“I don’t want a black girl no more…”

5 11 2009

I was just on Facebook procrastinating doing a little social networking, and I came across this status from a black guy (this is important):

“I’m gonna have to get me a white/asian/african/latin, basically non-black gurl…”

People commented, of course, and he says he doesn’t want a black girl because:

  • We overlook good men and blame everyone for getting the dumb guy.
  • He gets overlooked by black women because he doesn’t have dreads, etc. Presumably, he’s a good guy because he goes on to say that he approaches women like a gentleman, invites them to a movie and/or dinner, but we BS around.

********

Oh boy…where do I even begin? And do I even want to go here? I feel led in my spirit to comment lol. I would have commented on his status, but I feel like, hey, maybe I can help someone else who feels like he does.

Ok, if you really want to try dating women of other races, must you announce it to the world through Facebook? I guess it could be a good thing because if that is your mindset, then I’d much rather avoid you at all costs, and I’m sure all us other black women would too- I mean,I already have a BLACK boyfriend…but I digress.

Seriously, what is it with some black men and their need to date women of other races while dissing black women? I mean, I totally get not discriminating when it comes to love and marriage and all that good stuff- I’m all for it. What I am not for is the black guy who says, ‘Ugh, I can’t stand black women. They are so ignorant and loud and ghetto. They don’t know a good man when they see one, etc., etc., etc.’

Number one, have you ever considered that you might actually be the problem? If you keep running into the same type of women, regardless of race, then something is wrong with you! I mean, you’re obviously the common denominator!

Number two, brothas, pleeeeaaaase stop generalizing us and trying to put us in one box. I don’t care if you’ve dated 100, 200, 300 black women and all of them are, for lack of a better stereotype, ”ghetto, loud and uneducated”, all the other millions of other black women in the U.S. are not necessarily that way. And stop trying to find an excuse to date non-black women. Like I said, I’m totally for interracial loving, but please, stop with the bashing…That is all : D

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

The other “N” word

3 11 2009

Nappy is “crisp, frizzly, frizzy, kinky…((of hair) in small tight curls). (princeton.edu)

Since slavery, the word ‘nappy’ has been used to criticize black people’s natural hair. Historically, whites saw blacks’ natural hair as a negative feature and a contrast to European standards of beauty. As a result, some black people begin to dislike their own natural features.

“If your hair wasn’t straight, it was called nappy. Nappy hair meant you weren’t beautiful or desirable,” said Nsenga Burton, professor of communications and media studies at Groucher College in Baltimore. “Even within the community, nappy hair for a long time was seen as a bad thing.”

Though many people with natural hair describe their own hair as nappy, many other black people don’t do so and are offended when others do. I primarily see ‘nappy’ as a descriptive word and not necessarily bad, although most of the time when someone calls your hair nappy, they aren’t complimenting you. I mean, I don’t necessarily like when people use it negatively, but I realize that some people are ignorant.

 To me, it’s like black people using the other ‘n’ word- that word was seen as offensive and derogatory to black people, but now many of us use it as a term of endearment (but that’s a post for another day). And while I might call my own hair nappy, I would never call anyone else’s hair that because it does have a negative connotation, and everyone is not cool with it.

Anywho, ya’ll know I had to ask my Facebook fam, and here’s what they had to say:

“I have no major issue with the word ‘nappy’ unless it is being used in a negative context. I honestly prefer and use the word ‘kinky’ to describe my hair texture and hair texture in general. I’ve always felt that the term ‘nappy’ was created during the slave era to further belittle slaves which is why I’d have an issue hearing the word from a non- black person…”

~Cheris

“I don’t often use ‘nappy’ to define my hair, but I have used it to describe others. Nappy, to me, means EXTREMELY coarse and hard to manage, which my hair isn’t…most of the time. I guess the word can be offensive depending on its context. I don’t mind the word, though. I’m happy to be nappy.” : )

~Audia

“Coming from a guy perspective, I think the whole hair dialogue is a bit more relaxed (no pun intended) from our perspective, but I’ve definitely referred to my/other’s hair as nappy. No problem with it, but I admit there is a bit of a double standard because I’d likely feel pretty militant if someone of another race referred to my hair as ‘nappy.’ Hmm…on the low, is ‘nappy’ the ‘other N-word’? lol

“But nappy is cool, even though I prefer to keep mine wavy, haha. As long as you manage it.”

