Being a Black Contrarian or No Wiggle Room! (No Relation to Romper Room) An Addendum

Thinking against the grain can be an arduous, unpopular but at the least necessary endeavor. It is essentially what a Black contrarian does-go left when everyone else chooses to go right. To be more accurate, in my case going right(center) when the group goes left(the above picture can be misleading). Do yourself a favor, scroll down to my previous Queens police shooting entry and click on the "trackback" link. It will lead you to the latest posting by Dr. Lester Spence who is at the helm of a blog, entitled Blacksmythe. It appears that he has taken me to task on my view of the Queens case or more specifically, the subject of policing in minority communities. For the record, I encourage reasoned debate, therefore I will attempt to briefly answer his charges.

To paraphrase Spence, it was his contention that my policing stance may have some validity, if one were to ignore the overall protective purpose of the police. Spence also proposed that I failed to address the history of the police as it relates to communities of color. In addition, he posited that hip hop culture, because of it being a recent phenomenon(relative to historical relevance)would be an atypical ingredient in the police brutality cauldron. I am fully aware of the general history of the police. Thinking back to my Hampton U criminal justice courses, the subject of the police (before Sting and Andy Summers) remains forever emblazoned in my mind.

The modern concept of the police in the US, started out invariably as private, independent security forces at the dawn of the Industrial Age with the intent to protect property and wealth. This is a far cry from the paramilitary organizations that we see today (although one could argue about their mantra for protecting the assets of the elite). I have never intimated that police misconduct and brutality do not exist, nor am I naive regarding their racist history (mob lynching with police collusion, Bull Connor's water hoses and police dogs, etc). But what if you take away the victimization standard that many left wing pundits use when discussing these issues? A standard that seems to absolve the proposed subordinate group of any personal responsibility for their condition.

In addition, Hip Hop at a minimum, is a 30-year-old phenomenon-the last decade(and a half) dedicated to a propagandized Black thuggish aesthetic. Commercial hip hop in my estimation, has engrained in White America's consciousness (the police, notwithstanding) that Black youth, hip hop culture and crime are endemic and intertwined. Malcolm Gladwell's bestseller, Blink comes to mind (I'll expound on that another day). Ultimately, I'm not a fan of wiggle room. Wiggle room is the gray area that street culture has created when attempting to substantiate cases that should be of obvious racial injustice. The recent Howard Beach attack was an example of the wiggle.

In a nutshell, a White hip hop youth attacks his Black counterpart with a bat while calling his victim a nigger (or nigga, you know the routine). The attacker actually had a defense because of hip hop’s alleged transcendent use of the n-word. As alluded to in my prior entry, too many Black youth, thanks to this present day propaganda are embracing stereotypical dress and behavior. Many are not criminals but wearing the costume of the criminal caste should not be considered desirable.



Take a look at the excerpt (below) from an infamous Dave Chappelle stand-up routine. He talks about how women protest being objectified based on what they're wearing(excuse the expletives):

"The girl says, 'Wait a minute! Just because I'm dressed this way does not make me a whore!' Which is true. Gentlemen, that is true. Just because they dress a certain way doesn't mean they are a certain way. Don't ever forget it. But ladies, you must understand that is fucking confusing! It just is. Now that would be like me, Dave Chappelle the comedian, walking down the street in a cop uniform. Somebody might run up on me, saying, 'Oh, thank God. Officer, help us! Come on. They're over here. Help us!' 'OHH!! Just because I'm dressed this way does not make me a police officer!' All right, ladies, fine. You are not a whore. But you are wearing a whore's uniform."

In homage to Mr. Chappelle's act-"All right, young brothers, fine. You are not a thug. But you are wearing a thug's uniform."

For more salt on the wound check out a fellow blogger's (The Thoughts of an Educated Young African American Male) up close and personal take on the police profiling issue:

Understanding Racial Profiling

What does this Man have to do with a Queens Police Brutality Case?

The quick answer to my title question is-"nothing." The long answer is....everything. The gentleman pictured above is Hiram Johnson, a notable senator of California from 1917 to 1945. During his first year as senator, he was noted for making the statement: "the first casualty when war comes, is truth," pertaining to America's entry into the first World War. Who would have guessed that Senator Johnson's remarks would prove to be as prophetic today as they were almost 90 years ago. Unfortunately, I think Johnson's quote also applies to the handling of a Queens(N.Y.) police shooting that resulted in the death of a future groom on the eve of his wedding day. The groom, Sean Bell, 23, was killed on the 26th of November in a hail of bullets after leaving a bachelor party, which was being held at a Queens strip club. Bell, along with two friends while in a vehicle, were shot at in excess of 50 times by New York City police. The circumstances before and after this tragedy is extremely murky. According to the latest reports, an altercation may have occurred in the club with the groom (including his entourage) and some Guyanese patrons. It has also been claimed that someone in Bell's party may (or may not) have made reference to possessing a gun. While this is allegedly transpiring, undercover authorities have been surveilling the club in question(Club Kalua, left) in hopes of gathering enough evidence to shut it down for drug and prostitution charges.

To further add to the nebulous nature of the shooting, it has also been reported that undercover police stopped Bell's vehicle (possibly without identifying themselves, again open to speculation) and either Bell’s (the driver) alleged ramming of the police vehicle or the belief that his party was armed, caused police to open fire, killing Bell and injuring his passengers. In addition, it has been speculated by police that there may (or may not) have been a fourth person in Bell's car that escaped and was armed. Be that as it may, when the gun residue cleared, no gun(s) were found at the scene. So what you have here is an excellent premise to sell newspapers and foment long held tensions between law enforcement and the African-American community. An unarmed groom and father of two children being killed hours before his wedding is not only tragic but also makes good copy. The usual cast of characters has arrived-Sharpton, community activists, an angry Black citizenry and police/public officials trying to make sense of exactly what occurred.

We can be sure that someone screwed up.....royally. But each police brutality case is different. My deepest desire is that the African-American community in the future becomes more proactive instead of being reactive when these cases occur. This reactive contention would entail there being some self-effacement by Black folk regarding these matters. Before I go any further, let me state for the record that I am deeply saddened that another young male of color is dead. And the photo of his 3 year old daughter crying and attempting to understand that her father is gone is horrific and will haunt me for a lifetime. But as this tragedy has played out thus far, the story oftentimes circumvents the truth. Here are some truths about the police:

1) Policing is a stressful, difficult and dangerous job that no sane person wants to do.

2) Police officers (some who are also persons of color) have been killed in the line of duty leaving families (like the victim's in this case) orphaned and widowed. The key difference is that Sharpton, to my knowledge has not shown up for cases like these.

3) And of course, you do have reprehensible cases of police misconduct and corruption.

Now here are some hard truths for the African-American and Latino communities:

1) The police have to discern who has criminal intent in an atmosphere that idolizes rebel behavior thanks to commercial hip hop imagery. Gone are the days when the heroes and villains wore opposing color schemes. Now there are legions of Black and Brown youth, whose fashion sense and mannerisms mimic those comprised of the thug element. Many are not criminals but (a la 50 cent) how is one to tell the difference between a gangsta and a wanksta.

2) Not only do you have a street culture that has risen to mythic proportions but also street ethics that manifest in "stop snitchin'" policies-the ghetto version of the Italian omerta. At one time snitching meant that if two or more parties were involved in a crime and one gets caught, that person would not "rat" his cohorts out. This ghetto omerta has morphed into just not providing any information if someone gets hurt or killed. The murderer of an innocent simply gets a pass. Just ask Busta Rhymes.

