Jump to content

Kalexander2

Members
  • Posts

    751
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    12

Everything posted by Kalexander2

  1. WOW! brother, Delano, as to your second inquiry first, ‘where am I’ and ’what I see lacking’ alone, explains volumes (about me) in your reference to me as a Black leader of which “I AM NOT,” but thank you for the honorific; you see, I still lack the most virtuous of human traits, which is compassion, blind hope, and faith, all of which is (subjective in nature but) absolutely necessary for evolvement from commonality to pure morality in as much as the ultimate leap towards perfection without fear of consequences is concerned. As it may be said the physical person before taking form is first conceived subjectively; whether between uncontrollable passion between a man and women, or as a divine concept (if that’s your thing). From there the physical form develops from within its environment, as either in harmony with its environment, power over it, or exist in-spite of it. Thus, my lack of the most virtuous of human traits, there are no obvious better choices. Theology idealism, social scientists, political scientists, mother/father, you, nor I, no one has the answer to a salvational direction of life. All humankind knows is death, a thing which eventually takes care of itself, within each of us at some point-in-time. So, what do we do with this life inside us? The one-word answer, LIVE. In other words, brother, there really is no solution to ails of Black America, just as there are no solutions to the ‘White’ problem; pessimism intended. I mean just think for a second, just how far has humankind evolved, actually? If you want to argue with modernization advances, okay, how many “life insurance policies” has ever insured a life, over death; another clever ploy to control the masses; to get you to work for 20-years until retirement when they give you golden watch and fish dinner and declare you a ‘pillar’ of the community, when all you really did was support the existence of someone else. That’s (probably) why we have so many grumpy old men and women. They realize they spent their entire life supporting someone else’s existence and it is too late to be a substantive, independent force. That’s when the anger starts to weil, usually comes out in the form of cantankerousness towards the living and non-living alike (for Black folks), for white folks, in the form of ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and outright racism. Finally, my impression of who you are? “Walk over and look in the mirror, that's my impression of you.” Your past, (I bet a dime to a dollar) just as mine, with all the scars, cracks and crevices of life in America, with the exception of NONE.
  2. Brother, Delano, sorry, how rude of me; do still have that finished or unfinished manuscript lying around and would you like to work with it; ever thought about turning it into a short story10-20,000 words?
  3. Hello, brother, Delano, I’m not quite sure what your point is. You must be a noble bother to be so candid about your past, obviously not who you are now. Myself, out the rhetorical laboratory as of a year ago, in-depth focus and research on what stimulates powerful ‘human emotions and review of traditional story structure, plot and POV theory; I’m almost ready to release the first test results for public evaluation in the form of a literary fiction work. Halfway Up to the Bottom: Breakpoint in Mid-Despair I intend to submit for publication without ‘outside’ structural copy editing (which is usually a $3-5k date). I must first master my own technique and style before the maiden voyage, so the speck. The 1st test will be to elicit a response from the top of the ‘big five’ traditional publishers in which I intend (if accepted) to see how far I can go with ‘unreasonable’ negotiations and demands in my favor. If not accepted I’ll try the next, until I submit to all five. If not accepted, go back into the laboratory and re-edit again without ‘outside’ editing. The project I have in mind must be flawless for my younger brothers and sisters looking to break into the book market. If successful, we’ll have the resources to advance the project further. Perhaps even a paid staff of Black editors to review and offer feedback. Over the years I’ve become a force to be reckoned with (so I’m told) assisting editing in both the holy languages and, ethnographies/ethnologies in the form of storytelling as well as various academic research/examinations works concerning sociological and anthropological issues. Please keep-up the self-enhancement! I hope I’ve accurately responded to your reply.
