tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77086260552082892272024-02-19T16:59:09.879-08:00RESPECT BLACK<b>HISTORY ■ DIVERSITY ■ INTELLECT ■ BEAUTY ■ STRENGTH ■ LOVE</b>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-9903169031814283782014-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-08T07:00:08.311-07:00Black Rage: Whiteness and the Continued Socialization of White People- Part 2<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where do we go from here:<b> </b>Is it ever going to be possible to live freely without the constant onslaught of mental, physical and emotional violence that is inflicted on Black bodies? It would definitely require massive effort and sacrifice and a resolute unwillingness to stand down. What are we willing to do? Would we be willing to divest from a society that doesn't respect our humanity? What would or should that action look like?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://respectblack.blogspot.com/2014/09/black-rage-whiteness-and-continued.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Part I)</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Undoing the damage requires more resistance.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life in Black skin in our current society means to live knowing that there could possibly never be a time that we can relax in our lifetime. Exhausting. The white supremacy imperialistic society that we have is one that hopes that we will become so tired that we give up and concede. White supremacists and by extension whiteness doesn't see Black humanity. Which is what makes it incomprehensible for them to understand that our humanity is what will continue to drive us to fight to have lives that include the agency, equality, equity and freedom all people deserve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cutting the cord </b>with whiteness which is continually perpetuated by all of us is an action that too many of us aren't willing or ready to do. It would put most of us in the precarious position of having to choose to give up seemingly happy and comfortable lives. But if that perceived happiness requires us to conform to and sacrifice being our whole selves, due to the racist restrictions that are placed on our lives in order to prosper in this society, then is life really that happy or comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Complacency is an extremely dangerous mindset if living while Black. "If they just stay over there and leave me and mine alone" is a sentiment that is heavily ingrained within the Black community-- because it was required for our very survival-- but that attitude has devolved over time and created a dead end for all of us. There is no real escape if we continue this way because white supremacy will continue coming for us. We represent the "great" life that they could have if only we would make it easier on them and consent to be slaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">None of us could ever imagine living the lives of our ancestors that were kidnapped from their homeland and brought here and to many other countries around the world. And yet that could be the future that we leave our children if we don't stop excusing white people's need and desire to remain unaware and unaffected by their actions. Stop choosing to cover them and challenge them on every </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">racist, capitalistic, imperialistic and murderous degradation that they inflict on those who can't easily check their preferred box of white. No matter what box we check, choices and actions that preserve white supremacy are not evolved or humane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Education, Economics, Health and Autonomy</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was born in Chicago and lived there until the age of 12. Most of my accessible memory of living in Chicago is from the time we lived in Morgan Park in a diverse neighborhood that was filled with Black people. Until this day I still remember the phone number because it was at a time in my life when I was expected to know critical information that would keep me informed and safe. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a wonderful time but the area had its limitations.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A busted furnace created some problems but it also created an opportunity for me to experience a predominantly Black elementary school for the 5th grade. Black teachers were everywhere I looked; there was morning assembly with the Black national anthem and posters along the hallways and in classrooms of people who had done great things and looked like me. Sure, my parents exposed me to some Black history information but to be immersed in it in a place where I spent the better part of my day was extremely affirming. What Black child could not use more of that? I went back to my former school for my last year in Chicago, completely engaged and critically aware of my surroundings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We need our own schools and programs</b> that combine an African Diaspora education with an improved secular educational system. An education beginning in elementary that includes Black histories around the world. An education that focuses on math, arts, sciences (including geography), and languages being taught by people that respect them, prioritize them and look like them. I am convinced that this is the primary way that our children will have great futures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What better choice than to give our children an education that includes critical awareness. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To know that there is more to who we are than the dissected history and propagandized treatments</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that white supremacy chooses to emphasize. To give in to the truth that we are more than the meager existence that we have managed to cobble together in spite of them. To believe that we are more when we are united around the world. A mission like this would eventually overturn current society and create an enormous obstacle for those who would try keep us down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-67225571361496223272014-09-02T20:42:00.000-07:002014-09-02T21:37:23.079-07:00Black Rage: Whiteness and the Continued Socialization of White People- Part I<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For close to <b>six</b> <b>hundred years</b>, depending on the author, whiteness has been committing torturous acts of violence against Black bodies around the world for pleasure and for profit. So for our current safety and our children's futures let's no longer remain willfully unaware. Let us no longer subscribe to the idea that white people will ever willingly stop because they see the horror in what they have done and continue to do. Denial is a great life preserver. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Values and morals be damned... to the victor goes the spoils.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Decolonization of the mind" is a phrase often used in reference to an affected person's need to undo the damage that came from the horrendous legacy of trauma, contempt and subjugation created by Europeans toward Black bodies. I hate the word d-e-c-o-l-i-n-i-z-a-t-i-o-n because it is a derivative of the word colonize which is a non-specific intentionally diluted word which unfortunately is now synonymous with progress in many minds. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is very difficult and very dangerous to live in a world that does not see you as a human being that deserves agency and autonomy. We are again living in a time where Black bodies need to be noticeably and violently eliminated because we are no more than uncooperative impediments to the sustainability of whiteness. When we are not solely for their personal benefit w</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e serve no purpose</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. "Life was so much better and easier when they just let us own them", they cry. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The treacherous society around the world due to white supremacy has created a corrosive living environment based. on. skin. tone. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is quite literally nowhere that Black people can go and not experience racism. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We don't feel safe", they cry. But they're not the ones constantly being terrorized wherever they go. Whiteness' incessant need to be "the best", "the first", "the one in control" has caused enormous amounts of ongoing tragedy around the world but Black people are considered the bottom of society???</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>America is the same as it has always been</b> toward Black people. Its racist systemic laws and practices meant to consistently undermine, demean and condemn Black people to lives lived under constant scrutiny and forced subjugation are its foundation. I</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">n a country that white people stole and subjected to 400+ years of murder, slavery, propaganda and appropriation; I am at a loss as to why far too many Black people would care to be seen as understanding in any way towards a white supremacist culture. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are living in the 21st century and we are still dealing with the heinous creation that is white supremacy in a way that is more about coaxing and coddling white people into doing the right thing and less about destroying the foundation that continues it. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am tired and over it. I want white people to be uncomfortable and to feel unsafe because it is exactly the life that the have inflicted upon Black people and others for centuries. Maybe that feeling will motivate its accelerated destruction. Doubtful. Whiteness has to be intentionally and systematically dismantled. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our disconnectedness and complacent choice to be indifferent towards the lack of humanity and socialization within white culture are the reasons why we are still dealing with the complete disregard for our lives and the lives of our children. We continue to allow violence against us to be portrayed as benign when we choose to be civil and understanding. Whiteness has never been civil! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No more Black people losing their lives for general purpose. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That means all Black lives matter. </span></div>
