2014-03-02 ~ Sierra's Point of View ...

Saturday, March 8, 2014

12:36 AM

It is currently 12:36 AM, and I am still as awake as ever.

Deprived of sleep.

Could it be the snoring amongst those of other rooms?

Could it be the thoughts running through my head?

Or could it be just a lack of tiredness?

It is 12:40 AM, and as time goes by I feel more awake.

Insomnia is getting the better of me.

The blades of the fan, they make such a sound.

The pitter patter of the water coming from the bathroom.

The bass of the cars, that quickly pass by.

How could one focus, or even sleep?

It is 12:51 AM, everyone is quietly at rest.

except me.

Such a long day I had today.

And another long day waits ahead of me.

So why, just why can't I sleep?

Tossing and turning.

Closing my eyes, then opening them up.

Drinking water, and even warm milk.

I even tried giving my mind a rest, yet nothing still seems to work.

I am not going to sleep tonight , I hope i'll make up for it tomorrow.

It is 1:00 AM now, and I really wish I was sleep.

Sierra point of view on the the modern day use of the word "nigga"

How often do you hear people of your community referring to people as "nigga"? I hear this often, in fact too often. Some people say they see it as a term of endearment or a way to express a close friendship, I see it as a term of mistreatment with a whole history behind it.

The word nigga, originates from the word nigger. The word started off, as just a mere way to define a black person. Nothing more nothing less, no values attached. The word evolved, and intentionally became a derogatory word meant to depict African Americans as inferior. It was a familiar insult in the United States. To be referred to as this demeaning name, was NOT a term of endearment, it was not used to express close friendships..To be referred to by this name, was insulting and racist. It was prejudice. So please, someone please explain to me why it is okay to use this term now? Please someone explain to me, how this derogatory nick name could go from insulting and racist, to loving and endearing? Just because you take away two letters, and add another does not mean this word is any different than it once was. It will always have its original meaning, regardless of how people choose to use it. To me this word isn't acceptable, no matter the circumstance. It is demeaning and discriminating, and if I had the power the word wouldn't be used.

Dark Skin vs. Light Skin

"she's cute for a dark skin girl" "you know you light skin when..." 'dark skin girls be like..."

These statements are NOT okay. Today, we face the controversy of the idea that light skin African Americans are "better" than dark skin. I was highly disappointed when this light skin vs dark skin war came about. It disappoints me because think about our history. Think about how African Americans were treated by white people. Think about how we were slaves, and segregated. Now think about today, and think about all the things we African Americans have that we didn't have. Think about how we are free, and equal to everyone. So my question is after all that we have been through, after all the mistreatment and discrimination by white people, why is it okay for US to start it all over again? While we all still suffer from racism, another contributing form of discrimination we now suffer from is colourism (discrimination generally against your own community basis of skin color) . To all of you who thinks that because you are lighter or because you are darker that you are better? You are sadly mistaken. It doesn't matter what the package is wrapped in , it matters whats inside. All you hear now a days is "#teamlightskin", "#teamdarkskin", but in reality we are all on the same team. Skin complexion doesn't make you any less black than you are. Ladies .. your skin tone does not define your beauty. I am tired of seeing darker women being devalued because of their complexion. You do not have to be light to be beautiful, you do not have to have the perfect skin tone or color..your beauty should come from within.

All though slavery ended a while back, think about what is was like for ALL African Americans. The lighter ones, or mixed ones were given work in the house, and worked personally for their "massa", they were above the rest of the slaves. The darker ones however broke their backs working in cotton fields. I guess this light skin vs dark skin war could be based off our history, I mean is it any different than whats going on now? Darker people are being devalued because of their skin color, STILL. Ever since slavery, light skin were considered "better" than dark skin. But id like to inform you that we are NOT in that time anymore. It is NOT okay, it is NOT acceptable. We need to drop this false idea that ANY skin tone is better than another. We are ALL equally as great as one another. We have more things to worry about and stress about then being a shade or two too dark or light . Put a stop to this "war".

"After all the true seeing is within"

A common weakness, I suffer from; how it makes me a better person.

Vulnerability; being vulnerable or susceptible is my "Achilles heel". I am very well capable of being physically and emotionally wounded. I am clumsy, and insecure and sometimes I am just a mess. I am vulnerable. But my one weakness, is what makes me strong overall. When I am feeling vulnerable, I feel like I have been knocked down on to my feet and this motivates me. This motivates me to get up and move forward. Being knocked down so many times, is one day going to lead me to my miraculous up rise. Having weaknesses makes me a better person. It allows me to look at the brighter side of things. It allows me to move forward, and be able to look back at what I once couldn't do. I am weak, but I am strong.