Saturday, March 03, 2007

A word to my people of Urbania


Today as I sat at the busstop bemoaning my fate, along came two young men who were talking about this or that when from down the street came a marvelously dressed young man. The young man who matched royally from head to foot in urban wear of only the most stylish kind, and the two lads that were with me at the stop seemed to know each other, so they said what's up, blah, blah. As the young man walked off it became clear that he was yet another dope boy. (seller of crack ect...) The two young men were clearly in great admiration for this dope boy. After he had gone the two who were maybe 12 or 13 no more than 15 tops were like " he got a pocket full of cash and he fuck all the bitches". This inspired this blog because it made very real the fact that for some people the whole world is contained in 'hood life'. It makes me feel kind of weird sometimes to realize that some people really think that to be a dope boy is just the greatest thing. To desire fine tennis shoes, ill gotten money, and loose women is to me no pleasure at all. I think many urban children suffer from a woeful lack of exposure to the wider world. I wonder if they realize that the world is a large and varied place with room in it for all sorts of people and things. It freaks me out to think that some people really do look at these fools as role models. Yes its true, these dope boy thug types do have a certain charisma, and in the hood they are the ones with the money and women and respect. A hard working fellow who goes to school, has standards, morals and lives in a manner that would not displease the christian moralists, he is afforded no respect from man or woman alike in the hood. In the hood the more violent you are, the more women you fuck, the more money you make, these things create the shining ghetto man that the young men were so admiring of. So my word to my people in the hood is this: please remember that the world is not only on Superior. Avert your gaze to lands farther abroad and explore a diffrent path for your lives. You are not bound by social or economic restraints so severly that you cannot be relieved of them. We are most fortunate to have been sired in a time where through your own efforts you may increase your position. We must also work very hard at redifining what makes a wothy black man, because in the hood this is sorrowfully distorted. Talking properly or pursuing things generally considered non-black will be percived as extremely non-cool to be sure, however we must know that these are not only the airs and affectations of the whites but are the very neccesary social graces needed to move about in society. I can not tell you all the many advantages, all the jobs, and all the allies and friends I have made as a result of mastering the Kings English. Its value can not be overestimated. This topic is very dear and important to me, and as such I could drone on endlessly into infinity on this subject, however let us take rest for now. I really wish that all the young people in the hood could travel for some months and realize that their small patch of rotted ghetto is only so small and the world is so big. Put them there to see how well in the wider world street airs will help or harm you. Anyway Adieu for now.

Ty the Emperor

Who is Ty the Emperor

Who is Ty the Emperor? I am 27 and rapidly approaching my 28th birthday. I am a young man with a heartbreaking but sadly not unique story. From before birth my brothers and sisters and I were just dealt a bad hand. After a non-descript, happy youth full of ordinary childhood pleasures, suddenly in the 8th year of my life my dear Mother suddenly died. This was the turning point in my life. Everything that I am and that I yet may be are linked to that traumatic event. After this shock my family and I endured a whole series of sadnesses far too numerous and unpleasant to subject to the casual reader.

I am just a man who in some ways is still just a boy, who wants someone to love me and tell me everything will be ok. I am more or less self taught at just about everything because I almost never went to school. Despite this, by all accounts I am quite accomplished. Most remark on my fine sense of humour which for one who's soul has been so trampled is a rare thing. I am a self created person. That means that though I know who I am and where I come from, those people and places are not all. I will not begin or end with that.

I am not defined by the actions, lifestyle, social status, or expectations, of my birth. In other words I would never accept what society and even the family thought I should do. I was never a womanizing-drunken-ex-con with about 2 or 3 baby mamas. This would be perfectly ok for my family, and indeed some think it odd that this is not my fate, with such as role models I had to find my own standards. As such, I cultivated a desire for something like the Gentlemanly Arts. Which is, sophisticated discourse, finely ruled and measure writing. Elegant and gallant posture and ways of moving. studying the arts and cultures of the world. To feed a love of music and art. Devouring all to fill my empty being.

I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I am the 3rd and yes, the 'middle child." I am despite such turbulent beginnings, an optimistic, funny, and welcoming fellow. I love life! To me life is a set of collected experiences and I want them all. I want to taste the world's foods, to hear the languages, to lustily know its people, and enjoy various musics in my repose. I am one who only now is beginning to take the first tentative steps toward manhood and my future. With all the uncertainty and despair of an 8 year old boy, desperately hoping for better things whilst waiting for someone to love me. I am still the little boy who knows everything and nothing. Who sometimes hurts those he cares for. I have never been in love. I am flawed but I try. There may be no one else on Earth who wishes for a sincere hug as much as I do. I want so much but can motivate for nothing.

