About 3 years ago. I "came out" to the two single most important people in my life, My mother and my brother. It was probably one of the most awkward moments I ever had with them. "Hey, I'm bi-curious. I think I like men and women." Mind you I was in the middle of dating someone...so it was awful timing (I have perfected the art of bad timing) or maybe not. We broke up temporarily and then got back together for another 2 years, we broke up then I had a gay time at a gay conference and then I took intro to LGBTQ studies and here we are. I'm here and queer.
Fast-forward to now and it's crazy. Right before school let out I was at a conference at home and so I essentially came out to my mom again. She made it that conversation go a lot easier than I thought it would. Some of my boys seem like they don't fuckin know me anymore. Everybody has some bullshit to say about it or want to know but don't have the balls or the ovaries to just ask me. Hollerin @ the ladies is awkward as hell cause I know I'm not a closeted ass DL dude either. Then my family. My grandma and my dad are f***** homophobes but thats cool too. But its all good and as my partner told me people gay or straight will never understand what it means or know what it means to be bisexual. I am not necessarily trying to be so negative in this process but there is a lot of negative energy around this time in my life. It's funny though cause through this you really do find out who you're real friends are. For example, I had one of the most refreshing conversation with one of my good friends about being bi and it was really awesome (If your reading, I hope you know who you are and that I love you. :-) )
I hope that one day in this world, it will be a lot easier for those who do "come out" or its not the big deal that it is today. I always wonder why do the children who are hetero don't have to come out.
I've been writing a lot of poetry lately. I think that is the only appropriate way to conclude this blog post...
Love
What is love
Is it children
Is it sex
Is it cuddling and spooning
Is it queer
is it straight or gay
is it lesbian or transgendered
what is love
is it the manifestation of human emotion
is it the manifestation of modern capitalism in disguse
or is it the core of a communitarian lifestyle
is it tolerating others
is it being responsible for sharing and caring
what is love
is it that warm fuzzy feeling inside
is it on my MacBook
is it in the mall or the blood stained soil of african by way of a certified diamond
is it that bowl of chicken soup when ill
what is love
is it being with friends on a sunday afternoon
GOD HELP US.
Humanity has no idea of what love is.
Its marketed by wal-mart and halmark.
Profligated by the forces of western imperialism
Exploited by dark hearts and lonely nights
Love
Until next time kids.
Peace, Love and Hairgrease!
3.04.2008
2.13.2006
The Blog is Back!!!!!!!!!
I am bringing the blog back. The intent of this blog was to do several things. The Daily Adventures of the Absent-Minded Activist was to write to my friends, family and loved ones about what is going on in my life. The next intent was to write about relavant conscious things going on in the world. I am bring this blog back and with a vengence. I hope you continue to read as I will continue to post "The Daily Adventures of the Absent Minded Activist."
Wishing you Peace, Justice and Love,
Perry
Wishing you Peace, Justice and Love,
Perry
1.31.2006
The First Amendment and other writings.
To my loyal fans, supporters and loved ones. (Written 1/31/06)
Thank you for your support. I write to you on the eve of the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, one of the most courageous women in the history of the United States. I write to you as assault takes place on our first amendment rights, and at one point this blog was threatened. I write to you, letting you know that I will never give up my first amendment rights to freedom of speech, In the words of Morgan Freeman as Principal Joe Clark in the classic American Film Lean on Me "I don't have to do a G*d Damn thing but stay Black and die."
So the past few weeks have been interesting. To say the least.
Tonight, I write as a child of the Civil Rights Movement, in recent days and months we have morned and remembered the deaths of several civil rights giants, Mrs. Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife the Beloved Coretta Scott King. In such a legacy, I am writing with the heart and courage of a citizen of a nation with such an ideological commitment to a free Democracy and strong Civil Rights and Liberities, however the deep democratic ideology does not corralate with the practices that exist in this nation.
About 2 weeks ago I was blessed with enjoying last weekend, in the company of and discourse with one of this nation's greatest intellectuals, (and did I mention one of the highest paid intellectuals...) Dr. Cornel West, The Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Dr. West's last book and all of music projects are prolific. His text Democracy Matters, speaks to the essence of this nation developing a more inclusive, participatory democracy, that is ideologically rooted in its Consitution. His text also addresses Islamic-Jewish Relations, the nature of prophetic Christianity in the through history to the most current period, the importance of engaging youth and youth culture and Nilhism in the United States of America. I share with Dr. West a vision of the world where love and justice prevail rather than greed and hate rooted in racism, homophobia, sexism, xenophobia, Anti-Semitism and all of the other ism's.
