Side Effects of Answering the Call (with Immortal Technique)

Podcast Summary

• Learning from Past Mistakes and Apologizing Sincerely: Apologize sincerely for past mistakes, give people a chance to forgive, and support each other's growth. Even if it means leaving familiar places behind, follow your passions for authenticity, accountability, and resilience.

  Answering the call to challenge ourselves and grow involves learning from past mistakes and apologizing sincerely. Immortal Technique shared a story from his past where he made an insensitive comment to Amanda Diva, which led to a heated exchange. After apologizing and presenting her with his work, they developed a lasting friendship. This experience taught him the importance of owning up to mistakes and giving people a chance to forgive and move forward. Additionally, Immortal Technique emphasized the importance of supporting each other's growth and following our passions, even if it means leaving familiar places behind. Overall, the conversation highlighted the value of authenticity, accountability, and resilience in answering the calls that come our way in life.

• Reflecting on Personal Growth and Lessons Learned: Self-reflection and personal growth are essential for success and avoiding regrets. Stay true to oneself and apply valuable lessons in all areas of life.

  Success without self-reflection and personal growth can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. The speaker shares their personal experience of learning valuable life lessons through failures, and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and applying those lessons in all areas of life. They also reflect on their past experiences of bullying and how they have shaped their character. The reference to "carrying the ring" from Lord of the Rings highlights the idea that achieving goals often comes with sacrifices. Overall, the speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their own personal growth and the impact of their actions on themselves and others.

• Growing up in Harlem broadened the speaker's perspective on the world: Understanding diverse cultures and historical agreements is crucial to recognizing global issues' complexities. Powerful nations' roles in shaping the world should not be overlooked.

  Language and cultural connections have played a significant role in shaping the speaker's perspective on global issues. Growing up in Harlem, the speaker was able to communicate with various ethnic groups, including Haitians, West Africans, and Dominicans, which broadened their understanding of the world. This experience helped them recognize that developing countries are not inherently poor but are often kept in a disadvantaged state due to historical agreements. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of global politics and the role of powerful nations in shaping the world, using the example of France's involvement in supporting dictatorships in West Africa for natural resources. The speaker's diverse experiences and connections have influenced their worldview and emphasize the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding.

• Understanding Political Labels in Global Contexts: Political labels can be misleading, especially in global contexts. Historical exploitation of resources and power dynamics can lead to instability and conflict, impacting local populations disproportionately.

  The label of "left" or "right" in politics can be misleading, especially when considering global perspectives. The Democratic Party in the U.S. is considered center-right, and accusations of moving left are often exaggerated. However, it's essential to understand historical contexts, such as the exploitation of natural resources in Afghanistan by various external powers, including the U.S. and Russia. This exploitation often leads to instability and conflict, impacting local populations disproportionately. For instance, the Taliban's rise can be linked to the U.S.'s past support of the mujahideen, which created economic opportunities for some but led to the marginalization of others. Ultimately, it's crucial to consider the global implications of political ideologies and power dynamics.

• US imperialism in Afghanistan: A historical parallel to the Monroe Doctrine: The US presence in Afghanistan, despite changing presidents, has been perceived as imperialistic due to disregard for local populations and resource focus. Afghanistan's history of defeating foreign powers could lead to new geopolitical opportunities and challenges if the Taliban take control.

  The United States' involvement in Afghanistan, regardless of which president was in office, was seen as an imperialistic endeavor due to the callous treatment of the local population and the focus on securing natural resources. The country has a history of defeating imperial powers, and if the Taliban were to take control and become radical, it could lead to new geopolitical opportunities and challenges for the US. The Monroe Doctrine, which established America's hegemonic control in the western hemisphere, serves as a historical parallel to the current situation in Afghanistan. While some presidents, such as Obama, may have presented themselves as peacemakers, the long-term impact of the US presence in Afghanistan has been the erosion of trust and the perpetuation of conflict.

• External forces shaping leaders in certain countries: External powers manipulate leadership in some countries, often disregarding the needs and desires of the people, perpetuating imperialistic control

  The power shift in certain countries, including Afghanistan, has been influenced by external forces serving their own interests, leading to leaders who may not truly represent the people or serve their needs. This was evident in the case of Hamid Karzai's presidency, which some believe was facilitated by the murder of Ahmad Shah Massood the day before the 9/11 attacks. This pattern of external interference continued with the Obama administration, which overthrew leaders in Egypt, Libya, and other countries, replacing them with figures friendly to American interests. While the faces of leadership may change, the underlying agenda often remains the same, serving the interests of the dominant power, regardless of the race or ethnicity of the leaders. This is a reminder that imperialism can come in various forms and that we should be vigilant in recognizing and challenging it.

