Back To My Old Self

I use the title back to my old self as I feel less stress, though I know what the world is about and also why as a people we behave the way we do. Often the most uplifting thing is to think about yourself and only those who would also think about you rather than thinking or bothering about those who wouldn’t otherwise, its one less stress and more time to expand the mind and live your life resembling a way you can do this.

Looking at a way to get to this point, think about the enlightened network like this:

• What are the pros
• What are the cons
• What difference would it make if I dont have this information or join the network

I answered these for myself and realised, it was important for me to be within the enlightened network, but to borrow a cricket theme I didn’t get too bogged down as there is a way you can over analyse things.

This is some of what I got from my time being part of the conscious network:

• An understanding of the need for my own income
• A step to opening my mind to why we behave the way we do
• How to have a more critical eye at the world
• That western mainstream (Glitzy) media is not the place to become informed about my own culture

On reflection I gained much culturally and historically, from an information-based point of view but there is a shelf life, if you are part of the ‘conscious community’ I would say the average life, especially for people based in the UK, is to be part of it for a year or two before you see through the thin dysfunctional veneer of people, who are prominent.

Its a choice but as a good batsman would do back your own knowledge otherwise you’ll be open to all kinds of misinformation and egos.

Ethics

I see from my own network that there is a lack of ethics. I have learned over the past few months this is an important aspect of any community. There is no code of conduct in the West or East (where we reside). Mostly due to colonialism and slavery. Some talk about a code and that is good but there are different caveats to it.

The codes in the West are built on ancient philosophy from Greece. The Greeks culturally may not fit into the lives of culture of black people but the essence can be taken from it. For example in the event of a black person being responsible or a spokesperson for black people, they be selected based on virtues they have rather than charm and charisma. As virtues often mean when times are hard they make the best decision for the best possible outcome.

Currently we as a people have a open market which means any black person can come and sell an idea without us the black public being circumspect (critical of comparing it to other person’s and ideas). Another example is to use utilitarian view points where the greatest good for the greatest number, whilst it works in theory, in practice there is no agreement amongst anyone.

Most laws are based on justice and fairness (sounds like libra which is their motto I digress). This is Kantian but it is not very possible since there are strict laws to follow and as a race only in our home countries could this be followed, rather than in the west.

If black people are to take up a philosophy, we would need repercussions for not following conduct. I dislike rules and repercussions, though the situation is important to develop this. For example if taking up a position of spokesperson, elders would need to consider who can or cannot speak for us. This could start with middle age people now, who grow into older people. The repercussions would be public disapproval and not being deemed fit morally to represent our people. I can but name a few people this might apply to right now.

Currently there is some accord finally being struck namely with the 2020 election as now black people are starting to ask for more from politicians. This may be a start but we know it would need to start off locally then regional, national then international. Blacks have different variations in our culture and there would need to be some relativism (basically cultural variation) to a group of ethical codes.

Virtues of character seems the best bet with a utilitarian approach to use. Since there is metaphorical sacrifice which needs to be made to get social, economical and political justice. Individually we would all need to do our bit at home, whilst in the bigger picture this is a philosophy we could follow if only black people had a unified nationality or religion.

In another 4 years

Recently, there has been a lot of debates between people in the so-called ‘conscious network’ who are arguing amongst themselves. This lead me to the belief, which I have had for a few years, that nothing will change.

There will be the same debates and arguments about the same issues and problems and issues amongst people and the childish behaviour of those who should know better will continue, whilst our people struggle economically, financially and politically across the world, and a few opportunists will fill their pockets.

I predict one of two things either all three or two of three will have cashed out of the enlightenment network and someone else will be around to take their place or new people will join and the current three will be around trying to oust the new scammers.

Going back into an area of interest in the past few months has found that religious institutions and churches are making headways, whilst some black churches which make millions per year, do not see that reinvested in such ways through community centres or services to help local residents get jobs, access local services or pay bills.

All those years ago this blog and site was created to help people access information to improve their communities using the regeneration experience and knowledge I have to access different resources within their communities. If only one person found the blogs or the tools on the site useful, I am glad but being honest its a hobby so I will only post sporadically and not very often, if I have no new information and resources to giveaway.

A solution to a underwhelming event

Recently, I was looking forward to going to a black event but this was dispelled as soon as I had entered the event.

