Dear White People

"Remember when Black movies didn't neccesarily star a dude in a fat suit and a wig? Or have major plot twists timed to Gospel numbers for no apparent reason? No?

Well believe it or not there was a time when "Black Art-House" was a thing. When movies like Do The Right Thing, Hollywood Shuffle, and Boyz In Da Hood were breaking box office records as well as making us laugh, cry, and think in ways movies hadn't before.

The humble producers of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, a satire about being a black face in a white place, long to bring those days back." DEAR WHITE PEOPLE follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over a popular "African American" themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film will explore racial identity in "post-racial" America while weaving a universal story of forging one's unique path in the world.

  

I stumbled across this trailer on indiegogo.com and fell in love with the concept.  This group of independent filmmakers are looking to raise money to get this movie produced and released at a theatre near you!  After viewing the trailer, I must admit, it is a refreshing change from today's movies with  predominantly black casts.  Do you think this movie could be successful?

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Just for Tweets

I love Twitter.  My followers are so diverse and unique.  I follow everyone from business men and women, underground music artists, chefs, stylists, and regular Joes and Janes.  They are a constant and endless source of entertainment and information.  Here are a few tweets that made me chuckle or think over the past week.

(This is a sports reference.  If you don't get it, it's ok.)

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Nueva York - Day 3

This was by far the best day of my vacation. Technically, I was outside of New York but it was still part of my vacation so I will include it under the same umbrella.  I traveled to Bloomfield, New Jersey to celebrate the 40th birthday of a fabulous woman.

The Birthday Girl and her loving husband.

I've decided that if I'm a fraction as fabulous as this woman 10 years from now, I will consider myself blessed.   There were so many people who traveled for miles and several states away to join her in this wonderful occasion.  No matter how big or expensive the gifts, it's the people who make life worth living.

Oakeside Mansion, Bloomfield, NJ

The party was held at Oakeside Mansion with about 150 guests.

The tablesetting

Me and my "date".  We had a blast!

I realized after the night was over that I never took a picture of my outfit!!  It slipped my mind in the midst of all of the excitement.  Once photos come back from the photographer, I'll have to snatch one and post it.

The food was AMAZING!!

There was an abundant amount of food.  Overall, this was not a good weekend for dieting.  Not including the heavy hor d'oeuvres served during cocktail hour, the dinner included eggplant parmesan, turkey, stuffing, and roasted potatoes.  After dinner, cute dessert trays were placed on each table (which was nearly devoured before I could take a photo).  This was followed by birthday cake.

No, that's not cake.  You are mistaken.

Gift from her husband -- a Mercedes Benz complete with big red bow!

This was the best part of the night.  Her husband surprised her with car keys inside of a Tiffany's box.  After her initial shock, she couldn't stop crying.  Ladies, if you're wondering (because I asked), they met on a blind date and he has no available brothers, cousins, or friends.  Bummer.

Open bar with ONLY top shelf beverages! The bartenders were super nice and generous pourers.

I almost forgot to mention, there was an open bar the entire night!! I had a DD so I took full advantage.  I was on vacation, after all.

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To-Do List

1. Wear a shirt that says "Life".  Hand out lemons on the street corner.
2. Hire two private investigators.  Get them to follow each other.
3. Major in philosophy.  Ask people WHY they want fries with that.
4. Go into a crowded elevator and say, "I bet you're all wondering why I gathered you here," with a straight face.
5. Make vanilla pudding.  Put in mayo jar.  Eat in public.
6. Become a teacher.  Make a test where every answer is "C".  Enjoy the show.
7. Wait until someone is about to sneeze.  Right before they do, loudly scream, "PIKA PIKAAA!!!"
8. Run into a store, ask what year it is.  When someone answers, yell "It worked!" and run out cheering.
9. Buy a horse, name it "Oscar Takes the Lead", enter it into horse races.
10. Invite someone into your office, turn around in office chair and say, "I've been expecting you..."
11. Change your name to Simon.  Speak in third person.
12. Buy a parrot.  Teach the parrot to say, "Help I've been turned into a parrot."
13. Follow joggers around in a car blasting "Eye of the Tiger" for encouragement.

