This week, something caught my attention while watching television.
It was more negative advice from a political point of view.
We all have various words we have learned over time that we know exactly who’s saying them when we hear them.
One is “Drain the Swamp” commercials.
I often wonder what people are thinking or feeling when they hear that word and what their reactions might be if they understand politics.
To me, it’s just like someone saying the “N” Word.
When I hear it from someone not from my race, then I know the context behind their words.
I don’t like it, especially if I know the context behind it.
When we hear the word “Woke,” we have to decide and know who’s saying it and what they are conveying to us.
As much as I try to stay neutral or non-partisan, something seems to trigger an uncomfortable feeling that Rodney King would say. “Can’t we all just get along?”
As I walked into Walmart this weekend, it was my second time seeing a shopper with a gun strapped to his hip.
I had to ask myself what message he was sending to other shoppers who walked past him as he and his wife shopped.
Then, on the other hand, I had to stop and ask myself another question: why?
Why did he decide today to strap on his pistol to go shopping, Walmart of all places?
Was it a comfort factor?
Did he need to feel bigger, or was he making a point?
Every day we get messages with people even saying one word.
Because I am somewhat naïve about the gun-carrying law in Alabama and Georgia, I checked the rules to support this blog.
I know that “Alabama residents can legally carry firearms in Georgia under Georgia’s constitutional carry law or with a recognized out-of-state permit.”
What this means is “an Alabama resident does not need a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) to carry a handgun in Georgia, either openly or concealed, provided they meet Georgia’s age and eligibility requirements (21+ for civilians, 18+ for active military).”
I bring that to your attention because Georgia was where I first witnessed the Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL).
Alabama Concealed Carry Gun Laws: CCW & Reciprocity Map | USCCA
Alabama Gun Laws and Regulations
What I didn’t know until today was that “Alabama is considered an ‘open carry’ state, which means that most adults may openly carry a firearm without a permit. ” As of January 1, 2023, Alabama no longer requires permits for concealed carry, making the state a permitless or constitutional carry state. (Individuals may still get permits if they want to take advantage of reciprocity offered in other states.)
Although there is a long list of places in Alabama where carrying a gun is illegal, without express permission from the authority in charge.
Therefore, what subliminal messages are you receiving or seeing today that have required you to pause just for a moment?
I’ll give you a moment to think about it.
Even in this ridiculous world we live in, I know that sometimes our faith is all that is required to get past the subliminal message we take in.
“Sometimes we need the salt of tears to remind us how to savor the sweetness of life.” ~ Lysa TerKeurst
“The things surrounding you in your home serve as subliminal reminders of you who are.” ~ Denise Linn
Today, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect on the subliminal messages you are receiving or seeing today that have required you to pause.
I remember hearing for the first time two young male friends addressing each other as Dawg. What I heard was ‘dog’. Immediately, it triggered a negative reaction from me. The word was degrading to me. It was used a lot in the hip hop era during the 1990’s especially among young people. I gather it is a slang used primarily as a friendly term of address for a male friend, buddy or guy. Also, it can describe a person who shows fierce toughness. The fist time hearing the word, it made me pause. To date, I still don’t like it and will not use it.
Patricia,
Greetings, thank you for taking the time to share your story. I don’t recall ever using the term Dog/Dawg; however, I have many friends who use it. I guess I’m square for not embracing it. Living in Georgia for many years, I was used to hearing Dawgs as it related to the Georgia Bulldogs. It is considered slang if you want to fit in.
McKinley
“How ya doin girl?” Depending on who utters those words to me, we might have a situation that does not end well. That phrase is a term of endearment, directed towards me and understood by those who share our common heritage, history, experiences, battles, beliefs., and mountains to climb. Uttered towards me by those who represent another history, culture and attitude of oppression or “ erroneous superiority- we then have a situation. Some swear”I did not mean any disrespect, harm, or negative connotations ; it is a term of endearment;” They are then trying to “ pull the wool over my eyes” and we are then in for a bumpy ride. Words matter and come with history, meaning, good n not so good, and consequences . Tread carefully, when speaking, to me, think before you speak, and get prepared for the enlightenment if you cross the line.
Judge Pettway,
Thank you for sharing your insights today. I understand exactly where you are coming from when I was referred to as “Boy” and not my name. I read in your comments, “Tread carefully, when speaking, to me, think before you speak, and get prepared for the enlightenment if you cross the line.” Many times I had to ask myself, was it worth it?
Today you brought back memories of the 70’s and 80’s within me.
Be Blessed!
McKinley