When Mohawk meant something

At about the age of 10, that would be 1990, my family and I were on vacation in a popular resort area. Being a pedestrian-friendly town, we were afoot one night seeing the sights when we approached a stoplight. As we stood a car stopped right next to us. What my fragile, decade-old Arkansan eyes saw shocked me. In the passenger seat was a man, most likely early 20s, black leather vest, leather bracelets and a huge lime-green Mohawk. His fellow “hoodlums” wore similar “anti- establishment” garb. I got a little nervous. There was something about that menacing Mohawk that gave me the willies, which I have not had since, thankfully. It had attitude. I mean, little Adam had never seen a real, live punk before. I didn’t know what to do. A few seconds later, they drove away. I never looked at Branson, Mo., the same.

Fast-forward 20 years. My wife and I were at Target shopping when we passed the electronics department. One male associate sported a tall, dark pink Mohawk, probably about a foot high. Here are three reasons that this latest Mohawk sighting proved to me that the hairstyle has lost its attitude. First, my initial thought was “What a dork,” a much different reaction compared to little Adam. Secondly, apparently a Mohawk no longer breaks corporate dress code. And finally, when my wife and I made it back to our car I asked her, “Did you see that Target associate with that tall Mohawk?” She responded, “There was a guy with a Mohawk?” My next thought was “exactly”. She walked within 2 feet of the attention-needing haircut, and it did not even grab her attention.

The hairstyle is named after the indigenous people who originated from the Mohawk valley in upstate New York around 1628. Mohawk warriors used the style when they went to war. There is definitely some meaning and attitude in that. In the late ’70s to about the mid-’90s, the Mohawk could often be found in the punk subculture. The fashion was used to display an “anti-establishment and anti-conformity” attitude. This was often combined with the use of the middle finger and a small army of profanity to get the point across. This often resulted in people choosing to walk on the other side of the street and scaring old people. Today, on the other hand, I would not be surprised to see old people parading a Mohawk. Many of them already have blue hair.

I’m not really saying this loss of meaning is a bad or good thing. My interest is more about how the meaning of a fashion statement that had been around for approximately 360 years was sucked out by mainstream media in about 15 years. The Mohawk wasn’t the first victim. Ask rock n’ roll and hip hop. Do the original messages of anti-conformity and anti-establishment of these two genres still ring true in the verses and choruses of their offspring? Another way of looking at it is maybe they were successful with the original message and are reaping the benefits today with music that feels less meaningful.

The mainstream media machine is a strong force. We have witnessed the Mohawk being put into it and coming out with as much substance as the “Rachel-Cut” from the show “Friends.” It will be interesting to see what evil things of today will be the must have among the customers of tomorrow. What will we say?

“I remember when a tattoo of a spider on my whole face meant something.”

—Adam Holt

Are you inTEXTicated?

Cell phones are everywhere and everyone seems to have one. Texting is a major part of the communication process these days. However, texting while driving can be dangerous because it distracts the driver from paying full attention the road.

House Bill 3250 would prohibit a person driving a motor vehicle on a street or highway from using an electronic communication device to write, send or read a text-based communication and surfing the internet, the fine would be up to $1,000. The bill also would prohibit 18 year olds and younger who have a learner’s permit or an intermediate driver’s license from talking and texting while driving.

Bill 3250 is a good idea because it could save lives. It is pointless that car wrecks are happening due to someone texting or reading a text while driving. Some things can wait till the driver is at a stopped position.

Bill 3250 received a 10-2 vote to be able to head to the full state House for voting. Voting will take place Wednesday, March 3.

—Landa McClure

Black Heritage: What else is there to know?

The Buddhists believe that a person should be empty and ready to be filled with additional knowledge above his or her present level. If we as people think we know everything, all the time, we will never be able to learn anything more, and we will be left behind.

I come from the stereotypical broken African-American home where the father leaves and the mother is left with the child. She tries to be the paramount mother, as best she can, while holding the weight of two individuals.