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Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-68674913836354145202014-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:002014-08-25T07:00:02.229-07:00Getting Back To It<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a while but I have not abandoned my space here. I have just been taking the time to live and take care of health and to be completely present in the life of the most glorious person in the world. The darling love has graduated from high school with honors and will begin her next phase in life as a college freshman this fall! Truly blessed and grateful.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have big plans for this blog to continue. Shining a light on the world that Black people have to navigate is a major part of that plan. There has been so much that has happened since I have been away and I have to say that I have been left with feelings of anger, fatigue and disgust. Why do people have to make themselves so unnecessary to a sane existence? Ugh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plan is to begin a regular weekly posting schedule beginning September 2. Weekend postings may happen but they will not be a regular part of my schedule. There are other things that I am excited about and working on as well that coincide with my LOVE for Black people! I just want us to be great and some of y'all jokers are making it seem impossible but I am still on the side of Team Black People for life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See you'll soon.</span></div>
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Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-67687270930789773782013-01-24T08:19:00.001-08:002013-05-21T20:29:11.354-07:00Redistribution required: America's ugly past is still our present<br />
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Words of Martin Luther King</em>, a collection of his speeches and writings, selected by Coretta Scott King, contains this illustrative passage: </div>
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“Justice for black people will not flow into society merely from court decisions nor from fountains of political oratory. Nor will a few token changes quell all the tempestuous yearnings of millions of disadvantaged black people. White America must recognize that justice for black people cannot be achieved without radical changes in the structure of our society. The comfortable, the entrenched, the privileged cannot continue to tremble at the prospect of change in the status quo.</div>
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“When millions of people have been cheated for centuries, restitution is a costly process. Inferior education, poor housing, unemployment, inadequate healthcare — each is a bitter component of the oppression that has been our heritage. Each will require billions of dollars to correct. Justice so long deferred has accumulated interest and its cost to society will be substantial in financial as well as human terms. This fact has not been fully grasped, because most of the gains of the past decade were obtained at bargain rates. The desegregation of public facilities cost nothing; neither did the election and appointment of a few black public officials.” </div>
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<a href="http://www.dominionofnewyork.com/2013/01/21/heres-what-martin-luther-king-had-to-say-about-reverse-racism/#.UQFX7Sc8CSo">I imagine it’s very uncomfortable for a lot of people</a> — black, white, and Asian — to read these words, especially today. As we celebrate his sacrifice on Martin Luther King Day, his words remind us just how far we are from living his dream. No doubt King would be happy to see President Barack Obama inaugurated again today. But I doubt King would be placated by the existence of what he called a “few black public officials.” </div>
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Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-43175605551496064372012-09-17T17:31:00.000-07:002012-09-17T17:31:00.058-07:00Racism: Silence Is Never The Answer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you to <a href="http://www.coffeerhetoric.com/">Coffee Rhetoric</a> for this video.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-85664843719788888792012-06-17T14:19:00.002-07:002012-06-17T14:19:42.499-07:00For the Dad's That Value Their Important Role<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_D3DpTZdG34wKmVgiPShmZOrpAYson6j-Ioxf7JtvX1AmtIKsjD5zg_GnIW97eoObV8C95tzeHcEAf1Xy8thhahkZL3DnutAprL_VZDFRnihwQK8UNLL16omgSSpUSeAM628zrbsiCE/s1600/happy+fathers+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_D3DpTZdG34wKmVgiPShmZOrpAYson6j-Ioxf7JtvX1AmtIKsjD5zg_GnIW97eoObV8C95tzeHcEAf1Xy8thhahkZL3DnutAprL_VZDFRnihwQK8UNLL16omgSSpUSeAM628zrbsiCE/s1600/happy+fathers+day.jpg" /></a></div>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-84593322159040238232012-05-13T09:59:00.001-07:002012-05-13T09:59:02.431-07:00Happy Mother's Day Ladies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is nothing that brings me the type of joy that being a Mom does. Sure there are others things that bring me joy (as it should be) but there is nothing that compares to the joy of being a Mom. I hope to accomplish many wonderful things in my life but nothing will compare or be as important as being a great Mom to my daughter. <br />
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Being a mother can seem like a terrifying endeavor and that is because we are responsible for molding young lives. We are responsible for helping them to become confident, intelligent, productive and compassionate adults. Whoa! **wipes brow** A wonderfully important responsibility. <br /><br />
What should we keep in mind? Their best life is directly connected to us living our best life. They will reflect what they see and there is no way around that. So don't forget to make yourself a priority in your life. The choices that we make will be rewarded by seeing the great people that they become.<br />
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Have a beautiful day!Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-45197236307503058552012-04-19T13:16:00.001-07:002012-04-19T13:16:53.689-07:00Have Some Nigger Cake: The Impossibility of "Revamping" Derogatory References<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My post yesterday was a very labored one because there was so much anger going on while I was writing it that I had to edit a lot of my first thoughts. I wanted to convey my anger, disappointment and revulsion about Makode Linde's decision to create a racist cake "sculpture" (that depicted a racist caricature of a Black woman in black face) without distracting from emphasizing his assault on Black female identity as his means to an end.<br />
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I will not presume to know what Mr. Linde was thinking when he decided to start creating a series of blackface art". But I will say that there is not one part of me that believes that he didn't know what he was doing when he created that repulsive cake that has now been circling the internet as "the Nigger cake". <br />
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He was obviously trying to be provocative but it was at Black women's expense and somehow I don't think that showing insensitivity towards women is a positive when you're supposedly addressing the horror of female genital mutilation (<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation#Practicing_countries">which occurs in places other than Africa</a></span>), as he stated originally. His creation has allowed yet another degrading image to become attributed to Black female identity. All Black people should be angry about that, not just Black women.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mr. Linde, a 30-year-old Swede with an African father, explained that the screaming cake was part of a series of works he calls “Afromantics.” His intention for the works, he said, is <b>“revamping the blackface into a new historical narrative and sort of lifting invisible prejudice to an exaggerated level, where it’s becoming over-obvious and in a way more in your face and easier to talk about.”</b></span></blockquote>
He initially said that he created the cake as a way to bring attention to female mutilation and now he wants to "revamp blackface" so that we have new and improved racist imagery to deal with as Black people. (<i>Gee, Thanks.)</i> <span style="text-align: left;">There is no way to revamp blackface or the word nigger for a more </span><span style="text-align: left;">palatable</span><span style="text-align: left;"> consumption. They will <u><b>always</b></u> incite anger and pain because they represent the rabid hate that is an atrocious reflection and indictment on our white supremacist society.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Mr. Linde also said, <b>“In my art, I’m more like questioning the different images of blackness. I’m not illustrating real black identity. I am illustrating ideas, or concepts, or patterns that surround ideas about black identity.”</b></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5CEInpleHRzj2VVyE0MPsn3iBCWEUxh_fOI_3zfSzxp_KZ-_tR0zZz2iu4gxtijRzdBIFupHbJRBuRCOrWHVLjNW8KiU9OTlv30_pSogGOM9Pweil2SF7ye168REDg6mb-1GwhVNI-g/s1600/racist+caricature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5CEInpleHRzj2VVyE0MPsn3iBCWEUxh_fOI_3zfSzxp_KZ-_tR0zZz2iu4gxtijRzdBIFupHbJRBuRCOrWHVLjNW8KiU9OTlv30_pSogGOM9Pweil2SF7ye168REDg6mb-1GwhVNI-g/s320/racist+caricature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What questions?! There has never been a question about why the different racist images or names for Blackness exist in this society. Mr Linde should be honest and say that he wanted some notoriety by any means necessary (no pun intended). If he really wants to break new ground for a new historical narrative to draw attention to "invisible prejudices" then he should take the pictures (of all those participatory smiling white faces) from his event and turn that into art. Of course that art won't be shown in Sweden's Museum of Modern Art, but at least that art would be highlighting the real problem. <br />
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Racism is a societal defect that was created by morally and mentally corrupt people. Mr. Linde can't correct a defect with something defective. Black face already existed, there was no need for "new black face". <br />
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We live in a white supremacist structured <b>world</b> and the only way to combat that is to stop placating white society. Those that indulge in the cruelties of racism need to be called out on a daily basis if necessary every time that they do. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/swedish-culture-minister-refuses-to-resign-over-bizarre-photo-op/">[Source]</a></span><br />
