It really isn't that complicated.
But it's amazing how simple minds
can intentionally complicate things.

People don't think that there is
racism because the specifics of racism
were not laid bare for so long.

People maintained their prejudices
in quiet, safe places where they
were never called out on their beliefs.\

Now that the realness has hit the
streets and the airwaves, people are
uncomfortable about appearances.

Exposure is upsetting to many who
were comfortable in the dark.

***

What Color is Your Patriotism?

Today in London, nearly 2 dozen NFL players kneel during the U.S. national anthem

I'm always curious as to what makes things or people tick.

The outrage, negativity, and condemnation that has arisen over

the last year in response to the peaceful protesting of the national

anthem really has me perplexed.

So, when in doubt, ask questions.

America, here's your chance to express yourself (see, we actually

are allowed to do that here...at least in theory.) But first, I want you

to give careful, reasoned consideration to the following questions.

If you are opposed to football players (and other athletes, or students)

being 'unpatriotic' by refusing to stand at attention or recite a pledge,

I am especially interested in your participation.

*******************************************************

What does 'America' mean to you?

Who decides what freedoms are protected?

Is there only one kind of patriotism?

Should we always blindly follow those who represent 

our country?

What are the words to our national anthem?

What is the story behind the national anthem?

Do you believe in the First Amendment?

Who should be allowed to protest?

Should people who wish to sit during the anthem/Pledge 

be forced to stand?

Is personal choice an option in your version of America?

What do you know about the practices and problems 

that Kaepernick and other players are protesting?

Do you think that law enforcement in this country has

a problem with extreme violence?

Do you acknowledge that racism is a force in the U.S.?

Why do you think the protests are unpatriotic?

What is your favorite part of being in America?

Do you believe in everything this country stands for and does?

How do you reconcile loving America but hating the

exertion of free speech?

"Stupid Bitch of the Year" Awards

Forget Bawbawa's "Least Interesting;" this here is the

real deal...the Dumbest Bitches. And Yes, Rihanna, honey...

once again you hit Number One! (And evidently are too stupid

to care that it's not something to be proud of!)

You beat all the competition out this year, honey;

Ann Coulter, Ann Romney, Victoria Jackson, and all

the rest of the thrice-used douches.

I mean, you are correct, dear;

"Tain't nobody's business."

('Unapologetic' my ass.)

But that lyric has been sung before, and better.

Yes, a retread...just like your tired, ignorant ass

cozying up to a punk that beat your ass senseless and silly.

Not our business?
Then quit being in the public eye.

Stop flaunting the controversy.

And when he whoops you like a dog again, don't

be on Oprah and Barbara Walters crying about it.

It's bad enough you're ignoring the impact that a

person such as yourself--who clearly markets and aspires to

be a revered person by youth--is making such an incredibly

stupid decision which will teach all these young girls that

being knocked the fuck out isn't sufficient reason to stay

away from someone.

No, in addition to that message, you're showing

pride, and indifference to others' concerns.

Worse yet, you're using the quagmire to market

and promote music; you're trying to make money

off of getting back with a woman beater.

I wash my hands of it, and hope that others

will too. First time someone gets hit? It's a crime.

If you go back after he hit you? I'd hold you down while he

whips that ass.  Maybe you can get some sense beat into you.

No, it is our bizness if you take your crazy ass down

to the boxing match and get the dumbness slapped clean

off your ig'nint face. You are --like it or not-- a hero and

an inspiration to young girls, and this is intolerable.

I hope parents will boycott you. I hope they'll sit down with

 their kids and explain why you are troubled and unacceptable.

But what of all the girls with no concerned or involved parents?

I would expect radio stations to do their part and be

responsible to the community, boycotting both you

and the dopey midget's 'music.' After all, Michael

Jackson was panned and banned by disc jockeys everywhere

after he faced allegations...a fate which has befallen artists

from Cat Stevens to R. Kelley to the Dixie Chicks, as

public sentiment has turned against once-popular

artists for a variety of reasons.

But alas, like you, they're only in it for the money.

Certainly you and the pussy have proven you are not

appropriate influences for children or other

impressionable folks!

Your 'man' has never shown remorse, and regularly

threatens other women and encourages his

followers to do the same.

I would go from calling you RiRi to CrayCray..

but someone might mistake that it was short for

Cranium, which clearly it isn't.

Go on back to his criminal ass.

Hope you survive the experience.

If there's any justice in the world, your career won't.

***

Read Between the Opposing Lines

What's interesting (yet not at all surprising) to me

about the Chick-FAIL-A support of homophobia

is the media response.

People asking why 'the gays' are so worked up,

trivializing the significance of the donations,

lampooning and deriding the boycott efforts, etc.

What's overlooked is the direct correlation between hate

speech (which is precisely what money spent at the

'restaurant' funds) and direct, violent action against

people who are LGBT.

Hate crimes, vandalism, slurs, work bias, school

bullying, ostracization in the church, etc.

There's also a direct link between hate speech

(which is always filled with lies, myths, and other

propaganda,) and the rise in self-harm incidents

amongst gays and lesbians and bisexuals...

particularly kids.

And try this on for size;

if a major business chain were giving

financial support to the KKK or a

neo-Nazi group that called for active

harassment and political leaning on the

lives and rights of black people or

Jewish people....well, obviously the tenor

of this conversation would be completely

different.

Somehow, dismissing and making light of

gay, lesbian, bi, and queer/questioning folks

is still looked on pretty leniently in this country...

and that's a hell of a story, right there.

***