I saw a video the other day about a woman named Sara (her real name was Saartje) Baartman. Earlier this week, I had finished reading a book entitled: "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet Washington which talks the usage of Africans and African American bodies for non-therapeutic, "scientific" studies. Washington also talked about Sara and the terrible life she lived as a "caged subject" – showing off her body to Europeans who had never seen an African woman before.
If you are not aware of the history behind her life -- she was a woman from South Africa who was kidnapped from her home (the video clip said she went to Europe ... but other researchers said that she was taken not of her own free will) only to be but up on the stage to be clamored and laughed at because of how anatomical different she was from the white woman. They came up with a scientific name for her large butt, steatopygia and another scientific name for her what they considered to be an elongated labia, sinus pudoris. They believed that her large breast and elongated labia justified their reasoning that the black woman is oversexed and hypersexual. They called her Hottentot Venus and she was put on display for many many years until she died of disease. The woman narrating the video states that some people call Sara Barrtman the first video vixen...but she didn't willingly choose that profession. Sara Baartman and her story has become the icon of racial inferiority and black female sexuality for many years.
Youtube Clip Narrator: Where is black America? We are on the sidelines cheering because baby girl is no longer a resident of the ghetto. She's riding in Bentleys and Benz draped in furs and diamond and the record label just brought her a phat house. But have we forgotten, massa always kept his main ho in the big house or house of her own as long, as she opened the door when he came knocking. And he will be coming back. It's so sad. Back then we were forced to degrade ourselves to level of being some man's whore. Today we willingly degrade ourselves. We have forgotten our grandmothers pain? Her struggles to carry the burdens so we wouldn't have to? Do you hear the ancestors crying out: 'is this what we died for'!?
I write this blog because there are too many women who do not respect their bodies or know their worth. Long disrespected and un-admired by society at large, black women were not known as possessing ideal Western standards of beauty. Years ago, we were plagued by self-doubt, emotional inferiority, suffering internal conflicts about their sexuality and womanhood. By respecting and loving yourselves, you can let go of the issues, obstacles, negative people, fears, and phobias to bring the love and sensuality you desire into your life. Never permit anybody to limit or restrict you in any way. Black women now have the knowledge and vision to honor their female sexuality, while never taking sensuality and pleasure lightly. Pleasure is a gift and a blessing. It is something that should be cultivated, honored, and respected by a loving and attentive mate. Your body is a temple and you need to be extremely careful about who you allow to commune inside of it.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Material & Spiritual Progress
"To make our wills obedient to good influences and to avoid evil, is to show the greatest wisdom. In order to follow this aim one must be guided by religion. Progress without religion is just like a life surrounded by unknown perils and can be compared to a body without a soul. Knowing that material and spiritual progress are essential to man, we must ceaselessly work for the equal attainment of both. Only then shall we be able to acquire that absolute inner calm so necessary to our well-being. Whenever conflict arises between material and spiritual values, the conscience plays an important role and anyone who suffers from a guilty conscience is never really free from this problem until he makes peace with himself and his conscience. Discipline of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine morality and therefore of spiritual strength. Spiritual power is the eternal guide, in this life and the life after, for man ranks supreme among all creatures. Led forward by spiritual power, man can reach the summit destined for him by the Great Creator. Since nobody can interfere in the realm of God we should tolerate and live side by side with those of other faiths. In the mystic traditions of the different religions we have a remarkable unity of spirit. Whatever religion they may profess, they are spiritual kinsmen. While the different religions in their historic forms bind us to limited groups and militate against the development of loyalty to the world community, the mystics have already stood for the fellowship of humanity in harmony with the spirit of the mystics of ages gone by. No one should question the faith of others, for no human being can judge of the ways of God. However wise or however mighty a person may be, he is like a ship without a rudder if he is without God. A rudderless ship is at the mercy of the waves and the wind, drifts wherever they take it and if there arises a whirlwind it is smashed against the rocks and becomes as if it has never existed. It is our firm belief that a soul without Christ is bound to meet with no better fate. The love shown by our God to mankind should constrain all of us who are followers and disciples of Christ, to do all in our power to see to it that the message of salvation is carried to those of our fellows who have not had the benefit of hearing the good news. It is our conviction that all the activities of the children of men, which are not guided by the Spirit and council of God will bear no lasting fruits; they will not be acceptable in the sight of God. It will therefore come to naught as the tower of Babel came to naught. The grace of God is Eternal. Angels in Heaven and the Creation on Earth sing His Praise . We thank the Master of the world Almighty God. Power belongs to God. May God Our Creator, the Helper and Guiding Light of us all grant you His Wisdom that you may bear fruits for His Glory."
His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I
His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I
We Used To Be Homies...
