🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@benshawks08 Do I think that the persecution of Jews in this country was equivalent to the systemic racism that black Americans have experienced? No, not even close. Do you? I misspoke. What I meant was that the thought process when writing a children's book back then probably could be more straightforward. Take an idea for a catchy story and run with it. Don't sweat how much it applies.

Being inspired by the fight against antisemitism when writing a children's book with fuzzy creatures that are divisive and then inclusive after they get swindled is a far cry from attempting to write a book that specifically addresses the state of systemic racism against black Americans half a century later.

Where Seuss landed with the plot doesnt address any real problems or solutions around antisemitism either, and I don't think he was specifically trying to. His book imo is only directly applicable when addressing class differences in school aged children, and not being a shit. Why does it have to be more than a parable about being inclusive and being comfortable in your own skin?

I don't understand the incessant need to make everything about modern racial strife. It's emotionally suffocating. I don't see anything wrong with this book at all.

@mayjay good looking out.

Ok. A simpler time. Where all he had to fight was outright persecution and not systemic racism, economic disparity, and implicit bias, etc.

@benshawks08 I appreciate you caring deeply about black Americans. I really do. But it IS possible to talk about class without race. If not in the abstraction of a kids book with fuzzy creatures with star bellies that they pay to remove and add back then where?

@benshawks08 said in Juneteenth:

@approxinfinity
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/global-currents/profiting-from-the-skin-lightening-trade ↗

Lol, yes I know. I didn't think you'd go here. So that's what this book is about?

@benshawks08 said in Juneteenth:

@approxinfinity I'm focusing on the central conflict in the story because of its obvious connection to race and segregation. The McBean element is part of why the story is problematic. I'd liken that character to major corporations pitting the lower class folks against each other based on race to continue to line their own pockets while not honestly caring about any of them.

You said the magic words here. Pitting lower class folks against each other. This is a book about class, not race.

@benshawks08 I don't think my interpretation is narrow at all. I think yours is narrow because you think it unbelievable that anyone would not see the discrimination towards Black Americans in that book. I can accept that someone might see race in it, I just don't think it's the most logical conclusion. People don't pay someone to make them a different race. I think you are ignoring the McBean element entirely because it's not convenient to your narrative.

@benshawks08 but just because you grew up in an almost entirely white world, that doesn't mean you aren't sensitive to any human's feelings and conditions now.

In my mind, I equate the discrimination to a kid wearing nice clothes and looking down on a kid with inexpensive clothes. Or whatever expensive accessory. And then the reverse. It becomes cool to not have a star, in order to be different.

Maybe the point of the book is that you shouldn't define yourself by what others are and what they think of you, but figure out who you are yourself and be you?

@benshawks08 discrimination based on appearance doesn't mean racism. This is a great example that this is subjective. It's art and you are interpreting it the way you want to. It absolutely does mean that it's not there if I don't see it, just as it is there if you do.

@benshawks08 no. I never said i hold no bias. I should have been more clear. I was suggesting that the Seuss books had no negative impact on your biases. All of the things you mentioned were much more concrete, real influences on your biases than orientalist caracatures in Seuss.

@benshawks08 as i said earlier, ive always seen this as a story about keeping up with the Joneses and nowhere is race mentioned in the story, with the fact that they can remove or add a star being a direct indication that there is mobility. The logical conclusion is that their differences are financial, not racial.

@kjayhawks I'm sorry to get snappy with you, this is just the third time we've had this same discussion about mortality rates where you're throwing out numbers that appear to be wildly different from the numbers I see. My assumption is that your source isn't good and you're trying to justify the failure of this administration (or passing the buck from a source that is).

@benshawks08 you said you learned to read on Seuss. Do you think you're biased against people of color?

You said maybe we should wait to read Seuss until the kids are old enough where we can discuss implicit bias with them. I would argue that if they are capable of garnering a bias from a book they are just as capable of beginning to garner a bias from an explanation of that book's bias. I most certainly paused to discuss books or inject commentary with my boys from the outset of reading with them, likely to too great a degree (I also suffer from sideline coaching).

