Extra concepts and applications

Extra

The usage of the "N word" and the "B word" in popular music has been controversial for a long time, mostly because these words have been drastically misrepresented in a number of recordings. First and foremost, it is necessary to understand that each of these words in contemporary culture is a critical part of street terminology, similar to (but perhaps even more so than) other expletives such as the "F bomb" or the "S word." The correct context for using the "N" and the "B word" is in the streets where language and life is oftentimes harsh and vulgar. These terms initially became heard in popular music because there was a form of rap music that was based on street life that used these words correctly. In contemporary times, however, popular music does not reflect the culture of the streets, and people use these words inappropriately (well removed from their street-language context). When there is music reflecting street culture, these words should not be banned. However, in ultra-glossy, made for mass consumption popular music, these words should not be permitted because they are either mocking or grossly misrepresenting a legitimate culture that is rooted in the streets, crime, etc.

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks largely took place as a means of protesting America's self-appointed role as the world's global policeman -- which is nothing but a thinly veiled guise for old-fashioned imperialism. Those who were involved in the destruction of the World Trade Center selected that target because it was a central place in which currency was exchanged and lucrative business was generated. Most people are aware that America's true source of power is its economy, which is why this particular site was attacked. Future terrorism can be prevented from taking place on American soil by America deciding to eschew its imperialist goals and its role as a world policeman. That way, there would be significantly less reason for terrorists to target the country.

Religious violence is hard to understand in some ways, and easy to understand in others. If a reader is reading objectively, and happens to peruse some of the earliest pages of the Bible and the Koran, respectively, he or she may be shocked at what resides there. Again, simply by reading objectively, the reader can discern the degree of favoritism patently shown in these books, which make many attempts to lionize one particular religion and vilify virtually all of the others. For instance, there are certain passages in Genesis in which God is speaking to Abraham and is promising him that he will deliver him land (Genesis 15). Why does God need land, the prudent reader might wonder? Why do his 'chosen people' need land, and if so, why are there other 'non-chosen' people living on it, then? The answer, unfortunately, appears to be to justify religious violence. There are examples in the Koran that are even more overt, and outright state that Muhammad and his followers must combat the infidels.