Medium of Mayhem

So since I'm a teacher, you all know I have to educate a little bit. Did you know that the singular form of the word "media" is "medium"? I'm sorry I had to do that because some people really don't know and I wanted you to be able to understand the title. Enough with education, let me get to "My Thoughts".

In lieu of the steroid allegations swirling around Alex Rodriguez, yet another baseball player who tested positive for performance enhancers, I decided to write a post about how our media plays a big part of our opinions and emotions. This post might be a little long so if you wish to turn around now, I won't even be mad at you. But if you would like to take this ride through history with me, then sit back and enjoy. ("Enjoy yourself!"-Rick James well actually Dave Chappelle...I know, I'm so damn random lol)

We as Americans have always looked to our media to bridge the gap between what we already know, and what's going on in the world. Everyday you turn to your local news, CNN, MSNBC, etc. to listen to reports about what has happened in your neighborhood, city, state, country, and/or the world. But have you ever felt that these news programs have been controlling your emotions? No? Well listen to this.

In 2001, right after 9/11, the government instituted a terror alert that used colors to let you know the level of concern that you should have in respect to another attack occurring (Instead of colors, I think STD's would've been more effective. I definitely wouldn't have gotten on a plane if it was level Herpes, but I might've taken a chance on level crabs lol) Every time the level went up, people ran out and stocked up on food and supplies and decided that they would spend a little more time at home (like a nuke wouldn't take out your whole area). I might just be a conspiracy theorist, but I honestly thought this was a ploy to play with the emotions of the American people because you can control a whole country if you scare them to death. Now, in this case, I believe the media was just a pawn used by the government to control us. Some of you are going to say, "this didn't really affect me". And to you I say, let me continue.

So, since my last illustration didn't mean much to some of you, let me dig deeper into history. Tupac and Biggie's feud went public when Tupac was shot after an attempted robbery at a New York recording studio back in 1994. An attack through dis records and magazine articles ensued. Now, even though this "beef", if you will, started between Tupac, Biggie, and Puffy (or whatever he's calling himself now-a-days) rappers who were in the inner circles of both artists quickly chose sides. Since both artists were from different parts of the country, the beef soon became a "coastal" war. This "East Coast, West Coast beef", which was a phrase coined by a newspaper columnist and not the artists themselves, was ignited by the media outlets that were covering the story. This much attention made the every day hip hop fan choose sides (if you were on the east coast you know you shouted "fuck the west coast" a time or two, and vice versa). At the end, not only were the lives of two of the most influential figures of hip hop lost, but other artists were threatened and assaulted because they were on the wrong side of the country. The media strengthened our pride in the coast that we belonged to by making us so angry at the other coast, ultimately forcing each coast to bond together. Now this wouldn't have been so bad, if it didn't turn into a hatred that cost a few people their lives. And all this to sell a few magazines and newspapers. Damn shame right? Don't agree? Well keep reading.

For this example, I'm going to switch it over from the media controlling the emotions of the people, to the media's court of public opinion. Last week I made a comment on facebook about the Chris Brown and Rihanna situation. When I went to check my status, I saw that there were a lot of supporters of Chris Brown who felt that I shouldn't have made that statement (even though it clearly stated "IF he messed her face up like that, he needs his ass whipped"). One of the comments that I received, spoke to the notion that you're innocent until proven guilty. Now, how many of you believe this? Okay, before I tell you to go kill yourself, I'll consider that this is what we've been told for so long and in the court of law this is correct. But this is the court of the public opinion, and it is the exact opposite. In the media's eyes, you are guilty until proven innocent! And if this weren't the case, then why would we have indicted Chris Brown before we ever had the chance to hear his side of the story? (Well some of you Chris Brown fans believe that Rihanna must have done something for that to happen to her) Why were pictures released? Why have different media outlets released their own version of what happened? I guess, because if someone throws out an allegation about you, it must be true.

