Movie Preview: Soul Power

Taking a step back to the past – the year is 1974. Some of my readers won’t be born for another 10 or 20 years. There is no internet. There is no such thing as cable television. There is no ESPN. And in this year the greatest athlete of the 20th Century is about to engage in a competition that the world will stop to watch. The “Rumble in the Jungle”

For those that are unfamiliar it was one of the biggest boxing events ever. Muhammad Ali was going to take back his World Heavyweight title from George Foreman (long before he ever thought of a quick way to grill burgers). The fight was to be held in Zaire. And it was to feature some of the best and most acclaimed African and African American entertainers of the time (and likely since).

Back in 1974 there were none of the instantaneous luxuries we have today. Which meant that an event like this was huge. Few if any events today can compare to the 3 days of entertainment that preceded a boxing match everyone wanted to see. In many ways it could compare to watching the World Cup finals.



The focus of this film is not the classic fight though. It is about the entertainers and the struggles entailed to get to the stage in Zaire. Then it details the performances of BB King, Bill Withers, Celia Cruz, Miriam Makemba, and James Brown.

Yes, it’s a documentary. From a perspective about the entertainers, and an event that shook the ground when it took place.

It’s short, and there are not a lot of scenes of the performances (due to cost constraints and the fact this happened 30 years ago). Still there is nothing like watching James Brown in his prime, or BB King, and all the others. Plus its interesting to see the bits of commentary of all these great African American entertainers about the world at that time. Though this is hardly a film that is only an African American film.

This is a worthwhile film for those documentary fans, as well as fans of music and history. This is a short trip to the past, and a joy. Check it out if you can.

Picking a President doesn't make you more or less Black

This is a repost from VASS, my political blog - where I have followed the Presidential election since 2006. I think it will be helpful to those that my still be making up their minds on this election. You can find a ton of information on Senator Obama and Senator McCain, and the election there.

I find it interesting as we come upon the 2008 election to reflect on what has occurred in this year. From the surprising Democratic Primaries up til now there has been a shift in politics that will never be undone. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime, and now I look forward to the fact that it will happen again and again.

Obviously I am speaking about Senator Obama, his rise in prominence, and the potential of his becoming the First Black President.

It’s a proud moment for every African American. Especially for those of us that have lived decades without the chance even being a glimmer in possibility. This in many ways is the culmination of the struggles of the 1960’s.

To bad that I won’t vote for him.

And that is the big thing. I have been slammed by associates, readers, and too many others on this one point. The non-acceptance of my decision to not vote for Obama has been a sledgehammer in my blogs and my personal life. You would think I was stabbing someone.

This has been a very personal election, unlike any other in my life. I’ve been questioned, insulted, disputed, and more often than not cursed. Were it not happening to me I’d even say it was sort of funny.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told I’m not Black. That I’ve done something wrong. That writing about the issues, and noting the problems I have with Obama’s policies is somehow a disservice to my race. I’ve even been told I’m un-American. And of course there have been more than a few racists that have misused my words and thoughts for their own twisted ends.

But tonight I was just sitting back writing and listening to my MP3 (I bought my first one just this year) and James Brown’s Say It Loud came up. I listened to the lyrics several times and then read them.

Uh! With your bad self!

Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!

Some people say we've got a lot of malice
Some say it’s a lot of nerve
But I say we won't quit moving until we get what we deserve
We have been bucked and we have been scorned
We have been treated bad, talked about as just bones
But just as it takes two eyes to make a pair, ha
Brother we can’t quit until we get our share

Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!
One more time!
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!

I worked on jobs with my feet and my hand
But all the work I did was for the other man
Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves
We're tired of beatin' our head against the wall
And workin' for someone else

Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud

We're people, we're just like the birds and the bees
We'd rather die on our feet
Than be livin' on our knees

Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud
Say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud

I’m Black Puerto Rican and I’m Proud. I’m also insulted that I have to make such a statement because of my political beliefs.

I have worked hard, lived through fights, slurs, been denied jobs, and been homeless twice. I’ve gained an education, never been hooked on drugs, lived overseas, been part of the military, and helped more than a few on my path to where I am today. And every day I’ve lived I woke up as Black Puerto Rican as the day before. I have no illusions, and no problems with that.