<br />Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-84257221371551610462012-04-18T09:49:00.003-07:002012-04-18T09:52:16.752-07:00Apparently Black Woman Mutilation In Black Face Makes Great Art and Dessert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so beyond angry and tired of seeing Black males creating and participating in the continued pursuit to crush the Black female identity. To simply say that I became ill when I saw this garbage on the internet would be a huge understatement. You want to believe that the males that do this can't possibly be that stupid but they really are. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM67zXyR1hpot8GEbh1T_ehsaIOZ3_xm6EsBySBuJLP5b9PhVWEuPDptcLlBmwUJc9b3NVRPfGtYUDd9kLMi-s44pweD5V7SkxeimmMknpHcVu2t0MLm6-MuMLAI_NhEwGDaUPv2hNadc/s1600/racist+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM67zXyR1hpot8GEbh1T_ehsaIOZ3_xm6EsBySBuJLP5b9PhVWEuPDptcLlBmwUJc9b3NVRPfGtYUDd9kLMi-s44pweD5V7SkxeimmMknpHcVu2t0MLm6-MuMLAI_NhEwGDaUPv2hNadc/s400/racist+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
The diseased mind of Swedish "artist" Makode Linde thought that it was a good idea for him to create a cake in the racist caricature form of a Black woman (with him as the head of the cake in Black face) to draw attention to female genitalia mutilation. Watching a collective of white people walking around gawking at his creation was completely appalling and reminiscent of the tragic life of <b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/saartjie.htm">Sarah Baartman</a></span></b>. By allowing those grinning white faces in Sweden the opportunity to cut into a cake of his degrading representation of a Black woman, Linde showed the world that he has no respect or empathy for Black women in the process.<br />
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His supposed desire to draw attention to the cruelty of female mutilation with this exhibit was lost from the moment he decided to represent the horror of female mutilation with a damn cake! A cake that was first sliced by the Culture Minister of Sweden, Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth (who should be fired) while she grinned and giggled for the cameras and at one point fed Linde some of the cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtPw7hqruo35aZbuXmpW4IkqyQFVn1Fh-EERhTJYC6DKQtAwtYCOxD9oDpKpevc-pXkHC9ZEDPjCg5N426ICRSJOeu4Al_lFvszB0SYQVs9dqxAYco5aPpoJWBJGFHsBCl3E6mZpu9zQ/s1600/culture+minister+of+sweden+racist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtPw7hqruo35aZbuXmpW4IkqyQFVn1Fh-EERhTJYC6DKQtAwtYCOxD9oDpKpevc-pXkHC9ZEDPjCg5N426ICRSJOeu4Al_lFvszB0SYQVs9dqxAYco5aPpoJWBJGFHsBCl3E6mZpu9zQ/s320/culture+minister+of+sweden+racist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><--Yes they were</i><i> that stupid, vulgar and insensitive</i>. Where in that display of glee was there any real understanding of the tragedy of female mutilation??? The imagery this "art" installation evoked was one of horror and pain. This was not "art" to teach and inform, this was mockery of Black women and racism, plain and simple! <br />
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Can we please pay attention to the fact that Linde decided that the color black was to be used as the skin tone of this degrading spectacle and not the color brown. Black is a race designation of people and the various shades of brown represents skin tone! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUyZVgddXmNpW4gYbvCQ2mJ5-A7jsY3C9QtW4G2F2gGdQzuGfmQC8Bg2Wf2xTZRqDA6osys5-Z3a-omEjPd7ZpKnP6FlOIGoznpDzKj8Wy8Zl7_k3dTjcPFnXped7_ECA9T4d1wlro3Y/s1600/racist+swedish+artist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUyZVgddXmNpW4gYbvCQ2mJ5-A7jsY3C9QtW4G2F2gGdQzuGfmQC8Bg2Wf2xTZRqDA6osys5-Z3a-omEjPd7ZpKnP6FlOIGoznpDzKj8Wy8Zl7_k3dTjcPFnXped7_ECA9T4d1wlro3Y/s320/racist+swedish+artist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With "brothas" like Makode Linde you know that Black women are own their own and need to always be on guard. Those that are socially perceived as the closest to you in society will sacrifice you on an open fire if the price is right. I am tired of ignorant self-hating Black males <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://respectblack.blogspot.com/2012/01/obsession-and-objectification-of-black.html">objectifying and disparaging Black females as a source of social, financial or political gain.</a></span> Makode Linde proves that the sickness that has infected the Black male collective doesn't have borders.<br />
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What other race of male publicly creates and defends this type of degradation towards the women in their racial group? If lost Black men don't get some self-respect and start protecting and defending Black women they will cease to exist. <br />
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Take a look at the <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P9Eg9iqhmY&feature=player_embedded#!">YouTube</a></span> video and the comments if you can stomach it. This F-O-O-L has the nerve to make screaming sounds (which sound more like a comedic yelp) as the cake is cut. <br />
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<br />Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-42367911037878518632012-04-16T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-16T05:00:01.369-07:00If My Support Is So Important...Try creating films that I want to see! <br />
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While reading my Google reader there was a post that popped up from Clutch and the title was "We Still Need to Support, <i>Think Like A Man</i>". *falls over laughing hysterically*<br />
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How about creating films that don't dismiss and demean Black women and then turn around imploring (and often times demanding) that we spend our money on it. I <b>refuse</b> to spend one dime of my money to help Steve Harvey keep his third wife or to help Kevin Hart remain relevant.<br />
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I knew that the articles about why we (Black women) should support the film <i>Think Like A Man</i> were on the way since it is being released on Friday. But to see this article written on Clutch (a online magazine that promotes itself as being "for Black women") was too much of the ridiculous all within a couple of paragraphs. <br />
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Since Clutch has now removed this ridiculous article I have included what I received below.<br />
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<h2 class="entry-title" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 650px;">
<a class="entry-title-link" href="http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/04/we-still-need-to-support-think-like-a-man/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">We Still Need to Support, “Think Like A Man”<div class="entry-title-go-to" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.google.com/reader/ui/3904077461-entry-action-icons.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% -413px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline; height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.4; padding-left: 16px;">
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</a><span class="entry-icons-placeholder" style="display: inline-block;"></span></h2>
<div class="entry-author" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="entry-source-title-parent">from <a class="entry-source-title" href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clutchmagonline.com%2Ffeed%2F" style="color: #1155cc; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Clutch Magazine</a></span> <span class="entry-author-parent">by <span class="entry-author-name">Risa Dixon</span></span></div>
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<div class="entry-body" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 650px; padding-top: 0.5em;">
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<img alt="" height="394" src="http://clutchmag.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-Shot-2012-04-15-at-4.43.52-PM.png" title="The Ladies" width="411" />The movie based on Steve Harvey’s book, “Think Like A Man,” comes out in theaters this Friday. Despite personal views, it still needs our support. Many may not agree with the premise of the movie (myself included), but it is a film with a majority black cast. Not seeing the movie because you don’t like the book will not only hurt Steve Harvey, but the other black actors in the film as well.<br />
We need to support all black films so that Hollywood continues to give funding for films with black actors. I know some of your may say you don’t like the caliber of the majority of black films that come out, but the more we support them the better they will get with time. Boycotting will actually do more harm than good in the long run. Going to see this film and other all black movies will show the purchasing power of the Black community. It will show that it pays to have movies that have black actors and that deal with issues that our community has to encounters every day.<br />
We can’t complain about the lack of Black actors in movies and then not support movies that do have an all Black cast.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Will you go see it?</strong><br />
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I wonder if the author really believes what she wrote or she was just looking to get page clicks. Either way she might want to "phone a friend" before hitting the publish button next time.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-50436265698471663922012-04-11T12:52:00.000-07:002012-04-11T15:43:24.182-07:00George Zimmerman To Be Charged For Killing Trayvon Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7i-zWHS3VHDQctqYbBp_dbJvbd4S0Ui9sE6eUTPncEoCligLsrKAPKwNauuqyBmt4soopQb5HPAgdcsDTqY8D5_cnbKEqqqOjnb9rcO9H-vaS3iX7Wqi2hb4XwXYi2JmH17X3XLoYQE/s1600/Trayvon+Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7i-zWHS3VHDQctqYbBp_dbJvbd4S0Ui9sE6eUTPncEoCligLsrKAPKwNauuqyBmt4soopQb5HPAgdcsDTqY8D5_cnbKEqqqOjnb9rcO9H-vaS3iX7Wqi2hb4XwXYi2JmH17X3XLoYQE/s1600/Trayvon+Martin.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Update:</span></b> George Zimmerman has been charged with the second degree murder of Trayvon Martin and is currently being held without bond.<br />
