I know it has been awhile since I have done a post but I could not wait to do a post about The Help starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis. I had the opportunity to read the book first (written by Kathryn Stockett) and I knew then it was going to be an instant hit. If you have seen the movie but have not read the book, I do recommend that you read the book. Even though the movie kept close to the book, the movie does leave out parts from book (which is common when a book is adapted into a movie) that helps you get an even deeper understanding of the characters. I understand that even if a movie is flawless there are still going be some critics who not going to care for a movie. But what urks me is when critics pick the smallest, non-significant detail to make a big deal about. Unfortunately, a lot of the negative feedback for this movie has come from the black community.
A major criticism that I have heard about the movie (and the book) is that it is a white woman telling the story of black maids. What made me mad about this criticism was that it was obviously made by someone who had not read the book. I agree that no one can tell the story better of what it was to be a black maid in Jackson, Mississippi in 1960's better than someone who was a black maid in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's. In the book and the movie, Skeeter, a young, recent college graduate white woman, says it plainly: "It's not about me." The Help made it very clear that this was not going to be a story about making it seem like it was a walk in the park to be a black maid during a time when just expressing your opinion about Jim Crow laws would have got you lynched, another point brought out in the book and movie. I actually respect Kathryn Stockett for telling the ugly truth of her people to bring to light an unfortunate part of our history.
Some other criticism that I have heard is that the movie left out some facts, like the sexual abuse some maids endured from the men they worked for. Again, if these critics had read the book they would have seen that this issue is discussed. I'm not sure why this was not discussed in the movie but Hilly Holbrook gave us enough bigotry for us to get the picture of what it was to be a maid in Mississippi or anywhere in the South for that matter. I just love how the critics and historians (mostly black people who did not grow up in this era) are calling the move out for not being accurate. I had the privilege of going to see this movie with my mother, who grew up in the 1950's and 1960's. It was very hard for my mother to enjoy the movie because it was an hour and 40 minute flashback for her. She expressed to me that she felt like she was going to have to walk out because of just how accurate it was. May I also note that Myrlie Evers, Medgar Ever's wife who is mentioned in the movie, had high remarks for the movie.
I get that not everyone is going to like the movie. We are all entitled to our opinion. But not only do I think this movie is accurate but it was beautifully portrayed by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, who I hope both get Oscar nominations. But before you (rather you are black or white) develop an opinion about The Help, read the book and see the movie. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
#NaturalHair,IsItReallyThatSerious?
Let me start off this post by saying that I have nothing against natural hair. It is the way God made it and everything He makes is beautiful. I have seen some women who have made the natural look look so stylish that I have considered taking some clippers to my own head. Because it has made such a comeback (the last time natural hair was a big deal was in the 1970s), I feel inspired to write about it.
Hair, especially in the black community, has been away for people to express themselves. Rather it's hair color, braids, a weave, or now, thanks to celebrities Tyra Banks and Beyonce, lacefront wigs, black women have been doing creative things with their hair for centuries. Even styles that I would not want to be buried in, I still respect the creativity of it. But I think one thing that has irritated me when it comes to the whole natural look phenomenon is how black women become so offended when those of other races (and sometimes other black people) admire their hair or want to touch it. You ask the wrong black woman to touch their hair and you could be getting yourself into a brawl.
I read a blog recently that said that this is a way of white people making black people property again because they can just reach out and touch some one's hair without asking. I agree I would be a little creeped out if someone started touching my hair without asking but PROPERTY? That is a little extreme. Why is it that every time someone of another race admires or comments on black culture, black people have to make it this huge race issue? Some white women makes a comment or wants to touch your hair, tell her thank you and you prefer people not to touch your hair but don't bring it back to slavery! When we get our panties all in a bunch about simple things, that to me is a bad look for our people.
This makes me remember an incident my freshmen year of college. I was working in a group for a class project and I was the only black person in the group. One day while working on the project, a member of the group (a white girl) said, "Please do not take this the wrong way, but I like your hair. It's not like other black people's hair." It took me back for minute but I said thank you and continued to work on the project. I did not feel this need to give her a "what do you mean it not like other black people's hair?" speech and then make her feel like she was the biggest racist since the Ku Klux Klan. As far as I am concern, she made a statement and I gave her a reply. No need for the second Civil Rights Movement.
