A tribe member shared her experience in a west coast state – the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in the US. As a traveling medical technologist, she was required to have “traveling papers” verifying her profession and place of employment to prove the reason for her going back and froth from the hospital during restricted hours enforced by the state. These “traveling papers” are kept in her car just like the car registration and proof of insurance documents. The “traveling papers” stated to the effect, “I’m a healthcare worker. I have business related to my job. Therefore I am allowed to travel to and from work during the mandated quarantine.” One of her hospital co-workers was stopped at a police check point. Since he had his “traveling papers” to prove his reason for driving, he was allowed to proceed freely without an issue. Her neighbor, considered a nonessential worker during COVID-19, received a ticket for driving beyond the suggested curfew without the proper “traveling papers”. His fine was $1000. Unbelievable right?

I felt shocked upon hearing this news but I couldn’t quite put my finger on my initial angst. I knew that states and local governments had placed restrictions on its residents to minimize nonessential travel, required social distancing, and the usage of masks, etc. I understood the reasons for the soft curfew suggestion to minimize travel for essentials only but something about the law enforcement check points made me take a slow breath and pause.

My mind instantly recalled certain details from the George Orwell book 1984. In the book, the characters are living under a dystopian or totalitarian state that controls their every action. The superstate government disseminates their version of life via a vast media propaganda campaign using language called Newspeak. Ordinary words and phrases take on new meanings (such as war is peace, ignorance is trUth, goodthink and crimethink) as free thought and language is opposed and used contrary to what the etymology would normally suggest. The mind control strategies used to limit what people THINK, SAY, DO and FEEL was a premeditated attempt to indoctrinate everyone to the point where many are unable to conceptualize who they were as individuals and to understand their personal and collective experiences. It begs the question as to whether free thought will prevail giving humans the right to move and live as they wish. In 1984, the human spirit somehow still intuitively knows when its freedom and liberty is being subjugated even if it rears its head only momentarily to ponder these often simple yet existentially, complex ideas.

How does this famous book connect to our current experience? Our local news reports are starting to show American citizens protesting wanting to go back to work during COVID-19. They show up without masks or practicing social distancing. Some are calling themselves the Rosa Parks of America. Really now? Is there trUly a comparison between fighting the government for civil rights versus protesting for the right to return to work during a pandemic? I understand the need return to work but there is still limited testing or publicly accepted vaccine for the virus. At first glance, these different protest movements seem to be at odds but each movement is fundamentally demanding the right to live freely without governmental restrictions and limitations. Whether one makes demands to be given the opportunity to live a better life or one is willing to risk their lives for this ideal, the choice is one that many Americans view as an inalienable right. In this recent protest movement, most show limited consideration for the potential impact on their families, friends or even neighbors. Some are partying like its 1999 (as Prince suggested). The mixed messages between science and governmental leaders is staggering especially since our leadership is not following the CDC guidelines either. 

Pointing out these discrepancies seems confusing and unbelievable, even to me, but they are trUthful observations without judgement. Some people naturally resist aspects of the indoctrination process after completing the mandatory cycles via the educational, familial and societal programs. Perhaps many feel that we are possibly going through a NEW indoctrination cycle, resulting in a loss of freedom, with a propaganda campaign yet to be developed. Current events are happening that cannot be fully explained or understood – – at least right now. Some Americans are actively rebelling against the CDC guidelines as if the loss of personal freedom during the pandemic is a battle cry for war (using the rebel meme “Molly, you in danger girl!”)

The recognition that both science and commerce have legitimate importance, perspectives and roles within society should be quite evident. Finding the balance between them is the hard part. Science and physics matter. The economy matters as well. You can’t spin their impact on humanity (at least not successfully long term). As our country begins to reopen, we will hear about “embers or pockets of COVID-19” in various cities as well as the death rate. We will also hear more stories about the impact of not working upon everyday folks (food lines and shortages, homelessness and housing issues, lost health insurance, spikes in domestic violence and mental health issues etc.) Americans want to regain their personal self-sufficiency but what are the costs under these current circumstances? It should be noted that there is also a cost for not working as well (bills, hunger, homelessness, depression etc.). 

