Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I nearly died of heat stroke today.

If there's one thing I love in life, it's summer. No "school", loads of free time, plenty of young women to try to spit game at (and failing), and most importantly: Job opportunities.

But of course there's one thing about summer that we're all very aware of. Heat. As we all know, the summers lately can become brutal and unforgiving. especially for us few lucky Americans who live in places like Phoenix,Arizona where people are use to temperatures around the 105 and above mark. But for those of us near Lake Michigan, we get something "slightly" worse than that. It's called Humidity.

Summer heat on a human being with little to no water is a lot like an Atom Bomb. Shit's all types of destroyed and damaged (or vaporized for you history/science buffs). Humidity on the other hand, is a lot like a Hydrogen bomb, now stuffs really bad. You're sweating so much and so desperate for water, you might even go so far as to knock on each and every house you pass, begging people could they spare pity on your dumb ass for being out in this damned weather.

And yes, this happened to me today and that's exactly what I did. It got so bad, I went in the back of a family video near the game section to lay down. Humidity sucks that much.

That is why tomorrow, I'm packing a gallon of water with me...

Until next time peeps ;)

Friday, July 23, 2010

A "So this is what the kids are into" podcast?

I'm not gonna B.S. you readers, for the most part....blogging is pretty damn boring and complicated. Since, It seems, I'm already running dry and ideas and stuff to fuss and bitch about and for the most part, as you can tell from the last post, I'm not that good when it comes to writing.

But why a podcast?

Simple actually. I like them, they seem pretty fun to do and it adds a little bit more punch to the so called "new media" thingy-a-bob.

Podcast Pictures, Images and Photos
(Apple owns this? Srsly?FTW.)

So what will this podcast be about? At this point, it's truly in the stages of genesis and at least for another month till we actually get started to thinking about recording a show. So until then folks....

Have good one, and enjoy the rest of your summer.


Oh yeah and I forgot....

Spain-2010 World Cup Champions Pictures, Images and Photos

I was rooting for Ghana and Brazil to win, but these gents and the netherlands guys included played their asses off. Good Job.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

A survey about Sexism...

Am I sexist? Are YOU sexist? If you answered "no", then by default you are sexist, because you denied the fact that you may or may not be harboring any grudges against people of the opposite sex or inter sex...(cue haha)

A while back ago, an interesting mate on another messageboard posted a survey that was titled "ARE YOU A MANARCHIST? which seem to be made for leftist males. Now, right off the back, I have some problems with that. Shouldn't this survey be for any male that's wondering that he may have some what hostile or negative aspects of the female sex? What you tryin' to say...Ma'am!?!? That only us lefties can be sexist?!?! HUH??? That just because we're all open-minded we can't be sexist??!?! Did that last line make sense??? Hmmm...READERS TELL ME!

But me personally, sexism and it's behaviors are EVERYWHERE. Every culture, every subculture, every political leaning, there is sexism and patriarchy it shouldn't be swept under the rug regardless of ones personally politics. Especially those guys that think they're feminist, only to impress the ladies and not really get anything out what these women are saying. Excluding the women that are being total a-holes to other women that actually enjoy and like to show off their body. I think that's unfair.

.... (cornball ness aside)

I suck at intros and writing, and I also suck at coming up with things to talk about on the blog, so I decided to take another crack at this survey that was created by Sally Darity.

The first time I filled it out, was merely for "meh" something to do. But now it got me thinking slightly more about this type of stuff. So I'm going to take another crack at, be slightly more thoughtful about it.

My answer to the questions are in bold....let's get crackin' at how Sexist I am....grab a snack cake and a can a pop...this should be interesting...

Do you ascribe to either:
A) Passive-Aggressive Patriarchy:" (often come across as a
victim/helpless/in
need/dependent and get women in your life to be your physical and
emotional
caretakers?to buy you things? to take care of your responsibilities?
pick up your slack? use guilt or manipulation to get out of your
responsibilities
and equal share of the work? do you treat your female partner like a
"mom" or your secretary?)