• Artists using their platform for good: Artists like Myself and Carrie use their music and artistry to reflect their character and purpose, inspiring change and bridging divides through compassion and understanding.

  For artists like Myself and Carrie, their music and artistry are a reflection of their character and purpose, rather than just a means to create commerce. Their authenticity and humanitarian efforts resonated with the children in Afghanistan who sought them out, as they saw them as genuine individuals answering their call for help. Myself was inspired by figures in his life who selflessly helped others, despite personal adversity, and sought to embody that sentiment in his own actions. He grew up recognizing cultural differences and understanding how they could lead to misunderstandings. He also acknowledged the complex history between African Americans and Latinos and the need for open dialogue and understanding. Ultimately, Myself's music and actions were driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to bridge divides.

• Historical power dynamics and racism's impact on ethnic groups: Acknowledge historical power dynamics and racism's impact on ethnic groups to promote unity and challenge systemic inequalities. Self-acceptance and understanding one's heritage are essential.

  Historical power dynamics and systemic racism have shaped the experiences and perspectives of various ethnic groups in complex ways. Using the examples of Disney princesses and historical figures, the discussion highlighted the existence of racial hierarchies and the impact of European colonization on indigenous and African communities. It's important to acknowledge these realities and understand how they continue to influence contemporary society, rather than ignoring or downplaying them. Additionally, the importance of self-acceptance and understanding one's heritage was emphasized as a means of promoting unity and challenging systemic inequalities.

• Historical integration driven by economic interests: Throughout history, economic interests have fueled the integration of different racial and ethnic groups, often perpetuating oppressive systems and myths.

  Throughout history, the integration of different racial and ethnic groups has often been driven by economic interests rather than genuine respect or equality. This was evident in the way that wealthy black and Latino people distanced themselves from their impoverished counterparts, just as wealthy white people have historically kept themselves separate from the poor. This dynamic played out in various ways, including the normalization of oppressive systems like the caste system in Latin America and the creation of a mulatto class intended to be used against white people. It's important to recognize these complex historical realities and confront the myths that have been perpetuated over time. Additionally, it's essential to acknowledge the ways in which different groups have experienced and responded to oppression in various contexts, from the Haitian Revolution to the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Ultimately, understanding these historical complexities can help us better grapple with contemporary issues of race, ethnicity, and social justice.

• The Vikings' religious practices, human sacrifice, and intercontinental slave trade: The Vikings' history reveals complexities in religious, cultural, and economic systems, including human sacrifice and the first intercontinental slave trade, which predated European involvement.

  The history of religious and cultural beliefs, as well as economic systems, is complex and multifaceted. The discussion touched upon the practices of the Vikings, who worshiped their gods, engaged in human sacrifice, and participated in the first intercontinental slave trade. This trade predated the European involvement in the slave trade, with the Vikings selling women from Ireland and Scotland to Arab slave markets in Cairo. The speaker also reflected on the misconceptions of identity in religious contexts, noting that white conservatives often see themselves as oppressed when they are actually the dominant power. Furthermore, the speaker discussed the waning influence of the United States on the global stage and the use of disinformation on the internet as a tool for distraction. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of understanding the nuances and complexities of historical and contemporary issues.

• Navigating Complex Issues with Support: Seek advice and expertise from those with experience to tackle complex issues, be pragmatic, and take things step by step.

  The political landscape and the world we live in today can be overwhelming, and it's natural to feel uncertain and unsure of how to respond to the challenges we face. However, it's important to recognize that we're not alone in this feeling, and that there are resources and people who can help us navigate these complex issues. The speaker shares their experience of being asked to start an orphanage in Afghanistan and admits that they didn't know what to do. But they took action by seeking out advice and expertise from those who had experience in building orphanages. The process took about a year, and the speaker emphasizes the importance of being pragmatic and taking things step by step. The past is now history, and new challenges continue to emerge, but by coming together and supporting each other, we can make a difference.