3) And lastly, we have a youth culture that unfortunately fulfill the stereotypes that have been ascribed to them. In the Bell case, all three parties had numerous arrests for drug and weapon charges in the past. The media has been hampering on the amount of shots in this case. How many shots would have been appropriate? One. Ten. Fifteen? If these officers (who were mostly minorities-which diminishes the usual black/white dynamic) honestly thought that there was a legitimate threat, how many shots would make the public comfortable? Yes, these gentleman were unarmed but how would the officers have known this? Children with fake guns have been killed under similar circumstances....when the smoke clears, it's another tragic mistake. If these victims were profiled....guess what?.....they were correctly profiled. Did they deserve to get shot? No...but in this realm of street culture where signals can get crossed, tragedy is sure to lurk in the shadows. As you can see, I have a lot to say about this case and my next entry will be an addendum piece. For the latest developments pertaining to the Queens shooting (including a Stanley Crouch editorial) click on the links below:

Cops, demonstrators square off in Queens shooting protest

Queens Shooting: In Search for Fourth Man, Police Arrest Four and Anger Community

Stanley Crouch's editorial regarding the Queens Police Shooting

Afronerd Radio?.......Stay Tuned

Yes, folks I have decided to entertain the internet radio/podcast game. I initially started this blog for several reasons:

1) To provide an alternate African-American viewpoint not often heard in conventional mainstream media (i.e. Black Conservatism, critical analysis of African-American pop culture, the concepts of Black geekness/intellectualism, etc).


2)To facilitate a think tank environment for other like-minded bloggers and individuals to "hash" out ideas and strategies to combat the commonly held stereotypes of people of color found in various media outlets(tv, radio, advertisements, etc)

3) And plain ol' frustration. Just being able to speak my mind and vocalize my disdain at the misrepresentation and myopic promotion of Black culture in our country.

Hopefully, joining BlogTalkRadio.Com will be another outlet for me to bring forth important issues and experiences from a moderate Conservative point of view. The show will allow for live broadcasting including a call-in feature. This new radio venture couldn't come at a more opportune time based on what transpired regarding my last entry. If you happen to scroll down and check out my Carmelo Anthony/Do-rag rant, also view the heated exchange in the comment section. Based on the blatant misinformation of the commenter/blogger, named "Krisna"(pertaining to who did and did not participate in the creation of Hip Hop-something that is well documented and irrefutable), it is imperative that the next radio broadcast address what is occurring with those who are in and outside Black culture espousing false data. Stay tuned for more info regarding upcoming shows and scheduling.

BlogTalkRadio.Com

Afronerd Radio

What's wrong with this picture?....Oh and If you haven't Guessed.....This is a Rant!

I must confess that I am really chomping at the bit to discuss the recent and tragic events centering around the Queens police shooting that occurred this past weekend. But as promised, I'm not going to rush to judgment-unlike those who have already politicized this matter. I will, however, discuss something that is vaguely related. Culture. Or lack thereof. Those of you who have stuck with this blog for the last few months are probably aware of a previous disagreement that I had with a fellow blogger by the name of "Fresh" from Crunk and Disorderly. I am no longer warring with the blog as I do believe that it does serve a purpose. So let's just state that for the record, we have since reached a detente(think of the old Soviet Union and the US during the Cold War). Admittedly I do glance at Crunk on occasion. Don't we all slow down while driving when an accident has occurred hoping to see an injury? Well, the above photo is that accident up ahead. I have to give props to Crunk for highlighting the above moment in time pertaining to the lovely couple. If you have been living under Osama's rock for the last few years and haven't checked out a passing episode of MTV's TRL or a Denver Nuggets game, you might not be familiar with Alani "La La" Vasquez or Carmelo Anthony.

If you haven't guessed, this is going to be yet another HipHop/Culture rant. And for those who say that I criticize hiphop too much.....you should be used to this by now. Can't we clean up people? Here we have a multi-millionaire and he can't tighten up his appearance for his lady/soon to be wife/soon to be mother of his child? As much as I try to stray away from critiquing hiphop culture, I'm still taken to different tangents with it. Is there ever a moment in this alleged culture where an individual classes up? Or is one always on thug protocol? And believe it or not this is not purely a racial issue as I have seen numerous couples(the males, specifically) of various racial and ethnic origin that insist on a downgrade of their appearance. The women are not even expecting much. Perhaps Mr. Anthony's bank account makes up for this. And god forbid that one should get profiled.....one might mistake Carmelo for a ne'er-do-well as opposed to a professional athlete.

What really shocked me the most was that for a number of commenters under Fresh's entry, many of the women actually liked Carmelo's appearance. Does keeping it real entail never removing your do-rag for your lady and never actually marrying her before she is with child? Or does it mean that you honor her by giving her something sophisticated to look at during a meal? Or perhaps making her a wife and not a wifey. Mediocre fashion sense and a do-rag evidently appeals to some women nowadays. WOW! I guess I'll smear feces on my clothes and give Halle a call. Has anyone ever determined exactly when HipHop was deemed a culture? Was it the Blacks and Latinos that created it or Madison Avenue? A culture will always help your financial bottomline moreso than a fad. Just ask a burka manufacturer. This is allegedly a free country and one can dress as he or she sees fit but we need choices folks. Young people of color, specifically, need to bear witness to class and decency every once in awhile to at least be familiar with couture and etiquette. Ok that's it....I can breathe. I return you now to your regularly scheduled programming....I think The Flavor of Love is on.

A delay for the facts......

I had initially planned to write a piece regarding the alleged police brutality/shooting incident that occurred in the South Jamaica section of Queens a few days ago. Those of you who are most familiar with my writing probably have already guessed that my take on this matter would be different. I will address this tragic incident at a later date but I think it would be prudent for me to give a formal synopsis when all the facts have come forward. Meanwhile, click on the links below to find out what has been reported thus far:

Police looking for more witnesses to deadly Queens Police shooting

Mayor Says Shooting Was ‘Excessive’

NY police shooting of unarmed groom sparks outrage

A Rebroadcast.....Highlighting an interesting Esquire Article

First, I have to give many thanks to Mat Johnson(of the blog, Niggerati Manor)for bringing this particular article to my attention. I have no idea how I missed this issue of Esquire as I have been an avid reader of the magazine for what seems like an eon. This month's Esquire has a feature story entitled, "The Manifesto of Ascendancy for the Modern American Nigger," written by author and sometime tv media pundit, John Ridley.

In this case the talented Mr. Ridley(not to be confused with Ripley) lays down the gauntlet by clearly making the distinction between Black people and niggas. In my estimation, Ridley's manifesto is a codified version of Chris Rock's infamous Niggas versus Black people routine from his Bring the Pain HBO special. Unfortunately, I believe that many people will delve into a controversy surrounding semantics as opposed to analyzing the validity of the piece. It may be a painful assertion, but street life has risen from societal symptomology to a distinct culture; pretty much in the same vein as its White trash counterpart. And as I alluded to in the comment section of Niggerati, people of color are predisposed to participate in a Kirbyesque Uni-Mind mentality.

Humor me as I go onto geek mode. If anyone is familiar with Jack Kirby's run of the Eternals comic series, the protagonists are a race of Godlike beings (akin to Asgardians or Olympians) when faced by a common threat merge into a single uni-mind entity. This uni-mind is essentially what Black people are forced to become in order to combat their problems. Ridley's article also gives high marks to Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell for their display of diplomatic aplomb during the 2001 Hanna island crisis which resulted in the release of the crew of an American surveillance plane ("spy craft" in Mandarin) downed in Chinese territory.

Ridley posits that Rice and Powell were not able to receive their just accolades due to a competing story involving the Black underclass riots in Cincinnati, Ohio. In Ridley's colorful language, Black excellence lost out to niggas during this period. One may feel uncomfortable with Mr. Ridley's manifesto, but I do believe that a diversity of thought, art, politics and imagery is necessary for African-Americans to move forward as individuals and not one massive automaton. Bravo John Ridley. Bravo. For more on the Ridley piece and Mat Johnson's review click on the links below:

The Manifesto of Ascendancy for the Modern American Nigger

N vs BP

Next up, my impression of the Queens police brutality shooting(or 50 cent for 50 bullets).

For the Die-Hard Trekkie(or Trekker)

I would definitely consider myself a mild Star Trek enthusiast. My interest in Trekdom would fall somewhere between Trekkie and a Trekker. Believe it or not, many have hypothesized that there are differences between these two types of fans. Despite where I would be placed on the Trekdom scale, imagine my surprise when I discovered that Paramount recently released Star Trek: The Animated Series, a non canonical continuation of the original series. The animated version, which was broadcast in 1973 and barely made it through two seasons, is a surprsingly good interpolation of its live-action predecessor. I just purchased the new DVD release and have seen approximately 8 half hour episodes(out of the 22) thus far. To be honest, I barely remember this series(unlike Gigantor and Speed Racer for some reason) as a kid so it's definitely a fresh treat for someone familiar with the original series. The gang's all here-the original cast, sans Walter Koenig(Chekov) provided the voice talent for the short lived series. The animation, developed by Filmation Studios, is archaic by today's standards however the video transfer is excellent. Do yourself a favor and check out this excellent stocking stuffer for the upcoming (and annoying) holiday season. Also click on the link below for Wikipedia's synopsis of Star Trek Animated:

Star Trek: The Animated Series

Gee...Looks Like Kramer Tripped into the Wrong Door This Time!

