Everyone is waiting for a sign or some big rallying cry. Everyone is waiting for someone to bomb first or someone to drag a kid behind a car. Everyone is waiting for the colored signs to come back up or another Million Man March. Everyone is waiting for some religious figure with a penitentiary perm or access to a rhyming dictionary or maybe even a different upbringing which makes the masses believe he is special and different. How long do you plan to wait before you get up and do something about it….
No I’m not talking about violence there is another way to get things done. Most ignorant people love to tell you to burn shit, boycott that, march here and my favorite sign petitions. Someone might even come along and tell you to pray and that prayer works or call your senator. None of this will bring about the change you really want to happen. You think it worked in the past and I’m sure you can pull a bunch of examples out of your ass where you think it worked. All this bullshit ass rebellion techniques are started with the same belief as a kid thinking if he rolls a small snowball at the top of the hill it will demolish the whole town by the time it reaches the bottom. So let’s stop wasting time!
Rebellion starts with you, yes you not me but you! If you just choose to opt out of a lot of shit there wouldn’t be anything anyone can do about it. They won’t send the fucking police to force you to spend your money, nobody will care if you check your kids out of public school, no one will boycott your business if you choose not to serve them, no one will even pay attention to you if you make your own religion. I know all your life you have been shown pictures of motherfuckers crossing bridges singing negro spirituals, wearing afros, raising black fists and calling white people devils. I know you have that urge to get up and sock a motherfucker or show some outward sign of rebellion but all that shit matters for not and is highly unproductive.
Black Rebellion at least for this generation is a matter of us using our minds. The one thing we always had control over is our mind. We have mastered being able to walk amongst the devil without them knowing you secretly hope they kill over. This means of rebellion has been overlooked by most of our leaders because without you showing some outward signs even they can’t fucking figure out if you are with them. They sabotage their own efforts by making you dress a certain way, meet in a fucking hall, and register to be a member. As a result of their ignorance the powers that be can just send a traitor in to sit amongst you and register all of your names as public enemies. If it was all in your head what could the FBI or CIA or anyone do about it!
How to Rebel from within?
- Start with yourself and if you think something is racist or the like just don’t buy, listen or engage in it again
- Build organizations and alliances that have goals that are simple in nature. Make sure they are shit that seem to further the greater good but make them only to benefit your kind.
- Control your wanting to be respected by people you don’t give a fuck about. How do you embarrass the person who doesn’t give a fuck what you think of them?
- Learn to look like everyone else but think differently. You have to think about life like you are putting on a uniform. When you put on your pajamas you prepare for bed right? Same shit here just a different uniform to accomplish a different goal.
- Look at education as a means to and end not as a means to fit in. Who gives a fuck about getting a good job, go to work to learn the secrets so you can build it for yourself.
- Overall stop celebrating shit they value. Turn the motherfucking channel when you see it’s just a celebration of their kind to the exclusion of everyone else.
- Keep your overall goal to yourself, as people (even our own folk) get jealous and envious of the person who wants to move mountains instead of handing out turkeys.
- Re-Educate yourself about who we really are. Read one book a month or browse the internet on stories about our triumphs beyond the civil rights era. Dig deep as the information is out there it’s just buried behind another cultures lies.
- Value yourself and your kind and your culture. We have to stop the ingrained belief that somehow our culture is not really a culture. The base of all culture is the belief and valuing of the fact that they are unique. We are unique!
- Master your circumstances so you can control your emotions. Master other people’s circumstances so you can steer them to your desired goal without them knowing.
Solution: Your mind is the tool of rebellion. All plans and strategies come from the mind. We have to develop being able to think as one without speaking as one or speaking at all. We need to develop a very simple common goal that everyone is capable of doing and building without lives being threatened, people snitching or leaders being incarcerated. We have to stop acting like children throwing a tantrum in the house of the parent. It all starts with you and you deciding to do what you can for our race by changing yourself and the people and things you have control over.
