If I ask you to name a choir, what names come to mind? Vienna Boys Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle and the Boys Choir of Harlem come to my mind. Of course, Im from the city and so I may be a bit jaded. Still here is no question of the fame of the Boys choir of Harlem. A Google search of the word choir has them come up in position 4. That says a lot, and that is before the Vienna Choir which is older [started in 1498]. Some may not be aware how often they hear the Choir’s work, but it has been in the soundtracks of Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, and Glory to name a few.
So why am I thinking of choir music today? It’s not because I’ve been listening to chamber music lately (which is quite nice in a live performance), but because of NYC officials. The City seems determined to kick the choir out of its current space, effectively causing harm to this institution that has existed since 1968. They are accused of possibly not paying music staff, do not have reliable tour dates and are in debt 5 million dollars. Oh, I should mention that they are on property that can generate $550,000 a year. So the city is willing to just shut the Boys Choir of Harlem out of it rehearsal space.
Let me give you some insight, that may or may not apply, as I recall it. As a native NYC I recall the decades that the city allowed Harlem to be a drug-infested and dangerous place. Everyone knew what streets you could go to, day or night, to get whichever drug you wanted. Police enforcement of laws were laughable. Rats the size of small dogs or large cats ran around from abandoned brownstone to brownstone. It was so bad, that in 1977, according to an article by Ms. Julia Vitullo-Martin on August 3, 2003, “an entire house could be bought for $5,000.” In 2003 a brownstone sold for $2.5 million and 1 million dollar+ sales are common today.
It took roughly 50 years for Harlem to go from the Cotton Club to a literal rathole. Then after a major and historic black-owned bank (I apologize but I forgot the name, this being a ~20 year old event) was forced to liquidate before Mr. Bill Cosby and others could provide funds to guarantee its survival [I have searched for 8 hours in the last couple of days and have not found one reference to this roughly 1983 news occurrence, yet it was national media at the time], numerous other banks in the city began to give loans out to buy houses. This was the 90's and the city started to develop the abandoned and worthless land. Businesses and Yuppies (many brokers as I recall) who could get approved, as opposed to the locals who never had the chance nor could ever qualify in the past, started buying like sharks in a frenzy. Had I the money I would have done so too. It was obvious that the prices would soon soar.
I say all that because again it seems to me that rather than working the situation the City is looking for the money. The fame of the choir, and its good work seems not to be as valuable as the money the buildings they use can generate. This is the conclusion I get.
Though no January 2006 or later appearance dates are available for the choir (no surprise since they may not have a place to operate from after the 31st) dates prior to that for last year are easily found on their website. So to claim that the tour dates have been unreliable could be a stretch. It is stated via the Harlem choir’s website that they have 100% college acceptance. Attendance is 94%, the number of kids passing is 95%. Statewide tests for math and reading show 84% and 79% of the students (respective) are at or above grade level. All of this and only 125 students are actually in the choir. How many other schools can boast such achievements? How many inner city schools that cater to mostly Black African American, Hispanic and other minority can say anything close to that? It wasn’t my high school, where I estimate roughly 15% were accepted into non-city colleges, 25% if you include them. [That was roughly 20 years ago in a better time for students and Black African American youth, I graduated 6th in my class... I had a decent school, but there can be no comparison to the Harlem Choir.]
As Thomas Carlyle says “Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.” I agree with that, and as I previously stated on how AOL is restricting musical expression (in my opinion) the City is doing so and worse for the most petty of reasons, money. Expanding the minds of the youth, especially the Black African American, Hispanic and minority youth that need to be exposed to more than just the inner city, is essential. Any culture or governmental entity that restricts or damages that is a failure and dangerous in my mind. This is especially true when other alternatives can be found. Half a million dollars is not worth the price of a musical note, nor is it even close to the value of an educated and broadly influenced mind.
Let’s apply my rule used for commercials [from my post Burger King ad], if this was happening to the Vienna Boys Choir would the reaction be the same?
This is what I think, what do you think?
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
CSI - good entertainment or good murder plan?
Why is it that music, television, books, and movies are constantly cited when some crime gets committed. I won’t say it happens all the time, it seems to go in cycles. I recall in the 80's how rock music was blamed for causing teen suicides. In the 90's it was rap music that would cause attacks on police officers. Movies promoted crack, cigarettes, drinking, and other social ailments for decades. Oh, and cartoons are the reason why children are violent. The cartoon thing is current. And now I see that its back to television programs.