Which ones are you adding to your list?

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How to Care for Introverts

If asked, my friends would describe me as bubbly, friendly, outgoing, a social butterfly, and the life of the party.  I enjoy meeting new people, having new experiences, and at times I'm okay with being the center of attention (not for an extended time but short bursts of attention are okay).  Outgoing? Sometimes.  I have always considered myself to be a shy person but NOBODY agrees with that.  After coming across this list, I stand corrected.  I've decided that a better description is that I'm an introvert who can be shy depending on the situation.  I wish I could print this out and give it to my friends, family, and coworkers as a guide.  Any other introverts out there?  

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Disappointed Hunger Games Fans

America has exasperated me for the past several weeks with the ongoing coverage and updates on the Trayvon Martin "investigation" and racist campaign bumpers stickers created by Obama non-supporters but I've been trying to bounce back.  I try not to let those types of things get me down.  Of course, just when I think I can go back to blogging about shoes, bags, and clothes, I come across an article on Jezebel about book fan reactions to The Hunger Games movie.  As you all know The Hunger Games movie was released over the weekend.  The highly anticipated movie was expected to do well with so many fans of the book written by Suzanne Collins.

The movie did make history by being the 3rd largest grossing movie in box office history ($155 million) but many book fans were disappointed in the casting.  More specifically, they were let down that there were so many characters in the movie who were black (namely Rue and Cinna).  Wait...what?  Nope, you heard me!  The Jezebel article has photos of tweets posted by several people who were "disappointed" that Rue was a black girl.  One tweeter went so far as to say that Rue's death wasn't as sad after discovering she was black. 

This breaks my heart.  I've read many books which later were turned into movies.  Everyone knows the book is always better because the movie never captures all the details outlined in the book, sometimes it changes the storyline completely.  But to be disappointed that the race of the characters weren't what you expected is absurd and straight up racist.  It also shows that many did not read the book carefully since the author described Rue as having "dark brown skin".  Be sure to read the entire article and view other tweets posted on Jezebel.  There is also a The Hunger Games Tumblr (unofficial) page which has many of the comments (positive and negative) from the movie and the book.  America has come so far but still has so far to go.  

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Un-Fair Campaign

Maybe this is too deep for a Friday but I've been meaning to post something about this for several weeks.  Have you seen or heard about the Un-Fair Campaign?  This campaign is designed to raise awareness about white privilege, provide resources for understanding and action, and facilitate dialogue and partnership that result in fundamental, systematic change towards racial injustice.  The ads are meant to illustrate the various ways white people are not effected by racism in the ways minorities are effected.   The things they take for granted are not privileges all races have.  The ads feature white faces with various statements about white privilege, seen here:

I have mixed feelings about this campaign.  As the majority, white people have the power to make the most impactful changes when it comes to racism, discrimination, and other unfair racial practices. The problem is (and what I THINK the ad is trying to show) most white people aren't truly aware of how much discrimination still exists (because they are not regularly subjected to it), how to identify it (because it's usually done in a subtle or sneaky manner--as it's meant to be), and most importantly what to do about it.  What I dislike about the campaign is that it feeds into the stereotype that ALL white people live privileged lives and whisk through life oblivious to all the hardships minorities experience.  As with all stereotypes, there is some truth represented here but it doesn't apply to all.  I'm interested in hearing your feedback.  Do you think this is an effective way to raise awareness in the white community?

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2012 Racism

Attack the issues, not his race.  Period.  The end.  No further questions.  That is all.

