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If you want to make a suggestion for the next monthly poll, add a comment below.

Coming soon in the coming weeks :

  • Mardi Gras
  • Posts on stuff I am reading:
  • black buck stereotype
  • the state of black marriage
  • The gentrification of Harlem
  • Race in New York: a brief history
  • voodoo
  • The ten most gorgeous men in the world– do a post a week oneach of the following:
    • Oh Ji Ho
    • Johnny Depp
    • Keanu Reeves
    • Will Demps
  • Dogons
  • Kindle
  • The Last Poets
  • The casting of “Flavor of Love”
  • long hair
  • kiss teeth

For the next Suggest-o-meter poll:

  1. Gullahs
  2. Pushkin
  3. Tupac Shakur
  4. black ghetto stereotype
  5. all-white basketball team
  6. The Black Father Project
  7. the n-word
  8. Race in Russia
  9. Latino father, black mother
  10. white ethnic hatred
  11. The Hughes Brothers (directed “The Book of Eli”)
  12. Afros
  13. blaxploitation films
  14. Ethiopian Jews
  15. Depo Provera
  16. black bodies in the white gaze
  17. black horror film stereotypes
  18. affirmative action
  19. K.D. Aubert
  20. Whites using religion to excuse their oppression of black people

I am especially interested in ideas for posts. I cannot promise anything, but if you make the suggestion then I am far more likely to write about it – especially if several people want it.

Here are suggestions for posts that I am thinking of writing:

And here are some suggestions of beautiful women that I need to look into:

  • Rachel Crawford
  • Beverly Johnson
  • Candace Parker
  • Jarah Mariano
  • Leona Lewis
  • Nigerian actresses: Monalisa, Stella Damascus, Chioma Chukwuka, Tonto Dike, Georgina, Oge Oyoke, Nadia Buhali.
  • Mel B
  • white women: Brooke Hogan, Amanda Vallee, Hanna Verboom, Anna Ivanovic, Amber Brkich. Blake Lively, Hayden Panettiere, Jennifer Esposito, Gabrielle Bou Rached, Kate Bosworth, Bonnie Berstein, Vanessa Hessler, Claudia Lynx
  • black actresses: Joy Bryant, Naomie Harris, Robin Givens, Sydney Poitier
  • Tamil women: Nayanatara, Gopika, Priyamani, Shreya, Trisha, Bharathi, Sameera Reddy, Namitha, Devayani
  • Brazilian women: Alice Braga
  • Latin American women: Luciana Salazar, Jimena Capristo, Silvina Luna, Pamela David
  • black women: Ajuma, Rachael Williams, Januel McKenzie, Honorie Uwera, Valery Prince, Tomiko Fraser, Abgani Darego, Nina Keita, Kiara Kabukuru, Cleo Higgins, Nia Jai, Michelle Gayle
  • Nikki Cash, Meagan Good, Charmaine Sinclair, Pia Reyes, Atlantis Martell, Tamala Jones, Oluchi Onweagba, Mya Harrison
  • Gina Torres, Suman Rangnathan, Atlantis Martell, Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Almudena Fernandez, Bipasha Basu, Ananda Lewis, Latavia Roberson, Erykah Badu, Aishwarya Rai, Brandy Norwood, Yasmeen Ghauri, Ines Sastre, Monica Bellucci, Charmaine Sinclair, Raveena, Jennifer Lopez, Faye Wong, Mya Harrison, Bridget Hall, Sunghi Lee, Chante Moore, Whitney Houston, Sonia Couling, Sharon Leal, Nelvia Arlisa, Natalie Imbruglia, Priyanka Chopra, Toni Braxton, Lisa Nicole Carson

1,316 Comments »

1,316 Responses

  1. on Tue Apr 22nd 2008 at 17:16:51 Coterie Management

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    Like


  2. on Sun Apr 27th 2008 at 00:43:55 Adrian Turner

    4.26.2008 20:04

    Good Evening,

    Hey man I don’t know how I found your blog but I’m glad I did. I was just reading some of your post and they are insightful and thought provoking. I subscribed to your feed and I thank you in advance for the knowledge that you are sharing.

    Adrian Turner

    Like


  3. on Mon Apr 28th 2008 at 08:37:43 abagond

    Thank you. I am glad you like it.

    Like


  4. on Thu May 8th 2008 at 02:30:33 Chic Noir

    do you mind writing about how Asian women and Asian men are viewed in American society.

    Like


  5. on Thu May 8th 2008 at 11:55:38 abagond

    Good idea. Thanks.

    Here is the first one:

    The model minority stereotype
    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/the-model-minority-stereotype/

    Like


  6. on Fri Jun 6th 2008 at 23:42:57 Prada08

    I would like to see how you feel about the election and how it’s going. Also I would like to hear your opinion of how Asians, Indians, and Hispanics view blacks when they come to the U.S and how I feel like they hate us, but I don’t know why. I love how you and your viewers express themselves, you all are on point! Thank you.

    Like


  7. on Wed Jun 11th 2008 at 23:11:52 abagond

    That is a good topic: how foreigners seem to become racist so quickly. Some are as bad as white people in just a few months of being here! You would think they would have more sense.

    Like


  8. on Thu Jun 12th 2008 at 22:44:46 Shining

    I would like to see a blog on how black foreigners tend to look down on African Americans, especially Ethiopians. Black on black racism within the AA community and black on black racism both ways with black foreigners and AA. Some of them do not even consider themselves black. Check out the article on tadias the topic has been pretty hot: http://www.tadias.com/?p=521
    as just a place to start

    Like


  9. on Thu Jun 12th 2008 at 23:22:11 abagond

    I have seen plenty of that! Very good topic! Thanks.

    Like


  10. on Sun Jun 15th 2008 at 21:36:40 indigoblu

    Bill Cosby’s comments were quite controversial……a lot of people agreed and a lot disagreed, but no one really offered any solutions.

    Like


  11. on Mon Jun 16th 2008 at 16:05:23 abagond

    Thanks. It is on my list.

    Like


  12. on Wed Jun 25th 2008 at 17:02:03 Michael

    Hey

    Your posts have been popular over at SisterLicious, an application on Facebook for Black women. I am the co-creator and would like to get you to post some of your work there. You have my email address. Drop me a line.

    Thanks.

    It would be best to contact me directly!

    Like


  13. on Wed Jun 25th 2008 at 17:14:37 abagond

    Okay. I will email you. I saw the hits from SisterLicious but since I am not on Facebook I had no idea what they were about.

    Like


  14. on Wed Jul 2nd 2008 at 06:00:58 Olivia

    Would it be possible to write about teenage black girls/young black women and their place in society, how theyre perceived etc

    Also, something on foreign black women- as in European born and raised, of Caribbean descent for example. Most of the time people will talk of AA, Caribbean or African women

    Like


  15. on Wed Jul 2nd 2008 at 08:30:59 abagond

    Okay. Thanks.

    Like


  16. on Wed Jul 2nd 2008 at 17:43:12 Passing

    Could you discuss perceptions on Race and Intelligence. The problem with Watson and the Gates interview has legitimized race based science, etc that I find disheartening and frankly disturbing—that I may be judged and categorized and denied rates based on my perceived IQ.

    http://www.theroot.com/id/46680/page/1
    http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/politicsphilosophyandsociety/0,,2288048,00.html

    Also would please compile a list of places that are progressive and positive for Blacks–this should expand globally not just the USA. Thanks

    Like


  17. on Thu Jul 3rd 2008 at 05:26:32 abagond

    Thanks. I will do one on Black IQ.

    Not sure what you mean by “places that are progressive and positive for Blacks”? Like what?

    Like


  18. on Fri Jul 4th 2008 at 13:28:30 Passing

    I am talking about places for Black fols to thrive without having to deal with racism and hate 24/7. Thanks

    Like


  19. on Mon Jul 7th 2008 at 19:14:23 chicnoir

    Abagond, the Italia Vogue should be in stores sometime this week. The smart thing to do is call Barnes and NOble or some other bookstore and have them put an issue on hold for you. Otherwise, you may find it very diffcult to get a copy.

    Like


  20. on Tue Jul 8th 2008 at 06:28:43 ohsolovely

    Can you write about how Robin Givens,Will and Jada etc. I like to hear stories about black couple that make it. Also why would Someone as smart as Robin marry Mike Tyson.

    I thought she and Lela Rechon (Sunshine in Harlem Nights) would be on your beautiful black women list. Also Vanessa Williams (Soul Food).

    Like


  21. on Tue Jul 8th 2008 at 06:47:26 abagond

    Thanks for the suggestions!

    Lela Rochon is #4 on my list of the most beautiful black actresses:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2007/10/16/the-most-beautiful-black-actresses/

    I think Robin Givens is beautiful too. An oversight on my part.

    Vanessa Williams is cute but cute but not beautiful. To me.

    Like


  22. on Mon Jul 21st 2008 at 00:36:26 Ella

    Hi, I think your website is interesting.

    I think that you should post about lisa bonet and her daughter? I think that they are pretty.

    Like


  23. on Mon Jul 21st 2008 at 02:08:29 abagond

    Excellent suggestion! I loved Lisa Bonet! And I wonder about her daughter too.

    Like


  24. on Thu Jul 31st 2008 at 09:38:12 MSDAY, QUERCIANELLAM ITALIA

    Abagond,
    I am not sure what ethnicity you are and I don’t want to assume. However, I am a black American. My mothers side of the family were African and American Indian slaves in south Carolina. I don’t know how other people feel but I don’t like the idea of people who are not black Americans with my same history being classified as “black Americans or African American(I don’t like the term) For some reason, although it is a stain on the fabric of America, knowing that my ancestors were slaves makes me feel a source of pride. I know that my people are stronger psychologically, physically and intellectually than most. I am proud of the fact that my people combined elements of all three cultures and created various styles of music that have influenced the world and that bear little resemblance to most traditional African music, of which I have listened. I am proud of the fact that my people were the ones brave enough to stand up in the face of oppression and demand to be respected to the point that other people all over the world follow our lead. I am proud of our oratory traditions, style of being, inventions, etc. Could you do a little research and see if other black Americans whose ancestry begins in America have that same ethnic pride? I am curious.

    Like


  25. on Thu Jul 31st 2008 at 10:14:14 abagond

    Sorry, there is something I am not getting: “black Americans whose ancestry begins in America” sounds redundant to me.

    Also this:

    “I don’t know how other people feel but I don’t like the idea of people who are not black Americans with my same history being classified as “black Americans or African American(I don’t like the term)”

    But if you are black American than anyone with the same history would be the same. If by history you mean family history.

    There is something I am not getting.

    Like


  26. on Thu Jul 31st 2008 at 15:31:31 MSDAY, QUERCIANELLAM ITALIA

    There is something you definitely did not get. 1. An African from Angola for example who is naturalized as a citizen this year, is classified as African-American or a black American by the government. For example, Barack Obama himself is considered “African-American, Black American” by most people and he self-identifies. His/their history is a separate entity from my great-great grandmother who came to this country at the age of twelve as a slave. Their culture is totally different from my culture which has its roots in the south. I say this because the Africans who came to America came from diverse ethnicities, blended with Native Americans, whites and were cut off and forbidden any contact or identification with Africa. Therefore, my roots begin as an amalgamation of cultures within America.
    2. Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Brazillians, and many other new world communities identify with their island/nation. They have their own music, food, culture, history. No different from American blacks.
    3. If a Brazillian moves the Dominican Republic, they will always be a Brazillian. If a Haitian, Jamaican, Nigerian, etc moves to America, they are automatically included in my ethnicity by federal government classifications. Their families have not been in this country for over four hundred years, they contributed nothing to my culture in it’s early stages, they didn’t fight in the civil war and many had not arrived until after Jim Crow. So why, should these people be eligible for scholarships, etc that should be reserved for the members of my ethnicity who suffered in this country.
    Thus, I am not talking about Family history because I would never need a stranger to give me information about such things. I am talking about ethnic pride.

    Like


  27. on Fri Aug 1st 2008 at 23:47:29 abagond

    I think I see now: foreign blacks as opposed to American blacks. You are not talking about race but ethnicity.

    Like


  28. on Sun Aug 3rd 2008 at 13:38:24 MSDAY, QUERCIANELLAM ITALIA

    Abagond stop by if you can. I need your opinion.

    Like


  29. on Sun Aug 3rd 2008 at 18:19:39 abagond

    About what?

    Like


  30. on Sun Sep 14th 2008 at 16:19:11 jacquee

    What about an article or blog regarding Nigerian men/American women relationships…the real truth!!

    Like


  31. on Tue Sep 16th 2008 at 23:55:41 abagond

    I added it to my list. Thanks!

    Like


  32. on Wed Dec 24th 2008 at 22:18:12 bob

    sophie dee

    Like


  33. on Fri Dec 26th 2008 at 17:45:57 abagond

    She is a porn actress. I have not (yet?) crossed that line and do posts on porn actresses. But thanks for the suggestion.

    Like


  34. on Tue Dec 30th 2008 at 22:29:56 Davida

    Thought of a song to post
    BillWithers
    Kissing My Love

    Hubby was singing it to me last night

    Like


  35. on Wed Dec 31st 2008 at 07:09:00 abagond

    Cool. I never heard of that song before, but I will see if I like it. Thanks!

    Like


  36. on Fri Jan 2nd 2009 at 18:05:28 Davida

    Asian American poet at a contest – I am not asian or even the child of a recent immigrant to american but it was amazing and stirring poem that deals with biracial and american intigration. I was moved. Given some of our discussion you might want to watch it.

    Like


  37. on Sun Jan 4th 2009 at 06:46:20 abagond

    More Alvin Lau goodness. Thanks!

    Like


  38. on Tue Jan 13th 2009 at 04:24:18 Davida

    re oscar grant
    I apoligize…I thought of telling you but honestly thought you had it in your que to right about – unless someone tells me about something I am out of it most of the time. I dont watch the news. I only knew because my sister was working the protest. I really find the news depressing in general and dont watch it much. I cook, clean, read books and your blog. I dont surf the net much or watch much tv. I really thought you would know about it.

    Like


  39. on Tue Jan 13th 2009 at 04:47:44 abagond

    Well I did find out about it in the end, but not as soon as you did. Doing a Google search on cnn.com it looks like they did not report on it till the 6th. I first heard about it on the 7th.

    Like


  40. on Tue Jan 13th 2009 at 05:31:47 Davida

    i went back and checked…I first heard about it actually on face book not my sister – sister just filled me in on the details. a friend posted the news story on jan 7th – so same day as you! Like I said – i really hate watching the news. My friends have a standing request to make sure and email me news stories i should know about.

    I work full time as a secretary, care for my three sons plus my sisters two when I am “not working”, cook and clean. So my free time I log on quick to facebook and your sight then power down and crochet and listen to jazz or r&b (between 9 – 11) then collapse in bed.

    I have to say – even when we disagree you are never confrontational about it. You create an environment where people call talk about sensative subjects and be heared and respected. I really admire you for that.

    Like


  41. on Tue Jan 13th 2009 at 18:57:59 Davida

    This song means so much to me…especially “I hang my head from sorrow, state of humanity”. Oscar grant, russia and georgia, iraq, and so much else

    And yet with all this evil in the world “For all the mothers fighting – For better days to come And all my women, all my women sitting here trying To come home before the sun” I try to be a good mother and wife and take of the ones I love

    Alica Keys – Superwomen

    Everywhere I’m turning
    Nothing seems complete
    I stand up and I’m searching
    For the better part of me
    I hang my head from sorrow
    state of humanity
    I wear it on my shoulders
    Gotta find the strength in me

    Cause I am a Superwoman
    Yes I am
    Yes she is
    Even when I’m a mess
    I still put on a vest
    With an S on my chest
    Oh yes
    I’m a Superwoman

    For all the mothers fighting
    For better days to come
    And all my women, all my women sitting here trying
    To come home before the sun
    And all my sisters
    Coming together
    Say yes I will
    Yes I can

    Cause I am a Superwoman
    Yes I am
    Yes she is
    Even when I’m a mess
    I still put on a vest
    With an S on my chest
    Oh yes
    I’m a Superwoman

    When I’m breaking down
    And I can’t be found
    And I start to get weak
    Cause no one knows
    Me underneath these clothes
    But I can fly
    We can fly, Oh

    Cause I am a Superwoman
    Yes I am
    Yes she is
    Even when I’m a mess
    I still put on a vest
    With an S on my chest
    Oh yes
    I’m a Superwoman

    Like


  42. on Tue Jan 13th 2009 at 19:01:45 Davida

    another topic – 100s of christians in enitrea are being held by the government in metal boxes 4 feet by 4 feet…without any sort of trial…simply because they are christian.
    Enitrea is located in east africa near the red sea.
    Two news stories on the subject.
    http://www.cbn.com/CBNNews/CWN/041604eritrea.aspx

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7015033.stm

    Like


  43. on Wed Jan 14th 2009 at 01:13:50 Davida

    thought you might want to see thomas sowells blog – i have a hunch you might disagree with him, but he can give you an alternate pov as you do with me

    http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/author/thomas_sowell/

    Like


  44. on Wed Jan 14th 2009 at 05:08:13 abagond

    Thanks. I did not know he had a blog – I thought maybe he was too old for that sort of thing! And thanks for the suggestion about Eritrean Christians.

    Like


  45. on Wed Jan 14th 2009 at 05:16:24 abagond

    Davida: I love Alicia Keys, but most of her videos, the good ones at least, are not embeddable from YouTube, which is why you rarely see her here.

    Like


  46. on Wed Jan 14th 2009 at 19:31:54 Davida

    another topic – http://www.military.com/news/article/obama-may-end-militarys-ban-on-gays.html?col=1186032325324&ESRC=navy.nl

    Obama may intend to end the ban on homosexuals int he military

    Like


  47. on Thu Jan 15th 2009 at 01:12:34 abagond

    Thanks.

    Like


  48. on Tue Jan 20th 2009 at 05:35:12 Davida

    have you ever written about tattooing? It was once taboo…now more main stream. I am a ministers daughter and before getting mine my father and I discussed why it is perceived as a sin. My father said its not a sin (of course he thought I was asking for a friend). He did try to change his story when I started getting ink but I told him its either a sin or its not and he agreed thats it not…but he doesnt like it.

    I rewrote Shakespheres – to be or not to be

    A Parody on Shakesphere’s Sonnet:

    To be Inked, or not to be Inked: that is the question:
    Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
    The slings and arrows of disapproval,
    Or to conform to societies belief to avoid troubles,

    Or by opposing them, do you end them? To ink: to change;
    and perhaps; by inking to say better express
    The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
    That flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation

    Devoutly to be wish’d. To ink, to change;
    To change: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub;
    For in that change of skin what dreams may come
    When we have shuffled off this normal skin,
    Must give us pause: there’s the respect
    That makes calamity of so long life;

    For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
    The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely,
    The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay,
    The insolence of office and the spurns
    That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
    When he himself might his quietus make
    With a bare body? who would bear this,

    To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
    But that the dread of something different from others,
    With unchanged skin that with we bourn
    We bare those ills, alone, unexpressed

    Rather, make us bear those ills we have
    Expressing, with our skin, what others may know not?
    Don’t let society make cowards of us all;

    But let the native hue of color added
    To our sicklied pale cast of skin,
    Be enterprises of great moment
    With this regard our life we take the helm,
    And in the name of knowing they self
    Be all my trials and triumphs remembered in ink

    Like


  49. on Tue Jan 20th 2009 at 21:44:10 A White Guy

    Here is a suggestion:
    “White people are stereotyped as looking down on those who are different.”

    (instead of your “White people look down on those who are different”).

    Not only am I offended by this generalization; most white people I know are nothing like this.

    Like


  50. on Tue Jan 20th 2009 at 22:45:39 abagond

    Thanks for the suggestion. I do not think ALL white Americans think that way. But SOME of them do, that I know quite clearly. It is not at all a stereotype. I wish it were that simple.

    Also: if you are white, as your name says, then how in the world would you know? How would you find yourself at the receiving end of this sort of thinking?

    Liked by 1 person


  51. on Tue Jan 20th 2009 at 22:58:55 abagond

    Davida: Thanks. I added tattoos to my list.

    Like


  52. on Tue Jan 20th 2009 at 23:12:01 Davida

    abagond – I do think it ishuman nature to look down upon all sorts of class distinctions. I often here at work – There are often calenar conflicts, conference room conflicts etc that occur. And some of my fellow executive assistants will pull the rank card (how dare they talk to that VP like that…or dont they know this meeting was asked for by Mr. Big Shot Lawyer?) And I – in a gentle yet firm voice, wil redirect the focus to…It doesnt matter if its 10 lawyers, or 10 mail room employees…the point is common curtesy. I treat all my fellow employess at work like I do my VP. It annoys me this perception that simiply because they have a college degree they are better than the single mother working 10 hour shifts as a receptionist. They are not. Or because you ordered the latte you have the right to treat the person behind the counter as if you are better than them. I have (on more than one occasion) stopped a person and told them to apoligize to the starbucks employee…or mcdonalds employee for their rude behavior. I point out that they could have asked to have their order fixed in a manner that wasnt condesending and that one should not make assumptions about a person by what they do for a living. It infuriates me when a person behaves as if they are better than someone else and I always end up embaressing my husband. He says I have to remember I am not the universal mother.

    Or to quote one of my favorite lines from a movie (all though I cant remember which one anymore) You should treat a duchess like a prostitue and a prostitute like a duchess…

    Like


  53. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 17:50:18 John

    abagond Says:
    Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 22:45:39
    “Thanks for the suggestion. I do not think ALL white Americans think that way. But SOME of them do, that I know quite clearly. It is not at all a stereotype. I wish it were that simple.
    Also: if you are white, as your name says, then how in the world would you know? How would you find yourself at the receiving end of this sort of thinking?”

    First, to make a statement “White people look down on those who are different” is a stereotype by definition. That statement did not specify “some” white people. If it did, I would not have brought this up. If you mean some instead of all than please make that clear. Unless you use that qualifying word, it is assumed to mean all, grammatically speaking.

    Second, because you cannot see what I look like, I used the name “A White Guy” only to let you know that I am a white male. That’s it. I picked that “name” on the fly, because I saw that phrase a lot in your blog. I don’t live my life dwelling on being white and I would not have even brought up the subject if not for your blog being almost entirely about ethnicity.

    You don’t know me at all. If you did know me, you would know that I don’t look down on anyone who is “different” from me. On the contrary, I love the diversity in humanity. So, naturally, I resent these generalizations.

    Also, when I first posted under the name “A White Guy” it was on the topic “Black women that white men like.” You stated: “The features of her face can be black, but not too black.” I wanted to let you know that there are white men, including myself, who appreciate the beauty of women with strong ‘Afrocentric’ features.

    Like


  54. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 18:12:41 John

    Davida Says:
    Wed 14 Jan 2009 at 01:13:50

    “thought you might want to see thomas sowells blog – i have a hunch you might disagree with him, but he can give you an alternate pov as you do with me

    http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/author/thomas_sowell/ ”

    I love Thomas Sowell. He is a brilliant and independent thinker.

    Like


  55. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 18:51:19 anon

    Write a positive post on thin women for a change.

    Like


  56. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 19:08:56 Davida

    Abagond 0 if or when you do the tattoo post – let me know..>I have a whole series of pictures of my tattoo session…up close on the process. I love to be able to express my inner soul externally. I never felt very beautiful on the outside until I was able to express how I think I look on the inside. Now I feel alot of the time like the most powerful, glorious women in the world.

    Like


  57. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 21:39:35 abagond

    Davida: thanks.

    anon: good idea.

    Like


  58. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 21:49:31 abagond

    John:

    This page is a place to put down ideas for posts before I forget them, so some of them are not yet well formed or thought-out – yet. It is a kind of womb for future posts.

    So while it is good to point out what you did, please do not go on to assume that it is what I ordinarily think or anything.

    If I said something like that in a completed post, then that would be different since I do put some thought into what I write and try to choose my words carefully. (But even then I tend to have this way of talking in absolutes).

    Like


  59. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 22:16:04 abagond

    John, you said:

    … I don’t live my life dwelling on being white and I would not have even brought up the subject if not for your blog being almost entirely about ethnicity.

    If you are American, then you should dwell more on being white. Read Macon D’s blog for a start:

    http://stuffwhitepeopledo.blogspot.com/

    Like


  60. on Wed Jan 21st 2009 at 23:33:50 John

    Abagond, being white is not that important to me. I rarely think about it unless someone else raises the issue. I think we are all better off if we cherish our differences without obsessing over them.

    Like


  61. on Thu Feb 5th 2009 at 15:36:48 Davida

    suggestion – the twins born in london to bi racial parents – two sets of twins – one is white in appearance – one is much darker – paper calls them white and black twins…one would be suject to white advantage the other not…

    Like


  62. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 00:53:20 abagond

    Thanks!

    Like


  63. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 05:10:40 mynameismyname

    Instead of analyzing your ideas of what “white America” finds attractive in black women, why not do a list or at least an analysis on how “black America” define beauty in their women. What do black women themselves think of their beauty? What famous black women appeal most to black folks? That would be very interesting.

    Like


  64. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 11:23:43 abagond

    That would be extremely interesting, but how would I go about nailing down “what famous black women appeal most to black folks”? Do I use Essence or Smooth? Not only do they have different ideas of black female beauty, but it comes down to what some editors in New York think.

    Any thoughts?

    Like


  65. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 15:33:17 mynameismyname

    Exactly, the same way assessing Maxim or Cosmo represent more of a editorial board’s ideas than the common person’s.

    You see how complex it all is?

    You could gather such information by doing what you did for the previous post, gathering online lists of beautiful black female celebs decided and compiled by blacks (supposedly). Yet, really, what would they prove? Then again, it could play as a ancedotal constrast to the other list.

    What black female celebs have you seen the blacks who you’ve known or observed really take to?

    Like


  66. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 16:35:35 abagond

    Interesting. Off the top of my head: Aaliyah, Nia Long, Chaka Khan, Phylicia Rashad, Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah and Gabrielle Union.

    Like


  67. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 17:19:18 abagond

    mynameismyname said:

    You could gather such information by doing what you did for the previous post, gathering online lists of beautiful black female celebs decided and compiled by blacks (supposedly). Yet, really, what would they prove? Then again, it could play as a ancedotal constrast to the other list.

    Good idea. At the very least it will be the (supposedly) black counterpart to “The most beautiful women according to white people”.

    Like


  68. on Fri Feb 6th 2009 at 23:21:24 mynameismyname

    I honestly think you should take me up on my suggestion, Aba! Seriously. I’m willing to help you with it. It’s far more interesting and relevant than the other list. IMO.

    All those women you named above, in answering my question, ARE beautiful. Funny, I’ve heard a lot of those ladies cited as beautiful by both blacks and non-blacks. I’m telling you, a lot of non-blacks dig Gabby. Her and Sanaa Lathan.

    Jill Marie Jones and Vivica A. Fox are two black female celebs who I’ve heard many black folks (mainly males) rave about yet I never saw the “hype”.

    Keisha Knight Pulliam, Lauren London, Meagan Good, Stacey Dash and Serena Williams also seem to get a LOT of love with many black Americans. Both from my own observations and others.

    Like I was mentioning, we should really attempt to explore this. Just for constrast.

    Like


  69. on Sat Feb 7th 2009 at 00:03:37 abagond

    mynameismyname:

    Okay. It will appear on Monday. Not Saturday – I promised Renee of Womanist Musings that I would do a list of black women I most admire before I put up another one of my tawdry little beauty lists. And not Sunday – that is when I write to my mother.

    If you feel you understand how I did the tabulation for “the most beautiful black women according to white people”, you can do the tabulation if you are up for it. Search on “the most beautiful black women” in double quotes. If not I will do it. In either case I will do the write-up and post it on Monday morning.

    This will be interesting!

    Like


  70. on Sat Feb 7th 2009 at 06:44:51 mynameismyname

    Alright! I anticipate it.

    I think you’d do a better job compiling the lists. I had difficulty finding the results you found, using the search terms you used on the other list.

    I will tell you one thing though. Just from browsing internet discussions boards that are ran by (supposedly) black folks via the search terms you use: it seems like discussions of black female beauty inevitably turn into discourses in colorism and Western standards of beauty.

    Yet, like one especially enlightned poster noted in the other list’s comment section, the conversation rarely veers into those waters when it comes to measuring black male attractiveness.

    Why the double standard, you think?

    See, Monday’s entry WILL BE interesting!

    Like


  71. on Wed Feb 11th 2009 at 05:33:32 Daniel Asamota

    I am glad someone is bringing attention to the Nollywood actresses and also I would suggest talking about the actors too. It is my hope to sell the American black onto the films coming out of Nollywood and to hopefully improve the standard of the films so we can have big budget productions one day like Bollywood. Also, I have two books out and am looking for investors to make movies out of my work. Anyone interested please contact me at dasamota@yahoo.com. Thanx.

    Like


  72. on Thu Feb 12th 2009 at 12:16:31 abagond

    Thanks, but I find actresses so much more interesting than actors. Maybe it comes from how they look.

    Like


  73. on Wed Feb 18th 2009 at 06:32:08 Davida

    I wrote my first public little blog tonight.
    On – the Smell of Love.
    I posted it to my myspace and facebook pages…not sure if you can view it. I dont have an actual site yet. would LOVE your feedback

    But here is the link
    http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=138768659&blogID=471481200
    let me know if you cant see it

    Like


  74. on Wed Feb 18th 2009 at 06:35:37 Davida

    I dont think that link will work – if not try facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=65168204917

    Like


  76. on Thu Feb 19th 2009 at 18:31:00 abagond

    Wow, that is great news! Only the last link worked for me. You should make it more public, easier to get to. WordPress and Blogger are both free.

    Also you should make the lettering bigger if you can. On Firefox on my MacBook there are almost ten lines an inch (2.7 mm per line). That is too small to read for long periods of time. Not sure if that is something you can easily change.

    I hope you can manage to post at least once a week!

    Like


  77. on Thu Feb 19th 2009 at 23:40:52 Davida

    what did you think? worth publishing? and doing the extra effort to go to wordpress or something like that?

    Like


  79. on Fri Feb 20th 2009 at 00:57:15 dedabets

    thanks for all your support and help!

    Like


  80. on Fri Feb 20th 2009 at 02:50:39 abagond

    It is worth publishing. Once you get it set up and get used to it, it is pretty easy. That is why there are millions of blogs – because it is so easy.

    Like


  81. on Sat Feb 28th 2009 at 22:39:08 LaSmartOne

    You should do a post on Ellis Cose or his book Envy of the World. Great book!

    Like


  82. on Sun Mar 1st 2009 at 03:44:22 RealityChecker

    A good post on the Dark Ages will provide the White supremacists who troll this board a reminder that Human history is older than the past 500 years.

    Like


  83. on Thu Mar 26th 2009 at 18:35:25 dedabets

    womens body language – and how men perceive the signals we are sending.

    Like


  84. on Fri Mar 27th 2009 at 05:56:12 Davida

    oakland PD lost four officers today.

    As much as Oscar Grants death was a horrible wrong – why no comment on these four mens death? My sister actually arrested the shooter in 2001 for car jacking another man at gun point.

    Like


  85. on Fri Mar 27th 2009 at 06:32:31 abagond

    Good suggestion. I am thinking of doing one on the shooter.

    Dying in the line of duty is an honourable thing, something I respect and even admire, but, just to let you know, I do not get twisted out of shape over the death of policemen. For some background as to why, I used to live in the part of New York where Sean Bell was killed:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/jamaica-queens/

    Like


  86. on Fri Mar 27th 2009 at 08:13:49 Davida

    my sister arrested the shooter in 2001 – after he held another man at gun point and car jacked his car.

    Like


  87. on Fri Mar 27th 2009 at 18:40:45 dedabets

    What if the cops were black – would you care then? Cops have families too…and most cops are not bad.

    Like


  88. on Fri Mar 27th 2009 at 21:24:48 dedabets

    might want to do an article on this

    http://suicideandmentalhealthassociationinternational.org/libAfriAmer.html

    Blacks Less Likely to Show Suicide Factors

    By DANIEL YEE, Associated Press Writer

    ATLANTA – A study of suicides in Fulton County found that blacks who
    commit suicide aren’t as likely as whites to display telltale
    suicide risk factors such as depression, health officials said
    Monday.

    “

    Like


  89. on Sun Mar 29th 2009 at 01:26:51 Mayhue

    Maybe you should filter some comments. I think your sight ie being overrun by White males and I preffered when your posts were more about People of color.

    Like


  90. on Sun Mar 29th 2009 at 08:39:18 abagond

    I kicked off one of them and put in place a stricter comment policy:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/new-comment-policy/

    Like


  91. on Fri Apr 3rd 2009 at 05:18:22 Davida

    I couldnt find a post on IR relationships BM to WW so I thought I would post here – verizon wireless commercial for the verizon hub – black husband sending directions to white wife. think it gets international play or just in areas where IR relationships are more commen.

    Like


  92. on Fri Apr 3rd 2009 at 05:57:51 abagond

    Thanks! I found it on YouTube and posted it on this blog:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/04/03/verizon-hub-ad-black-man-white-woman/

    Like


  93. on Fri Apr 3rd 2009 at 08:08:56 Mariella

    Hello, great site here 🙂 I am looking for fans of celebs all over the world. If you have any fresh gossips with someone, i will appreciate your help 🙂 In exchange I can upload some top hottest stuff from my archive here. Regards! Waiting for links with good stuff, and free of course 🙂

    Like


  94. on Sat Apr 4th 2009 at 16:03:53 Not a hater

    Hey abagond there are 2 VERY beautiful black women I think you should write about, please write about them. There not that known but they are beautiful

    One is a model named Lanisha Cole, she has done a lot of music videos and was a model on deal or no deal and the price is right. Please look her up and post her.

    Another is an aspiring model name Nerissa Irving, she was born in jamica and is a very beautiful black woman.

    Please can u post these two women up in one of your blogs! Thanx.

    Like


  95. on Sat Apr 4th 2009 at 16:24:12 abagond

    I know about Nerissa. She has an entry on one of my other blogs, Black Beauty of the Day:

    http://blackbeautyoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/10/nerissa-kamoy.html

    I will post Lanisha there too for Monday.

    My posts on this blog are all 500 words long, give or take 20 words. If I can find enough to write on either one I will do a post here too.

