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02/13/2004 Entry: "encomium"

So haven't been talking that much about what I have been doing, but that's because I haven't been doing much. However, on Wednesday something of note happened. I went to the Nuyorican to see the encomium thing put on by Acentos. It was one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Ray's Band was off the planet. Man they were smokin. The organization was tight. It started and ended on time, and the poetry was sincere and well performed by everyone, not just the people paying tribute. I am really happy I went. It was what I needed. Crazy cheers to everyone who organized it and performed in it. (Guy, Ray, Fish, Oscar, Rich, Jessica.......)It is a beautiful thing to see Acentos expand at such a glorious rate. It hasn't even been a year and they are the talk of the town.

Seperate issue:

Outkast's show at the Grammy's. I didn't see the grammy's but I read an article about the complaint lodged against them. I think it's fucked up. Why are there always certain stereotypes that remain ok in society. As though the country says we won't make fun of certain things but you gotta give us something to ridicule. The Washinton redskins is a good example of this same kind of thing. No one seems offended. Because the native American population has been destroyed so that it only represents 1% of the nation, its somehow OK to make fun. No one cares because there aren't enough of them to cause trouble, or change elections, or make economic dents in large corporations. It saddens me. The same can be said for the dominance of Asian Stereotpyes (only 4% of US population.) As long as its not their own group people stay quiet. It reminds me of that poem by Pastor Niemoller where no one is left to protest when they come for you because everyone has already been taken. We constantly think we won't be next to be put under scrutiny or ridicule. Constantly think scorn will shift its eyes to someone else. It happened after 9-11 when everyone pointed their fingers at Arab Americans, it happens now when everyone blames Same Sex couples for destroying the sanctity of marriage. Not enugh stand up, they chip away at all of us, splinter us into Iron Filings with the same charge made to repel eachother. I don't think its Ok for Outkast to us sacred images as flippantly and commercially as they did, the way "F Troop", Cartoons, countless movies and sports teams have used them. Allthis shit gotta stop. I find it way more offensive than Janet's nipples.

Today's song of the day is "None of Us Are Free" by Ray Charles