The secret anti-gansta rap movement Part 3 - 4.30.2007.5

Continued from The secret anti-gansta rap movement Part 2 - 4.30.2007.4 Part 2...

On March 7th Mr. John Gibson of Fox News discussed the issue of rap and it’s images and words with Mr. Chuck Creekmur. I point out Fox News directly as I watch this cable news network often and they have had multiple members of the staff do pieces on the lack of attention on the words and images used in rap since Mr. Imus was fired. “Entertainers are responsible for their actions, both on stage and in the world. They are made to be role models, and how they present themselves is their own fault. But to blame the thoughtless actions of random people to these entertainers, on the sole basis that they are African American and there are drugs involved in this situation is wrong and insulting – to me. As Mr. Creekmur mentioned, where is the outcry about the virtual elimination of any form of rap or hip-hop that conveys a positive message? Where are the investigations why record studio executives consistently stereotype the Black community, or why there is active censorship of the formats availablke to the public?”

These are just a few recent items on the point. There has long been controversy and discussion of gansta rap. The commentary started long before this one-time sub-genre became the prevelant form in the industry. Many entertainers, celebrities, educators and commentators have spoken about this for years. The news media just turned a blind eye to it. Obviously their lack of attention led to the lack of knowledge among many Americans. Even the voice of Mr. Bill Cosby had no affect on news organizations in drawing attention to this subject.

“Recently Mr. Cosby has gone to Los Angeles and took to task the educators and parents of young African American students. As well he should, because it is the responsibility of both these groups to do more than just provide the minimum to children. It is not enough to expect rote memorization to provide the knowledge needed to do well in life. It is not enough to promote a dream of athletic prowess, without any thought of a back-up plan. It is far too little to believe that stardom in a mostly talentless industry will be the cure to all ills. Worse yet, acceptance of underperforming and allowance of a lifestyle that involves drug-use and misogyny and lack of self-responsibility are a plague in my view.”

So when the news media ask why nothing has been done I have to ask, “why didn’t you open your eyes?”

This is what I think, what do you think?

The secret anti-ganst rap movement Part 2 - 4.30.2007.4

Continued from Part 1 The secret anti-ganst rap movement - 4.30.2007.3 ...

The fact that many do try to use that argument, which fails, brings up the question why hasn’t anything ever been done if such language is so bad. The media has been a huge proponent of highlighting the apparent blasé attitude among Black Americans on the language and imagery used in rap hip hop. I have watched literally dozens of news programs where pundits and talking heads pose the question, “So why hasn’t anything ever been done?” I’ve seen multiple African American interviewees get this question presented to them almost everyday since the firing. I have to ask in response, “Why did it take so long for you to open your eyes?”

I ask that question to the news media. They act today as if there has never been a single person speaking out against the gansta rap genre. They present statements by Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson against modern rap as if they are making a sudden noise to grandstand and serve their own interests. The Media poses questions to entertainers and celebrities as if the fault for inaction laid upon them. That is a horrible lie, and a misrepresentation of enormous, perhaps epic, proportions.

Reverends Jackson and Sharpton may be placed in the public spotlight by the media on various issues, but only those the media wants to cover. There is no question on the fact that both have rallied against the language in rap music for quite some time now. And they were far from the first. The battle against gansta rap has been ongoing for over a decade now. There have been dozens, perhaps hundreds of articles that have been written, seminars and lectures made, and blog posts against gansta rap since 1992. I’ll say that timeframe again, 15 years. Yet the news media and various pundits seem to be shocked that there has been no action made. They should say there has been no action they chose to hear.

For whatever the reason the media has chosen to ignore the growing number of voices demanding change. The corporations have ignored the consumers asking for diversity in a music genre that started off with multiple sub-genres; each one basically killed off to make room for only one style. Let me make a couple of examples.

The national media focused on the Mr. Don Imus story on April 9th. On March 22nd Blackplanet.com had a poll I commented on, which dealt with negative stereotypes in the media.