B) "Aggressive Patriarchy:" (Do you often take charge? Assume that a
woman can’t do something right so you do it for her? Believe that only
you can take care of things? Think that you always have the right
answer?
Treat your female partner like she’s helpless, fragile, a baby or weak?
Do you put down your partner or minimize her feelings? Do you belittle
her opinions?)

First time I took this, I picked A. But mainly for the emotional and pyshical part. I mean isn't that some of the main reasons why people are together?

Maybe it's just me, but this question seems very black and white. As through these are the only reasons why a guy and a girl would go together..people go together because...wait...they might actually have things in common.



2. How do you react when women in your life name something or someone
as patriarchal or sexist? Do you think of her or call her a "PC Thug,"
"Feminazj," "Thin-skinned," "Overly-Sensitive," a "COINTELPRO-esque"
or "Un-fun?"

Well, I'm mainly basing this for where I reside, I would think she knows what she's talking about because, most of the young ladies women in my area don't seem to know about this type of stuff. I'd listen out to her.

3. Do you see talking about patriarchy as non-heroic, a waste of time,
trouble making, or divisive?

I can't type in "interesting" or "worthwhile"? Sometimes I think it's interesting and other times with most leftist politics and politics in general I simply give it a meh....talk is cheap.

4. If a woman asks your opinion, do you assume she must not know
anything
about the subject?

Depends entirely on the woman who asked.If it's something like "Hey should I go to Yale for Law or Harvard?" then most def she knows more about the subject than me. If it's something along the lines of "Hey why do you think we dream?" then....no. I'm saying that, if the person is asking for something descriptive then most likely they have a good amount of knowledge on the subject matter.

5. Do you believe that women have "natural characteristics" which are
Inherent in our sex such as "passive," "sweet," "caring," "nurturing,"
"considerate," "generous," "weak," or "emotional?"

Those are emotions and actions that would link to someones behavior.If you're mother teaches you to not give a fuck about other people, than generous and considerate aren't going to be apart of your mental structure. If mom teaches you to be thoughtful but a strong, firm individual, then you might've come off as a variety of things, depending on the people whom you interact with.


6. Do you make fun of "typical" men or "frat boys" but not ever check
yourself to see if you behave in the same ways?

No. Because that would make me a super-absorb hyprocrite douchebag. If dudes are talking about getting some I don't have listen, nor do I judge them, because I myslef have talked like that with my close friends.

7. Do you take on sexism and patriarchy as a personal struggle working
to fight against it in yourself, in your relationships, in society,
work, culture, subcultures, and institutions?

I haven't gotten that far in my life. Sadly sexism and patriarchy will always exist. I'll do my part by not thinking and believing that every woman out there should be mine.

8. Do you say anything when other men make sexist or patriarchal
comments?Do you help your patriarchal and sexist friends to make change and help
educate them? Or do you continue friendships with patriarchal and
sexist men and act like there is no problem.

People have faults. I honestly rather not lose friends over personal politics. I have friends who watch shit like MANswers like KING magazine (I did too...R.I.P.)but they're not assholes to women like other guys out there.

Activism Questions


9. As a. man, is being a. feminist a priority to you? Do you see being
a feminist as revolutionary or radical?

I someone forgot my orginal answer to this question...but i'm going to tie it in with what I believe about other politics....
Being a feminst, like being a vegetarian...honestly I would reply "and?". just because you subscribed to some form of leftist philopsophy, doesn't make you Che Guvera or Angela Davis. You have to act on it. People...myslef included (and i'm possibly the most leftist person in illinois)gives two shits if someone is a vegetarian or a femeinst. Why? First off, the first question you should asked people is, "well what have you done in your local community?" If they hesitate or don't even answer. Walk away, they're full of fuckin' shit. They don't won't shit to change.

People, just because you have a Youtube channel,blog, or talk on a messageboard with other lefties IS NOT ACTIVISM. I'm all of for opening ideas and people bettering themselves with politics etc. But please don't think just because you eat all vegan food, don't watch TV, listen to indie music (and yet don't support the artist)read a few philosophy books that you're an activist.You're kidding yourself. I'm not even going to recommend what one could do, because in this day in age, You better google that shit son. There's lots of REAL people and communities out there that need help and require more than a mouse click away or a copypasta.



