Black women aren’t pretty! Well, maybe the light skinned ones are but MOST DEFINITELY NOT the dark skin ones! This isn’t a new topic. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this from the mouths of men of all different races but it doesn’t just come from men it also comes from women, BLACK women as well. Big shock? Nope, we hate on ourselves the worst. Given the recent controversy surrounding the Psychology today article written by Satoshi Kanazawa of the London School of Economics asking “Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women? Why black women, but not black men ?” I hope that the ‘shadeism ‘ that exists within our own community is discussed and that we don’t just admonish Kanazawa but we admonish all those who attempt to degrade and denigrate black women especially our dark skinned black women.
Check out a post I wrote a few years back about this same issue when Iman, a sista, declared Michelle Obama to be ‘not a great beauty ‘.
And if you want some candid and beautiful shots of black women check my blog every Wedneday for my pick for the Wednesday Beauty of the week.
Did any of you happen to watch the Martin Bashir interview with Michael Jackson this weekend on MSNBC?
I didn’t see the interview when it first aired some years ago and I still didn’t get to watch the entire interview but the parts I watched were excruciating because Michael Jackson clearly needed therapy and over the years it seems he was allowed to get worst and worst.
Of all the signs Jackson displayed, that seem to indicate he needed some type of therapy, the one that leaped out at me was the answer he gave to Bashir about his plastic surgery. Jackson seemed to believe that he could actually convince Bashir and the world that he only had two operations and that he was born with pale skin and a dimpled chin! He even tried to convince Bashir that the changes occurred because of puberty and him ‘changing’. Whoa!
It was also hard to watch Jackson become visibly upset when it looks like his fans had turned against him after the Berlin baby dangling incident. And how abruptly his body language changes when Bashir starts to talk about the treatment he received from his father while growing up and why it’s understandable he would want to change his appearance because of all the teasing he received. And most adults that were tormented as children can definitely sympathize with Jackson here but it’s evident that even after all this time, some thirty to forty years later, Jackson had yet to come to terms with the treatment he received at the hands of his father Joe Jackson.
I don’t know if Jackson had ever been to or sought therapy or mental health treatment because the topic of therapy is still a big taboo in the black community however his behavior went beyond eccentric and his family and friends should have convinced him to seek help.
Many of those around him will now have to come to terms with the fact that Michael Jackson may have been crying out for help all this time and none them were able to or allowed themselves to hear his calls.
Jackson made the disparaging comments about Obama in response to a question about recent Obama speeches on morality.
I have no doubt that Rev. Jackson supports Obama ‘on the surface’ at least but if your friends say such things about you who needs enemies right? LOL
Now I cannot or would I seek to disrespect Rev.Jackson’s service or contributions to the African American community in the past. However, that’s just it he’s a past, black leader. He is to be honest no longer relevant.
What Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Shaprton for that matter thinks about Obama is off little consequence in my world and I would argue in the worlds of many, young professional black people. Their views and opinions on race are somewhat antiquated and I would even argue the views of a lot of older Americans black or white as it pertains to race are also in that vein as well.
For far too long, the African American community and the national media in general have relied on a handful of black leaders to discuss the issues and problems affecting the he black community not recognizing that the community is as diverse as the American population and that there is no longer a need to solicit specific black opinion on so called ‘black matters’.
In the past we did need leaders like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton but they are no longer necessary and if an Obama candidacy has proven anything at all, it has proved that the fights have changed and that the African American community is not in need of black leadership but leadership in general as is the entire United States.
Obama has sought to define himself as a leader and that to me is true racial progress.
It may be upsetting to some black leaders but if they truly have craved racial progress and truly want to see Blacks in America progress they must stop harping on the fact that Obama does not talk about black issues at every turn or that any criticism of a specific segment of the black population is off limits for a black politician.
Instead they should fully embrace the fact that solutions to the problems facing many black Americans does not lie in the search for or embrace of a new black messiah or a handful of black political leaders and that Obama’s candidacy and future presidency will mean more to race relations than almost anything that has occurred in the last fifty years!
True solutions can only be reached if we recognise that the problems facing black Americans require solutions and discussions with all Americans and that we CANNOT AND MUST not re-fight old fights but focus our energy and attention on new ones.
Once again, Barack Obama has left me struggling for words..
In his intensely personal and moving speech in Philadelphia. I saw glimpses of my own life. With white and black family members and a white husband I too have often been intimately exposed to what one group ‘really thinks’ about the other especially when members of that group thinks the setting is ‘safe’ to discuss race without ridicule or prejudice.
Today in his speech Obama gave voice to almost every grievance whites and blacks have had with each other since the end of slavery. And he talked about these issues without vigorously wagging the finger at either group. He said racism isn’t dead but it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to limit blacks like it once did.
