Journalism and Democracy Fall 2011: Journalism & Democracy Fall 2011

Journalism and Democracy Fall 2011: Journalism & Democracy Fall 2011: Welcome to Journalism and Democracy Fall 2011. This blog is produced by students in Professor Carol Passariello's Journalism and Democracy c...

Sowing The Seeds of revolution

photo by Kevin M.

Initially I named my post Isador M. because I didn't know how to select my url.  I chose the name Isador M. because my name wasn't available.  Isador was a childhood friend.  He's still a friend, but things change.  We don't speak much -- adult comittments.  However, whenever we're fortunate enough to engage in a dia- not mono-logue, it's usually very rewarding.  Reminds me why I've always liked the guy.  Don't you hate a stupid conversation?  Yea me too.  The thing is, normally while I'm engaged in a discussion with Iz, I think his perspective is comically ridiculously stupid.  The other thing is, upon further reflection, I normally find his perspective different, but not so stupid.

Beating his chest, "I'm part of the 99%," Isador exclaims.  "By choice, and to your parents dismay my friend."  Isador, last name very Italian, is one of those white guys who needed to prove that he could go just as hard as the black guys, while being more of a superman lover than the spanish guys.  Consequently, his life has been the lot of bids, blood shot, beat up and wearied parents, and baby mammas.  You're likely thinking, "Why would Mr. Tight A$s Perfect Black Guy associate with such a guy then?"  Couple of reasons.

Grew up with the guy.  Know his parents (who are admittedly more liberal as a result of their son's shortcommings).  His younger brother is like the younger brother I never had.  We've gotten in trouble together.  Basically, without further belabouring the point, he's family.  Which is a pretty good thing in NYC for a black kid.  That is, having O'Malley's, Bento's, and Emanuel's going to bat for you.  But that's beyond the scope of this thought.  What really gets me with Iz, unlike Engels or Che, who sought to mobilize the masses, is his whole-hearted embrace of being the "99%."