~Emmanuel

“I second, E. [above]…Nappy’s cool. I say it all the time to describe my hair and other people’s. But I rarely care too much about words anyway; it’s all about CONTEXT for me. You can tell when somebody (no matter the race) is using the term in a condescending way, and when they’re just describing ultra curly/kinky hair. If I said ‘nappy’ around a friend, and they said they were sensitive about it, I’d probably try to avoid using it out of respect.”

~OD

“I try not to use the word ‘nappy’ …sometimes I’ll just feel it about to roll off my tongue, and I’ll switch to kinky instead. Kinky just feels more politically correct.

So, beautiful and fabulous readers, do you use the word nappy to describe kinky hair? Why or why not?

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com

Want more stories like this in your inbox? Subscribe today!


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

America’s Next Top Model Blackface Causes Controversy

30 10 2009
americasnexttopmodelcreatesstirafterbiracialphotoshoot

Nicole, from America's Next Top Model, being transformed

As many of you Top Model fans know, on the latest episode, the girls were made to look bi-racial in a photo shoot conducted by Tyra. This is just weeks after an Australian variety show featured white performers wearing blackface to perform as the Jackson brothers and a white model was photographed in blackface for French Vogue.

Historically, the black face minstrel act was a very popular way to entertain during the 19th-century- it was a very racist portrayal of black people.

And according to National Public Radio’s website, the audience for those performances were mainly working-class whites; initally, however, the blackface character was a “smart and sympathetic one. But as time went on, the minstrel show took on a more racist tone.”

When I first heard about the episode, my first thought was, she’s already done this before (back in Seasons 4). I don’t remember it being so controversial. Should it have been? Is it different when Tyra Banks does black (or East Indian or Morrocoan-face) because she is black? Is blackface ever okay?

As a black woman, I might be biased and think that since Tyra did it, it’s okay because she is black. (Like some black people feel another black friend can call them the ‘n’ word, but not a friend of another race; or some women feel it’s okay if another female friends calls her a ‘b***h, but not a man.) I honestly don’t know how I feel about it because I haven’t really given it much thought until this month. On the one hand, I’m thinking, no, it’s not okay under any circumstances because you’re depicting another race. On the other hand, I’m kind of like, well, if it’s artistic and tasteful with no racist undertones, is it okay, or is it still racist because you’ve put on makeup to look like someone of another ethnicity?

What do you guys think?

Sources: (photo, too) ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Creates Stir After ‘Bi-Racial’ Photo Shoot, The Legacy of Blackface.

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture, News

Afro City

26 10 2009

afrocity girls

Described as ‘Sex in the City’ meets ‘Girlfriends’, Afro City is a webisode series scheduled to hit the Web this fall. The show, created by singer and actress Rhonda Ray, is about Jazzman Love, a singer, and her three best friends/back-up singers. Afro City follows the women as they share their lives, setbacks and voices while navigating the city of Los Angeles.

 Having been natural for about eight years, Ray created “Afro City” to show the world that African-American women are beautiful with their natural Afro hair without conforming to society’s standard of beauty.

“I wanted to bring beautiful images and lifestyles to the screen that people aren’t use to seeing everyday in the media,” Ray says. “’Afro City’ is a place where art, music, fashion and friends meet.”

The introductory trailer is currently available, and Ray says the response has been great so far. They have shot the first season which consists of 10 mini episodes, and another season could be in the works if there are enough funds and sponsors.

Ray would ultimately love to develop the show into a series for network or cable TV like “Sex in the City.” She’s also working on a one-woman show about natural hair.

“I can’t wait to bring that project to local stages,” she says. “If I could one day bring it to a Broadway stage, that would be awesome.”

Check out the “Afro City” trailer at www.afrocitytv.com.

——

Jamie


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture, News

“Good” hair and “bad” hair

29 09 2009

112afro6

rb-medium-wavy-hair-12-0809-de

 

 

 

 

 

 

I posted this question last week on Facebook:

Black people (and maybe others) frequently label other black people’s hair as “good” or “bad.” But what makes “good” hair “good” and “bad” hair “bad” in your opinion? Is it the way it looks (straight, curly, kinky?), ease of style?

Personally, I think any hair that is healthy and well groomed is good- you take care of what you have. (Even though I think using the terms ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for hair is kinda weird. Maybe saying hair is ‘pretty’ or ‘ugly’ would be better, but I digress).

Of course, this whole hair thing is still an issue in the Black community, which I think is sad. I mean, to hear people say ’such-and-such’ has good hair’ in 2009 is crazy to me, and it makes me cringe. I hope that one day soon, we can stop seeing nappy, coarse, thick hair as bad and realize that all hair is good and beautiful (as long as it’s taken care of it).