    Like


  96. on Sat Apr 4th 2009 at 17:23:09 Not a hater

    Thanks im looking foward to your blog I got some info on her here at this link:

    http://realtalkny.uproxx.com/2007/11/topic/topic/vixens/saturday-night-vixen-lanisha-cole/

    Like


  97. on Sat Apr 4th 2009 at 19:03:36 abagond

    Wow, she is beautiful!

    Like


  98. on Sun Apr 5th 2009 at 21:06:08 Dedabets

    My bro in law (who is a BM) stronly disagrees with some of your view points…agrees with others.

    Your viewpoint of police is one he disagrees with.

    He suggested I ask you your take on the three Pittsburgh cops who died…and if you assume that gunman was not killed because he is white –
    my bro – in – law doesnt think it has anything to do with race.

    Like


  99. on Mon Apr 6th 2009 at 03:51:01 abagond

    I thought that policemen were trained to shoot you dead if you point a gun at them, no questions asked. Is that true? And if so, how in the world did the gunman in this case avoid getting killed while being able to kill three policemen himself?

    Like


  100. on Mon Apr 6th 2009 at 19:57:54 LaSmartOne

    Hey, could you touch on your thoughts of the United States of Africa? There’s even a Youtube lecture video of Dr. Molefi Asante on the topic entitled “Toward the African Renaissance”. What would it mean for Africa and the diaspora economically and psychologically?

    Like


  101. on Mon Apr 6th 2009 at 21:59:48 dedabets

    no – police are trained to shoot for center body mass – the chest.

    This man had a vest on. There fore he lived. The head is a smaller target and harder to hit if a person is ducked down and hiding…they ended up shooting him in the legs. Chest shots wouldnt work.

    People who die of police gun far are either shot in the chest and not wearing a vest or a cop got a lucky shot to the head or accidentally hit an artery – very few shooters are skilled enough to hit a person in the head or purposely hit an artery – if the victem is aware they are being shot at. Snipers are different issue since the victem is mostly unaware of the shooter. Your basic cop will aim for chest…if their is a vest on – then the person will probably live.

    Cops were responding to the gunmans mothers 911 call. He met cops at the door with vest on and shot them in head before they were even aware this was something more than a mother and son fighting over the dog pee-ing on the carpet. Thats why they died and he didnt. Also why the shooter in oakland did die – no vest.

    Like


  102. on Mon Apr 6th 2009 at 22:41:38 dedabets

    i miss the posts you used to do – less in response to comments and mroe on topics I wouldnt have thought off – old english, historical issues, books I havent had the chance to read. Your two posts on seeing a women and how time stopped for you are two of my favorites. Your new years day post was well written and moved me. just my two cents…their is so much evil and nastiness in this world – I enjoyed seeing beauty through your eyes.

    Like


  103. on Tue Apr 7th 2009 at 05:02:16 abagond

    Wow, thanks for the feedback. That is good to know.

    Like


  104. on Tue Apr 7th 2009 at 05:03:32 abagond

    LaSmartOne: I will look into that. Maybe a post can come out of that. Thanks.

    Like


  105. on Tue Apr 14th 2009 at 11:26:24 LaSmartOne

    Just to add another suggestion to the list:

    Richard Wright’s Black Boy (the fully restored version by HarperPerennial). Amazing read! He has so many insights that are applicable to today that it should be required reading by all Americans, but most of all black boys themselves. So much has changed but so much has not and Wright illuminates the dysfunctions and quandaries of “Negro life” (both Southern and Northern) in so much stark detail that one cannot help but reflect on their contemporary counterparts. Wright’s autobiography is about the development of a mind against forces that would deny him his own humanity. I can’t recommend this book enough to friends and family, urging them to forget their preconceptions and to just read the book.

    Like


  106. on Mon Apr 20th 2009 at 18:12:02 D&nni

    Hey Abagond I really love your blog. Congratulations!

    I would like you to post things about Africa before europeans’ overseas expansion, such as Mali, Ghana or Gaza Empires. Those are african history pearls that should not be forgoten, because the only way to change the future is understanding our past.

    Here I leave you a couple sites, in wich you can find lots of beautiful africans:

    – http://bhfmagazine.com/bhfadvert_articles/bhf_mainmenu.html

    (sorry about my english, it’s not my first language)

    Thanks for all of your posts it’s really fulfilling to see that not everyone is being brainwashed by this society.

    Like


  107. on Tue Apr 21st 2009 at 06:19:59 abagond

    Thanks. Great idea. I knew about BHF, but thanks – you were right to tell me about it.

    Like


  108. on Thu Apr 23rd 2009 at 03:29:29 Regina

    Hi there! Love your blog! I am a middle-aged black American female who is dating a middle-aged white American man. One of the things that I’ve noticed is the tendency to show famous BM/WW IR couples together in the media and in magazines quite frequently (i.e. Seal and Heidi Klum), but to only show the female side of BW/WM IRs (i.e., Alfre Woodard and Roderick Spencer).

    It would be interesting to see a post as to why people think this is.

    Thanks!
    Regina

    Like


  109. on Thu Apr 23rd 2009 at 22:32:31 abagond

    I know what you mean but I do not know why that is.

    Like


  110. on Fri Apr 24th 2009 at 01:06:06 mynameismyname

    Yeah, there are many famous white men who are married or involved with black women (and vice versa) yet they don’t get close to the same media attention that Seal/Heidi or Bush/Kardashian get.

    I don’t think it’s too hard to figure out why that is.

    Like


  111. on Fri Apr 24th 2009 at 07:39:04 Regina

    I know why it is, but simply wanted to open up a dialogue with others on the site to discuss it and hear their opinions, which could be different from mine.

    Not only it is difficult to see BW/WM celebrity couples in the media and popular entertainment magazines (Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry seem to be the only ones), but I have been hard pressed to find info and pictures of famous couples on the internet as well.

    How many people are aware that the prince of Lichtenstein is married to a black woman and has a child with her? Check out this comment written by a poster who is wondering why this is as well.

    http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/2152/6405.html?1142425987

    Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 – 12:01 am:
    After all the drama with Prince Albert, I thought I’d share a love story with you.

    In what some are considering a modern-day Cinderella story, former New York fashion designer, Angela Brown, wed Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein in a fairy tale Manhattan wedding on January 29, 2000.

    Angela Brown, the daughter of Mr. Javier Francisco Brown and Mrs. Silvia Maritza Brown, was born in Bocas del Toro / Panama on February 3rd, 1958. She attended high school in New York and studied fashion at the Parson’s School of Design. For three years, she sold her designs under the name A. Brown and also was employed until September 1999 by fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini.

    Prince Maximilian, born on May 16, 1969. He attended school in Liechtenstein and earned a degree from the European Business School in Frankfurt in 1993. He currently works for Industri Kapital, a leading European private equity firm, in Hamburg.

    The couple met while Prince Maximilian was working for Chase Capital Partners in New York City in 1997. They became friends and began a courtship in the summer of 1999.

    The were wed at Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan at 11:00 a.m. on January 29, 2000. The couple was joined by a few hundred friends and family members for the ceremony.

    Based on America’s obsession with European royalty, why haven’t we heard more about this union?

    Like


  112. on Fri Apr 24th 2009 at 10:54:41 mynameismyname

    Regina,

    I agree. I didn’t know about Prince Max’s marriage either until I saw mention of it on some internet message board! There’s so many more examples of noted white men with their black wives (and children). They’re rarely covered by the pop media. George Lucas, Wolfgang Puck, Clint Eastwood, Colin Farrell, Billy Bob Thorton, Ben Broufman and so many more: all involved with black women for significant amounts of time. Yet, those relationships rarely got any media shine.

    It’s the same with the many famous black women who married white men. You’d be surprised by the large number of noted black women who fit that criteria. Why? Because they weren’t that publicized.

    Like


  113. on Fri Apr 24th 2009 at 20:29:45 Regina

    Mynameismyname,

    I agree with you regarding the fact that these relationship are not publicized.

    My belief is that mainstream society wants to continue to present the white female as ‘the’ ideal standard of what is beautiful and desirable. God forbid, that a black woman is perceived to be just as attractive and desirable as her white counterpart .

    Showing that there are white men around the world who date and marry black women challenges the white standard of beauty. Therefore, it must be kept on the down low. On the other hand, it will make headline news if the white guy sleeps with and has a child out of wedlock with a black woman, but refuses to marry her (Prince Albert).

    Like


  114. on Mon Apr 27th 2009 at 22:04:22 Uncle Milton

    To Mynameismyname and Regina who said:

    Not only it is difficult to see BW/WM celebrity couples in the media and popular entertainment magazines (Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry seem to be the only ones.

    (Regina)

    Yeah, there are many famous white men who are married or involved with black women (and vice versa) yet they don’t get close to the same media attention that Seal/Heidi or Bush/Kardashian get.

    I don’t think it’s too hard to figure out why that is.
    (Regina)

    Halle Berry, Seal, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, and Reggie Bush are all famous. That’s why they get the coverage.

    If only one of the members of the couple is famous then they take a backseat in the media coverage. I know little of white wives of famous black men unless they are also famous.

    George Lucas, Wolfgang Puck, Clint Eastwood, Colin Farrell, Billy Bob Thorton, Ben Broufman

    Ben Broufman – Didn’t know who he was until I read about him on Wikipedia.

    Clint Eastwood and Dina Eastwood. Personally I think it’s a stretch to describe someone who is 1/4 black, 1/4 Japanese, and 1/2 European as being black. (Also her father was raised by a Hispanic family not a black family so I would suspect he would have more a Latino than a black identity..)

    I knew about Wolfgang Puck and his Ethiopian wife.

    I don’t know anything about Colin Ferrell and his wife/wives but on Wikipedia it only shows that he has been married (and now divorced..) to a white woman.

    Billy Bob Thornton has been married 5 times.. the only one I knew about before today was Angelina Jolie. He wasn’t really famous when he was married for two years to his third wife (Cynda Williams who is black..) Jolie and he also made a spectacle of themselves.

    Prince Maximilian – never heard of him before now.. and how many people could find Lichtenstein on the map.. or care..? People in the US are generally only interested in British royalty. As for royalty in general.. all I can say is a big raspberry. Royalty is an anachronism in the modern age and to me is complete nonsense although I will say that Prince Max and his wife make a striking couple. As Prince Albert of Monaco.. once again another royal twat (and not British..) who cares about these smucks.

    Lucas and Mellody Hobson aren’t married and don’t have any kids. (I didn’t know about any of his previous relationships until I read Wikipedia including the one with Linda Ronstadt..)

    Like


  115. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 01:36:47 abagond

    I did a post on this, so please make any comments on this topic there:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/famous-interracial-couples/

    Like


  116. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 03:47:49 Regina

    I wanted to add that I do feel that individuals who express their disdain over seeing BW/IR couples have a right to do so in response to the article; however, as someone who is in an IR with a white man myself, I feel that they have no right to personally insult or attack me and my boyfriend if they take offense to our public displays of affection (i.e. holding hands and kissing).

    Check out this recent article regarding the the best places to kiss, and note the outrage that many people in St. Louis, MO expressed when they saw the pic of the IR couple kissing.

    http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/a-conversation-about-race/general-news/2009/04/black-man-kissing-white-woman-causes-stir/comment-page-2/#comments

    Like


  117. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 04:41:01 abagond

    Wow. I thought Americans were beyond all that. I guess those Hollywood producers who will not let Will Smith kiss a white woman in their films have a better sense of the country than I do, as dark as I sometimes paint it!

    Like


  118. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 05:01:27 racerealist

    There is a big difference between two regular people expressing their affection and the media portraying an atypical, contrived image of interracial romance. Missouri is 85% white! Would you expect a different response if it were two white men kissing, or a Muslim couple in turban and burka?

    To me it reeks of a dying newspaper trying to stir up publicity in a last-ditch effort to save itself. It was a conscious decision to put this image on the cover. This was not an article about interracial romance, and the people in Missouri do not see this as a “normal” couple. So there is naturally some backlash from people who wonder why this image was selected. People want a newspaper that appeals to and represents themselves, not one that misrepresents their community.

    Like


  119. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 05:49:54 Truth B. Told

    I have heard that the couple depicted in the magazine are actually a married couple.

    Like


  120. on Tue Apr 28th 2009 at 16:36:58 Regina

    I’ve noticed that oftentimes, both black men and black women will put each other down in order to justify dating outside of the race. My question is:

    Why does the reason for dating a white (pink, blue, or red) person have to be because there’s something wrong with or lacking with the opposite sex within one’s own race?? I get tired of hearing black men justify their reasons for dating white women by putting down all black women. LIkewise, I feel the same way about black women who do the same when they choose to date white men.

    My decision to date a white man does not mean that I find fault with black men. Good and bad men come in all different colors. I was married to a black man for 12 years. Even though we got divorced, we still remain friends and keep in touch. Trying a different flavor of ice cream doesn’t mean that I don’t like chocolate; it simply means that I enjoy other flavors as well 🙂

    Like


  121. on Tue May 5th 2009 at 00:16:45 Shawn

    Could you do one on white men stereotypes

    Like


  122. on Wed May 6th 2009 at 03:59:02 abagond

    Like which ones?

    Like


  123. on Thu May 7th 2009 at 19:29:18 Regina

    I have often heard people who are against BW/WW IRs argue against marrying outside of one’s race because the divorce rate is higher. Do you feel that couples in these types of IRs have a higher chance of getting divorce than same race couples? According to the author of this YouTube video, the answer is no.

    http://www.blackfemaleinterracialmarriage.com/

    Like


  124. on Mon May 11th 2009 at 07:08:27 abagond

    Marriage is hard enough when married to someone of your own race, so it would stand to reason that it would be harder and more likely to fail if you married outside your race. But if the numbers say otherwise for certain pairings, then so it is.

    Like


  125. on Mon May 11th 2009 at 20:36:19 Dedabets

    Perhaps – if one is willing to get married and risk the negative thoughts in the first place, then they have the mindset to fight through the other trials that occur in marriage. perhaps IR relationships for that reason are more likely to succeed then same race marriages.

    They have already stood up in front of their families and said I choose this person…often the families being the first to be against IR relationships. So the other trials in life, they are ready for them…

    Like


  126. on Tue May 12th 2009 at 10:40:50 D&nni

    Hello Abagond, here is an actress from Senegal you could post on beautiful African women.

    Photos:

    http://www.life.com/image/74539606

    Filmography:
    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0618456/

    I really like a musical she made (original title “Nha Fala”) from an west-african director named Flora Gomes, think he is from Guinea-Bissau (a country next to Senegal).

    Like


  127. on Tue May 12th 2009 at 16:48:32 abagond

    Thanks for the suggestion. That last picture was amazing.

    Like


  128. on Thu Jun 11th 2009 at 23:36:17 islandgirl

    I have been at my job for over a year along with me, there are two or three other black women. They always get us mixed up even though we look NOTHING a like. We’re all different shapes, sizes, complexions and you would think after a year, they would be able to distinguish us.

    This happens all of the time. White people telling you that you look like or mistaking you for someone who looks nothing like you. It takes away your sense of individuality and uniqueness. It just shows that they put us all in the same category.

    It is really irritating because we all would like to be seen as individual and unique.

    Would you please do a blog about why some white people think we look so much a like?

    Thanks

    Like


  129. on Wed Jun 17th 2009 at 22:04:00 Victoria

    It would be great if you made a blog on here about how black women were forced in to sterilization up until the 1970’s in North Carolina

    Like


  130. on Thu Jun 25th 2009 at 04:15:10 A Sudanese

    I think posts about the varying music scenes of Africa would be great! It could be a good oppurtunity to compare African music styles with Africans of the Americas’ music styles.

    You could do a piece about Malian music and then have videos with the kora. Or you could have a piece about Nubian music of southern Egypt/northern Sudan. Or Habesha (Ethiopian/Eritrean) music or any cultures of Africa!

    A traditional Nubian song in Nobiin (Nubian language) in Sudan (the beginning has crazy chanting for people excited for a wedding, but at 2:19 and onward, a man sings a very beautiful song): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4_mtq6NSGU&feature=channel_page

    Or…

    Traditional Kora (a harp like instrument) from Senegal… very beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNl8kIwj1_k&playnext_from=PL&feature=PlayList&p=9E24A92C0661F75E&playnext=1&index=3

    You know, stuff like that.

    Like


  131. on Thu Jun 25th 2009 at 05:29:05 Victoria

    Have you ever heard of Helm Magazine? Its a magazine Ethopian Magazine that features beautiful black women from Ethoipa and has issues on fashion and entertainment. This magazine puts Maxim and the others to shame. Its a wonder I’ve never heard of it. I’ll provide you with a link.
    http://www.helmmagazine.com/

    Like


  132. on Sun Jun 28th 2009 at 03:08:00 Lolita

    Have you ever thought of posting pictures of non famous black women? We are all beautiful in our own way….

    Like


  133. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 05:08:40 Mayhue

    Abagond,

    I think you should do a blog piece on this:

    Frank Lombard is an associate director at Duke University’s Global Health Institute and a homosexual who was charged last week with the molestation of his adopted 5-year-old black son and actively trying to sell him for sex on the internet.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/27/frank-lombard-duke-univ-o_n_221900.html

    No AP organizations have picked up on this story, however the Duke Lacrosse players were splattered all over the news and the black stripper was pilloried when it was suspected she was lying.

    Here there is proof that Lombard and his white partner adopted a Black child in order to molest him and then pimp him out to the highest bidder. Although I support Gay adoption, the racial and sexual politics associated with this story is sickening.

    Like


  134. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 16:48:27 abagond

    How utterly sick. I will look into it more. Maybe I will do it. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Like


  135. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 16:50:53 abagond

    Lolita said:

    Have you ever thought of posting pictures of non famous black women? We are all beautiful in our own way….

    I have a website of famous and not-so-famous beautiful black women here:

    http://blackbeautyoftheday.blogspot.com/

    Like


  136. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 16:52:05 abagond

    Victoria: I never heard of Helm magazine. Nor about the forced sterilization of black women in North Carolina. Thanks!

    Like


  137. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 16:55:48 abagond

    A Sudanese: A good idea – doing posts on different styles of African music. But I have to warn you, I will be more interested in West African music since it is bound to have had a greater effect on the music I know.

    Like


  138. on Tue Jun 30th 2009 at 17:01:41 abagond

    islandgirl said:


    Would you please do a blog about why some white people think we look so much a like?

    I never understood that. White people look more alike than black people, but I will think about it. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Like


  139. on Wed Jul 1st 2009 at 04:39:00 Mayhue

    Certainly Abagond. If you have the time and inclination.

    Also when you have time, I think you should do a post on the Romani People. The Romani or Roma are the most hated group in Europe and the reasons that many Europeans give for why they are considered a scourge is due to crime, welfare leeches, low morals, low IQ’s, indiscriminate breeders draining precious resources, prostitution, gang violence, pickpockets, etc. which are the exact same reasons that Whites and other Non-blacks in America despise and loathe Blacks. In addition, they were one of the largest minorities that were exterminated during the holocaust http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/people/victroma.htm, yet they are largely effaced from the record. One of the best books that I have read on the Romani was Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and Their Journey, by Isabel Fonesca. Also here is an interesting article on the Suffering of the Romani people and their tortured history in Europe: http://www.swp.ie/index.php?page=166&dept=News

    It is amazing that these people are perceived almost identically to Blacks and how they are often corralled and alienated from the majority culture an thus forced to create a unique culture of their own in order to survive and yet in modern times they are still vilified.

    Like


  140. on Thu Jul 2nd 2009 at 14:03:36 Anonymous

    What are your views on monarchies?

    Like


  141. on Sun Jul 5th 2009 at 17:59:27 Anonymous

    Here’s a suggestion. The evils of feminism

    Like


  142. on Mon Jul 6th 2009 at 11:51:28 Nubiah

    your blog is great , I thought that you could make a subject on the perception of Africa through the eyes of Black Americans. and why too much stereotypes surrounds Africa.

    Like


  143. on Sat Jul 11th 2009 at 13:52:47 Fikile Florence Dlamini

    May yuo, please, include things South African on your blog? I hereby forward you to FAcebook pages that may draw your interest and deepen your appreacition in the black world generally. The two Facebook links that I provide are two to do with South African women acting talent and TV anchoring. I hope you find them of interest enough to draw your attention.

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johannesburg-South-Africa/South-Africas-Top-50-Most-Beautiful-Actresses/121266316795

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Africas-20-Best-Beautiful-Women-Anchors/107782846525#/pages/South-Africas-20-Best-Beautiful-Women-Anchors/107782846525?v=info&edit_info=all

    Yours faithfully

    Like


  144. on Wed Jul 15th 2009 at 16:04:39 Anonymous

    Top 10 most beautiful Asian women.
    Top 10 most beautiful Afro-Latinas.
    A blog on the civilisation of Great Zimbabwe.
    There’s some more suggestions.

    Like


  145. on Thu Jul 16th 2009 at 22:07:51 Davida

    http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2009/07/must-see-web-tv-american-town-in-2009-without-running-water.html

    Community in Mississippi that has beenw ithout water for almost 6 years – a predominately black community…

    Like


  146. on Sat Jul 18th 2009 at 14:44:52 Anonymous

    A blog on racist trolls!!
    A blog on different styles of dance!!

    Like


  147. on Sun Jul 19th 2009 at 13:13:41 Anonymous

    A blog on your favourite sports, Abagond.
    A blog on different types of food that you like.

    Like


  148. on Thu Jul 23rd 2009 at 16:24:58 Wayne

    How about a blog that describes why each race feels justified in their own racism towards others. Where does it start off? Families against families, tribes against tribes and so forth. An idea of what your solution to this inbred problem whould also be great.

    Like


  149. on Mon Aug 10th 2009 at 21:46:32 Cool

    I’m really starting to like this blog

    Like


  150. on Sun Aug 16th 2009 at 18:48:15 yolie

    This is sooooo cool… I really like this!

    Like


  151. on Tue Aug 25th 2009 at 00:36:52 sweetme1993

    I just want to let you know about these to blogs that bashes black women and I want you’re thought on them.

    whitemeat.wordpress.com

    sex-white-girls.blogspot.com

    please post you’re thoughts here

    Like


  152. on Wed Aug 26th 2009 at 07:28:09 abagond

    http://sex-white-girls.blogspot.com/

    Am I required to take a website seriously that has bad spelling? And that uses the word “Negro” without irony? It seems like a hate blog but maybe there is more going on than that.

    http://whitemeat.wordpress.com/

    Not sure what to make of this website. I have to look at it some more. Does this blog ever put down black women? If so, please tell me where. The blogger says he is a black man, but from what I have seen so far it makes way more sense as a bitter satire staged by a black woman.

    Like


  153. on Wed Aug 26th 2009 at 07:54:59 Uncle Milton

    To Abagond:

    http://sex-white-girls.blogspot.com/

    Am I required to take a website seriously that has bad spelling? And that uses the word “Negro” without irony? It seems like a hate blog but maybe there is more going on than that.

    Negro..? Perhaps they are Spanish..? Not.

    From that blog:
    http://sex-white-girls.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

    Let’s face it: the American white male is a sick little, whiny, puppy, who has caused many white women to explore homosexuality as an option, and seek other pleasures in ‘real’ men.

    The only reason why Asian women date White males is because the standards of the Oriental woman are as low as the standards from any product made in China.

    That blog is bad comedy…. they certainly like to spread the hate to more than one group. I think someone misplaced their meds…

    Like


  154. on Thu Aug 27th 2009 at 00:07:16 abagond

    Sweetme1993:

    More thoughts on the White Meat blog here:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/is-the-white-goddess-blog-a-satire/

    Like


  155. on Wed Sep 9th 2009 at 13:07:09 nicia

    article found in Toronto star Africentric school makes history
    Toronto’s Africentric Alternative School
    Principal Thando Hyman-Aman took the media on a tour of the city’s controversial Africentric school. Video by Randy Risling. (Sept. 03, 2009)

    Tara Walton?TORONTO STAR
    Shyheim Laryea (right) is joined by teacher/librarian Veronica Sullivan during Tuesday’s opening assembly at Canada’s first Africentric Public School in Toronto.(Sept. 8, 2009) Email story
    Print
    Choose text size
    Report error or complaint
    License this article

    Gallery: Africentric school opens PLEDGE FOR ALTERNATIVE STUDENTS

    Today I pledge to be the best possible me.

    No matter how good I am, I know I can do better.

    Today I pledge to build on the work of yesterday

    Which will lead me into the rewards of tomorrow.

    Today I pledge to feed my mind knowledge, my body strength, my spirit faith.

    Today I pledge to take my education seriously. I will always do my best at school, at home and in my community.

    Today I pledge to be focused, self-disciplined and ready to learn.

    Today I pledge to believe in me.

    Ashe! (Amen)
    Black-focused program opens with last-minute bump in enrolment

    Sep 09, 2009 04:32 AM
    Louise Brown
    Education Reporter

    Drummed into school to a standing ovation and a rocking West African beat, 115 children made Canadian history yesterday in vivid vests of African cloth.

    Less than two years after fierce public debate over the very idea of a school focused on African culture, one of the most controversial educational experiments in the country began with a

    Like


  156. on Wed Sep 9th 2009 at 13:08:41 nicia

    surprise 30 per cent surge in enrolment.

    From the opening assembly, the Africentric Alternative School began weaving African culture into Ontario school culture.

    Students sang “O Canada,” followed by a black national anthem written a century ago by a Florida poet, then said a pledge – “The Best Possible Me” – popular in Africentric schools in the U.S. It includes a promise to take school seriously.

    “Let me hear you say ‘best!’ called principal Thando Hyman-Aman, a part-time jazz singer and the parent of a student at the school. She will lead a bid to lower the 40 per cent dropout rate among black students by stretching the curriculum beyond its European roots

    Like


  158. on Wed Sep 9th 2009 at 18:50:38 Vindicator

    Here’s a suggestion.
    A blog on sports. I like many kinds of sport.

    Like


  159. on Fri Sep 11th 2009 at 04:20:35 Susan

    How about a post on South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba? She was so beautiful both in looks and personality, pure elegance. She was married to Stokely Carmichael at one point.

    Or, maybe she can be your ‘Black Beauty of the Day’ some time – she was mesmerizing when she was young. Even though she’s a little older, I still find her stunning as she sings in the link below. Now she has got some killer eyes! At 3 mins/30 seconds in the video when she looks straight into the camera, her eyes just hypnotize me!

    Like


  160. on Fri Sep 11th 2009 at 04:22:42 Susan

    Sorry, I thought I was just including the link, I didn’t realize the actual video would appear.

    Like


  161. on Fri Sep 11th 2009 at 14:04:53 Maluson

    Hello Agabond,

    Maybe you should try to be more informed and post a blog about the war in congo, since 1996 it has make between 6 to 8 millions human, and as stated in the french wikipedia : “the most deadly conflict since WWII…” this sentence defines it all.

    Women raped with knifes, children raped and killed, 6 millions of people murdered,…

    My country is living and suffering way more than any other black nation has endured. And no one is talking about it.

    Every month 38000 people die… can you imagine that ??? 38000 everymonth… so every month you kind of drop a nuclear bomb on a small town.
    Every month since 1996 more or less.

    I don’t think that the world is smart enough to realise that, it looks so far away for people, especially when the medias are not talking about it…
    If no one mention it then it probably doesn’t exist…

    Sad…

    Hope you’ll talk about it… a bit.

    Like


  162. on Fri Sep 11th 2009 at 14:14:22 abagond

    I did do a post on Nkunda last year:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/laurent-nkunda/

    The trouble with writing about Africa is that it is hard to tell what is going on there. There is the BBC and so on, but they do not seem to give a clear picture.

    If you can recommend any good sources of information I would be more than happy to do a post on it. (I would also like to do one on the LRA in Uganda.) If you think the BBC is good enough, then I can go with that.

    Like


  163. on Fri Sep 11th 2009 at 14:30:07 Maluson

    Ok, i see your post on Nkunda, which i consider as being a part of the devil, the other part is all the big corporate companies that benefit from the death of millions in congo.
    Nkunda is not congolese, he is from rwanda, but as it happened when Kabila (father) came in 1997. A lot of rwandes people claimed to be congolese, which is not the case…

    I’m not going to write the story here, so i’ll stop.

    But if you want more informations, there is always some part of the story in the french version of Wikipedia when you look at “guerre au congo” (war in congo), also in the english part and mostly about the “coltan” (search for it in wikipedia you’ll be amazed on what the war is about).

    There are countless of websites about that conflict, if i manage to find some, i’ll send you the link.

    Like


  164. on Sun Sep 20th 2009 at 20:32:41 islandgirl

    I’m requesting that you do a post on Black Woman/Asian Man relationships. I don’t know how many comments you would get as it is so rare, but I was in one and would be curious if anyone else has experienced that.

    Like


  165. on Sun Sep 20th 2009 at 20:42:35 leigh204

    ^ Great suggestion, islandgirl. There’s such a dating/marrying disparity between BW/AM, it would certainly be interesting to learn about the experiences of these couplings.

    Like


  166. on Sun Sep 20th 2009 at 23:43:03 Regina

    I’m an African American female who has dated two Asian guys in the past. One was from Thailand and the other was an ABC (American Born Chinese). Perhaps because it was rare, people hardly paid us any mind when we were out in public together.

    It’s not very common, but I’ve seen BW/AM couples and their children here and there (in Los Angeles) over the years.

    Once, a young woman, who happened to be enrolled in the same community college course as I was, approached me during a class break and introduced herself. She then showed me pictures of her Japanese dad and her African American mom. This young lady was quite beautiful and exotic looking with her dark chocolate skin, long straight hair, and Asian facial features.

    Like


  167. on Mon Sep 21st 2009 at 04:08:59 Mayhue

    The Negritos of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

    Like


  168. on Mon Sep 21st 2009 at 04:45:17 leigh204

    ^ Another excellent suggestion!

    Like


  169. on Mon Sep 21st 2009 at 06:01:43 Mayhue

    Thanks Leigh. Are they any Negritos in the Philipines? I usually read about them in Polynesia. I knew a guy who was Tongan and he believed that Pacific lslanders had their own set of issues that were unique to the Asian experience and believed they should be seperated. In places like Australia, some Pacific Island groups like the Samoa are not model minority asian, etc.

    Also do Filipinos generally liked to be grouped with Southeast Asia or Pacific Islanders?

    Like


  171. on Wed Sep 23rd 2009 at 01:21:58 leigh204

    @Mayhue:

    Yes, there are Negritos living in the Philippines. I do think that the P.I. experience is different from that of the Asian experience.

    Also, regarding Filipinos being grouped with East/SE Asians or as Pacific Islanders, I can tell you from personal experience, there is this thinking among many North American born Filipinos who believe they are Pacific Islanders rather than Asians. Sure, the Philippines is located in the Pacific, but that’s pretty much it. When I think of P.I’s, I think of the Samoans, Tongans, Tahitians, etc.

    Mind you, other Asian ethnicities particularly East Asians look down on Filipinos claiming Filipinos aren’t Asian enough. Whatever that means. Anyways, I consider myself Asian not P.I. as I look very much Asian.

    Like


  172. on Sat Sep 26th 2009 at 01:31:14 Regina

    Mixed raced, half-Chinese and half-African American idol contestant is a victim of racisim.

    http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_425342.html

    Like


  173. on Sat Sep 26th 2009 at 18:12:44 leigh204 formerly L.T.

    I feel for this young woman. It’s truly shameful how she is being mistreated through no fault of her own. She just wanted to enter a contest and little did she realize it would be made into some big deal.

    Like


  174. on Sun Sep 27th 2009 at 02:20:39 Mayhue

    Very interesting. I was thinking about some of the literature I read with some Filipinos wanting to be categorized with Pacific Islanders and I have read how Pacific Islanders want to be completely separated from Asian since their interests often clash with East Asians.
    Thank you for answering some of my questions Leigh.
    ********************************************
    I was reading about Lou Jing after it was posted here. It’s amazing that she looks like a lot of regular Black women I know. She is pretty and I find it amazing that her mother withstood all that and raised her daughter by herself. There is a disgusting double standard In China, when it’s known that Chinese men are inveterate cheaters and are known to have mistresses galore. But the mother is being demonized. The fact that Lou Jing is being persecuted because she is half Black is even more of a double standard, since China and places like Japan exoticize and idolize Eurasians. If she had been White and Asian it would have never been an issue—she may have even won the talent contest.
    ****************************************
    Suggestion: Cape Verdeans. Many are African and Portuguese. Their island is off the coast of Angola. They were respected Whalers and many settled in MA. Fascinating people and culture. One of my favorite singers from that island is Ceasaria Evora.

    Like


  175. on Sun Sep 27th 2009 at 06:47:09 leigh204

    Here’s a suggestion, abagond. I just saw a trailer of Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” and the issues BW have regarding their hair. The scene with the canned soft drink dissolving in the same solution used on BW’s hair was certainly eye opening.

    Like


  176. on Sun Sep 27th 2009 at 06:52:39 leigh204

    @Mayhue:

    Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with the hypocrisy regarding married Chinese men and their mistresses. I also happen to agree that if Miss. Lou Jing was half white rather than half black, she would have been more readily accepted and perhaps even lauded for her half white heritage.

    Like


  177. on Sun Sep 27th 2009 at 15:15:36 Regina

    I think that because of this national uproar in China over Miss Lou Jing’s mixed raced heritage, it will, hopefully, cause people to start to challenge deeply ingrained racial prejudices that many Chinese have towards mixed raced citizens who are half black. Will it change the mindset of hardcore racists? Absolutely not, but I believe that talking about it openly is a start towards creating a more tolerant society, as it forces people to rethink and redefine what they traditionally perceived as beautiful.

    In spite of the obstacles that she’s faced growing up in a homogeneous society, she demonstrates a great deal courage, has a strong sense of self esteem, and carries herself with great poise and dignity.

    Like


  178. on Sun Sep 27th 2009 at 19:42:17 Mayhue

    I agree that her mother certainly deserves a great deal of credit. Of course I am not excusing the fact that she had a an affair and the result of that affair was a child, but she could have easily aborted or had the child and quickly abandoned (China is the land where girl children are often killed or abandoned especially if the first born is not a son—thanks to the one child policy)—especially knowing full well that they child would be half Black—but she didn’t. That brave decision cannot be emphasized enough.