I've seen many modern kids books that aren't worth the paper they are printed on. Stupid books would be worse for children than Seuss, and being that Seuss is canon for many, I'm sure that would leave a void not easily filled. I'm much more in favor of tastefully redrawing caracatures, while leaving the soul of the books intact.

@benshawks08 I think you miss my point. The Sneeches has nothing to do with race imo. Putting a book in front of a child that doesn't have to do with race and then saying, "can anyone tell me what this teaches us about racism?" And then engaging with only the children in the classroom that project racist themes on a book that is not about race is bad for the children and without a doubt fosters an implicit bias.

And that bias is what I'm referring to when I say anti-racism is threatening to whitewash and engulf everything in this war.

Read Sneeches again. See for yourself.

@kjayhawks nope try again.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated the global death toll from the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic at more than 284,000, about 15 times the number of laboratory-confirmed cases

H1N1, no lockdown, 284,000 global deaths.
COVID, lockdown, 600,000+ deaths.

Fox News = bad.

@kjayhawks said in I am curious as to your opinions - life back to normal or stay shutdown:

@Marco let’s us remember that nothing was done for the H1N1. People are quick to say Obama would’ve solved this issue but so far it claimed more lives than COVID.

@kjayhawks I dont understand your steadfast devotion to misinformation.

From April 12, 2009 to April 10, 2010, CDC estimated there were 60.8 million cases (range: 43.3-89.3 million), 274,304 hospitalizations (range: 195,086-402,719), and 12,469 deaths (range: 8868-18,306) in the United States due to the (H1N1)pdm09 virus.

You seem ready to step in front of a bus for Trump.

@benshawks08 yeah I don't understand why they looked to Seuss for anti-racist messaging in the first place. I think this speaks to the problem of "with us or against us" whitewashing that threatens to engulf anything it can consume in the war on racism.

This passage I think shows that they still miss the point:

But when we re-evaluated, we found that the story is actually not as “anti-racist” as we once thought. And it has some pretty intricate layers you and your students might consider, too.

They still want to teach an antiracist message by using The Sneeches. They need to leave that book alone. It isn't about race and kids shouldn't be forced to find racial messaging in a book that is not explicitly about race.

@mayjay Jar Jar Binx is much much worse for these reasons:
- He talks
- He's a main character
- He's stupid and incompetent
- He was written in the 2000s (no excuse given the times)

@benshawks08 I don't agree with the advice given in the tolerance.org link regarding Seuss, at least for me. I can see how some of caracatures are offensive. I'm not opposed to redrawing those characters tastefully tbh as I think his work is wonderful for kids, with the exception of the caricatures. I don't think there's much objectionable in the plot or dialog and I think criticizing The Sneeches for not digging into systemic power imbalance in racist societies is completely ridiculous. At that point theyre working backwards from their conclusions. Two reasons:
- It's a kids book for young kids. Not a thesis on systemic racism.
- I've read that book a million times and I don't think of it as even being about racism. It's a warning about keeping up with the Joneses and wasting all your money and time pursuing status. Hence the non star bellied Sneeches buy their way into having stars on their bellies.

Crazy conclusion imo. But, as with any great work of fiction, it's subject to interpretation and the authors have clearly projected what they wanted to see on a great story.

@mayjay I'm willing to accept the contradictions in life. Advocating non-purjorative language to describe racial bias is not the same thing as being accepting of racial bias, if that's what you were suggesting. On the other hand, I agree :100: with your assessment that many people are not willing to allow things to be both good and bad in their assessment of it. I think we all 3 are saying the same thing there. And this black and white thinking is the exact reason why non perjorative language is essential, imo.

I don't remember Gone With The Wind very well so I can't really assess other than to say I don't remember it to be advocating racism.