“We do not have to fight the power we just have to realize our own power!”
FreeMan…this is a Good Morning read. I agree with what you’re saying here because I am at a point in my life that I keep toying with rebellion inwardly, but it just haven’t burst out of me yet. I sit and work and say to myself, ‘This shit right here just ain’t gonna work!’ It’s like I am dying a slow death inside with my failure to launch my rebellion and i am fully aware that I and only I can make the necessary steps that are needed to rebel within. I keep saying to myself I don’t want any outside forces to prompt me to rebel that will cause me extreme sorrow coming only as a bi-product of my failure to rebel. Right now i have my things packed in boxes (literally)like I am ready to move forward, but my feet are stuck. I can’t move. I just want change and change begins with the way I talk to myself and others. Not focusing of the “nots” but focusing on the “wants and needs”. The words we choose are so instrumental in our rebel because if we focus on ALL the things we don’t want then we will produce those things in our lives. However, if we focus on the things we want to see happen in our lives, communities, relationships more of those results will manifest themselves.
Man now I’m off to work. to place I don’t want to be but is thankful I have a job. but I want to more than thankful. i want to fulfilled. I guess i better start rebelling within because change only occurs when we obey God and DO THRU ACTION WHAT WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS OF HEARTS TO BE THE BEST “FOR us, not what is good to us!” Sassy gave me that insight on a question post about relationships I did last year. THANK YOU SASSY! I MUST APPLY YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM TO MY LIFE!!!!
FREEDOM
ps i didn’t proofread this so any typos are my rebellion to proofread lol…
Very good post!
One thing I realized about myself first and foremost, but others too is that we don’t use half of our thinking capability. It is quite sad that we don’t even push ourselves to do more and be more. It starts with us, but somehow physical acts of rebelling are much easier than mentally putting ourselves at a higher level and utilizing what we already have, our mind.
I hear you brother. Just what I needed today… and for many days to come. A mentee of mine gave me the portrait of Malcolm X and MLK together a few years ago. He said it was because I taught him to think like Malcolm, but speak like Martin. I didn’t think of it in those terms before then, but I have since. A mentor of mine in college told me that most of what I will accomplish will be undercover, ’cause once you come above ground your shelf life is limited since attention and attacks come together. To break those things down in step-by-step form, your “how to rebel from within” is perfect for the time we live in.
Question: Have you ever read the book or seen the movie, “The Spook Who Sat By The Door”?
wow, now i get what u meant. this is powerful and dwayne’s comment brought it home for me with “think like malcolm but speak like martin”
@Freedom – I just wanted to bring to light that people can do very small things and if we collectively do them at the same time it will be true change. When Ghandi had everyone sit down and do nothing the British had to leave he just made a choice to opt out and that made the whole Imperial structure collapse. Everyone is always waiting for someone to start something then they can participate instead of them changing. It’s really as simple as you changing your mind it doesn’t have to be some visible opposition it can just be not participating.
@BGThink – No one really wants to change themselves most people want a reason. Farrakhan had to call the Million Man March, MLK had to die, Malcolm had to die for change to happen. We have to change our tactics because all they have to do is kill the guy and then the masses are hopeless all over again. It’s small steps of personal responsibility that all of us can do.
@Dwane T – I also like the Malcolm/Martin analogy. I always call it being friendly but not necessary being friends. Blacks have enough reasons in history to doubt change will come because it’s the right thing to do, we have had to deal with the White Way for a long time and it doesn’t come. This way doesn’t necessarily make other people aware of our movement. It’s generally a gang mentality as each person does what it wants but come together when need be. I know people think Gangs have a leader but thats something they put on movies.
Nope, haven’t read “The Spook Who Sat By The Door” but I’ll go check and see if I can find it. What’s it about?
@Keish – Well since you asked me I wrote it out on a post.
