Understand racially inflammable issues as an immigrant to USA

The unpopular 3 N Words: Nigga, Nazi, Nuclear

The three words that have depicted so much trouble in a long line of human history are: the nuclear bomb, Nazi and Nigger. I am going to talk more about the word Nigger here. In my opinion it still wreaks much more havoc even today whether in jest or not (http://www.nazi-lauck-nsdapao.com/nigger-jokes.html and http://www.somethingawful.com/d/awful-links/awful-link-2566.php). The other words can be looked up by those interested in these topics. I was prompted into writing after I met two great friends who introduced me to a sensitivity cultural shock. It all began when I tried to figure out how to address them out of respect to their status, age and my cultural background. It turned I was asked to use their first names comfortably. I admit it was not easy at first but now am used. Once you live in someone’s home you do everything in your power to behave and remain cordial. You are called upon to balance the tenets of the adage ‘when in Rome do as the Romans’ and common sense etiquette. But, all this is lived experience that depends on whim, attitude and moods. These friends also introduced me to sensitivity towards diversity where such terms like: tolerance, feminism, race, equal opportunities, sexuality, power, inter-ethnicity, integrity, eco-conservation and rights hit me back strongly, even more strongly than before. And so in that situation I got to hear of a case of Paula Deen, a very well established celebrity chef who was being put to task for having used the word Nigga ( N-word) and arranged to recreate a wedding party in which black Americans would dress like slaves; the way it was before abolition of slavery in USA. This was the un-doing to Paula’s businesses (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2013/0622/Paula-Deen-and-the-N-word-A-plate-of-bigotry-with-that-fried-chicken-video).  Paula did apologise for using the N-word but two incidences pointed towards pre-arranged and deliberate insensitivity towards racially inciting tendencies: arranging a slavery-themed Southern plantation wedding and; her attitude that was verbally expressed in a form that spells no remorse (http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2013/06/paula-deen-will-never-use-the-word-nigger-again-suffers-more-losses/). Paula Deen became a poster girl of racism and in the process lost allies and sponsors. It was also said that these very sponsors were not fair and needed to hold celebrities to the same standards like politicians whether democratic or republicans (http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2013/06/paula-deen-will-never-use-the-word-nigger-again-suffers-more-losses/). There are those who are called upon to talk about the ills going on as a result of bad governance and leadership at various positions. That the same tone they condemn the use of the N-word should be the same against say, corruption (http://goarticles.com/article/Why-So-Mean-to-Paula-Dean-for-Using-the-Word-Nigger/7700585/). Then one comes across a blog that posits treating ‘niggeritis’ a hate for black people (http://bluefolktronica.blogspot.com/2013/06/on-paula-deen-and-n-word.html). Many people are reacting differently. There are those who say that the privileged positions of those in charge of slaves and/or having a skin color other than that of slaves gave them the impression of lords. They expected to be served and have everything coming to them. The word nigger which is also spelled Nigga has been used been used abusively and as a demeaning attribute. The word was a death-cry and it led to the death of Emmett Till a 14 year old boy in Mississippi for making passes at a white girl (http://abcnews.go.com/US/BlackHistory/story?id=1543526&page=2#.Uc9jaGK1FiE).  The use of the word was followed by apportioning out suffering, despicable ill-treatment, ridicule and sub-human conditions. That is how the word was passed on to the present generation from past generations (http://www.philasun.com/news/4389/38/Paula-Deen-s-sin-wasn-t-that-she-said-a-bad-word.html). The National Association for the Advancement of Colored buried the word Nigger in 2007. Others, like the hip-hop and entertainment industry say in using the word Nigga (especially not spelled nigger), it is used as a ‘friendly’ term   (http://abcnews.go.com/US/BlackHistory/story?id=1543526&page=2#.Uc9jaGK1FiE). In various cases the N-word has been used to define lifestyle, outlaw and criminal identity (http://leejohnbarnes.blogspot.com/2010/07/mel-gibson-chris-rock-and-niggers.html). It is argued that the N-word can also be used as an euphemism depending on one’s peers or as an abusive term and that way it is still used derogatively. This has to be determined and one has to be put to task to explain their circumstances. In the case of Paula Deen there was an expectation of remorse but apparently it was lacking. The N-word is taboo and that is how American society is packaging that word. It has historical roots, tied with slave era and it is an extension of such mechanisms that lower a black person (denigrate). 

