Headlines - MLK and Matisyahu
Maybe One of the Things from MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Fulfilled Since His Death
Selma, AL - As the nation celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday today, many wonder how far the country has really come in terms of civil rights for African-Americans and other minorities since the great leader was executed. “Sure, the negroid still doesn’t have equal access to decent schools or to home-buying or jobs, emergency services, etc.,” said Sherman Whitford, president of Society For Some Rights/Against Other Rights. “But it’s only been 40 years or so since Dr. King’s death. And, before he told us, most of us didn’t even know these people wanted equal rights. So, understandably, it’s going to take some time.”
However, at least one of Dr. King’s “dreams” appear to have come true already, at least according to Dr. Farrah Flair of the Board of Social Statistics. “His famous quote from the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is pretty much fulfilled,” Flair claimed.
The quote Flair refers to is one we all remember from history and civics classes over the years: “And I dream of a day when, call me wacky, we at least get to a point where people, I don’t know, maybe not freakin’ outright picnic under a brother they just lynched. That might be nice. Is that too much to ask?” Flair produced a spreadsheet replete with graphs and intimidating figures. But she pointed to one number: 0.4. “The number of incidents where an African-American is lynched and, then, celebrated under, whether it be a picnic or dance or kid’s slumber party, is almost at zero anymore. People really are too scared to kill a black person and then stick around. They can actually get arrested nowadays. And I think that’s a great legacy of King’s efforts.”
Throngs of Fans Sporting Style of Reggae Star Matisyahu
Brooklyn, NY - Unless you’ve been living under or a rock or live in a house and stay inside and don’t watch TV, you’ve noticed that thousands of all ages of males are wearing long beards, skull caps (known by the slang term “yarmulka”), and black jackets and pants. If you wonder who started this trend, look no further than white reggae star Matisyahu.
The bearded 27-year-old has released three CDs to increasing acclaim and sales figures. And, apparently, people now want to look like him. “Even older people and the elderly are dressing like this 20-something star who’s big with, like, college kids. Very interesting cross-demographic popularity,” said Brenda Blunt, writer of the “Pop Is Bang!” culture column in the Boston Globe. “It’s a strange style, I have to admit. I don’t quite get it and I wonder how Matisyahu came up with it. But, hey, people like it.”
And, the sartorial wave is hitting coasts throughout the world. Even in Israel, the Matisyahu look can be seen worn in even the most rural of settlements.
Matisyahu (l) and fans who’ve adopted the pop star’s look (r)