This Thing Called Life

The Revolutionary Tears of Father-In-Chief, Barack Obama

Who in a million years would've thought that America would see the day, when a black man became the most powerful person in the world//That regardless of all the hardship black people have endured, Obama's presidency was not a result of affirmative action; despite what his critics say// And that despite all the obstacles he's faced, he has always pushed ahead//Because sometimes a historic moment just sneaks up on you // Letting you know that the old rules no longer apply to this ever-changing world//I cried when Obama was elected//It truly was a moment of "Hope and Change" for not only America but the world, too// Demonstrating that a nation with the most volatile history and present can achieve change//For something different//For someone with a permanent tan, someone vulnerable and caramel// 

In 2008, a black man became ordinary//And in the years throughout his presidency, Obama showed us that being a president is more than just being a political figure// You become a paternal figure as you take on the role 'father of a nation'//We saw this when he wept openly about the tragedy of Sandy Hook// And as he continually did so like in Orlando, when the largest mass shooting in American history // Was a hate crime against gay people // Though we know that Obama, like all black men in America, has struggled to be accepted as "one of them" due to the many differences that separate him and his predecessors// Pay no attention to the critics that protest that Obama couldn't possibly love America, as much as they love America// His tears for every adversity  have been genuine and heartfelt//  Because this was a BLACK man weeping tears over the cruel murders of WHITE  people// Something that the 'superior' race couldn't afford to do while they took us from our homeland in chains// His own people have seemingly decreased in numbers at the hands of the US justice system since he entered office// And he can't // He is not allowed to take sides// So never mind that he was called a traitor when he called for calm in Ferguson// Obama saw his own kids in these 20 innocent children// And he couldn't do anything//

As the president of the United States of America, you are 'supposed' to be the most powerful person in the world//And he wasn't// He still isn't// His tears showed us that// He accepted that he was powerless// Something that the black community can very much relate to// After all, they have always been regarded as something else, "the Criminal, the Athlete"// But it's been very good to have a real human as president// Though, I may not be American, I am glad to have been apart the Age of Obama// I am proud of all that he has accomplished, regardless of the several barriers that he has endured// He is the 'black sheep' among his predecessors// And beyond his title, Obama has revealed that he is just a mere man and a father// His 8 year presidency may not have been what we expected but it's definitely been an exceptional one// My only regret is the insistence of Congress in stymieing him at every turn//I believe that he could've done so much more, had it not been for Congress//

Nevertheless, Obama has presided an extraordinary presidency// One that I believe could not have been accomplished by his white predecessors// And that is pretty extraordinary, for an ordinary black man in America// And though, history has for so many years been swept under the rug// It is essential that we remember that the White House was built by slaves// The Obamas got to be apart of a special of history// One that our black ancestors do not regret because something good has come out of their blood and sweat// And no matter, what family occupies the White House after Jan. 2017// And so forth, the following generations, they will never equal the style, class and elegance of the Obama clan// Even if, critics may claim his presidency to be a failure// We all know the reasons why, at least we can guess// But know this // Barack Obama is not an 'Other' // In many ways than one, he has excelled and exceeded in becoming an 'American' // He's done it with flare and style too // And that is his greatest triumph//



Letters To People I Love: A New Normal

We got screwed! 

I don't know what else to say because all my anger was unleashed on Facebook but I guess that we can't do anything now. I'm gonna insert my Facebook posts below because I'm speechless by the UK's decision. 

They FUCKED us up, bad! 

I'm actually gonna hate to see Cameron go! 