However, the most CRITICAL cornerstone element to a society rooted in such principals of love and justice is the ability to express one's self freely. The rights of individuals such as Cindy Sheeane, my many comrades in the struggle at UL and da derby city (aka Louisville), and the countless others who fight against injustice who are our communities political prisoners, who have continued to fight for the rights of the 1st Amendment. These "dissenters" represent the most important part of this great democracy and that is to belief to express one's self freely. I hope that you the reader take sometime out and go to this great website (http://www.aclu.tv/) and I hope you explore and look around the American Civil Liberties Union Freedom Files Page.
Thank you for your support. I write to you on the eve of the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, one of the most courageous women in the history of the United States. I write to you as assault takes place on our first amendment rights, and at one point this blog was threatened. I write to you, letting you know that I will never give up my first amendment rights to freedom of speech, In the words of Morgan Freeman as Principal Joe Clark in the classic American Film Lean on Me "I don't have to do a G*d Damn thing but stay Black and die."
So the past few weeks have been interesting. To say the least.
Tonight, I write as a child of the Civil Rights Movement, in recent days and months we have morned and remembered the deaths of several civil rights giants, Mrs. Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife the Beloved Coretta Scott King. In such a legacy, I am writing with the heart and courage of a citizen of a nation with such an ideological commitment to a free Democracy and strong Civil Rights and Liberities, however the deep democratic ideology does not corralate with the practices that exist in this nation.
About 2 weeks ago I was blessed with enjoying last weekend, in the company of and discourse with one of this nation's greatest intellectuals, (and did I mention one of the highest paid intellectuals...) Dr. Cornel West, The Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Dr. West's last book and all of music projects are prolific. His text Democracy Matters, speaks to the essence of this nation developing a more inclusive, participatory democracy, that is ideologically rooted in its Consitution. His text also addresses Islamic-Jewish Relations, the nature of prophetic Christianity in the through history to the most current period, the importance of engaging youth and youth culture and Nilhism in the United States of America. I share with Dr. West a vision of the world where love and justice prevail rather than greed and hate rooted in racism, homophobia, sexism, xenophobia, Anti-Semitism and all of the other ism's.
However, the most CRITICAL cornerstone element to a society rooted in such principals of love and justice is the ability to express one's self freely. The rights of individuals such as Cindy Sheeane, my many comrades in the struggle at UL and da derby city (aka Louisville), and the countless others who fight against injustice who are our communities political prisoners, who have continued to fight for the rights of the 1st Amendment. These "dissenters" represent the most important part of this great democracy and that is to belief to express one's self freely. I hope that you the reader take sometime out and go to this great website (http://www.aclu.tv/) and I hope you explore and look around the American Civil Liberties Union Freedom Files Page.
1.16.2006
Conceptualizing Dr. King's Legacy
Conceptualizing Dr. King's Legacy,
As this Monday, January 16, 2006 a day in which every person, nearly every place of business, almost any school house or house of worship and practically every legislative body has paused at one point or another to honor and celebrate the legacy the life, and the times of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Similar to the declaration of Christ in Luke Chapter 22 verses 19 through 22at the table of communion, where Jesus takes the loaf of bread and breaks it, highlighting verse 19 and it says the following .. 19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (KJV)
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King gave his life and did it in remembrance of Christ. Dr. King stated: A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
Many honor this day simply by remembering, some by serving and others doing nothing.
This Dr. King day, with the honor and privilege of having off because of the federally recognized holiday I am celebrating his legacy by writing and reflecting. I dedicate this reflection to my good friend who in my life, and through my own experience is a passionate visionary and prophetic white anti-racist. I hope he knows who he is.
