Coming February 6, 2024 . . .
MURDER, POLITICS, AND THE END OF THE JAZZ AGE
by Michael Wolraich
Pre-order at Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Books-A-Million / Bookshop
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Coming February 6, 2024 . . . MURDER, POLITICS, AND THE END OF THE JAZZ AGE by Michael Wolraich Pre-order at Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Books-A-Million / Bookshop |
It seems that notwithstanding a pathological level of data ingestion, I overlooked (maybe you did too....) the significance of the award to Colin Kaepernick by Amnesty International (whose doings normally register on me, i swear it...).
So, it seems, Amnesty gave him this year's "Ambassador of Conscience award.
"Get tht sonofabitch off the field and up here to get his statuette!"
The fat fuck in the White House has usefully informed us this week that the protests sparked by Kaepernick address issues not germane to their proponents.
In assessing the seriousness of thought underlying the contrary analysis, I offer for your useful perusal the company in which Kaepernick finds himself::
Ambassador of Conscience Award
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The Ambassador of Conscience Award is Amnesty International's most prestigious human rights award. It celebrates individuals and groups who have furthered the cause of human rights by showing exceptional courage standing up to injustice and who have used their talents to inspire others. It also aims to create debate, encourage public action and raise awareness of inspirational stories and human rights issues.
Comments
And here he is.
by barefooted on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 8:36pm
Thanks for the post
Seems like he meets the standard as a Civil Rights leader.
by rmrd0000 on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 8:53pm
I suppose the question is how he will continue on his path, now that it's been somewhat established ... whether it's as a civil rights "leader" is up to him. What, exactly, does it mean to meet the standard? For that matter, what is the standard?
by barefooted on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 9:16pm
The standard is the one set by the black community. A critical mass of black people view Kaepernick as a hero. Donald Trump solidified Kaepernick’s image as someone who challenges a racist system. Jerry Jones loves the fact that his boy Dak Prescott is not going to kneel. Jim Brown, the guy who met with Trump at Trump Tower, would not be taking a knee. Prescott and Brown make Kaepernick an icon. LeBron James called Trump a bum. Steph Curry refused to go to the White House. The black community chooses their heroes.
by rmrd0000 on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 9:34pm
The standard is the one set by the black community.
Is there no room for anyone else, including him, in this preset standard? Seems like a strict line required for one to walk regardless of their personal preference or opinion. Almost as though they are expected to be what the community requires of them no matter what, once they've reached that level. The preconceived standard. Personally, I'd hate being labeled that way - even if a "critical mass" chose me as their "hero". I mean really, who the hell are you as a community or anything else to tell someone who they are and what they should do?
He may choose that path - which will likely be a rocky one for him for multiple reasons - or he may not. But his standard is set by him.
by barefooted on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 11:29pm
Sigh
I was simply noting the support Kaepernick had in the black community. Something akin to the feeling about the raised fist protest at the Olympics as a symbol of resistance. I provided a link to a supportive article below.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:01pm
To be blunt, I don't think you are seeing the anti-U.S. tribe vs. U.S. tribe message of the award. It's about globalism and universal human rights of individuals. Not tribes, individuals. And he accepted it. Mho, too often you seem to support tribe vs. tribe messages, you seen very much into loud and proud black community tribe fighting for their share against everyone else and I think you don't see how counterproductive that approach can sometimes be.
The raised fists protests were a different message in context of that time and place, I saw them as anti-U.S. and truth be told, threatening in a way. Kapaernick's kneeling has what appears to me as having an intentionally humble effect. Nelson Mandela as a prize winner is a good precedent to think about.
by artappraiser on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:25pm
The country is tribal. That is important to know. It is vital from a mental and physical stress standpoint. You realize that there are people who simply don’t like you because of your skin color. It is also important to recognize institutional barriers. You have to due detailed review of data getting loans and when making high cost purchases. Heck DuBois realized the duality of citizenship in the United States. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. agreed. Reverend Barber and a host of others say the same thing today. I think that a black man who doesn’t note the tribalism is ripe for the slaughter. I noted in the past, many white Progressive friends are actually angrier than I am. They recognize that tribes and are allies.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:36pm
I think that a black man who doesn’t note the tribalism is ripe for the slaughter.
