Troy

That was one of the best things I've read on the subject in a long time Brittany--it belongs in a book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

No, Del I have not read Amit's books but I have seen parts of the film. Below is a link to your original post on Amit from 2013, for the benefit of others. I have read a few books on the subject. What I find most amazing is that I went through 8 years of college and had no idea about the field of quantum mechanics. My idea of the behavior of an atom was from the stone age. It is a fascinating field and would probably interest kids if there were passionate teachers and systems willing to teach this stuff. I did even understand the relationship between atoms and chemistry, magnetism and light--nothing! You don't even have to get into the "we are all connected" stuff. I'm wowed by what little we know.

Cynique, who knows. Perhaps it is unknowable...

Pioneer the NEJM is wrong for using the term for all the reasons I provided. It is sloppy to use the term, but it is the language of our time. Perhaps when we learn more about the genetic basis of some diseases and physical characteristics we can use the names of those genetic markers to more accurately describe the differences between people. Hopefully when we are smart enough to understand genetics completely, we will also be wise enough not to use those differences to group some people as being superior to others. Just because the government, medical organizations, and even religious groups do something doesn't make it right. for centuries years they all believed in the superiority of white people over black people and they even made it legal for white people to enslave black people. none of this was right and it was based on stupidity, ignorance, and greed. Again, I wish we would move beyond using terms like black and white.

Hey everybody I would be careful trying to connect quantum physics with spirituality; only dudes like Deepak Chopra do that. Actual scientists, those who work in the field of quantum mechanics (experimentalist and theorists) rarely make these associations.

That fact that you can look at the photo I posted and are unable to assign a race illustrates my point. Further there is no genetic test one can run to determine one's race. Do you get it now? Race is as arbitrary as the screen name you picked. Gender is completely different. You can both examine a person and test them genetically to determine their gender. The person pictured is a man (mental issues aside).

So what is her race? I'll take your response as a you don't know.

Pioneer that fact that these women look different is a statement of the obvious. But your instance in grouping people into racial categories does not make any more sense than it did before But I will play your game. What so-called race is the person pictured below? Explain your answer. (Don't cheat and look for Time the article.

Pioneer, I wasn't trying to take up for you. No one who posts here regularly needs to be defended. I just wanted you to know I know where come from (most of the time). I can't tell you anything about TV sitcoms today because I don't watch them. I haven't even seen a single episode of Blackish yet. When I did watch sitcoms I really enjoyed All in the Family. It really was a smart and funny program.I like serval others as well but that show towered over the others in my opinion. But what about the Cosby Show that was entertaining. It did not resonate with me, simply because I did not personally know any Black people that wealthy at the time. In fact, the first brownstone (like the one they lived in) that I ever went into, that was not cut up into apartments, was the one I purchased as an adult--and I grew up in Harlem. Even today, while I know some wealthy Black folks, they are not friends who invite me over to socialize. The Black people I hang with are within one standard deviation of my socio-economic class... I suspect that is true for most Black people.

Pioneer, the Cash-Me-Out girl reference was completely lost on me. I had to google it. Please don;t make me seek this stuff out I guess she'll get getting a book deal from Simon and Shuster pretty soon.

Pioneer, race is an artificial construct it has no basis in genetics. For example, Del, who is relatively dark skinned may have more in common genetically with a so-called "white" person than he does with you or I. You simply can't tell by looking at him. Below is my ethnicity make-up. When you get these reports they don't say race, because again it has not basis in genetics. My genetic ancestry covers essentially all of sub-Saharan Africa is which is about a genetically diverse as you can get. I guess genetically that make me a mongrel, but culturally I'm Black American, the northern big city variety, but with a strong affinity for the south--perhaps because of a genetic predisposition for southern climates ;-)

Hey @Del , what is your definition of spirituality? It seems to be we are born spiritual beings. It is only the rituals and practices we have to learn. In much the same way we are born with an innate ability to communicate. If we are not taught a specific language, we will come up with one on our own.

