Hi Meltingpot Readers,
You know I'm not a huge fan of Black history month. For all the standard reasons; Black history shouldn't be segregated, Black people's contributions to this country require more than 29 days to discuss, blah blah blah. But since the month exists, despite my and other people's exasperation, we might as well use the opportunity for good not evil. Right?
So in my infinite wisdom and since this is my blog and since I'm all about culture clashes, I thought I'd do something a little different this year for Black History Month. I'm going to use my posts for the month of February to highlight all of the White people who've gotten famous, made a name for themselves or otherwise have benefited by telling Black people's stories. In some ways this may sound jaded or even a little snarky. It is! A little. In light of the recent success of The Help, as well as the drama surrounding getting Red Tails on the screen, I figure, let's take a really good look at the White folks who tell Black folks' stories. Why do they do it? What is the public's response? How come some meet with success and other's meet with scathing criticism? Does their literary and/or cinematic output help or hinder the mainstreaming of the Black experience?
Please note, my goal is not to court controversy. I'm really hoping to highlight an interesting pop culture trend (a trend that pretty much began in the 15th century when this country was first integrated). Will I ruffle some feathers? Probably. But that's okay. If you have some suggestions as to whom I should profile during the month of February, let me know. I'm listening.
Peace!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Three Burning Questions About Red Tails...And Yes I Loved the Movie
Hi Meltingpot Readers,
So, I took my kids to see Red Tails this weekend and I'm glad I did. I thought the movie was a wonderful vehicle to introduce young and old to the heroics of the Tuskegee Airmen. Yes, it was a little cheesy and some of the lines were corny but it was a war film. I expected nothing less. I cheered and cried at all the right places. Most importantly though, I loved seeing a movie with a bunch of Black men being heroes. All of them. Heroes in uniform, fighting for their country. That I could take my sons to see that on the big screen was priceless.
So, please, go see the film. Support George Lucas's passion project. Show Hollywood that a film that features an all-Black cast (that isn't made by Tyler Perry) can make money.
Now, here are some random facts about me and the Red Tails experience that perhaps will entice you to see the film if the whole George Lucas using his own money thing isn't grabbing you.
1. Did you know that Red Tails producer, Geroge Lucas is married to a Black woman, the beautiful and whip-smart economist Mellody Hobson? I kinda forgot about that until el esposo reminded me. And even though this movie has been in the works longer than their relationship, I'm wondering if being attached to Ms. Hobson, in any way influenced his desire/passion to get this done? What do you think? It couldn't hurt right?
2. For those of you who have seen the film and noticed the off-handed insult about my hometown of Milwaukee, did you think that was random? Probably not as I just found out that the co-writer of Red Tails, John Ridley, is from Milwaukee and apparently we didn't live very far apart. Small world, right?
3. Are you surprised that the Saturday afternoon showing of Red Tails that I took my kids to see was packed? There wasn't an empty seat in the house. Are you surprised that everyone single seat was filled by Black people, save four older White people who I know from the Unitarian Church by my house? Love those Unitarians! Do you think a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen isn't relevant to White audiences?
I'm listening for your answers.
Peace!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Is Racism too Stressful to Talk About?
Hello Meltingpot Readers,
My son is in the fifth grade. Recently they had to take those fill-in-the-bubble tests that supposedly test achievement. As part of the test, the kids have to fill in a bubble that describes their racial background. The teacher sent a note home saying that that requirement instigated a very thoughtful conversation about race and racism in the classroom. The take-away from the discussion, however, was that the kids believed it was just plain racist and always wrong to even talk about race. Yikes!
Faster than you can say NAACP, I was composing an email to the teacher, offering my services to come and lead a workshop to the fifth grade about how to talk about race with ease and comfort. But before I hit send, I remembered a recent study I read about on MyBrownBaby.com that suggested children need to be shielded from stress and strife as much as possible. Here's an excerpt from the article that gave me pause.
"... adolescence in particular is a vulnerable time for kids because that is when they are starting to isolate themselves from the family, meaning they have fewer supports available to them. Sinha says we need to give children time to develop their stress systems, which will provide them with the tools to deal with adversity as they become older. But if too much adversity comes at an early age, those tools will remain stunted and not fully available to them, perhaps throughout their lives."
If there's one thing I know to be stressful, it's the concept of race and racism. It stresses me out when I allow myself to think about all of the injustice in this world that comes at the hands of a racist system. On the other hand, I know that my parents did an excellent job shielding me from the ugliness of racism for almost my entire childhood and I feel I am the confident Black woman I am today because of it. My only gripe is that in "shielding" me from racism, they also shielded me from feeling any pride in my African-American heritage. I grew up feeling like I didn't belong to any particular ethnic group. I had to teach myself what it meant to be Black, a lesson I didn't start to learn until I was 18.
