tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66266830675456788402024-03-08T01:34:06.996-06:00Sister Sound OffTwo Sisters. A Lot of Sound.Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-6291138342896014902009-09-17T21:46:00.003-05:002009-09-19T08:04:32.234-05:00Size Matters?Consider America’s obsession with being thin! I guess in a way I get it, because I think clothes look better on a svelte body, and obviously a lean physique is more appealing to the eye. What I don’t get however, is the attraction, especially to Caucasian men, to a woman whose body closely resembles that of a 12-year-old, pre-pubescent boy. I mean, take away the breasts, and add those little short boy haircuts, and you’ve got Dutch paint boy.<br /><br />I mean, I assume that there is a clear and obvious reason that one is attracted to the opposite sex. I that it's primarily because they are “opposite”. I assume a man has a desire to lay in bed with breasts, and hips…otherwise, what’s the point?<br /><br />As demented and twisted as my analogy might sound, I’ve often wondered if a man who desires a non-curvy woman who weighs 90 pounds soaking wet, really has a desire to sleep with children. Why as a woman, who is attracted to the opposite of me, want to lie with a man who weighs 95 non-muscular pounds and he’s 30? It’s just a bit odd to me.<br /><br />Ok, now how about this? What up with guys who are turned on by women who body build? Have you seen these women..... these Schwarzennegerettes? WHY in the hell would a MAN want to snuggle in bed with something that feels like his homey? But, who are we kidding? More than likely, ain’t none of his boys even that cut! In my opinion, if you want to sleep with a person that feels like a man, you’re likely attracted to men. I don’t give a damn what you say! Again, what’s natural is that if you’re attracted to the opposite sex…..well, hence the word “opposite”. Otherwise, why would a man want a woman who can bench-press his ass? I have said many times, I can’t be with a man whose ass I can kick. It’s just not going to be a safe environment for him.<br /><br />I have nothing against homosexual people. I am often impressed by, more than anything, their courage to be what they are despite the threat of social repercussions. But, at least they’re not perpetrating. Now, this is all based on my personal theory. There could certainly be the possibility that men are attracted to extremely small women, or women whose biceps are twice the size of their own. Maybe I simply don't understand or conceive the motivation of that kind of attraction. Could be! I just wonder what else could explain it.Chynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-63910140264846223542009-08-03T16:37:00.006-05:002009-08-13T21:06:12.693-05:00The Beyonce Bug<div><em>Disclaimer (aka a Calm-The-Hell-Down-Addendum): Below is a seemingly unpopular opinion of Ms. Beyonce Knowles. While it is not pure hatred (I don't hate the lady, she just gives me a "meh" vibe in terms of vocal ability), the term "hater" might be thrown out by a few Beyonce </em><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stan"><em>stans</em></a><em>. So, for all you "Hi, Hater" responders, please take a moment and actually consider that the critique <b>just might</b> be valid. People are far too comfy handing out this term and they never consider that the critique may have a point because they can't possibly fathom anything being wrong with a public figure they admire. Also, don't let the negative critique completely blind you to the fact that I'll have some good things to say about her below as well. But, uh, if you still want to toss out the "hater" label at me, by all means, go right ahead...but please believe you are also a hater for hating on my hating. ;)</em></div><br /><div><em></em> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>So. I'm just gonna come right out and say it:</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>Beyonce. Can't. Sing.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong> </div><br /><div>Ok, maybe I should change that up a bit. Maybe it's more like:</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>Beyonce. Can't. <em>Sang</em>.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong> </div><br /><div>That's right, folks, I have not completely caught The Beyonce Bug. She does not really impress me as much as she does a lot of other people.<strong> </strong>Now, when I say I haven't "completely" caught The Beyonce Bug, it doesn't mean I hate each and every thing she has released to the public. Her songs are very catchy and a few of them are even shelved in my iPod Playlist as I type. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>However, is she the best singer of her (and my) generation? I'm gonna take "No" for 200, Alex. Folks sure act like she is, though.</div><br /><div><strong></strong> </div><br /><div>Thing is, her voice is perfect for pop songs at best. I do admit that she has a good "pop" voice and her voice is probably perfect for the upbeat, not-really-complex hit singles she usually disperses. She has a "pleasant" sounding voice, but a true diva-fied <em>sanger</em>, she is not. So, why is she now the go-to woman for power ballads as if she can even hold a <em>tea</em> candle to the original singer? To name one example: the choice to cast her as Etta James in the film, <i>Cadillac Records</i>. Now we know damn well she wasn't primarily chosen because of her stellar acting ability. It was more about her being a "sellable" actor. She's <i>Beyonce</i>, she of "She's So Famous She Doesn't Need A Last Name" status. Now, the second reason could be due to her voice. Now, in terms of acting, I'd say, yeah, she's a better singer in comparison. But, that ain't saying much if you factor in her alleged acting ability. Which is "zero", by the way, for those of you playing at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, she -- for some reason unbeknownst to me -- was chosen to do an alleged MJ tribute at the BET awards by singing "Ave Maria" (along with a cover of "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan...another song I don't think she can efficiently touch). To this choice, I say, "WHAAAA?!". Do the producers at BET know the same "Ave Maria" ballad I know? That song is probably one of the most complex songs ever in terms of vocal range and they give Beyonce a stamp of approval to sing that song? That song requires an octave range that Beyonce couldn't even reach in a pair of her 6-inch stiletto heels. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the audio from the performance (I don't think BET is allowing video to be posted on YouTube):</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fv3MAYvhsiQ&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fv3MAYvhsiQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Even with her very own song, "Sweet Dreams", I notice she tries to go beyond her range. See link below:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbGV2_8Yqg4&feature=fvste3">Sweet Dreams YouTube Video </a>(embedding is disabled by Beyonce/Sony)</div><div><br /></div><div>At around 2:57, she attempts to reach a higher octave with the line, "Not even death can make us part". I cringed when I first heard it because I could hear the strain in her voice. I mean, are you serious? Is it <i>really</i> supposed to sound like that?