The movie, The Spook, goes right to your comment about gangs having a leader. It is the fictional story of the first Black to finish his CIA training and enter the organization, and what he does down the line with his training. I think that is enough, ’cause I don’t want to mess it up for you. But I read/saw it at age 23, and I review it every few years. It’s dated, but the leadership and training concepts are on-point.
@Dwane T – OK I put it on my netflix so I should get it Friday or Saturday. Sounds like a movie I would like to see thanks for the recommendation. Also, what a coincidence his name is FreeMan!
This post reads like a manifesto from the great generals throughout history.
Identify a goal, identify a means, (have an alternate plan, execute.
Off topic.
You got a whole new set-up in here!
Great post my man. We’ve lost it and our inability to, so far, recapture it has a lot to do with consumerism. Not just the buying of products but buying into ideas and processes that are self defeating. Unlike the physical binds and boundaries that once held our people captive todays shackles are mental.
Additionally our focus has to be on the young. Who are our children’s teachers? How involved are we in our (biological or not) children’s education and nuturing? Are we building our children up are tearing them down? What kind of example are we to the children? Do we exemplify, teach and promote good decision making? It’s cyclical. Good parenting forces us to constantly develop ourselves so as to develop and give to our community (and world) good citizens. I was parenting long before I had my four. It is not ironic that I am now mother to many more than just my four. My home is always filled with more than just my children. I have the neighborhood house and friends and family always bring their children over. I see many that aren’t getting the esteem, love, affection, nuturing, discipline, exposure to a learning environment, psychological and emotional support, etc. No TV, breakfast in am, lunches packed from home everyday and dinner is sometime during the 6 o’clock hour everyday. Just trying to do may part in my corner of the world. But it requires a collective effort. I appreciate you and what you bring man. Keep flowing!
I was in ass-backward Birmingham all day yesterday, so I got a lot of shit bottled-up. In case you didn’t know, slavery never ended in Alabama.
Freeman & Dwane: I’ve also studied The Spook That Sat by the Door for years. But the way I see it, the point of the story is exactly opposite of what’s advocated in this post. Since it ends in a violent urban war. I think where it begins with Freeman learning the all he can from the CIA is an excellent strategy that should continue to be used our people. I’m saying continue since it is already used by the majority of us in corporate America.
The really funny thing is that so many Black folks who aren’t getting anywhere believe that educated successful folks are automatically sell-outs (some really are); when it actually takes an advanced level of toughness to succeed in an environment where you’re openly hated.
Now let me comment point by point, by the way I agree with everything.
1. Hell Yeah! Been doing it all my life. The sad part is that too many of our folks can’t grasp this simple concept.
2. You mean kinda like the scholarship that’s offered by a certain Black men’s group I’m a member of that has systematically developed a network that makes it impossible for anyone other than a Black male to win?
3. Just more of that “abused child syndrome” our folks are suffering from. Notice how many of our folks are sacred to even say Barrack Obama around white folks?
4. Vitally important! You don’t have to look “cool” at work.
5. You know my background, nuf said on that shit.
6. Stop celebrating but don’t change the channel. You need to know what’s important to them so you can use it against them later.
7. So fuckin true.
8. Simple truth: our history didn’t start with slavery!! And slave rebellions were much more common then they want you to know.
9. Damn right! Look at the way they’re imitating us at every fuckin turn. Fake tans, lip and ass implants.
10. I disagree; you have to master your emotions to control your circumstances.
@UBJ – yeah the FreeMan manifesto of stop worrying and start doing. Most if not all things in life are just a choice I think people just want to have some hill to climb otherwise you point out how lazy they truly are.
@Kofi – Yeah I like this format. I usually do three posts a week so it keeps things up front and fresh for everyone.
@Nicki – I can agree with the overall consumerism angle and usually that’s the reason why people don’t change. It’s not because they don’t know how to change its just who really wants to push away from what everyone else seems to enjoy. I don’t drink hardly if ever but when you go out alcohol is pretty much what everyone is drinking so you not having that vice makes you noticeable in a weird way.