  4. Asking you not to be boring wasn’t permission to be ridiculous, sister. But hey, your call. I stand corrected then, maybe, it is simply your aim to ‘impress’ people, or anyone who’ll listen to ramblings of an opportunist who attempts to find fault in others; borderline narcissist needing attention. Your want to show off which is perfectly normal for us Black folks, it's our reflective response to compensate for perceived failure or dissatisfaction with self. Finding fault in others in order to feel capable. I believe that’s a hallmark of Donald Trump, everyone else needs to be a ‘loser’ or he cannot be a winner. Wake up old woman, and smell the cantankerous mammal you’re tuning into. NEWS FLASH, no one is an original thinker since the story of Adam and Eve. It takes lots of practice to learn, and life time to put all together to come up with something original. That can never happen for a narcissist because you’re too busy trying to impress people with what you think you know, for attention rather trying to learn from others. I see I hit a nerve within your person. I’d like to say I care but I can’t because I don’t. Why stay in a kitchen that’s too hot for you. And, at this point, I too am now being arrogant and showing off.
  5. Yeah, the time difference here is about 11 hours ahead. I am, in the Middle (near) East, specifically, Jerusalem Israel (actually Palestine) for just over five years now. Curiosity about where it is said to have all started, according to the history of western civilization; the holy languages and needing a change brought me here, the cradle of civilization. We’re on the same page with respect to ‘reaching out to readers’ only varied approaches towards the same end. It is so true, brother, but times respect rhetoric of Coats because he helps politicians get Black votes. And because he's a damn good journalist. Of all mainstream news media, The Atlantic and Associated Press stand out as most reliable for unbiased information, to an extent. A family member (Dr. Angela Davis) may disagree with your assessment of Coats. I am in the process of putting together a formal detailed proposal for just such a project, my time and energy levels (unfortunately) are pretty much spoken for these days. But I should have completed working draft within the several weeks (4-6).
  6. Nope, try reading it again, have a reference guide close by this time! I believe I've been alive for about 63 years now. But that is not your true concern (your narcissism is showing, again) hiding behind a need for attention. Don't fret sister, you've got my undivided attention. There, now you have something else to be 'contrarian' about. Let's start with you insisting how you need no one's attention, shall we? But don't be boring. However, just in-case you’re truly unable to comprehend the ‘theme’ my post, here it is again: In simpler terms (theme, summarized), It is frustrating how White folks believe their concerns are more important than those of other groups, and Black folks are their own worst enemies. See, I believe I implied, before, that "I am sadly amused when the opposition is framed to actually agree with my worldview."
  7. Sorry for not getting back to you before now, I was camping out at my favorite spot at the Dead Sea area in the Jordan Valley. Back home now! @Troy, I was being facetious (flippant); treating the seriousness of the big five biases towards Blacks authors issue with deliberately inappropriate humor (universal Black guidelines) because it seems every White group has its own guideline/handbook when dealing with Black people. Going off the rails like that helps me maintain my own humanity. I do apologize. Nor, have I inferred any of the big five’s go against Black writers, all, however, find little commercial value in Black stories. Not just stories about the Black experience (literary fiction (my favorite)); even sci-fi, mystery, thrillers but to a disadvantaging degree because they are different. e.g. “It’s not what you say but how you say it” (BS) referring to rhetorical ‘tone’ expressions of Blacks is quite different from that of Whites. It drives me up the walls every time I hear the term ‘unappealing’ or ‘inappropriate tone’ etc. Yet, it must be realized and, accepted that story structure and plot have (tried and tested) requirements that satisfy all elements of story craft, to be successful. If I may, correction brother, the NYT bestseller review board isn’t what it used to be. Their public reviews are not even about (never were in my opinion) exceptional stories. I personally know several NYT editors who would review most any error free novel favorably, for a hefty price. Usually, for a few thousand dollars (up front) for reading the work, and another few thousand for the review. NO, PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE ME! In fact, the Huffington Post novel reviews are actually taken more serious than the those of the New York Times, and there are many others. All of which is little more than a bunch of pompous crap. No sir, best sellers are books that sell (a lot) with or without a review, period. We do not, nor should we reach out to readers, except inasmuch as marketing goes, it is the stories themselves, (the writers) who reach readers, from all walks of life. Which is motive(s) for my proposal? Being able to snatch a readers’ inattention, starting at the cover, and keeping that reader in a state of an unconscious intrigue until the last page is read with stories they’ll never forget. That starts with you, and me, sharing our skills and knowledge of fiction/non-fiction stories, and public discourse by offering feedback to Black writers, especially beginning Black writers.