</div><div><br /></div><div>Look, it's not like I'm an older woman who wants to relive "the good old days" when music was better. I'm actually Beyonce's target audience to a <i>T</i>. I'm a 20-something single lady. However, I'm a 20-something single lady who <i>does</i> know what a real singer is and who is not easily impressed by what is being distributed to my peers today. And yeah, the bulk of the "real singers" happen to be during the "good old days". Ya know, when the instrumentals were natural and they complimented an already terrific voice instead of being digitized and studio-coated in order to support an "okay" voice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, what are the requirements for diva status these days? A pretty face, a bangin' body and a great studio voice? And don't get me wrong, it's not like we don't have terrific singers nowadays, it's just that they're not at the forefront...not like Beyonce. I know for one that songstresses such as Jill Scott or Jazmine Sullivan can single circles and spheres around Beyonce, yet you don't see their faces (or better yet, <i>bodies</i>) plastered over every single network/cable channel pretty much covering every song known to man. </div><div><br /></div><div>And before folks start smacking me with Beyonce's lace front wig, I'm gonna say: Beyonce <i>is</i> pretty. She is. Even during her no-makeup days she is a cute lady. So, trust, I'm not one of those that automatically jump to saying, "Why are men fallin' all over her? She ain't even all that" regarding Beyonce. Contrary to popular belief, a critique of a fellow woman doesn't always have to be compared to her looks. But, I have to ask:</div><div><br /></div><div>Are Beyonce's looks blinding us to the fact that her voice ain't really all that? To put it into perspective, let me point out a few of Beyonce's singing traits that cause people to faint as if the Holy Ghost has befallen them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Things That Don't Necessarily Mean You Can Really Sing:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Hollering.</div><div>2. Grunting on certain words of the song to give it that "soul" or "diva" edge.</div><div>3. Vocal acrobatics that don't really makes sense beyond adding some type of "flair".</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I have to ask, if Beyonce wasn't the Creole, <strike>long-haired</strike> long-weaved, light-skinned, coveted waist-to-hip ratio, glamorized lady she is today and was instead, an average wholesome girl, would her voice be as praised as it is now? </div><div><br /></div><div>This time, I'll take "Helllllll Naw" for 500, Alex.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love ya like Beyonce loves dropping 371 singles a year,</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheekie </div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-40544418892726931672009-07-17T10:13:00.000-05:002009-07-17T10:17:19.637-05:00ODE TO MICHAEL!As the broadcast sounded across the world….my heart beat through my chest…and then…stopped! Though I was aware of the gasps, and oh no’s from others in the room, there was no sound. I was under water and my ears were clogged…nothing but the faint sound of nautical bells in the far distance. I was stuck and horrified. Michael Jackson Dead! I think those are the most surreal words I had ever seen in my life. No! What are they saying? What do they mean? No! No! No! I couldn’t catch my breath. <br /><br />The first real attachment that I had to Mike was 1984—Thriller---days before my birthday. I recall begging my Mom for that Album. “Mom please, I promise I’ll never ask for anything else again, you only have to buy me one gift, just this one I swear” (not the several I usually received)”. I think Mike was the same to me as he was most-- a connection to many either small or monumental events in our lives. “I remember Lady in My Life hitting the waves the week I got married”, Hey, your mother and I danced to Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough on our first date. There may have been some gut-wrenching weepy-eye MJ song that made you cry the day you buried a friend or family member, the one you played ragged when your heart was broken for the first time. <br /><br />I can’t imagine the world without Michael Jackson. “The death of music”, I’ve heard some say…. perhaps. Despite how he may have perplexed others, nothing about MJ has ever been especially odd to me. I mean, on the surface-- maybe. I think the problem is that most people viewed only the surface and were either too lazy or unwilling to give his actions or thought processes any real consideration. Maybe for some, it was just easier or more entertaining to take shots. Maybe the weirder Mike seemed to others the more normal they felt. I don’t know, but there is nothing about him that shocked me when I considered from where he had come. I think you can guess what I mean. I have no desire to regurgitate redundant stories about his father, Joe, his missed childhood, or whatever. We all have knowledge of those generalized stories, but I think an extremely robust, knowing, and feeling imagination would have to come into play in order for us to really “get it”. I’ve tried to do that…..I’ve done that.<br /><br />Thank you Michael! Thanks for the times that I was able to rely on your music; your messages, to comfort me in times of sadness and uncertainty. Thanks for the humanitarian efforts you made to ease the pain of those who suffered helplessly. Thanks for the songs that brought out the human in all of us. I imagine that through your music you moved many to action. Some of us may have given to charity, or donated our time because your words compelled us to do so. You are our brother, you’re family to us, and we’ll miss you as such. You were not perfect, but a beautiful human being, I understand that, and so does God. That’s why you’re there with him now. He wanted you to suffer no more. I imagine you there with our Father and he appreciates and is proud of you in a way that your earthly brothers and sisters were incapable. Thanks for your words and their ability to inspire, give hope, and make way for dreams.<br /><br /> I know that I will see you again, and I believe that in the few weeks that you have been gone you have enjoyed more peace than you had in your entire time on earth. You are a friend to the world and though I’ll miss you I try to console myself by believing that your peace is more important than my desire to have you here. Love is unselfishness. And I love you so. Again, thanks Michael…and see you later.<br /><br /><br />---ChynaChynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-77135408071949305992009-07-08T18:44:00.006-05:002009-07-14T11:09:24.887-05:00A Special Sound Off: Michael Jackson<strong><em>ADMIN NOTE: Hey, folks. For the past few weeks, my sister (Chyna) and I have been struggling for the right words to express our feelings toward the sad news of Michael's Passing. It took us a while, but we finally achieve it...at least to the best of our ability. We decided to each write a tribute in the voice of one sister who is a part of the MJ generation and in the voice of another who isn't, yet was still affected by him. Hopefully our words will resonate. Below is my tribute to Michael Joseph Jackson. My sister should follow up with hers soon. </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>RIP, Mike. (1958-2009)</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>-- Cheekie</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/EOfeet2.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/EOfeet2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Upon first hearing the news of Michael Jackson's death, I was in a state of shock. My eyes scanned the headline over and over as I desperately tried to convince myself that it was all a horrible nightmare. I just never thought that I'd have to read the phrase: Michael Jackson Died. It was all so surreal. In a way, it still is.