This, pisses me off. What does that have to do with what happened last year November? I can see if Sean Bell was found with a gun in his car but they didn't find one. This is the kind of thing that distracts people from the real issue at hand. A innocent man gets shot dead, and what comes out in the press? Oh he may have shot some one in the past. Let's say he did shoot someone in the past. What does that incident have to do with what the cops did? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. At the time of the shooting the cops didn't know Sean Bell had any priors. And if they say that they did they are LYING.
I don't think that Sean Bell was a saint. I don't think he was some martyr for police brutality. All I know is that he was a human being. And he was killed for nothing. Why is it that whenever a black man gets killed by the cops the victims past comes in to question? Why can't the cops just take responsibility for their actions? There were FIVE cops on the scene but only THREE are in court and out of those THREE, ONE is going to probably end up in jail?
What kind of country are we living in, where the we blame the victim for getting shot? Seriously this is bullshit.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Oscars 2007 Part II: The winners
And now the winners...
Best Picture: The Departed: I really can't believe this won best picture. I still say the original is better
Best Director: Martin Scorsese for The Departed: Just think after all those years of making Italian mob movies he wins an Oscar for making a movie about Irish gangsters. The cherry on top of the cake was Lucas, Spielberg and Coppola presenting it to him.
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland: He gave one of the best speeches in the history of the Oscars. I love the fact that a humble genuine nice guy won. Sorry Peter O'Toole.
Best Actress: Helen Mirren for The Queen: Did I call it or what? I knew she was gonna win.
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine: Glad to see Arkin win. I wonder if Peter O'Toole tried to jack him for his Oscar at the after party.
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls: Just goes to show you; you can lose on American Idol and go on to win an Oscar. Good for her.
Best Original screenplay: Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine: A smart witty and funny movie, won an Oscar. What is this world coming to?
Best Adapted screenplay: William Monahan for The Departed: He didn't thank one Chinese person. I mean seriously that's just bad form in my book.
Best Picture: The Departed: I really can't believe this won best picture. I still say the original is better
Best Director: Martin Scorsese for The Departed: Just think after all those years of making Italian mob movies he wins an Oscar for making a movie about Irish gangsters. The cherry on top of the cake was Lucas, Spielberg and Coppola presenting it to him.
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland: He gave one of the best speeches in the history of the Oscars. I love the fact that a humble genuine nice guy won. Sorry Peter O'Toole.
Best Actress: Helen Mirren for The Queen: Did I call it or what? I knew she was gonna win.
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine: Glad to see Arkin win. I wonder if Peter O'Toole tried to jack him for his Oscar at the after party.
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls: Just goes to show you; you can lose on American Idol and go on to win an Oscar. Good for her.
Best Original screenplay: Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine: A smart witty and funny movie, won an Oscar. What is this world coming to?
Best Adapted screenplay: William Monahan for The Departed: He didn't thank one Chinese person. I mean seriously that's just bad form in my book.
Black Greeks Part 2
I know I've been slackin'. In part one I presented a brief outline of the nine black Greek letter organizations. In part two we will get into pledging, elitism, and why would I want to join a black Greek letter organization.
Pledging: Pledging is the period of time in where the recruit (the pledge) goes through a series of challenges which eventually lead to initiation in to the group. Hazing is the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of prospective members of a group as a means of initiation. Hazing is something that has become a huge problem among black fraternities and sororities. There have been numerous deaths as a result of initiates being hazed. When ritual reaches the point where it endangers the life and limb of an individual, it needs to be discontinued. The pledge process is not about beating someone down. It’s not about degrading someone just so you can feel good about yourself. Basically you don’t put a person online to drop (make them quit) them. So then what is the process about? The answer is simple it is meant for: team building, leadership experience, organizational skills, time management, and learning the history of said organization. It is a shame that people have lost sight of that over the years.
Elitism: This always seems to come up in one of these conversations. Please someone help me out here, because I’ve never been able to put my finger on what people mean by that. I’ve always assumed that these organizations are highly selective and thereby exclusive to people who qualify for membership. There has been a history of these organizations being HIGHLY selective, whether it was expressed through excluding people based on degree of skin tone, or socio-economic back ground. That being said in my humble opinion I think the days of the brown paper bag test are over. Frankly this wasn’t my experience. Most of the Alphas in my chapter come from similar backgrounds. Most of us grew up working class. The one thing I respected about the Alphas on my campus before I pledged was that they were some of the most REAL brothers on campus. Now this varies from chapter to chapter and organization to organization but in my case I was lucky enough to be in the company of some of men of true integrity and intelligence.
Why would I want to join a Black Greek letter organization?
Now this is the big question. Many people join just so they can wear a t-shirt and go to parties, others join because they are legacies and it’s expected of them, then there are others that really want to do some good and see this as a step in the right direction. It all depends on what kind of person you are.
Pledging: Pledging is the period of time in where the recruit (the pledge) goes through a series of challenges which eventually lead to initiation in to the group. Hazing is the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of prospective members of a group as a means of initiation. Hazing is something that has become a huge problem among black fraternities and sororities. There have been numerous deaths as a result of initiates being hazed. When ritual reaches the point where it endangers the life and limb of an individual, it needs to be discontinued. The pledge process is not about beating someone down. It’s not about degrading someone just so you can feel good about yourself. Basically you don’t put a person online to drop (make them quit) them. So then what is the process about? The answer is simple it is meant for: team building, leadership experience, organizational skills, time management, and learning the history of said organization. It is a shame that people have lost sight of that over the years.
Elitism: This always seems to come up in one of these conversations. Please someone help me out here, because I’ve never been able to put my finger on what people mean by that. I’ve always assumed that these organizations are highly selective and thereby exclusive to people who qualify for membership. There has been a history of these organizations being HIGHLY selective, whether it was expressed through excluding people based on degree of skin tone, or socio-economic back ground. That being said in my humble opinion I think the days of the brown paper bag test are over. Frankly this wasn’t my experience. Most of the Alphas in my chapter come from similar backgrounds. Most of us grew up working class. The one thing I respected about the Alphas on my campus before I pledged was that they were some of the most REAL brothers on campus. Now this varies from chapter to chapter and organization to organization but in my case I was lucky enough to be in the company of some of men of true integrity and intelligence.
Why would I want to join a Black Greek letter organization?
Now this is the big question. Many people join just so they can wear a t-shirt and go to parties, others join because they are legacies and it’s expected of them, then there are others that really want to do some good and see this as a step in the right direction. It all depends on what kind of person you are.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Black Greeks Part 1
*Note to all my white readers. Some of you are not going to understand this whole black greek thing some of you are going to sit there and scratching your head all the while saying "Why is he talking about fraternities and sororities? That crap is for college kids." Well my melanin challenged friend black greek life does not end upon graduation for some of us. Some of us choose continue serving our community through being active in a graduate chapter (speaking of which I gotta pay my dues)....Any who please just sit back and read and maybe ya might learn something.
*Please note that the links will not lead you to the fraternity or the sorority site but instead it will lead you to their Wikipedia site. If you are interested in learning more about these fraternities and sororities you can click on the links provided on the their respective Wikipedia site.
