Sex workers in Belgium are now entitled to health insurance, pensions, sick days, maternity leave, safety protections and formal employment contracts under a new law.

This is the first law of its kind in the world.

owobokiri:
Putin should let them know who's in charge

chipet67:

You're simply a fo ol

tundegan:
Netanyahu should be shaking in his boots.

The world is finally waking up to the genocide and war crimes Israel has been committing for decades.

Due to ICC ARREST WARRANT, Israel Prime Minister, Netanyahu can’t travel to the following 124 countries:

Europe:

1.Andorra 🇦🇩
2.Albania 🇦🇱
3.Armenia 🇦🇲
4.Austria 🇦🇹
5.Belgium 🇧🇪
6.Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
7.Bulgaria 🇧🇬
8.Croatia 🇭🇷
9.Cyprus 🇨🇾
10.Czech Republic 🇨🇿
11.Denmark 🇩🇰
12.Estonia 🇪🇪
13.Finland 🇫🇮
14.France 🇫🇷
15.Georgia 🇬🇪
16.Germany 🇩🇪
17.Greece 🇬🇷
18.Hungary 🇭🇺
19.Iceland 🇮🇸
20.Ireland 🇮🇪
21.Italy 🇮🇹
22.Latvia 🇱🇻
23.Liechtenstein 🇱🇮
24.Lithuania 🇱🇹
25.Luxembourg 🇱🇺
26.Malta 🇲🇹
27.Montenegro 🇲🇪
28.Netherlands 🇳🇱
29.North Macedonia 🇲🇰
30.Norway 🇳🇴
31.Poland 🇵🇱
32.Portugal 🇵🇹
33.Republic of Moldova 🇲🇩
34.Romania 🇷🇴
35.San Marino 🇸🇲
36.Serbia 🇷🇸
37.Slovakia 🇸🇰
38.Slovenia 🇸🇮
39.Spain 🇪🇸
40.Sweden 🇸🇪
41.Switzerland 🇨🇭
42.United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Africa

43.Algeria 🇩🇿
44.Benin 🇧🇯
45.Botswana 🇧🇼
46.Burkina Faso 🇧🇫
47.Burundi 🇧🇮
48.Cabo Verde 🇨🇻
49.Central African Republic 🇨🇫
50.Chad 🇹🇩
51.Comoros 🇰🇲
52.Congo (Republic of the) 🇨🇬
53.Congo (Democratic Republic of the) 🇨🇩
54.Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
55.Djibouti 🇩🇯
56.Gabon 🇬🇦
57.Gambia 🇬🇲
58.Ghana 🇬🇭
59.Guinea 🇬🇳
60.Kenya 🇰🇪
61.Lesotho 🇱🇸
62.Liberia 🇱🇷
63.Madagascar 🇲🇬
64.Malawi 🇲🇼
65.Mali 🇲🇱
66.Mauritius 🇲🇺
67.Namibia 🇳🇦
68.Niger 🇳🇪
69.Nigeria 🇳🇬
70.Rwanda 🇷🇼
71.Senegal 🇸🇳
72.Seychelles 🇸🇨
73.Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
74.South Africa 🇿🇦
75.Uganda 🇺🇬
76.Zambia 🇿🇲

Asia-Pacific

77.Afghanistan 🇦🇫
78.Australia 🇦🇺
79.Bangladesh 🇧🇩
80.Cambodia 🇰🇭
81.Cook Islands 🇨🇰
82.Fiji 🇫🇯
83.Japan 🇯🇵
84.Kiribati 🇰🇮
85.Maldives 🇲🇻
86.Marshall Islands 🇲🇭
87.Mongolia 🇲🇳
88.Nauru 🇳🇷
89.New Zealand 🇳🇿
90.Palau 🇵🇼
91.Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
92.Philippines 🇵🇭
93.Samoa 🇼🇸
94.South Korea 🇰🇷
95.Tajikistan 🇹🇯
96.Timor-Leste 🇹🇱
97.Vanuatu 🇻🇺

Latin America and the Caribbean:

