Saturday, October 24, 2015

A person I deeply know applied for membership to a community for expats who aim to support fellow expats. His primary purpose in joining this community is to grow and serve with his countrymen who are based abroad. He received a rejection letter and the reasons were not clearly stated. We all know for a fact that social discrimination in all colors and flavors still exist. But to get rejected by one's countrymen who are expected to support people of their own is a powerful slap on the face. It's similar to what we call "crab mentality," a metaphor that means "if I can't have it, neither can you."
 
I do not claim to be all-knowing and perfect but I just want to represent a certain voice of society in this blog post. I want to be that voice that cries out for the people who have been wrongly and unfairly judged ... The people who have been stereotyped according to race, religion, financial and civil status, cultural background, geographical location, societal class, educational and work qualifications,  fashion sense ... The list goes on. I want to be the voice of the people on whom full opinions, assumptions and impressions were created based on these stereotypes and half the facts ... Because if I prefer to remain silent and turn a blind eye to the unjust sufferings of my neighbors, this global social problem will persist and trillions will continue to work hard towards their goals of uplifting the world, only to see their dreams crushed by the others. 
 
Humanity, when are we going to learn? When are we going to start accepting and supporting each other towards a better world? By shunning our neighbors, by restricting them to who they are now and not allowing them to be who they want to be and to do what they want to do for themselves and for this world, we are trampling upon the very core of our existence, the foundation of humanity. Every person's potential is not fully realized unless he's given the freedom to do so.
 
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. - Nelson Mandela

Friday, October 23, 2015

I am still based in the UAE, a melting pot of diverse cultural backgrounds. I love hanging out with people from different races, communities and social groups. Don't be surprised if you see me joking with a cleaner across the street or chatting up a business executive in a suit. That's just me being me. I have always seen the world without borders. Humanity is my family and the world is my home. 

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

After A Long Hiatus ... I'm Back!!!

Hi everyone! After a long hiatus, The Little Rascal is back!!! I quickly went over my previous blog posts and decided that eventhough some YouTube videos and links I posted eons ago are no longer working, I'm going to leave them like that. Everyone and everything are works in progress after all. Let this blog witness how I have learned and evolved over the years. If I sound different now, it's because I am different now. I would like to believe that the life I have always wanted for myself is finally just waiting around the corner. I take big leaps towards it at times. Sometimes I slow down and take baby steps. Well, that's just me. I've always been happy living in my own shell. I'm unique just like everyone else. I am God's poetic masterpiece. You'll be hearing more often from me now. Cheers! :-)

Friday, August 02, 2013

Iftar Night with the Black Culture Experience (BCE) Group

To all the beautiful souls who were present that night, you've definitely earned special slots in my memory lane :-) ...
 


Our cups of friendship
Filled with the finest conversations
Steeped in warm memories
That lovely Iftar night
 


Beethoven's 5 Secrets - One Republic (Cover by The Piano Guys)


Madiba says ...


Marius and Cosette - A Quote from Les Miserables


fineartamerica.com


“Marius and Cosette were in the dark in regard to each other. They did not speak, they did not bow, they were not acquainted; they saw each other; and, like the stars in the sky separated by millions of leagues, they lived by gazing upon each other.”

- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables


Monday, July 22, 2013

Major Turnoff for Women

HAHAHAHA! Major turnoff.





Ardella

I'd like to thank Gox for educating me about the Harlem Renaissance. I appreciate you. This beautiful poem was written by Langston Hughes, a great poet and leader of that significant period in history.
 
Ardella
I would liken you
To a night without stars
Were it not for your eyes.
I would liken you
To a sleep without dreams
Were it not for your songs.
 
 


Sunday, July 21, 2013