voiceofmsu

The Valentine’s Day Slump

February 14, 2013 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

There is nothing like big red hearts, couples holding hands, the smell of chocolate and roses and “chick-flick” reruns playing on television all day long, that is, if you’re in a relationship of course. If you are one of the many people out there that won’t have a Valentine on the 14th of February, then you may do what I do and convince yourself that hearts are dumb because they aren’t even drawn anatomically correct, holding hands transports germs and disease, chocolate rots teeth and promotes diabetes and obesity, and roses wreak havoc on your allergies.
On any other day of the year, you love your single life. There is no need to get dressed up all of the time or even put on deodorant, you are allowed to flirt with whomever, and you’re never cheated on. There is something about Valentine’s Day, however, that makes everyone insecure and even forget that having it all doesn’t have to include a boyfriend or a girlfriend.
One way to keep away from the Valentine’s Day slump is to keep busy. Do you have a paper due in a couple of weeks? Finish it now so you won’t be stressed in the future or think about every flaw you possess that may be the reason as to why you are single.
Do you hate being lonely on this dreaded Hallmark holiday? Throw a party! Surround yourself with other singles looking to be loved and you won’t be stuck in your dorm or apartment thinking about what went wrong in your last relationship.
Another technique is to fully embrace the day, head on. Don’t let Valentine’s Day conquer you, conquer Valentine’s Day! Pass out candy to all of your friends, leave a kind note for a stranger, pass out candy, or call your mom. Be a Jolly Jenny instead of a Debbie Downer.
Whether you are single or in a relationship on the 14th of February, just remember to try your best to stay positive and keep in the back of your mind that days only have 24 hours. All of the mayhem will be over before you know it.

–Hannah Weaver

Filed Under: Health & Lifestyle Tagged With: couple, hate, hearts, love, single, valentine's day

A Quick Play-By-Play of Super Bowl XLVII

February 7, 2013 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

There was not a dull moment in the history making Super Bowl on Sunday the 3^rd. The Baltimore Ravens were up against the San Francisco 49ers and the tension between the opposing coaches, the Harbaugh brothers, could have been cut with a knife. Alicia Keys knocked out the National Anthem, Beyoncé preformed during the half-time show and reunited with Destiny’s Child, a power outage in half of the New Orleans stadium occurred and Jacoby Jones’ touchdown for the Baltimore Ravens became legendary. It was a night that went down in sports and entertainment history.

The first half of the game made each Baltimore fan feel comfortable that the Ravens had the game in the bag. They were up 21 to 6 and gamblers were giving up on the 49ers.

After the stunning performance made by Beyoncé and her fellow Destiny’s Child back-up, the game was back in action. Disaster struck a few minutes into the second half, however, when the power suddenly went out in over half of the stadium. Needless to say, someone got fired. Thirty minutes of bored fans and players trying to keep their momentum up consumed televisions everywhere until the lights were finally fixed and the game was back in action.

The game really started to pick up after Jacoby Jones’ catch of the 49ers kickoff. He became the first player with a touchdown reception and kickoff return for a touchdown in the history of the Super Bowl. His 108 yard run in under 11 seconds will be an unforgettable moment.

An interesting turn of fate occurred, though. The 49ers were catching up to the Ravens! Fans adjusted themselves from the comfortable and content position of their seats to the edge, as if the simple five inches closer to the field or the television helped the outcome of the game.

The 49ers had finally reached a steep 31 points; just three points behind the Ravens. Lucky jerseys, rituals, reclining chairs and charms were put to the test. They couldn’t hold on, though. The clock finally ran out and another Super Bowl had come to an end. Millions of dollars were gained and lost at that moment in gambles made across the country.The Ravens’ linebacker, Ray Lewis, ended his seventeen season career with a bang. The Harbaugh parents awkwardly congratulated both of their sons, fans in the stadium took one last look at the history they were a part of and viewers at home turned off their television.

–Hannah Weaver

Filed Under: Entertainment & Events, Music, Sports Tagged With: 49ers, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, brothers, Destiny's Child, Harbaugh, Jacoby Jones, Ravens, Super Bowl XLVII

What to Wear on Valentine’s Day

February 3, 2013 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

It’s almost time! Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. Going out with a special someone? Having a no-valentine Girls’ Night Out? Either way, it’s an excuse to get dressed up!

