Posts

Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Systemic Poverty and Inequality

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Poverty is not just about a lack of money—it’s about a system designed to keep certain groups at a disadvantage. Generational poverty, limited access to quality education, racial and economic disparities, and wage inequality create cycles that make it incredibly difficult for individuals to break free. But while the system is designed to keep people stuck, history has also shown that resilience, knowledge, and strategic action can carve a path forward. This article will explore the roots of systemic poverty, the barriers that keep people trapped, and the practical strategies individuals and communities can use to overcome these challenges. Understanding Systemic Poverty: More Than Just a Lack of Money Systemic poverty is a structural issue, not just a personal failure. Here’s how it operates: 1. Generational Poverty and Wealth Gaps Wealth isn’t just about income—it’s about assets passed down over generations. For many marginalized communities, past discrimination (redlining, segregatio...

I asked AI to tell me how many songs on the internet had the word Ni**er in them

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Or how many times the N  word was used in lyrics since 1965 The response I got was really interesting, it basically said I need to query my Spotify playlist and then get all songs with lyrics and then extrapolate them that way. So guess what I am going to do? I am going to make a project on this very thing and show you my process in finding out how often that word is used.  As always I am having a struggle navigating my place in this realm of R@cepl@ay. And I want to be open about it because my whole reason for engaging in this is to start conversations between black men and white women and speak of the implications of racism, the responses and the personal responsibility we all have to push for equality of all people. That is what I fight for in my being every day, and though this is a weird way to go about it, raceplay allows me to show black men not all white women are nasty racist assholes who just want to put people down and act like the last 400 years was no big deal. It...

The Trauma of Being Black in America: Understanding Narcissism and Self-Objectification Through a Scientific Lens

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                               Artist-Lyle Ashton Harris  In America, the Black experience has been shaped by a complex web of systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. For centuries, Black individuals have been subjected to dehumanization, violence, and exploitation, which have had profound psychological impacts. Among the myriad ways this historical trauma manifests, one lesser-explored outcome is the development of narcissistic traits and self-objectification. This article explores how the Black experience in America, rooted in trauma, contributes to these psychological phenomena, drawing upon scientific research to unpack the intricate interplay between identity, trauma, and mental health. The Legacy of Trauma: Historical and Ongoing Stressors The trauma experienced by Black individuals in America is both historical and ongoing. The legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and on...

Unveiling the Dark Legacy: Blackface and Minstrelsy in the 1900s

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The early 1900s marked a troubling era in entertainment history with the widespread practice of blackface and minstrel shows. Rooted in racism and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, these forms of entertainment had a lasting impact on society. In this exploration, we delve into the history of blackface and minstrelsy during the 1900s, shedding light on their detrimental effects. The Rise of Blackface: Blackface minstrelsy emerged in the 19th century but gained significant popularity in the early 1900s. White performers would darken their faces using burnt cork or shoe polish, exaggerate stereotypical features, and portray African American characters in a demeaning manner. The performances often featured offensive dialects and reinforced racist ideologies prevalent at the time. Impact on African American Communities: Blackface performances perpetuated harmful stereotypes, portraying African Americans as lazy, ignorant, and subservient. These caricatures not only influenced public percept...