Those who have read my posts, Minorities, Television and 27 percent and The wicked UPN is dead (think of wizard of oz), probably have caught my overall displeasure with television programming and commercials in general. Of the few programs that portray characters with depth and intelligence, CSI is now getting labeled as a cause of a societal problem. I mean the fact that a senior criminalist for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has claimed that criminals, in particular murderers, are learning how to hide their tracks and the ‘fact’ its become harder to convict criminals as the television program has changed the views of jurists. I think that line of thinking is absurd.
Much like the false logic of the 80's and 90's, and I’m sure from the decades before that as well, individuals seek a cause or pattern that really doesn’t exist. I tend to look at it like I look at statistics, you can confirm anything that you want to if you manipulate it right. Many crimes are spontaneous, especially those that involve violence. The average criminal is not overly intelligent. Deep thought tends not to occur prior to a crime. These last 2 facts tend to help law enforcement capture criminals. If criminals made better plans, or any plan at all, and with only limited reference to any newspaper (or a conversation with another criminal who had gotten caught) there would be few fingerprints at any crime scene. It is common knowledge that we leave fingerprints when we touch things. I think the first time I ever heard about a fingerprint was back when I was in my early teens in a newspaper article describing how victims were identified.
A better example may be that no matter how many movies, shows or books an individual refers to they won’t be able to become a doctor. ER is not helping people cure their ailments, just as Marcus Welby, M.D. or Paramedic did not. But the argument, if we are to accept it, would make you believe that it must be happening.
I can’t wait for the day when people stop blaming entertainment in general or general social ills. Now this may sound strange considering my thoughts on rap. Here is the difference as I see it. ‘Urban clothing’ [which should mean any clothes worn by someone in a city, like the suits I prefer] is a multi-million dollar industry, that allows people to imitate rappers. ‘Thug life’ is a cultural fact, and a way of life that feeds and is fed by rap. Many rappers are former/current criminals. Many have engaged in violent acts. Rap is basically the glorification of this base cultural standard. Music videos, songs and movies mimic real life actions (a recent example is the allegedly criminal past of fifty cent in his movie - drug dealer, violent, criminal, now a rapper) or at least alleged real life actions.
If there has to be an outcry, and a need to find a cause (beyond lack of education, equal opportunities and societally reinforced low self-esteem) at least take on something that really is having an effect. Show a defined and direct relationship. And then figure out a resolution, because otherwise its just a waste of time and breath. Worse it may cause a decrease in intelligent programming as television executives run to the closest lowest common denominator show to avoid negative controversy and the potential loss of an advertiser.
Those who have read my posts, Minorities, Television and 27 percent and The wicked UPN is dead (think of wizard of oz), probably have caught my overall displeasure with television programming and commercials in general. Of the few programs that portray characters with depth and intelligence, CSI is now getting labeled as a cause of a societal problem. I mean the fact that a senior criminalist for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has claimed that criminals, in particular murderers, are learning how to hide their tracks and the ‘fact’ its become harder to convict criminals as the television program has changed the views of jurists. I think that line of thinking is absurd.
Much like the false logic of the 80's and 90's, and I’m sure from the decades before that as well, individuals seek a cause or pattern that really doesn’t exist. I tend to look at it like I look at statistics, you can confirm anything that you want to if you manipulate it right. Many crimes are spontaneous, especially those that involve violence. The average criminal is not overly intelligent. Deep thought tends not to occur prior to a crime. These last 2 facts tend to help law enforcement capture criminals. If criminals made better plans, or any plan at all, and with only limited reference to any newspaper (or a conversation with another criminal who had gotten caught) there would be few fingerprints at any crime scene. It is common knowledge that we leave fingerprints when we touch things. I think the first time I ever heard about a fingerprint was back when I was in my early teens in a newspaper article describing how victims were identified.
A better example may be that no matter how many movies, shows or books an individual refers to they won’t be able to become a doctor. ER is not helping people cure their ailments, just as Marcus Welby, M.D. or Paramedic did not. But the argument, if we are to accept it, would make you believe that it must be happening.
I can’t wait for the day when people stop blaming entertainment in general or general social ills. Now this may sound strange considering my thoughts on rap. Here is the difference as I see it. ‘Urban clothing’ [which should mean any clothes worn by someone in a city, like the suits I prefer] is a multi-million dollar industry, that allows people to imitate rappers. ‘Thug life’ is a cultural fact, and a way of life that feeds and is fed by rap. Many rappers are former/current criminals. Many have engaged in violent acts. Rap is basically the glorification of this base cultural standard. Music videos, songs and movies mimic real life actions (a recent example is the allegedly criminal past of fifty cent in his movie - drug dealer, violent, criminal, now a rapper) or at least alleged real life actions.
