Honest, Vulnerable, and Weary
Empowerment is not always what you're told it is
You see that person (man or woman) over there looking confident, feeling loved, radiating! They will call that person "empowered" and they will call that person a "winner". That person has it all and has it all going on. The perfect example of success. That person has a perfect body. That person has a perfect job. That person has a perfect spouse. That person has a perfect kid. That person has a perfect house. That person has a perfect car. That person has perfect clothes. That person always says the perfect words. Yes, that person is "empowered" --- Unstoppable, Unbeatable, Invincible! You know that person, don't you? You see them every day. You see them on tv, and you see them across the street, and you see them at the grocery store picking the perfect fruit in the produce section. Perfectly Empowered! Are you that person? Congratulations. I'm not. I'm the one they don't talk about, ever. I'm imperfect and limited. How do I know? Because I am totally at peace with my honest, vulnerable, and weary perception of myself and others for that mattter.
Snow. Smoke. Mirrors. Deception. What do those words make you think of? Illusions maybe? Are you an actor or an actress? Aren't we all? Do we write these articles for love, money, or to truly communicate a message that we believe the world needs to know? Have you experienced disillusionment yet? I have. Don't worry it's not permanent. Nothing is. Everything is temporary, even "empowerment".
Embracing the truth of "temporary" is what I'm holding on to for dear life at this time. It's been almost two weeks of excrutiating pain on my back, in my legs, on my neck, and in my hands. Why am I not writing a novel? Why am I not pumping out 3 or 4 articles and 10 poems and a chapter every day? Is it because I can't see the paycheck down the road? Is it because I don't get enough praise or feedback? No. It's simply because I'm not "empowered" - I'm just honest, vulnerable, and weary. While "that person" (the empowered one) is doing everything "perfect" and telling others how awesome life is and how awesome being "that person" is, I'm struggling just to get out of bed. I'm doing everything I can not to scream again in pain because I've already lost my voice. I'm holding back the tears. I'm telling myself over and over again that there is nothing that the emergency room can do for my invisible pain. And I'm embracing the word "temporary" because I know that my pain will not last forever. It's temporary. My time in school was temporary. My time working 9 to 5 was temporary. My time as a wife was temporary. My time as a loser was temporary. My time being "empowered" was temporary. It's all temporary.
I could talk about my pain in terms of angels and demons. I like talking that way because it's less vulnerable. It sounds more "empowering" if I say that "God has a plan" instead of "I'm the strongest, bravest person I know and I doubt many people could tolerate this kind of pain, let alone do what I do even while I'm in pain." Sure, go ahead, praise the producers. Those "perfect empowered people" pumping out the best songs, the best books, the best of whatever. But is their productivity coming from a wheelchair? Are they typing at a desk with a bottle of booze or some other drugs to deal with some pain? Or are they just blessed and gifted with natural health? You think they earned their health? How? Because they eat all the perfect food and do all the perfect exercise? I know of someone who does all that and was still diagnosed with cancer. Tell me again, what does it mean to be "empowered"?
It's all temporary. I am being honest, vulnerable, and weary. I am in pain. If I can get out of bed after almost two weeks of agonizing suffering, than I've done just as much as you if not more. You can call me any negative thing you want (lazy, loser, unmotivated, pathetic, whiner) to make you feel better about forgetting that while the "empowered" people are up being winners, so loved and so successful, there are some of us who are suffering and wondering when this temporary pain or temporary life will end so that we don't have to share a fake smile with your "success" anymore.
I was "that person" --- the "empowered" one, the "unstoppable" one. It reminds me of Rudyard Kipling's "If" poem. Don't shine too bright, they'll spit on your shine. Don't do this, don't do that. Do this, do that. Whatever they say so long as they call you "empowered" and "successful" because nobody wants to be an honest, vulnerable, weary loser.
About the Creator
Shanon Angermeyer Norman
Gold, Published Poet at allpoetry.com since 2010. USF Grad, Class 2001.
Currently focusing here in VIVA and Challenges having been ECLECTIC in various communities. Upcoming explorations: ART, BOOK CLUB, FILTHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, and HORROR.
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Horrific Humans
(Dim lighting upon the "congregation" room where there are enough couches and chairs for the whole cast to sit.) Wendy: Good morning everyone. Today's Monday and as usual we will go over the rules of the "Lost and Found" homeless shelter and your responsibilities as a member and resident here. Ethan has made plenty of coffee, so grab a cup and take a seat please.