“The Internet and Film both hit the bottom of the list at 3%, followed in order by Newspapers at 8%, Movies at 9%, TV 25% and the big leader is Music at 53%. I have no doubt that Music leads this group due to music videos, especially those of rappers that feature the ladies barely clothed and gyrating. Of course those with the ridiculous (my opinion) stuff on their teeth, or those incapable of speaking their native language are no less unattractive.”

On March 8th New York City banned the use of one word in particular. It was an empty act and I criticised it,

“Obviously the City Council of NYC agrees with the view held by me, as does Mr. Michael Richards [doesn’t that prove the point right there?]. Their ban on this word was passed, and you may wonder why less time was spent reporting this than Ms. Rosie O’Donnell’s depression. Because it was a bunch of hot air. The usefulness of the ban rates on par with releasing known illegal immigrant child molesters on bail and expecting them to show up to court (as happened in Vermont not long ago).”

Concluded in Part 3...

The secret anti-ganst rap movement - 4.30.2007.3

I’ve noticed something lately. Since the well publicized departure of Mr. Don Imus the gansta rap genre has been the focus of a lot of attention. I can’t say that this intense review of the medium is unwarranted. Yet, part of the arguments being posed are completely unfair and disproportionate.

On the one hand we have the use of defamatory, derogatory words by multiple rap hip-hop artists for well over a decade now. There is no question, in my mind at least, that there is no excuse for this. I have yet to hear an argument that justifies the use of words like n-word, hoes, and their ilk. That is except one. The only thing that can justify the use of these words if the fact that the First Amendment allows any citizen to utter virtually any comment. Note that I said virtually any.

I do not believe in censorship. Artists should be able to express themselves. All music genres should have the opportunity to reach the portion of fans that exist for the genre. Even if part of it is objectionable. If a government can help fund an artist that hugs a dead pig as art, gansta rap can be made. But it’s exclusive existence, and the daily ramming of its objectionable material (to me) goes beyond mere protected speech. It’s widespread availability to minors is detrimental, and unnecessary. The argument can be made that it deserves to exist, but it can’t be said for proliferation like a virus without a thought to containment. In addition, just as a person does not have the right to yell fire in a crowded room for no reason, some words incite violence and should be limited if not worse.

Mr. Imus tried to state that his use of the now famous statement was inspired by rap music, and that it was no different than words found in music videos everyday. I’ve heard various pundits and regular people try to float that same thought. They are partially correct. Music videos today do convey words and images that portray ALL African Americans in the worst type of light. The emphasis on ignorance, drug addiction and criminal behavior is primary. The terminology used is no less insulting than that used by Mr. Imus. The difference is that Mr. Imus, without provocation and without comical context, attacked a group of unknown young women and compounded that act by making the attack racial while on national airwaves. I’ve spoken about this in depth in my posts Imus, Rutgers basketball, and Rev. Al Sharpton - 4.9.2007.1, Don Imus vs Rap music - 4.11.2007.1, Now that Imus is gone - 4.12.2007.1 among others.

But that does not excuse the language in rap today. Nor does it give Black Americans the opportunity to play both sides of the fence. The language and imagery is wrong. It does not become more or less appropriate depending on the color of the skin of the speaker.

Continued in Part 2...

Random items - 4.30.2007.1

So it was another week of surprising events. Mr. Alec Baldwin captured the attention of the nation. Whether it was the anti-spanking crowd or father rights groups, virtually all of the pundits seemed to have a comment. Perhaps the surprising talking head was that of Ms. Rosie O’Donnell who surprisingly was on Mr. Baldwin’s side. That was unexpected.

The announcement by Ms. O’Donnell that she would be leaving the View was hardly a surprise though. I think most non-extreme left of center individuals were expecting this, and obviously Disney was considering this on almost a daily basis. I can truly say I won’t miss her often unfounded rants. And just for the record it seems obvious to me that she was fired.