A couple of months ago I opened my big fat mouth while visiting the After Party and said I would do a post about black greeks. Well I was given a deadline and my time is up so here goes. Please keep in mind that I am not going to get into a deep history debate. Basically what I'm going to do is give you founding dates (in chronological order) and prominent members. Feel free to click on the hyperlink to their respective sites.
Let's start with the first of all black greeks Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. A Phi A is the first national intercollegiate fraternity established by African Americans. Founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University. The Prominent members of this fraternity are a various who's who of Black intelligentsia. Martin Luther King, Cornel West, Thurgood Marshall, Jeese Owens, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, and Paul Robeson; I could go on but you get the idea. This fraternity is very near and dear to my heart because well if you haven't guessed by now I am also a member. Now I could big up my frat all day but that is for another time.
Next up are my sisters the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. AKA was formed in January 15, 1908 at Howard University, it is America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. Prominent members include Maya Angelou, Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Coretta Scott King, Jada Pinkett Smith, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. Well you get the idea.
Next up are the gentlemen of the crimson and cream the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Kappa Alpha Psi is the second oldest collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership, founded January 5, 1911 at Indiana University. Here is a short list of members of note: Arthur Ashe, Calvin O. Butts, Bill Russell, John Singleton, Tavis Smiley, C. Vernon Mason, Johnnie Cochran, Percy Sutton, Stan Lathan, and Congressman John Conyers.
Next up are the brothers of Omega Psi Phi also known as the Ques. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated was founded on Friday, November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Prominent members include Bill Cosby, Alonzo Mourning, Carter G. Woodson (black historian), Vernon Jordan, Jr., Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Ozzie Newsome, Jesse Jackson, Charlie Ward and the great poet Langston Hughes.
Next up we have Professor Angry's sisters the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Delta Sigma Theta was founded at Howard University January 13, 1913. Let me drop some names for you: Octavia E. Butler, Carol Moseley Braun, Poet Nikki Giovanni, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Ruby Dee, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Cicely Tyson, Lena Horne, and the late great Betty Shabazz.
Now we move along to the fourth fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914. Here's a short list of famous members, A. Philip Randolph, Willis Reed, Jerry Rice, David Ruffin, Emmitt Smith, Eddie Kendricks, Huey P. Newton, Kwame Nkrumah, Benjamin Chavis Muhammad, writer James Weldon Johnson, Blair Underwood, Morris Chestnut, and George Washington Carver.
Moving right along we have their sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Famous memebers Jayne Kennedy, Zora Neale Hurston, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughan, Minnie Riperton, Esther Rolle, and Melba Moore to name a few.
Next up we have the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 12, 1922 by seven educators in Indianapolis, Indiana. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here are some notable members: Hattie McDaniel, MC Lyte, Marilyn McCoo, Victoria Rowell and Lindy Boggs
Last but surely not least we have the brothers of Iota Phi Theta. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated was founded on September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Here's a short list of prominent members: Bobby Rush (former Black Panther turned US Congressman), Terrence "T.C." Carson, Kirby Wilson and Earl King.
In part two we will get into pledging, elitism, and why would I want to join a black greek letter organization.
*Please note that the links will not lead you to the fraternity or the sorority site but instead it will lead you to their Wikipedia site. If you are interested in learning more about these fraternities and sororities you can click on the links provided on the their respective Wikipedia site.
A couple of months ago I opened my big fat mouth while visiting the After Party and said I would do a post about black greeks. Well I was given a deadline and my time is up so here goes. Please keep in mind that I am not going to get into a deep history debate. Basically what I'm going to do is give you founding dates (in chronological order) and prominent members. Feel free to click on the hyperlink to their respective sites.
Let's start with the first of all black greeks Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. A Phi A is the first national intercollegiate fraternity established by African Americans. Founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University. The Prominent members of this fraternity are a various who's who of Black intelligentsia. Martin Luther King, Cornel West, Thurgood Marshall, Jeese Owens, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, and Paul Robeson; I could go on but you get the idea. This fraternity is very near and dear to my heart because well if you haven't guessed by now I am also a member. Now I could big up my frat all day but that is for another time.
Next up are my sisters the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. AKA was formed in January 15, 1908 at Howard University, it is America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. Prominent members include Maya Angelou, Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Coretta Scott King, Jada Pinkett Smith, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. Well you get the idea.
Next up are the gentlemen of the crimson and cream the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Kappa Alpha Psi is the second oldest collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership, founded January 5, 1911 at Indiana University. Here is a short list of members of note: Arthur Ashe, Calvin O. Butts, Bill Russell, John Singleton, Tavis Smiley, C. Vernon Mason, Johnnie Cochran, Percy Sutton, Stan Lathan, and Congressman John Conyers.
Next up are the brothers of Omega Psi Phi also known as the Ques. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated was founded on Friday, November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Prominent members include Bill Cosby, Alonzo Mourning, Carter G. Woodson (black historian), Vernon Jordan, Jr., Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Ozzie Newsome, Jesse Jackson, Charlie Ward and the great poet Langston Hughes.
Next up we have Professor Angry's sisters the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Delta Sigma Theta was founded at Howard University January 13, 1913. Let me drop some names for you: Octavia E. Butler, Carol Moseley Braun, Poet Nikki Giovanni, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Ruby Dee, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Cicely Tyson, Lena Horne, and the late great Betty Shabazz.
Now we move along to the fourth fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914. Here's a short list of famous members, A. Philip Randolph, Willis Reed, Jerry Rice, David Ruffin, Emmitt Smith, Eddie Kendricks, Huey P. Newton, Kwame Nkrumah, Benjamin Chavis Muhammad, writer James Weldon Johnson, Blair Underwood, Morris Chestnut, and George Washington Carver.
Moving right along we have their sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Famous memebers Jayne Kennedy, Zora Neale Hurston, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughan, Minnie Riperton, Esther Rolle, and Melba Moore to name a few.
Next up we have the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 12, 1922 by seven educators in Indianapolis, Indiana. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here are some notable members: Hattie McDaniel, MC Lyte, Marilyn McCoo, Victoria Rowell and Lindy Boggs
Last but surely not least we have the brothers of Iota Phi Theta. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated was founded on September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Here's a short list of prominent members: Bobby Rush (former Black Panther turned US Congressman), Terrence "T.C." Carson, Kirby Wilson and Earl King.
In part two we will get into pledging, elitism, and why would I want to join a black greek letter organization.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Oscars 2007 Part I: The nominees
Yes it's that time of year again. So here are the nominees.Best Picture:
Babel – Another interconnecting story with interesting characters.
The Departed– This is a remake of a Hong Kong classic Infernal Affairs.
Letters from Iwo Jima – This is the flipside to Flags of Our Fathers.
Little Miss Sunshine - The little indy movie that could. Comedies don’t normally get nominated so I’m kinda pulling for this one.
The Queen – Really spectacular. This is one of the best movies of the year.
Best Director:
Alejandro González Iñárritu for Babel – Who is this guy?
Martin Scorsese for The Departed – Oh give it to him already.