Our lives were touched in one way or another today. It could have been in a many of ways, some of us could have been allowed to vote in 1965, or you could have had the day off of school like me, or many individuals may not have attended work today or knew someone who did, or there are the countless individuals who were affected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Regardless in one way or another we are all affected by January 15, and every January 15 and January 16 since 1980 or maybe 1968. I hope we all in one way or another pay homage to this Civil Rights Great and one of Humanities greatest. I also do not want to excuse the transgressions of this late great leader that is why I suggest Michael Eric Dyson's " I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr. " (Here is the link to Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068483037X/sr=1-5/qid=1137472537/ref=pd_bbs_5/104-5636250-1531901?%5Fencoding=UTF8
and other links to MSNBC's coverage of some MLK Day stuff http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10851004/)
So today, after having a productive Dr. King weekend, I write to say and declare that we need individuals who Love like Christ so loved the Church, Love the world as God loved the world, and we must continue to " to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." As I heard on Friday by the speaker at the King remembrance and celebration (These are not exact words) that "To measure progress in a Nation so powerful, we must look at the way that society treats its Children, the poor, the elderly and those who cannot help themselves...This Country is failing miserably."
I hope all is well as this Monday, January 16, 2006 comes to a close,
Love,
Perry
As this Monday, January 16, 2006 a day in which every person, nearly every place of business, almost any school house or house of worship and practically every legislative body has paused at one point or another to honor and celebrate the legacy the life, and the times of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Similar to the declaration of Christ in Luke Chapter 22 verses 19 through 22at the table of communion, where Jesus takes the loaf of bread and breaks it, highlighting verse 19 and it says the following .. 19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (KJV)
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King gave his life and did it in remembrance of Christ. Dr. King stated: A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
Many honor this day simply by remembering, some by serving and others doing nothing.
This Dr. King day, with the honor and privilege of having off because of the federally recognized holiday I am celebrating his legacy by writing and reflecting. I dedicate this reflection to my good friend who in my life, and through my own experience is a passionate visionary and prophetic white anti-racist. I hope he knows who he is.
Our lives were touched in one way or another today. It could have been in a many of ways, some of us could have been allowed to vote in 1965, or you could have had the day off of school like me, or many individuals may not have attended work today or knew someone who did, or there are the countless individuals who were affected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Regardless in one way or another we are all affected by January 15, and every January 15 and January 16 since 1980 or maybe 1968. I hope we all in one way or another pay homage to this Civil Rights Great and one of Humanities greatest. I also do not want to excuse the transgressions of this late great leader that is why I suggest Michael Eric Dyson's " I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr. " (Here is the link to Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068483037X/sr=1-5/qid=1137472537/ref=pd_bbs_5/104-5636250-1531901?%5Fencoding=UTF8
and other links to MSNBC's coverage of some MLK Day stuff http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10851004/)
So today, after having a productive Dr. King weekend, I write to say and declare that we need individuals who Love like Christ so loved the Church, Love the world as God loved the world, and we must continue to " to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." As I heard on Friday by the speaker at the King remembrance and celebration (These are not exact words) that "To measure progress in a Nation so powerful, we must look at the way that society treats its Children, the poor, the elderly and those who cannot help themselves...This Country is failing miserably."
I hope all is well as this Monday, January 16, 2006 comes to a close,
Love,
Perry
1.13.2006
NO CLASSES ON FRIDAY!!!!!!
NO CLASSES ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!
This is definitely the title for this entry. Why? Because I do not have any classes on friday. It is a beautiful thing. I can basically start my weekends on Thursday Night and my first class during the week is on Monday @ 2 pm. The Tuesday Thursday, and 1-2 classes on Monday and Weds Schedule is a beautiful thing.
Overall, this was a great week. The first days of class always provide new opportunity and the launching of new endeavors. Meeting new people, taking classes with people we know etc. For me it is always a time filled with anticipation and excitement.
There was a memorial service commemorating Dr. King's legacy today. It was very special. The speaker was a a local district court judge. The Honorable Janice Martin her words were extremely inspiring and motivatiing. Remembering King's legacy SHOULD remind us to stand up against injustice - racial injustice, injustice based on gender and sexual orientation and economic injustice, and stand up for peace and equality for all.
I hope to remember this weekend and holiday with a few of Dr. King's words and words of others reflecting on his life and legacy.
"If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people—a black people—who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."
- From an address given in Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 31, 1955
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. "
-Strength to Love, 1963
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. "
"It is a testament to the greatness of Martin Luther King Jr. that nearly every major city in the U.S. has a street or school named after him. It is a measure of how sorely his achievements are misunderstood that most of them are located in black neighborhoods. "
- Time Magazine, Monday, April 13, 1998
This is definitely the title for this entry. Why? Because I do not have any classes on friday. It is a beautiful thing. I can basically start my weekends on Thursday Night and my first class during the week is on Monday @ 2 pm. The Tuesday Thursday, and 1-2 classes on Monday and Weds Schedule is a beautiful thing.
