God Bless America--The Patriotism Rant

We've seen this bumper sticker. Blatantly patriotic mess of a bumper sticker.

I just can't comprehend it. First of all I'm going through a period of extreme faith questioning. It's not the first, but it's definately the most intense.

If God is benevolent in wonderful, why would he want to endow his goodness exclusively to the U.S.A.? First of all, our country may be one of the most sucessful ones, but is it really that wonderful of a model? I suppose that depends on what you're seeking. If you're into material sucess and advancing yourself, then yes, it is the right choice for you. Also, we really do have a great deal of freedoms and I will acknowledge this in order to keep things in perspective.

But back to my point. I just find those bumper stickers and that type of patriotic music and the whole mess of that sentiment to be so ethnocentric. I suppose I don't really have a problem with wanting your home to be prosperous--but seriously, we are not the center of the world.

My friend Kate knows my standings on patriotism and told me of a bumper sticker that reminded her of me-- "God Bless the World, No exceptions"
When I actually get around to taking the blasted driver's test this is something I'll have to consider.

On to patriotism in general...
While I can be prideful of some things, I find it hard to be patriotic. I mean...
Why would you want to have extreme pride in something just because you were associated with it by default? I was born in Arkansas, but am I supposed to be proud that we rank nearly last in many categories?

No, I'm not going to have pride in the south just because I am from the south. I physically can't. Show me a reason to be prideful in the south.

I'll save my confederate flag and "fighting for our freedom rants" for another time.

Behaviorism, Advertisement, Materialism

Well.

I was watching cartoons today. I still love them, and I always will. They can actually be pretty clever, and I enjoy them more than I enjoy other shows.

I was thoroughly enjoying an episode of Fairly Oddparents, one in which Timmy was the chosen one, and they poked fun at Harry Potter, the government, and old woodstock middle agers...what I had forgotten about cartoons was the large amount of commercials that spaces them out.

Commercials, commercials, and more commercials. About 95% of them advertising toys and/or products geared towards youngsters. When I was watching the commercials of the latest cool doll, action figure, or baking accessory, I was impressed. Toys are getting more and more awesome. At the same time I realized that it must be nearly impossible not to watch cartoons or children's networks and not be materialistic. They are constantly shoving innovative and intereting products in your face.

One of them was this easy cake baking thing in which you could cover your cake with fodant (used in fancy cakes for sweet 16s and weddings). I didn't even know what the hay fondant was until like 3 years ago. But seriously. It would be mighty hard not to want at least some of the things you see on the commercials. And the kids playing with them in the commercials are enjoying it, so why am I not also entitled to enjoy such a novelty?

Greeting, my minions. (yeah right)

Thanks to all who have recently started following my blog.
It's kind of funny to me, actually.


The meterologists predict that it's about to get dark, mind you. I'm soon to hit a minimum on this cursed topographically variant thing we call

lifeee.


I can't stop my brain from whirring...it used to be a light-hearted whir. It used to be a genie's lamp--my retreat! Now it plagues me. It ticks like a clock, a clock of part metal and of part clay. I only hear echoes of myself--"it's anything and hear the voice, we're all basically alone."

I usually don't stay down, though. In the mean time, if you want something completely corny and heartwearming to watch, I suggest the "There She Is!!" short animation series by Sambakza.

The "Acceptable" Black

As a minority, I feel entitled (although I shouldn't) to just one little rant on ethnicity. Note that I say ethnicity because scientifically speaking, race doesn't exist. It's really just another way people have decided that things need to be grouped.

So yeah. I'm black.
No, no mixed. Not East Indian. Just black.

Calling me exotic-looking or some other ethnicity isn't doing me any favors, so please don't think that.

My favorite awkward race moments come when people don't know that I'm black, and go on to insult black people. I mean I'm not going to same I'm some sort of freak that never makes racist comments, but you get my drift.

guy: hahaha something something black guy (I don't remember what the line was, but it was sort of sketchy)
me: Oh haha I'm black
guy: Oh really? Like not mixed
me: No, just black
guy: Oh you're really pretty for one
me: oh...
guy: Well not like that but...uhh
me: It's ok.


I mostly just do that just to make people feel awkward. I'm usually a major advocate against exploitation but you gotta admit that's just too good.

"Yeah but you're not like other blacks...so no I'm not scared of you."
And they think this is a compliment! You guys are just too cute.