</div><br /><br />Amongst the multitude of thoughts and emotions swimming in my head, one particular thought stood out: What MJ Meant to Me. It took me a while to put the below into words that I felt would do him justice...would do my feelings justice, and the following is the best I could do. I had to get it out in some form:<br /><br /><br />I grew up with Michael Jackson. Now, when I say that, I don't necessarily mean in the purest sense of the phrase. The possibility of my existence was barely thought of when he entered the famed world and he was already at the height of his fame when I was finally born. Still, I <i>did</i> grow up with him. Thing is, while MJ might not have been a part of my generation, the impact of his death was just as intense. This is what made MJ so powerful. His ability to encapsulate the very adjective that other entertainers covet: timeless. MJ was timeless.<br /><br /><br />When I hear his music, no matter how many times I've heard it before or how many years it has been since it had been recorded, it felt <i>new</i> to me. I would bump his CD like it just came out that day. Even my younger cousin...even, my <i>niece</i> would jam to his tracks and folks would wonder why we got so excited about "old" music. Or why my cousins and I obsessively practiced every choreographed move from every popular MJ music video while watching his HIStory DVD. It's because it wasn't old at all. His music had the ability to live beyond time, beyond generations, beyond age, beyond race, beyond gender, beyond anything.<br /><br /><br />I've wrote and said a lot about Michael Jackson over the years, but I think the below comment I wrote over at the <a href="http://www.verysmartbrothas.com/">Very Smart Brothas</a> blog perfectly captures what MJ meant and still means to me:<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(17,17,17);font-size:14;" ><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Crotch grabbing, crotch thrusts, biting over the lower lip, diagonal shoulder bumps, gliding across the floor, upward head thrusts, </span></i><strike style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ill-fated</span></i></strike><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> moonwalks, </span></i><strike style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tragic</span></i></strike><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Smooth Criminal leans, wetting my hair so I can pull down a curl over my forehead, Thriller claps, the MJ leg-kick, fedora tilts, etc have been etch-a-sketched into my soul.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></i></span><br /><br /><br />And that about sums it up. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, the image, the entertainer, the child prodigy, the humanitarian, the legend, the father, the brother, the son, the uncle, the inspiration, the dancer, the icon, the man...will live on forever...through us.<br /><br />Love ya like Mike loved to walk on the moon,<br /><br />CheekieCheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-43446197981979801282009-06-10T20:09:00.008-05:002009-06-17T14:41:40.782-05:00Going Against the Mainstream's CurrentAnyone who knows me can attest to my screenwriter aspiration. Due to said aspiration, I'm usually studying the industry <strike>with obsession</strike>. One particular hot word floating around amongst fellow screenwriters is: mainstream. And the desire to fit into its mold. Usually this desire is fueled due to one reason: mainstream = money. <div><br /></div><div>Now, the long-accepted axiom is that the mainstream consists of White people. They are mainstream mainly because they make up the most movie ticket sales, thus they are worth more money as a whole. In order for the majority to spend money, the movies must have their stamp of approval.</div><div><br /></div><div>And therein lies the conundrum.</div><div><br /></div><div>One major requirement in terms of receiving that stamp of approval is an actor. Usually when discussing commercially successful films, the actor (or actors) have the major burden of carrying the film. Selling the film heavily relies on the actors chosen. And for a while now, the widely-known argument has been that Blacks can't be mainstream because Whites can't identify with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>To that, I offer this pictorial response:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=will_smith_red_carpet.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/will_smith_red_carpet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Maybe he's White with a hell of a tan?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:13;" ><br /></span></div><div>Yeah, him. Now, I've heard he's only where he is because he's one of the "safe" Black actors. And that may be true. He is mostly loved and accepted by mainstream America and hasn't really been controversially outspoken in terms of race relations and tension-filled topics of that like. But, still, that's not the point. The argument is that Whites can't identify with Black actors because they don't look like them. No matter how "safe" Will Smith is, he's still Black. Still at the opposite end of the color spectrum. And he has managed to portray roles written for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">mainstream</span> White males, portray roles that don't center around his race and has even surpassed Mr. Mainstream himself in terms of consecutive box office sales: Tom Cruise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why can't Black actors be the star of mainstream films? Why does, as soon as you slap a Black actor into the headlining role, it is labeled a "Black film"?. Now, don't get me wrong, there are certain films that pertain to our specific culture that is very different from that of White culture. They highlight experiences that are unique to Blacks; things that Whites don't experience or necessarily understand. And I'm not saying those films are necessarily bad things. What's bad is we are pigeonholed into the same types of films, featuring the same types of actors, doing the same types of things. It becomes bad when it's our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">only</span> option.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do we always gather around mile-long tables filled with soul-food, do the Electric Slide in forest preserves, <strike>dress up in old lady drag</strike>, overcome racial injustice, lament about our no-good men, or save our downtrodden women from their abusive husband? None of these aspects of our lives are things to be ashamed of, but they're not all of who we are. We aren't just big mamas, we're also lawyers. We're not just gossiping in barber shops, we're saving lives <strike>from alien abduction</strike>. We're not just hanging around neck-rolling with our girlfriends, we're finding love with that person we least expected to find love with. We're not just finding redemption in an urban jail cell, we're teaching urban classrooms (That's right, other than what movies lead you to believe, there are actually <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Black</span> knights saving the urban classrooms). </div><div><br /></div><div>You mean to tell me that had equally talented Black actors portrayed Meg Ryan's and Billy Crystal's characters in "When Harry Met Sally" and everything else remained the same that the hugely received thesis, "Can men and women be friends?" wouldn't have still resonated with the majority of audiences? This is what I'm talking about, my people. Don't feed me the bull that it's the actor that the audience mainly connects with, because I'm not hungry. It's the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">story</span> that leaves an impression dented into our heads...our souls. Not how the character looked, but the choices they made.