From The Mind of Merc - Phrases

And, finally, a Mind of Merc post.

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about some phrases I've never understood why they exist.

- Broken home: supposedly this is when a child's parents split up - the home is broken - but surely if the parents stay together when they really really shouldn't then that is actually a broken home
- Thunder thighs: apparently this is a negative thing that implies a woman's thighs are too big - personally I always thought it sounded awesome - like they're the thighs of a thunder goddess!
- Have some balls: this is meant to encourage strength yet balls are soft, vulnerable and a weak point whereas a vagina can bleed for a week each month and survive having a baby push through it

Maybe some of these need to change.

But they're not the only ones:

- Head over heels: supposedly this represents a doing a somersault. But surely it's the normal position to be in . A somersault would be your heels going over your head
- Sleep like a baby: this phrase is meant to mean sleep well. Yet a baby is probably the person least likely to sleep well. If you're sleeping like a baby wouldn't you be waking up every 2 hours crying?
- Dead as a doornail: i.e. completely and definitely passed on. A doornail is a piece of metal - it has never been alive but it is not alone in on that distinction so seems an odd object to pick.

Isn't the English language a peculiar thing?

From The Mind of Merc - Discrimination

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about discrimination.

Is there a bigger coward than the prejudiced white male?
Seriously - what exactly is there to fear in those who are different to ourselves? And why does someone being black, brown, oriental or, alternatively, female, transsexual or non-binary have an impact on their right to exist or be treated any different to others? 

Aside from the ridiculousness of this concept, the ideology on which it is based is also inherently flawed.

To explain this, let’s take a look at two of the main types of discrimination:

1)      Racism

The frankly sickening belief that the colour of someone’s skin determines their worth or their right to exist.
Supposedly, this is based on this misplaced belief that people with darker skin are in some way inferior or present a threat. However, given there have been so many cases of white people attacking black people because of this, it is more obviously and painfully clear to see that white people are in fact the ‘threat’ as the violence, aggression and depravity that is so feared by the racists is more often enacted by them.  If it wasn’t so unnecessary, awful and tragic it could perhaps be viewed as ironic.

Examples:
-          Emmett Till 
-          Frank Morris 
-          Jesse Thornton 
-          Willie James Howard 
-          Louis Allen 
-          Isaac Woodard 
-          Yusef Hawkins 
-          James Craig Anderson 
-          Ocoee Massacre 
-          The Scottsboro Boys 
-          Tulsa Race Riots 
-          Buffalo Shooting 
(This is sadly just a handful of available examples and does not include those killed by police officers or white supremacist groups.) 

Not only that but given the commonly accepted theory of the origin of life that suggests that all humans (or homo sapiens) came from Africa it could safely be presumed that the original humans were, in fact, black. Consequently, it stands to reason that black people are, in fact, the predominant race on the planet and the efforts of prejudiced white men to oppress or worse obliterate black people categorically demonstrates their determination not only to assert an unfounded superiority but also shows their own cowardice.

2)      Sexism

The extremely outdated and inherently flawed belief (which is extremely relevant at the moment) that a person’s gender determines their intelligence or ability to contribute to society. Historically, this contribution cannot be fairly judged as the existing predominance of men has led women to consistently have their input to major achievements and developments obliterated and obscured - either by being overruled or by having their male counterparts blatantly steal from them.

Examples:
-          Margaret E. Knight 
-          Rosalind Franklin 
-          Marthe Gautier 
-          Esther Lederberg 
-          Jocelyn Bell Burnell 
-          Lise Meitner 
-          Ada Harris 
-          Candace Pert 
-          Frieda Robscheit-Robbins 
-          Trota of Salerno 
-          Mary Whiton Calkins 
-          Colette 
-          Margaret Keene 
-          Elizabeth Magie  

Again, as stated above, it could be said this prejudice is also flawed.
Biologically speaking, all human embryos start out as female – it isn’t until around 6 weeks into gestation that any present male hormones kick in and affect in utero development (hence why men have nipples, an enlarged genital bud – compared to the smaller one of the female - and a raphe line). Ergo the female of the species could be said to be the predominant gender on this planet but, yet again, the prejudiced white male seeks to overrule, undermine and supersede what is presumably a perceived threat. 

