America and Muslims - we love them

I was speaking with a friend of mine the other day who was as upset as any of us over the shootings committed by Maj. Nidal Hasan. My friend was very upset about the shooting, and like many he took out his frustration by cursing all Muslims. Which I was quick to correct.

I remember this conversation because it has just been released today that NBA great Karem Abdul Jabbar has a rare form of leukemia. The news is shocking and I wish him the best. But at the same time I want to use this as an opportunity to remind some of us that America has never had a problem with Muslims or Islam - just fanatics.

The history of Muslims in America, like elsewhere in the world is comprised of many versions of truth. Some have always had a fear of the religion. Some have never understood it. Some haven't a clue what it is about. And up until 9/11 few people cared.

But there have been Muslims around us, and praised by us, long before there was a Osama Bin Laden.

Perhaps the most famous is the greatest boxer to have lived, and arguably the greatest athlete of the 20th Century. He is also without question one of the best known celebrities of the world. His name is Muhammad Ali.

Notice that when I mention his name how many didn't realize he is a devout Muslim. That he has long ago converted and gave up his given name Cassius Clay. That over the years of cartoons, tv shows, commercials and movies about his life, there was no problem about his religion. Of course there were issues when he converted, and refused to go to Viet Nam. But I think the issue then was the war and not his religious reasons to object.

Do we think of Muhammad Ali when we think of Maj. Hasan?

There is Karem Abdul Jabbar. A force in the NBA, a record breaker and maker. A celebrity that has endured for decades. A man that any basketball fan can place anywhere. Hell even those that know almost nothing about basketball know him from his many commercials, and even a few movies.

Is he what people think of when they think of Osama Bin Laden? Or Muslims?

Stepping away from sports, how about Dave Chappelle. He has made millions laugh out loud. He had one of the most popular comedy shows on television, ever. He broke DVD sales records that Seinfeld wishes he could have had.

Even after his decision to give up the wealth that Comedy Central was offering for his integrity, he has remained a celebrity on the A-list. He continues to make people laugh. And he has been a Muslim while doing all of that.

Does knowing he is a Muslim make him less funny? Or un-American?

There are many more examples. Some famous, some live next door to you right now. But they are all Americans. They are all people we know, and work with, and get cancer or get old. They are regular people.

I feel no less compassion, nor more, for Karem Abdul Jabbar and his battle with cancer because of his religious faith. And anyone that does allow his religion to affect their views is a lowly person indeed.

Are there fanatics that hate America, or parts of it, and are Muslim? Indeed. Just as there are Christian fanatics that kill abortion doctors, or just insane people that kill others like at Columbine. But I don't see people angry at Christians or White teens because of the actions of a few psychos.

I look forward to hearing that Maj. Hasan will receive death by firing squad for what he has done, unless he is proven innocent which I highly doubt. But that in no way is a reflection on how we should feel about all Muslims.

Its something that some of us need to remember.

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.

Movie Preview: Facing Ali

Here is a movie that I am definitely going to see. It is the movie about the Great One. The greatest that there has been. A movie about a man beloved by the world and whose influence helped shape America.

No this is not about President Obama. Not even close. I’m speaking about Muhammad Ali.



This is an intresting and unique insight into the life and career of the greatest sports entertainer of the last century (or number 2 depending on which list of athletes you look at). It is a homage, a tribute, a reflection at how the men that faced the living legend of Muhammad Ali went into and then lived after their battles.

To this day Muhammad Ali is beloved around the world. His name still is known to even children in the far reaches of the globe. Even in Muslim-phobic America, he is cherished. Considering all that, how can you not watch this documentary?

Is this a film for boxing fans? Of course. Is it a film for African Americans? Not specifically but yes. Is this a film that anyone not in the prior 2 groups can see? I would certainly hope you do.

Because Muhammad Ali is more than just a boxer, or just African American. He is not defined by his religion, profession, or skin tone. Most I think understand that, over the age of 35. But for those that never saw a fight of Muhammad Ali, who never saw the television cartoons, or the live interviews this is a must see. Because I believe this will give insight to what a professional athlete can be, and few rise up to become. This movie I believe will touch upon how this man overcame adversity, and nay-sayers, to become known as The Greatest.

There is just nothing more to say. The movie trailer says it all I think.

40th Annual NAACP Image Awards

For those that are needing another Awards show fix until the Oscar Awards, there is hope. The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards show is just over 24 hours away. Rejoice.

Actually this awards show should be interesting for more than the fact that it highlights the achievements of people of color, something rarely done by the Academy Awards. This year is also the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. Thus I expect the television broadcast to be quite special.