Seuss on the hand, I would really like to hear the argument for calling him racist.

@benshawks08 I appreciate the logic you use regarding different standards when talking about things vs people being racist. It's good to have a personal line like that and might be necessary to express up front to level set when discussing race, as I probably should express mine.

I see other nuances like this that I try to observe when calling someone something vs calling their action something. Acting racist is also different from being racist, for example. Acting can be changed and is therefore less perjorative.

@mayjay @benshawks08 this is a really good conversation. I love the talking points here.

I found the list Oliver rattled off of "... And also racist" things to be objectionable. Namely, the Constitution (@mayjay I appreciate your finer points on this), If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss, and Gone with the Wind. Historical art exhibiting the behavior and prejudices of the times is not the same thing as racism. And calling those things in their entirety "racist" is enabling cancel culture. I've read If I Ran the Zoo many times and never considered the image he showed. I think that should be called unconscious bias. Did Dr Seuss ever say anything overtly racist?

Also for the record I love Jon Oliver and find his effort to promote nuanced discussion of these things incredibly valuable.

Where I think the clip fails is that Oliver doesn't recognize that "racist" is a perjoritive that sticks with a person. People see people who wore blackface 30 years ago as kids get hammered for it now. They see "racist" as a banner term of cancel culture from the left. And so we need different language that is less charged. I am saying be no less critical of things that exhibit unconscious racial bias. But don't make it a mark of evil. Give people the opportunity to change.

"Racist" should be reserved for use only when a person or thing displays overt intent to discriminate based upon race.

@benshawks08 I appreciated the clip of MLK advocating wealth redistribution.

Also, the focus on improving education is spot on.

@justanotherfan gotcha gotcha. Thanks.

@justanotherfan 9 is a lot under Self, especially a freshman. That's not just being great that's being in and rebounding for enough minutes to produce volume all season long.

Before these last two years, where Doke averaged 10+ and Dedric did the year before, we didn't have a 10+ rebounder since Tom Rob's senior year. I don't think we had any 9+s either during that time

@drgnslayr JoJo was pretty great at 8.1 for a freshman.

I think in the 7s would be really great production for us for his size. I think it will be less but that doesn't mean he can't still be a great rebound in less minutes.

Wait did you mean per 40? Then disregard.

@Marco @kjayhawks

Let me craft a draft speech for Mr. Trump that might get the job done.

"I know I've said I don't know if masks matter. I know I have pressured this country to reopen because I didn't want to hurt the economy. I know we reacted too slowly early on, and we have failed to act as a united country to meet this challenge. But I'm here to tell you today that I was wrong. Everything changes today. We will address this as one united states of America. And that means that I need to ask for sacrifice for all for the good of everyone. I know for some it's more than others that is being asked. And that is why we must get this stimulus package approved. 1200 dollars for the average family is not a lot. That is why we must be efficient this time. That means that even if it may not be popular, starting today I have come to an agreement with all the governors that for the next 3 weeks anyone caught outside of their house for any purpose other than grocery stores or emergencies will ticketed for a fine of $1000. This will be enforced by the police in every precinct across the country. In addition all businesses with the exception of grocery and emergency services will only be able to work in a remote capacity. Grocery stores will be required to only do curbside pickup and deliveries. Basic food good packages in the amount of 2 weeks of food will be available on pickup at designated locations in your area. If you cannot afford them, you may present photo id and be billed at a later date by the government. We will work with you on all of this, but you all must work with us. Together, we can drastically beat this killer disease down, but we must be vigilant, disciplined, and united. Have faith America, pay heed. We will get through this. I'll see you on the other side. Rock Chalk."

-- @realDonaldTrump

I think we should shut down like we mean it. No more half assed bullshit. 3 hardcore weeks. Pay a massive fine or jail if you're not staying home other than groceries or emergencies. Plus the second stimulus check. Also preferably on time. Not botched like the first.