So, back to my own kids. Of course I want to teach them to feel proud of their heritage, both Black and Spanish. And until now, I kind of thought it was okay to give them a hearty dose of honesty when it came to the painful history and lingering injustice that permeates a colored person's life. But now I'm not so sure. I don't want to do what my parents did and act like race isn't an issue, but I also don't want to burden them with the sins of the past.
Here's what's on my agenda for this weekend. We're going to see Red Tails (the movie about the Tuskegee Airmen) and our read-aloud book is about the young Harriet Tubman. This is just coincidence but is it too much? What do you think, dear readers? How do you teach your children about race, without adding stress? I'm so listening.
Peace!
My son is in the fifth grade. Recently they had to take those fill-in-the-bubble tests that supposedly test achievement. As part of the test, the kids have to fill in a bubble that describes their racial background. The teacher sent a note home saying that that requirement instigated a very thoughtful conversation about race and racism in the classroom. The take-away from the discussion, however, was that the kids believed it was just plain racist and always wrong to even talk about race. Yikes!
Faster than you can say NAACP, I was composing an email to the teacher, offering my services to come and lead a workshop to the fifth grade about how to talk about race with ease and comfort. But before I hit send, I remembered a recent study I read about on MyBrownBaby.com that suggested children need to be shielded from stress and strife as much as possible. Here's an excerpt from the article that gave me pause.
"... adolescence in particular is a vulnerable time for kids because that is when they are starting to isolate themselves from the family, meaning they have fewer supports available to them. Sinha says we need to give children time to develop their stress systems, which will provide them with the tools to deal with adversity as they become older. But if too much adversity comes at an early age, those tools will remain stunted and not fully available to them, perhaps throughout their lives."
If there's one thing I know to be stressful, it's the concept of race and racism. It stresses me out when I allow myself to think about all of the injustice in this world that comes at the hands of a racist system. On the other hand, I know that my parents did an excellent job shielding me from the ugliness of racism for almost my entire childhood and I feel I am the confident Black woman I am today because of it. My only gripe is that in "shielding" me from racism, they also shielded me from feeling any pride in my African-American heritage. I grew up feeling like I didn't belong to any particular ethnic group. I had to teach myself what it meant to be Black, a lesson I didn't start to learn until I was 18.
So, back to my own kids. Of course I want to teach them to feel proud of their heritage, both Black and Spanish. And until now, I kind of thought it was okay to give them a hearty dose of honesty when it came to the painful history and lingering injustice that permeates a colored person's life. But now I'm not so sure. I don't want to do what my parents did and act like race isn't an issue, but I also don't want to burden them with the sins of the past.
Here's what's on my agenda for this weekend. We're going to see Red Tails (the movie about the Tuskegee Airmen) and our read-aloud book is about the young Harriet Tubman. This is just coincidence but is it too much? What do you think, dear readers? How do you teach your children about race, without adding stress? I'm so listening.
Peace!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Global Good Hair
Hi Meltingpot Readers,
I finally got around to checking out the new Ebony.com website. There's been a lot of buzz about its new and improved design and well-written content. I'm happy to say that I was quite impressed. What's more, I loved this article called Global Good Hair (and not just because the writer references my book, Hair Story. That was just icing on the cake.) Take a look and enjoy!
Peace!
I finally got around to checking out the new Ebony.com website. There's been a lot of buzz about its new and improved design and well-written content. I'm happy to say that I was quite impressed. What's more, I loved this article called Global Good Hair (and not just because the writer references my book, Hair Story. That was just icing on the cake.) Take a look and enjoy!
Peace!
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Culture of Resistance: Be Inspired
Hi Meltingpot Readers,
You know when you're feeling frustrated at your life circumstances or perhaps you're allowing yourself to indulge a bit into self-pity because sometimes things just seem to be going wrong? Not to negate the possibility of your own real-life drama, but after watching a film like, Cultures of Resistance, I dare say you will find yourselves inspired.
"CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.
I've only seen the trailer for the film and read everything I can get my hands on about it, but there is going to be a screening and discussion in Philadelphia next month that I hope to be able to attend. Truth be told, I was first attracted to the film, only because I read that the director was a Brazilian woman of Korean heritage and that intrigued me. I'm glad I investigated further because the subject matter of the film, is fascinating. Wouldn't you agree?
Cultures of Resistance: The Official Trailer from Cultures of Resistance on Vimeo.
Have any of you, dear readers, seen Cultures of Resistance? Were you inspired? Be the change you want to be!
Peace!
You know when you're feeling frustrated at your life circumstances or perhaps you're allowing yourself to indulge a bit into self-pity because sometimes things just seem to be going wrong? Not to negate the possibility of your own real-life drama, but after watching a film like, Cultures of Resistance, I dare say you will find yourselves inspired.
"CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.
Featuring: Medellín poets for peace, Capoeira masters from Brazil, Niger Delta militants, Iranian graffiti artists, women’s movement leaders in Rwanda, Lebanon’s refugee filmmakers, U.S. political pranksters, indigenous Kayapó activists from the Xingu River, Israeli dissidents, hip-hop artists from Palestine, and many more. "
I've only seen the trailer for the film and read everything I can get my hands on about it, but there is going to be a screening and discussion in Philadelphia next month that I hope to be able to attend. Truth be told, I was first attracted to the film, only because I read that the director was a Brazilian woman of Korean heritage and that intrigued me. I'm glad I investigated further because the subject matter of the film, is fascinating. Wouldn't you agree?
Cultures of Resistance: The Official Trailer from Cultures of Resistance on Vimeo.
Have any of you, dear readers, seen Cultures of Resistance? Were you inspired? Be the change you want to be!
Peace!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Calling All Mixie Artists
Happy Friday Meltingpot Readers,
Any regular readers of this blog know I am a huge fan of the Mixed Roots Film and Literary Festival. Born five years ago, it is an amazing festival that celebrates the mixed race experience --from all angles - through literature and film. I was fortunate enough to be at the first festival and hope to be able to attend this year.
To be honest, before attending the Mixed Roots Festival, I never thought there was a unique mixed - race experience. I still saw the world in Black and White, despite the fact that I had brown children! And even then I didn't think I, as a Black woman, had a place in that experience. Somebody had to point it out to me that because my children are mixed, then I am part of the experience. So, yes, I need to be aware of what it means to be mixed. Yes,I want to know how to celebrate my children's two unique cultures in a way that makes them feel whole. And as a writer who is interested in race and identity, the mixed experience fascinates me.
The festival takes place June 16 & 17 in Los Angeles. It's totally free and offers programing appropriate for the whole family. Did I mention it's free?. Right now there's an open call for workshop, literature and film submissions. So, if you have a book or film that you'd like to screen to an amazing audience, send in your stuff. I am.
Peace!
Any regular readers of this blog know I am a huge fan of the Mixed Roots Film and Literary Festival. Born five years ago, it is an amazing festival that celebrates the mixed race experience --from all angles - through literature and film. I was fortunate enough to be at the first festival and hope to be able to attend this year.
To be honest, before attending the Mixed Roots Festival, I never thought there was a unique mixed - race experience. I still saw the world in Black and White, despite the fact that I had brown children! And even then I didn't think I, as a Black woman, had a place in that experience. Somebody had to point it out to me that because my children are mixed, then I am part of the experience. So, yes, I need to be aware of what it means to be mixed. Yes,I want to know how to celebrate my children's two unique cultures in a way that makes them feel whole. And as a writer who is interested in race and identity, the mixed experience fascinates me.
The festival takes place June 16 & 17 in Los Angeles. It's totally free and offers programing appropriate for the whole family. Did I mention it's free?. Right now there's an open call for workshop, literature and film submissions. So, if you have a book or film that you'd like to screen to an amazing audience, send in your stuff. I am.
Peace!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
It's Not Racist If It's About Your Own People: Old Jews Tell Jokes
Hi Meltingpot Readers,
My boss is Jewish. I'm Black.
The other day, I showed him the "Shit Black Girls Say to White Girls Video." He hadn't heard about it. He watched, he laughed. He asked me how much of the phrases in the video I'd heard before. I told him, most, if not all. It was a tiny teachable moment.
Then he showed me something, a website called Old Jews Telling Jokes. I watched. I laughed. I asked him if all old Jews were funny. Turns out they are. I'm kidding. Oy! But still another tiny teachable moment for me. I'd never heard about this site, nor thought of old Jewish people in the pantheon of great comedians. Check out the website and prepare to be amused, but also to learn a little a bit too.
I think it's all about exposure, people. And humor. So, here's a (PG-13) Jewish funny for you. Enjoy.
Peace!
My boss is Jewish. I'm Black.
The other day, I showed him the "Shit Black Girls Say to White Girls Video." He hadn't heard about it. He watched, he laughed. He asked me how much of the phrases in the video I'd heard before. I told him, most, if not all. It was a tiny teachable moment.
Then he showed me something, a website called Old Jews Telling Jokes. I watched. I laughed. I asked him if all old Jews were funny. Turns out they are. I'm kidding. Oy! But still another tiny teachable moment for me. I'd never heard about this site, nor thought of old Jewish people in the pantheon of great comedians. Check out the website and prepare to be amused, but also to learn a little a bit too.
I think it's all about exposure, people. And humor. So, here's a (PG-13) Jewish funny for you. Enjoy.
Peace!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)