Pioneer1

ProfD The main reasons I could never be a follower of anything is because I think too much.😁 I too have often been accused of "over thinking" a particular thing or situation....lol. This is because when I sense that somebody is trying to sell me something, I also try to figure out what's in it FOR THEM and how do THEY benefit from me accepting what they're saying. People who are trying to pull a fast one over on the masses can usually look at their audience and tell who's buying their bullshit and who isn't. I believe people should always use knowledge and discernment and common sense in whatever they choose to consume. If they have it...lol. When people blindly follow sh8t and/or believe everything about it....this is when I might have to question their intelligence.🤣 For me, it's no longer a QUESTION about some people....lol.

ProfD The majority of human beings would consider it wrong to harm that person. True morality and ethics aren't based on consensus. Either something is wrong or it's not, regardless as to how many people approve or disapprove of it. Having said that...... Are you sure this is the case? Aside from the religious views that most people have that are anti-homosexuality and many even call for the punishment of homosexual acts- You said the majority of human beings would consider it wrong to harm that person; however I think the majority of MEN would indeed harm that person if that person showed signs of sexual interest in THEM. People will often SAY one thing in theory, but DO something totally different when put to the test. A gay man has a right to do as he pleases...unless he winks at THEM or blows a kiss at THEM...lol.

ProfD Actions speak louder than words. Pay attention to the moves he makes and the derogatory things he says about non-white folks. My question was: Have you ever met or seen anybody holding positions of power who actually DID consider themselves a racist and wore that label proudly? It has remained unanswered.....lol. The most dangerous racist. He's married to a woman of color. Tepidly defends his own wife when other racists talk sh8t about her. The interesting thing is that most Indians consider themselves White or Caucasian. The racists are not really hiding themselves. They don't hide themselves, but they still practice deception in order to be more effective.

ProfD Taylor Fritz is a fellow tennis player. I do not believe he's linked to Coco Gauff. They don't have to be linked...to LINK UP, lol. Remains to be seen if he drops his white model girlfriend and starts kicking it with Coco Gauff. Since when did already having a girlfriend or wife keep White men away from some of that hot Coco? We should ask Coco Gauff if she hss jungle fever and if so...was it inspired by the Williams sisters It's not her.... HE'S the one acting like he's:

ProfD My definition of luck is that it is doesn't require any action from the individual. Ok. Of course, I believe it is pure chance Cool. So what about somebody who was born into a rich family? They didn't do anything to get those riches, but they benefit from them. Do you think THAT'S an example of luck? Also, do you believe a person can be "lucky"? Meaning having frequent episodes of "good luck" far beyond what average chance would afford them?

It's becoming increasingly obvious that many influencers in these so-called "New Black Media" and "FBA" movements that have been springing up all over social media for the past several years are actually Republican shills masquerading as Black content creators of independent thought. As much as they speak about tangibles for our vote, Reparations, and celebration of our lineage....there are several things they all seem to have in common: 1. They almost never criticize President Trump or the Republican party 2. They constantly criticize the Democrat Party and Democratic politicians both White and Black 3. They are very much anti Black immigrant. It has gone from a "Reparations" movement to a "Delineation" movement where they actively seek to separate and segregate themselves from other Black people. Not just celebrating our unique identity, but also in some cases denying our African roots! I'm also seeing strong evidence of colorism and featurism inside many of these movements that have infiltrated Black social media. I post this because I KNOW for a fact that many of those who follow The New Black Media also frequent this site and read MY content and commentary as well. I'm advising you to be very careful listening to these people and use discernment. Pay attention to not only what people say but what they DON'T say and NEVER say. It's one thing to be anti-immigrant, but if the ONLY immigrants you hear them speaking out against are the Black immigrants....red flag. It's one thing not to trust politics or politicians, but if the ONLY politicians you hear them speaking against are White Liberals and Democrats....red flag.

