Monday, October 17, 2011

Occupying Wall Street--ghettoGEEKS style.

My GradSchool potna' getting engaged in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement out in California...


Let's keep GEEKIN' and being bold and decisive in our quest for liberation and freedom!

---or Run & Hide....

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Friday, August 26, 2011

Letter 2 Tha President


“How hypocritical is Liberty?
That BlindBitch ain’t never did shit for me!
My History----full of CASKETS and SCARS.
My own Black Nation at WAR.
Whole Family behind BARS.
And they wonder why we SCARRED?
Thirteen [years old] lookin’ HARD.
Sister had a baby as an adolescent where was GOD?"

---Tupac Shakur

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Good Day, Good Sir.

We hope this letter finds you in Good Spirits.

But, We write with Great Urgency.

The People are POOR. The People are ANGRY. The People are INSECURE. With each passing day, We find it harder to trust GOVERNMENT or BIG BUSINESS. And for the record, We see little separation between Corporate Interests and Public Policy.

The citizens of this nation do not feel well, Mr. President.

Our purpose here is to speak to you, openly and honestly, regarding the current State of the Union. Above anything else, please know that this Letter was written in with a “solution-oriented” posture in mind.

Who are we?

[This letter is written by TWO individuals. ONE will remain anonymous.]

I, eRiC Durham, am a native of the Great State of Texas. I lived in the Washington, DC area for a period of seven years. I’ve traveled throughout various regions of our country. I love our country. Considering the troubled history between America and African- Americans--and the current social inequalities--I remain proud to be an American.

But....

I left the United States two years ago. I made, then, what seems like an increasingly popular decision now. I moved to South Korea as a “native-speaker” English language instructor. In the two years I lived here, my overall Quality of Life [QOL] has improved...significantly. The improvement in QOL was instantaneous. I haven’t had the money woes I had in America since the day I received my first Korean paycheck.

(I have spoken and written on the differences between South Korea and the U.S. on issues such as Education and HealthCare.)

It was through exiting America, and actually experiencing another system, I came to truly understand the level of influence a governmental system actually possesses. My time and experience in various countries has given me both visible and tangible material through which to observe differences in social order and social control. From my perspective, Law has become more Apparent as opposed to Invisible.

But, back to the issue at-hand: Life as an expatriate has granted me "benefits of citizenry" that were much more difficult to attain in the U.S. As a service to our countrymen, we would like to offer you domestic policy ideas that would benefit The People. That said, we outline our proposed policy agenda:

1.) GOVERNTMENT –ISSUED FIAT CURRENCY

We are proposing a FUNDAMENTAL change in the National Monetary System. The solution for our current fiscal woes resides in the idea of United States sovereignty. It is exactly that simple. As a sovereign nation, we have the right to decide we are no longer fiscally beholden to international Private-Banking Cartels.

As a country, We can decide the value of National Currency is not based on precious metals. We can decide to change to a FIAT system; whereby Currency is valued by the Government. The Government controls the VALUE of the currency by controlling the QUANTITY in circulation.
It should seem incomprehensible that a collection of banks yield more power than the Government. But, that is where we are today. As is, the Private-Banking Cartels are the Masters of the Universe.

In the Fiat system, the banks are forced to operate just like any other business or individual. Banks will no longer have the ability to practice Fractional Reserve Lending (FRL)—which basically means the ability to loan out money that they do not have. Using a fiat-system, coupled with fair and just governmental regulatory arm, might curtail other forms of fiscal trickery as well. The benefits of the fiat system have been displayed during three periods in history; 1.) ancient Rome; 2.) King Henry’s rule of England; and 3.) Abraham Lincoln’s introduction of the “greenback” during the American Civil War period.

For more information on this point, please refer to Bill Still’s “The Secret of Oz.

2.) SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN HONESTY

We must develop a Culture of Honesty.

--and that begins with exercising Honesty about the most BASIC national issues.

America is a nation whereby Hegemony has always ruled with an elusive yet strong hand. Historical American legal documents boast of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; but a formidable argument can be made that speaks of an American history full of totalitarian, facist, and imperial undertones. A Culture of Honesty would lead to greater understanding of who "We" are.