Let me share a story with you:
Jane & Brent have been close friends for several years – his parents adore her, her parents respect him. They consider each other long lost siblings. They protect and stick up for each other. And if anything goes down, they always have each other’s back. Then Brent meets a girl. On the outside, the girl seems to be cool – well with the exception of one thing – she is not okay with the relationship Brent & Jane share. Jane has expressed no desire to ever have more than a friendship with Brent and everyone else knew that as well. But nevertheless, in an effort to please his girlfriend – Brent cut off ties with Jane.
The story was a rather simplified version of a commonly seen series of events. I’ve been there before. One of my male best friends started dating this trick (because that’s exactly what she is) and she told me that he was her man and not mines. So in an effort to keep his steady flow of coochie, he ditched me. Never mind the fact that we had known each other since middle school. Or forget the fact that whenever he was down & out, I was the one who had to listen to him whine, moan, complain, and eventually helped him see it through. Of course there was a time where I may have looked at him differently, but when he began dating ol' girl – I never once disrespected their relationship. So I came to the conclusion that the bit was simply insecure and envious of the fact that while she may be giving up the coochie & wearing the title of "girlfriend" – she could never really take my place in his life. Now I know that sounds petty – but admit it – if the family likes you (the friend) more than they like the girlfriend…that speaks volumes.
So to anyone reading this blog – take a hint: do NOT let anyone come between you and your friends. Because let me tell you this – not everyone will put up with you the way your good friends will. Good friends, and I mean good, true friends are HARD to come by. So if you’re dating someone and they are jealous of the bond that you share with your friends – tell that bit to either a) shut up & deal with it, or b) hit the road jack! This is not to say that you shouldn’t spend time with your new beau, but you should never hang your friends on the self & use them when you feel like - because sooner or later - people are going to get sick & tired of being treated like a clutch.
And "homie" if you're reading this...I hope she's worth it.
Jane & Brent have been close friends for several years – his parents adore her, her parents respect him. They consider each other long lost siblings. They protect and stick up for each other. And if anything goes down, they always have each other’s back. Then Brent meets a girl. On the outside, the girl seems to be cool – well with the exception of one thing – she is not okay with the relationship Brent & Jane share. Jane has expressed no desire to ever have more than a friendship with Brent and everyone else knew that as well. But nevertheless, in an effort to please his girlfriend – Brent cut off ties with Jane.
The story was a rather simplified version of a commonly seen series of events. I’ve been there before. One of my male best friends started dating this trick (because that’s exactly what she is) and she told me that he was her man and not mines. So in an effort to keep his steady flow of coochie, he ditched me. Never mind the fact that we had known each other since middle school. Or forget the fact that whenever he was down & out, I was the one who had to listen to him whine, moan, complain, and eventually helped him see it through. Of course there was a time where I may have looked at him differently, but when he began dating ol' girl – I never once disrespected their relationship. So I came to the conclusion that the bit was simply insecure and envious of the fact that while she may be giving up the coochie & wearing the title of "girlfriend" – she could never really take my place in his life. Now I know that sounds petty – but admit it – if the family likes you (the friend) more than they like the girlfriend…that speaks volumes.
So to anyone reading this blog – take a hint: do NOT let anyone come between you and your friends. Because let me tell you this – not everyone will put up with you the way your good friends will. Good friends, and I mean good, true friends are HARD to come by. So if you’re dating someone and they are jealous of the bond that you share with your friends – tell that bit to either a) shut up & deal with it, or b) hit the road jack! This is not to say that you shouldn’t spend time with your new beau, but you should never hang your friends on the self & use them when you feel like - because sooner or later - people are going to get sick & tired of being treated like a clutch.
And "homie" if you're reading this...I hope she's worth it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Students Wear Klan Uniforms
(Click here to read the story)
I can see how, in theory, this kind of project could be a good idea. The shock of kids in Klan outfits could be a powerful image, and used to fuel discussions about racism and history. Reading this story made me think about the seminar with Tim Wise at Georgia Southern University back in 2008. The issue of racism in America will NEVER get anywhere until people, specifically White people are willing to discuss and face facts.
Besides what is this concept of racism or race?
In scientific terms race has absolutely nothing to do with skin color. The concept of white was not what Europeans classified themselves as before they came to America -- hell they didn't even like each other. The term "White" came about when you had indenture servants both of European and African decent coming together and making a plan to take down the Elite Europeans. The Elite were outnumbered (like 8-1) and decided that they only way they were going to shut down this little rebellion was DIVIDE & CONQUER. The Elite told the "working class" Europeans that hey "we're going to form a team and we are going to call it White." They gave them a little bit of land and a little more money and even offered jobs -- Fugitive Slave Catchers. Then when the Civil War occurs ... do you think it was the Elite whites who fought and died on the field ... NO ... they sent out the poor lower class whites to fight their battle. Nowadays the so-called Neo-Nazi and Confederate folks want to say that the Civil War was about States Rights. Read the speeches of the legislatures in the states that succeed from the Union -- they wanted to keep their right to own and transport slaves! So instead of getting mad at another Black person who is angry about the Civil War and Slavery, get mad at Old Grandpa and Grandma Wrinkles who sat idly by while people were treated as three-fifths of a man and they were STILL getting tables scraps next to nothing from those in power. But to them ... it was right because it was all white. Ignorance.
