Babies in Bars

My friends often tease me by saying that I hate babies. I don't hate babies, but I do hate seeing them in places where I hang out. I'm a young adult, without children of my own, and I like to hang out in bars, restaurants, and other places around the city that are appropriate for adults of my age, and not what you'd usually consider family establishments.
Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to see young parents, maybe around my age to 5-10 years older, bring their babies to these places. I've seen babies in breweries, in trendy cafes and bars meant for 20-30 somethings -- not screaming infants and toddlers running around-- and outdoor patios that are meant for the 21+ crowd.
I think it comes down to entitlement. These young parents want the best of both worlds. They are ready to start their family, but not ready to let go of their social lives. They have grown up in a society that tells us we can do what we want. The fact is, parents, if you'd stop to think about anyone besides yourself, you'd realize that you're making your fellow day-drinkers, trendy restaurant goers, and peace-and-quiet seekers uncomfortable, anxious, and generally annoyed. I go places where I don't have to hear shreaking babies, or monitor the words coming out of my mouth for fear of listening ears. I go to a cafe on a Saturday morning to energize for my weekend and relax from my week, not to smile at your brat every time he toddles over to my table. If there's no kids menu, why bring your kid? So he can mimic you, with "babycinos?" Oh yeah, so you can still feel hip and cool and be in the place you want to be. I like to sit on a patio with some drinks, a place where I have to show my ID to get in, to catch up with friends, and have adult conversations with my friends, again, NOT to watch your children chase each other around and scream.
Many young parents seemingly haven't thought of the impact that they are having on the community at large. They are merely thinking about themselves.
But of course, if someone voices the opinion that I just have, we are the ones that get backlash. It's a persons private decision what they do with their children, of course, and since I'm not a parent, what do I know about parenting? It's a persons freedom to be in a public space and use the public space just as I do.
Unfortunately, the general public can no longer enjoy public spaces where young children are permitted--not in the same way they would if you didn't bring your kids. I've even been to a yoga class where somebody brought their child! There's clearly no rule against it, but children have their own centers for all sorts of classes, sports, and activities appropriate for their age group. Why bring your kid to my one hour of peace and quiet in a day? It's distracting, and it's amazingly selfish. You had the kid, you need to make the tough choice of forgoing yoga or getting a babysitter.
This might seem like a long-winded rant, but I truly believe that the root of this "babies in bars" phenomenon is a much larger problem with society and young adults in this country. We are entitled, selfish, and individualistic to the point where we don't care about imposing ourselves on others, so long as we are meeting our own needs.

--Megan

New Year...New Attitude

Happy New Year everyone!!!

What does the new year mean to you?

For many individuals a new year means new year resolutions, new loves, new friends and new adventures. 45% of Americans make at least one resolution for the New Year. And almost 46% people don't keep their resolutions longer than 6 months. We are almost a week into 2014 and have you set your new year resolutions? If so, have you already gone against them or are you keeping them up? Hopefully you are working towards your goals for the new year. Some people dismiss the idea of celebrating a new year and making goals, but I say it is important to reflect on the past, prepare for the future, and enjoy the present. 

I really want to work on reading more books and writing more posts for this blog throughout 2014. Here are some statistics for you.

The Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2014 according to Statistic Brain.

Rank	Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2014
1	Lose Weight
2	Getting Organized
3	Spend Less, Save More
4	Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5	Staying Fit and Healthy
6	Learn Something Exciting
7	Quit Smoking
8	Help Others in Their Dreams
9	Fall in Love
10	Spend More Time with Family

So if you haven't made any resolutions for the new year take some time and think about what from 2013 you would like to improve in 2014.

--Krystal

The House I Live In

The House I Live In is a documentary about the US criminal justice system that uncovers some inhumane truths about the war on drugs and racism in this country.