WOW! Isn't he special(in the words of Dana Carvey's Church Lady character)? To be honest, I have grown increasingly numb to racial tirades and the weekly celebrity implosions. As much as I loved the Kramer character and admired the high standard of writing on Seinfeld, I am not shocked that Michael Richards is nothing like his zany character. But don't forget that I am ever the contrarian here at Afronerd. I have friends who have done stand-up comedy in the past and dealing with hecklers is never a pleasureable experience when you are trying to do an act. Unfortunately, Richards showed us how he really feels just as his fellow thespian, Mel Gibson did a few months ago. But at this juncture, I am way beyond being affected by the word, nigger(or nigga, whichever fits nowadays). It's not my word. It's a European invention. And as I stated in a prior entry, just because a White person calls a person of color a nigger, does it make it so?

An analogy I often use, deals with Columbus proving the world is round. A great deal of Whites at the time believed the world was flat....it didn't make it a fact. I can call the sky green....does it make it correct? Conversely, using nigger does not make it a fact either. What I do care about centers around the inevitable appearance of the usual cast of characters when these events occur-either Sharpton, the NAACP or Rev. Jackson. You can bet that they will bring the fire and brimstone with the customary rebuttal and call to action. Where are these gentlemen when we have 24-7 minstrel programming that assaults the Black image daily? You could hear a pin drop.

One would have to be delusional to think that Whites(or Blacks and other nationalities) do not use the word. America is supposed to be about freedom.....if a person wants to use such language, so be it. Just remember that there are ramifications for its usage. One person may give you a hug, another may try to kill you. I'm not the gambling type so I'll stick to sir. The person that uses the word, regardless of his/her nationality really tells you more about himself than the individual that the epithet was directed toward. Richards singlehandedly defecated on his career, a beloved character, social standing and indirectly the Seinfeld franchise in one swoop. Just ask Mel, he knows the deal. Who's really the nigga now? For more of Richard's impression of Chernobyl click on the link below:

Michael Richards, a.k.a. Kramer, spews racial slurs during standup act

Am I the Only One Confused by Russell Simmons?

I just don't get Russell Simmons. I have been feeling this way for a couple of years now due to how he juxtaposes his humanitarian efforts with the current hip hop music that he endorses. On one hand, in the past he has been very vocal regarding the reformation of New York's strict Rockefeller drug laws and on the other, the culture that he is marketing continues to glamorize a thuggish (and sometimes drug referenced) lifestyle. What prompted me to write this particular entry, relates to an NY Daily News article that reported now Simmons and model/Tsunami survivor, Petra Nemcova are on a fact finding tour of South African diamond mines. Ever the business mogul, Simmons coincidently has an endorsement deal with the DeBeers diamond company. Again, we have a culture that promotes bling over substance to the detriment of Africans who have died due to the exploitation of their labor as it pertains to the funding of civil wars.

Russell has stated that he is attempting to empower these exploited diamond mining Africans but when will he own up to the damage that negative rap music has done to African-Americans? This is the root of the quandry that I find myself having with Mr. Simmons. You can throw President Carter(Jay-z for the uninitiated) in this mix as well. Recently, Jigga had a street named after him in Nigeria for highlighting the country's water crisis. In a prior entry, I was highly critical of his boycott against Cristal, a drink that many in his fanbase probably can not afford and yet the lifestyle that he promotes as well as hiphop's nihilism continues. More on Russell and Jay-z below:

Simmons on gem of a trip

Documentary Following Russell Simmons' Fight Against Rockefeller Drug Laws In Production

Uneasy Lies the Head

Jay-z Gets Street Named After Him In Nigeria

Why You'll Never See a Comic Book Store in the Hood....

Excuse me for using the term hood. I'm not fond of the word and I'm not sure if it is applicable to certain communities that are currently being gentrified. Harlem has often been referred to as a hood. I'm not sure if this is accurate as many brownstones uptown have seven figure pricetags. But I digress. I used "hood" as a backdrop for my lamenting the desire for a Black comic store in my neighborhood. I do have to be fair, someone did operate a comic shop in St. Albans for a brief period albeit it closed in a few months-I suspect due to a lack of support. I have to give kudos to the young cat that made the attempt because at least he tried. And as much as I lambaste the current rap scene, I'm not goint to blame rap on this one...at least not directly. There are a whole host of variables as to why this young man's business endeavor failed. Running a successful comic shop in any community is difficult, however one major hurdle a Black comic shop would have is customer identification. Rarely does anyone want to be considered a nerd in the Black community. This may be an esoteric assertion but in my estimation it is a hard fact. Nevertheless, I do see my fair share of bespectacled men of color clamoring around graphic novels when I patronize White comic establishments. Perhaps one day, African Americans can see themselves as a truly diverse entity(and hopefully other folks will view us that way as well) and I can get my comic shop after all. If this ever happened, Black Starbucks is next.

Newsflash!!! Humans and Sheep Share the Same DNA!!

I don't know if you were aware of this but human beings are sheep. Really. I suspect that even if you lived under a rock like Patrick Starfish(yeah, I look at SpongeBob Squarepants....I'm ready...I'm ready!) you probably heard that the Sony Playstation 3 was released today. At some point in the future, I plan to purchase this extremely powerful gaming console. Emphasis on some point in the future. I'm just not in a rush to pay $13,000!!! Yes, you heard me...thirteen thousand big ones. At least that is the highest bid I heard was reported to have been placed on Ebay. What is wrong with people? How is it that so many of us are so easily lead(hence the sheep analogy) by corporate manipulation and greed? It's bad enough that the game retails for $600, but many people need this piece of equipment NOW. I have heard of numerous robberies, shootings and mob malfeasance in various parts of the country, all in quest of this game. For once, I would like to see people(en masse) take a stand and not be so easily led when these alleged hard to get items are invariably released. I'll sidestep the potential bulletwound and purchase the system next year. If you absolutely must have the Playstation during this holiday season, I hear Circuit City has a deal on Kevlar vests....just kidding. Maybe. For more pertaining to Playstation madness check out the links below:

PS3 Launch Marred by Violence

Sony PlayStation 3 debuts amid shopper frenzy

Violence mars PlayStation 3 US launch

Two arrested after crowd stampeded store to buy PlayStation 3

When Too Much OJ Can Give You an Upset Stomach

Who would have thought that the above clip from a British comedy show would provide a glimpse into O.J. Simpson's future. To jump to the punchline, the host, Armando Iannucci managed to get Orenthal's autograph on a piece of paper with the phrase, "I DID IT" emblazoned on it. Now, of course, Mr. Simpson has managed to garner a hefty paycheck thanks to publisher, Judith Regan and media outlet Fox television for a book/TV special combo, entitled, "If I Did It." WOW!...just when you thought the media could get no lower in a macabre limbo contest, they're actually able to get below the proverbial bar. The show will allow OJ to hypothetically discuss how he would have committed the murders of his wife and her alleged paramour Ron Goldman. Again, it's allegedly a supposition...wink wink. This is our media at their best. If it's time for OJ to confess then the media needs to own up to their complicity. No one ever seems to discuss how much money this decade plus case still generates due to the public's neverending prurient interest in it. A cottage industry has developed due in part (or whole) because of the "case of the century." If one were to calculate the revenue generated from CSI, its rip-offs and spin-offs as well as court punditry programming, it would be.....well..incalculable. I think I'm going to end this post right at this point....I will devote a more detailed analysis regarding the OJ case and its polarizing effects in an upcoming entry. Click on the link below for more regarding OJ's confession:

O.J. Simpson to confess — hypothetically

A Truly Underrated Graphic Novel Series.....

