Someone should have told this guy to shut up and sit down on this one....

I guess Snoop just missed the memo by "that" much:

Snoop Dogg: Rappers' Hos Are Different.
12th April 2007 11:01:01

Snoop Dogg: Rappers' Hos Are Different.... Rapper Snoop Dogg has dismissed comparisons between sexist hip hop lyrics and the recent racist remarks made by American radio Dj Don Imus.

Imus was suspended by Cbs Radio and Msnbc on Monday (09Apr07) after he referred to the Rutgers University women's basketball team as 'nappy-headed hoes' - a racially charged sexist term.

Snoop frequently refers to women as "b**ches" and "hos" in his music, but insists Imus' use of the term was unacceptable and the 66-year-old DJ should be taken off the air.

The Doggystyle star says, "It's a completely different scenario, "(Rappers) are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports.

"We're talking about hoes that's in the 'hood that ain't doing s**t, that's trying to get a n**ga for his money. These are two separate things.

"First of all, we ain't no old-ass white men that sit up on Msnbc going hard on black girls.

"We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them muthaf**kas say we are in the same league as him.

"Kick him off the air forever."

My dream may be coming true after all....the day of the minstrel may be finally over.

If Obama was only a Conservative......Oh well......Introducing President Obama!

Ok Black folk before you start crumping, wopping or doing the chicken soup, check out what early poll numbers reveal. I'm just going to post the article and you can once again....talk amongst yourselves. Here's just a snippet from Bloomberg.com:

In head-to-head general-election match-ups, the poll shows Obama, an Illinois senator, is the strongest Democrat, beating all Republicans, and Senator Clinton, of New York, appears to be the weakest. Among the leading Republicans, excluding Thompson, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani runs best and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney runs worst.

For more on this story:

Thompson Gains, Democrats Lead 2008 Race, Poll Finds (Update1)


And then back to reality-Think crabs in the barrel. The next link will sober you back up:

Obama's silence on Imus alarms some blacks


I guess some of us did not get the memo at the last cornbread and greens convention, Obama can not be the president of Black America if he has any chance at becoming president. Let the brother at least step foot in the White house before you guys start barbecuing. Jeez...

Just a Couple of Things to put Under Your Hats!

Sometimes my mind is a maelstrom of so many random thoughts, I must remind myself to jot things down to make sure I can share them with our readers. One thing I forgot to mention was a book that I think might be of interest to anyone who is not interested in the nascent crop of urban novels that pass for the entirety of current African-American literature. A few weeks ago, while viewing a recent broadcast of Town Brown's Journal (who "came out" conservative, years back), I saw an interview with Charlene Porter, the author of a fascinating work of fiction entitled, Boldfaced Lies. Why this book isn't better known, considering that Porter was nominated for outstanding literary work by a debut author during the recently held NAACP Image awards remains a mystery. The premise for Boldfaced is definitely worthy of Hollywood interpretation. Check out this synopsis from UrbanSpectrum.net:

Charlene Porter takes you on the journey of paternal twins, Euphrates O’Shea, (who was born Black) and Angus O’Shea, Jr. (who was born white). Boldfaced Lies opens in James River Valley, Virginia 1862, in the hot bed of the Civil War and transports you to Denver, Colorado in 1925 where the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan was at its height with an estimated 4,000,000 card carrying members in the United States. In Denver, card carrying members numbered more than 50 including at the time, Governor Clarence J. Morely and Mayor Benjamin Stapleton. Margaret Browne, a pretty 34-year old red head is married to Kevin, an ambitions Klan leader and the only son of a bankrupt society family. He recklessly gambles away the stipend Margaret’s father gives them but devises a scheme to pocket half of the dues he collects as a Kleagle, a KKK membership salesman. This page-turner reveals an era where entrepreneurship was thriving for Negroes in the Five Points and crossing the color line was an option for opportunity. Readers need to know where the lies lead.

Unfortunately, Boldfaced Lies is not available through Amazon but it can be purchased at:

Tattered Cover Book Store-Boldfaced Lies

And least I forget(again)...check out another fellow conservative blog by a young woman of color shrewdly entitled Sister Toldjah. Actually, Toldjah may even be more slightly to the right than yours truly (okay just a tiny bit) but don't hold that against her-it's an extremely funny and informative blog. My hats off to Sister Toldjah! Check it out below.

Sister Toldjah's Blog

Another Reason Why Your kids are Social Quadriplegics

I thought I'd share with our readers yet another reason why our children are valuing style over substance and are, in essence, becoming social quadriplegics. Recent articles have reported that our youth are becoming more and more emotionless, due in part to substandard parenting, increased reliance on technology and our ever-changing social mores. After reading today's NY Daily News, a simple pair of retro sneakers further affirms that aforementioned supposition. It appears that model citizen(surely I jest) and former Jay-z business partner, Damon Dash who partnered with Stride Rite a few years ago hopes to revitalize the classic Pro-Keds line from the 70s.

I must confess that I am a clotheshorse and as of late, have amassed quite a sneaker collection-so when I heard about Pro-Keds being reintroduced, I was initially quite interested. But I quickly became dispirited, once it was further reported that the sneakers are retailing for over $100, in stark contrast to Stephon Marbury's sneaker line which have a price point of approx. $15!! According to the News, many kids in an effort to be popular believe that the pricing of the Pro-Keds make them more fashionable and desirable in comparison to Marbury's brand. I have perhaps 5 or 6 pairs of the Starburys (Stephon's shoes) and the quality and look are highly comparable to the Pro-Keds. Our society has dropped the ball folks.....the children must be taught that pricing is oftentimes decided in a arbitrary manner. In actuality, the Starburys are more aesthetically appealing but as long as the price is right(ahem...more expensive) that's all that counts. Check out the News article in question below:

Old-school Pro-Keds get Dash of sneak chic

Due to Popular Demand......Okay...because we really want to talk about it!

Just as a side note...we will try to do a music show, but Mr. Starks and I will also devote some time to analyzing the War on Imus.....kind of like the War on Terror-just more news coverage. Call in with your opinions, but be warned-we are standing firm-Imus is owed an apology. Talk to us and find out why at Afronerd Radio, Thursday at 9pm.

Imus' Suspension must be catching on like a cold, call it The NFL Flu

Well it looks like aberrent behavior is not being tolerated all the way around. Thanks to the NFL's newly minted commissioner, it appears that leniency is not in the cards for players, Pacman Jones and Chris Henry. Lengthy suspensions have been weighed against the former West Virginia teammates for past legal indiscretions which were in direct conflict with the NFL's personal conduct policy. I for one applaud the suspensions (some levied against players for the whole season) which sends a message that if one has hit the "lotto" and is fortunate enough to play professional sports, stay out of trouble or expect for your career to be in jeopardy.
For more on this story click on the link below:

Pasquarelli: Goodell's swift justice just what NFL needs

And Least We Forget.....Obama does Letterman.....You know what I mean!

Just a reminder-Barack Obama and Halle Berry are scheduled to appear on Dave Letterman tonight. Should be a load of fun. Also check out what the NY Times has to say about a Clinton/Obama ticket.....or is that Obama/Clinton?

The Obama-Clinton Ticket?