I am adrift. I am afraid. I am alone. I hope. I will survive. I am Ty the Emperor.

On the nature of a wasted life.

I have asked myself the question, if I were to die right now, or within several years, would I be satisfied and fairly fulfilled? The answer terrified me and filled my soul with unrest. For a long time I have suffered from chronic dissatisfaction. I have always proceeded with the vain idea that as a smart fellow anytime would be a good time to take-up the reins of manhood and forge my way in the world. If I were to be unable now, with only limited time, to fulfill my most dear desires, it would be heartbreaking to unbearable.

In my time what have I done? Nothing. What have I done that is worthy of remembering? Nothing. If I were to utterly perish, what would remain? No children, no great loves, no body of work, no adoring public, no noteworthy actions. It would have been a truly wasted life.

What then is the lesson in all this hypothetical grief? That now is the best, indeed the only time to seize your destiny. There will never be a better time. We must live for today and try, really try, to make the best of it. I realize that I have spent far too much time waiting, waiting for someone to rescue me, waiting for the right time for whatever, waiting on tables etc...

For those reading this, the notion of the wasted life may trouble you far less, but as for me I think that if you have certain abilities you must use them or they are wasted. My sister-in-law once said to me, "everyone can see how talented and smart and special you are, but you." She was right. Now is the time for my nuts to drop and for me to man-up and take my future in hand. NO MORE WAITING!!!!!!!! The saddest thing for me would be to never produce children and never to have had the chance to shine. Now with school, work, determination, God, and much work I must lay foundations for a better future. There can be nothing worse or more frightening than the wasted life. This must be avoided by me and by all whatever the cost, and do NOT delay.

Post Script: Whilst composing this blog I was listening to a marvelous album called "Another Sky" by the group "Altan" If you want a soundtrack to contemplate the questions posed in this blog, check out the song "Green Grows the Rushes." It is the perfect song for the melodramatic theme of this writing. However be careful, if you have a vivid imagination and a sensitive heart you will probably cry. Until next time...

Ty the Emperor

Josephine Baker vs. Diana Ross

As I was searching YouTube for video of Josephine Baker, I noticed that for some reason Diana Ross and Josephine Baker are linked together in the searches. That caused me to think that a good topic for a blog would be to compare and contrast the virtues of these two singular divas of stage and screen, who have much in common, but still are as different as night and day. As we shall see, one clearly outshines the other. Hence, I give you Josephine vs. Diana.

I want first to go on record as saying that for me it is a total no-brainer that the clear victor in terms of style, originality, and downright fabulously is Josephine. That is not to say that I am not a great admirer of Diana Ross. I could never be anti-Diana. After all who can not be some sort of a fan of the frontwoman for one of the most influential girl groups of our parents generation (The Supremes) and hit maker for decades. Her drag-queenish style and gigantic fluffy hair not withstanding Diana is an icon. HOWEVER, La Baker was first and much better.

La Baker was trying to be a star in a time when the names of some of the popular vaudeville shows of the day were such racist titles as "Shuffle Along," "Bama-Babies," and"Plantation Memories." In this environment of outright racism and with the popularity of the minstrel in blackface, La Baker managed to not just become a star, but conquer the world, become the toast of Europe, purchase a castle complete with a feudal domain, and receive the highest honours of her adopted country France. In a time where black performers could only rise so far in America, La Baker sailed for Paris where she appeared in a show called "Le Revue Negre" (literally "The Black Revue") in which she scandalized Parisienne society in a number called "La Danse Sauvage." In this piece, she appeared topless (a la sauvage) and danced in a skirt of feathers with an intimidating looking jungle warrior.

Diana Ross never had to play to such outrageous stereotypes as the world was pretty different in the late 50's and 60's and the movement had already begun. La Baker was scandalizing all of Europe and the world in the 20's and 30's. Many people had never before seen a beautiful, articulate black woman, seductive and intelligent, who could dance the charleston covered in diamonds in one vignette and perform in a skirt of bananas and a smile in the next.