The focus should be on the kids as they can change the world not in some raising the future King way but in changing their reality. If you grew up in a house that didn’t have alcohol you are less likely to drink. I think the only change we can really have is by influencing and guiding the youth, the rest of the grown up only change through some dire situation. Kids grow and accept and as such they can change the world easier through their future actions.
@Carl – Why does everyone in ATL think Alabama is ass backwards? Guess it’s a regional thing!
Most cats with degrees are seen as sell outs because they don’t outwardly express their disgust for the status quo. So when you see a brother who doesn’t at least give you a head nod you wonder what the fuck is going on with that cat. Now don’t get me wrong I get the looks too but I usually say what’s up no matter what client I am with. Sell Out is just a quick name for people who aren’t perceived as being Black.
Carl agrees with everything I said awww Shit I’d better check what I wrote. I only disagree with one line you wrote “you have to master your emotions to control your circumstances” If you run the shop you can be as much of a asshole as you want. So to me circumstances before the emotion. Just get to the top of the hill and you can pee on everyone!
FreeMan Press does not advocate urinating on people!
Go to Alabama and tell me what you think.
True but if you run the shop, the only battle you continue to fight is internal…as in controlling your emotions. How many guys are “former shop owners” because they gave in to an employee with “a big butt and a smile”?
On a side note: a trick I use when I’m out is to have the bartender give me ginger ale with no ice in a beer glass, it makes you look like you’re drinking so those drunks will loosen up around you.
Supposedly, neither does R. Kelly; but we know that shit ain’t true either.
@Carl – I got friends from Alabama and I’m sure they would love to kick your ass for talking sideways about their folk. But I digresss…
Now if you run the shop you have to be disciplined too. I mean you can’t just carry your outside life of pimping inside with making money. So any cat that messes up his money over some booty has issues anyway. I’m just saying if you open up shop you can be mean and people still would buy a good product. In LA as you know most Korean stores have some mean Koreans in there but people still want a pickle or some Now&Laters right?
The trick I heard someone say one time was just a coke with cherries in it. That always gives the impression of alcohol or just straight cranberry juice because it’s always mixed with something.
Ok no comment on the pee issue it’s on 3 responses I think we have given the golden shower enough play for today!
FreeMan…Proverbs 12:24 (LB), says, “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed.”
So, I agree with you about people/including myself sometimes being lazy. And as a result it leads to “never succeeding”.
Do what you can afford…
@Freedom – Greatness is not that hard to attain if you really think about it. Most people pull up lame and settle so anyone who just goes a bit further will be considered great. There are a lot of lazy people in this world you just have to be active one more day more than the average lazy person.
@Rippa – I disagree, if you do what you can afford there wouldn’t be any growth at all. Deciding to opt out of things mentally actually saves you money overall.
@Carl EXTRA – “You mean kinda like the scholarship that’s offered by a certain Black men’s group I’m a member of that has systematically developed a network that makes it impossible for anyone other than a Black male to win?”
Naahh I am just saying if we are to align with other people make sure some of our kind reap the benefits. We like to join all kind of fucking groups to show we are more worldly but those groups never fucking help anyone like us. I’m saying you don’t have to build the Black Red Cross but if you happen to be in the Red Cross make sure you get some funds directed towards us. I don’t necessarily feel we need to rigg the game because if we opt out we won’t have to play it in the first place. We should welcome competition as long as the rules are fair and if they aren’t we should just ignore the game altogether. It’s like the NBA before Black people who fucking remembers that?
@FreeMan & Carl…you can also order a Long Island Ice Tea, but tell the bartender to hold Long Island…lol
FreeMan EXTRA, to extend your analogy: my example is not so much about game rigging; it’s actually a different game. But it is rigged to prevent “them” from winning if they try to play our game. Kinda like knocking them off in the regular season, so that by the time the playoffs come around; only our players are left standing.