In one sentence

Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.

This is what makes USA a great nation

This was the conversation we had before the end of day yesterday. We are a group of five people who are new to USA and reminisce about where that 'made-it-grail' is found. Who doesn't? I hear a lot of 'sky is the limit,'  ' you are in the land of milk and honey,'........ Now,I want to be honest. I am standing on a brown, sort of dark grey soil and do see many stones. This must be sedimentary rocks. I know honey is made by bees and milk by cows. It takes effort to rear cows and much resilience to establish an apiary. No government provides a plateful of food, spoon-feeds one and clears the tables. I waited for US Government to come to my place to get me benefits while I lie in bed like a royal ( by the way even royals-the ones of my tribe most especially earn bread from their sweat). Sweat? "Did I hear you well?" This was a statement I heard once a year ago. Those who never want to toil cannot make it better in USA. What makes this, US of A  a great nation? Industriousness of the people, established systems that translate as opportunities and belief of the people in possibilities if they apply themselves. A patriotic pride is not far behind.

WHAT WORKS:

What works? If America ensures that an individual has opportunities to pursue possibilities and by extension benefits her or his community, then that is what works. There are various skills needed for one to navigate through life. Life has milestones and commodities that need to be addressed if one is to lead a quality fruitful life. Education, family, relations, health, diet, empowerment, fulfillment and ability to engage in activities are some of the crucial executions that are immediately evident. USA, is one of the countries ranking high in ensuring its populace is provided opportunities to pursue a quality fruitful life. It is the reason why all forms commerce, infrastructure and investment in human and non-human resource are made.  The basic criteria that make up what works for America are summarized in enduring systems and infrastructures that in turn are opportunities for people or individuals to see possibilities and achievements. A country that invests in mechanisms to ensure, sustain, improve, prolong and reduce suffering of its population will go a long way in providing contexts for quality life. Whereas the two contexts; possibilities and opportunities are two sides of the coin, they are in turn influenced by needs, wants and situations humans may find themselves in. Needs and wants reflect the multitude composition of Americans (both citizens and non-citizens but living in America). In America certain basic needs are met through standardized service provision mechanisms. Such services like: health, dental, education, literacy, restitution, conflict resolution, representation, enterprising opportunities, civic activities and security in the basic or tailored state are at a very high level in America compared to most other countries that are not in the first world. The level of choices presented before an American or a person living in America is immense. This is what differentiates America. Sustenance in America is provided with knowledge to make informed choices. Life is made easier with possibilities for one to weigh their situation, engage in basic problem-analysis and solving, know their way around service provision and engage in accessing opportunities to improve on themselves, families and communities eventually. Empower the individual and in turn you are empowering a community and nation eventually. That is the dividend.

When it comes to critical numbers be it in opportunities (translated as security, jobs and infrastructural investments), value and quality of life, US of A holds a candle.

Father's Day

On a day like this, I remember you Dad:

I call you old man, sometimes old-folk;

do not take my play on titles as mischief,

I am fond of you!

Remember when I got on your nerves;

I came home after wasting so much money,

you never gave up on me old-man,

you tried all means to maintain order.

A good child is from a good father,

Obedience, industriousness and care,

Long-suffering tenderness and love,

All are manifest because of a father.

Father when it comes to it,

When it comes to the little things,

 Or the big things, my appreciation of everything;

 is only possible because of you.

Take time to think about this

As a new immigrant to USA, where do you stand?
1. Are you in school?
2. Are you living decently?
3. Are you getting health advice?
5. Are you getting the right nutrition?
These and many more issues are the ones we shall help you with.

Donate books to Africa!

You are someone with text books in your attic!
May be 1 or 30 boxes of your past efforts to improve on your knowledge.
You have a degree, diploma or any form of certification to show for it.
Yet, you also have the attic and basement filled with books gathering all sorts of dust.
In Africa, there are people who can benefit from them.
Am looking for books.
Donate books.
We intend to establish a library and reading resource center.
Donate those books.
We are not in any way going to sell the books.
All we are doing is to collect and avail.