Taylor Fritz steps in to back Coco Gauff after backlash over her comments Coco Gauff’s recent comments about US fan support have sparked plenty of discussion in the tennis world. Speaking before the start of the United Cup, the 21-year-old spoke with reporters about what she sees as a lack of American backing at overseas events Asked if she expected much American presence at the Sydney event, Gauff said: “I’ll be honest, no. “I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that. So I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see maybe smaller countries support. “But I also think it’s just because of our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard. Yeah, I definitely think there are Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here, but I would like to see some more Americans, if we make it to Sydney, in Sydney than there were last year.” The interview made its rounds on social media quickly after she spoke, and by Monday morning Gauff followed up with a statement explaining her thoughts further. Taylor Fritz, who was also at the Sunday press conference, has come out in defence of Gauff’s comments. Taylor Fritz stands up for Coco Gauff Taylor Fritz steps in to back Coco Gauff after backlash over her comments You can fool SOME people, but you can't fool everybody. That dude ain't putting on a cape (literally as it appears from that photo...lol) for nothing. He's trying to play the "white savior" role. Who else do we have to thank for this "jungle fever" going on in the tennis world right now, besides Serena and Venus Williams?

ProfD You're trying to move the goalposts. I don't move them. I simply don't acknowledge them...lol. There's no shortage of people in positions who are not very intelligent. Exhibit A...POTUS OJ. He's not intelligent by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, he's the executive of the most powerful country on the planet. Don't fool yourself...lol. Trump is VERY intelligent...in a practical sense. He's not very educated or "book" smart but he's very smart when it comes to dealing with people and connecting with people. If he wasn't he wouldn't have become a billionaire and stayed one for so long; nor would he have made it to the Whitehouse...TWICE. The fact that he surrounds himself with traditionally "smart" and well educated people who know to do what he wants done is another example of his intelligence. Much of his apparently unbridled and unfiltered behavior is really an act to make himself more relatable and endearing to his base. Not really. There have always been people of average intelligence who worked regular jobs and took care of their families. True, but when I speak of supporting one's own basic needs and having enough resources to help and support others I mean other adults. Supporting one's own family is a given. However today in THIS society, one person being able to support a whole family is really a feat in and of itself. But when you have enough money and resources and connections to take care of the whole BLOCK or neighborhood...you ain't a fool, lol. Fear and laziness among other reasons will make people followers instead of leaders. Facts on top of facts. False equivalence. That person is mentally impaired. Hence my point, intelligence matters. If a person is mentally impaired that usually means their intelligence is impaired. Having the most lethal military on the planet makes the USA powerful moreso tham our collective intelligence. Our collective intelligence is what GOT us the world's most effective and lethal military. A few countries are considered intellectually superior to the USA. They don't have our firepower. If they were REALLY smart...they'd get it, lol. Brains can be used to triumph over brawn. True. And some smart people will figure out how to BUILD more brawn. Just like a lot of the best Rappers are highly intelligent, some of the best athletes are not only physically gifted but intellectually gifted too with quick thinking abilities and quick reaction timing.

ProfD Just a term to denote that I believe human beings have been that way since their existence. Ok, gotcha! Again, I'm not referring to how we feel externally about the treatment of others. When it comes to our own actions, internally we know whether it's good/bad or right/wrong. I think we're on different tracks in this discussion point. You're thinking empathy which is how someone feels about an external situation. I'm referring tto the innate/internal feelings as it relates to how individuals treat others. The differences are subtle but I think I understand your point. Empathy is the feeling you get if you imagine yourself in someone else's shoes. You seem to be talking about general feelings of goodness or guilt based on your actions and how you treat others. Would that be more correct? Or perhaps you could give me an example...... Again, I believe most individuals innately know whether or not their actions are good/bad or right/wrong. They know it as well as they know their own name. Meaning..... They know what's right and wrong or good and bad to THEM based on THEIR morals and ethics; but what's good or acceptable to them may be seen as down right wicked to the next man. Again, you and I would look at a homosexual and say let them live their life...they aren't bothering anybody. But in the Middle East, a person may harm them and be happy with it and proud of themselves thinking they did something righteous!

ProfD Some do. Gotta pay attention. I don't know of any. Not in our contemporary era; who come right out and admit to being racist. Trump doesn't even do that...lol. He may play around but he knows better than to straight up do THAT. The VP Vance came pretty close the other week when he said that you no longer have to "apologize for being White anymore" during a TPUSA speech. Most of the prisoners are non-violent. Most of them are in for non-violent offenses. Whether they are truly non-violent IN prison or were actually non-violent ON the streets and just didn't get caught....we're not sure.

