Getting back on track with Black White

I know its been some time. I’m getting back on track and will be back at my old pace shortly. So I have seen the last Black. White. episode. The show is really doing well, and is more than I had hoped for. As we learn more about each family, the experiences they have or refuse to acknowledge becomes more telling. Carmen is a sore point for me. I find it hard to understand some of her views and comments. I mean calling anyone a “beautiful black creature” is as backhanded a compliment as saying Mr. Colin Powell speaks well. Creatures are not human, and in every connotation I think of off the top of my head not beautiful. I do think that some awareness is hitting her at times though. In walking through the park, or in being shown the black history she understood that there is more to the culture than what she has learned in her life. To understand that by being a Black African American there are places you can’t go, or will be unwelcome in. It’s a sad truth and when she and her husband were in the country bar she got an inkling of what I and many others have felt often and throughout our lives. And of course that affects our decision and actions.

Bruno though seems to be fighting against everything that is happening. He seems to convey the thought that if I don’t accept it it doesn’t exist. That’s a nice idea, but it won’t work. I’m not afraid of firearms, but it can still kill me. I don’t believe I am racist, but that doesn’t stop others from being so. It is stupidity to ignore or minimize the actions of others because you don’t like them. It makes me wonder what Bruno has done to others, Black African Americans, Hispanics or others and not thinking it was anything of significance because he doesn’t acknowledge it as offensive or wrong.

I love when they got asked for the credit card. And when they saw what kind of looks and reactions happen to interracial couples. (Yes, I have been in them and no I will not discuss it more than that, at least for now)

But what is up with the son (I forget his name now) That boy seems so lost I don’t understand it. He is stereotypical (of his generation) in his disregard for money, as shown with his purchase of the watch and waste of money. But his denial of the existence of racism in this day is ridiculous. Or he has been so sheltered as I cannot imagine. Maybe he has never had a cop try to pull a gun on him because of the cop harassing him and him standing up for his rights (as happened to me at 17 in the Subway in the city). Maybe he has never had cops pull over the car he was in and have a cop hold a gun to his head while his hands were on the dash board because the driver of the car (that did nothing illegal or wrong) was Korean, the passenger was Black African American/ Puerto Rican, and 2 guys in the back seats were white. (I was 24 and the reason we were pulled of was so the cops could ask the white guys if they were ok, if it was there car and then why we were all together - got to love L.A., Hollywood in particular). But I don’t doubt he has had some experience. I don’t know of ANYONE who has not. Of any age over 5. And why is it so prevalent that the young black kids of today have no desire or plan for their future and no education. Is image really that important? Is limiting your option worth “street cred”? And the difference is so dramatic when you compare the White daughter (forgot her name too) to the son. He seems to be far more articulate and has plans for her future already. She values her money and is truly the one person in the entire show trying to embrace the opportunity this experience is providing.

Well I am tired and things are still up in the air personally. But I’m getting back. Expect more from me soon, and thanks for you continued support.

This is what I think, what do you think.

Jerry's award, rap's music, and vendettas

So I’m trying to get to a more normal life. Let me discuss some of the things I’ve missed. One of the first things is about Mr. Jerry Lewis. This is a comedic genius, and many of the younger readers have probably never seen anything he has done. His early career with Mr. Dean Martin is incredible, and his later work alone no less so. It’s amazing to watch this man do his schitk and few will not laugh, I think. I do know France loves him and gets it. The last movie he did they shut everything down so they could all go and see it. That is success, and due to that I applaud their presentation of the honorarium to him.

And another round of applause for the movie V for Vendetta. I have been waiting for this movie since I first saw the previews. Timely and yet full of questions , it is a thought provoking film. Of course it is based on a comic book (nerd collectors of the 80's rejoice, our time has come). And like several other transformations recently it has been done well. It’s a great thing when everyone gets the book, unlike some films (like the Hulk flop). I hope that this only is a preview of a year of better films, but as I have said before I doubt it. Hopefully this will lead to more creative visions. Even better would be the chance that this film awakens most Americans from their apathy. Especially Black African Americans, because the culture is not pointing in a productive direction of inclusion and change as I see it.

Speaking of Black African American culture, I find it interesting that the producers of the music are so concerned on their image. Even moreso I cannot understand why hip-hop fans find it such an affront that in embracing their success (the producers) crosses over to other genres. It should be a sign of how complete the transformation has come, from on the streets of the Bronx to international mainstream. I may not like the lyrics of virtually every rap song made since 1992 but the music is still strong. The innovation and combination that some use are unique and visionary. It reflects the fact that no style of music exits separate of any other. It symbolizes, at its best, that there is a harmony that can be found in all our lives. Music is just a metaphor for life, when done well. How can anyone be so superficial as to disregard it because of an artificial label no longer fits. The greatness of Mr. Ray Charles as an example shows that ability should never be bound by a label. Don’t hip-hop fans get that? And if they tried to expand themselves to the other experiences out there, rather than hid from it, who knows where that could lead to.

I’m drained emotionally and physically. Give me time, There is a lot bottled up I’m planning to let loose. Perhaps you may want to read some of my poems to see where some of my energy is going. You may like it.

This is what I think, what do you think

GOOOOAAALLLL!!!!!

It’s that time again! Yes the time in which the world sits back and focuses on one event that outshines most any other. The World Cup. Now most Americans have no idea what football is. Not American football, I mean what we solely in the world, refer to as soccer. This is a true game of champions, a few select individuals who are the par excellence of their respective countries, gathering to find the number one team in the world. This is a true world challenge. This is sportsmanship. Yet there will only be a paltry 12 of the 64 games shown in the United States.

Can you believe this. We have people from every nation in the world here. Whether visiting, on business, descendants of pioneers or slaves, virtually not a single American has no ties to another part of the world. Given the craze these days to profess the xxx-American status of the heritage of everyone in the country you would think there would be more interest.(the xxx being African Hispanic, Chinese, Irish, Italian or whatever nationality - American) Regardless this is the height of competition, something this nation thrives on, yet few seem to ever care. Why is it that Americans need to dominate a sport before anyone here watches or follows it, I mean that en masse.

I for one love to watch the games and will do so again this year. I think Germany will win, with a chance for Brazil. Maybe the U.S. team makes it to the second round, but I won’t bet on it. And that isn’t anti-American. We just aren’t that good. Getting better but just not up there. And we won’t be till we really support this game. Which we should since EVERY country in the world plays and pays attention to this game. Literally. People have been killed over this game. Players have been killed over home goals. And everyone in that country could sympathize with the shooter. You don’t see that kind of passion in any game the USA dominates. So when the Cup is on, you’ll know where to find me, and who I am rooting for.

Speaking of home goals. Yet another suddenly 'brilliant' entertainer has decided that they need to share their ‘presence’ with the world on the big screen. I know I’ve complained that there were too few new ideas showing in movies these days, but can we please stop allowing rappers that have done nothing from getting movie roles. Or at least leading vehicles. I’ve mentioned my reasons why more than enough times. Do I think kayne west has the talent? No. Do I think this will be a waste of time? Yes. Will this movie drive in enough Black African Americans and hip hop fans to make a comfortable 300% profit? Sure (especially considering the cost of the whole movie might be 10 mil max, including the above and below the line costs plus advertising) since it will be cheap. But that just doesn’t make it good.

I am prejudging. I may be surprised. Of course I could also win the powerball. In my opinion the odds are in favor of me winning the powerball.

This is what I think, what do you think.

Oh, thank you all for sticking with me as I’ve been dealing with the fun life has thrown at me recently. I appreciate the support.