Sex+Violence= Chaotic Society

So over the last couple of weeks In Trinidad and Tobago we've had school fights posted all over social media, had a government minister being put on blast for having an outside thing, form one girls being caught performing oral sex at school and a number of cases of one of the most disturbing crimes on the face of the earth, incest.  

The prognosis being bandied around is simple. We are a violent, sex crazed society. But have you ever stopped to think why? All you need to do is look around. Everything is centered around sex and violence and to make matters worse we've essentially become desensitized to it all. The only people who are safe from it are those of us who live under the proverbial rock with no WI-FI. So what do we expect the youth to do, our future? They sure as hell aren't going to be influenced by anything a parent, a politician or a teacher says, because essentially the ones that are good influences are not sexy, cool or violent enough. 

So maybe what we should do is not only embrace sex and violence but we use it as a weapon. Since it's the only thing that gets ones attention nowadays, in everything we do we should play either the sex or the violence card. Hell we should probably play them both simultaneously. 

Starting with parenting. Parents anytime you have to talk to your kids, go and find the sexiest male or female ever and make sure they have some violent tendencies and have them talk to your kids. Better yet just turn on the TV or buy your kid and IPAD and let that raise your kids. 

Politicians forget about the real issues. Forget about giving speeches about pertinent issues and passing some decent legislation or efficiently doing your job. Just ensure that you look hotter than the next person (thanks to the states tax dollars) and smile for the cameras. If possible you should arrange some MMA cage match against your political opponents cause that would surely grab the attention of the populous. Oh and don't forget to throw in some disrespectful comments about your opponent, preferably about their family. 

To those people who provide us with the information we need through the print media. Forget about giving us the cold hard facts. Just sensationalize it, and fill it with gory or sexually explicit material and pictures. Just fill our minds with pictures of sexy men and women with the occasional bit of violence. Now that's doing your job. 

But wait it seems like someone already stole my idea and look how well it’s working! When are we going to realize that we're drawing cards from a stacked deck and therefore we are bound to loose. The way things are going its probably going to be when it's too late, if it's not to late already! 

Why Withholding Sex is a bad idea!

So I came across an article today that peaked my interest levels. It was written by Lincoln Anthony Blades in the Coco Magazine. Essentially the author was talking about a friend of his who was basically denying her man the sex because they were having communication problems.  I just want to add my 2 cents to the argument. 

Now from a male point of view thus is essentially the stupidest thing a woman can do. Taking away sex just to prove a point. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that this is the logical female solution to most problems they encounter.  I mean women have been using the power of the vagina since the inception of time. But more often than not they use it for the wrong reasons and therefore reap inadequate or insufficient rewards. 

Take the whole lack of communication thing. Why the hell would you think that denying a man sex is going to help with your communication problems. Lets be realistic most men are horny bastards, we think about it constantly. When we are not getting it we are more akin to crack addict who ain't had a hit for days. So if we are not actually getting any for awhile obviously we are going to be a bit cranky. But to make matters worse we then gave to deal with the fact that our girl is withholding it just because she feels we need to communicate better. This is a  disaster just waiting to happen. 

If you ask me communication problems are a desperate plea for sex. What better way to communicate than by having sex and fulfilling each others carnal desires. You can start the communication during the act. She can say how she wants it, you comply, communication. You ask how good it is she replies, sounds like communication to me. 

But seriously as adults we can't continue to try to make things better in a relationship by taking away something that can actually help the situation.  

We are not kids anymore therefore we must realize that this whole idea of taking something away to get something else is extremely childish and pointless. Their are other ways to solve problems and we're adults, we should be able to figure them out. 

Legalize it for the Economy...Not so sure!

Truth be told I've been debating writing about this topic for awhile now. I've been quietly observing the outlook of the masses and struggling with whether or not my view may or may not bring forth certain repercussions. 

A couple weeks ago at a Caricom meeting the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago finally let the cat out of the bag when she alluded to the fact that she's willing to consult the populous of her country in regards to the possible decriminalization of marijuana. 

Now this topic has been getting quite a bit of coverage due to the recent legislation that has been passed and considered in a number if US states. So it really comes as no surprise that the nations of Caricom seem to be willing to jump on the decriminalization or legalization band wagon. Thanks to globalization that's just what we as Caribbean nations do, follow the trend. But I'll leave that discussion for another rant. 