Ultimately, it becomes clear in both cases that the average white male could in fact be viewed as the inferior or rather the subordinate species on the planet. Sadly, the overall effect is that the bigger danger seems to come from this ‘subordinate’ species (aka the prejudiced white male) in their excessive efforts to overrule and dominate those who theoretically ‘came first’ and, in doing so, inadvertently create a reversed self-fulfilling prophecy by enacting on their victims the subjugation they themselves fear.

This is sad for a number of reasons – not only because of the mindless violence and senseless loss of life that results but also just think what could have been achieved so far in history if women hadn’t been continually oppressed, belittled and blocked out. If they had been allowed a voice, to put forward their ideas and suggestions and have them heard and valued, to share the role that the said white male seems determined to steal or hog for themselves for no reason other than their own misplaced belief in a non-existent superiority.
Just think what heights we might have reached if black people had been treated equally and been allowed to basically exist unscathed. What might the lives lost through the violence perpetrated by their oppressors have contributed to our overall development? 

And all it would take would be for the prejudiced aggressors to open their eyes to look at the reality not only of the world but the impact of their discrimination upon it. To consider a point of view other than their own and display some sign of the humanity they so proudly claim and the compassion which is supposed to be deeply rooted in human nature. To realise that other people on this planet have just as much right to respect and to exist and that collaboration and cooperation presents infinitely greater benefits and requires considerably less effort than persecution and oppression.

It is, after all, not impossible for the discriminatory to change their ways – just take a look at the work of Daryl Davis  – and although the prejudiced white male may have the louder voice it is by no means the only one. 

So while the immediate future may perhaps look bleak there is always the possibility of progress.
Yes, Roe vs Wade has been overturned but there was a time before it existed – and that changed.
There was a time before the Civil Rights Act existed – and that changed. 
So maybe this is time before true equality and justice exist. And maybe that too can change.

Frankenstein sketch - Mercorabilia

Bit late for Halloween. Still it's always important to clear up any misconceptions.

Monster: Uuuurrrrr

Villager: What’s that? Who’s there?

Monster: Uuurrrrrr

Villager: Ah! It’s Frankenstein!

Monster: Uuurrrrrrr-oh for pity’s sake!

Villager: What?

Monster: I’m not Frankenstein! Frankenstein’s the man who made me. I’m his creation.

Villager: Oh.

Monster: Why does everybody get that wrong? It’s not as if we look alike.

Villager: (sotto voce) Well, that’s true.

Monster: Just because my creator couldn’t be bothered to give me a name, I get saddled with his. And I get all the bad press.

Villager: Well, you are Frankenstein’s monster.

Monster: Who are you calling monster?

Villager: Well, I mean, look at yourself.

Monster: That’s hardly my fault, is it? Did you choose how you look?

Villager: No.

Monster: Well, then. After all, what do you expect when your creator only has parts of dead bodies to sculpt you from. You’re bound to end up looking a little… odd.

Villager: I guess so.

Monster: Right. So let’s have no more of this ‘monster’ business. It’s just not on. I mean all I want to do is survive – like every other creature on this planet. That’s much to ask, is it?

Villager: No – but evidently a lot to go on about.

Monster: Well, I hope I’ve made my point.

Villager: Yes. Yes. Definitely.

<pause>

Villager: Well… don’t let me keep you.

Monster: What?
Villager: Well, I’m sure you’ve got lots of other non-monster stuff to do. Places to be, other people’s hovels to hide in.

Monster: Are you mad? I’m not going out there. Why do you think I’m hiding in here in the first place? Do you know what they do to monsters out there?

Villager: I thought you said you weren’t one.

Monster: But they don’t know that, do they? No – I’ll just stay here.

<pause>

Villager: So… cup of tea?

From The Mind of Merc - Racism

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about racism.

This is obviously a long and very convoluted topic but also, at the same time, IT IS BO**OCKS!

I’m sorry but what aspect of someone having different coloured skin meaning they are treated differently (or to be more specific negatively) makes the remotest speck of sense???

In that case should we treat suntanned people differently? They’re not ‘black’ or ‘white’ so ergo they must be different and should be treated differently. Er… no.

If you can see a difference in the appearance of black and white people – well done, you’ve got eyes.
If you think this difference means that one is somehow inferior than the other – oh dear, there’s obviously something wrong with your brain.

The only people who should be treated differently are those who think skin colour should mean a difference in treatment because those people need help. They need educating, they need to be helped to realise just how wrong they are, they need to see that the difference doesn’t make a difference.