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After nearly 8 weeks the person that killed Trayvon Martin will be charged. I am glad that <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/george-zimmerman-to-be-charged-in-trayvon-martin-shooting-law-enforcement-official-says/2012/04/11/gIQAHJ5oAT_story.html?hpid=z1">George Zimmerman will finally have to answer</a></span> for the events that took place on the night of February 26 that ended with Trayvon Martin, 17, being shot to death walking back home from a neighborhood store. <br />
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There are so many things that can be said about the appalling length of time that it took for this to happen. The fact that the police department in Sanford, FL decided that the life of a Black youth was not important enough to warrant a proper investigation when he was murdered. The police department failed to secure the crime scene and Trayvon Martin's death was so unimportant to them that they waited three days to notify his parents. The people that are charged "to serve and protect" don't get to choose who that applies to and who it doesn't apply to. DO YOUR JOB. <br />
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No one in this world should look at this case and see anything less than the abominable fact that systemic racism in this country allows the people that are born to the "privileged" race to behave as if they are above reproach. There have been many reports from those that support George Zimmerman claiming that he was defending himself when he decided to follow and use a gun to end the life of Trayvon Martin. <br />
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The people in Zimmerman's camp have been defending his right to defend himself under Florida's Stand Your Ground law by offering up one scenario after the other to paint George Zimmerman as the victim. Shaken baby syndrome? It is a realistic and sad state of affairs to see in action those things that Black people endured generations ago taking place in the twenty-first century when it comes to the justification for taking the life of a Black person. <br />
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For insecure people that enjoy debasing, demeaning and destroying the life of people because of the color of their skin. It is fitting and not surprising that when it comes to standing behind the beliefs that encourage them to treat others as insignificant that they would hide from being able to declare it publicly and take responsibility. At their core those type of people are cowards. George Zimmerman and is no different.<br />
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Trayvon Martin didn't deserve to lose his life at the hands of someone that was too cowardly to address his issues. Let us hope that now that George Zimmerman will be charged that Trayvon's parents will finally get justice and receive answers as to why their son had to lose his life because a man thought he had the right to take it. <br />
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<br />Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-29226306927525777862012-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-09T05:00:02.154-07:00Shaking Off A Whiteness Defined World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I3lbkd2ChTN5uHekZ91FEplfjTNYnE6LPyrEuvihF7zSGIZsEiizLy3PtVDpui_E8hkNU8ac1D8U9zC2sFKUQVUr7rxjzEmWBpyC8PE6XufyncOK_eM0rczCO3YA-ehaSJWTxEJeOtE/s1600/shake+it+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I3lbkd2ChTN5uHekZ91FEplfjTNYnE6LPyrEuvihF7zSGIZsEiizLy3PtVDpui_E8hkNU8ac1D8U9zC2sFKUQVUr7rxjzEmWBpyC8PE6XufyncOK_eM0rczCO3YA-ehaSJWTxEJeOtE/s1600/shake+it+off.jpg" /></a></div>
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A whiteness defined world establishing itself as the norm perceives other races as lesser or insignificant in comparison. This is the world in which we live. A whiteness defined narrative is what makes it difficult for non-white people and white people to see and effectively challenge the truth about America and the world as we know it. <br />
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We live in and condone a world built on lies, degradation and the destruction of all things counter to the whiteness narrative. <br />
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Word choice has been an integral part of marketing and propelling the whiteness narrative. For example colonialism or colonization are the words that have been used to define what happened during the time that Europeans invaded other countries and instituted means of control through mass murder, demonization and then appropriation. The use of the words colonialism/colonization allowed for the white narrative to be molded into one of heroism instead of terrorism. <br />
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Imagine for a moment if more accurate words (invade, kidnap, torture, murder) had defined the atrocities that took place in order for white people to ascend to a position of power. There would have been little chance of white people being able to adopt the position that what they inflicted around the globe could be labeled as "progress". It has been difficult to fight against that which too many sees as a positive. I have heard people say "Well our lives are probably better off here than we probably would have been in Africa if not for the slave trade." That is a colonized mind speaking and because the Europeans saw fit to take away our ancestors options we will never know. <br />
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<b>What more could the continent of Africa have been by now if some of its most precious resources had not been taken forcibly (many dying en route) to enrich other lands? How might Africans have enriched the continent with fair trade deals in place? </b><br />
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With terms like colonialism/colonization being used whiteness had it's narrative foundation allowing for white people to be portrayed as "hero" or "savior". Those words allowed the re-imagining (read: fairy tales) by covering the atrocities that took place with a veil of lies that stated colonialism/colonization was a necessity. The choosing of these words was intentional because these words are benign compared to more specific, more accurate words that really define the actions that took place and those seemingly benign words are every bit of the problem with our history and our present.<br />
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"Progress" didn't include all people and to continue to see and portray it as a greater good for everyone is the problem that continues to plague this world. Colonialism/Colonization created a white defined violent laden society that would ultimately need to be maintained through more violence.<br />
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There hasn't been any good that has come from minimizing the magnitude of the devastation caused by the idea and consequently the indoctrination of a white defined world. Why are so many people (non-whites especially) still on board with it? Placating a narrative that has done nothing but destroy the lives of millions of people has been no less than a declaration of defeat..<br />
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<br />Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-54519948638506089342012-03-29T12:13:00.000-07:002012-03-29T12:13:29.829-07:00R.I.P. Rekia Boyd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3-xRPEQTAwTxdFzVZZepRoNc0OveWOKUzxgL01yg0lOxxGMB3Wd2M_0cU3VG5HMeq1QamUEfwnpvAx7-6J_fPTHpwlv19839q-bWNjl6TNCD9cop1eHIGq22Ak-jfFYhyYLdqyOKU6I/s1600/Rekia+Boyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3-xRPEQTAwTxdFzVZZepRoNc0OveWOKUzxgL01yg0lOxxGMB3Wd2M_0cU3VG5HMeq1QamUEfwnpvAx7-6J_fPTHpwlv19839q-bWNjl6TNCD9cop1eHIGq22Ak-jfFYhyYLdqyOKU6I/s400/Rekia+Boyd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I am sure that <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8591349">Rekia Boyd</a></b></span> never imagined that being in a neighborhood park would end her life. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is how some will rationalize this tragedy but it underscores the fact that she was shot by someone who is supposed to be a trained <i>"to serve and protect"</i>. <br />
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There is still more to be discovered in this case and yet I fear that because this has been deemed a police justified shooting little will be revealed or done to discover why this young woman lost her life at the hands of a trained police officer. The Chicago police department is saying that the off-duty officer ( I can't find his name anywhere) shot Rekia Boyd in the head when he fired (from inside his vehicle) on a male that he believed was holding a weapon. What?<br />
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Police officers are treated as above reproach because they are considered trustworthy and honorable because there is supposed to be a moral code that they abide by. This is America and Black people unfortunately know better than most that there <b>are</b> police officers that have no morals and who definitely don't think that that code should include us. Police department cover-ups are an unfortunate norm in America's history especially when race is a factor. <br />
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My condolences go out to Rekia Boyd's family. I do hope that there is an in-depth investigation to discover why this young woman lost her life. <br />
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We have to continue <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8597902">speaking out</a></b></span> against these travesties of injustice because the truth needs to prevail.<br />
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<br />Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-89494125635612783122012-03-21T08:33:00.000-07:002012-03-21T08:33:28.153-07:00The Benefit of the Doubt?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTH8Nk4pdLqHH_ACIlDwIB2qSEfAJ4Ba0t1DSIKzMv96XdCI-QDIvpeIb0y8mxePd2wynJzG_s2veOLhzDjr1M5yvROqOuL1rBMqzeNGWm1-gyo0F4LqnOPQRTALheZiLq1eGFo_dnN8/s1600/No.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTH8Nk4pdLqHH_ACIlDwIB2qSEfAJ4Ba0t1DSIKzMv96XdCI-QDIvpeIb0y8mxePd2wynJzG_s2veOLhzDjr1M5yvROqOuL1rBMqzeNGWm1-gyo0F4LqnOPQRTALheZiLq1eGFo_dnN8/s1600/No.jpg" /></a></div>Giving "the benefit of the doubt" is an expression that I have no use for as a Black person living under the racist conditioning of this world. It is dead as far as I am concerned right along with the expression "I'll trust you until you give me a reason not to". These expressions and many like them are dangerous and do not apply to life for Black people in America or even around the world when dealing with white people and racism. When it comes to racism, expressions like these serve the purpose of creating a delusional reality for white people and a false sense of safety for Black people.<br />
