There Is More To Our Story Than Madea Could Ever Tell...

I took another look at the ongoing debate between Spike Lee and Tyler Perry and I would say that I am leaning more toward the understanding of Spike Lee in this matter.  Although I applaud the antics and accomplishments of Tyler Perry, I do believe that he now has a responsibility to "do more" and use his position in the media and entertainment community to offer growth and understanding to his community.

 

I feel that Spike Lee's approach proves him to be a much better writer/producer than he is an orator.  His characters cause us to look inside ourselves and "do the right thing".  I actually  understand what he was trying to say to Tyler Perry but, I do not think he was able to verbalize himself properly.  In essence, I believe Lee was challenging Perry to produce more than comedies because very few people of color have been capable of achieving his level oof success in Hollywood.  And now, whether he wants to accept it or not, Perry has a responsibility to tell more of our story...

When Madea is on stage, it lessens the impact of a serious message that needs to be scrutinized within our culture.  Madea is a very real woman in many of our lives.  I know of aunts, cousins, mothers, and grandmothers who act just as she does, but we need to begin to transcend comedy and look seriously at the issues which plague our communities.

Don Cornelius And David Peaston: Let's Not Let Their Living Be In Vain

February 1, 2012 marked the beginning of another Black History Month in America, but it also marked the end of an era of great prestige.  The original conductor of the "Soul Train" that has swept into our homes for almost four decades passed away; apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Don Cornelius, had been a part of the music industry since he first became a disc jockey in the 1960s.  In 1970, he debut the first episode of Soul Train and began a revolutionary movement at the way that black music was visualized, interpreted, and received in households all across America.

His bold announcement of "Love, Peace, and Soul" became the embodiment of hope and was echoed by countless Americans who could finally identify with positive, talented images of themselves in a world that was still very impartial and segregated.  If the 1960s marked a civil revolution, then Don Cornelius was the band leader who marched in the musical revolution that helped to bring about unity and solidarity during the uneasy healing process of post-Panther, King, and X-movements.

Later that same day, we found out that David Peaston had succumb to the effects of diabetes and lost his battle with this crippling disease.  Peaston was largely known as the velvet-voiced gospel singer who remade the Eddie Kendrick's hit, "Can I?" and skyrocketed to the peak of his fame by performing in stage plays opposite Cheryl Pepsi Riley.  Peaston, at the relatively young age of 54, had battled with the disease valiantly.  Even after having both legs removed, he was said to have adjusted to life with his prosthetic limbs rather well.   

Is there a lesson to be learned from the death of these two great men?

There Is Nothing Wrong With Tracy...

Tracy Morgan, comedian, was recently blasted by news media outlets because he has decided NOT to assist his mother in her time of need.  A news site, http://www.thebostonchannel.com, echoed the one-sided sentiment of a nation by writing the following: 

Their mother lost her job last year, reducing her income to $600 and causing her to fall behind on her $400 monthly mortgage, her daughter said. "If her mortgage is not paid by February 23, 2012, her home will go into foreclosure," she said. Tracy Morgan, 43, grew up in Brooklyn, but his mother moved the family to Youngstown in 1995, a decade after he left home, his sister said. He rose to fame as a "Saturday Night Live" cast member and now stars on NBC's hit sitcom "30 Rock." While Morgan may not be answering calls from his sister -- or from reporters -- her media interviews could make it hard for him to miss the story of his mother's troubles.  "He might not help my mom, but I am going to do everything in my power to make sure she is OK," Asia Morgan said.

Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/entertainment/30352209/detail.html#ixzz1lAcYvSqo

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But...

American history is repeat with half-truths.

As a society, we have been willfully duped into believing, memorizing, and reciting only half of the American story and, because of this, there are generations of children who have no idea about their true heritage.  Whether they are black, white, yellow or red, the stories of our country's history makers have been skewed in our school systems in an effort to pacify those who consider themselves to be far left and far right.  History should not be divided by racial lines and no one should be willfully omitted from its pages; it should be studied as it happened so that we can make intelligent decisions that will keep us from erring into the ways of the past.

What sparked today's train of thought?

A local radio host had a very interesting topic on the air today.  His son was asked to give a speech on someone from history whom he admired.  His son chose to go to school dressed as Muhammed Ali. Enthusiastically, he gathered his shorts, his robe, his belt and gloves, and a can of black shoe polish.  "What is the polish for, son?" his father asked.  "To paint my face, so I will more look like Ali," he said.  At this point, the white radio announcer had to pause and explain race relations in America and tell his son why this was not accepted.  My question is this: "Why have we removed the injustices of our society from our history books rather than teach them alongside our successes?"  If we were taught our true history, we might actually improve race relations instead of making less of situations that our country would rather forget.

What Does Your Resume Say When You Aren't Around?

Today's job market is competitive.  That is obvious... Shouldn't your resume be just as obvious?

I was just watching this movie and heard this scene while I was in the next room.  Because I was "fine tuning" a friend's resume just a few days ago, I heard this as if it was an employer looking for qualified applicants.  I know.  It sounds crazy, huh?  But, give me a minute to explain myself...

Today's employers have the luxury of not having to settle for "average" employees anymore.  Now, everyone ranging from high school graduates to double degree-carrying professionals is looking for additional income and, in order to be sure that you stand out from the "average" crowd, your resume has to speak loudly and clearly state your accomplishments for you even when you are not around. It practically has to announce that you are the best candidate for the job so clearly that it leaves no doubt.