Overall, this was a great week. The first days of class always provide new opportunity and the launching of new endeavors. Meeting new people, taking classes with people we know etc. For me it is always a time filled with anticipation and excitement.
There was a memorial service commemorating Dr. King's legacy today. It was very special. The speaker was a a local district court judge. The Honorable Janice Martin her words were extremely inspiring and motivatiing. Remembering King's legacy SHOULD remind us to stand up against injustice - racial injustice, injustice based on gender and sexual orientation and economic injustice, and stand up for peace and equality for all.
I hope to remember this weekend and holiday with a few of Dr. King's words and words of others reflecting on his life and legacy.
"If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people—a black people—who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."
- From an address given in Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 31, 1955
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. "
-Strength to Love, 1963
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. "
"It is a testament to the greatness of Martin Luther King Jr. that nearly every major city in the U.S. has a street or school named after him. It is a measure of how sorely his achievements are misunderstood that most of them are located in black neighborhoods. "
- Time Magazine, Monday, April 13, 1998
1.10.2006
Co-Dependency, Domestic Violence and THE SECOND DAY OF CLASS!!!!!!!!
Co-Dependency, Domestic Violence and The Second Day of Class,
Chronologically, I have no idea I have written the title the way I did. Today was an alright day. It was the Second Day of Class. This blog is truly living up to its name. I have a great story about my absent-mindedness or (AD/HD). Then I've got some activism for all the other activists out there.
Let me get to the absent-mindedness...
This morning I had two classes. The first class was great. Pan-African Studies 318 - African American Cultural Traditions it is being taught by a new faculty member who is from New Orleans. She will have some interesting insight. While explaining the syllabus she was telling us what a Lagniappe* was. (See below for definition) We were being exposed to a few of cultural traditions unique to that geographic area. Moving along, I had my second class immediately afterwards ALL the way on the otherside of campus in Davidson Hall - 15 minutes later. I completely FORGOT about it. I had no idea that I had class immediately afterwards. It was so weird because I did not realize this until the end of the day today. Until my last class of the day. Pan-African Studies 300/Women's and Gender Studies 390 - Color Complex of Black Women. I am going to enjoy that. It is being taught by my favorite professor from last semester and my boss. Her teaching style is very unique, especially in the way she likes to get to know her students. It's always an honor to hear her lecture or facilitate a discussion/group.
After class, I did nothing, until my staff meeting for work @ 8:30 this evening. Which was interesting.
Back to the theme of this blog...
Co-Dependency - I have been having great conversations with a great friend. I hope he knows who he is. About this subject. I have also been having conversations with one of the infamous Ashley/Ashlee's about co-dependency. I was stuck in this codependent relationship for so long. For the health of both individuals in a relationship. Co-Dependency sucks. Thats is where I am at in my relationship. So to my former partner. Know that. I need "me" time. Nothing personal
Domestic Violence. This is the touchy subject of the day. So I consider myself a black male feminist. Regardless of the criticism that comes along with it. Thats what it is. I believe that oppression is tri-fold. Without addressing all three areas and aspects of Race, Class and Gender (that in no way was meant to construct a hierarchy of those three types of oppression) Today, I heard 2 narratives about women or womyn who were abused by partners. It REALLY fucks with my head. (Excuse my language) I cannot stand it, especially when I know the women/womyn who were the victims. I have developed this consciousness by way of several life events, the first would be a spat between my parents, that occurred when I was about 5 (I care not to go into the details of the matter...), the next has been in my work with youth some of whom have been abused or neglected, on a not so serious note watching the Color Purple has also enhanced my consciousness and FINALLY, because earlier this year I was a victim of domestic violence. That's right I said it. Yes, men too can be victims - I however have just realized that I am not a victim because I am a surivior. Just like the two women/womyn whose narratives I heard - THEY ARE SURVIVORS and so am I. I leave you my readers with that note - Think about domestic violence, that is not just violence against women but the entire community. We are all touched by it.
