Of Little Black Girls, Missing Self-Esteem and White Face

What do you see when this photo?

This painting by Margaret Bowland (MargaretBowland.com) is so haunting.  Oddly enough when I see this painting, I see myself as a child.

I remember wearing the tons of barettes and hair balls (dunno what they're called lol) to subdue my thick tuft of kinky hair.  I remember the routine I had to go through every morning just to make my hair look "presentable."  Anything else was uncivilized. 

I also remember living in a foreign country that really didn't prize people that looked like me, and it showed.  I remember feeling not really all that beautiful unless I could swing my pretend hair all around (I used a towel lol).  Then I would wish my hair would magically be straight one day.

This may or may not be Margaret Bowland's intent, but that's how I see this portrait.  I don't just see myself, I see so many of my black friends back home, some girls I knew and didn't like, but recognized their affliction.  This little girl is a lot of us.  It actually made me teary eyed because I can't believe I looked like this; we looked like this.  Sure, we don't have the paint on our faces, but it's there, isn't it?

Little black girls have so much sadness they experience because the "beat down" begins early for them.   It began early for me.  I can't be too mad though, because I would never be able to appreciate what I have now had I not fought to get it, hold on to it and learned to love it; get to know it.  It's confidence, pride, knowledge of self. 

If I had to reimagine this little girl to be me, she would start off like this.  The paint would get thicker through her tween years, and maybe a bit in her late teens.  It would gradually start to fade in her early twenties, and it would be washed off vigorously, almost violently, by her late twenties.  The hair balls and barettes would be gone, and that hair would stick right out.  And that downcast look would be the biggest smile you've ever seen.

What do you see in this photo?

Spotted at FlyGirls

Sphere: Related Content

Black Woman Almost Blinded After Operation To Make Eyes Blue

Self-hate is a disease...

When Shenise Farrell read on the internet about a £5,000 operation which could turn her dark brown eyes light blue, she wasted no time in heading off to Panama.

Less than two weeks later, British surgeons were battling to save her sight.
They had to repair a hole in her iris and remove implants. It is unclear whether she will suffer long-term damage – and her eyes are still brown.
‘It was the biggest mistake I have ever made,’ said the single mother of three from Perivale, West London.

‘To think I could have never been able to see my children again. It was totally reckless of me.’
Miss Farrell is taking a community studies degree at Goldsmiths, University of London in the hope of becoming a social worker.

She is believed to be the first person in the
UK to undergo such an operation, which involves inserting a coloured lens inside the eye, over the iris, and is not licensed in Europe.
Miss Farrell called the US number of the New Colour Iris company, linked to a clinic in Panama run by a Dr Delary Kahn.

She was told to undergo five tests with opticians in the UK to check she was suitable and then hand over $3,000 (£1,800) deposit and proof of airfare and hotel.

The opticians advised her not to go ahead with the procedure but she raided her savings and flew to Central America in June, telling family she was off on holiday.

‘I’ve already had breast implants abroad in Bulgaria and had been very happy with that, so it didn’t faze me that I would have to go to Panama,’ she said.

Read more: Click here.

SHAME ON HER! This is obviously someone with some low as hell self-esteem. Couldn't that money have been spent on a college fund for her kids? I know it ain't cheap, not even in the UK.

What about a fund for her children? Why not a trip for them to go somewhere like Fiji or Bali or even Africa?

Shenise, it's clear that you fell for the trap about what's beautiful and what isn't. Apparently, being who you are is not beautiful enough. I guess I have QUESTIONS about your motives seeing as how you have what looks like some wig, wanted blue contacts (not even natural colors, my grandfather's blue eyes are a darker blue), and breast implants.

For the sake of her children, I pray God gives this broad a clue and some self-love. Jesus be some acceptance for real... *SMDH*

Sphere: Related Content

Rapper Mistah Fab Does Not Prefer Dark-Skinned Women... Self-Hate Much?

Mistah Fab on white women: "You know white women is a black man's kryptonite!"

In that same interview with Julia Beverly of Ozone Magazine, he says he "used to be a slave." That's the crux isn't it?

He goes on to say that he doesn't like "dark-skinned black females" because in his past, his heart was broken by a "dark-skinned black female." He also states that he only needs them (black women) for sales. Julia, sounds so offended not!.

He fielded attacks on Twitter I guess, because one of his tweets was very pointed:

A Man goes from saying he don't like dark skin women sexually, to he Hate black women. Smh @ the power of Media an ignorance of u bumpkins
about 12 hours ago from mobile web

I wasn't going to give this person a post, but I am going to use this as a tool to teach folks just how efficient mental conditioning has been in the black community.

What Mistah Fab fails to see is his dislike for dark-skinned women in a sexual situation, has a lot to do with his own miseducated ideas of black women and white women.

If he would've said, "You know? I had a bad experience, and since then it's been difficult for me to develop intimate relationships with black women." That would've been something that I could understand (for the sake of understanding). But stating, "White women are a black man's kryptonite," calling himself a "slave" who decided to screw white women to get back at white people (I shit you not, he said that), indicates some deep issues that evidently he is unaware of. He wants us to feel guilty for interpreting his words for what they are, not what he would like them to mean.

You guys know by now that Mr. Slim is white. It's been clear to any and everyone reading this blog that my reasons are natural, not rooted in self-hatred. If I, however, were to write, "White men are the TEA!!! I don't mess with dark-skinned black men because I got cheated on by one," you all would have had my ass the minute I hit "publish post."

This is why interracial relationships are put under a microscope, because some people bring their baggage along, and don't know when to keep their mouths shut and be courteous or decent. What does that woman who cheated on him, have to do with black women? If a white woman cheats on him, will he then move on to Hispanic or Asian women?

He has a preference. As misguided as his reasoning for said preference is, that's not what bothers me. That's his problem, and I pity him. I really do. The problem is when he feels warranted in opening his trap to talk ill about white women (objectification and fetishization that goes beyond a healthy level), dark-skinned black women, and black women and white people in general. Like I said on my Twitter, I understand he has a preference, but it does not eschew common decency, courtesy or respect. Venting your frustrations and fucked up ideals does not make you okay, Mistah Fab.

I am not asking him to be politically correct. He'll have to free his mind from its mental bondage if he wants to truly find the knowledge of self he is sorely lacking. I am asking him, and others like him, to not be a bunch of assholes and shut the fuck up and grow up.