    Lou Ching was also brave to publicly acknowledge her mother for all her sacrifices. I just think the hypocrisy is pathetic not only in the men who cheat with impunity—but the anti-Black stance that is pervasive not only in China but in places like Japan and Korea. Half Black children unless they blow up like Amerie are often seen as outcasts compared to Eurasians. I am not sure that this will spark a greater understanding or acceptance of Black and Half Black people in those societies. They are too racially homogenous and too invested in trumpeting their superiority, which is in direct contrast to Whites of whom for the most part they fawn over.

    Like


  179. on Mon Sep 28th 2009 at 01:58:21 abagond

    Good point: because of the One Child Rule and the feelings about blacks in China, what her mother did was admirable, even if her affair was not.

    Like


  180. on Mon Sep 28th 2009 at 17:58:30 Vindicator

    Hey Abagond,
    How about you do a blog on illegal drugs and what are you views on them?

    Like


  181. on Thu Oct 8th 2009 at 04:04:17 leigh204

    Hi abagond:

    Just found this on youtube. It’s a show in Australia and the offensive blackface “tribute” to the Jackson Five (Jackson Jive) as this group was called. It stirred up quite a controversy due to the connotation of blackface in Australia differed from that in America. It’s worth checking out.

    Like


  182. on Thu Oct 8th 2009 at 23:20:28 Herneith

    I could never figure out as there are many African religions, most black people would choose non-African ones for those who are religouly inclined. These religions are just as legitamte as any other. Many of them are also nature-based and quite spiritual.

    Like


  183. on Sat Oct 10th 2009 at 11:10:08 Vindicator

    Here’s a auggestion, Abagond.
    Stop doing blogs about the pairings of WM/BW.
    Do some other pairings like WM/AW, AM/BW, BM/WW, BM/AW.

    Like


  184. on Sat Oct 10th 2009 at 13:26:04 abagond

    Good idea. Voodoo too.

    Like


  185. on Sat Oct 10th 2009 at 13:42:22 Black&German

    Yes, Voodoo would be good.

    And I like Leigh’s idea about BW’s hair.

    Like


  186. on Sun Oct 11th 2009 at 12:40:06 Vindicator

    Abagond you should write a blog on Black sportssmen (and women. I don’t want to be accused of being a sexist male chauvinist pig.)

    Like


  187. on Sun Oct 11th 2009 at 16:37:19 Black&German

    Good idea, Vindicator. Jesse Owens was my hero growing up.

    Like


  188. on Sun Oct 11th 2009 at 20:25:44 Herneith

    Abagond you should write a blog on Black sportssmen (and women. I don’t want to be accused of being a sexist male chauvinist pig.)

    Why not. LOL!

    Like


  189. on Sun Oct 11th 2009 at 23:03:58 LaSmartOne

    The similarities with self-blame syndrome in rape victims and racism victims.

    http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/selfblame.html
    How difficult it is to truly internalize that “It’s Not Your Fault”.

    When I find myself in a racist situation, I still find it difficult to somehow not assign blame to myself for somehow bringing it on. This after having spent years immersed in academic literature on critical race theory, sociology, social psychology and the like.

    Like


  190. on Mon Oct 12th 2009 at 17:37:37 Herneith

    Abagond, why don’t you write an article on the phenomena known as shopping while black? This is one of the more irritating aspects of racism.

    Like


  191. on Mon Oct 12th 2009 at 17:53:49 leigh204

    I second Herneith’s suggestion.

    Like


  192. on Mon Oct 12th 2009 at 18:26:16 Black&German

    I third it!

    Like


  193. on Thu Oct 15th 2009 at 11:58:07 LaSmartOne

    Interesting book alert:
    A recent black graduate of the University of Washington, Lull Mengesha, has written a book called “The Only Black Student”, discussing his experience as one of the very few black students at a predominantly white university.

    There’s an interview with the author at this blogtalkradio website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Victim-of-Racism/2009/10/09/The-COWS-w-Lull-Mengesha

    Like


  194. on Fri Oct 16th 2009 at 21:10:41 Mayhue

    Interesting book alert:
    A recent black graduate of the University of Washington, Lull Mengesha, has written a book called “The Only Black Student”, discussing his experience as one of the very few black students at a predominantly white university.

    There’s an interview with the author at this blogtalkradio website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Victim-of-Racism/2009/10/09/The-COWS-w-Lull-Mengesha
    **************************************

    That looks very interesting and Lull Mengesha seems to be a very bright guy:

    Life has taken Lull down an unanticipated yet rewarding path. As an undergraduate, he completed prerequisites for dental school and majored in economics, primarily because he felt that both of these areas of study were safe and practical. His senior year however, Lull made the decision to put dental school aside in pursuit of a more fulfilling profession. Throughout his life he had been interested in business, community service, and entrepreneurship, so he decided to develop his leadership skills.

    After graduating from college, he started applying for jobs at consulting firms and local technical companies to put his economics degree to use. He took on various odd jobs, including working for a cleaning service and tutoring high school and early college students before Boeing offered him a great position as a Functional Analyst. Lull is in the process of receiving his Master of Science Degree in Information Management and saved enough money over the past few years to purchase his first home. Looking back, people didn’t expect students from his high school to graduate, let alone pursue advanced degrees.

    Recently, Lull has gathered a small team of young working professionals and created the PolyMath Group. An educational consulting group focused on tackling many of the issues that Lull discusses in his book by conducting workshops with students. Steady progress, hard work and a few receptive schools have already shown this venture to be highly needed.
    http://lullmengesha.com/thebook/?cat=5

    Like


  195. on Sat Oct 17th 2009 at 13:39:17 LaSmartOne

    Mark Riding/Transracial Adoption for Black Parents– a black man who adopted a young white girl speaks about uncomfortable stares and kidnapping alerts.

    Here is a Newsweek article: http://www.newsweek.com/id/194886

    Like


  196. on Wed Nov 4th 2009 at 23:23:22 Leslie

    HEY ABAGAOND,,

    THANKS FOR FINALLY SHINING SOME LIGHT ON “PUSHED ASIDE” SUBJECTS.

    -WOULD YOU MIND WRITING ABOUT YOUR VIEWS ON MALCOLM X?
    -COULD YOU ALSO TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT BLACKMENVENT.COM AND THE BW+BM RELATIONSHIP AS A WHOLE?

    THANK YOU FOR EVEN TAKING THE TIME OUT TO READ THIS, I REALLY DO I APPRECIATE IT AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

    Like


  198. on Thu Nov 12th 2009 at 22:15:42 D&nni

    Hey abagond,
    There aren’t many posts about BW-BM relationships. So could you minutely analyse:
    – the decreasing reason of endogamous relationships (between blacks)
    – why the great majority of black men are not faithful (comparing to other races) and yet they feel proud of it.
    And many other factors that contribute to progress BW-BM relationships

    Like


  199. on Thu Nov 12th 2009 at 22:25:21 D&nni

    I missed this—-> ?
    at the end

    Like


  200. on Thu Nov 19th 2009 at 13:50:23 Mayhue

    I think you should do a post on Elizabeth Lambert (and how Blacks are treated differently in sports compared to White women specifically), a White soccer player that was suspended for being violent on the field and contrast that with Serena Williams who was lambasted and villified as going apesh*t, becuase that is what Black people do.

    Notice how much scrutiny and attention Serena got compared to Elizabeth Lambert, even though she was suspended from the team. Lambert even admitted that a lot of men came out of the woodwork to congratulate her and even asked her out. Notice how many men crucified Serena as unfeminine, becuase that is how Black women usually act.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/06/elizabeth-lambert-new-mex_n_349234.html

    Like


  201. on Thu Nov 19th 2009 at 16:43:46 abagond

    Mayhue:

    Hmm. I will have to look into it.

    On the face of it, it does not seem like a clear example of a racist double standard: Serena is a much bigger public figure. Her behaviour will be held to a higher standard and her misdeeds will be more newsworthy.

    Like if President Obama was caught smoking crack with an old girlfriend, that would be seen as a hundred times worse than what Marion Berry did as mayor.

    More promising might be to find examples in the press where Serena’s behaviour was racialized, as standing for all black people, where Lambert’s failings were seen as merely personal, not as a case of “you know how bitchy white women can be”.

    Like


  202. on Mon Nov 23rd 2009 at 13:27:40 Aiyo

    Abagond can you do a post on the whole phrase “Get over it” you know like “Black people need to forget about slavery it’s all in the past” etc. forgetting that what happend during slavery and colonial times has was ingrained so deep that it effects many people today.

    I was thinking about doing it myself but I’m having trouble with writing it.

    I have had that phrase said to me by white people and very few black people even though I was not complaining but just sharing my experience it was seen as complaints. To the white people who have said this I have told them to get over London’s 7/7 bus and train bombing because the past is past.

    Like


  203. on Mon Nov 23rd 2009 at 14:52:57 abagond

    Good suggestion. Thanks. I will do it sometime this week.

    Like


  204. on Wed Nov 25th 2009 at 05:27:31 white guy

    whats your opinion on how race relations in the US could or should be improved? Do you think they should be[and can be at all], and if so, how would you think we, as a nation could go about doing it?

    Like


  205. on Thu Nov 26th 2009 at 23:57:30 Vindicator

    How about doing a blog on Famous black monarchs! Not Presidents

    Like


  206. on Fri Nov 27th 2009 at 20:24:54 Sweet

    Could you do one on black abortion?

    Like


  207. on Sat Nov 28th 2009 at 03:16:03 abagond

    I put all the latest suggestions into a poll. I will post on at least the top three vote-getters. Vote now:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/suggest-o-meter-ii/

    If you want to make a suggestion for the next poll in a few weeks, add a comment here.

    Like


  208. on Sat Nov 28th 2009 at 16:08:56 LaSmartOne

    I have to second the shopping while black suggestion. Esp. how the general white retail experience differs from the black retail experience.

    Like


  209. on Mon Nov 30th 2009 at 05:15:31 Mayhue

    Abagond, that is a fair comparison (although I don’t quite agree) between Serena and Lambert.

    I don’t know if you have done a post on Native/Black relations but there is an exhibit out at the National American Indian Muesum titled IndiVisible:

    http://www.nmai.si.edu/exhibitions/indivisible/introduction.html, that talks about Cherokee/Black relations, although it barely touches on their slaveholding past.

    Early in the 1800s, some Cherokees acquired slaves, and in the 1830s, enslaved African Americans accompanied the Cherokees when the federal government forced them to move to Indian Territory (Oklahoma), where the tribe struggled to rebuild its culture and institutions. By 1861, there were 4,000 black slaves living among the Cherokees.

    After the Civil War, the tribe signed a treaty that granted former slaves, or freedmen, “all the rights of Native Cherokees.” But in 2007, Cherokees amended their tribal constitution, making “Indian blood” a requirement for citizenship. As a result, some 2,800 descendants of Cherokee freedmen were excluded from membership.

    http://www.theroot.com/views/maybe-your-great-grandmother-really-was-cherokee

    Like


  210. on Wed Dec 2nd 2009 at 09:05:00 leigh204

    @vindicator:

    You’re too much! lol! Thanks for including me with these lovely ladies. 🙂

    Like


  211. on Thu Dec 3rd 2009 at 03:22:18 islandgirl

    Vindicator,

    Thanks for the inclusion! I would add Lynette to that as well.

    “I mean I wouldn’t any of them out of my bed.”

    It wouldn’t be Vindicator without that type of comment!lol You’re a trip!

    Like


  212. on Thu Dec 3rd 2009 at 07:23:33 Vindicator

    @islandgirl

    I forgot to add Lynette. Thanks for that.
    I only complimenting ladies who show their pics of themselves as their avatar!

    Like


  213. on Fri Dec 4th 2009 at 00:42:37 Vindicator

    I would’ve added Black&German to the list but I don’t know what she looks like! LOL!

    Like


  214. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 01:24:15 LaSmartOne

    I understand that you’re conservative. I’d be very interested to learn your thoughts on the state of black business (and perhaps even the racial wealth gap). Even your opinion on Claude Anderson and his concept of Powernomics and the fact that black people do not have enough of their own businesses and spend most of their money on other racial groups.

    Like


  215. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 02:24:41 Jasmin

    I’m late, but thanks for the compliment, Vindicator. I agree the “bed” comment was so you. 🙂

    Like


  216. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 04:59:18 mynameismyname

    Abagond,

    I know that I’m not allowed to post in the “Halle Berry …not most beautiful” thread but I do want to contribute some commentary to what the conversation has transpired into: yet another debate on colorism and how it affects American black women.

    If you wouldn’t mind, is there a way I can allowed back in the thread. “Soul” seems to have gone and I have no intentions of losing my cool with anyone. No matter how inane they come across as.

    Islandgirl is right on target. The same prejudice that can hurt “darker” black women also affects their lighter counterparts equally.

    Black women, as a whole, are not victims who are hard pressed to be told that they are beautiful. That view is actually quite patronizing, no?

    Also, Kanye and Ne-Yo never made derogatory remarks about black women. But like Islandgirl pointed out, both them and their comments are irrevelant to us in the real world as we do not live on a video set.
    (BTW, do most people even know who Yung Berg is? Why would any intelligent adult use some C-list rapper to give credibility to an arguement? LOL)

    Jasmine is also absolutely correct. You hear black folks complain about “colorism” but it seems that they are the ones who perpetuate it the most against themselves. Hopefully, a future blog on creating solutions to this eternal issue will be posed soon. Lord knows that many of us (of all races) need it!

    Like


  217. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 07:49:45 abagond

    I lifted the moratorium (fingers crossed). Both you and Soul can comment on the Halle Berry thread again.

    Like


  218. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 08:19:46 mynameismyname

    OK, thanks.

    I really think that the “solutions to colorism” post by me, you and Lynette should really be done. Discussions like the one in the “Berry…not most beautiful” post go on all the time on the internet yet they never seem to get anywhere.

    Like


  219. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 14:20:16 LaSmartOne

    I don’t mean to be glib, but here’s a solution to colorism. Economically empower black people to own businesses and real estate so that black folk won’t have to turn to white standards as a sign of who can better assimilate and appease white society. When we stand in our own power, we can begin to make the rules.

    Like


  220. on Sun Dec 6th 2009 at 21:14:34 Jasmin

    I like the idea of a “solutions to colorism” post. My personal opinion is that it starts in the home. No matter what the media says, an individual gets his/her strongest and most informative lessons from parents and other family members. I know that my family runs the gamut, from my youngest sisters who are light-skinned to the sister right under me who is pretty dark-skinned (I’m in the middle). Most people say all of us are gorgeous (;-)), and our differing skin tones have never been commented on as one being “better” than the other. I hope people start to realize how harmful the comments they make about skin color can be to their children’s psyche.

    Like


  221. on Sun Dec 13th 2009 at 09:24:32 Vindicator

    You should write a blog on racist trolls!

    Like


  222. on Sun Dec 13th 2009 at 16:33:27 Herneith

    Can you do ones on the new Windows 7 OS, and the Office 2010 beta?

    Like


  223. on Sun Dec 13th 2009 at 16:35:05 Herneith

    Oh, and I forgot, alternatives to expensive software such as Adobe PDF or Microsoft Office. there are many other alternatives to other programs like open source for example.

    Like


  224. on Sun Dec 13th 2009 at 22:48:25 jeri

    could you do an article on hip hop and the mistrust it has caused between african american men and women. Also how it may have set black people back 50 years. thanks.

    Like


  225. on Mon Dec 14th 2009 at 01:07:42 MerriMay

    @comment 208

    Why do you call black owmen involved with white men ‘sellouts’?.
    Your commentary bears an striking similarity to the mysterious ‘Ms Kitty’ on that very blog you mentioned. Interesting, lol.

    Like


  226. on Tue Dec 15th 2009 at 19:49:49 islandgirl

    I would like to see a blog about the most gorgeous men. I know men don’t want to acknowledge another man’s beauty, but most men aren’t blind and can see their beauty. It sometimes gets boring just talking about women.

    Plus, there are so many gorgeous men walking the planet.

    Like


  227. on Fri Dec 18th 2009 at 20:30:07 confused

    i have a question for you abagond. why is it that some people think white men who think black women are attractive are seen sometimes as weirdos who think less of BW,or who only see them as objests,etc? Isnt it possible that he just favors different traits than blonde hair\light skin? it seems theres a catch 22 with some peoples opinion, saying white guys think BW are ugly, but when one DOES like them, then theyre a racist freak whos living out some sort of “slave\master” kink. its all very insulting to me as a white male,but mostly confusing. Thank you.

    Like


  228. on Fri Dec 18th 2009 at 20:52:52 abagond

    It is not a catch 22 nor is it confusing.

    White men get a bad name because of the few who are attracted to black women most of them just use them for sex. Not to say that there are not some white men who want a serious relationship, but they seem to be the exception.

    One white blogger says this comes from how white men ask women out:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/why-so-few-white-men-marry-black-women-part-iii/

    I do not have any studies or surveys to back it up, but it seems to go something like this:

    70% of white men are not attracted to black women
    20% are attracted but too chicken to ask one out
    9% ask them out but want just one thing
    1% are serious

    Black women should be able to supply better numbers than mine.

    Like


  229. on Fri Dec 18th 2009 at 21:20:00 confused

    “20% are attracted but too chicken to ask one out”
    “1% are serious” ok, so who says these two groups cant be the same. it could also be true in reverse, that 70% of blck women dont find WM attractive,etcetc. Well, i think its a case of “why not just go with whats comfortable?” this is what i her often hen discussing these kind of things with people. i know that the 1st black woman i dated thought i was a “scuzz ball”, as you put it in your article, but later, we would always talk of these issues together, and learned that the main problem is that people have a tendancy to stick within the context of what theyre used to, whether it be race,neiborhood,music,etc. And if you put those 3 things together, it can make a white person whos into rock from the sububs and a black person from the city who likes hip hop that much more distant, unfortuately. i think the percentages you came up with represent whats on the surface, whats believed to be reality. at least i hope the 70% isnt right, cuz i cant see why….but thats me, anywho, thankya.

    Like


  230. on Fri Dec 18th 2009 at 21:50:07 laromana

    abagond says,
    It is not a catch 22 nor is it confusing.

    White men get a bad name because of the few who are attracted to black women most of them just use them for sex. Not to say that there are not some white men who want a serious relationship, but they seem to be the exception.

    One white blogger says this comes from how white men ask women out:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/why-so-few-white-men-marry-black-women-part-iii/

    I do not have any studies or surveys to back it up, but it seems to go something like this:

    70% of white men are not attracted to black women
    20% are attracted but too chicken to ask one out
    9% ask them out but want just one thing
    1% are serious

    Black women should be able to supply better numbers than mine.

    laromana says,
    abagond,
    Thanks for providing these helpful stats that help to clarify why BW/WM IRR’s are more challenging than NON-BW/WM IRR’s.

    confused,
    As an Afrolatina American woman I can tell you that all my life I’ve known MANY BW (Afrolatina BW, African BW, Carribean BW, African American BW) who were attracted to or even preferred WM but kept being rejected by American WM who were AFRAID to be in a relationship with them or only wanted to USE a BW but not SERIOUSLY DATE/MARRY them. For those WM who GENUINELY like BW and were COURAGEOUS enough to SERIOUSLY DATE/MARRY them (regardless of what ANYONE might think) they had NO PROBLEM finding EXCELLENT BW who were also interested in SERIOUSLY DATING/MARRYING WM.

    TODAY, I see MORE American (most younger) WM who CHOOSE to approach BW in the SAME WAY they would a NON-BW and these American WM are SERIOUSLY DATING and MARRYING BW.

    Like


  231. on Fri Dec 18th 2009 at 23:39:11 Nita

    abagond Says:

    “What would the name of the post be?”

    I just discovered your post on Good Hair but I don’t think it covers the topic I’m concerned with. Maybe it was covered and I missed it. Anyhow, I apologise if it has been discussed already.

    I guess some ideas could be:

    Why long hair is important to Black women,
    Why long hair is important to men,
    Black women and Hair,
    Black women with Long Hair,
    Why most men like long hair?,
    Why women try to obtain long hair?,
    Why Black women think they can’t grow long hair?,
    Black women can grow long hair!,
    Black women don’t need to be mixed to have long hair,
    It’s not the Indian in your family it’s the haircare,
    It’s the haircare not the Indian in your family,
    Is short hair a disadvantage for Black women?,
    Do men prefer women with long hair?,

    I think the hair issue is almost as big as the light skin, dark skin issue.

    Like


  232. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 03:48:07 NigerianStar

    Black women can grow long hair!

    This sounds like a good post
    because whites, brainwashed blacks, and blacks who don’t know how to take care of their hair, always think that black women can’t have natural hair.

    Like


  233. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 03:56:15 Jasmin

    I agree the hair post is a good idea–I think I am going to write a post soon about Black women as slaves to the beauty shop, which I think contributes to the hair stereotypes and the extent of damage in some women’s hair.

    Like


  234. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 04:30:34 islandgirl

    That would be a great post Jasmin! IMO, relaxers are evil.lol They are so damaging to your hair and health. And black women are made to believe that they have no other options but to spend $50 every week or two.

    Like


  235. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 07:14:21 Jasmin

    Island girl, not to toot my own horn, but I wrote a post about it here: http://jasminllenadegracia.blogspot.com/2009/12/slaves-to-salon.html

    Relaxer or no relaxer, it’s unfortunate that some Black women feel like their hair can only be “done” by someone else.

    Like


  236. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 08:17:00 abagond

    “Long hair” sounds like a good post.

    Like


  237. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 14:41:52 Aiyo

    The hair thing sound like a good post I did a few posts on the politics of afro-textured hair.

    Oh and the salon thing I have never been to a salon to get hair “done” ever my mum always did it

    Like


  238. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 16:57:00 Herneith

    Why not do a post topic on reading devices? They are coming fast and furious! New ones pop up regularly!

    Like


  239. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 18:57:58 abagond

    I did one on e-books way back in the mists of the pre-Kindle age:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2006/04/21/e-book/

    I will do one on the Kindle. Good suggestion. Thanks.

    Like


  240. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 19:48:22 Nita

    Abagond what will “long hair” be about?

    Like


  241. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 19:49:45 Nita

    Or how will you approach the topic?

    Like


  242. on Sat Dec 19th 2009 at 21:36:04 Herneith

    There is also Sony, I-Rex, Foxit, Cybook etc, etc. Sony is also coming out with a new model that you can download newspapers and magazines from. The market is about to take-off as the technology improves!

    Like


  243. on Mon Dec 21st 2009 at 22:57:55 Aiyo

    Hi, I was looking back at some of your old post and noticed that people left their numbers on the comment sections and assume that you are the person you are writing about.

    I find that quite amusing so maybe you could do a post on that

    Like


  244. on Tue Dec 22nd 2009 at 08:02:36 Anonymous

    Please do a post on black police officers and how they deal with racism from white cops.

    Here we clearly see a mob of Whites engaging in unruly, disorderly conduct. After the officer explained that he is a police officer, and had his gun un-holstered in display, he was hit with another snowball. The crowd clearly was engaging in mob-like activities… They were verbally abusive, and highly confrontational to the officer…

    When the police back up came, they did nothing to assist in dispersing the crowd, they did not confront any of the members of the unruly crowd who were yelling and verbally assaulting the officer…

    In fact, the police officers came and starting showing the crowd how to log a complaint against the plain-cloths wearing detective…

    They even suggest that they get his name and badge number information, what’s worse is that all while this is going on, the officer is being verbally assaulted, so much so, that he has to run into the crowd and attempt to make an arrest…

    None of the back up officers assist him at all…

    Like


  245. on Tue Dec 22nd 2009 at 08:04:34 Anonymous

    Bottom line, there appears to be two forms of law enforcement going on in America, both forms favor Whites…where as Black police officers don’t appear to have the same authority to engage Whites as White officers appear to have unlimited latitude to engage Blacks…

    This ‘snowball fight matter’ is under investigation, BECAUSE THE BLACK COP PULLED HIS GUN, not because the crowd was not dispersed, not because one of them hit the officer in the face with a snowball after the officer said he was an officer…none of that…it’s under investigation because the Black officer pulled his gun…

    Disturbing…

    Meanwhile, White officers are killing unarmed Blacks like it is going out of style in America, but this officer is under investigation for showing his gun briefly to a White crowd… and the crowd gets to curse him, and hit him with snowballs for showing his gun briefly…

    Like


  246. on Tue Dec 22nd 2009 at 08:15:09 Anonymous

    This DC snowball incident is silly, because noone in their right mind throws anything at a cop.

    Cops are not playtoys, so i don’t know why these white kids thought it was ok to throw snowballs at the cop after he repeatedly told them to stop.

    I know If I harassed a cop I would be under the jail.

    Like


  247. on Wed Dec 23rd 2009 at 18:51:18 Mira

    If we can make suggestions, here are mine.

    First thing is what I call “default human” problem. I’m not sure if that’s the right name for it, so maybe you already blogged about it. It’s about the belief member of one group (usually, white male) is a default human being. It can often be seen in movies, for example, but it is, of course, more serious than that. It’s the belief that creates such things as “spaceship crew” members in films (6 people, one woman and one black guy) sort of things. Like I said, portrayal in movies is just a start. Hope you understand what I mean by “default human”. Why is white male considered “default”?

    The other thing is “good hair”. I know you blogged about it, but I still don’t understand what it means. Perhaps there’s another blog that explains this issue?

    Like


  248. on Wed Dec 23rd 2009 at 21:42:28 abagond

    The default thing is good. I know just what you mean. I have not blogged on that yet. Thanks.

    There is only that one post on good hair, though I plan to do one soon on long hair and, in time, one on the political history of the Afro.

    Like


  249. on Wed Dec 23rd 2009 at 23:33:29 Nita

    A post on natural hair would be great. There is so much you can do with natural hair in terms of a topic. Especially when you compare it to straight hair. As someone who use to permanently straighten my hair with a chemical relaxer, I feel more freedom than I had when I was trying to maintain high maintenance hair. I feel authentic as a human being.

    One of my biggest concerns as a relaxed person was how would I take care of my hair when I traveled around the world. Who would I get to care for it? Surely Europe and China would not have a stylist that relaxes hair. This is what I though years ago. Once I decided to accept my hair for what it is I don’t worry about who’s going to care for it because I do it myself and it actually looks better than a salon stylist could ever do.

    I’m actually much more uninhibited as a woman. I don’t fear rain or physical activity that will revert my hair back to it’s curly texture. I’ve never worn fake hair so I love my hair touched but not by strangers. My hair is long and healthy and when I wear it down I attract more attention with long hair than I did when my hair was shoulder length. I feel feminine and pretty.

    Long hair and the feminine aspect of having long hair could be a great topic and a question to ask me could be do you find women or Black women more or less feminine with or without long hair. I know for a fact that most men prefer a woman with long hair and the others are just indifferent as long as the woman looks, acts or dresses feminine. Except there was one suitor who wanted me to cut my hair short. The nerve!

    I get more looks, flirts, dates, and flirty comments from men when my hair is down and flowing. It doesn’t have to be straight to be flowy. Just down and long. I also get treated better by people of all races and genders. Usually if I step onto a crowded bus wearing a feminine outfit and wearing my hair down men will give their seats up. Men are more courteous and chivalrous. Could it be that men are less chivalrous because women are more masculine in their appearance and demeanor? Another topic which isn’t race specific.

    Like


  250. on Thu Dec 24th 2009 at 00:18:07 Mira

    @ Nita

    I’d love to read about natural hair, I want to know what it means. And what it means as the opposite of “relaxed hair”.

    Why do black people (I am assuming we’re talking about black people) hate when someone touches their hair? (Apart from the general invasion of privacy; I don’t think anyone loves when strangers touch them, their hair especially- I know I dislike it).

    I believe men tend to like feminine women. Even women accept feminine women better.

    Like


  251. on Thu Dec 24th 2009 at 00:32:00 Aiyo

    @Mira

    The whole hair touching thing is is just that a invasion of privacy not what Chris Rock put out in the stupid “Good Hair” Movie I suggest everyone look up the movie “My Nappy Roots”

    Because a lot black women whether their hair has been relaxed or natural have been subjected to unwanted touching from people

    http://www.losangelista.com/2009/09/no-you-cant-touch-my-hair.html

    There are many sites about the “politcal” aspects of afro-textured hair. Just the book “Hairstory”

    Like


  252. on Thu Dec 24th 2009 at 01:25:34 dani

    Can we have an article on how mixed race individuals differ in experiences of their physical appearance and phenotypes. (For example is there a difference in a mixed race person who looks more White in a appearance than someone who does not?)

    Like


  253. on Thu Dec 24th 2009 at 07:24:16 Nita

    Mira I can’t really speak for Black people, I can only speak for myself and I like my hair touched in fact I like having my hair caressed or stroked like a kitten. And I’m not the only Black person that feels this way. We can’t go around assuming that all Black people feel one way. If a few loud mouths start screaming how they hate their hair being touched then they ONLY speak for themselves even when they try to speak for all Black people.

    Natural hair is virgin hair that has not been permamently altered by a chemical relaxer. A chemical relaxer is a white cream that is left on the hair long enough for it to just loosen the curl or straighten it flat. It’s a very strong chemical that burns the scalp/skin if left on too long. It can be a painful process if the pores on your scalp are open or you have scratched your scalp around the time of getting a relaxer.
    —————————————————————-
    Mira
    @ Nita

    I’d love to read about natural hair, I want to know what it means. And what it means as the opposite of “relaxed hair”.

    Why do black people (I am assuming we’re talking about black people) hate when someone touches their hair? (Apart from the general invasion of privacy; I don’t think anyone loves when strangers touch them, their hair especially- I know I dislike it).

    I believe men tend to like feminine women. Even women accept feminine women better.

    Like


  254. on Thu Dec 24th 2009 at 07:49:35 Borlanina

    Black people don’t want anyone touching their hair because no stranger has the right to come up to you and just touch you because they feel like it.

    I’m sure that’s why we have rapists and pedophiles, they think they can just touch anybody they want.

    Going up to somebody and petting them on the head is demeaning and belittling.
    Like someone is treating you like a dog patting you on the head, its ridiculous.

    Its creepy that whites think they have the right to just touch black people, its because they still see us as their property and look down on us.

    Like


  255. on Fri Dec 25th 2009 at 12:50:49 Mira

    @ Nita

    “Mira I can’t really speak for Black people, I can only speak for myself and I like my hair touched in fact I like having my hair caressed or stroked like a kitten. And I’m not the only Black person that feels this way. We can’t go around assuming that all Black people feel one way.”

    I wasn’t really asking you, I “just asked” because I’ve heard about that issue only a while ago and I am interested.

    Of course you can only speak for yourself (I wasn’t using you as a – what’s the word?- “native informant”); but like I said, I learned about the concept only a while ago and it seemed to me there’s more about it than the mere hairstyle issue. I am not interested in fashion, hairstyles etc., but I am interested if it has deeper meaning, such as identity. Of course nobody likes to be touched by a random stranger. I just thought there was more to this problem and I guess I was right.

    Like


  256. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 19:48:25 Zethus101

    Abagond, another idea for a post. We have consistently been taught that Columbus discovered the New World but there is another debate/controversy less mentionned. There is a possibility that Africans discovered the New World before him, an idea many refuse!

    Check out these links:

    Some argue the Olmecs had African origins.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olmec
    (you can skip to the part entitled “colossal heads” under “Art”)

    A Polish professor even discovered African skulls in Tlatilco, Cerro de las Mesas and Monte Alban:

    Click to access beforeColumbus.pdf

    Even Columbus’s log supports this as this site explains better than I can, as well as exposing more sources of proof:
    http://www.rense.com/general43/before.htm

    However a good argument against this is apparently, there was a Spanish ban against Africans travelling to the New World until 1501. This goes against some who believe that Columbus’s navigator (Pedro Alonso Nino) was African. There’s so much to add but I think you should cover this with a post.

    Like


  257. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 20:06:38 Thaddeus Blanchette

    The man shot himself in the head, i’m glad.

    And you believe in karma, EE? Interesting way of showing it. :/

    Some argue the Olmecs had African origins.

    The problem with this Zethus is the racist belief that “African” features can only occur in Africa.

    That’s simply not true.

    Like


  258. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 20:34:33 Zethus101

    Abagond, are you familiar with Deadria Farmer-paellmann? If not, it would be great to have a post on her. She is a researcher/activist/lawyer who recently (in 2000) exposed American corporate ties to slavery. Apparently, she has brought to light 60 corporations. Here are the links:

    http://www.sptimes.com/2002/04/14/news_pf/Columns/Putting_a_price_on_co.shtml

    http://www.usatoday.com/money/general/2002/02/21/slave-activist.htm

    http://academic.udayton.edu/race/02rights/repara30.htm
    (her personal testimony)

    This just shows how deeply rooted America is in racism, for those that do not believe and for those that argue that racism is all in our minds. There is also a whole controversy that she ties into which is recompensation for descendants of slaves:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reparations_for_slavery

    Like


  259. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 20:50:03 Zethus101

    Thaddeus, you said:

    The problem with this Zethus is the racist belief that “African” features can only occur in Africa.

    Yes, this is a problem. But another case of proof to the contrary would be Inuits and Native Americans. The Inuits crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia into Alaska during the Ice Age. Native Americans either did this as well or crossed the Pacific depending on the theory. Bottom line though, they are considered to be Siberians who ressembled Asians like Chinese and Koreans. Scientifically, they both have then been lumped under “Mongoloid” because of these ressemblances to Asians (ex: Inuits are believed to more ressemble East Asians than Native Americans). So, Asian features cannot only occur in Asia alone just as African features cannot occur in Africa alone.

    Like


  260. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 21:21:07 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Of course! So the question is, are those “Africans” in Olmec land really African or just Olmecs who look African?

    Like


  261. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 21:23:33 Mira

    Occam’s razor says: “Olmecs who look African”!

    Like


  262. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 22:00:40 jeri

    I like the topic of how unmixed black women can have long hair also. I am a black woman that has long hair and I have had it most of my life. I don’t know if I am mixed (both of my parents are black) or not but I have met dark skinned women from Africa who have long hair also.

    Like


  263. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:03:42 leaveumthinking

    Please do a post on Keisha Knight Pulliam. We are the same age and she made it possible for me to see a black little girl who looked like me as positive, smart and beautiful.

