The Life & Times of a Functional Ratchet

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“How long until it’s inappropriate to act ratchet?”  This was one of several topics discussed during a phone conversation with Janae the other night.  She wasn’t exactly sure either.  As we arbitrarily threw out prospective ages, I created my own conspiracy: all adults, young and old, behave in a ratchet manner.  However, they do a better code switch than I in order to conceal it. 

My curiosity stemmed from realizing that at some point I’m going to have to take life seriously, this an ultimatum I gave myself after changing my twitter avi to Trindad Jame$. This realization led me to believe that my sometimes ratchet behavior, that actually occurs pretty regularly now, will have to cease sooner than later: or so I think?  Depressing right? See, you know why ratchet in progressive circles and environments is so beautiful? It’s because ratchet provides balance (hear me out).  It’s no different than attending happy hour or going to the club and beefing it up (my favorite, I might add) with your friends.  A little libertinism ain’t never hurt nobody right? Ratchet allows me to let it all out.  Alleviating those pressures that I feel in the presence of my white brethren, to act accordingly with a certain “chill”, as to not come across as abrasive or act out stereotypes (another blog post in itself). 

Janae articulated this as a “functional ratchet”.  Which, in a nutshell, is having the ability to turn your ratchet on and off.  Now, understand that by ratchet, I say it with no intention for it to be synonymous with ignorant.  In this context, ratchet is that enthusiasm some may feel when Lil Boosie comes on, or while giving twerking tutorials to your friends, or even your affinity for the word “nigga”, all of these are elements of ratchet in my definition.  The functional part comes in when you’re able to balance your ratchet with some elevated consciousness. In this “functional ratchet” space I’m convinced many of us find our place of solace.  Spaces where you can let go of a little societal accountability, while growing simultaneously. It is a space where you find your peace of mind. 

In developing our vision, this is where Janae and I see the blog going- the quintessential functional ratchet being.  Where each of you can come and offer your honest opinion, and are also willing to acquire awareness of that which is around you.  That’s when the consciousness comes in.  I found that this is my place of solace; intersections at which I can discuss progressive ideas and also interject opinions, colloquialisms, and real life references that echo my own cultural nuances.  In my place of solace I can freely talk about my excitement for sir Trinidad Jame$ and of the fiscal cliff with people who share the same penchant for books as I.  It’s like an overwhelming sense of calm and belonging, which I hope each of you will also experience here at the blog. 

In creating the Contact Culture blog, we strive to develop a platform to express and witness a considerable amount of transparency to those ideas which you weren’t quite ready to express, or couldn’t exactly articulate at the time.  Originally, our vision entailed our passion for the vertex at which community and culture meet.  Moving forward our actions will ensure to remain on the continuum to bridge the two, but also, provide a place of solace that encourages you to embrace all parts of your identity, in addition to engaging a like-minded community that imbues you with a special level of comfort, to, dare I say, embrace your inner ratchet. 

On that note, enjoy.

de$ap