Should I ask for a boycott? Start a petition? I'm not going to. We all know opinions are very much like assholes. He will continue to hold that opinion, and he will learn nothing. He's not so special that I care enough to change his mind. Village idiots are nothing new. There are no boycotts for the ignorant people who will undoubtedly cosign his ignorant commentary. They accept it by and large, and that makes my blood run colder than ice water. That is the real problem. This guy still has 26,000 followers on his Twitter.

*Note: This week, there will be several discussion on IR dating, but we're going to delve deep into fetishes (crossposted at BlackGirlsGuidetoSex) and how black women's beauty aesthetics may have something to do with it.*

Sphere: Related Content

Another Dark Skin Versus Redbone Party: Why Does It Have To Be "Versus" Anything?

I saw this incredible display of self-hate over at Sandra Rose today, and would've spit my food out all over my screen, if I wasn't so over it already.

There will be no righteous indignation like there was when I wrote about DJ Lish's bash of the same name back in 2007. Why? Because I need to continue to protect my sanity, and my knowledge of self.

The fact that anyone would come up with this as a concept in 2009 speaks volumes. It is clearly evident that for some African-Americans, the battle is lost and there is no chance of changing that because the self-hate runs so damned deep, that kicking and screaming will do little good.

Just like I had to break the chains, and remove the "scales" from my eyes, they will have to as well, but they will have to put in the work.

I have been privy to internet conversations and comments by people who state that black people are their own worst enemy, and they cite example after example of self-hatred. They are right. This is another one to add to the already humiliatingly long list of affronts.

Why do we have to be "versus" on anything? We are not on a plantation. There is no reason to display who is better so that we can get into the "big house" and out of the sun and the fields.

For some the battle is lost, but the future can still be bright and full of promise. Let's show our children that this right here, and the mentality behind it is simple "mental slavery" and that it is SHAMEFUL and disgusting to engage in this.

We need to focus on being content and happy with our lives by making the right choices, having goals and working towards said goals. We need to focus on our health, mental and physical, and we need to instill the values, so very priceless values, of knowledge of self.

If you have knowledge of self, then you will KNOW yourself, and your focus will not be touched by the lies and deception constantly perpetuated in our community.

I won't even touch on the broad on the flyer. What the hell else is new?

There is something that I have that cannot be won in a "Dark Skin" versus "Redbone" contest. It's called self-acceptance. I hope the ladies who plan on going to this event get some before they walk out the door and into this festival of self-hate.

Sphere: Related Content

"Take The Cornrows Out!" The Sound of Insecurity Projecting on Me...

Here are the pics I promised of the twists. They just barely touch my neck in the back, so I use hairpins to tuck them in. I like the effect I get with this design and the twists. It's like having a 3-D slicked back style.

Naturally, I'm loving it. Though, it is not the intended style. The intention is to do a twist out. I am taking these babies down today.

With that said, let me get to the background behind this post. On Thursday night, Mr. Slim and I went to a nightclub with a girlfriend. We don't get out often if at all, and we already had a hotel right around the corner. The outfit was GREAT! My work in the gym is paying off, my friend gave me fierce eye makeup, everything was going well. We decided to get a VIP section, and where there was one table left. We took it, but I could tell from my peripherals that the several black women there were already sizing us up. I mean, really. Is all of that really necessary? Hate or congratulate in your head, but keep it moving. It looks desperate. It looks like you're insecure when you do that.

We sat down and we're not paying attention to them. These women are truly unremarkable. I stood up to check on a girlfriend from behind the curtain, then I hear the largest one, with what appears to be a weave (and I am sure it was based on the style and volume), say "Take the cornrows out" to her friends. I hear that, and instantly I shoot them a look that is full of irritation and rage.

I sit down next to Mr. Slim and I tell him that the "expletive" (Yes, I called her that, and a lot worse, and I don't care) was talking "shit". See, I can be loud too, very loud. I have a loud voice without trying, so when I am trying, it blows. Naturally, I voiced my opinion about self-hating black women who are mentally still on the plantation, and would like you to join them. I'm not saying she should have liked them. I'm saying that taking issue with natural hair is self-hate.

Mr. Slim said something along the lines of not showing emotion because they win. Actually, they don't win. Living under the "Westernized Beauty" yolk, is a bitch. Trust me. I lived it. I refuse to go back.

I am tired of some black women walking around the place thinking that they can bully other black women by trying to use intimidation tactics, a loud ass voice, and some mean girl-isms. I am fed up about it. Like I told Mr. Slim, it is deeply personal for me. These "women" and "girls" are the same ones that give black women like myself a bad name. They are the same ones that ridicule your demeanor if it is not miserable and insecure like theirs. They are the same ones that laugh about someone's hair because it's not permed or weaved up. The same ones that have come to the conclusion that they are worthless, and want you to feel that way. If you don't think, and act, or talk like them, you must meet their ire, for they will not have anyone prove or corroborate just how sorry they are.

It is personal for me, because women like the oaf that demanded I take out my flat twists, are the same ones that make it difficult for my mother to walk anywhere without their snickering at her lowboy. They go on to procreate and teach their children self-hate. It is PERSONAL because that type of "COONERY" is a setback.

She had to defend her insecurity, obviously, or she wouldn't ask me to take my twists out. They looked good, and judging by the men that were staring at me, and sending death looks to Mr. Slim, I'm thinking I'm right about that. It takes balls to step out in a city like Seattle with that hairstyle, even more at a mostly black nightclub. She didn't have the "ingredients" so she decided to try to make me feel bad for having the ingredients. I realized that I was doing SOMETHING right because she felt so strongly about it. I can only imagine it must suck to live in such a tiny box, of one's own making.

In case you haven't noticed, Black women are suffering from a TRAGICALLY low self-esteem. Not all of us, but as a collective, Black women are not really "that into" themselves. It shows in their SUPPORT of a felon and abuser like Chris Brown, it shows in the untold billions they give to Koreans in the pursuit of hair products that will give them long, flowing hair down to their backs, regardless of the recession. It shows when Kanye West and other rappers can make negative statements time after time after time, and go unpunished. It shows when we can't uplift each other, and tear each other down because of INDIVIDUALITY.

I'm issuing a non-lethal FATWA on all black women who attack other black women to mask or defend their insecurities. It is 2009. Forget what your ignorant family members told you, to hell with what media and the entertainment industry tell you, to hell with what you're told to be. You can be you. You do not HAVE to wear that weave. You do not HAVE to talk a certain way, or date certain men. You can do and be whatever you want.

At the end of the night, she didn't say anything, nor did her friends. Why would they? It was patently clear from the beginning that they felt they had "lost" something, were just being sore "losers." But when you're happy with yourself, and comfortable in your skin, you're too busy with life being beautiful, to take anyone else down.

