Its been a while since I've posted something and some of you make think that I've just shirked The Redmond Report. Just a quick note that I havent. I'm still adjusting to this whole graduate school thing. I'm probably going to cut back to once a week and probably on Fridays, so watch out for an entry soon!!!
On Nov. 4th, 2008, Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America. A Black Man was elected President in a nation that still lives with the wounds and memory of slavery. While this is a historic moment in our nation's history, we must realize that the work put in to elect Barack Obama as President must not end! There are still battles to be fought, still wrongs to right. We must not think for one single moment that because he is elected President, all of the problems of the world will magically disappear. That is not the case. We must not think for one single moment that because he is elected President, the world is a much better place. That is not the case. Most importantly, we must not fall into the trap of thinking, for ONE SINGLE MOMENT, that because is elected President, racism does not exist. THAT IS NOT THE CASE!!
I am a very proud 2008 graduate of Colgate University. I will hold, forever, that it is one of the best institutions of higher education in America. However, occurrences at Colgate a week ago, let us all know that Racism is still alive. Last week, a student found disgustingly racist remarks in a bathroom in Colgate's Alumni Hall. When I first heard that someone wrote a racist remark, I was upset, but I (like most people) assumed that the person wrote "nigger" and continued on their racist way. However, I received pictures last night of what exactly was written. Needless to say, I was heartbroken. After reading what was written and carved into the bathroom, there had to be more than one person involved. For them to have the time to write "No Nigger will ever rule the White House", "Lynch them all", "They were born to be slaves and serve white people bout time for them to start doing it again", and "South will rise again", indicates that they had plenty of time to think and write and reflect (although they did not proofread).
As a graduate of Colgate University, I am outraged. As a Black Man, I am outraged. As a former leader at Colgate, I am outraged. I am not the only one who shares in this outrage. There are a number of students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are outraged. While that outrage is important and definitely well-founded, outrage is an emotion. What I'm getting at here is a very simple question: where is the action? Colgate is a very good institution, however, the students (and the university as a whole), are extremely sheltered. So when something like this occurs and there needs to be a response on the part of the students, the first inclination is to ask for permission or get approval to respond.
Colgate as an institution has a pretty clear history of what happens when something of this magnitude occurs. In 1969, members of the Association for Black Collegians held a sit-demanding an cultural living center. From their demands, both the HRC and ALANA cultural center were created. In 2001, when Colgate professor Barry Shain (who is still a member of the faculty) made incendiary remarks in an email to a black female student, that black students took easier courses, and that liberal-minded professors were easier on black students, there were meetings and then there were sit-ins.
So what is the major difference between those events and the events of last week? ACTION! I commend the current Colgate students for what they have done thus far. It's easy for me as an Alumni to sit here and say what I would have done if I were there, but until thrust into that situation there's no telling. And while, I know that we as Alumni support you all, I'm hesitant to make this an Alumni event of sorts. I say that in order to convey to current students that we as Alumni cannot overtake your experience. You are at Colgate right now. You are the future of that institution and of this country. And you do not need permission from anyone (administration or alumni) to express your feelings in whatever way you see fit!
Let me repeat that: YOU DO NOT NEED PERMISSION FROM ANYONE (ADMINISTRATION OR ALUMNI) TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS!!!!
Some may ask, well, what are your demands from these protests? And while you may very well come up with demands later on or have them now, the reasoning is very simple: Some people got together and decided that writing racist remarks in a bathroom was a good idea and disrupted my day, education, life, so I want them to be just as disrupted by my presence despite their actions. That's what protest is about. Its not about appeasement, its about discomfort. And from that discomfort, reaching a place of coexistence.
Considering where we have come from in our nation's history, I think most major pundits are erroneously correct when they say that as a result of Barack Obama's selection, "we have come full circle". Instead of doing a 180 and having some change, we are back, in many ways, to where we started. The only way to effect change is to continue fighting. As the fight song indicates, Fight fight fight for Dear Old Colgate. But most importantly, FIGHT FOR YOURSELF!!