He talked about the ridiculous comments of Rev.Wright in one paragraph yet in another he talked about his loyalty to the man, his work, the service and general goodness of the man Jeremiah Wright.
He talked about welfare and affirmative action and the grievances white America, in particular those in the middle class and low income white community have in regards to those two issues.
He talked about the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws and its lasting impact on the black community.
He talked about confronting our past demons in order to face the ones that are upon us today and will undoubtedly arise tomorrow.
He talked about our common hopes and dreams for the future and about working together to achieve a long lasting impact on our community, on our nation and on the world.
He talked with eloquence, grace, humility and strength.
He talked about what has shaped our current and what shouldn’t be allowed to shape our future.
He addressed every issue that has arisen since the Ferraro comment and Wright video and he did it without blame and without anger.
In so doing he has stimulated a productive discussion about race and class, that can now begin around the watercoolers and dinner tables of America. And hopefully from these conversations minds and hearts will change, solutions and productive plans will be advanced to not only confront the lasting legacy of racism but also our common ills including poverty and unaffordable medicine and medical coverage.
And hopefully by talking frankly and calmly about race we can slowly march towards an America that truly embraces the candidacy of Barack Obama thus making sure that in the future the issue of race will no longer be a cause of trepidation among any significant group of Americans.
Obama has shown that he CAN and WILL lead this movement this coalition of unlikely allies towards a new America where all people and all stories can retain their uniqueness but yet at the same time remain grounded in the commonality of our pursuit and fulfillment of the American dream.
You know what I wonder will Hillary and Bill Clinton support Obama when he’s the nominee..now I don’t think Hillary will be his running mate but I wonder if she will actively campaign for him..will she put aside the bitterness she will obviously feel towards him and those in his campaign and travel around the country talking about how great and wonderful he is?
You know people talk about putting the party first and doing what’s best for the party and the country but we’re all human and after such a tough, tough campaign will she able to put aside her loss and support this upstart guy who took the nomination from her?
And I wonder how Bill Clinton will be received in the black community after all the things he’s said and hinted at in this campaign..this will make for some very, very interesting blogs I can’t wait..lol
Andrew Young a prominent civil rights activist and Hillary Clinton supporter said this recently on a webcast:
“Hillary Clinton, first of all, has Bill behind her…and Bill is every bit as black as Barack.
This statement is quite bothersome to me and to lots of young black people in my community.
I could never understand why prominent African Americans feel the need to say that Bill Clinton is black in order to enhance his appeal to our community. This statement should never have been made and it sure as hell shouldn’t have been adopted by us.
Bill Clinton and by extension his wife Hillary are not black. Bill may have been a big supporter of our issues and causes but he will never fully understand the black experience in this country and when these prominent activists makes comments like the one above to us, to young people me like me, you unfortunately denigrate us and our experiences and belittle our fights.
To me it evokes the same feelings as when I’m talking to white kid/person (I live in the suburbs just to give you a better picture..lol) who is decked out in Hip Hop gear and because I’m black he or she starts to speak in a certain vernacular that THEY associate with African Americans or when some white people assume that because I’m black I know who all the latest rappers are, their songs or that I’m the biggest fan of Oprah or that I only watch shows that contain African Americans.
It’s insulting
You can never be black by association or by adopting certain fashions, or by listening to certain types of music…it just doesn’t work that way if it did I would be able to call myself white or East Indian orsomething.
Why do I say that?
Well, let’s see I grew up in a household with a biracial mother, my white grandfather, white aunts and great aunts where my babysitters, and played games almost every day with my East Indian uncles and cousins.
So, if you gain your race by adoption I guess I could pick one of these but I can’t or more importanly I would never do it.
I’m proud of who am I. I’m proud of my people. I’m proud of our accomplishments and I KNOW who I am.
So, my advice to those supporting Bill and Hillary Clinton is to stop refering to Bill as being black you’re not making it better for Hillary, you’re just making it worst.
With Obama winning New Hampshire, according to most polls and pundits..(I still want the voters to decide regardless of what they say..) the next and I believe the ultimate test for him will be South Carolina.
Obama will have to convince his own people that he can ultimately win the presidency.
Some would think this would be the easiest part of all but believe me it isn’t.
Black Americans have been skeptical of his electability since 2004, even I was one them although not for the typical reasons. I promise to elaborate on a later date.
African Americans are notorious for their distrust of politicians and the US government. Thus by extension African American politicians have to confront a two edged sword.
Politicians often promise the moon but deliver nothing but sawdust but African American politicians on the other hand are expected to promise everything, sacrifice nothing, deliver most if not everything and keep it real all at the same time and this for any politician is impossible and this is what most if not all African American politicians encounter before winning the trust and loyalty of his/her respective African American communities after winning it’s a different stroy all together..just check out the story of Marion Barry the mayor of DC. Now imagine a black politician having to do this on a national scale?