Black and white people are all human beings and all human beings work and live and thrive better together – as a whole. Not as separate communities; festering hate and prejudice and resentment, not as individuals; struggling to exist in each other’s hostile environments – but as one.

As a final example of just how idiotic racism is and how stupidly prejudiced those who discriminate because of it are, take a look at this 'Spot The Difference' image:

From The Mind of Merc - Prejudgment

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about judging a book by its cover.

So many people seem to think they can guess everything from a person just from how they look. But how can you can possibly know their story based on your own subjective perception of their appearance?

And, to that end, I've written a poem:

Hidden Depths

The eyes are open but the gaze is bare

It might make you think there’s no-one there

But the brain is alive, it’s buzzing inside

It’s deep in their memories that they seek to hide

Their eyes do not see the world that we know

But the way that they knew it many years ago

When the champagne flowed freely and the hairstyles gleamed

And everything was more wonderful than it seemed

Where laughter echoed around dazzling halls

And dresses sparkled at countless balls

In their mind they’re dancing to a catchy beat

It’s a heady vision from which they won’t retreat

Because between that and monotony

Which is the one where you’d want to be?

From The Mind of Merc - Democracy

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about democracy.

This is a topic which could be discussed and debated at length so I will try to keep what I have to say succinct and short.

There seems to be an inherent issue with democracy. And to my mind it is that those in power have never truly grasped the concept – either through a lack of intelligence or a surfeit of arrogance.

When it first began to disseminate through society, those in power presumably thought they would be able to control it – through entities such as ‘rotten boroughs’ etc. Consequently those in power continue to fail to adequately and appropriately respond when faced with the voice of the people. They fail to listen to this crucial voice; presumably believing the people will do as their told. This is nothing new but in this modern age with the freedom of information etc it is less practical and less acceptable.

People will not be controlled but they will be heard – particularly in case of injustice and inequality - as has been demonstrated in the past by the suffragettes and by the more recent protests.

Democracy (from its original Greek origins) literally means ‘rule of the commoners’ and it should mean just that. If you are going to institute a democratic government then the voice of the people must be heard – otherwise it contradicts its own existence.

In a true democracy the voice of the people must be heeded and in the modern society cannot be ignored and the best response ultimately as to hear out those disenchanted with the current political paths being taken. If that means accepting that mistakes have been made and taking appropriate action then so be it but persisting with a flawed and unsubstantiated course of action can only lead to disaster.

A dictatorial leader should not be and is not accepted in modern day society. Any attempt to be so can and is being countered if it contravenes basic upheld laws and statutes. One such applicable ‘law’ in the current political situation is the Declaration of Independence which states that "…when a long train of abuses and usurpations…evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off such government and provide new guards for their future security." Ergo if a dictatorial leader wants absolute control and attempts to exercise said control in an oppressive way then it is the ‘duty’ of the people to object. To ignore, disregard or, worse, ridicule these objections is tantamount to incitement. Indeed, history suggests that doing so can only result in one outcome – see England 1649, France 1789 and Russia 1917.

However, as John Lennon said “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”

Ergo violence is not the answer as by getting violent you give your opponents ammunition, you sink to their level and you play their game. But likewise neither is arrogance, ignorance or disregard of widely held standpoints the solution.

In the end, ears must be open, all voices must be heard and only then can true co-operation take place and democracy truly exist and succeed.

From The Mind of Merc - US Election

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today, as with the rest of this month,  I was thinking about the US election.

If you voted for Trump then I’m sorry but I just don’t understand your choice.

I’ve no doubt you had your reasons I just hope they weren’t the same as the rest of his supporters.

You may have chosen to support him as an alternative to Hillary or because you’re anti-Democrat but what his biggest fans voted for was the wall to keep out immigrants, the deportation of all non-white people, the right to treat people like slaves and women like objects.

You may not agree with these viewpoints but thanks to you, the man who embodies them is now the man in charge of the ‘Free World’/Commander-In-Chief of the USA.

If you voted for Trump but don’t believe in his policies – you are an enabler.

If you didn’t vote for either candidate – you are a bystander.

And these two types of people can be just as dangerous as the people who commit evil acts because they allow the evil acts to happen.

Don’t be an enabler or a bystander – be a stander, be a fighter. Stand up for equality, fight against discrimination.