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Black people can't afford the "benefit of the doubt". It is costing us too much. Allowing these mindsets to permeate our consciousness deludes us into believing that we DON'T live in a society that will not hesitate in trying to eliminate us physically, mentally and emotionally. There is no real trust, safety or benefit for non-white people in an oppressive white supremacist society.<br />
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We can't allow our desire and right to live in a racially unbiased world lull us into believing that it is ever really possible to do that in a world that is structurally biased against us. White people/White Identified People that like to say that we can't or shouldn't judge them by the actions of too many when they go around judging Black people by the actions of a few can shut the hell up and get back to me when they get harassed, maligned or assaulted on a daily basis just for breathing. <br />
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America has a racism problem. Black people can't trust a world that insists on perpetuating the lie that we are the reason racism continues to exist. Be mindful that no matter how <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://blacksnob.com/snob_blog/2012/3/20/no-apologizes-on-the-killing-of-trayvon-martin-and-being-goo.html">"good"</a></span> we are in this world, as Black people, our lives will not be better until society as a whole denounces sick people and racist practices that exist purposefully to ensure that we don't. <br />
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Never be silent and always watch your back.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-90224550212464394732012-03-20T05:00:00.009-07:002012-03-20T05:00:00.568-07:00The American Education System and Racism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll1xrYbgBUCQOZWqMsLo5LHKvzYtELNr-NjAws6o3GaKkfi9QJFEd9zg9E2E_lanDEZ5tBEdDtHFklbyQKfCH-BdFW9cGDEzzhKvSqdWIdVbBiT3CTY0TukXsr86EjoFA7FtrMCAtogI/s1600/racism+ruins+lives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll1xrYbgBUCQOZWqMsLo5LHKvzYtELNr-NjAws6o3GaKkfi9QJFEd9zg9E2E_lanDEZ5tBEdDtHFklbyQKfCH-BdFW9cGDEzzhKvSqdWIdVbBiT3CTY0TukXsr86EjoFA7FtrMCAtogI/s1600/racism+ruins+lives.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">As parents we have to worry about so much when it comes to raising our children to become good people and productive parts of society. Part of that pursuit means ensuring that they are well educated and allowed to engage every aspect of potential in life. But when you have to deal with people like Marilyn Bart inside the classroom trying to systematically destroy that when their defenses are down, within an environment that is supposed to be safe, you can't help but wonder if it's worth subjecting them to it at all.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">A veteran Fairfax County high school teacher has been accused of using racially insensitive language by telling a student to read a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://allpoetry.com/poem/8495547-The_Ballad_Of_The_Landlord-by-Langston_Hughes">Langston Hughes poem</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"> in a "blacker" style.</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">"She told me, 'Blacker, Jordan. C'mon, blacker. I thought you were black,'" Shumate told the Post. The 14-year-old student claimed that when he refused to continue reading the poem, the teacher read it herself, apparently to demonstrate the style of speaking she meant.</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">"She sounded like a maid on the 1960s," Shumate told the Post, saying he asked the teacher if she thought all black people spoke that way. “She read the poem like a slave, basically.”</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">He said he was reprimanded for talking out of turn and was told to sit down.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">Shumate told his mother, Nicole Cober Page, about the incident on Tuesday, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/fairfax-investigates-allegation-of-racially-insensitive-behavior-by-high-school-teacher/2012/03/15/gIQA6IyGHS_story.html">the Post</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"> said.</span> </blockquote><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">I will say that I am not the mother for these type of shenanigans. I have no patience or desire to give adults the benefit of the doubt when they are in a position to damage my child. I am the parent that will write an email to the teacher with a cc: the principal and I expect to get any issue addressed in a timely manner. Some parents think that they are creating a problem for their child (which the corrupt are hoping for) but I feel that it is the exact opposite. We are our children's best advocate. <i>Paper trails are amazing tools.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">he teacher taunted this student in order to get him to do what she wanted. She wanted him to "do it blacker". As if the speech used in that poem was not indicative of the time period, region and education level rather than racial identity. When white folks keep perpetuating the lie that only Black people during this time period spoke in this manner they continue their lying white fairytale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">Because our children are disproportionately taught by white teachers (which really needs to change) it that means that any of them can be exposed to racially charged language, behaviors and actions by those teachers if they are inclined to use them. </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">This is the kind of crap that parents of Black children have to guard against everyday and there is a direct correlation between that bias and our children succeeding academically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;">These types of people can make our children hate school because their environment is littered with trash disguised as teachers.</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', tahoma, sans-serif;"> So to the Marilyn Bart's out there I would be very careful when you request for a Black person to behave in the manner of your stereotyped mind because you won't get to pick and choose which stereotype they choose to engage!</span><br />
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</b></span>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-67758241662470471682012-03-19T05:00:00.006-07:002012-03-19T05:00:16.150-07:00Cause and Consequence: Trayvon Martin's Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtWYc5r6RE4drEioON-ZbWjn3-_MSC8AFS1XcJkw-IKBFYFFPC1jIESnkC3r9YYiq23QvZwmWh1M61SqB743HftvrQLrDH0ByOzbR8UVooA_INi3Yn6v0a65ntsOYfczh7eqx9NEASvo/s1600/Trayvon+Martin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtWYc5r6RE4drEioON-ZbWjn3-_MSC8AFS1XcJkw-IKBFYFFPC1jIESnkC3r9YYiq23QvZwmWh1M61SqB743HftvrQLrDH0ByOzbR8UVooA_INi3Yn6v0a65ntsOYfczh7eqx9NEASvo/s1600/Trayvon+Martin2.jpg" /></a></div>It's been three weeks since Trayvon Martin was murdered and his parents have yet to see the man responsible arrested. The <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Martin-Family-Zimmerman-Didnt-Kill-Their-Son-in-Self-Defense-143046316.html">911 tapes</a></span> have been released and they show that Trayvon was targeted and that he was not killed in self-defense. This was a hate crime. This young man did not have a chance against this person that was intent on ending his life. <i>He was walking back from the store after buying a bag of candy and an iced tea.</i><br />
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Black men have been propagandized to be the most feared in the world but they are definitely not the most dangerous. Why? Because a society that is conditioned to go out of it's way to allow white males/white-identified males to grow up in a world that will justify and condone their horrific actions makes white males the most dangerous and all non-white people are at risk. <br />
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When the white supremacist power structure spends centuries making sure that the world believes you to be a threat to personal safety (from birth) then you create a world that is capable of anything to ensure your elimination. Trayvon Martin is one of many Black children that have died due to racially motivated assaults. <br />
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Black parents have a very real problem on their hands. Black children are not safe because their lives are not valued. We can continue to believe that it's "that child" and "it won't be my child" but we will do so risking our children's lives in the process. It could have been any of our children! Teenagers wear hoodies all of the time (male and female) so it could have easily been my daughter in Trayvon's position. <b>This a civil rights, child welfare and personal safety issue. </b><br />
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When white males are allowed to <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-16/news/os-trayvon-martin-shooting-parents-20120316_1_witness-intimidation-police-job-press-conference">write and enforce laws</a></span> that disproportionately ensure that they will be allowed to do anything that they please with impunity then we have created society's most dangerous individual. White males consumed with the white supremacist power structure are the ones that pose a threat to all of us and cause the most harm. To be silent is to be complicit. <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/prosecute-the-killer-of-17-year-old-trayvon-martin">Sign the petition.</a></b></span><br />
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Trayvon Martin did not deserve to die but George Zimmerman deserves to be punished.<br />