If you’re going out with your new guy and you want to impress him, try wearing a solid colored skirt with a printed top. It’s simple, but still super cute. Flats are the best way to go (just in case the date is a dud and you have to make a run for it, haha); you don’t want to overdo it on the first date. Keep your accessories to a minimum. Try smaller earrings and maybe a bracelet or a ring to complete your look.

If you and your guy don’t have anything extra special planned, keep your look as casual as possible. If you guys are just doing a quick ice cream date or going to see a movie, throw on your favorite jeans with a funky crew neck sweatshirt. I like the one above because of the lip print design on it. So appropriate for the holiday, right? Boots or other flat shoes would go perfectly with this. Throw on a beanie and you’re ready to head out the door!

Now if you’re doing something really special, go ahead and go all out! Pick a figure-flattering dress in a soft color (like this pastel pink — a LBD could work in this case as well, though) and pair it with some basic pumps. Depending on the weather, you could throw on tights or knee highs underneath. Pick one piece of jewelry that you want to be your standout piece; you don’t want to over accessorize and take away from the awesomeness of the dress. Stuff all of your essentials into a clutch (mascara, lip stick, money, etc) and you’re good to go.

Fellas, I didn’t forget about you this time!

Guys, I don’t think you all understand how good khakis look on you! If you’re going out with that special someone and you don’t want to wear that same pair of jeans that you always do, throw on a pair of khakis — they instantly clean up your look and give your fit more of a preppy feel. If you want to be cool and casual without looking like you tried really hard to impress your girl (even though you did), you can wear a simple white t-shirt/v-neck and put a cold colored cardigan on over it. Oxford-style boots would be a great way to finish off the look.

If you have a more urban style, you can make that work, too! Plaid shirts are always a good way to go (I like it when the sleeves are rolled up). Try pairing the plaid with a dark wash straight leg jean. Since you’re going for a more relaxed look, any kind of shoe will do — Converse, Vans, Timberlands…whatever shoes you feel most comfortable in. Accessorize the look with your favorite watch!

If you want to try something new, wear a colored pant. Navy blue is a good color to start with because it practically goes with everything. If you’re feeling daring, try red, or maybe even a print like camouflage. A short sleeved, somewhat-fitted button up would do you justice in this case. If you’re really trying to impress your lucky lady throw on a bow tie! If she doesn’t think that’s adorable then there’s seriously something wrong with her. Just like the first look, oxfords or oxford-style boots would go best with this kind of style.

I hope these helped you get an idea of what the heck you’re gonna wear! Have a happy, happy, Valentine’s Day!

-Evann Webb

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: fashion, men's fashion, style, valentine's day, VOICE Magazine, women's fashion

Kwanzaa: A Brief History

January 8, 2013 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

Kwanzaa was created in the United States during the Black Liberation Movement of 1966 in order to create a sense of unity and pride among African Americans. However, the idea of Kwanzaa was derived from the “Matunda Ya Kwanza” celebrations that have historically existed in many southeastern African civilizations, such as the Zulu empire. In Swahili,“Matunda Ya Kwanza” means the first fruit, and the holiday was originally celebrated during the first harvest of the year in African cultures. Kwanzaa in America is celebrated for seven days from December 25to January 1.

Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates an important value that has traditionally been honored in African culture. Unity, or “Umoja”, in the family, community, nation, and race is the principle honored on the first day. After unity, self-determination, or “Kujichagulia”, is honored on the second day. This day was very empowering for the African American community during the Black Freedom Movement, since it stressed the importance of defining and naming yourself, as well as thinking and speaking as an individual. The third day, “Ujima”, also refers to collective work and responsibility, promotion of community activism and personal support for all of those in the African American community. After learning what it means to solve problems in the community together, “Ujamaa”, or the principle of corporative economics is honored on the fourth day to motivate entrepreneurship in the African community as well. The importance of building and maintaining businesses was especially important during the 1960s as African Americans constantly faced discrimination in the workplace and suffered deep economic oppression. On the fifth day “Nia”, or purpose, is celebrated to encourage people to fulfill the mission of helping improve the living conditions of others to create a better community. The sixth day, which celebrates creativity or “Kuumba”, also reinforces the purpose of improving the community. On this day, people can rejoice in knowing they left the community better off than they inherited it by contributing in their own way. The last day, “Imani”, honors faith. This principle of faith means believing in your people with all of your heart. The seventh day also calls for an understanding of struggles endured, and why the victories of these struggles matter.