</div><div><br /></div><div>And there is absolutely no proof that we can't tell these stories. I think it's pretty telling that unless there is some overt display of slang in the dialogue or an explicit description of race written in a script that says otherwise, a reader automatically assumes the lead character is male. Which means, White is the default. </div><div><br /></div><div>Set "White" as default? Naw, I'm un-checking that option.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love ya like Will Smith loves 100 million dollar box offices,</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheekie </div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-76900542602901081342009-05-13T20:16:00.002-05:002009-05-13T20:35:08.504-05:00Not just Black and White?Not that I have seen <em>Obsessed</em>, the new movie starring Beyonce Knowles, but it has renewed debate about interracial relationships. I guess the movie certainly had the character makeup that might spark that kind of conversation, but it appeared to be more about a crazy ass white girl trying to move in on a brother. I think it would have worked no matter the color of the victimized couple r villian. However, since publications like Essence magazine seemed to believe it was an appropriate platform for the discussion, I guess we should join it here.<br /><br />The Black man, white woman thing bothers me only if I believe certain mentalities exist within a couple. First, let me start by saying that I have no problem with “LOVE” no matter what color it happens to be. What I have a problem with is hang-ups, self hate, and insecurity disguised as love.<br /><br />There is one interesting theory I’ve heard as to why black men have this thing with white women. There are some who believe that because of the history that black men have with white men; raping black women, even as their husbands watched, and doing everything possible to emasculate black men has brought about a feeling of wanting to get even. Some believe that for black men, screwing white women is the ultimate revenge whether it be conscious or subconsciously.<br /><br />Well I see how there could be some truth to that. On the other hand, I think if I were a black man…knowing what I know about the fact that fifty years ago I would have become fruit of some southern tree for simply holding a glance at a white woman too long, I would certainly shutter the thought of sleeping with one now.<br /><br />White women? To a large degree I think sexual involvement with a black man is either or a combination of two things. One, it’s trendy. You know the way, flared jeans, and bohemian gear is “in” now? Well what happens in 2016? Maybe it will be fashionable to date Chinese guys and dating black men will simply play out. And then, there are the spoiled little white girls who get pissed at their parents for not allowing them to drive the Mercedes to some party of the year in the Hills. “Well I’ll show them, I’ll go sleep with a black guy, yeah that’ll get em’ fired up”.<br /><br />I don’t appreciate my men being used to piss your fucking parents off, or to carry on your arm like a handbag in the newest Gucci collection. If you love him…fine. If not, go and date some trailer park white trash guy to piss your parents off. I guess you just wouldn’t get as many looks out in public that way though.<br /><br />As for the reverse situation (black women/white men), well, that seems few and far between. I think despite what sisters go through with brothers we still seem to be a bit more loyal when it comes to our men…historically. Thing is, I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. Should we begin to think more about ourselves than we do about solidarity?Chynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-7912281886877016502009-03-31T20:23:00.012-05:002009-04-01T14:07:05.538-05:00Who's Your Daddy?<a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=motivatorespon1-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/motivatorespon1-1-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Not too long ago, I was sitting back watching <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Maury</span> <strike>because I'm a masochist</strike>. To the surprise of absolutely no one, the topic was paternity tests. However, this particular segment wasn't some neck-rolling Zaquisha<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*</span> screaming about how she was a gazillion percent sure that Tyreko<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*</span> was the father. This time Tyreko was the protagonist. He was sitting there crying about how he wanted to be the father of Zaquisha's child oh-so-bad. And Maury patted him on the back and exclaimed, "I truly commend you for stepping up to be a father. You are a real man!" or something like that. The specifics were lost amongst all the eye rolling going on inside my head.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Over the years, we've been inundated with countless TV specials, talk show segments, and films praising the responsible father. And to this, I have to ask: WHY? As for the basic theory, I get it. One is prone to praise things that rarely happen. But, giving special attention to fathers taking care of their children presupposes that the opposite is the accepted norm. And it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">shouldn't</span> be. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Though a child physically enters the world through his mother, the mother didn't lay on her back and get herself pregnant. In our society, there is this notion that a mother has a special relationship with her child -- which, I do believe is true -- but, that does not erase the much-needed relationship that a father could provide as well. Each parent is equally responsible for creating said child, thus they are equally responsible for nurturing and providing for said child.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I mean, really, where are all the TV specials for the single mothers grinding out there? Where are their medals and pats on the back? Oh, they don't get any of that? Because they're just doing what they're supposed to do? Hmm, yeah, then the same principle goes for the fathers.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">At its core, I think this praise is to inspire more fathers to step up and take responsibility for their <strike>sperm count</strike> actions. However, the praise is redundant at best, and regressive at worse. It's excessive, unnecessary, and simply unwarranted. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Don't get me wrong, I'm not promoting the elimination of praising parents (both mothers and fathers) for performing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">exceptional</span> duties in regards to their children. That's a separate aspect. But, dishing out medals to fathers performing basic <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">fatherly</span> duties is like giving a dog a treat for lifting his hind leg to pee. Bottom line: Our community needs to focus less on congratulating responsible fathers and focus more on making sure that fathers taking responsibility is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">default</span> action, not an extra credit assignment.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">We'll surely benefit from it. Right?