Letters To People I Love: America Was Never Great

I do not have the slightest clue about the extent to how great America once was 
Perhaps because of everything that I have been taught about this 'superpower', the negatives always outweighed the positives 
Though this is what I am certain of:
I am not black and you are not white
This is what the world calls us but we weren't born saying that "I am black, you are white" 
It's just what we have grown accustomed to
I was taught to call myself "black" but the root of the tree has broken eight times in my lifetime
And in that period I have learnt that "America Was Never Great" 
Now my intention is not to ridicule this 'great' nation 
But we are nothing if we choose to be ignorant of the atrocities taking place in the world 
If we fail to see the value of someone else's life just because of their race or sexuality 
We are nothing 
It's even worse when you put the blame on a whole religion just because of one's actions 
And you are less than nothing if you are okay with sending out prayers to the grieving families of the 49 when you damn well know that you have the power to right this wrong 
To elect a dumb b***h, stupid b***h, ignorant b***h as a presidential candidate truly depicts America's fleeting 'greatness' 
How many ghosts must occupy the empty seats at dinner tables, until you get it right?
Taken away by silly and senseless reasons: 
"He was black and angry"
"They were gay" 
"He was a Muslim"
By delaying these gun reforms, you fail to realise that America was built by the BLACK man for the pleasure of the WHITE man 
And that there have been so many LGBT servicemen/women who have laid down their lives for this 'great' nation; yet you still passed the DADT
Merely forgetting how corrupt all religions are, that they are the cause for so many wars 
But you have chosen to scapegoat the one religion that teaches discipline and honour 
Maybe this is why I find this so easy to write and so hard 
I am aware that there must have been a time when America was great, truly great
Because you once were a silenced nation that fought so valiantly for your independence
By those are all faded glories 
Because you don't fight for what's right anymore, you don't fight for moral reasons anymore and you sure as hell are waging wars on the wrong people
We cry with Orlando because we see ourselves in those broken families, those lost souls 
And we were hoping that you would get right this time around because you told us that the loss of the innocent lives at Sandy Hook and America's other tragedies weren't enough 
I know that the title is very flawed because
America was great when they passed and struck down laws for moral reasons 
When they did not turn on a president who is so desperately trying so hard to make a difference but is unable to 
Because Congress values their seats more than they value the lives of their citizens 
Your words are meaningless if your actions don't reflect them 
Know that by prolonging this process, you are only feeding the disease and one day, you will feel its wrath 
Just like so many parents, brothers, sisters and neighbours have 
The first step to solving a problem is knowing that there's one:
'America Was Never Great' because the only way they know how to show their 'greatness' is after a million lives have suffered 
And that is not greatness, but cowardice

Letters To People I Love: Dear Young British People, About June 23rd

The EU referendum is on the 23rd June. It's a once in a generation opportunity and as if I didn't or you didn't already know that. Here are some statistics that I got off the BBC website: "just over a third of 18-24 year olds intend or are certain to vote, compared to the well over two thirds of the over 75s " - who are irrelevant seeing as this referendum dictates our future because we ARE the future generation. But if we mix the percentage of the 75s with "those under the age of 35, who are roughly as twice to vote to stay in as those aged over 55." 

So do you get it? We are outplanned and outnumbered. While we may be the future of the UK, if we don't VOTE, we are going to get ourselves kicked out of possibly the best thing that's ever happened to the UK. 

I know that I'm just one voice but I'm here. I'm here to convince you that staying in the EU is the best choice! 

I get it. I understand that you're apathetic. I know that reasons why and as a politics student, I have never disliked politics as much as I do now because it's boring and corrupt, regardless of what they tell you. The parties are all the same, they tell us lies just so they can be in power, so either way we are screwed. 

Nonetheless, I do make an effort to vote for the important issues like this one. This referendum has nothing to do with our corrupt political parties. It's to do with the fact that if we, the young people don't vote, we are eternity fucked. It's to do with the issue if we leave, the UK will be vulnerable to lots of shit and the country will just descend into chaos. It's to do with the fact that if we don't vote, then the majority older generation will most likely vote for us to leave.

So why are we having a referendum? Well, I'm we all know that the EU has been one gigantic experiment. One that has worked and provided all 28 countries with great benefits, so were were doing okay. Then David Cameron and his ungrateful party got desperate and promised that if the Tories won the 2015 General Election, there would be a referendum on the UK's position within the EU. Though, if you can recall that the only reason they did is was to attract right wing votes and well, what you do you know, because of David Cameron; we now have a UKIP MP in Parliament and an EU referendum in less than a month. Problem is... WE HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THE EU!

