Baltimore – From the desk of Adam Thomas

Baltimore

This post may confuse me, I don’t know what to write here, and all of it has to do with the riots in Baltimore. I have narrowed it down to three things, and hopefully they won’t ramble on too much.

Context: There are many people commenting on Baltimore without any context on how that place is, or how it works. It makes me think of The Wire. Most people loved it, but they only did so because of the dialogue, the drug scenes, or the excitement. They missed the city in general, and looked right past the corruption and decay that lives and breathes through it. Looking through my Facebook, and then doing some independent research with people on the ground, some social science, and picking up some other trusted sources, I found out just how much twist is going on with some of the pictures, stories, and narrative surrounding the city and its current state.

Media: The laziness of the mainstream media disappoints me. The outright propaganda of the “blog” media angers me. The people who are ready to draw battle lines so quickly scare me. There are some outlets who are on the ground and are actually interested in finding out the story (See Vice) but there are also outlets that are no more than scare machines (see The Blaze, Brietbart). There were talks of “Race War” and “Gang Insurrection” right out of The Warriors. No followup done, just repeated in the news as fact, and just created more fear.

Hatred: People don’t see the big picture. I don’t even know what that picture is. It could be a better police system, tighter controls, or community activism. What isn’t the big picture, is hate. The language being used and the people who are behind it display such vitriol. It doesn’t create a conversation, it just makes people dig in. When you are vengeful, you don’t look at the other side, and if you don’t look – you can’t possibly listen. As I said, I don’t know exactly what has to happen, but nothing can if we don’t have dialogue.

Charm City Comedy Festival

I would like to thank the Charm City Comedy Festival for having me.

I learned a few things about myself during this conference.

1) Be More Open And Smile – I have been closed off for most of my life – I know, odd for a comedian / entrepreneur – (pause for laughter…) but I have been working on connecting with people and being open.

This started earlier this year, but really has been moving in earnest since the 99U conference last week.

Shaking hands and engaging with people build relationships.

2) Don’t Be Afraid Of the Ask – Once you demonstrate your talent – and people like you, don’t be afraid to ask to connect. I’ve assumed most of my life that it was rude – and that no one cared what I have to say, but for the most part – people who like you will make themselves available.

Engage.

3) I Am Getting Better – I am getting better as a comedian , even though it feels like I am going in circles. My availability as a performer on stage, my eye movement, my openness, these tools are starting to make sense.

New York can be difficult for a performer – you end up finding yourself around tough audiences that wear you down, but once you leave, and you apply those tricks you learned in the city, you become a very viable comedian.