But to try to discredit my lineage and birthright because of a political position is just absurd. It pisses me off.

This election is not about righting the wrongs of racism, segregation or any other race based issue past or present. Obama is not Malcolm X, Martin Luther King or any other civil rights activist. Electing Obama will not suddenly make police forces in L.A., New York, Philadelphia or anywhere in the nation treat Black, or any other racial and ethnic group, any better than the day before. And racists won’t wake up with larger minds or a better understanding of humanity.

I respect and admire Senator Obama. He’s accomplished things I wouldn’t try to do. The fear of being murdered, especially before I could enact positive change on some issues is too strong in me. He is going for it anyway and that takes balls.

But that does not mean I must follow blindly and accept his every word and policy as best because he said so. His path was no less difficult or extraordinary than my own, and that of millions of other non- and White Americans. As such he is subject to the same critique as anyone. In fact I would consider myself much less of a man, and less of a Black Puerto Rican, if I did not judge him in the same way I would anyone else.

Listen to that song. James Brown didn’t ask for any corners cut. He didn’t demand obedience to a color, in fact he demands the opposite. He demands that we empower ourselves and live by the standards we create. That everyone that meets us shows the same respect and dignity that we exemplify individually and as a group.

And when I have lived a life of just that, how dare anyone try to denigrate me for that.

Obviously I am speaking about a few people. Many have sound reasons for believing in Obama. Many never considered race and they came to a separate decision than mine. And I respect that.

But that’s not who I am talking about.

I’m talking about the people that loved me when I supported Senator Obama over Senator Clinton in the Democratic Primaries. They also ignored my support of Fred Thompson and Senator McCain at the time. They ignored my strong Republican views. They only saw my race and that of Obama. Some where White, and some where not.

It’s those same people that have abandoned my blogs, or attacked them since. And I have to wonder how they came to see me as any less of a man, no matter my color.

When America comes to a point where race is more important than the man or the message, the nation is in trouble. Just as the nation was falling in the late 50’s and 60’s the same threat still exists. And when that same color-focused blinders are on and any deviation is attacked we return to the same dangers that existed a mere 40 years ago.

Maybe I’ve followed this election for too many years, been too involved in trying to cover the facts that too few have the time to see. Maybe I’m up to late every night and day for you my readers. Maybe I need a vacation as my skin is getting a bit thin.

So yes I’m venting. But as that may be, I’ll get some sleep and be back at it tomorrow like I have for years now. I hope to see you all then.

Update on Sean Taylor of the Redskins Football team - 1.24.2008.1

I decided to do a search on Sean Taylor, the Redskin’s football player that was killed in his home at the end of November 2007. The reason for the search is because of the media attention to Heath Ledger's death. I am sorry that he is dead, but I am noticing the amount of time that is being dedicated to his death.

Similar to the months of coverage of Anna Nicole Smith’s death (or Stacy Peterson), there is no end to the rumors, minor insignificant facts, and minutiae that is being uncovered about the man. This is fine for TMZ and other institutions that waste your time. I can even see how Greta Van Susteren, of Fox News, would cover it [I find her program to be the equivalent of ambulance chasing news coverage]. But without outside factors (like a hint that this was a murder and not a suicide or accidental overdose – which often is the same thing), the time spent on this sad event is troubling to me.

Thus I wanted to go back and compare the on-going coverage to a recent death. Sean Taylor’s death was covered by all the major news media. It did get a few hours of news coverage over roughly 3 days. By news coverage standards that is huge. Of course the follow-up of the case has been sporadic and less well done. Like the fact, reported on Canadian Press that,

“Sean Taylor, the first player voted posthumously to the Pro Bowl, will have his jersey number worn at the game by two of his former Washington Redskins teammates.

The NFL announced Wednesday tight end Chris Cooley and tackle Chris Samuels will both wear No. 21 at the game Feb. 10 in Honolulu.”

Another fact that has been less covered is the Fund that has been created to take care of Taylor’s daughter.

“Cooley and Samuels will each wear his own name on the back of the jersey, above the No. 21. The jerseys will be auctioned after the game, with the proceeds benefiting the Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund that was established for Taylor's daughter, Jackie.”

The difference is this:

• Taylor was murdered, Ledger has been reported as not.
  
