Stop Marching! No One Cares.
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Society & Culture
I know it stings to read that. I don’t intend to be a shock blogger but this point was recently raised recently in a reputable African-American magazine and the point hit home HARD. The fact is that marches to protest policy, injustice, and/or the status quo very rarely (if ever) have any cultural significance any more. Put down your picket sign and hear me out.
Fifty years ago when our parents and grandparents marched their gatherings often had similar DNA. The participants in the “core” of the march were usually younger folk (18-40 yrs. old), the marches took place largely in the South, non-violent participation was key, and participants could often expect some type of violent repercussions. It was a beautiful thing to watch! It’s almost difficult to think now that millions of us around the country were able to organize under the motive of a common goal largely without access to resources such as television and print coverage. Sure, some of those things would come with time. That doesn’t change the fact that the Civil Rights Movement is still among the most awe-inspiring paradigm shifts our world has seen. Just the March on Washington alone is recognized as possibly the most iconic symbols for what many of us continue to strive for in America; equal opportunity to participate in a free economy without binds and traps aimed at entrapping us in capitalist slavery.*
Sadly, during the late 70s and 80s drugs became heavy in neighborhoods dominated by Black folks, inflation went rampant, integration underdeveloped our kids who need more TLC in the classrooms, and we sold our movement for a few Fortune 500 minority job quotas and some Black power t-shirts. I don’t deny that we have come a long way. There are thousands more Black business owners than there has ever been (many of whom have profited from minority-based contracts and grants), numerous Black CEOs, more of us attending and graduating from educational institutions that previously excluded minorities, and we dominate many of the major professional American sports….except hockey. Simultaneously, the ratio of A-A’s under the poverty line has NOT gone down since the 50s**, welfare and housing projects along with gentrification have worked in unison to deny most of us even a shot at generational wealth, and the American Prison system has done its fair share of denying fair hiring and voting opportunities to way too many young, innocent brothers.
Think about marches today. When we go out to march and fight all the injustices that face us today the entire setting has about all the bite of a half can of one-week old root beer. Today to “keep the peace”, everyone files for marching/parade permits and goes out for a day in the sun. Don’t forget to grab your fraternity/sorority line shirt and some sun tan lotion. If the event is a national one, it’ll be re-aired on CNN for two days which means it will ultimately involve your favorite Rev. of choice only to be later simulcast on his reality show. That’s only if he isn’t being paid by a corporate backer to cook up a fake march to begin with. If anyone is fortunate, there might be a brother that is freed once he is exonerated from years-old charges but only after his family has spent countless hours and dollars for a lawyer.
I realize that there IS some good that comes from marches these days and that many times the march is just the public symbol of the real work that goes on behind the scenes when an injustice has occurred. I also realize that we all too quickly play the “let’s hold a symbolic march” card instead of getting our hands dirty by getting involved in an initiative that requires dedication, solidarity of thought, and long hours forcing any real, long-term change. You know; something that may actually impact the lives that our children will someday lead. Sadly enough we’re all too worried about “me” to put anything on the line in order to benefit “we”.
* I love America and do support the ideals on which our country was founded. I do not support nor endorse Communism. I do feel that there are several structures, whether intended or otherwise, in America that act congruently to hold those near or below the poverty line in a state of perpetual financial catatonia.
** Based on family income for four and adjusted for inflation and minimum income
Who’s Your Daddy? Find out with the DIY Paternity Test
“Who dat is? Dat’s just my baby daddy!” can now determined in the privacy of your own home. Why put your business out there on Maury and Paternity Test Tuesday when you can perform your own do-it-yourself paternity test? While not admissible in a court of law, for $140 the results are said to be “absolute”. From a capitalistic business standpoint, I don’t see why something like this hasn’t come out earlier.
I sat and thought for a while the best way to be politically correct while putting this post together and came to the conclusion that I just need to say what I really feel. I think all children, planned or unplanned, are a gift from God and have a purpose for being here. My problem is with the people who make them and try to get out of the responsibility for caring for them.
All I’m asking for is a little personal responsibility. Ladies, if you need to prove to a guy that the kid is his, then he obviously doesn’t hold you in high regard. Maybe it’s for a reason or maybe it’s not. Only you can answer that based on your actions. Fellas, if you need to buy a test for a girl because you think she’s been with someone else, then you might need to reconsider the type of women you “kick it” with. Or you might need to pick up some condoms since they’re on the same aisle as the paternity test.
Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I just feel bringing a baby into the world is a big deal. There are kids out there who’s parents don’t want them and in my opinion those are some of the most selfish people in the world. There are too many things you can do to not get pregnant (or get someone pregnant) if you aren’t ready for kids. What’s happening with our society when there is a market for paternity tests at your local pharmacy?
