Let’s review the word hatred, to give you a better understanding of what we are dealing with. Merriam-Webster.com defines hatred as prejudice, hostility, or animosity. So in other words, someone or a group have displayed bitterness or some type of ill will toward another person or group. This word has been around for many years and by the looks of things, it’s not going anywhere. Hatred is sometimes rooted within the family. The family plays a big role in a child’s growth and development. The family is the foundation of why people act a certain way. Sometimes, we as people, look down on our family for acting or doing certain things, not realizing that we act and do some of the same things. Awareness is the first step in making a change. It allows us to truly understand the moralities of the subject matter. Take these commonly used quotes for example, “man, they’re working us like a bunch of Mexicans/Hebrew slaves” or “you Indian giver.” Everyone general gets the gist of what is being explained; however these quotes are derogatory. In hearing your parents, family members, and friends make certain comments, it is only natural to pick up on some of the things they have stated without really understanding what it truly means. This is when taking an active role in the comments you make comes into play. You not only have to understand what is being said; however you also have to make a conscious effort not to display hatred toward other people by making certain comments.
My first experience with hatred was when I was in undergraduate school. I was working for a well-known restaurant. It was morning time and some of our regular customers were in the restaurant for a cup of coffee and a morning snack. Two customers approached me for a refill on their coffee. One of the individuals was acting in an inappropriate manner, which made his friend comment on his behavior. His friend stated “man, stop acting like an idiot. I’m pretty sure she has enough of those in her family.” My first reaction was “wow. How could this man make this statement without knowing me or my family?” The incident was a little unnerving to me, how society could think in that manner. To me, his statement displayed many negative interactions I encountered prior to and after his statement. See, I had always been a happy individual because that was how I was raised. Sometimes I tend to wonder, is it ok to be happy? I ask this because I am often asked, “why are you so happy?” My question is, “why not?” Why not discontinue the hatred toward others and learn to deal with my emotions in a professional manner. I’ve learned that hatred usually comes from a lack of understanding. If you are not willing to understand the situation or culture, you are also unwilling to open yourself up to the many possibilities of life.
Hatred is still prevalent in today’s society. It consumes people’s emotions, discontinues the process of growth and development, and just turns this world into something that it was not intended to be. The following signs will assist you with identifying some characteristics of hatred or dislike for a person or group.
1. Lack of eye contact
2. Avoidance
3. Nasty stares
4. No response
5. Inappropriate slurs
6. Excluding individuals from conversations
While the information above does not exhibit all of the characteristics of hatred, it does exhibit some common behaviors. Next time you utilize a commonly used statement from your upbringing, make sure the statement does not discredit or slander other people’s culture or way of life.
~Think before you speak
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Power: The Rise of Great Leadership or the Continuation of a Dictatorship
Power can sometimes make people feel as though they are untouchable. In this way of thinking, individuals will do things outside of their better judgment because who is going to stop them? These individuals will make outlandish comments, act disrespectful, and rule their empire in a way that only benefits them. In my profession, I have came into contact with a few individuals that were in for a rude awakening.
Take this male supervisor for example. Let’s call him Mr. Just-Do-It. Mr. Just-Do-It was well known in the restaurant business for being rude to his associates, especially his new hires. He did not believe in taking the time to explain certain responsibilities of the position, instead he yelled and screamed at his employees for not knowing how to do certain things. Well, Mr. Just-Do-It finally met his match when Mrs. I’m-Not-Taking-It-Anymore showed up. She allowed Mr. Just-Do-It to be disrespectful at least two times, before reporting him to upper management. Mrs. I’m-Not-Taking-It-Anymore wrote a formal letter to the company, provided examples, and gave suggestions to ways to fix the problem. Let’s just say that Mr. Just-Do-It will think twice before his next interactions with anyone.