Chew on this Fishbone as I talk more about Afronerd Radio

I hope you guys had a chance to listen to our last broadcast. Talk about lively...I want to thank once again, UnderCover Blackman (don't forget to check out his insightful blog) and commenter, submariner for stopping by as well as the other great callers. We have another special show coming up this Thursday at 9pm and the topic this time around will be the state of our music. You know the drill-to join in on the conversation, call us at-646-915-9620 or IM/email us at afronerdradio@yahoo. We will be highlighting some alternative Black music that would rarely garner airplay as well as discussing why this is the case. Feel free to check out this past Sunday's program below:

Afronerd Radio-Last Sunday's broadcast

And here's the link for this Thursday's show:

Afronerd Radio-Why Imus deserves an apology and Music, Music, Music!! Time 2 Jam!!

Hey Barkeep! Apologies are on the House!

I would like to formally apologize to our readers for a delay with my true thoughts on the Imus debacle. On rare occasions, it may take a few days and several entries for me to focus on a given issue. If Imus has to apologize then so can I. Yes, this is my third (and perhaps final entry) on this subject but for whatever reason, it took some time for me to give a cogent analysis on what is really going on here. Almost by the hour, the War on Imus machine is gaining momentum, resulting in a two week suspension against the shock jock. After hearing countless so-called news reports and pundits pontificate on this matter, I have come to one conclusion-someone should apologize to Imus. Ok, I'm being vaguely facetious. Vaguely.

Once again, due to the oh great and powerful White man, factions within the African-American community are angry, motivated and ready to march in order to oust Imus from his radio gig. I ask today, what I have continued to inquire about since this blog's inception-where are these self-same folks when many in the minstrel end of the hip hop spectrum commit similar acts against Black women? I was listening to the Michael Baisden show this afternoon and as much as I like Baisden's program, he said something that actually became the lynch pin for my current position on this topic. Baisden wondered why did it take two full days for Imus to apologize. Conversely, we are closing in on two decades and the hip hop community has yet to apologize to women of color for years of degrading imagery. Matter of fact, we're not even asking for an apology or a boycott. And here's the kicker-many young women (and women of color) will continue to dance in clubs around the country to the very music that disrespects them. I holla!

So, I'm not going to be vague anymore....Imus is owed an apology. If we're not going to hold radio stations, record companies and artists to the same standard as Imus, then we're being disingenuous and Mr. Imus should continue working with our sincerest apologies for his inconvenience. Maybe this will get Black folk to wake up in addressing the debauchery. I got your back Imus.

For those who are interested:

SharptonTalk.net-Sharpton's interview with Imus

More on Imus.....

What a surprise-Messy Jesse & Reverend Press & Curl (Reverends Jackson and Sharpton) are suggesting a boycott against the sponsors of Don Imus' show, hopefully resulting in the shock jock's expulsion. As I mentioned previously, the Tony Yayo incident received very little media attention (including Sharpton's proposed rally against Yayo) or public indignation-I guess the striking of a young boy doesn't measure up to a racist quip by a deranged White radio personality. Riddle me this Blackman-what will it take to implement a boycott against G-Unit or the Gangsta/minstrel hip hop industry who denigrate Black women with far more regularity and viciousness than Imus? The answer? No one knows.

SNL still Funny? Well lightning can strike every once in awhile

While haunting the halls of the fellow conservative KeepinitReal blog, I came across this hilarious (and surreal) clip from a Saturday Night Live skit broadcast a few months ago. Hilarious and dead on....again, very funny-it's no secret that I think we can do better than these two, but I'll let you check out for yourself.

It never stops.....

Racial slur on sofa label stuns family

JIM WILKES/TORONTO STAR
Doris Moore's 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, spotted this label on covering around a new sofa set.

Mother had to explain to daughter, 7 origin of 'totally unacceptable' word on wrapping of furniture built overseas


When the new chocolate-coloured sofa set was delivered to her Brampton home, Doris Moore was stunned to see packing labels describing the shade as "Nigger-brown."

She and husband Douglas purchased a sofa, loveseat and chair in dark brown leather last week from Vanaik Furniture and Mattress store on Dundas St. E.

Moore, 30, who describes herself as an African-American born and raised in New York, said it was her 7-year-old daughter who pointed out the label just after delivery men from the Mississauga furniture store left.

"She's very curious and she started reading the labels," Moore explained. "She said, `Mommy, what is nig ... ger brown?' I went over and just couldn't believe my eyes."

She said yesterday each piece had a similar label affixed to the woven protective covering wrapped around the furniture.

"In this day and age, that's totally unacceptable," Moore said.

Douglas explained the origins of the word to daughter Olivia, telling how it was a bad name that blacks were called during the days of slavery in the United States.

"It was tough, because she really didn't understand," Moore said. "She'd never heard that word before and didn't really understand the concept of it."

Moore, who has a younger son and daughter, said she's heard the word used many times, although it has never been directed in anger at her.

"But it's a very, very bad word that makes you feel degraded, like you're a nobody," she said.

Moore said she called the furniture store the following day and three other times since, and feels discouraged that no one has returned her calls.

When interviewed yesterday by the Star, Romesh Kumar, Vanaik's assistant manager, passed the buck to his supplier, Cosmos Furniture in Scarborough.

"Why should I take the blame?" he said. "I'm a trader, I don't manufacture. I sell from 20 companies, maybe 50 companies. How can I take care of all of them?"

He said that he would check similar stock and make sure other labels were removed.

"That's terrible, that's a racial ... something?" Kumar said. "This is entirely wrong, but it's not my fault. It's my job to sell good product to people."

He said the best he could do is to give Moore the telephone number of his supplier, so she could take it up with him.

The owner of Cosmos Furniture, Paul Kumar, no relation to Romesh, said he was upset to learn packing labels on products he sold carried a racial epithet.

"I import my products from overseas," he said. "I've never noticed anything like that. This is something new to me."

He passed the blame to a Chinese company, but apologized for the labels. He said he would contact the furniture maker in Guangzhou and demand they remove all similar labels.

Moore said she's not sure she wants the sofa set in her home.

"Every time I sit on it, I'll think of that," she said.

Due to time constraints, I really can't provide a synopsis but the ignorance speaks for itself. Shout out to Afronerd commenter, Bob Monroe for bringing this to my attention. Now talk amongst yourselves.

And Speaking of Black Rockers.....

Prince Live at the Aladdin - Push & Pull
Uploaded by PrinceNPG

I think sometime in the near future I will really focus on my disdain for the current music scene and how there appears to be a definite dearth in real musicianship. Don't get me wrong, I'm not stuck on old times-I just want to know who is going to carry the banner for performing soulful and heartfelt music. Where will the next Prince, Stevie Wonder or Duke Ellington come from? Our current standards in music just will not allow such a person. Well...I'll ponder that dilemma in an upcoming entry. I guess I have to settle for the standards...Check out Prince with the inscrutable Nikka Costa as they perform Push and Pull from the Live at the Aladdin dvd. Also as an added treat-check out a cover of some Prince tunes by a parisian fan club (NPG Party)......not bad...not bad....pay close attention to one of my favorite songs, She's Always in My Hair...again, not bad but not Prince. Happy Holidays people!

Live 4 love / She's always in my hair par Dom
Uploaded by npgparty

Check out TV on the Radio.......and while you're at don't forget Afronerd on the Radio!

Who said Black folk can't rock? The video is a performance by Black rockers, TV on the Radio, a group from the planet Brooklyn. Unfortunately, our culture is locked into people of color only being rappers but I hope this blog represents an alternative Black aesthetic. And while you check out the above clip, don't forget that we have another live radio broadcast scheduled for this Sunday at 5pm. Be there and be square. To join in on our conversation, you can reach us at-646-915-9620 or IM/email via afronerdradio@yahoo. We will be wrapping up our prior discussion on Black Women and introducing a new analysis of the n-word and the Black Church.....another scorcher folks!