</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Love ya like Maury guests love infinite percentages,</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cheekie</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">*These names may or may not be accurate. More like may <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">not</span>. Actually, more like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">definitely not</span>. Okay, but the names ain't important. The story is. Holler.</span> </span></div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-17438347196903143822009-03-06T15:53:00.001-06:002009-03-06T16:18:26.121-06:00Punk Cops in Seattle Washington...and everywhere else!<object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cl67FmVRjYs&border=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cl67FmVRjYs&border=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />RAGE is the most appropriate word in the English language that describes how I felt as I witnessed video of a 15-year-old black girl being brutalized by Seattle police. There are so many things that run through my mind…hateful things that I’m not even proud off, and that I would never say out loud. First, I initially wondered just how much of the fact that black people are continuously being brutalized in this way is our own fault. Not for BEING black, but for allowing these SOB’s to keep getting away with it. See you got to wonder why white men play black men the way they do. No respect at all! What other group would allow anybody to do their women that way?<br />While 50-Cent and Rick Ross and busying themselves talking about who has the most superficial ass material shit and whose baby’s momma is the biggest ho, blah, blah, blah, we have white cops totally disrespecting and beating down our little black girls. Sorry brothers, and I got much love for you, but while I’m no white man, it’s my guess that they may figure you don’t mind so much…..maybe they figure If black men can do the shit to black women, what’s the big deal if I do it?” Funny, that with all the new federal regulations and laws that govern racially motivated crime, etc, (stuff not enacted to help King and X when they were doing their thing), that for some reason, we can’t find a way to stop these cops from brutalizing our people.<br />Brothers are sitting their asses up in corporate America wearing expensive suits, delegating office shit, and having their pictures taken to be featured in Jet magazine for all of that brown-nosing they did to get wherever they are, but in all their prominent glory they still can’t stop the police from crapping on their teenaged daughters and getting away with it. Or, brothers are running around in the hood trying to play hard and intimidate and kill each other, but become passive as hell when the police roll down the block and can kick the hell out of a sister right in their faces.<br />And then, at the end of the day brothers are pissed off because sisters have this I can take care of myself attitude, an “I got this, don’t even worry about it… don’t need ya” attitude. Hell in my opinion it’s the prevailing attitude by default. Maybe they feel they have to simply protect themselves, maybe it’s their only choice.Chynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-91237995348904012682009-01-29T19:06:00.006-06:002009-06-10T16:22:29.176-05:00Playing Your Cards RightI'm a debater by nature. I love to engage in intelligent discussion with people who share my views, but I think I get a bit more excited when I'm engaging with someone who doesn't share my views. Not because I'm trying to pull them over to my side of thinking, though. <strike>Okay, maybe a little.</strike> It's because I love learning about other people's perspectives. <div><br /></div><div>But, nothing irritates me more in a discussion than a comment that abruptly halts a discussion. A great example of that particular irritant? Five words:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">"Not everything is about race."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span></div><div>I swear, it's like <span class="Apple-style-span">the</span> go-to phrase for the average racially squeamish cat. It is fast becoming such an epidemic in our so-called progressive society that it has the potential to not only replace the race card, but far surpass it. And though President Obama's win has created joy, hope, and many opportunities for Blacks to use "My President is Black" as a comeback to The Man, it has also revived this monster. "Post-racial America", anyone?</div><div><br /></div><div>Much too often I am engaged with a person (whether face-to-face or on the internet) in a conversation such as this one:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)">Cheekie: You know, I truly believe that even though Barack Obama won, the fact that he had to overcome the amount of obstacles he did </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)">in the first place</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"> lends validity to the claim that we aren't as "post-racial" as everyone would like to believe.</span></strong></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Racially Squeamish Cat (RSC): Well, I think that since he was elected, that means his race didn't matter.</strong></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Cheekie: But, you have to ask yourself, what did it take? People losing their jobs, people losing their lives in a prolonged war, people losing their homes, etc? I wonder if those circumstances were the primary factor in choosing him even if it meant setting aside their prejudices for a bit. Prejudices that are so ingrained, they can't just disappear with one election.</strong></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>RSC: You know, not everything is about race.</strong></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Cheekie: *DEAD*</strong></em></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, way to completely cut off what could have been a very enriching conversation with one of the safest cop-outs known to man today. That convo might as well have went like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Cheekie: You hear about those Klansmen that burned a cross in front of that Black family's yard? Racist pricks.</strong></em></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>RSC: I don't know, not everything is about race.</strong></em></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Trust, I recognize those of us who completely abuse that race card. Case in point:</div><div><br /></div><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JkyD6oOSo4g&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" fs="1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>But, ya know, most of us ain't her. First off, we don't sport mullets. Second, a lot of us do have enough brain cells to write off certain situations and give people the benefit of the doubt, but please believe we can also identify valid racism and call them on it. Just because some abuse the race card doesn't mean it shouldn't be used at all. That's like saying that there are people who abuse alcohol, so alcohol should be completely banned even from those who "drink responsibly".</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Anyhow. Point is, yes, not everything is about race. But, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">some</span> things are. Hell, a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">lot</span> of things are. There is no way we will be able to progress against racism without clearly identifying it as as a valid problem. Discussions on race are uncomfortable, no lie. But, there is nothing to be accomplished from ignoring it. You can't fix a cracked glass and only bring the glue. You have to bring the glass. Holla. </div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Love ya like Al Sharpton loves his perm,</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Cheekie</div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-59135588587516664252009-01-28T19:35:00.003-06:002009-01-28T19:51:34.629-06:00What Will It Take......for justice to be served?