I’m not here to place judgement on anyone, but I think it is a question we need to be asking ourselves. So ladies, IF YOU HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX, THERE IS A CHANCE YOU MIGHT GET PREGNANT. Fellas, IF YOU HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX, THERE IS A CHANCE YOU MIGHT GET THE GIRL PREGNANT. Please spread the word and let others know. There’s no reason at all to have baby momma or baby daddy drama. With a little personal responsibility it can all be avoided.
M.A.D.E. by Scarface
Brad Terrence Jordan is the Houston-born rapper better known to you and I as Scarface. His rap career and catalogue began during hip hop’s infancy back when his rapper name was Akshen and he was recording for Short Stop Records with Lil’ Troy. He would later sign with Rap-A-Lot Records and joined the group Ghetto Boys after another member left. After a slight name change,(Geto Boys) the group would release their first LP Grip It! On That Other Level in 1989 which would begin their local legend. Since the Scarface achieved tremendous heights with his groupmates, began production for several artists such as Beanie Siegel and UGK, became president of Def Jam South and helped mentor Ludacris, and won a Lyricist of the Year at the Source Awards along the way. Long considered a legend among hip hop archivists and fans alike, Scarface and the Geto Boys represented the Dirty South and Houston rap LONG before it was cool to do so. Depending on you ask, Scarface’s album The Diary and The Untouchable are among the greatest full-length albums in hip hop’s history. M.A.D.E. is Scarface’s 11th solo release.
With Scarface’s album M.A.D.E. coming out I really didn’t know what to expect. When you consider how many collabos and albums(solo and group) Scarace has appeared on you can’t exactly expect him to be the New England Patriots of hip hop on every verse. He has been close but with him being so late in his long career what can one really expect. Well, on the first track he brings about what you would expect; a very solid track. “Never” has a great sample and a good beat. One interesting line Scarface spits is “I’ll never turn my back on Jesus” which is interesting since he is now Muslim by faith. Not to turn this into a theological debate but assuming he was raised with Protestant roots you would figure his prospective towards Christ would change.
“Big Dog Status” is much more classic Houston. A hook with tons of swagger, strong bassline, and an organ synth ala UGK. As you would imagine, it’s an ode to Scarface’s legacy and his amount of stroke in the game. He chronicles how early he achieved his success and how young he was when he was able to live a lifestyle so many dream of.
Read more
Is LeBron’s Vogue Cover Racially Insensitive?
Filed under: Blog Entries, Entertainment & Sports, Society & Culture
I was watching the news this morning and the topic came up for debate. Is this photo of NBA superstar LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen racially insensitive? In an ESPN2 post by Jemele Hill, she stated “But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest.”.
So what do you see when you look at the picture? Hill makes some good points in her article, but I have to disagree with her on this one. When I saw the cover, I saw LeBron James, an intense, take you to the hole and dunk on you basketball player. Holding a skinny, chick (who happened to be white) showcasing the secrets of the best bodies. I really didn’t think much of it until people started making a big deal about it. To me LeBron is just expressing how he feels on the court. Now, take
the basketball out the picture and you have a legitimate argument. That would have been wrong on all levels.
There were other pictures that could have gone on the cover, but they chose this one. As much as it might resemble King Kong, I don’t feel that was the intent with this photo. Ya’ll know I’m always down for the cause when it comes to promoting positive black roles models in a good light. But in this situation are we reading too much into it?
Jeremiah Wright’s Sermon: What Fox News Didn’t Show
It’s moments like this that make me see the importance bloggers play in the dissemination of information to the masses. I was never able to find a full clip of Jeremiah Wright’s sermon, but thanks to bloggers like Shawn and truthtopower, I now have a 10 minute clip of the sermon. Of course Fox News would not show you the clip in it’s entirety because it wouldn’t have been as controversial as they made it out to be. Even worse, the statement that everyone’s upset about weren’t even his words.
View the clip for yourself and let me know what you think. In my opinion, the main point of the message was lost. But the damage is done and people have already formed their opinions. I was in that group also. But I ask that you take to the time to really listen to the message and tell me if you feel the same about Rev. Wright afterwards.
If you would like to see more sermons by Rev. Wright you can go to http://www.youtube.com/user/TRINITYCHGO
Dr. Haynes in Running for NAACP President
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Community, Society & Culture
I was listening to this Sunday’s sermon from Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church and he spoke of how he was one of the top candidates for president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This was a shock to my wife and I, but the news was borken earlier this month by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In his sermon Pastor Haynes, preached about how this is just another step in his ministry and he will continue to be the pastor at Friendship-West until God tells him otherwise. It’s a big move and I’m glad to see him step up to the challenge. I’ve heard him speak at times and I think he would be perfect for the position. He geniunely cares and is very outspoken in his sermons about social issues concerning the black community. Who better to speak for us than someone who has made it his passion to fight for those he cares about most.