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Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-37561072083109167312012-03-13T18:34:00.000-07:002012-03-13T18:34:09.930-07:00Taking the High Road???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnyCU1jCmVrR7iQz8MzgSwCa6MC4cHn4YN2HcQu8HFfrD7LezYyJS18__rFAkHPn1f5SKKNBjfjO-bhq5k9kKNL8znadDcwsmb2jc0siB3bo81fiCa6W3MKjOMvgRjN2yhZ8cRUG_aiA/s1600/stupid+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnyCU1jCmVrR7iQz8MzgSwCa6MC4cHn4YN2HcQu8HFfrD7LezYyJS18__rFAkHPn1f5SKKNBjfjO-bhq5k9kKNL8znadDcwsmb2jc0siB3bo81fiCa6W3MKjOMvgRjN2yhZ8cRUG_aiA/s1600/stupid+people.jpg" /></a></div>The problem with the expression "taking the high road" is the fact that more often than not the person taking the low road is conditioned to expecting that person to automatically do it. This is the common response that many of us have probably heard being thrown out at us as a solution when we have been subjected to racism. <i>The years of stress that I have suffered from this doozy kept me angry.</i><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.blacknbougie.com/2012/03/2012-and-walking-while-black-can-still.html">BlacknBougie</a></span> has a post today discussing racism, our society and the tragic <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/neighborhood-watch-shooting-trayvon-martin-probe-reveals-questionable/story?id=15907136#.T1_xmBFSTSg">Trayvon Martin</a></span> case. She gives her own examples of "taking the high road" to combat racist behavior which as you read further subjects her to only allowing her complete frustration to be aired in private. The racist gets to go on their way unaffected and without any sort of repercussions for what they have done.<br />
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We are always expected to breathe and hold it in. It being the words or actions that would call a racist out for who and what they are. For far too many white people being called a racist is now seen as worse than having racism inflicted on you. When a racist is called out on their racism they will more often than not try to present themselves as the injured. Forget the person that is subjected to the racist words, actions or behaviors. They are insignificant compared to the racists' offense of being labeled a racist.<br />
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I just can't with stupid people anymore. That is what a racist is-- a stupid person. I exceeded my "high road" quota a long time ago. I will call them on it. Period.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-12967945441720087082012-03-02T08:05:00.000-08:002012-03-02T08:05:14.233-08:00Another Black Male Accountability Fail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30SSlNTarDUw74ZBQ9fLRHD5HCP6UlECV4fsSaE3olcW-iGRnfkJ-M22I4_jalu0k_srefr4PlHYHeO-TPZFqxV1eHXSuT7bKahSww2Ow5nplpGyTRinfMGsaWoQq-VszCQuVZiw5zws/s1600/too+short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30SSlNTarDUw74ZBQ9fLRHD5HCP6UlECV4fsSaE3olcW-iGRnfkJ-M22I4_jalu0k_srefr4PlHYHeO-TPZFqxV1eHXSuT7bKahSww2Ow5nplpGyTRinfMGsaWoQq-VszCQuVZiw5zws/s1600/too+short.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">In modern usage a </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">scapegoat</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"> may be a child, employee, peer, ethnic or religious group, or country singled out for unmerited negative treatment or blame. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoat">(wikipedia)</a></span></span><br />
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I am sick and tired of hearing people defend completely indefensible actions. When other Black men use terms like <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://newsone.com/entertainment/casey-gane-mccalla/rapper-too-short-says-industry-conspiracy-destroyed-conscious-rap/">scapegoat</a></span> to absolve other men of destructive and irresponsible behavior we get a two-fer in the Black Male Accountability problem.<br />
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Too Short (on intelligence) continues his "It wasn't my fault" and "I am a victim of the system" rounds with yet another interview. Explaining that if it wasn't for "the man" making the money so good on degradation towards his own community then he and others wouldn't have done those type of albums.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">I wanted to do a whole album of positive Too Short songs, just to keep that balance. I had made a verbal deal with Barry Weiss, where he was like, “Right now would be the perfect time, you should do like the raunchiest Too Short album ever – the album cover, the songs, just do a dirty f***in’ Too Short album.” This is the executive running the company advising me to put out an entire album of just cursing and sex.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And I noticed that at a certain point in Hip Hop the major labels stopped signing and promoting the positive artists, the ones that was just really positive. Positive images were hard to get out there. So I’m just saying that at some point it wasn’t that Hip Hop changed on its own, it had a little push. I’m a real conspiracy theorist, and I just feel like there had to be a gathering of the major labels and somebody had to say like, “Look, we gotta keep this positive shit off the airwaves and let this booty-shaking shit take over. It’s time.” And after that it’s like the floodgates just opened with sex and violence.</blockquote><br />
Negro Please. It just happened? "The Man" made him do it? Too Short and the others like him are NOT victims. They are the predatory perpetrators that have continued to plague the black community destroying it from the inside! I am a proponent of being accountable and responsible for your actions. Too Short and those that support him apparently don't feel the same.<br />
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Psst. By the way. Slavery is over.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-78029029601850823692012-03-02T07:19:00.004-08:002012-03-02T07:22:43.057-08:00A Federal Jude Didn't Get The Memo That America Is Post-Racial.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkeo077oWQ4jk3utqfN8RDfrQV6N-ZIgLOJvIJFfzCKu05MWgUPcQJjN1aBLAIO4FCIANfG_0-VXYF0SMPqTJ90K8JEbaAOJXgWPxd5g7a1vjfcywcTxVZUF3_8goC8Ksc0MpcWvsn5Q/s1600/Racist+Disctrict+Judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkeo077oWQ4jk3utqfN8RDfrQV6N-ZIgLOJvIJFfzCKu05MWgUPcQJjN1aBLAIO4FCIANfG_0-VXYF0SMPqTJ90K8JEbaAOJXgWPxd5g7a1vjfcywcTxVZUF3_8goC8Ksc0MpcWvsn5Q/s320/Racist+Disctrict+Judge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>America is a racist country due to despicable people like <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/120229014/Chief-U-S-District-Judge-sends-racially-charged-email-about-president">Chief Justice Richard Cebull</a></span> and America grows increasingly weaker because of it.<br />
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Most want to believe that we live in an evolved an forward thinking country that prides itself on leaders that will and can do what is best for all of its citizens. But we don't. Because America's racist foundation has not been demolished and that racist foundation allows for men like Chief Justice Cebull (See-Bull) to be in an appointed position (by G.W. Bush) of power to shaping the lives of the citizens in this country.<br />
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This Federally Appointed Official has decided that it is both appropriate and harmless to send a racist email (as long as it remained private) denigrating not only President Obama but his mother as well. He admits that he realized the email was racist and that people would be offended by it but he offers their textbook apology response with the expected caveat of not being a racist just because he sent a racist email and that he was just expressing his anti-Obama sentiment.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">The judge acknowledged that the content of the email was racist, but said he does not consider himself racist. He said the email was intended to be a private communication.</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"It was not intended by me in any way to become public," Cebull said. "I apologize to anybody who is offended by it, and I can obviously understand why people would be offended."</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">He admitted that he read the email and intended to send it to his friends.</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">"The only reason I can explain it to you is I am not a fan of our president, but this goes beyond not being a fan," Cebull said. "I didn't send it as racist, although that's what it is. I sent it out because it's anti-Obama."</span></blockquote>For those that want to believe that there is a difference between a racist from Buqwuat, USA and a racist sitting the judicial bench it would probably be hard to imagine that Cebull would express such a racist sentiment. I mean as a Chief Justice "the believers" would think that he could express his disagreement with the Obama Administration policies or his position on other issues is an intelligent, articulate and non-racist manner. The believers underestimate the intrinsic nature of a racist. They can't help themselves!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">"I have never considered myself that way," Cebull said. "All I can emphasize is I've treated people in my courtroom all these years fairly. I don't think I've ever demonstrated racism. Nobody has ever even implied it."</span></blockquote>Riiight. We are supposed to believe that the email was the absolute first time that he has ever demonstrated racism and of course racism never ever influenced his decisions in the court room. I am thinking that a judicial review needs to be done. Well lookee <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/cebull-asks-for-review-of-conduct-on-bench/article_92a4d61c-b15a-5a06-8368-80127c680613.html">here</a></span> HE is asking for one. Let's just hope that the ones doing the review weren't on his email list.<br />
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Post-racial was a media label that was attached to America's story after President Obama's election. That label is nothing more than a soundbite that was amplified via the media and in no way implies that this country isn't racist or that it is not infested with racists throughout our Executive, Legislative and Judicial bodies of government. President Obama is the first non-white president in an independent country that has existed for over two hundred years. Enough Said.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-69028607997454482902012-02-29T09:14:00.003-08:002012-02-29T09:19:53.277-08:00White Privilege Wins: L'Oreal and Beyonce Continue to Give Black Women the Finger<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0" height="245" id="msnbc83f214" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=46345565&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc83f214" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=46345565&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br />
<div style="background: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 420px;">Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div><br />
(H/T <a href="http://www.ankhesen-mie.net/2012/02/like-i-was-saying.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Ankhesen Mié</span></a><span style="color: black;">)</span><br />