Afronerd Radio-Sisters are Unbeweavable-Part 2, Discussing the N-word and The Black Church

Afronerd Radio-Thursday's Show(Podcast form)

Nappy Headed Hoes-1, Don Imus-0

It appears that radio dj, Don Imus is up to his old racist tricks again. Why this story took more than 24 hours to make the rounds remains a mystery. During the womens NCAA game between Rutgers and Tennessee, Imus referred to the Rutgers team as being "nappy headed hoes." In a further description of the match-up, Imus and his colleagues also stated that the players reminded them of the "jiggaboos versus the wannabees"-a direct reference to Spike Lee's School Daze. Well, if you haven't figured it out, Imus is definitely a mentally disturbed and deficient person, however as I have stated countless times here at Afronerd, our cultural standards have reached such an all time low, that we have given racists the comfort to spew their venom. And to top that, many womens sport figures are not the paragons of femininity. I would also like to see some kind of distinction between male and female athletes, which is difficult considering what Imus witnessed-mannish, tattooed women. Does it give him the right to refer to the players in a disrespectful manner? No. But we must admit that having a lower tier, ghettoized image be the default aesthetic for blackness makes it difficult to combat racial animus. For the specifics on this story, check the links below:

Don Imus Calls Rutgers Women's Team 'Nappy-Headed Hos'

NABJ Appalled By Imus' Racist Comments, Calls for Boycott of Show

The Original Biggie Smalls

From EURweb.com:

Calvin Lockhart, star of stage and screen whose character name of Biggie Smalls in the 1975 film “Let’s Do It Again” was used by late rapper Notorious B.I.G., died Thursday in his native Nassau, Bahamas from complications of a stroke. He was 72.


The actor starred in a string of films in the early to mid-70s, including “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” “Uptown Saturday Night” and “Myra Breckinridge.” He also starred opposite Eddie Murphy in 1988’s “Coming To America,” and in January completed work on “Rain,” an upcoming film shot in the Bahamas.

Born Sept. 18, 1934 in Nassau, Lockhart was classically trained and became the only black actor ever invited to be an actor-in-residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford Upon-Avon.


Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie said the following about Lockhart’s passing: "Although his acting career was of relatively short duration, Calvin's cinematic charisma and talents won him high praise from critics and audiences alike all around the world."

Calvin produced and directed several major stage productions and also appeared on television in London, Germany and the U.S., including the television series “Dynasty.”


Mr. Starks

Ok....the NEXT entry we'll get serious.....Fun with Rove

You knew it was bound to happen...again will the real conservatives, please stand up.

Time to lighten the load.....at least until the next entry

Is anyone as excited about Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse (released today) as I am? It definitely pays homage to the gindhouse or exploitation films that were quite prevalent during the early 70s. Heck, the return of Snake Plissken (sort of) is enough to make me want to see this celluloid effort. And speaking of Snake, it appears that a remake of Escape from New York is in the works without Kurt Russell as the lead, unfortunately. Take a look at the above trailer and share your thoughts.

We need to rewind the audio from Rodney King because it looks like we all CANNOT get along!

Philadelphia Records 100th Murder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


West Philadelphia - March 31, 2007 - - On the 90th day of the year, Philadelphia Police are investigating the city's 100th murder.

Police were called to the 4800 block of Aspen Street, around daybreak Saturday.

Investigators tell Action News a patrol officer saw several males running from this area.

When the officer went to see what was going on, he saw a man lying in in the street.

He had been shot four times - all in the upper body.

The officer called medics, but they could not save him.

He died at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Police have no suspects in custody.

Philadelphia Records 100th Murder


Although it's not mentioned, it is probably safe to assume that the majority of these murders involved Black folks, or more specifically Black males, considering the location.
We need to be very concerned folks, this may involve a certain segment of our community perpetrating these acts of violence, but the lower tier crowd has declared war on ALL of us.
And to think, some of us still believe that White folks are our biggest threat.


Mr. Starks

Guess What?...You Can't Make it Here......New York, New York

Keeping it quick and to the point-you may not have not noticed but it is really expensive to live in New York. For those of you who are fortunate to live elsewhere, take heed-it's a great place to visit but you couldn't afford to live here. I wanted to share with you an article that truly spells the end for the middle class as we know it. Also check another nugget of wisdom from the indomitable scribe, Stanley Crouch.

NY's Vanishing Middle Class


Latest Stanley Crouch piece

Being Conservative doesn't mean I can't be Accurate!

The above clip of a recent Hannity & Colmes show in which fellow conservative blogger, Erik Rush (erikrush.com) is being interviewed really bothers me. It's his inaccuracy that is most troublesome. Rush also made the rounds last night on an episode of Paula Zahn's nightly political gabfest, Out in the Open regarding the same issue de jour, Obama's Too Black Church. Let me state for the record, that in my almighty analytical wisdom, I'm not fond of any church that naturally practices separatism. Perhaps a church's separatist agenda is propogated out of a sense of necessity or comfort-one can theorize until the cows come home, but at the end of the day, a house of worship is supposed to be above petty racial enmity. But in the cause for greater accuracy in reporting, both programs are severly lacking. These shows, like so many other likeminded media fare, are less about the search for the truth and more concerned for ratings, shouting matches and getting in the vaunted soundbite.

Obama's church, the Trinity United Church of Christ (which the media are attempting to make Obama literally guilty by association) espouses a 12 point Black value system. Mr. Rush's beef is that this value system is inherently racist, especially if one were to transpose "Black" for "White" in the description of the church's tenets. Where Rush is incorrect, is simply Black as a matter of semantics is used differently than White. Very few White people self-identify themselves as such, simply because they have options. Black refers to culture, color and consciousness-hence, Black music, Black colleges, Black culture, Blaxploitation (films), etc. A White person might state that he or she is Italian or Jewish or Irish before he states his racial category. Black is an all encompasing term with a cultural designation notwithstanding. In my book, everyone should worship beyond racial categorization because.....well, it is church. But let's not single out Obama's church, when 90% of the houses of worship (of all racial and ethnic strata) practice de facto segregation. Accuracy folks. Accuracy! Take a look at Rush's supposition below:

Obamination: Barack Obama's black supremacist connection

Okay Now It's the Ladies Turn......

If you haven't guessed from my usage of the Waiting to Exhale clip, we are embarking on yet another live radio broadcast. This time we will be focusing on the ladies-Weaves, Weight and Worries. Actually, it's another gumbo show as we will also (if time permits) wrap up the State of the Black Man topic from last week as well as finally discussing negative minstrel imagery. This is going to be a controversial show folks as we will not bite our tongues (as if we ever have) relating to gender and social issues. Remember, we have two broadcasts a week now-every Sunday and Thursday. Check us out tomorrow at 9pm, LIVE. Call in and give us your thoughts....perhaps we will agree or not on the topic of the day. Reach us at-646-915-9620 or IM via afronerdradio@yahoo.

Afronerd Radio-Black Women-Weaves, Weight and Worries

If you are STILL unsure about HipHop being dead....

Take a look at this video. "I used to love her", shout out to Common, but if this does not convince you that HipHop is doomed, I don't know what will.
On a side note, props go out to the White guy for continuing the freestyle after being hit, AND freestyling about being hit. Crazy.


Mr. Starks

Two Quick Unrelated Stories of Interest.......