Being a member of the EU may have not always been the best but the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages because we can access other EU countries with little or no hassle, we can study or live abroad - see we are definitely better in the EU. The monthly payment that we have to make is nothing compared to what we receive in return, like the laws that we have for so long taken for granted.

What's the deal with BREXIT? Apart from it sounding a like a failed cereal name, the 'Leave' campaign is complaining about the fee that we have to pay as a member of the EU. However, I think that the fee is minimal. What the 'Leave' campaign is trying to say 'politely' but failing is that the EU has 'too much power' over US! Umm...excuse you...remember the British Empire, when you had 'an excessive amount of power' over more than half of the world who in fact didn't vote or request for it!?! Remember that? Well, this is not the British Empire, we are allowed to have allies especially with all the tragedies and hellish times that the world is facing; it's a good thing having other countries keeping us in check and having our back.

Not to mention that the 'Leave' campaign is scapegoating refugees, just like Donald Trump is scapegoating Muslims in order to win the US presidency or like how the worst dictators that the UK and its ALLIES have defeated scapegoated innocents in order to win power. Now if the 'Leave' campaign wasn't using refugees as to why we should leave the EU, I would be fine with it but they are, so I'm not. Using the migrant crisis that state that as soon as someone becomes apart of the EU, they are live wherever they want - as if, the other 27 EU member countries are more sympathetic than us because they are letting people who are fleeing from the wartorn country stay in theirs; thus giving them permission to move into the UK. Though, didn't you learn? Leaving the EU won't solve immigrant!

And putting aside the fact that out of our 6 million population, there are millions of people who don't care about refugees because they don't think that  it's our bloody concern. Well, do you realise that the majority of the population of the UK are immigrants? And that there are several British nationals living across the EU, so if we leave, they have to come back. Good job, 'Leave' campaign. I can see that you really care about your people.

Have you thought about the UK economy? I don't think so. Since the announcement of the EU referendum, there has been no study, let alone a '5 reason list' to show that economically the UK would be better off leaving the EU. As a member of the EU, our economy has now become so fused to the EU that it would be suicide if we left. Would we need to change the pound to the euro? It would not longer take us decades to officially leave the EU but it would take us twice those decades to untangle ourselves from this economic tragedy. Would we even be allowed to participate in Eurovision? Would we ever be able to win it, again? Not that we were winning before... 

Summary? Dear young people, please VOTE to STAY IN THE EU. We can't let though those sadistic UKIP votes win. I'm begging you! Like Scotland voted to stay apart of the UK in 2014, it's our turn to return the favour because I'm sure that they don't want to leave. A lot of you make think that you don't need to vote, but YOU DO! 

                    

I know that the EU isn't perfect and like so many things in the world right now, it's in dire need of rewiring. But most importantly, I believe that it's in our best interests in we stay because I'm certain that you don't want to look back at this moment and regret it. Vote for yourself. For your fellow young people. For your kids, so that they too can taste the benefits of what it means to be apart of the EU. 

And if we do end up staying, then we can focusing on removing the already crumbling Conservative government from Parliament. But first, lets give this idiotic government actual representation of the country's opinion meaning that we need TWO THIRDS of us to haul our asses down to the voting booth on June 23, so that the result is a true reflection of the UK opinion.

Notes From London: An Image Collection

Letters To People I Love: Life Reminders

It eventually gets better, without any sort of explanation. You just wake up one morning and you won't be as upset or feel anything sad anymore. And it will be great, in that moment, you will feel invincible. 

Today is that day for me. 

My Best Self-Reminder During Exam Season

Letters To People I Love: Fight for Yourself

I like the not so anonymous anti-school enthusiastic me. I am the mad, big-headed, outspoken but not so rebellious student that roams the school halls when sent out of class. 
At school, I watch as my friends race to make it to class on time, just so they can keep their records clean. Me...not so much! 
In the time that I should make my way to class, I stand and watch as teachers bicker about the failing and exceeding students.
But for me, it's always been the same: "if only she'd put in more effort, she could've done better. She needs to pay more attention, turn in homework on time, she needs to do this, do that..."
Comments which used to drag me down but now I wear proudly on my chest as though they were merit badges of my non-conformity, fun nature.