I just picked up the latest issue(#7) of the comic book series, Squadron Supreme and the book never ceases to amaze me. I've devoted several posts to this series and it definitely appears that Hollywood(hence NBC's Heroes) has finally figured out that suspense and super powers make for a great cinematic elixir. This particular issue entails a rematch between the team and their sociopathic nemesis, Redstone. Not to give too much away, but the art, pathos and violence literally jumps off the pages. For those who still insist that graphic novels are for kids, pick up the Supreme Power(the Squadron's first incarnation)trade paperback issues and then, of course, issues 1-7 of Squadron and I assure you that your views will undoubtedly change. Check out the link below for a preview of issue 7:

Squadron Supreme Preview, issue#7

Also check out a prior Squadron entry:

http://afronerd.blogspot.com/2006/05/must-read.html

It's Official....We are Now at War......

NYOIL has another soldier in his army to combat ignorance. Again..it's harsh stuff and excuse the vulgarity but I applaud the effort. I'm not going to belabor the issue with my viewpoint on this. You know what I think. Let's just make sure that this seed of an internalized movement grows.

Looking Backward to go Forward or My Gripe with Black Mags

If you haven't guessed, I have a problem with some of the African American magazines that are currently available. It really hit me hard recently as I have taken it upon myself to collect vintage Ebony mags. I'm a collector to the core and along with my comics, vintage pieces(clothing, ties, watches), music and dvds, I have acquired a taste for Ebonys dating back to the mid 1940s. Who wouldn't want to have a framed 1949 Ebony with Billie Holiday or Jackie Robinson on the cover? When you read these particular magazines, you have an indelible sense that the purpose of the magazines was to highlight Black achievement as well as inform. During this time, it actually appeared that entertainers took a second tier position to those who possessed accomplishments in the medical, legal and scientific fields. Of course, jumping ahead to 2006, many publications are suffering from what I have dubbed the celebrification complex. It is the overemphasis of the celebrity lifestyle to the exclusion of far more informative and socially relevant stories. It has become a constant frustration for yours truly to uncover so many things that are ruining our rich and diverse culture. If you ever get a chance, try to pick up one of these vintage Ebonys-Ebay has been an excellent source. Again...it's your history.

Sometimes The Cartoons Get It Right or From the Mouths of Babes

It's funny how in the last 20 years cartoons have moved away from being just fodder for kids to an excellent format for discussing very adult issues. The above video is from The Simpsons' Treehouse of Terror series(the 17th)which is a great sendup of Orson Welles' infamous War of the Worlds radio broadcast. What differentiates this episode from past shows is the subtle(or not so subtle)reference to America's war with Iraq. Again, from the mouths of babes(or at least middle-aged adolescents).



The next clip is from a controversial episode of the Boondocks. The plot plays out like the Marvel Comics What If series. However, we are not talking about what would have happened if Peter Parker had not been bitten by a radioactive spider. In this case...what if Dr. Martin Luther King actually survived his shooting? I liken this episode(and the Boondocks in general) to NYOIL's anti-minstrel diatribe. This episode is as severe as it is poignant. Maybe the movement that we have been asking for has actually arrived. Thank You Jesus(or Mohammed, or Confucius or Jehovah).....whatever works.

More on Ed Bradley....

The 60 Minutes crew remembers Ed Bradley...something to share with the class. Next up...another minstrel alert.

We are losing our Greats......

First off, I would like to send out my heartfelt condolences to the families of Ed Bradley and Gerald Levert. We really are losing our greats. We also lost Johnnie Cochran and Gordon Parks within the last 18 months. The common theme with these gentlemen was not only that they were extremely talented in their respective fields but also greatly needed by the African-American community. Johnnie was our attorney. Gerald was one of the last great soul vocalists in a time when real singers are fading from the public consciousness. And of course, Bradley and Parks exuded a timeless quality of class, culture and coolness that are bereft from the current Black media standard. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why I am so critical of commercial hiphop and how it has successfully demonized the Black image. When I look back at old photographs of the heroes of the Harlem Rennaissance period, it is a bitter pill to swallow when compared to who are considered iconic in 2006. We have to honor these soldiers by raising the standard...it is not only what they would have wanted but what we should want. Rest in peace gentleman...Rest in peace.

Ok Now Finally.....The Election 2006

Well, as predicted, the 2006 elections have worked in favor for the Democrats, who successfully took both the House and Senate. Unfortunately, there is a long road to haul between now and the White House in the next two years. As I have stated many times in this blog, I am formally changing my political affiliation from liberal to conservative for strategic as well as ideological reasons. I have no absolute love for either party and truth be told, I would like for an effort to be made for a viable third party that could truly harness the collective power of women and minorities. My longstanding problem with the Democratic Party involves their continued adherence to following the lead of the old guard Civil Rights hierarchy while simultaneously discounting the complexities and pathologies of the Black underclass. In simple terms, we are no longer living in 1960.

We need to employ new millennium tactics....well, for the new millennium. It has been said many times that African-Americans, by and large are socially conservative. If that is the case, our vote should be more reflective of this phenomenon. In all fairness, the current neo-conservative/evangelical arm of the Republican party was long over due for their comeuppance. The constant (and convenient) terror alerts, the questionable state of the economy and the obvious finger pointing at liberal weaknesses(for political advantage and not for honest debate)was getting tired. So, let's see if people of color can galvanize and get ready for an interesting, if not eventful political battle in the next 24 months.....will it be Hillary or Rudy or McCain. President Barak Obama? Has an interesting ring to it....you decide.

We Interrupt this Blog for a Very Important Message...

I have received recent comments regarding my recent barrage of criticisms against the current hiphop scene. But we may have found a savior in NYOIL(New York Original International Lovers). The above video uses some pretty harsh language but in all fairness, minstrel rap imagery has reached such a critical mass that a vituperative counterbalance is necessary. This my friends is the shot in the arm that hiphop has been asking for....Again, please accept my apologies for the vulgarity. The next few entries will deal with the 2006 elections in addition to my usual musings. And just like a Michael Steele or Deval Patrick campaign ad....Afronerd approves of this message.

VOTE.......it's as simple as that!

My time is limited today, however as I have stated countless times in Afronerd, if you decide to vote tomorrow(yours truly has voted since the age of 18), vote from a strategic standpoint. Again, hedge your bets in order to demand respect. As I have heard many times from the musician/radio personality, Mtume(remember Juicy Fruit or Biggie's Juicy, he was the original melody maker)during his NY radio show Openline, he often states that whether it's right wing or left wing....it's still the same bird. I often disagree with Openline's politics but the bird analogy is correct. More on tomorrow's election.....well, tomorrow.

Industry Ears is listening.....so be careful what you rap about!

Although I mentioned Industry Ears a few months ago in a previous post, I think the importance and urgency of this organization must be reemphasized. Ears, founded by political/media consultants Lisa Fager and Paul Porter, is a think tank/watchdog group that focuses on parity, decency and accuracy as it pertains to minorities in the media. This organization has done a great job at making sure the FCC is aware (via the ability to file complaints from Fager and Porter's site)of the media's double standards as it relates to people of color. One radio station that felt the wrath of Ears was New York's Hot 97(97.1 FM)-sometimes referred to as Shot 97,appropriately named due to a number of past shootings in front of the station.

One infamous incident that was squelched due to Fager's intervention, involved 97's "smackfest" game in which contestants(in this case 2 Black/Brown women) slap each other for a monetary prize until someone relinquishes. I would hope that those of us who are concerned about balance and respect for the Black image join Industry Ears' campaign to end the monkeyshines. The time to fight is now folks! Check out Ms. Fager as she points out a few of the aforementioned inconsistencies with these media outlets during an interview with John McLaughlin in the above video. Again, let's lend some assistance to this sister....she's fighting the good fight. For additional information click on the links below:

Industry Ears.

Essence Article-"Power to the People"

Let's Do a Recap Shall We? (or Reiterating the Purpose of Afronerd....Again)

This entry relates to an experience I had a few days ago in the workplace. I was so excited about my site's redesign that while it was still in draft form, I showed it to some of my coworkers. Many liked the new look but I was also told that it may be antithetical to the intellectual disposition of the blog. A hearty discussion ensued and low and behold, when one of my colleagues stated that she does read my blog, another coworker (jokingly) insinuated that she was trying to be a wigger(or is that wigga....who can tell nowadays). If you couldn't tell, this was a ABC conversation involving White folks. I wish my Black behind could have C(seen) my way out of it. This leads me to the heart of this entry....to be accurate, the blog is for everyone. Of course, the blog is called Afronerd but why is it assumed in jest(or not) that you have to be Black to read it? To be even more accurate a wigga would probably read King magazine and not Afronerd.