Due to time constraints, I am unable to provide an appropriate synopsis for the two following stories, but you should still get the gist. For the first story, I must admit that I am somewhat indifferent about the news-the Uncle Ben character has received a promotion from the Mars corporation. If anyone is familiar with Uncle Ben's rice, a caricature of a servile, elderly African-American male was used as the product's mascot. Now that we're in the 21st century, someone has finally decided that such a figure might not rank highly with the PC police. So from this point going forward, Uncle Ben is now a well dressed corporate executive as opposed to being a manservant to a well dressed corporate executive. Hooray. And BET's Spring Bling, I suspect will be broadcast in the next few weeks.

The second story, I actually found out from Chris Chamber's Nat Turner's Revenge blog. It appears that the actress that played one of my favorite sci-fi characters, T'Pol of Star Trek: Enterprise (the very attractive Jolene Blalock) is finding herself in a bit of controversy. It appears that a movie has just been released (filmed prior to her Trek role) in which she is in dark make-up (Angelina Jolie style) portraying a woman of color. The cliffhanger is....Blalock recently disclosed that she is indeed of part African-American parentage. Whew....For more information relating to both stories, click on the links below.

Wired-Uncle Ben Upgrade Story

Nat Turner's Revenge-Blalock story

Is Sharpton channeling Cosby? Let's not get crazy....

It appears that Sharpton may be taking cues from Dr. Cosby (you know I'm joking right?) and recently held a press conference in which he is proposing a rally to protest Tony Yayo's (of G-Unit fame) accosting of a 14-year-old child. I did an entry on this incident a few days ago and perhaps we have finally reached a point where there is no other alternative but to address the insanity. The major media has been conspicuously absent from Sharpton's efforts, perhaps because it does appear to be an intraracial matter. However, can we take Reverend Soul Glow's endeavor and go several steps further demanding that radio stations refrain from playing G-unit music? Or perhaps implement a rally that includes all of G-Unit and not just Tony Yayo? Or am I asking too much? Mind you, Russell Simmons publicly stated that he doesn't want to get involved. Folks, this is more blatant evidence that these record execs and artists care very little for their young fanbase's psyhological and physical welfare. The alarm clock is ringing people....it's time to WAKE UP! Check the links below for more on this story.

Al Sharpton Denounces Yayo's actions

Vibe-Russell Simmons not Involved

50 Cent addresses Yayo altercation

Looks like there's a second chocolate Jesus in the news...

Sculpture of Obama as Jesus causes stir

By NATHANIEL HERNANDEZ, Associated Press Writer

He wears Jesus' robes and a neon blue halo, looks like Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) and is causing a stir at a Chicago art school.

An undergraduate student's papier mache sculpture of Obama as a messianic figure — entitled "Blessing" — went on display Saturday at a downtown gallery run by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. By Monday, word of the piece had spread on political blogs, and the school had been flooded with calls.

David Cordero, 24, made the sculpture for his senior show after noticing all the attention Obama has received since he first hinted he may run for the presidency.

"All of this is a response to what I've been witnessing and hearing, this idea that Barack is sort of a potential savior that might come and absolve the country of all its sins," Cordero said. "In a lot of ways it's about caution in assigning all these inflated expectations on one individual, and expecting them to change something that many hands have shaped."

Obama's campaign worked Monday to the distance the Illinois senator from the artwork.

"While we respect First Amendment rights and don't think the artist was trying to be offensive, Senator Obama, as rule, isn't a fan of art that offends religious sensibilities," said Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

Cordero said the school had fielded plenty of calls about his work, "some of them from angry people." He also said he had heard from a few potential buyers.

Bruce Jenkins, dean of the art school's undergraduate program, said response to the piece — part of a student exhibition — has been mostly positive. He said people should take a close look at the sculpture and the context it was created in before judging it.

"When you see it, when you spend time it with it, you understand that it's not a provocative work at all," Jenkins said. "It opens a set of questions."

The Archdiocese of Chicago had not seen the work as of Monday afternoon and could not comment on it, said spokeswoman Dianne Dunagan.

The piece comes amid Catholic outrage in New York that led to an art gallery canceling an exhibit featuring a nude 6-foot-tall, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ.

Artist Cosimo Cavallaro said Saturday that he has received threats as a result of the sculpture, called "My Sweet Lord." Cavallaro said the controversy spurred "thousands" of e-mail messages from people offering help, donations and exhibition space.


What are your thoughts about this one?

Mr. Starks

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah........Song of the South on DVD?

I'm not sure if the class is aware of this, but the good folks at Disney placed a self-imposed ban on releasing the Song of the South (in theaters and DVD) for many years because of questionable racial overtones contained in the film. I remember my mother taking me to see this film as a child simply because it was one of a number of Disney classics that were released annually. At some point during the mid 80s, after receiving complaints from civil rights organizations, Disney took South off its theatrical release roster. Perhaps for the time period, it was understandble for the movie to be banned.

Since I liken myself to being a cineaste, I have seen several bootleg transfers of this film and it is hard to watch-it does show slavery as somekind of happy and superfluous period in Black history. But films like Song of the South (or even the Amos and Andy series) should be released as educational devices for our youth. It is crucial that children (and adults) understand how the Black image was portrayed during that era. Hopefully, enough time has passed and cooler heads have prevailed. Things may be looking in a positive direction as it appears that during a recent stockholders meeting, Disney CEO Robert Iger intimated that South may be released on DVD in the near future. Song of the South can be no worse than I Love New York or the Flavor of Love-at least we had Jim Crow as an excuse. For more on Song of the South, check below.

SongoftheSouth.net

Wiki on Song of the South

Necessity really IS the Mother of Invention..........

Note to self-people of color may have to take pointers from fanboys. I'm probably late at bringing this to your attention, as I often highlight the serious to the innocuous, but I wanted you guys to take a look at the above Green Hornet fan film. I've known for quite awhile that director and sometime comic writer, Kevin Smith was supposedly attached to a possible reboot of the Green Hornet franchise. Names such as George Clooney, Jet Li and Jake Gyllenhaal came up as potential candidates to star in this project. But in typical Hollywood fashion, Smith is no longer attached to the film and another studio may produce this film for 2009. Now what does this have to do with Black people? Well, as this entry is so appropriately named-necessity is the mother of invention. The fanboys wanted this film to be made and so as the above clip demonstrates-they did a credible job at creating a product by themselves. And this is a regular practice among the fanboy set. I would suggest that if people of color are dissatisfied with certain things-you may have to build it yourself. If you build it they will come. Also click on the link below to check out a legendary clip of the 60s incarnation of the Green Hornet featuring Mako (who died last year) and the indomitable, Bruce Lee.

Youtube does the Green Hornet

New Blog Alert!!......Well Okay, New To Me

I just so happened to be visiting the UnderCoverBlackMan blog (a blog incidently, I would suggest all of you visit simply for Mr. Mills' misidentified black person alert) and came across a link to yet another blog, entitled Acting White. The blogger, James Collier, is actually in the midst of writing a book analyzing how the perception of attaining greatness in the Black culture can be equated with whiteness. Obtaining educational or financial success should not (and does not) mean one is attempting to act white, which Collier is so eloquently positing. I would definitely suggest that after you read this blog, take a hop and skip over to Mr. Collier's excellent effort. One of my favorite entries is a mock conversation between Collier, Michael Eric Dyson (the good reverend, doctor wannabe rapper) and Dr. Cosby. I provided an excerpt of this conversation below as well as a link to Collier's blog. Enjoy!