Traditionally, Kwanzaa was a holiday for African Americans to come together and celebrate African principles. This practice revives African morals and values that may have been lost to slavery. This holiday also celebrates the positive, good things that create a feeling of appreciation. Even during times of social injustice, African Americans could be thankful for their lives, and even their struggles. Kwanzaa stresses the importance of suffering and overcoming hardships. Unlike most holidays, Kwanzaa has never been religious, but rather a cultural celebration. Ultimately, the holiday was, and has always been, uplifting for the African American community.

–Courtney Woods

Filed Under: Health & Lifestyle Tagged With: courtney, courtney woods, holiday, imani, kujichagulia, kuumba, kwanzaa, matunda ya kwanzaa, nia, self-determination, ujamaa, ujima, umoja, unity, woods, zulu

Community Service: Some Clarity

December 20, 2012 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

When thinking of community service, some initial words may cross people’s minds. These words may include the following: charity, time consuming, helping others, demanding, soup kitchen, boring, and a good cause but time consuming. There’s very rarely, if anyone at all, who thinks ill of giving back to their community. In fact, there are plenty of decent people who love doing such works and may even dedicate their career and lives to it. The flip side is there are plenty of decent people who do almost the opposite, for various reasons. Let’s face it, they are not always the most genuine or honest reasons. Few deny the importance of community service and helping those less fortunate, yet it’s not exactly the activity of choice for a group of friends to plan their weekend around. I believe that everyone has their reasons and priorities, but some of the feelings towards community service are based on misconceptions of what service truly is. So let’s have a moment of clarity.

Community service is not all that time consuming. There’s perhaps a common image of community service being a job you don’t get paid for. Either a lot of your time is going into the specific event or you’re not doing enough, so why bother? The thing to remember about community service is there are numerous ways to go about it, and the time you choose to dedicate may find itself just as numerous. While some people enjoy putting in service hours that take up the whole day, that hardly makes it the only option. Some service events can take 5 hours from when it starts to when it ends, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay for 5 hours. Stay for 3 hours, or 1 hour, a half hour if you’re busy. Both the people hosting and benefitting from a community service project respect and appreciate your time, no matter how small. While dedication of time is sometimes an indicator of dedication to the cause, the fact you dedicate anything is appreciated more than realized.

Community service is not all that demanding either. This is separate from time consumption because being time consuming deals more with fitting some service into the schedule for the day. By demanding, I mean not just the amount of time dedicated to a service project but how often someone participates in general. This feeds into the job image. So what if you give back once or twice; if you feel it’s not substantial, then what’s the point? The thing about your time is that it is your time. If you simply cannot commit some time because there are other things in your life going on, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you would rather sleep, that’s just as well, because why help out if you’re physically unable because you purposefully deprived yourself? One of the best ways to prepare for community service is to take care of you first. Dedicate time to your community when appropriate, not blindly. Plan ahead, fit it in the schedule, spend some time towards community service every so often and let it build into something substantial if that’s what you’re looking for. Don’t manifest a pessimistic or apathetic attitude towards service because you let yourself feel like you’re not doing enough; if it’s that important, don’t be afraid to make the time.

Community service comes in as many shapes as it does sizes. This is probably the key misconception that’s less misconception and more just something not often considered. If you can’t somewhat enjoy how you spend your time, why spend it in such a way? The thing about it is you very easily can. Community service isn’t limited to simple preconceptions: give some blood, spend some time with an older folk, run a marathon, find a cause, help family or friends with what they need because you care, spot something that stands out to you and your tastes and interests, start a service project yourself. There are countless ways to help those who need it more than you, and why do it alone? Bring a friend or two, make it an outing. Meet some new people, make a friend. There are so many different ways to serve your community; after all, that’s all community service really is, so it leaves a lot of room for options.

