Breaking Our Silence

Tensions are building around an image depicting President Barack Obama as the Joker from Batman, many times with the world “socialist” under his face. A banner with the image is displayed outside of a club in Richmond, Virginia, which led to a protest by the NAACP, which says that the image attacks not only the President, but all people of African descent. Others feel the image is a reflection of some people’s frustration with the administration’s policies.   IS IT RACIST?

Here’s my response:

Is this racist?  Yes, but its not that simple…what’s amazing is that most white people are in denial that this could be a racist depiction of the President of the United States, who happens to be a man of color, a perceived minority in this majority white America, who has risen to the highest position of power in our nation. 

Many white people and some black don’t recognize, therefore cannot empathize about, the history of racism, Jim Crow, segregation or domestic terrorism that continues to exist and undermine humanity in this U.S. of A. 

Many don’t realize how mass media programming, child-rearing, societal norms, and modeling over the years have created an underlying subconscious and systematic way of looking at society through a flawed perspective that is often racist, hateful, and bigoted…but in the end, in this democratic country, it’s called “freedom of speech.”

But what’s most telling to me is the lack of morality, civility, and love for one another,  that has long been part of our experience in this country founded and supposedly grounded in God.   The more we know our history and apply its lessons, the less surprised we will be.

How can a successful, award-winning, acclaimed African-American Hollywood producer like Shonda Rhimes, get away with producing something titled, “Bitch is the New Black,” and then having the audacity to pitch that it depicts successful African-American women in DC?  Have I lost touch with reality or has stupid become the new sanity?

Selling to the highest bidder has turned seemingly mannered, well-educated, and highly skilled African-American women, into unsavory, unscrupulous pushers of negative images that serve to diffuse and dismiss the advances that we have made to put First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House.  Media and movies have become the new auction blocks of our black women; accomplished or not.  For Shonda Rhimes, producer of Grey’s Anatomy, to have the nerve to call a movie, “Bitch is the New Black,” is a slap, punch, and knife to our backs. 

We have the First Lady and many other power players in DC and we have Rhimes calling them “bitches” directly to their face.  Is she unaware of the strides made or is that such a catchy title that it will sell white media on it?  Is she unaware, though I doubt it, of the harm that a statement like that makes?  I am appalled and quite frankly disgusted that a sister, at this level, would stoop or even kneel to this level of degradation.

Have we become so bamboozled, lost in the sauce, and miseducated that we can’t read through the lines?  Are we so hungry for attention and approval that we will continue to chip away at our dignity, sell our souls, and rape our respect?  Think beyond the obvious.  Read between the lines.  The fine print is what will ultimately undue what we have done.  If you don’t believe me, look at our youth imitating reality tv, videos, and artful insanity. 

The word bitch and black should not be in the same sentence, let alone a representation of successful black women.  I don’t answer to that and I understand freedom of speech, but this classy and accomplished lady has the right to say, “Oh hell to the no!”  I will not be disrespected and someone try to convince me it was a compliment!

Bitch,please!

If I’m over-reacting, which I doubt, explain it to me and all the young, middle and seasoned women who work hard around this country to be treated, seen, and spoken about with respect.

Regardless of your party affliation, race, gender, religion or grade level, this was a special day for kids around the country.  It’s not often that the President of the United States decides to speak to you directly.

Opening remarks included Tim Spicer, the senior president of Wakefield Elementary, who was profoundly moving. When he spoke, he raised the achievement bar even higher. When he said that he used “setbacks as constructive energy,” I knew I was listening to greatness in the making and shaping!  That’s what is delivered when you have a great education and great opportunities to show your brilliance and gratitude.

President Obama was noteably inspiring in words, imagery, and presence, while transcending all expectations, regardless of the ridiculous criticism that follows him. He continued to reinforce his message of accountability but in a way that was inspiring, encouraging, and humbling for our children.

Unfortunately, a teacher moment was lost on politics as many schools and school systems refused or chose not to carry the speech because they allowed adult politics to get in the way of a child’s message designed for the student’s benefit.

Shame on my son’s school and others for not choosing to carry a speech from the most popular and purpose-driven president of our lifetime.  If I had known earlier, I would have kept him out of school in order to make sure he did hear it!  The growing boogey-man mentality is shameful and harmful.  Once our kid’s see what is being done, they will rise up on the side of doing what’s right and holding us accountable for our crimes against hope.

Shame on those who put politics in our classrooms at a time when our kids need to know they are our best hope for a better, stronger, and more compassionate future! 

Shame on those who put politics in our classrooms when the drop-out rate is so high and our kids are dummying down instead of dropping in on creativity, critical thinking, innovation, justice, and collaboration.

Shame on those who put politics in our classrooms instead of encouragement and a open-mind to listen in order to learn; think in order to act wisely; or take action in order to make change.

Shame on those educators who allowed the political bully to keep a mentor from mentoring,  a leader from leading, and a President from serving. 

Our children should boycott those teachers, principals, adults, and administrators, who denied their school day a 20-minute message from the President of their United States of America, Barack Obama, to be speak directly to them.  

Democracy…or hypocrisy?

Today marks another step in the maturation of a nation that has long been haunted by sexism and racism.  But, the old guard is slowly becoming outnumbered and overwhelmed with the power of change. 

It is a benefit to our nation to confirm one of the most brilliant justices in the Supreme Court’s 220 year history.  While she is the first Hispanic justice,  she is only the 3rd woman in history. 

Sonia Sotomayor had to go through the grueling process of white men in power adjusting their manhood and shifting their mindset. 

We have confirmed our first Hispanic female but more importantly, we have confirmed our commitment to making decisions that reflect our transformation.  This confirmation is far reaching and life impacting!

Congratulations President Obama!  Congratulations America!