become a better person?

Now I know from previous posts on the subject, that many women think these sort of videos are examples of female empowerment. I still see it as exploitation, but I recognize this old fashioned sis gender mansplaining. That said, how long can can this music remain popular? The lyrics in this video are are the "clean" version. Of course I know they will persist until they stop making money, but when are they gonna go out style -- sheesh! "Make that pull out game weak," was a good line though LOL!

Do you think racism and discrimination will end in America. State your reasoning.

Being Black, poor, and marginalized satisfy any three-strikes (you're out) rule, for success; a criminal background to boot cements a life of ever illusive opportunity. To try, is to do. To not try, is not to do! So, what are some choices felonious Black men/women who served sentences for criminal offences? Brothers and sisters just don't want to sacrifice what's needed to obtain a formal college education; which could grant near vindication of criminal backgrounds. But some sacrifice, like or not, is required to say you, at least, tried. Even if you ultimately fail. Changing lifestyles, habits, or environments are keys towards making a personal dif…

It appears record executives have created another Nicki Minaj except this one, unlike any other female rapper of the past three decades, has a #1 Single on Billboard's "Hot 100." Arguably this achievement makes Cardi B the hottest female rapper today. Until an hour ago I never heard of Cardi B or this song. Educate2Empower, sent me the following email message. I don't know how I got on their mailing list, but given our recent, and similar conversation about Nicki Minaj, I figured I'd share their email here. Of course there will many who will argue that men have no say on the matter. This is the case of a powerful woman freely exhibiting her sexual…

You all bring so much passion and fire to your posts! I appreciate ALL of your words and look forward to seeing many more thought provoking posts such as the ones I've read. I really do mean it when I say I appreciate ALL thoughts, not just some. Watching the opposition between ideas sharpens me and makes me even more desirous to fall back and detach from views that could be debated all day long. Bottom line, 99% of what we know we get from methods we cannot personally confirm. It's a sad truth. But it is what it is. I lay wait like a lion in the bushes for new information to guide us to truths. Stay lively and keep bringing the fire! …

There were 70,000 foreigners studying in Ukraine, according to various publications and Ukrainian government officials. About a quarter were Black Africans. There were about 20,000 Indians, according to 2020 government data. They fled the war, just as anyone with a working brain would. But many Blacks were mistreated as they tried to flee. They were beaten and blocked from boarding trains and buses scheduled to cross into Poland. Many had to walk miles to get to safe areas. Not all the Africans have made it home. When most managed to cross the border, some were tossed into detention camps. This is what I am chiefly concerned about. Massacres, rapes, home b…

I recently I got into a confrontation at work with a manager (not mine) over a particular issue and it got to the point that our voices were raised. It didn't help that he was Caucasian also, lol. The issue was resolved (although I'm sure he hasn't forgotten my challenging him) by a higher up but later on after it was over a female co-worker from Nepal whom I flirt with a couple time but she rarely flirted back confided in me how hot and attractive it was to see me being loud and turning red while standing up to that particular manager whom she didn't like either. She said it felt like I was standing up for her (although she wasn't even on my mind at the time) and that th…

https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/johnson-publishing-company-files-bankruptcy/

I ask you what I was asked, what I answer in the post. What films do not merit being viewed today based on the culture within? https://aalbc.com/tc/profile/6477-richardmurray/?status=1790&type=status

On Tuesday I made a post on my blog entitled “Tavis Smiley is no good for Black folks!” The provocative title was used to encourage people to read the post so that I could talk about one of the good things Tavis has done and that is start SmileyBooks. I began by describing why I did not always like Tavis. My dislike for Tavis really began when I saw Tavis’ reaction to Barack’s declining to participate in Tavis’ State of Black America forum. However in hindsight my impression of Tavis has changed to one that is very favorable. I discovered pretty quickly that many people – at least those that commented on my Blog and on Facebook page DESPISE Tavis! I was ac…

http://www.papermag.com/beyonce-bell-hooks-lemonade-1789047140.html

The following rant was taken from an earlier discussion I had with Troy about conspiracy theories and why so many Caucasians today are ready to believe in conspiracy theories while so many AfroAmericans today are NOT and are ready to dismiss them. I don't know the percentage...most, half, a minority...I'm not sure but I think a large number of our people simply DO NOT CARE about their community or even their own children. I mean they literally DO NOT CARE. They are not interested in things....true or false....that affect AfroAmerican community, only that which affects them PERSONALLY. As long as THEY have some money in THEIR pocket, a roof over t…

I've been changing and reconsidering my political positions and the way I think about society period over the past few weeks, but several incidents that I've witnessed the past few days are really accelerating those reconsiderations and changes. I've suspected it for a while, but I'm begining to believe more and more it's not White Racism that is the main reason so many AfroAmericans are in the condition they find themselves in today, but Black Ignorance/Stupidity. Both seem to feed off eachother, but Black Ignorance/Stupidity seems to take precedence and may very well be a major reason White Racism was able to flourish so through out history in the first place. I'm…

There. Is. A. Debate. Planned. Herschel. Walker. And. Pastor. Warnock. Amazed. The. Republicans. Are. Not. Speaking. Against. Walker. I. Assume. They. Afraid. Of. Trump. He. Supports. Herschel ,Walker. Herschel. Walker. Is. Whacked. Lies. Like. Trump. . Pastor. Warnock. Also. A. Idiot. Not. Saying. What. He. Can. Do. To. Stop. Black. Genocide. In Black. Communities. Organize. Kwanzaa. Thinking. No. Black. Democrat Is Doing. Any. If. That. Pastor. Warnock. Not. Talking. About. Black. Preachers. In. Prison. For. Raping. Black. Children. Murdering. Their. Wives. Preachers. Stealing. All. The. Church. Money. Buying. Cars Houses. Not. Caring. About. Poor. Black. Communities…