Clint Eastwood for Letters from Iwo Jima – NO EASTWOOD NOT THIS YEAR DAMNIT! Damn you EASTWOOD!
Stephen Frears for The Queen, – He did a really but it's Scorsese’s year.
Paul Greengrass for United 93 – It must’ve been real hard to direct this movie. But I don’t think it’s his year.
Best Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio for Blood Diamond – Sorry I’m not feeling him this time around.
Ryan Gosling for Half Nelson – Hmm Gosling’s playing a recovering drug addict. Ok next.
Peter O’Toole for Venus – He’s playing an old English actor. Damn what a stretch.
Will Smith for The Pursuit of Happiness – This is his second nomination. Maybe he might get it this time around.
Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland – He had to get extra dark to play this role. And I ain't talking about his personality. They did a good make up job on him.
Best Actress:
Penélope Cruz for Volver – Why does she look like a moth?
Judi Dench for Notes on a Scandal – I think they do her make up better when she does the Bond movies.
Helen Mirren for The Queen – She just nailed this role so I don’t see her losing to anyone.
Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada – I can’t believe she got nominated for a comedy.
Kate Winslet for Little Children – This role gave me a new respect for Winslet but, didn’t she win for that movie about that boat hitting that iceberg.
Best Supporting Actor:
Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine – Arkin plays a grandfather that shoots H and ODs on a road trip. Yeah he should win.
Jackie Earle Haley for Little Chidren – Wasn’t this guy in the Bad New Bears?
Djimon Hounsou for Blood Diamond – Did he get to hold a gun at least once in this movie?
Eddie Murphy for Dreamgirls - Glad to see him nominated. I really hope he wins.
Mark Wahlberg for The Departed – Wahlberg plays an asshole in this movie. Yep I’m sure it was a stretch.
Best Supporting Actress:
Adriana Barraza for Babel – Never heard of her.
Cate Blanchett for Notes on a Scandal – Wasn’t she nominated last year?
Abigail Breslin for Little Miss Sunshine – Too young in my opinion.
Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls – Wasn’t she on American Idol? She didn’t win on that what makes her think she can win here?
Rinko Kikuchi for Babel – I know her as well as I know Adriana Barraza.
Best Original screenplay:
Guillermo Arriaga for Babel – Haven’t seen it.
Iris Yamashita and Paul Haggis for Letters from Iwo Jima – Ahh it's the The return of Haggis.
Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine – A smart witty and funny movie. It doesn't stand a chance.
Guillermo del Toro for Pan's Labyrinth – I didn’t see it.
Peter Morgan for The Queen - I saw it and liked it.
Best Adapted screenplay:
Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Peter Baynham, and Dan Mazer for Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan – You mean to tell me this movie had FOUR writers? I thought most of that sh*t was improve.
Alfonso Cuarón & Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby for Children of Men – One of the most Kubrickian movies I’ve seen in a long time.
William Monahan for The Departed – The guy who adapted this screenplay has also written Kingdom of Heaven and we all know how good that was.
Todd Field & Tom Perrotta for Little Children – You might remember them from a movie called In the Bedroom.
Patrick Marber for Notes on a Scandal – This is his first nomination. From what I found he used to write for Steve Coogan’s old Alan Partridge show. Well I guess he can’t be all bad.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Most Anticipated Movies for 2007
Well it's that time of year again where I give my list of most anticipated movies for this year. Looks like this is the year for sequels.
Ghost Rider - Nicholas Cage plays stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze who gives up his soul to protect the ones he loves, based on the Marvel Comic release date: February 16, 2007
The Kingdom - Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, and Jason Bateman star in this thriller set in the Middle-East. Directed by Peter Berg. Release date: April 20, 2007 .
Spider-Man 3 - Sandman, Green Goblin, and Venom battle Spidey in the thrid installment of this Marvel franchise. Release date: May 4, 2007
28 Weeks Later - This is the sequel to the 2002 film 28 Days later. Release date: May 11, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - This is the follow-up to the record-breaking smash 2006 hit "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Release date: May 25, 2007.
Ocean's 13 - I'm guessing there is some kind of heist involved in this one. The best thing about this movie is no Julia Roberts. Release date: June 8, 2007.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - The first family of Marvel returns to battle the Silver Surfer. Release date: June 15, 2007
Transformers - Michael Bay finally brings a live action Transformers movie to the big screen. Release date: July 4, 2007.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - This is the fifth installment in the series. And it just keeps getting darker. Voldemort has returned and no one believes Harry. Release date: July 13, 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum - Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne in the thrid installment of this series. Release Date: August 3, 2007.
So there you have it folks my list of most anticipated movies of 2007. This is what they in the industry call a tentpole year. Honorable mentions: Frank Miller's 300, Hannibal Rising, Reno 911!: Miami, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Zodiac, TMNT, Live Free or Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie, Rush Hour 3, The Invasion, American Gangster, I Am Legend.
Ghost Rider - Nicholas Cage plays stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze who gives up his soul to protect the ones he loves, based on the Marvel Comic release date: February 16, 2007
The Kingdom - Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, and Jason Bateman star in this thriller set in the Middle-East. Directed by Peter Berg. Release date: April 20, 2007 .
Spider-Man 3 - Sandman, Green Goblin, and Venom battle Spidey in the thrid installment of this Marvel franchise. Release date: May 4, 2007
28 Weeks Later - This is the sequel to the 2002 film 28 Days later. Release date: May 11, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - This is the follow-up to the record-breaking smash 2006 hit "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Release date: May 25, 2007.
Ocean's 13 - I'm guessing there is some kind of heist involved in this one. The best thing about this movie is no Julia Roberts. Release date: June 8, 2007.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - The first family of Marvel returns to battle the Silver Surfer. Release date: June 15, 2007
Transformers - Michael Bay finally brings a live action Transformers movie to the big screen. Release date: July 4, 2007.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - This is the fifth installment in the series. And it just keeps getting darker. Voldemort has returned and no one believes Harry. Release date: July 13, 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum - Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne in the thrid installment of this series. Release Date: August 3, 2007.
So there you have it folks my list of most anticipated movies of 2007. This is what they in the industry call a tentpole year. Honorable mentions: Frank Miller's 300, Hannibal Rising, Reno 911!: Miami, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Zodiac, TMNT, Live Free or Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie, Rush Hour 3, The Invasion, American Gangster, I Am Legend.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Made some changes
I've made some changes. I'm Still updating. So please forgive me if your link isn't there.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
The Challenge
A couple of weeks ago I was challenged by Jackie Chiles of the Airing of Grievances blog.
He challenged me to prove that the Republican party does not have the interests of black Americans at heart.
Here is the annual Civil Rights Legislative Report Card for the 109th Congress for the year 2005. This resource is designed to provide NAACP members with insight into the general voting patterns of their congressional representatives (Senators and members of the House of Representatives) over the course of the year. The NAACP Civil Rights Legislative Report Card demonstrates how every Member of Congress voted on the bread and butter civil rights issues important to the NAACP.
You be the judge (make sure to scroll down when you hit the link). You won't be too surprised who gets F's.
Long time ago black Americans supported the Republican party but some where along the line there was a shift. I'll sum it up for you in two words. "Southern strategy"
What was the "Southern Strategy" ?