That your life, and those of others, has led you to that belief breaks my heart, rm. It also tells me that no words will dissuade you.
Yet (like I'm just gonna shut up?), your following two sentences sound an awful lot like a white person loudly declaring that they have black friends ...
by barefooted on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:45pm
My actual point is that I am surprised that you have not heard similar comments from black people. D.L. Hughley was on Real Time this weekend. Harvard professor Steven Pinker was a guest. Pinker presented data that indicted how life was improved for blacks compared to the past. He noted research that indicated blacks were happier now than in the past. Hughley interrupted the discussion pointing out that black men were still getting shot by police. Hughley’s response was a natural one to me. When Michael Eric Dyson, Eddie Glaude, etc. are on television, I hear identical distress calls. I don’t see myself as an outlier.
A majority of white voters elected Trump. White people are calling police on blacks who are felt to be invading white spaces. We have open voter suppression. Redlining continues. This goes on and I receive advice not to be tribal?
The reason I pointed out whites in my circles of friends and acquaintances is that we share concerns about the tribes. Just this morning, a friend noted her amazement that there were educated white people still supporting Trump. She noted that one of her friends could explain away separating children at the border because if you break the law you lose your children. My friend noted that the women she talked to could have these feelings because black and brown children were involved. My friend recognizes the tribes.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 4:07pm
If your friend recognizes tribes and is an ally, then why do you (and apparently she) describe the person who can explain away children being separated from their parents as the cost of committing a crime as her friend? Doesn't seem particularly tribal if she can be friends with both of you.
by barefooted on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 4:37pm
Sigh
OK acquaintance
Edit to add:
There are Conservatives that I describe as friends. We eat lunch together. We disagree on politics. I try to cancel out their votes at the polls. I guess that I should just say acquaintances. We agree to disagree. Must be that civility stuff.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 4:49pm
Maybe it's just me, but I don't see supporting someone and holding them to a set standard as being the same thing.
by barefooted on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:48pm
Actually, if you're talking about Jolly Roger's topic, the award just given him,
the standard is very clearly set by Amnesty International.
Judging from the way he wrote this blog post up, I believe it was of specific interest to him that Kapaernick's activity was not one pertaining to just civil rights of "the black community," in the U.S., but basic human rights in general as promoted by Amnesty International
I think that because: Jolly went out of his way to post a list of the former recipients. And they aren't all American blacks nor were they all fighting tor the civil rights of American blacks.
He was saying: whoa, step outside of your cultural limitations and see how Amnesty International sees him.
And personally, just mho, what they are seeing is someone standing up to the old ways of Trump world and #MAGA in the widely globally consumed pop culture of sports.
by artappraiser on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:30am
p.s. From the horse's mouth:
from the NYTimes report cited by the Wikipedia entry cited by Jolly. The paragraphs previous to that:
by artappraiser on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 2:01pm
Long before the award, Kaepernick was supported as a Civil Rights leader in the black community. That is what I addressed in my response to barefooted.
https://theundefeated.com/features/how-colin-kaepernick-became-a-cause-for-activists-civil-rights-groups/
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 2:43pm
Do you really want to call Dak Prescott "boy"?
by A Guy Called LULU on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 4:54pm
In the context I was using above. Yes.
Comments from the Griot
https://thegrio.com/2018/08/11/jerry-jones-proud-that-dak-prescott-toes-the-line-anthem-debate/
Here are Steven A Smith’s comments on how Jones’ statement makes Prescott look like a puppet
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jxoG6L1bdDQ
Edit to add:
Comedian D.L. Hughley goes for the throat
https://www.dailywire.com/news/33896/watch-dl-hughley-calls-cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-boy-ben-share
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 5:10pm
Civil rights leaders support voting.
Colin has done great work but doesn't vote, doesn't promote voting and he even "both sides" equated Hillary with Trump in an interview in 2016. Perhaps he could use a session on voting rights with John Lewis.
Republicans know voting means power, and you need power to get justice.
by NCD on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 9:40pm
Agreed at the time that he refused to vote, Kamala Harris was on the ballot in his resident state of California.