<div><br /></div><div>Amongst the joy felt with the charging of Oscar Grant's murderer is a step back. Apparently, there is another officer, Tony Pirone, who punched Mr. Grant several times without cause. The District Attorney states he isn't prosecuting that particular officer. *sigh*</div><div><br /></div><div>Looks like we gotta get our voices out there again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ridiculous. We already know how much of an impact our voices have due to the action taken prior to this most recent event. Watch the video and see for yourself. And please "sound off" at Color of Change. It only takes a couple of minutes at best. <a href="http://colorofchange.org/grant/?id=1821-701740">Speak</a> on it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love ya like Howard Dean loves screaming,</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheekie</div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-22280455364224406192009-01-20T08:47:00.003-06:002009-01-20T08:51:22.457-06:00This is the Day<a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=obama-presidential-photo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/obama-presidential-photo.jpg" border="0" alt="president obama" /></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This</span>, is our president, my people. Beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love ya like I love my first family,</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheekie</div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-90551209539097412242009-01-15T11:47:00.007-06:002009-01-15T20:33:16.009-06:00UPDATE on Oscar Grant: Ya'll Have SpokenJust droppin' by to let you know about this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11455856?source=most_emailed">BART cop transported to Bay Area jail, charged with murder</a><br /><br />My sister (Chyna) tipped me off just now and I had to run over and post the news. Obviously the outrage expressed (in many forms: internet, protesting, etc) had a hand in this or this would have been dealt with in a more prompt matter. Just wanted to say thanks to those who did use their voices for justice and to keep on the lookout for how this is resolved.<br /><br />Love ya like Blago loves himself,<br /><br />CheekieCheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-8151496943616802392009-01-14T10:23:00.002-06:002009-01-14T16:43:04.373-06:00Racism Resurrected......except it never died.<br /><br />You may or may not have heard about Mr. Oscar Grant. He was shot exceution style by a transit police officer on New Year's Eve. His physical position while heartlessly gunned down? Lying down. That's right he was at his <em>most</em> non-threatening when he was killed. The officer, Johannes Mehserle, has not been arrested or charged with any crime at the time of this posting. So, before you pull a Dubya and declare victory way before its time, please believe that racism is very much alive and thriving. And it's a helluva beast to tame. But tame it we must. Together.<br /><br /><strong>Warning</strong>: The following video is disturbing. Please view it at your discretion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.indybay.org/js/flowplayer/FlowPlayer.swf?config=" width="288" height="233" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" scale="noscale" bgcolor="111111" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all"></embed><br /><br />After you're done watching, please head over to ColorofChange.org and add your name to the petition demanding California Attorney General, Jerry Brown to take over this case from the Alameda District Attorney (who hasn't bothered to question Mehserle) and arrest Mehserle promptly. In addition to lending your voice to this particular case, your name on this petition will also voice and appeal to the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the ridiculous pattern of BART police and the Alameda District Attorney refusing to hold officers accountable for their killings.<br /><br />Sign Petition Here: <a href="http://www.colorofchange.org/oscar/?id=1821-701740">Oscar Grant Petition</a><br /><br />And when you've signed, make sure to pass it on to your friends and fam. Spread the word!<br /><br />Love ya like Obama loves change,<br /><br />CheekieCheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-90626961445882613222009-01-08T12:13:00.002-06:002009-01-08T12:28:48.459-06:00Thoughts for Thursday<em>***ADMIN NOTE***: We haven't been posting as often as we'd like, but we should be getting to regular posting soon. Of course, life got in the way, and unfortunately, this blog was not a part of said life. We need to make it so. Holla. In addition to that, instead of a regular post we will have a special feature on Thursdays <strike>uncreatively</strike> beautifully entitled "Thoughts for Thursday". It might just be a question, simple statement, or observation. All of which encourages discussion among you fine people.</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=comc_02.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="thoughts" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/comc_02.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today's Thought: <b>Why is sex (meant to create life) censored at a higher level than violence (meant to destroy life)?</b><br /><br />Speak on it!<br /><br />Love ya like Hollywood loves censoring man parts,<br /><br />CheekieCheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-85166444725487504412009-01-07T11:32:00.000-06:002009-01-07T11:45:10.853-06:00The Cookie SyndromeI think it’s safe to assume that every African-American person in this country understands the term “Oreo” as it is used to describe a certain “kind of Black person”. In a nutshell, it’s a black person who is perceived by another black person or other black people as one who attempts to “be white”. But, what does that really mean…to me?<br />Well, I think it certainly goes beyond how one dresses, wears his/her hair, where a person lives, or whether a person’s speech is inundated with strings of wanton slang. What the hell did he say???? And, I’m black. I’m good and in my thirties so I have had considerable time to mull over my perception of things; situations, people, and the one thing I’ve concluded for myself is that using correct grammar is not “talking white”, however, changing your entire accent, or voice inflections, pitch, etc, so that you sound like your white counterparts is “talking white”. Blacks who pay attention can usually tell when you’re trying too hard.<br /><br /> If I’m on the phone with a black woman, I don’t care if she has a law degree from Yale, a medical degree from Harvard, and an MBA from Vassar, for the most part, I can still tell that I’m speaking to a black person…..or maybe I believe that I should be able to tell she’s black. Thing is, I don’t automatically equate the use of grammatically correct English by a black person as their trying to “talk white”. I mean when black people accuse other blacks of that, do they realize that in contrast or what they’re saying, by default, is that “dumb speech” is automatically equated to being black? And I say that because what’s really being thrown at a person is “you’re trying to sound smart”<br /><br />I think trying to be white calls for a more stellar psychological performance than is necessary simply for the black boy who actually shops at Abercrombie & Fitch. I recall how Ice Cube’s pronouncement about “Black police showing out for the white cop” resonated with me in the 80’s. I had no negative experience with law enforcement on any personal level yet I understood fully his accusation.