Talking Points
Bill Cosby vs. Michael Eric Dyson vs. James C. Collier

Michael Eric Dyson takes Bill Cosby on head-to-head with each issue that he brings up in his now infamous NAACP speech from May 17, 2004. Here are some highlights:

Cosby: "Just forget telling your child to join the Peace Corps. It's right around the corner. (laughter) It's standing on the corner. It can't speak English. It doesn't want to learn English. I can't even talk the way these people talk."
Dyson: "Cosby's poisonous view of young folks who speak a language he can barely parse [Ebonics] simmers with hostility and resentment." And "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Cosby's lauded '70s television cartoon series, won greater acceptance for a new cast of black identities and vernacular language styles. Cosby has made money and gained further influence from using forms of black English he now violently detests."
Collier: “I think Mr. Cosby’s point is that today’s Black kids are not bi-lingual, in the sense that Black English is unique and ubiquitous, nor are they, to a greater extent, bi-cultural, to the requirements of society. The ability to move ‘seamlessly’ between the ‘standard English’ requirements of school and work and the informal language of the street is a prerequisite both for advancement and maintaining uniqueness.”

Cosby: "People with their hat on backwards, pants down around the crack. Isn't that a sign of something, or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up (laughter and clapping)."
Dyson: "Baggy clothes express identity among black youth, and not just beginning with hip-hop culture. Moreover, young black entrepreneurs like Sean 'P. Diddy' Colms and Russell Simmons have made millions from their clothing lines."
Collier: “Emulating styles is one thing; emulating prison-inspired dress is another. When style of dress implies a mindset and behavior that includes the rejection of education, and other advancing assimilations, including lawful behavior, those styles should be recognized as not mere expressions of identity, but rather as counter-productive behavior. The fact the Mister’s Combs and Simmons have made millions commercializing prison-inspired styles does not make it acceptable.

Acting White

And for the rest of the Collier, Cosby & Dyson conversation:

The Injustice Bill Cosby Won't See

I always thought Jesus was Chocolate but NOT like this......

I'm all for artistic license but not like this next story. If you have been a frequent reader of this blog, you should be very familiar with its predominant theme-bringing to the public discourse the loss of our culture. This loss encompasses all of America's artistic manifestations-ethnic art, music, photography, paintings, etc. The sculpture (pictured above) is a depiction of Jesus Christ made out of approx. 200lbs of chocolate. What makes this story controversial is that the sculpture displays Christ without a loincloth, somewhat sexualizing the religious figure. I sincerely doubt that it is coincidental that the exhibit is being displayed during the Easter season. The chocolate Jesus or the aptly named, My Sweet Lord exhibit is the creation of artist, Cosimo Cavallaro who has gained a reputation for using food to create his sculptures. What really frustrates me about this is that we have been down this road before-there will always be someone, artist or opportunist (you pick the correct nomenclature) that will push the alleged artistic envelope for the public's prurient interest. Famed "artist" Robert Mapplethorpe, went down this same road of filth more than a decade ago with crass photographs depicting men (and men of color especially) in highly questionable and sexually disturbing positions. Thankfully, local Catholic associations banded together and the chocolate Christ exhibit has been canceled. Now if only we can rally our citizenry to put a dent in the disrespectful minstrel music machine that assaults Black imagery on a daily basis-I'm sure such an effort would make Jesus proud. For more on the My Sweet Jesus controversy and Robert Mapplethorpe check the links below:

Outcry Cancels Chocolate Jesus Show

Gallery Director May Resign Over Chocolate Jesus Exhibition

Wiki on Robert Mapplethorpe

You need to Plug Tune-in'.....Plug One....Plug Two

Just a reminder that Afronerdradio is a radio project in progress. We intend to do multiple shows as time permits and it appears that we will be expanding our broadcasts to two weekly programs. Feel free to listen to our provocative interracial dating and Black Conservatism show from last night. Coming up this Sunday at 5pm, Mr. Starks and I will be discussing the State of Black Men 07', the down low phenomenon(is it a reality?) and negative African American imagery...whew! Check us out and join our conversation live at-(646)915-9620 or via instant message, afronerdradio@yahoo. Meanwhile, never let it be said that Afronerd doesn't enjoy a hip hop parody-take a gander at the above clip featuring comedian, Aries Spears imitating citizens of the rap elite.

Last Night's Afronerd Radio show-podcast a la mode

If only there wasn't an age requirement for American Idol-Ladies & Gentlemen....Snoop Rovey Rove

What do you think American Idol's Sanjaya Malakar and Bush strategist, Karl Rove have in common? Actually they may have three things in common. First, as the above video demostrates, questionable musical talent. Second, the ability to promote mediocrity in a public forum. And lastly, exhibiting a tenacious spirit with both low approval ratings and public support, simultaneously. Although I am a conservative, I am not an apologist for a substandard performance-whether it's in the field of entertainment or government. In some respects, one should be perturbed with the nation's acceptance of mediocrity. Many folks may be mad at young Malakar for corrupting the Idol process, however the show gives the public what it asks for-style over substance. In recent years our government (and entertainment) prefers image over dealing with substantive issues. One must be honest, a Bob Dylan or James Brown would not fair well on American Idol, given today's standards and conversely having a dancing presidential advisor(and a POTUS who would be his Flavor Flav) as terrorism, weekly scandals, a downsizing economy and a WAR loom in the background is unconscionable. Perhaps I should lighten up, as the above clip is from a recent D.C. banquet but I just want to know one thing.....will the real conservatives please stand up? Please stand up.

Much to do about Nothing.....I confess

The above clip may not mean anything to anyone living outside the NY tri-state area, but it frankly scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. During the 70s and 80s, this was the intro for WPIX's Chiller Theatre, a local horror show. Just being able to see this clip not only brings back memories, but also makes you realize how crucial Youtube is for the preservation of popular culture. Yes, it is innocuous fun, but rest assured more serious subject matter is up next. Well, after I discuss the Sanjaya factor. Enjoy!

Losing Landmarks in Joisey-First, The Sopranos and now Slavery

I must confess that I am no big fan of the Sopranos as they rely on heavily stereotyping Italian-Americans-thankfully, the remaining eight episodes should finally put this nightmare to rest. The highly touted show also did a fair share of lambasting folks of color during its six season run. And just as the Sopranos was a New Jersey staple, the curtain may be lowered on another Garden state institution of a historical kind-slavery. I just happened to come across a story that appears to be gaining some momentum in the local tri-state media pertaining to developers attempting to purchase property that highlights Jersey's involvement in the slave trade. Here we have yet another story, in which greed trumps the need to maintain artifacts of historical significance. I think that it is imperative to foster fiscal growth and development, however our nation's history should not be pushed to the side at every moment for economic opportunism. For specifics relating to the New Jersey Van Dyke farm story, click on the link below:

In New Jersey, Old Slave Quarters vs. New Homes

Our Next Radio Show-It's Gumbo Dammit!

Face front true believer! Okay, that was my failed attempt at channeling Marvel Comic's Stan Lee, but I did want to let you guys know that we are changing our live radio podcast schedule to 9pm Thursday evening. This Thursday we plan to do a "gumbo" show of sorts, discussing a variety of topics. On this political plate we will be serving up conversations pertaining to our take on interracial dating/marriage, Black Conservatism and Naomi Campbell. Feel free to join in on our festive dialogue by phone-646-915-9620 or instant message-afronerdradio@yahoo. Rest assured that Mr. Starks and I will bring the usual fire and humor to this broadcast. Let your voices be heard!

Afronerd Radio on Interracial dating, Black Conservatism, etc

Our leaders need a Shape Up...I mean to Shape Up!

