The Long and Short of all in Between

Where Is Detroit Motor Spirit?

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:15:00 +0000

For those of you who still have no clue as to where Detroit Motor Spirit is located, here's a little directional video courtesy of True Sight Music. REVENGE OF THE RED - IT IS HERE

The 'Race' we're Running

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Wed, 18 May 2011 09:37:00 +0000

According to John H. Relethford, author of The Fundamentals of Biological Anthropology, race “is a group of populations that share some biological characteristics….These populations differ from other groups of populations according to these characteristics.”

Ok. So according to Science,Black folk got their own distinct traits, Whites got their own, Coloureds got theirs etc. Elaborating on the aforementioned would then, I guess, lead us to jumping on Darwin's natural selection hypothesis and all reaching consensus that blacks have smaller brains than white folk , which justifies their condemnation to subservience and all the slavery talk you know all to well about If you've been reading up on history.

Fast Forward a couple of years down the line and in steps Nigerian born Philip Emeagwali, 1989 Gordon Bell Prize winner who keeps it fresh with an IQ of 190.

Someone smell a contradiction up in here?

Point is peeps.

Race, being the mass propogated social construct that it is, has and is getting us nowhere as a people. For centuries it has condoned segretation and even in a newly democratised nation like South Africa, where diversity and common national values are professed, it has brought with it scores of tension, generalisation and a genuine loathing of every person not of your skin tone.

Citing many a debate in Politics class and conversations with peers, it seems quite evident that when one sees one self within such a boxed framework of physical and mental attributes, weapons are drawn in defense of that which theorists have claimed us to be. Progressive thinking is therefore simply a wasted conversation in my opinion if we continue to engage framework to framework, dismissing the individualist sphere.

Yeah sure, we all want to preserve our cultural needs, but the fact of the matter is that if we plan on 'getting along' and 'living in unity', there needs to come a time where a common vision needs to held and personal values need to be pushed to the side.

Only in a perfect world though right? I know, and that's the anomaly in all this...

Everyone facing the same direction while simultaneously facing the opposite.

A challenge indeed that I think many of us South Africans have not wrestled with fully, including myself.

Regardless, it exists most abundantly and is hindering the in-house development of this nation to properly nurture SUSTAINABLE growth and a social sphere that intergrates beyond the classification frameworks in which we greet with our hearts, not just our minds.

The answer I so wish put forward right now is a message of forgiveness, love and tolerance so professed by the Gospel, but for many, race has garnered so much standing within their perceptive realities due to emotional damage and it is impossible to take on such a stance

In time though I pray that we'll open our eyes to the green pastures ahead, strips us off this construct that is depriving us all of a unified future where love serves as the power source from which we interact and nurture this nation of ours.

We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.

Peace

I am Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:43:00 +0000

I am inspired by the sun's rays as they signal the start of a new day.
I am inspired by the knowledge of purpose that my Lord set to pave before my being was even a figment of imagination.
I am inspired by the legions of men and women who walk this earth without limbs and still find the time to laugh.
I am inspired by the ant colonies who stay dutiful in their daily work without an utterance of complaint.
I am inspired by the desolate fields and landscapes which mark the promise of what's to come.
I am inspired by the gift of love not classified as a mere emotion.
I an inspired by secular knowledge as it provides a perfect illustration of how not to go about things.
I am inspired by my beloved mother who's never needed duracell to keep her running #superwoman.
I am inspired by the rough path I walk, comfortable in the knowledge that even though I carry burdens, my Lord gave me shoulders.
I am inspired by the innocence of child, a state of purity in both mind and body.

I am inspired.

Peace
J

Hip Hop - better off without it?

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Hip Hop...

Yes, I know. The second your mind registers the two words it probably conjures up raunchy imagery of half-naked women, blinged out brothers with vulgar tongues and a temperament that points to nothing but pure anger.
So the question is - is this the Hip Hop that has forever been around? and If not, where have all the real rappers gone?

Well before we get into it, let's get rid of some background knowledge first.
Hip Hop as we know came about in the 70's as an alternative to the gang life that was rife within local New York neighbourhoods, the Bronx in particular.
DJ's would play records on turntables at what were known as 'Block Parties'. The MC later came aboard and played the part as a sort of hype man who would jump on a microphone and throw out little phrases such as : "C'mon Y'all" or "Everybody clap your hands" which served as a energiser to keep the party-goers grooving.

