On Speaking Well (or Race Rant #4)

Unless you live under a rock, you have heard the, now infamous, quotes from Senator Biden. Before announcing his own plans to run, Biden commented that Barack Obama was like a “storybook” because he was the first “clean” and “well-spoken” African-American presidential candidate. Of course, as we all know, the entire statement is without fact. But, even worse, patronizing is one of the most common forms of prejudice that we see.

After seeing the reactions from Bill O’Reilly and Glen Beck, I have to assume many do not recognize just what they are doing. As they both turned their problems around and blamed them on Blacks! Both men say they are “afraid” to speak to Blacks because they may offend the overly sensitive. WTF?

Bottom line is this; minorities have to "overcome" our race before we can gain acceptance and that's based on racism and ignorance. When a Black person does something, that doesn't fit the stereotypes, some get surprised and comment. That's what happened with Biden and that's what happens all the time. I can't tell you how many times people have said "you're so well spoken" or some variation of it. Sounds good in text but it's said with a tone that implies I'm extraordinary because I know how to pronounce my words clearly. And sadly a lot of minorities believe that crap too. Blacks are not limited to the jive talkin and shucking that you see in videos and movies! To put the blame on Blacks or other minorities is BS but I guess it makes them sleep better at night.

But since they want to play ignorant, I will explain it for them….I think the difference is the tone and how/when it's said. If I'm singled out (when everyone around me is at the same "level") or if someone puts a ton of emphasis on how great my speech or something minor is (when I'm really not THAT great) I do get the feeling that it's based on stereotypes and it does offend me. Will it offend enough to make me angry? Well it depends. I recognize that everyone has some prejudices (because I'm used to seeing and having them) and I will accept a certain level of this. But, if someone patronizes me over and over again (without me deserving it) that will become an issue. I've had bosses and teachers who start with "well-spoken", on report cards, review forms or when talking about me to others. I would think my work ethic, dedication, knowledge, team work, etc., would come first. Being able to speak properly is not a big deal! Give me credit for my abilities to develop a sound argument or something like that. Saying we “speak well” is not a compliment. It’s a basic need for life.

***Catch Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly discussing this***

Just in time for the Grammy's....

If anyone has heard Donnie Simpson’s morning show, they are familiar with Huggy Lowdown and his “Bama of the Week” segment. Huggy is a character on Donnie’s show and he creates a running list of the BOW contenders. On Friday mornings, he crowns someone the Bama of the Week. You earn this title by being generally bama-ish. If you don’t know, this means your style is whack (for lack of a better word.) Doing something ignorant and/or making a fool out of yourself is another way to win. I love Steve Harvey’s morning show, but I really miss Huggy!

I decided to do a BOW type thing, but could only think of more serious topics and contenders. Maybe the Grammys will give me fodder for next week’s contest. Until then….

Parent of the Week

Sadly, there are several contenders:

William Page – This ass didn’t realize two-year olds wake at night and do things parents do not want them to do. After finding his two year old awake, at 2:30AM, his anger led him to punch her in the face and knock her unconscious. He then put the girl outside where the temps dipped to 2 degrees. His daughter's body was found the next morning. She was dressed in a sweater and a diaper and her footsteps were in the snow. Poor thing tried to find help. (read story)

Daniel Price – His child “accidentally” glued his eyes shut. This genius of a father tried to remove it by using ACETONE. Of course, this caused chemical burns on the child’s face. (read story)

Joseph and Sonya Smith – By following the recommendations of their cult-like “church”, these parents managed to beat their troubled 8-year old to death. (read story)

There are no “winners” in any of these stories. But the most disgusting POW is definitely William Page. As Steve Harvey says, I’m not a good enough Christian to wish him well. May he rot in peace!

Punk of the Week

Bill O’Reilly – While discussing Biden’s latest comments he said, “Now you got to feel sorry for us white folks here, because I’m telling you now I’m afraid to say anything.” …umm NO!!! I’ll feel sorry when pigs fly.

Glen Beck – Glen had a similar discussion on his show and said, “You know, Shelby, I don’t know if anybody else in the audience — oh, this is just going to be a blog nightmare over the next few days. But let me just be honest and play my cards face up on the table.
I was thinking about this just last week. I don’t have a lot of African-American friends, and I think part of it is because I’m afraid that I would be in an open conversation, and I would say something that somebody would take wrong, and then it would be a nightmare. Am I alone in feeling that?”

Catch clips, from both shows, here.

The GOP – For acting like schoolgirls over Pelosi’s plane request. She’s flying a longer distance and has a justifiable reason for a larger plane. But they balked because her plane will be bigger than Hastert’s. But wasn’t Hastert flying to Illinois?!?! Even the White House backed her up on this. Sounds like someone has Freudian issues…”but hers is bigger!!!”

The winner is: Glen Beck, with Bill being a close second. Yes this is a blog nightmare my friend. If you have to avoid an entire race, because you may “slip”, its not MY problem. It’s an issue you need to address with yourself. But I guess that’s how an oppressor thinks? Part of life is learning to live with others. You punk you!

Tragedy of the Week

In our celebrity obsessed world, this may sound extreme…but I can think of nothing more tragic than the life and death of Anna Nicole Smith. I know there were several bombings and planes shot down in Iraq. I know parents and children are out of control with violence and rage. But seriously, this woman’s life was one sad story after another. She is proof that money and fame mean nothing. Inner peace should be our goal.