There will be stars a plenty as well. Halle Berry and Tyler Perry will be presenting. Which says nothing of those celebrities in attendance. All of whom I expect to note the significance of what the NAACP has done over the years.

A special honoree will be Muhammad Ali. He is a man well deserving of recognition and I am happy to know he will be singled out for praise. He is one of the major catalysts in some of the changes that have occurred in sports, television, and international perceptions of African Americans. More should credit what he has done and achieved.

Another honoree will be Russell Simmons. He has been highly influential beyond just music. He has been a great role model of how successful any African American businessperson can be. His empire of clothing, music, finance, televison and film ventures is the match of most any business. Such is the power of a mind dedicated in its purpose.

But on the pure awards front here are a few of the categories and my thoughts.

Outstanding Picture:
"Cadillac Records"
"Miracle at St. Anna"
"The Secret Life of Bees"
"Seven Pounds" – I expect this to win
"Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys"

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Derek Luke – "Miracle at St. Anna"
Don Cheadle – "Traitor" - This is my pick
Jeffrey Wright – "Cadillac Records"
Rob Brown – "The Express"
Will Smith – "Seven Pounds" - The main competition

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Alfre Woodard – "Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys"
Angela Bassett – "Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns" - Probable winner
Dakota Fanning – "The Secret Life of Bees" - main competition
Queen Latifah – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Rosario Dawson – "Seven Pounds"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Cedric the Entertainer – "Cadillac Records"
Columbus Short – "Cadillac Records"
Dev Patel – "Slumdog Millionaire" - Great choice for popularity with the Oscars
Mos Def – "Cadillac Records"
Nate Parker – "The Secret Life of Bees"

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Alicia Keys – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Beyoncé Knowles – "Cadillac Records"
Jennifer Hudson – "The Secret Life of Bees" - The winner
Sophie Okonedo – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Taraji P. Henson – "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
"Ballast"
"Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom"
"Rachel Getting Married"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"The Visitor"

I am amazed that this category did not include A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy or Diary of a Tired Black Man. I would really have loved to see Diary win too. But such controversy is beyond the NAACP I suppose.

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture
"Captain Abu Raed"
"The Class"
"Mongol" - Possible winner (but I have not seen it)
"Song of Sparrows"
"Under the Same Moon"

Outstanding Documentary
"The Black List"
"Black Magic"
"CNN Presents: Black in America"
"Dare Not Walk Alone"
"Trouble the Water"

I have no idea in this list, but I would guess it will be CNN. Mostly because of the very positive coverage of President Obama throughout the election.

I am not covering the television choices because I feel that there really is no choice available. There are virtually no lead actors, and too little diversity in television to really have a selection to choose from. That is not the fault of the NAACP, but Hollywood and its double standards. [Though I will say that Sean Combs should never win.]

So with that said, there is your next Awards fix.

Golden Globes, Sundance, and Poker - 1.19.2007.1

So here are the events of the week, I have a new page just for Valentine’s day. Click on the heart and you may see something your sweetheart will enjoy. Go ahead and check it out. My other new section deals with the 2008 election and the people that would run for the Presidency. I need your support on this. Let’s get them to respond to more than just major donors and their political parties on their platforms. Check the link above, or in the sitemap for more.

As for the calendar : Mr Muhammad Ali was born on the 17th in 1942, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was born on the 18th in 1856 – he was the first to do a successful open heart surgery.

One of the first things I want to mention is that I’m glad to see that Ms. Jennifer Hudson, Mr. Eddie Murphy, Mr. Forest Whitaker, Mr. Guillermo Del Toro, and the movies Dreamgirls and Pan’s Labyrinth have all been recognized. Each won a Golden Globe, which is a strong indication of where the Oscar’s will go. I would love to see each of these individuals, and the respective movies, win Oscar’s. It would be a sweet feather in their cap for each of them. There is no question of ability here, they deserve it. Let’s hope that the Oscar’s infamously rumored biases are put on hold and they get it right. But considering how the Oscar’s work, I doubt if more than one person in the above mentioned group will win anything. [I’ll make a guess and say it will be Ms. Hudson. While the Oscar’s rarely give the award to a new actor/actress I think they want the attention that giving it to an ex-Idol participant will generate.]