See I don't need to put in more effort. I don't need to do anything. 
If I cared even the sightliest bit about school, I would have done everything, you're telling me to do without your permission.
I am proud to stand outside the headteacher's office, to fill my exam paper with 'silly' drawings or have a day off school to think about how the 'benefits' of education will triumph those of the uneducated. 

I've been ruined by school. 
And in return, I have ruined a lot of drinks for my friends and I whilst in school, Coke and Vodka is Year 8. Just straight Vodka is Year 9 and 10.
Though by Year 11, I had acknowledged that alcohol in school wasn't rebellious or delightful enough.
I have, however, been faithful to myself throughout.
I have nurtured myself in times of need and congratulated myself when I've succeeded.
It's the failed tests and parents' evenings and awards assemblies between friends, that I found real friends. 
Until today...
Until today, I had slowly realized that over the last few months of 2016, I had consumed enough hatred for school and conformity to call it a friend and it was not a problem.
There is no regret because I can not remember a single word that I've exchanged in a classroom or exam room where I wasn't thinking of being blind drunk. 
For me at this moment, instead of being met with a voice of comfort, reassurance, I was met with a voice of doubt; saying that there was no point in aiming higher but rather, I should settle for what the school said I was capable of. 
Which is ironic seeing as our school motto is "Aim High" and this fucking prick was telling me not to do such a thing...yes, this is why teachers are great! 
This is the reason why school is forced upon us so that the people who should be telling us to go out into the world and do our best are saying that we are incapable of greatness. 
Nevertheless, I refused to bawl my eyes out or show fear despite, knowing that my idealistic utopia had now become a dirtied anxious hallway in which I no longer belonged. 

At times I felt like I was giving in to being a conformer. Though admitting that my teacher was right was something I couldn't do. It wasn't fun googling ''will I be depressed when I leave school?' It wasn't fun when people told me that I was faking it. What made it even worse was having people 'help' by saying 'talking helps' because it doesn't. Believe me, I've tried! 

Initially, I tried to censor this feeling of loneliness. I refused to register as depressed, it seemed silly for someone who's used to being in control of herself. So I turned to self-medicating, I mean literally, all I did was cry, listen to music and read. 

I was no longer myself. School had turned me into something else, someone that I told myself, I wasn't gonna be. It was like the one person who was supposed to be telling me to aspire to greater things enjoyed implying to me, that I couldn't do what I wanted to do. When in all honestly, all I wanted was to have someone step outside and be in the moment with me but feeling helpless in the one place that I was told I would find happiness left me a huge mess. I always told myself, I was to be myself no matter what. But I get it, nobody wants to mix their whites with colours, especially with your siblings, who you unintentionally disagree with 24/7.

With just two months to go, I am more than ecstatic to say goodbye.  
The exams that I'm due to take will decide my future according to the government but I believe otherwise. 
I understand that school hasn't been my favourite and that if I could have a beer the day before my last exam, just one. And it would be grand! But I can't because I know that every moment I wake in the morning, I am counting the days until the 17th of June. However, in the same energetic manner that I am counting down the days, I should make a conscious effort to reclaim all the good things about school. It will not be easy but I'm confident that in the long haul, it will all be worthwhile. I'm now attempting to construct a much healthier life. If I ever spiral again, I hope to have a friend beside me that I can trust. Though for now, I am taking each day as it comes, somedays I'm slightly happier than others, and I'm content with that.

