Things I’ve Learned From VSB

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o-BEYONCE-BOW-DOWN-570If there’s one thing I can say about you folks who venture and yap here at VSB its that you all are an educated bunch of individuals. Or maybe just learned. I have no idea what type of educational attainment lies within the Hallways of VSB Manor. Since along with great power comes great responsibility, nearly everybody here has tried to learn somebody today about anything and everything. I’m a pretty smart chap. I’ve got the degrees and common sense to prove it. That Beautiful Mind sh*t? Child’s play. And thanks to all you haters I know G4 pilots on a first-name basis.

Somebody smart once said, “if you stop learning, you aren’t learning anymore.” Go on ahead and let that marinate for a minute.

*marinate*

Deep. Knowledge my brothers and sisters. Use it or lose it. Word to Dormtainment.

So in the spirit of said education, here are some things I’ve learned from the commentary here at VSB.

1. Straw man arguments and sh*t

Real spit, I’d never heard the term “straw man” outside of Kansas until some of you folks who like to argue a lot started lobbing it around. I’m still not completely sure what it means unless I look it up. I just looked it up. If I’m write, its an easily refuted argument based in logical fallacy. Now I don’t think it means what some of you think it means. But that’s okay because I’ll forget it by the time this goes live anyway. Point is, I’d never heard that term until somebody brought it to VSB. Thank you. Kansas thanks you. And so does the Scarecrow.

New writtens.

2. Cognitive dissonance

I remember writing about the fact that I’d never heard this term until Champ used it once, and then he used it a lot. Context clues didn’t even help me out. I had to consult The Internets – and you know any and everything goes down on the Internets – to figure out what the hell it meant. Now I know and I use the term at least twice a week in front of people who clearly have no idea what it means.

3. Nearly all statements of opinions are useless without pictures

This is possibly going to be one of the most ridiculous things I will ever state, but I believe it to be true. Every opinion is shaped by experience just as much as facts of a case. People are human and therefore respond based on how some sh*t feels. Sure most of us are able to usurp our feelings for logic, but we’ve all seen completely non-sensical arguments presented due to somebody’s perception. Well, we write a lot about relationships and inter-personal interactions around here. And well, I don’t believe not a gotdamn word some people say until I see what they look like and then make a ridiculous judgement on whether or not its feasible for such an experience to have occurred.

This is what happened at the Three Deez party with the chick who commented afterwards that she finds it hard to believe that Champ and I were able to have the types of experiences needed to inform most of our opinions. Funny thing is, I didn’t have a problem with that claim. My issue was that she missed one vital part about male vs female interactions: a man with a personality that can make a chick smile can do damage out here in these streets. But be that as it may, I appreciate ninjas putting pictures up to go with their opinions.

Yes, this is something I learned from VSB. And it really wasn’t that ridiculous.

4. There are many ways to skin a cat, but two wrongs don’t make a right

I just solved racism.

5. Knowing when to bow out of a conversation is just as important as meaningfully contributing to it.

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow. That’s true. And what that taught me was that some folks don’t know when to leave things alone. I’m one of those people who enjoys debate for sport, old sport. But I also realize at some point that whatever debate I’m having isn’t going to change my mind or the other person’s. And I don’t really care one way or another, old sport. Debate is an art. Some motherf*ckers paint with crayons. Point is, knowing when to let something go is important, for your own sanity. Now, for some folks, the joy of battle is enough to keep them engaged. I can respect that. But for me…sometimes I want to watch Friends and stop battling.

Those are five things I’ve learned during my time here with VSB. I may come back and toss some more into the ring if the site isn’t f*cking us all with spoons. So what have you learned from VSB? And hey hey…keep the shots fired to a minimum. No personals.

-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka MR. OPENLY AWESOME aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL HE A 3

VSB Updates: Technical Issues, Walk For Lee, and Stuff

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Good morning.

Clearly everybody has noticed that we’ve been having some technical difficulties lately. The comments aren’t loading all the time, the site is down sometimes. I promise you’ve paid all of our bills. Our host is negotiating with terrorists or something which is why we’ve had difficulty even logging into our site. Hell, I’m writing this telepathically right now. I took the one sliver of time it worked to write a post to update you all on what’s happening. We’re getting it together though…or our host is anyway. Hold tight y’all. We’ve got some big things in the works soon so this helps us know how its about to go down. But trust and believe…big sh*t poppin.

That’s also why I haven’t posted anything. If the post is going to be eaten by WordPress, well I’d rather not drive everybody crazy by trying to beat a system that’s already won the battle. If we can get a post up and the systems are a go, we’ll rock and roll baby.

On another note, we here at VSB do attempt to do some social good and help those who are in need. And when somebody in our community is deeply affected by something, and asks for help, we do see fit to do what we can to get the information out there. Such brings us to a cause:

Walk 4 Lee.

Read about his story here.

Should you be so moved, you can donate money if you’d like to help. Also, on this Sunday, May 19th, there is a Walk 4 Lee taking place from 10-3pm in Reston, VA at Lake Fairfax Park. Feel free to spread the word. You can also follow the Twitter handle @walk4lee for updates and information.