To be honest with you I've always felt that the decriminalization and or legalization of marijuana is something that is simply bound to happen and the only reason it hasn't taken place is due to the fact that the powers that be haven't found an adequate method by which to make money off of the product. 

That said I actually applaud the steps that the Caricom governments are taking at the moment. However I am a little concerned about the current avenue the discussions are going down. 

Firstly a lot of talk in regards to this issue has been surrounded by the economic profitability that decriminalization and legalization could bring to the region. Its no secret that from a financial standpoint the region is still struggling to come to grips with the economic crisis that rippled through the world a few years ago. Many a leader has pointed to marijuana as a potential crutch that can be used to put the Caribbean back on its feet. 

However I'm a bit skeptical about that consensus, based on a historical perspective. Those of you who are versed in your Caribbean history will remember that the first cash crop of the Caribbean was in fact Tobacco which can be likened to a not to distant relative of marijuana. It should be noted that before tobacco was produced in the Caribbean the islands that we know of today were insignificant at best. Similar to the situation they now find themselves in. 

However the production of tobacco brought a semblance a notability to the territories and a small stream of income. It should be noted that tobacco was never able to bring unprecedented profits to the Caribbean. This was due to the fact that competition was ripe, particularly in the American colonies. The availability of land led to the tobacco of the Americas being of a higher quantity and quality. 

That brings me to my point. Has the world really changed that much since the early 16th century. If the islands of Caricom are looking to marijuana as the means to economic security I believe that history has already written that chapter and the ending is not the best. 

Yes Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago have the ability to produce a relatively potent crop. But in reality will they be able to compete with say Colombia, Uruguay, Holland and the USA, to name a few. I think not. Therefore I think its a big mistake to pin your financial security on a crop that will most likely bring your economy minimum profits. What I do think is that extensive research and planning needs to go into this decision and a concrete plan needs to be put in place. A plan which doesn't rely on marijuana being the economic savior of the region. A savior it is not, but a short term crutch perhaps. 

There is no hiding the fact marijuana does have a place in society, I just hope the powers that be come up with the right sort of game plan to affect the change.

"Break the Law you'll be rewarded"

So once again the government of Trinidad and Tobago have thrown the middle class under the bus in favor of the poor. Now it might sound as if I have something against the poor or the less fortunate, but that can't be further from the truth. I understand that the less the fortunate among us may need a helping hand once in awhile, but I think the powers that be (in this circumstance the government) need to make better choices in regards to when and to whom they lend a helping hand. 

Case in point being the highway resettlement scheme.  We all know the story pretty well but allow me to paraphrase it briefly for those who live under the proverbial rock. So the government decides that it needs to build a highway and the route will basically cut through a number of settlements. The government is then required to resettle those persons who will be affected by the construction (how sweet!) However a number of these persons had illegally squatted on the land to be used for the construction of the highway. 

Here is were the government makes their boo boo. These squatters are then to be provided with land valued at around 200,000 TT dollars (which could increase to 600,000 TT dollars) and are then required to pay something like 50,000 for it over the course of 30 or so years. So essentially these people who have broken the law are getting an unbelievable gift. Seems to me as if it pays to break the law! 

But my biggest issue is the fact that you have a large number of middle class working people who have been attempting to acquire land for ages and would jump at the chance of owning a piece of land and are more than willing to pay market price for it. Why is the government continuing to reward improper or bad behavior when you have a group of people who have done all the society requires of them but get nothing The norms of society dictate that you should do the following things. Finish secondary school, go on to University get a degree and find a job. The majority of the middle class have followed this norm to a 'T', but yet they can't purchase a house or a piece of land for whatever the reason. In my eyes it would make more sense to reward these persons for their drive and their current accomplishments. 

That said everything in this world is based on money and profit. Show me a government that is not concerned about money and I'll show you a bunch of idiots. Therefore wouldn't it make sense to offer this opportunity to a group of people who could afford market price. Wouldn't this lead to some form of substantial profit being made by the government instead of the possible losses that they will probably incur by essentially giving the land away. To make matters worse if a loss is actually incurred the government is more than likely going to look towards taxation as a means to recouping its losses. Who do you think is going to have to bar the brunt of this taxation, yup you guessed it, the middle class. 

To often in this country the government rewards the poor in order to keep them under their authority. The poorer classes are much easier to manipulate and control than the aforementioned middle class. I get that and I understand it. But a stronger middle class would be way more beneficial to the country than a large class of poor individuals who are constantly clamoring for a handout from the government. 

