I turned 37 this week (it was Wednesday, belated "Happy Birthday’s" welcome but not necessary). When I threw my name in the hat to do this weekend’s WYFP, I originally thought I would probably go off on some ranting screed about getting older. Even though I do have ample complaints in that regard, with multiple aches and pains that my 20something mind rails against its 30something body. But I found it wanting as a WYFP subject, because it’s just life.
So what will I talk about tonight? I invite my fellow Kossacks to read past the disclaimer and the flip to find out.
WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here.
Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?
I’ve had so many ideas of what I wanted to put into this WYFP from things that incorporated my major interests (Science Fiction, Music, and Anime) to the topical (the Scotus "anti-Brown decision"), but nothing came out as apropos to a WYFP.
So there’s my fucking problem, Writer’s Block. I’ve been so concerned with riding the coattails of previous WYFPers, of presenting something worthy of this spot, and of presenting something that is particularly me...that I have nothing.
So in honor of my fractured thoughts, I present some ramblings inspired by this week.
On the Scotus decision:
My initial reaction was, "What the hell, are you fucking stupid?" By a narrow margin, 5-4, this wonderful Conservative court gutted a decision that has been the foundation of many of our most progressive programs in this country for the last 4 decades. From Affirmative Action to the EEOC, to Hate crimes legislation, these and more can all be tracked back to Brown. It was a statement by a much wiser SCOTUS that this country must live up to that penultimate promise that was bought with the blood of heroes of all races, creeds, and ideology for this country, that "all people[sic.] are created equal." Or in the words of Chief Justice Warren:
"Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our democratic society. It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms."
Congratulation, Conservatives, you’re getting everything you wanted, [Deity] preserve us all. Despite my inflammatory words above, I don’t consider these people stupid, or necessarily ignorant. The Republican problem is shortsightedness and lack of empathy. They seem to forget the place that we were just a few generations ago...
But the Bush Administration is the poster child for unintended (and unanticipated) consequences. Again, [Deity] preserve us.
On Anime:
This week I’ve been researching the "lies" of my youth, specifically my favorite cartoons growing up. Most of these cartoons were originally Japanese animes. Among these were "Battle of the Planets" (Gatchaman), "Voltron" (GoLion and Dairugger XV), and Robotech (SuperDimensional Fortress Macross, SuperDimensional Fortrss Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada). One of the things that I always suspected, even as a child, and has been confirmed, is that these shows were incredibly violent. Unlike the sanitized American versions, these show had Death as a co-writer, and the heroes didn’t always win. Actions also had conseqquences, and the characters had real feelings (especially about killing).
So what does this have to do about anything?
Mostly it makes me wonder about our culture, where "heroes" are measured in body counts. And where we can have Jack Bauer as a role model.
Here's some for Wingnuts (and contemplation for the rest of us):
[One of the Main characters, after destroying the enemy aliens home planet in Space Battleship Yamato/Starblazers]: "Victory...It tastes like ashes!"
[In battle narration from a character in Robotech/Genesis Climber Mospeada]: "There are no heroes here, only survivors."
And for everyone famaliar with Justice Scalia's comment about prosecuting Jack Bauer for his actions...In the real world he probably wouldn't be prosecuted for his actions, but he would still have to face a Review Board. And there are other consequences, such as his mental health. Even as the series has gone on, you can see the character approaching a breaking point. He wouldn't be prosecuted, Justice, but oh the hell of the fallout for a real person put in that position.
On Music:
No complaints just enjoy one of the latest from my favorite band, Linkin Park "What I've Done":
The floor is yours, give us your troubles, your pains, your FPs!
[Update: at the request of 4Freedom, who pointed out that I missed a topic.]
On Science Fiction:
I guess there is a FP of sorts in this area. I will be working for a SciFi convention, Inconjunction, next week. Part of my underlying anxiety (that is reflected in my self deprecation tonight) is that this is the second year that I'm in charge of a department that I've worked for 6 years, and I'm seriously understaffed. It is also my last year to do it, with some regret, but I'm burnt out. I'll be gone from Thursday to Sunday, with limited (if any) Internet access. So, no CandJ, no WYFP, and no Brothers and Sisters. Sigh.
On the positive side. New Doctor Who episodes coming up on SciFi channel, a new Flash Gordon show, rumored return of new season of BSG in November (2 months early!), and anticipation of the "Transformers" movie. Oh, and the Next Harry Potter Book soon.
All is in balance...I stand between the darkness and the light, and have become gray. ;)
Move along, more FPs!