In more entertaining news, Star Wars fans take note. Mr. George Lucas, and Mr. Mark Hamill have agreed to work on an adaptation of the Star Wars storyline for a special episode of Robot Chicken. For those not familiar with the Robot Chicken series, it’s on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim program block. The series parodies everything from movies to television shows to everyday events or unique items from the surprisingly inventive minds of co-creators Mr. Seth Green and Mr. Matthew Senreich. Fans of the show have seen several parody skits of the Star Wars movies, but this new project will be a full half-hour and will also include the actual Chewbacca and R2D2 soundfiles. Isn’t that interesting. What may happen is really anyone’s guess but I have no doubt it will be funny and very different. Keep an eye out for this one.

I have to ask, is NASCAR really that big a deal? I hadn’t known a single person who ever watched more than a highlight of this before I moved to this small town of Binghamton. Now I see many who ask about people I’ve never heard about. To be honest 90% of those who discuss NASCAR scare me, and it’s not because of their sports preference. Anyway, the reason for even mentioning racing is that Mr. Tony Stewart likened NASCAR to pro wrestling. In essence he stated that a portion of the caution flags that have been used in races were staged thus altering the outcomes. This is similar to the massively staged wrestling programs that seem to have infectiously propagated cable television in recent years. The suggestion by Mr. Stewart is that this use of flags somehow intensifies the enjoyment of racing fans. I don’t get it.

First of all it’s a bunch of guys going around making left turns. For hours. While I can understand the need for endurance, I wouldn’t call it athletic. While it is difficult driving at such high speeds, I hardly equate it with the levels of skill needed to play professional football, soceer, or other such sports. F-1 racing at least has some right turns. What can I say, I find it slightly more mind-numbing than wrestling. That is a hard thing to be. But maybe some of the readers will be glad to know this news, if they don’t already. I’m sure it will be a big controversy in racing.

But since I’m on the subjects of gratuitous violence and numbing minds, I should also mention I noticed a bit dealing with the FCC. The Federal Communication Commision seems to want to influence the violent programs on TV, something they don’t currently have regulation over. I fear if they get the authority to do this. Besides the schizophrenic attitudes that the FCC has, as seen by the amount of flesh shown in various soap operas and primetime television shows for decades now yet the insane freakout that the FCC has after 5 seconds of Ms. Janet Jackson’s breast being exposed, the First Amendment is at issue. That goes without saying that parents need to be involved with what their kids see, and lack of viewers will determine what stays on television. Even if that means the public chooses programs like WWE Raw, American Idol, The Apprentice and their ilk. In my opinion.

Seriously, name one thing the government regulates well. Ma Bell (the old AT&T) was broken up to lower telephone costs and the cost went up. The FDA screws up medications on a regular basis. The Department of Education hasn’t done well for 40 years and the DMV speaks for itself (ok, that’s on the states but you get the point). If the FCC regulates any more on television kiss NFL footage good-bye.

Pay attention. It’s like what I say about Presidential candidates, ask questions or you’ll get stuck with something you can’t do anything about. Just a few late night thoughts.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Alec Baldwin part 2 - 4.25.2007.2

Continued from Alec Baldwin Part 1...

I’ll give you an example from my own life. When I was a young teen I decided to cut school with a friend on a Friday. I was a good student, a smart kid, and respectful of my elders. But when a friend suggested cutting school on a really nice weather day, I did it. I also got caught. When my father found out I was scolded in a similar manner to what Mr. Alec Baldwin did to his child. Perhaps not as harsh, but to many these days that think spanking a child is a vile act I’m sure it was no less intense. I was not ‘altered for life’ nor was anything else other than understanding that I failed to respect my mother and do what expected of me.

Being a smart kid, my logic told me on the following Monday, that I could cut school again. Who would ask after the threat of a beating given on Friday? Smart as I was, my logic was flawed. I was caught again. When my mother awakened me and my siblings she had only one thing to say, “Your father is in the living room.” I was justifiably fearful. After my father explained in detail the travails he had to endure to reach me and my siblings that Monday night, with a few expletives included, he hauled me into a room and proceeded to “straighten my ass out” on the concept of listening to my mother and respecting the words both of them had said to me. It was a vigorous lesson that involved few words. Again I was not scarred for life. I was reminded that respect of my parents and elders was an obligation that actions have consequences, and decisions may not always have the outcomes you expect or want. Pretty good life lessons I think. I also learned that if I’m going to do something I need to plan well. Sorry mom, but I did cut school again, in my later teens, but I learned to be smart enough about it to make sure I didn’t get caught. Another lesson of sorts, depending on how it is applied.