Let me reiterate that I have nothing against the poor however I feel as if the country would be in a much better state if the government refrained from rewarding criminal acts. The strength of every country should be based on its middle class, because essentially they are the ones who have the best opportunity to move the country forward.  

Also the message that this sends to the population is that you should do right but don't expect any rewards for it. What type of motivation is that? All that is going to do is motivate more persons to look for the easy way out of all situations and that my friends will undoubtedly lead to more chaos than we a actually need at the moment.

My Problem with the 2014 International Soca Monarch

Now this might not be the most accurate of my publications due to the fact that I was lubricating my insides with alcoholic beverages as I was watching, but I just want to say a few words about the 2014 Soca Monarch competition. 

Throughout the run up to Fantastic Friday their had been countless commercials run on TV and radio describing the event as the biggest and best thing to hit Trinidad in years. If I'm not mistaken a comparison was made between Soca Monarch and the Grammy's.  

Now I am not the greatest proponent of Soca music, it is fairly low on my top genres, however I feel events such as Soca Monarch have the ability to raise the profile of the genre considerably and convert the non believer's such as myself.  

The event itself has the ability to be a much better presentation of the unique culture that is Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the West Indies. However a few things may need tweaking in order for that to happen. 

First things first, the actual broadcasting of the event needs quite a bit of work in my eyes. The actual hosting of the event is something that the powers be should look at. I felt that the TV hosts of the show should have a little more background in the actual soca/music industry. Take for example when a sports event is televised live, their is usually one ex player alongside someone who has a background or qualifications in media training. That was not evident in the Soca Monarch production on Friday evening. 

I also felt that the production of the actual show for Television audiences was extremely substandard. I realize that this was a live event and therefore some things can't be helped. But on many occasions parts of the after performance interviews were cut by incoming and outgoing commercials. The questioning by the interviewers could have also been of a better standard. An interviewer more knowledge or one who is more in touch with the soca industry may have been able to bring a little more excitement to the process. 

At the end of the day, the powers that be need to realize that they are in fact catering for two audiences in regards to the Soca Monarch competition. They have the crowd which is there for the show and the millions who are watching it via tv or live streams. If they have any intention to bring soca music to the world the production of this showcase needs to be addressed. The organizers of this event need to start to think outside the box a bit more in order to cater for their two distinct audiences especially if they want to mention The Grammy's and Soca Monarch in the same sentence.

"Black History Month" vs "Zimmerman and DMX"

Two particular things caught my attention this week and the more I thought about them, the more I realized that they are actually related. The first thing was the lack of interest in "Black History Month" and the second thing was the upcoming "celebrity" boxing match between DMX and Zimmerman.
I think it's pretty safe to say that the people of African decent throughout the world really don't give a flying f*%# about "Black History Month". Essentially I've seen and heard more discussion this week about DMX and Zimmerman fighting than I have about the plight of our forefathers or the role they played in making society what it is today.
I mean most offices or institutions say they support the whole notion of "Black History Month" hence they will put up some sort of display etc, which is quite admirable. But I keep telling myself that if more people took "Black History Month" seriously and if if we were  more passionate and proud of the African heritage that this whole notion of a DMX vs Zimmerman celebrity boxing match would have been nipped in the bud relatively quickly.
Control of our society has quietly sifted into the hands of the youth, which is not such a bad thing because essentially they are the future and they will determine the "next move". The problem is this our youth don't appreciate or even celebrate the struggle that our forefathers went through.To most of the youth the concept of racial discrimination and the role that the Africans played in the formation of modern society is an anomaly something that was out and about 50 and 60 years ago. To them it no longer exists and doesn't deserve much thought.
Most of the younger generation don't even think that their is a racism problem. Those that live in countries where the majority of the population is of African decent will most likely look around them and say, "Everyone who is in a position of power is of African decent. The President of the most powerful country in the world is black, so what's the big deal, we here now!"
I don't necessarily blame them for that because essentially they are young and their brains are still developing. Added to that is the fact that society now operates under a kind of "here and now" pretense. So the past doesn't really have that much value to them. I do however blame "us" as the older generation. Here's why. More often than not we as adults fail to point out the subtle forms of discrimination that are prevalent in society today. Most times we prefer to let things slide, or turn the other cheek, or simply sweep things under the carpet, which I will say is quite admirable and necessary in certain situations. However what we fail to do is point out the situations to the younger ones. So they essentially grow up thinking everything is fine and dandy and the instances of racism and discrimination that are out and about presently are basically one off situations ie, Trayvon Martin and Zimmerman.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we should basically plant the seed of racism in the hearts of the young. What I'm saying is that we should teach our youth that racism is still out and about and we actually need to do something about it.
For me that's were the whole "Black History Month" thing comes in. If we show the younger generation what their forefathers went through and facilitate some sort of discussion with them as to what we can do now I'm pretty confident that that will help us to the eradicate the problem.
I also think that the media has some blame to take as well in regards to the don't care attitude that much of the youth have towards "Black History Month". I don't think they do nearly enough to promote the month in a positive light. I mean sure they might run a commercial or two, or the news may include some report on some school which served watermelon and fried chicken and cornbread for lunch in the cafeteria. But lets be honest with ourselves here, they are just doing the "politically correct" thing. Their heart isn't behind it and the youth are smart enough to see that.
Essentially the media is all about ratings and money and that's what this whole DMX vs Zimmerman thing is all about. This dude killed an unarmed 17 year old black kid, got off and now he's about to make some money off a "celebrity fight". Is this what the civil rights movement was all about? Is this what Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and millions of others were fighting for. I just can't help but feeling that if we were more in touch with "Black History Month" the norms and values in our society would change significantly and for the better.

