pg 170

I loved today's letter. It really spoke to me. For some reason I can't really recall, it's one of my favorites. It really caught my eye how the author of the letter referred to the Movement as an intimate partner. A line that really captured my attention was "They realized that in all the planning for the battle, they had not planned for the peace." I think this line is still relevant to our problems of today. All our activists are going around saying what's wrong and what they don't like. Yet what do we do after we have righted our wrongs? Where do we go? We keep saying the problems but saying what happens when the problems have been recognized. Kat Aaron was right. Abandonment is an empty threat towards the Movement. Yet I still think the Movement has some things it needs to work on.

Dear Sarah,

Whoa. Simple Whoa. That was some letter you wrote. I couldn't help but feel inspired to get involved in the feminist movement after I finished with it. Each word you wrote reflected the emotions you felt while writing this piece. These days a woman shows her liberation through the push up bras,deep Vneck shirts, mini skirts, promiscuity, vulger language, and sexual freedom. Purity of mind and body is more related to traditional views of women. Yet during the rebellion of traditional opression, one has lost track. I'm not as hardcore with my activist views as you, yet I do think our general views are similar. It's time we banded together and find a new route on taking on our problems because obviously Spice Girls aren't that effective.

Dear Matan & Stephen,

First off, I want to say my heart goes out to you. Both of you have received my admiration and respect. For I commend you for your acts of courage. These acts have earned you both punishment by the law, Point Blank. I agree with your opinions. It's in my belief, that everyone receives the right of choice without persecution. Are we not all humans? Shouldn't the choice not be left up to each person on the path their life takes? The answer to both questions are yes. Mr. Matan states that us individuals at this age should have the right to learn, work, go to parties & protests, meet people, fall in love, and argue about what the world should be like. Life should only be that simple. Living in America, you would think it's that simple. Yet what type of democracy makes the choice of enlisting in war for you & then punishes you if you don't obey. Doesn't it sound like a democracy to me. The rich gets into it with the rich from other countries then expects the poor masses to fight their battle. Surely this isn't right. Overall, just wanted to say I'm behind you 100%. I refuse to leave my fellow humans standing out when a wrong is trying to be right. I commend both of you. Hopefully more of you are produced and less punished.

pg 107

I shed a tear for all those lot. Unfortunately it's known that in order to progress some have to be sacrificed. The fact that an activists was violated in every sense by one of her own also touches me. It was said by the book that the guilty party then took his own life after his crime. Once hearing that I can't help but wonder what he was going through to lead him to commit such crimes and his suicide. Hearing stuff like this really confuses me. When I listen to the news and watch reality based shows like Law and Order & CSI, I sit in shock and question what the world has come to. These days rape, murder, and robbery are common events of one's life. Where was I when it became acceptable to hear people raped then killed on the news? An activist killing another? How can someone protest for a cause then turn around and be the reason why others protest? The writer of this letter, Laurel, was right. In order to clean our mess, we first have to admit we have a mess then examine it. It's sad to admit that an activist belonging to a progressive community did such an act. Yet how is it expected to be prevent it from happening again if the community refuses to take responsibility. Communities these days need to come together, support, and protect one another. That's the only way things like this can be prevented.

( James Baldwin's Piece) Dear Merv,

America itself is a stereotypical, racist, pigheaded society. It has this perfect picture of the American dream, American life, and American citizens. Those who dont fit in this picture are outcast and belittled. Unfortunately, homosexuals are considered one of the lowest of this country. Personally, I feel that it's because you threaten America's way of life. Being attracted to that of the same sex, conflicts with the opposite sex union under god that then produces the children of the world. Homosexuals are that of change which America is afraid of. Yet this union which homosexuals supposedly threatens is a bunch of bull. Marriage and relationships are taken as a joke. All you have to do is look at the divorce rates these days. It really is sad how America dehumanizes people of your group. I just wanted to commend you all for sticking together even tho you all didn't personally know the victim or the cause of his death. Wish I could say things are going to resolve themselves soon yet I think it is going to take way more than wishing.

Hip Hop 2

Like the ride at the amusement park about to get shut down. Like that kid at school everyone continues to talk about..

Hip Hop, I wish things could have been different. Would have been nice for a different place or time. Everywhere I go you’re there. Yet I don’t consider you a friend of mine. There’s a lot of talk of who you used to be. Not the person I’ve come to see. Someone else sought after even before the birth of me. Starting out in the ghetto amongst the poor. You gave hope to those who felt life became a battle not worth fighting for. That’s the person I wish I could have known. A friend there for you willing to speak up and encourage. Though that wasn’t the person I was shown.

People talk about you continuously. Some good. Some bad. Usually these talks just include reminiscing of a distant past. Hip Hop had a purpose. Hip Hop stood for something. That summarizes what is generally said. You were hip, cool, and so in style. You were that popular kid every one wanted to know about. Always at the parties. Hanging on the stoop. You were everywhere. Simply brand new. That was back then before I knew you.

Really people can’t get mad at you. How many people do you know are the same as an adult as when they were a child? You grew up. People just thought that you would at least stay who you were as much as possible when you got older. Though you didn’t. You changed. No longer do you respect and inspire. I cant say I like you right now. Money became your main concern. Your life took an unexpected turn. Personally, I’m just asking be who you once were every once in a while. Even if just for a second, it would be nice to hear a song that can make me smile. The new friends you made are turning you into the person you once hated. This letter may be a waste because you aren’t going to change until you see that you went wrong.

Overall, just wanted to say it would have been nice to meet the old you. Would have been nice for a different place or time. For you to have become a friend of mine. To make our own memories. Who was I kidding though? Nothing lasts forever.

Dear Hip Hop 1

Right now you are like the kid at school everyone is talking about. They talk aout how cool you are and recall the crazy memories you all shared. Problem with this is, they don't talk about you now, but about you in a past tense. People not only talk about how you were but also how you changed. Hip Hop, you climbed the corporate ladder and forgot where you came from. What happened to fighting against the man? You are fighting for him these days. He is simply using you as a puppet to do his dirty work. Can't you see? Well no I heard. It would have been nice to know you hip hop. The real you. The one that inspired, encouraged, and supported. Wish we could have created our own memories. But hey that's life. Nothing stays the same forever.