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Apparently Black/African American is not acceptable enough to L'Oreal and Beyonce. <br />
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L'Oreal and Beyonce continue their marketing affiliation by insulting Black women again with their racist advertising campaigns further solidifying their disdain for the Black female identity. Their preferred clientele (read: white) apparently doesn't appreciate or purchase products that use people that don't look like them in the advertising. When white people say that they are white there is NO ONE is expecting or requesting an ethnicity breakdown. WTH. Just another example why elementary and secondary education shouldn't have to suffer white fairy tales disguised as history.<br />
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White privilege derived racism is the primary factor that permits L'Oreal's blatant and racist disregard for Black women who spend between $7-$8 billion dollars on cosmetics annually. They don't change because they haven't had to change in order to continue receiving our dollars. We show them every time we purchase their products that they don't have to respect us or show reciprocity. They take us for granted because <b>we have allowed</b> <b>them to</b>.<br />
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This is not the first time that L'Oreal has shown their predilection for racism within their company and through their marketing and advertising affiliation with Beyonce. But I bet like me, a lot of you continued to purchase their products. (Dark and Lovely, Roots of Nature, Optimum Care, Garnier, Maybelline, Redken, Mizani) An insider tip that L'Oreal can take directly to their advertising departments; Black women purchase cosmetic products from more than just the <a href="http://www.softsheen-carson.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">one "ethnic" directed line that they now own</span></a>. Black women spend a lot of money in a variety of areas! We control the majority of the expenditures in our households just like other women who are making the decisions about where that money goes. We can choose to show them why they should pay very close attention to ALL of the women that purchase their products by being more discerning.<br />
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As L'Oreal continues to assault their Black female consumers by choosing to overtly reject Black female identity in their advertising, Beyonce cosigns making sure that her check has cleared. WIBP (White Identified Black People) like Beyonce and her peoples propel the institution of whiteness forward every time they give it a pass in order to get paid. *cough* <span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/waod/2011/5/4/carols-daughter-hates-black-women-why-no-self-respecting-bla.html">Carol's Daughter</a> <span style="color: black;">and</span> <a href="http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/waod/2011/9/9/carols-daughter-and-steve-stoute-still-color-struck-and-asha.html">Steve Stoute</a>???<span style="color: black;"> <i>Lord build a bridge for lost Black people to find their way back to common sense.</i></span></span> <br />
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Putting a spotlight on the mindless consumerism within the Black community is something that I have been planning for a while. We spend a trillion dollars each year and too much of that is done without any forethought and with little to no expectation of these companies showing respect and reciprocity in the way that they produce, market or affiliate themselves with us. Enough. Of. That. <br />
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<b>Respect Black</b> is calling out L'Oreal and Beyonce by saying, "I would rather choose <span style="color: #990000;">No Brand over Your Brand™<span style="color: black;">"</span></span>. L'Oreal and other companies just like them must choose to show the same respect, effort and consideration towards Black women as consumers or they should lose us forever.<br />
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I realize that <b>opting out</b> is not a small endeavor. I am a product junkie veteran and I have (for close to two years) paid attention to everything that I consume and because of that effort I have been able to wean myself from my mindless product consumption. Just go through your house and add up the value of everything that you have purchased in just the last couple of months (the items that you use as well as the ones that you don't). If you are traumatized afterwards then take action.<br />
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It is hard to accept at times but as Black people (in a world preoccupied with whiteness) we have to be cautious and discerning in everything we support with our time, money and effort or we invite a larger disconnect and more blatant disrespect. In a world that lauds whiteness as the ultimate and the norm there is no choice but to push back hard against the idea that we aren't important parts of this world. <br />
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I am a woman who sees nothing wrong with my Black female identity and I continued to purchase products from L'Oreal and companies like them that don't care about Black women specifically as consumers. I gave them <a href="http://www.loreal.com/_en/_ww/brands-l-oreal.aspx"><span style="color: #990000;">an unlimited invitation to my wallet</span></a> without reciprocity. I no longer allow myself to consume without thinking and I definitely will not spend another dime with companies that disrespect my Black female identity and don't value me as a consumer.<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">One step at a time. </span>"No Brand over Your Brand™"</span>.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-23856868053551863222012-02-28T11:23:00.000-08:002012-02-28T11:23:04.433-08:00Repect Black: Past, Present, Future (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_390814926"></span><span id="goog_390814927"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0EXwJnjmZHDSeyHV-FQ2cD2Px1msAEUQgGKNUrjC2i8nBm5pfCXUEhLsnve79Ld0bppnEDu_CpCoYStcEWB7E-3uK9CWhfG_Uwk4O3aFN_QSUcnJY-wv2gq7-jnUmCTv9I7wkqYMONg/s1600/education+is+power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0EXwJnjmZHDSeyHV-FQ2cD2Px1msAEUQgGKNUrjC2i8nBm5pfCXUEhLsnve79Ld0bppnEDu_CpCoYStcEWB7E-3uK9CWhfG_Uwk4O3aFN_QSUcnJY-wv2gq7-jnUmCTv9I7wkqYMONg/s1600/education+is+power.jpg" /></a></div>This is the last post in the series that began with me making the statement that <a href="http://respectblack.blogspot.com/2012/02/black-history-month-should-not-be.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Black History Month Should Not Be Enough</span></a> and <a href="http://respectblack.blogspot.com/2012/02/respect-black-365-past-present-and.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Respect Black: Past, Present, Future (Part 1)</span></a> began my thoughts on why.<br />
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In the 21st century there are people that are trying to legislate the revision of history in textbooks in an effort to remove white people's culpability in atrocities that have been inflicted on non-white people here and around the world. They also intend to lessen or completely remove information and entire programs that provide information about non-white people and their contributions. That means that your children will continue learning that white people matter and that they don't in a legally required formal <b>education</b> facility also known as America's elementary and secondary school system. White supremacy wants to extinguish anyone or any event that doesn't fit their white superiority model. If they succeed. A Black History Month isn't going to do squat to make that better. The only way to combat this level of arrogance and duplicity is to engage our children and ourselves in the importance of a great <b>education</b>.<br />
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We live in a time where people would rather embrace a deplorable whitewashed fairy tale rather than the truth that comes from a rich history of people from all backgrounds who endured and sacrificed a great deal to make sure that the future moves forward and not backwards. <b>Education</b> is imperative. There are great inspirational stories about people that have done great things but those stories have been relegated to the sidelines when it comes to impacting the lives of Black people in a positive way on a grand scale. Black History Month has become more about memorizing and reciting and less about engaging and doing. Our kids will continue to suffer if the right values are not encouraged and supported.<br />
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Conscious living and a solid <b>education</b> as a foundation is what all Black people should be encouraged to pursue because it the best way to ensure a life of success and purpose. If you show a child ALL that is possible through knowledge and an <b>education</b> then you plant the seed. Black History Month can't possibly encompass that which should be the concerted effort of all of us towards emboldening the lives for those that come after us. Everything that we do should be with the specific goal of bettering our lives and the lives of Black children. We have to ensure that our children can navigate this world knowing that they are important. What good is all of that history if it doesn't propel us forward in showing that we have a responsibility and the possibility to do great things.<br />
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<b>Education</b> is the best path for success in life for our children. Parents are an integral factor in a Black child choosing a better life for themselves than the one that can be offered from a life lived in limbo without aspirations, priorities and goals. We are 13% of the American population and yet we have the highest percentage of the incarcerated, unemployed and poor in society. The chance of a Black child having a successful life in <a href="http://respectblack.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=11"><span style="color: #990000;">this</span></a> world without an <b>education</b> is significantly less than the odds of winning the lottery.<br />