Some people feel like natural hair is a political thing or breaking away from white standards. I see it as one who is tired of paying $50 or more every 6 weeks for the creamy crack (relaxer). Whatever your reasons, remember it is hair. No reason to start another war over it.
Hair, especially in the black community, has been away for people to express themselves. Rather it's hair color, braids, a weave, or now, thanks to celebrities Tyra Banks and Beyonce, lacefront wigs, black women have been doing creative things with their hair for centuries. Even styles that I would not want to be buried in, I still respect the creativity of it. But I think one thing that has irritated me when it comes to the whole natural look phenomenon is how black women become so offended when those of other races (and sometimes other black people) admire their hair or want to touch it. You ask the wrong black woman to touch their hair and you could be getting yourself into a brawl.
I read a blog recently that said that this is a way of white people making black people property again because they can just reach out and touch some one's hair without asking. I agree I would be a little creeped out if someone started touching my hair without asking but PROPERTY? That is a little extreme. Why is it that every time someone of another race admires or comments on black culture, black people have to make it this huge race issue? Some white women makes a comment or wants to touch your hair, tell her thank you and you prefer people not to touch your hair but don't bring it back to slavery! When we get our panties all in a bunch about simple things, that to me is a bad look for our people.
This makes me remember an incident my freshmen year of college. I was working in a group for a class project and I was the only black person in the group. One day while working on the project, a member of the group (a white girl) said, "Please do not take this the wrong way, but I like your hair. It's not like other black people's hair." It took me back for minute but I said thank you and continued to work on the project. I did not feel this need to give her a "what do you mean it not like other black people's hair?" speech and then make her feel like she was the biggest racist since the Ku Klux Klan. As far as I am concern, she made a statement and I gave her a reply. No need for the second Civil Rights Movement.
Some people feel like natural hair is a political thing or breaking away from white standards. I see it as one who is tired of paying $50 or more every 6 weeks for the creamy crack (relaxer). Whatever your reasons, remember it is hair. No reason to start another war over it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
#BOLDNoYouAreRUDE
Ealier today I watched the interview between Lil Mama and DJ Charlamagne from The Breakfast Club Radio Show in New York. On the radio show DJ Charlamagne called Lil Mama out for having in an "old looking" face and the "Jay-Z and Alicia Keys MTV Awards" stunt. *Side Note: DJ Charlamagne is not even a little attractive. To check out the interview you can click on this link Lil Mama Interview. Lil Mama gets two snaps up (in my Men on Film voice, In Living Color refrence for those of you wondering where that came from) for keeping her composure and holding her ground. She gave a perfect example of how to deal with ignorance.
That leads me to the main purpose of post: there is nothing bold or funny about being out right rude to people. The sad thing is this is becoming more acceptable in our society. If you watch the interview DJ Envy basically tells Lil Mama prepare to be disrespected. At no time did the other DJs on the show defend or stop Charlamagne for disrespecting this young woman but thought it was fine (and we wonder why suicide among young women is high). Mind you that one of the DJs on this show is a woman.
Now we can expect to see people being rude to celebrities, but regular people do it all the time to each other. I hate this phrase "I'm not rude, I'm real." If your words hurt other people, you are rude. There is a scripture in the Bible (and I apologize for not knowing the exact book, chapter, and verse) that says the tongue is like a sword. The scripture is saying that the tongue can cut like a sword and harm those we are addressing. Even when we are being funny, we can be seriously hurting someone. What I hate most is unnecessary rudeness. What is the point of DJ Charlamagne telling Lil Mama that she has an "old-looking" face? What was gained out of that?
There is an old saying that says "If you do not have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." There are some people out there that needs to get this tattooed to their body so they are repeatedly reminded to follow that rule. I have cracked a joke or two in my past but I hope that I have never made anyone feel less than human.
That leads me to the main purpose of post: there is nothing bold or funny about being out right rude to people. The sad thing is this is becoming more acceptable in our society. If you watch the interview DJ Envy basically tells Lil Mama prepare to be disrespected. At no time did the other DJs on the show defend or stop Charlamagne for disrespecting this young woman but thought it was fine (and we wonder why suicide among young women is high). Mind you that one of the DJs on this show is a woman.