The point of this is simply that parents have outburst. Some are justified, some not. A child that has been cared for directly by their parents (or grand-parents) with discipline, involvement, and physical punishments when needed (and in moderation) turn out as often as not to be well adjusted adults. But as more parents that can afford to do so use therapists, drugs, and the latest books’ theory on child-raising the kids seem to be more screwed up than ever. No system is perfect as is no parent. But I have found more parents acting like my own in the Black and Hispanic communities than in others.

But in listening to Mr. Baldwin I am reminded to an extent of my parents. Not perfect, he was over the top, but similar. He was obviously frustrated because he loves his child. IF you’ve heard the full call you will know that. He knew he was wrong and apologized long before anyone else in the world heard word one. He has never been accused of any abuse to his child ever.

What has been horribly abusive is that a private conversation was released to the world. His daughter has been embarrassed in front of her peers and the world. Somehow, someone let this private call get out to the public. IF it was Mrs. Kim Bassinger, that was an abusive act.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Alec Baldwin voicemail - 4.25.2007.1

Well I mentioned that I would discuss this so hear it is. Most should have heard about Mr. Alec Baldwin’s taped message to his daughter. I have heard a great deal about the reactions various talking heads have had about the tape, but of the ones I’ve heard talking about this I noticed not one was African American and I presume that more than a few believe in the ‘time-out’ and nanny philosophies in raising children. I will admit I have no direct evidence for my beliefs but it is based on my observations of their comments in various items dealing with children, and I may well be wrong.

There is a reason I directly mention the apparent lack of commentators that are African American (on the news programs I have seen). Of the black families I am aware of, spoken to, and was raised in this is not such a big deal. Yes Mr. Baldwin went overboard. He went too far, and significantly less reported was the fact that he recognized this and apologized to his daughter. That apology was before this voice mail was released by ‘someone’ to the public.

But I don’t think it was that big a deal. I have no doubt that similar outbursts have occurred in virtually every family in the world since probably the dawn of time. Many may not have been as harsh, and probably an equal number were worse. Unlike the pundits and talking heads I don’t see this as a “traumatic life altering event.” That is until the entire world was given access to this private matter. Normally I don’t comment on private matters of entertainers and celebrities but this one I will.

Every Black family has had a moment like this, to my knowledge. It happens. It doesn’t ruin the child nor is it abuse. The term abuse is so overused these days as to minimize what is the real damage actual abuse can cause. Perhaps if there were fewer parents that let television raise their kids, fewer time-outs, and fewer nannies raising children there would be fewer Virginia Tech and Columbine events. Being a parent isn’t about being the best friend of your child first, or following some rulebook that was created in the last 30 years, or never looking in your kids room. In the multiple millenniums of parents raising children, it’s only been the last maybe 40 years where books were necessary. Interesting how in that same timeframe the incidence of child violence (like Columbine, and child on child violence in all its forms) has grown; becoming a recurring tragedy now as opposed to a rare atrocity previously.

That is except in poor, non-white, inner city areas. There are no fewer guns today than in the last century probably. Gangs are as prevalent as ever. Drugs are prolific. Yet the overwhelming predominance of mass murderers, serial killers and other vile fiends are not found in inner cities. Shouldn’t someone ask why?

I think it’s because African American, Latino/Hispanic, and other minority families believe in the child having fear and respect for their parents, friendship is reserved for after the child being a grown adult. Notice that fear is the first part of the combination. That does not mean I condone terrorizing, or abusing a child. It does mean that a rod should not be spared, and over the top reactions to minor actions should cease.

Continued in part 2...