In reference to the comments by Mr. Robert Redford (a fantastic actor and solid director) at the Sundance Film Festival, I will make a brief comment. I will simply mention that equally famous, respected, qualified, talented individuals in the entertainment industry that are republican exist and I doubt they feel as he does. [Some of those people include – Mr. Denzel Washington, Mr. Jerome Bettis, Mr. Shaquille O’Neal, Mr. David Robinson, Mr. Bo Jackson, Mr. Reggie White, Mr. Tiger Woods, Mr. Karl Malone, Mr. John Hughes, Mr. Frank Capra, Mr. Bruce Willis, Mr. Quentin Tarantino and more.] I will simply state that there is more than one way to look at what the President has done, failures and missteps inclusive, and to request an apology is unwarranted. To ask it on behalf of the nation is arrogant. I don’t want an apology, nor do I wish Mr. Redford to ask for one on my behalf.

And as for the odd news going into the weekend there is the question of Poker. Is poker a game of chance or skill? It doesn’t seem too hard to figure it out. No matter how skilled you may be, it all depends on the cards you draw right? Well it’s not that simple in East London. It is a question that the courts there will be ruling on. The reason is that a private club was hosting poker games, and in England that is illegal without a gambling license. The government believes that any game of chance, which they include poker in, must be licensed. The owner of the club obviously disagrees.

This should take no time at all. It’s a silly matter that I think must be seen as a waste of the courts time. And it’s pretty simple to figure out. What are the odds of getting 4 of a kind, in a game of say 5 people. Now figure out the odds for a skilled player – the best in the world. Do the odds improve? Since they won’t the risk involved is random and thus it’s a game of chance. But that’s one American’s view. I’m sure our British cousins will work out the details and get to the same point, it just needs to be done with a stiff upper lip and the proper manners. [That’s supposed to be a joke, I realize I’m not a comedian so don’t send me letters about the lack of humor.]

This is what I think, what do you think?

Belated birthday, Paul Sorvino, and Madonna - 1.18.2007.1

Yesterday was the birthday of The Greatest. No other title or additional words need to be said to describe him. I have no doubt that he is the most famous and loved athlete in the world in the last century, at the least. He has conversed and humbled royalty, while being humble himself. Well at least when he wasn’t at work.

Have you guessed whom I’m speaking of? It’s Mr. Muhammad Ali. He turned 65. Like many of my generation, and those before us, the name conjures an image of a powerful, healthy Black man who’s strength of will seemed to be matched only by the speed of his mind and the abilities he displayed in the boxing ring. Many focus on his boxing abilities, which are no small thing, but it’s only one aspect of the man. His efforts to release the hostages in Iran, his humanitarian work that continues today, the worldwide respect for his actions cannot be limited to so small a space as a ring. Parkinson’s disease and many incredible battles have taken their toll on his body, but friends and family state his mind has never dulled. They say he is happy and enjoying life. I hope that is true. Because The Greatest deserves no less.

In thoughts of another man I respect I want to mention Mr. Paul Sorvino. In news that I have not seen catch any attention, Mr. Sorvino pulled a gun on a man. Well I don’t know if I’d call the other guy a man. Let me explain. The ex-boyfriend of one of Mr. Sorvino’s daughters was threatening to kill her and break into a hotel room she was staying at. Ms. Amanda Sorvino called the police and her father. Mr. Sorvino arrived and he had a gun. No one was shot, no charges against Mr. Sorvino were made. And that’s how it should be. I commend Mr. Sorvino for protecting his child and standing up to a man that also threatened to kill him, allegedly.

That is what fathers should do. That is what a man should do. Especially as opposed to the cowardly and ill-formed actions of this other guy, whom I won’t even bother to mention. This wasn’t some kind of attempt to show off, or draw publicity. It wasn’t some kind of misplaced bravado or self-aggrandizement. The gun wasn’t some accessory or fashion statement. There’s more to being a man than being a ‘baby-daddy’. This might not have been the best example, and it wasn’t intended to be one. Yes it’s an example all the same. And there’s more than a few young boys that need to learn.

As for the next item, I have mixed feelings. While I am glad that the Malawi boy adopted by Madonna will have a great life, I don’t like how and potentially why she adopted him. I don’t like the apparently growing trend of entertainers and celebrities adopting children from 3rd world nations (especially African ones) because of the ease or lack of laws in the process. I’m glad those individual children will live better, though thousands, perhaps millions, of others will not. I’m disturbed that Madonna would suggest anyone should adopt a child on the basis of ease, like it’s online shopping or Ebay. The fact that millions of children in the U.S. could go on without a family due to Madonna suggesting people should go for ease over anything else is troubling.

