I wanted to take a moment to consider something today that has gotten little attention. As we remember the losses from September 11, 2001 we need to also consider the other challenges that exist to our freedoms. I am referring directly to the 1st Amendment, which is oft misquoted, and abused. In essence it is our right to express ourselves publicly, so long as that expression does not infringe on the rights of others, or cause harm.
Over that last 25 years (when records started to be kept) there have been challenges to what books are available to the public each year. This year that group numbered 405, and incredibly that figure is the lowest ever. I for one can’t understand this. Most of the books that have been challenged, and/or removed have been on the basis of sexual content and ‘inappropriate language’. With the exception of direct pornography there is virtually nothing I think that should not be available.
Knowledge is one of the most critical factors in life. It is the basis for individual growth of any type, and second only to experience in helping understand ourselves. Restricting books is equivalent to restricting thought, and that is criminal to me. While I may not agree with every book, we all deserve the right to read a book and come to that conclusion for ourselves. Even in horrible books we gain an opportunity to open discussion and expand our minds.
On a lighter note, Mr. Damon Wayans is back. I’m looking forward to his new cable television program, The Underground. It’s similar in form to In Livin’ Color which was the showcase for several of the Wayans, Mr. Jim Carrey, and Mr. Jamie Foxx to name a few. The difference here is that Mr. Damon Wayans has been released from the restrictions of broadcast television. What that could mean is anyone’s guess at this point but we can be sure that it will catch the attention. It already has offended several critics on various sketches. That is a good thing I think.
Much like Mr. Dave Chappelle, Mr. Lenny Bruce, Mr. Richard Pryor and Mr. George Carlin the greatest comedy often offends some, while at the same time creating thought and debate. I think that Mr. Wayans is capable of that level of comedy, and I know he is capable of surrounding himself with comics of equal stature to pull it off. It was Mr. Wayans who was responsible for most of the talent that came to be on In Livin’ Color. Given such a background and his success movies like The Last Boy Scout and television on My Wife and Kids, I can only have high expectations. I really look forward to see his Mafia skits and his reported whiteface action. In a way this is turning comedy forms on their head.
Lastly there was unique news out about drugs and adults. The government has reported that for the 3rd year in a row drug use for those 50-59 has increased. Currently at least 19 million Americans are reported to use drugs. So I wonder how grandparents, and parents can be shocked at the level of drug use by 18-25 yr olds (20%) when they are using themselves. It’s a bad example and kids pick up on these things. I realize that this group were the hippies and Woodstock generation, but that is no excuse. And considering the current popularity of drugs it is troubling what the future will hold.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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