Here are some of the responses I got:

“I consider my hair good because it grows and is very easy to manage…by the way, it’s 4b! :)

~Brittany B. (btw, 4b is considered the kinkiest hair according to hair type charts)

“The health of someone’s hair. 

“If the hair is in good health & condition, then its good hair. If it’s in bad health, then that’s some bad hair.
Since you put it out there, anything outside of that is leftover slave mentality. We were taught to think and believe that our hair (& looks were bad) especially the darker our skin tones were. And so it went w/hair. We were taught and impressed upon that the kinkier our hair was, the more “bad” it was. All a bunch of ridiculous hogwash.

“It just is. Unfortunately, those ideas are still lingering amongst some of us. With self-love and acceptance, I believe that can change.”

~Cheris C.

“Over the years my definition of “good” and “bad” hair has changed. But I have ALWAYS thought that those labels were ignorant. When I was younger, “good” hair referred to someone of color who had semi-straight or curly hair. Now I say “someone of color” b/c I never perceived a white persons hair as “good” just b/c it was straight…And I never perceived my hair as “bad” b/c it wasn’t.

” “Bad” hair was generally associated with someone who’s hair was difficult to maintain. Whether that be b/c it was extremely coarse or whatever.

“NOW TODAY…for me at least. The issue of “good” and “bad” hair is quite simple. “Good Hair” is well cared for, be it natural or relaxed, long or short. It is neatly trimmed and conditioned and worn in all its glory no matter what style you’ve chosen. You carry it in confidence and make no apologies for it. If it works with your hair and agrees with your soul…Then well, HONEY YOU’VE GOT DARN GOOD HAIR!!!

On the other hand, if you neglect your tresses (i.e…Barely wash it, convet those raggedy ends and refuse to get a trim, etc…) Then Chick…you’ve got some “bad” hair. Not because of it’s texture…and not because of it’s length…but ONLY because IT’S NOT HEALTHY! And in today’s world, there’s no excuse. There are tons of online hair forums, blogs, and websites dedicated to the health of relaxed and natural hair.”

~Jessica B.

“I think every ethnicity can have “good or bad” hair… I am caucasian and have very thick coarse wavy/curly hair and without proper maintenance, it is horrid looking… I have to have it trimmed every 6-7 weeks and have to put deep conditioner on it once every two months… And my straightener is my best friend… I am blessed to be able to curl my hair or straighten it… But, regardless of color or texture, I think the real problem comes in with how you manage it. Everyone can have beautiful manageable hair if they just take the time and care to do what it takes to keep it up… People get too out of whack on judging others hair, and I think as long as you are comfortable in it then it shouldn’t matter what color or background you come from, whatever makes you happy is what matters!!”

~Kayla B.

“I think “good” hair is well maintained. Period. My friends are mixed with all kinda everything and everyone has a diff grade of hair, but no one in particular’s hair is better that another. I think I have “good” hair. Indeed. =) However, I have TERRIBLE scalp. lol This scalp eczema is a hot mess. lol”
~Audia J.

Feel free to post your thoughts below!

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture, Life

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sonia Sotomayor

22 09 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15-October 15. It celebrates the anniversary of independence for five Latin American Countries- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.

This week it’s Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

sonia_sotomayor

 Who she is: She is the first Hispanic justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Brief bio: Sotomayor grew up in a housing project in the Bronx. Her parents were Puerto Rican and came to New York during World War II.

She received her bachelor’s degree with honors from Princeton and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and received the M. Taylor Pyne Prize, the highest honor an undergrad can get at Princeton. Sotomayor received her law degree from Yale Law School in 1979; while there, she served as the editor of the Yale University Law of Review and managing editor of the Yale Studies in World Public Order.

Sotomoayor also served as a prosecutor in New York Country District Attorney’s Office from 1979 to 1984; she was also in private practice as an associate and partner at Pavia and Hartcourt in New York City from 1984 to 1992.

On November 27, 1991, she was nominated by George H.W. Bush to serve as a federal judge; she was confirmed by the Senate on August 11, 1992. On June 25, 1997, she was nominated for a seat for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, by President William J. Clinton, and she was confirmed by the Senate in October 1998.

Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at the NYU School of Law in 1998 and a lecturer at Columbia  Law School in 1999.

