Wow, what a lesson in stepping out and creating! I had this idea come to me in 2002 to write a book that would talk about archetypes and the mythic significance of everyday power interactions in our modern world. I wanted to expose what really goes on in the worlds of power; from politics and economics to even science and the process of who defines “reality.” To accomplish this I would use street language terms to explain complex interactions. That book, entitled, “Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up – Peeping the Multi-Leveled Global Game,” would become the basis for a pilot film that would in turn get me the deal to co-write, produce and direct my first full length, docudrama feature, “GhettoPhysics: Redefining the Game.” Topping it off for a first time experience, my counterpart would be William Arntz, the co-writer, producer, director from the ground-breaking “What the Bleep Do We Know?” film team. Not bad for a first swing.
The making of this movie was both an adventure and an initiation. I interviewed Cornel West, Krs-One, Cynthia McKinney, Norman Lear, Too Short, Byron Katie and others. Being with such personalities leaves a life-long impact on you. Cornel was almost “otherworldly” to engage in such a timeless philosophical discussion, but with such crucial current significance. I was caught by surprise when he called me up after first seeing it, raving about how much he was blown away by all that it dealt with and how it was put together. Krs-One made me feel like I was literally sitting with the modern day Socrates. I was amazed at the insights that were coming to him as he explored the connections with the whole span of civilization.
Cynthia McKinney is whom I refer to as “the modern day Harriet Tubman.” It’s no accident that she was selected as the 2008 green party candidate. She graced us with her presence and insight.
Then there is this cat named Ishmael Tetteh who just blows everybody away. He is a teacher for mankind in the mold of a Mandela or King; a true voice for the whole of humanity and the planet. It’s only a matter of time.
Too Short and Ice T are both legends in hip hop and the streets, and we were fortunate to somehow get their participation and wisdom. They make it land for everyone, including the young generation that is so in need of real messages that are accessible in a way they can grasp right away.
Byron Katie and Hank Wesselman brought the realms of anthropology, spirituality and transformation into lucid relevance. It was all necessary to complete the vision. Of course, Norman Lear has become synonymous with sound wisdom along with creative vision, besides creating a whole era of television.
So many great experiences, yet we had to press on continuously working and reworking ideas, sequences and strategies. Though very arduous at points, the highlights were so awesome, it was sometimes surreal. This was and is especially the case at times when I glimpse the broad possibility of this project getting out to the population in various ways that technology makes possible these days. Will and I talked about the possibility of it getting to various countries where people would take the ideas and weave them into their own process of awakening and re-shaping a rapidly shifting world.
The whole classroom has turned out to be quite a signature device. People ask me all the time, “are you a real teacher?” It’s a good question. Like, aren’t we all in some ways? But I was acting in the film. Will put me through quite an acting preparation regimen because I had never acted professionally before. I didn’t even know the basics. He was like, “ooookaaay.” (lol). But he painstakingly took me through the steps one on one. We worked a lot in Santa Barbara where he lives and it was a beautiful change from the pounding metropolis of Los Angeles. So, it was actually a wonderful spot to “shed” my way through the acting development process.
The film revolves and evolves from this classroom scene and the students are getting a sort of nitty gritty awakening, as well as orientation to the real world of power. I wish someone had taught me Ghettophysics when I was in college, or even high school for that matter. To see the world for what it really is; is extremely important. There is so much beauty and tragedy out here. Life can truly be extraordinary if you acquire the right tools, models, and are aligned with empowering influences in the groups you participate in.
But too often, it’s not the case. Instead you find yourself in the midst of quite a challenging path, attempting to somehow position yourself where you can develop and have some worthwhile stake in the world, some kind of reward and access. But the game is happening on so many levels, and there are so many limiting belief systems that our cultures dwell in. These belief systems, worldviews and paradigms have served human culture in one way or another – or perhaps in many ways at various points of our evolution; but the reality of it all is that such viewing systems may no longer serve us to the same extent. Now we have shifted and expanded our possibilities as humans – and its not about limitation, its about the possibility of becoming our total selves; integrating all of our parts, designing & becoming new worldviews and a new dream for the planet.
In a way, these are the biggest pimps that we must be present to; the limiting beliefs and worldviews that live within us, implanted somewhere along the way, by some individual or some culture. But we’ve got to get our game on and move forward. That’s where all this Ghettophysics is coming from; from the internal, soul movement pushing forth to emerge from the ghettoized psychic conditioning of the past that’s still present in our make-up and daily interaction.
I frequently point out that as the game complexifies, it intensifies. And this is why you see such a project, a vision, a campaign, a conversation and a movement coming forth. The revolution is in the evolution baby!
E Ray
