Jailed!
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Slavery is funny?
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5 hours ago
0 Finding our Humanity
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I came across a post from Clutch Magazine that brought out the crazy in me.
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You would think that it is because we are uncomfortable watching the suffering so it is just much easier to ignore it - but looking at the television programs that have become a staple of Prime Time, we have police dramas with the most desperate examples of human suffering and cases of degenerate cruelty and despicable injustice. So that is not it. We can watch it and TV networks actually count on our desire to see this kind of programming in order to make money.
Is it because it is real? Nah, we watch that too. Case in point, Intervention, The First 48 and whatever other shows you can think of. We love this stuff and guzzle it down like freshmen guzzling beer at their first frat party.
Maybe it is because we have an overload. Now that we are Generation Information Age (forget the X, Y and Z designations). Just take a look at these very few examples,
- Oil companies emptying their waste into fresh water of indigenous people of Nigeria and Angola,
- The atrocities committed against Afganis and Iraqi people for access to their land (and yet gas prices keep going up!),
- Indian waterways filled with the toxic waste and dumping of plastic trinkets from the Western World,
- The devastation of Southern States as they grapple with floods,
- The frightening news about nuclear contamination in Japan,
- Toxic waste dumping on the shores of Somalia.
- Child labor in the Far East.
It tires the soul, then to hear that a war is being perpetrated because of minerals in The Democratic Republic of Congo? (It behooves us all to note that there are TWO countries in Africa with "Congo" in its name).
So what does this mean?
Money talks. Bee Ess Walks
For the sake of our fellow human beings we have to speak up and talk with our wallets and demand that the companies that provide us with products for our daily lives practice fair trade and refrain from engaging in any conflict around the World that results in the degradation of any human being and risks their lives.
When issues are raised, like the conflict minerals of The DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) by the Enough Project (read article by Ryan Gosling and John Prendergast) then it is our responsibility to see what we can do about it, to do our research, find out which companies benefit from perpetual war and stop giving them our money.
Let us not forget the now famous words of Pastor Martin Niemöller
First they came for the communist,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
It is not just a talking point and old news. This is the real suffering of a flesh and blood human being, who - but for pure random chance - could have been you.
0 Do you have Orthorexia?
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Orthorexia Nervosa
people who develop an unhealthy fixation on eating healthy.
The word orthorexia is derived from two Greek words:
Orthos = correct or right
Orexia = appetite
According to Dr. Bratman's site, the term is meant to refer to people with an UNHEALTHY FIXATION on eating healthy.
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Reading excerpts from the book, it becomes quickly clear that Dr. Bratman is one of those individuals whose personality lends itself to extreme expressions and at that point his argument begins to break down.
It is important to note that his emphasis is on people with an unhealthy fixation.
At a time when the World is rising up against corporations that have genetically modified the staples we have become accustomed to, this particular discussion needs to be had and questions need to be asked.
- Can eating healthy become a bad obsession?
- Are there any unhealthy practices people engage in that they believe are healthy?
- What is "eating healthy" ?
What is your opinion? Do you think that orthorexia nervosa is something we all need to talk about?
0 We Will Follow
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As the war between Tyler Perry and Spike Lee heated up last week, causing plumes of dust to be raised by the rubble of viewers that littered the country side, a quiet unassuming movie about the often complicated and unexplored emotions surrounding loss continued to rise up, reaching for the Blockbuster list.
I Will Follow, a movie about one day in the life of a woman grieving a lost aunt and the twelve visitors who pass by was written and directed by Ava DuVernay. It has been described as tender, complex, soulful, passionate and interesting.
Ms. DuVernay is no newbie to the movie directing scene. Her very successful documentary about Hip Hop in South Central L.A. and its roots at The Good Life debuted in 2008 and won several awards including Best Documentary at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival and Documentary Toronto Reel World Film Festival. You can check out the trailer for that documentary here. She also produced two network documentaries, My Mic Sounds Nice - an interesting look into the history of black women in the hip hop industry from artists like Missy Elliot and MC Lyte and the second on the Essence Music Festival 2010.
In a critical time of story telling, when Hollywood has raised the battle call for America's entertainment money, the black community doesn't have many voices lending their own to the fray. We know we are dying to hear more, to see more of ourselves that doesn't include the wildly caricatured characters who are either stuck in a place of perpetual comedy (which we do not mind sometimes) or involved in a shootout (which we don't mind either).
