Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
The Scottish Sporran Legion and Other Myths
In the usual way these ideas happen, this was a random SNP tweet to which I replied. Apparently, if Scotland becomes independent, all non believers will be hunted down and thrown over the border to England. Or possibly executed by being made to eat vegetarian haggis and drink cheap Japanese whisky.
By Michael Blair9 years ago in The Swamp
Let's Argue
On most days, for a wild host of reasons, the 45th President Donald @$#%!^$ J. Trump succeeds, rather effortlessly (if I do say so), in making the United States a horrendous laughingstock the world over. From his awkward handshakes with foreign heads of state, constant need of applause and praise from (far) right-wing news outlets and (blood) red states...to his obsession with his predecessor. There are so many reasons (too many to name) that identify/highlight/paint/depict/reveal and show Trump is unfit to be the president of a HAIR company, let alone an entire country. Some of those very reasons (which you will find below for your reading pleasure) speak VOLUMES louder to the madness that is the 45th American President than I ever could in a full-on, diatribe shitting on the pussy-grabbing Twitter fanatic.
By Dre Joseph9 years ago in The Swamp
Misconceptions
America, land of the free home of the poor. The land of opportunity for the chosen lucky few. Poverty is crippling in America. I understand poverty-stricken families those living paycheck to day after paycheck. Those living and relying on food stamps I understand them because I am one of them.
By Claudia Sanders9 years ago in The Swamp
Why to Not Silence Your Voice as a Black Female
The event was going better than I thought. This was finally our time. A young black woman living in Middletown, Pennsylvania created an anti-hatred, racist, sexist (all the above) demonstration and no one was stopping it even with the school media attention and interview. Until... in the distance we see two white boys walking up to the demonstration site. A huge flag supporting the 45th president, boots, geared up and ready to fight and hold on to their rights against women, people of color, and the true America that I love. One which is full of every nationality, sexuality, and walk of life co-existing and gathering to find their life's purposes. This was 2016. You might have thought that this was a sit-in from the 1960s and these boys were coming to take down the "disruptors." This itself showed me how important that safe space for expression of more progressive folks actually is for black people and for black women in particular. Why can't black women have an outlet? This is why I resonate so much with the Black Lives Matter movement that has finally put all black people on a pedestal four years strong and still kicking. That is powerful.
By SAYHERNAME Morgan Sankofa9 years ago in The Swamp
5 Ways Black People Can Practice Self-Care
The world is a mess, but it doesn’t have to be. For black Americans, today’s current political agenda and cultural issues are a lot to handle. Speaking for myself, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed by today’s problems dealing with black people. The stereotypes, police brutality, our communities and how the world portrays us. I then have to realize the importance of living stress-free and the things I can do to not only help myself but help my community and fellow black Americans as well. It’s important to stay aware of the world around you and to stay on top of information at all times. However, there are effective ways to live a stress-free life. We think of the term, “being healthy” as a physical thing. However, it’s important to stimulate your mind, body, and spirit.
By Christian Sinclair9 years ago in The Swamp
Why I Won't be at Pride this Year
Content warning; this is a personal piece written from the author’s perspective of the issue. The word ‘Q*eer’ will be used in it’s uncensored form throughout the article, as the author identifies with the term and has reclaimed that slur for himself. If readers are uncomfortable with the word it is advised that you refrain from reading the piece.
By Jason Everitt9 years ago in The Swamp
Suppression of Black Creative Minds
Over the course of years, black culture has taken over dramatically. Everything about our music, art, movies, businesses, literature, pretty much anything we create becomes a masterpiece within the eyes of other African Americans. However, most people aren’t able to express their true talent due to multiple reasons. We’re living in an age where discrimination, poverty and racial tension is at an all time high, positive reinforcement for blacks in America are crucially important.
By Christian Sinclair9 years ago in The Swamp
Political Leadership
Formerly, my articles discussed some legislation to help our nation as well as some history to alleviate the tension with our new president. Continuing on, what does it sum up to be? All of it is based upon leadership. We look to leadership during our busy schedules to tackle issues facing society. Although, we do not look to be led as sheep to the slaughter and treated like we are not the sovereign. Anyway, we hope in the elected to be leaders and manage, but also to serve. Being a servant is the purest and most definitive form of leadership and management. A leader helps by guiding, teaching, encouraging, uplifting, setting and following through on goals and visions of others like a mentor. If one thinks that being a big executive or top-line manager is superiority, that one is thinking in falsehood. In reality, they are servants to the stakeholders, the creditors. The nation.
By Dr. Brian Smithberger9 years ago in The Swamp
Cultural Assimilation vs. Cultural Appropriation
Alright children (especially white girls and coon black men)! Gather round. Mama has something to say! First thing is first, black girls? you can do whatever you want with your hair. You can wear weaves, wigs, braids, cornrows, dreadlocks or go natural. Don't let the constant shaming of your hair influence you (easier said than done, believe me girl, I know). Black girls, you have the right to do whatever you want with your hair. Yes! go ahead and wear blonde, blue, green, red, pink, ombre, grey, white hair colors! Even though we live in a Eurocentric society where African hair is seen as ugly, your hair is NOT ugly. It is gorgeous in every single way. Only queens like you are blessed with African hair.
By PHILLY THE AFRICANA9 years ago in The Swamp