The phrase, Southern strategy, was coined by Nixon strategist Kevin Phillips. Southern states, were traditionally a stronghold for the Democratic Party became key swing states, providing the popular vote margins in the Presidential elections 1960, 1968 and 1976. During this era, several Republican candidates expressed support for states' rights, which critics have argued was intended as a signal of opposition to federal civil rights legislation for blacks. This strategy was largely a success, and the South is now considered a Republican stronghold in national elections.
I blame Lydon Johnson. Now check out this quote.
Bob Herbert, a New York Times columnist, reported in the October 6, 2005 edition of the New York Times of a 1981 interview with Lee Atwater, published in Southern Politics in the 1990s by Prof. Alexander P. Lamis, in which Lee Atwater discusses politics in the South: You start out in 1954 by saying, "N*gger, n*gger, n*gger." By 1968 you can't say 'nigger'—that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states' rights and all that stuff. You're getting so abstract now [that] you're talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you're talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites.
Also I suggest Jackie read White Nationalism, Black Interests: Conservative Public Policy and the Black Community (African American Life Series) by Ronald W. Walters.
He challenged me to prove that the Republican party does not have the interests of black Americans at heart.
Here is the annual Civil Rights Legislative Report Card for the 109th Congress for the year 2005. This resource is designed to provide NAACP members with insight into the general voting patterns of their congressional representatives (Senators and members of the House of Representatives) over the course of the year. The NAACP Civil Rights Legislative Report Card demonstrates how every Member of Congress voted on the bread and butter civil rights issues important to the NAACP.
You be the judge (make sure to scroll down when you hit the link). You won't be too surprised who gets F's.
Long time ago black Americans supported the Republican party but some where along the line there was a shift. I'll sum it up for you in two words. "Southern strategy"
What was the "Southern Strategy" ?
The phrase, Southern strategy, was coined by Nixon strategist Kevin Phillips. Southern states, were traditionally a stronghold for the Democratic Party became key swing states, providing the popular vote margins in the Presidential elections 1960, 1968 and 1976. During this era, several Republican candidates expressed support for states' rights, which critics have argued was intended as a signal of opposition to federal civil rights legislation for blacks. This strategy was largely a success, and the South is now considered a Republican stronghold in national elections.
I blame Lydon Johnson. Now check out this quote.
Bob Herbert, a New York Times columnist, reported in the October 6, 2005 edition of the New York Times of a 1981 interview with Lee Atwater, published in Southern Politics in the 1990s by Prof. Alexander P. Lamis, in which Lee Atwater discusses politics in the South: You start out in 1954 by saying, "N*gger, n*gger, n*gger." By 1968 you can't say 'nigger'—that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states' rights and all that stuff. You're getting so abstract now [that] you're talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you're talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites.
Deep huh??
So here's my theory. It's very indirect. The Republican party doesn't want to keep the black man down they just want to keep him in his place, which in my opinion is much more dangerous. Black Americans aren't a priority. Honestly where is the money in ending racial profiling?Also I suggest Jackie read White Nationalism, Black Interests: Conservative Public Policy and the Black Community (African American Life Series) by Ronald W. Walters.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Witness to the end of an era.
Recently I went to see a couple of shows at CBGBs in NYC. Two weeks ago I saw Fishbone's last show at CBGBs. Overall it was a entertaining show. After the show people outside mentioned that Bad Brains were going to play in two weeks. I raced home to my PC and looked for tickets. To my dismay the show had already been sold out. Luckily they added a third show. I managed to get tickets to that one. Let me tell ya about it.
Got there early the weather outside was in a word wet. It was pouring down hard but I we were patient. Once I got this feeling of anxiousness. What would they open with would HR act up? They opened up with I Against I after that it was all a blur. I do remember being at the pit toward the end of their set. Yeah I'm guilty of reliving my youth. I had to do it.
CBGBs closes it's doors this month. It was the birth place of punk rock music. On a purely superficial level it's a small venue. But the history is undeniable. I'm sure there will be another CBGBs but it won't be the same.
Got there early the weather outside was in a word wet. It was pouring down hard but I we were patient. Once I got this feeling of anxiousness. What would they open with would HR act up? They opened up with I Against I after that it was all a blur. I do remember being at the pit toward the end of their set. Yeah I'm guilty of reliving my youth. I had to do it.
CBGBs closes it's doors this month. It was the birth place of punk rock music. On a purely superficial level it's a small venue. But the history is undeniable. I'm sure there will be another CBGBs but it won't be the same.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Hip-Hop reminds me of....
I just finished watching the Decline of Western Civilization: The Heavy Metal years. And in a odd way it reminded me of the state of hip-hop today.
I know it may be painful for some of you but let's go back, way back into time to the days of bands with names like Faster Pussycat, Trixter, Firehouse, Cinderella, Whitesnake, White Lion, Warrant, W.A.S.P., L.A. Guns, Skid Row, Extreme, Poison, Motley Crue, and of course the grand daddy of them all Guns and Roses.
What did all of these bands have in common? (Besides having big freaking hair.) They basically talked about the same damn things; sex, women, and partying. Do you see where I'm going with this? Basically (mainstream) hip-hop is doing the same damn thing. All they're talking about is sex, women, and partying. Compare the way women are portrayed in videos today to how they were portrayed in the mid to late 80's. It's the same damn thing.
So here's my theory, once things become so bloated and blinged out people will eventually start listening to bands that matter. For example when people got tired of Warrent they started listening to Soundgarden and Nirvana. Eventually the mainstream catches up, this usually takes some time but it does happen.
It's already changing when you consider the current landscape of artists out there. Kayne West has, and hopefully will continue to make an impact. Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and the Roots have broken out of the underground (to a certain extent). I'm sure in the coming years artists like Planet Asia, Rhymefest, and Jedi Mind Tricks will rise from the underground.
One can only hope.
I know it may be painful for some of you but let's go back, way back into time to the days of bands with names like Faster Pussycat, Trixter, Firehouse, Cinderella, Whitesnake, White Lion, Warrant, W.A.S.P., L.A. Guns, Skid Row, Extreme, Poison, Motley Crue, and of course the grand daddy of them all Guns and Roses.
What did all of these bands have in common? (Besides having big freaking hair.) They basically talked about the same damn things; sex, women, and partying. Do you see where I'm going with this? Basically (mainstream) hip-hop is doing the same damn thing. All they're talking about is sex, women, and partying. Compare the way women are portrayed in videos today to how they were portrayed in the mid to late 80's. It's the same damn thing.
So here's my theory, once things become so bloated and blinged out people will eventually start listening to bands that matter. For example when people got tired of Warrent they started listening to Soundgarden and Nirvana. Eventually the mainstream catches up, this usually takes some time but it does happen.
It's already changing when you consider the current landscape of artists out there. Kayne West has, and hopefully will continue to make an impact. Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and the Roots have broken out of the underground (to a certain extent). I'm sure in the coming years artists like Planet Asia, Rhymefest, and Jedi Mind Tricks will rise from the underground.
One can only hope.
Friday, August 04, 2006
All apologies...To the brothers who couldn't make it.