Trailer - I Will Follow
If you are in the DC area, get yourself to the West End Cinema to see this movie, then come back and tell us what you thought about the movie.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating - 80%
Roger Ebert - Thumbs Up
IMDB Metascore - 71%
Have you seen the movie "I Will Follow"? What are your thoughts about it? Would you go to see it in the movie theater if it was released on the big screen?
0 Over reacting to Will.I.Am
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What? That is not the question on everybody's mind since his comment the other day when he sat down to be interviewed by Andrew Goldman from Elle Magazine?
It is difficult indeed to refrain from taking his not-very-carefully-crafted words completely out of context. You don't have to read the entire interview because we have it summarized here.
1. He doesn't know his Pops and doesn't really need him.Of course the only thing everyone is harping on is his comment on condoms. But everyone is over reacting quite a little bit, yeah?
2. His momma whooped his butt
3. He didn't fantasize about women till he was 19
4. Girls owning condoms?! Tacky!
5. USE WIPES
Here, watch this trailer:
This documentary, Let's Talk About Sex, is a candid look at the puritanical attitudes held by our society concerning sex. I caught most of it when it aired on the 9th of April, 2011 and was slightly shocked by some of the comments from teenagers. With so many STDs and the threat of AIDS, there aren't enough of these children thinking about protection. In comparison with teenagers from the Netherlands, American teenagers seem like toddlers when it comes to sex education.
It is so much easier to hold up our hands to cover our eyes and say women and men (but especially women) should not be having sex outside marriage. They are and the fact is that your precious teenage daughter has probably already had sex and probably has a more active sex life than you do. Wouldn't it be prudent then that she carry condoms with her or have them readily available so that when the urge arises she is not caught unaware? As any woman will tell you, men "forget" condoms very often and then PRESS the woman to have sex with no protection.
The truth of the matter is that Will.I.Am is only a product of his society. The assumption that he should have a different perspective on sexual health is wrong. These celebrities and media personalities are just like the rest of us, prone to the same misconceptions about sex, love and money. There is no reason at all to think that if the majority of men think women having condoms in the home is tacky or makes the woman seem too easy then why would he (Mr. I.Am) not be prone to it?
I'm not one of those people who think the Master Pea is gay. I honestly think he is just one of those guys who is okay not having rabid sex with unknown women, and after seeing his comment about wipes (don't be offended people - CLEAN YOURSELVES!) I guess he may be just a little OCD. And you know what? As long as he and his mysterious boo agree on this issue, it ain't none of our business!
It is important to note that at Qalil, we believe it is the responsibility of every woman to make sure that she is informed and protected whenever she has a sexual encounter and that having wipes in your bathroom might be a good idea if you intend to have Will.I.Am over.
Do you think your attitude towards sex is healthy? How did you approach sex education with your teenagers? How do you think it should be approached?
0 Haireditary Rabidity - Trump Madness
Of all the things that get me worked up, I never thought I would have Trump and his waving hair plugs in the line up of Sh!t-that-F*cks-with-me-before-my-mornin'-coffee!
I mean...WTF!!!!
This is what happens when your Hair transplant surgeon resembles the POTUS - what?! All black people do look alike, especial Kenyan-Muslim-Terrorists, who hide their birth certificates cause they were born under a tree in the outskirts of Nairobi (Hawaii) --Bet you didn't know it is in Hawaii, well, IT IS--, and marry strong black women like our beloved FLOTUS - and said surgeon neglects to mention that the following side effects may occur:
1) Shock loss - also known as losing yo damn mind when a black man took over in the Maison Blanche. It is truly a shock and a loss. Problem may present as waving hair that looks like ferret tail with bald patches.
2) Swelling - also known as water retention to replace all the hot air comin' out the orifices. Problem may persist despite all efforts to soothe and treat the diseased area.
3) Itching - also known as bagger agitation due to low ratings of Lame TV show that is taking the same path as all other business ventures founded and failed over the years. This particular side effect may be HAIReditary and may be linked to other genetic dysfunctions. Ask your Exorcist Doctor about alternate life paths.
4) Hair loss can occur after several years - also known as go roll another mountain goat for its shags (like you jacked most people who deal with you) and keep it movin'.