Okay, you may have guessed that I was making fun of Dr. Cornel West's do' but the "shape up" analogy really does apply here. I came across the above clip of West's diatribe from Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union while haunting the halls of the Blackprof.com site. I pretty much made my thoughts clear regarding the ineffectiveness of cornbread and potato salad conventions like the Union's in prior entries. However, what I didn't expect in Blackprof (which espouses more of a leftist ideology) were their fair share of equally dissatisfied political customers. The premise of the Union/Cornel West entry entailed the cool reception Barack Obama has received thus far from the religious and civil rights guard of the Black Democratic elite-hence, the above Cornel West video.

Why these leaders are so reluctant to embrace alternatives, truly boggles the mind. Obama doesn't come from the religious house of alliteration that West or Sharpton often reside and therefore he can't be trusted-the hopes and needs of a people thirsty for fresh ideas are irrelevant. Again, I have written about this phenomenon before but when will people of color realize that Obama must be shared if he is to be elected-he will not be President of Black America (that' s Sharpton and Jesse's job). It is my belief that Obama will embrace a more moderate political view, if it is deemed that he is electable. More importantly, let's pray that he develops a backbone to stand strong against our so called leaders who put petty jealousies before African-American progress. Check out the Blackprof.com article in question below:

Black Prof.com on Obama

Rappers are going after the minds and now the BODIES of your Children!!

Well, let's just say that it was bound to happen. It's always about the kids isn't it? If you really weren't sure that rappers could care less about the children that their music is geared towards-this next story should quell your suspicions. According to Allhiphop.com, Rappers Tony Yayo and 50 cent of G-Unit fame, allegedly accosted the 14 year old son of a rival record executive, Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond of Czar Entertainment. Here is more on the story from Allhiphop:

Sources close to Rosemond's Czar Entertainment told AllHipHop.com the assault occured on Tuesday (Mar. 20), as Rosemond's 14-year-old son was heading to his internship at his father's record label/management firm, located at 11 W. 25th Street.

According to sources, 50 Cent and Tony Yayo were leaving the offices of Violator Management, which is located on 36 W. 25th Street, when they saw the boy walking down the street, wearing a Czar Entertainment T-shirt.

Tony Yayo and several associates allegedly approached the teen and confronted him, not knowing he was Rosemond's son.

"As 50 was getting into his SUV, he hand signaled over to Yayo and his entourage to approach and harass the boy," a source told AllHipHop.com. "After being interrogated for several minutes as to why he was wearing a Czar Entertainment sweatshirt, Yayo pushed the boy up against the wall."

Yayo allegedly backhanded the boy and shouted several explicatives directed toward Czar Entertainment.

Unfortunately, this story is just starting to gain some notoriety and it is debatable if it will really make an impact on the public's consciousness. However, this incident should really serve as an example of how these artists are literally thugs with recording contracts. This is a far cry from the days of Miles Davis or Stevie Wonder. A boycott should be instituted against G-Unit, Jimmy Iovine's Interscope Records and any radio station or media outlet that plays music produced by these individuals. Such a boycott would be reminiscent of Bush's erstwhile statement-“If you harbor terrorists, you are a terrorist.” In simpler terms, if one supports this behavior and doggerel, then you must incur the wrath that comes with it. To be fair, these are allegations but if there is any truth to this altercation-the wheels of retribution should be placed into motion. Are our so-called feckless leaders going to get involved with a case of obvious disrespect? I think I hear a pin dropping even as we speak. For more info on this story click on the links below:

Jimmy Henchmen's Son Assaulted

Mother of Bullied Child Says......

Police: G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo slapped, punched 14-year-old boy

Sealab does Radio & So Does Afronerd!!

Looks like it's radio time again folks-stay tuned for our live weekly radio/podcast, hosted by yours truly and now my regular blog contributor/cohost, Mr. Starks aka Ironman. As promised, we will do a part 2 comic book discussion show but we will also address news that was of interest to us this week. Feel free to drop us a line this Sunday at 2pm and join our discussion at 646-915-9620 or IM our show at afronerdradio@yahoo. I assure you we will do a better job than Captain Murphy in the above "pirate radio" clip. You may want to also listen to another radio clip of Bill O'Reilly's Radio Factor show in which he loses his cool discussing the Dixie Chicks, Ludacris, The Grammys and of course, liberals....he does makes some points, but guess what?...We're better than him too. Enjoy!

Bill O'reilly Loses It On Radio Factor

Ok THIS week really is the comic book show..we promise!!

Follow the Leader....

A little music news for everyone.
Since most of us here do not care about Young Jeezy, Young Joc, or any other young fool that picks up a microphone, I just wanted to let you all know that Rakim has announced that he will release his latest musical masterpiece entitled, The Seventh Seal, on 7/7/07.
Lets hope that July 7, 2007 is not only the release date of Rakims latest cd, but also the beginning of the end of the watermelon juggling, minstrel, bufoonery dominating the current HipHop scene.


Mr. Starks

Talk About A Mix Up, Fertility appears to be Skin Deep

This next story really bothers me and not for the reasons one may think. Today's New York Daily News denotes a harrowing tale that really was bound to happen. In a nutshell, a Long Island couple (the male is White and the female is Latin) in their quest to have a second child with the aid of a Manhattan fertility clinic, discovered that their child is of African-American heritage and therefore not related to the father. The mother is a dark hued Latina-Dominican, specifically. The parents (family photo above) are suing the clinic in question and rightfully so. But what concerns me about this matter is the wording of the lawsuit's allegations as espoused by the parents. Here are the allegations according to the News, "While we love Baby Jessica as our own, we are reminded of this terrible mistake each and every time we look at her. It is simply impossible to ignore." The parents further state, "We fear that our daughter will be the object of scorn and ridicule by other children, both in school and as she grows up."

I think that it is appropriate for the couple to seek recompense as the child's appearance coupled with several DNA tests confirmed their suspicions, but is it realistic that the child would be ridiculed? Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, the child's complexion is minimally darker than the mother's and if the father was expecting any child to have his skin tone, that would have been a crap shoot at best-his union was with a woman of color. There could have easily been a mix-up with sperm in this case and the biological father could have been another White person-the tell-tale sign of dark skin would have been missing (and so would a lawsuit). When will Black people stand up and take back their rich and proud history so that Blackness being perceived as a defect dissipates. I'm looking at a clearly multi-racial family which is what this society is becoming and yet this child is quickly getting a lesson in racial animus.....from her parent's own insecurity. What would have been acceptable relating to this issue is simply a mistake was made...period. The skin color issue is compounded and treated like the child is diseased. Matter of fact, I suspect that if the child did have an ailment and not Black, more respect would have been granted to the toddler. When will the madness end? Click on the links below for more on this story.

Park Avenue Fertility Clinic in Hot Water

What a mess, baby

Get me Jack Bauer's cell phone number, now!

Do you really need another reason to be convinced of the seriousness of the illegal immigration issue? Well take a look at the article below.
This commentary is entitled "Declare War on MS-13" by Joseph Farah at Worldnetdaily.com. Clearly, we have a very serious issue, what could possibly be classified as a terrorist threat, coming right out of El Salvador. These individuals have declared war on our communities, and as people of color, we need to be very concerned since, in many instances, they take up residence right in our neighborhoods. Wow, combating the out of control, ghetto, lower tier b.s. is keeping us busy and now this.
Please, get me that phone number. Jack Bauer needs to take my call...


Mr. Starks

One of the major cop-outs in the illegal immigration debate is this: There are millions and millions of foreigners already here. It would be an overwhelming task to find and deport them all.

