controversies
It seems every time one racially-charged incident ends, a gender or religious controversy takes its place; Ruminate on the issues dividing our nation and world.
A Reflection of a year of unrest
The most painful year, to say the least, see the silverling before the people start coming t me as if I am not expressing my pain. I am a black woman, I have black children, and the world that I see around me is not what I want my children to grow up in yet be apart of such hate. I practice love, kindness, and patience with my children. I don't want them to grow up hating anyone, primarily because of their skin color. Where are we safe as black people? Black people are continually broke down to less than our white counterparts. Which is a tactic to make the other person feel superior because our black lives scare them that we would be somehow become "superior" to them? A saying goes, "You fear what you don't understand." To just try to get to know us as people, you will see the perception taught or thoughts is utterly wrong for the majority.
Nia on AirPublished 4 years ago in The SwampThe Covid-19 Vaccine
The Covid-19 vaccine is very concerning to me, especially if the US government decides to force people to take the vaccine. I have a pre-existing condition from birth called Cerebral Palsy, which has never responded well to the flu vaccine. It is recommended that certain people with certain types of conditions should not get certain vaccines. There is a genuine possibility that many people might fare better without the intervention of the vaccines. What if I know that the vaccine would in danger? My already somewhat compromised immune system, but the US government says I have to take it regardless of how I feel. Plus, I am terrified about the corners they have cut to roll out these vaccines in such a short timeframe. President Trump is proud of the red tape he did away with to roll out this vaccine, but what if the red tape was put in place to create a safe vaccine for most of the population. All things considered; I'd instead take my chances with the virus itself than trust the vaccine.
Yvonne KnightPublished 4 years ago in The SwampA letter to White Privilege
Dear White Privilege, At times I wonder, what is it about my skin colour that makes you see me the way you do and treat me the way you do.
My Ignorance
I hear it often and do not know where it comes from, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” For most of my life I have not been humble enough to acknowledge I didn’t have all the answers, or know enough to resolve, solve, or fix something. This leads to a propensity to put forth platitudes or convenient “solutions” for others (thinking that I know best).
Cheryl DuffyPublished 4 years ago in The SwampMy Racism
My Racism First Recollections: As a young child, we lived in the Northwest. For much of my formative years our family lived in Montana, in a community where I do not remember even knowing anyone of another skin color. Not just black, but any other racial identity that was not Caucasian (though my father was the first Non-Native American to teach courses on the Blackfoot Reservation nearby).
Cheryl DuffyPublished 4 years ago in The SwampWhy are China's Covid-19 figures not accurate?
It is no longer a secret that China's Covid-19 figures are inaccurate. There are many versions of this fact, some portrayed the country as liars, others more understanding. Being Chinese, with living parents and family all living in China, I am on the fence with this one. For the past four weeks, I have had many readers, friends, family, all asking me my opinion on the matter and what my thoughts are. Most of them just wanted to know whether I believe China is hiding the real numbers on purpose or whether it's more of a misunderstanding of the fact that they did not know how to tally the figures properly. Having done my research, saying that I mean not reading fake news and believing in it, I have a general understanding of the matter.
Jolanda J. ChanPublished 4 years ago in The SwampI DISAVOW WHITE SUPREMACITS
I DISAVOW WHITE SUPREMACITS. Hi, so our president refused to disavow white supremacists last night. Then he told the Proud Boys to stand back and stand by.
Kent BramleyPublished 4 years ago in The SwampThe Day My Life Changed
Was It Really a Good Morning? It was around 7:30 am and there was a Florida overcast. I woke up feeling good, said my morning prayers, joyful to give God thanks, as I often do. I could smell the breakfast cooking on the stove and biscuits in the oven. At that moment I thought to myself today is going to be a good day. Albert called me to let me know we were going to have our meeting at our office instead of the client’s office. I called my brother Anthony, and asked him to pick me up. Anthony and I along with my high school friend, Albert started our sports advertising company just after college. We were about to sign a major contract with the NFL. The meeting today was going to be a laid back meet and greet. I informed the others, and told them to dress down as if it was game day, oh and put on your game face. Today was very exciting, although we were already very successful. Anthony arrived at my house at around 8:45 am, he comes in to get a bit of breakfast. We head out at 9:20 am, our office is in West Palm Beach, Florida. We get on the highway (I95) heading north, I call Albert to see what would be his E.T.A., he said in about 45 minutes and I’ll put on the coffee.
Chetwood JohnsonPublished 4 years ago in The SwampHow We Can End Australian Homelessness
Australian homelessness rates are rising, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Are radical new ideas needed to end homelessness in Australia for good? A Melbourne company is already well on the way to making sure there’s a home for everyone and everyone has a home.
Lives Matter
I have been wanting to speak out on the current social movement for quite some time. It is a sensitive topic and the last thing I want is for the true message to be missed because of one poorly executed statement. I recently found a meme on social media that said, “All lives matter. If you have to put a color in front of it, you’re a racist.” I think that is the best one I’ve seen yet. I do not believe that anyone should abuse their job or skin color to take advantage of others, hurt others or traumatize others. The point so often missed is that it goes both ways. Looking at my ancestry, my ancestors were both the conquerors and the conquered. My Spanish ancestors are responsible for multiple counts of cultural genocide. If I had to apologize for every act they committed, I would never be finished. On the other hand, the natives of Mexico suffered at the hands of the Spanish. The Irish were slaves. I could go on forever. We cannot undo what has been done. I think if we all had the opportunity to undo one thing, it would be something personal. I don’t think the first thing that would pop into our head would pertain to history. Perhaps for some, but I believe those are few and far between.
Corene TorresPublished 4 years ago in The SwampA Reflection of a year of unrest
The most painful year, to say the least, see the silverling before the people start coming t me as if I am not expressing my pain. I am a black woman, I have black children, and the world that I see around me is not what I want my children to grow up in yet be apart of such hate. I practice love, kindness, and patience with my children. I don't want them to grow up hating anyone, primarily because of their skin color. Where are we safe as black people? Black people are continually broke down to less than our white counterparts. Which is a tactic to make the other person feel superior because our black lives scare them that we would be somehow become "superior" to them? A saying goes, "You fear what you don't understand." To just try to get to know us as people, you will see the perception taught or thoughts is utterly wrong for the majority.
Nia on AirPublished 4 years ago in The SwampSundown Towns
Sundown towns are also known as sunset towns or grey towns. These towns are supposed to represent no people of color are allowed to be in their city limits during sunset. Some towns would play a specific horn sound to warn the people of color to get out of town now. There are places where it is listed on their city limit signs, “No N*ggers Allowed After Sunset.”
Nia on AirPublished 4 years ago in The Swamp