  8. And here I was thinking I was comprehensively challenged, you may want to go back and re-read my post. Ah ha! you do oppose to get attention, or is the advanced age?
  9. I have! the NYT, as well as the big five, advertise for diverse writers only. Penguin Random House will accept well written Black material but they too go by the 'universal Black guidelines' if you know what I mean. They gut Black works for crossover marketing to suit the White audience. What we need to do (I propose) is to forego traditionally standards and get some of these Black male and female writers to produce exceptional material that SELLs. All we really need is perhaps a dozen or so Black novels, market the hell of them (even if only Black readers buy) to ensure they become bestsellers. Currently, only about 2 of the big five have Black developmental copy editors on staff. Amazon has none. Make the big five, including Amazon, come to our exceptional Black authors offering publishing contracts; no greedy White publisher is going to overlook the Black market when they see Blacks buy and read books about Black folks authored by Black folks. As I pointed out in my profile, among my double major, Journalism & Public Communication was the one I excelled in. Developmental copy editing is something I've here in the Holy Land. No a simple undertaking, this idea, but worth it.
  10. NOW, now sister, Cynique, it's a start, for the bothers to think in terms of economics; how else can they realize that WE HAVE NONE? Least of all, understand that a better life has little and nothing to do with economics. Economics is the reason so many brothers are locked away, trying to have a 'good life;' and economics is why for-profit prisons are booming. I find it fascinating how hard we Black folks fight to live the (so-called) good life and why we wonder how our children become blindsided seeking the material wealth that ultimately changes them. If I had a dime for every time I heard a Black mother/father insist his/her child have an iPhone, $100 tennis shoes or jogging suite while failing math or science in school, I would never have worry about ever getting rich, myself. Equally disturbing is how 'flaky' we've become, complacent about right and wrong behavior, especially us males. Our normalization of patriarchy, physical strength and the 'man-code,' and as the factor separating us from our Black females. But the tests of all tests is swiftly upon us; good manners are coming back for Black folks and Whites alike. Because when all 'hope' for a better life is gone, we all get right humble.
  11. I have enthralled already! However, if you are homo-sapien we have little in common which has nothing to do with my interest in people or the human condition. Augment is too subjective and useless, I listen to people and share response if I am stimulated. I too am sick and tired of America’s BS, but welcome any and all opposition to my points of view. Most opposition confirms what I already to be true about people anyway. You’re not of those (narcissistic) people who thrive off attention through opposition, I hope! Are you? If so, that’s okay too. I find a sad amusement when the opposition is framed in ways that actually agree with my worldview. I’ve read several of your posts and responses and I must say, you are quite the ‘no holds barred’ thinker. Love that! Thanks for the reply.
  12. Sister Cynique, I just noticed you’re from Illinois, great!! “What’s up homegirl?” I am originally from Chicago, born and reared. I attended St Joseph's elementary and Holy Trinity High. My mother, a historian, attended UC. It is a pleasure to (virtually) meet you. I attended UCLA, UAA and currently on extended stay here in the Holy Land, Jerusalem Israel (Palestine actually) for five years now; learning the holy languages while in the process of writing several books. I do look forward extensive dialogue with you. Please have a great day!!
  13. The turnout in Alabama was impressive indeed! Not only because of the value of the Black vote for opportunistic, power-wielding, White politicians; but because it may (hopefully) be an inspiration for more voting age Blacks (nationwide) to take part in election processes. Jones is an opportunist too, but a better choice than Moore. Black women have never ceased to step-up in a crisis. My money has always been on the Black female; more so than males because the power in a Black woman's sense 'closeness' make her very dangerously nurturing in a world where reckoning is taken for granted. Or, maybe it's because I have five sisters and a tender, yet dominating mother whose every action is potentially fatal or a salvation. Highly intelligent species, the Black woman!