Still not a believer? I gave you two examples of how our media is able to control our emotions and one example of how they can persuade our opinion. Still aren't sold? Then nothing I can write will sway your opinion. So we can just agree to disagree. Which ever way you feel, "It's Just My Thoughts, Just What I Was Feeling at the Time"

Why I Blog

I promise that I will make this quick. So, the title of this post is self explanatory. Every since November when I decided I was going to stop talking about writing, and I actually signed on blogger, I have heard all type of feedback about my writing a blog. It's been mostly positive and for that I'm glad, but I have heard a number of negative comments. Now I'm not really a person who is sensitive to the criticisms that I receive, cause hell if they can nail Jesus to a physical cross, what makes me think that I can't get nailed to a proverbial one? But I've noticed that most of my negative comments come from men. Why is that? I guess I can understand a little bit because guys expressing how they feel on certain matters is looked upon as "gay" or not masculine. But I would really like to know the answer to this question, so if you're not too busy, please leave me a comment on the matter. I know that guys who make these negative comments don't read this blogs, so if you could do me a favor and be reporters for this post it will be greatly appreciated. Please comment on your findings.

Friends, How Many of Us Have Them? Part Deux

First, I would just like to thank the 7 people who were able to give their feedback to help me with the construction of this post. I know that you all have busy lives, and reading a post takes time out of your day that can be put towards something more important. And to respond takes even more of your precious time. For this I am appreciative. For those of you who were not able to respond, I understand that you might not have had the time. It's cool, I won't take it personal. But I would like you to do me a favor. Please go kill yourself! (If you need instructions on the quickest way possible, please refer to my "Pimp Juice" post). Naw I'm just joking. Don't be so sensitive lol. Okay, let me stop playing around and continue "My Thoughts".

I have read all of your definitions of what a "true" friend is, and it is exactly what I figured. Although you all were pretty much saying the same thing, your differences were what made the wording and interpretation different. There were a few reasons I decided to right about this topic. But one story in particular motivated me enough to have my fingers pounding the keyboard right now.

Now everyone who knows me knows that I have alot of friends. I've always been a friendly person and I guess it's just in my lineage. Now that's not to say i'm the perfect friend. Nor would I say that everyone considers me a true friend. But I was s little shocked to hear a story that was told to me by one of my co-workers a few weeks ago. So apparently my co-worker, who i'm calling Sheila to protect her anonymity, has a friend that she calls "best". This best friend was dating a guy who she decided to engage in consentual sexual intercourse with (before I continue, please repeat that last line). Then, of course, she gets pregnant. Now this best friend is over joyed and decides to share the news with all of her friends and of course her male suitor. Needless to say he isn't too thrilled. So he shows his enthusiam by telling her that he's getting back with his ex-girlfriend and that she needs to get an abortion. Obviously the distraught best friend lets everyone that she knows what happened. And even though she was given advice by Sheila and other friends to keep the baby as a lesson to the guy, she decides to get the abortion anyway (that is a whole 'nother subject that I will have to discuss later). So fast forward to 3 weeks ago. The best friend calls up Sheila explaining how the guy is talking to her about hanging out. Now even though the best friend was done wrong by the guy, she still feels some attraction to him so she is contemplating it. She ask Sheila what does she think and her response is, "I don't know". Now I know what most of you would have said, "What the hell are you thinking!" (especially you Candy, lol) But Sheila didn't give that reaction. So I asked Sheila why wouldn't you tell her how you felt? Her reply was, "Cause that's not what she wanted to hear". I was taken aback by this statement because I had never heard anyone say something like that about their best friend. So I asked her did she really consider her a "true" friend, and she said yes. So I asked her what her definition of a "true" friend is and she said some times you just have to tell your friends what they want to hear.

After our argument about the subject, I really began to think about what my definition of a true friend is. And to save all of us some time, I will say that it was along the lines of what you all wrote. The one thing thing that I will say that I came up with is: There is a big difference between what you want to hear and what you need to hear. Delivery makes all the difference in the world, but if you are a true friend, then you should know the person enough to know what type of delivery they respond to and what will make them not want to confide in you. For it is not in the moments where smiles occur that defines us as true friends, it is those moments where tears are shed that links us together (i promise that i just made that up...sounds like a philosopher huh? "yeah, yeah I'll philosphi on top of ya" lol im sorry I know that was random but listen to track 5 on Common's album in order to get it)

I want to take this time to apologize to those who I consider, or who consider me a true friend(namely Meka, Greg, and Doo Doo). I've definitely been slacking lately which is why I hope you all can forgive me. I wrote this post to tell a story about someone else, but it ended up revealing some stuff within myself that I must work on. Now you all have opinions on the matter, and I hope you will express them, but "It's Just My Thoughts, Just What I Was Feeling at the Time"

Friends, How Many Of Us Have Them?