The disproportionate amount of minorities incarcerated has been covered on this blog before, and the war on drugs is one major reason for the skyrocketing figures of minorities in the criminal justice system. The war on drugs and drug policy targets drugs and behaviors that certain demographics are more likely to participate in or use. In addition, certain drugs and behaviors carry much more weight. This is the case with crack and powder cocaine. Powder cocaine does not carry the same charges if you are caught as crack cocaine does, despite these drugs affecting the body similarly and being the same substance in different forms. Crack cocaine is often known as a "street" drug, ie, used more by minorities, while powder cocaine is more likely to be used by white people. 

The amount of African Americans in prison for drugs is astounding and leaves major holes in communities. These communities don't have parent-figures or role models because of the mass incarceration, and the cycles of poverty are perpetuated, leading to more drugs being made and sold illegally. The underground economy of drugs largely exists due to a lack of options for minorities and the urban poor in the job market. The underground economy is only stimulated by incarceration and criminalization of drugs and drug use. With so many community members in jail, more and more of their family members must also take risks to support themselves. It is a viscious cycle.

The House I Live In is very thorough and informative. It highlights certain policies and political decisions that have created this mess of incarceration, high poverty and crime, and misunderstanding of drugs. I highly recommend it as a resource into understanding U.S. drug policy and the racism institutionalized into these policies. 

--Megan 

American Exceptionalism

The leaders of the United States often talk about America in terms of being the "best," "biggest," "special," "the greatest," or other language indicating that we are exceptional. This exceptionalism is a brainwashing tactic to keep people from thinking for themselves. We are not exceptional -- and our belief in this despite mounting evidence (lagging test scores and schools, a failing economy, huge discrepancy in income), is what is actually preventing us from improving.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently wrote for the New York Times, and I think he really stresses this point well: 

"I would rather disagree with a case he[President Obama] made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is 'what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.' It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."

Countries and policies are different, but by spoon-feeding exceptionalism do your citizens since early elementary school, you are not doing anyone any favors. 

--Megan

"The Man in the Red Bandanna" a 9/11 Hero

Today, Patriot Day, is a day we remember and honor those who gave their lives in the terrorist attack on 9/11/01. This story has been told several times, but I wanted to again share it here because it truly illustrates an American hero.

As you step back and think about the events of that day and those lives that were lost what stories do you remember? Where were you on 9/11/01?

--Krystal

Television vs Film

Is it just me or is anyone else hooked on season 2 of the Newsroom. Wow. I consider myself to be pretty well versed in television and media and the Newsroom is really one of a kind. When comparing premium television networks HBO and Showtime I have always been partial Showtime. With television shows like Weeds, Dexter, The L Word and Homeland it's hard to take anything away from the programming on Showtime. But at the same HBO has had several successes as well with Sopranos, True Blood and Game of Thrones. When looking closer at the premium television and even network and cable stations it's clear that television is making waves.

As most of you have probably noticed I also am a big fan of film and going to the movies, but I have not bee excited at all about the offers on the big screen this year. Hopefully the Fall and Winter will bring in some Oscar worthy films, but right now in time I'd have to say that television is much more entertaining that film. With several A list actors choosing starring roles on the small screen television shows are becoming as dynamic and engaging as some of the best movies. This is really exciting news for those of us that enjoy a good television series. My suggestion for anyone looking for a television series to love is the Newsroom. Although in their 2nd season you can easily get caught with, Netflix, On demand and other sources.

What other television shows do you think are "must see TV"? Do you agree that big screen is lagging behind some of the top television shows?

For the opening clip of the pilot episode of the Newsroom check out the video below.

--Krystal

A Call for What Purpose?

I just saw this video on television tonight. Watch and reflect upon what you see.

This video is meant as a call to stand up against the stand your ground laws prevalent in 26 states. This PSA was developed around the George Zimmerman shooting of Trayvon Martin, but as we discussed on this blog this instance is much greater than just these two individuals and Florida laws. How do you think Stand Your Ground Law incidents have racial profiling characteristics? How do such laws impact on justice system?

--Krystal