Good Night (It's fifteen minutes til midnight at home in Chicago)
& Good Morning (It's 12:44 am here in Kentucky)
Perry
*[lan-YAP, LAN-yap] Used primarily in southern Louisiana and southeast Texas, the word lagniappe refers to an "unexpected something extra". It could be an additional doughnut (as in "baker's dozen"), a free "one for the road" drink, an unanticipated tip for someone who provides a special service or possibly a complimentary dessert for a regular customer.http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=3&oi=define&q=http://www.mychefcoat.com/terms-l.html
Chronologically, I have no idea I have written the title the way I did. Today was an alright day. It was the Second Day of Class. This blog is truly living up to its name. I have a great story about my absent-mindedness or (AD/HD). Then I've got some activism for all the other activists out there.
Let me get to the absent-mindedness...
This morning I had two classes. The first class was great. Pan-African Studies 318 - African American Cultural Traditions it is being taught by a new faculty member who is from New Orleans. She will have some interesting insight. While explaining the syllabus she was telling us what a Lagniappe* was. (See below for definition) We were being exposed to a few of cultural traditions unique to that geographic area. Moving along, I had my second class immediately afterwards ALL the way on the otherside of campus in Davidson Hall - 15 minutes later. I completely FORGOT about it. I had no idea that I had class immediately afterwards. It was so weird because I did not realize this until the end of the day today. Until my last class of the day. Pan-African Studies 300/Women's and Gender Studies 390 - Color Complex of Black Women. I am going to enjoy that. It is being taught by my favorite professor from last semester and my boss. Her teaching style is very unique, especially in the way she likes to get to know her students. It's always an honor to hear her lecture or facilitate a discussion/group.
After class, I did nothing, until my staff meeting for work @ 8:30 this evening. Which was interesting.
Back to the theme of this blog...
Co-Dependency - I have been having great conversations with a great friend. I hope he knows who he is. About this subject. I have also been having conversations with one of the infamous Ashley/Ashlee's about co-dependency. I was stuck in this codependent relationship for so long. For the health of both individuals in a relationship. Co-Dependency sucks. Thats is where I am at in my relationship. So to my former partner. Know that. I need "me" time. Nothing personal
Domestic Violence. This is the touchy subject of the day. So I consider myself a black male feminist. Regardless of the criticism that comes along with it. Thats what it is. I believe that oppression is tri-fold. Without addressing all three areas and aspects of Race, Class and Gender (that in no way was meant to construct a hierarchy of those three types of oppression) Today, I heard 2 narratives about women or womyn who were abused by partners. It REALLY fucks with my head. (Excuse my language) I cannot stand it, especially when I know the women/womyn who were the victims. I have developed this consciousness by way of several life events, the first would be a spat between my parents, that occurred when I was about 5 (I care not to go into the details of the matter...), the next has been in my work with youth some of whom have been abused or neglected, on a not so serious note watching the Color Purple has also enhanced my consciousness and FINALLY, because earlier this year I was a victim of domestic violence. That's right I said it. Yes, men too can be victims - I however have just realized that I am not a victim because I am a surivior. Just like the two women/womyn whose narratives I heard - THEY ARE SURVIVORS and so am I. I leave you my readers with that note - Think about domestic violence, that is not just violence against women but the entire community. We are all touched by it.
Good Night (It's fifteen minutes til midnight at home in Chicago)
& Good Morning (It's 12:44 am here in Kentucky)
Perry
*[lan-YAP, LAN-yap] Used primarily in southern Louisiana and southeast Texas, the word lagniappe refers to an "unexpected something extra". It could be an additional doughnut (as in "baker's dozen"), a free "one for the road" drink, an unanticipated tip for someone who provides a special service or possibly a complimentary dessert for a regular customer.http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=3&oi=define&q=http://www.mychefcoat.com/terms-l.html
1.09.2006
My Ex
My Ex-Girlfriend and I are actually enjoying each others company, this morning. We've have NOT been together for the last 2 weeks. It has been strange. The jury is still out on us. I've kinda become a lot more cynical about relationships recently...I need and want me time. Is that too much to ask of the world. I have given until I can give no more. Its nothing personal, its nothing against the next person or the next relationship I enter. But as of right now I have given until it hurts. It's strange my reponse to everything recently has been "I don't know" and sometimes I genuinely have no idea...
I only have one class on mondays - well now its two...its a great thing.