I am so sorry for not updating. I've been really busy with work and I've really had nothing to say. But I have been commenting, mostly at the After Party.
Where do I begin? Last week I went to the Alpha Phi Alpha centennial convention, Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest college fraternities in the country, founded in 1906 at Cornell University by seven brave men.
It's hard to put into words the feelings I had entering the lobby of the hotel that was hosting the convention. The best way I can put it is I had a overwhelming feeling of brotherhood. I met brothers from all over the country but I have to say that being with my brothers from my chapter (Omicron Zeta) and my other New Jersey brothers was the highlight of the convention. I got to meet brothers I had only heard stories about and others that I hadn't seen in years. It's a shame that more brothers couldn't come through. This was a once in life time celebration and I don't think we will live another hundreds years to see it again.
Becoming an Alpha was a defining moment for me in college. First off I'm not really a joiner or a follower. I'm an only child and I like being an individual. So how do I explain joining a fraternity? Easy, I pledged by myself. If you are reading this and you're confused I'll repeat myself. I pledged by myself. Yeah I know I always have to do things the hard way. It changed the way I looked at myself and the way others looked at me. The process alone made me a stronger man and helped me to understand that no matter how hard things are in college the real world is much more harder and challenging. I want to take this moment to thank the brothers that came before me and the ones that followed me. Hold the light high.
Where do I begin? Last week I went to the Alpha Phi Alpha centennial convention, Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest college fraternities in the country, founded in 1906 at Cornell University by seven brave men.
It's hard to put into words the feelings I had entering the lobby of the hotel that was hosting the convention. The best way I can put it is I had a overwhelming feeling of brotherhood. I met brothers from all over the country but I have to say that being with my brothers from my chapter (Omicron Zeta) and my other New Jersey brothers was the highlight of the convention. I got to meet brothers I had only heard stories about and others that I hadn't seen in years. It's a shame that more brothers couldn't come through. This was a once in life time celebration and I don't think we will live another hundreds years to see it again.
Becoming an Alpha was a defining moment for me in college. First off I'm not really a joiner or a follower. I'm an only child and I like being an individual. So how do I explain joining a fraternity? Easy, I pledged by myself. If you are reading this and you're confused I'll repeat myself. I pledged by myself. Yeah I know I always have to do things the hard way. It changed the way I looked at myself and the way others looked at me. The process alone made me a stronger man and helped me to understand that no matter how hard things are in college the real world is much more harder and challenging. I want to take this moment to thank the brothers that came before me and the ones that followed me. Hold the light high.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Ghetto Saints
First off I just like to say that I've been really busy. Still adjusting to the new apartment post renovations and still adjusting to the new job. Also therapy has really made me less bitter (That usually lasts until I see the bill). But I'll get into that at another time (or maybe not.)
The title of this post is Ghetto Saints. Now what is a "Ghetto Saint"? Glad you asked. Basically a Ghetto Saint is an icon who is celebrated within the ghetto and who's image is often worn on tee shirts. Some ghetto saints are alive (50 Cent) but the most popular ones are either dead (Tupac) or made up characters who are dead (Scarface).
I normally don't pay attention to fashion, I like what I like, and I try not to judge others for their fashion choices (it's something me and the shrink are working on.), but I've just about had it up to here with all this Tupac and Scarface paraphernalia. Seriously. I know I'm preaching to the choir on this one because people who wear Ghetto Saint paraphernalia don't come to my site but, I just had to get this off my chest.
Ok I've seen Scarface (maybe a dozen times) I GET IT, his story is a classic tale of a man who wants his part of the American dream, and he's prepared to kill for it. OK I GOT IT. But why do we insist on glorifying a character who epitomize almost everything wrong with our community? This is a character that wasn't even made up by us. Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay to Scarface and I got news for ya IT'S A REMAKE of a movie that was made in 1932.
The Tupac thing I understand (even though Tupac wasn't really a thug until he got into music, but that's another story.), but this Scarface thing doesn't make sense to me. It's as if some white guy (who never lived in the hood) made up a story about the hardest gangster that ever lived and we all bought into it and said YEAH that's how it is. Wait that's exactly what happened. Why do we feed into sjit that somebody else made up? Why do we glorify sjit that we don't even own. And when I say "own" I mean we had no part in the writing, directing or producing that movie so why do we choose to identify with some exploitation sh*t that was made up.
Now please don't get me wrong I have no problem with an Italian-American playing a Cuban refugee or a white guy writing a screenplay about a Cuban refugee who goes on to become a druglord. My beef is not with the creators of the movie my beef is with the people who buy into that image and think that is something to aspire to. It's cause of sh*t like this that we can't get our act together and why hip-hop culture is looked down upon as something that lacks morality.
Someone help me out here. Comments are welcome.
The title of this post is Ghetto Saints. Now what is a "Ghetto Saint"? Glad you asked. Basically a Ghetto Saint is an icon who is celebrated within the ghetto and who's image is often worn on tee shirts. Some ghetto saints are alive (50 Cent) but the most popular ones are either dead (Tupac) or made up characters who are dead (Scarface).
I normally don't pay attention to fashion, I like what I like, and I try not to judge others for their fashion choices (it's something me and the shrink are working on.), but I've just about had it up to here with all this Tupac and Scarface paraphernalia. Seriously. I know I'm preaching to the choir on this one because people who wear Ghetto Saint paraphernalia don't come to my site but, I just had to get this off my chest.
Ok I've seen Scarface (maybe a dozen times) I GET IT, his story is a classic tale of a man who wants his part of the American dream, and he's prepared to kill for it. OK I GOT IT. But why do we insist on glorifying a character who epitomize almost everything wrong with our community? This is a character that wasn't even made up by us. Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay to Scarface and I got news for ya IT'S A REMAKE of a movie that was made in 1932.
The Tupac thing I understand (even though Tupac wasn't really a thug until he got into music, but that's another story.), but this Scarface thing doesn't make sense to me. It's as if some white guy (who never lived in the hood) made up a story about the hardest gangster that ever lived and we all bought into it and said YEAH that's how it is. Wait that's exactly what happened. Why do we feed into sjit that somebody else made up? Why do we glorify sjit that we don't even own. And when I say "own" I mean we had no part in the writing, directing or producing that movie so why do we choose to identify with some exploitation sh*t that was made up.
Now please don't get me wrong I have no problem with an Italian-American playing a Cuban refugee or a white guy writing a screenplay about a Cuban refugee who goes on to become a druglord. My beef is not with the creators of the movie my beef is with the people who buy into that image and think that is something to aspire to. It's cause of sh*t like this that we can't get our act together and why hip-hop culture is looked down upon as something that lacks morality.
Someone help me out here. Comments are welcome.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
A Day without Immigrants, were you affected?
I am the son of immigrant parents. My parents are from Guyana, (that's in S. America). They came to this country (LEGALLY) with hopes and dreams of making a better life for themselves. My parents came to this country during a different time (mid-60's) among protest rallies and riots they came face to face with something they had not experienced in their own country (racism).
So now we flash forward to today. Immigration is a huge topic in the news lately, I'm guessing it has something to do with mid-term elections coming up.
