12 October 2008

Kids these days

Seriously, what is up with kids these days?

I look at people in my own generation and those coming after, and all I see are a bunch of privileged, egotistical, self-righteous, elitist, demanding, lazy (need I continue?)...babies!

According to this New York Times article, kids are "panicked, uncertain, and grossed out that their parents can no longer afford to buy them everything their little hearts desire."

Seriously, I think I'm going to be sick.

I grew up on the phrase, "you want to eat don't you? You want to keep a roof over your head don't you?" I grew up with the knowledge that sacrifices must be made for survival and future prosperity.

And no, not having iPods, new phones, designer clothes, the latest and greatest gaming systems, personal accessories, cars, and $100 allowances to just get good grades and not bug mommy and daddy aren't sacrifices.

These are what (White) upper middle class America calls a sacrifice.

No wonder the USA is falling behind the rest of the developed world in every measurable sense— technology, education, innovation, sciences, etc.

If we can't understand that there are more important things than these stale and worthless materialistic items, perhaps we deserve our fate.

I'm going to go practice my Chinese now. At this rate, "made in China" will mean "made in Chinese territory, formerly, the USA."

09 October 2008

New York Times....Typo!

Yes. I just wanted to point out that I, a 1.5 year graduate of McDaniel College, 1 year 3 month writing coach, BA English major who is a product of the Spell Checker Generation found a typo on page 4 of this article.

Oh, and if you read the whole thing (highly suggested), I just want to mention: Queen Latifah is an amazing artist and even more amazing role model for everyone, especially young women of color.

The world is a better place for her presence.

Black Republicans are real?

I thought people like Richard Ivory and Tiffany Shorter were a myth. But, according the New York Times article, Young, Black and Republican in New York, there really are people like them are real.

Maybe I should rethink my position on Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, and the Loc ness Monster.

Seriously though. I'm all for the separation of race and party affiliation. I've only been bitching about my struggles this presidential season. If I didn't believe in the freedom of choice, I'd be one of "those" voters. The ones who never look beyond party labels to the substance (or lack there of) beneath.

But being Black and labeling yourself a Republican? That's hard to swallow, even for me.

The GOP has never supported minorities they way Democrats have. They have been more homogeneous and self-serving than Democrats or any other "party" in our system. Who jumped aboard the civil rights movement? Who has tried to provide equality and opportunity to the underprivileged?

Minimum wage increases, paid maternal leave for parents, affordable health care, worker rights/protections, etc., etc. etc.

Democrats.

Still, I'm not one of those ignorant friends they talked about having. If I were friends with them, I'd continue being friends with them.

We just wouldn't talk politics. Ever.

07 October 2008

Conversations with the elderly

Nurse walks in to check on the patient sitting by the window. "Hi there sweetie, how are you feeling today? Do you want me to move you away from the window? You must be getting hot!" Without waiting for a response, the nurse unlocks the wheelchair and moves it in front of the TV.

"There you go dear, you'll be more comfortable here." Leaning forward, the nurse smiles and runs her hands over the soft hair pulled back in a simple pony-tail. "I'll be back to check on you later, okay?"
***
What kind of relationship do you see going on here? Who is this mysterious patient?

You probably are thinking it's a young child in the hospital, or possibly a mentally handicap individual in some care facility.

Unfortunately, this fictional conversation is taking place between a 20-30 female nurse and an elderly woman. This conversation is all too often a reality.

I have known people who think it is okay to speak to elderly people with that same high-pitched, sing-song tone we use with children. They think it is okay to give them pet-names like dear, sweetie, and honey.

And it pisses me off every damn time.

I look at it this way: I'm X age (24). They are Y age. Out of sheer respect for their age, their life experience, etc. I address the elderly as they tell me to ("you can just call me MaryJane"), by their last name (Mr./Mrs. so-and-so), or simply sir or ma'am.

Guess you could say, my momma raised me right.

Did yours?

06 October 2008

Death, Doctors, and Organ Transplants

What would you consider death?

Would it be after your heart has stopped? If so, for how long?
Would it be if you were unequivocally brain dead? But whose to say what that is?
Would it be if you were certain to remain a vegetable?

Interesting questions. Interesting debate remarked upon by the Washington Post.

I had never really thought about it. Like many, I assumed death was after the heart stopped or the brain was permanently kaput.

I didn't know that death was open to interpretation. I thought it just...was. I know that my "interpretation" of death deals with the soul departing, but the soul does not depart without the body's passing.

Or is it the body does not pass without the soul's passing?

Either way, death is no longer simple.

What do you consider "irrevocably dead" and "open for business" for organs harvesting?