    Like


  264. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:06:07 leaveumthinking

    What do Africans feel about slavery and what was their role in the slave trade?

    Like


  265. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:06:13 Zethus101

    Thaddeus, you said: So the question is, are those “Africans” in Olmec land really African or just Olmecs who look African?

    I don’t think we can know for sure, but I’ve done a bit more digging. It turns out some theorize the Olmecs hailed indeed from West Africa. There are some similarities.

    For example, language. Apparently, a Dr. Clyde Winters recently proved that the Olmecs spoke and wrote in Mende, a language traced to the Mandinkas and others in West Africa.

    Search it in google.

    Check this link out too:
    http://www.raceandhistory.com/historicalviews/04022002.htm

    Like


  266. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:15:59 leaveumthinking

    What about a post on these individuals
    India Arie
    Prince
    Vanity- one of the most beautiful women in the world to me
    Stacey Dash
    Lark Voorhies
    Michael Jackson- This was a wonderful man so please focus on the positive and not the alleged charges

    Like


  267. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:21:27 islandgirl

    Those are some great suggestions. Vanity is very beautiful. So is Stacey Dash. Michael was a wonderful man with a great heart.

    Like


  268. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:32:32 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Zethus, I did a paper on “Africans in the New World before Columbus” way back in undergrad, so I’m pretty familiar with all the arguments, pro and con.

    Unfortunately, most of the data is really inconclusive or circumstantial and as far as I can see, Dr. Winters is a specialist in education who’s a 25 year vet of the Chicago public education system. Now, I’m sure Dr. Winters is a smart and educated man, but I haven’t found any information that he has a background in linguistics, archeology, forenci anthropology or anything else that would allow him to make the claims he makes.

    Now, I could be wrong. Maybe I’m slandering Dr. Winters and if I am, I would hope someone would point it out. But from where I’m sitting, he just doesn’t look very qualified to make the claims he does. Furthermore, I see very few peer-reviewed articles by Dr. Winters and none at all on the Olmecs.

    Looks to me like people are mistaking his hobby for his specialization.

    Like


  269. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:38:46 Zethus101

    Thaddeus, either way, it is a very interesting possibility. 🙂

    Like


  270. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:56:37 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Sure it is!

    My undergrad project was to develop a “primer” on some African American related topic, so I went out there and sucked up everything I could find on this possibility.

    My personal belief, having read it all, is that some Africans almost certainly did make it over to the Americas before Columbus, but not enough to form a distinct “ethnic group” anywhere. The Olmecs are almost certainly a case of genetic drift and not an African immigrant group, in spite of what certain romantics would like to believe.

    But manioc was in the New World before Columbus, for example. Sure, that African root could have drifted over on the tides. But the secret of making manioc edible to humans is a very complex thing. Of course, it could be that the Indians worked it out themselves: the world’s full of cases of parallel technological evolution. But it’s almost as likely that some Africans, lost at sea and recovered off the coast of South America, brought the root and the technology over.

    Like


  271. on Fri Jan 1st 2010 at 23:57:35 Thaddeus Blanchette

    We should probably take this conversation somewhere else, though, or Abagond’s going to nail us because it’s wildly off-topic.

    Like


  272. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 00:53:27 abagond

    leaveumthinking:

    Good suggestions. I did a post on Michael Jackson:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/michael-jackson/

    Like


  273. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 17:59:23 Billie Walker

    I’d really like to see a post on Assata Shakur and the Rhineland situation. Though I’ve already read Assata’s biography and know quite a bit about her through documentaries etc. I still think it would be good for others to read about her story.

    As for the Rhineland situation, that too needs to be highlighted. When I studied Hitler in school and the minorities he affected nothing was said about the Black German kids who got sterilized. When I asked why he didn’t mention it he couldn’t say anything as he knew next to nothing about it.

    Though not mentioned in many history books it still is a vital part of Hitler’s misfortunes. If I’m correct he killed somewhere up to 500,000-1,000,000 Black Germans [I may be incorrect on the numbers].

    I’d love to see a post on both of those topics. I don’t know if you’ve heard it but Common did a song about Assata Shakur in one of his old albums, maybe you could include it in your post. Here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrWxrFr7TL4

    Like


  274. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 19:30:09 Zethus101

    I think we should also have a post on Africans vs. African-Americans/blacks.

    Based on some experiences I’ve had, I’ve noticed some blacks have negative feelings about Africans and vice versa (ex: my father insists that blacks are hooligans and that he’d rather I marry an African like me).

    Even that Coming to America movie showed a few ideas blacks have of Africans (not all, however). For example, Darryl and Akeem’s land lord had these NEGATIVE notions of Africans. For ex: Darryl tells Akeem, “Wearing clothes must be a new experience for you,” among other things! Also, the land lord shows them the bathroom they’ll all share, explains it has an insect problem and says, “Well you boys from Africa are probably used to that.” Then not to mention the “ignorant” racism displayed by Lisa’s father telling her she can’t be with Akeem as he is a goat herder or even Patrice fetishizing (or maybe it was just me thinking this) Semi as an “exotic” African prince.

    Yet, I honestly believe that Africans and blacks are the same seeing as you can trace both their roots to Africa, so I just find it weird yet important to discuss. My own friend doesn’t believe me when I tell her about this divide as well as some other blacks I’ve talked to.

    Like


  275. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 19:41:53 Zethus101

    Here is a link for my last comment: http://www.library.yale.edu/~fboateng/akata.htm

    Like


  276. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 19:55:31 leaveumthinking

    Being a 100% black women with naturally long hair I would also like a post about pure black woman and how they can grow long hair too.

    Like


  277. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 20:34:14 jeri

    I second the topic on Africans and African Americans. I think that alot Africans and African Americans have misconceptions about each other. But what concerns me is that many Africans are under the impression that all African-Americans are ignorant about Africans. Maybe my exposure to Africans virtually my entire life makes me different, I’m not sure, but I have never had narrow minded perceptions of Africans. It concerns me that so many Africans have such a huge mistrust of African Americans. I know there are African Americans who are ignorant but not everyone.

    Like


  278. on Sat Jan 2nd 2010 at 21:02:48 Thaddeus Blanchette

    If I’m correct he killed somewhere up to 500,000-1,000,000 Black Germans [I may be incorrect on the numbers].

    Wildly incorrect. About 10-12 million people got axed in the concentration camps, depending on which source you use. 10% of them were definitely not black.

    But I’m with you on the Assata piece, Billy.

    Like


  279. on Sun Jan 3rd 2010 at 09:24:14 tulio

    I’d welcome a post on black traveling. Namely, how blacks have to approach travel which differs from whites. For example, a white may rave about Russia and how amazing Moscow is, but a black cannot just take off to Russia without doing some serious homework. It is an extremely racist country. The same can be said of many E. European nation that white travelers love to boast about visiting. Blacks travelers may also be received differently in Latin America than their white counterparts. Whites of course are oblivious to it and assume blacks will experience things no differently abroad than they do.

    American whites feel that they have to play down their American-ness when traveling, but often, blacks have to play UP their American-ness for good treatment as many countries frown upon African immigrantion(such as France and Italy) but may be welcoming of African-American tourists.

    China is known to be racist against blacks and Nigerian immigrants there aren’t treated very well. Yet whites are treated respectfully. Japan is difficult to pin down, I’ve heard good and bad.

    I’ve heard about anti-black racism in the Arab world. Not a place most people associate with racism. Though it doesn’t seem to be uniformly bad. I’ve read that Lebanon is quite racist, which is disappointing as I’ve always wanted to visit that amazing country.

    Also, some discussion of what countries are the most friendly to black visitors.

    Like


  280. on Sun Jan 3rd 2010 at 17:07:18 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Why, Tulio? Blacks take off to Brazil all the time without doing “serious homework”.

    Like


  281. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 05:21:23 leaveumthinking

    Can you do a post on why do some people believe that being gay is the same as being black?

    Like


  282. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 07:23:00 jeri

    tulio

    I agree with you. It is dangerous for African Americans to visit other countries. Many countries are very racist and blacks should be concerned when visiting them. After all, if blacks were to visit another country and something were to happen, this country wouldn’t fight to help us.

    Like


  283. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 08:18:14 abagond

    No way!

    Like


  284. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 08:21:31 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Why not, Abagond?

    Catholicism and African religions have a looooooong history of working more-or-less harminously together in Brazil. 😀

    Like


  285. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 08:24:31 Thaddeus Blanchette

    Hell, ask the pope for an indulgence… 😉

    Like


  286. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 08:49:00 tulio

    Well do what you gotta do, I’m just saying, it is an EXTREMELY dangerous country for blacks to be in as you will find if you simply google russia+racists+attacks. You sound a bit over-confident. Dealing with American whites who try to hide their racism is a hell of a lot different than Russian whites who are openly violent with their racism and walk around in gangs stabbing anybody that looks different. Watch the videos I posted, blacks that live in Russia are basically confined to their apartments and can’t even walk the streets for fear of their lives. I can’t imagine why any black person would want to go there, even if given a 1st class free ticket and hotel.

    Like


  287. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 09:23:42 tulio

    Topic suggestion:

    Cheik Diarra, a prolific Malian that has contributed to space exploration as well as Microsoft.

    http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/education/cheick-diarra.html

    Like


  288. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 11:24:48 Mira

    Deep inside, white people know black women are beautiful. They wonder if black women are interested in them.

    Like


  289. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 15:04:37 abagond

    Yes, it will.

    Like


  290. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 15:05:19 jeri

    Sorry, in my comment I meant to say blacks marry each other at rates of 90% or over. There are more black men that are married but only by a small number.

    Like


  291. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 16:48:39 Natasha W

    I second the topic on Africans and African Americans. I think that alot Africans and African Americans have misconceptions about each other. But what concerns me is that many Africans are under the impression that all African-Americans are ignorant about Africans.

    That’s because many African-Americans are ignorant about Africans. Even on this blog with comments like “Africans come in two types.” But it’s not just them, and it’s not just Africa. Americans in general tend to be ignorant about other places and cultures. Some never bother to learn about other cultures unless they have to visit or live in another country or if they have friends who are not native Americans.

    Deep inside, white people know black women are beautiful. They wonder if black women are interested in them.

    I think this as well. Actually, some whites. Others don’t care much for black women. But some, like my bf, might be interested in black women but won’t approach because they assume black women are not interested in them.

    Like


  292. on Mon Jan 4th 2010 at 22:50:44 peanut

    i agree eruzulie
    they do seem fixated on bw and how much we supposedly etc…

    Like


  293. on Tue Jan 5th 2010 at 21:16:04 Martha

    If you like Sade, try Cassandra Wilson. Another amazing singer with great range.

    Like


  294. on Wed Jan 6th 2010 at 01:29:23 Aiyo

    There is a documentary called The Neo african americans which explores the term “African American” and looks at the African, Afro Carribbean and Afro Latino immigrants in USA.

    http://neoafricanamericans.wordpress.com/

    http://www.ireport.com/people/Kobi1

    Like


  295. on Wed Jan 6th 2010 at 13:50:24 jeri

    Natasha

    Yes there are African Americans who are ignorant about Africa but the problem that I hear alot Africans complain about is the questions African Americans ask like” How do you know how to speak english” or ” Do most Africans live in huts”I discussed this with an African recently and he said that if a person ask you a question it is because they don’t know. How are you going to be angry with African Americans for being ignorant and then continue to be angry when they ask you a question? And African Americans aren’t the only ones who are ignorant about foreign cultures. Alot of people are ignorant about foreign cultures. Why not be angry with other people as well? The only reason why I know so much about Africa is becaused I discussed Africa with Africans and they told me about their homelands. Thats it. So the main way African and African Americans can learn about each other is through communication. It’s not the media presents positive images of Africans. I suppose people can read books and go on the internet I know, but one on one communication is important and that won’t happen if people are suspicuous of each other. So people should just let go of their resentments and move forward.

    Like


  296. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 13:45:43 Aiyo

    @Jeri

    Being African myself Nigerian for that matter I do gert annoyed not angry when people share their ignorance about the continent. For example refering to Africa a monolithic entitiy or calling Africa a country.

    “Oh you’re African? Do you speak African? My friend is African do you know him?”

    And stuff like that come from different people White people, Asians, Afro Carribbeans.

    But if someone ask a question and they geniunely are intrested and are not mocking me then it’s cool. Because they want to learn. (Although it is not my job to educate them on all thing African, I don’t even know all there is to know about Nigeria LOL)

    Like


  297. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 14:04:50 abagond

    “My friend is African do you know him?”

    LOL: there are almost a billlion Africans!

    Like


  298. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 14:08:20 Mira

    I am glad you can laugh about it. I always get angry when I hear things like that.

    Like


  299. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 14:17:09 abagond

    Aiyo said:

    “But if someone ask a question and they geniunely are intrested and are not mocking me then it’s cool. Because they want to learn. (Although it is not my job to educate them on all thing African, I don’t even know all there is to know about Nigeria LOL)”

    I have a question and a genuine interest: I think in one of your comments you said you kissed your teeth (something I often do when reading comments). I thought that was just a West Indian thing. Do they do it Nigeria too or is it something you picked up in Britain? I want to know if it is something that goes back to West Africa.

    Like


  300. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 19:34:18 Aiyo

    People kiss their teeth in Nigeria, if I picked it up from anywhere it was most likely from my parents LOL. I think it goes back to Wet Africa becuase of my friends parents who are from Ghana, Sierra Leone etc do it too.

    But yeah almost all of my friends who are black of Carribbean or African descent do it.

    Like


  301. on Fri Jan 8th 2010 at 20:10:53 Herneith

    I have a question and a genuine interest: I think in one of your comments you said you kissed your teeth (something I often do when reading comments).

    I had a Barbadian man kiss his teeth too close to my ear, he nearly perforated my eardrum, LOL!

    Like


  302. on Sat Jan 9th 2010 at 05:16:02 tulio

    Topic suggestion:

    Same sex marriage and whether the comparison people make between same sex marriage and interracial marriage is legitimate.

    Like


  303. on Sun Jan 10th 2010 at 01:25:11 abagond

    That is a good point – mostly whites are not that interested in the lives of black people, so it is suspect. If they truly cared that much, America would be a very different country. On the other hand, they do like to point out all the failings of black people.

    Like


  304. on Sun Jan 10th 2010 at 01:33:05 abagond

    Tulio:

    That is an interesting idea for a post. I might do it. Thanks. Speaking for myself, I hate that argument and in general I hate it when gays compare themselves to blacks.

    Like


  305. on Tue Jan 12th 2010 at 14:18:46 Aiyo

    Could you do a post on how skin bleaching isn’t exaclty the same and tanning because of their history. I had a serious argument about that with a boy in my class.

    I mean seriously to any white commenters here could you tell me the last time you heard a tanned or dark shade white person say “I don’t want my children marrying any one lighter and whiter than them!” or “I only go for tanned men because pasty white men are this that and the other” ?????? Come on.

    Like


  306. on Tue Jan 12th 2010 at 15:36:32 Mira

    I actually hear some of it all the time, but it has nothing to do with race (or racism).

    Pasty white men and women are considered unattractive in my culture. Period. While it has nothing to do with race, and it’s obviously not the same as saying “I don’t want my kid to marry a black man”, you can often hear comments about someone being ugly because of his white, non-tanned skin.
    This is, I guess, a form of white colourism.

    Like


  307. on Tue Jan 12th 2010 at 23:28:50 I'm white

    “yellow-headed superior white woman”

    Copied directly from your post.

    If you are a democrat then you support Planned Parenthood.

    Are you a democrat? Yes or No?

    Like


  308. on Tue Jan 12th 2010 at 23:47:32 leigh204

    Do we have two sock puppets at play?

    Like


  309. on Thu Jan 14th 2010 at 23:06:32 Natasha W

    Jeri,

    Just seeing this now.

    Yes there are African Americans who are ignorant about Africa but the problem that I hear alot Africans complain about is the questions African Americans ask like” How do you know how to speak english” or ” Do most Africans live in huts” I discussed this with an African recently and he said that if a person ask you a question it is because they don’t know. How are you going to be angry with African Americans for being ignorant and then continue to be angry when they ask you a question?

    I don’t think they are angry at this as much as annoyed and insulted. I think Africans in general tend to have much pride in themselves and their culture so when someone asks a question like “Did you live in a hut?” they are going to be very offended.

    And African Americans aren’t the only ones who are ignorant about foreign cultures. Alot of people are ignorant about foreign cultures. Why not be angry with other people as well?

    Most Africans aren’t too keen on whites and other groups either, so it isn’t just black people. I think they feel a larger kinship with black Americans than any other group, actually, when it comes down to wire. They just dislike the stance that they view some black Americans to have: that of superiority. They feel that black Americans look down on them because they are from Africa.

    The only reason why I know so much about Africa is becaused I discussed Africa with Africans and they told me about their homelands. Thats it. So the main way African and African Americans can learn about each other is through communication. It’s not the media presents positive images of Africans. I suppose people can read books and go on the internet I know, but one on one communication is important and that won’t happen if people are suspicuous of each other. So people should just let go of their resentments and move forward.

    I agree and I think if you came up to most Africans with honest questions about their culture, they will gladly answer. It’s just when peope making assumptions about them that they dislike.

    Like


  310. on Thu Jan 14th 2010 at 23:07:44 Natasha W

    make*

    Like


  311. on Fri Jan 15th 2010 at 02:29:58 leigh204

    The gall of Pat Robertson blaming Haiti for what happened. I just saw some of the pictures of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and it’s heartbreaking to see such harrowing anguish and suffering. Fcuk Pat Robertson!

    Like


  312. on Sat Jan 16th 2010 at 18:50:37 Grena

    Abagond,

    I’m suggesting a post on what would it be hypothetically if
    the American dollar and British pound were devalued lower than (and other European currencies like the Euro) countries like India, Caribbean, Africa.

    I meet so many people who are only in these countries because the currency is worth more, not because the quality of life is necessarily better.

    How would they Americans/Europeans fare if they had a salary of say 30,000 but it only counted as a day’s pay in other countries…
    I was thinking about South Africa. The Rand was on par with the dollar, then when a Black government got elected, the Rand devalued astronomically as the world lost faith in having a Black government.
    It shows how impossible it is or how rules change when a Black person tries to get ahead. Some people prob saved money their whole life,only to have it worth pennies through no fault of their own..

    Like


  313. on Sun Jan 17th 2010 at 15:12:43 leigh204

    abagond,

    How about a post on KD Aubert? She’s gorgeous imho. Sometimes, she’s referred to as the Black Angelina Jolie. That’s not fair to her. I find her much better looking than Angelina.

    Like


  314. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 04:50:35 Leaveumthinking

    Abagond

    I was searching for beautiful dark skin black women. I clicked on this link. These are not dark skin black women. Only one of them is. Are you kidding me. I agree with Lola and Lisa. Dude get real.

    Someone made this comment on your Black Brazilian post.
    Maybe you can do a post on the ten most beautiful dark skinned black women.

    Like


  315. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 05:03:00 Leaveumthinking

    @ abagond

    The top paragraph are NOT my words I copied the comment from your most beautiful brazilian post. The only part I agree with is that darkskinned women are underrepresented in the media. And I too came to this website looking for a post on darkskinned women.

    Like


  316. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 05:39:52 abagond

    That has crossed my mind but the trouble is that it would quickly be followed by a hundred comments about this or that woman not being truly dark-skinned because everyone has their own idea of where to draw the line. Who is light, who is medium, who is dark? If I list only the Undeniably Dark, then fans of the Not Quite So Dark will feel slighted and ask why I did not include her. And so on. In addition, because the media tends to lighten black women, it is hard to tell who is just how dark. And so on. So I think the thing would be a mess.

    Like


  317. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 05:44:47 Mira

    The other problem I see is there aren’t many dark skinned female celebrities out there. (at least it’s true for America).

    Like


  318. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 05:58:38 Leaveumthinking

    Yeah you’re right.

    Like


  319. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 07:02:01 tulio

    No Leigh, Angelina Jolie is the white KD Aubert!

    Like


  320. on Mon Jan 18th 2010 at 17:42:52 lucia

    It would be cool if you could do somethin on Alexander pushkin and his great grandfather Abram Petrovich Gannibal.
    Alexander pushkin is the father of modern russian literature, and in my opinion one of the greatest poets of all time.
    His great grandfather Gannibel was an african prince or slave(forget which one now) from etriea who rose up to prominence in russian society, a feat in itself.
    both amazingly interesting historical figures.

    Another mixed race european historical figure is Alessandro de’ Medici, Duke of Florence. His mother was a black moor slave and his father was recorded as Lorenzo II de’ Medici (but I think many scholars now believe his biological daddy was Pope Clement VII, covered up for obvious reasons).
    he was about 19 when he become Duke and was 26 when he was assassinated by his cousin (after a power struggle within the family.
    his assassination was likened to that julius casear by courtiers at the time .
    Alessandro had three children, two of whom were rasied in the de medici family and married other Italian nobles.
    There are the ancestors of many of europeans aristocratic and noble houses.

    Black european historical figures are an interest of mine, It would be really cool if you cover some.
    I also have an interest in african royalty.. my grandma was a descendent of the royals of kingdom of gaza.
    But I can’t find much info on that except this
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_Empire
    and I Also remember my grandma talk about the last king of gaza, i was surprised pleasantly to find an article about him on wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gungunhana

    sorry for long comment, hope you find this content intersting.

    Like


  321. on Tue Jan 19th 2010 at 02:21:46 Mira

    What about post on Angela Bassett?

    And black buck stereotype?

    Like


  322. on Tue Jan 19th 2010 at 04:31:56 abagond

    Black buck is going up this week. Angela Bassett this week or next.

    Like


  323. on Tue Jan 19th 2010 at 23:35:41 abagond

    LOL. Thank you, Leavumthinking. Cool avatar.

    Like


  324. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 06:01:05 Leaveumthinking

    Thanks

    Afam nation is not black. I bet he’s a fat white pervert.

    Like


  325. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 11:53:16 abagond

    Why am I not shocked? That sounds like a good topic.

    Like


  326. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 13:28:32 Aiyo

    What I do not undestand is the whole 42% of successful african american women is such a big deal I mean if 42% that mean 58% that means it’s over half it might as well be 60%. If it isn’t 99.9% then there’s something wrong?

    I agree with the others that you should do a post on that because the 58

    Like


  327. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 13:42:11 Aiyo

    sorry the 58% are not single so why isi that something that people need to concern themselves with I have not watched the video because I cannot bring myself to hearing the same old foolishness

    Like


  328. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 19:11:44 lucia

    I guess no-one is interested in the historical figures I suggested.
    Thats ok- I’m used to this reaction.

    Like


  329. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 19:19:19 Mira

    lucia,

    I am more than interested in Pushkin and Alessandro de Medici (especially Medici; I am really interested in XVI century history). I didn’t know we were supposed to state here if we like someone’s suggestion or not.

    Like


  330. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 19:43:30 Shani

    Abagond,

    Why don’t you do a post on the blaxploitation films of the 70s starring Pam Grier, if you are familiar with them? I just watched Foxy Brown and Coffy and were definitely entertained. Do you think they were liberating or degrading? How would these types of movies fare today in the industry?

    Like


  331. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 20:01:21 abagond

    Great idea! That will give me an excuse to watch them: I am doing research!

    Like


  332. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 20:08:23 islandgirl

    I recently saw some blaxploitation films on the Retro Channel and didn’t think it was real. They seemed almost like comedies.

    It seemed like a really cool time though. Wish I could have experienced it.

    Like


  333. on Wed Jan 20th 2010 at 20:55:43 mynameismyname

    ^^^
    Yeah, they were pretty campy!

    Most blaxploitation flicks did some really good sountracks though. Classic ones, in fact. See Isaac Hayes’ Shaft, Willie Hutch’s The Mack, Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly, Roy Ayers’ Coffy, etc.

    I wonder if the future generation will watch at “Menace II Society”, “Boyz N The Hood” and the like and laugh at them in the same way we laugh at blaxploitation films now?

    Like


  335. on Thu Jan 21st 2010 at 00:09:12 La Reyna

    Abagond,

    Please do a post on Ida B. Wells and her crusade to end lynching and racial/sexual stereotypes. She challenged white male supremacy in American and the world at the end of the century. Thanks.

    La Reyna

    Like


  336. on Thu Jan 21st 2010 at 01:32:46 Herneith

    Excellent suggestion LaReyna!

    Like


  337. on Thu Jan 21st 2010 at 02:33:54 leigh204

    I must admit I’ve never heard of Ida B. Wells before. *hides head in shame* I wiki’d her and from what I’ve read about her accomplishments, she’s a dynamic and remarkable woman. I want to know more about her. A post on Ida B. Wells, if you please, abagond.

    Like


  338. on Thu Jan 21st 2010 at 10:07:51 abagond

    Ida B. Wells is an excellent suggestion – and it has already been seconded twice!

    Like


  339. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 01:39:54 peanut

    children of latino men and black women that’s my suggestion that and also black mandingo stereotype

    Like


  340. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 01:41:43 peanut

    that includes the black latinos, white latinos and mixed latinos, all of them and black women and children. I bet you could find some.

    Like


  341. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 17:23:59 Mira

    @I am white

    I’m white and I’m proud.

    Of what?

    You guys want to be treated as equals but you are not equal.

    All humans are born equal and have full right to live their life as equal, and to die as equal! Is that so hard to understand?

    Like


  343. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 17:28:37 Afam-Nation

    @Abagond

    Why not do a post on the stereotypes that are portrayed in gangsta rap music and videos?
    These stereotypes set us back farther than any white man’s stereotype.
    Gun toting, drug using, pimp slappin’, killer that’s gettin’ paid.
    Or you could do a post on why some Black men spend more on their rims than they do their own children. I’ve seen some of the cars with those Zab Judha spinners. They cost more than some people’s houses. Black men are obsessed with their cars and stereos more than white people.

    Like


  344. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 18:49:36 T Blan

    Proud of what?

    Like


  345. on Fri Jan 22nd 2010 at 19:17:42 MerriMay

    I’m white:
    ”You will never be as good as white people”

    If you’re going to remostrate with someone for being racist then surely you might want to begin by refraining from that yourself wouldn’t you? It just discredits your point, so you end up like all those racists out there. Nothing to contribute except hot putrid air!

    Like


  346. on Sat Jan 23rd 2010 at 01:05:22 leigh204

    @abagond:

    I know your blog is conscious-minded about race and whatnot, but how about a blog regarding advice for health, fashion, beauty, relationships, etc.? Sort of a fun piece. Just a suggestion. 😀

    Like


  347. on Sat Jan 23rd 2010 at 01:22:47 leigh204

    @I’m white:

    So what if you’re white. You want a cookie?

    Like


  348. on Sat Jan 23rd 2010 at 01:47:59 tulio

    ^^^

    Such “girlie” topics, Leigh, you trying to drive us guys away? heehee 😉

    Like


  349. on Sat Jan 23rd 2010 at 02:19:12 leigh204

    Moi? *bats eyelashes* 😉

    Like


  350. on Sun Jan 24th 2010 at 00:17:10 peanut

    abagond, you’re a black father. You should do a post on the black father project.

    Like


  351. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 17:37:52 I'm white

    No one cares about race except black people. Blacks make more a of a big deal about it than any other group of people. Just let it go already. Life is not perfect. That doesn’t give you a reason to hate.

    Like


  352. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 19:08:59 lucia

    As someone suggested earlier Rap videos and the black ghetto stereotype could be a good topic.
    I hate the stereotype that blacks always have to be ‘ghetto’ or ‘gangster’.
    None of my black friends,family or indeed myself are like that.
    I’ve had people before as soon as they find out I mixed race, attempting to conversate with me in ghetto slang. NO. I am a well educated classy young woman with no connection to the ghetto.
    My black african grandmother was the most bright, witty, well mannered and elegant woman.
    Its my angry to see the only images of black people in this west media as being Starving victims or dumb ghetto people.

    Does anyone else agree with me on the irritating nature of this?

    Like


  353. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 19:17:52 lucia

    It may be controversial for me to say but sadly I think the ghetto black stereotype is being heavily mantained by black youth.
    I have done some work with inner city teenagers(btw I am only 20 myself) and many of them revel in the ghetto lifestyle.
    A lot of them aren’t interested in going to university and get a degree or to live a good ambitious life because it is not ‘cool’, It won’t get them any ‘street respect’. with some people is almost like a love of ignorance.
    the sad thing is the doors are starting opening to those young people.. there are beginnings of chances avaliabe to them that their great grandparents and maybe even their parents could not dream of.
    They have some potential as ‘young gifted and black’ but they throw it away.

    the light is that working there I did see a few young black people who were ambitious, that was a great to see such determination and talent.

    Does anyone else agree with me here.

    P.s. Abagond I would really apperciate if no-one could call me a ‘sock puppet’ anymore. I am not a troll or a pretend of anyone else.
    I am just me sharing my view.
    thankyou kindly.

    Like


  354. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 19:19:04 lucia

    Meant to say

    “they have LOTs of potential”

    Like


  355. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 22:07:15 MerriMay

    Lucia,

    I agree wholeheartedly! Its rife in the UK, well in London at least. Most black teenagers I see in London, not only do they have the ‘street ghetto’ accent, but their dress code adheres to the American gangster lifestyle. They’re very loud as well, race aside it’s very easy to decipher their class backgrounds from the white kids. Very sad when even I don’t want to be in the same areas as these youths, I live as far from them as possible.
    Sad state of affairs when even the youths of my own race embarass me.
    I agree that these kids have some potential, but these kids live in a society that has almost given up on them, compound that with being fatherless, awful neighbourhoods and schools, they don’t stand a chance.
    I have met some brilliant kids, but these seem almost drowned out and almost outnumbered by the undesirables.

    Like


  356. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 22:47:51 lucia

    ^ Merrimay I live in the uk, and I did some work with kids in london 🙂

    Like


  357. on Mon Jan 25th 2010 at 23:52:42 J

    I live in London – and I disagree

    but then again its all about ‘perspectives’… for instance like who actually controls and runs the music industry and who are the ‘consumers’ by that I am referring specifically to the artists.

    I remember seeing a ridiculous stat about how many Black owned Hip Hop labels there are in the U.S??

    Like


  358. on Tue Jan 26th 2010 at 00:21:21 tulio

    I’d like to see a thoughtful post about the character complexity of Tupac Shakur. I thought he was a fascinating individual even though I still don’t like many of the things he represented.

    Like


  359. on Tue Jan 26th 2010 at 00:39:35 MerriMay

    😉 @ Lucia

    Like


  360. on Wed Jan 27th 2010 at 03:05:12 Kobok

    He was black???, maybe he had some black ancestors, but that does not mean, was he black.
    For example Puskins grandgrandfather was mulatto on Peter I. the Great court, and must it immediately mean he was black ???

    Like


  361. on Wed Jan 27th 2010 at 03:27:31 Kobok

    I know that in Russia its hard for African, and you can ask white people how THEY think for example in JAR.

    But doesnt mean that Pushkin was black, mathematically she was 1/8 black and it is too little.

    Sorry for my bad english.

    Like


  362. on Wed Jan 27th 2010 at 07:33:28 lucia

    I talked about Pushkin earlier he was an 1/8th black.
    His grandfather was Ibram Gannibal.
    I can provide more infomatio if anyone needs because I have a lot of professional research on them.

    I would personally consider pushkin white but with black ancestry(the same way I view my son who is also around an 1/8th black). One drop rule doesn’t really apply outside america.

    Like


  363. on Wed Jan 27th 2010 at 22:50:39 Afam-Nation

    How about a post on racial slurs and how they really don’t mean anything. The slurs are just words but we give them power and meaning. If we give the power then we can take it away. Like the n word. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just letters. Nothing at all. There is nothing you can call me that will change what I am.

    Like


  364. on Thu Jan 28th 2010 at 02:04:54 abagond

    In case I have not said it already, Afam-Nation is a sock puppet of I’m White.

    Like


  365. on Thu Jan 28th 2010 at 04:10:57 Thad

    Abagond, you’ve got Fannie Lou up. How about Howard Zinn, dead today at the age of 88?

    It’s been awhile since I’ve been this upset over the loss of someone I didn’t personally know. But then again, having read everything I could by Howard, I feel I knew him well.

    Like


  366. on Thu Jan 28th 2010 at 04:34:54 abagond

    Great suggestion. It will not be the next post, but probably the next one after that.

    Like


  367. on Thu Jan 28th 2010 at 06:22:43 Eurasian Sensation

    @ Abagond:
    When you mentioned the black buck stereotype, it reminded me of this song that I’m sure you’d be interested in. It’s by Donnie, called “Big Black Buck”. It’s about black people being gleeful consumers in a system that oppresses them.

    Like


  368. on Thu Jan 28th 2010 at 11:31:44 tulio

    Topic: The Gullahs of the SE coast.

    Like


  369. on Fri Jan 29th 2010 at 02:14:56 Leaveumthinking

    Abagond can you do a post on Morris Chestnut? He was robbed his place as one of the most gorgeous men in the world.

    Like


  370. on Fri Jan 29th 2010 at 07:23:27 abagond

    You were not the only one who felt robbed. I am going to have a poll of the most gorgeous black men. I am thinking of skipping the nomination process, however, since the last one produced plenty of black men. I will jump straight to the vote but separate it by race: black women, white women and Asian women.

    Like


  372. on Fri Jan 29th 2010 at 16:10:20 Mira

    You were not the only one who felt robbed. I am going to have a poll of the most gorgeous black men. I am thinking of skipping the nomination process, however, since the last one produced plenty of black men. I will jump straight to the vote but separate it by race: black women, white women and Asian women.

    This sounds like a good idea, but perhaps you should consider poll promotion? I don’t think many white or Asian women visit this website (it’s their loss, but you need more votes).

    Like


  373. on Fri Jan 29th 2010 at 18:55:15 lucia

    jasmina anema 6 year old leukemia sufferer died today

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1246941/Jasmina-Anema-Rihanna-President-Obama-pay-tribute-year-old-leukemia-victim.html
    R.I.P. little angel

    An article about the lack of black and mixed race bone marrow donors could be great.. If only to help raise awareness.