If only POTUS didn't hand over that busted ass birth certificate! Ah well, that Orange Trumpscile won't stop his Haireditary Rabidity regardless of any proof presented. Talk about an over-inflated sense of importance he has.
Just so you know Trump and jr Trumpies, Y'all still ain't ish!!!!!
Phewww, Glad I got that off my chest.
Save a Mountain Goat's coat, produce Trumps head hair for testing!!!!
0 Help Line for Birthers
Because this,
wasn't enough, this,
was released.
But because we know the Birthers are not going anywhere, here are a few suggestions for what they should ask for next.
1. Proof that Sasha and Malia are his and Michelle's kids, not adopted from Ethiopia or Somalia. Paternity test please!
2. Proof that he is not a cyborg from the 3rd Dimension set on transmogrifying all of America into robots who plan to take control! Brain scan please!
3. Proof that he is not a marxist socialist bent on World domination beginning with the most armed country in the World (except Iran and North Korea of course, speaking of which, let's make sure he's not their puppet!). Political theory scan please!
4. Proof that he is not an Islamic jihadist whose ruse in setting up the Libya war will not distract us. Religious leaning scan please!
5. Proof that he is not gay. Gaydar scan please!
6. Proof that he is not homophobic. Phobia scan please!
7. Proof that he is not dying from some communicable disease like Ebola. Just call the CDC!!!
Jeez! Now can we get about the business of fixing the damn country?
What are your thoughts on all the hoopla surrounding the birthplace of President Barack Obama?
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wasn't enough, this,
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was released.
But because we know the Birthers are not going anywhere, here are a few suggestions for what they should ask for next.
1. Proof that Sasha and Malia are his and Michelle's kids, not adopted from Ethiopia or Somalia. Paternity test please!
2. Proof that he is not a cyborg from the 3rd Dimension set on transmogrifying all of America into robots who plan to take control! Brain scan please!
3. Proof that he is not a marxist socialist bent on World domination beginning with the most armed country in the World (except Iran and North Korea of course, speaking of which, let's make sure he's not their puppet!). Political theory scan please!
4. Proof that he is not an Islamic jihadist whose ruse in setting up the Libya war will not distract us. Religious leaning scan please!
5. Proof that he is not gay. Gaydar scan please!
6. Proof that he is not homophobic. Phobia scan please!
7. Proof that he is not dying from some communicable disease like Ebola. Just call the CDC!!!
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What are your thoughts on all the hoopla surrounding the birthplace of President Barack Obama?
0 Smell like me!
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Guess who plans to have a new scent sometime next year?!
Oh, you could tell already from the picture? You mean we didn't have to yell from the rooftops?
The obsession with Celebrity Worship has spiraled out of control and the business world is cashing in on it. If a famous celebrity wears something, people who follow these kinds of trends will be racing out of the house, credit cards with the chip ready to slide in the slot and take home the dress/jewelry/shoes/wig that the celebrity wore. This is the basis on which the *yawn* website *yawn* that Jay Zizzle created was spawned.
For decades now, celebrities have stood in front of cameras peddling some scent, lotion, kitchen appliance or dinky little thingamajig to add to your collection of knick-knacks collecting dust and causing the indomitable Peter Walsh to come over to your house.
I'm not quite sure what would make me want to smell like Nicki Minaj or Britney Spears or Celine Dion for that matter. Unless, of course, it is going to bestow their cash (let's leave the notoriety out of it) upon me I will pass. Thank you very much.
Are you curious about a Nicki Minaj scent? Which celebrity scents have you purchased? Do you like them?
0 HipHop Culture
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On Russell Simmons blog, she attempted to explain herself by saying that Hip Hop Culture tends to treat women in a hyper-sexualized misogynistic way. Was she wrong? Even if her statement was a general one, where she didn't tip-toe into the land of near-legalese to explain what she meant, isn't this the rant feminists have been making for a long time, including Oprah?
It behooves us all to remember that much of the degenerate hip-hop lyrics and music are not consumed by the African American community. A documentary HipHop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes produced by Bryon Hurt explores Hip Hop culture and it's varied and vast nooks and crannies and uncovers some things you might not know existed in the quest for fame.
Watch the video. See what you think. Let's discuss.
