Music is Living: Black People and the Music Stereotype

To All God's Children,

" 'Wouldn't you say Pooh?'
'Say what?' asked Pooh, opening his eyes.
'Music and Living.'
'The same thing," said Pooh"

From the Tao of Pooh

--> Schizophrenia is prevalent among African Americans and the textbooks say it’s because of some disorganized parenting styles and high stress lives. I think it’s also because people by nature, not just African Americans, want to enjoy life to the fullest. Like it states in Taoism, music, dancing, and singing is living and being in harmony with nature. Think of one culture that doesn’t have music or dance? The brilliant mind of some impoverished African Americans are being suppressed due to lack of environmental stimulation or resources to promote one’s natural talents and brilliance. In essence, I am saying that like the people of my family, this culture and lifestyle established by our White ancestors have literally driven African Americans crazy. And yes I claim Blacks and Whites in my ancestry because I am part African and Irish American.

It’s evaluated as somewhat condensing to Blacks that we are good dancers and musicians although it’s considered a positive stereotype, but it isn’t a bad thing. Music is life and people who are connected to music are living life to the fullest. They also have a problem with Black rappers because they feel they are undeserving of being in the upper class. Well, why does anyone deserve to be rich? It’s not about deserving it’s just something that happens to certain people. Most rich kids born into privilege are just going to keep right on trucking. They didn’t work for it. At least rappers have to say words in rhythm in order to get where they are – they do something it isn’t handed to them. If anyone should be yelled at for living off of handouts it’s the children of wealthy people.


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-->Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that for some, but can never say all, Blacks that being “smart” is being “uncool” and “White”. White man did not invent knowledge. To be intelligent does not mean being white or uncool. The Hip hop religion was born from rebellion against white men, but really it’s still a submission to their rules. Hooking any sort of negativity into music and dance is admitting that the Puritans were correct. Music and dance plus Satan worship is admitting that the Christian or Puritans are right and that there is a devil that opposes God. Music and dance can be positive. Holy hip hop is not the answer to breaking the negativity that stems from the hip hop religion or way of life. Let the children invent their own way of producing music. Why do we have to do it the “white man’s” way if you have a problem with it? Let the creativity of the children shine and allow a new way to find joy in life without self-degradation.

Peace be with you


Angels Book Series by D. C. Cowan 

The Rebound Effect and Releasing Prejudiced Thinking

What's up God's Children,


-->The Fact: There was a Daily Show skit presented by the Black correspondent, Larry Wilmore that drew parallels between stereotypes of “Blackness” and John McCain as the presidential candidate. His disorganized campaign, prison record (i.e. Prisoner Of War or POW), anger at “The Man” (i.e. media), showing up late (i.e. CP or colored person time) or not at all for David Letterman, and how he’s more like the Black candidate than Obama was.
My Opinion: I think it shows an interesting look into the ignorance of stereotypes. The parallels drawn between a McCain's scattered campaign and the concept of being "black" in America is uncanny. Sketches like this that make fun of the stupidity of stereotypes and labels sort of serve to reduce the power they have on our minds. You got to understand that Americans will never be color blind, culturally speaking. Psychology studies have examined the rebound effect which is when suppressing prejudiced thinking can cause an effect where there is more prejudice released later. Releasing our thoughts on racial issues reduces prejudice much more than keeping it in. Why not embrace our differences and enjoy a good laugh about the foolishness that some narrow-minded Americans still believe. The show (i.e. Daily Show) makes fun of blacks, women, old white male bureaucrats, funny looking British guys and Jews all the same.

Peace

Angels Book Series by D. C. Cowan