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| What's the Point? | Started by: Brick_Pollitt on Mar 04, '09 10:59 |
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Brick takes his place atop his normal soapbox, scans the crowd, most of whom are turned and engaging in other debates, the others heading into convenient stores and jailhouses. A few are intrigued and stand around waiting for him to speak. And they're there because they received cash. He cleared his throat and began. Of these streets? I mean, really? I want to know - your vision for the best use of these streets. Because I've been walking them a lot lately, and I have to tell you I'm somewhat interested in what you all think. Not interested enough to lose sleep over, but interested enough to come out here, get on my own soapbox and ask the question: What's the Point? I've read journals from my family members, some of them going back a long long way, and yes, I'm old. And the journals are full of comments about the streets and the types of activity that has occurred on the streets since the days when there were only five cities. It's always stricken me, and my descendants, as amazing the type of crap that makes it onto the streets. Honestly, crap. But it's always been that way. And I want to know why. And don't get me wrong...I've produced plenty of that crap so I'm not pointing fingers at anybody if I'm not also pointing it at myself. Now, let me start by saying: There are an awful lot of interesting debates that go on in these streets. In fact, since I've been here I would say the street activity is better than it's been in the past. But that's not to say that the crap doesn't seep through. It does. And the masses love the crap. And they love the crap exponentially more than the thought-provoking debates that occur just on the other side of the street. I saw a speech given by ThomasRourke the other day - very thought provoking commentary on the status of the community today. 6 people heard it and/or engaged in the debate. And that's counting the two people that just walked by to say good point. Are you kidding me? And maybe I'm just bitter that I spent so long considering what Thomas had said, writing and rewriting a response, in order to mix it up and get in on the debate that just fizzled for lack of an audience. Brick sighs But then another of the Rourke clan, Rourkey himself throws out a couple of speeches - one about his beard and one about his bastard son, and the masses flock to get in on it. And I know, I did it too. It was entertaining, and funny, and meaningless. And I don't say meaningless as good or bad, just expressing that the speeches themselves had no meaning. And then there are the weddings, the threesomes (or foursomes if you are the man like some must be), and the water-balloon or other silly "Wars" that pop up from time to time. Again, I've done it all before so I'm not expressing whether this is good or bad, I'm just expressing an observation that these types of speeches or activities spark the attention of the community and engender the broadest response. And I want to know why? Why are people more interested in the types of speeches that I've referenced? Am I just seeing this wrong? Is the answer so simple that I'm missing it? Or is the answer infinitely more complex? And going off on a tangent - if your only response to a speech is "good point" or "I agree" why do you feel the need to respond at all? Is it just to get that tally of times you've said something in the street? Or is it because that's all that popped into your head? And if that's all that popped into your head... Anyway, the point of this particular speech: I want to know your vision. What is the best use of these streets? Is it to announce a wedding? To talk about your beard? To engage in debates? All of the above? But don't just tell me what it should be - tell me why. Brick climbs down from his soapbox and shakes a few hands before taking a seat and waiting. |
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"Recently I went on a little escapade with a few of my associates, was a very amusing charade" Louis chuckles, recalling the incident "Though unfortunatly people are mostly only interested in what they themselves are saying, or their own associates, so regardless of what people do to add a bit of... flesh and depth to the streets other than the shades of gray we see every day, they won't be seen" |
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| Reply by: LouisGato at Mar 04, '09 11:11 | |
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Rourkey ambles down the street. As he passes the various shops, he pauses a few times to grope some fit young ladies and comb his beard in the various reflections of the windows. Upon hearing his name in a speech by Brick_Pollitt, Rourkey pauses to address the man. Ah excellent, Brick! I didn't know you were here to listen to my lovely ode to my beard! To answer your question, I always thought that the streets were here for speeches of any nature. Whether to announce weddings, stroke beards, discuss tax implications on your city, role-play the death of BrianRourke, or simply have an inter-racial gang bang, the streets stand out as a place for human interaction of the highest levels. Quite honestly, I would rather read a slightly humorous (in my opinion) discussion of a man talking to his beard than the same rehashed "OMERTA - where has it gone?!?!? What are your opinions?!?!?" conversation that my ancestors have seen for years now. Too often street discussions have followed the same basic plan: 1. Casually stroll up to the streets with some action 2. Complain about something / Point out something obvious that everyone else notices 3. Pose the same trite question to the audience. Examples: "Do you think crewleaders need to be more active?" "What do you think about Omerta?" "Are there too many Godfathers?" 4. Barely give an opinion on the subject. 