Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Race Rant#2...A Girl Like Me


Over 50 years ago, Kenneth Clark and his wife conducted studies on Black children in the north and south. They placed two dolls, one White and one Black, in front of the children. They then asked several questions such as:

Which doll is prettier?
Which doll would you like to play with?
Which doll is mean?
Which doll is ugly?

You get the point right? Well, not surprisingly, to me, most of the children chose the White doll after positive questions and the Black doll after negative questions. What is surprising, is 50 years later a young girl did the study and got the same results :(.

The only rant is the IDIOTIC comments posted by some of the Youtubers.

Race Rants #1

For my first issue of Race Rants, I have to call out these Georgians! Now, don't get me wrong, I love Atlanta. I would not have moved here if I didn't. But, that doesn't stop me from being surprised by some of the mess Georgians focus on. It's quite racist and ass-backwards down here. I hear so much about Yankees and how they have "ruined" the city. Well, I for one am THANKFUL for the Yankees. Heaven only knows what Atlanta would be without them!

For those who don't know, the modern day KKK was founded in Stone Mountain, GA, which is a suburb of Atlanta. On any given day, you can drive down any ATL highway and see several cars draped in confederate flags. And yes, they are draped! It seems one flag is not enough. To make SURE we get the point, these hillbillies place SEVERAL flags on their cars. They come in the form of bumper stickers, license plates, waving flags, and pictures taped to windows. If you didn't know better, you would think the civil war is happening right now....perhaps "they" have confused the influx of Blacks (into "their" suburbs) with a new fangled civil war?

These folks are downright crazy with hate for others. Recent news reports have shown everything from pointless declarations of an official language, to efforts asking us to “take back Georgia” by doing things such as; making it a crime to rent to illegals and limiting who a HOMEOWNER can have in their home. While I’ll admit to believing in immigration reform and doing “something” about the issue, I prefer a humanistic approach that will benefit all and not hurt the children. In my humble opinion, most of this stuff stems from shear hatred!

Yet, I was STILL in shock over this story. A high school, in Gainesville, GA, had to remove a flag display honoring diversity. Somehow, this school managed to enroll a diverse student body (most Georgia schools are limited.) To honor that, they placed flags, from all over the world, in front of the school. Officials thought it a wonderful way to pay homage to their students’ beginnings and to spark intelligent conversation for the kids. But, some Georgians didn’t agree. A few thought the American flag was too small and should be taller and much bigger than the others. Some thought this a bad idea because, this IS America. The school was forced to bring the display inside. I think they are all racist pigs!

Race Rants

Several news stories have prompted me to start the Race Rants. From time-to-time, I will post absurd news stories that show just how alive and kickin' racism and issues of race are.

I grew up in an almost all-white suburb of DC and am happy that I've had friends of all types. But, there is one issue we never truly see eye-to-eye on. RACISM. As a Black American, I have become so in tuned to racism that I see every bit of it. At times, I'm sure; I go overboard and see non-existent racism. But, once life programs you, it's very hard to turn that off. I'm sure I've written some jerk off as a racist when he was simply a jerk! But, how can you blame me?

When I first learned the American history of my people, I became a victim. This didn't happen knowingly or with any bad intention. Schools, seeking to appease complaints, add in those lessons on slavery and civil rights. Parents, seeking to empower, retell the stories of Martin and Malcolm with pride. But, from a child's eyes, those things do little more than announce "you're different and people don't like it."

Throughout my life, I have heard countless stories that do the same. At times, I've been proud of the brother or sister who had the courage to fight for change. But, in the back of my mind, those stories have affirmed that I am different and racism is still alive. So to those who would argue "get over it", I say "IT is very much alive, so how can I do that?" I also say, “With all due respect, why must I get over it but Jews have the right to make the Holocaust a daily discussion?” Jews are allowed to wear that like a badge of honor and we Americans (most of us) sympathize and admire them. I guess the issue boils down to this...the Holocaust didn't happen here and White Americans can say, "WE helped them". But, they don't have that luxury with slavery and Jim Crow. I’m sure a little guilt seeps in and their only defense becomes “get over it.” If only it were so simple!

Random thoughts for the day....

So here's a few random things I need to get out....

Only in Atlanta:

Multi-colored weaves are NOT cute. In Atlanta, the trend seems to be "find the most colors and blend". But that's NOT the business!