<br /><br />I think acting white is more about the things Blacks do to other Blacks that scream their undying commitment to showing whites how much like white they really are than it is about whether they surf, or play hockey, or go to the Opera. It is a black person who not only mimics white culture, but attempts to denigrate and retreat from their own. Thing is, whether you like it or not, we’re not all just a mass of CBS Afterschool Specials. We don’t all have these stories about our mothers and/or fathers being crack heads, or living in the inner city projects. We didn’t all have to share two coats between eight siblings or sleep eleven to a room. Sometimes we have parents who were actually professionals; they may have spent summers on Martha’s Vineyard, dined at fine restaurants, and wore clothes whose prices didn’t end in .99. So hey, maybe they picked up playing golf and skateboarding with the white kids in their neighborhoods; or….. Communities if you will. I guess if some of their friends wore tie dyed shirt and khakis, well, they would follow suit. I mean isn’t that what we all do? The point is, none of this means he doesn’t want to be black.<br /><br />Personally, I believe it’s more about a black person who may or may not have experienced the latter lifestyle, but has an overwhelming desire to mentally remove himself from their very real reality in this country. A Black person who may have much, or not, has actually convinced himself that by acting as his white counterparts act, and doing what they do, he will receive some special pass from being black in America because he did the smart thing in disassociating with “those black people”. He now feels equal in their circles and believes that he has their backs so they’ll have his. Then one day, inevitably, the thing that was once a reality in his mind becomes fallacy. Because eventually, at some point in their lifetimes; perhaps more than once, something or someone will happen to Mr. or Ms Sellout, that will remind them that they’re still ….well you know……. Damn! ….you know, like OJ.<br /><br />Holla at me!<br /><br />ChynaChynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-90136582277561679302008-12-08T19:35:00.009-06:002008-12-09T19:16:29.118-06:00O.J.: It's Not Just Orange JuiceIt was the year 1995. After school, I'd drop my bookbag on the floor, hoping to catch an episode of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Fresh Prince of Bel Air</span>. But, there was no Big-Eared West Philadelphian on my TV screen. Nope, it was this guy: <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=oj-simpson.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="OJ Glove" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/oj-simpson.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;">Who knew a glove could become more famous than me?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Yep, that's right, OJ Simpson dominated TV screens everywhere. You had to have been living under a rock that was under a cave that was under an elephant's rump to have not known him. Eight media-obsessed months later and he was acquitted. Millions of Black jaws dropped in reaction. Johnnie Cochran became THE defense attorney to end all defense attorneys. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then comes 2008. Right on the coattails of <strike>Black folks collectively orgasming across the country </strike>electing the First Black President, OJ gets himself into some hot mess. Long story short, he is sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for trying to get his stuff back (aka armed robbery). </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I summarize the past several years of the OJ to say this. This post isn't to defend him or his actions. Honestly, if I were him and had The Man's tracking device permanently attached to me, I wouldn't have penned a book entitled <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">If I Did It</span>. I'd also probably would've retrieved my things a tad bit more politely. You know, tried my bestest (yes...-est) to abide by the law. But, I digress.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as far as the murder trial itself, it doesn't matter if I believe he did it or not (Honestly, I have no idea). The point is, as always, race was a gray issue in regards to OJ. What bothered me the most was not whether he was innocent or not, but the racial implications surrounding the case. The media had a field day with the "Black guy kills White woman" story. And when he was acquitted, the equivalence of the Republican Rally when Obama won was plastered over America. Except much angrier. </div><div><br /></div><div>Against my better judgement, I have been watching the Nancy Grace coverage of the OJ sentencing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/?action=view&current=nancy-grace.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Nancy Grace" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/cheekie84/nancy-grace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;">She probably doesn't like Orange Juice.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, apparently, "Black Man Gets His Comeuppance" takes precedence over her muchly favored <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=5533675">"Where's Caylee"</a> case. Let's just say that the comments allowed on her program are tinged with such passive-aggressive racism, my racism radar (called race-dar) was pinging. And her silly and ignorant teasing of OJ's tears and insults thrown his way, which are all masked as "being real" reminded me why I don't watch her show. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, OJ coverage over the years has left me wondering. </div><div><br /></div><div>Am I supposed to ignore the blatant stereotyping within the OJ saga just because he may have possibly "did it"? Am I supposed to ignore the fact that people are doing everything short of actually stating "Ok, so this trial IS the payback for his unjustified acquittal" just because he may have possibly "did it"? Am I supposed to ignore the "coincidental" (yeah, it's in quotes for a helluva reason) timing of this sentencing just because he may have possibly "did it"? Am I supposed to ignore the obvious racial/social issues surrounding this case just because he may have possibly "did it"?<br /></div><br /><div>Maybe I don't have to wonder after all.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And with that, I'm thirsty...</div><div><br /></div><div>Love ya like Angelina Jolie loves kids,</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheekie<br /></div>Cheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-16830766185700135252008-12-02T07:36:00.004-06:002008-12-09T19:15:39.370-06:00The Many Shades of Civil Rights***ASIDE: I just want to note how delightfully gleeful I am (still!) that I get to say “President Obama” about a million times within the next four years (at least!).***<br /><br />Amongst all of the cheers erupted and tears shed for our first Black president, there lurked a shadow of our country’s intolerance. That shadow’s name it Proposition 8. It even has a nickname: Prop 8. Now there have been countless articles, blog entries, and YouTube videos addressing the opinions of both sides of the fence. Though, today, I’m not going to get into a detailed analysis on why I’m for or against Prop 8. I’ll just state – for the record – that I’m fully against it. And that I’ll never understand how one group who knows what it’s like for their rights to be stripped from them can then turn around and take away someone else’s.