She is a member of the American Bar Association, Association of Hispanic Judges, Hispanic Bar Association, New York Women’s Bar Association and American Philosophical Society.

Source: womenshistory.about.com

Photo from: kska.com


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month: Carolina Hererra

15 09 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15-October 15. It celebrates the anniversary of independence for five Latin American Countries- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.

This week, it’s Carolina Herrera.

carolina-herrera

Who she is: an internationally renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur.

Brief Bio: Born Maria Carolina Josefina Pacanins y Ninos, Herrera was born in 1939 in Caracas, Venezuela.

She established her fashion line in 1981 after she and her family moved to NYC, and her test line received positive attention. Hererra quickly increased her line to include suits and gowns for high-end boutiques and clothing. She continued to develop other items that included cologne, perfume, wedding gowns, handbags and other accessories. She also has a line of boutiques, CH Carolina Herrera.

Hererra got her big break when she received a request to provide clothing from fashion icon Jacqeline Kennedy Onassis; she styled Onassis for the final 12 years of her life.

She has dressed several celebrities including Shakira, Selma Hayek and Nicole Kidman. Additionally, Herrera is a Goodwill Ambassador, a Facilitator for the Intergovernmental Insitution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), The Right to Food Campaign Initiative Against Malnutrition and Fashion United Against Malnutrition. Additionally, she was named the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2004 and received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Source and photo: about.com


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

Tyra’s Real Hair?

9 09 2009

When I heard that Tyra Banks was wearing her real hair on her talk show, I didn’t (not once) think she would sport a ginormous Afro or any hint of kinks. I mean, she is Tyra, the Queen of Lacefronts and Blonde Weave (I love you, girl!)

Today, I saw a portion of a blog post by Afrobella on Racialicious. She said that not one guest on that particular episode has natural, nappy, kinky hair. (I didn’t watch it). What’s wrong with this?

Well, in my opinion, if you’re doing a show on real hair, then shouldn’t somebody on the show display, I don’t know, their real hair? And I don’t mean sporting relaxed hair because, to me, it’s not real (but that’s another post for another day). I mean, take away the relaxer or press-and-curl, and what do you have? More than likely, (beautiful) kinks! (I’m biased a little).

But like I said before, this is Tyra we’re talking about, so I really didn’t expect too much from her. I do, however, believe this, and commentary about Mrs. Obama’s hair brings about discussion about black hair and in turn, race, which is much needed, I think.

What do you guys think? Let me know!


Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month: Soledad O’Brien

8 09 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15-October 15. It celebrates the anniversary of independence for five Latin American Countries- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.

This week it’s all about Soledad O’Brien.

Soledadlg

Who she is: currently the anchor and special correspondent for CNN/U.S. (American Morning, Special Investigations Unit, AC 360)

Brief Bio: O’Brien was born to immigrant parents in 1966 in St. James, NY. She received her B.A. from Harvard University.

She has worked as associate producer and news writer for Eyewitness News First Edition in Boston; a producer for NBC Nightly News and Today; she also worked at MSNBC’s website and NBC Today and Weekend Today in NYC.

Since she has been with CNN, O’Brien has reported breaking news from all over the world and has created award-winning documentaries on significant stories facing the globe. One of her projects was the Black in America series for which she investigated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in Eyewitness to Murder, The King Assassination.

O’brien has received several awards such as Gracie Allen Award (2007) and the NAACP President’s Award (2007); she was the first recipient of the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award from Morehouse School of Medicine (2008) and the first recipient of The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Goodermote Humanitarian Award.

Photo from: www.udel.edu

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

June is Lesbian and Gay Pride Month

4 06 2009

Did you know that June is Lesbian and Gay Pride Month? gay pride

According to the National Women’s History Project website gay or LGBT  pride [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] indicates an international movement and philosophy declaring that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, gay pride advocates work for equal ‘rights and benefits’ for LGBT individuals.

In June 2000, former President Clinton established the month of June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. June was selected to remember a riot in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan; this is thought to be the start of the gay liberation movement in the U.S.

 The movement has three key principles:

  1. That people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
  2. That sexual diversity is a gift.
  3. That sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Gay and lesbian groups observe the month with pride parades, picnics, parties and memorials from those lost from HIV/AIDS; the month is meant to recognize the influence Gay, Lesbian and Transgender people have had on the world.

 Symbols of LGBT pride include the rainbow flag, the Greek lambda symbol and pink and black triangles reclaimed from past use.

Photo from diversitystore.com


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories : Culture

« Previous Entries