Master Bedroom

Some have suggested that we stop using the term ‘Master Bedroom’, arguing that the words ‘master’ and ‘slave’ have a racist connotation.

The concern is understandable, especially if our perspective on slavery is focused on the Americas between the 16th and 19th Centuries, a grim chapter in history by any measure. Agrarian economies in the West, populated by European settlers and their descendants, used enslaved Africans as a source of labor for centuries. The slaves were Black, the owners were White, and life for the slaves was unspeakably tragic.

But slavery has a much longer history. It has existed since the beginnings of human civilization. The Sumerians had slaves. The Greeks and Phoenicians had slaves. The Roman Empire had massive slave populations from throughout Europe and the Middle East. They Byzantine Empire had slaves, often Christians captured in battles with the Turks.

Slavery is abhorrent, but it is not always racist. The slaves and the owners were not always of different races. This is true even in today’s world. Boko Haram has slaves who, like their captors, are Africans.

Given this broader perspective of slavery, I would argue that the words ‘master’ and ‘slave’ are not inherently racist. Slaves and their owners are/were frequently or the same race.

Further, there are times when the words master and slave do not even refer to human beings. When two machines need to operate in coordination with one another, they are sometimes configured in a “master-slave” relationship. There is nothing inherently evil about such a system.

I would argue that we do not need to give up our Master Bedrooms. The term is not racist.

Nor do we have to rename our Masters Degrees. We can attend a Master Class or enjoy a meal performed by a Master Chef. Athletes over forty can continue to compete at the Masters level, and we can all continue to pursue mastery in our chosen craft or profession. You can even tip the Maître d’ (Table Master) before enjoying a formal dinner with the Head Mistress.

These are not evil words. They do not need to be removed from the lexicon of polite communication.

The New Non-Normal

It’s sad and painfully revealing that Americans (collectively) wanted the result (open economy, normal life) without putting in the work (shutting down long enough to control the spread of the virus, contract tracing). We have acted like some caricature of reckless egotism. And guess what - the virus is delighted!

Random Thoughts - 20200707

Random Thoughts - 20200707

Morning is an obscene concept. It should be banished from the calendar.

Sarcasm is an expression of disappointment that’s more gentle than what the person really wanted to say to you.

Those seeking stability invest in relationships. Those seeking adventure speculate in futures and options.

Every child understands that there’s a Big Half and a Little Half. It’s fascinating to watch adults struggle with this rudimentary concept.

Please don’t call me ‘smarty pants’. My shirt is sensitive and easily offended.

You might be a sex fiend if you read “you might be a sex fiend” and thought “uh oh... Is this about me?”

Pocket Dialed

I don’t mind being pocket dialed, and I don’t mind receiving calls from job recruiters, but I draw the line at being pocket dialed multiple times by the same recruiter.

Not Ready

I’m not ready for the world today 

But that’s okay 

The world’s not ready for me

Exceptional

You are not exceptional because of who you are, where you’re from, or what you think you can do. You are exceptional because of what you have accomplished.

Almond Milk Latte

I tried almond milk in my latte. It was like drinking coffee-flavored cake batter. I can’t get the grainy texture out of my mouth.

New Rule (Thong Photo Comments)

New Rule: If you post a photo of your barely-thonged bottom online, don’t get mad at me for using the word “ass” in a comment (which, by the way, was complimentary and not the least bit demeaning).

If you don’t want people to mention your ass when you post a photo that leaves very little to the imagination, either disable comments on the post or try posing in more conservative attire.

A Good Laugh

Maybe it’s just me, but when a Fascist warns of the evils of Socialism, I laugh.

July 1, 2020

For the past two and a half years, I have written something every day, a poem, a short essay, an uplifting thought, a memoir, or an observation of things that are happening around me.

From time to time, I comment on politics and the state of the world. I understand that my remarks on such topics can be contentious and passionate. This is a reflections of my concerns over situations with grave consequences. 

I do try to keep these discussions as polite as possible. My goal is to summarize the facts and state my position direction without impugning the behavior of individuals. I realize that I do fall short of that mark on occasion. I’m only human, and at times my passions get the better of me.

That said, my guiding principle in writing my daily entries is to say something positive, to express thoughts and comments that people might enjoy and find uplifting.

It would be exceedingly easy to unleash a daily outburst of invective over some tragic event or short-sighted policy decision, but harsh words help no one and change nothing. Beyond that, time is precious. I’m not going to invest time writing something if I don’t believe that it’s worth someone else’s time to read it.