And while this is not the wish of any person, to see their wants fail, I firmly believe all things work together for good.

My mother would work nights and sleep throughout the day so she was forced to let other mother figures keep me a large majority of time until I was 6. Looking back, these strong black women taught me what it means to help your neighbor when they are in need, they taught respect, and above all they showed me love. If my life would not have gone in this direction, who knows if I would have ever learned it to the depths of which I have.

Because I was my mother’s only child, she was strict and kept me away from the outside world often, which I believe was an attempt to keep me from the dangers she had experienced in her young life. As fate would have it, I moved out of my mothers home one month after turning 18.

My mother and I never thought that we could have that type of relationship that you see people having on television. We were always in our own world and trying to put us together was like trying to mix ammonia and bleach; it wasn’t a good idea.  My mother had been bruised from childhood dramas that extended from her brothers and sisters into her community, that at times was racially prejudiced.

After three years past, and I began to try and understand my mother, our relationship began to blossom. Finally this month, at the age of 25, my mother and I had a conversation I didn’t think would ever happen.  It was a conversation filled with the truth of how I see her world and her thoughts of mine.

Our Lotus flower is in full bloom.

Despite popular belief, February is more than an opportunity to remember portions of the “black story” and talk about slavery, and all of the wonderful things African-Americans have done for this society.  It also is a time to remember the story in its entirety. It holds to be the example for life in general, taken to the highest extreme.

It is a story of people forced into a world that they would not have chosen and forced into being separated from their friends and families. In the broad spectrum of things, most of what they had to do was not what they desired to. When they had decided to rebel and get out of the box that was prepared for them, their own people, both black and white, punished them.  And finally, they were judged for thinking the way they did, and their intelligence was questioned.

The answer, I feel, to all of the judgments, punishments, and bigotry, is a change in the conscious of the people. When this happens the land will be filled with the Lotus.

Conflict is always easily solved with a little dialogue, a bit of understanding and a whole lot of truth. With that in mind, we should all be … empty.

—Chavon McMillian

Death is not entertainment

Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili

Last Friday, the valiant return of the Olympic games was tarnished by tragedy when Nodar Kumaritashvili, a 21-year-old luger from the country of Georgia, lost control of his sled during training and died instantly during a brutal crash.

Seemingly instantly, videos of Kumaritashvili’s death began circulating around the Internet like the newest YouTube sensation. Begin typing Kumaritashvili’s name on your preferred search engine — Google, for instance — and you will yield results not of his name or legacy, but instead of raw video footage from the accident that claimed his young life.

There is no need for this. It is not educating, nor is it entertaining. It’s sick.

I have not watched the video itself — nor do I ever intend do — but it is said to be incredibly graphic, showing everything from the luger beginning his run to paramedics desperately trying to revive his lifeless, bloodstained body.

What twisted human being would actually want to view such video? Who would enjoy watching an innocent life end?

It sickens me that Kumaritashvili will likely be remembered not as a promising young athlete, but instead as an online fad whose death was viewed by thousands, if not millions. He should be honored, not exploited for page views. I feel for his poor family, who must contend not only with the loss of an incredible young man, but also with footage of his death made available to the public to watch at their convenience.

Wherever Nodar Kumaritashvili is now, I pray he is at peace. He certainly isn’t getting any here.

—Whitney Knight

Statewide embarrassment

Maybe you have a friend, family member or a former U.S. president who was “elected” in 2002, who when they speak, you quickly hide your eyes and look downward in embarrassment. You deny you invited them, and quickly sprint to the nearest closet or panic room, not to be seen for minutes, hours or even days if you properly prepared yourself for such a scene, bringing Slim Jims and Yoo-hoos. I know someone who gives not only me the same feeling, but also other Oklahomans and others who live upon the amber waves of grain in these United States. Her name is Sally Kern, the sweetheart who represents the 84th district in the Oklahoman House of Representatives.

You may know Kern as a former teacher in the Oklahoma City area who sits on the Subcommittee on Education on Capitol Hill. Or you may know her for her unapologetic hatred for gays and Islam, which she continually berates, driving our state’s name through the mud.