There are several things which I will note:

• The reception was not courteous
• The leaflet had random pieces of information
• No itinerary for the days events
• No schedule for the speakers
• The event information was a Facebook page
• No activities for children
• There was no menu

This could easily have been:

• A warm welcome
• Simple but effective design of a leaflet/flyer
• A itinerary of what would be happening on the day
• A schedule of the days events
• Having a website as a first point of contact, with a Facebook page as a signpost
• Speakers being on time
• Activities for children
• Food menu as it had a cafeteria

The effect of being more organised:

• A value for money event
• More support in future
• A service which is worthwhile
• More transparent operation
• People who are capable of delivering a great event
• Repeat custom

The event could have been cheaper, and the atmosphere considering the topic it was focused on could have been more welcoming and interactive. It is some thing which an event organiser may think about as well as the committee of the organisation.

Freeloading

There is a lot of killer content out there, some of it is useful some does just that to your concentration. I’m more of a blog reader, though I also listen to podcasts as I work, travel to work or just out and about. One of the things which has struck me and other is how these videos make money.

Looking at the business side of these services is important if you want to understand the reason why they can keep this stream of content and information flowing. They get advertising money from adverts on their videos from the streaming channel. This is now being stopped by google for less desirable videos as there is a concern that too many truthful videos are benefiting from businesses who are purely interested in keeping you distracted with superficial and none nonsensical videos.

Most of the people who do truth seeking or providing videos could benefit from continuing to get the advertising money from these video which you watch without paying but google (in reference to YouTube has stopped this). Before my tirade ends, I have heard and seen some videos where these Video bloggers and podcasters have asked for financial support but there has been a lack of support from blacks, which is typical of my own people, we would rather pay a European for the same request and why because we do not value our own products.

There have been some instances where some people have asked for donations and the audience of the blog have told that person to get a job, or why should they pay for it. These are the kind of people that queue up for the latest gadget or item of clothing or have subscriptions to something which they rarely watch or because there friends have it, when that money could be used for something which they may have watched for years.

A way around this which I have discussed in a previous blog is the video blogger could have adverts at the start, middle and end of the videos, this way you will not be able to complain about the video blogger asking you for money and you will be able to continue to access your free information.

The other alternative to this is where a video blogger had decided to not bother create or release any content until they got a minimum number of donations or supporters on a service named patreon. If you have watched a lot of this persons content putting something towards it shows you will have a level of ownership.

Further Information:

Patreon (www.patreon.com)

Films and Releases

Often I see people complaining about a movie not having enough black people or saying a film has enough black people in.

There are ways to overcome this, make your own. I have written blogs before outlining this. I’m no film buff but I’d be happy to try and facilitate the making of a film my project management experience and knowledge would be put to the text, though I use project management organise myself rather than being a project manager.

Enough waffle, I am aware a film can be expensive to make though you do not need to look to Hollywood to make one just make it simple with a great story line.

The Nate Parker film, I’ll watch it but I’m aware that black people have been at it again, mental masturbating and laying down excuses. If we as a people were motivated then more of our projects worldwide would get started and more of our films would be backed.

If you want to see a film which had yourself and reflects you watch Nollywood and if you have a big idea contact some Nollywood producers.

Further Information

Nollywood Youtube Channel

Nollywood World’s Second Largest Movie Industry

Nollywood Movies

 

Black Hibernation Month

For the months of October and February in the UK and America there are celebrations which look at the history and tradition of black people according to how the funders set the stall out.

The time when the celebrations are made are usually when it just starts to become dark or when it is really cold. In the UK it is dark and beginning to be cold in the month of October so events do get attendance but really you want to hibernate. In the US the month of February which can be warm or cold depending on which part of the country you are in.

The festival should be in both July and August as it is summer and most of the kids are on holiday and so it can be a time to reinforce the knowledge which people have about African history. There should not be one month of just history it should be a year round thing with the two months being festivals mirroring those in the main land of Africa, with tribal dances, drumming and story telling, and the talks which outline the importance of these activities.

Many of the topics of black history month look at social progress, though if you are talking about history, you need to look also at the political and economic factors. If you look at just the social factors then you have no economic awareness which means you rely on another group which is happening now. You should be able to get economic information about business owners, wealth black people and how you can help your communities through wealth and income, i.e. learning that money is not a contentious issue but an important on.

