Tag Archives: Beyonce

Academics, Advice Column

How to survive your least favorite lecture.

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Currently, I’m sitting in my African Religions lecture. Watching a video in a language that I haven’t paid enough attention to figure out yet.

I have to be honest, this is how it usually is with this lecture. I walk in and sit next to my friend Ashley in our unassigned, assigned seats.[kids you know what I’m talking about]

Then I spend the next hour scrolling through social media. Wishing I’d catch my big break already and finally, be able leave these foldable lecture chairs behind me. [Jk education is important STAY IN SCHOOL]

Although that’s been working for me so far. I wouldn’t recommend it for the long run. That’s why I came up with four tips to keep you focused during that insanely boring class.

1. Pens & Highlighters

I love using colored pens and highlighters during lectures. They help brighten up my notes and makes it easier to look at when studying. You can even use certain colors or designs to categorize.

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This is by far one of my tamer jobs.

I had one class last semester and it was all info based. At times, it got so bad that my pages were all doodles.

 

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But they’ve never been this awesome!

 

2. Sit In the front

If you tend to take long naps during class then I’d recommend sitting in the front. The likely hood that you’re not paying attention while sitting in the front is slim for a couple of reasons

 

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Be like Rih Rih, Karrueche, P-Diddy, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Kim, and sit in the front.

1. You feel like the professor is judging you. [which they are]

2. And because they are judging you this can lead to you being singled out in front of the whole class. [Trust me professors love doing that]

3. It also holds you accountable for showing up to class [your professor will notice]

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I came to class a little late so I chose to sit in the back

 

Today I came in late and chose to sit in the back. Not the best idea since I’m writing this post when I should be learning about salmon migration.

But seriously guys sitting in the front keeps you on track but also comes with a ton of benefits.
1. The professor sees your face every day. Which helps when they’re deciding if they should curve your grade or not. [Ex. If you’re on the border of an A & B]
2. Also, you build a relationship with your professor. Which comes in handy when you’re looking for a letter of recommendation.

I know from personal experience. This happened to me on two occasions last semester.

3. Block social media

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Now if you’re like me [and every college student I’ve ever seen in lecture] you have a tendency to get distracted by your phone or laptop. The two things I usually see people doing are
1. ONLINE SHOPPING
2. Netflix
3.Social media scrolling

My weakness is social media. Poison of choice, Facebook!! Here are a couple of apps that can help prevent distractions and keep you focused. [thanks to Ecampus for the help. If you want to read the full article click here]

  • SelfControl– The free Mac application lets users choose specific sites to block.[the max 24hrs] This one is perfect for those of us who love online shopping and watching Netflix.
  • Freedom– Blocks users from connecting to the internet for up to 8 hours. It’s Mac, Android and Windows compatible.
  • Focus– Another Mac app that blocks Facebook and Reddit for a desired period of time.
  • Netsanity– Netsanity is a phone app that helps keep you focused by blocking all your chosen apps. Social media, games, dating and messaging apps can all be controlled on Netsanity. [click the link to see the list of app]

I haven’t used any of these apps but I’ve already downloaded Netsanity and Selfcontrol.

4. Don’t watch the clock

Looking at the clock makes time feel as if it’s at a standstill. I rarely check the time and when I do I always regret it. At least, when you don’t know what time it is you can trick yourself into believing you’re almost done.

5. Think of the future

We’re all in school for one reason. To get a degree and be able to work your dream job. If all else fails that’s the only motivation you need to stay focused.

For me the goal is to become an entertainment journalist. There’s not anyone or anything that’ll keep me away from reaching my goals. You have to be awake in order to chase your dreams.

Sending Peace, Love and Faith your way

Sincerely,

Nathel Kayy

 

Celebs & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Beyonce’s Halftime Performance, Black People Can’t Be Racist!