Another example is of a female Store Manager. Let’s call her Ms. No-Professionalism-At-All. Ms. No-Professionalism-At-All was well known in the coffee business for saying and doing whatever she wanted. She made fun of people with disabilities, quoted many racial slurs, and fired anyone who questioned her motives. Mrs. No-Professionalism-At-All was finally reimbursed for her previous indiscretions. She was fired from her long time position for kicking an employee who she utterly disliked. Tell me, is inflicting pain or harm on someone ever worth being fired for? This really depends on who you are talking to about this matter. My response is NO!
Now, let’s look at another characteristic of power. Take Kanye West’s song Power for example. He discusses the power of a certain race being chosen and how “no one man should have all that power.” The song really makes you think about power and how it’s distributed. Power usually comes at the disadvantage of another, which has the ability of placing one person or group’s needs ahead of another. While the possessor of power should try to be fair when making decisions, his/her decisions are sometimes not as fair as they could be because they lack knowledge, do not care about the situation, or want to be controversial about the situation.
Individuals should display the following characteristics when in power:
1. Knowledge- Awareness of the subject matter and the many issues facing it.
2. Empathy- The ability to show understanding, sympathy, and compassion.
3. Reason- Skill in analyzing information and coming to a conclusion
~How have you exercised your power today?
Take this male supervisor for example. Let’s call him Mr. Just-Do-It. Mr. Just-Do-It was well known in the restaurant business for being rude to his associates, especially his new hires. He did not believe in taking the time to explain certain responsibilities of the position, instead he yelled and screamed at his employees for not knowing how to do certain things. Well, Mr. Just-Do-It finally met his match when Mrs. I’m-Not-Taking-It-Anymore showed up. She allowed Mr. Just-Do-It to be disrespectful at least two times, before reporting him to upper management. Mrs. I’m-Not-Taking-It-Anymore wrote a formal letter to the company, provided examples, and gave suggestions to ways to fix the problem. Let’s just say that Mr. Just-Do-It will think twice before his next interactions with anyone.
Another example is of a female Store Manager. Let’s call her Ms. No-Professionalism-At-All. Ms. No-Professionalism-At-All was well known in the coffee business for saying and doing whatever she wanted. She made fun of people with disabilities, quoted many racial slurs, and fired anyone who questioned her motives. Mrs. No-Professionalism-At-All was finally reimbursed for her previous indiscretions. She was fired from her long time position for kicking an employee who she utterly disliked. Tell me, is inflicting pain or harm on someone ever worth being fired for? This really depends on who you are talking to about this matter. My response is NO!
Now, let’s look at another characteristic of power. Take Kanye West’s song Power for example. He discusses the power of a certain race being chosen and how “no one man should have all that power.” The song really makes you think about power and how it’s distributed. Power usually comes at the disadvantage of another, which has the ability of placing one person or group’s needs ahead of another. While the possessor of power should try to be fair when making decisions, his/her decisions are sometimes not as fair as they could be because they lack knowledge, do not care about the situation, or want to be controversial about the situation.
Individuals should display the following characteristics when in power:
1. Knowledge- Awareness of the subject matter and the many issues facing it.
2. Empathy- The ability to show understanding, sympathy, and compassion.
3. Reason- Skill in analyzing information and coming to a conclusion
~How have you exercised your power today?
Monday, December 12, 2011
Happiness Should Never Come at the Expense of Other People
When dealing with some people, it can be like talking to a wall. You have to position yourself to “knock down that wall,”as my sorors would say. Success is not going to be easy. On many occasions, you will have to deal with negative attitudes and influences. Just tell yourself, “I am better than the negativity that is being shackled around my ankles. I will not be subdued to these experiences and consequences of them. I will be more than the negative attitude of others.”
Negative attitudes can be disturbing; especially if they are due to the person not liking the positivity and glow that you exude. Some people will try and transfer their negative energy to you by diminishing your character. This will come in the form of nasty stares, verbal and physical attacks, complaining, and/or talking about others. This may be the only way they know how to be happy; however do not give in to it. Happiness should never come at the expense of others.
The following five steps will assist you with riding the negativity from your life:
1. Learn how to use negative and positive energy to benefit you. It will be hard at first; however it becomes constant with experience.