    Like


  374. on Mon Feb 1st 2010 at 14:02:33 trackstre

    could you do one on Madam CJ Walker? I watched ‘ Good hair’ recently and was surprised that she wasn’t mentioned.

    Like


  375. on Mon Feb 1st 2010 at 14:17:32 abagond

    Yes I will. I was thinking of that too.

    Like


  376. on Mon Feb 1st 2010 at 16:17:51 Aiyo

    yes Madam CJ Walker would be good, Chris Rock mockumentary was just not good he lacked in several areas he did not talk about the whole good hair bad hair thing just focused on weaves and relaxers no talk of natural hair or the history of how the whole “good hair” came to be. Only type of history that he mentioned was adverts from the 70’s and 80’s SMH

    “My nappy roots” which is what Chris Rock copied from is 100000X much better

    Like


  377. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 02:53:38 abagond

    Good ideas both. Thanks!

    Feb 15th – Marie Laveau
    Feb 16th – Mardi Gras

    Like


  378. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 05:23:21 Leaveumthinking

    Can you do a post on how some people hate to see two black people together in a relationship and happy? Also a post on why people bash black men so much like other men are so perfect?

    Like


  379. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 05:56:13 peanut

    ABAGOND CAN YOU DO A POST ON BLACK WOMEN BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED IN JAIL AND UNFAIR TREATMENT?

    Like


  380. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 06:01:48 peanut

    “Its open season on the kids down in Haiti, instead of calling out the fact that taking kids from their family without the right adoption paperwork is kidnapping, the white media is trying to make it sound like the whites that recently got caught bringing kids from Haiti to the usa are heroes.”

    i have to say that i think its wrong to move the children without proper paperwork. suppose they have extended family members looking for them, they’ll never have anyway of knowing what happened ot them. I support children having a comfortable and safe home with a family as long as the children are comfortable with that family, regardless of color. But it is a human rights violation to me to deprive them of proper documentation so their extended family can have a say or atleast an idea of their whereabouts. Its degrading to the children the family system in Haiti to automatically assume you’re doing them a favor, they should have a say in this too.

    Like


  381. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 06:06:43 peanut

    chris rocks documentary jsut poked fun at black women. a black woman should have made that film.

    Like


  382. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 06:19:35 peanut

    “White men’s obsession with the black male genitalia.

    I am sick and tired of hearing white men complain or wonder about the size of a black man’s penis.

    That’s a hot topic, because its real and it exposes the feelings of inferiority of many white men.”
    LMAO I SECOND THIS POST.

    Like


  383. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 07:46:58 Aiyo

    peanut
    chris rocks documentary jsut poked fun at black women. a black woman should have made that film.
    ————

    I know right a woman made “my nappy roots” though her name is regina kimbell

    Like


  384. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 12:52:29 D&nni

    @Leaveumthinking

    “Can you do a post on how some people hate to see two black people together in a relationship and happy? Also a post on why people bash black men so much like other men are so perfect?”

    It would be very interesting a post about BM/BW relationships. But it would be even more interesting focusing on the reason that makes many black man proud of cheating, because most of women (black or white) i know who had/have a black boyfriend were cheating ones.

    In my family i have lots of cousins, and there are about 2 in 10 that haven’t/won’t cheat.
    I asked several of them why do they cheat, the first reaction is laughing with arrogance, my conclusion of their reasons (after questioning most of them) is this “I’m the best! Because I can have as many girls as I want, whenever I want”. That is just insane how can someone be proud of hurting others?! Yet most of them are polite,educated and caring!

    I found the answer on this video (and it was really obvious, how could I forget that?! duh) :

    Like


  385. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 14:32:51 Mira

    Not sure if we should second suggestions, but a posts about trafficking poor black children and (not sure how to call it)- jealousy (anger?) towards happy black couples would be nice.

    Also, it would be great to make posts on black men that white / Asian women like. Perhaps poll on gorgeous black men (with voters split by race) would help. I really wonder if women of different races find different “types” of black men attractive.

    Like


  386. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 15:05:22 Leaveumthinking

    @ D&nni

    “It would be very interesting a post about BM/BW relationships. But it would be even more interesting focusing on the reason that makes many black man proud of cheating, because most of women (black or white) i know who had/have a black boyfriend were cheating ones.”

    It would be interesting to find out why men cheat in general. Not all men cheat and black men are not the only men that do cheat. Many (non black) women I know have had problems with (non black) men who cheat. A girlfriend of mine who is Thai said that even in Thailand it is common for a husband to have a mistress. If she is correct then the cheating men problem is world wide.

    I get where your coming from. Black men who cheat certainly should be addressed. Cheating is the number one thing I WILL NOT tolerate in any relationship. I would rather be alone than to share a man. To me if you cheat you lie you steal.
    Any man who is “proud” of cheating is a man of low morals. Trust me these “proud” cheating me will get caught. The truth always come to the light. When it does its up to those women to drop those losers like a bad habit.

    Like


  387. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 15:26:07 Mira

    I have to agree here. I don’t know about non-white men, but there are many white men I know that are cheaters. It’s really rare to find a man who wouldn’t cheat on you these days. I’ve been cheated in a relationship so I know what is like, and it has nothing to do with race! That’s why I always advice my female friends to pick a guy who is not a cheater. That is very important.

    I am not saying women don’t cheat- they do. They cheat more than you might think. But it has nothing to do with race. So “cheating black man” is another stereotype.

    Like


  388. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 18:51:11 peanut

    men who are celibate before marriage cheat less. I think its so admirable when a man can wait until marriage to have sex. that’s a big challenge in this society in these days. with all the sexual inuendos bombardment of sexual images everywhere you go. To me it says the guy has self control and discipline.

    Like


  389. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 19:01:25 islandgirl

    Agreed, peanut. Not all men are lustful creatures with no self control in regards to sex. A handful are very admirable with integrity.

    Like


  390. on Wed Feb 3rd 2010 at 19:09:55 Mira

    I might be harsh, but I don’t actually think abstinence helps, not always. At worst, that person might later ask – what did I miss- and start cheating. Things like this happened before.

    If someone chose abstinence before marriage, good for them, but it’s not for everybody. It’s better not to try that path if you can’t follow it. It can lead to many problems. And even if you do it- not in strength, but you force yourself into it, you might start questioning yourself later.

    I am not talking about anybody in particular, just stating my opinion. Or maybe it’s because my culture is different. It’s considered bad for a woman to be a slut, but premarital sex is norm here. But I don’t think this make people cheat more than in other cultures. So I am not sure.

    Don’t get me wrong- I know there are men (and women) who can control themselves, men who don’t cheat, loyal people, people who identify sex with love.

    PS-If nothing else, if women chose to wait before the marriage, so should men. There’s no difference in sexual needs and control between genders; it’s the culture and rules that made women look less sexual and more in control than men.

    Like


  391. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 05:25:28 peanut

    Abagond, can I make a request. You should consider doing a post on black women rapes in prison.

    http://www.salon.com/life/feature/1998/09/cov_01feature.html
    http://www.nybooks.com/articles/14256

    these women have no right whatsoever!

    Like


  392. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 05:28:04 Leaveumthinking

    @ Peanut

    I second that

    Like


  393. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 11:35:52 D&nni

    @ Leaveumthinking
    “It would be interesting to find out why men cheat in general. Not all men cheat and black men are not the only men that do cheat. Many (non black) women I know have had problems with (non black) men who cheat. A girlfriend of mine who is Thai said that even in Thailand it is common for a husband to have a mistress. If she is correct then the cheating men problem is world wide.”

    Guess I was not clear enough. :/

    I choose black men because they are the ones I’m familiar with, but I know there are cheaters in every single race, of course.
    But comparing to relationships i’ve seen with non-black boyfriends, it was not common and the only one I knew who cheated confessed it, he didn’t even got caught and his girlfriend wasn’t even suspecting…

    Bottom line is I just wanted to know what are the reasons of black men who are proud of cheating. I do not find myself easily atracted to non-black males that’s why I didn’t want to focus that much on other races…

    “Cheating is the number one thing I WILL NOT tolerate in any relationship.I would rather be alone than to share a man. To me if you cheat you lie you steal.
    Any man who is “proud” of cheating is a man of low morals. “

    Definitely!!! If he cheats on you it shows no respect and most of all no love, but why stay with someone knowing that you do not love her??? That’s what I don’t understand!

    Like


  394. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 11:38:06 D&nni

    I meant ” I choosed…”

    sorry about my english

    Like


  395. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 14:47:42 jeri

    This might be off topic, but I want to share a video with the women on this blog. It is a song by Erykah Badu. I love her and I love the message in this song. Hopefully, youtube will let us watch it.

    Like


  396. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:05:02 jeri

    Hear is a song by India Arie. Listen to the words.

    Like


  397. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:22:29 jeri

    This is a song by Jill Scott. Be encouraged.

    Like


  398. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:22:31 MerriMay

    Ah, the mighty India Arie 🙂 What a gem, I have this album, every single track should have been a hit.
    Amazing artist!

    Like


  399. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:24:30 jeri

    MerriMay

    Yeah, I love her!!

    Like


  400. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:35:05 jeri

    Another song by Jill Scott. Brothers, this song is for you. We need you!!

    Like


  401. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:38:46 jeri

    Let’s try this again.

    Like


  402. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:42:01 jeri

    Oh well, youtube won’t let us watch it. The song is called The Fact is( We need you). She is reaching out to the men, letting them know that despite that fact that a woman can be strong and independent, she still needs her man!!. I can relate.

    Like


  403. on Thu Feb 4th 2010 at 15:52:57 jeri

    Maybe this video will work.

    Like


  404. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 03:09:32 Leaveumthinking

    @ D&nni

    Bottom line is I just wanted to know what are the reasons of black men who are proud of cheating.

    Sorry for the misunderstanding. Yes, I too, would like to know why these men cheat and why are they proud of it? I’m very interested in the excuses these so call men will use. There isn’t an acceptable reason to cheat. Why don’t they just leave? Why not stay single until they are ready for a committed relationship?

    Like


  405. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 03:25:09 jeri

    Please do a topic on black Canadians. My grandmother told me that I am of black Canadian ancestry. My great grand father comes from Nova Scotia Canada and my step mother is a lightskinned women from a town close to Windsor. I have always been interested in Canada for some reason. I spent alot of time there because my step mother would take me there for her family reunions. It was interesting. She had hundreds of relatives, most extremely lightskinned. I mean some had blond hair and blue eyes, but they were black. I mentioned her before. Her great great great mother was biracial who had a white father who was a plantation owner( he killed her black mother. Sad) and her other great great great mother was a white woman who was a indentured servant who common law husband was a black ex-slave. She also was of Papuan New Guinea descent. Those who any thing about that place knows it is a place where non-African black people live. I mean they have broad noses and kinky hair. Black people also live in places close by like the Figi Islands and other Pacific islands. I think they call the island Melanesia, something like that. Her great great great father was of Papuan New Guinea descent and he was a sailor, that found his way to Canada. Many blacks in Canada are descended from ex-slaves and others are from places like Africa, the Carribean, etc. It would be an interesting topic. I know little of my great grand father other that he was light skinned and moved to the USA. He married my great grandmother who was from Macon, Georgia. Also, Agagond, write a topic about the blacks of Melanesia Islands.

    Like


  406. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 03:25:59 jeri

    Also, write about Indentured Servants. That would be an interesting topic.

    Like


  407. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 03:36:54 leigh204

    @jeri:

    I second the topic on Black Canadians. I only know a wee bit, and it would definitely be interesting to learn more about Black Canadian history.

    Like


  408. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 03:58:01 Herneith

    I third that! My brother inlaw is descended from a runaway slave colony called Buxton for example:
    http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/

    The veterans of the war of 1812 who were given land:
    http://www.ontarioplaques.com/Plaques_STU/Plaque_Simcoe21.html

    Black history Canada:

    http://blackhistorycanada.ca/events.php?themeid=21&id=4

    Like


  409. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 04:07:18 leigh204

    @Herneith:

    Thanks for the links! 😀

    Like


  410. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 05:04:34 peanut

    abagond i still think you should do a post on why more bw don’t marry white men??? Or how about “the gulf between white men and black women.” I can give you a list right now. I am telling you abagond, I have seen bw with my own eyes turn down white men. It’s not always white men turning down bw. I wish people would stop pretending that. It’s both groups aren’t really that interested.

    Like


  411. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 05:29:07 jeri

    I think that both black women and white men are insecure. White men think that they are not muscular enough and that they penises are not big enough. Black women feel that white women are considered beautiful by society and that white men won’t consider them equal. Black men and white women don’t have these insecurities as much, so it is easier for them to approach each other. Black women and white men, even if they are attracted to each other, are uncertain if the other person is interested in them. They take forever to express an interest in each other and sometimes they never express an interest at all. This is not all black women and white men. Sometimes, black women and white men simply don’t have an interest in each other. That could be common. But that is not always the case. In fact, black women and white men seemed to have a love/hate relationship. They may like each other but they are angy with each other because they feel the other person is rejecting them. If black women and white men were just honest with each other about their insecurities, it would be a good thing.

    Like


  412. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 05:54:46 jeri

    Also, black women are concerned that some white men are racist and some white men may think that black women are too dominant. Black women in this country have a ridiculously bad reputation in this country and I don’t entirely blame whites for this reputation. Many black people, both men and women, believe that black women have bad attitudes. Some will swear up and down that they don’t believe this. But don’t pay attention to what people say, but what they do. I must admit, I noticed that people are often friendly towards my husband while unfriendly towards me, as if I was a black b#####. They seem cautious towards me, while relaxed with my husband. I find myself going through ridiculous changes proving to other people that I am a nice person. I am tired of doing this. Now, I have learned to stop being a people pleaser and love myself. It is not just black men who are like this but I find many black women are not friendly towards other black women. They seem defensive towards one another, not all black women, but some. I find the older the women is the more she friendly she is. So people will swear up and down, ” I love black women. I think they are queens” but their behavior reflects something different. I think most black women are depressed and they often seem cautious towards people because of past pains. It is important for us to let go of baggage so people don’t assume that we are just “evil”. No, I am not suggesting that we go too far with the people pleasing thing, but for some reason people have the wrong impression of us. We have to honest with ourselves about why this is the case. We need to examine ourselves just like we examine everyone else. Maybe some of us need to practice forgiveness, practice being joyful instead of scared, have faith instead of worrying all the time. Stop worrying that men are rejecting us and believe that “what God has for me, is for me”. It might help.

    Like


  413. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 05:57:27 jeri

    One last thing, Black women, we have to lead by example. Start treating each other with kindness. Let go of some the defense mechanism. Give other black women a chance. Smile at each other. Do small acts of kindness with each. Love each other. If we don’t love ourselves, no one will.

    Like


  414. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 06:11:04 jeri

    I know I am typing too much but Abagond, also, do a topic about the perceived differences between African American and African women. African women, who don’t deal with racism, maybe poverty, but not racism, seem way less depressed, more friendly, more joyful, and some say more feminine. One man who was white said he married an African black women because there was “less attitude”. Are there differences between African American and African women? Are there diffences between African Americans and Africans in general when it to values and behavior? I would like a discussion on this.

    Like


  415. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 14:57:07 Leaveumthinking

    @ Jeri

    I respect your comment and in many ways agree.

    I think that both black women and white men are insecure.

    Most black women I know do not think about white men and are not even attracted to them on average. The few black women that I know, who want a white man, have a white man. These so called lonely insecure black women, who are so worried about white men, are only on the internet because I have never met one in real life.

    Like


  416. on Fri Feb 5th 2010 at 15:00:10 Leaveumthinking

    Are there differences between African American and African women?

    I second this topic

    Like


  417. on Sat Feb 6th 2010 at 05:16:05 peanut

    how about breastfeeding?

    Like


  418. on Mon Feb 15th 2010 at 00:58:29 Herneith

    You know that crazy white professor, Amy Bishop, who killed three other professors and sounded many more?:

    http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2010/02/13/profile-dr-amy-bishop-alleged-university-of-alabama-huntsville-shooter.aspx

    Well two out of three victims were African American!

    Adriel Johnson:

    http://www.uah.edu/biology/johson.html

    Maria Ragland Davis

    http://www.uah.edu/biology/maria.html

    The third victim was a brown man of south Asian descent:

    http://www.uah.edu/biology/podila.html

    I wonder if there was a ‘racial’ element to these killings and if so, why isn’t this being reported on in the media(racial element if present, that is)? They can report on a clown like joe Mayers, but not something of this serious nature where people were killed if indeed the murders were of a racially motivated.

    Like


  419. on Sun Feb 21st 2010 at 12:33:48 Ash

    I have suggestion, could you write a page on Al Sharpton and/or Jesse Jackson? What I keep hearing in the media is that those two are nothing but oppurtunists. So it would be nice to get a deeper look about this without any of the BS.

    Like


  420. on Mon Feb 22nd 2010 at 01:02:54 Leaveumthinking

    Have you wrote about the Jonestown Massacare ? 70% of the people who died were black. What about The Jena Six.

    Like


  421. on Mon Feb 22nd 2010 at 01:47:15 MerriMay

    I remember watching a BBC documentary about the Jonestown Massacre where one of the white survivors who fled on the last plane left his biracial black son in that awful place! rather than escape with him to the States he thought he wouldn’t be accepted for the color of his skin!
    I thought WTF?!! These men are cowards who have no business having biracial kids.
    That little boy’s plight struck me deeply, that his white cowardly father condemned his mixed race son to die because he was too ashamed to have mixed race progeny in racist America.

    Like


  422. on Mon Feb 22nd 2010 at 02:20:33 Leaveumthinking

    Not only was he a coward but he was also a selfish moron. How could he leave his own flesh and blood to die like that. If anything he should have sacrificed himself so his son could live. I never understood why white men like him even have children by black women.

    Like


  424. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 12:33:00 Aiyo

    How about doing a post on those blackface “ghetto parties” that those white kids in universities throw. I read about that compton cookout thing, I mean this how these dumb arse kids get down, I know tis isn’t the first incident but some of the commentry about this is dumb people are saying how black people shouldn’t be so sensitive still more of that post-racial bull crap.

    not to long ago in england there was a “tarzan party” and these fools wore animal print and were in black face.

    Like


  425. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 13:11:06 Aiyo

    Here it is their Tarzan “Africa themed” party
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/dec/12/oxford-rugby-racism-diversity-lessons

    This is the “Bring a fit jew” party fit being slang for good looking
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/14/oxford-students-bring-a-jew-party

    Both of those parties were thrown by Oxford University students, they are apparently supposed to be the best and brightest of the UK please.

    I found one article about some London students who dressed up as guantanamo bay prisoners and “blacked up” their faces
    http://www.westendextra.com/news/2009/dec/blacked-student-party-%E2%80%98racist%E2%80%99

    Seriously this is there idea of fun this is how they have a good time And the way people defend them is just stupid

    Like


  426. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 18:42:59 peanut

    Negro is now going to be a racial option again on the US 2010 census…well I know what I’m checking lol

    Like


  427. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 19:24:46 Mira

    I don’t get the connection between Tarzan and the blackface. I mean, not that it changes anything, but Tarzan was white. I don’t get the stupidity.

    Like


  428. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 21:52:56 Jade

    Racist party- so called “Compton cookout”

    White college students at UCSD were invited to wear stereotypical “black” attire in honor of Black History Month.

    http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Compton-Cookout-Creates-Campus-Uproar-84648212.html

    “Written on the Flyer:

    For guys: I expect all males to be rockin Jersey’s, stuntin’ up in ya White T (XXXL smallest size acceptable), anything FUBU, Ecko, Rockawear, High/low top Jordans or Dunks, Chains, Jorts, stunner shades, 59 50 hats, Tats, etc….We will be serving 40’s, Kegs of Natty, dat Purple Drank- which consists of sugar, water, and the color purple , chicken, coolade, and of course Watermelon. So come one and come all, make ya self before we break ya self, keep strapped, get yo shine on, and join us for a day party to be remembered- or not…”

    For girls: For those of you who are unfamiliar with ghetto chicks-Ghetto chicks usually have gold teeth, start fights and drama, and wear cheap clothes – they consider Baby Phat to be high class and expensive couture. They also have short, nappy hair, and usually wear cheap weave, usually in bad colors, such as purple or bright red.They look and act similar to Shenaynay, and speak very loudly, while rolling their neck, and waving their finger in your face. Ghetto chicks have a very limited vocabulary, and attempt to make up for it, by forming new words, such as “constipulated”, or simply cursing persistently, or using other types of vulgarities, and making noises, such as “hmmg!”, or smacking their lips, and making other angry noises,grunts, and faces.The objective is for all you lovely ladies to look, act, and essentially take on these “respectable” qualities throughout the day”

    Like


  429. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 21:59:45 ColorofLuv

    Why are you so angry? I was just trying to understand your reasoning. No offense meant. I just wanted to point out the hypocrisy and irony in some of your statements.

    It is not my intention to enter an argument where there are only two opposing sides. My intention is to participate in healthy dialogues. Disagreement and differences of opinion are fine and to be expected.

    If you thought I was biracial, would you treat me different? I think I can bring insight and positive contributions to this blog site, and that is my objective. I have also been learning a lot. Why not do both?

    Like


  430. on Wed Feb 24th 2010 at 22:00:46 ColorofLuv

    Why are you so angry? I was just trying to understand your reasoning. No offense meant. I just wanted to point out the hypocrisy and irony in some of your statements.

    It is not my intention to enter an argument where there are only two opposing sides. My intention is to participate in healthy dialogues. Disagreement and differences of opinion are fine and to be expected.

    I think I can bring insight and positive contributions to this blog site, and that is my objective. I have also been learning a lot. Why not do both?

    Like


  431. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 06:33:59 Jade

    To lighten things up a bit:

    First Black pair figuring skating team to compete in the Winter Olympics: Vanessa James and Yannick Bonheur

    Like


  432. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 09:07:09 peanut

    oh yeah abagond, that reminds me…i have a question on your posts… I ordered a book by Kola Boof and I wanted to know if you ever finished reading Diary of a Lost Girl and if you liked it???

    Like


  433. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 09:42:21 lucia

    “This is an example of what i was talking about with old white men preying on young black women:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1249095/The-history-man-fatwa-girl-How-David-Cameron-news-think-tank-guru-Niall-Ferguson-deserted-wife-Sue-Douglas-Somali-feminist.html

    45 year old Niall Ferguson left his white wife Susan Douglas to be with his “somali mistress” Hirsi Ali.

    It is sickening to see black women being pursued as sex objects and mistresses by old bored white men that want some action.”

    you don’t know anything about Hirsi Ali or this situation, so why don’t you just shut up!

    Like


  434. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 10:07:17 abagond

    Peanut:

    I am not done reading it yet. I will post on it when I do.

    Like


  435. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 21:05:49 peanut

    if you like abagond, I can email you my opinion of the book by Kola if I finish anytime soon

    Like


  436. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 21:11:38 dani

    Oh dear coloface is making a comeback! I blame our hipsterism.

    Like


  437. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 22:39:08 MerriMay

    @ Lucia

    I know where you’re coming from, a lot of people are judging this woman when none of us know the real truth. Unfortunately she’s being used as a ‘I-told-you-so’s’ by people to further their causes.
    SMDH

    Like


  438. on Thu Feb 25th 2010 at 23:00:40 MerriMay

    Nope i disagree, that he is a fetishist we don’t know, that is speculation on your part. His former mistress was a blue eyed blond.
    That she’s a mistress is a no no of course, but what bothers me is where people who are against Black/White couplings use this as an example of what white men are supposed to be doing to black women. That is really where such people’s stake and interest is in this story. That Ms Hirsi Ali is black, and that I’m afraid i don’t agree with!
    She’s an adulterer its obvious, she’s an educated lawyer, am pretty sure she is not being coerced into being with this man. This white man isn’t making her do anything against her will. Her color is a moot point, what’s that got to do with anything??

    Like


  439. on Fri Feb 26th 2010 at 05:20:04 peanut

    i thought its was belgians who contributed the genocide of the tutsi by making those class divisions. I’ve met Paul Rusesabagina he’s a great man…

    Like


  440. on Fri Feb 26th 2010 at 08:49:41 jeri

    Hi Abagond

    I sent a email to you about a town that was called “black wall street” I was wondering if you could talk about black towns that were prosperous in the early 1900’s that were destroyed by jealous whites. Or simply towns that were destroyed for other reason. And how this may have affected us today. Thanks.

    Like


  441. on Fri Feb 26th 2010 at 10:10:20 abagond

    Thanks for the email. I was thinking of doing a post on the Tulsa riot, so I guess I will do it sooner rather than later. Good suggestion. Thanks.

    Like


  443. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 09:19:24 Shani

    What’s ironic is that MerriMay and Erzrulie disagree with each other, yet I agree with the both of you. I think that automatically assuming that a white man is using a black woman for sex is a result of an inferiority complex. To not that he wants you only for sex is naive, but to automatically assume that he does, is the result of an inferiority complex. It’s like thinking well he can’t possibly want a sincere relationship with me because my skin is black. Or that I’m not good enough to be approached by a man of another color. To think that of yourself is definitely an inferiority complex, whether we admit to it or not. But on the other hand, I do understand that way of thinking simply because if a white woman is in the same situation she doesn’t have the burden of the jezebel stereotype, neither the history of being raped and ridiculed for physical features.

    The reason these debates go on and on is because there is some truth to what most people are saying. Yes, there are some white men who see black women as inferior and will only want them for sex. Just because a white man cheats with a black woman does not mean he sees her as inferior either. It goes both ways. There are black men who use black women for sex as there are white men who use white women for sex too, which leads to the conclusion that this hardly has much to do with color but with the fact that some men cheat just because.

    In America, black women just have the extra burden of having to be cautious when being approached by white men who are interested. But if we consciously make the effort to see ourselves as women, and not black women, then we won’t have all those notions in our heads if and/or when we do get approached. Because at the end of the day, men want women and women want men. Well, at least for those of us who are heterosexual. LOL

    Abagond, Why don’t you do a post of Whoopi Goldberg? Based on box office revenue, she’s the most successful black actress and Halle B came in second. Now what’s interesting about Whoopi is that she is hardly the ideal in terms of looks, particularly for black women in Hollywood. She’s considered unattractive; she’s dark and she wears her hair natural, but yet she’s considered the most successuful. Ironic don’t you think?

    Like


  444. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 13:28:47 MerriMay

    Shani

    I agree, black women like all women are individuals who should be accountable for their own choices, good or bad. If she chooses a man she knows is married then she deserves everything that’s coming to her when he goes back to his marital home.
    What botheres me is when the actions of these women is feeding time for people that pick up the actions of what they think black women in general are doing with white men. It’s not a ‘black woman thing’, more a mistake any woman regardless of race does.
    Also to call people that don’t harp on and on about ‘evil whites’ all the time, brainwashed and programmed is quite insulting I might add.
    I don’t have to use the same rhetoric over and over to prove it!

    Like


  445. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 22:36:07 Mira

    Lol, I know about the names! It actually happened to some people I know, and not just in America. I am not sure if they don’t recognize last names, but some first names common in Serbia (Tijana, Milica, Jasmina) often don’t sound white enough for employers. So I can imagine what is like to have a “truly” non-white name.

    Like


  446. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 22:47:01 Jasmin

    Mira,

    Jasmina is Serbian? Cool, that’s one of my nicknames. 🙂

    Like


  447. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 22:53:40 Mira

    It’s not really Serbian, it’s considered to be a Muslim name. However, many women and girls I know are named Jasmina (however, any J in Serbian is read as Y in “yes”, so I think it’s pronounced differently than your name). J thing is tricky, because foreign (English speaking) people never seem to know how to pronounce it (my full name, for example, is Mirjana, but I use my nickname for online use).

    All in all, Jasmina sounds muslim to many people (my friend was discriminated in France based on her name alone). Another friend (Tijana) in the US, and so did one Milica I know.

    Like


  448. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 23:04:17 Jasmin

    Yazmín is what a lot of Spanish-speaking people call me, and the J is Spanish is pronounced like an H, so I’m usually a [Yaz-meen] + [Has-meen] combo.

    Is your name pronounced [Meer-yah-nuh]? I like it! 🙂

    Like


  449. on Sat Feb 27th 2010 at 23:24:50 Mira

    True, I don’t live as a minority, but that’s not what I was talking about. I said that my friends were discriminated not because they didn’t have anglo names- but because some people thought their names weren’t white. Which means someone thought my friends were either black or Middle Eastern.

    Like


  450. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 00:00:55 leigh204

    The eyelid surgery is a B-I-G deal in the Asian community. I saw that episode with the Korean woman on Tyra’s show a few years back. And imho, I found Tyra to be condescending towards that woman. The woman couldn’t get a word in edge-wise. I don’t know if people are aware of this, but not all Asians get eyelid surgery to look white although some do. Fifty percent of Asians have a crease and the other half do not. Personally, I know a couple of women who have had this surgery. Even I wanted to have this surgery.

    Like


  451. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 00:03:42 leigh204

    Oh, I forgot to mention that my mother was aghast that I would even consider it as she thinks it mutilation. I think the Asian eyelid surgery would be a good topic to blog about.

    Like


  452. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 00:51:41 leigh204

    @Mira:

    Yes, Asian eyelid surgery would be a great topic.

    By the way, leigh, is there a non-offensive word for- I don’t know how else to put it- Asian eyes? I am not into PC, but I don’t really want to offend somebody.

    To be honest, I don’t know of any non-offensive word to describe Asian eyes. Asian eyes is fine, I think. However, the ones I do know are: slitty, slanty, and c****y…rhymes with slinky. If there was a topic done on this, you’d better believe I’d put my 2 cents in.

    Like


  453. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 02:43:56 Leaveumthinking

    @ Leigh
    To be honest, I don’t know of any non-offensive word to describe Asian eyes. Asian eyes is fine, I think. However, the ones I do know are: slitty, slanty, and c****y…rhymes with slinky. If there was a topic done on this, you’d better believe I’d put my 2 cents in.

    I agree a post on Asian eyelid surgery would be interesting. My SO says that “almond shaped” eyes is not an offensive term to him but what do you think so Ill know. And yes Tyra was rude to that lady. The lady was trying to explain but Tyra kept speaking over her. Tyra was making everything about herself as usual.

    Like


  454. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 03:15:33 leigh204

    @Leaveumthinking:

    I agree a post on Asian eyelid surgery would be interesting. My SO says that “almond shaped” eyes is not an offensive term to him but what do you think so Ill know. And yes Tyra was rude to that lady. The lady was trying to explain but Tyra kept speaking over her. Tyra was making everything about herself as usual.

    Oh, how could I’ve forgotten! I HAVE heard of almond-shaped eyes used to describe Asian eyes. The thing is, the media portrays the stereotypical Asian eyes looking almond-shaped like Lucy Liu’s. And while many Asians have eyes like hers, I have some relatives with eyes that don’t look even remotely close to Lucy’s eyes. And I mean, big, creased, doe eyes like Bambi! And it’s all natural. No surgery whatsoever.

    Like


  455. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 04:08:37 Leaveumthinking

    I understand what you are saying. There are different shapes and sizes to Asian eyes so to refer to Asian eyes as almond shaped would not apply to all and would be a stereotype, which is offensive. Thank you for the clarification.

    Even I wanted to have this surgery.

    No judgement here. As long as its safe. I wanted to have the Lasik but I have dry eyes and Im too chicken to go through with it. But I do think your eyes are beautiful the way they are.

    A post on black people getting blue contacts implanted inside their eyes would be a good post.

    Like


  456. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 04:30:08 leigh204

    @Leaveumthinking:

    No judgement here. As long as its safe. I wanted to have the Lasik but I have dry eyes and Im too chicken to go through with it. But I do think your eyes are beautiful the way they are.

    Aw, thank you. You’re a sweetheart! 🙂

    It’s a long story, but when I was much younger, I was racially taunted due to my eyes, and, well, I was one of the few Asians around in my school. I had some jerks pulling on the corners of their eyes making those mock Asian accent. I felt badly about myself and I heard about the eyelid surgery.

    When I told my mom I wanted surgery, she was quite upset that I thought about it. She told me there was nothing wrong with my eyes and the jerks were the one with the problem. She was absolutely right. I thanked my mother for setting me straight.

    Like


  457. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 05:08:40 Leaveumthinking

    @ Leigh

    Im sorry you went through that. I never undestood why some people like to make fun and put down others for no reason. I never made fun of someone because of their differences because I know how it feels. As a child I was teased because of my skin but mostly because of my hair. I was 12 years old when I got a relaxer. It took me a long time to love my hair. Ive come a long way because I use to be ashamed of the baby pic on my avatar because of my hair. I use to actually hide that pic from company.
    Your mom was right and Im glad you changed your mind. We have to accept ourselves the way we are because no one is gonna change themselves to please us. Plus its nothing wrong with us.

    Like


  458. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 05:47:45 leigh204

    @Leaveumthinking

    @ Leigh

    Im sorry you went through that. I never undestood why some people like to make fun and put down others for no reason. I never made fun of someone because of their differences because I know how it feels. As a child I was teased because of my skin but mostly because of my hair. I was 12 years old when I got a relaxer. It took me a long time to love my hair. Ive come a long way because I use to be ashamed of the baby pic on my avatar because of my hair. I use to actually hide that pic from company.

    I’m also sorry you had to go through that. It saddens me that some people treat others quite horribly over features they have no control over. What happened to me, my experiences, has shaped who I am today. At least a part of me. Besides, how can anyone make fun of you? You were quite the adorable baby. 😀

    Your mom was right and Im glad you changed your mind. We have to accept ourselves the way we are because no one is gonna change themselves to please us. Plus its nothing wrong with us.

    Agreed. There’s nothing wrong with us. These are the features we’re born with and God, Allah, or whatever mighty being you believe in (or don’t believe), DID NOT make a mistake.

    Like


  459. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 09:24:19 islandgirl

    Leigh,

    Your eyes look quite large to me. There are always going to be ignorant people.

    Leaveumthinking,

    No offense, but that youtube post was kinda creepy. She clearly wasn’t meant to have those stark blue eyes.
    Her brown eyes look much better.