@ProfD you have often listed "luck" as a key factor in success along with smarts, charisma, and hard work. Given your theological views, I'm curious as to what YOUR definition of luck is? Not the dictionary definition or the "official" definition, but I'm interested in YOUR PERSONAL perspective of what "luck" is. Do you think it's pure chance; or is there some sort of external intelligence of force that generates or guides it? Obviously anybody can chime in on this....lol. I tagged ProfD since he's the one who has mentioned this on multiple occasions. But I'm happy to hear (read) other explanations and perspectives.

ProfD The music industry is owned by folks who would not consider themselves racists. Have you ever met or seen anybody holding positions of power who actually DID consider themselves a racist and wore that label proudly? The USA isn't in ruin despite having many rotten apples running around. Depends on where you to, lol. But the USA is generally a more stable country BECAUSE they have a way of dealing with the rotten apples. Not the best way...in my opinion....but a way. Many countries like Afghanistan and Mexico let THEIR rotten apples fall out the tree and roll around on the ground "freely" and you see the results...lol. The majority of prisoners are non-violent offenders. A better way of putting it is that they're in there FOR non-violent offense. Regardless of their temperament on the outside....once they get inside, they often do what they have to do to survive.

True. And usually much healthier than drug addiction.

ProfD I believe human beings literally feel good/bad or right/wrong in their actions towards and treatment of others. That sounds like empathy. As defined by agnosticism, I don't know. If you don't know, why did you choose the term "hardwired"? That implies Intelligent Design, in my opinion. Again, human beings have emotions i.e. feelings. Yes. However when it comes to having feelings based on how other people are treated....that usually involves empathy. In other words..... If somebody wins the lotto for $50 million and I'm happy for them -that's from empathy. Because unless the nigga was going to give ME some of it, it would make little logical sense for ME to be happy over HIM winning....lol. If you see somebody get hurt and you feel bad for them -again, that's empathy. You weren't the one who got hurt so there would be no logical reason for you to feel anything at all. But empathy makes it make sense. Other human beings based on how those actions make them feel. But THEY are usually guilty of the same behavior of manipulation and control on a lower level! We can't always determine what's good or bad or right or wrong on our "feelings" because our feelings are highly subjective to OUR beliefs and experiences at the time and based on our maturity. Most people including those who are poor and living on the streets MANIPULAT and take advantage of others like the tyrant and dictator, but on a smaller scale. The same man waging his finger at Trump for invading Venezuela and capturing Maduro has shot 3 people in his life, beats his girlfriend on a regular basis, slapped his mamma last Thanks Giving, and smokes that fake ass weed on the regular....lol. He obviously doesn't "feel bad" about these things; but he "feels bad" about Trump invading another country? Who or what gives a human being authority and/or agency over another human being? Power. Either raw or authorized.

You mean like sexual attraction, desire to take care of one's offspring, and empathy? Other than that, what other internal feelings of right and good do people "universally" feel? I understand, but....and I know this is another can I'm opening up however to get more clarity....when you say "the beginning" I presume you're talking about the beginning of humanity. There are only 2 basic options to choose from when we're talking about the "beginning" of humanity..... 1. We were Created or 2. We evolved You've made it clear that you're agnostic but again, for clarification.....how do you think humans "began"? Knowing this helps me understand what you mean by humans being "hardwired" to feel these things. Facts. But who's to say these are necessarily BAD things? Some Tyrants or Dictators would argue that some if not most people NEED to be manipulated and controlled for their OWN safety and well being, lest they self-destruct.

Funny thing is, a few years ago when I initially lost (quit) my job because I refused to take the shot; I was unemployed for a while but DIDN'T MIND spending that type of money on entertainment for myself and others in my family. Now...despite the fact that not only am I working but SEVERAL people in our household are now working too....I do. Maybe I looked at spending money on entertainment as a form of therapy at the time, lol.