2. Find ways to take yourself away from negative environments. People may think you are being distant; however learning to deal with your emotions is more important than the views forced on you by others.
3. Cut those ties that try to drain the life from out of you. There’s nothing like those who see the positivity that’s occurring in your life and try to latch on. It’s ok to provide them with encouragement; however when encouragement turns into you doing more than they are willing to do, it’s time for a change. Let them go through their own experiences because not everyone was meant to walk the same path.
4. Network with supportive people who are willing to listen to you. In life, we all have at least one person who will listen without judging, hear without speaking, and see without assuming. These people are great to talk with because they allow you to hear your own questions and possibly answer them with the information you provided to them.
5. Knowing yourself is the last step. Spend time with yourself to understand your likes, dislikes, things you consider negative, and things you consider positive. Sometimes people will present you with strategies to rid yourself of certain situations; however if you lack understanding of yourself, you will not able to know whether or not the strategy works for you. As stated early, not everyone was meant to walk the same path. Knowing yourself would give you a clear understanding of your path and whether or not the walk was meant to be taken.
I hope these strategies assist you in your journey of riding the negativity from your life. To be perfectly honest, I still use these strategies to make my life less stressful and more plentiful. Now, it’s your turn to practice some of these strategies and see how life, minus negativity can be.
~Enjoy!
Negative attitudes can be disturbing; especially if they are due to the person not liking the positivity and glow that you exude. Some people will try and transfer their negative energy to you by diminishing your character. This will come in the form of nasty stares, verbal and physical attacks, complaining, and/or talking about others. This may be the only way they know how to be happy; however do not give in to it. Happiness should never come at the expense of others.
The following five steps will assist you with riding the negativity from your life:
1. Learn how to use negative and positive energy to benefit you. It will be hard at first; however it becomes constant with experience.
2. Find ways to take yourself away from negative environments. People may think you are being distant; however learning to deal with your emotions is more important than the views forced on you by others.
3. Cut those ties that try to drain the life from out of you. There’s nothing like those who see the positivity that’s occurring in your life and try to latch on. It’s ok to provide them with encouragement; however when encouragement turns into you doing more than they are willing to do, it’s time for a change. Let them go through their own experiences because not everyone was meant to walk the same path.
4. Network with supportive people who are willing to listen to you. In life, we all have at least one person who will listen without judging, hear without speaking, and see without assuming. These people are great to talk with because they allow you to hear your own questions and possibly answer them with the information you provided to them.
5. Knowing yourself is the last step. Spend time with yourself to understand your likes, dislikes, things you consider negative, and things you consider positive. Sometimes people will present you with strategies to rid yourself of certain situations; however if you lack understanding of yourself, you will not able to know whether or not the strategy works for you. As stated early, not everyone was meant to walk the same path. Knowing yourself would give you a clear understanding of your path and whether or not the walk was meant to be taken.
I hope these strategies assist you in your journey of riding the negativity from your life. To be perfectly honest, I still use these strategies to make my life less stressful and more plentiful. Now, it’s your turn to practice some of these strategies and see how life, minus negativity can be.
~Enjoy!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A Better World Through Literacy!
I would like to thank the numerous people who have contacted me and my partners about donating books for Better World Books. We are so close in reaching our goal of raising 100 books for literacy programs all across the world. Within three weeks of starting "A Better Community Through Literacy Book Drive", we had already raised 48 books. This brings us closer to reaching our goal, with only 52 books remaining. You still have time to be a part of all the fun of giving and watching what we can do as a community.
All those who donate will receive special appreciation from me on Twitter, Facebook, and other media outlets. Pictures will be taken of donators and sent to Better World Books. The pictures will also be posted by me and Hampton Publishing House, LLC. I will also create and place a list on my page, which will detail all participants and how they contributed.
~Taking an active role in helping to create and maintain literacy programs~
All those who donate will receive special appreciation from me on Twitter, Facebook, and other media outlets. Pictures will be taken of donators and sent to Better World Books. The pictures will also be posted by me and Hampton Publishing House, LLC. I will also create and place a list on my page, which will detail all participants and how they contributed.