Community service is important because, at the end of the day, the only one who may help your community the most is you. Community service is not a job you don’t get paid for; it’s helping out with and even creating opportunities for the betterment of those around you. Not everything may be put on a resume, or is always what you’d like to do the most, but the options with which you may dedicate your time towards others are as various as the amount of time you may choose to put in. There are personal benefits to servicing others: satisfaction, furthering your own goals, etc. When it comes down to it however, serving others includes you, but is not just about you.

–Kristopher Jordan-Taylor Johnson

Filed Under: Feature, Health & Lifestyle Tagged With: community service, resume, resume builder

Top Ten: Christmas Songs

December 15, 2012 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

Christmas is a time for family, love, and thankfulness. Since it’s almost upon us, it’s also a time for holiday music everywhere. In the spirit of that, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas songs that you may or may not enjoy yourself because after all, this isn’t your top 10. Counting down from 10 to 1, let’s start at…

10. “Christmas in Hollis”- Run DMC

Back in 1987, there was an album called A Very Special Christmas, produced to benefit the Special Olympics. This song was the feature and since then has become moderately popular, being featured in several movies and TV shows. It’s best to watch the music video, a video as fun as it is bizarre. With bombastic, funky production and family-friendly lyrics aggressively performed in the typical manner rappers gave back in the day, this song is definitely great for switch up the usual playlist at a Christmas gathering without ruining the mood. Note: Rev Run narrates how he refrains from stealing Santa’s wallet and puts it in a street corner mailbox; almost immediately afterwards, Rev gets home to see the money that was in the wallet under his tree. So yes: Santa is always watching. Intensely.

Music Video:

9. “Silent Night”

This holiday classic is too peaceful and serene to not love. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the melody, atmosphere, and usually great singing. There’s no specific rendition of the song I prefer, as it all resonates with me. The version I think of is probably an ideal version I haven’t actually heard, based on what I used to hear in church. An interesting tidbit about this song is that in 1914, during War World I, there were several well-documented and spontaneous Christmas truces. This didn’t happen everywhere, but it was surprising enough, being in the middle of war. According to one account, the soldier heard “Silent Night” sung not only in his trench, but in the enemy trench, along with lights from makeshift decorations and candles. Given the atmosphere of this song, that particular detail doesn’t surprise me.

Song:

8. “Jingle Bells” – The Joker

Yes, by the Joker I mean the one from Batman. “Jingle Bells” of any version deserves a spot but if you’ve heard it, you’ve probably heard the Batman version that goes, “Jingle bells, Batman smells”, if not as in a recorded song, then just as a poem repeated by children. In the ’90s Batman: The Animated Series, there’s a Christmas episode where the inmates of Arkham Asylum are singing the original “Jingle Bells” and the Joker- voiced by MarkHamill- starts singing the Batman version while escaping from Arkham with a missile disguised as the prison Christmas tree. It’s a brief clip, but it counts as a song.

7. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”- Elmo and Patsy

Written by Randy Brooks, Elmo and Patsy Trigg Shropshire, this song was self-released in 1979 and didn’t take long to become a seasonal hit. My love for this song stems from the 2002 animated movie with the same name. While that movie is lighthearted -even the song doesn’t take itself seriously- the narrative told within the song is kind of morbid. A hoof print on the forehead is certainly not the most pleasant way to go. Regardless, it’s a fun, humorous listen anyone may enjoy. I wouldn’t know whether to return or keep the gifts bought for Grandma, either.

Music Video:

6. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”- Andy Williams

What is there to say about such a Christmas classic? It describes the ideal Christmas season and in essence what any holiday or celebration should feel like.

5. “The Little Drummer Boy” – Harry Simeone Chorale

This song tells the story of a little drummer boy too poor to buy a gift for the baby Jesus, so he plays his drum and receives a smile from the infant. The original Harry Simeone Chorale is probably the most iconic version, and certainly my favorite. I love this song not just for the arrangement, but the concept. A poor boy with nothing to offer but his music is both sad and inspiring, an offering to baby Jesus no less. It all comes together.

4. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Thur Ravenscroft or Jim Carrey

This song is one of my all-time Christmas favorites, and that’s frustrating because I can never decide which version I like the best. ThurRavenscroft is the original performer of the song that played within the 1966 cartoon special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! I love everything about it- except I feel the instrumentation between Ravenscroft’s verses is way too short. The first segment between the first and second verses set the tone, yet in every other segment, by the time I’m expecting three more seconds of pure music, Ravenscroft’s trash talking the Grinch again. It’s too abrupt for me. The Jim Carrey version from the live movie does more of what I would like- and Jim’s range of voices make it more entertaining- but then there’s sound effects, like a snorting noise, that I find unnecessary. All in all, I like both versions. Credit is due to Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Giesel, most of all for writing classic, timeless lyrics composed entirely of talking smack.