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The Black Experience

I recently discovered Listmania! on Amazon.  Listmania! is a special section on Amazon that allows members to create lists of their favorite books, movies, etc.  During this discovery I came across a very interesting list posted by MikaNici entitled "The Black Experience".  The poster described the list as "books on black history, the black struggle, black power movements, and our continuing issues that every African American should read."  After glancing over the list, I must  agree.  As I state in my profile, I always strive to bring attention to African American culture, whether it be enlightening, informative, or entertaining.  I'm adding the books on this list to my reading list to complete over the next few years (it's a total of 40 books, so too much for a single year).  I'm excited about adding a little more substance (and depth) to my library, especially since a lot of the books are less than $5.00.  Some of them are even less than $1.00.  Of course, you can probably find the majority of these books in your local library but it never hurts to support our black authors.  I will probably go back and purchase my favorites.  Ultimately, I hope that I may have an even greater appreciation of my roots, my ancestor's fight, and the liberties that I'm afforded today.  Now, without further delay here is the list:

1. The Narrative of Sojourner Truth (Dover Thrift Editions) by Sojourner Truth
2. When I Was a Slave: Memoirs from the Slave Narrative Collection (Dover Thrift Editions) by Norman R. Yetman
3. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl - Literary Touchstone Classic by Harriet A. Jacobs
4. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
5. Uncle Tom's Cabin (Dover Thrift Editions) by Harriet Beecher Stowe
6. The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Godwin Woodson
7. The Souls of Black Folk (Enriched Classics Series) by W. E. B. Du Bois
8. Up From Slavery: An Autobiography by Booker T. Washington
9. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
10. Selected Writings and Speeches of Marcus Garvey (Dover Thrift Editions) by Bob Blaisdell
11. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
12. Let the Circle Be Unbroken by Mildred D. Taylor
13. The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes by Arnold Rampersad
14. Classical Black Nationalism: From the American Revolution to Marcus Garvey by Wilson Moses
15. Modern Black Nationalism: From Marcus Garvey to Louis Farrakhan by William Van Deburg
16. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley by Alex Haley
17. Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements by Malcolm X
18. Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America (Henry Holt Co) by Peniel E. Joseph
19. The Black Panthers Speak by Philip S. Foner
20. Revolutionary Suicide: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Huey P. Newton
21. Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton by Bobby Seale
22. To Die for the People by Huey P. Newton
23. Assata: An Autobiography (Lawrence Hill & Co.) by Assata Shakur
24. Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver
25. Blood in My Eye by George L. Jackson
26. Will You Die with Me?: My Life and the Black Panther Party by Flores A. Forbes
27. The COINTELPRO Papers: Documents from the FBI's Secret Wars Against Dissent in the United States (South End Press Classics Series) by Ward Churchill
28. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
29. Long Walk to Freedom: With Connections (HRW Library) by Nelson Mandela
30. Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery by Na?im Akbar
31. Race Matters by Cornel West
32. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America by Alex Kotlowitz
33. The Reckoning: What Blacks Owe to Each Other by Randall Robinson
34. The Covenant with Black America (English and English Edition) by Various Contributors
35. Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority by Tom Burrell
36. How to Rent a Negro by Damali Ayo
37. The Conversation: How Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships by Hill Harper
38. The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life by Kevin Powell
39. Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors by Bill Cosby
40. Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America by John H. McWhorter

I will keep you all updated on my progress in the comment section below and make a note of my favorites.

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Dear, Future Self

I've been debating for the past 3 months about going back to school to get my MBA.  Each time I start to seriously consider it, I get stressed out, start doubting myself and get trapped in this maze of confusion in my head.  I come up with a million reasons why I can't and only a handful (if I'm lucky) of reasons why I can or even should.  It causes me so much stress I usually just put it into the back of my mind for later consideration.  Repeat.  I came across this today:

Internet inspiration.  It's always so simple.  Something you already know deep inside.  That slap in the face and kick in the booty you really need from a stranger half your age (OMG I sounded so old saying that!).  So with that being said, I'm off to complete a few graduate school applications.  Happy Friday!