I'm off to that second class now - 20th Century Musical Movements...
Perry
I only have one class on mondays - well now its two...its a great thing.
I'm off to that second class now - 20th Century Musical Movements...
Perry
An interesting confession...
Last night, I started this blog by choosing not to explain its title. However, in my life I am confronted by an everyday reality that has an effect on what goes on in my life, from my attention span to my mood. So it is now this morning and I choose to highlight address this issue publicly. I am basically "outing" myself...
The evening first started as I was deliberating a title for my blog. I chose "The Daily Adventures of the Absent-Minded Activist." As a member of the activist-intellectual tradition I must provide a brief study and definition of the origins of words I chose to utilize to come up with my blog's title, this is also known as an etymological study.
The word daily has the following definitions as defined by Google.com
occurring or done each day; "a daily record"; "day-by-day labors of thousands of men and women"- H.S.Truman; "her day-after-day behavior"; "an every day occurrence"
without missing a day; "he stops by daily"
a newspaper that is published every day
measured by the day or happening every day; "a daily newspaper"; "daily chores"; "average daily wage"; "daily quota"
day by day: gradually and progressively; "his health weakened day by day" wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
The following three definitions are provided for the word Adventure by Google.com
gamble: take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome; "When you buy these stocks you are gambling"
a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
venture: put at risk; "I will stake my good reputation for this"
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Google.com provides one definition for Absent-Minded
1. Thinking profoundly and heedless of present circumstances or activities; preoccupied 2. tending to fail to remember. Rabble: 1.A tumultuous crowd; a mob. 2. The lowest or coarsest class of people.www.emse.fr/~yukna/HEW/FlatvocQuiz.htm
it is also interesting to note that they offer alternative definitions of "absent-minded professor"
which is a stereotypical phrase use to describe certain types of academics; the film "A Beautiful Mind" placed some spotlight on this issue, with some sensitivity and seriousness.
The absent-minded professor is a stock character of popular fiction usually portrayed as an academic with important information, but whose focus on their learning leads them to ignore their surroundings. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absent-minded_professor
Finally activist is defined in the following ways by Google.com
an individual who is extensively and vigorously involved in political activity, either within or outside the governmental systemwww.imuna.org/c2c/app_a.html
Ms. Kolb was a member of the Women's Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools during the 1958-59 school year when Governor Orval Faubus closed the public high school in Little Rock rather than proceed with desegregation.www.anythingarkansas.com/arkapedia/pedia/kk.html
A person who believes in or participates in direct action to make changes in government or social conditions by campaigning in public or working for an organization.warrensburg.k12.mo.us/adventure/allamerican/glossary.html
militant: a militant reformer
advocating or engaged in activism wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of a controversial argument. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activist
So, does my etymological study assist you in defining who this absent-minded activist is. In, my brutally honest opinion it would not help me tw0-cents unless I had some biographical information about the author.
Well, I simply utilize the phrase "absent-minded" to shield the fact that I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD in our culture.
The evening went on...and my finally a friend of a friend came over (This person's idenitiy shall remain confidential) The other day (Friday, January 6, 2006 to be exact) my friend of a friend said something about how people with ADD or AD/HD; have characteristics of Asberger's Syndrome (definition provided by Google.com "Asperger's syndrome (AS), is a pervasive developmental disorder commonly referred to as a form of "high-functioning" autism. Individuals with Asperger's are considered to have a higher intellectual capacity while suffering from a lower social capacity. The term "Asperger's syndrome" was coined by Lorna Wing in a 1981 medical paper. She named it after Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician whose work was not internationally recognized until the 1990s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger's_syndrome) I found this was interesting. I chose to somewhat "out myself" by talking about my mother whose information can be found by visiting this link (Google.com is the shit by the way - meaning it is great), then later that evening I was featured in a book; A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors (Paperback) (more can also be found on Amazon.com )
While I am mentioning this I am alongside my mother featured on several websites...http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5889089/ or http://www2.uwsuper.edu/gcraig/drcraig/ADD%20Articles/5%20Evelyn%20Green%20and%20Perry%20Green%20Interview.pdf. So moving along in my adventure this past evening (January 8, 2006) I came across the book "A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors ."