I think it was a number of factors at play. I don't think it helped that I was with a white guy either *lol*.

Sphere: Related Content

How Low Self-Esteem Affects The Way Black Women Treat Each Other

I found an interesting post over at Muslim Bushido that I would like to tie in with my experience this last Saturday.

In that particular post, she talks about the perception, reality and profit off of the low self-esteem black folks have--African-Americans to be specific. I would like to put that into some context.

I am not disagreeing with her post, but I am going to present another reality. There are plenty, too many if you ask me, of black women--this is not African American specific mind you--who are suffering from low self-esteem. This is real talk.

We know this is real because sisters are still letting vile and disgusting men into their lives, near their children with tragic results (See this article on the tragic demise of a beautiful baby boy named Emanuel Murray). There are still sisters who are dying disproportionately from HIV, particularly in the South. There are still young black men, and women, out on these streets with the glazed over look of desperation, hidden by bravado and feigned anger at "the man." This is real low self-esteem. It's real because I was afflicted. Thanks to early intervention, and a life changing event (my mother handing me a book on Marcus Garvey), I didn't get too deep into darkness, but I would've gotten there. Thank GOD for my mother.

(Photo courtesy of YKYDAW)

The low self-esteem issue is deep at the heart of our problems with each other. Let me talk to the women for this one specifically.

When I see a beautiful sister, who is carrying herself well, I'm lovin' it if she likes it. I love educated, eclectic and mentally free sisters. I like sisters who are happy with themselves because they are happy with others. It shows. They have righteous indignation when necessary. They are not angry and pointing a finger. They get the job done after identifying the problem. She transcends all ideas of what people, black and non-black, think she should be. She is a master of her own destiny. She is not sizing up the other sister. She is not hating on her for something trifling and trivial. She is too busy doing her.

Then there are others. I met some on Saturday in a tattoo parlor.

Yes, I am tatted up. I like tattoos. I lie. I love tattoos. I've got eight and I'll probably stop at ten. Maybe. They are all discreetly placed and they only come out if I want you to see them. These are not little tats either. LOL I digress. (You HAVE to stop me when I brag about my tattoos. I am oh so proud of them lol).

I was in there with my mother (who got her first tat on Sunday! Go Ma!), Mister Slim, and our youngest. Yeah, yeah...I live in a suburban area. One lady brought in her newborn. Tats are real mainstream. Your grandma probably has one somewhere she's hiding.

A black guy, black woman and REALLY confused white woman come in with two biracial children, probably a little over six years old. My fuckery radar goes up because in the GREAT state of Washington, some of these black folks are pissy for NO reason. I was right. I mean I know the rain is crazy, but smile. To their credit, this is something that you might find in Washington.

The guy starts talking to me, all in my face, about his kids. Nice guy. I thought he was pleasant and didn't mind talking about kids with him. We were talking about baby teeth for God's sake. The women get pissier. The whole time waiting, they are sizing us up and just being cunty. Not openly, because I think they knew that between me and my mom, we would physically hurt them (I would've pepper sprayed them first because no chicken is worth my job or clean criminal record, but I don't screw around either if physically threatened).

My mom said something about them being irritated, and I get angry. I am tired, and I am not the only one, of some of these "sisters" begrudging other sisters because of their OWN insecurities. I am tired of them finding something wrong with me and other black women who conform or don't conform, especially if they don't conform. I am tired of their low self-esteem manifesting into some unkind word, sneer or mean spirited joke.

You do NOT have to love yourself, but you will NOT bring me down for choosing to love myself, flaws and all.

I do not always dress "fashion forward".

I do not talk a certain way, nor do I aspire to.

I have a WEIRD sense of humor, and am not too stuck up on myself to laugh at my own damned self.

I am a nerd's nerd and I am okay with that.

I really do like Tom Jones.

I'm not particularly popular and I would rather wear sneakers over heels most of the time. High tops please.

I am just DIFFERENT. You are different from me, as I from you. I'm okay. You're okay. You are now FREE to walk around life. No more seat belt signs.

Khadija is right in that people are FULLY invested in black folks having low self-esteem. The thing is, there are so many of us walking around the place that are TRULY unhappy with ourselves, that people assume we are all that way.

As for the broads in the tattoo parlor, they stayed in their corner, wisely. They left but not before the guy, probably a boyfriend to one of them, turned to linger in the back and wave at me.

I waved back.

If you find yourself begrudging another sister, ask yourself why. Is it her hair? Her clothes? Her walk? What's wrong? Then ask yourself, why it bothers you. Then ask yourself why it really bothers you (really) and what it has to do with you. Dig deep. You may be ashamed, but to err is human.

Sphere: Related Content

What Happened To The Posts About "The Girls?"

Of course the post I referred to by commentator "Uh, Me I Guess" (a self-identified white male) calling the readers of What About Our Daughters "girls" was removed. Except for she missed one. The thing about Big Brother in Orwell's "1984" was he was THOROUGH. If we are going to be removing comments and "sanitizing" so as not to have to answer to VALID questions, you might want to do it right. Just a thought.

"Well, Slim! It was removed because it went against the rules!"

If that were the case, this would've happened:



Now, after my post condemning the posters and blog owner alike for being blinded by bitterness, why would anyone want to remove "Uh, Me I Guess'" posts?

Because it would prove a few people right. Because it looks bad. How can one have a blog that is for respecting black women and changing their image, while allowing posts by a white male reader to call and describe the AUDIENCE as GIRLS????

I guess it's okay for other men to do it, just not black men right?

Am I the only who sees something wrong with this?

And if there was nothing wrong with what he said, why were his comments removed?

Folks, this is not an attempt at blog beef, but like Everlast said in his song "Fed Up" (and I am SO with him right about now): "Carpe Diem, I call 'em like I see 'em."

Longevity and seniority in the blogosphere does not entitle you to not being questioned for your very questionable actions.

For days I read and watched as some folks overpowered other's voices and figuratively sucked their own dicks. Sorry, no can do.

"If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secret of getting along -- whether it be business, family relations, or life itself."--Bernard Meltzer

Many folks tried, but were met with veiled insults. If you are going to have a movement that's supposed to help people, your ego better not get in the way of helping you accomplish that. Not everyone will agree with you. That's not always a bad thing. It could mean that your THOUGHT process needs to be reevaluated and fine-tuned so that it can go unchallenged next time. God works in mysterious ways. Had I not paid attention when some of the worst people disagreed with me, I would've been naive as hell (think Sarah Palin naive...YEAH! Horrible, right?).