10. Do you think that you define what is radical? Do you suffer from
or contribute to macho bravado" or ‘subpoena envy? (I.e. defining a
true or "cool" and respectable activist as someone who has: been arrested,
done lockdowns, scaled walls, hung banners, done time for their actions
argued or fought with police, done property alterations, beat up nazi
boneheads, etc.)?

Nope. I'm far from a radical.And all that stuff that's listed doesn't up above, that stuff seems to be the last stage of what ones purpose is to be accomplished. Again, people are more obsessed with labels these days than actual helping people. I'm not saying shit shouldn't be done or that the actions up above aren't doing anything, It's just more to it. Again, if you're in it just so people think you're deep or just to think you'll get in the history books...you're doing it for all the wrong reasons.

11. Do you take something a woman said, reword it and claim it as your
own idea/opinion?

All the time. Guys too. I never reword it though.

12. Are you taking on the "shit" or "grunt" work in your organizing?
(I.e.: Cooking. cleaning. set up, clean up phone calls, email lists,
taking notes, doing support work, sending mailings, providing
childcare?)Are you aware of the fact. that women often are taking on this work
with no regard or for their efforts?

Not apart of a group, but I'm aware women don't even get a "thanks" or a "nice job" when involved with groups.


13. Do you take active step to make your activist groups safe and
comfortable places for women?

Not apart of a group, so no.

14. If you are trying to get more women involved in your activist
projects,do you try to engage them by telling them what’ to do or why they
should join your group?

Not apart of a group, so no.

15. Do you ever find yourself monitoring and limiting your behavior and
speech in meetings and activist settings because you don't want’ to
take up too much space or dominate the group? Are you aware of the fact that
women do this all the time?

If women do this all the time....so what? If you don't like it, start your own group and don't do what the organizer of the group you were apart of did.


16. Do you pay attention to group process and consensus building in
groups
or do you tend to dominate and take charge (maybe without even
realizing it)?

Not apart of a group so no

Sexual/Romantic Relationships and Issues


17. Do you make jokes or negative comments about the sex lives of women
or sex work?

No.

18. Can you only show affection and be loving to your partner in front
of friends and family or only in private?

Only in private. It's like when I type, I rather be alone.

19. Do you discuss the responsibility for preventing contraception and
getting STD screening prior to sexual contact?

We should more often.

20. Do you repeatedly ask or plead with women for what you want in
sexual situations? Are you aware that unless this is a mutually consented upon
scenario/game that this is considered a form of coercion?

No.Sex isn't going anywhere. If she says no, then hey let's go play Guitar hero and smoke a square.


21. During sex, do you pay attention to your partner’s face and body
language to see if she is turned on? Engaged, or just lying there? Do
you ask a woman who she wants during sex? What turns her on?

Yes I pay attention. If I ask her what she wants to do and I'm not feeling or up to it then it won't happened and vice versa.

22. Do you ask for consent?

What do you think?

23. Do you know if your partner has a sexual abuse, rape, or physical
abuse history?

No. And to be honest, me personally, I'd just feel...I don't know weird that it had happened to this young woman I'm attracted to. Not gonna bullshit, I think sex would be the last thing on my mind if that's the case.


24. Do you stay with your partner in a relationship for comfort and
security? Sex? Financial or emotional care taking? If you’re not completely happy
or "in love" with your partner anymore? Even though you don’t think it
will ultimately work out? Because you’re afraid or unable to be alone?
Do you suddenly end relationships when a "new" or "better" woman comes
along?

Comfort and mostly because It's someone I can kick it with. Then just go with the flow I guess, I'm more concerned with the present than what can happen six days to months down the road.


25. Do you jump from relationship to relationship? Overlap them? Or do
you take space and time for yourself in between each relationship to
reflect on the relationship and your role in it? Do you know how to be
alone? How to be single?

Being single sucks/awesome. But at times I seem to jump from relationship but only because I feel the other one is going anywhere. And by anywhere, I mean we're it's like were best friends and stuff.