Finally, at 2:50am this morning, I responded to an email amongst some of my colleagues in a peer mentoring program I work for on my college campus. I choose not to discuss this information for my protection and privacy. I do welcome written personal emails and questions. I provided an analysis of why we should discuss learning disabilities and mental health amongst our peers. It read as follows:
"The next issue I think we should disperse health information on is mental health and learning disabilities. The National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities publishes the following on there homepage "According to the National Institute of Health, fifteen percent of the U.S. population, or one in seven Americans, has some type of learning disability. (Click Here for LD Definition) These differences do not go away – they are lifelong – and yet are often undetected because they cannot be seen." I know from personal experience and various scholarly research studies that this is an issue that is facing African American college students and college students in general. This following information comes from the Journal of College Student Development in its May/June 2003 Issue "Students with learning disabilities are attending college at an increasing rate. Issues of suicide and mental health are also prevalent on college campuses. Despite what we may think about Suicide amongst black folk the following disheartening, however progressive research report from Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher's office in 2001 indicates, "While the suicide rate for white teenage males fell somewhat between 1986 and 1997 the rate for African American male teens increased dramatically (7.1 per 100,000 to 11.4 per 100, 000). It is this alarming statistic that compelled psychiatrist and author Dr. Alvin Poussaint and freelance journalist Amy Alexander to write "Lay My Burden Down: Unraveling Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African Americans." This book addresses the rise in suicide in African-Americans. I think this would be more than an appropriate time to discuss mental health and learning disabilities information and issues amongst our mentees."
There are a couple of key people I need to thank in this process for starting my webpage/blog to become home to critical information and links to other significant information as it regards to African-Americans and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The first deity, is God. If it were not for God on my side I have no idea where I would be, The next individual is my mother whose courage to speak and not be silent has transcended amongst the generations to me. My friend of a friend will continue to remain silent as I have not secured permission from her to use her name. She is the next person I want to thank...You are a strong black woman, devout Christian and a great friend. Finally, my boss, who will also remain nameless. Whom I best describe as a challenging professor, a caring administrator, and a dedicated mentor.
Thanks and Good Nite...
Perry
The evening first started as I was deliberating a title for my blog. I chose "The Daily Adventures of the Absent-Minded Activist." As a member of the activist-intellectual tradition I must provide a brief study and definition of the origins of words I chose to utilize to come up with my blog's title, this is also known as an etymological study.
The word daily has the following definitions as defined by Google.com
occurring or done each day; "a daily record"; "day-by-day labors of thousands of men and women"- H.S.Truman; "her day-after-day behavior"; "an every day occurrence"
without missing a day; "he stops by daily"
a newspaper that is published every day
measured by the day or happening every day; "a daily newspaper"; "daily chores"; "average daily wage"; "daily quota"
day by day: gradually and progressively; "his health weakened day by day" wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
The following three definitions are provided for the word Adventure by Google.com
gamble: take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome; "When you buy these stocks you are gambling"
a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
venture: put at risk; "I will stake my good reputation for this"
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Google.com provides one definition for Absent-Minded
1. Thinking profoundly and heedless of present circumstances or activities; preoccupied 2. tending to fail to remember. Rabble: 1.A tumultuous crowd; a mob. 2. The lowest or coarsest class of people.www.emse.fr/~yukna/HEW/FlatvocQuiz.htm
it is also interesting to note that they offer alternative definitions of "absent-minded professor"
which is a stereotypical phrase use to describe certain types of academics; the film "A Beautiful Mind" placed some spotlight on this issue, with some sensitivity and seriousness.
The absent-minded professor is a stock character of popular fiction usually portrayed as an academic with important information, but whose focus on their learning leads them to ignore their surroundings. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absent-minded_professor
Finally activist is defined in the following ways by Google.com
an individual who is extensively and vigorously involved in political activity, either within or outside the governmental systemwww.imuna.org/c2c/app_a.html
Ms. Kolb was a member of the Women's Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools during the 1958-59 school year when Governor Orval Faubus closed the public high school in Little Rock rather than proceed with desegregation.www.anythingarkansas.com/arkapedia/pedia/kk.html
A person who believes in or participates in direct action to make changes in government or social conditions by campaigning in public or working for an organization.warrensburg.k12.mo.us/adventure/allamerican/glossary.html
militant: a militant reformer
advocating or engaged in activism wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of a controversial argument. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activist
So, does my etymological study assist you in defining who this absent-minded activist is. In, my brutally honest opinion it would not help me tw0-cents unless I had some biographical information about the author.