As far as their organizations are concerned we have “sleeper agents”. Wait, I know how dramatic that sounds but when you stop and think about it I’m sure you already know several. Remember, some of those that wear the uniform of a sell-out are actually more good for our community than an 100 of those “street prophets”
Freedom, you know good and well Long Island Iced Tea just looks like Iced Tea! Unless it’s made at the Cas bar in Wilmington, DE; where the only thing brown in it are the various brown liquors they use.
Great post – I remember talking to people who worked at a well-known consulting company who complained about working 60 hour work weeks and their peers are usually burned out and tossed out the company around 27. And they were led on to the believe they would be a ‘partner’ one day…
That is is when I realize even if these same cats spend 40 hours on a mediocre job and 20 hours burned out doing their own hustle, they would have been better off and more fulfilled.
@Freedom – I think I need to write a post on how to fake drinking liquor as it seems like everyone has a way to get around it. The thing is if so many people know enough to fake it then why are they drinking it? Also, if it’s that common how many people are actually drinking or faking it? Hmmmmmmm!
@Carl – Sleeper Agents are so on the down low that I think they can’t even be identified. I know a couple myself but if you met them you would think they are Bryan Gumbel.
No matter the way you say it, it’s rigging the game. If you control the outcome but give people the impression that they have a chance to win then it’s rigged. I guess we all have already felt the ramifications of someone else rigging the game, that’s why I say we have to build it ourselves. I got a post coming up about this topic after the 4 day MLK, Obama, only black working week next week.
@Ed – They keep putting the carrot out in front of the donkey while he plows the whole field. Sooner or later they are all turned into glue while their kids are raised to believe it’s a tradition to plow the field. If most people stopped and realized they are only getting 10 cents on the dollar for the labor they would realize they would only need to to work 1/10th of the time to get the same bullshit ass check. GAME has to recognize GAME!
dag
i cant believe i missed this
this subject is the gist of my life lol
this is all i think about really
i saw some sun tzu in that too
i think we need differen people doing different things
above all i believe we need to focus on the accumulation of wealth into black nationalist institutions
wilson mentions many ways to do it in blue print for black power
i truly believe that we can be the most dominant ethnic group on this earth
we have access to capital and information that we can sell to other nations
we have a professionals in every thing from diamond mining, to geology to chemistry
we have space craft builders, worldwide organizers and campaingners working to organize people to vote for european presidents
why cant they organize the black nation ion the same way
we HAVE to tap into our collective human capital base
we already have everything we need to be the most dominant economic group on this earth
all it atkes is for the leaders to have a vision broad and wie enough to make this thing happen
we need real leaders
dag i gotta come here every day lol
@Jtubman – Yeah man I don’t know what to say to you besides Tune in & Turn on the FreeMan Press homie! LOL
We don’t necessarily have to be the more dominant ethnic group as much as we need to be able to stand and defend our own. We always have had the knowledge but we have been thrown off path because of misleaders or at least short sightedness. We have all the reasons to start our own, we have been enslaved, 3/5 of a man, women raped, unequally treated, called names, put drugs into our area, locked up, beaten, not protected by the laws and on and on…. So what’s missing? A leader who is not saying let’s hope they treat us right but a leader who says let’s not even try anymore. Once you do that you will get all the same people who benefit from our misery running around town calling that leader a racist a separatist and a Nationalist. Then the media will whoop it up on TV make your Black ass choose his current money over his own freedom and then they will assassinate the guy or kick him out the country. The game is the same for years homie, when you go to Church Sunday you’ll hear the same shit again.
We ask the people to follow lies that we know don’t pan out. We ask people to keep hoping for generations when they should stop. We ask people to watch as things only happen to them and then con them with education and wanting not to be mad because it’s not the Christian thing to do. C’mon homie you see the bullshit the problem is who’s going to tell the rest of our folk?
The solution is very simple and it won’t even require bloodshed. It’s just the higher you go up the more you have to lose and as such how many really want to sacrifice their lives. This is real war and if you want to get in the middle of it you better think way ahead of time about how to outmaneuver the devil!