98.Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬
99.Argentina 🇦🇷
100.Barbados 🇧🇧
101.Belize 🇧🇿
102.Bolivia 🇧🇴
103.Brazil 🇧🇷
104.Chile 🇨🇱
105.Colombia 🇨🇴
106.Costa Rica 🇨🇷
107.Dominica 🇩🇲
108.Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
109.Ecuador 🇪🇨
110.El Salvador 🇸🇻
111.Grenada 🇬🇩
112.Guatemala 🇬🇹
113.Guyana 🇬🇾
114.Honduras 🇭🇳
115.Mexico 🇲🇽
116.Panama 🇵🇦
117.Paraguay 🇵🇾
118.Peru 🇵🇪
119.Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
120.Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
121.Saint Vincent Grenadines 🇻🇨
122.Suriname 🇸🇷
123.Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
124.Uruguay 🇺🇾

Kemetian:
Very true and correct.

But don't expect much agreement on this forum that is filled with people suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.

Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages or individuals in abusive or controlling relationships develop positive feelings, sympathy, or emotional bonds with their captors or abusers. Despite the threatening or harmful situation, victims may come to see their captors as protectors or feel gratitude for small acts of kindness, even when coerced.

Origin of the Term

The term was coined after a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. During the robbery, hostages were held for six days and, surprisingly, began to defend their captors. When the ordeal ended, the hostages resisted cooperating with law enforcement and even raised money for their captors' legal defense.

Characteristics of Stockholm Syndrome

Positive Feelings Toward the Captor: The victim may feel trust, affection, or even romantic attraction to their abuser or captor.

Negative Feelings Toward Authorities or Outsiders: Victims may distrust or feel hostility toward those trying to rescue or help them.

(Such as the OP)

Sense of Dependence: The victim relies on the captor for basic needs like food or safety, reinforcing the bond.

Perceived Humanity in the Captor: Small acts of perceived kindness (e.g., providing food or refraining from violence) may seem significant,

fostering a connection.
Situations Where It Can Arise
Hostage situations
Abusive relationships (domestic, workplace, or cults)
Kidnappings or human trafficking
Prisoner-of-war scenarios
Psychological Explanation

Stockholm Syndrome is thought to be a coping mechanism where victims unconsciously align with their captors as a survival strategy. By identifying with the captor, they may believe they are reducing the threat to themselves. Over time, this alignment can deepen into a genuine emotional bond.

While Stockholm Syndrome isn't a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it is recognized as a potential trauma response and is often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


.............

HOW IT APPLIES TO MODERN-DAY AFRICANS:

The phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome can be metaphorically applied to explain the positive feelings that some people or societies develop toward those who colonized or enslaved them. In this context, it describes how a population might come to idealize, sympathize with, or even defend their historical oppressors, despite the harm inflicted during colonization or enslavement.

Colonial and Enslavement Context

Colonialism and enslavement often involved extreme violence, suppression, and exploitation. Yet, in the aftermath, colonized or enslaved peoples sometimes adopted the cultures, languages, religions, or political ideologies of their oppressors. In some cases, these attitudes persist into the present day as admiration or loyalty toward former colonial powers.

Key Parallels to Stockholm Syndrome

Survival Strategy Turned Long-Term Bond: During colonization or slavery, adopting the colonizer's language, religion, or customs might have been a survival tactic. Over generations, this can evolve into genuine identification with or admiration for the oppressors.

Example: The adoption of European languages as "official languages" in many African countries.

Quote: Frantz Fanon in Black Skin, White Masks argues that colonized individuals internalized a sense of inferiority, striving to "become like" the colonizer.

Reframing Oppression as Benevolence: Small concessions or gestures by colonizers (e.g., building infrastructure, introducing certain technologies) are sometimes framed as acts of kindness or progress, overshadowing the broader exploitation and harm.

Example: Praise for colonial education systems, despite their role in entrenching colonial ideologies.

Scholar Chinweizu explains in The West and the Rest of Us: "Colonialism’s gift of Western education was a Trojan horse, a tool of pacification that glorified the colonizer."

Distrust of Resistors or Outsiders: Just as hostages may develop hostility toward rescuers, post-colonial societies sometimes resist decolonial movements, viewing them as a threat to perceived stability or progress.

Example: In some nations, independence movements were initially met with resistance by segments of the population who feared losing colonial privileges or stability.

Dependence on Former Oppressors: Economic and political dependency on former colonizers can reinforce positive feelings, as these powers are viewed as essential for aid, trade, or governance.

