AIG, Bernie Madoff, stimulus packages, and layoffs, I dare you to turn on your television, radio, or internet and find a program that is not talking about one of these topics. They are either trying to provoke a sense of injustice, needle the fear of destituiton, or educate the masses on how to feed a family on one dollar a day. The latest story to hit mass media has informed the public that the economy is turning around because recent numbers show an increase in home sales, I say "it is going to be what it is going to be" enough is enough.
In times like these people point fingers, sharpen pitch forks, and look for sacrificial lambs, The Daily Show's, Jon Stewart, found such a lamb in CNBC's Mad Money Jim Cramer. Stewart and Cramer verbally duked it out about who knew what and when, and who should take responsibility. Who’s next? Should Suze Orman watch her back? Will CNBC’s financial expert Maria Bartiromo have to go into protection? Who is next? Many media entities push our emotional buttons to tell us how we are to feel about a person or a situation. For all those that followed Cramer blindly and loved him when their pockets were fat, and for those that bragged about Madoff and haphazardly forked over millions I say “it takes two to tango.” No I am not blaming the victim, but too many are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. A lot of people refuse to do their homework and follow the richest person in front of them; it goes to that ever transcending parental question “If everyone was jumping of a bridge would you follow?” Don’t get me wrong I am all for investing, saving, and building equity, but I believe we should all be experts not just one person.
I stand in the village square beseeching you to put down the torches, release the lamb, and don’t allow a black box to control your emotions.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What's love got to do with it?
Weeks after news broke that R&B sensation, Chris Brown, was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, music sweetheart Rihanna, the couple is reportedly back together. The assault and the reunion has sparked a wave of anger and concerns, but most importantly it has sparked much needed discussions. Out of this unfortunate situation has risen an opportunity for parents and mentors to speak to our youth. Mothers speak to your daughters; share your scars, your mistakes, your heartaches, and especially your victories. As women, we should not be ashamed of the mistakes we made in past or present relationships. It is from these mistakes that our daughters, sisters, and others we love, will come to know that they are not the only ones who have made bad choices. Our forthrightness will show that it is okay to ask for help or just walk away.
Fathers speak to your sons, speak to your daughters, let them know that love is not abuse, love is not sex, love is not even money. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Let your sons know that men are able to get their hearts broken and what to do when that happens, let your daughters know that they don't need a man to feel beautiful, loved, or complete because they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let your son's know it is not okay to hit a woman and your daughters know that it is not okay to hit a man. Don't let the fear of looking weak prevent you from being strong for your children.
Charles Barkely once stated that he is no one’s role model, but once you enter the very sought after celebrity status, a person becomes a "role model". Whether they are good one or a bad one, they are someone’s role model. As a role model to millions of fans Rihanna has become an unwilling poster child for abuse, joining a growing list of famous women who have suffered abuse at the hands of the men they loved; Tina Turner, Robin Givens, and Halle Berry just to name a few. Unfortunately she has joined a longer list of unnamed women and girls who on a daily basis hide black and blue marks and who accidentally "run into doors". The images the young singers personified and the relationship people envied will forever be marred by one night that made headlines and possibly many others that did not. This incident should not be used as an opportunity to sell magazines, to dissect Chris and Rihanna, or to even write witty blogs, this incident should be used to empower our daughters and to put an end to domestic abuse.
For help or more information about domestic abuse visit National Domestic Violence Hotline or contact 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Fathers speak to your sons, speak to your daughters, let them know that love is not abuse, love is not sex, love is not even money. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Let your sons know that men are able to get their hearts broken and what to do when that happens, let your daughters know that they don't need a man to feel beautiful, loved, or complete because they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let your son's know it is not okay to hit a woman and your daughters know that it is not okay to hit a man. Don't let the fear of looking weak prevent you from being strong for your children.
Charles Barkely once stated that he is no one’s role model, but once you enter the very sought after celebrity status, a person becomes a "role model". Whether they are good one or a bad one, they are someone’s role model. As a role model to millions of fans Rihanna has become an unwilling poster child for abuse, joining a growing list of famous women who have suffered abuse at the hands of the men they loved; Tina Turner, Robin Givens, and Halle Berry just to name a few. Unfortunately she has joined a longer list of unnamed women and girls who on a daily basis hide black and blue marks and who accidentally "run into doors". The images the young singers personified and the relationship people envied will forever be marred by one night that made headlines and possibly many others that did not. This incident should not be used as an opportunity to sell magazines, to dissect Chris and Rihanna, or to even write witty blogs, this incident should be used to empower our daughters and to put an end to domestic abuse.
For help or more information about domestic abuse visit National Domestic Violence Hotline or contact 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