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Sincerely, The Universe

A friend of mine recently shared with me a "project" a friend of hers has been working on for the past few months.  This dear friend of hers (let's call her Sandy) has a roommate (let's call him Mike).  Mike has been severely depressed for sometime now and he is questioning the purpose of life (no bueno).  Sandy started asking distant friends to send Mike postcards with positive messages and sign them: Sincerely, The Universe.  He has since gotten several postcards from "The Universe" and he's kind of enjoying it.  I thought this was an awesome idea so I'm planning to purchase a postcard and send one to Mike, too.  After all, don't we all need a pick-me-up from time to time?  Even more inspiring is a pick-me-up from a complete stranger.  Do you have a friend that may need some positive words sent their way?  Or would you like to send "Mike" a postcard?  If so, please contact me (make sure you include your email address) and I'll send you his contact info.  I can't post the info here because he may find it and discover how so many people are reaching out to him.  If you include your friend's contact info, I'll send them a postcard as well.  This is one of those "pay it forward" ideas that I love. 

Sincerely,

The Universe

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I Judge Poor Grammar

Poor grammar is a pet peeve of mine.  Status updates on Facebook make me cringe.  I won't even get started on the emails I receive from "professionals" at work.  I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar feels my pain and lets me know there is someone on my side.  Say "NO" to poor grammar, bloggers!!  Happy Friday!! Here are a few pages from the book:

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The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

The original recording from Gil Scott-Heron's first album, Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, released in 1970 put to video. 

Bottomline is, the government will only let us see, know, and learn what THEY think its relevant and important, whether it is or not. This made me ponder: how many years was Black History taught while you were in school? For me, it was every year during the month of February. What's ironic is that we "learned" about the same historical black figures year after year.  There are so many other contributions African Americans have made to society that are overlooked and neglected.  Do you think that's by design? 

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Business As Usual

I wish I knew when and where this photo was taken, it would probably be even more meaningful. If anyone knows, please share.  This is one of those instances where a picture is worth a thousand words.  

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Keep Calm

I've found two "Keep Calm" designs that I'd love to make into t-shirts.  What do you think?

Photo courtesy of 8ekta8.

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Rhianna Receives Racist Remarks

I recently learned about racial comments that appeared in a Dutch magazine about popular R&B singer Rhianna.  Andrea Brown, author of the blog The Uptown Lounge, has a more thorough account of the article.  Some of the "highlights" of the write-up refer to Rhianna's shoes as  "pornheels" and refer to her as "ghetto a**" and a "n*ggab*tch".  Read the entire article here via The Uptown Lounge.

It's sad to learn these types of things are still happening in 2012.

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Black History in Danger

A local Ohio newspaper recently wrote an article about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center located in Cincinnati.  The Freedom Center, which has been open since 2004, is in danger of closing because it does not attract enough visitors and cannot cover its operating expenses.

The Freedom Center's exhibits offer visitors unique, illuminating and inspiring experiences.  Brothers of the Borderland is one of the permanent exhibits sponsored by the Boeing Company.  This exhibit immerses guests in a thrilling flight to freedom showcasing the courage and cooperation of two abolitionists in Ripley, OH as they aid a woman risking it all to flee slavery.  The 25-minute film features a segment narrated by Oprah Winfrey that introduces the main historical figures John Parker and Rev. John Rankin.  The film is shown in an "experiental" theatre, complete with fog rising from the river and crickets chirping in the background.

Museums all across the country draw thousands of visitors each year featuring various historical exhibits yet this beautiful museum is in danger of closing its doors.  I have my own opinions about why a museum that documents one of America's darkest times is struggling financially.  Why do you think the Freedom Center has not been as successful as other museums in our country?

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Barbie Gets Tatted

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Show me how

Please don't show me this again

Remind me later

I have loved Barbie dolls since I was a little girl.  I can remember getting my very first Barbie when I was 5 or 6 years old.  She had a beautiful cinnamon complexion, long black silky hair and bold pink eye shadow and lip gloss.  She was the only doll I played with for years until my younger brother ripped her head off (le sigh).  I actually cried because I loved that doll so much.  But Barbie has come a long way since my childhood. 

Earlier this year, Mattel announced a new limited-edition tokidoki Barbie featuring a pink bob, hot pink mini skirt, sky-high sparkly silver stilettos, and tattoos across her chest, arms, and back.  GO BARBIE!!

While this temporary look caused quite a stir among parents, this doll was meant to be a collectors item for adults.  This is definitely not the Barbie I remember as a little girl.  What do you think of Barbie's more modern (though limited time) look?

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