Advice From B.S

The Unabridged Journals Of A Forgotten Misft

Here is my concept: 

I have accepted school. I'm going to school, I should be finished in two months for a four month holiday before university. This was not my idea. It was society's. If I had my way frankly,  wouldn't have gone. Like I've mentioned many times before, I believe that in order to achieve the life that you want; you don't have to go to school. But then again, it doesn't matter if you do or you don't. Either you are going to get screwed by the government and the world. And when it comes to friends...there's drama going on. Your friends say they don't want you to pick sides but you know all too well, that's a lie. You'll survive. Well, I hope you do because then, you need to think of university and life after that. It's okay! You still have four months to think about that. But let's skip four years into the future and say that we have finished university - the job I work isn't my dream job but I enjoy it. You have to work then for another year and some months. Or you could get fired...then you'll work a couple more jobs after that, to pay off your debt to the government (with some interest). At this rate, life won't be glamorous. They will pay enough to cover everything, you might need. Bills will never be overdue (hopefully). Money is never a thought in your head. You will never be homeless or starving. You won't have to worry about moving back home if the government finally realizes that we are people. You will, however, get your heart broken more than once, don't let that put you down. If it helps, the first one in worse than the second one. Contrary to how you might feel at the time, it won't kill you. It won't be the end of the world. Divide into the comfort of friends, family, and your books. Always find time to read at the end of the day. Meet up with friends regularly, old and new. Put in some time to go see the homeless and spend some time with them. You will learn so much from them than you ever learned in school. Make memories. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Learn to master your gifts. In doing so, you will become a lot stronger, wiser and maybe, even a little taller. Travel a few times a year, once by yourself. Always different places. Meet new people while you're there. They will be good for you. There will be no war. 

But for now, be patient. Work hard. You have no choice. And be good to people. I don't know what's coming but in July, you will travel around Europe with one of your greatest friends. It's all working out. Keep at it. Be content. You'll make it. 

Extended Project '15 Sneak Peek

I recently handed in my Extended Project (EPQ) to my supervisor. I'm extremely proud of myself. I'm so thankful to myself for having finished this project because it was such a lengthy process. It was however, worth it. 

In my extended project, I wrote a 5,000 word essay analysis whether the Black Lives Matter movement was a continuation of the Civil Rights Movement and I would like to share snippets of it because posting it, is just too long.  

The question was - An Analysis of the Black Lives Matter movement: To what extent is the Black Lives Matter movement a continuation of the Civil Rights Movement?

 In 1963, Martin Luther King (MLK) stated:

“When the architect of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”[1] – I Have A Dream speech, (1963).

Obviously, America has neglected MLK’s words of wisdom in-so-far as black citizens are concerned. Fifty-three years, after MLK’s speech, it appears that America has given the black people a “bad check”[2] indicating that there’s not only a need for a renewed Civil Rights Movement (CRM) but also for a transformed I Have A Dream speech. On the 11^th of February, 2016, 24 year old, Tré Melvin wrote a spoken word poem, and whilst, it does not touch upon the same issues Dr King’s speech did, – it reflects upon an issue that remains relevant in America today – police brutality against black people. Hence, why I believe that Melvin’s poem is the reintroduction of MLK’s speech as it mirrored the extract above, faultlessly:

“All lives will matter when my kin are no longer deemed threats and thugs, prior to humans. All lives will matter when the amount of melanin in the skin of my sisters, no longer represents their value. All lives will matter when my unarmed brothers are no longer used as target practice. All lives will matter when black lives matter.”[3] – Tré Melvin, All Lives Will Matter When Black Lives Matter spoken word (2016).

While, the CRM addressed the civil and political rights that were denied to black people, Melvin (2016) expands on what MLK said by confronting the radicalised degradation continually endured by black people at the hands of the police.

The purpose of this essay is to analyse a range of evidence to consider whether the Black Lives Matter movement (BLMM) is a revival of the 1960s CRM and if it is necessary in today’s America...