The US election was the battle – it was not the war.

To those, like me, who are scared at the changes that are already occurring in American society:

Do not give up

Do not hide away

Do not live in fear

His supporters may be numerous but they are not the majority (they weren’t even the majority of the votes but let’s not go there).

The best way to deal with a threat is to use it to make yourself stronger and that’s what we should do. Band together, stand up for each other, show these discriminatory, uneducated bigots that their behaviour is NOT what makes America great again.

Above all don’t accept the behaviour – report it, stand up against it (within reason – i.e. don’t put yourself at risk), speak out to condemn it.

They may be right-wing that does not make them right. They are in fact little better than terrorists and I would hope that such a thought would shame them into reconsidering their actions (although sadly I doubt it). A terrorist is defined as someone who uses intentionally indiscriminate violence (terror) in order to achieve a political, religious, or ideological aim - can you think of a better word to describe people who accuse, abuse and assault people simply because they have a different skin colour, religion or gender?

And now they are shedding their civilised camouflage to show their true terrorist colours. Well, shame on them! All that does is make them easier to spot, to isolate and to deal with. They should not be fooled into believing that suddenly their unacceptable behaviour is acceptable – it’s not, it never has been and it never will be and the sooner they are educated to understand that the better. Prejudiced violence will not make their country great again.

Some parents are concerned about what this teaches children and what they positively say about the situation.

But the lesson for children from the US election is not ‘If you are a misogynistic, racist, sexist bully then you can become President’ but ‘If you don’t stand up to misogyny, bigotry and racism and don’t use your vote when it matters, this is what happens’ and what must never be allowed to happen again

Mind of Merc - Real Issues

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. 

Today I was thinking about an article I was reading earlier this week about the recent decision to cast Joseph Fiennes to play Michael Jackson. 
Apparently this has caused uproar and generally has received a mixed reaction with some seeing it as further support of the perceived racism in the Academy Awards and some as ‘ridiculous’ that a white actor could play a black celebrity. Meanwhile some are viewing it as an accurate representation of the character given Jackson’s ‘pale’ appearance at the time when the production is to be set and some take it (and its reaction) to be an interesting observation given the opposite direction of other casting choices – such as black actress Noma Dumezweni being cast as an adult Hermione Granger and the consideration of Idris Elba for the next James Bond.

But, if you want to know what I think – I think such squabbles are petty and obscure the real issues, the real battles that still need to be fought. 

If you’re wondering what I mean then, just picking some off the top of my head, women’s pay is still unequal to men’s, extant racism, sexism and ageism exist everywhere we look (and on a much bigger scale) and poverty has still not been ‘made history’. These are the matters and fights worthy of our attention and concern. These are the issues that need to be addressed, the problems that need to be solved – not whether a casting decision for a one-off production is acceptable.
 
Is it acceptable that 22,000 children die every DAY from poverty? Of course it isn’t. Is it acceptable that women still receive on average 20% lower pay than men doing the same job as them? Of course it isn’t. Is it acceptable that there are still some places that decide how they treat other human beings based solely on the colour of their skin, which religion they practice or their own misinformed opinions? Absolutely not. 

Racism is wrong, but, if you want to battle it, how about taking the fight to places where it is much more widespread and prevalent, much more unchecked, and often a matter of life or death. 

While time and effort is wasted debating the fiddling intricacies of possible perceived slights, the real discrimination still carries on unchecked. While we debate and argue and nitpick over minor ‘issues’, real social injustice endures. We blindly follow the unimportant and trivial when we should be concerning ourselves with the far-reaching and substantial matters that affect everyone consistently and unceasingly. 

We need to focus on the real ‘social wrongs’ – showing our objection to real ‘outrages’ and ‘prejudice’ – saying this is what we don’t accept and, what’s more, that we want something done about it.
 
Wake up, world! You’re looking in the wrong direction!

From The Mind of Merc - Normality

Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about the concept of normality. 

Quite a short one today. 

I found a meme online recently that reads ‘I tried being normal once – worst two minutes of my life’ and it got me thinking – if everyone is different (i.e. no two people are the same) then how is it possible to define normality?

Surely normality (if it does exist) is a purely subjective concept – and a highly discriminatory one at that.

And if so then the people who consider themselves normal – and as such are consequently 'different' from everyone else – and consider this acceptable should also be prepared to accept those who are 'different' from them?