All American

All American shines the light on darkness in our world of racism and differences.

I began watching All American a few months ago and only made it through 20 minutes. Then, one day a couple of weeks ago it showed up on my Netflix channel again and I took another look.

…ended up watching 4 episodes that first night.

Getting hooked on another Netflix series is an easy thing to do when you enjoy movies and good acting! The actors are top notch which is one of the reasons I continue to watch. I’m in season 3 today.

After a week, the show began to affect me. The show has some deep meanings - some villains like most shows. Almost stopped watching but continued, and I’m glad I did.

This show has also affected me in ways that have made it easier for me to ask for forgiveness when needed and to accept others as themselves w/o judging them.

I’ve learned more about relationships, integrity, forgiveness, asking for forgiveness, and mending broken relationships watching this series.

That’s the main reason I continue to watch. Plus the storyline is interesting and it’s inspired by real events.

My father taught us right from wrong, as most fathers and mothers do. My father shared a story with us about one of the jobs he interviewed for back in the early 60’s.

The interview took place on the phone. My father was asked about blacks in the workplace and if he would have a problem working for a black man who would be his supervisor. (I don’t remember the exact story from my father, so I am ad libbing.)

My father explained that he had no issues with black people and that would not be a problem. Remember, this is the 1960’s. I’m sure today in an interview such a question could not be asked; however, back then it was not illegal to ask such a question in an interview.

My father was given the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview. He met with the man who interviewed him on the phone and to his surprise it was a black man. My father was hired and this man was his supervisor.

The main difference, if I had to state one, between a black man and a white man is the color of their skin.

But I’ve learned over my years there are many more. In my humble opinion, the white man does his best to keep blacks:

  1. Uneducated

  2. In their own neighborhoods

  3. Fresh vegetables and fruit lacking in their local grocery stores

  4. Many, and I mean many, fast-food restaurants in their neighborhoods.

… and those are just a few things that come to my mind when I think of all the injustices and differences between blacks and whites.

If you get a chance to watch this series on Netflix, take it.

All American is inspired by true events - ”The story being told in “All American” is actually based on the real life story of NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Spencer Paysinger. Paysinger grew up in the rough neighborhood South Central Los Angeles, California, but played high school football at the extremely affluent Beverly Hills High School. Nov 23, 2021”

The Best of Enemies

This was a difficult movie to ‘begin’ to watch. Klansman- not something you want to learn about. Set in 1971, it is based on a true story about Ann Atwater and CP Ellis - and my new word for today “Charrette.” Meaning: a meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions. Very good acting and held my attention till the end.

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The Healer

I started watching this movie awhile back but only for 15 min. Today it popped up on Netflix as a movie I hadn’t finished. A feel good movie all around. Loved it…and after watching it, I felt happy, joy, love, and comfort. It’s a fun, feel good movie and hope you watch and find the joy as I did.

It's Easy To Be Me

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It's easy to be me... and not so easy.

There is a lot of detailed information on line these days! …and not only information, but people’s lives!

If I watch an editorial or documentary about a person who has used their life in a meaningful way, I can’t help but reflect on my life. What have I done that is so fascinating?

Well, not much compared to say: Tinker Hatfield, Bjarke Ingels, Paula Scher.

I believe knowing what you enjoy and developing that skill or craft during your years makes you the person you become. I’ve been searching for a purpose in my life and have yet to find it. In the early 90’s, when I learned about vision statements and purpose and strategy and goals, I began to search for my vision and purpose. My mentor at the time said, “You seem to be struggling with this, and you don’t need to have your purpose today or tomorrow – it could be years.” Maybe that’s why I am still searching.

Maybe for now just making sure those around me are having fun is enough.