Original:

JimCarrey:

3. “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano

An attractive quality about Christmas songs is they are, more often than not, happy. “Feliz Navidad” neatly falls in this category. It’s very simply written: the repeated Spanish phrase, “feliz navidad”, means Merry Christmas, and the English part of the song is “I want to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart”. There’s not much else to say as the song doesn’t try too hard; it ends up a fantastic listen by doing nothing but staying simple and true to the holiday spirit.

Song:

2. “Little St. Nick” – The Beach Boys

I don’t listen to The Beach Boys. I’ll listen to almost anything, but I’ve never had the time to go through their discography. If I needed a good reason however, “Little St. Nick” is among the best of them. I absolutely cannot get enough of the song: the singing, the music, the upbeat rhythm, the songwriting about Santa Clause and how it all meshes together. The only way I may sum it up is frankly, this song is the definition of cool.

Song:

1. “Christmas in Harlem” – Kanye West, Cyhi Da Prynce and Teyana Taylor

This is song is easily my favorite modern Christmas song, and for now of all time. Hit-Boy, who produced the song, transforms he music he samples, giving imagery of a proper Christmas night… I suppose in Harlem. Kanye West raps behind the persona of a family man, enjoying his family. Cyhi raps as Santa Clause, cleverly as to not sound corny. Teyana steals the show with her singing, and is really the key to not just the concept -Teyana is Harlem born and raised- but the execution of the classic Christmas feel. The key thing about the lyrics is the cleanness. There’s no cursing, no painfully obvious innuendoes that ruin the family-friendly orientation of the music and it’s no longer than it needs to be. This is all present however in the extended version, featuring other artists. It’s no surprise that when you buy the song, the more succinct version is the one that sells as a genuine single. All things considered, “Christmas in Harlem” is an intriguing Hip-Hop song that- like all the other songs on the list- reminds the listener of the meaning of the holidays: family, love, and thankfulness. Even if there aren’t any gifts, as long as loved ones are around, it’ll “feel like we’ve bought it all”

Shorter, succinct version: http://soundowl.com/track/7hg/kanye-west-christmas-in-harlem-ft-cyhi-da-prynce-teyana-taylor

Extended version with Big Sean, Pusha T, Vado, Cam’Ron and Jim Jones:

Happy Holidays Everyone!

–Kristopher Jordan-Taylor Johnson

Filed Under: Entertainment & Events, Feature, Music

No Shame November Brings Attention to Deadly Disease

December 2, 2012 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

Everyone knows about breast cancer. With October designated as breast cancer awareness month, several companies, from Yoplait to 5 Hour Energy to Hot Topic, donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation when you buy special “pink” products, and various breast cancer walks and drives happening all the time, everyone is aware of its detriments.

But what about other types, such as colon cancer? According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men and women combined. 72 percent of cases occur in the colon, and 28 percent of cases occur in the rectum. There is a 5.1 percent chance of contracting colon cancer, with an average diagnosis age of 72. The American Cancer Society estimates that 143,460 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, and 51,690 people will die from the disease.

In an effort to help find a cure, the Delta Kappa chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated is raising money for the American Cancer Society through No Shame November. “This idea came off of a play of words on No Shave November, where men don’t shave for the entire month. A lot of cancer chemo patients feel ashamed of their baldness, and we want to show them there’s no shame in being bald,” said President Joe Wilson.

Their methods are simple. A $1 donation gets one raffle ticket, and a $5 donation gets 10 raffle tickets. For every $100 in donations collected, a raffle ticket will be pulled and the winner gets the opportunity to shave any Sigma’s head. Winners will be contacted through whatever method they write on the raffle ticket.

“As a service organization on MSU’s campus who has a national partnership with the ACS, we not only have a passion for, but an obligation to service our community and participate in the fight against cancer,” said Wilson. “This November, we chose colon cancer, as it is a major detriment to the health of men, especially in the African American community, and it’s ribbon color is royal blue,” said Vice President Charlton Washington. And people are eager to help: according to Washington, the Sigmas collected $97 just on their first day of fundraising.