Let me suggest a good starting point – an all-out declaration of war on the organized criminal street gang MS-13, comprised mostly of illegal aliens and now threatening the lives and quality of life of nearly all Americans nationwide.

Just last week, for instance, the Washington Post reported three leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha participated in or planned four murders in the area during a span of two years, according to a federal prosecutor in a racketeering trial involving the terrorist gang.

Attorney James Trusty told the court MS-13 gang members abide by the ethos "rape, kill and control." He said they use guns, knives and machetes.

"This gang works together locally, nationally, even internationally," said Trusty.

MS-13 was a little-known band of miscreants from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala five years ago – hardly known to the general public. But a reign of murderous terror waged across the country has made it infamous.

You want a place to start the battle against illegal aliens? MS-13 is a priority. These are not farmworkers. These are not gardeners. These are not cheap construction workers or meatpackers. These are murderers and rapists.

Instead of targeting Border Patrol officers, the U.S. Justice Department should use its resources to eradicate MS-13. Instead of meddling in the conduct of the war in Iraq, the U.S. Congress should resolve to wipe out this internal threat to our peace and security by the end of this year. Instead of pushing for "comprehensive immigration reform," President Bush should call for an all-out war on this band of thugs.

If the illegal alien problem is too big to tackle all at once, set priorities. MS-13 should be the starting point.

These monsters make it easy to identify them. They tattoo themselves with their gang insignia. The Mafia never made it so simple.

It would seem to me this would be a national mission around which we can build consensus. Oh, sure, the American Civil Liberties Union will oppose a war on MS-13. The ACLU always defends America's enemies, criminals, Nazis, Communists and other assorted terrorists. But will any responsible American not be able to get behind the cause of destroying this plague on humanity?

Personally, I'm getting sick and tired of seeing MS-13 graffiti in the nation's capital and on urban and suburban streets across the country. This scum is marking its turf. They are showing us where they are. They are brazenly identifying themselves for our hapless authorities.

It's time to hunt them down.

As WND first reported in 2005, MS-13 is believed to have met with representatives of al-Qaida and smuggled operatives across the Mexican border into the U.S.

So this is not just a matter of murder and mayhem. It is a matter of grave national security. The people who would most like to detonate a nuclear bomb or other weapon of mass destruction inside the U.S. will almost certainly rely on the expertise of the gang specializing in human smuggling operations.

That's my prescription for where to start the roundups and deportations. That's my idea about who to target first among the millions of illegal aliens already in this country. And let me go a step further.

This operation needs to be designed with military precision. These people need to be taken dead or alive. If they are deported, they will return. So the choice is really between incarceration or death. Lethal force will be necessary to subdue this menace – to cure this cancer.

Does America have the national will for such a mission?

Can a Brother Be from Krypton and not Compton?

I was just perusing the Racialicious blog and happened to come across an article that originated from the Toronto Star. The piece centered on the current state of Black and minority representation in the comic book industry. In a nutshell, the more things change the more things stay the same. As expected, we are seeing more heroes of color but not without controversy. The article seemed to focus on what I have dubbed the replacement hero effect as it relates to minority super-heroism. This replacement effect essentially entails a Black or minority character taking on the identity of a hero that was already established and formerly White. Examples of this form of characterization would be (Black) Goliath, Mr. Terrific, Firestorm, Blue Beetle, The Atom and Nick Fury(Ultimate Universe version). In many respects this is a form of laziness on the part of the writer and perhaps a form of liberal racism. Instead of creating a new hero and having his/her race be an incidental factor, putting a Black face in an old costume is simply patronizing in the guise of diversity. Just as in any other industry, only will the development of stand alone minority based companies insure that we get the representation and fairness that people of color desire. Don't expect a fictional(or real) otherworldly White hero to save your imagery-create your own. For more on the state of Black characters in comics check below.

Hero deficit: Comic books in decline

Will the real "Magic Negro" please stand up!

LA Times Take on Obama

I find it quite interesting and somewhat comical that folks outside our community are so comfortable with telling us what we think, who our leaders are, and now.....drum roll please.....who's really Black and who isn't.
Check out the link above to see for yourself...the madness continues.

Mr. Starks

From My Mouth to God's Ears...or Was it CNN who was listening?

I just wanted to dovetail off of Mr. Stark's prior commentary with something that was truly unique in the annals of televison media. I actually found a program that finally reported something that this blog has been propogating since its inception-African-American "dirty laundry" is an open secret. No more than two days has gone by since my call to the Week in Review program, and my entire argument was the premise of tonight's Out in the Open show, hosted by CNN's Paula Zahn. Zahn's show examined the high murder rate among Black males and why it does not seem to garner analysis or at the very least, condemnation from African-American so-called leadership. Just a reminder, this was CNN not Fox. When I posited this contention on Review, it was tantamount to treason.

One can become disheartened, if not delusional when so many folks just do not appear to agree that there is a problem with Black on Black criminality. And further, these self-same naysayers will focus their attention on a White bogeyman to the exclusion of internal Black pathologies that are killing people of color with equal verve. Tonight's program also put forth an interesting statistic-93% of the murders committed by Blacks were also against Blacks. One of the show's commenters even went as far as stating that the preponderance of Black murders is inadvertantly doing the bidding of the KKK-another remark I have heard in private now being made public.

So I will once again, make a call to the Review show, this time making reference to Zahn's piece. That mirage in the desert looks a lot more real all of the sudden. Check out the links below that will surely put more salt on that festering wound. There's even a piece on a Klansman teaching at Kent State and possessing an anti-Black website. I guess he didn't get the text message that minstrel hip hop coupled with the previous murder stats are far more effective.

Klansman teaching History at Kent State

Ghetto mentality no longer color-coded-Stanley Crouch article


Side Note- I just found the transcript of the Zahn piece I alluded to in the above entry. Take a look at an excerpt:

ZAHN: "Out in the Open" tonight, the shocking amount of black- on-black violent crime in the U.S. It is something we rarely hear about. Back to our "Out in the Open" panel now. Amy Holmes, Republican political strategist. CNN contributor Roland Martin. And Air America radio host Rachel Maddow.

As a black man when you hear that 93 percent of black murder victims are killed by other blacks, do you think that blacks are their own worst victims? MARTIN: Yes. and they are doing the work of the Klan. That's exactly what's going on here. And let me deal with this -- with Reverend Sharpton's comment for a second. So let me take the CNN contributor hat off for a moment. I've been the editor of three black newspapers, the editor of a black Web site, commentator for a black cable network, and I've also been the editor of a black magazine.

And I have not covered a single rally where 50,000 African- Americans were protesting on black-on-black crime. See, when you talk about protesting against police brutality, that's an easy one, that's an institutional system there where you have white officers, black victim, let's protest.

African-Americans must stand up and be accountable and on my radio show on WVON, every time somebody black gets killed, we talk about it and I say when is enough enough? They are doing the work of the Klan. And they might as well own up to it. This is worse than what happened with lynching.

ZAHN: Why are you upset with what Sharpton had to say?

MARTIN: Well, because you're shifting the blame. Again, I want to see...

ZAHN: And that is when he placed the focus on police brutality.

MARTIN: Yes. Now he is correct that there are community leaders out there on a small scale who are doing what they're doing. But again, I want to know where are they in terms of calling for those marches, calling for mass mobilization to cut the crime in black neighborhoods.

Stop saying, well, the media doesn't cover it, no, most of them don't do it. If you have 50,000 black folks marching against black- on-black crime, trust me, the media will be there.