How Trinidad and Tobago carnival can break your slump! (The Male Edition)

Over the last few years I've been repeatedly told that I am far too negative about the country in which I reside. I only bring up the negatives. I never dwell on the positives. I always paint such a bad picture about the country. So allow me to complete a 180 degree turn in regard to my "so called" attitude and highlight one of the better attributes that this country has, Carnival.  

In fact let me take it a step further and market this event for the male gender. "My fellow men, if you have found yourself in a bit of a 'dry streak', finding it hard to close the proverbial 'deal' or experiencing difficulties in starting the 'negotiation' process. I suggest you take a trip to the shores of Trinidad and Tobago for the carnival season." If you can't get out of your slump here, then I guess it's just not meant to be. Bear with me while I explain how the Carnival season in Trinidad is pretty much a guarantee to break you out of the funk. 

Carnival season is the time of year when women wear less and less clothes. What man alive wouldn't enjoy the spectacle of loosely clad women parading around the country? (OK don't answer that). I'm not just talking about Carnival Monday and Tuesday either when women parade around the streets in attire designed for the beach or the pool. Take a look at any form of social media that contains pictures of any carnival fete and you'll be guaranteed to see an abundance of female flesh. I'm talking about level cleavage and legs. Its almost as if short pants and revealing tops are a requirement. Pandora's "box" is definitely on view during this time and more often than not it's willing to be taken advantage of. 

Not only are women walking around half naked, but they're intoxicated too. I'm not saying that those two factors combined are a definite invitation. (Disclaimer) But if you're in a slump it does increase your probability of scoring. We are all adults so we know it's not uncommon for a woman to make a decision that she may regret the morning after because she's had a little too much to drink. But please abide by the law. No still means no, no matter how much she's consumed. 

So far the females are half naked and they've had a few drinks. So I know I've got your attention. But there is another piece to the puzzle that can help you clinch the deal. The music. Women absolutely positively loose themselves in the music. It just something about that "Soca" music that allows them to free all their inhibitions. Before you know it they are pushing it back on you, touching their toes and all that shit. They basically give you a scantily clad preview of what you could be getting if you position yourself appropriately and say the right thing when the fete is done. 

So essentially the Carnival season provides you with scantily clad women who are intoxicated off the alcohol and the music and are willing to give you a little "whine"(sexually suggestive dance if you want to be politically correct). But wait there is more, say you get hungry, or you need to build up your strength or lay a little foundation for the alcohol that you are going to consume. No problem. The majority of the fetes are serving some sort of food. (No I'm not talking about easy chicks) I mean real food that you can eat. Barbecue chicken, curry duck, geera pork, pig tail, horse, wild meat, corn soup, anything you can think of. They call it an all -inclusive fete. So fellas book a flight if required, buy a couple tickets to some all inclusive fetes and kiss your slump good-bye. Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago guaranteed to work miracles when needed.  

This blog was not sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism of Trinidad and Tobago, but it should be!