America was founded on notions of racial inequality. But, no one dare mentions issues of race in polite conversation. A Culture of Honesty would lead us to a greater understanding.

Education: In absolute terms, money MUST be spent on Public Education. There’s no way to argue against the pragmatic benefit to a society where more children are educated well. The Nation can only stand to benefit from a well-educated populous.

Everyone KNOWS this. Korea knows it. Nigeria knows it. Japan knows it. China knows it. All nations understand the importance of Quality Education. America knows it. But, in this country, Public Education is under-prioritized and under-funded. A Culture of Honesty would lead us to the solution.

In order to take advantage of a significant investment in Education, we have to enact public policy that would provide RESPECTABLE and LIVABLE wages for families. Affordable housing, quality affordable healthcare, and an economic environment conducive to small businesses are things that compliment the education agenda—and benefit the People and the Nation. A Culture of Honesty would lead to readjusting the increasing debt burden that is piled on EveryDay-Working Americans.

In short, if we are HONEST with ourselves, we will know that a “redistribution of wealth” is NOT a bad thing—instead, it is the ingredient that would make a positive impact on the average American household….and the nation as a whole.

3.) GET RESPONSIBLE WITH DEFENSE SPENDING

Electronics Costs

Large flat screen televisions are wastefully littered throughout national and international US military instillations; the majority of which have cable access. Therefore, the government is stuck with a bill for the costs of the televisions, the necessary installation costs, and the monthly cable invoices. In order to reduce these costs, I suggest limited authorized cable television. Cable television should be reserved for operational use only; i.e., specific units who require monitoring CNN for real-time updates.

Korea Specific Costs

During my time in South Korea, I have witnessed exploitation of U.S. government funds in both minor and major fiscal amounts. Some Koreans entrepreneurs use government resources for personal profit; one example includes cleaning Service Members’ vehicles with government water. Local Korean entrepreneurs have taken advantage of ServiceMembers through inflating prices of goods and services based on the difference between the “cost- of- living” in Korea and the salaries for American military personnel.

There have been operational planning teams working to figure out how to reduce cost on bringing personnel and their families to Korea. In over 50% of the cases, personnel and/or family members arrive separately—this means the U.S. government incurs additional relocation cost. This is yet another issue which could be solved by placing more focus on the scheduling arrivals and departures; and communicating aims and fiscal goals with personnel.

End of year waste

End-of- year budget spending is outrageous. It is common practice throughout every branch of the U.S. military to expend the remainder of funds—in order to justify current budget allotments and request for future increases. These practices result in several wasteful purchases that are not essential to the successful completion of any mission. A common example of this is easily illustrated with core supplies; like that of munitions. Any, and all, ammunition not used during a particular fiscal year is spent. These practices have been in place much longer than you have been in office; but if you see fit, these are areas on which you can affect change and save the US “some cheese.”

CONCLUSION

During the 2008 campaign season, We believed you could help stimulate some type of meaningful change. We campaigned for you. Though our hope was rooted in things larger than you, We saw you a possible catalyst and conduit for Change. Though we have grown skeptical of the “American Dream” over the years, our hope is based on the possibility of America putting forth a sincere effort to move in a better direction. Before We lose total faith in the system, We send you our thoughts.

And thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

eRiC Durham, Ph.D.
OuttaBoundz
AnomaliesLiveOnPeripheries

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Monday, August 1, 2011

3rd World Girl

ONE man. ONE BackPack. THREE countries. #AnomaliesSTILLonPeripheries

"Hello, Sir!" "Tuk-Tuk?" "Boom-Boom?" "Massage?" "Marijuana?"

These were the chants I heard stepping off the bus in Siem Reap. ---and these would be the same chants I would hear in EVERY other city I would visit. Every single city. I won't lie. It was a bit shocking. It definitely let me know that I "wasn't in Kansas anymore."

A couple of dudes and I got a "Tuk-Tuk" (scooter taxi) into the main part of the City. We all went to secure rooms in guest houses and/or hotels...and then met up later for dinner and drinks.

