I'm HATIN': Summer Madness

Now that the summer is in full swing (almost over, as a matter of fact), there are a few happenings and running trends that should be stopped immediately, if not sooner, for the sake of all that is holy and non-stupid.

Fall into the HATIN’

Flash Mobs
Philadelphia this means you.

Leave it to the “City of Brotherly Love” to take something jovial and lighthearted and turn it into something violent and ridiculous. You’ve seen the stories… citizens being threatened, physically accosted and robbed at the hands of young boys and girls, who collectively plan, through use of social media outlets, attacks on City residents.

Where did we go so terribly wrong?

Historically, “Flash Mobs”are typically a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, and perform an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment and/or satire (Wikipedia). When did it get violent?

I’ve actually seen a Flash Mob in action, first hand, and it is a bit terrifying. Hundreds of kids (aged 12-20 approximately) screaming, fighting each other in the streets or even running into people, like some sort of riot.

This must end. Flash Mobers, please find something constructive to do. Thanks!

Planking
This is just stupid. I’m almost tempted not to HATE on it because planking, if done correctly, is actually kinda funny. But the mere fact that people are dying as a result of this ridiculous act, leaves us just cause for HATIN’

As defined by Wikipedia, planking is an activity consisting of lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location. The hands must touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the Internet is an integral part of the game. “Plankers” compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play. The location should also be as public as possible, and as many people as possible should be involved.

Below, I’ve pictured some of my favorite planking shots.

Again, this seems like harmless fun but when people begin being hit by cars for planking across a three-lane highway or falling to their death as a result of planking on a balcony or fire escape, we must speak up.

SMH HATIN’

Livin’ the Lyrics
OK, so this may not be a new phenomenon, but it is seemingly making its way back to popularity so let’s attempt to “nip it in the bud” before this goes too far.

Now, I hear you asking, “What are ‘Livin’ The Lyrics’?” Good question.

“Livin’ The Lyrics” is when an individual incorporates language found in popular songs of the day into general conversation.

For example,

Gentleman 1: So, after you told your boss that you weren’t coming in, what did he say?
Gentleman 2: Oh, he flipped like he was “ON ONE*.” But he knows what time it is. I run this!

Or

Lady 1: So, how was your date last night?
Lady 2: Girl, he was straight trippin’. Acting like I’m not his Motivation*… But I made sure to let him know who Run The World*

*Songs referenced: I’m On One by DJ Khaled, Featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil’ Wayne; Motivation by Kelly Rowland and Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce.

Yea, it’s just that bad.

HATIN’ Since 1984