Announcement of winners and head shaving will happen at a later date.

–Devyne Lloyd

Filed Under: Health & Lifestyle

Black Power Rally: A Level Up

November 18, 2012 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

Black Power Rally: A Level Up

The 40^th Annual Black Power Rally, hosted by Michigan State University’s Black Student Alliance, was less about empowerment and more about raising awareness of what black power means.

The occasion was held at the Pasant Theatre in the Wharton Center. Seats were packed; some members of the audience sat on the stairs and many did not make it inside at all. The audience was as large as it was diverse; the majority consisted of Black-Americans with a considerable amount of White, African and Asian attendees present. Students, families and otherwise came to witness what BSA, Office of Intercultural Aide and Associated Students of MSU-along with other involved organizations- had to offer for a little over 2 hours.

Kicking off with a slideshow of historic pictures and quotes, Leticia Gittens sang the “Black National Anthem” while surrounded by recognized black leaders on MSU’s campus. Libations for black cultural figures were also held, giving the night a more solemn atmosphere. The evening, however, was by no means dull.

Varied and various performances were offered to a receptive audience. Patricia Jackson gave a rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit”, with a poetic twist by Quinton Robinson and Rashad Timmons on the keyboard. A skit about the accepting one’s own decisions and striving for more opened Giordan Gibson and Tori Franklin’s set, both of whom provided a gracious Hip-Hop performance. The African Student Union provided both performance and dance, reminding the audience of the roots from which much of today’s music and rhythms were born. The audience stayed intrigued, so much so that even the intermission songs rallied a sing or rap along.

Where the performances carried the energy, the speakers defined the evening. Student speaker Shaina Wilson delivered a speech that dealt with the misunderstanding of the black power phrase, that black power has never preached racial superiority as critics would claim, but is used by all who are underprivileged- not just blacks- to “uplift each other.” It’s a phrase that represents conviction, a bypassing of struggle to form a stronger community.

The thought is not novel. The slideshow in the introduction displayed a quote by charter member of the original Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, Huey P. Newton, which read, “Black Power is giving power to people who have not had the power to determine their destiny.” In the United States, black power primes thoughts of Black-Americans decades ago, but the meaning has always gone beyond race, even if that was the starting point.

In the 21^st century, however, this layer of diversity has become more apparent and critical. In addition to the elements of solely black pride, problems and culture, this higher meaning held center stage as the message to walk away with. Race, gender, sexual orientation and economic underrepresentation all represent black power.

Keynote speaker, Professor Angela Davis, delivered a speech that may have seemed more of a lecture meant to teach. Echoing the sentiments of Newton and Wilson and openly speaking on her problems with the law, she also spoke on the institutionalization of many issues: racism, intimate violence vs. police brutality, feminism, and how people need to understand the capitalistic society we live in if any real change is wanted. People not only need to understand, but fight on as a community with proper perspective. Noting how not just young adults, but the United States as a whole has a case of “historic amnesia”: forgetting the roots of their environment and culture. Professor Davis did not get to finish her talking points- she was about to speak on the possible abolition of punishment as the primary form of jail reform before she cut herself short- but still left everyone with a poignant message that could not end in any other way but applause.

The theme of this Black Power Rally was Olympian, the tagline, “On Your Mark: It’s Our Race!” Since America’s inception, and even before, the most emphasized example of the American struggle has been black people as a community. While certain issues have gotten better, politically and otherwise, the race is far from finished. The current generation, in the wake of the 21^st century, holds the baton passed down from our parents, grandparents and ancestors, and it’s a long ways away before it passes into the hands of future generations. If the message of the evening was received, then the question now is not what black power means, but what statement “the unique wonder, which is our race”, (Wilson) wishes to make as we dash forward.

The world is watching, and this is no time to stumble.

