The Swedish election is over, and for the first time in history, we have a racist party in the Parliament. I am sitting here in tears. I know the danger doesn't lie in that they made it in, the danger lies is in people being surprised about it. But even so...I am at a loss for words.

For the longest time, Sweden was among few countries in Europe that didn't have this kind of party with any kind of political influence. People kept saying that that they'd never make it into the Parliament, never get to decide anything, yet here we are. Add to that, that Sweden will have another four years under a government that strips the sick and the unemployed of their financial aid. Four more years with absolutely no solidarity or compassion whatsoever. I am in tears, and more than anything...I'm ashamed. Racism is alive and well.

"I've got no hand in matters worldly, I hardly care at all
What's going on fails to concern me, 'cause I'm locked behind my wall
But you know what drives me out of my mind
Is whatever makes you see, makes you believe
And forget about the premonition you need to conceive
~ The images they sell are illusion and dream ~
In other words; dishonesty."

~ "Illusion and dream", Poets Of The Fall ~

All hail the prince!

One of the most amazing things in life is discovering artists and people that inspire you; people that through their work make you FEEL. The newest addition to my list of those people? Prince Poppycock.

I just watched his performance on "America's Got Talent" for the first time, and I am sitting here in complete awe, so emotional. He is a work of art! If America does not realize his greatness and just how rare a talent they are witnessing, there is no hope for the world. He is magnificent and a true "artiste" indeed. He makes me want to paint, write, draw, sing...and I don't even have a singing voice! He is an absolute KICK START for my creativity, and that is probably the biggest compliment I could ever pay someone. His creativity and ability to constantly re-invent himself, the way he puts so much attention into detail, the persona he creates...it's superb. Amazing. So needed, in a world where entertainment is increasingly hollowed out and conformed to appeal to the mainstream masses.

And already, people are discussing his sexual orientation. It blows my mind that with rare, artistic, amazing talent like this in front of their eyes, people STILL focus on whether or not he is gay - applying various stereotypes as they go along. (Apparently, they assume, like so many, that all gay men are flamboyant and feminine, and also completely miss the fact that he talks and behaves completely differently off stage. It's a persona, you idiots.)

I said from the moment I saw him for the first time earlier today that America and the world is too dumb to realize his greatness, and it seems I was right. To be so blatantly ignorant of someone's talent because you think they stray from what is the norm is disgusting to me, and I want to punch those people in the fucking face for being so stupid and missing the point so completely.


But nevermind. Here is to the amazing, fabulous, incredible artist behind "Prince Poppycock." All hail!

Having the wrong fucking discussion...

I wish I could say that I was surprised to hear about the planned actions of pastor Terry Jones and his church, but I am not. This is what organized religion does. To me, they are proving the danger of all organized religion PLUS the fact that they are just as fundamentalist and dangerous as some of the Muslim extremists that they claim to be against - only they are too blinded by their own sense of self-righteousness to realize it. He is quoted as saying,

"We will burn the Qu'urahn in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam."

Ah, yes, because I'm sure the victims of 9/11 would LOVE to be associated with hate and ignorance. It drives me insane when people try to use other people and their misfortunes as an excuse to justify their own agendas and actions!

And the media..don't get me started. Had they not picked this up and blasted it all over the news in as many countries as they could, those fifty odd people would have had their little book burning in someone's back yard, and that would be it. Now, they are getting a bigger platform than they could ever have imagined, which is exaclty what they want! They will burn the Qu'uran, religious extremists in the Muslim countries will respond by burning the American flag, and all you've achieved is more violence. How constructive.

Terry Jones is not relevant to anything. He is harmless. What is relevant, and also where our focus and concern SHOULD be directed, is how many people share his views about the Muslim world, and how organized religion keeps poisoning our society. Yet again, we are focusing on the wrong thing.

EDIT: Pastor Terry Jones has previously said that the only thing that might stop him from performing his Qu'urahn burning on Saturday, is if he felt that God "strongly did not want him to o through with it". Now, apparently, he will make do with president Obama, should God not be able to call.

Absorb my words

Just thought I'd link to this, which is one of my favourite pieces...if I may say so myself. And it needs to be read by as many as possible...for Michael's sake.

"Michael Jackson and Human Nature - why we judge":

http://www.thecommentfactory.com/michael-jackson-and-human-nature-3164/comment-page-1/#comment-6246

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please

What is considered entertainment will differ depending on who you ask. To many Swedish women, apparently, it is the concept of a show called "Ladies' Night".

"Ladies' Night" is a travelling show currently on its fifth year, made up by five Swedish men famous for various reasons (four good-looking ones and one comedian, because what men don't have above the neck they apparently have to make up for by being funny. No ugly or boring people allowed). It openly sports the rule "only men on stage, only women in the audience." The evening consists of dinner and performance, and men are not allowed inside.

Now...that makes me wonder. Would the same concept, only re-designed to fit a straight male audience, be equally celebrated and successful? Anything with the slogan "Only women on stage, only men in the audience" would drive people crazy. Add to that five model-looking women on stage, and you'd have TV debates by the heaptful within a week. And it pisses me off. Surely we should raise the bar for what's considered entertainment period, to something that BOTH sexes can enjoy? I'd like to create something similar for men, actually, since we're fueling stereotypes here. Beer, barbecue, and a strip show. Only women on stage, only men in the audience. Let's see how well that is received.

It's my fault, I'm female

http://myfaultimfemale.wordpress.com/

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed, and it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know exactly where I stand
This world is forcing me to hold your hand

'Cause I'm just a girl, little 'ol me
Don't let me out of your sight
I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights

Oh, I've had it up to here

The moment that I step outside
So many reasons For me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things that I fear

'Cause I'm just a girl I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive late at night
I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes

I'm just a girl, take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype

Oh, I've had it up to here
Oh, am I making myself clear?

I'm just a girl.
I'm just a girl in the world... that's all that you'll let me be

I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to Is making me numb

I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison

Oh, I've had it up to here.