Example: The Francophone CFA currency system, where some African nations remain tied to French monetary policies decades after independence.

Psycho-Social Impacts

This dynamic can also be viewed through the lens of trauma and identity reconstruction. The cultural erasure and psychological manipulation that accompanied colonialism often left communities disconnected from pre-colonial systems of governance, religion, and identity. Without robust post-colonial recovery mechanisms, some societies find it easier to romanticize the colonial past.


Breaking the Cycle

Addressing this phenomenon requires historical education, cultural revival, and efforts to reclaim indigenous systems of knowledge and governance. Scholars like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o advocate for "decolonizing the mind" by embracing native languages and cultural practices.

In conclusion, while Stockholm Syndrome provides a metaphor for understanding the lingering admiration for colonial powers, overcoming this mindset involves both acknowledging the harm of the past and empowering societies to reclaim and celebrate their histories.

Source: ChatGPT (AI)

The world as we know it is underpinned by a rigid global order dominated by the ideologies and policies of Western Neoconservatives. For decades, Africa has been ensnared by this system, one that thrives on exploitation and control. From structural adjustment programs to resource plundering under the guise of aid, the so-called "developed" world has systematically ensured Africa remains dependent and weak.

The idea of a World War 3 may sound horrific, even absurd. But consider it not just as a literal event but as a profound disruption—a tearing down of the current world order. Such upheaval, while fraught with risk, could be the necessary spark that finally loosens the grip of imperialist forces on Africa. Through chaos often comes opportunity, and in this case, the opportunity could be Africa’s liberation and ascendancy in a restructured world.

⚫The Long Shadow of Neocon Hegemony

To understand why Africa needs a fundamental shift in the world order, we must first acknowledge how deeply entrenched Neoconservatives are in the continent’s affairs. These forces, operating through Western powers, have consistently exploited African nations. Post-independence Africa was supposed to be a story of growth and self-determination. Instead, it became a new playground for imperialism disguised in modern forms.

Take the structural adjustment programs of the 1980s and 1990s. Spearheaded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, these policies crippled African economies. Countries were forced to privatize essential services, cut subsidies, and open their markets to foreign domination, often leaving the poorest citizens to bear the brunt of the fallout.

The French-speaking parts of Africa, still yoked to the CFA franc—a currency controlled by the French treasury—remain glaring examples of neo-colonialism. Then there’s Libya, where NATO’s intervention in 2011 turned a relatively stable nation into a war-torn state, destabilizing much of North Africa in the process. These aren’t isolated incidents but part of a broader system that prioritizes Western interests at Africa’s expense.

⚫The Case for Disruption

History has shown that major wars often lead to seismic shifts in global power dynamics. World War 1 gave birth to the League of Nations, while World War 2 dismantled colonial empires and established the United Nations. A hypothetical World War 3, as devastating as it may sound, could lead to the fall of Western hegemony and open the door for a multipolar world.

Imagine a world where the United States and its allies no longer dictate global policy. Instead, emerging powers like China, Russia, and the BRICS bloc could provide alternatives to the exploitative structures Africa has endured for decades. In such a world, African nations would have greater agency to negotiate fairer trade deals, protect their resources, and assert sovereignty without the looming threat of Western intervention.

It’s not just about replacing one master with another. It’s about creating a fractured global power structure where no single entity can dominate. A weakened West, combined with the rise of other global players, could give Africa the breathing room it needs to chart its own course.

⚫Economic Independence on the Horizon

A major global conflict would likely disrupt international trade and resource distribution. For Africa, this presents a paradoxical advantage. Many African nations are rich in raw materials but suffer from exploitative trade agreements that strip them of their wealth.

In a post-war scenario, Africa could leverage its vast natural resources to gain a stronger foothold in the global economy. Without the heavy hand of Neocon policies dictating terms, nations like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa could negotiate from positions of strength. They could finally industrialize on their own terms, prioritizing local needs over foreign demands.

Moreover, the global financial systems that currently trap Africa in cycles of debt—such as the IMF and World Bank—would likely weaken. This could be a chance for Africa to reimagine its economic future, one based on sustainability, regional trade, and self-sufficiency.

⚫Political Reawakening and Pan-African Unity

Wars often catalyze political movements. World War 3, despite its potential horrors, could ignite a Pan-African reawakening. With external powers weakened, African leaders would have little choice but to look inward, fostering regional cooperation and unity.