<br /><br />With that said, I want to address this simple idea uttered by many: “ We have a Black President! Progression! Yet, Gay Marriage was banned in California! Retrogression! That means that racial issues are dead yet sexuality issues are still alive and thriving!”<br /><br />…<br /><br />NOPE! You can’t even fathom how much I wish it were that easy. For a <i>single</i> event – even an astronomically huge one such as Mr. Obama being named President-elect – to erase five hundred years of racism. While Obama’s victory is a major step, it is a step. One. Of many. <br /><br />Now, the passing of Prop 8 did reek of “one step forward, two steps back” in terms of discrimination and civil rights in general. And while, I do agree that, in general, it does negate the “let’s all hold hands around the earth” vibe that Obama inspired, it bothers me when these two facets of civil rights are compared inaccurately and unfairly.<br /><br />Let’s take the following scenario. A Black straight man (Man A) and a White gay man (Man B), both from California. Both have their share of prejudices against them as well as their privileges in society. For one, both are men. Not much needs to be said on their obvious “shark” ranking in the “food chain” of our society. Now, let’s take what’s stacked “against” them. Man A has to withstand acts of discrimination from the jump. He doesn’t have the “privilege” of hiding his “minority” status as Man B does. To the naked eye, Man B is still just another White man, in all of his “majority” glory. Now, all hell breaks loose when his secret is discovered. Now he has to withstand hate crimes and other acts of discrimination. Thing is, Man A is still withstanding it and has been withstanding it from the moment he was born (sometimes not as overt as Man B’s discrimination, but discrimination is discrimination). Okay, so let’s say both of these men fall in love. Man A can definitely marry the person he loves legally, while Man B can’t. So, while Man B can cohabitate with the person he loves, he can’t share the same benefits with his partner as Man A. And to top it all off, there are homophobic and racist themed tensions between Man A and Man B themselves! Hmm, the phrase “divide and conquer” comes to mind.<br /><br />So, above I’ve pointed out an example of what one oppressed group has to suffer and the other group doesn’t. I did that because; frankly, this game of “which is worse” between Black folks and gay folks is ridiculous. It’s incredibly insulting to the respective histories of each group to compare the two beyond the fact that they are both discriminated against and that both seek civil rights. To use the overused idiom, this issue is not “black or white”. The many elements of oppression within each group cannot be defined using a blanket generalization. The ways in which the oppression was born as well as the way it is implemented is very distinct for each group. This post would be even longer than it already is if I were to get into all of it. And even if I did (which, I’m not… my fingers are cramping), the song would remain the same: When it comes to Black and gay civil rights, there are many shades of gray.<br /><br />And with that, I’d like to pose this question: How about spending less time on fighting over which one is worse off or more progressive than the other and spending more time fighting together to obtain civil rights for all?<br /><br />Love ya like Bush loves oil,<br /><br />CheekieCheekiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579983780582643262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-33115385666133338242008-11-24T11:25:00.003-06:002008-12-09T19:15:25.896-06:00Expectations for our new Pres!On Nov. 4th 2008 a historical monument was erected into the hearts and souls of Americans; particularly, African-Americans. This country elected our first African-American president. In an effort to avoid straying from the discussion I intend to provoke (I tend to do that if I’m not careful), I will simply comment this: For several months prior to this election, I would have conversations/make statements regarding the expectations of Barack Obama should he win the presidential election. I actually began to weep for the guy pretty early in the game because I understand my people…..mostly.<br /><br />I had and still hope that Black people in this country wouldn’t have the notion that President Obama is some ominous magic bullet that will solve all their personal and aggregate issues. I hoped and still hope that Black people understand that ill race relations in this country began several hundreds-of-years before Barack….he didn’t start them and he’s not going to finish them.<br /><br />I hoped and still hope, that as soon as the brother takes office, I won’t hear hoards of black folks with ninth-grade educations, and brothers with B&E convictions stomping their feet and complaining about how they can’t get jobs. (I suspect that it will turn from “whitey keeping me down, to, Barack ain’t doing s&*t for black people!). However, be clear, that this is one of the few things about which, I pray to be wrong. Thing is, I expect the same thing from Obama, that I expected from Clinton.<br /><br />Peace,<br /><br />ChynaChynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626683067545678840.post-31717088078455650822008-11-21T13:17:00.005-06:002008-12-09T19:15:07.223-06:00Introduction-Welcome to Sister Sound OffWelcome to SisterSoundoff, where African-American women and men gather to share their thoughts and prospective regarding issues most important to them as inhabitants of the U.S.<br />This site is dedicated to the open and candid discussion of not only the things about which one might be agitated and confused, but also those things that people are truly satisfied with; components of their lives that they believe are better for having lived in the United States of America.<br /><br />Discussions will center on politics, religion, education, economics, African-American relationships, or whatever your heart desires. In addition, we certainly believe that there is much knowledge to be gained by opening discussions to include, African persons from the continent of Africa (no matter the country) who have settled here in America, or Africans who now reside in any other country. I think we need the insight of those whose experiences are so closely related to our own, yet simultaneously, so unrelated.<br /><br />Sistersoundoff believes that a free exchange of ideas and discussions as they relate to our present position in this country is imperative if we desire to ever move forward. We believe African-Americans should take responsibility for our own lives, futures, and the futures of generations to come. We need a clear understanding of why our notion that Martin and Malcolm solved the issues of Black America is a fallacy. For many reasons, we believe that they fought the good fight for us and now we can simply relax and enjoy the ride. Think again!<br /><br />On a weekly basis, Sistersoundoff will accept any intelligent discussion ideas via our site inbox. A moderator will then choose a topic, and we’ll<strong>….. </strong>sound off! It’s that simple. This site is no dictatorship. We are not here to tell you what to do or think we’re merely asking you to <strong><em>think</em></strong>….and then possibly, <strong><em>do</em></strong> based on your own conclusions.<br /><br />Additionally, we would like to warn you that this site is not for the squeamish; we keep it real!<br /><br />Peace,<br /><br />ChynaChynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17072915787848393621noreply@blogger.com2