Again, going back to my "lack of a diversified Black image" complaint, this is what happens when the nigga(or wigga) aesthetic encompasses anything that is Black. I have said this many times in this blog-just as Whites are diverse so are people of color. There are a number of known White archetypes-the Midwestern farmer, the California Surfer dude, the Brooklyn Italian foreman, the Jewish New Yorker and so forth. But Black is just Black? We Have Black Brits, Caribbeans, Black Conservatives, straights, gays, southerners, northerners, various skin tone strata, educational levels, Afro-Latins, Africans.....I can go ad infinitum. The one thing we have in common is probably the difficulty in hailing a cab in midtown NYC. Again, I implore all to read my blog as well as any number of blogs by minority writers. You might just learn something....that we're all not the same.

In the Immortal words of ODB...."We teach the chil-ren"

I doubt the late ODB(or Big Baby Jesus) had The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store in mind when he made his infamous Grammy award speech relating to the Wu Tang Clan's failure to garner any awards that night. I've been meaning to highlight this funky costume store/literary workshop for quite a few months now but I have so many thoughts racing through my mind that sometimes a great story will slip through the cracks. I first learned about this store from a local tv program entitled Cool In Your Code. Code is probably singlehandedly the reason I find it difficult to leave New York. The show does a great job of informing the viewer of so many cultural venues, niche shops and historical reference points that leaving the Big Apple (despite the cost of living) might be treasonous. Anyway, back to the Supply Store. The store is the brainchild of writer Dave Eggers, who devised a way to consolidate cans of anti-matter, masks and capes with a writer’s workshop for kids ranging in age from six to 18. I wish this existed when I was a burgeoning young comic book reader. If you ever find your way to Brooklyn, take your kids to this store or at least use them as an excuse to buy your invisibility belt.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Et tu Kanye?

This video really speaks for itself. I think hiphop(if not the personalities that produce the music) is imploding. For the last few years, Mr. West has been heavily lauded as the savior of conscious rap music. I don't think so. It pains me to think that so many of these artists are delusional regarding their questionable talent and the level of their importance in the grand scheme of things. We are not talking about Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Wonder here. Just a popular beat maker. Again, the level of musicianship is minimal at best....but he has a voice. No one ever told him to be graceful if you lose. Someone may confuse my rants as being anti-hiphop. I miss how hiphop used to be. Wow, how low have we gone. In an upcoming post I will revisit, Lisa Fager's Industry Ears campaign to add balance if not to diminish this ignorant musical imagery.

It was time for a change........You Like?

I know it's too late for spring cleaning but I figured it was time to give the blog a new look. I'm definitely going to commit to writing more entries related to my hobbyist nature to compliment the previous political blurbs. The site redesign is based on the 1972 Luke Cage comic book posted above. Ironically, the actor Nicholas Cage(aka Nicholas Coppola) took Cage as a stage name because of his interest in comic books(which he still collects to this day); the Luke Cage book reportedly being his favorite. I also have to give many thanks to a gentleman by the name of Seven for the site's new look. If you have an interest in changing your blog's look check out Seven's handiwork below:

Blogs Gone Wild

also more on Luke Cage here:

Luke Cage

Were we wrong about Clarence?

As I grow increasingly more disenchanted with the current state of affairs pertaining to our country and people of color, I wonder if our chief justice, Clarence Thomas received a bad rap after all. I have to admit that I was always impressed with his achievements but remained indifferent regarding his politics. Now after witnessing a complete turnaround regarding what goes for African-American culture nowadays, it appears that the politics that many Blacks had a problem with may be our saving grace. Hear me out on this one. I'm not talking about the current administration of neo-conservatives, but a call to arms for Black conservatism. This just makes sense to me.

Black folks voting solely democratic as if it were part of our genomic structure is just foolish. And to quote Dr. Phil...how is this working out for us now? Although it may be hard to vote for Republicans this coming Tuesday, imagine if both parties valued the Black vote. It's called hedging your bets. If we always vote in the 90 percentile range for the democratic party, what leverage can you have when it's a given as to how you will vote. It's akin to being married to an abusive spouse. No matter how bad the treatment, it is highly unlikely the abused partner will leave. Perhaps a 60/40 democratic voting ratio this time as opposed to 90/10. I think I will investigate and relay more info regarding Mr. Thomas in a later entry. Let's try to be strategic this time folks. In the immortal words of Spike Lee....WAKE UP!

Yourspace, Myspace......Niggaspace?

This is yet another case of the be careful what you ask for because you might just get it disease. For the last few days, local media has shown macabre fascination with a New Jersey teen's recent launching of a website entitled, Niggaspace. Yes, it's based on Rupert Murdock's Myspace phenomenon. It has many folks in an uproar as the teen(conveniently named Tyrone) plays coy regarding his nationality. It has been speculated that Tyrone is white, as if it really matters at this juncture. In today's climate, it could have easily have been a Black youth making light of the n-word expletive. Tyrone has stated that he just wants to show his appreciation for Black culture and that nigga has transcended it's original meaning. He just wants to provide a place for Black people to congregate....to "kick it" as it were. This is a time that we should not heed Erykah Badu's advice and call Tyrone. Who would have thought that nigga and Black culture could be used interchangeably. Thank You Tyrone, but I'll pass on your cultural contribution.

What happened to the Talented Tenth?

It is a question that I often ask myself. It is also a question that has sparked many conversations amongst my friends and colleagues. If anyone is unfamiliar with the term, it was first propogated by famed social scientist and civil rights activist, W.E.B. DuBois. Dubois believed that one of the methods to ameliorate the African-American condition entailed the promotion of the top ten percent of the Black population as being the face of Black America. This "talented tenth" would be comprised of successful African-Americans(i.e. doctors, lawyers, scientists and professionals)with a set agenda for guiding the Black masses in replicating the success of these professionals.

Of course there are many Black success stories that I can not even begin to enumerate in this blog, but the current "face" of African American imagery is rooted in a distorted picture of ghettoization, nihilism and pathology. It appears that at some point after the Civil Rights and Black Power movements(or perhaps at the beginning of the Black Power movement), the Black bourgeoisie was forced out as being a key voice for Black folk and in their stead were replaced with the Black underclass. I have a problem with this....and it has very little to do with notions of elitism. My chief complaint is that no single group should be the definitive Black voice. Everyone should have a voice for the sake of fairness and humanity. I've been lamenting for an internal, self-critical movement as it pertains to people of color for a long time now....The Cos can't do it by himself.

The Talented Tenth by W.E.B. Dubois

When Chicken Noodle Soup Puts You in the Hospital

I'm really not trying to make Sunday "Anti Hip-Hop Day" but the stories just keep on coming. There is a new dance craze and accompanying song called the "Chicken Noodle Soup" that has once again caught the fancy of today's youth culture. To be fair, the song (performed by DJ Webstar and Young B) itself is pretty innocuous and is far from "gangsta." The dance? Well it is reminiscent of shuck and jive jigs from the minstrel period. But you already know how this minstrel drivel is playing itself out. However, the current rap landscape is so treacherous that just about anyone can strike a landmine and fall victim. Case in point, a young girl even as we speak, is fighting for her life due to a shootout that occurred during a DJ Webstar and Young B appearance yesterday in Harlem, N.Y. To date, no one in the hip hop community has ever taken responsibility for their music or rather who the music attracts. It's unfortunate that the young victim's parents did not dissuade her from attending this concert. We are at a peculiar time in history where discernment is paramount for survival. These hip hop venues are known to attract the thug element and if you value your loved ones, they should be warned to sidestep such concerts. This thug element has been around since my beloved Run-DMC days and I didn't attend those concerts as well. Let's pray for this young lady's survival and hopeful recovery. Click on the link below for more on this tragic story.

Girl shot at H'ween bash-'Chicken Noodle' link eyed

And yet it continues......