The BLMM can, in this regard, be seen as the reframing of a long-existing movement, which reacts against the unjust penalties for killers of black people - against those police officers and authorities who have merely been suspended or fired[1] from their jobs. The pending question that has yet to be answered by the US justice system is ‘instead of being properly tried, have the police officers been allowed to walk because they are white or is it because the people killed deserved the end that was bestowed upon them?’ Essentially, many will say that the answer is obviously. They will argue that the US system has been stacked against the minority since the American constitution was written, which, in all fairness is true. In July, 1776, the first US constitution was drawn up stating, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”[2] It was then redrafted in March, 1787, “We the people of the United States”[3] – the first draft of the US constitution depicts desperate men who have just won freedom from their oppressor. It also instils pressure by saying, “all men” suggesting that it is man’s responsible to see to it that everyone is equal. Whilst, the second reworking, “we the people” was meaningless to everyone except those that were white; despite the fact, that it was produced for a long lasting constitution representing every interest and belief. Slavery still went ahead and was followed by several atrocities of which many black people were the victims of...

The #blacklivesmatter hashtag has proved effective by linking the dissimilar fates of the many unarmed black men shot by white police. It has proved that a post of Facebook can organise a protest in a matter of minutes. Videos dispersed on Tumblr of previously unseen events become unignorable such as the death of Eric Garner. His poignant last words, “I can’t breathe” became a symbol for blacks symbolising their current predicament. These events have gripped worldwide attention enticing celebrities to get involved in supporting their race. Basketball player, LeBron James, wore a t-shirt emblazoned with Garner’s last words across the front, Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson, addressed Trayvon Martin’s ‘racially’ charged case at Comic-Con in San Diego and consoled Trayvon Martin’s mother and family. Whilst, black artists paid tribute through music - J Cole with Free, Common and John Legend with Glory, a song which explicitly connects the CRM to the BLMM. More recently, Beyoncé released Formation, a day before the 2016 Super Bowl 50 on what would have been Trayvon Martin’s 21^st birthday...

For that reason, I believe that the BLMM is an extension of the 1960s CRM to a great extent. Although, black people in America have achieved a sufficient degree of freedom, this does not equate to equality. Many, including myself, thought that the election of America’s first black president would help with the inequality consuming America but the fact, that all these tragedies have come to a head under his presidency makes it more saddening – because this was the only time where it could be rightfully acknowledged by any US leader. His realisation that “he could’ve been Trayvon Martin”[1] is upsetting because it shows that despite what many say, not a lot has been achieved in the way of equality - which is all that was demanded by the CRM and is being demanded by the BLMM...

When people ask ‘What would Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks think?’- Personally, I would like to think that they would be proud because the BLMM is continuing what they began. Rosa Parks once wrote “There’s just so much hurt, disappointment and oppression one can take.”[1] Her anger and defiance is what links the BLMM to the CRM, hence why the BLMM is not a disruption but a continuation. Though, despite, America’s turbulent history with the black race, America has made steps to achieve equality as seen by the election of Barack Obama - but “until the killing of black men, black mother’s sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother’s sons, we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.”[2] – Ella Baker (1964)

Letters To People I Love: Reasons To Stay Alive

1. You are not alone. You are on another planet and it may seem like no one understands you but believe me when I say, that there is someone who does. You may think that this is not true but only because the reference is yourself. That person that understands you have been here, others have been here. You're in a world with billions of people. 
2. Things will not get worse. The worst you will ever get to is wanting to kill yourself, believe me, I've been there. You can only go up from here. 
3. This is feeling is a warning sign.
4. It won't last forever. No matter how lonesome you feel right now. This pain will not last because pain lies. It's the same with a broken heart. Time heals all pain.
5. You still need to experience the days of joy that match this symptom. Like so many of us, you will look down at a baby fall asleep in your arms, you will cry at the stupidest film/song. You will eat delicious foods, you will once again learn to look at a view from a higher place, without wanting to fall. 
6.  You will read books that will enrich you. They will become your most loyal friends. You will go to places that will still haven't been to. 
7. You will laugh, dance with friends. You will love and have sex with the one that you love. You will learn to be complete before finding that 'one'. You will go for a run, have late-night conversations with people, strangers 
8. Don't give up. Don't ever dwell on giving up because life will wait for you to get better. You might be stuck here for a while but life is worth living.
9. Most important of all, you're worth staying alive.

For all the people the struggle with depression...