It seems that when people talk of immigration the first thing you think about is someone of Latin decent (particularly Mexican). But there are many other kinds of immigrants who are in this country legally and illegally. But you don't see them at the forefront of this movement. Why is that? Let me put a few ideas on the table.
Please note that I have not done any in depth research on this topic and I am strictly giving an opinion and what I've seen on the news. Remember folks this is my blog and I can say what the hell I want to say.
Maybe non-Latin immigrants don't want to be at the forefront of this issue because they have already assimilated to the point where you would not be able to tell if they are here legally or illegally. We have thousands of Irish illegals running around but no one seems to be able to find them. We have thousands of West-Indians who are here illegally but no one seems to be able to find them. Is it because they've managed to blend in to the point in where they would not want the attention?
I understand that Latinos make up the majority of illegals. But does that mean Latinos get to be speak for all immigrants? What do you think?
So now we flash forward to today. Immigration is a huge topic in the news lately, I'm guessing it has something to do with mid-term elections coming up.
It seems that when people talk of immigration the first thing you think about is someone of Latin decent (particularly Mexican). But there are many other kinds of immigrants who are in this country legally and illegally. But you don't see them at the forefront of this movement. Why is that? Let me put a few ideas on the table.
Please note that I have not done any in depth research on this topic and I am strictly giving an opinion and what I've seen on the news. Remember folks this is my blog and I can say what the hell I want to say.
Maybe non-Latin immigrants don't want to be at the forefront of this issue because they have already assimilated to the point where you would not be able to tell if they are here legally or illegally. We have thousands of Irish illegals running around but no one seems to be able to find them. We have thousands of West-Indians who are here illegally but no one seems to be able to find them. Is it because they've managed to blend in to the point in where they would not want the attention?
I understand that Latinos make up the majority of illegals. But does that mean Latinos get to be speak for all immigrants? What do you think?
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Tagged
A couple of months ago Nominal Me tagged me. So here goes.
Total number of films I own:
About 12 DVDs.
The last film I bought:
Grosse Pointe Blank and A Solider's Story
The last film I watched:
Sympathy For Lady Vengence - I highly recomend you see it if it is playing in your city.
Five favorite films I either watch frequently or that mean a lot to me:
Pulp Fiction, Grosse Pointe Blank, Citizen Kane, A Soilder's Story, and Jaws.
Total number of films I own:
About 12 DVDs.
The last film I bought:
Grosse Pointe Blank and A Solider's Story
The last film I watched:
Sympathy For Lady Vengence - I highly recomend you see it if it is playing in your city.
Five favorite films I either watch frequently or that mean a lot to me:
Pulp Fiction, Grosse Pointe Blank, Citizen Kane, A Soilder's Story, and Jaws.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Oscars Part II: The Winners
BEST PICTURE
Crash - I really can't believe this movie won. I really hope it sparks a national conversation on race relations. Yeah right like that will ever happen.
BEST DIRECTOR
Ang Lee - In all seriousness he deserves this award. It was his time. He said he made this film for his father. Are you trying to tell us something Ang?
BEST ACTOR
Philip Seymour Hoffman - He gave one of the most sincere speeches of the evening. I had no idea he was raised in a single parent home. By the way, Hoffman's mom is a MILF.
BEST ACTRESS
Reese Witherspoon - Seriously I couldn't see this. I don't know why this happened. I am speechless. I hated her speech. Reese you don't matter.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
George Clooney - He deserved this. Too bad Paul Giamatti got screwed again. Clooney's speech was one of the highlights of the evening. He's totally a movie star in the tradition of the old school greats.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Rachel Weisz - I really like her as an actress but I hated this movie. I wonder who knocked her up?
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit": What's up with the freakin bowties?
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain": Well they had to give them something right?
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco for "Crash": I said it once and I'll say it again: "I can't believe Haggis used to write for Different Strokes."
Overall I thought it was a good show. Jon Stewart did a great job as host. He wasn't edgy and he was the consummate picture of the outsider looking in.
So Three 6 Mafia won. Some of you boughy Negroes out there think it's a bad thing. Personally I think their song fit perfectly with the movie. I don't know of any song in the running whose lyrics tell the story of the movie that it's representing. This win shows that hip-hop is a true force to be reckoned with not only in the music world but in the world of film. I can't hate on them. Their acceptence speech was one of the most realest things the Academy has ever seen.
Crash - I really can't believe this movie won. I really hope it sparks a national conversation on race relations. Yeah right like that will ever happen.
BEST DIRECTOR
Ang Lee - In all seriousness he deserves this award. It was his time. He said he made this film for his father. Are you trying to tell us something Ang?
BEST ACTOR
Philip Seymour Hoffman - He gave one of the most sincere speeches of the evening. I had no idea he was raised in a single parent home. By the way, Hoffman's mom is a MILF.
BEST ACTRESS
Reese Witherspoon - Seriously I couldn't see this. I don't know why this happened. I am speechless. I hated her speech. Reese you don't matter.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
George Clooney - He deserved this. Too bad Paul Giamatti got screwed again. Clooney's speech was one of the highlights of the evening. He's totally a movie star in the tradition of the old school greats.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Rachel Weisz - I really like her as an actress but I hated this movie. I wonder who knocked her up?
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit": What's up with the freakin bowties?
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain": Well they had to give them something right?
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco for "Crash": I said it once and I'll say it again: "I can't believe Haggis used to write for Different Strokes."
Overall I thought it was a good show. Jon Stewart did a great job as host. He wasn't edgy and he was the consummate picture of the outsider looking in.
So Three 6 Mafia won. Some of you boughy Negroes out there think it's a bad thing. Personally I think their song fit perfectly with the movie. I don't know of any song in the running whose lyrics tell the story of the movie that it's representing. This win shows that hip-hop is a true force to be reckoned with not only in the music world but in the world of film. I can't hate on them. Their acceptence speech was one of the most realest things the Academy has ever seen.
Here are a couple of highlights in no particular order:
- Lauren Bacall talking about film noir. After all these years she's still got a lot of class.
- Morgan Freeman messing up his lines.
- Jennifer Garner almost falling down.
- Three 6 Mafia winning.
- Richard Pryor being the last name mentioned in the "In Memoriam" segment. It is probably the first time a black man's name has gone last.
- Gavin Hood accepting for the best Foreign language film.
- The cast of Crash's reaction to them winning best film.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
False alarms
I've been slacking big time during black history month but I promise that I will make it up to you readers that still come around.
Today's topic is WHEN IS IT RACIAL or Are we too sensitive?
In this post I will put forward several situations that may or may not be racial. It all depends on your perception and your ability to see things for what they really are. You be the judge.
Case 1:
Like many New Yorkers I was affected by the MTA strike back in December. The TWU lead by Roger Tussaint called a strike for all transit workers in NYC. He sited that the MTA has been treating their workers unfairly and that this was not just about money but about their dignity. Talks are still in limbo.
A majority of NYer's thought it was all about the money. And Tussaint's call for a strike was a bit much and he should just make a deal (read roll over and play nice). But Tussaint's pride wouldn't let him.