Whites believe that we all live in the same reality, the same world, and believe the same things about this country. If that were so, how come when Black teenagers get their license to drive the first thing that their parents teach them is when you get stopped by the police you better put your hand on the steering wheel and don't move until you ASK the officer whether you can get or reach for something. Because we as black people have seen the stats and stories of untold Black men AND women assaulted and murdered by the police (Remember Sean Bell?).
The struggles of African-Americans in this country are overtly simplified: Slavery happened, period. Then came the freedom, period. Then the civil rights movement, period. But in reality our story is so much more complicated and complex.
In schools, we are taught WHITE literature, WHITE art, WHITE history -- of course they don't call it that but everything that is WHITE is standardized and taught as the norm. Remember when you read your history books back in grade school? -- black folks probably got ONE paragraph per chapter IF that. And you tell me that it isn't a privilege to be WHITE in America.
In the end I think this assignment was a worthy, provocative assignment; however, it was very poorly executed.
I can see how, in theory, this kind of project could be a good idea. The shock of kids in Klan outfits could be a powerful image, and used to fuel discussions about racism and history. Reading this story made me think about the seminar with Tim Wise at Georgia Southern University back in 2008. The issue of racism in America will NEVER get anywhere until people, specifically White people are willing to discuss and face facts.
Besides what is this concept of racism or race?
In scientific terms race has absolutely nothing to do with skin color. The concept of white was not what Europeans classified themselves as before they came to America -- hell they didn't even like each other. The term "White" came about when you had indenture servants both of European and African decent coming together and making a plan to take down the Elite Europeans. The Elite were outnumbered (like 8-1) and decided that they only way they were going to shut down this little rebellion was DIVIDE & CONQUER. The Elite told the "working class" Europeans that hey "we're going to form a team and we are going to call it White." They gave them a little bit of land and a little more money and even offered jobs -- Fugitive Slave Catchers. Then when the Civil War occurs ... do you think it was the Elite whites who fought and died on the field ... NO ... they sent out the poor lower class whites to fight their battle. Nowadays the so-called Neo-Nazi and Confederate folks want to say that the Civil War was about States Rights. Read the speeches of the legislatures in the states that succeed from the Union -- they wanted to keep their right to own and transport slaves! So instead of getting mad at another Black person who is angry about the Civil War and Slavery, get mad at Old Grandpa and Grandma Wrinkles who sat idly by while people were treated as three-fifths of a man and they were STILL getting tables scraps next to nothing from those in power. But to them ... it was right because it was all white. Ignorance.
Whites believe that we all live in the same reality, the same world, and believe the same things about this country. If that were so, how come when Black teenagers get their license to drive the first thing that their parents teach them is when you get stopped by the police you better put your hand on the steering wheel and don't move until you ASK the officer whether you can get or reach for something. Because we as black people have seen the stats and stories of untold Black men AND women assaulted and murdered by the police (Remember Sean Bell?).
The struggles of African-Americans in this country are overtly simplified: Slavery happened, period. Then came the freedom, period. Then the civil rights movement, period. But in reality our story is so much more complicated and complex.
In schools, we are taught WHITE literature, WHITE art, WHITE history -- of course they don't call it that but everything that is WHITE is standardized and taught as the norm. Remember when you read your history books back in grade school? -- black folks probably got ONE paragraph per chapter IF that. And you tell me that it isn't a privilege to be WHITE in America.
In the end I think this assignment was a worthy, provocative assignment; however, it was very poorly executed.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Sound Off...
The old me wants to write this blog – raw, uncut, unedited, uncensored. The old me would post his picture (with a few photoshop edits), slander his name, and probably give him a real reason to "fear for his life." But the new me seeks to stray from the old ways of doing things and offer some meaningful words to an individual who seems to be directing all of his energies towards black greek-lettered organizations.
Dislike/disgust/distaste of black greek-lettered organizations is not a new phenomenon; in fact we see this relationship between those who pledged and those who stand against greek organizations painted in movies (i.e. "School Daze"), television shows (i.e. "A Different World"), and music all the time. However this is my issue: if you do not understand something, I would rather you ask questions (*whether you get an open answer is an entirely different matter) than to make up lies to further what seems to be nothing more than an example of self-loathing propaganda.