~Taking an active role in helping to create and maintain literacy programs~
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Better Community Through Literacy Book Drive (Press Release)
Contact: Melica Niccole For Immediate Release
Tel. 614-259-7483
Email: Melica.Niccole@gmail.com
Author Melica Nicole joins forces with owner of Urban Spirit Coffee Shop & Art Gallery, Charity Martin-Via, and literacy enthusiast, Takiyah Baltimore-Nelson, in "A Better Community Through Literacy Book Drive." The purpose of the book drive is to obtain new and used books that are then donated to Better World Books. Better World Books sells these books for a profit and uses a portion of the sales to fund "literacy programs throughout the world with the promise of a better life." Businesses, organizations, and individuals who make donations to these four individuals will receive special acknowledgement of donations on Twitter, Facebook, and other web based media sites.
The book drive will be held in Columbus, Ohio beginning on 11/14/11. It is the hope of Melica, Charity, and Takiyah to obtain at least 100 books by January 31, 2012.
Please send or drop off your donations to the following locations:
Urban Spirit Coffee Shop & Art Gallery
893 E. Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Urban_Spirit_Gallery@yahoo.com
Hampton Publishing House, LLC
RE: Book Donations for Melica Niccole
P.O. Box 29201
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Info@HamptonPublishingHouse.com
# # #
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule a donation pick up, please email Melica and Takiyah to schedule a donation pickup. Be sure to include information about the pickup location and the best time to pick up the books. They can be reached at Melica.Niccole@gmail.com and TBaltimoreNelson@Gmail.com.
~Taking an active role in helping to create and maintain literacy programs~
Tel. 614-259-7483
Email: Melica.Niccole@gmail.com
A Better Community Through Literacy Book Drive
For Better World Books
Author Melica Nicole joins forces with owner of Urban Spirit Coffee Shop & Art Gallery, Charity Martin-Via, and literacy enthusiast, Takiyah Baltimore-Nelson, in "A Better Community Through Literacy Book Drive." The purpose of the book drive is to obtain new and used books that are then donated to Better World Books. Better World Books sells these books for a profit and uses a portion of the sales to fund "literacy programs throughout the world with the promise of a better life." Businesses, organizations, and individuals who make donations to these four individuals will receive special acknowledgement of donations on Twitter, Facebook, and other web based media sites.
The book drive will be held in Columbus, Ohio beginning on 11/14/11. It is the hope of Melica, Charity, and Takiyah to obtain at least 100 books by January 31, 2012.
Please send or drop off your donations to the following locations:
Urban Spirit Coffee Shop & Art Gallery
893 E. Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Urban_Spirit_Gallery@yahoo.com
Hampton Publishing House, LLC
RE: Book Donations for Melica Niccole
P.O. Box 29201
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Info@HamptonPublishingHouse.com
# # #
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule a donation pick up, please email Melica and Takiyah to schedule a donation pickup. Be sure to include information about the pickup location and the best time to pick up the books. They can be reached at Melica.Niccole@gmail.com and TBaltimoreNelson@Gmail.com.
~Taking an active role in helping to create and maintain literacy programs~
Friday, November 11, 2011
Boekie's Book Reviews: Poetic Outlets by Melica Niccole
Boekie's Book Reviews: Poetic Outlets by Melica Niccole: Description: Poetic Outlets is a book of poetry that discusses depression, society, love, and attributes of a woman. It can honestly b...
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Michigan was a Success!
This past weekend, I attended the Michigan International Book Festival. I was so excited at this opportunity and even more excited that my niece was attending with me. This would be a great time for me to help mold her in going after her dreams and also observe her people skills. Our morning started at 5 am on Saturday morning. We had a 3.5 hour drive ahead of us and needed to get on the road by 6 am. We packed the car with books, marketing materials, and our clothes. We definitely would be staying the night in Michigan; otherwise the drive back would be horrendous.