That’s why I hope Obama and his strategists have started to line their ducks all up in a row because the Clinton campaign is going to pull no punches when it comes to South Carolina because he’s going to get it both ways from his own and from the Clinton machinery.
I’m sure the Clinton campaign has already positioned itself to use clandestine divide and rule tactics and destructive trench warfare which have been inordinately successful since slavery days in separating and diverting black people from common mutually beneficial goals not just in the US but throughout the entire black diaspora.
The Clinton campaign has already siphoned off prominent African American donors, activists, politicians and religious leaders and I’m sure they will be utilising them to their fullest effect between now and then but they must do all their dirty activities in the dark or walk a very thin line because if the majority of black voters in South Carolina were to ever believe the Clintons were trying to stop the march of the first ever viable black candidate towards the presidency of the United States it would be all over for Hillary. The blacklash towards her would be so immense that not even Bill with his office in Harlem and his saxophone playing could stop black voters from marching lock step and barrel towards Barack Obama shouting and singing the late James Brown’s song..I’m Black and I’m Proud…lol..
I can only hope that come January 26th, South Carolina will make us proud by voting for Obama and the state with the motto, while I breathe, I hope, will not kill the aspirations and dreams of millions of Americans and global citizens by voting for his opposition whomever it maybe.
N.B I’ll be live blogging the New Hampshire results..make sure you check back here regularly..let’s see if he makes it two in a row..
****update****
Apparently the Clinton campaign has decided to give up South Carolina based on recent polling which shows, “Her once-strong support in the state’s large black population eroded and Sen. Obama opened a big lead in polls after Iowa’s caucus results energized many blacks with the prospect that a man of their race stands a realistic chance of being nominated.” The campain has decided instead to put all their chips on Super Tuesday hmmm interesting….
And it really, really bothers me the only adjective missing from this statement is black and this is exactly what I spoke about in earlier blog as much as Bill Clinton talks about his and Senator Clinton’s deep roots and connection with the black community he’s all about himself, his family and their respective mission(s) in life.
I understand that they are trying really, really hard to win but his comments and attacks are becoming careless and nasty and I guarantee if her handlers and campaign officials aren’t careful this campaign is going to do some serious long term damage to her image.
In addition I really do hope they start to limit Bill’s appearances because he’s doing more harm than good..
So Rev.Jesse Jackson wants to rip Barack’s b#$%s off…
And apparently these comments will be aired tonight exclusively on FOX News since Jackson made the comments while conducting an interview at FOX News.
Jackson made the disparaging comments about Obama in response to a question about recent Obama speeches on morality.
I have no doubt that Rev. Jackson supports Obama ‘on the surface’ at least but if your friends say such things about you who needs enemies right? LOL
Now I cannot or would I seek to disrespect Rev.Jackson’s service or contributions to the African American community in the past. However, that’s just it he’s a past, black leader. He is to be honest no longer relevant.
What Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Shaprton for that matter thinks about Obama is off little consequence in my world and I would argue in the worlds of many, young professional black people. Their views and opinions on race are somewhat antiquated and I would even argue the views of a lot of older Americans black or white as it pertains to race are also in that vein as well.
For far too long, the African American community and the national media in general have relied on a handful of black leaders to discuss the issues and problems affecting the he black community not recognizing that the community is as diverse as the American population and that there is no longer a need to solicit specific black opinion on so called ‘black matters’.
In the past we did need leaders like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton but they are no longer necessary and if an Obama candidacy has proven anything at all, it has proved that the fights have changed and that the African American community is not in need of black leadership but leadership in general as is the entire United States.
Obama has sought to define himself as a leader and that to me is true racial progress.
It may be upsetting to some black leaders but if they truly have craved racial progress and truly want to see Blacks in America progress they must stop harping on the fact that Obama does not talk about black issues at every turn or that any criticism of a specific segment of the black population is off limits for a black politician.
Instead they should fully embrace the fact that solutions to the problems facing many black Americans does not lie in the search for or embrace of a new black messiah or a handful of black political leaders and that Obama’s candidacy and future presidency will mean more to race relations than almost anything that has occurred in the last fifty years!
True solutions can only be reached if we recognise that the problems facing black Americans require solutions and discussions with all Americans and that we CANNOT AND MUST not re-fight old fights but focus our energy and attention on new ones.
3 comments | tags: african americans, baby boomers, Barack Obama, black community, black issues, black leaders, black people, black presidency, democrats, disparaging comments, first black president, FOX news, jesse jackson, jesse jackson aplogizes, liberal, media, older Americans, problems, professionals, race matters, religion, rev al sharpton, solutions, speech, the 60s, the black church, the fights and issues of the 60s | posted in current news analysis, Election '08, Politics, Race, Social issues