I'm not trying to be hostile, but I hate when black folks let egos take over the ultimate goal, which is self-improvement. It's never about civic duty. It's about hightailing it and running with no solutions. Black folks have BEEN running for decades. When racism and paternalism destroyed black communities that were self-governing and autonomous, they never got back to where they were because the people were broken and tired of fighting. We can make a change, but it takes WORK.

And it's frustrating to hear about black women saying there is NO such thing as a black community, when even an 8th grader can tell you about Harlem in The Renaissance.

I wish them well. No hard feelings here. It's clear that they have their way, and others have theirs. I guess I like a challenge. Or maybe I'm young and idealistic. Whatever... I will never know unless I try.

Some advice:

“The people to fear are not those who disagree with you, but those who disagree with you and are too cowardly to let you know.”
Napoleon Bonaparte

Sphere: Related Content

Reason # 101 To Hate Soulja Boy...

This guy. I can't. Why is he putting his two cents in when he REALLY doesn't matter? Doesn't he have a date with obscurity? In any case, Soulja Boy, being the "good" black man that he is, decided to show his support for Chris Brown. Nothing wrong with that. Was their any support for Rihanna? Nope! This is why Soulja Boy is an idiot. I mean, I knew the guy was a simp, but this just takes the cake.

“I hope everything works out with my homeboy Chris.. I was just with him the night before the incident talking about his new album and just kickin it. I hope everything works out for the best! Chris hold it down homie, you know how the media gets!!”

Really?

Where have you been, Soulja Boy? If reports are to be believed, it sounds like he's the last one who would need support. Now, seeing as how Rihanna and Chris Brown are mum, and the details are still coming out, wouldn't it have been wiser to show support to both of them?

Or seeing as how you're an IMBECILE, keeping your mouth shut would've been your best option.

Again, this whole situation is amazing because the support clearly goes to Chris Brown for the most part. I have not made my decision either way. I don't what happened. I just know that I am not lending support to him. I just don't believe that blaming and ignoring her is right.

But then again, if Soulja Boy is as moronic as some of Chris' die-hard, most rabid fans, I would not be surprised.

Sphere: Related Content

In The Chris Brown/Rihanna Scandal Debate, Our Self-Hatred Is Showing...

And it's ugly as hell.

Since news of the scandal broke, I've read some of the most ignorant, ass backwards commentary I hope I never have the displeasure of reading again.

Black women attacked Rihanna and blamed her for Chris' alleged actions. They always premised their stupid comments with, "I don't condone domestic violence or a man hitting a woman, but..." But what? They have pretty much guaranteed that the next words out of their mouths will cancel out their "disclaimers."

Many of them said they didn't trust her because she was from the Caribbean. Yup! I guess any woman coming out of the Caribbean is a hellion, so she MUST deserve whatever ass whooping she gets for being to "firey." Wouldn't this be an indicator that African-American women find themselves to be weak? IThis was from the crowd with the inferiority complex. As a woman of Caribbean ancestry, I just want to let you know that we are human too. We are not "firey Sapphires" who emasculate men. We have different values, different upbringings, and different views on life, but we are not deserving of domestic abuse. White women don't deserve it, Asian women don't deserve it, Hispanic women don't deserve it... There is no justification.

The crap I read today made my head hurt. Is there ANY wonder why African-American women are dealing with some of the shit they are dealing with? I, for one, am not wondering at all. I know these women are not the official spokespersons for black women, but if their comments are an indicator of why black women are facing the adversity they are facing, then we are in need of a revolution and soon before these women procreate and poison their sons and daughters.

Let me make this clear. It's not okay for a man to hit a woman. It's not okay to make excuses because you have gotten your ass beat before. If you stayed and justified your beatings, that is something you will have to live with. You cannot encourage another woman to stay silent because you did.

When they weren't bashing Caribbean women, they were talking about past incidents where they, a friend, or a family member suffered a beat down from a guy "for spouting off at the mouth." Black women are suffering from some kind of PTSD, because the excuses I heard were lame.

"Oh, well, my sister used to pop off at the mouth, and make her boyfriend angry and one day, he just hit her. I mean, I don't condone domestic violence, but I know how women get. We egg these men on and sometimes, they hit us."

This is the saddest thing, because they experienced domestic abuse and actually believed that it was normal to be hit for "popping off" to a man. Ladies this is not alright. You could pop off all day, it takes a bigger man to walk away and let you sit there cursing to yourself. Let me say again, you could talk about his momma all day, it is NOT okay for him to hit you, and anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.

The same thing goes for young boys. If she's hitting you and hurting you physically, you need to remove yourself from that relationship. Abuse is abuse and nobody should feel like they deserve to have someone hit them because they "ran their mouth" too much.

Chris witnessed his mother being beat up by his stepdad. If Chris did indeed hit Rihanna, chances are he would be disgusted with anyone who justified his actions, because he did not justify his mother's abuse either. He knew it was wrong for her to be beaten by his stepfather. If the reports prove to be true, he is not too happy with himself and would be nauseated by his fans. He is a human being, not a god. I dare say he has emotions and understands right from wrong.

Some women blamed Rihanna for taking out another "good" black man. Black women, wake up there is not a shortage, you just have to get out there. If he hit her, he's not a very good man is he? You cannot take your frustrations at being single out on her.

I also read comments from men backing the females up, no doubt emboldened sufficiently enough to say that some black women deserve to be bit up because they push a "brotha's" buttons. What these female Chris Brown apologists fail to realize is the fact that they are sending the message to men with abusive inclinations that black women confirm and believe that they are so loud and obnoxious that a good hit here and there is sufficient to keep us in line.

I am not accusing Chris Brown of anything. I am just amazed at how young black women will rip each other apart and condone domestic violence because they have no sense of value. If that isn't tragic, I don't know what is. What happened to sisterhood?

Sphere: Related Content

Is There Any Excuse For Hitting a Woman?

We all know by now that Gucci Mane is a loser, and a mediocre rapper, but this confirms it.

You will have to watch the whole video to see how Mac Bre-Z justifies being pushed like a dog and punched like she stole something. Denial is crazy.

Some guys commenting on this over at XXL feel like some "black women" deserve to be hit, others were more vague. They did agree that "certain kinds of women" need to be hit like this.

I know that life is not in black and white. At the same token, it takes a REAL big man to not hit a woman. If she has a knife to your kids throat, yes. Standing on a stage and being slightly obnoxious, no.

The comments show that black women are seen as the instigators of violence against them. What's more is Mac Bre-Z seemed unfazed by the assault, and even makes excuses for Gucci. With women like her excusing such disrespect, is it any surprise that black women are seen as inviting abuse upon themselves?