If there has to be an outcry, and a need to find a cause (beyond lack of education, equal opportunities and societally reinforced low self-esteem) at least take on something that really is having an effect. Show a defined and direct relationship. And then figure out a resolution, because otherwise its just a waste of time and breath. Worse it may cause a decrease in intelligent programming as television executives run to the closest lowest common denominator show to avoid negative controversy and the potential loss of an advertiser.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
my recent press release
For those who didn't see this, I will reprint it here. :)
New York, NY(PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- The official launch of the Black Entertainment USA website is the culmination of several months of work by webmaster Mr. Michael Vass. The site is an original design combination of a weblog (commonly known as blogs) and regular webpages. The blog portion of the site is focused on the various entertainment industries (including music, television, commercials, and movies) and all forms of the media that covers them. Of particular interest are black entertainers (and Hispanic and other minorities) and how the media interplays with black and American culture.
The webpage sections contain links to sites rich in useful information on subjects that range from the U.S. Constitution to a link for BlackRefer.com. The information is used as references for the blog in its discussion of black entertainment, black culture, American life, movies, video games, the government and laws, as understood by webmaster and weblog author Mr. Michael Vass.
In addition, unique products can be found on the site created by Mr. Vass that are available via the CafePress.com system. Original design inscribed mugs, T-shirts, tiles, posters, and mouse pads are just a few of the products available.
Mr. Vass states, "I want to provide a voice, that I don't think is alone, to address some of the ongoing things not only in the Black African American culture, but the whole culture of America which it is intricately a part of. I realize that there is no one authority or voice to such broad topics, so comments in agreement or dissent are always welcomed."
As for the products and gift items available for purchase, Mr. Vass mentions, "As I share my thoughts on various events in entertainment from the view of one Black African American Hispanic, I also want to share some of my more personal musings and poetry from over the years. As time passes, more items will be added to provide greater diversity appealing to a wider range of the world."
For additional comments and information on this release or general site information, contact Mr. Michael Vass or visit the BlackEntertainmentBlog.com site. Comments on any posts should be added to the appropriate comments section on the site.
About Michael Vass and Black Entertainment USA
Mr. Michael Vass is a former securities industry account executive of good standing, and currently works in the field of investor relations. He is additionally a webmaster of several internet sites and weblogs. He has lived abroad, in Moscow and Tsblissi, and in various cities throughout the United States. It is the combination of these experiences that has lead Mr. Vass to the creation of Black Entertainment USA.
New York, NY(PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- The official launch of the Black Entertainment USA website is the culmination of several months of work by webmaster Mr. Michael Vass. The site is an original design combination of a weblog (commonly known as blogs) and regular webpages. The blog portion of the site is focused on the various entertainment industries (including music, television, commercials, and movies) and all forms of the media that covers them. Of particular interest are black entertainers (and Hispanic and other minorities) and how the media interplays with black and American culture.
The webpage sections contain links to sites rich in useful information on subjects that range from the U.S. Constitution to a link for BlackRefer.com. The information is used as references for the blog in its discussion of black entertainment, black culture, American life, movies, video games, the government and laws, as understood by webmaster and weblog author Mr. Michael Vass.
In addition, unique products can be found on the site created by Mr. Vass that are available via the CafePress.com system. Original design inscribed mugs, T-shirts, tiles, posters, and mouse pads are just a few of the products available.
Mr. Vass states, "I want to provide a voice, that I don't think is alone, to address some of the ongoing things not only in the Black African American culture, but the whole culture of America which it is intricately a part of. I realize that there is no one authority or voice to such broad topics, so comments in agreement or dissent are always welcomed."
As for the products and gift items available for purchase, Mr. Vass mentions, "As I share my thoughts on various events in entertainment from the view of one Black African American Hispanic, I also want to share some of my more personal musings and poetry from over the years. As time passes, more items will be added to provide greater diversity appealing to a wider range of the world."
For additional comments and information on this release or general site information, contact Mr. Michael Vass or visit the BlackEntertainmentBlog.com site. Comments on any posts should be added to the appropriate comments section on the site.
About Michael Vass and Black Entertainment USA
Mr. Michael Vass is a former securities industry account executive of good standing, and currently works in the field of investor relations. He is additionally a webmaster of several internet sites and weblogs. He has lived abroad, in Moscow and Tsblissi, and in various cities throughout the United States. It is the combination of these experiences that has lead Mr. Vass to the creation of Black Entertainment USA.
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