BALL OF CONFUSION

“So, round and around and around we go, where the world’s headed, nobody knows. Great googa-looga, can’t you hear me talking to you….Sayin’ BALL OF CONFUSION
That’s what the world is today, hey, hey. Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Sayin’, BALL OF CONFUSION.” Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

America has always had its share of problems but it is my belief that all of this current chaos and confusion can be attributed to an overtly racist, unprofessional, uncouth, crazy-ass outgoing president who refuses to admit he lost the election and whose baseless lies and election fraud theories have threatened the very sanctity of American Democracy. After hearing his racist and misogynistic rhetoric for the past 4 years, America is a country divided into us and them. Ironically, what’s happening in America right now, reminds me of a song by the Temptation’s called BALL OF CONFUSION. The song’s lyrics-fear in the air, tension everywhere. Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration. Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation. Evolution, revolution, gun control, sounds of soul….. BALL OF CONFUSION. Oh yeah, that’s what the world is today -hey, hey- reflects America’s current pulse. So for this week’s blog, let’s talk SHIP about why America is a BALL OF CONFUSION!!

I’m not certain who coined the phrase “BALL OF CONFUSION“ but I do know it was made popular in 1970 after the Temptation’s released the song for Motown. The song was written during a time when music was conscious and about social issues. The song lyrics makes mention of racial injustices, drugs, the government, racism, and the limitless depths of people’s political aspirations. It warns us of the unkept promises of politicians. Their lies. Their deceit. NO DOUBT, this song is a classic. But in 2021, isn’t it frustrating that we’re living in an environment, in a society where the lyrics to this 1970’s song are STILL very relevant? Although there are a host of factors that have contributed to the reason why America is currently a BALL OF CONFUSION, I believe it’s because of its current leaderSHIP.

The crazy-ass outgoing president got the BALL OF CONFUSION rolling when he single-handedly put the spotlight light on racism. Practically everything he did or said had racial overtones. Through his racist rhetoric, he reassured white supremacists that they had a home in America. His first racially motivated act was when he attempted to overturn everything that his Black predecessor had enacted into law. He once again added to the BALL OF CONFUSION when he encouraged his supporters to storm Capitol Hill, He called upon America and American’s to reveal its true racist nature, and they obliged. As the chaotic violence unfolded in the Capitol, the entire WORLD witnessed the racial disparities of treatment by law enforcement officers. The WORLD witnessed as police officers allowed an armed White mob to terrorize and leave unscathed. The WORLD also watched last summer when unarmed Black Lives Matter peaceful protests ALWAYS ended with police-related brutality and deaths. Why, is that? Is it because of the color of their skin?

America is a pretty confusing and chaotic place right now. It’s literally a BALL OF CONFUSION. America has all kinds of issues-Coronavirus, high unemployment, astronomical deaths, etc. But the worst part about it is that the real issues of –systemic racism-, racial disparities, police brutality, and racism– seem to have taken a back seat to other issues that distract Americans. It’s 2021, and we are still having racial debates and discussions on whether racism is a real thing and out of necessity had to form a group that acknowledges and reminds others that Black Lives Matter too. Every evening as I watch the news, I realize we live in a nation where we are in full denial of all its issues. Where the word is headed nobody knows but, we do know that what America is today is a BALL OF CONFUSION !!!!

For your listening pleasure….

SHIP TALK: Do you think America is a BALL OF CONFUSION? Does America see color? Is America racist?

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