Quick Thoughts: Round 2

Hopefully, this won't be too long; although, I doubt it. In fact, the only thing I'm sure of is that I have nothing I would like to say. Nor do I have an opinion that needs to be explored by way of a post. Case in point: 

1. The Melilla Massacre: Bad. Everything about this is bad. It confirmed to me the disposability of black bodies, and the willingness to treat black migration with violence and fear. Contrast how these, African, migrants, and those from Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen, were treated to the welcome Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers received; even though their motivations for leaving were, essentially, the same. Even though the justifications cited for curtailing the number of welcomed refugees/asylum seekers (i.e. the pressure these individuals would place on welfare systems and the bullshit argument that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes) are equally applicable. And yet, the latter were welcomed with open arms, and pushed to the front of lines, while the former were stored in inhumane camps or, most recently, deported as far away from Europe as humanly, and humanely, possible. It is a clear indication that we, or people like me, are not welcome; even when we arrive through legal routes and channels. Yet, what did I expect? Everything I know about European History paints a picture of a two-tiered immigration system; one for white, Christian, 'good' immigrants and another for everyone else. Even when the latter is expanded, there is no guarantee (see the Windrush Generation) that your immigration status will be respected or codified. And even when you get to Europe, they will never see you as European; the number of times my black British friends were asked where they were really from is indicative of that. So yeah, everything about this is bad. But it's nothing I didn't know.
2. The Supreme Courts' Dobbs Ruling: Not great. But I will say this; now that the pro-life movement has gotten what it wanted, it's time for them to live up to its name. They must now push State and Federal governments. to create an enabling environment for mothers and children to do more than survive; to THRIVE. The onus is, now upon them to join the fight for Universal Child Care, Universal Basic Income, Universal Healthcare and guaranteed paid maternity leave; to begin with. They must push for comprehensive, non-judgemental, factual sex ed, as well as continued access to contraceptives. Otherwise, to my mind, they were never pro-life. They were just anti-women.
3. The Kenyan Elections: Interesting, but I wonder how much more of the same the Kenyan people can take. I believe our frustration with the status quo is what led people to Wajakoyah; with his pro-legalization, snake and dog farming, and suspending the constitution platform he is the anti-establishment candidate. Even though he is as much a product of the State as Ruto and Raila (I am of course referring to his time as a Special Branch Officer). Nevertheless, his platform has convinced the nation that he will be different, and perhaps he might be. Or perhaps, he might be a temporary salve to soothe the deep frustration and antipathy of the masses towards the status quo; much like FDR's New Plan. 
4. The Moral Panic of Single Motherhood: While this is worthy of further exploration on my part, my initial reaction is; that yes, there are more single mothers around, however, why is that a problem? And no one has been able to point to a concrete answer. Pointing to morals - i.e. it signifies the breakdown of society and of pro-social values is a cop-out because it places the responsibility of morality on women and motherhood, as an institution, alone. For whenever people raise a ruckus about single parenthood, we are never talking about single fathers. We, almost exclusively, refer to and fearmonger about single motherhood. Therefore, how exactly is a rise in single motherhood a sign of social decay? Moreover, this entire discussion conveniently bypasses three questions; (1) why are more people engaging in single parenthood; (2) if there is a problem, where does this problem lie? With the parents, or with the society that has massively failed to create an enabling environment for that kind of parenting and; (3) why are we so preoccupied with juxtaposing two-parent and single-parent homes? Are we engaging in a comparison to see where the gaps lie in support structures for single-parent homes, or to demonise them? 

See, no need for a long post for each of these. And yet, I feel burdened by the obligation of constant productivity. To write, even when I have nothing to say or when I am, just, tired. However, taking a break feels like a concession. Like an admission of defeat and a sign of weakness. So where does this leave me:

with nothing to say and writing without intention.