"The People" and "the Tourists" are EASY to differentiate because it is simply based on the Color Line. For all intensive purposes, Westerners are White. Cambodians are dark-skinned Asians. Westerners have money. (not necessarily; but they DO possess the semblance of money) Cambodians are poor. (But, they HUSTLE HARD for the little money they DO make.) Westerners get serviced. Cambodians do the servicing. **But, I'll be writing more about these issues in further detail at a later date. It's not as simple as what is stated in this paragraph.**

"Food, sir?" "Massage, Sir?"

"No, that's okay, Buddy...I'm just going to this bar."

"Boom-Boom, Sir?" "We have Pretty Girlz? You choose. Boom-Boom, Sir?"

"I'm sure, Buddy. Thanks, I'm just going over here."

"Smoke, Sir?" "Want weed, Sir?"

I'll be honest. Early in the trip, I was torn. Seeing the people. Smelling the city. Witnessing poverty like I had never seen. All this tugged at my heart. I felt like one of the Powerful. I wanted to patronize all who asked to sell me a good or service; but immediately understood that could not work.

---and that's when it happened.

I understood "first-hand" how the average White person must feel. To have the SEMBLANCE of Power in the eyes of those with less---but in actuality, you aren't as Rich and Powerful as they might think. (--which can take quite a psychological toll.) This might have actually been the first time I EXPERIENCED this in my life. To be one of the Powerful; in a racial or cultural sense. This alone, shook me at my core. Quite humbling.


The Children.

In the midst of drinking and dancing, I decided to leave one of the clubs to get some fresh air. I stepped out into the warm night air of the Mekong Delta, and caught a vision that literally forced a smile upon my face. Two young Cambodian girls, who couldn't have been older than ten, were dancing the night away. They were putting on quite a show, too! This particular club was an open-air establishment; so even if you were in the street, you could look right into the club and see the dance floor and hear the music with no problem. So, these girls basically brought the party outside with them. ---and right there, in the street, at 1:00 AM, with nothing but drunk Westerners around, these little girls danced. Danced, as if, they had no care in the world....

I started to walk toward my hotel room...I was tired.

Something hit me hard on the leg. I turn around quickly to discover it was a LittleHand. I see this LittleFace smiling up and me, and she hits me again...and then does a little pirouette and smiles at me. *I'm dumbfounded. I've been attacked by a ViolentBallerina.* Her brother starts giggling....most likely because his little sister has rendered me speechless through her combination of Violence and Dance.

The Westerners I'm with are now starting to join in the laughter...and her LittleFace is lighting up---I can see her enjoying the attention. She sees the crowd forming...and then she turns up the heat.

"Oh, you weakling! That didn't hurt."

"Girl, go find your Mama! It's past your bedtime..."

"No, it's not. Plus, you can't tell me what to do, Weakling!"

**WTH?! Realization: I'm no longer in Korea. These people are NOT shy.**

"Girl, if you don't go find your Mama, then I'm going to be one to "put some Heat on that Meat!"

[I make hand motions that simulate a spanking.]

"You don't scare me, Man! Plus, you just got hit twice by a LittleGirl!"

I could not stop this particular child. She eventually wins the "back-and-forth" between us; which had grown into a bit of a public spectacle.

So, I did only the honorable thing. ---I got a picture with the victor.


That interaction epitomized my experience in Cambodia: BIG things jumping out of SMALL packages and surprising the shit out of me.

---This post is dedicated to all those BeautifulPeople I met throughout SE Asia; people who occupy "ghetto" conditions far more intense than the conditions that spawned "ghettoGEEKS." We appreciate the new followers, and we look forward to your contributions.


WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Saturday, May 14, 2011

White Niggaz


At the heart of these thoughts, is the desire to initiate an HONEST conversation on the ways in which race, racialization, and racism are carried out in America. The exigencies responsible the construction of the song “White Niggaz” are rooted in the experiences of a contemporary African-American. The experiences are mine. Through a period of [un]employment and [non]opportunity, I was able to experience phenomena that reinforced and reminded me of what it means to be a “nigger” in America. Coupling these experiences with conversations I’ve had with non-blacks and their use of the word “nigger”---especially as related to “Hip-Hop”---led me to articulate thoughts on a piece of lexicon that remains just as powerful today as it did in the years 1619, 1776, 1865, 1955, 1984, or 2008. Today, “nigger” [and all the subsequent symbols associated with the word] remains as over-used and under-discussed as it has ever been. History unequivocally demonstrates that race has been an issue in this country for as long as the country as existed. This is difficult for some people to admit, but we all know it is fact. “Nigger” is as American as apple pie. –and that is one of the reasons “White Niggaz” is such an effective communication tool. The song immediately challenges audiences to operate from a position of raw truth—as uncomfortable as it may be—for the sake of having an honest discussion on the issues. If we are mature enough to begin the discussion with honesty, then perhaps we will conclude at a place of new insight…a place closer to freedom.

The organization of “White Niggaz” is Key. Dare I say, the organization of the song is just as important as the lyrical component. “White Niggaz” is built as ONE seamless verse separated by rhetoric aimed at TWO different audiences. The first part of the song is directed toward White people, and the second part of the song is directed toward Black people. Both audiences are referred to as “Niggaz” throughout the entire song. In fact, the word “nigga” is used a total of 20 times within the 1:09 verse. The portion of the song that is directed at the white audience is aimed specifically at two specific groups within the greater white community. These groups are the (1) elites and the (2) gullible group of people who have been historically used by the elites as “foot soldiers” for overt racist action. In short, this verse is directed at the Cheneys, Rumsfelds, Kochs, and Wolfowitzes AND the Reagan Democrats, Tea-Baggers, and any other poor/working-class whites who have been unwittingly used by elite groups.

The second half of “White Niggaz” is special for a variety of reasons. An obvious reason is that it is a surprise. The title, “White Niggaz,” leads most people to believe they are about to hear a song totally dedicated to chastising white people. As a result, many are surprised to hear rhetoric that critiques the black community—and challenges black people to correct their mis-steps and question their participation in the continuing destruction of their own interests. Indeed it is rare to hear this type of rhetoric, and blacks who have offered constructive critique to the African-American community, in the public forum, have been labeled “Uncle Toms” or crazy (i.e., Bill Cosby). Similar to the first half of the song, there are two distinct groups within the black community that are the focus. These groups would be the stereotypical lower-class young “gangsta/hoodrat” who idolizes rap fiction. –and the second group is the bourgeoisie black families that deem themselves far too reformed to participate in the issues that affect the greater black community.

WHITE Niggaz:
WHITE NIGGAZ---
--always wanna FIGHT NIGGAZ.
REARRANGE the GAME
Just to fuckin’ SPITE NIGGAZ.
Don’t LIKE NIGGAZ.
But, yet and still, they BITE NIGGAZ.

BLACK Niggaz:
These WHACK NIGGAZ
These fiction over FACT NIGGAZ
Insecure as fuck—so they ride around in PACK NIGGAZ.
Tis-for-TAT NIGGAZ

"White Niggaz" is currently playing on the BlogSpot. So, take a listen for FREE.

Like the song?

Click on this link: CD BABY and purchase the song for $1.00 or the entire album for $5.00!

Please share any comments or questions!

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Hip-Hop 101: On-line Syllabus

Department of Organic Intellectualism
ghettoGEEKS University
Daejeon, South Korea

Bustin' Gats thru Spittin' Raps: Culture, Power, & Politics
Spring/Summer 2011

Instructor: eRiC Durham, Ph.D.
Office Phone: 042-821-5296 [Country Code: 82]
E-mail: ghetto_geeks@yahoo.com
Office: Building W-7, Room 420, 인문대학
Office Hours: TBA (To Be Announced)

Required Text:

1. ghettoGEEKS. (2011). WeNeedBeatz mixxtape, vol. 1 [Audio recording]. Portland, OR: ghettoGEEKS.

2. Durham, E. (2009). Before Barack there was Tupac: Manifestations of Afrocentricity Within the Lyrical Component of Tupac Shakur. Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.