The dream of Pan-Africanism—championed by visionaries like Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere—has long been stifled by external interference. A major global conflict could force African nations to finally take ownership of their destiny. Borders drawn by colonial powers might give way to a more unified approach to governance, security, and economic development.

In this new reality, Africa could emerge not as a passive player but as an active shaper of global policies. A unified African voice at the United Nations or other international bodies would carry far more weight, ensuring the continent’s interests are no longer sidelined.

⚫The Risks and Ethical Quandaries

Of course, this vision is not without its dangers. Africa has often been the battleground for proxy wars, with devastating consequences. A World War 3 could once again make the continent a pawn in larger geopolitical games, with ordinary Africans bearing the brunt of the destruction.

There’s also the ethical question: Is it right to advocate for something as catastrophic as a world war, even if the end goal is liberation? War is inherently destructive, and the collateral damage could be unimaginable. Entire generations could be lost, and the scars of such conflict might take centuries to heal.

However, history also teaches us that sometimes, profound change requires profound sacrifice. The challenge lies in ensuring that Africa is prepared to navigate the chaos and emerge stronger on the other side.

⚫Africa’s Strategic Preparation

If a global realignment is inevitable, Africa must be ready. This means investing in infrastructure, education, and technology to build resilience. It means fostering strong leadership that can think beyond short-term gains and focus on long-term sovereignty.

Regional bodies like the African Union must step up, not as mere talk shops but as genuine platforms for unity and action. Collaboration with emerging global powers should be strategic, ensuring that Africa doesn’t simply replace one set of exploiters with another.

Above all, Africa must prioritize its people. Empowered citizens—educated, informed, and engaged—are the foundation of any lasting liberation.

⚫Conclusion

The idea of a World War 3 reshaping the global order is both provocative and unsettling. Yet, in the current context, where Neocon hegemony continues to strangle Africa’s potential, such a disruption might be the only way to break free.

Through chaos comes opportunity. If Africa can position itself strategically, it could emerge not as a victim of war but as a victor in the new world order. This requires bold vision, unity, and an unshakable commitment to self-determination.

The road to liberation has never been easy, but history is filled with examples of those who rose from ashes to greatness. Africa’s moment could be on the horizon—it just needs the courage to seize it.

https://uptownerd./2024/11/20/africa-needs-world-war-3-to-break-free-from-western-hegemony/

WW3 looms as Biden authorize Ukraine to hit Russia with US weapons

In a decision that could reshape the dynamics of global conflict, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against Russian targets. This seismic shift follows a devastating Russian assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on November 17, involving 120 missiles and 90 drones. The UK and France have also greenlit Ukraine’s use of SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles to strike within Russia. These developments have set the stage for an escalation that could spiral into a full-scale war engulfing Europe and beyond.

The decision comes after months of lobbying by Ukrainian officials, who argue that their ability to strike Russian military facilities—airfields, command posts, and logistics hubs—inside Russian territory is essential for their survival. Ukraine has even submitted a target list, reportedly including key Russian cities and military assets. While Kyiv views this as a long-overdue move to level the playing field, the potential consequences are far-reaching and dangerous.

The Escalation Equation

Hitting targets within Russia crosses a line, even in the brutal calculus of war. Until now, Ukraine's Western backers have carefully walked the tightrope, limiting their support to defensive measures to avoid direct confrontation with Moscow. Allowing strikes deep into Russian territory flips that script entirely.

Russia has consistently framed the war as a struggle against NATO’s expansion. With Western long-range weapons now explicitly targeting Russian soil, the Kremlin's narrative gains more weight among its domestic audience. This could prompt a fierce retaliation, potentially targeting NATO member states or escalating cyber warfare against Western powers.

In simple terms, this move dramatically raises the stakes. What might seem like a tactical advantage for Ukraine risks becoming a strategic nightmare for the world.

World War 3: No Longer a Distant Thought?

As tensions mount, the specter of World War 3 looms uncomfortably close. History shows us how small escalations can trigger uncontrollable consequences. World War 1 started with an assassination; the Cuban Missile Crisis nearly ignited a global nuclear war over a few missile sites.