Sphere: Related Content

Black Women and Their Funding of Korean Businesses

I really need to get on top of my email situation more. I got an email from Aron Ranen hipping me to his documentary on Black women and their hair. Now, I procrastinate way too much and then forget, but it stayed in my mind. I checked out the videos and I am about ready to buy the dvd itself. I posted the first snippet of the DVD, but believe me, please check out the other parts on Youtube. If you like what you see, please buy the DVD.

I also read the interview Aron forwarded that he did with Eurweb.com (Click here to read) and was thoroughly impressed with Aron's thinking. The video itself makes me mad as hell, but I also take pride in the fact that I no longer buy into that. My money will not be funding any enterprise that shuts out black entrepreneurs. As you can see from my previous post, patronizing black businesses was one of my reasons to go and stay natural.

I honestly hope to keep in contact with Aron (my apologies for being late to this) and I am going to ask how I can help, in addition to this blog. How can you help? Speak to your friends and family and forward them this video. How can anyone in good conscience continue to patronize businesses that are hostile?

What really bothered me is that the money that is spent/funneled/given away to Korean businesses and enterprises could put jobs in the "hoods." That's not only good for African-Americans, but Americans period.

I don't have any animosity towards the Koreans. In fact I applaud them for getting their money right, as long as it's legal. The bit about shutting out black businesses is where I take umbrage, but for those doing it the right way, it's all good. My issue is with sisters and black folks as a collective. This will lead into another post, so I won't get into it too much here, but...

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL WE ALLOW OTHERS TO PROFIT OFF OF OUR SELF-HATRED, LOW SELF-ESTEEM AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF SELF???

If you think this isn't an issue, I got a couple billion telling you that you're wrong.

Sphere: Related Content

This Is What Young Black Girls Need?

I grew up in the nineties and I remember Xscape, TLC, Jade and MoKenStef and Aaliyah all rocking the saggy jeans, with the boxers sticking out and the tight tops. Back then it was cool enough I guess. I was a tomboy and seeing girls "cute-ify" if you will men's clothes was pretty cool to me. Hell, I still love a good piece of menswear. Back then the women were a little scandalous. Take for example Mokenstef's "He's Mine" which could've summed up all of the nineties and the issues black women were starting to face: "He's mine, you may have had him once, but I got him all the time." I always thought she was pretty stupid for staying with him, regardless of whether it was a one night stand or not. I digress...

Take this new "girl group" called Butta Creame (Really?) brought to you courtesy of the EVER UNTALENTED Ugly Pretty Ricky. The video is a mess.

Not only are the girls looking like idiots for wearing an array of cheap jewelry, old fashions they cannot pull off, GREGARIOUSLY long nails that leave too many questions about personal hygiene, and terrible weaves, they are singing about prostitution.

It is prostitution. In one line, they sing "You gotta pay up to lay up." Are you serious? When I meet a man I'm not wondering about how much money he's going to have to give me for me to give him a shot. I'm thinking about things like how he smells, are his fingernails clean and taken cared of, does he have a job and goals to better himself, does he take care of himself, any kids, any drama, Christian, etc. I'm not worried about how much money he's going to have to put down to screw me. That would make me a...

PROSTITUTE, THAT'S WHY! Seeing as how my mom didn't raise a whore, this is a question that will never come up...EVER!

This is sad. I won't stress it because this song will not be a hit. YouTube comments are BRUTAL for this video and it has been poorly received. I won't have to worry about this getting out to pollute our daughters on top of the shit that assaults them daily.

With that said, the men behind this song and the girls themselves ought to be ashamed for putting this out and trying to present this to the world. Question for Butta Creame and Pretty (UGLY AS HELL) Ricky:

Who the hell do you think you are for putting this out? Have you been stuck under a rock for the last 10 years? Black women are disrespected on a regular basis like they're no better than dog crap on a sidewalk. How dare you put this out? How dare you think so ill of us as a whole to put out this NIGGATRY?

God don't like ugly. Pretty Ricky and Butta Creame are as ugly as they come.

Sphere: Related Content

Bow Wow and The Game Show Their Brutishness...

Aside from this being a horrible attempt at publicity, it's also testament to their brutishness.

To save you the agony, I will summarize. Bow Wow challenges rapper The Game to a Madden challenge. Big deal.

The Game in his normal idiotic fashion decides to up the ante and tells Bow Wow that he's on but if he wins, Bow Wow's ex-girlfriend and singer Ciara must suck him and all his posse off. Bow Wow responds saying "that's [Ciara] old." He then says he wants Mya, who I guess game shook down or wanted to shake down once before.

You're probably wondering what I'm on about. Let me explain.

If these two dumbkopfs (sp?) want to challenge each other to play video games, so be it. Why drag two other girls into the fray though? Why would you even go there?

I know that Ciara isn't the most modest girl in the world, yet I find that she's done little compared to the likes of other female singers.

Bartering for chicks is something only a low-life scoundrel would do. I'm even more disappointed in The Game for going there first. I don't think Bow Wow would've gone there all by himself.

I don't know what kind of women The Game surrounds himself with but I would love to inform him that while he's only good enough for whores, not every woman out there is one nor does she deserve to be talked about in that manner by virtue of her sex.

I know I should also probably thank the self-hating groupies who will let a guy spill his unborn children all over her face for a chance to say she hit up a rapper for some ass.

It never ceases to amaze me how far some rappers will go to disgrace women.

Funny, however, he really didn't have anything bad to say about Britney Spears at her worst...

Sphere: Related Content

Youth Shot And Killed at Kent Arby's Restaurant

A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed just after 7 p.m. Saturday after a dispute among about 20 youths outside an Arby's restaurant at 317 E. Smith St., according to Kent police.

The suspect ran from the scene, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police at 253-856-5800 or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound 1-800-CRIME-13.

The name of the victim was not released.

(Source)

I know this area. It's actually frustrating and saddening to read this story. I don't know the deceased youth and I won't say he was an angel or not. I don't know that. I will say that the person who shot him better have EXTREMELY extenuating circumstances for taking the life of this 17 year old.

I am not surprised at where it happened. The summer here is a catalyst for dumb negroes to run out and embarrass black people and themselves. I don't know how many times I saw cops hem up several black youths in this area. I've made up my mind that my children will not be attending middle school or high school in this area unless it's private. I will be happy to drive them to the other high schools in the less diverse areas of the city.