Yes...it continues. This video by (alleged)hip hop artist, Jibbs is entitled, "Chain Hang Low." If the title of the song isn't self-explanatory in it's minstrel affirmation, the chorus (as also noted by famed blogger, Byron Crawford) is a direct send-up of the Zip Coon minstrel show song. It's not an allegorical assertion anymore....Coonery is now acceptable. Enough People....Enough!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_Hang_Low

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Turkey_in_the_Straw

Byron Crawford

Still More on the Minstrel Front.......

The above video is yet another example of Black minstrel buffoonery at its best. Why African-Americans are not deserving of a true comparable sepia version of The Bachelor remains a mystery. This image is broadcast to millions of people and yet we wonder why African Americans continue to be disrespected on a daily basis. I am not asking for censorship just balance. Another question one must ask is-Is it legitimate for Flavor's show (or any minstrel image) to be representative of anyone? Is the redneck culture displayed on shows like Jerry Springer positioned to be representative of White mainstream America? Conversely, neither should the majority of African-Americans allow for similar branding. I hope you are writing the networks regarding this (un)balancing act. You can bet that my letters have been drafted.

Just A little Bit of Site-Seeing......

Due to time constraints, I haven't had time to post anything substantial for the last couple of days, however I did come across some interesting sites for the class.
Enjoy and stay tuned!

Race And Class: Hip Hop

Act Like The Middle Class Negro You Are

http://www.madamecjwalker.com/

Lawrence Otis Graham

Prince's 3121 now in Las Vegas

Was Stepin' Keepin' It Real? or is Minstrel Rap?

As the two above photos demonstrate, who was the real Stepin Fetchit? I wonder if someone at the NY Daily News reads my blog? Things that make you go hmmmm. The more likely reason is that others are starting to see that the current rap scene is taking us back to the 1930s. Take a gander at columnist Errol Louis' latest diatribe regarding the emergence of the minstrel rap genre. Also check out my previous entries regarding the Stepin' Fetchit/gangsta rap analogy.... links are below.

All rhyme, no reason for rap world's modern minstrels

Get Rich or Die Trying.....or New Millennium Minstrelsy

The More Things Change.......

Getting Closer to Invisibility......for real!!

Ok...this actually has nothing to do with Ralph Ellison's seminal work, Invisible Man, I just thought it makes a cool seque for yet another geek moment here at afronerd. While others (ok the dudes at American Renaissance) pontificate on backward precepts concerning superficial ethnic distinctions amongst humans, it appears that scientists are getting closer to actually making objects disappear. I mention this because racism at its core is not only morally reprehensible but inanely primitive. Let's look to the future for a change. Maybe we can cure some diseases along with not being concerned about someone's hue. More on the invisible story below:

Scientists create cloak of invisibility

And now for some actual Geek news for a change.......

I just found out that a remake of the Bionic Woman TV series is in the works. You know I had to lighten things up a bit. Sometimes I forget the blog is called afronerd. Click below for more info:

NBC Working on a Remake of the Bionic Woman

This is what they think about you......

A few months ago I highlighted the existence of American Renaissance magazine and the accompanying website,

http://www.amren.com

which many would consider to be an outlet for intellectualized racism. I visit the site quite frequently to attempt to get an understanding of what these guys are about. The site racializes everything and everyone, so suffice it to say that they espouse the Black/Brown man is the bogeyman excuse for all of the world's woes. For the last week or so I have attempted to converse with the commenters in the amren site and it is, of course, a wasted effort. We are talking about some real hardcore racial ideologues(aka racists).

I think that there are a number of disturbing trends within aspects of African-American culture which must be addressed, however amren supporters believe that certain Black pathologies apply to all Blacks and this is just false. My blog attempts to show the other side as well as critique the Black underclass subculture. Discussing facts, making Black cultural distinctions and emphasizing White corporate culpability is out of the realm of reality with these folks. I would suggest that you visit this site to see just how the inability to control our imagery warps reality for people of color as well as many White folk. Some of these people make valid points, however their grotesque adherence to warped generalizations pertaining to African-Americans (hence the racism) and their reliance on anecdotal experiences serving as fact, make our fight a difficult one. Again, this is what they think about you....Let's fight for the respect of individuality and not let the pathologies of some be representative for all of us. More on this subject below:

Promoting 'Preservation' Of Whites in Suit and Tie

Racial Profiling..the Complexity of it All...

There has been a story that has been brewing for the last couple of days regarding the possible abuse of police power and racial profiling in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. For those who may not be familiar with Park Slope, it is a middle to upper middle class section of Brooklyn whose inhabitants are of various racial strata. In this case, there have been a rash of robberies occurring in a nearby train stop, which allegedly prompted a police directive to investigate either all Black males or all Black male teenagers, specifically. After an internal investigation, local police are claiming that this directive was never issued. Now local political/community leaders as well as the media are asking for more definitive answers. Once again, I find myself confused as I often take a contrarian viewpoint when it comes to these matters.

Let me first state for the record, that any indiscriminate racial profiling is not only morally wrong but just bad police work. Where my contrarian nature comes into play deals with my belief that some profiling is necessary and impossible to avoid. When I often come across a radio or tv show that has racial profiling as the topic, the de facto Black or Latin position frequently implies that no profiling tactic should be implemented by authorities. The truth of the matter is specific profiling is a highly effective method in catching criminals. Again the operative word is specific. If one does not want to get harassed then perhaps not wearing the costume of a criminal might help in not being interviewed by the police. I'm not a supporter of current hiphop fashion trends....I fail to see these fashions on the catwalks in Paris or Milan. But again we allegedly live in a free country. My suggestion...try not to fit the stereotype, it works for me. For more on this story check out the links below.

Heats on 'Profile' Cop

Commish Says No Profiling, But Officers Say There Was

Enjoy them while you can....

Ok the next entry I will elaborate on the music situation but I couldn't resist and provide you with another musical moment....a recent one. This was a BET award special which included a tribute to Chaka Khan. Notice how into the music the audience was during this broadcast. Why no one wants to play the real music anymore? Your guess is as good as mine but I do know that this level of talent will not be around forever and then what will we do? Are Rihanna,Yung Joc or TI supposed to carry the torch? Heaven help us.

What happened to the music?

What happened to the music? This is a question that I ask myself almost on a daily basis. I sincerely try to listen and get into the current musical landscape but I can't seem to get a connection to anything that remotely challenges or excites me. I'm not going to blame hiphop entirely for my dilemma....just partly. It pains me to think that I can't find the next Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder or Prince amongst today's artists but then the corporate structure is not exactly willing to invest in musical talent as it once did. In my estimation, Black music was the first casualty in the war against good music. No one seems to notice that we really do not have bands anymore in the Black music category. The only ones that come to mind in the modern era are Mint Condition, The Roots and Robert Randolph's Family Band. Well, actually let me rephrase that....more bands come to mind if you count the brief popularity of neo-soul during the mid-nineties but without corporate and public support, that glimmer of hope has fallen by the wasteside.

It has been stated before that hiphop came into prominence because of the cutting of school music programs dating back to the mid 1970s which I am inclined to believe. But now we are at least two generations removed from learning music theory and playing instruments and the seams are starting to burst. Even if you evaluate hiphop closely, generation Y discusses music in terms of fashion, cd sales and violence and not lyrical dexterity or content. What is going on and how can this be turned around? I think I may have some answers which I will address in my next entry. Meanwhile check out the clip below and remember how things used to be:

Enough with the Urban Legend emails people!!!

I'm pretty sure that you have received an email or two(or a hundred) that denotes some kind of controversy that stirs a fire in the belly and demands immediate attention. I retrieve these kind of emails almost daily....whether it's a repeal of the Voting Rights Act or the alleged death of Jaleel White, one must make it incumbant upon himself to verify the facts. The latest email I received dealt with the alleged popularity of the pre-teen Aryan folk act, Prussian Blue(check out their video above). Think of the Olsen twins wrapped in swastika robes. These girls came into the public consciousness via a ABC Primetime interview which showcased their prodigious musical talent as they espoused their racist ideology.