Both women had many things in common, such as turbulent personal lives. The inexplainable attraction for skinny, unattractive, probably gay white men. Days of blissful glory and the sting of being passed over for another generation. Both women were fashionable but Josephine much more so as she was dressed by the finest couturiers in Paris.

In conclusion, both women will be remembered and spoken of in the days to come. As for me, the body of work, subject matter, and style of La Baker is much, much more fascinating. I encourage all to explore her body of work. Examples of her contributions are available at Yahoo Music. Two of her biggest hits are"J'ai Deux Amoures" ("I Have 2 Loves") and "Si J'etais Blanche" (If I was White). The style is very old-fashioned and her high, quivering voice is in keeping with the taste of those times. She also starred in movies "Princess Tam-Tam" and "Zouzou".

Ty the Emperor

Courtly Love

Well here we are again my friends. I must confess I have no topic of discourse for my blog today so lets just ramble on and see where we end up. Right now I am enjoying the smooth sound of the legendary jazz queen Billie Holiday. I never get tired of the anguished strains of Lady Day. Soon I believe I will smoke another bowl. Smoking to Billie Holiday is sublime my friends.

I was pondering the question, is it better to love someone who is indifferent, or is it better to love someone who is unavailable. Not because either of these things have anything to do with my own life, but as a means of discussing courtly love. As for my part neither is preferable, but if I had to choose I would cast my lot with both. If one is unavailable and on does not care you will be subjecting yourself to various torments of unrequited feelings on purpose. As such you would have an inkling of the masochist in you and you would do better to pursue both and thereby have the thrill of being made to look like a fool, (if thats your thing). But at the same time you will double your chance of eventually wearing one of them down until they can resist no longer. I am clearly not a fan of either proposition.

If I was truly enthralled I think I'd seek some other arrangement. Like maybe just be bed-buddies and not lovers. I do not dwell in self-righteous notions about the functions of emotional and physical love. I do not expect rainbows and flowers everywhere. Passion is better. Fighting and hot make up sex. These things are what keep it interesting. Better to pick a person who is neither indifferent, nor unavailable, but that is a challenge to you. Not wholly unattainable but a challenge. Not boring but stimulating. Not overly good-looking, but within your range. Delusions about idealized or courtly love are magnificent fantasies. Hazy images in the minds eye that never were. Many a person is single or unhappy out there because they are waiting for some fairy tale. Prince charming ain't coming y'all.

It is far better to pick a modest, and dutiful lover who is good in bed, and that is enough, for that is real happiness, that is available to all. ( this last part is dedicated to a friend of mine who allows all types of perfectly good, and well meaning suitors pass because he is waiting for some magical romance. People like that end up alone. I'll settle for stimulating conversation, hot sex, and some degree of good times.)

Well everyone those are my musings for now. We had no topic in the beginning and see how we've rambled through many various and sundry things. I still miss my poor TV. Until next time. Be Yourself.

Ty the Emperor

R.I.P. Television

Behold! My first blog.

The reason I have decided to compose this blog is because at the moment i find myself without the object that seems to have become one of the most important objects to the life of the twenty-something. And that is... the television. For some reason it seems that my television has blown out and i am forced to seek divertissment elsewhere. All is not lost for this gives me the occasion to purchase a new TV and work through some of my reading.

It also gives me the grand and glorious opportunity to commune with all the public, un tete a tete, if you will, a meeting of the minds. Perhaps TV has caused us to neglect our full capacity in favour of mindless, diversionist, amusements. Maybe it will do me better to full my mind with the indulgent sounds of some soft, languid music, French Baroque perhaps? Under today's leaden sky, with its frosty weather, perhaps that would be best. I of course love television as much as any other, but I fear it may be some time before I get another.

Alas!! Today is the day that my television died. We had fun together. We watched world cinema and porno, the news, fine feature films, and mindless nonsense. The very day my television passed into etenity is indeed the very day that I came to MySpace for the first time. I will see this as proof of the fact that MySpace has some part to play in the new diversons that I will have to cultivate sans(without) television.

This has been the fist topic of my first dicorse with the MySpace public, there will be others. Some on more lofty matters, and others of a far more debauched variety. I welcome any topics for possible blogs, and I encouge everyone to consider: What would you do with no television? The TV is our constant companion from birth. It is the white noise in our homes, even when its just on and we are not watching it. How would you divert your mind? You are not allowed to seek a television substitute. How will you fare? Untill next time! A tout a l' heure!

Ty the Emperor