ProfD Beyond agnosticism, as human beings, I believe we have an innate feeling of good/bad and right/wrong in how we treat each other. We both know that most of these feelings of good/bad and right/wrong vary from culture to culture, nation to nation, and really in most cases from one individual to the next. ONE person feels it's innately "right" to have more than one wife but homosexuality is disgusting and worthy of punishment. The next person from other culture or from the SAME culture but of a different religious upbringing may feel the exact opposite. However I tend to agree with you that most human beings DO have an innate feeling of right/wrong to a limited and relatively simple degree. Where do you think this innate feeling COMES from, though? Evolution? It doesn't have to be taught or codified.😎 If this were the case, there would be no need for laws, statutes, or religious dogma and doctrine.

ProfD It takes a degree of skill to write and memorize lyrics that paint a picture even if it's dark and produce the accompanying music. No doubt the best Rappers tend to be EXTREMELY intelligent, even if they aren't the most educated and come from the streets. Nobody should underestimate or even doubt the genius of a Jay Z or Chuck D or Tupac or Ice Cube. "I don't know what you take me as Or underestimate the intelligence that Jay Z has. I went from....rags to riches, niggas. I ain't dumb" Black folks created rap music. We created rap music but White racists promoted Gangsta Rap The majority of people are adjusted well enough to function in society. The number of bad and rotten apples in society is small relative to population. They say it only takes ONE rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel...lol. Even a tiny minority of criminal minded and dysfunctional people are enough to throw the entire society into ruin. Let all of the 2 or 3 million people locked up in America's penitentiaries loose into the society of 400 million and see what happens....LOL. Hell, just look at what happens when ONE bad family moves on to the block!

We can't always go by that. I remember they showed Palestinians cheering and celebrating during 9/11 and even showed some AMERICANS dancing and cheering on rooftops in NYC as the towers fell. Even if those images are true, I doubt the majority feel ecstasy over the situation....lol.

ProfD There are billions of people on the planet who are non-religious and who do not abuse drugs. Drug use or not, I doubt that there are BILLIONS of people on this planet who are non-religious. I don't believe there is even a BILLION people on this planet who don't ascribe to a religion. I'm thinking about China and Russia as I make this statement also. Most of them don't PRACTICE their religions fundamentally and tend to be that religion in name only, but the vast majority DO belong to a religion. We have discussed my belief that people should treat each other as they wish to be treated. My idea of fair is that people do not bring hurt, harm or danger to each other in their dealings. Would that be "fair" if you were dealing with somebody who wronged or hurt someone you loved? In my opinion, you can't have fairness without JUSTICE. That can be dealt with at the individual level. Problem people can be punished. I hear (read...lol) what you're saying. However that COULD conflict with your idea of fairness, in some situations. Diplomacy is a form of soft power. It's not about being smarter. Being able to provide something the other party doesn't have can be powerful. Diplomacy is also a direct example of INTELLIGENCE (innate smartness). Outside of natural Charisma....you have to be pretty smart to know how to influence or manipulate others into cooperating with you and doing what you'd like them to. Fools and dumbasses generally aren't able to accomplish this....lol. Right or wrong? Just because someone can provide money, food, clothing, shelter, protection, etc., doesn't make them smarter than the recipient. Maybe more powerful. This is true in theory. Howevever unless those resources are inherited, consistently having enough money, food, clothing, shelter, and protection to not only sustain one's self but also provide this to others is a SIGN of high intelligence. Because....again, unless you inherited them....you wouldn't have these benefits if you weren't smart enough to acquire and maintain them. If they were so smart, Eazy might not be dead and Suge wouldn't be stretched out in the penitentiary. A couple points to consider......... 1. Death and incarceration can happen to very smart people. A whole lot of smart people died before 30 and a whole lot of smart people are in the Penitentiary. One individual isn't smarter than the entire government ran penal system...lol. Genetics, chance, fortune, as well as many other factors are often involved in people dying or being incarcerated. 2. Eazy E and Suge may not have been the smartest people in their circles but they were certainly SMARTER than most people in their circles or else people wouldn't have followed them and submitted themselves to their authority. Do you think somebody with Down's Syndrome could have walked up into the studio and taken charge over rappers? The fact is the US is the strongest super power on the planet. Venezuela is a mosquito in comparison. Right, and how did they get that way? One reason is having more smart people who helped to develop that power. The neighborhood bully isn't smarter than the folks being bullied. He's stronger until the victim gathers the strength and courage to fight back and win. Or a smarter person either bribes him to cut out his antics or influences other kids even STRONGER than him to find him and whoop his ass...lol. The story of David and Goliath is an illustrationof power, strength and courage. According to the Bible David was also backed by GOD to perform his feats. Don't leave that part out....lol.