By Shanon Angermeyer NormanExclusive • about a year ago
Trump Imposes Novel Tariffs Tailored to Hit Foreign Sales of High-End Chips
In a move that has captured international attention, former President Donald Trump’s administration has announced a set of tariffs aimed specifically at high-end semiconductor chips exported from the United States. Unlike traditional tariffs, which broadly target products from a particular country or industry, these new measures are highly selective, focusing on the most advanced chips—those powering everything from AI applications to cutting-edge electronics. A Strategic Strike on Technology Exports High-end semiconductors are the lifeblood of modern technology. They’re the brains behind smartphones, data centers, supercomputers, and increasingly, artificial intelligence systems. By targeting only the most advanced chips, the Trump administration is signaling a strategic approach: slow down the technological advancement of foreign competitors without broadly disrupting the global supply of lower-end electronics. Industry analysts argue that these “novel tariffs” are less about generating revenue and more about economic leverage. The United States has long held a dominant position in semiconductor design and fabrication. By selectively imposing tariffs, it aims to preserve this edge while influencing foreign companies to reconsider their global supply chains. How the Tariffs Work The mechanism of the new tariffs is unusually precise. They are not blanket tariffs on all semiconductor exports but rather on specific classes of chips, particularly those above a certain processing power or designed for AI, autonomous vehicles, and military applications. For example, a mid-range chip used in standard consumer electronics might escape additional duties entirely, while the newest GPUs or AI accelerators could face substantial import fees abroad. This approach reflects an unprecedented level of sophistication in trade policy, combining economic strategy with technological prioritization. Global Market Repercussions The immediate effect of these tariffs is likely to ripple through the semiconductor industry. Countries heavily reliant on U.S. high-end chips—such as China, South Korea, and members of the European Union—may face supply constraints, leading to increased costs for electronics manufacturers. Companies may have to adjust by stockpiling inventory, seeking alternative suppliers, or investing in domestic chip production. China, in particular, has already begun exploring strategies to circumvent U.S. tariffs by boosting its domestic semiconductor capabilities. The country has poured billions into local chip manufacturing, aiming to reduce dependency on American high-end technology. The new tariffs may accelerate these efforts, potentially fueling a longer-term technological competition between the U.S. and China. Domestic Implications While designed to pressure foreign competitors, the tariffs may also have side effects domestically. American companies that rely on foreign markets for revenue—like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD—could see reduced international sales if foreign customers face higher prices. Some experts warn that this could slow U.S. semiconductor growth in the short term, even as the administration tries to strengthen domestic control over technology exports. Furthermore, these tariffs highlight the growing intersection between trade policy and national security. By protecting certain chip technologies, the U.S. aims to prevent sensitive applications—particularly those related to defense and AI—from falling into the hands of competitors. This signals a broader trend: trade policy is no longer just about economics; it’s about geopolitical strategy. Reactions from Industry and Analysts Industry responses have been mixed. Semiconductor companies recognize the strategic importance of protecting high-end technology but are wary of the market disruptions these tariffs could trigger. Some have called for careful implementation to avoid unintentionally stifling innovation or complicating international partnerships. Economists, meanwhile, are debating the long-term impact. Some argue that targeting high-end chips specifically is a clever approach that minimizes harm to consumers while maximizing leverage over foreign competitors. Others warn that it could encourage countries to accelerate their own technological independence, potentially eroding U.S. dominance in the semiconductor sector over time. Lessons from History This is not the first time that trade policy has intersected with technology. In the past, U.S. administrations have restricted exports of certain military-grade technologies or components. However, these new tariffs stand out for their precision and scale. By focusing on commercially critical chips, the Trump administration is creating a new template for trade interventions in a high-tech era. Historically, such policies have had mixed results. In some cases, export restrictions successfully slowed technological progress abroad; in others, they accelerated domestic innovation in the targeted countries. How this round of tariffs will play out remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the semiconductor market will not be the same. Strategic Implications for the Future The imposition of targeted chip tariffs reflects a broader recognition that technology and trade are inseparable in the 21st century. As AI, quantum computing, and other advanced technologies become increasingly critical to economic and military power, nations are treating semiconductors as strategic assets rather than mere commodities. For U.S. policymakers, this move is as much about maintaining technological leadership as it is about trade balance. For global competitors, it is a signal to innovate rapidly and reduce reliance on foreign high-end components. For companies and consumers, it underscores the fragility and complexity of modern supply chains, where a single policy change can reverberate across industries and continents. What to Watch Next Analysts will be watching closely to see how countries respond, whether alternative suppliers can fill gaps, and how American companies adapt to potential international pushback. Investors, tech firms, and governments alike will need to consider both the short-term disruptions and the long-term strategic shifts that these tariffs may trigger. Ultimately, Trump’s novel tariffs on high-end chips represent a new frontier in trade policy—where economic strategy, technological dominance, and national security intersect in unprecedented ways. Whether this approach strengthens U.S. influence in the semiconductor arena or inadvertently spurs competitors to catch up faster will shape the global tech landscape for years to come.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 14 hours ago in Humans
Comments (2)
Dear Shannon - I read what you wrote to my on my goofy story "To be Loved" and I wanted to respond here. You are a fabulous and talented writer. Coincidence: I want to share something with you that, btw; The kind Nurse Shirley (below) knows about me. I'm in an assisted living center due to a car crash and can't walk. I'm having p/t twice a day to help with my recovery. I fell down on Xmas eve and layed on the floor for over an hour before someone could help me; very scary. Please know how precious life is; I have hope and there is certainly good things coming your way; make them happen Shannon..! I care, j.in.l.a.
So much truth here and very well written...Happy New Year, Shanon.