Where to start? Let’s go with her comments on homosexuality. I’m sure many of you have heard these comments, but there is no way to mention her stance on this issue without reminiscing this infamous rant to a small group of Republicans in March 2008. I wish I could find a clip without animation, but I wasn’t that lucky. You’ll definitely get the point.

Yes, you heard right, the gays have taken over Eureka Springs, Ark. — another disaster President Bush and FEMA forgot about, which now lies in ruin. Yes, it was the gays. How could we of let this happen? Where was NORAD? If we don’t watch out, they are going to go after larger plots of land, like entire counties.
But the most troubling part of her homophobic manifesto is this quote, “I honestly believe it’s (homosexuality) the biggest threat to our country, even more so than terrorism, or Islam, which I think is a big threat.”

Now, do you honestly believe homosexuals are a larger threat than terrorism? I’ll pause and let you contemplate for a moment.

Think of the worst things homosexuals have done to this country. I can’t really come up with much, but for the sake of argument, I’ll say the ’80s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. I do like the song “Relax,” so it’s not a great example. Yet we know what terrorists have done. Terrorists attacked the World Trade Center twice and we’ve also have witnessed terrorism in our own state. It’s a shame and outrageous to even compare the two.

It was nice of her to throw Islam in at the last second as well. Yes, the extremists who have attacked us and we have fought against say they fight in the name of their religion, but does that make every Muslim a terrorist? Not at all. It would be difficult to find any religion that does not have a minority that sit on the fringe and will not compromise. Yet Kern has publicly announced that she will not apologize for her remarks and continues to wear blinders so she cannot see that most Americans are much more moderate in their ideas about people who live differently.

Let me remind you that Kern supposedly represents the Oklahomans of the 84th district, no matter of race, religion, gender or sexuality. Also, she is paid by our tax dollars. Doesn’t that just make you feel warm on the inside?

I’m not saying you cannot disagree with the homosexual lifestyle or the ideas within other religions, but to publicly demonize homosexuals or Islam due to the few who distort it’s beliefs is not a way to make relations in our country better. We should be proud of our “melting pot,” not pouring it out and turning it to some bland off-brand stew.

Rep. Sally Kern, embarrassment to the state — yet paid by the state.

—Adam Holt

Valentine’s Day on a Budget

While Valentine’s Day has traditionally been reserved for extravagant dinners out and expensive jewelry or flowers, this year more people are looking for ways to be cost conscious, especially students.

Creativity goes a long way when planning an unforgettable experience for your significant other. Here are some ways to celebrate the day of love without breaking the bank.

Write old-fashioned love notes to each other. Hide them in places that your loved one will discover unexpectedly during the day.

Purchase a custom playlist of love songs or create a CD of music that will be sure to inspire romance.

Gifts that can be found for less than $10 are just as meaningful and thoughtful as any. A perfect red rose, a box of chocolates, or sweet smelling bubble bath are gifts that show your partner that you love and adore them.

Single people can also find ways to celebrate. Girl’s and Guy’s nights don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket book. Plan a get together that includes movies, food, and fun where everyone is responsible for bringing a contribution to the party. This alleviates the financial burden on the host or hostess.

Friends, family and kids don’t have to be left out of the fun either. Children’s Valentines cards can be given to anyone and are sure to brighten their day.

Most importantly and the least expensive thing anyone can do for the ones they love is to tell them. Remind them why they are such an important part of your life and shower them with reasons why they are loved by you.

After all, through out the year and especially on Valentine’s Day, everyone should be feeling the love, even on a budget.

—Jennifer Massey

Gangs and social media?

My dad used to — and at some points still does — say: “Some day your mouth is going to get you in trouble.” This age old wisdom is very much true for every generation. However it seems to be adolescents and teens who need the most help in this area.