• Taylor’s murder seems to have been done by 4 individuals that have been arrested. Coverage has not fully confirmed this fact, thus his killers may be at large (though this is unlikely).
  
• Ledger has received sympathetic commentary by pundits. Many have explained his past drug use on various reasons, and drawn correlations to this being involved with his sudden death. None of the coverage has been accusatory or negative.
  
• Taylor was maligned constantly. Pundits gave as much time to rumors and past facts that indicated a negative view of Taylor, as actual facts in the case.
  
• Ledgers is portrayed as had having a positive growing future prior to his death.
  
• Taylor was portrayed as having a negative past, a complicated future, and minimalization of his achievements.
  

Why am I mentioning this, and why now?

I realize that Heath Ledger has just died. I can imagine how his family and friends are taking this sudden and shocking news. I do not intend to be insensitive.

But the fact remains that the media is unjust and biased in its coverage. And that pisses me off. I’m tired of reading about the death of an African American celebrity/entertainer a week after the event. Or that their life is minimized, and coverage short and sporadic. Then a White celebrity/entertainer dies and up to a week, or even months of coverage ensue.

I’m tired of hearing all the wonderful things about drunken drug addicted ignorant White entertainers (a la Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, ect) that need our sympathy. Then I get to hear all the negative mean items about African American entertainers that survived and overcame gangs, poverty, inadequate education systems, social bias, racism, and sometimes more.

But to say this in retrospect does not have the same impact as watching the news today and seeing the impact. Pay attention to the news, and note what is being said. See how much is said about the tribute to Sean Taylor. See how they describe Sean Taylor’s life. Then wait a few months and watch how Heath Ledger will be discussed in what I expect will be a grand scale when the next Batman movie comes out. Watch how much time will be given to remember the positive aspects of Heath, several months from now.

Is this the perfect time? No. But there never is in such matters. But if we cannot celebrate the past of our heroes and entertainers equally, then how can we expect anything else to be equal? If we are not the same in death, how can we be the same in life?

If the major news media can’t be colorblind in death, then I don’t need to know about that death. James Brown was not buried for a month and the major media never noticed. But Anna Nicole Smith, who’s body was a matter of legal debate – exactly the same as James Brown’s was and at the same tme, received multiple days of live coverage.

I don’t want to insult the dead. But I do want to criticize the living. Because the little things matter, a lot. And I’m tired of the lopsided commentary that only exists to subtly and directly stereotype and minimize the existence of any person of color.

Thank you and Merry Christmas - 12.24.2007.1

As the Holiday spirit descends on the billions across the planet I want to take a moment to recognize those not here. Whether it was entertainers and celebrities we lost like James Brown and Washington Redskin Sean Taylor. Or those brave souls in our Armed Forces that are in harm’s way every day, fighting and dying for us in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the far corners of the Earth. Even those that find themselves incarcerated or those without homes. All of them and so many more have someone who loves and misses them, if not dozens.

Too often the world seems to speed by and too many seem to be forgotten. So for whomever it is you miss and whatever reason, I want to express my condolences, pride, thanks and love. I, among multitudes, have not forgotten.

I especially want to thank, remember, and give my heartfelt best wishes to those who are serving in our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Without your sacrifices and efforts I know that I could not sit comfortably and write to the blogs I do. Thank you for the freedom you ensure for me and America.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, and may the New Year bring everyone peace, prosperity and joy.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass

The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on - 12.18.2007.1

If I told you that an A-list American actor made a public announcement about the government and its injustice, and no one covered it, would you believe me. Think about that.

When Ellen DeGeneres cried about a puppy, it was news for 2+ days. When Rosie O’Donnell got into a battle of name calling with Donald Trump, it was news for over a month. When Anna Nicole Smith died, 3 months. And Paris Hilton has been a week each incident. And that’s just off the top of my head.

How much news did Hanoi Jane Fonda get in her various anti-America rants? Or Sean Penn? Bill Maher? The major news media seems to salivate any time that a celebrity or entertainer makes an announcement or is in the news.

But there is a difference. Even in the worst cases of the news that was apparently targeting bad behavior there is a difference. At the worst of news on David Hasselhoff, Lindsey Lohan, Alec Baldwin, or Don Imus there was a sense of sympathy.