According to the email, Blue reached #4 on the Billboard charts with 91,000 copies sold. The email further detailed how this popularity spells doom for Black people if a racist musical act has found popularity. Rev. Jesse Jackson was even quoted in the email. Of course me being forever skeptical, researched this story (as I have with many nebulous emails) and found no evidence that the story was factual. But truth be told, I almost wish it were true. Why not have a hate group reach the top of the charts? Heck one could argue that the present musical landscape is already full of hate music. If the email were true, perhaps we would have an actual referendum on gangsta/bling music and decide whether it should get the amount of airplay and attention that it presently receives. One could only hope. I see a Prussian Blue, G-Unit tour in the future. Sounds like a plan. Check out the email in question below:

Racist Group #4 On Billboard

Queensbridge Projects........a history.....

First off, I must apologize for not blogging with greater frequency. I promise that for the month of October going forward I will commit to more entries. I'm always a sucker for the contrarian. A few days ago I just happened to be listening to Air America radio when I came across an interview with Selena Blake. Not only is Ms. Blake a resident of the infamous Queensbridge projects but also a documentarian of Queensbridge: The Other Side, a film showcasing an alternate view of the nation's largest project development. I will be the first to say that I am not a fan of the projects...any project development, not just Queensbridge. But I am keenly aware that just because someone is from the projects doesn't mean they are about the projects. Unfortunately, the commercialized hiphop music that is presently being force fed the public did not get that memo. For those who are not from New York, you may be familiar with Queensbridge as it is the birthplace for many New York based rap acts-Nas, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Mc Shan, Marly Marl, Roxanne Shante and a whole host of others have called Queensbridge home. For more info regarding Ms. Blake's efforts, check out the links below:

Queensbridge the Other Side

Queensbridge, the Other Side Focuses on Housing Project

Did I ever say that we are in Real Trouble?

It appears that the Oprah versus HipHop story just will not die. Trust the media to perpetuate a story for the public's prurient interest. I just happened to log into my AOL account when the main story centering around Oprah is some misguided fan who insists on promoting Oprah for president via his website. Needless to say, Oprah and her capable legal team are not amused. But low and behold, the adjacent story dealt with Oprah's alleged disdain for hiphop. I'm sure you have heard the story before so I will not repeat it but....it truly amazes me how this woman(and others) are being forced to love hiphop. Many of the artists as well as their supporters are delusional as it relates to the current coon imagery of the commercial music idiom. The constant use of "nigga" in place of true lyricism, the bling and misogyny....oh yeah....what's not to love? Take a look at the link below and check out the comments....we really need divine intervention folks.

Oprah Winfrey, enemy of hip-hop

On second thought not much to say.....

....regarding the last post. I suspect that the post regarding the dismantling of the KKK was a farce but the point was made. The key is.....will anything be done to turn things around?

Is it a Joke?......a Proposal?....or Reality

One of my friends hipped me to this supposition earlier today....feel free to take a look. I will comment later.

The Klu Klux Klan Disbands: Leaves Their Job To TOP Selling Rap Artist

I'll Be Black....I Mean Back......I Mean Puerto Rican?

Well, we know how rare it is for a politician to put a foot in his/her mouth.....right? I guess California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger must have missed the memo. For reasons unknown, the gravity of this occurrence already appears to be losing some ground but it remains a wacky story nonetheless. A March 06' conference the governator had with advisors was recently leaked in which Arnold was taped having a discussion about the specific nationality of a Latin political rival. What makes the conversation especially disturbing is the governor pontificating about Latins from Cuba and Puerto Rico being "hot" because of the admixture of Black and latin bloodlines.

This can be dissected on many levels. Of course this is not the type of discourse a government official should be having but will Black folk protest when there are more obvious examples of disrespect (CBS, BET, MTV, Gangsta Rap, etc) that demand attention. And haven't we heard this before amongst Black folk themselves about the lineage of many Latin cultures. The amazing part is that you have a foreign White person that is aware of nuances that many people of color refuse to admit to. Only time will tell. Check out more on this story by clicking on the link below:

Schwarzenegger: Cubans, Puerto Ricans 'all very hot'

Let's See What Will Happen

Just keeping everyone informed.....I emailed (as well as sent regular mail) a letter requesting consideration for a Black Alternative Music channel on Sirius Satellite. Check out my letter and Sirius' response. Let's see if they will do the honorable thing.

Message: Dear Sirs:

This brief letter is in regards to a request that I think will be
beneficial to your current roster of music channels. I am a recent
Sirius subscriber and I am highly pleased with the variety that your
programming entails. What would make your service even more pleasurable
would entail more progressive music programming as it relates to
African-American music. Perhaps the greatest disservice to current
Black culture is the perception that hip-hop and commercial r & b are
the only styles of music that people of color (as well as others)
produce and listen to.

I hope that Sirius, in contrast to the current state of terrestrial
radio, would consider a Black or Urban alternative radio channel. There
are a number of Black artists that are beyond conventional
categorization and in my estimation, are deserving of airplay. Artists
such as Bad Brains, Prince, Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz, Vernon Reid, Res, The
Roots as well as many of the neo-soul artists have yet to really get
comparable airplay in comparison to their hip-hop/r&b counterparts. I
have yet to see something like this considered in terrestrial radio.
Please uphold your revolutionary stance and consider a broader scope for
Black music for all to enjoy.

And now their response:

Subject: Re: Music Programming (KMM5026418I6774L0KM)


Dear Desmond,

Thank you for writing to us here at SIRIUS. We appreciate your comments
about our music programming. SIRIUS remains dedicated to providing an
unparalleled variety of music programming on all of our commercial-free
music channels in virtually every genre. Our channels are designed to
provide listeners of every listening preference all the music they want
to hear.

We continually rely on customer feedback like yours and research to
enhance your entertainment experience. As we strive to create the most
diverse listening experience available, we find that the feedback we
receive is crucial to our success! We are forwarding your comments to
the appropriate programming team for consideration.

Please visit our website at www.sirius.com/WHATSONSIRIUS for our current
lineup, schedules and programming highlights. Thanks again for your
thoughts and for your continued support of SIRIUS.

We are committed to providing you with the best in customer care. If
you have any more questions, please feel free to contact SIRIUS Customer
Care. For your convenience, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week at:

1-888-539-SIRIUS (7474)

As well as by email at:

www.sirius.com/customercare

Sincerely,

Debra G
SIRIUS Customer Care

For those who care-Tom Cruise's Baby

I know this is not a usual Afronerd topic...but I will explain why later today.
Enjoy and try not to gag.

The Katrina Chronicles.....or Why Rap is the New Disco

I just wanted to rant about something else that I noticed with the Katrina tragedy. What happened to the artistic response from our (so-called)musicians? HipHop has been quoted ad infinitum(since Chuck D's infamous remark 15 years ago) as being the CNN for the Black community. Perhaps at one time this was true but how does one explain the absence of music detailing the event? The only hiphop artist of note that has a single coming out about Katrina is Mos Def. What about the countless other artists? This is why Juan Williams, Bill Cosby, Stanley Crouch and others have come out so strongly against the current state of hiphop. A devastating event has wrecked havoc against Black and poor people and all we get to encapsulate the tragedy is more glutes, grills and gangstas? Dead bodies floating in filthy water isn't enough? Please tell me an (internal)revolution is forthcoming.

911 vs. Katrina?.....is it a fair match-up?

I recently had a conversation with a colleague that felt personally offended by Mayor Ray Nagin's(New Orleans) ground zero "hole in the ground" remarks. For those unfamiliar with Nagin's comments, he essentially was responding to criticism (from New Yorkers in this instance) regarding the perceived stagnation of the rebuilding of New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina devastation. To paraphrase Nagin, he rebutted that New York is not in a position to criticize because it has been five years and they have not fixed ground zero(hence the hole in the ground assertion).

I, for one, agree with the intent of the Mayor's statement but felt that the wording was unwise considering that last week he was in New York asking for monetary aid. Sometimes you have to make concessions when you are seeking help from people. Anyway, this discourse with my coworker quickly sequed into a heated 911 vs Katrina discussion-which disaster was more tragic. The premise is really an unfair one. But sometimes I feel that Black and poor life just doesn't weigh in with some folks. As devastating as 911 was, New York City's infrastructure was minimally harmed. New Orleans is a city and not a building. I just could not convey this to the colleague in question.