Am I wrong for that? At this point I don't care if that was wrong of me to say or not. I am tired of the ignorance of some of the black youth in this state and in this country in general. I am at a loss for words really. I just don't understand why it's hard for some parents and children to DO RIGHT when not too long ago, black people were getting hosed down, lynched, attacked by dogs and policemen, hunted, brutalized and maimed like animals.

I guess violence is the only way in this country these days. I remember that we felt relief that Washington state didn't have to deal with the violence that other states had. That is no longer the case.

I guess what can I expect? Look at music videos, music in general, media, celebrities. The president is a former COKE HEAD for God's sake and a drunk. That's a JUNKIE. Look at the way we love violence and how we could give a shit less that Iraq and Afghanistan have been going on for five years and not a damned thing has changed for the better THAT'S WORTH TALKING ABOUT in the grand scheme of things.

These kids running around this state are a joke and so are their parents. Yes, I said it. I see black men willing to take on cars, trucks, SUVs, YOU NAME it, while crossing the street staring it down on some intimidation shit. Oh aren't YOU so bad. Sticking it to the man are we. That will teach those pesky white people, huh?

Just cross in front of Bob's truck mad slow, glaring at him and that will make up for 400 years of slavery and Jim Crow. YUP! That's the way to solve it.

They don't bother to pull their pants up EVEN if they look like dried dog crap by sagging their pants. That would make them look DESCENT and not like a blight on society's nuts.

The girls will run around in the tightest, most ill-fitting outfits with an ATTITUDE because they are pissed at their lot in life. Well, "sister," you don't have to be pissed at a damned thing because you CAN do it. You don't have to be or act ignorant, you don't HAVE to put out for some ignorant n*gga, you don't HAVE to be mad at the world for being insecure and you don't have to be mad at me for being HAPPY.

If the person who shot this young man was a minor, I assume he had parents. How the hell don't you know your child has a GUN on him? How don't you know your children are up to no good? That's right! Because you don't WANT to waste your time parenting so you let the streets become the only mother and/or father they know.

Sorry for the vent. It wasn't my intention at all but I find that I feel better. Now I know why Bill Cosby went off.

Sphere: Related Content

VIDEO: Disgusting Video of Black "Israelites" Insulting Black Women

I find it best to walk passed people like this and just laugh at how lucky one is for not being that miserable. There's no logic in arguing with people like this because they are illogical. I will give these women their due for standing up to their crap. Granted I have two boys, but I wager that had I been walking with my two daughters, I would've probably done the same thing.

I didn't expect anything much from these racist, self-hating beasts. I saw them insult a poor Jewish kid, probably turning him into a card-carrying member of the "I hate black people" club, a few weeks back. I am really not surprised at the brutish acts and sayings of these men, therefore I am not disappointed.

I am disappointed that a whole row of black men sat there and did nothing--aye, they even assisted in CHANTING "she's a slut"--while these men attempted to debase, humiliate and bully these women.

Let me be PAINFULLY honest right about now. If these black men were insulting a bunch of white women--which I notice they never do even when they are present--I can guarantee at least one white man would've jumped in to defend them from the onslaught and tyranny. At this rate, I bet a black man or two would've as well. If this were a bunch of white men insulting white women, I wager someone still would've stepped in. Seeing as how these are black women, everyone stayed quiet and decided to jump into the fray and insult these black women--actually all black women.

Is this how far we've come? You may find that this video is nothing but a bunch of old, overweight losers with chips on their shoulders. I see that and I understand that. It is, however, much more than that. When a whole row of black men can look on while black women are insulted in a most humiliating and vile fashion, something is wrong and someone needs to fix it fast.

Then again, why would they jump in? I'm sure they all listen to the same rap music that's on BET, MTV and all other media outlets. If the media continuously insinuates that black women are trash, can we be surprised that the lemming population swallows it up? Black women as a collective in this country seem to be okay with being insulted seeing as how there are only pockets and sleeper cells of black women who speak out and refuse to be humiliated.

Show me how a society treats its women and children, and I'll tell you whether that society is destined to fail. At this rate, our society is basically going the way of the Roman Empire.

Sphere: Related Content

Kanye West's Obsession With White and Light Skinned Women

Yet another video with Kanye West has come out and of course the model of choice is either white or light-skinned. You may ask, "what's new?" He always seems to go for that look. Is it a surprise given his comments from two years ago about light-skinned women being mutts?

“If it wasn’t for race mixing there’d be no video girls. Me and most of our friends like mutts a lot. Yeah, in the hood they call ‘em mutts”.

Like I have said before, and I will say again, with that comment West indicates that darker skinned black women are not qualified enough to be "video" girls because they aren't beautiful enough. Next, he outright admits that he prefers "mixed" girls even though he calls them mutts.

As usual, whenever one of our artists says or does something disrespectful, negative, or harmful, black people in this country are quick to forgive and forget. I used to like Kanye West when he first came out. I didn't understand the hype because I did not, and still don't think he's a great rapper. He has good lyrics, but I'm not a fan of his. I liked his songs and I thought he was innovative. I started to notice little patterns in his videos, and what I found PROFOUNDLY hypocritical was the fact that he was condemning the diamond industry in his "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" video (and possibly the title), all the while wearing and iced out Jesus peace. That was my first inclination I would lose respect for the guy. Since that time, my opinion is he could disappear from the musical landscape for all I care and it would not matter. He's not that great. I digress...

Let me be real. There is a huge problem with colorism affecting blacks and one would think that we've made no progress. Every video or every movie role where a black woman is required seems to go to lighter skinned women. I have no hate towards these women. It makes no sense. I love all of our shades. We are all beautiful. My animosity is to the industry that attempts to pit us against each other and sends the message that anything mixed with white or some other "light-skinned" race is what is acceptable, and even beautiful; full on black is not.

What gets me is Kanye's mother, Donda, was a black woman. He has a darker complexion as well. Where is the obsessions with white or light skinned women coming from? He doesn't have to go with these video girls. It's evident that whatever he does, there are tons of lemmings just waiting to co-sign everything he does, even when it's just simply absurd and idiotic.

I understand that having black women in videos isn't some kind of prestige. We see too many black women in thongs acting out some genitally deficient rapper's fantasies. For the videos that do send a message or appear to send a message to the general population, it would've been a good look to have a black woman in the video as the main character. He has a tremendous amount of pull among the youth of today. He should take his position seriously.

I will say that Kanye West is not alone in this sentiment. Sean "Diddy" Combs is another high profile rapper who always opts for "exotic" models. This has definitely taken it's toll on our youth, especially our young girls. Both of them are the archetype for the stereotype of black men only wanting light-skinned or white women as proof of how far they have come. It certainly reminds me of mental slavery. What's the best way to get back at "massa" AND show that you "done came up?"