Old women/men, with grills, is NOT the business either! I can't tell you how many 40+ folks I see rocking grills and gold teeth. And why must anyone with a grill/gold teeth insist on cheesing or holding their mouth open. It looks SILLY and oh so ignorant!

I understand that Southerners are content being themselves. I appreciate coming to work and not feeling the need to be someone else or talk like someone I'm not. I LOVE that about the South. But...must we be SO, for lack of a better word, ghetto? The things I see on Marta would blow your mind. In fact, I think I've started a new section. Check me out for more "Only in Atlanta" commentary.

Entertainment:

Eddie Murphy is not gay. I too, believed this and perhaps it is true. But, for now, I think he's just a feminine dude. I have a lot of respect for Tracy Edmunds and she seems sensible. So, unless she's being paid, I've changed my mind.

R. Kelly needs a trial. I've been waiting for years! Now, he's doing songs with Ciara and Bow-wow....leave the kids ALONE Kells.

Tru-life is a funny guy!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Paula, please!

When I decided to start a blog, I had no idea what I would write about. Writing has been part of my life forever. As I venture into freelancing and trying to get my thoughts out "there", I figured a blog is the natural transition...I mean who doesn't have a blog?

However, I never intended to spend too much time on entertainment. I have several websites and blogs that I read (for entertainment news/gossip), so I didn't see the point in adding to that arena. Yet, as an American Idol LOVER, I will definitely discuss my favorite show!

Now that we have that unnecessary disclaimer out of the way...Paula Abdul needs our help ladies and gentlemen. Surely, you have witnessed her "confusion" during a recent interview. Definitely, you know all about her and Corey Clark and her "weird" behavior over the past few years. So why, I ask, is she still obsessing over these little boys?

But, last night, I became Paula! After 1/2 a glass of wine, I found myself drooling over 16 year old Jenry. Lord have mercy on me! Where has this kid been hiding? And, is he Tyson Beckford's love child?! As Paula got glossy eyed (or was she already glossy eyed?) and swayed to his voice, I started to sway with her. For a split second, I was Paula. I envisioned helping his career along with a few late night "teaching" sessions. Thankfully, my marriage is secure enough to allow me to "ooh" and "ahh" over this boy, all while my loving husband sat next to me. Even more thankfully, I am not a molester and I have some morality left in me.

But, if I were a middle-aged, has-been entertainer with a drug/drinking problem, I would need help! Just like my girl Paula!

Extra Idol Notes:

* Porcelena is crazy! Who trains, for a year, just to audition for Idol? The Rocky Balboa moments showing her running through the streets of NY were beyond comical. Even funnier, her far too low-cut jeans and "chiseled" body made me want to throw up when mixed with her obscene dye/perm jobs and weird facial expressions. But the girl wasn't half bad. A rocky Mary J. is definitely something new!

*Nicholas is a quitter and I was a little bothered that he was allowed to return. But, after hearing him sing, he deserves in!

*The girl (can't remember her name) that made it to Hollywood twice REALLY bothered me. I mean, aren't there enough deserving singers in America? Why allow THREE tries?! She needs to hang it up and stop depending on Idol to make it. The girl can sing but she lacks something...maybe it's a normal brain or normal emotional intelligence?! Give it up girl, what's the point in the endless pleadings?!

*Poor Nakia. The girl outsung many of the more attractive auditioners. Yet, she got another no. When she broke into the "I'm tired of hearing no" cry, I cried with her. Nakia, I have one (well really two) words for you....JENNIFER HUDSON! Girl, this is not the end. Keep pushing on!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

He thinks we're fools.

Thank you Mr. President! I truly appreciate you asking us to see your side of things. I like being asked vs. bullied or manipulated into seeing someone's POV. However, I am still not on your side!

Additionally:

* Children are still being left behind. We need to tweak NCLB before extending it. Can we see the stats on how this has actually helped ALL of our children? All I see is frustrated teachers and curriculums that lack any creativity and true life skills.

* Can you please explain how we will balance the budget without raising taxes or cutting social programs? Especially when you need a gazillion more dollars and troops for the war?

* Healthcare. Yes it's a hot topic and you caught my attention. But, based on your plan, I would end up paying taxes on my employer provided insurance. You see, my insurance costs well over 7,500/year. So, it won't work for me. And I'm not rich, so please tell me how this this helping again? It doesn't add up.