Yeah, Yarborough is highly esteemed elder here in NYC. I'm sure someone like Talib would have mad respect for her. She actually intervewed AALBC.com on her cable access show, Ancestors House but this was over 10 years ago. I knew she was in the film Shaft, but did not know she had a signing career until Fatboy Slim remixed one of her songs. The official video (supposedly) is below. Slim's treatment has completely extracted all of the soul and meaning from the original. But this is what white boys always do when they appropriate aspects of our culture for profit. In fact, they taught us how to do the same thing. But Slim did create a resurgence in Yarborough's work, and I'm sure he paid her for the use of her music, so I guess it is all good. For comparison purposes Yarbrough's originals. Taken in the content of the original album it is even more powerful... not to mention the same cultural experiences. I've migrated Gil Scott-Heron earlier today. Man, I wish he was alive and in his prime today. I would love to hear his words on Trump. Listening to him talk about Regan was just so deep. I appreciate his work even more now. I also moved The Last Poets and Abiodun Oyeloe work was slow today listening to these folks. There are SO many Youtube videos of these folks now compared to when these pages were created it is incredible. There was a time I could actually make money selling their music and video, but those days ended years ago. I can;t even image how much money the artist has lost. Youtube can generate revenue by providing a platform for piracy and no one bats an eye--but that is a rant for another day.... @CDBurns I was not aware of John Kasandra before now -- thanks!

As I was migrating content to the new format I can across the CD review I wrote for the Iron Pot Cooker by Camille Yarbrough. So I listened to the entire CD again and was just as moved as the first time I heard it. But it also struck me because it reminded me of @Pioneer1, it made me think of him because I think of all the people on the forum he is most similar to me in terms of what it means to be Black. We share a similar "culture." I "get" everything Pioneer writes even though I'll disagree with him from time to time. Everything he writes is familiar. Now if you grew up Black in an urban ghetto you will understand this CD. However, if you were Black and grew up in an integrated suburban environment, you can still be moved but not in the same way as someone who lived this experience. Camille reveals a profound understanding of the dysfunction we have been talking about in another conversation recently. More importantly, Yarbrough is compassionate she loves the characters she is talking about because she loves them. This is a Black experience that not every Black person will relate to and that is probably a good thing. But if you listen to this CD I think you'll have a bit more compassion for the Brother and Sisters behaving in a dysfunctional manner in our ghettos...

I agree with most of what you wrote Pioneer especially the bit about Hollywood responsibility for relating our history. But I would not begrudge the educational system for leaving out the story of these three women scientists-provided they include the contributions of Black folks in their lessons. There are so many accomplished Black people, you just can't cover them all. Shetterly's book is on is on the NY Times Bestseller's list and I'm sure it is schools and libraries across the country. So the problem you are complaining about has been solved, right?

@Pioneer1, I would be careful when trying to tie genetics to culture, particularly for African Americans. You can't look at a person and tell what their genotype is. Even if you had complete knowledge of one's genetic coding, science simply does not know enough say that these genes are associated with sexual prowess. PLUS American Black and white share people share so many genes it is virtually impossible to use these to distinguish between them based upon genetically determined behavioral characteristics on a "racial" basis. Seriously, it is wrong to think of it this way. Besides, many of the things were associate with culture have nothing to do with the color of one's skin. Culture is man made often arbitrary. I know many Black people, for example, who are culturally white (based upon they way they speak, their dress, the music they listen to, who they associate with, etc), and I've met white people who are culturally Black. This example is probably just a function of where and when these people were born. I wish they would get rid of the word "race," because it confuses people about the nature of humanity, creating unnecessary barriers between us.