Allowing Ukraine to strike Moscow or key Russian cities like Voronezh, Rostov, or even Crimea could provoke a response far beyond its borders. Russia has already demonstrated a willingness to escalate. Just weeks ago, it withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal and ramped up missile attacks, signaling its intent to escalate if backed into a corner.

Meanwhile, voices like Scott Ritter—a former U.S. intelligence officer—have warned of catastrophic consequences. “Shut it all down,” he implores Americans, arguing that Biden’s decision risks pushing the world into a conflict so vast that it may leave no America for Trump—or anyone else—to save come January.

This isn't just about Ukraine anymore. NATO is already on high alert. France, the UK, and the U.S. are edging closer to direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia. And if China or other powers were to align themselves with Moscow, the conflict could expand into a global war.

Where Do We Go From Here?

For Ukraine, the approval to strike inside Russia feels like a breakthrough. Ukrainian leaders argue that counterattacking deep into Russian territory is their best hope for forcing Moscow to the negotiating table. After all, if Russia feels the war on its own soil, the domestic pressure on Vladimir Putin could become unbearable.

But this optimism must be weighed against the cold, hard reality of war. Military experts warn that Moscow will not take these strikes lightly. Russia could retaliate with overwhelming force, targeting not just Ukraine but perhaps NATO assets as well. And then what? Does NATO respond? Does it escalate further? Where does it end?

The Fragility of Peace

In moments like these, the world teeters on a knife’s edge. What happens next will depend on whether cooler heads prevail. Diplomatic channels, backdoor negotiations, and international pressure must work overtime to prevent this from spiraling out of control.

However, the reality remains: Biden’s decision has set a dangerous precedent. By crossing into Russian territory, even indirectly, the West risks entering uncharted waters where every action has unpredictable consequences.

World War 3 isn’t inevitable, but it’s closer than it has been in decades. The hope is that humanity’s collective memory of past wars will be enough to pull us back from the brink. The fear, however, is that we’ve forgotten just how easily the dominoes can fall.

otipoju:


Stop looking at the world with simplistic mindset and childish naivette.


If you have what they need and refuse to hand it over nicely...they will bring in their guns and take it by force, if you resist, they will kill you to the last man.

How do you think the country itself came to be.

You forgot that Native American Indians were the owners of the place before Columbus set foot there about 500 years ago?

otipoju:


Under Trump, there was deliberate denial of applications from Africa at rates that had never been seen...thanks to the policies that Stephen Miller had crafted.

otipoju:


They will just keep accepting applications because of the fees and keep denying.

One of my mentees got a full scholarship for a masters in information technology during Trump era.

Dem deny the boy.

aieromon:


Did you pay attention to the percentage distribution of votes by race? 100% black votes wouldn't have made any significant impact.

A lot of black voters sat on the fence and didn't come out on election day.

kingbee90:
This statistics is very wrong. It is a mischievous attempt to pitch Black men against Donald Trump.
About 85 percent of Black men disregarded Barack Obama's call for Kamala's votes prior to the election and voted massively for Donald Trump and he knows that.

hotwax:
I hope trump doesn’t see this.

Blacks will isolated again and it’s not his fault.

Everyone embraced trump, but black are always backward.

SocialJustice:
😂😂😂

SocialJustice:
Are you mad? Fool.

Donald Trump's margin to win the Election has surged to a commanding 24.5% via Polymarket.

Drop a ❤️ if you are voting for Trump today, I will follow you back!

The Rise of Prompt Engineering: How AI's Latest Craft is Reshaping Creative and Computational Boundaries

The altercation unfolded on X after a video of Cardi B at an event sparked commentary from a user, claiming the rapper had momentarily struggled to speak when a teleprompter malfunctioned.

The video shared by @akafacehots showed a moment where Cardi B paused mid-speech as her teleprompter faltered. She appeared to wait for assistance until someone handed her a phone to continue her address, leading to online reactions about her authenticity and preparedness. Elon Musk weighed in, saying, “Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words. The Kamala campaign has no authenticity or true empathy.”

5 Conspiracy Theories About The Illuminati

The lores around the Bavarian Order has been around for decades. Till date, deciphering real facts from media concoctions about the group is a difficult task. But, the one thing we can all agree on is the fact that the name 'Illuminati' arouses curiosity wherever or whenever it is mentioned.