• Considering all factors before responding can lead to thoughtful actions: Responding immediately can lead to emotional reactions. Considering situations and people's backgrounds can lead to thoughtful and empathetic actions.

  Responding immediately to situations without considering all factors can lead to emotional responses rather than thoughtful actions. The speaker shares his personal experience of writing on the walls as a way to express himself, but one message stood out to him: "do not respond immediately if you don't have to." This advice has given him inner peace and helped him avoid unnecessary conflicts. However, the speaker also shares a profound story of a boy named Wahid in Afghanistan who chose to stay behind and face the Taliban instead of fleeing with his friends. Wahid's decision ultimately led to his death, but his bravery and determination left a lasting impact on the speaker. The speaker emphasizes that in difficult circumstances, it's essential to remember that people have suffered and fought for what they have, and it's important to understand that everyone has different agendas. The speaker also reflects on the importance of recognizing the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities and acknowledging the sacrifices they have made to preserve their culture. Overall, the speaker's message encourages thoughtful consideration and empathy in responding to situations and recognizing the strength and resilience of individuals and communities.

• Reparations: Beyond Individual Payments: Explore the historical context of reparations and focus on holding institutions accountable for their role in perpetuating systemic inequalities. Educate yourself through resources like Killer Mike's 'Revolutionary, volume 1' and books on the West African slave trade.

  The conversation around reparations for historical injustices against Black and Latino people is not about individuals paying out of their pockets, but rather holding large institutions accountable for their role in the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on capitalism. Reparations, in the historical context, were already paid to slave owners after the Emancipation Proclamation. Instead, the focus should be on educating ourselves and having open conversations about the role of these institutions in perpetuating systemic inequalities. To further understand this topic, it's recommended to start with the album "Revolutionary, volume 1" by Killer Mike, and consider reading books like "The Sword and the Dollar" by Michael Parente and "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" by Walter Rodney. Additionally, understanding the complexities of the West African slave trade, including the role of European powers in exploiting African kingdoms, is crucial for having an informed conversation on the topic.

• The history of inhumane treatment of certain groups fuels inhumane practices: Understanding history and promoting accountability are crucial in preventing inhumane acts, while prioritizing self-care and collective action are essential for social justice.

  The history of treating certain groups of people as less than human, such as indigenous and African people, has been a key factor in allowing inhumane practices, like detaining children in cages, to continue. It's important to have open conversations with those who hold different beliefs, but it's also crucial to hold those who commit heinous acts accountable and not make excuses for them. The idea of taking care of one's tribe and being responsible for one's own community is a powerful one, and it's essential to prioritize self-care and collective action in the pursuit of social justice. Additionally, the tactics used in guerrilla warfare, like setting mines to maim rather than kill, demonstrate the importance of demoralizing the opposition and taking care of one's own.

• Marginalized communities as test subjects in history: Historically, marginalized groups have faced injustices, but recognizing their struggles can inform present-day efforts for equitable solutions

  Throughout history, marginalized communities have often been used as test subjects for systems and policies that later affected larger populations. This was discussed in relation to the treatment of people with AIDS and the origins of feminism. It's essential to acknowledge the historical context and legitimate criticisms of these movements while recognizing the progress that has been made. Malcolm X, for instance, was not against the left but rather against centrist liberals in the U.S. who he felt lacked sincerity in their pursuit of liberation. It's crucial to remember that understanding our past can help us navigate the complexities of the present and work towards more equitable solutions.

• Emphasizing Authenticity, Self-Love, and Empathy: Authenticity, self-love, and empathy are essential for effective communication and forming meaningful relationships. Treat others and oneself with respect, and prioritize honest conversations. Reach out for clarification or questions. Appreciate others' authenticity and address struggles to make a positive impact.

  Authenticity, self-love, and empathy are crucial for effective communication and building meaningful relationships. The speaker emphasized the importance of treating others and oneself with respect, and that true love, family, and friendship cannot be based on getting what one wants. He also encouraged listeners to be open to honest conversations and to reach out if they need clarification or have questions. The speaker shared his appreciation for the listener's authenticity and willingness to speak up, and emphasized the need for more voices to be heard and struggles to be addressed in today's world. He also mentioned his work with a charity for elderly people in Harlem and Brooklyn, and provided contact information for himself and the charity. Overall, the speaker emphasized the importance of authenticity, self-love, and empathy in building strong relationships and making a positive impact on the world.