  14. One cannot have all three (African American Negro), or even two, for that matter, not without losing one's self amid an identity crisis. Brother Delano is set on to the right idea. I think!
  15. Space for Critique Feedback Proposal Good evening brother, Troy, been thinking a lot about your site (AALBC) wondering why we don't have a 'critique circle' type space where Black writers here can submit their work for feedback and, critique work of other writers? Such space may prove beneficial to authors, especially beginning Black writers. Since I've been here in the Holy Land working with various Arab/Hebrew, and English speaking writers and journalists, content, developmental, and copy editing I've learned a great deal (while learning on the job) about the importance/power of the written word. That Black folk need to help Black folks master and/or improve in the rhetorical discourse, for whatever they're passionate about. Far too often, non-Black feedback and critique fail to understand the essence of the Black experience when offering structural feedback on Black writings. Perhaps it can be done on a 'point system,' get a critique by first critiquing someone else's work first. Just a thought!!
  16. Thank you brother, TSegal, I intend to play with this resource, experiment some marketing ideas! I'll keep you posted.
  17. State and community equalitarian building on principles of positivism paradox factored into theories of human rights and individualism, continue to produce the inhumane treatment of society’s marginalized and ‘unfortunate’ individuals and groups. Autonomous mechanisms within applied social, political science, and risks associated with modernization patterns are structured to fit within the accepted parameters of how democratic institutions are defined and empowered. As such, principles on which the state functions, and which sustains the government, continues to invalidate or undermine the effectiveness of those institutions. Thus, encouraging popular discourse, ‘civil/human’ rights policies following this same universal rationale serves to only reproduce state-sponsored inequality and social stratification as just another tried and tested practice at which to be competent. As long as popular discourse is synonymous with ‘positivist’ ideological management and the concept of ‘risk society’ considerations, we shall remain unable to reconcile being a ‘good’ government of humane political and social practices. Good government recognizing principles of positivism can never adhere to social and economic equality for all; inhumane treatment of the underdog, by the hegemony, must always result in class conflict constantly changing hands until one group is utterly incapable of regrouping; dog eat dog until only one is left standing.
  18. Yes, yes, and yes, brother! Which is why I, myself, am currently in the Holy Land, Jerusalem Israel (actually Palestine) for five years now. Not so much as doing for myself but because I've lost faith in the human race, especially Black folks like the 'Honorable Elijah Muhammad, all due respect to the brother.' Where White folks can't do to me, Black folks try. The conventional way of doing things in America, whether owing news and radio media, corporations etc. has no benefit for anyone except those who own them. I should like to think of myself as a crisis theorist, not a functionalist. Nothing is right, everything is wrong and out of order, stop brother and get yourself in order. The biggest lie is everything we know as the truth and truth is the very thing no one is will to face, which is economy market systems are designed to lure in fools or replacements. Our own people are headed in the direction I seek to get away from. To hell with the media, and double to hell with trying to get or take what White folks have. I see Black folks, Palestinians every day and persevere without joining the fry (Israel). Black need to be rebels, tear down and rebuild but like the sister suggested, we think we are fearless, we want to be fearless believing that having that material wealth (my words) is key to salvation. You want to know how to really get power do what Jews are doing here. Enough of that now, these people monitor everything and I'm already on the hot list for airing my opinions. Which is all any of us have, opinions not worth the syllables used to utter them. Thank you, Brother
  19. Well said, Mel Hopkins! To take your explanation a step further, fear as an emotion is indeed, a subjective innate response to any stimuli experienced by every human being. An infant existing the wound into a world of noise, light, and life may experience (still debatable) fear from the stimuli. Like other mammals, human fear is only different because we respond from a place of reason rather than instinct. Most mammals would probably not fight to the death for any reason whereas humans may resolve to fight to the death, not out of fearlessness but out of reason. The fear is still there. I'm inclined to think that any subjective emotion is a display of intelligence. Like people who say they "have a Constitutional right' to live, go and do as they please is probably more foolish than fearless. Although it is their Constitutional right. So the next time someone says "I can stand in the middle of the road if I want," prompt remind them a motorist' fear of being late may very well rob him/her of all rights!!