The difference between current and previous generations is now we can talk to others from behind screens. E-mails, texting and social media have become socially acceptable ways to communicate through the Internet. And since most people seem to be connected to the Internet in some way, once information is out, it spreads like a wildfire. This can be a great way to broadcast important information fast, such as an Amber Alert.

Sir Isaac Newton is famously credited for stating that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. Newton may have been referring to the scientific motion that occurs in physics, but his law seems to be applicable to the rest of the world.

For instance, social outlets such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter popularity are soaring. We have nonprofit organizations that utilize these outlets to connect with its supporters and the people it helps. And that’s not all. Businesses both large and small use these outlets to offer coupons, news organizations promote its products, and even celebrities use social media to connect with fans. There are tons of people and organizations using the Internet for a lot of good reasons.

However, there is that equal and opposite force that exists — gangs.

MySpace, being the oldest, remains a top choice among gangs. “Crips, Bloods, Florencia 13, MS-13 and other gangs,” are all avid users of MySpace, according to an article on MSNBC.

The article said gang members are using social media to, “make threats, boast about crimes, share intelligence on rivals and network with people across the country.” It seems students are no longer the only ones networking for future jobs.

Luckily, the police are attempting to keep up with the online generation. The article said police are using these social outlets to catch criminal activity and monitor possible threats.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy David Anguaino was quoted at the end of the article, saying “you want the fame so you’ve got to go out there and talk about it. That’s when your mouth gets you in trouble.”

“Someday your mouth is going to get you in trouble,” my father said.

Maybe some more people should listen to their parents?

What do you guys think, are gangs a threat online and should police be allowed to monitor social outlets?

—Jennifer Pearsall

Should OCCC be open today?

OCCC resumed classes today after shutting down during last week’s ice storm.

Do you think the college should have opened or stay closed again? Why or why? Leave us a comment and let’s see what you think.

Fair or not?

For many students attending a school whether it be high school or college, many have music as a major part of their lives. There are different genres out there and almost everyone has heard of the famous rapper Lil’ Wayne.  True he isn’t the most innocent person alive, but his music and  life story has inspired many. In February, Lil’ Wayne will be sentenced for pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He is expected to receive one year in jail sentence.

I am a fan of Lil Wayne and I enjoy his music. I’m not trying to make excuses for why he is going to jail or about him going to jail at all, but I am having a slight issue with for how long his sentence is compared to other famous celebrities. Paris Hilton has been arrested for drunk driving, speeding, driving with a suspended license and just basic reckless driving. For all those driving violations, Miss Hilton only received 23 days in jail. How is that justice? Her driving was a danger to many whereas Lil’ Wayne was participating in illegal activities, but not really posing a threat.

The weapon was on Lil’ Wayne and he was smoking marijuana. He was basically hanging out with a friend and relaxing. Hilton posed a greater threat to people because she was driving reckless. She could have ended a life along with injuring others. She knew she had a suspended license and yet, she still chose to drive.

Maybe it’s just me because I like Lil’ Wayne, but his one year sentence compared to Paris Hiltion’s 23 days does not seem fair.

—Landa McClure

Dirty hands and empty values

John Edwards has officially rendered his political career and hopefully for good. Why? Well, he’s a flat out liar and utter hypocrite. He recently confessed to having a baby out of wedlock with his mistress, all while his wife is battling breast cancer and was advocating his candidacy for presidency.

He initially denied accusations, with his painted smile. On Nightline in 2008 shortly after his bid for president fell short he said “I would welcome participating in a paternity test. I know that is not possible the child could be mine because of the timing of events.”

“Timing of events,” what’s that supposed to mean?

Now, he says “It was wrong for me to deny she was my daughter.” I guess his career was far more important than the ego inflating affair he had behind the back of his wife while deceiving her, his children and the people that believed in him.

This is the good ole’ southern boy who told crowds of ill informed people that he was all about family values and his christian background. His actions completely contradict what he stood for and when you choose to be a public servant, you’d better put your bad habits to bed.

My, sounds like he’s turned himself into an oxymoron or moron at that.

—Justin Combs