THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS 

Democratic Republic of Congo// New York City Skyline

Juxtaposing the two images, both expose two unique worlds that  give off a completely different vibe. Progress is a concept open to one’s own perception of success. Some  only equate progress to high-rise architecture, scientific innvation, technology, competitveness and a thriving economy. My Progress equates to tranquility, nature, peace of mind… an unpolluted universe unchanged by the destructive habits of its inhabitants. Progress is preserving and living in harmony with not only each other but the Earth and nature. The progress displayed in the 2nd picture is one which is dangerous to our societies as it encourages conquering, experimenting and destroying, and given the delicacy of our planet, it will have the most detrimental outcome on humanity.I acknowledge progress as what allows us to PROGRESS as a human race.

The world is *mine.

 

Sick of the imaginary journeys and artificial memories created in the road to everlasting love. two souls intertwined electronically, mastering the art of understanding, consolation through different time zones… every-thing’s gonna be okay, (I promise) // staring through the windows of the Atlantic that border us, its tides are threatening but love has no barriers. He longs for our togetherness and dreams of the day where his pupils will reflect an image of my silhouette before him because right now its a fineee imprint in his heart, though he ain’t faint hearted but with the mere thought of  separation takes a toll on him and so, he can only appreciate the visual—physical presence. Uncertain at times, if this fantasy world translates into a blissful reality and a peaceful eternity but in God we trust.

–Government of the people, by the lawyers for the business men.

One could say that one of the biggest accomplishments of the West is successfully instilling a system of democracy. We pride ourselves with this ideology as we witness nations disintegrating before our eyes due to their lack of democratic principles. autocracies, dictatorships, military coupes, the west is on a crusade to politically “enlighten” nations who have yet to embrace democracy and eradicate any existing system of rule. Ideally, Demos, the peopleshould be at the pinnacle of any Constitution and responsible for deciding who voices their best interests and under which conditions. Although establishing an electoral structure was a milestone for democracy, it isn’t an indicator of success YET as a lot of crooked politics is involved in being appointed to formal office. A true democracy is only achieved when those at the bottom of the society can realistically stand a chance to rise to the highest ranks with others and although it has happened in RECENT days, it is still a very rare occurrence. Almost absolutely have the prime ministers/presidents in the democratic West been from privileged and influential families. The media goes hand in hand with politics and In turn, the media favors those dominant populations because its ownership is highly concentrated in the elite groups who further use it to exert their influence/ establish their values and norms in society. The families of those who get elected use the media in their favor and other affiliated companies to sponsor and endorse a campaign.  Needless to say, an average person doesn’t stand a chance despite being qualified and highly educated. Politics is a source of economic inequality, and democracy can’t be built on that. So, to those who romanticize about democracy being the solution to world-wide corruption, you are absolutely right. but NOT the prototype democracy that we hold model to the rest of the globe.

True story.

I recall being asked this same question during my earlier years in elementary school. It seems as If I had never changed because at the time I chose my mother. It makes sense, at ten years old, my mother was my greatest hero. The only hero I knew for that matter, she gave birth to me, provided me with the unconditional love and support to grow into the individual that I am today. As I grew older, I realized that there were other people just as great as my mother, people that positively affected the lives of global communities rather than lives of individuals. Asking my peers at age 18, they all gave the predictable answers of ultra-rich celebrities. They were convinced that these were the ideal identities, their decision influenced merely by wealth rather than real accomplishment. It’s a shame that wealth can substitute character in my generation. If I could be anyone today, I would be myself because that is the identity given to me but I strive to follow the footsteps of all those exemplifying courage, integrity and a pleasant demeanour. Anyone at all, who’s made it their life’s mission to improve humanity, I admire a lot.