Tussaint was vilified in the press. Now was it cause he called for a strike that made New York City loose over 10 million dollars. If the president of TWU was a white man would he get bad press the way Tussaint got it?
IMO: I think anyone that makes New York loose money is gonna get bad press. Tussaint being black has nothing to do with him getting bad press. But there were trigger words used in the press (ex. calling the workers thugs) to describe the workers. And let's not forget that the union is a minority run union (meaning there are more black people in the union than white.)
Case 2:
Shani Davis. Is he an angry black man who's not a team player or is he misunderstood?
IMO: Based on what I've read he's a loner and sometimes people can be rubbed the wrong way by that. It looks racial in the way the press has covered it, let's be honest here; it's black guy playing a white sport. No matter how anyone covers the story is going to look racial.
Sometimes black people in America see racism when it ain't there. But that's cause most of us have experienced it for most of our lives.
Yes that's a valid excuse white folks so deal with it. We didn't create racism we just live under it's evil thumb.
So when is it racial? Is it racial when a white man stands up side by side with a black man and says "YES THIS IS RACIALLY MOTIVATED." Or is it a matter of how we perceive things? So in an effort to help my white brothers and sisters I've come up with a guide to help you tell when things are racial.
- When a black person with no criminal record gets shot or beaten by the cops, chances are it's racial.
- When a black person runs for public office and the media wonders what he or she is going to do for the rest of the community, chances are it's racial
- When a black person dominates what we've been told is a white sport and gets bad press chances are it's racial.
- When the sentence is 25 to life for crack while the sentence for cocaine is one year, chances are it's racial.
- When a white rapper sells more records than a black rapper, chances are it's racial.
- When black people loot and white people find, chances are it's racial.
- When a Harvard MBA looses to a High School graduate on a reality show, chances are it's racial.
- When a black TV star runs out on a 50 million dollar contract and runs off to Africa, chances are it's racial.
- When your land gets "discovered" even though you've been there, chances are it's racial.
- When your continent and respective countries gets renamed and borders are changed without you being notified, chances are it's racial.
- If your oil and diamond rich country is in debt to the IMF, chances are it's racial.
- If there is more of your people in jail than in college, chances are it's racial.
- If you can't believe your hair or skin is beautiful without treating it with lye or bleach chances are it's racial.
- If your character dies within the first 30 minutes of a movie, chances are it's racial.
- When you get called a refugee in your own country, chances are it's racial.
- When your neighborhood gets washed away and the gov't doesn't care, chances are it's racial.
- When your church gets blown up with four little girls inside, chances are it's racial.
- When a white person just doesn't get it, chances are it's racial.
- When you get shot for having a dream, chances are it's racial.
I hope this guide helps my white brothers and sisters out there. Have a nice day.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Black History Month 2006
Yes it's that time of year again so before I get into the race ranting I want to open up this post with a quote from my frat brother Carter G. Woodson.
"If you can control a man's thinking, you don't have to worry about his actions. If you can determine what a man thinks you do not have worry about what he will do. If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don't have to compel him to seek an inferior status, he will do so without being told and if you can make a man believe that he is justly an outcast, you don't have to order him to the back door, he will go to the back door on his own and if there is no back door, the very nature of the man will demand that you build one."
I guess that is the point behind Manderlay. But I'll get into that later.
Last year I really set the bar high for myself. So my intentions this year are to surpass my work and take it to another level, so let's get started shall we hmmm...
This month I want to hit on a few things that I didn't get to touch on last year.
Some of it is gonna be positive and some of it is gonna be down right ignant. So let the race ranting begin.
First off I want to get this off my chest. My history is not limited to one month out of the year. Black history is AMERICAN HISTORY. This country was built on the backs of black men and women. And I will be damned if my peoples sacrifices and contributions are not acknowledged YEAR ROUND. One month is not enough to talk about the accomplishments of black people in America.
A black man by the name of Carter G. Woodson invented this tradition. But I want my white brothers and sisters to not get it twisted. Just cause we keep this tradition alive doesn't let you off the hook the other 337 days out of the year.
Black history didn't start with Martin Luther King. As great as he was, his legacy stands on the backs of dozens of leaders who came before him.
That being said, as my fellow blogger Panama G. Jackson would say let the Stoned Soul Picnic begin.
Stay tuned.
"If you can control a man's thinking, you don't have to worry about his actions. If you can determine what a man thinks you do not have worry about what he will do. If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don't have to compel him to seek an inferior status, he will do so without being told and if you can make a man believe that he is justly an outcast, you don't have to order him to the back door, he will go to the back door on his own and if there is no back door, the very nature of the man will demand that you build one."
I guess that is the point behind Manderlay. But I'll get into that later.
Last year I really set the bar high for myself. So my intentions this year are to surpass my work and take it to another level, so let's get started shall we hmmm...
This month I want to hit on a few things that I didn't get to touch on last year.
Some of it is gonna be positive and some of it is gonna be down right ignant. So let the race ranting begin.
First off I want to get this off my chest. My history is not limited to one month out of the year. Black history is AMERICAN HISTORY. This country was built on the backs of black men and women. And I will be damned if my peoples sacrifices and contributions are not acknowledged YEAR ROUND. One month is not enough to talk about the accomplishments of black people in America.
A black man by the name of Carter G. Woodson invented this tradition. But I want my white brothers and sisters to not get it twisted. Just cause we keep this tradition alive doesn't let you off the hook the other 337 days out of the year.
Black history didn't start with Martin Luther King. As great as he was, his legacy stands on the backs of dozens of leaders who came before him.
That being said, as my fellow blogger Panama G. Jackson would say let the Stoned Soul Picnic begin.
Stay tuned.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Oscars Part I: The nominees.
It's that time of year again folks. And the nominees are..
BEST PICTURE
Brokeback Mountain - You can't make me like it. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Capote - Very cool movie. I liked the pace of it.
Crash - It's always nice to see a race movie in the running. I just wish it was written by a black person, is that so wrong?
Good Night, and Good Luck - Very heavy handed. I got the point after the first half hour. I find that this movie is relevant to today but I think the pace of it was kinda slow.
Munich - I was blown away by this movie. Spielberg's best work since Saving Private Ryan.
BEST DIRECTOR
George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck": He's a better actor than director.
Paul Haggis, "Crash": He's a better writer than he is a director.
Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain": From what I heard he does a good job.
Bennett Miller, "Capote": I really liked the feel of this movie.
Steven Spielberg, "Munich": I don't think he'll win but I think out of everyone nominated he deserves it.
BEST ACTOR
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote": He totally captured the voice and spirit of the character.
Terrence Howard, "Hustle & Flow": I really want him to win but I know it ain't gonna happen. And honestly who wants to win an Oscar for playing the role of a rapping pimp?
Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain": I guess he was the top.
Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk The Line": He totally captured the heart of the character.
David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck": See what I wrote about Hoffman goes double for Strathairn
BEST ACTRESS
Judi Dench, "Mrs. Henderson Presents": I didn't see this movie nor do I have any intentions to. If I want to see Judi Dench in a movie I'll rent a Bond movie.
Felicity Huffman, "Transamerica": So let me get this straight. She's a woman who's playing a man who wants to be a woman? Aww just give it to her already.