Politics is important too as we look at thinks on the surface and think just because someone was said to do good for black people they were good people. Rather, we should look at what the person did to improve our economic (wealth building, job creation and access to finances) situation. Like with elections, we need to learn how to get together and ask people how they will help us and what we can do to guarantee their assistance.

The reason I believe, there is political and economic factors missing in black history presentations and the same or similar people being talked about is the events are provided by the local authority. If your presentation is publicly funded then you will need to keep to an agenda, which is favourable to them. The better alternative is to have your own event, and listing it on websites within the local area you live.

There are places you can look which can suggest free or low cost buildings and rooms for rent to hold a presentation or event. The costs can be recouped if you do it through do nations or charge a price you think is reasonable for the event.

If you live in the UK and would like to find a venue for black history events or other events, you can find some here.

Further Information

Black History Month (UK) 2016

Business As Usual

Recently, there have been the shootings and the deaths as a result. Black people on social media and over the internet have been talking about what to do next and how to go about stopping these things happening in the future. I remember in 2014, when my wife and I became more enlightened and started to see things from a deeper perspective. Micheal Brown was shot and we emotionally got sucked into the talk of taking action, at that time we were just finding our feet.

Over time we no realise that many people like to talk and as we are trying to set ourselves up to become more independent we are now not emotionally attached to the american situation since African Americans by and large only think about themselves and things which affect america.

I have set this site up and blogged over the last two years (even before Ferguson) to assist people with information and sources on developing their local communities through regeneration (since I have knowledge and experience of working in this area).

Many of the blogs I have posted are about community development through, physical regeneration (sweeting your walkway., doing your garden, cleaning/painting your walls), developing a regeneration strategy, creating black businesses and (a strong area of mine) bridging the digital divide, ensuring you are digitally literate so you can engage in certain conversations.

So, my position now is to be business as usual and continue with the work I am doing to become selfsufficient but also post information you might find useful on the website (at semi regular intervals).

I hope many black people are working towards, making things better for their people over a medium to long term rather than taking too much time out now to look at short term discussion points which do not deliver in the long term.

Black Radio Plays

I find that listening to radio plays has allowed me to hear more historical and everyday content, whilst I am travelling working or just taking it easy.

Many radios I listen to are UK based, and they range from historical events being recreated to things that happen in society everyday.

There are many people who post information have websites and information about black history and black peoples, way of life. I have at times listened to some plays which are based on black lives in the UK and I have learned alot from these as well, as I am able to relate to them. There is a difficulty in the UK in getting these radio plays produced and released as they are through the BBC, who broadcast them on the radio.

If these black people were to make radio plays it could be released through blog talk as many black people who make shows know how to utilise blog talk. It is also cheaper to produce a radio play than a film as you can be inventive in the way in which you make sound effects since all the actors can be in one room despite the different settings which may exist and you can create an atmosphere which can expand the imagination.

Its only a suggestion for those who might know how to use media and have ambitions to make programmes. If you have a lot of knowledge, put it to the test with some friends and create a pilot with that infromation you have.

Our people dont listen to the radio but you wouldnt be looking at everyone just a large proportion of people, who do, I suppose.

Black Reading and Listening Shows

Its been a while since I last blogged on a regular basis, but since the last two blogs on the Brexit and looking at black peoples history, I am asking a question about reading and writing.

So I will ask, rhetorically, do many of you watch Vlogs online more than reading of blogs. I often listen to podcasts but I also where possible read articles and blogs to keep upto date with news.

I find there are many black talking heads who post videos or podcasts, but vary rarley have a article in a publication or write a blog on what they do or topics they are talking about.

The reason, I believe is because black people do not like to read we like to watch at video, though I believe we should also have a literary element as video streaming is beginning to replace TV but this should not be the case as there are some people on these channels who talk for the sake of talking but no one is willing to write down what they are finding out, and some people are less willing to read.

One other thing is people are less willing to listen to podcasts, as they may not identify with listening to some intelligent speech but they should try it as you can listen whilst you are in the car, (in some cases) working and at home. Not everything should be watched, there is also reading and listening too. I hope there are some people who can begin to use these forms too.

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