 

Half of the richest institutional entities in the world are trans-national corporations. The World Trade Organization was introduced in 1995 with the goal of reducing barriers in trade among the 140 member nations. The Organization claims that reducing the barriers in trade and ensuring the free flow of goods will be for the benefit of all member states. One primary role of the WTO was to rule out “unfair” trade restrictions by influencing environmental, health and labour laws because they are “unfair” to trade. The WTO is made up of a bunch of corrupt and immoral individuals, who care less about free trade and helping member nations and more about allowing global corporations to force nation-states to alter or remove environmental, health and social regulations that get in the way of business. It is controlled and manipulated by corporate powers that determine what we buy and under what conditions.

Historically, anyone can agree that European contact has hindered the growth of almost every race in humanity.  Through the many flawed theories and documented bigotry which illustrated the non-European part of the world as being primitive and in a stage of savagery. Colonialism is primarily responsible for economic instability of colonized, planting the seed of hatred among citizens with a common nationality and attempting to wipe out country’s customs and traditions and assimilate to European culture. It’s shocking to me, that knowledge, which is what we seek as the indisputable and legitimate truth now was tainted with intolerance… some of the most respected disciplines such as Economics, Anthropology, History and Literature had dark racist beginnings. While colonialism had managed to make Africans more cosmopolitan citizens, it destroyed every other aspect of their identity. This powerful effect had and continues to have a profound effect on all of the colonized people, and although our forefathers have fought for liberation, the notion of inferiority, insecurity and instability is an irreversible aftermath that has been deeply embedded in the roots of those nations… Vulnerable nations, preyed upon.

 

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009).

Everyone’s craziest dream is to live the seemingly glamorous life of a legend
The houses, the cars, the vacations, the fame… it all seems perfect.
But I promise you, no one… NO ONE.. does not sacrifice, there’s a heavy price for it all.
Once you gain a legendary status people forget your human identity
your exceptional talent and amazing character can be matched with no one on this planet… the world sees
you as invincible.
Society expects you to never fail, but since failure is human nature that’s bound to happen.
Society is brutally critical of “perfect” people who make mistakes.
Humanity was created through mistake, and humans hold on to this legacy… but have a hard time accepting others who commit mistakes
Society destroys these legends through their surreal expectations
but, there’s only so much pressure one could handle… your wealth is craved for and those who are consumed with greed try to destroy you so that they could get a break of your pay cheque. They think money is everything.

As if money is going to compensate for the spiritual emptiness and isolation they’ve gained through this acquired status…

People do some peculiar things to relieve themselves of the aggressive chokehold of their society… the pressure is mountain high and you’ve exhausted all your support sources…no one to console you.. then

It all falls down…because

Legends are born to die.

 

 

“I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace. “
–Muhammad Ali

 

 

The Uniquely Unoriginal Experience of Shopping!

Is it just me or is our world gradually becoming occupied by a massive wave of unauthenticity? Please tell me you have noticed the same collage of colored fabric hanging neatly in every store display with the same promotions. I’ve walked to the opposite corner, used the escalator a storey down, yet somehow still where I started and I know this ain’t Déjà Vu. I’ve looked as far as I can see and it’s still a row full of commercial windows shamelessly advertising the same bland fashions, proudly stitching the company’s name on their merchandise as if it’s one of a kind (right). A group of overly excited teenage clique of  Britney Spears worshippers stampede the isles, digging through the racks like ravenous animals then stopping  and declaring their amazement with a shirt at GUESS priced only at 90$. I was tempted to inform them of the same shirt across at an independant boutique, only nicer and conveninetly priced at 20$ but, I decided against it, something told me they wouldn’t take too kindly my bargain advice. I wouldn’t dare to invade their shopping transactions, as I’m sure it’s probably one of their most intimate moments.  I remember a time not long ago where I was manipulated by the same corporate strategies to purchase items for many reasons, necessity not being one. I’ve retired my shopaholic days and enrolled myself in consumer rehab, indeed I’m capitalism’s worst enemy . I’m slowly recovering, and I intend to keep the rest of my money for things I really need because frankly, my closet is complaining about being on the verge of suffocation and my finances are on life support.