Summer movies, bulldogs and Forest Whitaker - 4.24.2007.1

Well just a little hodgepodge of things I noticed lately. First I want to send out congratulations to Mr. Forest Whitaker on his Star on the Walk of Fame. While this honor has lost some of it’s status, there is no question that it is still a status symbol that is desired by all entertainers. Mr. Whitaker has come into his own and this just continues to cement his place in Hollywood. I’m glad to hear of this further step into the history books.

Looking into the future, I know I’ve mentioned it but this is going to be quite the summer movie season. 14 sequels are planned to come out. There are several I’m looking forward to. I’ve talked about Pirates 3, Spiderman 3, Die Hard 4 and others. I recently saw the trailer for the Bourne Ultimatum and I think this may be the best movie of the season. Of course there are the less inspired sequels that will be out as well. Shrek 3 is only a money grab, though it might be good, while Fantastic Four 2 is just to give teen boys another chance to stare and dream about the invisible parts of Ms. Jessica Alba. But the bigger question is where are the original ideas? What happens when the final Harry Potter installment is done, and all the good comic books have been translated to film? I’ll take the good with the bad, but if there are these many sequels coming out shortly I have to wonder if there is anything original and compelling anywhere in the Hollywood pipeline.

Oh a reminder, boycott Georgia Rules. Hanoi Jane should not profit from anything again, and hopefully if yet another film she stars in flops directors and exec will stop putting her in movies.

And for the dog lovers out there, the most beautiful Bulldog has now been crowned. The winner is Riggs. I realize not everyone can appreciate the beauty of a bulldog, but I am sure their character shines brightly. I think they are the most charismatic dogs ever. Riggs of course leads the pack on this point.

Well I just wanted to get up a little bit before I go and discuss the Mr. Alec Baldwin situation, and Mr. Russell Simmons comments.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Dark brown means... Part 2 - 4.19.2007.3

Continued from Dark Brown means... Part 1

I would bet that the controversy over Mr. Imus makes no sense in most countries, if the story was covered at all. In countries where commercials that contain Black Americans (or just Blacks) are called the N-word, I would guess the controversy never was covered. And don’t delude yourself to think that I’m speaking of 3rd world nations. In my opinion overseas, Germans, Italians, Belgians, Arabs, and so on all hold similarly negative views. In each case, in my experience, they all point to music videos as well as news footage to confirm their reasoning.

So I’m not surprised that a Chinese translation (given that it was old, but still used) would define dark brown as it did. I’m not surprised that foreigners fear and shun Black Americans on sight. I’m not surprised that the words N-word, felon, criminal, drug addict, and Black American can be often used interchangeably. We use it in this manner in music videos and conversation, why shouldn’t they.

Words are power. The meaning and the understood meaning affect action intimately. They affect potential business transactions, reinforce cultural beliefs, and personal attitudes. If you think that how the world views African Americans isn’t important then you don’t understand how the world works. What may be a misguided greeting to you is a reason for a CEO not to build a store or factory in Detroit or in D.C. or other parts of the country, thus preventing jobs or giving opportunities to improve the lives of some people. Bling may be an impressive word to you, but to an overseas corporation it’s a reason to sell sub-prime loans in an area, or to market over-priced clothing, or sub-standard goods. Presumed ignorant, drug-addled, poor with one of the strongest currencies in the world are always a good target for profit without consideration of morality. I mean why should a corporation care if it is gouging prices or selling inferior goods to people who refer to their mothers and children with terms worse than used to describe a dog?

And that’s how a couch gets labeled the N-word in Canada. By the way, when was the last time you checked the label on anything that has a dark brown or black color in your home or possession? If you just wondered about checking them, maybe the disparaging words, like N-word, don’t mean what you think or want them to.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Dark Brown means ... - 4.19.2007.2

Some people have wondered why I have such a crusade against the N-word. I’ve been asked why it’s a big deal, I’ve been told that the meaning has changed. Some claim the word is now empowering, when used by African Americans and those in the hip-hop/rap community. Yet, I feel that there has been no difference in the word in my lifetime, and never will be. Any other thought or excuse is just ignorance of the facts.