There is still an underlying belief held by some that our government will take care of everyone but history shows otherwise. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” is a quote attributed to early American delegate Patrick Henry from a speech he made to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. Many are taking up this same battle cry only this time the enemy to freedom is a deadly virus – – and some law enforcement who continue to use the same deadly force, as the virus, at will. Hopefully, our country will eventually strike a balance someplace between liberty and death. If you’re like me, then you are “skeptically optimistic” listening and watching the various attempts to translate and explain current events bellowing loudly through our media loud speakers. Even today, new protests have taken place in response to ongoing police brutality in black communities across the country. It is indeed self evident that something has been said! A George Orwellian explanation most likely exists within this current American story. I hope to one day read the new book. 

Update 5/31/20: I deleted the following line from my original blog post before publishing. “Was this a test run for marshall law but with a well thought out subtle execution and propaganda campaign to spin the experience?” The line would have appeared at the end of the second paragraph related to police check points. At the time, I felt hesitant to voice my personal musings touching on this subject. Perhaps, it was too scary a thought to express in print. I’ve been shown once again that one’s INNER-knowing can be far more accurate than the reasoning mind. 

The COVID-19 media reports have now been replaced with news stories about the nationwide protests following the tragic deaths of people of color while in police custody and during encounters with ordinary citizens. These current events are disturbing and saddening but must be understood in the context of the impact of this worldwide pandemic on everyday folks (lost income, hunger, fear, loneliness, frustration, etc.) and the historical realities of the abuse of power by individuals using vigilante justice or some in law enforcement, particularly against black boys and men. “A change is gonna come, oh yes it will,” sang the great Sam Cooke. Yes, it will indeed. The STAGE is being SET – – just don’t let it be orchestrated or set up for humanity’s downfall. It is time to plan, plot and strategize for a brighter future  – – one we are predestined to create. 

Something has been said!

Like most sports fans, I’ve watched the The Last Dance Documentary describing the prolific accomplishments of the Chicago Bulls Basketball team headed by the legendary player, Michael Jordan (MJ). It is quite riveting even if you aren’t a basketball fan, primarily for the life lessons about teamwork and winning imbedded in their journey. Throughout the series, we get a glimpse into the mindset of this incredible player, also known as Air Jordan, #23 or simply “The Goat”, and his competitive spirt and commitment to winning at all costs. His fundamental goal to win would drive him to push himself to the limits, mentally and physically, while embracing a tough leadership style that included trash talking and bulling those around him to rise to his level. I was a little surprised at the extent to which he used his power sometimes seemingly traumatizing the other players. The mere fact that he could back up his own performance made some of the tactics acceptable, to some degree, with the notion that in order to achieve greatness – – one has to “Just Do It” (as the famous Nike slogan suggests). This idea triggered me to wonder whether abuse is needed, as a motivating factor, for true greatness.

As a result, I had a debate with a tribe member and started to analyze a long list of high profile individuals who have been known to have had previous motivating or abusive encounters contributing to their success. For the record, motivating experiences can be inspiring and challenging while abuse can be defined as any action done against another that emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually damages the individual leaving them permanently altered (sometimes for the worse). Countless young actors, actresses, musicians, singers, artists and ordinary people have had extraordinary careers with inspiring backstories involving family support, mentorship and even enduring industry abuse (sexual, mental or physical) while pursuing their dreams. It is almost unheard of to encounter anyone on this journey to greatness without them experiencing some form of drama or trauma. The long list of dreamers ranges from young children, women and men forced to make tough boundary decisions along the way. Criticizing their decisions feels judgmental especially since most of us understand that there are costs in any situation. What would we do if a similar opportunity was given to us? Even if rumors of “unfair or abusive treatment” are never confirmed, one can find some trace evidence of its existence by looking at the lives of these individuals and their personal demons and battles often engaging in destructive behavior (via alcohol abuse, drugs etc). Many young artists have also died much earlier than one would expect. We can all easily agree that to be personally motivated for success is a core requirement. Is abuse a necessary component for one’s eventual success as well? Also – – what about the the long term repercussions of such treatment? Let’s take a look at a few successful celebrities with publicly known troubled backstories.

The other MJ, Micheal Jackson, acknowledged before his death that his father, the late Joe Jackson, verbally and physically abused him and his brothers for years. The Jackson Five were undoubtedly talented, particularly MJ, but the father’s Svengali type demands of consistent practice and training helped transform these young kids from Gary, Indiana into a powerhouse group. Unfortunately, MJ, the most sensitive and talented of the brothers, suffered tremendous emotional abuse at the hands of his beloved father with verbal taunts and comments about his looks and appearance. My intuition says there may even be more to his story but the late great, Michael Jackson, went on to use his vast talent to become the most successful entertainer in the world. He also remained a little usual in terms of his shyness, insecurities, phobias and questionable interactions with young boys that would plague him until his untimely death.