Sharing is caring.

Lastly…we’re nearing completion of our pilot. It’s coming. #knowthat But shhhhh…don’t tell nobody except everybody.

 

Debate Deez: The Five Most Annoying Debating Tactics In The History Of Debate Podiums

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[***Y'all will have to forgive us for yesterday. Apparently our host got attacked by terrorists or some such f*ckery and nobody using our host was able to log into their WP accounts until mad late. At which point Panama said, "f*ck it"the-great-debate. Well, today, we're letting VSB legend, Cheekie, come thru and spread love the Brooklyn way. We'd let her do it the Chi-town way, but somebody might get shot then. Shots fired. Triple entendre, don't even ask me how. So without further ado, the floor belongs to the cheeks.***]

So, I be debating in these streets. And I enjoy it, thusly. Seriously, I love to debate for the sake of debating. Not because I want to change my opponent’s opinion (this mission is as futile as me trying to jump into freeze frame in real life as they did in 80s sitcoms, but still, I rise), but because I genuinely enjoy the discourse with someone who doesn’t share my opinion. It’s an adrenaline rush. A long one (heh), too. Apparently, the “gotta have the last word” is a Leo thing and it takes a lot for me to let sleeping dogs lie. #StayWokeDawg

Because of this, I’ve developed a few pet peeves when it comes to debating others. These are the things folks say in rebuttal, but in a “bringing a knife to a gun fight” manner WHILST puffing out their chest as if they brought an AK-47. So, without that ninja Adieu popping up to say anything further, I’m gonna to list ‘em for ya:

1. “I have a right to my opinion.” 

Often said when I disagree with someone. Um, yes, booboo, we know you do. Know what I didn’t do, though, by disagreeing with your opinion? TAKE AWAY your right to yours. For the 50-leventh time folks (especially ya’ll in the back row), if I disagree with you, that is not taking away your right to your opinion, it’s using my own right.  Capiche? Quiche. Also in this same vein: “I have freedom of speech.” You GO BOY/GIRL. But, I ain’t the gubment. Thus, I can sh*t on your speechy freedom as I dayum well please. Because I am doing, what again, class? Class: USING MY OWN RIGHT. *clap clap clap*

2. “Only SOME do this, NOT ALL.” 

Chile. I think Panda-Panama wrote an entire post on this in the past, but in the spirit of being truthful, this IS in my top five of debate tactic pet peeves. So, I gotta speak my piece in order to maintain peace. Wait, what? Anyway. For some reason, generalizations ain’t what’s sizzling on these boulevards. And I get why, I really do. We are not a monolith, blah blah skippy. However, generalizations are necessary sometimes. Yes, necessary. Because what we can’t do is note every single instance in which our claim has occurred. I mean, do I gotta be like, “ONLY the 56,48484.54 men I have encountered have approached me on some street harassment steez” or can I assume readers have common sense and will read “Men engage in street harassment” and — by default — realize it only applies to the specific men who have engaged in such behavior? I be TRYING to achieve the latter, but alas…

3. “Agree to disagree.” 

Now, this is my Lioness roaring again, because I do acknowledge that sometimes this is necessary. However, it’s oft-abused like a mug. So, while the term itself doesn’t particularly annoy me, it’s the manner in which it’s used: to have the last word, which, by default, MUST mean you have won. “Agree to disagree” is the end of the discussion and if you say this right after you have said all you need to say on a matter, you can smugly claim victory. Except not. But, folks do this sooooooo often and I be mad. Q: You mad? A: Yup.

4. “You just a hater./Why you hating?” 

This is usually uttered when discussing a famous entity, even when you have a legit gripe about them. Lemme tell you something. Numero uno, someone has to be in the position to be hated on, in order for me to hate on them. Gotta get that outta the way as folks STAY claiming we’re hating when… girl wut… why???? Further, just because I have one not-so-glowing thing to say about someone doesn’t mean I hate them. It just means I know they ain’t perfect. The problem is… some folks don’t get this. It’s a low down dirty shame. Whew.

5. “You’re comparing apples to oranges.” 

Another actually-necessary phrase that is oft-abused. And to use an example, I’mma bring up old sh*t (but not really, as it’s still an ongoing argument, in general). So, Panama (hey boy hey!) and I had this forever-and-a-day argument about how men are hypocrites for calling women hypocrites for liking “Scandal.” The menfolk (remember: NOT ALL! tee hee) came to a consensus that women are hypocrites for enjoying the drama within “Scandal” while hating cheaters in real life. And I used the example of how men love “The Wire” yet wouldn’t necessarily love the violence that came with it… in real life. I said that both occur for sheer entertainment, and it’s okay. It really is! He said I was comparing “apple to oranges.” NO SIR. Yes, the specific situations may be different in that women are more vocal about cheating, but the concept is exactly the same! Which is what I’m comparing. The concept that just because we are entertained by something in fiction, that doesn’t mean we condone such an act in real life. If we can’t separate the fact that even though it’s entertaining, Olivia Pope is a cheater (and we hate cheaters), then ya’ll can’t separate the fact that even though it’s entertaining, Stringer Bell, Avon Barksdale, an’nem facilitate in killing the community, including the kiddies (and ya’ll surely hate that if you have a heart, Five Heartbeats). Apples and oranges may be different in taste and color, but they still both fruit. (Manager’s Note: Did this motherlover really just come into my motherf*cking establishment and take as hot at me on a guest post I allowed to happen? Oh. Yes. Carry on. – Panama)

Woo, followed by… sahhhhhh.