Now we can expect to see people being rude to celebrities, but regular people do it all the time to each other. I hate this phrase "I'm not rude, I'm real." If your words hurt other people, you are rude. There is a scripture in the Bible (and I apologize for not knowing the exact book, chapter, and verse) that says the tongue is like a sword. The scripture is saying that the tongue can cut like a sword and harm those we are addressing. Even when we are being funny, we can be seriously hurting someone. What I hate most is unnecessary rudeness. What is the point of DJ Charlamagne telling Lil Mama that she has an "old-looking" face? What was gained out of that?
There is an old saying that says "If you do not have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." There are some people out there that needs to get this tattooed to their body so they are repeatedly reminded to follow that rule. I have cracked a joke or two in my past but I hope that I have never made anyone feel less than human.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
#AmosAndAndy-BlackHistoryBanned4Ever
Today I watched a documentary on the first all black cast tv show 'Amos and Andy'. This past June the show turned 60 years old. If you have never heard of the show, it's excusable. The show has not been seen in syndication since 1966. The NAACP had it banned from tv forever because they felt it portrayed black people in a "negative light." Well, I got to see an episode and I have to admit that I did not share the same conclusion with the NAACP. So I have to ask, was it really necessary for the NAACP to ban this show?
Let's remember that the show was made in the 1950's, not the most political correct era. The premise of the show was Kingfish was always doing these get-rich-quick schemes and most of the time he would dupe Andy in the scheme. Amos was the narrator in the show. Let it be known that none of the actors or actresses in the show ever felt degraded while playing these characters. They were actually proud to be on a show where black people were being depicted as professionals rather than maids and butlers. Were they being silly and exaggerated? Well of course, it's a comedy! Ernestine Wade, the actress who played Sapphire, brought out the point that you don't watch a comedy to be educated. Marla Gibbs, best known as Florence on The Jeffersons and Mary on 227, also brought out that it was a good show and the show was not saying that this was how all black people acted. But that we all knew someone who acted like these characters.
Which brings me to my next point: was it really necessary to ban the show from tv forever? As stated before the NAACP fought CBS from the show's premier to get the show off the air. They saw it as an extreme negative portrayal of black people. What they did not see was a show that was making it possible for future shows like 'I Spy', 'The Cosbys', 'Family Matters' and 'The Game'. They did not see a show that broke the stereotypes by providing roles to black performers where they were doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. All they could see was black people being silly on television ( as I stated before the show was a comedy).
When I watch television today I'm more appalled at what we allow on tv to represent black people ( Real Housewives of Atlanta, Basketball Wives, Soul Plane). All these shows set our race back a whole lot further than 'Amos and Andy'. What the NAACP did was ban a part of black history. I think the NAACP needs a sense of humor.
Let's remember that the show was made in the 1950's, not the most political correct era. The premise of the show was Kingfish was always doing these get-rich-quick schemes and most of the time he would dupe Andy in the scheme. Amos was the narrator in the show. Let it be known that none of the actors or actresses in the show ever felt degraded while playing these characters. They were actually proud to be on a show where black people were being depicted as professionals rather than maids and butlers. Were they being silly and exaggerated? Well of course, it's a comedy! Ernestine Wade, the actress who played Sapphire, brought out the point that you don't watch a comedy to be educated. Marla Gibbs, best known as Florence on The Jeffersons and Mary on 227, also brought out that it was a good show and the show was not saying that this was how all black people acted. But that we all knew someone who acted like these characters.
Which brings me to my next point: was it really necessary to ban the show from tv forever? As stated before the NAACP fought CBS from the show's premier to get the show off the air. They saw it as an extreme negative portrayal of black people. What they did not see was a show that was making it possible for future shows like 'I Spy', 'The Cosbys', 'Family Matters' and 'The Game'. They did not see a show that broke the stereotypes by providing roles to black performers where they were doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. All they could see was black people being silly on television ( as I stated before the show was a comedy).
When I watch television today I'm more appalled at what we allow on tv to represent black people ( Real Housewives of Atlanta, Basketball Wives, Soul Plane). All these shows set our race back a whole lot further than 'Amos and Andy'. What the NAACP did was ban a part of black history. I think the NAACP needs a sense of humor.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
#CuttingSNAPandWICfunding
My last couple of posts have been mostly about what's going on in entertainment. But if you follow my blog, you know that a few months ago I said I wanted to include a portion of what I do at my job in my blog. Just as a reminder, I work at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance with the No Kid Hungry Campaign. I assist with increasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program formerly known as Food Stamps) participation and increasing summer feeding sites. Even though the work is sometimes a challenge, I enjoy what I do. But I feel there is going to be an even bigger challenge in the years to come concerning SNAP and WIC (Women Infants and Children).