0 Mama Africa at Tribeca
Nearly two and half years after her sudden death, South Africa's Miriam Makeba ('Mama Africa') will be brought to a wide audience in Tribeca through a documentary by Mika Kaurismäki, titled Mama Africa (2011).The legendary Makeba left her indelible mark on 20th century music. Mama Africa was born in 1932 in Johannesburg and began singing in her teens. In the 1950s, she sang with the South African band the Manhattan Brothers. As an activist and widely-known singer, she had fans and followers throughout the world. She had also known both triumph and tragedy in her life.
In 1963, Makeba spoke at the United Nations against the apartheid regime of South Africa which prompted the regime to revoke her citizenship. Unable to return home, Mama Africa continued to sing and delight audiences the world over.
And in 1985, her only daughter, Bongi Makeba, died during childbirth. Shortly afterward, Mama Africa settled in Brussels.
In a career that spanned more than a half century, Mama Africa released 23 studio albums, numerous studio and compilation albums, and over 15 singles. She is especially known for the worldwide hit, Pata Pata, which she first recorded in 1957 and released in the United States in 1967. Her numerous awards over the decades included Grammys. Mama Africa also toured with the likes of Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon.
Tragically, this was the very song she was singing in Italy when she collapsed of a heart attack, dying later that evening.
Mama Africa's distinctive, powerful voice complemented her beautiful, resilient spirit.
0 Allen West: A Low-level Uncle Tom in The Racket Ministry
Congressman Allen West (serving Florida's 22nd congressional district) has never met an opportunity to bash President Obama that he didn't take with glee. On the Laura Ingraham Show, he referred to Mr. Obama as showing "third world dictator-like arrogance". While speaking to Fox's Greta Van Susteren, he stood by his words and added: “This whole talk about shared prosperity–that really gives me the goosebumps because I’m starting to believe that a community organizer is nothing but a low-level socialist agitator.”
Let’s ignore how sociopathic his railing against shared prosperity is. One would presume that sharing prosperity creates and maintains a civil society. Let’s also ignore how uneducated he sounds because if he really knew anything about socialism, he wouldn’t call Obama a socialist.
The ex-military West is clearly earning the other kind of stripes, the ones that get you a gig at Fox and the exclusive country club membership. If industrious and business-minded, he might get a few lucrative deals when done not serving Floridians. So far, however, this is unlikely so he may just have to do with the odd lunatic commentary on Republican outlets.
West represents the new noise machine in an ever-declining country. Power and money are concentrating in the hands of less than 1% of the country. With economic and social indicators heading south, it is clear that big propaganda guns will have to be taken out to quiet millions sinking into poverty.
For the past 30 years of decline, 24-hour news did the trick. With a clever mix of truth-skewing commentary and entertainment, a number of events were hidden or obscured from people: wages stagnated, jobs were outsourced, debts rose, education and health quality declined, industries were de-regulated, military spending increased, a case for illegal wars was made successfully, and through brilliant financial schemes, banks swindled savings and then stuck out their hands for taxpayer handouts.
Admit it, that was brilliant, wasn’t it?
Of course, things began to fray at the seams. Bubble after economic bubble burst. The jobless began to number in the millions. People lost their homes. Kids finished college with little hope of finding gainful employment. Hunger, homelessness, and despair rose. Unless you are heavily medicated or living in denial, things are pretty dire and liable to change for the worse every day.
Twenty-four hour news alone will just not do. How about adding fringe lunacy? The crazier, the better. And who does it with as much classlessness as the Republicans since Reagan? Their disdain for working people has always been there but they also had sane elements. Sanity will just not do in the coming years as things go from bad to worse. Loud noise and blatant lies are necessary.
Enter Fox News, the Tea Party, Bachmann, Ryan, Paul, Palin, Trump, etc. A veritable circus of loons whose only mission is to obscure truth and create as much discourse-destroying noise. Calling their machination a Ministry of Truth would not do it justice.
Let’s call it The Racket Ministry. Both loud and deceptive.
Back to Congressman West. He is that not-so-rare member of any group willing to sell out to the first buyer. Crazy is in and he is wearing the latest. He is clearly being used as a front to give legitimacy to political discourse that is more hostile and intolerant than it had been in decades. And it is not only hostile to minorities but to unions, working class people, women, and increasingly, the elderly, the sick, students, the environment, etc...
The service has given him a special skill in speaking in absolutes but it is his endorsement of radical, paranoid views on liberalism, socialism, government currently espoused by groups with racist elements such as the Tea Party that is dismaying.