I wouldn't have a problem if I felt these men were international in their tastes. I'm currently with a white man. What I do recognize is that black men are beautiful, just like men of any race. If there is a beautiful man with a beautiful soul and heart, I see that. His race is inconsequential to me. In fact, I place more importance on our spiritual beliefs than race. If these men were of the same opinion, there would be variety. Unfortunately, it is clear that they are not. They want the world to know they're rich and famous and they feel they need to do that by "bagging" these women.

I was tooling around at work a few months back, and I saw that on the message board for a popular group with teen girls, Pretty Ricky, they were creating these fan-lit novels or short stories for everyone to read on the board. Aside from the graphic sexual nature, I noticed that colorism had hit hard. These are teenage girls mind you. I was actually horrified at what I saw.

Usually when writing the novels, they will use "props." For example, when they describe their house, cars, boyfriends/love interests and themselves in the novel, they will use pictures found online of the most luxurious possessions and the most beautiful and popular models, singers or actresses in their minds. As I went through, I found that they all opted for lighter-skinned celebs like Beyonce, Lauren London, Aaliyah, Megan Good, Christina Milian, Trina, and others with those features. I found that Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union, Michelle Williams and the like hardly ever made it, except for when they needed really "ghetto" characters who had little going for them. The disgust I felt at reading and seeing so much self-hatred was heavy on my heart.

I will end with this quote by Roy Innis:

“I was one of the pioneers of the concept of Black is Beautiful. That we must be proud of our African ancestry. Unfortunately, the demon of self-depreciation has been the most difficult demon for Black Americans of all complexions to expel. Darker skinned Blacks like Kanye West have had an even harder time accepting Blackness in themselves and in others. I wonder how much we have gained psychologically, since the bad old days of the 60’s, in our appreciation of our Blackness.”

(Source)

When will love ourselves enough to know who and what's good for us, and who and what isn't?

Sphere: Related Content

Black Women As "Bust It Babies"

It's not hard to find myself asking "what the hell is going on" when confronted with images of black women on BET, MTV, and the internet acting like they have "gone wild." It's easy to put blame on the rappers and other purveyors of "smut." They do have a great burden to carry, I acknowledge. Unfortunately, there is no mistaking the fact that some black women are willfully and intentionally playing into a harmful stereotype that really and truly embarrasses us all.

You might say "these women don't represent me!" Yes they do. We know the reality of the situation. People will make excuses for "Kirsten" and "Madison" showing their tits and making out on a bus in front of a camera for Joe Francis' "Girls Gone Wild" all day. They were just "experimenting!" They were just "drunk." They are good girls! After all, they go to Arizona State University or UCLA! They have bright futures ahead of them and all that.

Let's face it. Keisha and Shonda won't probably have the same luxury of that "benefit of the doubt." We all know what society thinks of black women. Before anyone excuses them for "experimentation" or for being young and "free spirited," or just careless, they'll assume that they each have four babies by three different men, not in school and on government assistance. It's unfortunate. I KNOW! It's not just white folks that think this way either. It's black folks too because we know or have heard of too many sisters in that position.

But there are so many of us who beat the odds out here. We work hard, take care of our kids and do everything we can for them, sometimes risking our own wellness. We love ourselves, want to represent our people well because we respect our ancestors. There are plenty of sisters out there like that, but they rarely ever make it to television.

There is no casting for a "Super Sister" reality show. There is no casting for the "Diamond in the Ruff Black Woman" (or any woman for that matter. I watch Rock of Love 2).

Have no fear though! Enter rapper Plies and his team to further disrespect black women! Unfortunately, he was met with NO resistance from the women themselves. In fact, women showed up in droves to audition for a spot in his "Bust It Baby" reality show. Some will try to explain in the video and on the internet that a "bust it baby" is a "good" chick; a "ride or die" chick if you will. I know he tries, and fails, in the song to sound like some kind of "ghetto romantic" but a real smart woman knows better. A "bust it baby" is a f*ck buddy with greater benefits than your average slut or mistress. So he cares about you a little more! Who the hell cares? Why would a grown woman want to identify herself as a "bust it baby?" What do you they think they are "busting" exactly? They damned sure aren't busting "99 Luftballoons."

I won't lie, I am mad at women like this. If women didn't show up for this crap, then it wouldn't proliferate and it would cease. Period!

What can you do though? Aside from hold protest outside of the casting, boycott the show or launch an attack against Plies for being such an idiot, there's nothing you can do against the women in this video; there is nothing you can say to make them love themselves more or respect themselves.

So watch the video and laugh, or shake your head, whichever comes first. I did. I felt proud that this was one "pageant" that I would've failed terribly at.

Don't call me a "bust it baby" unless by "bust it" you mean busting stereotypes, obstacles and my own ass to further pursue and achieve excellence be it in school, within my family or rebuilding my credit.

Sphere: Related Content

Prince Paul's Bring A White Girl Party Scheduled

I would ask if this was a joke, but after having to raise hell over last year's Light Skin Bash in Detroit, I am really not laughing or surprised at all.

Quite frankly this type of self-hatred is not funny anymore. It never was, but whatever laughter that would've escaped me for finding their stupidity pitiful, is gone and not ever coming back. I can't even "laugh to keep from crying" as the saying goes. It's just that sour to me.

I think I know what they were going for, but their ignorance kept them from getting the correct point across.

I wouldn't have had a problem with Bring a Friend of Another Race Night, but it's clear the promoters (listed on the flyer) are going for the attention/notoriety and to capitalize on a club full of white women they are hoping will be nubile and ready to swept away by some "mandingo."

What are the black women supposed to do? Can they bring a white man with them and get in free? Why must one bring a white woman to "have a good time" and not a white man?

What about other races? Do they get their own night as well? Is the next event Bring a Latino/a Night? What about Bring an Asian Night?

I thought I would've had more words for this, but I honestly don't, as I have been rendered speechless. What else is there to say when confronted with something as asinine as this? What can anyone possibly say to convince these grown men that this is absolutely embarassing?

I have this need to do my best to make a change; to "be the change I want to see in the world" like Ghandi suggested. How do you change so much self-hatred and "mental slavery" though?

How do you fix this?

Share your thoughts here! Is this offensive or not?

Sphere: Related Content

Real Talk!

If by now you don't know about me via my comments on other people's blogs, or from The Beatniks or this blog, you will know after this post that occasionally I get raw. I get very raw, and very blunt and I don't care who it offends.