In me driving to Michigan for the first time, I possibly made my niece a little nervous. She was asleep in the passenger's seat, as I continually looked at the directions to make sure I was following them exactly. All of sudden my mind thought, "did I miss something?" I must have missed something because there was a split coming up fast and I needed to make a quick decision. I chose the option to the right, which immediately woke her up. "What's wrong," she stated. I told her that I got off the freeway because I thought I needed to; however it was evident that I needed to get back on. She laughed and said "Oh." I thought to myself, "just my luck to scare the poor child, on our first trip out of town with each other." After that incident, I was fine. It was all good after my mishap.
The driving directions led us directly to the event and to our hotel. It was 9:30 am and the earliest we could check in was at 11 am. We chose to check in for the event because the festival would begin at 10 am. As one of the assistants searched for my name badge, I said to my niece "what if they do not have me registered as attending?" I laughed because it was a thought that crossed my mind; driving all the way to Michigan and not being able to participate because someone had lost my registration. Well, that was not the case at all. The assistant found my badge and stated I should wait for the Event Coordinator, who would then help me locate my table.
After the Event Coordinator assisted us with the location of my table, it was on then; our selling techniques of course. We decorated the table and then started talking to any and everyone that came in distance of hearing what we had to say. I told my niece that our objective was to not let anyone leave the table empty handed. I wanted people to leave with a book, contact information, promotional bag, or something with my name on it. We talked to everyone, had people sign up for our email listing, and only let two to three people leave the table without something in their hand. It was a great day, if I must say. It got even better when Janet Jackson, the Oakland County Commissioner stopped by our table. She stated that she absolutely loved the table set up and that we were implementing some great marketing techniques. We were also paid a visit by Authors, Cassandra Carter and Sylvia Hubbard. I wish both of these women nothing but success. Ladies, keep pushing and selling inspiration in the form of books.
After attending this event, I only have one more thing left to say, which is I love it!
In me driving to Michigan for the first time, I possibly made my niece a little nervous. She was asleep in the passenger's seat, as I continually looked at the directions to make sure I was following them exactly. All of sudden my mind thought, "did I miss something?" I must have missed something because there was a split coming up fast and I needed to make a quick decision. I chose the option to the right, which immediately woke her up. "What's wrong," she stated. I told her that I got off the freeway because I thought I needed to; however it was evident that I needed to get back on. She laughed and said "Oh." I thought to myself, "just my luck to scare the poor child, on our first trip out of town with each other." After that incident, I was fine. It was all good after my mishap.
The driving directions led us directly to the event and to our hotel. It was 9:30 am and the earliest we could check in was at 11 am. We chose to check in for the event because the festival would begin at 10 am. As one of the assistants searched for my name badge, I said to my niece "what if they do not have me registered as attending?" I laughed because it was a thought that crossed my mind; driving all the way to Michigan and not being able to participate because someone had lost my registration. Well, that was not the case at all. The assistant found my badge and stated I should wait for the Event Coordinator, who would then help me locate my table.
After the Event Coordinator assisted us with the location of my table, it was on then; our selling techniques of course. We decorated the table and then started talking to any and everyone that came in distance of hearing what we had to say. I told my niece that our objective was to not let anyone leave the table empty handed. I wanted people to leave with a book, contact information, promotional bag, or something with my name on it. We talked to everyone, had people sign up for our email listing, and only let two to three people leave the table without something in their hand. It was a great day, if I must say. It got even better when Janet Jackson, the Oakland County Commissioner stopped by our table. She stated that she absolutely loved the table set up and that we were implementing some great marketing techniques. We were also paid a visit by Authors, Cassandra Carter and Sylvia Hubbard. I wish both of these women nothing but success. Ladies, keep pushing and selling inspiration in the form of books.
After attending this event, I only have one more thing left to say, which is I love it!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Poetic Outlets Sold at The Book Loft of German Village
Hello everyone. I have great news for those individuals that would like to purchase a copy of Poetic Outlets. Books are now sold at The Book Loft of German Village in Columbus, Ohio. You will truly be amazed in entering The Book Loft because there are books everywhere. It is like going through a maze of books and trying to find your way out; however stopping along the journey to admire or pick up a book of your liking. In visiting the The Book Loft, make sure you take enough money to buy a couple of books because I assure you that you will not just leave with one book.