I read the page for casting the spell and all due respect to the folks here it sounds a bit silly to me,.. Unflattering photo of Trump (small); see below for one you can print Tower tarot card (from any deck) Tiny stub of an orange candle (cheap via Amazon) Pin or small nail (to inscribe candle)... BUT while I may not buy into the specifics in this case, I'm not so quick to dismiss the power of massive numbers of people using their brains to impact the physical world. Some call it the power of prayer. Some people believe can modify the weather through rituals, of course there are many other examples or mind over matter practices. Imagine if everyone who is against Trump decided to concentrate, at the same time, on him leaving office. Image; 100 million people focusing their mental energy on a single thing. Are you certain there would be no impact? As far as I know this has never been tried. But back to the specifics of the Trump spell. I dunno, while it may sound silly to me, going through the process suing all the items may help people focus their mental energy maybe it is not so silly, if it works for some. But again that sort of thing is not for me.

D. Amari Jackson, who has participated here in the past (In fact, Cynique reviewed his novel the Savion Sequence) wrote a well written, accurate, and inspiring about Paul Coates, "How an Ex-Black Panther Waged a Successful, Four-Decade Revolution In Publishing Without Planning To" check it out Paul Coates, who is Ta-Nehisi's father has always been supportive of AALBC.com. It is elders like him who provide the inspiration and support (including financial) which allows independent Black-owned business to grow. People like Paul are usually overlooked, by the press, who rather expend valuable resources on degenerates like Milo. The Atlantic Black Star website is an increasingly rare exception.

Mel I agree with this 100%. Jim Brown said this in a video a few years back. He did not invent the idea, but he articulated it very well. All people are subject to this. It is just in the Black community we cannot validate each other. We seek validation outside our community. For example, writing for a Black platform is less prestigious than writing for a Black one, winning an award from a white entity is more desirable than a Blak one. The main reason for this I believe is that white validation leads to more money. This does not have to be the case, but we make it so. @Delano I know you can ride a fix. Recall we rode 100 miles together one day. You were definitely in better riding shape :-) now i know why ;-) Cynique there is indeed a gene(s) for ambition. I think in most cases something in the environment must trigger it for the gene to be expressed. Maybe it is a discovery of a passion for a particular skill or a dire situation in which extraordinary effort and drive are needed suddenly. It could also be the right combination of ambition, greed, and egotism. Which explains why mediocre people like Trump can become President. I never really got really motivated and passionate about something until I stumbled on the world of books. I just wish I had more time to read...

OK you know more than I Mel. Master teachers like Dr. Ben, who knew a thing or two about African history, live and die in relative obscurity. Meanwhile, people like Beyonce are being thrust into the role of religious icon, spiritual leader, and the vessel for sacred African knowledge. I don't like it when corporations choose our leaders--this has never served us. Corporation made Steve Harvey our relationship expert despite the fact that Steve has littered the landscape upset ex-wives. I have demonstrated far more skill at relationships than Steve Harvey has, but I do not have the temerity to promote myself as a relationship expert. But corporations have no problem doing this because it is about entertainment which means money. Again, entertainment has replaced education, because entertainment is more profitable. This is just another example or converting spiritual enlightenment into entertainment in order to profit from it. This is a perversion of spirituality and can not serve us. I don't believe in the "AND" proposition in the case. I don't think you can teach spiritual enlightenment when your primary or only motive is profit. None of our great spiritual leaders were wealthy. Indeed many eschew material wealth in exchange for a spiritual wealth. While Beyonce and her team are great business people, I don't think they can do a good job conveying spirituality and uplifting people in a meaningful sense. Once that revenue stream starts to wane, it will be jettisoned like any other failed business.