West's sustained attacks on President Obama appease those very elements in their boorishness and condescension. Criticize the president and his administration all you want but, for the love of socialism, use your own bloody words.
If he chooses not to, we may have no choice but to give him the honorary title of Uncle Tom in The Racket Ministry.
Image courtesy of thinkprogress.org
0 Sexiness implied please.
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On Soul Train he was a little intolerable. He had been infected by the lip licking disease (LLD) that is passed on from one black man to another simply by watching LL Cool J do his lip routine. Jamie Foxx, Nelly, Chris Brown and a host of other black male Hollywoodans seem to be infected with LLD. I'm not sure when this started, but can it please stop?
You meet a brother, he's cool and what not, you talk and he is interesting, you dance, he's got the moves and then suddenly you get hit with,
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When did this become sexy? I know we see pictures of all these lips online with copious amounts of lip gloss on them but they are WOMEN'S lips. Are you still trying to get the bit of burger that has been hanging off your lips since you left Mickey Dees? Are you hiding a zit or mouth sore? Is it radar and you're trying to sense if we're compatible? What the hell are you doing?
Maybe some women find it to be sexy, but honestly, at Qalil this is what comes to mind.
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So quit with the lip smacking. If your eyes cannot convey what you want to tell me, your slippery ass tongue isn't going to do the trick. LLD is NOT cool.
Are you turned on by guys who like smacking their lips? Do you have a case of the LLD?
0 Phylicia Barnes - A Tragic Ending for a Promising Life
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Phylicia Barnes was a 16 year old, vibrant young girl with a bright future. She disappeared on the 28th of December, 2010 and was never seen again.
As a result, many blogs with black and/or female authors covered her disappearance including us here at Qalil. Kudos to all of them. There are other missing women of color out there who need to be found, whose possible tragic ends have to be discovered and perpetrators brought to justice. Like stfufauxminists said guilt is not what we need, we need a call to action for ALL women.
There needs to be a change.
Today Qalil.com stands beside the family of Phylica, hoping that time will help these bitter wounds heal.
Rest in Peace Phylicia.
0 Spike Lee: Use Mapquest to find Hell
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Sigh.
Once again the news headlines and blogosphere are a-buzz with Tyler Perry news, different sources (Clutch Magazine Online) citing the comments Perry made about Lee and the things he was saying. Here are some commentaries:-
- Ta-Nehisi Coates offers, Tyler Perry has the right to make movies we don't like just as much as Spike Lee does.
- Politics from the Eyes of an Ebony Mom says Spike may end up seeming like a crab in a barrel.
- The Savvy Sista just wants us all to get along.
- My personal favorite is Black & Bougie's prayer that we all realize he ain't Jesus, nor is he Satan.
I get it. When we have a small measly handful of black directors filming black shows and movies in Hollywood, it is very easy to get protective of them, pick sides, set up the cannons and
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I'm a Mr. Tyler Perry fan. I may not have loved all his movies, but then again there is no artist (except myself) whose work I love all the time. I'm not a Spike Lee fan and loved Malcolm X but wanted to peel his skin off slowly for She Hate Me. See how it is done?
At Qalil, we have covered our own appreciation of the Tyler Perry Phenomenon. His story is the story we like to hear, that if we dream, work hard and chase our dreams we will eventually realize them all. It is the quintessential all American dream - which many of us have.
I think the important thing for us to remember - even as we debate their conflict and TP showing SL the yellow brick road to the fiery smoldering sulphuric pits of Hell - is that it is quite okay to love Spike Lee and enjoy Tyler Perry's movies. It really is.
0 The talented April Parker-Jones
April Parker-Jones first caught my eye in Jericho (2006-2008). A striking actress with tremendous talent, I have since followed her television career through a number of shows including NCIS, Lost, Lie to Me, and The Unit. According to her website's bio:
"A native of Durham, North Carolina, April Parker Jones studied theatre at N.C. Central University before moving to New York City in pursuit of a professional acting career. While in New York, she was cast in many productions at The Billie Holiday Theatre. Parker Jones received two Audelco Award Theatre nominations for Best Actress for the production Plenty of Time."
Ms. Parker-Jones' performances are subtle, dramatic, and poignant. Despite the formulaic nature of television's hour-long dramas, she manages to capture your attention with her delivery and powerful screen presence. She appeared recently on NCIS: Los Angeles.
