New Normal

New Normal is a term in business and economics that refers to financial conditions following the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the aftermath of the 2008–2012 global recession. The term has since been used in a variety of other contexts to imply that something which was previously abnormal has become commonplace.

What's your new normal? What is America's new normal? I remember when profanity was not a commonplace for primetime tv. I remember when songs had clean versions not just radio edits. I remember when games were criticized for excessive violence. I remember when rap music was the subject of congressional hearings. I remember when social meant human interaction. I remember when "live entertainment" did not include being a witness to murder and police brutality. Our new normal has desensitized us. Our new normal doesn't value life. Our new normal doesn't value family. Our new normal doesn't celebrate our differences. Our new normal is fear. Our new normal has created no expectation of justice. Our new normal is depression. Our new normal is violence. Our new normal is distraction. Our new normal is self destruction.

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I grew up when people paid for HBO just to watch Moonwalker or any Michael Jackson concert. I remember that the first 20 minutes were a bunch of people crying and Mike just standing there. I remember a lot of pyrotechnics and flashing lights. The same flashing lights that Kanye wrote about. The same flashing lights people hope will save Kanye from the sunken place even though most of us recognize its probably too late. Fame does something to people. Michael was an icon to my generation, just as Kanye is an icon to another generation. Both have tragic stories of loss, and in many ways, they both ultimately lost themselves. Mike died an unrecognizable drug addict and pedophile and Kanye has not been right since his mother died. Kanye is no longer the College Dropout who spit rhymes with his mouth wired shut. Instead, he spits on TMZ about slavery being a choice without giving clout to the systemic mental slavery that still occurs. For someone, who grew up watching the Cosby Show, dancing to MJ tracks and rapping Kanye lyrics... it's a sad day for Icons. Maybe being iconic shouldn't be idolized because it's costing our Black men their legacies and their minds. Free thought ain't free!