    Like


  460. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 09:25:34 islandgirl

    You were an adorable baby.:)

    Like


  461. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 10:44:27 jeri

    leigh204

    Yes it is sad that you went through that. Like I mentioned before, I went through something quite similar. When I was between 10 and 14 years old, I was teased and bullied, mainly from boys, about my full lips. When I was 10, there wasn’t a day that passed when other children didn’t harrass me. Once I went to highschool the teasing stopped. Thank God I was able to get into a highschool for the gifted. The other students weren’t as cruel as the kids in elementary and middle school. I was finally able to feel comfortable about myself. But I must admit, whenever I think about it, it causes me pain. I do admit however that I don’t have the same insecurites as I did when I was much younger. I feel that if other people are getting plastic surgery to get full lips, then full lips must not be all that bad. Well, I think you are a beautiful girl. I love your eyes and there is nothing wrong with them. Forget the haters. Often people who diss other people are insecure with themselves so they feel the need to make others feel as badly as they feel. All that matters is how we feel about ourselves.

    Like


  462. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 12:24:45 leigh204

    @islandgirl:

    Leigh,

    Your eyes look quite large to me. There are always going to be ignorant people.

    Ignorant people suck, I say. As for my eyes looking quite large, it looks “large” when I do a slight smile, for example, in my avatar you see. You should see me smiling from ear-to-ear. My eyes turn into these little crescent moons. lol!

    Leaveumthinking,

    No offense, but that youtube post was kinda creepy. She clearly wasn’t meant to have those stark blue eyes.
    Her brown eyes look much better.

    Definitely! Her brown eyes suited her. Those blue eyes look creepy to me as well.

    @jeri:

    leigh204

    Yes it is sad that you went through that. Like I mentioned before, I went through something quite similar. When I was between 10 and 14 years old, I was teased and bullied, mainly from boys, about my full lips. When I was 10, there wasn’t a day that passed when other children didn’t harrass me. Once I went to highschool the teasing stopped. Thank God I was able to get into a highschool for the gifted. The other students weren’t as cruel as the kids in elementary and middle school. I was finally able to feel comfortable about myself. But I must admit, whenever I think about it, it causes me pain.

    Aww, I’m so sorry that you had to experience that. Reading your story makes me want to reach out and give you a hug. *sending you a hug*

    I do admit however that I don’t have the same insecurites as I did when I was much younger. I feel that if other people are getting plastic surgery to get full lips, then full lips must not be all that bad. Well, I think you are a beautiful girl. I love your eyes and there is nothing wrong with them. Forget the haters. Often people who diss other people are insecure with themselves so they feel the need to make others feel as badly as they feel. All that matters is how we feel about ourselves.

    I wholeheartedly agree. No matter how much people try to put us down, we are who we are. That’s what makes us so special. 😀

    Like


  463. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 16:06:31 leigh204

    What say you, abagond? Asian eyelid surgery? I’d be glad to offer some input.

    Like


  464. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 18:29:16 abagond

    Sounds like a good topic. If you could send your input to me at abagond at gmail that would be great.

    Like


  465. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 18:58:35 leigh204

    Will do. Must gather proper info. 😀

    Like


  466. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 20:00:17 Leaveumthinking

    Islandgirl

    No offense, but that youtube post was kinda creepy. She clearly wasn’t meant to have those stark blue eyes.
    Her brown eyes look much better.

    Yes they are very creepy and scary. I could not believe some Black people would want blue eyes so bad that they would go all the way to Panama to get a unsafe cosmetic procedure that is not approved in the US. She almost lost her vision. I felt sorry for her. Im glad shes okay now that she got them removed. Her brown eyes that she was born with fit her. I hope no one else get this procedure.

    Like


  467. on Sun Feb 28th 2010 at 20:35:48 Leaveumthinking

    That eye color change is sad!
    I heard it can cause secondary glaucoma, no good.
    I understand Hitler and white supremacists try to push the idea that blue eyes is superior.
    ut i don’t like blue eye color myself, never did.

    I agree. I was researching the Lasik procedure and other eye procedures to correct my vision. I stumbled across her video and wanted to know why her eyes were two different colors. No I dont like blue eyes either especially artificial looking ones. If you are born with them thats fine but they are not for everyone.

    Like


  468. on Mon Mar 1st 2010 at 00:22:05 leigh204

    @abagond:

    Sounds like a good topic. If you could send your input to me at abagond at gmail that would be great.

    I already sent it to you. I hope it meets with your approval. 😀

    Like


  469. on Mon Mar 1st 2010 at 18:27:53 peanut

    Chile got hit by earthquake 8.8

    Like


  470. on Thu Mar 4th 2010 at 02:00:13 Leaveumthinking

    I went to Sheperd Eye Center for my cataract surgery 3800 to fix my left eye, very pricey sometimes.

    Yes it is pricey. The lasik procedure is 2000 for each eye. So I’ll just stick to wearing glasses.

    My doctor did bring up colored lenses but i just ignored the suggestion because i’m fine with my eye color.

    Im glad you ignored him. You are beautiful you dont need colored eyes. I never understood the big deal with blue eye color. Thats why I was shocked to hear that a black women would have a procedure like that. I like dark eyes better.

    Changing your eye color ain’t gonna make white people like you.

    I agree. No matter how “white” you look. You are still a “you know what” to white folks. Thats why black people should stick together and not care what white people think of our appearance. We should still correct them on their ignorance though.

    Like


  471. on Thu Mar 4th 2010 at 04:02:53 peanut

    Abagond, I want to request a post on Nina Mae Mckinney.

    Like


  472. on Thu Mar 4th 2010 at 04:13:47 Leaveumthinking

    I second that post Peanut.

    Like


  473. on Thu Mar 4th 2010 at 04:50:00 peanut

    I just see you put alot on your plate up in the list. I would love for you to do a post on Phyllis Wheatley, that would be interesting and educational. I hope you include the foolishness of Thomas Jeffersons’ opinions of her. Just so people can see what kind of leadership we had.

    Like


  474. on Sat Mar 6th 2010 at 06:12:02 peanut

    abagond, do you eat soul food?

    Like


  475. on Mon Mar 8th 2010 at 20:31:00 peanut

    Abagond, could you please do a post on Gabourey Sidibe or the movie Precious at some point? I think Gabourey is a great actress.

    Like


  476. on Wed Mar 10th 2010 at 19:46:33 ColorofLuv

    To Abagond,

    I see a lot of “stereotypes” and prejudicial sentiments floating around your blog. Not necessarily from you, but from many of the individuals who participate. This is not bad, as it offers an opportunity to more freely share and discuss that might otherwise be limited by certain boundaries.

    I noted a comment about “silly white people in Cowboy Hats, etc…” I thought you might want to write a piece on the history of the Black Cowboy. A lot of the early cowboys were Black, lots of Great American History there. There are even modern day Black Cowboys (primarily in Texas) but even in New York!!! (One runs a ranch to help inner city kids.)
    Not sure if Thad would know anything about the “Gauchos” in Brazil or having “Black Cowboys” there, but he could potentially be a resource. (if you wanted to include that region)

    Like


  477. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 13:25:54 Thaddeus

    OK, just saw this film yesterday: how about a post on “Precious”? Seems to hit on a lot of your favorite topics, Abagond, female beauty most particularly.

    Like


  478. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 14:12:10 abagond

    I have not seen “Precious” yet, but once I do I will post on it.

    Like


  479. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 14:46:50 peanut

    wat about a post on the history of the census abagond?

    Like


  480. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 17:18:48 BLACKkittenROAR

    What about Black male masculinity?

    Like


  481. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 21:49:27 Linn

    I’m are 28yrs of age, a South African women that has always had something for white man. But begin in South Africa it has be hard to get one and let loose. I really turn to love white man, tan, tall good looking with a lot more to offer. The comfort of being loved, touched, held in public, wanted, is all that one is looking for. Not that the black man don’t do that, but i have been out of luck for the past years. As i write this in New York i have seen so much in a different light. It makes me even went white man even more. Any looking a beautiful, tall, dark skin African medium size women. mdhlulicz@yahoo.com

    Liked by 1 person


  482. on Thu Mar 11th 2010 at 21:58:16 ColorOfLuv

    Linn, if this is for real, I’m sorry. I just can’t imagine this is real…. (BUT…. if it not a fake – sigh – ) As long as you are confident with yourself, you will find a man for you, period. Move on past this color thing please. (posting an email address after that? C’mon.)

    Like


  483. on Fri Mar 12th 2010 at 12:13:17 J

    With regard to:

    OK, just saw this film yesterday: how about a post on “Precious”? Seems to hit on a lot of your favorite topics, Abagond, female beauty most particularly.

    Embracing Precious: The nuances and truths in the individual and collective stories we tell
    By Imani Perry

    http://www.afro-netizen.com/2010/03/embracing-precious-the-nuances-and-truths-in-the-individual-and-collective-stories-we-tell.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_campaign=0&utm_content=92525

    Any thoughts Thad

    Like


  484. on Fri Mar 12th 2010 at 16:49:21 Vindicator

    What are your thoughts on Monarchies, Abagond?

    Like


  485. on Sat Mar 13th 2010 at 19:56:31 Thaddeus

    Seems like she has had the same reaction to “Precious” as I did to “City of God”, J. On the one hand, thumbs up for portraying – and convincingly – lives that rarely make it to the silver screen. On the other hand, concern that this might just be a sort of ‘pornography of poverty”.

    Like


  486. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 04:40:55 peanut

    Abagond, for 4th of July you should do a post on Black Women in WW2


    Like


  487. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 13:56:48 Vindicator

    How about writing a post about the Haitian Revolution from France!

    Like


  488. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 14:43:08 Thaddeus

    Thad, may I ask what’s wrong with “City of God”? I loved that film (well, you can’t “love” a film like that, but it was amazing). I understand your view of it might be different. So what was that wrong, incorrect, or unethical (?) about it?

    CoG ends up being a bit “pornography of poverty”. The only time the favela gets on the silver screen is when people are killing other people there. Then is becomes oh-so-photogenic.

    Like


  489. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 21:42:14 Ó Dochartaigh

    abagond

    You should talk about why there are disproportionally more black men in prison for drug crime.

    http://blog.norml.org/2010/03/10/the-new-jim-crow-how-the-war-on-drugs-gave-birth-to-a-permanent-american-undercaste/

    Like


  490. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 21:56:24 abagond

    Ó Dochartaigh:

    Thanks for the link. I am going to do a post on the high rates of imprisonment of black men.

    Like


  491. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 22:06:06 White male

    To those saying City Of God [one of my fav. movies] is uinethical or just a bad movie- the point of film and movies is to transport you to a different reality. and city of god does just that. so, there.

    Like


  492. on Mon Mar 15th 2010 at 22:23:48 MerriMay

    Color of Luv
    You passed for black when you were younger, so what, that makes you an authority on the subject? Thought I’d heard it all. *rolls eyes*

    Like


  493. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 05:50:56 voice of reason

    don’t know if you already did this or not:

    how about a post on why blacks perceived as ‘successful’ are referred to as acting white, or joining the white community.
    for example, Barrack Obama is often referred to as the ‘whitest black guy ever’.

    or in Fresh Prince of Belair, Will Smith is the ‘cool guy,’ or a ‘real black person’ because he came from the ghetto and has an african-american accent. the rest of the family seems to have stereotypical white traits: carleton is the nerdy, awkward guy who takes the brunt of the jokes…hillary is the materialistic valley girl/blonde bimbo.. the younger sister and the mother are the serious, level headed, down to earth white women (found in every sit-com)… and the dad is basically a re-hashed homer simpson. and the butler has an aristocratic, english accent?

    it seems to me like becoming successful, getting an education, speaking like ‘a white person’ is labelled as ‘selling out.’ if a black person is successful in business or politics, it means they must have sucked up big time to white people. afterall, there’s no way a black person can become successful on their own, right?

    Like


  494. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 10:47:38 Aiyo

    @ voice of reason

    Intresting, I don’t think of the Resh Prince of Bel-Air in that way. I twas more of another side of “Blackness” that does not get shown in the media. The family is black and proud but they are no t the stereotypes that people are used to seeing and that was pointed out in the show numerous of times. They were more of a product of their environment, Hilary being a valley girl, Carlton being a stuck up trust fund baby rich boy, Ashley typical young teenager relatable to many teens who are stuck in that child/adult cute stage. The parents both successful in their profession. And Geoferry the Butler I don’t know how many times I have heard from some Black Americans saying how they didn’t know that they were any black people in the UK.

    Like


  495. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 13:02:26 islandgirl

    Requesting to do a story on a women’s role in marriage and submission. Also, sin judging sin.

    It would be interesting to get a perspective from a variety of people instead of just a few who are in agreement anyways.

    Like


  496. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 13:12:21 ColorOfLuv

    How about the notion of “Politically Correctness” gone overboard?

    This came up in another thread, so I thought I’d throw it out there. I can’t speak for the rest of Latin America/Carribean, but PC speech is laughed at in Brazil. (A lot of my international experience has shown me that the US is way over the top when it comes to PC. Almost like people who grow up in a PC environment are OVERLY sensitive. Thoughts?

    Like


  497. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 13:25:22 no_slappz

    voice of reason wrote:

    how about a post on why blacks perceived as ’successful’ are referred to as acting white, or joining the white community. for example, Barrack Obama is often referred to as the ‘whitest black guy ever’.”

    Good idea. Especially good considering this concept was at the core of Michelle Obama’s senior thesis at Princeton.

    Like


  498. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 13:30:00 no_slappz

    abagond,

    How about one of your thought experiments on a US in which blacks are the majority and whites the minority?

    Like


  499. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 17:56:53 abagond

    No Slappz:

    That is a good suggestion, though doubtless you will call whatever I write a black fantasy since I do not believe in the Savage Black Rule trope (which some see as”proved” by the case of Zimbabwe and, in the States, violent ghettos and bad black mayors).

    In any case, I already have two posts kind of along those lines, but they are cultural rather than political:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/if-blacks-ran-hollywood-like-whites-do/

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/if-black-women-were-white-women/

    Like


  500. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 19:50:17 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv

    How about the notion of “Politically Correctness” gone overboard?

    This came up in another thread, so I thought I’d throw it out there. I can’t speak for the rest of Latin America/Carribean, but PC speech is laughed at in Brazil. (A lot of my international experience has shown me that the US is way over the top when it comes to PC. Almost like people who grow up in a PC environment are OVERLY sensitive. Thoughts?

    Do you really think political correctness causes oversensitivity, or rather causes people to bitch when they catch hell for voicing their backwards and racist/sexist/ableist/etc views?

    There’s a article here that explains what I mean.

    Like


  501. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 19:59:07 Mira

    I despise political correctness.

    Like


  502. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 20:00:21 ColorOfLuv

    To BLACKkittenROAR – I’m approaching this from a cultural perspective, Brazil vs the U.S, because that is what I am familiar with. (Sometimes is like travelling between alternate realities)

    I would like to see studies most definitely. I can’t really comment on PR or DR like I can Brazil, because I didn’t grow up there/live there. Do you have any international experience for comparison???

    Like


  503. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 20:16:07 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv

    To BLACKkittenROAR – I’m approaching this from a cultural perspective, Brazil vs the U.S, because that is what I am familiar with. (Sometimes is like travelling between alternate realities)

    I would like to see studies most definitely. I can’t really comment on PR or DR like I can Brazil, because I didn’t grow up there/live there. Do you have any international experience for comparison???

    I’m Canadian, so things are very different here. Most white Canadians I’ve come in contact with have no problem not being PC.
    Canada prides itself as being multicultural. IMO multiculturalism is a load of crap. It assumes that the root of racism is lack of understanding and exposure to different cultures.
    Because of this assumption, whites feel that they can say whatever they want because Canada is multicultural and therefore not racist.
    Canada has a very racist past, and yet this is glossed over and overlooked because whites believe Canada “isn’t like that”. Even our Prime Minister made as asinine remark about Canada having a past free of colonialism (which simply is not true – but arguing this fact with a white person, even if other whites are there to support your claims is like banging your head against a wall…I tried the other day to no avail).
    IMO people who have an issue with being PC simply do not want to give up their privilege. You really should just read the article I linked to in my last comment.

    Like


  504. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 20:29:16 Mira

    Hating PC has nothing to do with privilege. I hate PC even (or especially) when is about my group, and I am really vocal about it. Being polite and taking care about other people’s feeling is a good thing. Doing your best not to be intentionally hurtful, offensive and disrespectful is a good thing. But it’s not what PC is about. PC is about what you’re allowed to say out loud while still thinking all those nasty things. For example, PC is about calling black people “African American” (even if they are not African Americans), while still thinking awful things. This is a simple example about race, but PC can be about anything, really. Religion, gender, nationality- you name it.

    I don’t care if people who hate me or my group use polite names. Actually, if they dislike me, I prefer them to be rude.

    Like


  505. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 20:40:44 BLACKkittenROAR

    I disagree. Hating having to be PC has everything to do with not wanting to give up privilege (why should anyone have the right to be offensive and disrespectful against any group or individual simply because being PC is annoying?). I don’t give a crap who hates me because of whom they perceive me to be.
    I feel everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of preconceived notions one has. And that means you don’t get to call me a nigger, or use that word in my presence even if your only doing so to be PC, and you don’t get to talk down to me just because I’m a woman even though you secretly believe we all belong barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, because regardless I am still a human being, and being respectful really isn’t that hard.
    But I can already see that this concept is not something everyone is going to be able to grasp, and I do hate silly arguments, so feel free to disagree.

    Like


  506. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 20:53:42 Mira

    so feel free to disagree

    Of course, that’s given. I’m not even trying to say my view on this matter is the right one.

    Like


  507. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:01:43 ColorOfLuv

    To BLACKkittenRoar – I agree with Mira on this one.

    I can think of A LOT of examples to share, but all mine are Brazilian in nature. They would definitely offend some people here, while in Brazil nobody would think twice.

    Lets see…. Here is an example to a lesser degree. Lets say group A may wish to be called African-American because they deem “Black” to be offensive. Lets say group B takes pride in being “Black” and thinks it is absurd to use the term African-American.

    We can define what is PC based on Societie’s rules currently, but if a certain group was offended one way or another, who would be Politically Correct? Lets think outside the box here.

    Like


  508. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:08:21 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv

    To BLACKkittenRoar – I agree with Mira on this one.

    I can think of A LOT of examples to share, but all mine are Brazilian in nature. They would definitely offend some people here, while in Brazil nobody would think twice.

    Lets see…. Here is an example to a lesser degree. Lets say group A may wish to be called African-American because they deem “Black” to be offensive. Lets say group B takes pride in being “Black” and thinks it is absurd to use the term African-American.

    We can define what is PC based on Societie’s rules currently, but if a certain group was offended one way or another, who would be Politically Correct? Lets think outside the box here.

    I think you’re missing the point and getting hung up on technicalities. But as I said before, this is not a concept everyone will be able (or willing) to grasp, so feel free to disagree.

    Like


  509. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:15:16 Mira

    True. There are people who value honesty above many other things, including politeness.

    Like


  510. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:22:42 BLACKkittenROAR

    Mira

    True. There are people who value honesty above many other things, including politeness.

    I find this statement very troubling and it makes me very uneasy. I really don’t think being PC has anything to do with restricting the truth.
    Truth is so subjective. Just because one has an abusive view of another that they hold to be true (but may not be to another), that means they get to shove that truth down somebody elses throat?
    People have varying opinions, but opinions are just that..opinions not truths.

    Like


  511. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:27:23 ColorOfLuv

    Abbaaagonnnddddd ???!!!! (think Costello yelling for “Abbott…) HEY ABAGONDDddddd!!!!

    lol – new thread?

    To BLACKkittenROAR – not sure I understand “how” I’m “missing the point”? I don’t see how the example I gave is a “technicality”.

    Here is a real time example: Midgets, Dwarves, Little People. The PC term to use is “Little People”.

    Like


  512. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:28:21 no_slappz

    abagond,

    The fatal flaw in the If Black Ran Hollywood post is this: It assumes that whites would act like blacks and simply accept the status quo while grumbling about it.

    Black Hollywood might operate as you suggested. But if it did, whites would simply create a new media center and develop new business.

    With respect to a US with a black majority, you can be sure whites would fear the coming of the next Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zaire, etc. It is not the present that worries whites. It is the future.

    Obama is floundering, which worries people who realize what that might mean. He’s well on his way to becoming the black Jimmy Carter, eerily duplicating many of Carter’s blunders.

    Like


  513. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:30:56 Mira

    The way I see it, PC is a tool that protects the abusers (let’s call them abusers). Any racist, sexist, homophobic jerk can transform his manners into something acceptable WITHOUT really changing what’s in his mind and his heart. He or she can quickly learn not to use certain words and society will consider them acceptable, polite and even “nice people”. Why? They don’t deserve it.

    Manners are not what make us good people, our heart and mind are.

    In other situations, PC gone mad leads to really stupid situations. Really, calling me “vertically challenged” doesn’t even sound good or respectful, and it makes no sense. I am short. There’s nothing wrong with it.

    Like


  514. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:31:59 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv:

    You do seem to be having trouble with this particular subject. Let me ask you this, if a little person wants to be called a little person, where do you get off calling them a midget if they find that offensive?

    Like


  515. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:34:06 BLACKkittenROAR

    Mira:

    Hmmmm, I do see your point there. I still think though that the majority bitching about PCness do so because they do not wish to surrender their privilege.

    Like


  516. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:44:03 Mira

    I am not ColorOFLuv, but let me present my thought on this: people should be called the way the want to be called. End of story. No explanations.

    Then again, assuming all members of one group (or something that I perceive as a group and might not even exist as a group) want to be called by the same name/term, is offensive in itself. I do believe these issues should rise in conversations naturally, not to be forced by the all mighty outside source.

    Like


  517. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:44:17 ColorOfLuv

    BLACKkittenROAR —

    LOL…. I never said I would call a little person “midget” if they want to be called a Little Person. I posed this as a suggestion and “open ended” question.

    What trouble do I have? I’m not sure what you are trying to say.

    Like


  518. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:46:49 ColorOfLuv

    so what if you get certain groups of little people that refer to themselves as dwarves and that is what they prefer???

    Like


  519. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:51:13 FG

    “For example, PC is about calling black people “African American” (even if they are not African Americans), while still thinking awful things. ”

    “African American” is a useful term. It identifies a specific ethnocultural group in the United States, descendants of slaves held in the country. “Black” refers to anyone of Sub-Saharan African descent. Some things that apply to African Americans are almost certainly not true of all blacks, even those in the United States who are not descended from slaves.

    Like


  520. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:53:06 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv:

    I used the term midget as an example, I was not insinuating that you would call a little person a midget. You keep presenting these examples as if these terms are unheard of. I fail to see what you are attempting to accomplish. So there are different terms for groups of people but they prefer one over the other, whats wrong with that? Where is the actual argument here? What is the real problem, other than you personally feeling inconvenienced at having to call somebody something they chose rather than a label you have given them?

    And who gives a flying f— if some little people prefer to be called dwarfs. If you slip up and call them little people, I’m sure they will politely correct you realizing that you didn’t know better. The momentary embarrassment you feel over using the wrong term isn’t that big of a deal, is it?

    Like


  521. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:54:10 Mira

    Nothing wrong with terms “African American” and “black”. However, calling any black person “African American” in fear/guilt of saying “black” is offensive.

    Like


  522. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 21:59:09 Mira

    The thing is, ANYTHING (and I mean anything) can be offensive and will be offensive to some people. Nothing wrong with that.

    But forcing people to choose specific words instead of others is a typical example of censorship. Plus, it doesn’t solve the problem.

    People will continue to be mean and disrespectful, but that will be hidden, because they will be behaving politely and acceptable by society’s weird instructions on what’s offensive and what is not.

    Like


  523. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:02:16 BLACKkittenROAR

    Mira:

    You say forcing someone to chose a certain word is censorship, but why should an individual or group have a label forced upon them which may not be representative of who they are just because one group wishes to be free from censorship. That seems incredibly oppressive IMO.

    Like


  524. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:02:45 ColorOfLuv

    I’m sorry, BLACKkittenROAR, I think you missed my point. (Mira understood where I was going with this, but I digress)

    Let me find another one: Some Latinos find the usage of the word Hispanic to be offensive and prefer LATINO. Others prefer the term HISPANIC. Which one is the politically correct term to use?

    I would give Brazilian examples, but as I stated before as an “American” you probably wouldn’t be able to understand or identify with them.

    Like


  525. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:09:14 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv:

    Hey ColorOfLuv, way to be an asshole and label me as something I’m not. I already responded that I was not American so please have the respect to refer to me as what I am. You appear to be too ignorant to catch onto the point that I am trying to make, so keep coming up with silly examples which prove nothing while side-stepping the actual matter. To say your argument has holes would be giving it too much credit, since it seems to be nonexistent. However, I don’t feel the need to waste any more of my time on you, so have fun being backwards. You have proven my point beautifully, thanks.

    Like


  526. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:12:00 Mira

    You say forcing someone to chose a certain word is censorship, but why should an individual or group have a label forced upon them which may not be representative of who they are just because one group wishes to be free from censorship. That seems incredibly oppressive IMO.

    You are talking about groups, I am talking about individuals. You don’t know how I want to be called unless I tell you. If I have some specific demands, I will tell you. If you don’t mean to be offensive you will call me the way I want to be called. If you want to be offensive or you simply don’t care, you won’t. But if you are forced by society to automatically assume how I want to be called, that is censorship. Freedom of speech? If I am allowed to say whatever I want, you can always decide if you like what I said and if you agree with me. If we both hide behind euphemisms… It’s not a good situation.

    I think you see “political incorrectness” as the same as “being offensive”. You also seem to see PC as some sort of help to those who are oppressed. On the contrary, I see it as a way for oppressors to get away with many ugly things. It’s also not solving the problem. It gives offensive people tool to continue being rude, offensive and hateful without any consequences.

    Like


  527. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:14:31 ColorOfLuv

    Wait a minute Kitten, you’ve had a problem with me since my first post of an “open ended’ question.

    I’m sorry I did not see that you were not American. That warrants calling me a “name”?

    You haven’t answered any of my questions so how am I sidestepping???????? Is MIRA sidestepping too?

    C’mon BLACKkittenROAR – seriously? lol You’re way too serious!

    Like


  528. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:22:32 ColorOfLuv

    To BLACKkittenROAR,

    First of all, I don’t think a$$ hole is PC! lol

    Seriously though, I didn’t see your post where you said you were Canadian. I don’t know if that warrants calling me a name!!! (My Brazilian example still would hold true to you since you’re Canadian. You wouldn’t understand the examples.) For this reason, I tried to use examples that I thought you would understand…

    Honestly: There are Latinos offended by the word Hispanic, and others who prefer it.

    Like


  529. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:32:40 BLACKkittenROAR

    Mira:

    I completely agree with your last point, being PC does allow wolves to dress up in sheep’s clothing. But I still do not believe there is anything inherently wrong with being PC, I certainly do not see it as censorship, but I think overtime it has eroded to what you are describing which I agree should be done away with.

    ColorOfLuv:

    Yea, I’m done with you. You have let your true colours shine through. I have answered your questions time and time again, but you haven’t seemed to be able to grasp what I’ve been saying. Let me spell it out in bold:

    IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SOMEONE WISHES TO BE CALLED, THERE IS NO ONE “CORRECT” TERM, WHAT A PERSON OR GROUP WISHES TO CALL THEMSELVES IS THE RIGHT TERM TO USE. NOBODY SHOULD EVER JUST LABEL SOMEBODY SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO BE INCONVENIENCE BY ACTUALLY FINDING OUT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT A PERSON OR GROUP, PERIOD.

    Why can’t you grasp this? this isn’t difficult. I’m tired of repeating myself. Take a page out of Mira’s book and say something constructive.

    If I actually thought you were sorry I would take back calling you an asshole, but I don’t. The quotations you put around “American” are suspect.

    In terms of asshole being politically correct or not, you have once again lead me to believe you don’t really understand what being PC really is. I’ll use the term negro as an example. People find negro offensive because the term denotes a specific class of people who are seen as inferior and as such not fully human and subject to unequal treatment. It isn’t PC to use this term, because it simple isn’t accurate (or at least publicly it isn’t acceptable to have this view). While on the other hand, you being an asshole is debatable.

    Like


  530. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:46:52 ColorOfLuv

    my true colors? Listen, I fight for equality and civil rights. Just because I play Devils advocate doesn’t make me the devil.

    You jumped to a conclusion irrationally and started behaving like an ill tempered child resorting to cursing and name calling.

    You’re way too serious and getting offended at an open ended argument that MIRA “obviously” does get. She makes some great points! (Which is the sole reason I “suggested” this as a talking point for Abagond to put on his blog.)

    (Don’t judge a book by its cover Kitten, you might find you’re guilty of commiting the very same thing you are in a hurry to condemn!)

    Like


  531. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 22:55:42 voice of reason

    i guess there already is a post on ‘acting white.’ just read it – pretty interesting.
    reading the comments there made me think of another topic: why certain types of popular music are classified as being white or black. jazz, blues, rap are considered black music and rock, metal, are considered white. its strange because all music is just an evolution of earlier styles. i believe blues evolved from african folk music. jazz was a combination of american blues and classical european music. rock combined elements of blues and swing. but notable musicians who broke the race barrier are very few. today, when a white person raps, he’s seen as ‘trying to be black.’ what are people’s opinions about when a black person plays rock or metal, is that seen as a ‘white’ thing to do?

    Like


  532. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 23:07:30 BLACKkittenROAR

    ColorOfLuv:

    Ha! Right…you’re playing devils advocate? Then you really actually believe that being PC does not lead to oversensitivity? Or is that another term you are throwing out without properly understanding?

    And whos’s being serious? This is an online convo between complete strangers. Seems to me like you may actually be the on guilty of what you accuse.

    Like


  533. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 23:13:44 B. R.

    Black person playing rock or mettle? Since rock came from Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and rhythm and blues, and Hendrix was a serious voice in rock, its totaly cool.

    I always thought, there are no passport and immigration doors to pass through for anyone to play any culture.

    Heck, white people all over the Americas adopted Afro diasporic rhythms and dances as their popular music base.

    But, a person has to be honest about the roots.

    A white rocker not knowing the black background of rock and roll ( by the way, the 1941 clip I bought in of Dorothy Dandridge has here saying the term “rock and roll”), is being naive.

    To not know the banjo is an African instrument not a country and western invented instrument, is naive

    Like


  534. on Tue Mar 16th 2010 at 23:29:50 voice of reason

    B.R. – my question was meant for today. and in case you missed it from before, i said all styles of music are a branching out of earlier styles. i didn’t say white people invented rock and roll. neither did blacks for that matter. but as far back as the 60’s, certain music was seen as white or black. my question is TODAY, if you see a white person rapping or playing blues, would you consider that a ‘black’ thing to do? if you know a black person who listens to the beatles or led zeppelin, would you see him as trying to ‘act white?’

    Like


  535. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 00:00:04 B. R.

    Well, I didnt think I was avoiding today, so , I say again, I dont think there is a passport or immigration gate you have to pass through.

    For me , it depends on if the person does it well.Really put in the time.

    I cant speak for each individual playing the styles like you described, but , when I play jazz, I consider myself playing a black American style (especialy the way I like to play it).When I play Afro Brazilian music, I consider Im playing an Afro Brazilian style. If I am playing hip hop for break dancers, I consider Im playing a black American style. If I play in an orchestra of classical music, I consider Im playing a white European style.

    If I am playing a black style, Im not sure I am “acting black”, but I sure am trying to channal my jazz idols who are black Americans and somtimes a white jazz musician like Buddy Rich, who knew he was playing a black American art also.

    Maybe it is exactly that, I am acting black, but , in a channaling kind of way. So , someone else would have to define that .

    Again, it makes a huge differance if someone is doing it really well or poorly.

    Like


  536. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 13:35:51 ColorOfLuv

    BLACKkittenROAR:

    I’m being serious and I agree with you when you say, “IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SOMEONE WISHES TO BE CALLED, THERE IS NO ONE “CORRECT” TERM, WHAT A PERSON OR GROUP WISHES TO CALL THEMSELVES IS THE RIGHT TERM TO USE. NOBODY SHOULD EVER JUST LABEL SOMEBODY SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO BE INCONVENIENCE BY ACTUALLY FINDING OUT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT A PERSON OR GROUP, PERIOD.”

    i agree…. When I first “suggested” this as a post, I most certainly did not want to make a statement such as, “Political Correctness is…….” This is a blog. A forum for discussion and debate -contructive conversation. The fact that I posed the question should demonstrate that I want to illicit responses from as many different people as possible to receive and understand the many different perspectives. How is that bad? No ill will or bad intentions were meant by that question.

    The fact that I asked, “Almost like people who grow up in a PC environment are OVERLY sensitive. Thoughts?”

    I asked this with Brazil in mind. When I put “American”, in quotes, there was no ill intent there either. In Brazil, race is no where near the problem that it is in the U.S. Political Correctness does not exist in hardly any form. A lot of my fellow Brazilians do not understand the concept. Culturally, they don’t get this concept. Since I’ve lived in Brazil and identify with Brazil just as much as the U.S, I have grown up in two different worlds. I was hoping to get additional comments from a lot of the Latin American/International participants on this blog to “gauge” their perceptions on being PC and how they feel about it.

    My intention was most certainly not to say, “PC is wrong, lets fight!” (that is a bit extreme and not where I’m coming from at all.)

    I would like to know if there have been comparitive studies done on the PC phenomenon.

    Does that make more sense?

    Like


  537. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 14:48:00 D&nni

    Hey Aba, what about a post about Africans through african-american lens? I’m curious about what african-americans think of Afrca/africans nowadays…

    Like


  538. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 16:20:55 B. R.

    colorofluv your apeal to international Latin American participants cant help but force me to at least address you.

    I dont want to come in and make a blatent statement about it. There are too many varialbles that I see before I start making statements.

    Many Brazilians you are talking about are stuck in an American pre Julia mentality. Tv is a disgrace, 3 white singers are the leading representatives of Salvador Bahia, compare the color of congress to the color of people in prison in Brazil outside of the south.

    And on the other hand, I dont think there is a Brazilian black woman that would not date me because I was white and represented white privladge or a linc to the slave trade.

    So there is a lot of complexity I dont want to make a statement on at this time

    Like


  539. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 16:28:38 ColorOfLuv

    Definitely complex B.R!!! “J” and I are discussing race and latin america over on the Afro-Latino thread.

