Critical Thoughts: Baltimore's Riots vs. Revolution #2015

Critical Thoughts: Baltimore's Riots vs. Revolution #2015

(Written by JD Collins)

"Negroes - sweet and docile, meek, humble, and kind: Beware the day they change their mind.” - Langston Hughes

25 years from now and beyond, when our kids and grandkids are studying history, one of the major topics and outrages they will study and write about is Police Brutality and the murder of minority citizens and kids at the hands of Police. The same fear tactics and violence used by slave masters & owners, and the KKK is being used today by a mostly white ran and controlled judicial system and law enforcement. 

The racial disparities when it comes to poverty, education, incarceration, arrests, and murders deaths at the hands of police of BLACKS versus whites is staggering. What's even more disturbing is that these killings and abuse by police are just now coming to light in this decade because of camera phone technology and the rise of internet accessibility, and social media.

In 2015, our citizens have the ability and right to film police brutality and killings, upload them online for the world to see. Just recently white Police Officer Michael T. Slager was filmed by a brave citizen gunning down an unarmed black man, Walter Scott, and then planting evidence. FINALLY after the world seen the video of an unarmed black man running and being shot in the back 6 times the officer was charged with first degree MURDER! A truly revolutionary act and decision, that ONLY came about because it was filmed. If this incident happened just 5 years ago or prior, or wasn't recorded the Officer like the thousands of others would have gotten away with murder by reading and sticking to the same script that has been used for decades to justify police killings; the usual response is: "I feared for my life so I shot him multiple times" or "I THOUGHT he was reaching for a gun (which is usually an ID or cell phone just a simple subtle movement)". No doubt if this incident had not been filmed the Officer would be on paid leave for a little while and returned to the streets to harass and maybe kill more black men.

Since the killing of Trayvon Martin and recent killings of Black men by Police in the recent years tensions have been rising in our inner cities amongst poor african americans. Recently in Baltimore black citizens are in an uproar over the death of young Black man Freddie Gray, an unarmed young man in his 20s who suffered a severed spine and later died at the hand of Baltimore Police Officers. And of course no Officers were disciplined, charged, fired, nothing! Black citizens hit the pavement for peaceful protest but eventually the pain and anger yielded riots and often violent protest against Police and the city.

I don't support or advocate violence but how long can Blacks sit back and be shot down like dogs by a white supremacist ran law enforcement and judicial system. This is not the American dream or promise, its the American nightmare. I support the protestors/rioters in Baltimore because they are taking action; they are letting the city know that when our Black fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc are abused or killed we will raise hell. When we as a people fight back and cost the city millions or government millions by sending the National Guard we hit their pockets and get attention. Maybe then Cops will think twice before gunning us down like dogs and maybe then the city will arrest and prosecute Police its murders.

Spike Lee's next film "Chiraq" based on Chicago

Should Spike Lee Make A Film

About The Infamous "Chiraq"?

(By JD Collins)

Chicago citizens are weary about the possible new Spike Lee film, "Chiraq" which is an infamous term used to describe Chicago, Illinois. The city took on this term in 2012-2013 because of the rampant gun violence and gang related murders. The number of deaths in Chicago amongst the youth exceeded the number of deaths overseas during the war in Iraq (hence the term 'Chiraq').

Spike Lee has already met with many of the city's leaders and advocates against gang violence such as: Rev. Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Operation P.U.S.H Coalition, reformed gang leaders and parents who've lost kids to gun violence. Spike Lee is also using power as a successful filmmaker to bring in big names like: Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, Common, Jeremy Piven, and many more.

Still, with these big names attached, all Chicago citizens aren't too thrilled with the use of the infamous term, "Chiraq" and someone who's not from Chicago making a film about our city. Many citizens want the term to stop being used and associated with Chicago because Chicago is so much more than the gang violence. Chicago has thriving downtown, cultural scene, food, events, and is one of the largest most thriving cities in the United States.

While I understand the apprehension about the revisiting of a very dark period in Chicago's history its important to note that Spike Lee is considered one of the greatest black directors ever! he has always addressed social issues and african- american issues in his films, and never shied away from controversy. Hollywood has always gravitated towards Chicago's beautiful skyline and diverse neighborhoods seen in films & TV shows such as: "Batman: The Dark Knight", FOX's 'Empire", Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, The Wachowski Brother's "Sense8", etc.