Shawn, over at Dallas South Blog is a member of Friendship-West also voiced his feelings about the situation and I’ll be watching his blog for first-hand information. This is a big deal for Pastor Haynes and the church, so let’s keep them in prayer. If it’s a position for him to have, then he’ll get it.
Body Of Drowning Victim Found
Shaun Hebert, 14, was swept away by floodwaters in Mesquite, TX this past Tuesday. The search and rescue team did what they could to find him, but the search was unsuccessful. On Thursday, the body of a young boy was found and by that night it was confirmed to be Shaun. After hearing about his death, Shaun’s friends came together to remember what they loved best about him.
I was listening to a sermon today and the pastor was talking about the reality of how we don’t know how much time we have on the earth. The time we do have is precious and we need to spend it making difference in the lives of others. In the time he was here, Shaun did. And we can too. Keep his family and friends in your prayers and be safe this Easter Holiday.
Obama’s Big Speech
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, My Thoughts, Politics, Society & Culture
It was only a matter of time before people realized and accepted the fact that race is still a big issue in our society. It’s something we try to sweep under the rug and pretend never happened. We make laws to “make everything equal”, all the while not addressing the real issues at hand. The people who lived during segregation are still alive and the things they faced continue to haunt them.
Fifty years is not a long time and this happened in America. In the land of the free and home of the brave. The place where success is possible with a hard work and determination. The place where all men are created equal. That’s where the frustration from the black community comes in.
I’m sure there’s more to Rev. Jeremiah Wright than we know. If he was the type of person the media is making him out to be, people would have caught on a long time ago. Why are his statements now a big issue? Do I agree with what he said? No. Is this the first time I’ve heard a minister say something of that nature? No. You can’t judge Obama’s character on a sermon from his former pastor. Wright played a significant part in his life and it would be wrong for him to “disown” him.
At best his speech was very presidential and I can see him speaking to America behind the Presidential Seal. In this speech he seems to understand the plight of all people. Whether he faced those challenges or not, he was able to at least articulate the feelings people are facing. That’s all I want in a president. Just make an attempt to understand how I feel.
If you want to read the text version of this speech a copy is posted on Obama’s website.
Getback by Little Brother
Little Brother is a rap duo consisting of Phonte Coleman and Thomas “Big Pooh” Jones. They are part of the larger rap collective called the Justus League. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Little Brother rose to fame in 2003 due to their debut album, The Listening. Considered by some to be an underground classic, The Listening was noted for the smooth, nostalgic samples via producer/group member 9th Wonder and the equally smooth delivery of rappers Big Pooh and Phonte. The group drew numerous comparisons to their recognized forerunners Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul among others. Their second effort, The Minstrel Show, was expected to have much more commercial success after the group signed a deal with Atlantic Records. Despite birthing what is widely considered another classic album, sales didn’t bare out near as well due in part to a lack of promotion from Atlantic. In 2007, LB would part ways with both Atlantic Records as well as group member 9th Wonder almost simultaneously due to differences on where the group would go and how it would sound with both parties. Little Brother returns in Fall of 2007 with their third album Getback.
Read more
Podcast: Should Affirmative Action Be Banned? – #38 – 03/13/08
Show Notes – Episode 38 – Should Affirmative Action Be Banned?
What I’m Talkin’ About
Affirmative action ban heads for ballot in 5 states
Know Your Right-Wing Speakers: Ward Connerly
Ferraro: ‘They’re attacking me because I’m white’
Black History Hero
Thomas Stewart – Inventor of the Mop
Independent Music Showcase
“You’re A Man Now” by Akil aka Bay Brotha
Hip Hop
Sacramento, California
http://www.myspace.com/baybrothaakil
Announcements
I’m a member of a new social networking site at www.cre8buzz.com. I need to build up the black population, so come join me. It’s open to the public. Come see me at cre8Buzz > People > African American community
New Domain to Get to the Site – theotalks.net
I had to get a new voicemail phone number – 972.535.THEO (8436)
Hear My Show on the Blubrry Network
Spread the word about this podcast
Contact Information
Feel free to leave comments on the website or call the voicemail line at 972.535.THEO (8436)
Intro & Background Music
The intro & closing music clip was written and performed by PsykoSoul Music
“Family Affair” by PsykoSoul Music featuring CB Harris and Calvin
Links of Interest
Site Feeds
MyBlogLog Readers