What puzzles me is that programs that help families be at ease because they can feed their families are being cut while billions of dollars are spent on wars and the rich get tax cut after tax cut. Have those making decisions concerning the welfare of our country become so removed from those they serve that they cannot see how these budget cuts could put low-income families in a deeper hole of poverty? As I stated before I am not into politics but a blind man can see these potential budget cuts are unfair to those who desperately need them.
 |
| This is my sad face if these programs are cut |
For the 2012 Budget, Congress is considering cutting funding to nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. This could mean a harsh blow to low-income families, especially with unemployment being high. Before I go any further I do want to mention that I am not a political science major, that I'm not that up on my politics, and not even really that interested in politics. I say that to say this, starting a political debate with me is a waste of time. All information is this blog post is me just stating the facts and not arguing for one party or the other. If I am arguing for anyone it is for the human party (was that corny?).
But I digress. If this budget is passed, there will be drastic cuts to not only SNAP but also TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistant Program) and a $700 million cut (The Chicago Times, 2011) to WIC. WIC provides foods high in nutrients(beans, peanut butter, milk) that are critical to infants and children during critical growth and development. Most mothers are eligible for this program. This program saves billions of dollars in health costs that could be accumulated by these children if they do not get these foods. But yet, this is the program that could be potentially cut.
In the 2012 Budget, SNAP will not be cut completely. Each state will be given a block grant for SNAP benefits (Public News Service, 2011). If this happens it could mean that either the Department of Human Services (DHS) would have to change the eligibility for participants which could mean decreasing the resource limit (In Arkansas, you can own a home and still qualify for SNAP benefits) or lowering the amount of benefits a family can have. Either way more people could possibly go hungry.
Monday, June 27, 2011
#BETAwards2011
Nicki Minaji hitting on Justin Bieber, a tie between the Smith kids for Best Young Talent, and Rick Ross feeling a need to show the his C-cup breasts to the world, these were just a few of the highlights of this year's BET Awards. This year's award show, as far as I am concerned, did not let us down in performances (Chris Brown and Kelly Rowland were awesome) and foolery (Tiffany Green). I also fell in love with Kevin Hart (again) as this year's host. Just going to hit a few high (and low) points of the show. High Point: Kevin Hart as the host. The BET Award Show has had a few hits (Monique and Will and Jada Smith) and a whole lot of misses (Damon Wayans and some other forgettable people) when it has came to picking a host for the show. But Kevin Hart redeemed BET Award producers' ability to pick a decent host. Kevin started the show off with a step show (Kevin Phi Kevin) with little kids that were so cute! In his opening, he informed everyone that "No one is safe" and that more celebrities need a "No Man" in their entourage. He became their "No Man" by making fun of celebrities about their outfits (Busta Rhymes' Brain Vest), how some of them need to stop taking their shirts off (Trey Songz' beige greyhound chest), and that certain celebrities need to wear a sports bra (Rick Ross). Every time Hart was on stage, he was bringing the laughs. Congrats to @KevinHart4real for a job well done.
Low Point: The first low point I want to discuss is the opening. As much as I love Mary J. Blige, I do not think she should have been the opener. Do not get me wrong, Mary doing her greatest hits was awesome (I showed out when Real Love came on) but Mary did not have the energy to start off an award show. The opener sets the tone for the rest of the show. BET producers dropped the ball on that.
Low Point: Team Censorship and Tiffany Green. Apparently, BET is as scared of the FCC as much as Rick Ross is scared to zip up his jacket. Team Censorship was bleeping everything. There was certain times when I was quite sure that words they were bleeping were not even curse words. When a rapper was on stage, all I heard was BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP. I get it BET...FCC fines are way out of your budget. I would be hitting that bleep button too. The most famous name out of this show and still a trending topic a day after the show is Tiffany Green. I put absolutely no blame on her. But I do find fault with her fellow presenters, Terrance and Rocsi. These two host a LIVE show Monday through Friday and they could not even help this girl read a teleprompter and a tablet. Then she was blamed for being messy. After the incident Tiffany went backstage and tweeted that she was crying backstage and that BET did it on purpose. BET, two words: Do Better.