I would love to see April Parker-Jones in a leading role on television (perhaps next season?!) and in films as well. Given her presence on-screen, it would not surprise me if she becomes one of the best in her generation.
Image courtesy of www.aprilparker-jones.com
0 Black Women Rocking Grey Hair
Whether they started greying in their teens or are at the cusp of the middle years, many Black women are choosing to rock their greys.Does grey hair make you feel old for your age?
Do you think it makes a Black woman look more distinguished (think Donna Brazile)?
While you may not obsess about it, most of us need practical advice whether we choose to dye our greys or keep them untouched.
In general, black hair can be vulnerable to over-processing. If you are like most of us, you are processing your hair in some way (either straighteners, hot combs, or a combination). If you have a weave, you'll find yourself watching out for new growth AND greys.
What can a Black woman do to keep her grey hair untouched beautiful and healthy?
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Make sure that you use natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil in addition to your store-bought moisturizers.
- Get a great hair cut or style! Just because your hair is grey doesn't mean that you should have a dowdy cut.
- Keep your trims up to date! Grey hair can be dry and break easily.
- Accessorize! Get fabulous with a beautiful scarf or ethnically-inspired jewelery.
Image Courtesy of Glamspirit and Stylist.com
0 Trailer Trash - Movies I may not watch
"The Help"
I am an avid fan of the work of Viola Davis. When I first took notice of her work in Law & Order in the episode "Badge" I was taken aback by the dedication to her role and knew right away that she is the kind of artist that makes you love her work. You cannot turn away from her powerful performance.
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Whenever she has any work coming out I rush to find out all I can about the work, prepare myself weeks ahead for the movie, read the book if the movie is an adaptation, then sit back and enjoy her interpretation. Did I say I love Viola Davis? Just in case you didn't hear it - I LOVE VIOLA DAVIS!
So, I'm trolling the interwebs, reading the blogs I subscribe to, catching up on useless news and other clever articles when suddenly I come across a trailer of The Help. It is a movie based on a novel written by a first time author, Kathryn Stockett, who grew up in the south at a time when the help used different bathrooms.
I cannot give you a better gist of the movie than the trailer. Go on. Click play.
Sigh.
Double sigh.
Triple sigh.
My problem (I still love you Viola Davis) is that we are telling these kinds of stories too. Stories like these exist from our perspective that show a different kind of independence and quest for freedom and equal rights that cannot be understood by people who lived under the white privilege.
It is like a boat trying to tell the story of the sea. What does the boat know of the beautiful creatures that live within it? The crags it hides behind when it escaping from an enemy bent on devouring it for dinner, the cycle of life it has to traverse from hatching or birth all the way to death, raising its spawn within the murky depths that the boat cannot reach. What does the boat know of the sea?
I want to watch this movie, if only to support the actors in it (who have to work too) and I may do my entire MPR (Movie Preparation Routine), but nothing will ever dampen my desire to see so many of the novels written by black women who have experienced the oppression of the 1950s and 60s, translated into movies and I know many of us feel the same way.
Sigh. Let's keep writing folks.
What did you think about the trailer? Will you go to watch The Help?
0 Advertising to Black Women
If your address is not
then you've heard the controversy being drummed up about the famed Carol's Daughter campaign featuring Solange, Cassie and Selita Ebanks. Part of the ad campaign is pictured here.
Many black women feel that the caption on the picture "Beauty in Diversity" is not reflected in the ad. Also because this limited view of "acceptable black women" chafes because in some light it perpetrates what black women have been trying to fight for a long time. Indeed ALL women have been trying to fight the standards of beauty put upon us. For white women it is the Barbie stereotype they fight, choosing to keep the natural color of their hair and embrace their body in whatever shape it comes.
This fight, however, seems to be a little more personal for many of Carol's Daughter's clientele who feel slighted because they don't feel represented in the "Beauty in Diversity" campaign. The blogosphere is a-buzz about the campaign and here are some examples
In a World where a few items on the market are geared specifically towards the unique needs of black hair care, skin care and makeup, it is easy to get possessive about the few products that have thought of us a primary group to market products too. We've all walked through stores and seen the tiny little section at the back of the store that has a few bottles of TCB, Palm Olive oil products, two boxes of African Pride relaxer and the Ginseng Hair Oil. Unless you are willing to go to the Asian owned black hair care stores there are very few options left for women to run to.