...and despite all of that bullshit of "not caring" about what I say or type, I'm not surprised that you spend your Sunday mornings monitoring my conversations....lol. Very good observation! Thanks for your participation! 🙂

ProfD We have discussed freedom. I will always stand on the belief that people should be free to do whatever they desire as long as it does not bring hurt, harm or danger to others. I agree with you. However for the sake of this conversation....as an agnostic....why? The Tyrant or Slave Master would ask you..... Why should the people have that freedom, as opposed to being controlled by others who are smarter than them and probably have better use for them than they'd have for themselves? Countries aren't granted their sovereignty. It is either recognized or not. OK, thanks for the clarification. Again, I'm don't believe any country has a right to take over another country. That's just another aspect of human greed. I h8te greedy people especially bullies. It usually doesn't end well for them in the long run.😎 I understand clearly what your position is. But again....as an agnostic....why do you take this position? Why do you hate greedy people or feel that greed is a vice? By what "moral authority"....for lack of a better term....do you base this feeling or conviction on? These are sincere questions btw....not part of some "set up".....lol. I'm often times curious about the mind of an agnostic or atheist and how they arrive at their conclusions and moral/ethical standards.

ProfD IMO, people listen to all types of music for the same reasons...entertainment and escapism. Perhaps the Reality that Black people are just as good and morally righteous as White people is something a lot of racist Whites wish to "escape", which is why they love listening to Gangsta Rap music which often paints a different narrative. ....one of Black intellectual inferiority and criminality. Nobody can enforce or define moral responsibilities. Religions and societies in general have been doing this for thousands of years....lol. Parents should have the biggest influence om young people. If not...something else is wrong. You're right on both counts: 1. Parents SHOULD have the biggest influence on young people (while they're still under the care of their parents) 2. If this isn't the case, something else is wrong And the facts are, in this society: 1. Parents DO NOT have the biggest influence over the youth. 2. Something IS wrong....lol. Both are in the entertainment bizness of selling stories Can't argue with you there, lol.

ProfD Obviously, I don't believe that. People are indoctrinated into religion. They are indoctrinated into a PARTICULAR religion, but I wonder if some people aren't just naturally inclined to be RELIGIOUS in nature. Meaning, they just need something or a set of rituals to believe in and practice to maintain their stability. I say this because there seems to be a correlation between the decrease in religion and the rise of substance abuse in most populations. You take away their religions and they feel the need to replace it with something. People wouldn't need hope if life was fair. What is your idea of "fair"? Not Neely Fuller Jr.'s idea....lol....but yours? In my opinion LIFE itself is fair, it's the people and conditions IN your life that often produce the problems. Human greed makes life harder for the masses. No doubt it often does..... However on the opposite end, laziness and the desire to try to get something for nothing also makes problems for people. Greed can be a powerful motivator. Greed influences some people to steal and cheat and take advantage of others. But greed also influences some people to work harder and smarter to secure all the resources they can accumulate. Power and control over people comes from the threat of violence and willingness to use it. As well as often times just being plain smarter and coming up with better ideas that many people recognize and are attracted to. Like Ice Cube said about Eazy E.... While Suge Knight used threats of violence to control people and maintain power, Eazy used charm and the "everybody can eat" mentality to gain influence over them. POTUS OJ isn't smarter than the Venezuelans. He's in a stronger position backed by the US military and other agencies. No, but the United States as a nation IS smarter and more technologically advanced than Venezuela and the Venezuelans. That's a fact. That's fine as long as the situation is mutually beneficial. Absolutely. I don't support abusing people. It happens...but I don't support it nor do I engage in it. I have African friends and associates that I have helped over the years with various things and over 90% of the exchanges were of mutual benefit. If they WERE one sided....me initially doing them a favor or them initially doing me a favor...they ALWAYS evolved into us helping eachother. By nature most moral and intelligent people don't want to abuse or negatively take advantage of others.

YES! This is a very very good subject for a very very good thread! 👏🏿 Keep up the good work Cyn....uh.....aka Contrarian!