    As for PC in Brazil, I wasn’t thinking in racial terms, but more along gender lines, sexual preference, ethnic background. (Por exemplo, tem muito gente meio Japonese/Brasileiro. Algums deles tem o apelido “chino”, e nem esquenta. Ta nem ai… entende?)

    Like


  540. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 16:38:46 B. R.

    nao sei ,cara I dont know , man, how people receive nicknames isnt exactly a demonstration of real prejudices.

    Im not sure your point, but, what do you think of this:

    Right now, in Brazil, a country with the percentage of black people who get into college is painfully low, Idont know the exact percentage, but , its much lower than the USA, they are discussing making legal “quotas” for black people to get into college.

    And there is some heated debate, and you can see some really interesting things coming from the white nationalists.

    Some really interesting pr Julia ideas

    And for lots of white Brazilians, its not race, its just class, its a social problem

    Like


  541. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 16:53:18 ColorOfLuv

    That would be interesting B.R. “they are discussing making legal “quotas” for black people to get into college.”

    I could just see all the phenotypically White Brazilians claiming their Black in order to get into college. I think that would be a real problem and not solve anything.

    The quota idea is not a fix. Brazil needs to get in to the favelas and create a better educational system. Address the real problem, you know? Right now, only the Private schools offer a legitimate education. (Until you get to the University level, where ironically the Public ones are the best.)

    Like


  542. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 17:45:20 B. R.

    colorofluv, you could see white Brazilians tying to get into collage trying to be black, but here is a quote of what this Brazilian thinks and I wonder if it isnt how a lot of Brazilians think:

    “Brazilians don’t know about racism history and what generated the current American racial society. Brazilians never heard of scientific racism. Brazilians think the terms “east” and “west” are simple general directions you can find with the help of a compass and don’t associated them with any particular race or country.

    There are so many things Brazilians in general ignore about the poisonous aspects of the American culture, and the current regime, I mean, adminstration is not interested in clarifying anything. The current affirmative action in Brazil is an unwanted thing, that the people of Brazil doesn’t approve, and they want to force feed it on us no matter what, exploiting the said cultural differences. For example, they accuse Brazil of racism, but no Brazilian knows what real racism is like. Living a little in the US would be enough for anybody to learn what real racism is, i.e., a society where “race” occupies a central role. ”

    I dont agree with this, and I think if it takes quotas to get more black Brazilians in college , Im for it, and I wish it would aply to tv also, but that was dropped from the agenda.

    Like


  543. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 17:56:00 B. R.

    he goes on to say this:

    “Racism will never cease to exist in the US because it is a business. It is a business where corrupt black men can make a few bucks and advance their own careers, usually at the expense of others.

    Some people (I mean the usual suspects, NGOs, Ford Foundation, etc) are funding and trying desperatly to do the same in Brazil. And yet they fail. They don’t have people’s support and now are trying to push whatever stupid law they want by sneaking it or bullying others”

    and this:

    “But the Black brazilians movement is funded by US based organizations and ideologically follow black Americans with “one black race”, “one drop rule”, inverse racism, etc.

    There’s an American political interest, be it black elites or white or anything else, to install the same American racism in here. ”

    this is what some white Brazilians against quotas are saying

    Like


  544. on Wed Mar 17th 2010 at 19:25:00 ColorOfLuv

    Wow B.R… Interesting stuff. Do you have a source you could share? I would love to read up on this persons comments and dig deeper into this.

    Like


  545. on Thu Mar 18th 2010 at 13:16:48 ColorOfLuv

    To MerriMay –

    you said, “Made me wonder just what is said in white households about black people.”

    I’m sure that it occurs in some households in the U.S, but much less than you may think. I’m almost 40 years old and have never heard anything like that in my life through the millions of connections I’ve had.

    Like


  546. on Thu Mar 18th 2010 at 18:15:45 Thaddeus

    The best comment on American views versus Brazilian views was probably by Oracy Nogueira in “Preconceito de cor versus preconceito de marca”, written back in the 1950s.

    Though Oracy is mainly talking about race, he ends up the article saying that the differences between American and Brazilian views on race are, in fact, emblematic of a wider difference between the two peoples. According to Oracy, Americans tend to see things in binary “this or that” dichotomies which are believed to be absolute whereas Brazilians see the same things on a non-absolutist sliding scale. Race views are an example of this, says Oracy, but so are views on religion, politics or pretty much anything.

    Later on, Roberto da Matta came along with “Relativizando” in which he famously claims that Americans divide things in binary fashion whereas Brazilians feel more comfortable with trinary divisions.

    Brazilians, if pressed, will generally feel better running to a neutral position. This is why PC behavior is something of a joke down here. Witness the recent beer commercial which had an overly sincere woman lecturing a band of samba players that they shouldn’t be drinking and singing while the world slides into the toilet…

    Like


  547. on Thu Mar 18th 2010 at 18:18:06 Thaddeus

    Made me wonder just what is said in white households about black people. Most folks have made their minds up, they’re a lost cause!

    In both my grandma’s households, mouthwash with Ivory soap would have followed the employment of the “n word”. Not that this means there weren’t other forms of racism going around uncommented, but I think too often black anti-racists have something of a two-dimensional cartoonish view of how racism is dealt with among whites.

    It’s a bit more complicated than “let’s start with the bullsh#$ now that there are no n#$%%¨s to listen to us”, at least in many families.

    Like


  548. on Thu Mar 18th 2010 at 18:28:13 ColorOfLuv

    Thanks for the information Thad.

    Like


  549. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 15:55:58 Vindicator

    How about something on sports!?

    Like


  550. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 16:09:11 Thad

    I vote for Jack Johnson!

    Like


  551. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 16:47:12 ColorOfLuv

    Jack Johnson ? (the musician? Great stuff) I second Jack Johnson with Ben Harper.

    Like


  552. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 16:49:47 Herneith

    I second that! I read a book a few years ago called ‘Unforgiving Blackness” by Geoffrey C. Ward. Interesting to say the least.

    Like


  553. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 16:52:46 Herneith

    Correct me if I’m wrong Thad, but are you referring to the boxer. If so, Jack Johnson was the first Black heavywight world champion circa 1907 or there abouts.

    Like


  554. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 17:06:13 ColorOfLuv

    Herneith —

    That makes a lot more sense. I was scratching my head over the “Jack Johnson” post.

    Like


  555. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 17:25:38 Thaddeus

    Jack Johnson the boxer. There’s some real juicy stuff about whiteness, blackness and masculinity in general in his story.

    Like


  556. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 17:35:00 Ó Dochartaigh

    Colorofluv

    Ben Harper is the man!! LOL

    Like


  557. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 17:40:59 Vindicator

    How about other black sports stars like Pele, NBA Stars (Most of them), Black soccer players in the major european soccer leagues!

    Like


  558. on Fri Mar 19th 2010 at 17:43:58 Thaddeus

    Well, Ana Paula did her doctorate on Pelé and race. If Abagond would like something from her, I’m sure she could oblige.

    Like


  559. on Sat Mar 20th 2010 at 23:05:33 Aiyo

    Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin and Glenn Beck.
    Those three are the lowest of the low, I found this on Bossip.
    I am glad MSNBC baited out these fools talk about rude people God damn. They went after a 11 year old boy Just look at the link

    http://hiphopwired.com/2010/03/19/rush-limbaugh-and-right-wingers-attack-11-year-old-healthcare-reform-supporter-video/

    Like


  560. on Mon Mar 22nd 2010 at 04:50:53 Shani

    I read in an internet article that a bollywood director said that he didn’t hire dark women for his movies to play flirty, feminine roles because dark women are too sexy, sensous for such roles and when men look at them they would think of sex, and therefore would not come off as believable in such roles. He said that light women are feminine.

    Now Abagond, I would like to know what you think about this director’s opinion. When he said dark women, I took it that he meant not only dark skin, but even women with white skin who have dark hair and dark eyes such as Monica Bellucci, and she is very sensuous and sexy. So I saw this as being more about skin color.

    Now I know his opinion may have come off as offensive do you think there is some truth to it?

    Like


  561. on Tue Mar 23rd 2010 at 00:50:46 Leaveumthinking

    I watched Mrs Evers Boys today what about a post on The Tuskegee Experiment

    Like


  562. on Tue Mar 23rd 2010 at 02:12:26 Shani

    Doing a post about the Israeli and Ethiopian Jews would be great I think.

    Like


  563. on Tue Mar 23rd 2010 at 02:44:14 Herneith

    I suffer from CRIMP-compulsive-reactive information management purchasing! Please do some posts on software. Most downloadable software comes with a thirty day trial period. You could put the software through its paces and critique the performance.

    Like


  565. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 15:56:31 lucia

    have you done a post on refugees and displaced persons?

    could be interesting…

    Like


  566. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 15:57:36 abagond

    No, I have not. Refugees would make a wonderful post.

    Like


  567. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:00:13 Mira

    I don’t understand these rich white people that were trying to stop Obama, they are rich they can afford their healthcare Obama is trying to help the poor and since they don’t need help, I don’t know why they would try to stop him.

    I don’t understand why people accuse Obama on being a socialist (I guess it’s taken for granted that it’s the worst thing a politician can be)- just because he wants to give health care to poor people. I mean, yes, it can be labelled “socialist”, but it’s a good thing. News flash: not all socialist things are bad. Free health care and education are definitely not bad things.

    Like


  568. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:10:32 Thad

    Americans – white and black – are trained to kjerk their knee at the word “socialist” from birth on, Mira. 99.9% have not a single clue as to what the word means, they’ll just tell you “evil”.

    Even smart Americans are wobbly on this point. I mean look at our gracious host: as far as I can tell, Abagond thinks “Marxism” is a synonym of “materialism”.

    If it weren’t for “socialism”, people would have to accuse Obama of being a devil worshipper, which would be just about as logical. “Socialist” sounds more fearsome, however.

    Like


  569. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:19:48 no_slappz

    mira, you wrote:

    Free health care and education are definitely not bad things.

    The US spends about $2.5 TRILLION per year on healthcare. Is that your idea of free?

    The NY City Department of Education spends over $16,000 a year per student. Is this another example of a free benefit?

    Like


  570. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:27:23 Mira

    The US spends about $2.5 TRILLION per year on healthcare. Is that your idea of free?

    Well, obviously, money has to come from somewhere. But to a person in need, health care should be free, no questions asked. Same goes for education. US should be the richest country on the planet. I bet the money is out there.

    Like


  571. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:27:25 ColorOfLuv

    Bottom line – the U.S. Healtcare system is flawed. It’s reactionary approach rather than preventative approach is quite flawed… The system is flawed as a whole.

    The current healthcare plan is a step in the right direction; however, it too has its share of problems.

    Like


  572. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:30:10 Mira

    I meant: “US is supposed to be the richest country”.

    I don’t know much about the proposed healthcare plan. It’s just the way I was raised… Free healthcare and education for everyone was a norm.

    Like


  573. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 16:38:34 no_slappz

    ColorOfLuv, you wrote:

    Bottom line – the U.S. Healtcare system is flawed. It’s reactionary approach rather than preventative approach is quite flawed…

    Preventative? Prevention is in the hands of the individual. In the US there are still 50 MILLION smokers. That’s one-sixth of the population.

    Here’s a factoid for you. The lowest healthcare costs in the US are found among the residents of Utah — the state populated by Mormons. Mormons are not permitted to smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, and other bad health habits are also forbidden.

    What a shock. Their clean-living philosophy has proven itself.

    If no one in the US smoked, if people cut way back on drinking, avoided recreational drugs and got some regular exercise, our national healthcare bill would easily drop by a full one-third.

    No program that promises to repair the damage we willfully inflict on ourselves can lead to lower healthcare costs.

    Like


  574. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 17:00:46 Thaddeus

    Prevention is in the hands of the individual.

    No, it isn’t. Who taught you that BS? The state most clearly has the right to excercise preventive health care and has done so quite consistently in the U.S.

    Like


  575. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 17:21:18 Vindicator

    no_slappz said:

    “Preventative? Prevention is in the hands of the individual. In the US there are still 50 MILLION smokers. That’s one-sixth of the population.

    Here’s a factoid for you. The lowest healthcare costs in the US are found among the residents of Utah — the state populated by Mormons. Mormons are not permitted to smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, and other bad health habits are also forbidden.

    What a shock. Their clean-living philosophy has proven itself.

    If no one in the US smoked, if people cut way back on drinking, avoided recreational drugs and got some regular exercise, our national healthcare bill would easily drop by a full one-third.

    No program that promises to repair the damage we willfully inflict on ourselves can lead to lower healthcare costs.”

    For once no_slappz, I kinda agree with you!
    I feel really, really, really dirty now!

    Like


  576. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 19:40:05 ColorOfLuv

    U.S. Reactionary = wife in U.S. has a lump in her breast. U.S. doctors say we’ll keep an eye on it. Come back in six months.

    Brazil Preventative = wife in Brazil has same lump in breast and doctor recommends biopsy to be sure. No need to “wait & see”…..

    A lot more examples….. but I digress.

    Like


  577. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 23:07:23 Herneith

    All I can say is that I am glad we have free health care here in Canada, warts and all. I suppose, according to some, we are a ‘socialist’ nation!

    Like


  578. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 23:47:23 Peanut

    “Prevention is in the hands of the individual. ”

    not always, there are other factors t hat go into health of the individual. it’seasy to say well people shouldn’t smoke,drink or eat fast food, but when you live in an enviorment where you’re poor and its easir to get a big mac than a bag of apples and you have more acess to cocain than pain medication, aren’t we setting people or individuals up for failure. This is not an equal society and some people are put into unequal situations that predispose them andincrease the liklihood that they’ll have health problems. Look at the Aids epidmeic in Haiti 4 example…peole are so quick to blame the individual for their health choices, but they never stop and ask why orexamine the route cause

    Like


  579. on Fri Mar 26th 2010 at 23:59:07 Leaveumthinking

    I agree Peanut and what about those who are born with medical conditions.

    Like


  580. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 10:39:17 no_slappz

    peanut, you wrote:

    it’seasy to say well people shouldn’t smoke,drink or eat fast food, but when you live in an enviorment where you’re poor and its easir to get a big mac than a bag of apples and you have more acess to cocain than pain medication, aren’t we setting people or individuals up for failure.

    Where are these neighborhoods that are over-run with McDonalds and devoid of supermarkets and other venues selling fresh foods?

    Every neighborhood in NY City has convenience stores, markets and supermarkets that sell good wholesome non-junk food. In Brooklyn on Flatbush Avenue they are on almost every block.

    The same is true for drug stores. Rite Aid, Walgreens and Duane Reade are competing on every block.

    Why would supermarkets and drug stores miss out on the golden opportunity to serve poor neighborhoods? When most residents receive food stamps and Medicaid, food stores and drugs stores are guaranteed payment.

    Sadly, too often I see obese black and hispanic women shopping in supermarkets pushing carts filled with pasta, canned goods and sweetened cereal.

    This is not an equal society and some people are put into unequal situations that predispose them andincrease the liklihood that they’ll have health problems.

    Oh. In other words you are admitting that minority shoppers are ignorant of basic concepts of healthful eating. And it appears you are saying they are unaware that smoking causes cancer and that drinking damages your liver and brain.

    Look at the Aids epidmeic in Haiti 4 example…peole are so quick to blame the individual for their health choices, but they never stop and ask why orexamine the route cause

    If there was ever a self-inflicted disease, AIDS is it. Now it appears you are claiming Haitians are too ignorant to have learned that anal sex and IV drug use account for the transmission of about 99% of all AIDS cases. Apparently the medical facts have failed to reach Botswana, where about 25% of the population is infected.

    Like


  581. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 11:59:22 Leaveumthinking

    Where are these neighborhoods that are over-run with McDonalds and devoid of supermarkets and other venues selling fresh foods?

    Thats not the point. The point is McDonalds 99 cents menu is much cheaper than health food. Yes preparing a healthy meal with fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, skinless chicken breast, fish, and other lean cuts of meat, whole grain rice and pasta, seasonings, prepared lowfat tv dinner like weightwatchers, basically lowfat anything, including bottled water can get expensive after awhile.

    “The same is true for drug stores. Rite Aid, Walgreens and Duane Reade are competing on every block.”

    Since when did drug stores start selling a wide variety of health food? There arent any drug stores like Walgreens on every block in poor neighborhoods. There was a liquor store across the street that sold zero health food and only snacks and junkfood.

    “Sadly, too often I see obese black and hispanic women shopping in supermarkets pushing carts filled with pasta, canned goods and sweetened cereal.”

    I guess where I live white women must be eating the same thing because most of them are obese too.

    Oh. In other words you are admitting that minority shoppers are ignorant of basic concepts of healthful eating.

    No one is ignorant. If healthy food was cheaper more poor people will buy it.

    “And it appears you are saying they are unaware that smoking causes cancer and that drinking damages your liver and brain.”

    Some people are addicted to smoking and alcohol. Why not ban these products? Oh I forgot the government (whites) would lose too much money.

    “If there was ever a self-inflicted disease, AIDS is it.”

    Its not self inflicted if you were raped, forced into prostitution or born with it. This might be the case in some poor countries.

    Like


  582. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 12:09:01 Mira

    This is interesting. McDonalds is expensive in my country. Well, not “expensive” expensive (as: classy), but not everybody can afford it. Only on special occasions, almost.

    But the point is: no_slappz doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. What else is new?

    Like


  583. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 12:38:08 no_slappz

    Leaveumthinking,

    Peanut made the bogus claim that fresh food was unavailable in poor neighborhoods. He also said it was easier to get cocaine instead of legitimate pain medication.

    Hence, I mentioned a few realities about markets and drug stores, as well as the crucial point that people in poor neighborhoods receive food stamps and Medicaid benefits. Thus, most are able to get healthy food and their prescription medications without much difficulty.

    By saying that McDonald’s offers a 99-cent meal, you are implying McDonald’s takes food stamps.

    But we know that is false. What is true, however, is that people are willing to buy junk at McDonalds rather than eat better food gotten from supermarkets with food stamps.

    You wrote:

    Some people are addicted to smoking and alcohol. Why not ban these products? Oh I forgot the government (whites) would lose too much money.

    Oh. Were these people born addicted to smoking and alcohol?

    Do you think it is possible to “ban” these products? If you think the government can ban them, why do you think it is impossible for individuals to independently stop consuming them? Smoking causes lung cancer and cardio-pulmonary disease. What more do you need to know?

    As for the recipients of the taxes collected from tobacco and alcohol, well, whom might they be? Where does the money for food stamps and Medicaid come from?

    Meanwhile, food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or prepared food. Should the government handle this benefit a different way?

    Like


  584. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 14:14:42 Leaveumthinking

    “By saying that McDonald’s offers a 99-cent meal, you are implying McDonald’s takes food stamps.”

    LOL where did I mention food stamps? Are you implying that poor equals on food stamps?

    “But we know that is false. What is true, however, is that people are willing to buy junk at McDonalds rather than eat better food gotten from supermarkets with food stamps.”

    Not all poor people recieve food stamps or even qualify for them. Some poor people work for a living sometimes two jobs at a time and pay taxes like everyone else. Not all poor people depend on the government.

    Do you think it is possible to “ban” these products?

    Yes make them illegal so that there harder to obtain and some people probaly wont try them to begin with if they are illegal.

    why do you think it is impossible for individuals to independently stop consuming them?

    I never said it was impossible. If they are addicted it may be hard for them to stop even if they wanted to. What part of the word addiction do you not understand.

    Smoking causes lung cancer and cardio-pulmonary disease. What more do you need to know?

    Um I dont smoke

    As for the recipients of the taxes collected from tobacco and alcohol, well, whom might they be?
    Where does the money for food stamps and Medicaid come from?

    If the money from tobacco taxes goes to feed and give medical care to underpriviledged children then atleast its going to a good cause.

    Meanwhile, food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or prepared food. Should the government handle this benefit a different way?

    You lost me here. Food stamps should be used to only buy food. You tell me how you think the government should handle it.

    Like


  585. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 16:32:50 no_slappz

    leaveumthinking, you wrote:

    LOL where did I mention food stamps? Are you implying that poor equals on food stamps?

    Receving food stamps and Medicaid are reliable indicators of low income — or poverty.

    You wrote:

    Yes make them illegal so that there harder to obtain and some people probaly wont try them to begin with if they are illegal.

    Peanut claimed it was easier for the poor to buy cocaine than to get legitimate pain medication from a drug store. Inasmuch as cocaine is illegal and illegal drug use is a huge problem among blacks in poor neighborhoods, it is obvious that banning a substance is hard to accomplish.

    Banning alchohol failed. Banning illegal recreational drugs may reduce their consumption, but banning creates its own problems.

    To deter use, sale of cigarettes is prohibited to people younger than 18. Cigarettes are also highly taxed, which is supposed to make them less affordable while generating revenue for the state. But untaxed cigarettes are sold illegally in NY City, especially in minority neighborhoods.

    You wrote:

    Not all poor people recieve food stamps or even qualify for them.

    Those who are “poor” qualify. And if people qualify, they should accept this benefit and use to their advantage.

    Some poor people work for a living sometimes two jobs at a time and pay taxes like everyone else.

    They may still qualify for benefits. And perhaps even pay negative taxes as a result of the Earned Income Credit.

    Not all poor people depend on the government.

    In fact they do. More than any other segment of society. More government funding is spent on policing, fire departments, education, rent subsidies, food subsidies and medical care in poor areas than is spent on the same services in wealthier areas.

    Like


  586. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 18:10:58 Leaveumthinking

    No Slapz what is your definition of poor?

    Like


  587. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 18:45:03 Herneith

    Where are these neighborhoods that are over-run with McDonalds and devoid of supermarkets and other venues selling fresh foods?

    Because 99 cents for a MacDonalds meal is cheaper than purchasing the ingredients for a meal consisting of of all the food groups which make up a nutritious meal. This may cost twenty dollars or more whereas the 99 cent meal will cost less than five dollars when feeding a family of four. A frozen pizza on special will cost less than a home cooked meal. Even if allotted food stamps, is the cost of preparing the food taken into account? Costs such as gas or electricity for the stove? If it is a choice between paying for heating or having your electricity cut off over home cooked meals, what should the person choose?
    Do they have subsidies for utilities as well as food and housing available in the States? There are poor people who may be slightly over the ‘poverty line’ and may not qualify for these benefits. What about them?

    Like


  588. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 19:42:43 no_slappz

    leaveumthinking,

    My definition of “poor” is the government definition of “poor”. That definition determines who gets food stamps, Medicaid and rent subsidies.

    Virtually all food stores, convenience stores and supermarkets in NY City take food stamps, EBT cards, whatever. Thus, “poor” people are able to eat healthy — or they can choose to eat junk.

    But at McDonalds, they must pay cash, which means they are making a conscious choice.

    For the price of a McDonalds meal it is possible to buy healthy food at a supermarket. Fruits and vegetables, for example, that require almost no prep work.

    Like


  589. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 19:51:28 no_slappz

    herneith, you asked:

    Do they have subsidies for utilities as well as food and housing available in the States?

    Yes.

    There are poor people who may be slightly over the ‘poverty line’ and may not qualify for these benefits. What about them?

    Subsidies are granted on a sliding scale. And there is the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a program that grants eligible working people extra money from the government. In other words, instead of Paying Taxes to the government, people qualifying for the EITC Receive money from the government.

    Like


  590. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 20:33:58 Leaveumthinking

    My definition of “poor” is the government definition of “poor”. That definition determines who gets food stamps, Medicaid and rent subsidies.

    Well neither of you understand the definition of poor. Poor doesnt mean living on or being qualified for werlfare. There are people who live modestly, work hard but make a low wage and live from paycheck to paycheck. They barely make ends meet. Just because these people do not quailfy for assistance does not mean they arent struggling. If you make close to minimum wage, live within your means and still barely make ends meet then you are poor by my definition.

    For the price of a McDonalds meal it is possible to buy healthy food at a supermarket. Fruits and vegetables, for example, that require almost no prep work.

    Fruits and vegetables dont fill you up. Unless someone has trained their body to eat like a vegan in the beginning this should be done under a doctors supervision to make sure you get the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. What poor person can afford that?

    there is the Earned Income Tax Credit,

    This is for those who have dependants. Not all poor people have kids.

    In other words, instead of Paying Taxes to the government, people qualifying for the EITC Receive money from the government

    Again unless you overpaid throughout the year if you do not have dependants you will owe instead of recieving money.

    Like


  591. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 20:49:42 no_slappz

    leaveumthinking,

    Inasmuch as you are claiming people are weakwilled and have little control over what goes into their bodies, maybe the government should ban junk food.

    You wrote:

    Fruits and vegetables dont fill you up. Unless someone has trained their body to eat like a vegan in the beginning this should be done under a doctors supervision to make sure you get the correct balance of vitamins and minerals.

    Yeah. Get a doctor to supervise. As if today’s obesity problem is due to doctors prescribing a heavy intake of junk food.

    Like


  592. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 21:35:16 Leaveumthinking

    Yeah. Get a doctor to supervise. As if today’s obesity problem is due to doctors prescribing a heavy intake of junk food.

    Well thanks to Obamas health insurance everyone including the obese will be able to go get medical help and treatment.

    Like


  593. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 22:52:58 Herneith

    I agree with Leaveumthinking’s definition of poor. There are many people who do-not qualify for these benefits who maybe work two jobs in order to make ends meet. They simply don’t qualify for these benefits. There must be an income cap for those who do qualify. If you are a little bit over, you will not qualify but you are still poor.

    Its about how they can’t stand a black man working as president in the white house and they’ll do anything to mess him up if they can.

    From what I have been reading I think this is true. Why the resistance to a universal health care program which espouses preventative health care measures? All the other so-called first world nations have health care programs why not the States? this has always baffled me. Do they not want healthy citizens? Free health care should be a universal right.

    Like


  594. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 22:59:12 leigh204

    Herneith

    All I can say is that I am glad we have free health care here in Canada, warts and all. I suppose, according to some, we are a ’socialist’ nation!

    Hi, fellow “socialist”! 🙂

    From what I have been reading I think this is true. Why the resistance to a universal health care program which espouses preventative health care measures? All the other so-called first world nations have health care programs why not the States? this has always baffled me.

    I never understood that either. Go figure.

    Like


  595. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 23:29:09 Mira

    Abagond, and what about posts on most gorgeous men in the world?

    Like


  596. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 23:38:54 leigh204

    ^ Ooh, I second that, Mira. I’d like to see more yummy eye candy if you please. 😉

    Like


  597. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 23:43:37 Aiyo

    The Uk also has free health care the NHS I remember there was some Brit that went to to US and was bad mouthing the NHS just so he can get on all those talk shows it did not sit well us LOL

    Like


  598. on Sat Mar 27th 2010 at 23:49:32 Herneith

    @Aiyo:

    There were ‘commercials’ in the States with Canadians complaining about the our system as well. The pro-health care faction countered with commercials countering these turncoat’s position. Good thing for the Americans that the anti-health care faction lost!

    Like


  599. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 01:22:22 Y

    Hey Aba

    You should do an biography-entry about Brandy….I noticed that you havent done one yet.

    Like


  600. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 01:56:58 abagond

    Mira & Leigh:

    Yes, I must get back to the gorgeous men posts. Will Demps is next.

    Like


  601. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 02:03:03 abagond

    Y:

    Yes, I have forgotten about Brandy.

    Like


  602. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 02:03:29 leigh204

    @abagond:

    Awesome! For joy! For joy! I CAN’T WAIT!! 😀

    Like


  603. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 02:07:31 Herneith

    How about a post on the psychological and physical effects of beefcake on women while you’re at it? You could post numerous photos of examples of beefcake to illustrate your points!

    Like


  604. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 02:14:35 abagond

    @ Herneith:

    LMAO.

    Like


  605. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 02:18:04 leigh204

    @Herneith:

    How about a post on the psychological and physical effects of beefcake on women while you’re at it? You could post numerous photos of examples of beefcake to illustrate your points!

    A woman after my own heart. Bless you! 😉

    Like


  606. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 17:02:59 Herneith

    A lot of people are infected with the fantasy of FREE healthcare. Where are the doctors, nurses and long list of medical professionals who work for free?

    Is anything free? Maybe the air!

    On the contrary. The new healthcare plan signed by Obama is a huge gift to the entire healthcare industry. Pizza for everyone. Lots of it. And lots more healthcare jobs. Not only more jobs, but pay increases too.

    Capitalism at its’ best! Jobs for everyone! More money to shop, thereby shoring up the economy!

    Like


  607. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 18:20:29 Thaddeus

    On the contrary. The new healthcare plan signed by Obama is a huge gift to the entire healthcare industry. Pizza for everyone. Lots of it. And lots more healthcare jobs. Not only more jobs, but pay increases too.

    And this is bad, why? You reptilian types never bitch when defence spending does the same for the armaments industry. Oddly enough, you only seem to be opposed to keynsian economics when it’s actually being spent on things that can HELP people. You have no complaints about military keynesianism, do you? 😀

    Like


  608. on Sun Mar 28th 2010 at 19:19:49 Herneith

    You have no complaints about military keynesianism, do you?

    If it cuts into my ability to shop, yes! Shop till you drop! Pizza, clothes. electronics, purses, shoes, boots, computers, software hardware, chocolate!!!!! Don’t get me started. Give everyone a job so we can ALL enjoy the benefits of shopping, a sport in and of itself!

    Like


  609. on Mon Mar 29th 2010 at 04:41:51 Kelly

    Maybe (if you haven’t already) you can talk about why people who are considered black in America can’t say that they have different ethnic backgrounds in them because they are black but whites can sit and say they are everything in the world.

    Like


  610. on Mon Mar 29th 2010 at 14:45:07 ColorOfLuv

    @ Kelly,

    You make a very good point. However, the general response to your question is that the “One Drop rule” and segregation in the U.S. (until recently) shaped society’s rules in that Blacks were a homogeneous group (despite the fact they are not) while “Whites” in the U.S. were subjected to categorization based on ethnicity: Greeks, Italians, Irish, Germans, etc…

    (That is the short answer; however, if you browse through and read enough of the threads here on Abagond’s blog, you will find much of what you suggested is already present here.)

    Like


  611. on Mon Mar 29th 2010 at 18:29:16 Y

    Abagond

    You should do a post on Tim Wise!

    If you do you must note that he is also the epitome of white privilege. The things he says are the things black people have been saying for years. Now that its a white man saying it white people take it more to heart but if its coming for a black person it gets dismissed as “black paranoia” and “hypersensitivity”

    Like


  613. on Tue Mar 30th 2010 at 02:56:12 abagond

    No, that is still to come. Thanks for the link. Pretty sick stuff in more ways than one.

    Like


  614. on Tue Mar 30th 2010 at 11:18:45 abagond

    A post on Time Wise is an excellent idea.

    Unfortunately, part of white racism is to not take seriously what people of colour say, particularly if it is about race and particularly if it is coming from a black person. When the VERY SAME WORDS come from the mouth of a white man, suddenly they are taken way more seriously. I have seen it with my own eyes at work. Sad but true.

    Like


  615. on Tue Mar 30th 2010 at 13:14:22 no_slappz

    Tim Wise?

    He is truly a hapless clown.

    It is hard to judge how well he is known among whites. I suppose he’s best known by the college-age demographic. But the majority of whites have probably either never heard of him, or, if they have, they consider him a dope.

    Like


  616. on Wed Mar 31st 2010 at 22:29:14 Ó Dochartaigh

    Comformity and group pressure.

    Like


  617. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 02:48:19 abagond

    Bay Area Guy:

    Since Tim Wise is publicly taking unpopular positions on stuff white people do not want to think about or talk about, I doubt he is doing it for the money. He could probably make more money and live a much quieter life writing books about dogs or gardening, things that white people are way more interested in.

    Like


  618. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 02:50:48 abagond

    Ó Dochartaigh:

    Conformity is an EXCELLENT suggestion. Thank you.

    Like


  619. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 05:52:49 abagond

    Can you think of any others (just curious)?

    Like


  620. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:12:36 jade

    Some ideas:
    -the invention of racism: race as a social construct
    -white racism seen as a mental illness
    -the tiger woods syndrome: BM becomes successful and basically ditch BW
    -why society is apprehensive to embrace the Black woman’s beauty, body, etc.

    Like


  621. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:18:30 jade

    Bay Area dude so are you saying you agree or disagree with Tim Wise’s stance???

    Like


  622. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:20:50 abagond

    jade/hilda/jodee/glitter:

    Please stick to one name or you will be banned:

    https://abagond.wordpress.com/comment-policy/

    Like


  623. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:26:20 jade

    Is it older white men preying on young BW or is it just being old enough not to conform, and to ditch all the stereotypes and propaganda about beauty, BW etc,..

    Like


  624. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:31:39 jade

    didn’t know there were such rules agabond … I apologize for the mistake…

    Like


  625. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 06:45:27 jade

    (stickin with jade) The way the onlookers in Erykah badu’s vid Window Seat reacted to her nudity was very peculiar this may be a good topic as well…

    Like


  626. on Thu Apr 1st 2010 at 11:02:57 B. R.

    Abagond, how about a post on Miles Davis ?

    He was in on , or actualy changed the face of jazz music 4 times:
    bebop, cool school, modal jazz, jazz rock

    He was a succesful black man who suffered greatly at the hands of racism in the late 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

    Like


  627. on Fri Apr 2nd 2010 at 04:03:07 Kelly

    How about talk about British blacks?

    Like


  628. on Fri Apr 2nd 2010 at 11:43:08 Mira

    And what about a post on Toni Morrison?

    She’s one of my favourite authors.

    Like


  629. on Fri Apr 2nd 2010 at 23:32:46 peanut

    wats the next post gonna be about abagond??? something historical???

    Like


  630. on Sat Apr 3rd 2010 at 00:44:47 abagond

    Peanut:

    Not sure. Probably Phillis Wheatley.

    By the way, my post “How to talk to white people*” started out as a post to you. You said:

    “It just seem like no matter how hard I try to explain stuff, it doesn’t get through. Like there is a wall up or something and I’m finding this to be true in 90% of the interaction w/ white guys I have. there might be 2 who try to understand what I’m talking about, the rest seem to have issues either admitting that there is benefit to being white in this day and age or just avoid/ignore issues of race altogether.”