So yes, essentially, Hip Hop was a culture that was primarily intended to bring people together and eradicating the need for gangsterism.
It found its identity in the distinct clothing that was worn, the DJ who would later develop special techniques through 'scratching' on records and the MC who today we know as the rap artist.
More elements that came about were the more artistic expressions of Graffiti which involved producing artwork on walls using nothing more than an aerosol-can, as well as the dance aspect known as Breakdancing.
Hip Hop sought to be that sense of freedom and unity that was found in the midst of oppression. and yes, for young folk like myself, it had a degree of coolness to it.

In today's MTV generation, however, we have seen a huge shift from the down to earth art form of back then.
The primary themes among most rap songs today are the tried and tested ones of Sex, Alcohol, Violence, and Self-glorification.

As a hip hop lover myself, it really has saddened me to see this art form 'evolve' into some self-righteous money game run by billboard charts.
Good rap music is hard to come by nowadays and I find myself hunting the internet for some 'underground artist' bold enough to rap about his own life story that can stimulate my mental sphere and feed me with something filled with substance.

bI am therefore both relieved and grateful to have come across artists like Public Enemy, Blu & Exile, Theory Hazit and Immortal Technique in my short lifetime who have been the proof that one can still gain a mass international following without sacrificing your higher consciousness. I can understand that for many other artists, however, rap is all that they've known and it has therefore become the source of their daily bread. For this reason, they have had to switch up their styles, subdue their levels of consciousness and provide the masses with 'what they want'. In light of this, however, I still firm believe that if your idea of true happiness lies not in the things of this world, you'll leave this world a happy man.

Hip Hop lacks that today - in fact - our entire modern society lacks that. Yeah sure, the arguement comes rushing forward that we have evolved and its time to 'get with the new school',and as much as i acknowledge that point of view, I still can't help but come to the conclusion that the only evolving we have done as a society is the stripping of our individuality and embarking on a road trip of rapping for the record deal.

This post is probably one that will gain a big round of disfavour due its subjective opinion. But truth is, a natural bias is something that will forever be entrenched in all of us. As a Christian, I am a firm believer in the value of using your talents for the better and within the context of rap, i think this is best exemplified by artists who realise their inherent fallen state, their search for a purpose, and the acknowledgement of a creator who delivered unto a society a moral code so that we may live in the fullness as the people we were destined to be. (the concept of being real for the headz out there)
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With that said, it is also the nature of a Christian to walk this life in humility, love and realise that none of us are perfect. A daily prayer is needed for corporates and other organisations to start pumping more funds into this conscious aspect of hip hop that yearns for a platform in which they may gain further exposure, because for most of us, MTV Base will be the only rap we will ever know and inevitably seek to emulate.

This post seeks to unravel more than the question of Real Hip Hop, but rather the consciousness that the modern society has adopted in general. Whether we delve into questions of governance, international relations or the human self, it'll do us a whole lot of good if we saw beyond material wealth and personal interests - in my humble opinion. This post could probably go on for days, but comments would be most appreciated so I myself can gain further insight into this contentious issue.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33

Peace
J

Tshego and I take a trip around Gtown

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:48:00 +0000

This photo session initially started as a simple task required for a journalism assignment. Capture a subject within a context and upload it for assessment purposes. My brother Tshego and I had other plans however as we delved into the underground beauties of Grahamstown. Instead of getting complacement with the point and shoot method, we opted instead for some visual integration with the raw Graf Artworks situated under the bridge. At one point the clouds gathered and the rain pelted down on us.Solution: Take shelter in the sewerage pipelines, stench and all.Regardless, the day proved to be a memorable one and hopefully the results of natural light and a bit of creativity are evident in the few photos below, trust y'all heed to the saying below when looking at a couple of them. Shot to my brother Tshego for the invaluable contribution.

"A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into". ~Ansel Adams

Peace
J

The woman with the black bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:09:00 +0000

From Tsego and I

One Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:01:00 +0000

From Tsego and I

Tsego and I #2

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:58:00 +0000

Tsego upon Graf

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:56:00 +0000

1-in-9 Sexual Violence Protest

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Sun, 02 May 2010 09:00:00 +0000

I was honoured to be a part of this special day, which saw more than a thousand Rhodes Univeristy students participate in the 4th annual 1-in-9 protest against sexual abuse.

Friday, 23 april 2010, served as the day when rape survivors, activists and men(in solidarity) sent out a clear message through the means of masking their mouths and voicing them themselves through silence. Hundreds of women braved a day of fasting, non-communication, anxiety and jubilation in order to get the message across.