5. Depart with some cheeky ending where you await the replies of the populace. Mafiosos have an easier time responding to discussions about beards compared to long well-written discussions (such as that of ThomasRourke) because mafiosos are cretins. It is much easier to reply with "I like your beard, Rourkey you C" than "Oh Thomas, regarding your point in section A, I disagree with you for the following reasons..." Anything that requires immediate thought is discouraged and cast aside easier than BrianRourke's nan. Have you seen some of these well written stories tacked up on the street posts? They are met with nothing more than a "Very nice story" or "good read." If I came all the way from Sicily to discuss my past heritage and was met with nothing but a "Great story :)," I would be outraged. The coffeeshops can also be blamed for a lack of activity in the streets. Business is mostly conducted in these family rooms or secret hitsquad rooms. More time is spent hunting sleeping mafiosos and whispering a cheeky "ns" in the coffeeshop to your acquaintance than it is discussing the finer aspects of a day in the life of a mafioso (which I thoroughly enjoyed, Mr. KingOfOnePercent). I have no doubt that this street discussion will most likely only attract a few more responses from the crowd before it is buried amongst further conversations of promotions, casual lotteries, and two word responses. May God help us all. |
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| Reply by: RourkeyRourke at Mar 04, '09 11:54 | |
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Ponders a moment. I think the people respond more to the humerous and outlandish speeches because of the lifestyle we all lead. We're constantly seeing the obituary entries rise in number. Close friends and Family members being gunned down. The background of our world is varied shades of gray. We're surrounded by violence and crime. The inevitability of war. If you're like me, then you're rather paranoid about most everything. A speech that makes us smile or laugh is a nice break from the hardships that we endure on these streets. A small break from the killing, robbery and drug dealing. That's just this simple man's opinion. |
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| Reply by: PhatballzRourke at Mar 04, '09 13:41 | |
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I walks these Streets day in and day out. Everyday the streets change, as do our discussions. To many people talking about one type of problem or to many comedians and it gets to be stale and boring. I'm a many faceted person. I can see humor and appreciate it, other times a robust debate gets me excited. |
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| Reply by: HydroPhonic at Mar 04, '09 14:29 | |
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Going way, way back in history, the first of my family line to come to America learned the ways of La Cosa Nostra by listening to the old men speak on the streets. This is why some of those worn-out discussions are important. The ones that discuss honor, Omerta, family, loyalty, and our conduct may be tired conversations to some of the old guard, but it is that same old guard that needs to be out here discussing it for the benefit of those who don't know anything about these values. One of the things plaguing this thing of ours is our detour from our fundamental values. I have heard the occasional comment that individuals should be mentoring, and even stupider - that a Boss should be mentoring. Of course, this is nonsense. A Boss is not a teacher, per se, other than the role of teaching by setting an example. They do not take some young punk by the hand and teach them how or what to do. They CAN, however, get their ass out on the streets occasionally and give a monologue about the important aspects of our life. This, to me, is the most important purpose of the streets. Everything else fits in, too, but personally, I would not have the knowledge I have now if not for the old men many years ago, preaching our virtues, and then having my forefathers pass that knowledge down to me. No matter how many times you may have heard the same old topic, it is probably the first time for SOMEONE, and this is critical knowledge that must be passed along if we are to maintain our core values. |
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| Reply by: Butt_Ox at Mar 04, '09 15:10 | |
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The truth is, when a response to a street debate actually requires some thought and effort, lots of people just cannot be arsed. You bring up a good example in Thomas' speech last week. Whilst I don't necessarily think his speech was written as an entry to debate, it was clear some effort and thought had gone into it. For people to engage in a debate over that kind of speech requires much more effort from people than to come away with some nonsensical remark about a beard or a menage a trois. The number of responses speaks volumes. Personally, I think the standard on the streets is slipping very recently. There's the odd good production from RP Avenue, and a few other decent attempts at starting debates or entertaining the masses in a genuinely amusing or novel way. However, you have to wade through a load of shite to get to it. Funnily enough, it does seem to be the way that the street speeches perhaps most deserving of some recognition, are those that end up with fewer retorts. Regarding what the streets themselves are for. They should be used for a variety of reasons. There should be no restriction; traditional speeches on mafia values, CL speeches on wars/auths/whatever, well thought out debates, comedy, anything. Some are more important than others, of course, but I don't think the problem is really what they are used for. I think the problem is quality. There is no system in place to vet the quality of what people come onto the streets with, so they inevitably fill up with shite, no matter how well-intentioned the speaker is. Perhaps CLs should be doing more to vet the quality of new speeches by their family members. This might also push people to put more effort into their speeches. After all, the mafia isn't about free speech and random members spouting off in the streets, is it? On the other hand, street activitiy is low enough as it is, that would likely worsen it. |
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| Reply by: Calcium at Mar 05, '09 02:48 | |
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