*Energy. Yes, you love to mention hot button words. But what, exactly, was your plan? You ask me to cut back on oil by 2012 (or some random year you said. ) But what are you REALLY doing about it?

Thanks Mr. President

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Oh, no they didn't leave out "the" Black movie of the decade ;)

They had me convinced. For over a year, I've heard this was THE movie for us Black folk. Comparisons to The Wiz and the broadway production had us running to theaters on Christmas day. We had our babies in there watching a PG-13 film because we knew it was history in the making. This was OUR movie. This was THE movie. But, alas, ole Oscar voters didn't think so. Dreamgirls received eight nods, which is the highest for any film this year. However, the film was shut out of the most important ones...no best picture or best director nod for Condin. How ludicrous (spoken in my best Mike Tyson voice.) Well, the good news is Forest, Will, Djimon, Eddie and Jennifer were given a shot at ole Oscar. No, Beyonce you will not turn THIS red carpet into your own fashion show. Sorry girl, you did look hot. But, with five of us in the big four, we can't complain and we definitely can't argue that you "out-acted" Meryl or Helen! Remember the big picture Beyonce; this is a historic year and - because of all this history making - one day, you too may have the chance to win an undeserved Oscar...just like Halle. How historic.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/23/oscar.nominations/index.html

Oh, no Mike didn't!

Oh, no Michael Vick didn’t escape another one! I swear; Ron Mexico is the master. I mean who gets away with hiding an STD behind the name Ron Mexico?! And now, he has somehow managed to turn weed found in a hidden compartment into…basil or something that isn’t worthy of a criminal charges. Last week, we heard the odor was “pungent” and it seemed all but definite that ole Ron had done the stupidest thing ever. We all thought “Damn Vick, was it that good?” when we heard the news. Or at least, I did! I mean, what multi-millionaire thinks so highly of his stash that he has to smuggle it in a post-9/11 airport?! The fool could have bought POUNDS of the good stuff in any state. He DEFINITELY could have copped something in Miami…I mean isn’t his brother there?! Or what about Ricky Williams, I know he has some connects!

After the drama unfolded, pundits and soccer moms called for his dismissal. He was determined to be an overpaid and underworked Negro who was a poor example to our children. And you know we can’t have that! Well, it appears Ron has the best legal team in the country because these allegations are all but ghost now. I’m just waiting for Ron to slice up two people and drive down 285 in a White Bronco. But he better watch out, because I’m hearing trade rumors and the Falcon’s response (see below) seems to say they’ve had enough of Mr. Mexico…

From January 22, 2007 Falcons’ press release:

"We are pleased to learn of the outcome of the investigation," Falcons vice president of football communications Reggie Roberts said. "This is another reminder of the high-profile nature of a professional athlete and the close scrutiny players undergo related to their conduct on and off the field. We look forward to putting this matter behind us."

Get the whole story here: http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=90891&provider=top

Monday, January 22, 2007

How Historic

Hilary Clinton. Forest Whitaker. Tony Dungy. Eddie Murphy. Lovie Smith. Jennifer Hudson. Barack Hussein Obama. Nancy Pelosi. What do they have in common? In just three weeks, all have made 2007 a history making kinda year.

We went from wishing Black folk would get nominations to African-American candidates taking home three out of four of the major individual awards. Not to mention Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty - both minority creations - taking home the big TV honors. Dreamgirls, the Black "movie of the decade" (as noted by legit critics), won the globe for best musical or comedy movie. It was raining Black folk on Golden Globe night. Now let's see what the Oscar noms look like...

So far, no Black coach has made it to the Superbowl. We all remember Doug Williams' historic season that landed the first Black QB in the Superbowl. He gave us hope in the 80s and hope never looked so good back then. With AIDS, crack, bad fashion and hair trends, and Reagan, times were tough! But Warren Moon, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick and Dante Culpeper - or any other Black QB - have yet to make it...let alone make it, win, and take home the MVP award. So, we've been aching for the next Black historic moment in football. You know we cling to this stuff like it holds meaning right? And maybe it does. But, it rarely adds up to the growth we expected. Okay, I got sidetracked, but the point is GO Lovie and Tony! We went from no Black coaches, in a Superbowl, to TWO going at each other in 2007. Shoot, Black coaches have a hard enough time landing a job. The league bullies teams into interviewing us. And now we're going head-to-head in the BIG game. How cool is that?! Maybe, just maybe, we can move to a point where these interview quotas aren't needed.

