The Iron Table

"Cancel Culture," as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling to express disapproval and exert social pressure.

Cancel Culture first hit the mainstream in the late 2010s, becoming the norm in the early 2020s. It happens when a person states an opinion or viewpoint that goes against the norm. It may even offend a group that uses its influence to reduce the person's influence, finances, and popularity. 

Yet why is there even a cancel culture? Doesn't the 1st Amendment (Freedom of Speech) protect us against being "canceled"? Are we really in threat of being canceled or suffering the consequences of our freedoms when they conflict with someone else's belief system? 

We discuss this controversial topic in this episode!

As men, we have been conditioned to "tough it out" or "suck it up." However, is that a healthy way to communicate our needs? Are we even communicating our needs at all if we stay silent? This episode discusses the subtle and not-so-subtle ways men ask for help. This is only the beginning. The hardest step is the first!

Also, if you need an excellent resource for counseling and mental health, please check out New Aspirations Counselling and Consulting, LLC.

https://npino.com/mental-health/1932874401-new-aspirations-counseling-and-consulting%2C-llc/ 

What is the definition of manhood? Is it a definition derived from personal experiences? Is it something observed or passed down? Can manhood be taught in adulthood? What are some of the characteristics a man should have if they are to be considered a man? How should a man, who possesses traits of manhood, treat a woman and allow themselves to be treated?

In this episode, we discuss the definition of manhood and the character traits of a man. Is the definition we grew up on still relevant today? 

In the 80s a rap group named Whodini released a track called "Friends". It had me thinking about who are my friends and how rare is it that I still have the same friends from grade school. Double that by including friends from grade school, that I talk to on a regular basis. Regular being at times multiple times a week.

 In this episode, I brought in my closest friends. Interesting point, this group was the reason I developed the Iron Table. I wanted to show the world that Black men could support each other's growth even during adulthood, marriage, divorce, and parenthood.

Dating in the 20th Century... No, wait, this is the 21st Century. Let's just say dating that way; this is relevant to yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Now, as I was saying, dating, many of us have been there, done that, and will likely do it again. It is a necessary activity that one must do if they are heading in the direction of marriage. Those whose culture practices arranged marriage are excluded. 

Yet when you're dating, are you honest with yourself? Do you accept constructive feedback when it comes to dating? Or do you run to the same individuals who constantly sing your praises? Do you have a community of trusted advisors, or are you left to your own devices? 

Don't give up hope. We continue our dating series to talk about dating truths. We discuss the impact of Kevin Samuels and discuss what truth is and what is fiction. Who do you and should you go to hear the truth about you in a relationship? We answer that question and more. We also talk about the verdict between Johnny and Amber and its impact on domestic abuse in relationships.

Statistics say that over 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Yet life doesn't stop at divorce. Over time, a person may desire to get back into the dating scene. But is that too soon? Has enough time passed that the heart has had a chance to heal? For men, how do we process life after divorce? How do we approach dating after such an experience?

In this episode, we quickly dive into life after divorce. This is transparency at its finest. Hear from men who've experienced divorce and what goes through their minds when broaching the topic of dating. 

Recently the world witnessed a shocking event. At the Oscars, the world watched a comedian make a joke and the resulting action.  Initially, the world reacted two ways. Some said Chris deserved to get slapped, and others said Will was wrong. This goes deeper than right or wrong. We witnessed two Black men, or brothers,  experiencing a traumatic event in different ways. 

Initially, we did not want to talk about this. However, this is what the Iron Table was designed for. We are here to talk about issues that are more than what the surface shows. If we did not provide our take, we would be doing our listeners a disservice. 

There are plenty of games in life. We all have our favorites, card games, board games, and video games. They all have rules and instructions that come in the box. Yet the game of life seems to have so many restrictions and modifications. Yet how can you win when the directions are not in the box? Here we talk about the loan game. We try to level the playing field and give tips on playing the game of life; to win!

Culture it's a multilayered word. For some, it could mean their ethnicity. For others, their identity. Our cultural upbringing shapes us all. Whether it is stories and activities passed down or observing individuals who look similar to us, we all are influenced by our culture. Through triumphs and struggles, we have achieved great things. However, one has to wonder, if the playing field was level, would we be as unique, creative, and innovative as we are now?  This episode talks about Black culture and how it has shaped us. 
 
 We have this question for you... If you could go back in time and re-write history, where you are a member of the then-dominant race, would you give up your current culture for a life of privilege and entitlement?

The Iron Table is on the road! We set up shop inside the MECCA of Black men communication - The Barbershop. The barbershop where men talk about all things life. It could be relationships, child raising\rearing, work habits, culture, and current events. This episode starts a new series where the Iron Table will go into the Barbershop to chop it up with people within the community. We wanted to allow the community to share their gripes and, more importantly, share what they feel the community; NO WHAT WE, need. We are in this together.  These issues aren't only a less fortunate person's issues, but they affect those doing okay and well-off. We ALL are a part of one community or another. The only difference between you and me is... opportunity.