I speak my mind regardless. I believe in being honest with people because that frees my soul from drama and it allows them the common courtesy of they deserve.

Yesterday, I wrote a post about Smooth Magazine's choice of cover for its "Black History Issue." Aunt Jemima's Revenge was the only blog that managed to even discuss the story.

Fine.

I realize that I am a smaller blog. I haven't been on NPR, probably won't be for sometime, for whatever reason. I don't have the prestige (yet) that a couple of the blogs on my blog roll have. Of course that will change in time, as I am highly ambitious. Whether they know it or not, I'm one to study and I see a few of them as role models in this blogging situation. They truly inspire me to do better.

Perhaps the fact that I run this little tiny blog made my voice tiny itself. I don't know and I won't speculate further.

I will say that I am disheartened. I thought that something as hurtful and insulting as Smooth's cover would be higher profile. I thought that more of us, in the blogosphere and outside, would rally against something that so blatantly says:

"For us and our readership, BHM is worthy of ONLY being celebrated by selling a sexually depraved black woman EMBARASSING herself."

I guess it didn't get that much attention because it wouldn't get that many hits? Perhaps there's no "profit" in discussing it nearly as much as discussing the latest affront by some white person?

I started Happy Nappy Head to vent my frustrations as a young, twenty-something black woman trying to make sense of the world and a f*cked up society for herself, not to mention my son (and now the little dude on the way). I wanted my own platform to talk about the things that I felt were detrimental to other young black women in my position.

I wanted to talk about how frustrated I was that every time I made the mistake and turned on the radio station, I had to hear some misogynistic rapper debase black women. I wanted to talk about how sad it is that I have to avoid B.E.T because the content makes my soul ill.

I didn't want to just jump on some band wagon and talk about how "white folks" were the ONLY aggressors. That's not fair and it wasn't reasonable either.

Fact is, I started this blog because people made me want to HOLLER to the top of my longs "Network" style. I was mad as hell and I didn't want to take it anymore. Between Imus, rappers, BET, Dunbar Village and idiotic white college students feigning ignorance to dress in black face, I had enough and I started this blog.

I don't see race when it comes to people who hurt each other. I don't see race when it comes to confronting those people and things that are detrimental to the black youth either. Black or white, polka dot or pink, it's irrelevant. 50 Cent will get it just as badly as David Duke can because, for me, they are on the same level: they prove toxic/poisonous to black people.

I'm disappointed that as a collective we can attack someone like Don Imus like a pack of ravenous army ants, but when it comes to going after those within our own community who hurt and injure us, we do nothing. We say nothing. We remain complacent.

We grumble, we whisper under our breaths, but we do nothing. We become complacent.




The fact is had it been any other magazine, with covers like the ones above, there would be a tidal wave of anger, and calls for change.

Smooth Magazine gets little fanfare. Is it because they are black owned and/or operated?

Why is it not okay for a white male to debase black women, like "Dog" Chapman or Don Imus, yet it's okay for Smooth Magazine to dedicate the debasement of a black woman to Black History Month?

Perhaps I don't understand because at heart I am still a foreigner. In Panama, we celebrate Dia De La Etnia Negra (Day of Black Ethnic Pride) on May 30th. That's one day we get. I can't imagine the hundreds of years of hell we've gone through being attached to a bachelor rag for some guy to beat off to.

Growing up I found it something to cherish because it was just ONE day that we got to be recognized, but it was ours.

This month, for African-Americans mostly, should be something you cherish until this country chooses to recognize all of your achievements as a people and stops minimizing the role you played in making this country a super-power.

I guess for me the choice is clear, whether or not I'm alone in yelling to the top of my lungs, I'm going to demand better regardless.

If white college kids, dressed in black face, can get the book thrown at them for celebrating MLK Day with "ghetto parties," then Smooth Magazine and its apologists can too.

Sometimes the battle isn't about an open affront, it's about principalities. I don't know about you, but for me, especially having two boys, I don't want them to think that their black history includes or should include a loose, trifling black woman showing her ass.

Do you?

Sphere: Related Content

Smooth Magazine Celebrates Black History Month By Showing Trina's ASSets

Thank you for thinking so highly of us Smooth!

Smooth Magazine's choice of cover for its Black History Month issue makes Don Imus' attack on the Rutgers Basketball team look like a compliment.

Here we are in February of 2008. We have Barack Obama running for president of the United States, and thus far he is the only black man to last a snowball's chance in hell in these elections. He MIGHT actually win the elections. Yet, the "good people" over at Smooth Magazine (and its parent company Star Media, Inc.) decided that their target demographic of black males, and perhaps even white males, was too dumb to want to care about something as historic as that.

What do you when you think your primarily black readership is too damned INEPT to read anything worthwhile?

SHOW A MEDIOCRE FEMALE RAPPER BEARING HER BACKSIDE!!!! Then place a stamp affirming that SHE is the muse, the inspiration for your Black History Month issue and voila! You've got a winner, right?

Last year, the internet was abuzz after America's Next Top Model alum Adrianne Curry said that we should boycott Black History Month because it was "racist" and no longer necessary. Bloggers and others, black and white alike, jumped down her throat for her rant, and eventually Curry went on to do some sort of retraction.

Many people, including myself, attacked/confronted her on her blog and live on her radio station for her comments, stating that Black History Month (in addition to the other history months) were very important and should be embraced. I know when speaking to her I stressed that it was IMPORTANT to have Black History Month because it's still relevant and every bit as necessary. For crying out loud, we had a rash of black face incidents and the offenders didn't know why black people were offended!

Yet, here is Smooth Magazine, a magazine geared to black men, making a bold statement that its highest opinion of black history and black women extends only to the derriere of some vapid, female rapper!

I don't know who told them that this was acceptable, and I don't care. We need to tell them that it is not.

The editor of Golfweek Magazine was fired for simply putting a noose on the cover to highlight the crude comments made by a Golf Channel correspondent.

Whoever signed off on using Trina as an example of Black History should apologize, pull the issue, lose their advertisers or be fired for their lack of regard.

We are only into the second month of 2008, and the attacks on black women's, and black people's sanity as a collective have begun.

If you would like to let them know your thoughts, they can be reached at: info@smoothmag.com.

Myspace: Myspace.com/smoothmag

Here's the media kit to Star Media, Inc. offices: http://www.jewelmagonline.com/jewelmk/2005-2006_mediakit.pdf or click HERE to view. It is in PDF format.

CEO is Sandy Vasceannie

Phone number (included in press kit): 212-925-1150.

I'm calling them TODAY! This right here is a disgrace.

Sphere: Related Content