There are two points we have to remember to consider when we start the fight for products like these.
In this case I think Carol's Daughter may have made a mistake in using "Diversity" in their campaign slogan when they were trying to include bi-racial sisters and hopefully they will be able to redeem themselves. We will be watching closely!
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Mr. & Mrs. Black People
2466 Under a Rock Street
USA
then you've heard the controversy being drummed up about the famed Carol's Daughter campaign featuring Solange, Cassie and Selita Ebanks. Part of the ad campaign is pictured here.
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This fight, however, seems to be a little more personal for many of Carol's Daughter's clientele who feel slighted because they don't feel represented in the "Beauty in Diversity" campaign. The blogosphere is a-buzz about the campaign and here are some examples
- Dirty Pretty Thangs believes something is missing.
- Brown Bombshell Beauty thinks the message of the campaign is misleading.
- Clutch Magazine Online promotes the campaign, the interesting commentary is in the comments section.
- BLGH presents the campaign as well allowing women to comment on the story.
In a World where a few items on the market are geared specifically towards the unique needs of black hair care, skin care and makeup, it is easy to get possessive about the few products that have thought of us a primary group to market products too. We've all walked through stores and seen the tiny little section at the back of the store that has a few bottles of TCB, Palm Olive oil products, two boxes of African Pride relaxer and the Ginseng Hair Oil. Unless you are willing to go to the Asian owned black hair care stores there are very few options left for women to run to.
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- Companies have to grow. It is entirely possible that Carol's Daughter believes that they have already successfully marketed their product to the vast majority of women in the African American community. I believe this ad was created to INCLUDE women who consider themselves to be bi-racial or poly-racial but have hair issues just like ours.
- Advertising has not presented reality in a very long time. Every time you see an ad on TV, whether it is food (like the article we tackled), beauty products, dish washing soaps, blenders... whatever it is, it is always being exaggerated. The product never works the way they say it is going to and you never look like the people in the ads. If you have watched America's Next Top Model, you have seen the women get extensions in their hair, pictures being airbrushed, props and hops and loops and goop... it does not end.
In this case I think Carol's Daughter may have made a mistake in using "Diversity" in their campaign slogan when they were trying to include bi-racial sisters and hopefully they will be able to redeem themselves. We will be watching closely!
What are your own thoughts on the campaign?
0 What Sarah Palin Should Do
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With Donald Trump's recent rise in popularity in the media, poor Mrs. Palin and Mr. Beck have been sidelined in the hearts of the members of the Tea Party everywhere (PublicPolicyPolling.com).
Is the image of this favorite fading from their memories?
Well, at Qalil.com, we have decided that we would like to suggest some things for Mrs. Palin (coz we're women and would rather not deal with Mr. Beck).
1. Release a country gospel CD. The appeal this would have with the midwest would be amazing, she could go on tour with some other popular country gospel artists. Titles like "Goin' Bear Huntin' with the Savior" or "I Dedicate My Rifle To You Lord" and "You Betcha!" would be hits!
2. Revamp her physical image. We recommend a pale blonde pixie cut to replace her brown hair, contact lenses and dump the dowdy Hilary Clinton suits.
3. Have another baby. Coz babies are cute! Plus Bristol's kid gets to have an Aunt or Uncle who is younger than him (or was it a her).
4. Celebrity Apprentice!!! Okay? Go where the attention is at!
5. Release a movie. Follow Beck's lead and make it about a mom who goes after politics, becomes the governor of a marginalized state that always wants to secede, then she gets picked to run alongside a maverick for vice president of this really powerful country and then she wins!!! Make a series, have an evil nemesis, probably a Kenyan born American Immigrant who is bent on Islamicizing her country.
6. Send some racist email messages around. See how much attention it gets?
7. Go on a gay cruise, and while she's there say something really homophobic that gets her thrown off the ship.
Those are our ideas. Got any that you think might help?
0 GirlTrek .... Who are they?
When I think of all this negative publicity and image, I worry for our young girls growing up now literally, as well as figuratively, smaller compared to their white female counterparts.
Which brings me to GirlTrek.
Which brings me to GirlTrek.
