Just in case I don't update the blog this weekend I'd like to say happy July 4th to all of my fellow Americans! I wish nothing but the best for everyone! And please remember be safe and look out for your buddies and everyone else that you surround yourself with.
Well, since I brought up America, I'll briefly share my opinions of what has been going on recently in the country. First off is gay marriage. Congratulations to all of those who have been seeking this equality. This is a huge step for our country, and it gives hope that we are becoming more progressive with social issues. One thing I'd like to see change about this topic is the constant bombardment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transexual stories in the media. Like, c'mon... Let's move past this as a society. I kind of feel like this is being shoved down my throat (no pun intended). I know it'll take time though. Again, congrats!
Next, is the "stars n bars". As someone who is proudly born in North Carolina, and lived there for roughly six years, and has constantly visited family down in South Carolina for almost every year, I like to think I have a pretty good perspective on this. From my understanding and personal research, the rebel flag isn't about racism. Yes, the main issue of the Civil War was slavery, but it also involved the issue of individual state rights; while the south wanted more state separation, the north was more aligned with the opposite standpoint. Oh. And Abraham Lincoln wasn't the hero society has shaped. I'm not going to get into it, but he certainly had a dark side. So, the rebel flag was never the "official" flag of the confederate. It was used during battle, but it was never adopted.
When it became a "modern day" race issue in my eyes, was when the KKK made the flag popular. Of course, the trend continued into the early 20th century until the civil rights movement, and yes even into today. BUT, I must say from my personal experience being down south and seeing that culture, the majority of southerns who display this flag ARE NOT racists. As crazy as it sounds, it is a display of southern pride. That's not to say that some individuals do display it in a negative fashion. Most people will never understand, and most Americans view the south as a dirty and uneducated area of the country. This is evident in media, film and television, and normal everyday conversation. This causes southerners to come together and support each other. What's one of the easiest way for a group of individuals to come together as one. A flag.
What should we do as a culture to understand and fix this issue? First. The best bet is to probably take the flag down from governmental buildings. Second. Come to understand where southerners are coming from, and to not just jump to "It's Racists!". Southerners should also come to understand where the rest of the country is coming from. Let's educate each other. I know we can come to a compromise.
What have I been doing for the past week or so? I went to visit a friend at Ball State this past weekend. It was great seeing him and I had a great time. Nothing too crazy happened, just a good time with a few friends. I've been filling out job applications. I've already received two rejection emails... It's all good though. I'm planning on focusing on personal projects for the next few weeks to build up my portfolio. I've applied to fifteen or so places, and I have a crazy urge to create something amazing.
I've also been working hard at my current job. I've been putting in a lot of hours and it's paying off. I'm finally building up some money! There are a few things I need to buy for my car and my computer, but nothing too serious, yet. Overall I can't complain. Sure I'm tired and exhausted and in need of a change up, but I'm doing what I can right now.
Throughout all of this time I'm spending on job applications, putting hours into work, and visiting friends, I'm also working my ass off in the gym. It's been forever since I've had this kind of motivation. I wasn't frail or thin, but I just wasn't feeling strong. I'm in the gym three days a week, and then I switch up to cardio one-two days a week.
Wow...that was a long ass entry. Like usual, I like to end these entries with something positive. As I'm writing this I'm listening to Drake. Yes...Drake...
“You know life is what we make it, and a chance is like a picture, it’d be nice if you just take it.” -Drake
Peace,
Andrew Rose
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