I usually stay out major conversations because someone typically says what I believe should be said. But, just as with Chris Brown and Rihanna, the responses that have been issued about Ray Rice’s abuse of his now wife have just been insufficient. Everyone is so worried about the video footage and Rice’s suspension that they are overlooking that unfortunate truth that Rice and his wife need help. As a people we are desensitized to violence. When we see Beyonce’s sister fighting her husband on an elevator or Rihanna’s face swollen, we look to the left, instead of the right direction of the issue. As a generation, we completely misunderstand the psychological dilemma that domestic violence presents.
At age 18, I could see so clearly how we are jaded to the images of violence; of battered men and women; of anger on display. That was years before I would face my own physically abusive relationship; months before I would face my own demons about denial; days before I would face the fact that even without bruises I was in a demonizing cycle. I wasn't married to the man who put his hands on me but I was tied to him, just as many women who face abuse from those they “loved.” The commentary that I have heard has made this tie a laughing matter. They have turned Mrs. Rice’s bond to Ray a reflection of greed, stupidity or lack; when really the bond or tie that the Rice’s reflect is the codependency that often accompanies abuse.
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Around 7 this morning, fast food employee's all over the country poised a strike for higher pay rates. Employee's from one Chatham McDonald's staged a walkout in protest. The frustrated staff members are protesting their wages in what has been dubbed the "fight for 15." Although the protest is courageous, and does address a necessary need for a minimum wage increase, who is going to pay a person bagging McDonald's 99 cent fry 15 bucks. No smart franchisee would. And you can bet your $1 Sweet Tea, that the McDonald's corporation would rather close locations than increase the worker's wage to $15.
Call it bureaucracy; call it unjust; but when you're done, call it like it is. It is unrealistic to expect any savvy business owner to pay a person preparing a meal, amounting to a whopping $3.30, at the rate the dismayed employees are seeking. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed that the minimum wage be increased to $13 by 2018. When I first saw this proposal I was elated. I do think an increase is in order. But soon after, my own pockets reminded me that a $13 minimum wage is bad for business. At that rate even major corps would suffer a gigantic loss in profit margins. How are small business owners supposed to survive with the minimum wage set as high as $13. $8.25 is unfair to the employee, but $13 is unfair to the employer. |
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ATS MagAgainst the Stream Magazine is an urban platform. We edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. While we love bragging about the folks around us, we also tackle urban issues by giving real world solutions. Archives
September 2015
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