3. Durham, E. (2009). Bustin’ Gats through Spittin’ Raps: The Rhetorics of Violence in the Lyrics of Dead Prez. Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.

Course Assignments:

In this course you have two primary responsibilities: you must read and write extensively and you must think. The effort you put into your reading and writing and the quality of the thoughts you produce as a result of that effort is what I will attempt to evaluate in determining your final grade for the course. I have developed the following assignments toward that end.

1. Participation in Class Discussion: Your first assignment is to come to each class meeting having carefully read the day’s readings, in turn, being well-prepared to discuss the content and your introspective insight during class discussion. The level of your preparation and quality of your participation in the class discussion will determine 10 % of your final grade. At various points in the semester, I may ask for your input in helping to determine this portion of your grade.

2. Reaction Papers: Your second assignment is to keep a written account of record of your reactions to our reading. I want to know what you think of each of the major perspectives that we will encounter during this term. You are to write thoughtful responses on issues that will very well include—but in no way limited by—the following:

1. Human Communication
2. The intersections between Language and Culture
3. The current Geo-political Situation
4. World Travel
5. Race, Racialization, and Racism
6. Oppression
7. Gender Issues
8. Music and Culture

Please note these assignments ARE NOT to be a compilation of book reports. I do not want these writings to be mere summaries (or worse, collections of quotations) of your readings. Analysis and critique is what is desired; along with a sense of interaction and engagement with the readings. Think of this assignment as a way for you to show that you have fulfilled the primary purpose of this course, as stated above: you have been reading and thinking. (Indeed, like you have never read and thought before.)

Reaction papers are due at each individual’s discretion. Each reaction paper must be turned in on the day when the particular topic is to be discussed. Please refer to the schedule to determine when the reaction papers are due for each topic. Papers are 3-5 pages in length.

Course Expectations:

• All class members are expected to read both assigned and other materials and be prepared to discuss them in class.

• You must write all your papers according to the guidelines outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Please make sure that the print of your paper that you submit is clean and readable. Please proofread carefully to check for spelling, grammar, logic, clarity, and completeness. In summary, all your papers should be focused, tightly organized, and well written. For your protection, please make a copy of the final draft of all your written assignments for your own files.

Deadlines:
All written assignments must be turned in class on the day they are due. No exceptions. Assignments turned in late will receive a letter grade reduction for that particular assignment. Each student is also responsible for collecting whatever information is given in class, such as announcements and handouts, etc.

Non-duplication of Credit:
Work should be original for this course. Work submitted for grading elsewhere will be denied credit. Plagiarism is unaccepted and will be severely penalized.

Grading Criteria:
Paper Presentation………………………………10 %
Reaction Papers (5 @ 10% each)………………………………50 %
Pop Quizzes (4 @ 10% each) – Participation & Attendance…………………40 %
TOTAL……100 %

*All students will respect the rights of others, including the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought.
* Instructor reserves the right to change the schedule/and requirements as necessary

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 28, 2011

WeNeedBeatz Mixxtape, vol. 1



In a world that seemingly seeks to obliterate the relationship between Music and Education, ghettoGEEKS seek to reconcile this relationship. WeNeedBeatz contains the intellectual/spiritual stimulation that has been devoid in contemporary rap music. ghettoGEEKS attempt to revisit a time when people received more than just syncopated instrumentation from their music. With this project, ghettoGEEKS supply people with a cultural/racial/economic/political critique of the current geo-political situation created by the PowerStructure. --and we have some fun along the way....

In essence, we have set the blog to music...and WeNeedBeatz is the SoundTrack!

Pick it up at CD Baby.com---and enjoy!

Click the link to purchase! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ghettogeeks1

WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

ZigZagMan - WeNeedBeatz Mixxtape, vol. 1

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

We're stepping away from WRITING for a quick second to hit everybody in the head with some MUSIQ for a moment!

Do yourself a favor and put the first single, "ZigZagMan," in your IPOD today...and then get ready for next week's release of the ENTIRE "WeNeedBeatz" mixxtape, vol. 1. This game will NEVER be the SAME!!!!



WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com