On the other hand, Malcolm X did not vote and did not encourage voting. Malcolm X had a criminal record.
by rmrd0000 on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 10:10pm
Obama said the arc of history bends towards justice.
The Republicans are working constantly and diligently, with Gorsuch and this crackpot Kavanaugh, to bend the arc towards injustice.
by NCD on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:17am
Civil rights leaders support voting.
Not to quibble, the precise category of rights in support of which Colin's activities are here recognized was "human rights".
by jollyroger on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 2:33pm
Well I'm not ashamed to admit I was quibbling. I got your point in doing the post and I thought it was a good one. By giving him the award it elevates his whole program to another level. It takes it outside the swamp of the same old U.S. politics. and the same old U.S. pro football crap to that of police oppression everywhere.
I also got to thinking about the way judges were thinking. And I thought about how there were an awful lot of racial issues surrounding the World Cup....
One things for sure: this award is not just about U.S. blacks or U.S. police. Though by picking him, they are also helping push this mem: U.S. is no better than many third world countries on the policing front.
by artappraiser on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 2:45pm
Voting is a human right in a democracy.
The denial of voting rights, and a long list of other human rights, augmented with the terror of lynching, (which Kap references in his speech accepting this award), were methods of racist oppression during the Jim Crow era, 1877-1960's.
Republicans are earnestly working to both ignore cop violations of civil rights, and to enforce new Jim Crow-like legislative barriers to the right to vote by minorities - see my link above.
by NCD on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 3:59pm
John Legend: Voters can amend Louisiana's Constitution to end a policy of white supremacy in the courthouse. Voting, a right, that exercised, can improve justice:
by NCD on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 11:03pm
Keep in mind Colin's reasons...
======
~OGD~
by oldenGoldenDecoy on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 5:49am
It may be unintentional but the message often transmitted whether it be Kaepernick or BlackLivesMatter is that “we” know better how to protest police brutality, and you’re doing it wrong.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 7:13am
Didnt find the cnn article or your reference, but would you say black protests been successful in terms of lowering police brutality?
by PeraclesPlease on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:11am
The message that “You’re doing it wrong” actually came from a C-SPAN discussion of Robin D’Angelo’s book
”White Fragility Why Its So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism”
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/White-FragilityRobin-DiAngelo/1127171010?ean=9780807047422
C-SPAN Video link
https://www.c-span.org/video/?447421-2/white-fragility
Rodney King was pummeled and captured on video. Eric Garner was choked on video. Given the decades between the events, one can safely state that what went before BLM wasn’t effective. BLM did lead to a realization that local district attorneys have tremendous power. Color of Change and other organizations are beginning to focus on these races. So far, prosecutors who failed to charge police who killed unarmed blacks have been ousted in Cuyahoga County (Tamir Rice), Cook County (Laquan McDonald), and Ferguson (Michael Brown).
https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article216436075.html
Edit to add:
I didn’t provide a link to CNN, but I did find this video
https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2018/03/31/police-release-new-video-of-alt...
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:50am
K, resignations sound good, though not the end goal of lowering violence against blacks and getting fair police treatment.
by PeraclesPlease on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 11:16am
The public doesn’t want change. The public is OK with killing unarmed black people. Sessions says his DOJ is not investigating police abuse. Juries do not convict police officers. There would have been change after Rodney King if that is what the public desired. Yet taking a knee at an NFL game is a supreme offense.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 11:57am
Etc etc. But are current protests as effective as they could be, that's my only issue. Eye on the prize, not consolation feel-good wins that don't actually progress things. And I recognize that movement stymied in the right direction may be more important than progress or wins in a wrong or relatively meaningless direction - i.e. it ain't always simple, and fighting doomed causes can still be a better use of energies - just discussing.
by PeraclesPlease on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:03pm
What part of the public at large does not want change are you not understanding?