But all of this would assume general intelligence, a sense of sacrifice for the greater good, and efficiency in delivering those checks.

All of which are pipe dreams with an idiot clown and his circus in charge, misinforming the ignorant and then encouraging them to act on it.

It may have to do with the cert we use. I'm not sure tbh. Sorry I haven't fixed this. It's out of my comfort zone and I gave it a shake but I'm not sure the answer atm

Ha. I guess that's probably been fixed for a while then. Also, I think we are going to string some light on the deck ourselves. I'm trying to project where everyone will be in several months now and buy stuff before a coronavirus induced run on it. E.g. lights. We bought a few standing lights for the house a couple days ago and then they shot up in price.

🐦 View Tweet?s=19

That being said I got the MLB.tv this month. I think it's going to be an interesting season until it isn't.

@jayballer73 I'm glad they're making an effort but I think if they show these pro clubs can't contain the virus despite the caution they've tried to take it adds to the overwhelming proof that sending our snot nosed kids to school is a bad idea.

@mayjay not at all. If breaking down the facts and offering a logical conclusion that differs from the consensus is considered insane these days, then we're doomed!

@mayjay looool. so good! You earned that scotch!

https://www.rawstory.com/2020/07/theyre-wrapped-up-in-corruption-and-buried-in-the-swamp-professor-bashes-gop-ethics-problems/ ↗

@mayjay thanks for this. I had Porter on my fantasy team for a spell this year. But this definitely caps his upside.

@mayjay he needs to become best friends with Gronkowski if he isn't already https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1861425-rob-gronkowski-wants-to-time-travel-to-florida-doesnt-know-how-time-works ↗

@jayballer73 I feel you. I appreciate all the chatter, the doubters the believers, all. Dreaming about basketball is just what the doctor ordered.

@jayballer73 there have been several guys here who never dunked in HS, ex Julian Wright, Mario Chalmers. Granted Mario wasn't 6'7.

I haven't watched the kids highlights yet.

Picked up a copy of Love Letter on Prime. Arrived today. Really elegant little card game, super simple. Quick games (take about 10 minutes). Good fun. We have also been playing a lot of Oh My Goods! Though that's a little more complicated. When you figure it out though it's fun and 2 player games run about 30 minutes. There's a press your luck element that is really well done.

Neither game will break the bank if you guys are looking for a game.

Another wonderful card game that is dead simple and super fun is For Sale.

Curious if you guys have personal favorites in this genre?

Moncada is a beast!

@wissox watching the replay of Giolitos start. Should be an exciting season with all the CWS young talent getting a little more seasoned. Mind if I adopt the White Sox (a bit) as I've got the MLB pkg for the month?

@wrwlumpy good to see you lump!

Robert Redfield gets top honor for worst supporting actor this week.

This is the last straw for the CDC's credibility under Trump.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/reopening-schools.html ↗

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/07/17/892427161/what-accounts-for-high-coronavirus-positivity-rates-among-florida-kids ↗

It's not hard to connect the dots here.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in The "crap on Trump" thread:

Although those people would probably just call Trump a traitor and hypocrite for wearing one.

You think so? Is that really possible? There would at least be some lag until Q-Anon disowns him.

@FarmerJayhawk sure there is.

https://www.clinicaloncology.com/COVID-19/Article/07-20/False-Negatives-Found-If-COVID-19-Testing-Done-Too-Soon/58781 ↗

Not to mention consistent modeling for his more confused devotees.

Waiting for the Nationals opening day game at 7 on ESPN. Why is this no mask wearing piece of shit on the television? Petty B couldn't stand that the Nats invited Fauci to throw out first pitch.

@FarmerJayhawk Trump has made everyone compromise their morals for and against. He has violated the social contract. Why it is so important to have people of high character only as politicians. And really in all positions of authority, as we've seen with the riots.

@BShark there you go. A higher floor is the mark of a good coach, a higher ceiling the mark of a good recruiter, or something like that.