AfroPunk Festival

@Mahdiyyah.m

https://mahdiyyah.myshopify.com

@Ericpayne.co

https://www.ericpayne.co

It’s no Surprise that this years AfroPunk Festival 2019 in brooklyn would be one to remember. Not only was Jill Scott the headliner but people from all over the world came and boy were our brown skin men and women presence everything and more. The phenomenal took place this year at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY.

“WHO ARE WE

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.”

https://afropunk.com/festival/brooklyn/

AfroPunk is defining culture in so many ways that talking about it does no justice you would’ve had to actually witness such beauty that surrounded me. Jill Scott literally serenaded the crowd with hit songs A long walk, So in love, Golden, Hate on me, The way, He loves me, Brotha and a band that jammed the entire night.

I remember a time where hanging out with your friends and family total engagement was 100 percent. That meant great laughs, eye contact, a bit of intense debates with some great food and drinks. The engagement would be so incredible that by the time you look at the time it was way past your bedtime, but the day was worth spending it that way right? Maybe I’m referring to the 90s and early 2000s where social media hardly existed and cell phones were in the beginning phases that only consisted of text, talk and free after 9pm. Maybe I’m old fashion but i do enjoy a face to face interaction then again i’d be lying if I said my phone is completely silent and my eyes aren’t easily glued to Instagram and Facebook.

So how does this affect us?

1. Depression and anxiety

2. CyberBullying

3. Fear of missing out

4. Unrealistic Expectations

5. Negative Body Image

6. Unhealthy Sleep Patterns

7. General Addiction

It’s safe to say that we’ve all experienced one of these 7 things and if not you’re either lying or probably ancient history. Being an Educator I do see a lot of my students on their phones extremely too much that they're go to for inspiration, advice, to learn something is pretty evident. Actual human engagement sucks in 2019 because everyone is so easily distracted.

Some Positive aspects of Social Media and Technology.

1. Growth in Business

2. Confidence

3. Sometimes people find the love of their life

4. Opportunities in various fields

5. People are speaking up on social issues

6. Instant News around the world

7. A form of communication near or far with Friends and Family

I guess we can agree to disagree on this matter. Definitely can say that it has its pros and cons, I just hope that we can keep face to face conversations healthy and alive. Before you know it technology will have advanced and we’ll be talking through Holograms. Some advice i would say is when you go out to Brunch, Lunch and Dinner try putting everyone’s phone in the center of the table and whoever can’t resist the urge to be on their phone has to buy everyone a shot! I WOULD FAIL MISERABLY only because I love capturing the moment for memories.

So now that we’ve covered this topic of discussion please let me know your insight on Social Media/Technology and how you handle engaging with the people you surround yourself with in the comment section below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!