–Kristopher Jordan-Taylor Johnson

Filed Under: Black Student Alliance, News, Politics Tagged With: black power rally, Black Student ALliance, BSA, Events

He Said…Never Hit a Woman She Said…VERY Rarely

November 18, 2012 By voiceofmsu Leave a Comment

He Said…

“If you ever put your hands on a woman, I will kill you.” These were the harsh but necessary words that my mother relayed to me as a child after she learned that I had been in a fight with a girl who lived down the street. These were the words that echoed around the vault that is my mind whenever I had a conflict with a female from then until today. I was instilled with the belief that all people should be protected from physical violence, and that goes double for women. So as I viewed the clip of the conflict between the bus driver and the female passenger, I figured that there would be some sort of newsworthy confrontation between them but nothing prepared me for what unfolded.

I watched as they argued. I watched as she caused a scene that seemed to have been triggered from thin air. I watched as she slapped him. I watched as he stopped the bus, unbuckled his seat belt, and got up from his cushioned bus driver’s seat. Uh-oh. Surely he’s not going to hit her, I thought. Surely, he’s just going to gently remove her from the bus and go about his route and day, hopefully never to see her again. I was mistaken…sadly mistaken. This man, who could have been the passenger’s father, uppercuts this poor girl and proceeds to drag her off the bus by her hair, then tosses her things out after her. All while yelling, “You wanna be man? I’m going to treat you like one!” It was devastating. It has recently been released that the bus driver was fired from the public transit agency that hired him after being placed on unpaid probation in early October. However, I am not certain that justice has been served on her behalf. Someone twice his size should deck him in the jaw if you ask me, just so he’ll know what it’s like to be beaten by someone he has no chance of standing up against.

My mother’s words crept up in my mind once more. How could he have felt that was appropriate? He was at work, and I’m sure he was given some form of training to deal with disgruntled patrons. Further, what would his mother think? What would his grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and wife all think of his behavior? I took personal offense on her behalf, and I am certain that the women in his life probably did too.

There were a million different ways that he could have handled that situation without resorting to physical retaliation. I abhor violence in all forms, but there is something particularly heinous about a man striking a woman. No matter how she acts or what she says, a woman should never be subjected to physical pain from a man. I stand firmly by this even in cases where a woman outsizes a man. Domestic violence is never okay.

VERSUS

She Said…

Domestic violence is a serious issue all over the world. There are still several countries where women have no civil rights, can’t speak unless given permission, can’t even show their faces in public.

America, however, is not one of those places. Despite the pay gap, women are still making great strides in the community, from doctors and lawyers to Speaker of the House to governors and all the way up to Vice Presidential candidate (Palin wasn’t necessarily the best choice, but hey: you’ve got to take what you can get sometimes). With much power, however, comes much stress and not everyone can deal.

Men, has your girl ever gotten upset with you? Yelled or screamed at you? Put her hands on you? The majority of people frown upon hitting women, but that doesn’t stop the thought from crossing your mind. And rightly so: many women intentionally push buttons because they know they won’t get hit back.

But are there instances where it’s ever okay to lay hands on a woman? I say yes, but in very limited and specific circumstances. A girl cussing & fussing, no matter how hurtful her words may be, is never an excuse to lay your hands on a woman. If she runs at you swinging, move out the way. You can even push her out of the way and leave.

Now, I just listed a variety of reasons why you shouldn’t put your hands on a woman. But what happens when she causes actual physical bodily harm? What if she throws a pot at your head or pulls a knife on you? At some point, pushing her away is no longer enough.

I know you saw that girl get uppercut by the bus driver. This, ladies and gentlemen, Is a perfect example of women taking things too far. Causing a scene and physically lashing out, all because she didn’t pay her bus fare. First and foremost, why are you mad? Public transportation isn’t free and if you’re going to use it, you’re going to pay. Second, why would you attack the bus driver while he’s driving the bus?!? He could injure and even kill himself, you, and everyone else on the vehicle and the people on the street. And then she spit on him. Getting spat on is just as bad as getting open hand slapped: it’s embarrassing, disrespectful, and infuriates people like no other. There is NEVER a reason to spit on ANYONE EVER. Dangerous & unruly behavior like that has consequences.

Now, the uppercut was a little much. He wound up like a professional and there was no way she was prepared to deal with the amount of force laid on her chin. But she got what she had coming to her. And he made a pretty solid argument: “You want to be a man? I’m going to treat you like one.”

Moral of the story? Control your temper, don’t put your hands on women, but if you act like a man, you will get treated like one.

–Aidan Clark and Devyne Lloyd