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:23pm
Protests serve to bring attention to the problem. The idea is to deliberately make people feel uncomfortable. Police departments can hire police chiefs who are ethnic minorities in an attempt to change police culture. These chiefs will need support of mayors and city legislators. Imagine the reception that black police chiefs receive in majority white police departments. It is unlikely that it is friendly, thus the chiefs need support.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/black-police-chiefs-grapple-officers-treatment-young-black-men-n873561
The goal is to make it easier to prosecute abusive officers. Prosecutors can decide to recuse themselves and appoint special prosecutors for cases involving police abuse. That is why prioritizing elections is important.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 1:54pm
Protests can serve to bring attention to the problem. They can also be ineffective or produce backlash that's greater than the attention they might bring to the problem. Protest is not the strategy. How one protests is the strategy. It can be successful or not.
by ocean-kat on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 2:38pm
Whites could not stand Martin Luther King Jr when he was alive.
https://www.theroot.com/from-most-hated-to-american-hero-the-whitewashing-of-m-1824258876
The problem was not King’s protests. The problem was the mindset of white people at that particular point in time.
Trump is a racist. Omarosa says that there are tapes of Trump using the word nigger. Omarosa is not a credible source, we need to hear the tapes. Trump questions the intelligence of black people. Let us suppose that there are nigger tapes. There is no reason to believe that Trump supporters would abandon Trump after their release. The problem is not protests the problem is Trump supporters.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:31pm
You don’t have to be a Trump supporter to disagree with protests but if you are a Trump supporter it’s very likely that you dislike the protests.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:39pm
I don't get or I disagree with whatever point you're trying to make. Polling doesn't necessarily tell you whether a protest action is wise or stupid. It's very likely even greater numbers of blacks would poll against Act Up. Both blacks and whites were against gay marriage until 2012 when whites barely crossed 50%. Blacks were still against in 2012 by greater margins then whites were against civil rights for blacks when King was leading his protests. Polls rarely give a strategic analysis. It requires a thoughtful analysis of the strategy to form an opinion. Imo both King's civil rights movement and Act Up had a good strategic plan and BLM and Occupy Wall Street didn't. I've posted my analysis several times explaining why I hold that opinion.
by ocean-kat on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 9:41pm
I’m not sure that I get your point. King’s protests were unpopular. Southern whites left the Democratic Party in droves after the Civil Rights Acts passed. LBJ and Northern members of Congress did the right thing. Democrats paid a political price and Republicans become the Southern party after the Dixiecrats arrived.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 9:55pm
Protests are always unpopular. That tells us nothing about whether they are well or poorly planned. I think it's obvious that King's civil rights movement and Act Up were astonishingly successful. I think it's obvious that Occupy Wall Street and so far BLM have and are failing miserably. All these groups had protests of considerable size for a considerable length of time. All these protest movements polled very badly. Why do some protests seem to get results and some protests seem to get no results?
by ocean-kat on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 10:23pm
Found this nice roundup of relatively recent scholarship on the theme here in a 2017 piece @ TheCut.com:
5 Important Insights About Successful Protest Movements
by artappraiser on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 12:09am
RMRD... OWS is NOT about polling or popularity...
Where ocean-kat said...
Popularity Polls or not--the vestiges of the OWS movement goes on. And one of the latest being...
6 Jul 2018 | Guardian
The growing Occupy Ice movement: 'We're here for the long haul'
And here's a short article from 5 years after the beginning.
September 16, 2016 | CNN
Occupy Wall Street: 5 years later
--- snip ---
I've known Todd Gitlin since his days as president of Students for a Democratic Society.
Targeted involvement...
======
~OGD~
by oldenGoldenDecoy on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 11:02pm
OWS helped make it possible for a Consumer Protection Agency. BlackLivesMatter helped remove 3 prosecutors who failed to bring charges against police officers who killed unarmed black men.
by rmrd0000 on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 11:23pm
RMRD... Going back in the fog of time...
(My highlights...)
The above is from Snopes Fact Check:
Did a U.S. Veteran Influence Kaepernick’s ‘Take a Knee’ Protest of Police Brutality?
======
~OGD~
by oldenGoldenDecoy on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:34am
Thanks for the post.
by rmrd0000 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:42am
I probably would have considered Havel disqualified by his support for the Iraq War. The cleansing of Rohingya Muslims hasn't left Aung San Kyi looking like much of a human rights champion(although, of course, she got the award before that).
by Aaron Carine on Fri, 08/24/2018 - 9:09am