Mel you obviously know more about the music industry than I do. I'm sorry to hear about the casting couch and the murder of your friend. No, I don't any other singer doing what you describe. I assume Beyonce stands alone in her wealth particularly when you combine it with Jay-Z. Great wealth allows you to do a wide variety of things that other entertainers can not do. I doubt she has a peer. Mel I'm not sure you can attribute all of the things you described to Beyonce herself. But again you know more about her than I. I assumed Beyonce is the public face of a very sophisticated organization. I doubt she is sitting back calling the shots. Also, I thought Sony owned Parkwood (I saw that on Wikipedia, so it is possible that it is complete fiction ). But that does not change my points, who said that Black folks don't behave like corporate entities? BET was a perfect case in point. You don't become fantastically wealthy in the United States without getting grimy on some level. I doubt the Beyonce machine, owned by Sony, is any different. Am I the only one who thinks that Bey (her team) has coopted the African imagery for monetary gain? Exploiting these images to reach her followers on a deeper level--to get deeper into their pockets? Del called Beyonce a "religious ico.," This may be true, and if it is, it is very dangerous. I see this no differently than the charismatic religious leader who convinces their followers to give them their money in return for salvation. This is not about spiritually or uplifting people, it is about commerce. We should confuse the two things.

One's beliefs are a reflection of who they are not reality. My conclusions, however, have nothing to do with Beyonce or Jay-Z; I know little about them and do not consume their products. My reaction to her Grammy performance was taken from Cynique's opinion I did not watch it. My opinion on this matter is driven (I believe) by what I know about how corporations operate. How they manipulate and brainwash people to into behaviors that only serve to enrich the owners. Beyonce is a tool to generate revenue. She is no different than any other entertainer--other than the fact she makes more money that most. Which is the most important thing in our culture. Rich people are worshipped. Will anyone argue that Beyonce is the most talented vocalist singing today? Enslave people for a few centuries to get cheap good--no problem. Sell cancer sticks and shorten the life spans of millions--you bet. Sell the raving of a rabid, racist troll--but of course. Needless to say, I could go on and on, but you get the point. This is what corporation do. Beyonce serves this master. Of course, some could make a convincing argument that corporations are, net-net, all things considered a plus for society. I used to feel that way too, but not anymore. The biggest corporations are like the drugs dealers. They sell products that no one needs or are outright harmful, they make the owners fantastically wealthy attracting attention and envy from others, and mitigate their evil and confuse people by doling out a few dollars in charity and employing a few folks with mediocre wages. Their critics are simply failures who are jealous of their success. @Cynique was right there is a gene (likely a great many genes), which make people more susceptible to viewing Beyonce as a religious icon. I ain't hatin' on Bey. I just haven't drunk that Kool-aid (the reference to the People's Temple cult was deliberate).

OK maybe I'm being overly cynical, but it will take a lot for me to be convinced that a multination corporation like SONY is interested in doing anything but making more money than they did the year before. If they can monetize any of the ancient African religious traditions in Beyonce's imagery; the result will be a perversion of those traditions.

Sheryl platforms like Facebook, Goolge+, and Twitter are simply incapable of producing this content; (1) the platform are not designed to hold long form content, and most importantly; (2) These platforms do not create content. They don’t employ journalist, writers, editors, researchers, artists, photographers, or fact checkers--you have to twist their arms to remove fake news. Celebrities and their troll's get the lion's share of the coverage because they generate the most traffic. The combination of the two the Celebrity and troll into a single individual the "trollebrity," like the current president, are a gold mine for these sites. Trump has been a boon for Twitter.

Del I think as you immerse yourself into different worlds you gain a perspective that is necessarily more open. I too shared many of the experiences you have. Speaking of being a bike messenger, have you ever heard of Kurt Boone? He writes about delivering packages riding a fixed wheel bike. I worked as a foot messenger for a couple of years--delivering packages to offices wowed me with their grandness, and the I would be working in a few years later. Experiencing other locations is also why I balk at the idea that places like NYC are so cosmopolitan, urbane and sophisticated. In reality, NYC often is very provincial, racist, crude and segregated as any place in the country. Many communities I've visited in the south are FAR more integrated than NYC. Though mainstream media and NYC itself likes to tout itself has been better that other places...