After about a month long hiatus, I have finally gotten a breather to blog again. Clearly from the title, my aim is Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin, the current governor of Alaska. In a very transparent move to try and woo the disgruntled Hilary voters, John McCain decided to "pick up" Sarah Palin as a running mate. Now the question of why I have pick up in quotations may arise, so let me explain. In "pick-up" basketball, there is really no thought process involved in choosing who will be on your team. You simply choose someone based on their physical appearance at the time. While I'm sure Palin's physical appearance as a "milf" did not play any factor in her being chosen, to John McCain she was the best looking player on the team at the time. She has undoubtedly energized the Republican base (well, at least about two weeks ago she did) and brought in a very interesting dynamic to the race. In one sweeping motion, John McCain has single-handedly removed himself from the race for President. The two major characters of this campaign are Barack Obama and Sarah Palin and while some joke that McCain will not survive his first-year in office, it is remarkable how quickly he has become an afterthought in the campaign.
So why the title? Why the play on the Patricia McLachlan children's book? Well, quite simply, Sarah Palin is plain. There is nothing remarkable about her outside of her newfound celebrity "milf" status and her down-right ignorant view of the world. To believe that her experience as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska where the biggest event to come before her was the debate over the installation of a new skating facility. Compared to Barack Obama's experience as a community organizer on the Southside of Chicago, where he dealt with issues facing the actual livelihood of people, not their forms of entertainment.
And thats what Sarah Palin has become for a number of people: a form of entertainment. Tina Fey's SNL spoof was by far one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed, and I had the common sense to have the sound up, unlike some VP candidates. Her foreign policy credentials are sub-par at best. Barack Obama did a major tour around Europe and even gave a speech in front of thousands. Palin met with nine foreign dignitaries (one of whom was Bono) in New York City. My best friend, Gabby, is meeting with the President of Iran today. In New York City. Is she more qualified than Palin to run for VP or even President? (My honest answer to this question is yes. She's truly amazing) John McCain has run himself out of the race. Its apparent that even his own voters are more energized by his running-mate than him. Should we sit around and wait for John McCain to die, in order to reenergize the country via a VP pick who's presidency, as so eloquently put by Matt Damon (aka, Jason Bourne, who definitely has more foreign policy experience than Palin), would be "like a really bad Disney movie"? I think Walt is rolling over in his grave.
About a week and a half ago, I became the owner of one of the greatest hip hop albums ever. Trust me when I say that I am not exaggerating. Nasty NaS makes a triumphant return with this politically-charged, controversy-laden polemic set to incredible beats. Everytime I listen to this album I get goosebumps. It has the feel of Hip-Hop is Dead, but its more raw. It has more emotion in it. Needless to say, NaS really brings it in this album but doesnt get the credit he deserved. Unlike a certain artist who sold "A Milli" on incredible hype and codeine-laced lyrics, NaS actually takes a stand against adversaries Bill O'Reilly and Fox News in both song and petition. In a time where we are on the cusp of our first Black President, but still at war and in need of a "Hero", NaS comes through like the Dark Knight.
I am somewhat upset at the media uproar over NaS' decision to change the title of the album from Nigger. I think there was, in many ways, an infringement upon his freedom to artistically express himself. I really dont believe, after listening to the album nonstop, that NaS attempted to title it nigger because he does a very good job at attempting to rewire the thinking behind the word. His album does not limit the term to simply black people but all oppressed people. I mean, there was not nearly as much of an uproar when Randall Kennedy published his book titled Nigger. It also does the same thing in trying to "defang" the word. Your thoughts?
As promised, I begin my Frenzy Friday (working title) with this post. I recently watched CNN's Special Report: Black in America. While the special was only 4 hours total, I feel it gave a minor glimpse of of how it is to be a Black person in America, however, it is the responsibility of Black people throughout the country to provide our own voice. It is not CNN's responsibility to provide solutions to the problems of the community (although they did provide examples), it is our responsibility. With that said, I want to focus my thoughts on one segment of the show that I think is extremely important for our community to discuss: the issue of Black male/female relationships.
There is a pervasive problem in the culture with male treatment of women. Women are not seen in a very positive light by male members within the community and it seems to spread out into the general population. In watching CNN's special, there were three main areas that they focused on that I want to tackle. Issues of the Black Family, Dating and Relationships, and Portrayal in the Media. It is generally my practice, and probably academically driven, that I provide some history and for the sake of some credibility I will do so here, albeit less than I normally would.