    So I started writing in answer to that but then the thing morphed into what it is now. Personally, I would not waste any time on the 90%. Be glad you know it now and not deeper into the relationship that they are jerks who have no empathy.

    Like


  631. on Sun Apr 4th 2010 at 04:04:24 peanut

    how about a post on paul L. dunbar and we wear the masks…??

    Like


  632. on Tue Apr 6th 2010 at 12:46:03 J

    A whole subject on ‘African Global Presence’ across the world, where people live and have done so in some instance for over a thousand years.

    You could possible put it with the ‘Negritos’:

    Groups would include:

    Afro Iraqis, Afro-Iranians, Afro-Turks (Turkey), Afro-Abkhazi (Caucasuses), Afro-Siddis (India & Pakistan), Afro Sri Lankans, Afro-Mani (Thailand/Negritos), Afro-Semang (Malaysia, Negrito), Fiji/Vanuatu (in the Pacific) and the list goes on

    Like


  633. on Tue Apr 6th 2010 at 12:55:31 J

    This should read (always have problems spelling it correctly):

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Abkhazians

    Like


  634. on Wed Apr 7th 2010 at 22:32:30 ColorOfLuv

    The “Quilombos” …. most of which I know of were in Brazil: The most famous being “Palmares”…

    I believe there were some in the U.S. too near the Georgia Outer Banks and also Florida everglades (???

    EXCERPT
    The most famous Quilombo was Quilombo dos Palmares, (Palm Groves) which was documented as a system of about 8 or nine separate compounds and settlements covering a large area, partly in Pernambuco and partly in Alagôas.. From the time that its existence became known, 25 separate recorded attempts were made to take it before it finally fell. (Estimated 11k-20k inhabitants in a single ‘Quilombo’!!!)

    additional link = http://www.diaspora.uiuc.edu/news0307/news0307-5.pdf

    Like


  635. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 00:56:52 Herneith

    Abagond, why don’t you do a post on the new IPad?

    Like


  636. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 01:20:06 leigh204

    @abagond:

    dani

    Can we have an article on how mixed race individuals differ in experiences of their physical appearance and phenotypes. (For example is there a difference in a mixed race person who looks more White in a appearance than someone who does not?)

    I missed dani’s post the first time around and I’d like to second this.

    Like


  637. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 10:42:37 Aiyo

    MAybe you could do a post on black comedians

    Like


  638. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 13:18:51 islandgirl

    I’m with Leigh. But I’d like to explore how biracial people feel about their status in comparison to monoracial. I’m am curious because I read a post, by someone who used to comment here, about how her biracial status made her superior to monoracial in terms of appearance, better dating options, higher intelligence and she is less boring. She also indicated that she “pity’s” black women because of their lack of dating options and though she doesn’t have that problem, she likes to champion black women because of that.

    Is this the thinking of a lot of mixed raced people?

    Like


  639. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 13:51:16 ColorOfLuv

    @Islandgirl

    if you want to gain insight into what a lot of “bi-racial” people “THINK” themselves, try hitting some of the threads on mulato.org / You’ll find the same as you posted above to the complete opposite.

    Like


  640. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 13:59:13 ColorOfLuv

    @ Leigh & @Dani –

    You said, “is there a difference in a mixed race person who looks more White in a appearance than someone who does not?”

    ANSWER: YES…

    Like


  641. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 14:16:01 Y

    “I’m with Leigh. But I’d like to explore how biracial people feel about their status in comparison to monoracial. I’m am curious because I read a post, by someone who used to comment here, about how her biracial status made her superior to monoracial in terms of appearance, better dating options, higher intelligence and she is less boring. She also indicated that she “pity’s” black women because of their lack of dating options and though she doesn’t have that problem, she likes to champion black women because of that.”

    DAMN SMDH…

    Like


  642. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 15:08:06 islandgirl

    Y,

    Yeah, it’s ashamed. At first I was furious when I read it, then I realized that obviously this person has issues. A white guy called her on it and she later recanted.

    That is the problem in some cases, when other women view themselves as superior. And I don’t just accuse people with no justification, but when you have something spelled out so obvious, the mentality is clear.

    Color,

    I will check that out. I know that a great majority of mixed raced people don’t share that mentality.

    Like


  643. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 15:23:04 Natasha W

    I’m am curious because I read a post, by someone who used to comment here, about how her biracial status made her superior to monoracial in terms of appearance, better dating options, higher intelligence and she is less boring. She also indicated that she “pity’s” black women because of their lack of dating options and though she doesn’t have that problem, she likes to champion black women because of that.

    Lolhuh?

    Biracial people (black/white, or otherwise) do not look better than monoracial people, on average. They have their goods, okays, and uglies, just like every other group. We just only ever hear about the conventionally goodlooking ones. And someone is going to have to provide (numerous) studies that back the “higher intelligence” bit. That claim is very tentative, to say the least.

    Like


  644. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 15:23:43 Natasha W

    That was from me, I enter my email address incorrectly.

    Like


  645. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 15:24:12 Natasha W

    ^entered*

    Like


  646. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 16:24:20 islandgirl

    Natasha,

    Yeah, that’s a real “lol”. According to her, the only negative stereotype to being biracial is being “unusually goodlooking”.

    I wholeheartedly agree with you. There is a misconception that biracial people are above monoracial in attractiveness. While there are some very attractive biracials, there are also very attractive people in every group. It’s not exclusive to just one group.

    After re-reading, the commenter mentioned that her high intelligence didn’t cause one to question because of her “ambigous”, mixed race appearance. Just to clarify. Which is still a slap in the face to monoracial groups.

    The post went on to suggest that people mix and procreate because, “the children will be fine, just a bit stuck up”.

    This is not what you want to instill in your children. To think that they are better than anyone else. This way of thinking is very disturbing – for anyone.

    Like


  647. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 16:25:20 Leaveumthinking

    I’m am curious because I read a post, by someone who used to comment here, about how her biracial status made her superior to monoracial in terms of appearance, better dating options, higher intelligence and she is less boring. She also indicated that she “pity’s” black women because of their lack of dating options and though she doesn’t have that problem, she likes to champion black women because of that.”

    I would have loved to have been here when this commenter made these bogus statements. My responses would have gotten a bit ugly.

    Like


  648. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 16:40:26 islandgirl

    Leaveumthinking,

    It was not on this blog, but is was expressed by someone who was a regular here. It is very insulting. She later apologized because she knew that it was wrong, but is this her normal though process? This person really irked me because of her superiority complex.

    It would be great to explore this way of thinking further and for biracial people to express their thoughts and feelings about this.

    I hope that she is in the very slim minority.

    Like


  649. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 17:22:18 Leaveumthinking

    I think she spoke what she truly felt and believed, so her apology came from guilt therefore not sincere. I always thought biracials and blacks were okay with each other until I started reading their comments on the internet. One girl on this blog said that black women were jealous of biracial girls because they have long hair, light skin, and dont look like they just came back from picking cotton. I mean is she unaware that monoracial black women can have long hair and light skin. Do they think all monoracial black people look alike too. And they talk as if other women are never jealous of us monoracial blacks. Those same women who gave her a hard time would probaly do the same thing to us.

    Like


  650. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 17:28:16 Leaveumthinking

    Islandgirl,

    I think she spoke what she truly felt and believed, so her apology came from guilt therefore not sincere. I always thought biracials and blacks were okay with each other until I started reading their comments on the internet. One girl on this blog said that black women were jealous of biracial girls because they have long hair, light skin, and dont look like they just came back from picking cotton. I mean is she unaware that monoracial black women can have long hair and light skin. Do they think all monoracial black people look alike too. And they talk as if other women are never jealous of us monoracial blacks. Those same women who gave her a hard time would probaly do the same thing to us.

    Like


  651. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 17:37:46 ColorOfLuv

    @Leaveumthinking

    this would be great to cover on Abagond’s Colourism Post. Its a throwback to topics like good hair, good skin, and the fact that these are cultural concepts/mis-concept-ions. There are bi-racial people who are not as accepted because they’re not “Black enough”. Either way it goes, its stupid.

    Like


  652. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 17:54:12 islandgirl

    Leaveumthinking,

    It may not have been guilt so much as it was that people (white guys) called her on it. So that’s even worse.

    It’s true. With the internet, you can express your deepest, darkest feelings with no consequence.

    This isn’t really a colorism issue because there are monoracial blacks who are light skinned, long hair. It’s more of a racial issue. Don’t get me wrong, there are women who may give biracials a hard time, but there are women who give ANY woman a hard time. That’s not just experienced by biracial or lighter skinned women. There are plenty of monoracial, darker skinned black women who may have it rough because they are attractive.

    My problem is not with biracial women, because most that I have encountered have been very nice, but with the (hopefully) few women such as this commenter that I mentioned with a superior attitude.

    This would be an interesting topic. And it would be great if that commenter or another with the same frame of thought would explain from where these view derived.

    Natasha,

    Since you are in an IR and will maybe have children someday, do you think that biracials with black mothers are more well adjusted and down to earth? I just do not see too many black mothers tolerating this way of thinking.

    Like


  653. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 18:05:02 Natasha W

    islandgirl, I’ll be responding to you on the “white father, black mother” post.

    Like


  654. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 18:19:02 Leaveumthinking

    Don’t get me wrong, there are women who may give biracials a hard time, but there are women who give ANY woman a hard time. That’s not just experienced by biracial or lighter skinned women. There are plenty of monoracial, darker skinned black women who may have it rough because they are attractive.

    I totally agree with this entire statement and thats what I told her it could have because she was attractive, slender, etc.

    My boyfriend is a racially ambigous man of mixed heritage when the post is complete maybe he can add some insight. He says he is shocked my some of the comments made by FG.

    Like


  655. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 18:19:43 Y

    Despite the brazen nature of that biracial woman’s comments I must admit I have heard this in tamer form in person. Whenever a black woman is consider pretty the follow up question is, “what are you mixed with”.

    Also, I have to co-sign Leaveumthinking… I thought everything was cool with black and bi-racial, at my HS most of the biracials (give and take a few) identified with black despite the school being majority white. Its not until I came online last year that I realized these things went on. Thinking back, I have heard some bi-racials say out of pocket things about being “better” than monoracial blacks.

    @ Islandgirl

    I think the main reason bi and people are automatically seen as more attractive than monoracial blacks is because negroid features are not seen as attractive in our society. Many biracials have (forgive me for saying this) “watered down” black features that are more appealing to the white masses, hence why biracial women often play “black” roles on television. On top of that, there are not a lot of biracial people walking around so nobody can say for sure if they are TRULY better looking than monoracial blacks. For instance 95% f whites on TV are beautiful, if we went by what we saw on TV we would think that most whites are very beautiful. Most people dont believe this because they interact with plenty of white people, so they know better and have a realistic gauge of what the average white person looks like.

    Biracials,on the other hand, they have the benefit of the doubt. Because there are not many of them people can build their perceptions of biracials from what they see on TV. These perceptions, for the most part go unchallenged because most people do not encounter enough biracials to get an accurate gauge of what the average biracial looks like. Thats why you get people running around saying biracial people are the most beautiful, based mainly on what they see on TV

    Like


  656. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 18:31:34 Natasha W

    Y, you hit on a pertinent colorism issue. I’ll be responding to you in the colorism post since this discussion is a bit off-topic for this topic.

    Like


  657. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 19:55:04 B. R.

    I can say for a fact my biracial son doesnt have any of these type atitudes.

    If anything, he always has the spectrum in the background that he wont be accepted by anybody

    Like


  658. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 20:35:05 islandgirl

    Y,

    I think that you are right. Just like I’ve met Africans who have an image of black American women based on T.V. and some have expressed that they were surprised about how the average black American doesn’t look like that. Same with biracial women.

    Like I said on another post. Most biracial women are hard to distinguish. I’ve seen very few who look like Lisa Bonet or Jasmin Guy in terms of being ambiguous.

    B.R.,

    Your son probably was raised really well to be level headed and down to earth. But, no one wants him to think that he will not be accepted, either. Like I stated, not all biracial people think like that. I was only referring to this particular commenter and the VERY few who think like her.

    Like


  659. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 20:51:18 Jasmin

    Islandgirl,

    When did that happen? I couldn’t find the origin of the comment you were talking about, but I do remember a different tone to this blog when I first started reading here.

    Like


  660. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 21:27:49 islandgirl

    Jasmin,

    Are you referring to the commenter? This was on another blog, alltogether. One in which most of the audience where white males. It was a link to a blog of another commenter here. The commenter did post here a lot, though but has recently stopped.

    Like


  661. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 21:55:50 Jasmin

    Islandgirl,

    Yes–that’s interesting. I’ll have to think on that a bit (gotta head off-campus). 🙂

    Like


  662. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 22:42:36 B. R.

    I hear you Islandgirl.

    To me, the comments by this person, sound like someone speaking from insecurity, getting something out in cyberspace she cant say in her day to day life.

    Like


  663. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 23:03:34 leigh204

    I’m still wracking my brain trying to figure out whom this commenter may be. Hmm.

    Like


  664. on Thu Apr 8th 2010 at 23:20:38 Y

    @ islandgirl

    Yep, I have a friend that grew up in Japan up ultil she was 11. She told me she grew up watching TV and thinking white people, on average, were extraordinarily beautiful, slim and intelligent.

    She said it was a shock when she came to the US and saw what the average white person was like. Its wasnt until she moved to a predominantly white country that she realized white people, in aggregate, are average in looks and intellect.

    Its the same with another minority group. If the only knowledge you have of biracials is what you see on TV, you too would believe them to be more beautiful than your average monoracial person.

    Like


  665. on Fri Apr 9th 2010 at 00:33:27 islandgirl

    Jasmin and Leigh,

    If you think about it, you’ll realize who it is. I don’t want to put her out there by disclosing the name. But this persons arrogance was very off putting to me. I wish I could provide the link so that you could see for yourself.

    “I hear you Islandgirl.

    To me, the comments by this person, sound like someone speaking from insecurity, getting something out in cyberspace she cant say in her day to day life.”

    That is percisely what that is about. Because on this blog, the person was very much for black women and the struggles. But on another blog, it was completely different.

    Y,

    I totally believe that.

    Like


  666. on Fri Apr 9th 2010 at 00:53:32 leigh204

    @islandgirl:

    I think I know now the person whom you are referring to.

    Like


  667. on Fri Apr 9th 2010 at 01:08:49 islandgirl

    Leigh,

    I’m sure you know who it is. I discovered those comments a while ago, that’s one reason why this person rubbed me the wrong way.

    Sorry, but those comments were wrong.

    Like


  668. on Fri Apr 9th 2010 at 01:08:49 Jasmin

    I think I do too–now I’m trying to figure out which blog this was! (I’m not up on my cross-blog communications.)

    Like


  669. on Fri Apr 9th 2010 at 01:12:56 Natasha W

    ^Me too!

    Like


  670. on Sat Apr 10th 2010 at 03:07:54 islandgirl

    This is a little off of your normal topic interests. But I think inter-office fratinization would be a good topic. I work in an office where I have all of the qualifications for a job. However; the women who is over me is the director of the entire department with no degree or experience. Plus she works 20 hours a week and makes twice as much as me. I found out today that there is a reason….

    Things like that are so unfair.

    Like


  671. on Sat Apr 10th 2010 at 03:49:31 Y

    “I think I know now the person whom you are referring to.”

    Who is it??? Do they still comment here???

    Like


  672. on Sat Apr 10th 2010 at 04:51:19 Jasmin

    Islandgirl,

    I’m sorry to hear that! How unprofessional…

    Like


  673. on Sat Apr 10th 2010 at 05:33:42 islandgirl

    Thanks Jasmin! Unprofessional is an understatement. This company is so corupt. This is very discouraging because this is a black owned company and he is fulfilling all of the sterotypes that people have about blacks. The staff doesn’t respect him.

    Like


  674. on Sat Apr 10th 2010 at 21:46:54 islandgirl

    Y,

    I think she was before your time.

    Like


  675. on Mon Apr 12th 2010 at 12:00:11 The Great White Man

    Abagond, could you do a piece on how ignorant some AA are?

    How they’re so easily led to believe pseudosciences, bogus histories and distorted religions. It would be a great to understand how certain AA can believe these bogus myths that even a three year old kid with down syndrome would recognize as false.
    This piece would also explain the education sources like Youtube U. Youtube U is one of the most embraced eduMacation outlets for these types of “conscious” AAs

    Thank you, abagond

    Like


  676. on Mon Apr 12th 2010 at 13:51:22 Mira

    How about a post on black people having more testosterone than other races and whether its true or not?

    I second this.

    As for great white man’s suggestion, a post on pseudoscience would be nice… But it’s hardly black community the only affected by it (just take a look at white people’s comments at posts such as “black rape”).

    And I must repeat my own suggestion: Toni Morrison. Anybody interested?

    Like


  677. on Mon Apr 12th 2010 at 19:59:00 Leaveumthinking

    I second Toni Morrison.

    A post on blasians would be nice. I want to know about their experiences and do they share the same type of veiws as some of the black/white biracials.

    Like


  678. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 01:42:18 leigh204

    @Leaveumthinking:

    A post on blasians would be nice. I want to know about their experiences and do they share the same type of veiws as some of the black/white biracials.

    I second this!

    Like


  679. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 05:08:48 Peanut

    abagond, why are we born if we’re just going to die one day??

    Like


  680. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 12:29:16 abagond

    I answer that question, as I think most people do, through religion. In at least Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism this life is just a stage. When we die we do not just disappear into nothingness. From what I have read even Neanderthals believed in life after death (they buried their dead with flowers).

    Like


  681. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 15:45:49 Leaveumthinking

    ^ Are you still going to do a post on Morris Chestnut?

    Like


  682. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 15:54:58 islandgirl

    Yes, I’m still looking forward the the “Gorgeous Men” series.

    Like


  683. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 16:13:24 Leaveumthinking

    I know he never finished that one. I was waiting on Will Demps. And what about the Most Gorgeous Black Men post?

    @ Abagond with all due respect, you have many post about women which is understandable, but I want to read about and look at some fine men dammit!!

    Like


  684. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 16:19:13 Leaveumthinking

    ^”Just joking with the demanding part”

    Like


  685. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 16:30:48 abagond

    I want to continue the Gorgerous Men Series. Will Demps is next, probably this week. I was going to do him last week but got distracted.

    Like


  686. on Wed Apr 14th 2010 at 16:36:06 islandgirl

    lol, leavum!

    Meant to say “to the most…”. I’m admitedly careless when I type posts while multitasking.

    Thanks Abagond! Looking forward to some testosterone.

    Like


  687. on Thu Apr 15th 2010 at 01:19:41 leigh204

    @abagond:

    I want to continue the Gorgerous Men Series. Will Demps is next, probably this week. I was going to do him last week but got distracted.

    Woohoo! I’m looking forward to it. 😉

    Like


  688. on Thu Apr 15th 2010 at 14:22:57 Thaddeus

    Great article here, by the way:

    http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/04/the-ghost-of-bobby-lee/38813/

    Perhaps an article about myth versus history and how that particular dichotomy affects both blacks and whites…?

    Like


  689. on Thu Apr 15th 2010 at 17:18:38 Peanut

    abagond, can you do a post on depression in the future sometime? sometimes i really get depressed being a bw and i mean really

    Like


  690. on Thu Apr 15th 2010 at 19:37:23 Peanut

    an interesting experiment would be: take the same face and show it to a groups of men, one white, asian and black version, the exact same face and see which one gets the highest response rate for attractiveness than we’ll surely know whether its about racism or not…

    Like


  691. on Thu Apr 15th 2010 at 21:21:09 laromana

    I second Peanut’s suggestion, abagond.

    Like


  692. on Fri Apr 16th 2010 at 04:15:48 Peanut

    “I think its ridiculous that whites are on a continent where black people originate from and they are giving nazi salutes and telling blacks to leave because they want to be seperate from the black people.

    They wouldn’t like it if blacks went to europe telling white people to leave and seperate and treating them like they are inferior.
    Everywhere they go they bring their superiority complex with them.”

    yeah i always found it odd that whites came to s.africa and forced the blacks to live ase second citizens, when black south africans were there living in peace first…its always amazed me

    Like


  693. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 06:49:55 Aiyo

    About the blasian biracial thing, I remeber a while ago I watched a documentary called Our Pride: the Spirits of Black Japanese in Georgia directed by Yohei Suzuki about a few families and their children. Unfortunetly most of the links to watch the video are dead.

    But there is this site http://www.watermelonsushi.com/WhatItIs2.html

    Like


  694. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 16:52:28 Vindicator

    Mira said:

    “I despise political correctness.”

    We are on the same wavelength!

    Like


  695. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 17:15:08 Vindicator

    Do a post on other interracial relationships.
    Let’s see, you’ve done –
    White men/Black women (loads of times now, it’s become flogging a dead horse)
    Black men/Asian women

    You need to do a post on –
    White men/Asian women (The most common interracial couple)
    Black men/White women (So you can p*ss off all the white supremacists LOL!)
    Asian men/Black women (the least likely interracial couple, a shame really 😦 )
    Asian men/White women (This isn’t common either!)

    Like


  696. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 17:23:56 leigh204

    Excellent suggestions, Vindicator!

    Like


  697. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 21:17:18 Leaveumthinking

    Asian men/Black women (the least likely interracial couple, a shame really)

    It is a shame. In my opinion Asian men and Black women make beautiful couples. This would be a excellent topic.

    Like


  698. on Sat Apr 17th 2010 at 23:42:42 Y

    Terreblanche got what was coming to him. I dont feel bad for him at all

    Like


  699. on Sun Apr 18th 2010 at 00:09:40 leigh204

    ^ He lived a life of violence and hate and it’s not surprising what happened to him.

    Like


  700. on Sun Apr 18th 2010 at 00:25:11 leigh204

    One less disgusting, hateful man walking the earth. Good riddance.

    Like


  701. on Sun Apr 18th 2010 at 01:33:30 leigh204

    I know it’s just a movie, but “The Exorcist” movie scared me, too. I’m such a chicken when it comes to that stuff, you’d see feathers. 😉 *shudders*

    Like


  702. on Sun Apr 18th 2010 at 03:15:54 peanut

    you gotta be careful w/ ouija board its nothing to play with

    Like


  703. on Sun Apr 18th 2010 at 13:12:47 no_slappz

    abagond,

    It’s unlikely you are aware of J. Bruce Llewellyn, therefore you should take the time to learn about him. He died a couple of days ago. Yes, he’s black.

    J. Bruce Llewellyn
    1927– 2010

    Chairman and chief executive officer, Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company

    Nationality: American.

    Born: July 16, 1927, in New York, New York.

    Education: City University of New York, BS; New York Law School, JD, 1960; Columbia University, MBA; New York University, MPA.

    Family: Son of Charles (linotype operator and restaurant owner) and Vanessa; married Shahara Ahmad; children: three.

    Career: Harlem liquor store, 1952–1956, proprietor; New York County district-attorney’s office, 1958–1960, student assistant; Evans, Berger, & Llewellyn, 1962–1965; Housing and Redevelopment Board of New York City, 1964–1965; Small Business Development Corporation, 1965–1967, regional director; New York City Housing and Development Administration, 1967–1969, deputy commissioner of housing; Fedco Food Stores, 1969–1984, president; Dickstein, Shapiro, & Marin, 1982–?, partner; Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, 1985–, chairman and chief executive officer; WKBW-TV, 1986–, chairman.

    Like


  704. on Mon Apr 19th 2010 at 00:12:04 peanut

    maybe intraeuropean racism would be a good topic, like the irish/italian/greek stuff that used to go on back in the day. i always wondered why wp w/ tan skin are called “olive skinned,” why is that???

    Like


  705. on Tue Apr 20th 2010 at 00:00:01 peanut

    i would just like to say thanks abagond for such an interesting blog and for taking the concerns of your followers seriously. I know you are bombarded with suggestions daily, but you are one of my favorite bloggers.

    anyway, can i suggest a post on the “the day in a the life of a slave,” like what it would be like to be a slave in the antebellum american south…I really love your historical posts

    Like


  706. on Tue Apr 20th 2010 at 00:00:55 peanut

    i miss your historical posts, they are the best!

    Like


  707. on Tue Apr 20th 2010 at 21:50:24 Y

    Abagond do you have specific blogs you always read. I think everyone would enjoy a post on your favorite blogs!

    Like


  708. on Fri Apr 23rd 2010 at 02:30:14 Peanut

    abagond…are you out there? can i suggest a post on melba patillo beals or if you haven’t already the best looking asian men???

    Like


  709. on Mon Apr 26th 2010 at 05:56:22 Peanut

    abagond, i would love a post on young black women…you mean like college age?? i’m sitting in my apartment room right now i can give you a good perspective on what its like…

    Like


  710. on Tue Apr 27th 2010 at 20:04:27 Jeri

    Abagond, did you do a topic about the movie “Precious”? If you haven’t, please do. My mother watched the movie and she said it was horrilbe. She said it made black women look really bad. She said that the character that Monique played was absolutely horrible. She was a abusive, wicked mother. Personally, I am tired of seeing movies and television shows that portray black women as evil, loud or ghetto. Just yesterday, I was watching a movie with a black woman in it and I was hoping that this woman wouldn’t play a stereotype. I was hoping she would be a kind and intelligent woman. But of course, she had an “attitude” and seemed to lack any likable characteristics. I immediately turned the channel. I thought to myself, I refuse to watch this movie. I personally think that black women should start boycotting movies and television shows that make them look awful. If a movie/show caters to stereotypes, we shouldn’t give our support by watching the movie in theaters. We shouldn’t watch them on television either. I would really appreciate it if you talk about this, Abagond. Thanks.

    Like


  711. on Tue Apr 27th 2010 at 20:17:41 abagond

    I just got “Precious” from the library so that will be coming soon, probably this weekend.

    Like


  712. on Wed Apr 28th 2010 at 12:55:39 Aiyo

    What I also didn’t like about Precious is that stupid white people thought it was a documentary and went up to Gabourey Sidibe and asked if her kids were alright.

    The movie had Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, two very big international stars for Christ sake!

    It’s like what Paul Mooney was saying about on film Black actors and actresses are like reality stars to white viewers.

    Like


  713. on Wed Apr 28th 2010 at 14:07:31 Ankhesen

    If you want to make a suggestion for the next monthly poll, add a comment below.

    “Increased troll control: yea or nay?”

    Like


  714. on Wed Apr 28th 2010 at 23:24:09 Mira

    What I also didn’t like about Precious is that stupid white people thought it was a documentary and went up to Gabourey Sidibe and asked if her kids were alright.

    Wha… Are these people for real?

    I don’t know much about the movie, and I don’t know if it was made as a mocumentary, but Mariah as a social worker and Lenny as a nurse should be clear signs.

    I wanted to watch it, I often watch all the Oscar nominated movies to form my opinion before the awards night, but I must admit I didn’t watch this one. People told me it’s way too depressing. It’s not like I like only happy movies, but I guess I wasn’t in the mood.

    Then again, I haven’t seen “The blind side”, but friends told me it was horrible politically correct propaganda crap and that Sandra Bullock didn’t deserve Oscar.

    Like


  715. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 00:57:27 leigh204

    Actress Sandra Bullock has adopted a beautiful baby boy. I went to a forum and many members commented, “Well, it proves she’s not racist.” The baby is black. Omigosh, so cute! Anyway, I think those members referred to her husband, Jesse James, because of his affair with a tattoed woman who took pictures with neo-nazi symbols on her body. It’s alleged that he’s racist. And that Sandra Bullock knew full well that he was racist from the start and married him anyway because she supposedly was racist as well.

    Like


  716. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 00:59:05 Peanut

    the movie the blindside was garbage. the way they depicted michael oher was insulting. they made him look like a buffoon and a moron.

    I just couldn’t believe some bp actually liked the movie, i was offended by it…it was stupid, unrealistic (yes i know it was based off of michael’oher’s life but aren’t they always??) and biased. Why did they choose the most unusual, out of the norm story to portray? Most nba players do not get taken in by white families. By and large most black athletes come from black families. Why did they make the neighborhood he came from look evil and why were all the bp in the movie portrayed as being evil?? Yet the wp were made to look like these kind-hearted saviors to the sorry negro. His mother is a crackhead (ofcourse) and all his black ghetto friends lust after the kind-hearted white woman who takes him in…(ofcourse) and Michael’s character has to swoop in to rescue her good name…(ofcourse).

    In the beginning of the movie, the mother is afraid he’ll rob the house, then there is the fear that he’ll violate her daughter…then the teachers think he’s stupid. After they establish that he does have a working brain…the kind-hearted white people go out of their way to orally deliver tests and examinations to little Michael, so he can past the class and get his little athletic scholarship.

    It was just ridiculous…the whole thing was just oh so predictable, hidden beneath the facade of a “true story,” just like “dangerous minds,” and “freedom writers.”

    Like


  717. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 01:11:45 Peanut

    I am in no way criticizing the family, they did what they did and they did a wonderful thing. I am criticizing the media for manipulating that story and for using it to further an agenda. By and large we all know most blacks are raised by other blacks. Most black athletes come from black families, so why did they go out of their way to make the bc seem incapable and uncaring for their own??…

    the thing that irritates me about these type of movies is the fact that the media selects these type of stories and uses them to further an agenda. WHy did they have to make bp out ot be innately dysfunctional and incapable of surviving w/out white help?

    Why were all the bp in the movie antagonists and only whites were the good ones? In addition instead of the movie examining the root cause of the dysfunction and imbalance in the black community, they just make blacks out to be inferior.

    They dont’ talk about how the government exploits these impoverished black communities. They don’t stop to examine WHY michael oher can’t read his exams. They don’ t look at the underfunding in inner-city, predominately black schools. They dont look at the fact that in the 1980s, the government allowed Nicaraguan druglords to smuggle drugs into the bc to get money for weapons in exchange for these drug lords fighting against the sandinistas. They don’t look at the fact that inequalities in the bc and racism is what has destroyed so many communities…No they don’t talk about that…

    they just portray bp as innately dysfunctional, incapable of governing themselves…all of them waiting for some white goddess or white god to come and rescue them from blackness. Disgusting, hypocritical and yes racist.

    Like


  718. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 03:35:20 Peanut

    abagond, I have a serious question and I would really appreciate an answer:

    what can we do to fix the black community???

    Like


  719. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 16:47:29 Aiyo

    What they should have done in the blind side they should have stuck to the book and made Michael the main star instead Miss nice white lady.

    Like


  720. on Thu Apr 29th 2010 at 22:55:18 leigh204

    I think this has been mentioned once before, but since we already have The most beautiful East Asian women post, what about one for the most gorgeous Asian men? I’m sure Natasha W, jeri, Leaveumthinking, and a few others I’ve missed (my apologies), and yours truly would thank you. Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar on top? 😀

    Like


  721. on Fri Apr 30th 2010 at 12:28:49 merrimay

    Isn’t Stacey Dash’s husband a virtual unknown in celebrity world? She’s not exactly A list so I doubt the media would take that much interest. Not like Rihanna and Chris Brown who garner much more interest. Stacey Dash has come out of nowhere with the allegations, airing her dirty laundry, I hope she’s doing it to speak out against domestic violence, not to further her flagging career.

    Kim Kardashian made public her decree nisi, her black ex hubbie beat her regularly too. I’d say there isn’t much interest there either. Surely a black man beating a white Armenian woman in the US would be the more controversial, not so.

    Like


  722. on Tue May 4th 2010 at 06:07:48 Aiyo

    Abagond could you do a post of African resistance to the slave trade and how many countries in Africa tried to stop Europeans. I think it would go well with the “Africans sold slaves too.” argument. It seems like white people love to bring that up all the time. I had to delete a comment like that on my blog so fool telling me to learn my history. puh-leeze

    Like


  723. on Tue May 4th 2010 at 17:55:53 B.R.

    Im all for ones about pornography and the jazz scene in New York…..

    (Ill be hitting there June 17 and 18th)

    Like


  724. on Tue May 4th 2010 at 22:08:41 Thaddeus

    I’m for por as long as it isn’t a “shame, shame, h the objectification of women” take on it.

    Like


  725. on Tue May 4th 2010 at 23:32:38 Herneith

    I am for it as long as it deals with women’s true passions….SHOPPING!!! Post some fliers to a Macy’s sale for example. That will send women into gales off ecstasy! Shopping, the female version of porn!

    Like


  726. on Wed May 5th 2010 at 00:25:05 Thaddeus

    Shopping for vibrators, maybe.

    Like


  727. on Wed May 5th 2010 at 02:15:54 Thaddeus

    Black sci-fi authors!

    Three suggestions: Octavia Butler, Steve Barnes and Samuel R. Delaney.

    Word to the wise, though: Delaney will make you cringe if you can’t handle graphic descriptions of non-hetero normative sex.

    Like


  728. on Thu May 6th 2010 at 23:10:24 Vindicator

    Come Abagond, do a post on black sportsmen!

    Like


  729. on Thu May 6th 2010 at 23:23:50 Vindicator

    How about you do a post on the Tuskegee Airmen!
    I can relate to them being a black warrior!

    Like


  730. on Sun May 9th 2010 at 06:58:05 Peanut

    Abagond, am I annoying you w/ all my suggestions?

    Can I suggest a historical posts on Krotoa, the south african woman: http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/people/bios/krotoa.htm

    Like


  731. on Mon May 10th 2010 at 07:50:31 The Great White Man

    Abagond, could you please take that pic of that unpatriotic “RBG” American flag down?

    You may only use to depict OLD GLORY, other than the RWB, OD Green, Urban Asphalt, Desert Sand or subdued solid as per uniform.

    Thank you

    Like


  732. on Mon May 10th 2010 at 18:37:19 ColorOfLuv

    Vindicator – You in the military? 27E, Spent time in Mannheim, Germany and with the 82nd in NC.

    Like


  733. on Thu May 13th 2010 at 23:22:35 Femi

    Hi Abagond, just throwing a couple of points perhaps for some inspiration.

    FIRST of all, my utter respect to Neil deGrasse Tyson, one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. It might hit a sore spot on a few very religious peeps but that man is a living icon and an inspiration. IMHO science and religion shouldn’t be mixed anyway.

    In your section about black women, how about a space for Rama Yade (France’s most popular MP), and the actresses Tiana Benjamin (Eastenders) and Freema Agyeman (Dr Who). Three gorgeous women from the ‘old world’ 🙂

    Like