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What a hot topic this has been for the past couple of weeks. I’ve restrained myself from commenting or posting on social media for many reasons. The main reason being my fear of aggressively ranting at random Facebook commentators. But as my irritation subsided the debate over the subject seemed to only intensify. So what the hell I might as well jump in and add my 2 cents.

What am I talking about? Well if you don’t know by now then you obviously didn’t read the title. Also, you’re among the .0001% of people in the U.S who weren’t watching the Superbowl 50 halftime show. That’s right, I’m talking about Beyonce’s halftime performance.

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Beyonce took to the field with her badass army of female Black Panther backup dancers to perform her newest single Formation. To me, the whole thing felt last minute and rushed. I’m not a huge fan of hers but there’s no doubt that the woman knows how to entertain. I had heard the single the night before right when it was released. So when the news that Beyonce was performing released it was only a given that it was going to be Formation.

If you haven’t seen the music video click here.

 

1. Black Panther Party Reference

Many people believe that Beyonce’s performance was racist (and by many I mean mostly middle-class White Americans) because of her reference to the Black Panthers. With statements of how inappropriate it was to portray a terrorist group on a nationally televised program. Especially the Superbowl which is held as a sacred holiday to most Americans. Some even went as far as to compare the Black Panthers to the KKK.

I don’t see the comparison between the Black Panthers and the KKK. Then again I am nearsighted. Meaning I have trouble seeing things that aren’t directly placed in front of my face. Yet I still don’t believe there’s a correlation.

The Black Panthers were a (radical) social group that had a short stint in the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. They used force tactics to solidify racial equality for Blacks in; education, housing, employment and civil rights.

The Ku Klux Klan is known for their horrific violence towards Blacks, and their ideology of White supremacy.

Through my slightly distorted vision, the only similarity I see between the two is the conviction they both held for their beliefs. The Black Panthers stood for racial equality by any means. While the KKK stood for Black hatred and White superiority.

2. Racism

I find it comical when people deliberately go out of their way to not acknowledge the social issues going on currently in American society. I have to laugh to keep from screaming or getting angry. I have to laugh to keep from getting tired and just giving up. I have to laugh to keep myself from crying. Yet no matter how many times you explain certain people can’t get it, don’t get it and won’t get it.

Still let’s set the record straight once again. Beyonce can not be racist, no Black person in the United States of America has the ability to be racist. Racism has more to do with institutions and the many systems of power that hold our nation together. Powers such as; education, employment, housing, health and legal representation.

Black people can’t be racist because they don’t hold any ounce of power in these institutions. The amount of power needed to affect the lives or wellbeing of Whites. The power stays in the hands of Whites due to institutional, environmental, economic and social racism that has been embedded in our way of life. Like red lining, legacy, white flight, the G.I bill, food desert and racial profiling.

That doesn’t mean that Blacks can’t harbor any hostile thoughts, feelings or emotions towards Whites. Blacks can 100% be prejudice, discriminatory, bigoted, biased and so on. But the idea of Black racism is an oxymoron. Created by Whites who are tired of defending themselves and their innocence of being a racist.

The use of comedy and satire is very needed to help swallow this large pill we call race in America. So here’s a funny SNL skit to do just that.

My intentions for this post wasn’t to stir the pot nor attack Whites. I’m also not trying to generalize a whole population as I hate when the same is done to mine. There’s always going to be a debate on the issue. Take sexism, for example, there’s the question can women be sexist? I personally don’t believe so, most if not all positions of power, in most if not all institutions are held by men. Women do not have the capability to oppress men.

There’s always going to be opposition at every turn. Someone just waiting to tell you why you’re wrong. The sooner you accept it the easier it is to respect their opinion. There’s going to be people who agree with me that are White, and those who will disagree that are Black. Everyone may even disagree which is completely fine. I respect their opinion just as much as I hope they respect mine.

 

I’d love to hear your opinions and thoughts. Comment below what you think.

Sincerely,

Nathel Kayy