26. Do you cheat on your partners?

No.

27. If your girlfriend gets on your case for patriarchal behavior or
wants to try to work on the issues of patriarchy in your relationship,
do you creak up with her or cheat on her and find another woman who will
put up with your shit?

Most of my girlfriends don't even know what patriarchy behavior is. I'm sorry. I don't treat them like crap if that's what you refereeing to.

28. Do you agree to romantic commitment and responsibility and then
back out of these situations?

Not yet.

29. Do you understand menstruation?

LOL.

30. Do you make fun of women or write them off as "PMS-ING?"

Only when they are assholes. Just like the guys who get pissed whenever a sports team loses or whatever. But I haven't said "PMS-ING" since like 9th grade.

Friendship Questions


31. Do you tend to set the standard and plans for fun or do you work
with the others in the group, including women to see what they want to
do?

No. We usually all just come up with ideas and see what we all react to happily or excited with.

32. Do you talk to your female friends about things you don't talk to
your male friends about especially emotional issues?

All the time. I do have one male friend I talk about that type of stuff through.


33. Do you constantly fall in love with your female friends Are you
friends with women until you find out that they are not in love with you too
and then end the friendships? Are you only friends with women who are
in monogamous or committed relationships with other people?

I'm friends with people that I'm cool with and are down to earth.

34. Do you come on to your female friends even jokingly?

Most of the time jokingly.

35. Do you only talk to your female friends (and not your male friends)
about your romantic relationships or problems in those relationships?

All the time. See things from their perspective.


36. Do you find yourself only attracted to "Afropunk-Earthy/dreadlocked
Barbie", Alterna-Grrrl Barbie," or Hardcore-Grrrl Barbie?" (The idea here being
that the only women you arc attracted to fit mainstream beauty
standards but just dress and do their hair alternatively and maybe have piercings
and tattoos) Do you question and challenge your internalized ideals of
mainstream beauty ideals for women?


I'm into a girl that's down to earth, I can kick it with and laugh and be romantic with. If she happens to be an ALTERNET GRRR so be it. If she happens to be a mainstream so be it. But more importantly I'm into someone who doesn't let labels truly define who they are, someone that's like "Yeah, people say I'm a hipster-scene chick, but I'm just me through, real talk." That I respect a lot more.

37. Have you ever heard of or discussed "sizeism" and do you think it
is low on the oppression scale?

Still don't know what that is. I refused to cheat and go google and just so I can reply no.

38. Are you aware of the fact that ALL WOMEN, even women in radical
communities, live under the CONSTANT PRESSURE and OPPRESSION of mainstream
patriarchal beauty standards?

Uh-huh.


39. Are you aware of the fact that many women in radical communities
have had and are currently dealing with eating disorders?

No. That sucks to hear that through.

40. Do you make fun of "model-types" or "mainstream" women for their
appearance?

No. Why am I judging them? What's the freakin' point? I judge people that are assholes to others, whether they be model types or alternatives.

Domestic/Household Questions


41. When was the last time you walked into your house, noticed that
something was misplaced/dirty/etc. AND did something about it (didn’t just walk
by it, over it, away from it or leave a nasty note about it) even if
it wasn’t your chore or responsibility?

I do this everyday. My mama don't play that shit.

42. Are you constantly amazed by the magical "food fairy" who
mysteriously
acquires food, brings it home, puts it away, prepares it in meal form
and then cleans up afterwords?

Now you're being an asshole, survey. No, I'm aware who cooks the fuckin' food in the house.

43. Do you contribute equally to domestic life and work?

Meh.

44. How many of the following activities do you contribute to in your
home (this is a partal list of what it takes to run a household):
A: Sweep and mop floors and clean carpets
B: Wash and put away dishes
C: Clean stove, countertops, sinks and appliances if they are messy and
each time after you have prepared food
D: Collect money, do food shopping, put away food and make meals for
people you live with
E: Do house laundry (kitchen towels, bathroom hand towels, washable
rugs,
etc.)
F: Clean up common room spaces, even if it’s not your chore
G: Pick up other’s slack
H: Deal with garbage, recycling, and compost
I: Take care of bills, rent, utilities
J: Deal with the landscaping and gardening
K: Clean bathrooms and make sure bathroom is clean after you use it
L: Feed, clean up after, and take care of housepets

A,B,C,F,H,J,K,L.