Keira Knightley, "Pride and Prejudice": Hell no. NO!
Charlize Theron, "North Country": Didn't she win already?
Reese Witherspoon, "Walk The Line": NO. I just can't see it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
George Clooney, "Syriana": If he doesn't get the award for best director this could be the conselation prize.
Matt Dillon, "Crash": Is it me or did Don Cheadle get robbed?
Paul Giamatti, "CInderella Man": Got robbed last year so he'll probably get it this year.
Jake Gyllenhaal, "Brokeback Mountain": I just don't see it happening for him this time around.
William Hurt, "A History of Violence": Deserves it. But won't get it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, "Junebug": She's the underdog in this category. I really liked her performance.
Catherine Keener, "Capote": She's a safe bet to win but that being said the competition is stiff.
Frances McDormand, "North Country": I didn't see this movie but I'm sure she turned out a great performance. She's just that good.
Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener": I hated this movie but I really like Rachel Weisz.
Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain": She's come a long way from Dawson's Creek.
BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Howl's Moving Castle": Didn't see it.
"The Corpse Bride": Tim Burton could win with this.
"Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit": This movie should have come out 3 years ago and maybe it would have had a chance.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain": I'm sure this movie was in development hell for years.
Dan Futterman for "Capote" : Good stuff.
Jeffrey Caine for "The Constant Gardener": HELL F*CKING NO!
Josh Olson for "The History of Violence": Brilliant. This was the most direct movie I've seen all year.
Tony Kushner and Eric Roth for "Munich": Awesome and telling. I loved this movie.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco for "Crash": I can't believe Haggis used to write for Different Strokes.
Grant Heslov and George Clooney for "Good Night, and Good Luck": Who knew Clooney could write.
Woody Allen for "Match Point": Don't ya just love how Woody Allen sneaks in with this movie.
Noah Baumbach for "The Squid and the Whale": Nice title.
Stephen Gaghan for "Syriana" : Hard to follow at times but good idea.
BEST PICTURE
Brokeback Mountain - You can't make me like it. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Capote - Very cool movie. I liked the pace of it.
Crash - It's always nice to see a race movie in the running. I just wish it was written by a black person, is that so wrong?
Good Night, and Good Luck - Very heavy handed. I got the point after the first half hour. I find that this movie is relevant to today but I think the pace of it was kinda slow.
Munich - I was blown away by this movie. Spielberg's best work since Saving Private Ryan.
BEST DIRECTOR
George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck": He's a better actor than director.
Paul Haggis, "Crash": He's a better writer than he is a director.
Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain": From what I heard he does a good job.
Bennett Miller, "Capote": I really liked the feel of this movie.
Steven Spielberg, "Munich": I don't think he'll win but I think out of everyone nominated he deserves it.
BEST ACTOR
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote": He totally captured the voice and spirit of the character.
Terrence Howard, "Hustle & Flow": I really want him to win but I know it ain't gonna happen. And honestly who wants to win an Oscar for playing the role of a rapping pimp?
Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain": I guess he was the top.
Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk The Line": He totally captured the heart of the character.
David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck": See what I wrote about Hoffman goes double for Strathairn
BEST ACTRESS
Judi Dench, "Mrs. Henderson Presents": I didn't see this movie nor do I have any intentions to. If I want to see Judi Dench in a movie I'll rent a Bond movie.
Felicity Huffman, "Transamerica": So let me get this straight. She's a woman who's playing a man who wants to be a woman? Aww just give it to her already.
Keira Knightley, "Pride and Prejudice": Hell no. NO!
Charlize Theron, "North Country": Didn't she win already?
Reese Witherspoon, "Walk The Line": NO. I just can't see it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
George Clooney, "Syriana": If he doesn't get the award for best director this could be the conselation prize.
Matt Dillon, "Crash": Is it me or did Don Cheadle get robbed?
Paul Giamatti, "CInderella Man": Got robbed last year so he'll probably get it this year.
Jake Gyllenhaal, "Brokeback Mountain": I just don't see it happening for him this time around.
William Hurt, "A History of Violence": Deserves it. But won't get it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, "Junebug": She's the underdog in this category. I really liked her performance.
Catherine Keener, "Capote": She's a safe bet to win but that being said the competition is stiff.
Frances McDormand, "North Country": I didn't see this movie but I'm sure she turned out a great performance. She's just that good.
Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener": I hated this movie but I really like Rachel Weisz.
Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain": She's come a long way from Dawson's Creek.
BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Howl's Moving Castle": Didn't see it.
"The Corpse Bride": Tim Burton could win with this.
"Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit": This movie should have come out 3 years ago and maybe it would have had a chance.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain": I'm sure this movie was in development hell for years.
Dan Futterman for "Capote" : Good stuff.
Jeffrey Caine for "The Constant Gardener": HELL F*CKING NO!
Josh Olson for "The History of Violence": Brilliant. This was the most direct movie I've seen all year.
Tony Kushner and Eric Roth for "Munich": Awesome and telling. I loved this movie.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco for "Crash": I can't believe Haggis used to write for Different Strokes.
Grant Heslov and George Clooney for "Good Night, and Good Luck": Who knew Clooney could write.
Woody Allen for "Match Point": Don't ya just love how Woody Allen sneaks in with this movie.
Noah Baumbach for "The Squid and the Whale": Nice title.
Stephen Gaghan for "Syriana" : Hard to follow at times but good idea.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
2006 Most Anticipated
X-Men 3 - The return of Jean Grey. Nuff said.
The Fountain - Darren Aronofsky gives us three parallel stories that span over a 1,000 years.
Superman Returns - Bryan Singer restarts this franchise.
Mission: Impossible III - Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames return to the spy franchise.
Inside Man - Spike Lee directs a bank heist thriller staring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster.
Manderlay - From the man who brought you Dogville. It is a story of slavery, set in the 1930s American South.
Casino Royale - Daniel Craig is the new James Bond. We'll see how he does.
The Da Vinci Code - Ron Howard directs this adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller. Some guy named Tom Hanks is supposed to be in this.
V For Vendetta - The Wachowski brothers adapt the infamous Alan Moore graphic novel.
Also look out for: Miami Vice, A Scanner Darkly, The Return of Zoom, Stranger Than Fiction, Dreamgirls, The Good Shepherd, Eragon
The Fountain - Darren Aronofsky gives us three parallel stories that span over a 1,000 years.
Superman Returns - Bryan Singer restarts this franchise.
Mission: Impossible III - Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames return to the spy franchise.
Inside Man - Spike Lee directs a bank heist thriller staring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster.
Manderlay - From the man who brought you Dogville. It is a story of slavery, set in the 1930s American South.
Casino Royale - Daniel Craig is the new James Bond. We'll see how he does.
The Da Vinci Code - Ron Howard directs this adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller. Some guy named Tom Hanks is supposed to be in this.
V For Vendetta - The Wachowski brothers adapt the infamous Alan Moore graphic novel.
Also look out for: Miami Vice, A Scanner Darkly, The Return of Zoom, Stranger Than Fiction, Dreamgirls, The Good Shepherd, Eragon
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