The day was blessed with a fantastic group of guest speakers who shared their personal experiences as well as applaud the thousands of students who had come out to show their support.

at 6pm that evening, the tape was removed and everyone joined in a well deserved feast as well as a sharing of personal anecdotes from students who shared their experiences of the day.

Since it's inception in 2007 by a rape survivor and former Rhodes Student, the campaign has grown in number, epitomising the pertinence of this issue which, to this day, is still plaguing our beautiful nation of South Africa, as well as the world over.

I have uploaded a few pictures to indicate the emotion this memorable day brought to many an individual.

and yes, I do urge you, as citizens with conscience, to take heed of the lives you encounter on a daily basis. Through love we are drawn to the roots of compassion, kindness and embrace of our neigbour.

Speak Out, because it starts with you.

for more info on the 1-in-9 silent protest campaign, click here

Peace
J

Keep Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:32:00 +0000

yes!at last I find a chance to deliver unto you my first real post.

I should feel a little ashamed, however, for not telling you a brief bit about myself. That should have been first and foremost. apologies

So yes, Jonathan. He's pretty much your typical Mr. ambitious, who lays claim to aspirations that even he thinks might just be a tad too ambitious for his own liking. Growing up in a modest neighbourhood, he's always just found himself to be slightly out of place with the mainstream society. Yeah, sure he still has his God-given coloured accent and the charismatic demeanour that many 'coloured' people have - He's just turned 20, kinda clueless as to where he really sees himself '5 years from now', but ey, one thing's for sure, when it comes to that significant topic of 'outlook on life', he seems to have swayed way off the tarred road and slap bang onto the gravel...yip, the gravel.

This gravel road never smooths itself out to lighten the bumps on your journey. It's a perpetual terrain of obstacles that sometimes ushers a dust cloud to dim your vision, and even sometimes sets you on a detour to a dead end. Potholes are the harshest though, they suck you in, treat you to a shower and a fresh pair of underpants, then chuck you back on the dirt road when you refuse to try on their latest brand of sneaks, just because you noticed the soles to be sodded in agent orange - and cuz they said ' just do it'.

It is, however, refreshing to know, that amid the ever-growing debris and obstacles that block your path, you are armed with a pair of feet to pursue, a pair of eyes to spot the clearing, a pair of ears to hear the oasis stream up ahead, a nose to smell the dust and warn you to cover up...a brain to allow all these weapons to converge into the compass that keeps your ship on the right course

(yeah Jonny, so what?????)

Well, the figuratively inspired piece i just wrote is actually a load of bull (that thick type of bull that hardens in the heat of day whilst the flies encircle it's potent odour - yeah,that stuck-in-the-mud bull) - IF the gravel road is something you have long departed for the comfort of the highway...

Matter fact, for someone travelling on the gravel road, aching profusely because of the blisters, it must be the most desolate, drought-stricken, unsexy block on the chessboard - and it's NOT because your choices got pawned for rupees - No, this someone, (A douche-bag right?!?) actually CHOSE the red pill!

why though? The highway presents a far better playing field does it not?!I mean c'mon, let's be real here:
You get the solid white lines, to prevent you from overtaking the limits,
the bridges to allow certain persons to ride over you,
the speed limit sign to slow you down- and yeah -
the red robot, to simply stop your progress altogether...

You see, as a journalism student currently caught up in the mental battle of discerning the difference between my objective and my objectivity - I find myself continuously being hurled onto the gravel road - though not the most comfortable of resting places, for some reason my solace is found in the knowledge of not being obscured by anyone, for in this road you walk alone, solitary confinement at it's most free -

no place for CCTV's watching your every move - because a gravel road ain't cinematic like that
no place for signs that limit your pace of movement.
no place for much in all honesty, just you and the weapons you either choose to conceal or brace as a shield.

these gravel-road individuals are all over, well I hope so, as so far I've only seen the outlines of their shadows in the dust cloud ahead..I do hope that i meet them face to face one day

for yes, I am too one of them - a gravel-roader, in search of the smooth plantation that can only be found, once surviving the jungle.

Keep Walking
J

Joza Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:06:00 +0000

The kids of Joza township in Grahamstown - the future of our beloved Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:56:00 +0000

So yes, a warm welcome to all citizens to my blog.
as yet, I have not established a set focus with regards to this here blog of mine , but I guess It'll all simply sway towards the random splurgance of my thoughts, in as concise a manner as possible.

among the constant pressure of being a 2nd year Journalism student, I'll do my best to update as regularly as I can. feel free to comment, criticise and yeah - think thats amen for now

God speed!
J

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Booysen) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:51:00 +0000

HELLO WORLD!_