In reviewing another legend, the great Tina Turner’s life story has been showcased in the the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It” where we see this young, innocent, yet talented singer from Nutbush, Tennessee, get discovered by musician, Ike Turner. Ike, as a musical genius in his own right, is a task master for practicing constantly with the hopes of achieving the perfect style, vocals and image for Tina. Unfortunately, he would also resort to verbal and physical abuse sometimes to get the best raw performance from her. It was also done simply for power and control. Some have questioned whether Tina, with her God given talent, would have achieved her success without both Ike’s mentorship and even the physically abusive tactics forcing her to stretch her vocals and dance moves to a rhythmic frenzy.

I have personally experienced both motivating and abusive treatment in my personal life and professional career. The individuals who put me to the fire, often challenging, pushing, bullying or harassing, ultimately helped to shape and mold my foundation. I suffered at times but I also developed strength and courage. You never know who you really are – – trUe character – – unless you are tested by fire. It may break you if you do not have the drive, ambition, spiritual foundation or support system to rise another day. Even today, I can come close to the line of no return (temporarily broken seeking the strength to succeed). But if you survive these experiences – – having learned the lesson and proven your worthiness as a trUe, real life gladiator in the flesh – – the universe will seemingly reward you for the effort. Some individuals, however, are unfortunately destroyed by the pain and hardship leaving long lasting scars. Even if one becomes successful, the damage created is too much for them to live a normal life free from the remnants of the previous challenges or abuse. For the record, I have also found when the pendulum swings back, after a major challenge or abusive trial, those who harmed others have some “splainin” to do in the universal court of judgement. This courtroom is fair and just in its delivery of KARMA (rewards and punishment). So, be very, very careful in how you treat others. The universal courtroom is hard and black, no chaser. Ouch!

“A legendary leader does not have to be a legendary jerk.”

Anonymous

So, is there a price for success (No Pain, No Gain)? Yes sir! Nothing is trUly appreciated and gained without hard work, energy and effort unless one wants to beat the system by cheating or taking a short cut to win. The six pack stomach is made by eating heathy and exercise. The straight A’s in school are accomplished with countless hours of listening, studying and participation. The wonderful marriage is made with lots of love, support and forgiveness. The trUly great athlete is blessed with raw talent but the success is cultivated and earned after spending countless hours practicing their craft (perfecting the art of the game). Yet, I also caution everyone to remember that there is a fine line between productive, enriching, motivating hard work versus abuse that can permanently damage someone. Many will survive the abusive tactics and achieve their dreams but some remain damaged in ways that distort the soul throughout their lives. Many also cannot rise above some personal choices, even if successful, often falling into despair with tragic endings. 

Air Jordan, the goat, seemed addicted to his brutally raw, natural competitive instincts but his passion and commitment to winning is undeniable. He also helped to inspire and bring out the greatness in everyone around him. Perhaps this gives him a slight pass to some extent. If he had destroyed the lives of those he encountered, history would characterize his behavior more harshly than we do today. No one on the winning Chicago Bulls teams turned to drugs, alcohol, or some other self destructive behavior after being his teammate. Even Dennis Rodman didn’t change. He was already into partying being the wild, rebel child needing freedom to perform at his best. Although MJ did not necessarily agree with Rodman’s choices, he still respected him because his performance was on a level worthy of admiration. 

As the myth of Michael Jordan is unveiled for the world to see, we finally get a glimpse of the man – – incredibly talented and distinctly flawed. MJ, who was once able to fly in the air as if he had wings on his shoes, is still a human being walking the same earth, learning lessons just like the rest of us. It should be acknowledged that his level of commitment and success probably triggered some envy or jealousy from others as well. These folks – – call them haters – – may not be as talented in the same way (gifts are quite different from person to person) but they are always willing to criticize your tactics and decisions, on the sidelines, out of spite. The only difference between the hater and Michael Jordan is the fact that he pursued his dream, with everything in his soul, and got the opportunity to fulfill his destiny to become one of the greatest sports figures of all time. Perhaps this same journey awaits for you, me and even for the haters with our unique destiny assignments and challenges designed specifically for us to make the ultimate decision to just “Be Like Mike.”