Since the events involving Mr. Don Imus and the Rutgers women’s basketball team renewed attention has been placed on the disparaging terms used in this nation casually. But I feel most people have no concept of what these disrespectful terms mean to, or how they affect, the rest of the world. As Americans we have a very isolated view of the rest of the world, but our actions have great impact. Having lived overseas for a time, I have gotten an understanding of this that exceeds that of the norm.

A case in point is the description found on a couch in Canada. There may not be a lot of news on this but it seems that a mother purchased a new couch whose description referred to its color as “N-word brown.” As the furniture store that sold the couch, the supplier, and a software company that designed the tag all point a finger of blame at anyone but themselves the damage is done. The international insult has been made and no one would have notice if not for a child asking her mother what the N-word meant.

Why was the color of the couch described in such a manner? Because a 10 year old translation dictionary equated the words dark brown with the N-word in Chinese. Not 100 or 50 years old, just 10. The definition was so accepted that when the dictionary was updated, no change was made to the software. But why should it?

Across the world music videos and songs proliferate the use of the N-word, and other inflammatory comments, to describe and talk among African Americans. Non-native English speakers seek out tools to define this word, and many have a description that is without any context of the harm of the word. Of course the context is then supplied by the media that the word came from.

You might say so what. Think about it. The N-word does not convey a meaning of just color, but a negative context as well. In the eyes of the world it means criminal, drug dealer/addict, prostitute, and violent savage animal as presented by gansta rap and hi-hop. Almost 15 years ago when I was in Moscow you cannot imagine the surprise when Russians learned I was an American. In their eyes it could not be possible. Black Americans were not smart enough to learn their own language let alone another, we could not understand business or hold jobs, where we went random violence follows as does rampant drug use. In essence we were the N-word. Since I could not fit any part of that description I had to be from Cuba, or Africa, or South America. I was even asked if I was originally from any other country and then became a U.S. citizen. Resolving the image they had in their head of the word and image in the media, and me in person was too extreme to be the same thing. Simply put, since I was not the N-word I could not be African American.

Continued in Part 2

Beware Hanoi Jane Fonda - 4.19.2007.1

Well the summer season of movies is nearly upon us and there is good news and bad news. Let me deal with the bad news first. I’m sad to say, and frustrated as well, that Hanoi Jane Fonda has another movie coming out shortly. It is my absolute desire that no one ever go to this movie, Georgia Rules.

Due to open May 11th, the film co-stars Mrs. Felicity Huffman, Ms. Lindsey Lohan, Mr. Dermot Mulroney as well as the despicable Hanoi Jane. I have nothing against any of the other actors, in fact I think Mr. Mulroney and Mrs. Huffman are quite good. I have a lot against Hanoi Jane. I don’t know her personally and hope to never meet her. I will not watch anything she is in, and hope every endeavor she takes part in fails. While I would not wish ill to any person, this is one that gives such a thought pause.

I have mentioned before that I dislike this woman. I feel she is a traitor and has the worst interests of the nation in her heart, whether she acknowledges it or not. Let me be clear, I don’t mind leftist political views or the people that have them. I don’t agree, but I respect that they have these views. It helps to keep the nation balanced, and ideally creates an atmosphere where the best for the nation is possible. Even the extreme left, as whacky as they can be (and yes I realize the extreme right can be just as whacky). I draw the line at traitors.

I think I summed up my thoughts best here,

“As for Hanoi Jane, I agree with Mr. Danny Bonaduce in that I would be happy to have seen her shot for treason years ago. Protest all you want, but aiding the enemy of our nation and our troops is treason. I have no respect for the woman. Her (what I feel are) false and half-hearted apologies do not sway me. Some 30+ years later she has admitted remorse. Am I stupid? That is a political and economic response, timed perfectly to match a book and a movie release. I do not forget, nor will I forgive her. She had decades to apologize, or explain her thoughts. She was a grown woman, aware of her actions and their impact when she made them in the 70’s. Her hope, I feel, that the youth of the nation would not remember and thus forgive does not work with me. I am repulsed by violence against women, but I would pay to have a woman give Jane ‘Hanoi’ Fonda a beat down. I feel that strongly about her actions.”

