What I've learned in Tennessee (so far)

Good day, everyone. As you may or may not be aware, I graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a degree in English back in May of this year.

It's like a resume I can wear, yo. 

Though it didn't register immediately, the moment I strolled across that stage I OFFICIALLY became adult as hell. The following days were filled with the expected revelry and celebration; but after that died down, I was faced with the sobering realization that I couldn't chill at my mother's house for much longer if I expected to move forward. I considered my next move carefully and eventually decided to take up residence with my uncle in Tennessee for a while; having spent my whole life in North Carolina, I felt a change of scenery was in order (also he said I could stay rent-free so....yeah lol). Long story short, I came to Chattanooga in September and have since gotten a job and pretty much settled myself in.

Being in Tennessee has been...different, to say the least. Having attended an HBCU for the past 4 years, I had gotten pretty used to being surrounded by black people; so imagine my reaction when I left NC and went from this:

To this: 

That's right. Out here I'm not only around a much greater number of Caucasians...but they're all pretty old too. I told my mom and she suggested I try to find the NAACP chapter around here so I can find some people to hang with (hahaa). I'll admit, it's been quite hard finding people to hang with so far; pretty much everyone I've encountered so far has been old. But being here and away from home, I've learned a few things these past few months.

First of all, I've experienced the feeling of being off work and able to actively pursue your life until the next time you go back; this may be the best thing about graduating from college. While I was in school, I didn't realize how much work I really did. Not only did I have my classes, but I was actively involved in several organizations on campus. When I wasn't busy with extracurricular shid, I was doing homework, studying, or something of the sort. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised the first day I clocked out at work and realized that.....I literally had no other responsibilities that day. There's something invigorating about knowing that you are in complete control of your own life; I could literally buy a plane ticket and fly to Spain if I wanted, so long as I was back to work when my shift rolled around. I realized that outside of my time on the job, I owed no explanation to anyone for anything. 

Speaking of work, I spent my first month in Tennessee in Nashville training for my job. For those of you who do not know, Nashville is known for being a mecca for country music lovers. Perhaps I was there a bit too long, but I found myself developing an appreciation for country music, particularly this number by a band I'd never heard of before called Montgomery Gentry. That song and others I heard like it made me begin to understand Cowboy Troy. 

I like this joint too, I can't lie. 

Like rap, country music is all about telling a story. Some songs are sad, while others are about partying and having a good time; and if there's anything I'm down for, it's partying and having a good time. So I rocks with it. 

Lastly, being here has given me a chance to really capitalize on my Greek affiliation. While in Nashville, I visited both TSU and Fisk University and sought out my Sigma bros to show me around town and fill me in on what they did for fun around there; in this I was successful. I've even gotten up with the alumni chapter here in Chattanooga....but turns out they're all old, too. 

You know you settin up these tables, right? 

But I've got a good number of months left here so I'm just enjoying the ride. 

-Nick G. 

My take on Phil Robertson's remarks

Friends, as I'm sure you're all aware, Phil Robertson of A&E's hit television program "Duck Dynasty" has recently landed himself in hot water due to some comments he made in an interview with GQ Magazine. In the interview, he made clear his views regarding homosexuality:

"It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."

"And that's all I've gotta say about that."

Shortly after his remarks were released, the nation proceeded to LOSE IT. Under pressure from countless outraged Americans and GLAAD (the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), A&E decided to suspend Robertson from the show and groveled for the forgiveness of those whom his words had so deeply offended. Now...I can understand A&E's rationale for this; it is a network viewed by millions of people daily, a good number of which I'm sure are homosexual. Thus, I can see how it was in the execs' best interest to distance the network from Robertson's remarks. I understand why some are outraged that Robertson brought bestiality into the discussion; however, I DON'T understand why people are outraged that he feels so strongly about homosexuality. I've seen Duck Dynasty only a handful of times, but from the few times I've watched it, I can tell that the Robertson family are fundamental Christians ("Fundamental" meaning they believe in the "fundamental" word of the Bible -- they take the word literally, not symbolically). Of COURSE he's going to feel the way he does about homosexuality; like it or not, the Bible clearly states that it is a sin. This does not make Robertson bigoted or ignorant, just a religious man who said the wrong thing the completely wrong way at the wrong time.

In the same interview, Robertson also made some controversial remarks regarding the attitude of African-Americans in the 60s South:

"I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I'm with the blacks, because we're white trash. We're going across the field.... They're singing and happy...I never heard one of them, one black person, say, 'I tell you what: These doggone white people'—not a word!... Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues."

As a black man, I'm sure many people would expect me to be furious at this statement, but I am not. 

Though Robertson's tone in this statement did strike me as a bit patronizing, I think it all goes back to his obvious lack of diplomacy. Perhaps, in his opinion, African-Americans DID seem happier back then than they do now; I'm pretty sure we weren't killing each other as much, hooked on drugs, or contracting as many diseases so, hey. Doesn't make or break me how he feels about us one way or the other. And that's all I'm trying to get at. I don't condone homosexuality, but I have many gay friends and family members who I love and who know I will jump to their defense at the drop of a hat. I understand that there are some who don't believe in religion; I feel that they have a right as human beings to do whatever they feel is right so long as they're happy doing it and not harming anyone. If someone is gay, straight, black, white, Muslim, Christian, whatever -- they can't allow every criticism to get under their skin. This situation reminds me of both the Chick-Fil-A and Paula Deen situations from many months ago. I felt the same way about those situations as I do about this one; both Dan Cathy and Paula Deen had every right to express how they felt and we as Americans had every right to either agree or ignore them. Simple as that. 
In closing, Robertson released a statement after being booted from the show that I think is well worth sharing:

"I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."

Yes.