"GirlTrek is a national non-profit movement that inspires and organizes Black girls and women - whose communities are most at risk - to live healthier, more fulfilled lives." These words are a direct quote from their page and I chose to not rephrase because of how powerful I found them to be. They are making a difference in their community so that the change could spread to ours.
We at Qalil.com support your initiative and believe in the power of moving your feet to a healthier you. Keep up the great work!!!
I look forward to participating in one of the 2011 Challenges and hope to be a part of your growing community.
*Runners on and walking out the door*
0 Have you met Phaedra yet?
You may not have heard about her yet but Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Green For All. This is a non-profit organization that promotes a clean energy economy.Phaedra represents a new generation of African American youth activists who are looking out for the environment. As a visionary and sustainability advocate, she leads this national organization with a clear mandate of promoting the well-being of people and communities in a green economy.
The US is behind in green economy. In some parts of the country, you won't even find recycling boxes in schools and offices. Many Americans are just not thinking about what it means to recycle, reuse, and reduce. In these times of job losses, bankruptcy, or repossessions, it seems like a luxury to worry about the environment, doesn't it?
Well, it isn't.
An economy based on oil is one of the reasons that this country is falling apart. It is simply unsustainable. Coal and gas (with its fracking horrors) are no better. Short-term economic gains while poisoning water wells, fishing shores, and the air we breathe lead to long-term losses. What is the solution, then?
It may very well lie with Phaedra and other youth activists who are interested in a clean energy economy that puts people back to work and saves the environment from costly degradation. The future is bright, folks! You just gotta believe.
Check out Phaedra and others at Power Shift 2011, a youth-led conference to take on the fossil fuel industry. 10,000 young people showed up and got fired up.
Images courtesy of Blackenterprise.com The Huffington Post0 Sour Grapes - Watching Europe pout
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Sigh.
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I thought we were done with this ish. Boo hoo boo hoo. Really Dutch people? You had to go there? If you really have a problem with Ethiopian and Kenyan competitors in your sport, then go ahead and call it The Dutch Race and make it all about the Dutch people. No one will hate you for it. But don't invite foreign nationals to race and then tell them if they win they ain't gettin' no money. That's just not right.
Now if you think this is new, I need you to go to this article to read what the IAAF were saying back in 2009. Apparently, people are only interested in watching the sport if their people stand a chance of winning. I don't remember African countries complaining about skiing or curling or horseback riding. Look, we all have different skills. Kenyans and Ethiopians have bodies optimized for running. You can't hate them for it and exclude them from all subsequent sports.
Like BookerRising.net, we're giving them ALL the side eye.
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0 iPad dun stole your jobs America!
According to Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., the ipad dun stole your job! You betta hide yo kids, hide yo wife and hide yo husband too, cause Steve Jobs' next invention may steal them too!
Oh my dearness....He is NOT serious!
Image courtesy of Pink Slurpee
Well, 'mr. damn confused about where the world is heading', how about I give you a list of jobs that need to replace the paper based industry and would keep people employed for many years to come. And here is the real shocker, it will help preserve our health and environment over time.
1) Recycling plants - Reusing all products, paper, plastic waste we have been buying like they were goin' out of style.
2) Work on renewable energy - Energy companies are expanding on products, such as solar energy equipment production, sales, distribution and installation.
3) Sustainability Coordinators - Educating and expanding upon the sustainability market in educational institutions as well as companies.
4) Organic food/Sustainable farming - Expanding on available organic farms to reduce prices to make them more affordable for everyone and to change the standards for a healthier community.
5) Urban planning to reduce the carbon footprint - Finding ways to engage the population to find alternatives to gas guzzling vehicles (car pool, electrical buses) or redesigning streets to allow for non-vehicular modes of transportation (bikes, roller blades) to have space to safely travel.
The iPad is no different than a computer. When they were first introduced, many jobs become redundant but that didn't stop industries from creating jobs to accommodate the technological shift. Now that we are going paperless in more places, we have to get creative in how to create new jobs to accommodate this shift. I think the environment is where we need to focus but that's just my humble opinion.
Maybe Congressman J.J Jr could take a look at Wall Street as the potential culprit in this colorful demise. But then, I would be asking him to state the obvious, which is frowned up in Washington.
Congressman J.J Jr. hush now about things you don't understand! Now, please focus on Trump's toupee and tell us if it growls at people when they get too close.
*All this foolishness got me typin' like Madea*
Image is courtesy of Epiphany Blue