So again I state, when Georgia Rules comes out go see anything else.

As for other news which is good, the upcoming movie by Mr. Nicholas Cage seems interesting. It’s been an interesting year so far for him. The Ghost Rider film has made 153 million so far, had decent reviews, and was another hit for Marvel. This movie, NEXT, looks to do similarly well.

The storyline appears direct enough. A man can see all probabilities he is involved with before they happen, a limited amount of time into the future. This has caused him a great deal of difficulty in his early years and he avoids situations that could draw attention to him. But there is a terrorist plot that causes the government to seek him out and so goes the story. There is a lot that can be done with this storyline and the effects look decent. I just they paid attention to the plot along with the special effects. There is one point I don’t understand and needs to be explained well, how do they catch someone that will see everything they might do to catch him? The only other possible problem the movie might have is a lame ending where after a lifetime of having this ability it suddenly goes away and Mr. Cage’s character can finally be as oblivious as the rest of us about the future. That would be lame and weak.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Say What????? - 4.17.2207.1

By guest author Audrey B.

The recent statement and subsequent firing of Imus brings to light a major issue. Are women, particularly black women, getting the respect they deserve? The young ladies at Rutgers certainly did not deserve the derogatory statement from Imus. What he said was not only insulting to African American women but to all women. These are young ladies who are in pursuit of higher education and also athletics. It takes a great deal of talent and intelligence to manage both a college schedule and an athletic schedule. These are women who have made a conscientious choice to do something positive with their lives, and yet a disc jockey thinks that he could use his freedom of speech to degrade them.

I have heard theories that he is a racist. I have heard another theory that he forgot his race for a moment. He thought that he had the ability to talk about African-American women as though he was part of the race.

Let’s explore the second theory. Why would it be acceptable to call young ladies “Nappy-headed Hoes”? When would it be acceptable? Would it be more acceptable if these were sisters shaking it on a rap video? Would it have been more acceptable if Imus was a rapper?

I say it is never acceptable. Women and men must be respected regardless of race, color, religion, or culture. This brings me to the whole of issue rappers. It is never acceptable to refer to women as B……. and Who………
All of us were given life and delivered into this world by a woman. It makes you wonder, would these individuals care if someone was calling their mother or grandmother by the terms above?

As women we can not allow this degradation to continue. We must teach out daughters, sisters, nieces etc that they are precious jewels and always deserve to conduct themselves with respect and be treated respectfully. Our ancestors fought hard to ensure that we receive that respect. We must therefore uphold that respect.

Audrey B.
CEO of FLY-Fostering Leadership in You

Introducing guest blog writer Audrey B.

I’m happy to introduce the first of several guest writers to Black Entertainment USA. The following is the bio for Audrey B. You will be able to read the posts of Audrey from time to time here, and I hope you will find her comments interesting and useful just as you do mine.

I continue to keep an eye out for other guest writers for Black Entertainment USA and Vass. If you are interested in becoming a writer for either blog, please contact me for further information.

The submissions by Audrey B. are not edited for content, though they may be changed for the purpose of style or to otherwise conform to the format found on the site currently.



Born on July 23, 1963 in Richmond, Virginia and raised in the ‘low country and midland’ regions of South Carolina, Audrey B. considers herself a ‘Southern Lady,’ with a personal philosophy and presentation style that is influenced by her experiences of life in the south.

Audrey B. is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where she holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (1985) and a Master of Public Health Degree (M.P.H.) in Health Administration (1998). She began her career as a Social Worker at the Department of Social Services in 1985. Audrey B. has also worked at the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine (1989-1992) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (1992-1998). After receiving her M.P.H. in 1998, Audrey B. was hired at Palmetto Health to create public health outreach programs for teens, mothers and infants of which ‘Teen Talk’ programs were created to help the youth in various community organizations and middle school and high schools make significant life choices.