Whether citizens are split about the use of the term, "Chiraq" or not the fact is the film will bring jobs to our city, roles for local actors, highlight our thriving music scene, neighborhoods, bustling downtown, our infamous & ruthless politicians, and overall exposure to Chicago. Maybe we need to address our city's ills on film in order for things to change in Chicago, maybe it takes one of the greatest filmmakers ever to use art to put a mirror on our see to show it's complex culture for the world to see. So many classic films have been made in New York and LA but just maybe this could be another one of Chicago's 'classic' films.

Young Thug: Rap's Newest Disruptor (By JD Collins)

Young Thug

Rap's Newest Disruptor

(Young Thug, pictured above, wearing a dress 

he has said he picked out in the little girl's isle.)

In almost every business, industry, and artform there are companies or individuals who are considered Disruptors. There are many definitions of industry Disruptors but I'll only list a few; Disruptors cause radical change in their industry or field by introducing a new way of thinking or approach that no one has seen before. While most people in business, industry, and entertainment are going right, Disruptors go completely left and open up new lanes.

Rap at times can be a misogynistic, competitive, and monolithic artform full of redundancies and artist following trends. If not for artist like Kanye West who is not only a disruptor but innovator pushing the artform to heights rap would mostly be a bunch misogynistic or bouncy club anthems, songs propitiating violence, or the typical tells about the struggle of the hood. As spectators we know that urban culture in general can take whatever is hot or what's trending and completely wear it out. We've seen it done with clothing, accessories, cars, slang & lingo. If an artist raps about True Religion Jeans, Nike's, cars, etc then urban culture follows and as a result we all typically look, act, and behave the same just to fit in or be cool.

The exception to the rule lately has been rapper Young Thug. What brought Thugger to the light initially was the music, he was another dominate Atlanta artist who took over the airwaves with about a dozen hits & street anthems. Currently he is one of the most sought after feature artist in rap music at the moment and his momentum hasn't slowed. But what makes him a Disruptor is often what he does outside of the music. Compared to most rappers is brand and personality is uncanny, off-beat, hard to understand, and disturbing to most. 

In the often pseudo macho, misogynistic, and homophobic industry that is rap music, Young Thug often calls his MALE friends & collaborators 'bae', 'hubby', or 'husband'. When men use these terms in reference to other males the connotation is that you're homosexual or bi-sexual but Thugger professes he's neither, and even has children and a girlfriend! This bold use of such terms makes him a Disruptor in a culture that rejects homosexuality. The controversy doesn't stop there, Young Thug as proudly admitted to wearing a little girls dress with jeans, an even bolder fashion statement than the infamous Kanye West kilt he wore in Chicago during the "Watch The Throne" tour. And his strange and aloof interviews about current social issues don't help rap fans and critics alike understand his brand or message. 

Currently his latest controversy is the trolling and agitation of one of rap music biggest stars, lil Wayne. One of the greatest rap album volumes is lil Wayne's "Tha Carter" franchise. Lil Wayne has halted on the release of the of "Tha Carter VI" because of legal & money issues with his former label Cash Money. What does this have to do with Young Thug? Well Thugger is currently affiliated with Cash Money label head Birdman, they've even recorded a mixtape together. So to make matters worse between lil Wayne and Birdman & Cash Money Young Thug has decided to name his first album "Tha Carter VI", completely stealing one of the greatest rappers ever final album title! This trolling move has infuriated lil Wayne fans across the world but Young Thug still sits atop of the rap charts. 

For all his controversy, trolling, and agitating his music blasts in on almost every radio station and club across the country! Young Thug is the epitome of an industry Disruptor, now I don't believe he's an innovator or even will be hot for long, he's turned the typical perception & image of a 'rapper' on its head. Rap fans and critics are split about Thugger but the fact is he has everyone's attention and as the old saying goes, "Controversy Sells". He's also exposed the rampant homophobia in the black community and amongst rap fans. His instagram comments are littered with homophobic rants, insults, hatred, and even threats. Whether you like Young Thug or not we all know it takes a lot of bravery and boldness to be yourself and different in the entertainment industry and in America in general. This boldness and willingness to go left while everyone else is going right and be successful while doing it makes Thugger rap's new Disruptor.