A life is a life but there are no million dollar claim settlements going to the Katrina's victims and their families (as it was for the 911 victims). It also did not take 5 days to respond after September 11th as it did with the gulf coast. Whatever side of the fence you may be on with this subject, one thing that we all can agree on is.....the government severely dropped the ball in preparedness in both cases. Let's cross our fingers and hope that there are no immediate future debacles laying in wait for comparisons.....one can only hope.

It's Time To get Sirius....

I don't want to give the reader the impression that I have become a shill for Sirius Satellite radio but....I think it might be the next best thing since sliced (corn)bread. I purchased stock in the company a few weeks before Howard Stern announced his move from terrestrial to extra-terrestrial airwaves, so suffice it to say, I became a fan before I went out and copped a unit. It is an initially expensive endeavor(as I purchased a lifetime subscription) but the variety of music and programming blows away the competition on FM. I have also taken it upon myself to draft a letter to Sirius imploring them to consider a Black alternative music selection where artists that have notoriously been unable to fit with what is the expected music format(r & B, hip-hop) can be heard. Where else can Fishbone, Bad Brains, 24-7 Spyz, Prince, The Roots, Vernon Reid gain an audience? No one else believes that Black culture is a diversified entity. Sirius does have classic hiphop as well as several Jazz channels(which is sorely needed on FM) but there is still room for improvement. Perhaps there is hope for Black music yet...time to get sirius.

Survivor as a social experiment......please

I'm not going to commit too much time to this subject as it is pretty self explanatory in it's stupidity. CBS in a desperate effort to boost sagging Survivor ratings has submitted what they are calling a social experiment by pitting teams against each other based on race. Talk about a novel idea....really. God forbid they came up with a urban Survivor in which players attempt to survive in a Katrina/New Orleans environment. That would be a true social experiment and perhaps give some of the proceeds to the Katrina victims. I guess that would require too much thought on the part of CBS executives. Is this really 2006? Your guess is as good as mine. Check out Stanley Crouch's take on the Survivor story:

Give CBS black eye for 'Survivor' segregation

Time for an Adult Swim

I just wanted to provide a quick mention of one of my favorite pastimes, viewing Adult Swim programming. Take a look at a Scooby-Doo redux (above)featuring David Cross and Gary Coleman. And another show that I have taken a shine to is The Venture Bros.,(below) a show that is comedic spin on The Jonny Quest show from the 60s. Sit back enjoy and prepare to laugh.

Just a Quick Mention

In my previous entry highlighting Joseph C, Phillips' book, He Talk Like a White Boy, I also mentioned another literary effort entitled, Enough, written by Fox news correspondent, Juan Williams. Just my luck that Mr. Williams was recently interviewed by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on CSPAN's BookTV program. It was a pretty intense exchange betweeen these two gentlemen who many would assume possess diametrically opposing viewpoints. Click on the link below (scroll down to the August 12th section after you click) to check out the interview. Perhaps in an upcoming entry I will discuss Enough(when I purchase it) as well as my thoughts regarding Dyson (not quite a fan..but I will be fair).

Juan Williams
interviewed by Eric Michael Dyson

P.S.

I just found more Williams' clips as well as Cosby excerpts....great stuff...definitely nourishment for the soul:

Juan Williams on African-American 'Victimhood'

Black Comic Alert....

I just wanted to write a quick blurb on a forthcoming comic that was conceived, co-written and stars famed actress, Rosario Dawson. First, it's real cool that women...especially women of color, are showing interest (and are characters) in comic books. And secondly, Dawson's book is proof positive that Hollywood is bereft of original ideas and must go to the comic shop in order to continue doing business. More on Dawson's book below:

Rosario Dawson Occult Crimes Taskforce Video Interview

Guess Who's Baaaaaack........

Well it looks like Troi "Star" Torain (who some have referred to as The Black Howard Stern) is at it again and attempting to resurface and salvage his career. I must admit that I was an avid listener to the Star and Bucwild Show simply because he was one of the few radio personalities that was highly critical of the current state of hip hop music. Unfortunately, it appears that he got caught up in the same petty gangsta muck that he was so critical of-the war of words with a radio rival. I'm not going to go into the reason why Star was fired by Clear Channel, suffice it to say that threatening a rival's child (verbal fantasy or not) is unconscionable. Check out the above O'Reilly Factor clip and see how Star's answers are no different than the rappers he had previously critiqued. Oh how the might have fallen.

Looks Like Cosby's Son-In-Law Also Has Something to Say

Finally we are starting to see the inkling of a in-house/internal movement...perhaps. The reasoning behind my initial statement is that I am starting to see more books, Juan Williams' Enough comes to mind, that speaks of Black pathologies from a non-victim, self-critical methodology. One book that I have just read, He Talk Like A White Boy, written by Joseph C. Phillips, is also thematically in the same vein as the Williams' piece. You may remember Phillips as the actor that portrayed Lisa Bonet's military husband (Lt. Martin Kendall) on the Cosby Show for four seasons. Reading White Boy was basically a hard copy version of my blog.

Phillips' notes that his book's title is derived from a real life school experience in which a fellow African-American student exclaimed "he talk like a White boy" when he attempted to answer a question in a classroom situation. That incident stuck with Phillips and has been a barometer for additional experiences throughout his life. I do not agree with everything that Phillips has written-i.e being a supporter and some would say an apologist for the Bush administration, but his dead-on analysis of some of the self-perpetuating conditions running rampant in the Black community can not be ignored.

I believe in a Black conservative movement, I just don't believe the neo-cons running this current administration are upholding the true tenets of conservatism. Phillips also manages to fit in his personal tragedies(mother's suicide, sibling drug addiction and father's death) as well as his trials, tribulations and triumph pertaining to his marriage and fatherhood. I would definitely suggest that if you can't wait for my blog to be published, check out He Talk Like a White Boy for the next best thing.

Whatever Happened to Black Pride?(or an addendum to the last post)

Excuse me while I rant. Perhaps this blog is one big rant but I do try to inform in between diatribes. As the title of this entry suggests, this is actually an addendum to the previous post. After looking at Kiri Davis' A Girl Like Me, I was more angry than actually saddened. It appears that 60 years after the infamous doll test, our collective Black pride has gone by the wasteside. I see glimpses of our lack of Black pride daily....whether it's snide remarks, do-rags or n-word expletives, we are under seige by terrorists....intra-racial terrorists. How is it that we still have young Black women(actually sisters of varying ages, truth be told) showcasing their inadequacies to the world. Davis' video showed that many women of color abhor themselves with comparisons to their White counterparts. Who were these young girls parents? It is one's job as a parent to instill cultural pride in his/her child.

Perhaps we are losing our pride to the constant barrage of minstrelsy, especially if it involves local news media, MTV or BET. And yet our so-called leaders do nothing. Folks, this is a root problem that must be addressed. It borders on a type of psychosis, when you have a people with great potential but can not thoroughly "see" their own beauty. Let's stop the embracing of negativity, whether it's obesity, bad language, poor diets or obsession with (fake) hair. It's time to move on and up. There are a great many beautiful Black women waiting to emerge but let's stop high fiving obesity and hair weaves and try being our true healthy and natural selves....I suspect that our beauty and intelligence would go unrivaled....but until then, try reading our history. That always works for me.

P.S. Try this book on for size:

Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and Other Parts

Next up, a review of a new book by my cousin(in spirit), Joseph C. Phillips(yeah Dr. Huxtable's son-in-law wrote a book...be very afraid).

The Heatwave Broke So Back to Business..........

Well it's back to business after a week of sweltering 98 degree plus weather. I wanted to shed some additional light on a young lady's enlightening cinematic effort that has been getting some notoriety of late. The young lady in question, Kiri Davis(pictured above) put together a film short entitled, A Girl Like Me, which deals with how Eurocentric imagery affects the development of African-American youth, females in particular. Davis revisits the infamous "doll test" that was implemented by famed psychologist, Dr. Kenneth Clark in the 1940s. For those unfamiliar with Clark's test, it was a controlled study that dealt with identical Black and White dolls and having Black children evaluate which dolls were "bad" or "attractive". The majority of the kids invariably picked the white dolls as possessing positive attributes. Davis' test, 60 years later, leads to similar results. Take a look at the Davis' film short below as well as a synopsis of how Dr. Clark's test eventually lead to the deconstruction of America's system of segregation:

A Girl Like Me

"With an Even Hand-Brown Vs. Board of Education"