When I first got on Twitter and saw the trending topic, my initial reaction was "this must be somebody who dropped line or didn’t make it pass intake and they wanna tell the world why they’re mad." But then several friends told me that this student has been on the warpath against black greeks since his Freshmen year – but the climax to all current drama really starts with a forum discussing "Greeks vs. Gangs." Not a very new debate, I even have some non-greek friends who joke about it; however, I’m really curious to know where all the hate comes from. From my understanding, he is staunchly against hazing and he sees greek organizations as gangs because we have colors, hand signs, and calls.
First – hazing, it happens – move on. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but hazing & pledging (yes, there is a difference) are two concepts that are just simply understood – if that’s not something you are down for, it’s quite simple – don’t sign up to join. Second – like any organization/corporation/group of course we are going to have some cultural aspects. Does that make us a gang? Did you have to rob a bank to be greek? Did the big brothers/sisters make you commit some crime against their rival in order to be welcomed as one of them? Unless you belong to Dope Phi Dope (POOOLICE! OOOOOH SH*T! #lilduval, #gorillathrilla), your answer to all of those questions should have been "no."
Black greek organizations, like many black organizations/institutes were started because our founders were initially turned away from white organizations/institutes and they sought to better the conditions of people who had been wholly undermined and underrated by society. If it were not for the Prince Hall Masons/OES, there would be no black greek-lettered organizations (*both of which are based on Christian principles & the bible). If it were not for the black greek-lettered organizations there would be no individuals like: Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mayes, John Lewis, Dr. Mae Jemison and countless others. So before you seek to reach conclusions about who we are – know some facts/history.
It has been said that people fear what they don’t understand; hate what they can’t conquer. While I personally don’t care if you like greek-lettered organizations or not, I would at least hope that instead of spreading foolish stories he would offer some type of intellectual grounds for his arguments. (Sidenote: I refuse to believe that a bunch of greeks approached him in Wal-Mart and threatened him. He can tie that lie up in a bow and sell it to the Office of Greek Life, but I’m not buying it.)
That’s just my 12 cents.
Signed,
A PROUD (and financial/active) MEMBER of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dislike/disgust/distaste of black greek-lettered organizations is not a new phenomenon; in fact we see this relationship between those who pledged and those who stand against greek organizations painted in movies (i.e. "School Daze"), television shows (i.e. "A Different World"), and music all the time. However this is my issue: if you do not understand something, I would rather you ask questions (*whether you get an open answer is an entirely different matter) than to make up lies to further what seems to be nothing more than an example of self-loathing propaganda.
When I first got on Twitter and saw the trending topic, my initial reaction was "this must be somebody who dropped line or didn’t make it pass intake and they wanna tell the world why they’re mad." But then several friends told me that this student has been on the warpath against black greeks since his Freshmen year – but the climax to all current drama really starts with a forum discussing "Greeks vs. Gangs." Not a very new debate, I even have some non-greek friends who joke about it; however, I’m really curious to know where all the hate comes from. From my understanding, he is staunchly against hazing and he sees greek organizations as gangs because we have colors, hand signs, and calls.
First – hazing, it happens – move on. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but hazing & pledging (yes, there is a difference) are two concepts that are just simply understood – if that’s not something you are down for, it’s quite simple – don’t sign up to join. Second – like any organization/corporation/group of course we are going to have some cultural aspects. Does that make us a gang? Did you have to rob a bank to be greek? Did the big brothers/sisters make you commit some crime against their rival in order to be welcomed as one of them? Unless you belong to Dope Phi Dope (POOOLICE! OOOOOH SH*T! #lilduval, #gorillathrilla), your answer to all of those questions should have been "no."
Black greek organizations, like many black organizations/institutes were started because our founders were initially turned away from white organizations/institutes and they sought to better the conditions of people who had been wholly undermined and underrated by society. If it were not for the Prince Hall Masons/OES, there would be no black greek-lettered organizations (*both of which are based on Christian principles & the bible). If it were not for the black greek-lettered organizations there would be no individuals like: Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mayes, John Lewis, Dr. Mae Jemison and countless others. So before you seek to reach conclusions about who we are – know some facts/history.
It has been said that people fear what they don’t understand; hate what they can’t conquer. While I personally don’t care if you like greek-lettered organizations or not, I would at least hope that instead of spreading foolish stories he would offer some type of intellectual grounds for his arguments. (Sidenote: I refuse to believe that a bunch of greeks approached him in Wal-Mart and threatened him. He can tie that lie up in a bow and sell it to the Office of Greek Life, but I’m not buying it.)
That’s just my 12 cents.
Signed,
A PROUD (and financial/active) MEMBER of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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