Before I even attempt to get this post off and running, I just want to say I am sooooo sorry for my long absence. I can't even believe it's been over a month since my last post! Well between working (jobs 1-3) and trying to become a better teacher, I haven't even had the time to sit down and think of a topic. But fresh off the dome I have something I think you all can connect with. Now let me get on with "My Thoughts".

How many of you would say that you have true friends? All of you? Is that right? Okay. Well before you even decided to walk right into that trap, you should've asked yourself: What the hell is Jarrett talking about? This is what I mean. You really can't even answer that question without a clear cut definition of the word friend. Right now before I finish this post, I want everyone who reads my stuff to leave me a comment giving me YOUR definition of a true friend. (No this isn't a cheap way of getting everyone to leave me a comment like I've been begging for, forever...Well maybe it is lol) I really want to see what everyone has to say before I continue with "My Thoughts" REMEMBER! THIS POST IS INTERACTIVE. I NEED YOUR COMMENTS TO FINISH MY POST SO GET TO WRITING!

Pimp Juice?

This post is something that I've thought about for such a long time but didn't decide to write about. Until now. Actually every since the song "Pimp Juice" has come out I have subconciously sought out peoples opinions on the matter(refer to Nelly's second album if you don't know the song).


In order to understand this post I must first explain what the term "Pimp Juice" means. This is for the people that either haven't heard the song or don't really grasp the definition of a song when they hear it(beat lovers is what I call them). "Pimp Juice" is simply the measures that a person takes to attract the opposite sex. Well I guess the same sex too. You know what I mean.

Ladies, this is that cleavege that you show off when you go out somewhere, or that lil black dress that you break out when you are trying to be extra fly. Guys, this is the iced out bracelet that you rock, or that car you wash 2 or 3 times a week. Whatever it is, you use it as a ploy to be attractive.


Now ladies, I know the first thing you're going to say: I dress nice for myself! And my reply to that would be (excuse my french in advance) BULLSHIT! There is no way that you spend hours getting ready to go out just to look good for you. It sounds good, but no. Everybody likes reassurance. It's okay to admit that, cause that's real. So in essence, that right there is your "Pimp Juice". I don't think guys have a problem admitting this, but if they do, they're faking too.


This brings me to the real purpose of this particular post. Whatever you do to attract the attention of another person, is how they will view you. Don't understand? Example: Ladies, if you are out with your girls, and you're dressed the sleeziest, then I'm pretty sure that some guy is going to try and holla at you. Problem is, your personality is the farthest thing from his brain. He sees those breast you're serving up on a platter and his mind goes back to when he was a baby. Yes he has sex on the brain, and can you blame him? Of course you can cause everyone should want to get to know your personality when you're half dressed(yes that was sarcasm).

Example 2: Guys, when you get to the bar, and you're flashing your chain with the diamonds in it, and you're pulling wads of cash out of your pocket, and the girl at the other end keeps staring at you, it's because she thinks you're the sexiest thing on this earth and she wants to get to know you (there goes that sarcams again). No, she could possibly be thinking of ways to get that wad of cash out of your pocket. Or how she can get you to take her to Puerto Rico (lol). And honestly can you blame her? That is what you were using to attract her.

My thing is, I see men and women get mad all the time because they say either he only wants my body or she only wants my money. But what could you be doing to contribute to this? I'm not telling the ladies to dress like nuns and guys I'm not telling you to stop flashing your money. I just want you to know that "Pimp Juice" is real and whatever you use to attract somebody is exact how they will view you. So be careful.


I think this topic is a very good one so I am expecting a bunch of comments on it. So if you don't comment, go directly to your kitchen, grab a knife, and kill yourself (preferably by slitting your wrist vertically cause you'll bleed out faster). Everyone could have a different perspective on this matter, but I wrote so it's "Just My Thoughts, Just What I Was Feeling At The Time".

If The Shoe Was On The Other Foot...