Well, I simply utilize the phrase "absent-minded" to shield the fact that I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD in our culture.
The evening went on...and my finally a friend of a friend came over (This person's idenitiy shall remain confidential) The other day (Friday, January 6, 2006 to be exact) my friend of a friend said something about how people with ADD or AD/HD; have characteristics of Asberger's Syndrome (definition provided by Google.com "Asperger's syndrome (AS), is a pervasive developmental disorder commonly referred to as a form of "high-functioning" autism. Individuals with Asperger's are considered to have a higher intellectual capacity while suffering from a lower social capacity. The term "Asperger's syndrome" was coined by Lorna Wing in a 1981 medical paper. She named it after Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician whose work was not internationally recognized until the 1990s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger's_syndrome) I found this was interesting. I chose to somewhat "out myself" by talking about my mother whose information can be found by visiting this link (Google.com is the shit by the way - meaning it is great), then later that evening I was featured in a book; A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors (Paperback) (more can also be found on Amazon.com )
While I am mentioning this I am alongside my mother featured on several websites...http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5889089/ or http://www2.uwsuper.edu/gcraig/drcraig/ADD%20Articles/5%20Evelyn%20Green%20and%20Perry%20Green%20Interview.pdf. So moving along in my adventure this past evening (January 8, 2006) I came across the book "A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors ."
Finally, at 2:50am this morning, I responded to an email amongst some of my colleagues in a peer mentoring program I work for on my college campus. I choose not to discuss this information for my protection and privacy. I do welcome written personal emails and questions. I provided an analysis of why we should discuss learning disabilities and mental health amongst our peers. It read as follows:
"The next issue I think we should disperse health information on is mental health and learning disabilities. The National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities publishes the following on there homepage "According to the National Institute of Health, fifteen percent of the U.S. population, or one in seven Americans, has some type of learning disability. (Click Here for LD Definition) These differences do not go away – they are lifelong – and yet are often undetected because they cannot be seen." I know from personal experience and various scholarly research studies that this is an issue that is facing African American college students and college students in general. This following information comes from the Journal of College Student Development in its May/June 2003 Issue "Students with learning disabilities are attending college at an increasing rate. Issues of suicide and mental health are also prevalent on college campuses. Despite what we may think about Suicide amongst black folk the following disheartening, however progressive research report from Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher's office in 2001 indicates, "While the suicide rate for white teenage males fell somewhat between 1986 and 1997 the rate for African American male teens increased dramatically (7.1 per 100,000 to 11.4 per 100, 000). It is this alarming statistic that compelled psychiatrist and author Dr. Alvin Poussaint and freelance journalist Amy Alexander to write "Lay My Burden Down: Unraveling Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African Americans." This book addresses the rise in suicide in African-Americans. I think this would be more than an appropriate time to discuss mental health and learning disabilities information and issues amongst our mentees."
There are a couple of key people I need to thank in this process for starting my webpage/blog to become home to critical information and links to other significant information as it regards to African-Americans and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The first deity, is God. If it were not for God on my side I have no idea where I would be, The next individual is my mother whose courage to speak and not be silent has transcended amongst the generations to me. My friend of a friend will continue to remain silent as I have not secured permission from her to use her name. She is the next person I want to thank...You are a strong black woman, devout Christian and a great friend. Finally, my boss, who will also remain nameless. Whom I best describe as a challenging professor, a caring administrator, and a dedicated mentor.
Thanks and Good Nite...
Perry
1.08.2006
My First Post
So, I decided to join the millions of people in cyberspace and create a blog. My first hope for this blog is that it will be well received by those who love me and those whom I love. I also hope that people find humor in the daily adventures of this Absent-Minded Activist. Some may understand the title of this blog, and others never will - Well, I don't know if I can keep it a secret for long, as some of my posts may reflect why I am referring to myself as the absent-minded activist. This will definietly be weird as so many of my dreams, emotions, experiences and feelings are simply launched out into cyber-space. But I feel as if this is going to be the new me in 2006. I also want a place to rant and people may potentially respond...
I hope all is well with those who are reading this.
Wishing you Peace & Justice,
Perry
I hope all is well with those who are reading this.
Wishing you Peace & Justice,
Perry
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