  20. @TSegal, those are some views you got there, brother! However, this mess goes a lot deeper than most people realize. For the sake of this discussion let’s say that instead of 400+ years for European White folks to get it together; they had over 1000+ years of planning. I must use caution here as all I say must be accurate, though ever so unpopular. Allegations of ‘anti-semitism’ holds must greater penalties than violations of civil rights. Here we go! Since before the Roman empire was established, Jews who separated from other European Whites were prosecuted by virtually every society on earth, they got tired and got smart. Really evil smart. More than 1000+ years developing the theory of ‘double entry (modern-day accounting); 1000+ years studying (sizing-up their enemies) habits, likes and dislikes; 1000+ years stealing (plagiarizing) ideas, philosophies, science, ways of ruling a nation, and medicine from Black Africa (there were more than 2000 Black/Muslim universities in Africa) while infiltrating the very government they were subject to. Gaining trust, even marrying into families of their taskmasters. How astute would that group be after 1000+ years trial and error, and what would they do to the people who looked down upon them? Yes, it has always been White on White crime before the phrase was invented. Never forget for one moment, or underestimate the resolve of greed and power, and how even innocent children are fair game in the name of maintaining that power and feeding that greed. NO! No sir, White folks are not hypocrites, they not fools; they have always practiced what they preach. What they preach are all lies, contrary to the theologian riddled metaphor “mixing lies with the truth.” They always lie and cause us to think it’s the truth. I’ll prove it to you, right here and now! How often do we hear Blacks (you and me) asset that we are entitled to the same rights as White folks? What are those rights, I might ask? Freedom of life liberty and pursuit of happiness. Freedom for White folks is ethnocentric related (right to marginalize anyone different from them), kill whoever they want whenever they want and; freedom to follow the hegemony, their own. SORRY, but I am not entitled to, nor want that kind of freedom. Happiness for White is living perversely. I don’t to be a pervert. Just look at the most basic insignificant ways of living in modern society today, from the substance to subsistence, from what is acceptable to what is looked down upon. What rules and social values would you ordain right and wrong? All on the one hand. On the other hand, it does cause one to think (again), and reconsider principles of theology, all of them, excluding none. You’re on the right track, brother, keep up the question asking!!
  21. Not necessarily in the order given, the following books are the most valuable information, I think, because of the real world issues they discuss or their metaphorical message(s) by both Black and White authors. Souls of Black Folk Up From Slavery The Fire Next Time Sharing Wisdom Metamorphosis The Great Gatsby To Kill a Mocking Bird If Americans Knew Critical Issues in Policing The Republic
  22. I must agree, Troy, which is 'part of the problem,' "our particular brand." I mean, at what point does a group, any group in America call out conventional wisdom of functions of capitalism. By no means to do I suggest economic principles of laissez-faire or the other reasonable fair trade practices are wrong. But just look at the results of what it takes to establish and maintain a State power; what it takes to be 'capitalist." Not to discredit how the people you surround yourself with behave, but I find it difficult to believe Black folks, White folks, Natives or anyone operates in a way I think, hell, even I don't act that way. I do see the errors my ways though. I write (am writing) because I have something to say, so does everybody, have something to say. Who cares! I also write as a challenge to myself, in the lab testing and experimenting with ways of the 'word' hoping to attract the attention of if only a fraction of one-percent. Willing to spend whatever estimation dictate I should charge. The idea of getting rich from writing is an added bonus to my highly active imagination. With respect to your last point, I adamantly disagree. People are evolving, though necessarily not in a good way, by fulfilling their needs, expanding their horizons by trying newer things. In fact, much of peoples currently distress are due to not being able to branch out, acquire material, and reach goals. I do admire you, young brother, exposing yourself to the many ideas that can only be obtained by reading. Me, I'm more of a selective reader; interest in (very little not interesting), bad out (the rhetoric of fools). Interesting post!! EXCERPT: HALFWAY UP TO THE BOTTOM Literary Fiction Series – Volume One OVERVIEW: A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR Karl Roy is an African American civil rights lawyer and a friend to old Harvard college pal Rita, Jewish daughter of multi-billionaire Patrice and Ira Goldberg. Volume I of “A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR” tells of Attorney Roy’s aim to escape racism and get rich at the same time. His old college pal, Rita (a lesbian) makes him an offer to solve this problem; while also stopping her Rabbi uncles from taking her inheritance left by her deceased father. Her plan, defraud her family’s bank with help of Roy’s legal services in exchange for $15,000,000. The Bank VP decides to take advantage of Roy’s association with Rita (since he is black) to steal from her family’s wealth as Roy and Rita plan to flee the U.S. after executing Rita’s plan. Annie Mullen: A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR Another plot line involves Rita’s lover Annie Mullen, who is a heroin addict and is kidnapped during a stop in Paris French where Rita and Roy initiate transfer of Rita’s inheritance. Roy is sent after Annie who runs away after a lover’s quarrel with Rita and sees an Arab man with a gun following her into an elevator. Going after them he notices familiar faces from Rita’s family’s bank, watching him. Through her wealth and prestige, Rita learns her lover Annie left on a flight to Israel. After moving the inheritance money, they decide to go to Israel to find her. While in Israel, Rita finds Annie murdered by terrorists, she is kidnapped and Attorney Roy becomes the prime suspect in a murder, kidnapping, and bank fraud plot. As the attorney of record for Rita’s estate inheritance, her entire inheritance ($3,750 billion) is inadvertently transferred into Roy’s client bank account due to her uncles attempt to redirect the money. Afraid to return to the U.S. due to fear no one would believe a black man innocent of fraud and capital crimes; Roy decides to stay in Israel to find Rita and Annie murderers when he discovers Rita’s secret since their college days involving an international conspiracy, turning his world upside down. Especially since the U.S. President-elect who complacent disposition with white supremacists ideas. EXPERIENCE GROWING UP: A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR is enormously powerful in its simplicity. Because it is narrated in the third person multiple viewpoints, we are able to an understand the world in the same way that he does, accepting the chaos of his everyday life. The novel has a courageous and powerful political and social message about the downtrodden lives of issues African-Americans face, and the prejudice and fear they faced every day. We also see a memorable heroic figure in Rita Goldberg, a fearless Jewish woman of conscience raised to the level of crusader or idol for Roy. In his subtle strength, he is pessimistic of the human condition that pushes him to make unwise choices despite the consequences, criticisms of those he cares about and to implore his friend Rita to try and see some good in the world. He becomes the voice of moral conscience in the age that the book was written (2017) and represented the ideals and hopes of the liberal classes who hoped to see the end of segregation and racism. Beautifully written, evocative and, not so tender, but with a passionate message that drives the novel’s action, A BREAKPOINT IN MID-DESPAIR rightfully offers a most important message and a classic of social disparity of minority life in America. A tale of childhood life unchanged in professional life, but also a tale of how the world truly is (and how it may never change), the book can live on in the hearts and minds of those who read it well after the final page has been turned. Halfway Up to the Bottom Literary Fiction Series – Volume One A Breakpoint In Mid-Despair By Kenneth Alexander
  23. Yes, brother Delano, but the Constitution makes no mention of any particular ethnic group, but we can guess (with certainty) what group it was meant to serve. the phrase "All men are created equal," thinking about it from a psychoanalytical perspective, it can be reasonably deduced that phrase (probably) came from the guilt of hypocrisy. After all, the White European colonists who flee Europe did so to escape tyranny and oppression of the monarch. They used to be the downtrodden, poverty-stricken peasants in their own homeland. What I (personally) find disturbing is how we Black folks are seemingly headed in the same direction. We have chosen a 'life of seeking material wealth' instead of the quest for a better life of equalitarian quality, honesty, and healthy living. We (now) want what is called "the good life" of women, wine, and song. So to speak!
×
×
  • Create New...