But when the A-lister is African American things change. Compare any of the coverage I’ve mentioned above with the coverage of James Brown’s death, OJ Simpson, Al Sharpton, Michael Vick, or Wesley Snipes as an example. Particularly Wesley Snipes at this moment.

Back in late 2006 there was an onslaught of news about charges made by the Government against Mr. Snipes. There were quick and deliberate statements made, while Mr. Snipes was out of the country working (which I think the Government knew considering the resources available to them).

I stated in October 2006

“I have some issues with this whole thing. First is the fact that the government accepted an amended claim of 0 income and made a refund of $7,000,000 without a red flag popping up is not Mr. Snipes fault. I would think someone would have noticed before now. And to suddenly issue a warrant without contacting an individual that has international travel as a normal course of business seems extreme. So far as has been reported no attempt to contact Mr. Snipes has been done.”

I then went on to say in that same post

“As a celebrity it would not be unusual for him to be on vacation, or on a trip, outside the country or in seclusion. It would not be strange for Mr. Snipes to be working on a film somewhere in the world, and not immediately aware of what is going on here in the United States.”

To my knowledge there was not a single major news media organization, nor the U.S. government, that stated the abovementioned thought. 2 days later I was proven correct.

“Well I’m not sure if Mr. Snipes is exactly innocent, but I do agree that he is being railroaded. The media has worked hard to portray him negatively, though there have been no facts to go on.”

Continued in Part 2...

Too much on Anna Nicole Smith - 2.20.2007.3

It’s amazing what is going on with the Anna Nicole Smith burial case. This is just too much. The trail has been THE story on Fox News for about 3 hours. If you thought that Mr. Donald Trump vs. Ms. Rosie O’donnell was a waste of time, I have no idea how to classify this. Seriously other things are happening in the world.


But this must be spoken on in a brief manner. It is obvious that for many of the participants this is all about money. That is quite sad. From what I can gather, Mr. Stern was never the husband of Anna Nicole. He is able to gain financially from the will. He was aware of what would be in the will when it was made. He is trying to establish that he will is sound, and that the will and the birth certificate give him the rights to the name and image of Anna Nicole as well as managing the inheritance of the baby.

Perhaps it is me, but it seems like Mr. Stern was all about the money almost from day one. His only client since 2002 was Anna, he benefited from her will, he was around her as she used drugs, and he was ‘involved’ with her while she had sexual relationships with other men. This does not sound like a caring individual. And he ‘generously’ offered to give up the commission fees that he is entitled to via the will, though he will not give up the right to manage any money from the will. To me he has clearly stated he is after the money.

It seems quite clear that he has no idea who the biological father is. I believe he is quite sure it isn’t him. Of all the people that have claimed the child, Mr. Birkhart seems to be the only one with a valid claim and an interest that goes beyond the money. He has been trying to claim his rights as the father before the issue of inheritance was ever an issue. Mr. Stern needs to take a paternity test and this will all get resolved incredibly quickly.

This case just shows how much waste is in the justice system. I have no doubt that new laws will be created based on this case so future cases can be even more confused. This is a sign that the baby girl of Anna Nicole will be quite messed up.

And some think that black families are odd. I’ve never seen such a confused case, talk about Baby Mama/ Baby Daddy drama.

But what about the news on Mr. James Brown’s body? What about the difficulty in that case? Where is the news on that? Why hasn’t the Godfather of Soul been allowed to be laid to rest?

With news 24/7 I can’t imagine there is nothing of more importance happening in the world. What has happened on the Sean Bell case? What of the Hispanic child that an Amber Alert has been released on? What about the news of the premature black baby that was the size of a pen when she was born? For 3 hours there has been no mention of anything else. That is perhaps more sad than anything else.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Movies for 2007 and beyond - 12.27.2006.5

Even as the year ends and we mourn the surprising losses of political, artistic and musical giants some things keep moving ahead. There have definitely been losses that will be felt in every medium. Mr. Peter Boyle, Mr. Joe Barbera, Mr. James Brown, and most recently Mr. Gerald Ford have all passed in this month, and signaling a changing world. Yet there are some things in the works to help us keep our memories of these great figures alive.