ZAHN: Well, why aren't they? Is it the embarrassment, the humiliation?

HOLMES: I think it's a number of factors. And first, I want to tell you, it's so good to hear you talking about this "Out in the Open." And I think there has been a conspiracy of silence around it. There's fear obviously of sort of airing the dirty laundry, Remember when Bill Cosby, you know, gave a very candid speech and he was jumped all over by black leaders saying that you shouldn't be telling white America what's going on in our communities.

It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under...

I don't think Melle Mel was describing the scene in this clip when he uttered those words from the HipHop classic "The Message". For those that don't know about this story, a high school basketball game took place over the weekend at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Apparantly some students, if we can call them that, in the stands engaged in a massive brawl that spilled out into the streets and resulted in gunfire. Ironically, the same police force which many folks condemn had to come and clean up this mess.
Where's Al Sharpton and company now? Doesn't this kind of behavior from our young people deserve the same kind of outcry from these so called leaders?
Once again, your kids have shown the world that chaos is the order of the day in our communities, schools and homes.
Wake up people, Bill Cosby doesn't look so crazy and out of touch now, does he?

Mr. Starks

Slavery still exists.....in our minds

Remind me to think twice before calling in to NY's 98.7 The Week in Review program. I called in for the late broadcast (which is an addendum to 98.7's Sunday morning Openline show) and quickly found myself in a verbal battle with one of the cohosts, Peter Noel. For those who may be unfamiliar with Noel and local NY media, he was a reporter for the liberal and noteworthy newspaper, The Village Voice. Incidently, Noel left the Voice over reporting differences relating to the covering of Rev. Al Sharpton-the paper (allegedly) wanted to cover fluff pieces as it pertained to the African American community(i.e. Puffy Combs). Anyway, I was compelled to call, as they were discussing the Sean Bell police brutality case-which to date has resulted in the indictment of 3 out of the five officers involved in this tragic incident.

If anyone has read my prior entry or listened to Afronerdradio last week, my feelings on this case are not exactly lock step with many on the progressive/liberal end of the African-American political spectrum. Just the whisper of young Black males conforming to certain thug stereotypes that may raise the suspicion of the police, caused Noel to go into a rage preventing me from initially voicing my opinion. I felt like Kunta Kinte in the above clip. If I didn't hold the same views that are expected of a man of color, Noel was going to verbally whip me into submission. Toby be damned! He even accused me of working in collusion with NYPD. Note to self-If you are a person of color, you can't have an independent spirit among many Black folk who possess a liberal uni-mind ideology.

If we are going to stop young Black and Brown men from getting killed by police (and other street phenomena), some degree of self-affacement is required. We must be fair-if the police are expected to change their procedures, conversely some men of color should also make changes to disavow their adherence to criminal fashion and mannerisms. I eventually was allowed to make my points on the show, but never let it be said that Black radio is a democracy-the dearth of alternate viewpoints and music proves my point. Check out the link below for my prior entry on the Sean Bell shooting:

Afronerd's take on NYC Police Shooting

Next up, stay tuned for a commentary by my Afronerdradio cohost and now blog contributor, Mr. Starks. Be afraid....Be very afraid.

In the Immortal Words of Biz Markie.....This is Something for the Radio

Just giving a heads up to the class-check out our weekly live radio show/podcast this Sunday at 2pm. The usual suspects in white collar crime will be in attendance- Mr. Starks and yours truly, so drop us a line (ph#646-915-9620) if you would like to join our conversation. You can also send us an instant message at afronerdradio@yahoo. I believe Sunday's show will be a riff session including part 2 of the Brothers and comics show as well as last week's newsworthy stories. Trust me when I say that it will be a fiery session. FIRE!!

Finally! Time to Talk About Comic Books- "Brothers" and Comics Do They Mix? (Part 2)

I really do read this comic for the story..at least that's what I keep telling myself

I've been meaning to talk about Mario Gully's graphic novel creation, Ant for quite some time. I also wanted to lighten the next couple of entries as I have had socio-political blinders on for the last couple of weeks. I have to admit that I have been collecting Ant for two reasons:

1) The protagonist is a woman of color and,

2) I often fall victim for GGA (Good Girl Art).

Ant essentially is the tale of a young woman endowed with a bug-like exo-skeleton that gives her vast powers, yet she has a sketchy past as well as a loss of memory. Gully's effort is under the Image imprint and appears to be gaining in popularity which definitely discounts the notion that comics with a Black character can not compete in the marketplace. Unfortunately, the writing is not in the same vein as Garth Ennis' Boys or Straczynski's Squadron Supreme but it is definitely a worthy read. Check out Wikipedia's synopsis of Ant's character analysis:

The original Arcana mini-series followed 8-year-old Hannah Washington, a lonely young girl continually tormented and bullied at school. Her father is a suspect in an armed robbery and is taken into custody. To escape the harsh realities of her life, she writes in her diary stories of an alter-ego: an adult version of herself who is a superhero known as Ant.

And here is the present incarnation of the Ant character under the Image
brand:

An adult Hannah Washington wakes up in a mental institution, where she's been told all her memories are the result of a coping mechanism described as a "juvenile power fantasy." But, little by little, her fantasies of her life as Ant become more and more real.

And as a side note, I nominate Leila Arcieri (former paramour of Jamie Foxx and co star of Howard Stern's Son of the Beach) to play the title character if there ever is a movie/television adaptation. For more info on Ant click on the links below:

Wiki's Ant synopsis

Ant Forum-Image Comics

And Now Introducing.........Ms. Amy Winehouse

It seems like I'm always frackin' (shout out to Battlestar fans-I'm just discovering that show as well) late to the party when it comes to new cultural pleasures. Case in point, Ms. Amy Winehouse. I heard her haunting, Shirley Basseyesque voice on the radio here and there, but she has just started to pierce my consciousness as of late. I think she has a refreshing and different voice, but two things quickly come to mind. One, she is yet another White singer doing music that was once commonplace for African-American artists during the bygone 60s soul music era. And two, she proves yet again, that the Brits have excellent taste in music. Sometimes I fall into the trap of making everything about race but that is really not the case. I appreciate and look forward to everyone to produce fullfilling and thought provoking music-I just wish I saw more of it coming from people of color. I'm tired of relying on my old Stevie, Miles and Prince records to satiate my musical hunger. Okay...I never really get tired of "She's Always in My Hair" or "Higher Ground," I just long for newer artistry to blow my mind. Anyway, take a look at Winehouse's video above-perhaps the times they are a-changin.' Or maybe not.

In the Left vs. Right War People of Color are the Losers......

I just so happened to be haunting around the corridors of the Huffington Post when I found the above clip. The entry, entitled Fox Attacks on Black America promulgates the supposition (through clever editing) that Fox News targets the African-American community by pursuing stories that showcase folks of color in a negative light. Despite my conservative leanings, I am not going to be an apologist for some of the things that come out of the Fox news desk. However, the left have their version of employing Black misrepresentation tactics by not being objective or honest about the pathologies that are affecting people of color nationwide. By ascribing a constant victimization stamp on Black people, media on the left are not doing African-Americans any favors. And to be honest, I think in between some of the sound bites that the clip (originally provided by Foxattacks.com) shows, some degree of truth is still being spoken. The more important question that should be asked-when will an equally biting piece named BET Attacks on Black America be produced? I would hold breath in time for it's production but I do want to live to make another entry.

Huffington Post-Fox News Attacks on Black America

Fox Attacks