Thoughts on a Summer Breeze (Part 2...)

Hey y'all! Thanks for coming back for the conclusion of this short series. As previously mentioned in Part One (read it here if you haven't already), there is a lot happening which means I have a lot on my mind, and even more to say. In the first post, I shared my thoughts on several subjects, including "The Struggle," Politics, and even some important developments for me as an emerging performing artist.

Just like I did there, I'll be using this post to offer my thoughts on several other things that have been weighing heavily on my mind. To keep things organized, I'll provide subtitles to wrangle the web of thoughts. Feel free to take what you need and leave what you don't. Share this with others, add your thoughts in the comments, and re-read to your heart's content. I hope you find something that sticks. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my work. It means more than you know.

Love & Gratitude,

The Kultured Queen

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Thoughts on Society & Humans Today...

In the last post, I ended my "Thoughts about the Struggle," section by mentioning that kindness goes a long way in terms of how we treat each other, especially as many of us face hard times. In that spirit, I must admit that I never thought I would see such a decline in common decency. It's troubling to say the least. The way that we make light of people's struggles; the way people record others' pain instead of intervening; the way that we amplify negativity; the way that so many of us get kicked while already being down; the insensitivity; and the way some prey on others' downfall; it can all be so disheartening. 

Note: I'm still okay with that one man's downfall though. The creamsicle in chief's rotting process can conclude at any time for the harm he has inflicted on millions. (Sorry, God. Please keep working on me.). 

Scientifically speaking, humans are wired for connection. We are communal beings who thrive the best when we are together. Unfortunately, as we've evolved, we have created reasons to separate ourselves based on differences that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Modern technology and intellect have climbed higher, while our regard for each other has plummeted.

At no point in time has it ever been right to have such blatant disregard for others. It's never been okay for kids to be separated from their families; for any group to be targeted or chastised for their race; for any group to be discriminated against for their gender identity, expression, or who they love; for people to be cherry picked off the street for their color (because you can't see anyone's immigration status with a glance or without due process); or for people to be caged like animals. None of it is normal, and even though it has happened throughout human history, it is not okay. Not during America's inception; not through the imprisonment of indigenous peoples; chattel slavery; the Holocaust; Japanese internment camps; the mistreatment of girls and women; the abuse of the LGBTQIA+ community; the Cold War; or Jim Crowe. 

When will we learn that the state sanctioned mistreatment and suffering of others precludes the country that we claim to be? The day that we become complicit and numb to others' pain is the day that we seal our fate.

Thoughts on Kids...

I know how some like to tussel, but I'm going to say it anyway. When it comes to these kids, some of you aren't raising them. It's not a secret. You don't hide it well. It's highly apparent. Parents to whom this does not apply, please disregard and keep up the great work. As an educator, I thank you for your service. We can tell the work that you put in, the values that you instill, and the fullness that you pour into your babies. 

As for the rest, I need you to spend more time doing better and less time arguing on social media about why you shouldn't have to buy school supplies for YOUR kids. Feeding, clothing, and housing are just the basics. There is a lot more to parenting than just meeting their basic human needs; they have emotional needs, too. They need you to show them the way to love, be mannerable, be kind, and well, even if no one was there to show you; even if the love in which they were created ran out. That's not their fault. You deserve the best and whether or not you had it, it's your turn to do your best for them. They, and the world awaiting them, will be better for it. 

Kids who don't receive guidance become adults who lack respect, accountability, and social skills. They get pushed into the world and wreak havoc because while they were clothed and fed, no one taught them how to act. No one taught them how to function or respect people's space and property. No one taught them how to treat others, converse, develop work ethic, think critically, or survive. Unguided children become struggling adults who can't maintain jobs, relationships, or livelihoods because of all the tools they never received...But they'll sure know how to cuss and dance though. It's not cute. They're not accessories for the 'gram. They are people. Give them what they need to thrive long term.

Nobody is responsible for raising your kids but you. You did "it," now DO IT. 

Thoughts on Education...

PAY TEACHERS. Because whose job is more complicated by trying to teach a generation that isn't being raised, being therapists to the babies who do connect, with limited resources, little to no classroom supply funding, not nearly enough coffee, and zapped energy from working extra jobs on the side? PAY TEACHERS! That's it!

Thoughts on Me...

Note to self: These last few years have not been kind to you, but you're still trying. Others may doubt because it doesn't look the way they think it should, but you are trying....SO hard. Through it all—countless rejection, pain, grief, starting over, being misjudged/misunderstood, you naaaaaaame it—you're still showing up. You're still nice to people. You haven't given up. You still have a smile on your face, not acting like what you've been through. Shoot, you saw that heifer that did you wrong the other day and didn't call her a buck tooth, Barney-built bag of skittles like you could have; instead you just pretended she was invisible. I'm proud of you, girl. You still do your best not to take your frustrations out on the world. You're still you. You're still enough. YOU'RE STILL YOU. And you will get through this; just like you got through everything else. Listen to your heart, keep leaning into your gifts and following God's plan. This time, the other side will be so much sweeter. Believe.

Stay Kind. Stay Blessed. #StayKultured.