Aiight, VSB fam, what other debates tactics annoy you? Do any of the above annoy you or do you think they’re valid? Speak (or debate) on it.

(Hey Panama, can I do this alias sign-off thing? It always seemed like fun.)

– Cheekie aka CHEEKS aka BELINDA J. CHEEKINGTON aka DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWG, SHE GOT CHEEKS

Danny Brown Got Head On Stage And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

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Chicks dig this guy.

Chicks dig this guy.

So a couple of weeks ago, indy-alt-ratchet rapper Danny Brown allegedly got some head from a which while he was performing in Minneapolis. Not only did he get head in the whip without crashing it on stage, he FINISHED his verse AT THE SAME DAMN TIME!

I don’t care who you are, that’s talent. I remember one time at band camp, I was performing Michael Jackson’s “Speed Demon” on stage and some chick yelled out “you suck” and I totally forgot the words and stood there doing the same ole two step while the instrumental played in the background. Totes embarassing.

Since I’m a dude, you’re a dude, she’s a dude, we’re some dudes my first thought was how crazy that is and also how cool that is. I mean, you can’t see that type of thing coming can you? No pun intended. But he’s just on stage doing his thing and some chick just can’t wait for the hotel room and not only grabs his crotch but yanks his chain and domes him off. That is some rock start sh*t.

But of cousre, I have the Internets. And the Internets told me that Danny Brown was sexually assaulted. Tour mate and friend Kitty Pryde penned (or typed since I don’t know if you can pen something if you don’t actually use a pen) a letter where she mentioned both Ricky Smiley and To Kill A Mockingbird within 200 words of each other. That, my friends, is a some amazing command of the written word. I remember once I used the words Barack Obama and new Bugatti pretty close to one another. That was a good day.

Champ wrote a post some time ago about a time when he got drunk and woke up to some sexxing that he didn’t even remember til the next day. He immediately felt like he got a happy ending while being able to realize that had something like that happened to a woman it’s rape, thru and thru. But for some reason, when situations like Danny Brown or a man waking up to some woman humping him to high hell just don’t seem…bad, per se. I realize this makes no sense. But I also realize that double standards exist.

Back in 2005, I was out in the mean streets of NYC with a gang of folks for New Year’s Eve. Long story short, a friend of mine pulled out my johnson at the bar. No dome, just freedom. Why she did it is unimportant because it happened. I was too drunk to immediately react but I’m fairly sure that had I just grabbed some woman’s boobs and pulled them out I’d potentially be on my way to jail. And that would be fair.

Kitty Pryde brings up a good point via her letter though. Men aren’t well equipped to handle these situations either. When my homegirl pulled out my wang, I just laughed it off and waited for her to return him to my Hammer pants. In school, and actually out and about, I’ve had women walk up to me and grab my wang. Never once did I feel compelled to say something to an authority. I guess it’s because I had no idea what to say. It happened and after the shock wore off – face it, we’re taught that women just aren’t generally that foreward – I just laugh it off and tell my boys that some chick grabbed my sh*t, to which they usually want to know which chick so hopefully she’ll do the same to them.

Men and women view sexual contact differently. It’s clear that the same interactions can elicit wholly different outcomes depending on who is doing the initial contact. Which is probably why Danny Brown wouldn’t punch the chick in the fore head when she domes him off. Can you imagine if Rihanna is on stage and some dude jumps up there and puts his mouth on her vajayjay? He’s going to jail, the concert is going to stop, and news media would explode from all of the articles about how dangerous men are getting and how prevalent rape culture is nowadays. This Danny Brown story barely got any traction anywhere outside of rap blogs. It doesn’t matter as much. It’s the same reason why people shrug off the idea that men can get raped.

Men are bigger and usually stronger – though Wendy Williams pisses all over that theory – so a man should be able to stop some sh*t from going down. If he doesn’t he must want it and since all men are all sex all the time its hard to fathom the idea of a man being sexually assaulted.

Was Danny Brown sexually assaulted? Yes he was. But do most of us view it along those lines? Hell does he? Probably not. And if you aren’t upset that you got assaulted, is it still assault?

Overall, I just find it curious that this happened, and even if it wasn’t to an A-list superstar artist, there’s really not much coverage of it all. I think we can all agree that male sexual assault isn’t getting as much face time, no pun intended, at the sex crime table. I wonder why that is?

Or do we all, men and women, truly subscribe to the boys will be boys mantra and as long as its happening to him and not by him then he’ll be alright? I don’t know.

But I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t punch any chick in the forehead for doming me off on stage either.

Help me.

-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka MR. DON’T STAGE ME aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL HE A 3