Poetic Outlets is a book of poetry that shows my transition in writing from when I first started to my current writing style. The book will allow you to experience and release all types of emotions, as issues of love, depression, society, and attributes of a woman are discussed. I wrote Poetic Outlets because I love talking about real life situations that engage the reader, while pulling them emotionally into the subject matter. I want readers to experience the extent of each word on the page and be able to identify with that feeling. People have a right to read material that encourages them and provides insight to domestic matters.
So let me take you on a journey into my world by reading my book; Poetic Outlets. You will be glad you did.
Poetic Outlets is a book of poetry that shows my transition in writing from when I first started to my current writing style. The book will allow you to experience and release all types of emotions, as issues of love, depression, society, and attributes of a woman are discussed. I wrote Poetic Outlets because I love talking about real life situations that engage the reader, while pulling them emotionally into the subject matter. I want readers to experience the extent of each word on the page and be able to identify with that feeling. People have a right to read material that encourages them and provides insight to domestic matters.
So let me take you on a journey into my world by reading my book; Poetic Outlets. You will be glad you did.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Melica Goes to Michigan!
Ok, so do you remember last month when I was discussing traveling to a new place outside of Ohio? Well, I made up my mind, scheduled my trip, and reserved my room. The decision came to me while I was updating my status on a popular website; Facebook. I received an invitation to participate and attend the Michigan International Books Festival. I thought to myself, why not? Why not experience the feeling of talking and encouraging the youth, selling some books, and performing poetry? I was now ready to man my own table, after observing the authors at the National Black Book Festival in Houston, Texas.
The Michigan International Books Festival is an event "aimed at educating and encouraging youth to read and author books. The festival will bring together hundreds of book writers, role models and teachers of the literary craft." My niece will attend this event with me, with hopes of developing her interest in creating a comic book.
Let me say, come one, call all, we'll have a ball at the Michigan International Books Festival. I hope to see you there.
The Michigan International Books Festival is an event "aimed at educating and encouraging youth to read and author books. The festival will bring together hundreds of book writers, role models and teachers of the literary craft." My niece will attend this event with me, with hopes of developing her interest in creating a comic book.
Let me say, come one, call all, we'll have a ball at the Michigan International Books Festival. I hope to see you there.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I Can Breathe Now!
Hello everyone. My two month hiatus from blogging is over. The hiatus was due to me participating in various activities, which included completing my thesis project, taking a computer design class at Columbus State, preparing and implementing the It's a Book Celebration, working full-time, and trying to have a life outside all of those activities. Whew, I said quite a mouthful huh? I feel similar to my poem I Can Breathe. "I can breathe now. Finally, I am free and I will show you how..."
Pep has been put back in my step and I'm almost ready to take on my next challenge. Let's see, what will this challenge be? I should probably do something that would get my mind flowing and allow me experience life outside of Ohio because truth be known, I did enjoy my time in Texas. It's always nice to travel outside the city, visit other places, and then head back home. Some of my friends told me that I should visit California or Georgia and take a few of my books with me. Either place would be equally as nice, seeing that I have never visited those states. I'll just plan to visit one of those states in the next year and tell you all about it.
It's really nice to be back on here. I look forward in letting you be apart of my world. Until I type again.
Pep has been put back in my step and I'm almost ready to take on my next challenge. Let's see, what will this challenge be? I should probably do something that would get my mind flowing and allow me experience life outside of Ohio because truth be known, I did enjoy my time in Texas. It's always nice to travel outside the city, visit other places, and then head back home. Some of my friends told me that I should visit California or Georgia and take a few of my books with me. Either place would be equally as nice, seeing that I have never visited those states. I'll just plan to visit one of those states in the next year and tell you all about it.
It's really nice to be back on here. I look forward in letting you be apart of my world. Until I type again.
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