I remember, with great disdain, the moment the 2000 election was stolen…I mean won...by Bush. Oh what a night I had drowning my sorrows as I made plans for the end of days. Well, hopefully, we're actually going to make it to 2008. With Dems in the House and Senate, we just might have a shot. The year jumped off with history making Democratic news. We swore in the first Muslim and took over the House and Senate. But the biggest moment went to Nancy Pelosi our new Speaker of the House. Dressed in her designer duds and flanked with cutesy grandkids, she took the reigns and accomplished all of her 100 hour plans. Now that's mission accomplished!

I look forward to watching politics over the next two years. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. We could be looking at our first female (Hillary Clinton) or Black (Barack) president! How historic.

Oh, no they didn't go and make history!

Oh no Oprah

After reading a superb blog on Oprah, which includes an ONSD moment, I had to give some space to my Oprah commentary. I know this story is not new but it deserves some space! Now, I love me some Oprah. Remember In Living Color's gossip monger with the undying affection for Ms. Jenkins? Well, I feel the same about Oprah. On any normal day, I would say "Nobody betta not eva say nuttin' 'bout Ms. Winfrey," just like she did. But today is different. For a few weeks, I've marinated over Oprah's comments and the hypocrisy has driven me batty.

Eugene Robinson, of the Washington Post, made excellent points in the aforementioned blog (get it
here.) He points to an article, in Ms. Winfrey's mag, where she talks about the South African children she blessed with a big home, caretaker and many "things". Upon visiting them unannounced (the apparent price of her gift), she noticed the children all had cell phones ringing constantly and that they preferred discussing Ipods and sneakers....WAIT. STOP THE PRESSES. Isn't this the same conclusion she drew about American kids. Didn't Ms. Winfrey defend her lavish spending on foreigners by saying WE are the ones out of touch with the importance of education. Didn't she claim our kids are too interested in Ipods and sneakers? Didn’t she imply that our children were not worthy of her billions because they are greedy and selfish bastards? Something is awry Ms. Winfrey. Something is awry.

More hypocrisy:

**Last year, The Oprah show did a week long special on the education crisis. She had Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gates kick it off. They spoke of how far behind our children are (in comparison to other nations) and warned that America’s superpower status was quickly fading. Additionally, she showed us the terrible conditions children in Washington, DC and Chicago have to deal with. She asked; “how can we expect them to succeed when their conditions don’t encourage success?” I cried and applauded Ms. Winfrey for examining this issue. Education has long been a major concern of mine. Seeing as how Black children are the ones hurting the most, I see education as THE most important issue preventing financial growth in our communities. But, Ms. Winfrey felt the need to bash our kids? Didn’t Ms. Winfrey say the majority of the problem lies in no one expecting much of them? And here I was thinking she was our savior.

**“Oprah’s favorite things” is possibly the most watched episode every season. We tune in to see just what Ms. Winfrey is into. As with her book club, we take her word as golden. If Oprah says it’s good, well it’s good. Certainly, a billionaire TV host knows the good stuff right? And that she does. From Ralph Lauren purple label sweaters to Ugg Boots and overpriced beauty products, Ms. Winfrey knows the good stuff….So why the hell can’t our kids want that too? Seeing as how she’s a role model for many, maybe their Ipod and sneaker fascination was slightly influenced by rich folks like you…and Mr. Gates ;)

**Did she really spend $1 million the opening party? Did said party involve flying her celebrity friends to South Africa, on chartered jets, so they could stay in a FIVE star hotel free of charge? Wow, how un-materialistic of you Oprah! I guess you showed those Africans how to keep education at the top of their list.

**Reports say Oprah’s school is costing more than $200,000 per kid. And here and I was thinking the $9,000, spent by my county, was good. Damn Oprah, you showed us!

In all fairness, Ms. Winfrey has a new defense. She says she has given a lot to American schools but kept it a secret. Well, I’m sure, had she done something CLOSE to what she did for those South African girls, we would all know about it.

Apparently, money and materialism are the America way. Who knew?! ;) Oprah, when you decide to give away all of your billions and live in a South African village breastfeeding sick babies, I’ll give your saint status back. But, for now, I reserve the right to say something bad ‘bout Ms. Winfrey.