Much like the cartoons of Hanna/Barbera (and the generous license taken by the likes of the creators of Harvey Birdman - Attorney at Law), the syndication and movies with Mr. Boyle (Young Frankenstein and Everyone Love Raymond), and the Oscar winning cinematic portrayal of Mr. Ray Charles and Mr. Malcolm X, the life of Mr. James Brown is already in the works. Mr. Charles had already been working with noted producer Brian Grazer. Adding to the excitement of the project is the fact that renown director Mr. Spike Lee has taken the helm. Mr. Lee is no novice to creating a biopic movie, the acclaimed Malcolm X film starring Mr. Denzel Washington was his creation. [Why that film did not get an Oscar nomination, nor did Mr. Washington get one escapes me completely.]

This is a film that I look forward to seeing. I can’t imagine right now who might be portrayed as Mr. Brown. There are few Black actors that have enough skill to sing the part (that I know of), and there is no singer that has the acting ability (with the exception of Mr. Will Smith but I don’t think he looks the part and he is more of a rapper than singer). Yet given the fact that Mr. Lee has an eye for talent there may be a new surprise for everyone in this role.

On the other spectrum of upcoming films is the news that Mr. Willie Nelson will be lending a hand for Ms. Jessica Simpson’s latest film. Of course the film is to be a remake, or “revisioning” of an older film – Working Girl. I am left without any anticipation or interest in this latest endeavor. It’s not just that I think that Ms. Simpson has little acting talent, but that the film being copied is not classic enough to warrant a redo. It was a decent film, helped in large part by the abilities of Ms. Melanie Griffith, Ms. Sigourney Weaver and Mr. Harrison Ford. Taking out these highly talented entertainers and replacing them with the comparatively pop fluff likes of Ms. Simpson and Mr. Luke Wilson (who was quite good in The Royal Tenenbaums), and Mr. Andy Dick.

I especially have no love for the work of Mr. Dick nor his recent actions [What I feel about Andy Dick - 12.6.2006.2]. Perhaps if Mr. Dick were completely absent, and the role of Ms. Simpson were miniscule I would consider seeing this film. That is not the case though. I’m sure the concept of the film will be interesting enough to the 15-24 demographic of women movie-goers to capture a profit. Perhaps even a sequel. Yet I still have to think it will just be another addition to the extremely long list of remakes and flops once it arrives.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Sadness and joy - 12.25.2006.1

On this Christmas day I hope that all is well dear readers. I want to speak about a couple of thoughts, but first I must share some sad news. Mr. James Brown has passed away at the age of 73. The hardest working man in show business will now get a chance to rest and we will all miss him.

There is no question that the music world has taken a great loss. Whether it’s soul, rap, hip hop, disco or rock Mr. Brown touched them all. Like few entertainers before or since Mr. Brown inspired decades of music. Dance moves, singing style, music and lyrics have all endured the test of time, gaining new fans in each generation. It’s been said that the music of Mr. James Brown is the most sampled and therefore most heard music in the last quarter century at least. And there is no secret that many of the top performers has copied his dance moves as much as his music and lyrical style. Truly we will miss him, and I take solace in that he will never know the pressures and pain that he endured in life.

In happier news it’s been announced that Bono will become a Knight. While there is no equivalent in America, I’d compare it to marrying into the Rockerfeller or Kennedy families. In becoming a knight Bono becomes royalty, even if the title is only honorary. As a Irishman Bono, who’s birth name is Mr. Paul Hewson, cannot use the title Sir as only British citizens can. In addition this rare honor is given to few, and fewer non-Britons, but due to the politics of the Irish-British relations it is quite rare. I’m only aware of Mr. Bob Geldof as the other recipient of such an honor that was Irish and accepted.

Bono joins an exclusive group though, which includes Mr. Geldof, Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Steven Spielberg, and Mr. Rudy Guliani. That’s a group worth joining I think. And as part of such a group the activities that Bono supports, namely aid to African nations among others, are given more political clout and power. I’m always glad to mention when an entertainer strives to help others in the world, and Bono has done a great deal for Africa. With this knighthood I can only expect him to continue his work and hope for even greater success.

On a more personal note I want to wish all of my readers, and their families and friends, the very best of holidays. I hope you all enjoy this time and find it filled with peace, joy and success. I hope that these gifts follow you all into the new year, 2007.

This is what I think, what do you think?