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My point? <b>Education, Education, Education</b> and did I say <b>Education</b>. Parents are their children's best advocate in the pursuit of their best lives. An <b>education</b> is a very important part of that. If we do not speak up and do right by them then we fail them terribly as their protectors and guardians. Black people can have a hard time in this world that is full of choices and obstacles that no other race of people have to be concerned with and yes it is unfair. But that unfairness doesn't negate the fact that an <b>education</b> expands our options and offers the potential to create our best life despite the obstacles. Black children deserve to have great lives and that begins with their parents making better choices and great decisions on their behalf. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Education</b> will always be THE equalizer and accelerator in society that will allow Black people to lead successful lives. Making <b>education</b> a priority in your household is what our children deserve. The futures of Black children depend on it. Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-76886885175089226182012-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-23T06:11:14.835-08:00How Much Is Too Much to Give...When is Enough, Enough?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lbUeCDDbJDKMEw9IbgyJURc-rNP9euUPELPgV7K_PPOcqpy6t2ux2rnIGkhmMLf-G3f_IATokKQfpSymYqgUyY4n-Jl-BNb_5BRwGabFU8eAokBWAVqLkLzdqaufAXtcDTixcs5r0cA/s1600/whitney+houston3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lbUeCDDbJDKMEw9IbgyJURc-rNP9euUPELPgV7K_PPOcqpy6t2ux2rnIGkhmMLf-G3f_IATokKQfpSymYqgUyY4n-Jl-BNb_5BRwGabFU8eAokBWAVqLkLzdqaufAXtcDTixcs5r0cA/s320/whitney+houston3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>I didn't understand why I had been unable to shake the sadness I felt after hearing about Whitney Houston's death. I have now realized that it was tied to a connection I felt because we both have daughters (we love without measure) that are our only children and also there was the despair I felt seeing that yet another Black woman's life is gone, seemingly after living a life that didn't make herself a priority. </i><br />
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The title of this post asks a question that I see as a rally call to Black women. We are and have been the ones in society that are expected to give without reason until there is nothing left. We are the ones that are expected to be available to everyone else but ourselves. We are the ones that are expected and requested to accept less than what we desire and deserve for various reasons but none of them have anything to do with what is best for us. It is always about someone or something else. We are the ones that have to save ourselves.<br />
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How much more? How much are we willing to continue to give to anyone or anything that is not about our success and advancement in the pursuit of our best lives. The price requested/demanded is way too high and offers little to no chance of return on investment. So why participate in any endeavor that does not have your best interest at heart.<br />
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We love to tell ourselves that we are doing what is best for the good of us all when we knowingly and willingly give the best of ourselves (expending energy, time and/or effort) to people or groups that have no intention or desire to encourage or support us in return. Whether it is family, friends or community; making the decision to not make ourselves a priority is an effort riddled failure.<br />
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Failure to thrive (FTT) is terminology that is used in the medical world to describe those that have been denied the necessary requirements that would encourage emotional, mental and physical growth. This term can be used to describe Black women collectively in the way that we are treated and regarded within the Black community and in society at large. No one wants to admit that they have been malnourished by people that are supposed to care about you and that are supposed to want the best for you. The malnourished don't usually realize the extent of the deprivation until it is too late.<br />
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Take a look at the life that you are currently leading. Ask yourself if the life that you are living is the one that you want? If not. Change it. Changing it does not mean that you abandon responsibilities and things that you are accountable to/for. Change does mean that you should choose to make yourself a priority by taking the necessary steps to bring happiness and balance to the forefront and not allowing negative people or influences to play a role.<br />
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Life will be limited for those that choose to limit themselves. Don't have anyone or anything stop you from making choices that align with what you desire for your life. Help yourself by making yourself a priority.Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-74747135086582056512012-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-22T06:00:16.740-08:00No. I Will Not Be "Nice" About It.<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrHxfSQ5id817WchoF_YpvYyg1AkKJc1H6FniDOLqRYqd_I_i7R0OxpppYo8UxiZ3oHzEKrjW_MDWdgjZTAoBKVfrdXu14ZsMSgZAYamug8VD1H4SUZbIRsEpyCz1ion1HnMBkufruHU/s1600/confused+black+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrHxfSQ5id817WchoF_YpvYyg1AkKJc1H6FniDOLqRYqd_I_i7R0OxpppYo8UxiZ3oHzEKrjW_MDWdgjZTAoBKVfrdXu14ZsMSgZAYamug8VD1H4SUZbIRsEpyCz1ion1HnMBkufruHU/s320/confused+black+woman.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Righteous indignation from a white person that feels offended because I've confronted them on their racist comments, behaviors or inappropriately ridiculous questions is something that I will never accept. There is no excuse for an adult to be allowed to get away with that and there is no excuse for a child not to learn from it and choose to not do it again. This is the 21st century and white people walking around as if they are the only people that exist in this world is beyond idiotic.<br />
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When I've said no (don't touch my hair) or look at them (A-D-U-L-T-S) like they have two heads when they ask some of the most amazingly asinine questions like "when I bathe does my brown skin tone lessen" or "Do Black people ever believe in working to get what they want in life," I can't take them seriously and I will ALWAYS assume that you want to be called out on it. I. can. not. take them seriously because to be offensive (unintentional or not) and then have the nerve to expect for me to be gracious about being offended is an ill perceived entitlement that exists only in fairy tales.<br />
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I am not interested in making white people feel comfortable (in their ignorance). I am not even the slightest bit interested in making Black people feel comfortable when it comes to discussing race/racism. Comfort breeds complacency, complacency breeds apathy and apathy ends in death-- emotional, mental and physical death. <br />
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I would rather that white people acknowledge the fact that their white privilege affords them the damaging opportunity to walk around <strike>like dumb asses</strike> clueless about the world that they live in. They get to pass it off as good intentioned inquisitiveness asking racist tinged questions of non-whites without people (in this white supremacist country) thinking less of them for it. If you do it then own it and don't try to walk it back by saying that you didn't realize or you didn't know any better. Real adults don't operate under that thought process.<br />
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Acknowledge the mistake and then take the initiative to educate yourself. YouTube is full of videos with people that are willing to explain why what you said or did was wrong and inform you on certain cultural elements that you might be interested in all in the privacy of your own home. We are in the <b>21st century</b>, it's time out for the passive aggressive behaviors that expect the offended to care about your feelings when you offend. The internet, books and engaging in the world around you is your friend in that cause. I. AM. NOT. Once you have helped yourself, only then can we have a conversation.<br />
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Non-white people in this society don't get to behave in this way and not have it be seen as a faulty/inferior/unrefined characteristic attributed to the entire race. Black people that walk around uninformed about the world that they live in because they may lack access due to socioeconomic issues are seen as inferior by society. But white people are excused as being unaware due to being sheltered and get a pass? No. <br />
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If your parents did not do for you what they should have done in making you aware of the world that you live in then it becomes the responsibility of the adult person to enlighten themselves. If you choose to stay only in your idealistic (read: white supremacist) bubble then do that but don't expect non-white people not to burst that bubble when you decide to step outside of it.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">*Pic courtesy of Google </span>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-62265780309580936712012-02-12T13:30:00.000-08:002012-02-12T13:30:45.661-08:00Whitney<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kxZD0VQvfqU" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sWa5vE4MUpU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7708626055208289227.post-37471474136417146802012-02-11T18:11:00.000-08:002012-02-11T18:23:22.612-08:00R.I.P. Whitney Houston (1963-2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00R7KSN6ZPVPpf4lGHSDMt-V17M3K0X3SDEJ_86pzVdyEo7K_ZkWpTwmbOcaOiwUVR_hT2SxuunpereyzvoVcmWwi7SMGT5Wf4qRmqLulvoLr75IDHqDK6NVerGkLDSby71lyI_OZ7Oo/s1600/whitney+houston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00R7KSN6ZPVPpf4lGHSDMt-V17M3K0X3SDEJ_86pzVdyEo7K_ZkWpTwmbOcaOiwUVR_hT2SxuunpereyzvoVcmWwi7SMGT5Wf4qRmqLulvoLr75IDHqDK6NVerGkLDSby71lyI_OZ7Oo/s400/whitney+houston.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Whitney Houston has died. My sincere condolences go out to Whitney Houston's family. <br />
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Her music has been a way that many of us have been able to remember certain moments in time. We see the music and therefore the person as markers to that history because we can readily pinpoint a specific time in our lives because of a particular song. She will forever be seen as a musical legend because she was exceptional at her craft.<br />
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We attach so much to celebrities in our society that we tend to forget that they are human. I am extremely saddened by this tragic news. Respect Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06080358176690027521noreply@blogger.com2