It further makes me wonder about her motivation. And one has to question the intent. Is Madonna saying that this same child wasn’t worth a bit of extra effort if he had lived in America or another African nation that had formal laws on adoption? Did she make the donation just to ensure the, relative, ease of the process she went through [which I commented on, in a post previously, violates established laws]. Does the process that Madonna has brought to light mean that anyone with enough money deserves to get a child, quickly without any real checks to see if they are mentally stable or a pedophile? And why is Madonna talking and promoting the ease of the process in adopting the boy, instead of about the boy himself? [I didn’t see the David Letterman show she was on so I don’t know if she did]

I don’t know, but this whole event has made me feel unsettled.

This is what I think, what do you think?

What about Rocky? - 12.28.2006.1

Have you seen the latest Rocky movie? I haven’t, and I will probably pick it up as a DVD or from a bootleg. Given that I was watching a couple of programs and noticed a couple of things about the Rocky movies I started to wonder. The movies have been successful, and I have seen the first 4 in the series. I have enjoyed the ones I’ve seen. That said there are some things that I wonder about.

When I look at the latest movie trailers and I consider that there has not been a champion boxer that has been White in decades, is part of the success due to the dream (or wish) that it was true for the white patrons viewing the film? Is the entire Rocky series just wishful fulfillment for the millions of White Americans that have lost a connection with the boxers that have held titles for years now? It’s a deeper question than is seems to be. I think it also may be more accurate than it appears on the surface.

The ultimate way to view this is to ask ‘would Rocky still be the success it is if the lead character was black’? On top of that would the movies work if the black lead were fighting a white champion? Do either of these things change the movies?

To answer the first question the answer should be it makes no difference. But that answer would be rhetoric and untrue. It does make a difference. Envisioning the movies and placing a black lead does not fit, and it’s not because Mr. Sylvester Stallone was so great. There are many movies that anyone can envision another actor portraying as well if not better than the actual actor in the film. Only truly classic films, like It’s a Wonderful Life or The Godfather are examples of movies where either the acting or the storyline (or a combination of both) prevent seeing another in that role. Rocky is not a classic film, good but not classic and there are other actors that could have done it.

So why does that make a difference? Because it wouldn’t be an underdog story. If this were a movie done in the era of the 1930’s or so it wouldn’t work. It wouldn’t work with a black champion or lead. It’s just too unbelievable. Which is sad because it should be able to work.

Yet I cab understand the need to feel connected. I would imagine millions of Black Americans have no connection to most of the programs on television, like I do. While there are good shows out there I’ve noticed that shows where there is some type of diversity tend to attract my attention more than others. The Blade series, the Shield, Eureka, House, CSI and other shows have character(s) that I can empathize with more and in part I want to see how those character fare in those series. Shows like Seinfeld, Friends, Will & Grace did not, and I viewed them occasionally but never felt a connection to them. [Shows like Cheer, Frasier, Moonlighting and others were favorites without connection to similar characters.]

This also feeds into the desire of connection with the film. An audience needs to feel connected to the characters and/or the situation. While there is no denying that fans of all races and nationalities enjoy boxing today, there is also no denying that many would like to see a White champion. It’s natural. They can connect with that character. It’s no different than the millions of African Americans that connected with Mr. Muhammad Ali, or Mr. Tiger Woods as they took the world stage by storm. Even in basketball this is true, though to a lesser extent, and in football with quarterbacks like Mr. Warren Moon and others. The fans can see themselves as that figure and can connect more completely with their success. It’s wish fulfillment.

In terms of Rocky, the success of non-White athletes is not an underdog story but somewhat of a given as there have been decades of champions without a White contender. I think the last real shot was Mr. Cooney some time ago. I could be wrong and please let me know if I am.

So Is Rocky really a great series of films, or a good film propelled by the desires that are unrealized in the real world? And what does that mean about the psyche of America? Does that mean a White champion would make more money just because of his skin color? That a so-so contender would be paid more, and propelled up the ranks faster just to give fans a new dream?

Given that there is no direct connection between reality and the movies, it’s interesting how close the character of Apollo is to Mr. Ali and Mr. Joe Frasier. The character of Clubber Lang (the début film for former bouncer Mr. T) seems eerily like Mr. Mike Tyson, thought the release pre-dates Mr. Tyson by 4 years.

I realize that the film is regarded as a classic by many, and that it won 3 Oscar Awards. I understand that it made over 100 million dollars in profit. Even so, it is not on the caliber of the Marathon Man, The Sting, and others. The question remains in my mind what is behind the great performance of these movies (the 3rd and 4th movies were not nearly as good as the first 2 and made more money). And what does that mean if I am correct.

Or am I just letting my mind wander too much?

This is what I think, what do you think?