Let me start this post off by saying I am so sorry for the delay between posts. I have been teaching at a new school for the last couple of weeks and these kids wear me out so much, that I don't feel much like writing when I get home. Add that to the fact that when I do feel like writing I have the biggest writing block and we have month long (well almost month long) hiatus on our hands. It's fine becasue I've had a few conversations in the last couple of weeks that have helped me get back on track. Shot out to all of you who helped me get back on track with this post. Now enough patting yourselves on the back, let me get on with "My Thoughts".

How many times have you heard the saying, "a good man is hard to find"? Well I hear that all too often. The reason, there are so many more women in this country then there are men. Now when you subtract the men that are gay, in jail, married, in relationships, or just really don't have anything going for themselves that ocean of men turns into a puddle. So in essence, a good man isn't hard to find, he's damn near impossible.

But ladies, what constitutes a good man? Is it a man that has a good job? A man that doesn't have kids? Or if he does have kids, he takes real good care of them? A man with no drama from his childs mother? A man with ambition? Goals? Well ladies, there are plenty of these men out here. But there is one problem, you are all after him. Yes, the good man that you wish for has so many women chasing him that he has become a tad bit arrogant. So he feels like, why date one woman when I can date a few and test the waters? And honestly can you blame this ideology?

This lead me to ask the question, what would happen if the shoe was on the other foot? Would women take advantage of the fact that there were so few of them and they had an abundance of men to choose from? Or would women choose to find one man and stick to him? Before I reveal what I think, I would like to have everyone comment and tell me how they feel. However I feel "It's Just My Thoughts, Just What I Was Feeling At The Time".

Stop Snitching?/ Keep D.C. Black?

It has come to my attention that the black youth of America has taken the "Stop Snitching" movement to a new level. If you can remember, a few years back, a dvd had surfaced with the young citizens of Baltimore pleading with the world to stop tattling on people. I really didn't view much of this dvd so you could probably tell me more of what it entailed (sorry I usually try to do my homework a little more before I start writing). But basically it is a bunch of criminals, who engage in criminal activity, trying to continue this criminal activity, without penalty or consequence.

Now usually this "Stop Snitching" plea was aimed at criminals who give information about other criminals in order to reduce the amount of time they themselves have to spend behind bars. But now-a-days "snitching" has encompassed any information given to the police from anyone.

This lead me to wonder, what constitutes "snitching"? Is the old lady that watches the corner of her block and reports whatever illegal activity she sees a snitch? Is the famous rapper who identifies a suspect in the slaying of a friend a snitch?

Well I'm pretty sure the criminals out there aren't compelled to read this post, so those of you out there who are apart of this "Stop Snitching" movement please give me the parameters of your ideology? One of my favorite shows is "First 48". If you haven't seen it before, it is a reality police show where homicide detectives attempt to get a lead or solve murders within 48 hours of the call to the scene. During this show I've seen hardened criminals "sing like a canary" (just a colorful way to say snitch) when facing the possiblity of an extended stay in the state penn. or club fed. Now, if the criminals aren't honoring this code, how do you expect law abiding citizens to honor it?

The way I feel is; If you don't want to be snitched on, stop doing shit! It's that simple. Why do you "stop snitching" dudes think that you shouldn't have consequences for your actions? I have consequences for mine. Life isn't designed for you to do stupid shit and get away with it. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people do, but they end up getting caught for something else stupid that they do.

This kind of ties into my next point. I have started to see my "chocolate" city turn into cookies and cream. In the beginning I was just like every black person who grew up in D.C. "Keep D.C. Black", cause that is all I know. But as I have matured, I realize that I have to choose. Do you love your city, or the reputation that it carries? I realize that for most people, holding that credibility of being from the Nation's Capitol means more than the genuine care for D.C. If this wasn't so, then why would young kids brag about having more murders per capita than any other city. These same kids see the "stop snitching" video and are lulled into believing that holding your tongue is the honorable thing to do.

In my opinion, any one who can be hushed into silence, when they know they should talk, is a coward. And you can feel whatever type of way about me, but at the end of the day, no man will keep me from making the streets safer for my unborn children. So if I'm a snitch, so be it. But it beats being a coward any day in my book. And why would my major concern be to keep D.C. black, when that might conflict with keeping D.C. safe? I only pray that if I was on the other side, and God forbid somebody decided to take me out, and you have the power to put them away, that you would hold me down and do the right thing. I'm aware that some of the people that read this won't share my views but "It's Just My Thoughts, Just What I Was Feeling at the Time."