Historically speaking, the Black Family was doomed from the day it set foot on this continent. It benefited slave traders to break up the family, so they did just that. Needless to say, the lack of men in the families, led enslaved women on plantations to lead an almost matriarchal society. The men married and had children on plantations and were shipped off to another plantation without any care or concern for the welfare of the family. So many men ended up fathering many families and wedding many different women on different plantations. So from a historical standpoint, its no wonder that there are 70% of Black women who are single parents. However, to place the blame solely on a historical basis would be irresponsible and wrong.
So this problem of the Black Family, and also the lack of men in these families, stems from the breakdown in the relationships between Black Men and Black Women. Some Black men who I have spoken to have said that Black Women are "materialistic", "too picky", "setting the standard to high". Personally, I believe that this thought process is what dooms the Black Male to the life that he lives, and in many ways is dooming the Black family and ultimately the Black race. In the CNN special, the 3 major factors that separated Black Men from Black Women were education, economy, and incarceration. In many ways the disparity begins with the fact that Black Women have an overwhelming command of the academy compared to Black Men (a 3:1 ratio). This of course leads to poorer economic conditions, which lend themselves to increasing incarceration. But is that the brunt of it? Black Women have been the staple of the race, being both the bearer of life and, in recent years, the bread-winner. So is that where the problems lie? Has systematic racism completely emasculated the Black Man and left the woman "in charge"? Or is the Black Man simply intimidated by strong, intelligent, educated, beautiful women who will challenge the establishment and status quo? Part of me thinks he is. Why you ask?
I remember thinking about the image of the Black Man in prison and the Black Man in school and thinking that the scholarly Black Man is an exception rather than the rule. I'm not sure how the stats reflect on that but its something that the majority of people undoubtedly believe. However, I cannot help but think about the fact that the majority of the images that the world sees of Black Women are them showcasing their assets on music videos with some rapper or other male in a power position. Yet, the stats actually show the exact opposite. Black women are effectively running the show in Black America. So, why is there a disparity in the real and the actual for Black Women?
I must admit I was asked to write this post by my best friend, an incredibly strong and brilliant Black woman. Her concern, which is the concern of Black Women from coast to coast, is what must or can Black women do to marry or even date inside of the race? My belief is that they keep being themselves. The problem isn't Black Women, its Black Men. Believe me, there are plenty of Black Men doing the positive thing and fighting stereotypes and making a way for themselves in legitimate ways around the country. But those stories are not being broadcasted and Black Boys have no legitimate role models outside of mediocre, misogynistic rap stars. They absorb the images of the Black man in dominate positions on TV, although those positions are often the result of some illegitimate activities. I used to believe that my difference in opinion came from my experience with positive, strong females in my life (read: My mother, sisters, aunts, friends). However, I have seen the exact same experiences used to explain reasons why they shouldn't respect women because these women are not their mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, and therefore are not deserving of this respect.
So where do the repairs begin? It has to start with Black Men. It has to start with us holding ourselves accountable and holding each other accountable for respecting ourselves and our beautiful sisters. We have to take responsibility for the plight of our people. Its only through us that we can make the change necessary.
Wow, that was a ton, but its definitely a discussion that needs to happen. So let's discuss. Your thoughts?
Just checking in to let you all know whats up. Some of you know about the "groundbreaking CNN Special Black in America" that debuts tonight at 9pm. Its a two day special with today tackling Black Women and Family and tomorrow tackling The Black Man. Needless to say, I have had this special on my calendar since I first heard about it and Im glad its finally here. I've read great reviews thus far, but I have read some skepticism from Black people. Im sure there will be some critiques and things of that nature.
But here's a quick rundown of what Friday's blog entries (Yes, entries as in multiple) will address:
-A review of the Black in America special
-A beginning to a discussion on Black Female/Male relations as requested by my best friend, Gabby.
-Also, seeing as how I'm going into Seminary (ETA in Atlanta: 20 days), I want to have a frank discussion about church issues, from my own very liberal standpoint and get some feedback.
-There may also be a review of two really good albums. Tryin to mix it up a little.
I'm tempted to do multiple entries that are really thought out every friday and I'm working on a title for it. Stay Tuned because this week ought to be good.
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