Children & Childcare


45. Do you spend time with kids? If you do, do you spend time with
children(yours or anyone's) in a way that is gendered? (do certain things with
boys and other things with girls?

No children at the moment. Kids are unpredictable so who knows.

46. If you are a father, do you CO-parent your children? (Spend equal
time AND energy AND effort AND money to raise them)?

Yes. It takes two to make, so why not two raise?

47. Do you make childcare a priority? (at both activist events and in
daily life)

I'll put my child's life first, my political stuff (whenever I get into it if I choose to.) third. Who's second? Take a wild guess.

48. Do you help make the lives of single mothers in your life and
community easier by finding out if and how you can assist?

If I say no, I'm still a sexist a-hole right? Is it possible I don't know of any single mothers (I do) but maybe they have family who's helping raise the child? Jeez...


49. Have you politicized your ideas about child rearing and parenthood
radical communities? Do you believe that individuals who are in the
movement have children or that the movement has children?

You shouldn't bastardized your children with your personal politics. Morals and beliefs is one thing, but politics is the last thing your children should be concerned about.


Multi-Category Questions:


50. When was the last time you showed a woman how to do a task rather
than doing it for her and assuming she couldn’t do it?

I can't remember.


51. When was the last time you asked a woman to show you how to do a
task?

Every day while in school.

52. Do you get emotional needs met by other women, whether or not you
are in a romantic relationship with them? Or do you cultivate caring,
nurturing relationships with other men in which you can discuss your
feelings and get your needs met by them?

Women are more into feelings and what's up with people and what not.They can cheer me up quicker than a guy could. Bro's before hoes is bullshit.


53. If a woman discusses with you or calls you out on your patriarchy,
do you make an effort to be emotionally present? Listen? Not emotionally
shut down? Not get defensive? Think about what she said? Admit you
fucked
up? Take responsibility/make reparations for the mistakes you made?
Discuss
your feelings and ideas with her? Apologize? Work harder on your own
shit to make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes again with her
or other women?

I'll just fess up to it. Arguing is major thing that I can't stand and do or say anything to get out of it. If i have to take responsibility fine.I'll do whatever it takes to keep a relationship I truly believe in and want to believe in work.

54. Do you look inside yourself to find out why you fucked up in these
relationships and work to both change your behavior and be a better anti-patriarchy
ally in the future?

Do you?

55. Do you organize regular house meetings or activist meetings to
resolve
conflict in the house/group?

Not in a group.


56. Do you use intimidation, yelling, getting in someone’s physical space,
threats or violence to get your point across? Do you create and
atmosphere
or violence around women or others to threaten them (i.e.: throw
things,
break things, yell and scream, threaten, attack, tease or terrorize the
animals or pets of women in your life)?

Hell no. I have a little thing called self-controlled and realize I'd be freakin' shunned from my family if they found out I was doing this shit.


57. Do you physically, psychologically, or emotionally abuse women?

Take a guess survey. Take a wild fuckin' guess.

58. Do the women in your life (mothers, sisters, partners, housemates,
friends, etc.) have to "remind" you or "nag" you or "yell" at you in
order for you to get off your ass and take care of your
responsibilities?

All the time. Guys are lazy as shit and do stuff the easy way, which pisses women off because.

59. Do you talk to other men about patriarchy and your part in it?

No.

60. When was the last time you thought about or talked about any of
these issues other than after reading this questionnaire?

Never mind survey.

Let's tally up the score!

Scoring: ALL MEN need to work on issues of patriarchy, sexism and
misogyny. However, this questionnaire may point out to you areas of particular
focus or concentration for your own anti-patriarchal/sexist/misogynist
process and development.

.......

btw...I'm bummed Brazil AND Ghana got kicked out the world cup....mother...