High Point: Cee Lo being a part of the tribute for Patti LaBelle. When he came out in that wig, I almost hit the floor. For a man, he does a pretty good Patti. Marsha Ambrosa did a beautiful job herself. Even Shirley Caesar with her fairy godmother, Cinderella, ice princess dress did a good job taking Patti back to church.
I give this year's award show 6 out of 10. It was pretty balance with it's greatest moments and foolery. BET, you doing better but you still got a few loose ends.
Friday, June 3, 2011
#ManDown-Rihanna's New Video
Rihanna's video for Man Down premiered this week. Before the video premiered I had heard talk about it's subject matter on the radio. At first I thought "Oh Lord, Rihanna has went back to her dark side." I was really hoping we were past this whole dark thing and she was back to singing upbeat pop tunes, the Rihanna we all love and know. But then this video comes out and the first scene is Rihanna shooting a man in a crowded Jamaican market place.
Let's start off with Rihanna's thoughts on the video. Rihanna is using this video to address rape issues. To her this will help girls to be brave enough to do something about their sexual abuse. Rihanna was not just trying to make a graphic video about rape and murder but was trying to make a video that get issues like rape to the mainstream. And we all know Rihanna is as mainstream as it gets. She makes a video about it, people will be watching and talking about it.
Now let's discuss the parents point of view. The Parents Television Council did have a problem with the video. Not because of the rape subject matter but because of the fact Rihanna kills the man who violated her. The PTC is not too happy that the video promotes killing the violator instead of the victim seeking help for what happen to them. Others have also bashed BET for showing the video primetime, especially on a show that is meant for teens (106 and Park). Rihanna has responded on Twitter by saying that she is a "23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS." (twitter.com, 2011) and doesn't understand why everybody expects her to be a parent.
I love how the PTC and others are making a big deal out of this video as if Rihanna's other songs are children appropriate. Her song titles include "Rude Boy", "S&M", and "What's My Name" just to name a few. Yea....none of those songs are exactly made for teens, or at least they shouldn't be. Parents need to take back the role of being the MAIN role models in their child lives or at least put their children in an environment (after school program, youth group, sports team, etc) where they can have role models that they [parents] would prefer and won't have time to watch Rihanna's video or anyone else's that might be inappropriate for children. At the same time, I do believe in social responsibility. Rihanna needs to understand that a good portion of her target audience are teenagers and teenagers are impressionable. They are easily influenced and are quick to follow the crowd. Hell, I know some adults that are easily influenced and quick to follow the crowd, but I digress.
In a nutshell, Rihanna is not a parent to the world's youth but it was a poor choice to put a video with such violence on primetime on a teen show. This is a situation where everyone involved needs to #dobetter.
Let's start off with Rihanna's thoughts on the video. Rihanna is using this video to address rape issues. To her this will help girls to be brave enough to do something about their sexual abuse. Rihanna was not just trying to make a graphic video about rape and murder but was trying to make a video that get issues like rape to the mainstream. And we all know Rihanna is as mainstream as it gets. She makes a video about it, people will be watching and talking about it.
Now let's discuss the parents point of view. The Parents Television Council did have a problem with the video. Not because of the rape subject matter but because of the fact Rihanna kills the man who violated her. The PTC is not too happy that the video promotes killing the violator instead of the victim seeking help for what happen to them. Others have also bashed BET for showing the video primetime, especially on a show that is meant for teens (106 and Park). Rihanna has responded on Twitter by saying that she is a "23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS." (twitter.com, 2011) and doesn't understand why everybody expects her to be a parent.
I love how the PTC and others are making a big deal out of this video as if Rihanna's other songs are children appropriate. Her song titles include "Rude Boy", "S&M", and "What's My Name" just to name a few. Yea....none of those songs are exactly made for teens, or at least they shouldn't be. Parents need to take back the role of being the MAIN role models in their child lives or at least put their children in an environment (after school program, youth group, sports team, etc) where they can have role models that they [parents] would prefer and won't have time to watch Rihanna's video or anyone else's that might be inappropriate for children. At the same time, I do believe in social responsibility. Rihanna needs to understand that a good portion of her target audience are teenagers and teenagers are impressionable. They are easily influenced and are quick to follow the crowd. Hell, I know some adults that are easily influenced and quick to follow the crowd, but I digress.
In a nutshell, Rihanna is not a parent to the world's youth but it was a poor choice to put a video with such violence on primetime on a teen show. This is a situation where everyone involved needs to #dobetter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)