Audrey B. has enjoyed working with teens and young adults, and the chance to inspire them to reach their full potential. She is a motivational speaker and has made presentations at the National Black Family Summit, community graduation ceremonies and numerous other events. In addition, she has made radio and television appearances in promotion of various programs.

In addition Audrey B. has written and directed several skits and plays and is the author of the soon to be released book “Falling In Love With M.E. (Mutual Enhancement)”. She also enjoys writing poems and articles. The abovementioned book is a compilation of years of personal experiences and advice given to others. Audrey B. believes that the best way to help others is to share the lessons learned so that others will not make the same mistakes. Audrey B states, “Life brings each of us unique experiences that will not only benefit our lives but also the lives of others.”

Audrey B. currently lives in Columbus, Ohio where she is a Health Planning Administrator and is the mother of two sons ages 22 and 15 that she loves dearly.

Movies yet to come - 4.16.2007.1

Now that the debate over Mr. Don Imus has ended with his loss of employment, and renewed attention is placed on the gansta rap music genre, I will get back to the somewhat more mundane discussion of the other things happening in the world.

Before I start with the items that have caught my attention I want to give an update on the polls I have running at www.vassconsult.com . According to the poll on Presidential candidates, if the election were held today Senator Obama would win. Some might say that the nature of the blog, and/or myself, would affect those voting; but considering the fact that Senators McCain and Clinton are both close behind (tied in second) I don’t feel that is accurate.

For those that wonder, the polls are open to anyone, and I don’t ask or care about race. But there has been a near even distribution between men and women (52 vs 48%) as well as a similar breakdown for those 18-35 vs. 35-65 (48 vs 52%). It’s getting interesting. I will run this poll until the end of the year, so vote and let your friends know about it as well. [If you are interested in learning more about my coverage of the various candidates visit www.vassconsult.com/politics/election2008.html]

There were 2 movies that may be of interest that made announcements last week. The first is a sequel (like what movie is not a sequel these days) of a good film. If you saw 28 Days Later [absolutely not the Ms. Sandra Bullock film of similar name] and enjoyed the hyper-kinetic zombies of the movie, the next part of the story is 28 Weeks Later. Literally they continue the storyline with what are the continuing effects of the England destroying virus. It’s not quite Shaun of the Dead, but I’m sure it will catch the attention of many U.S. fans. My guess right now is that it’s worth seeing in the movies instead of DVD.

Moving onto action movies, what could have more action than a film with Mr. Jackie Chan AND Mr. Jet Li? I know, Mr. Li said he wasn’t going to make any more films after Fearless, but this should have already started production. It should be quite the film considering both are the top names in the martial arts genre, and have been for over a decade or 2. It should be quite the combination, the stunts of Mr. Chan and the wire-work of Mr. Li. There is no doubt that the quality should be top of the line for this film. You won’t have to wait too long for this film, it should be out in 2008. Do I really need to say more?

On the more esoteric front, a blast from the past is on the horizon. I’m not talking about the remake of Dolemite again, I mean real old. Fans of animation may recall the cartoon Speed Racer. (Younger readers may recall the techno remix of the theme song - which is nice) Yes the adventures of the Mach 5 will be coming to life with a strong cast. Mr. John Goodman will be Pops, Mrs Susan Sarandon is set for Mom, and the best part is Ms. Christina Ricci has joined on to be Trixxie. I’m sure those who never saw the classic cartoon have no idea who these people are. The best I can offer to those readers is that the car is the real star. The Mach 5 is fast, stylish, and has as many gadgets as a whole James Bond film. (I still can’t imagine why it needed 2 buzzsaws but that could look great if they keep it). The lead role of Speed is going to Mr. Emile Hirsh, I have no idea who the kid is. The last thing that makes this concept interesting, the Wachowski brothers are directing and writing it. I’d expect quite the homage to old Japanese cartoons, manga and anime in general. We shall see.

This is what I think, what do you think?