on the black hand side

The Failure of Bill Maher's Teachable Moment

Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher returned to his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher" after igniting outrage for using a racial slur on the previous week's show. PHOTO: Angela George, CC BY 3.0

“Denying racism is the new racism.” - Bill Maher

 

Last Friday night’s episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" was the host’s first since he dropped the ’n-bomb’ during an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and caused major outrage. The highly-anticipated post-faux-pas episode featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Micheal Eric Dyson and Symone Sanders did not help Maher’s image. The episode seemed more like a public relations stunt rather than a sincere apology and dialog. 

Rather than Dr. Michael Eric Dyson taking Maher to the woodshed as I’d read several times on social media and Ice Cube schooling Bill Maher, the host was defensive, arrogant and tone deaf. It is difficult for rich, white liberals to come to terms with the racist reality of their patronizing, condescending actions when dealing with black people. It doesn't help when black folks fail to recognize the historic relationship dynamics of relationships between blacks and whites in America. Since Maher was publicly given a pass by several black celebs who are his "friends," a valuable lesson for Maher and others was definitely not learned. 

 

 

Maher said he grew up in New Jersey in the 50’s and 60’s and race wasn’t even an issue. Really? C’mon, Bill. New Jersey is not Alabama. Really? There was no racism and no racial incidents in northern states? Maher went on to try to marginalize and excuse his use of the racial slur by saying that it only happened once, it’s not like he made a career of it. Hello. Bill Maher needs some real black friends to school him. Yes, he does. He some folks who are not looking to profit from appearing on his show to really break things down for him. No. No. No. No. No. Bill Maher, you do not get a pass even if you only dropped the 'n-bomb' once. [insert eye-roll]

Regardless of how “down” Maher thinks he is, how much money he contributed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and how many black women he has dated, he does not get a pass. Maher’s arrogance was showing when Ice Cube said Maher sometimes sounds like a redneck trucker. Maher had obviously had enough of black folks lecturing him as he tried to shut down and dismiss Ice Cube’s comments. 

 

 

Ice Cube posed the most important question during the show when he asked why Maher felt so familiar and so comfortable that he felt he could even use that word. That question was never truly explored in any depth. I, like many other black people, noticed how easily the n-bomb rolled off Maher’s tongue. Yes, we did.

Whether it's Maher or Dog the Bounty Hunter or Don Imus or Michael Richards or Donald Trump, only black people are expected to accept racial insults followed by apologies from someone of another ethnic group. Continuously apologizing for the same civil rights violations is not acceptable. Black people are expected to just move on. Really? I don’t think so.  

Let me close with this quote by Joe Madison for you to think on:

“In America, we are culturally conditioned to believe, that White is superior, Black is inferior, and the manifestation of that cultural conditioning is that Black people are undervalued, underestimated and marginalized.  It's not a racist statement.  It's a fact of life.” 

 

#wakeUP #STAYwoke

Queen of Katwe - A Story of How to Win at the Game of Chess and How to Overcome Incredible Life Challenges

Queen of Katwe is the colorful true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Based on the book by Tim Crothers, Queen of Katwe stars David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

The film is scheduled for release on September 23.

 

Like Queen of Katwe on Facebook.

Follow Queen of Katwe on Twitter.

 

 

The Perils of Blackness: Good Hair...Bad Hair...Now 'Nasty' Hair?

 

A firestorm was unleashed when comedian Sheryl Underwood (top) made disparaging remarks about natural hair and a little girl in Tulsa, OK (bottom) changed schools because of her hair

I finally saw the clip of Sheryl Underwood’s comments about black folks' natural hair. I now understand why she was ragged on so much on Twitter and was nearly in tears in her apology on Steve Harvey's radio show. Underwood tried to chalk the situation up to a joke gone wrong but her statements were so incredibly hurtful and psychologically damaging it may take some time for her to get this behind her.

It doesn't help that Steve Harvey, in his attempt to support his friend Underwood, referred to the incident as "the little thing going on about the hair comment." Oh, no, the hair comments are not a little thing or Underwood wouldn't have realized such a backlash. Hair is a very sensitive issue for black people. Underwood could have let it go after after one remark, but no, she continued the black hair beatdown when other women on the panel were trying to move the conversation on.  

 

Lest we forget, while black folk are busy being angry with Sheryl Underwood, be mindful that Aisha Tyler, another black woman on 'The Talk," sat at that same table and didn’t say a mumbling word. Tyler did look uncomfortable but she didn't do anything to ease the pain, so she doesn't get a pass. 

What’s the message sent about kinky, curly or wavy hair? It’s ugly ---- straighten it! Even white people feel the same way so let's put this issue in perspective. At this juncture, the dots in this controversy could be connected by a discussion on white supremacy and idolization white European beauty but I won't go there. I do ask you to pay more attention to the images and words in the media and in our daily conversations and internet interactions. 

Deborah Brown Community School, a charter school in Tulsa, OK bans ‘faddish’ hairstyles like dreadlocks, mohawks and afros. Consequently, Tiana Parker, a little 7 year-old black girl, was sent home because of her hair which she wore in locs. 

 

It’s understandable that a school wants its students to look presentable but come on, there was nothing wrong with that child’s hair. Tiana, a straight-A student, according to her father, wore her hair in this manner last year  and it wasn't a problem. The school decided to enforce their policy this school year.

Tiana Parker’s father has been lauded by many for removing her from the school rather than conforming to the school’s dress code policy. That’s all well and good but Deborah Brown Community School is a charter school, as such, can establish its own dress code policy --- even if it is ridiculous.  Why would the parent of a black child subject him or her to a psychologically terroristic environment that blatantly demonstrates disdain for a child's natural beauty? Even with the school's good academic performance reputation, I don't think so.

The most flack I’ve gotten about my hair, in its natural state, has been from other black people. White people usually want to touch it, especially when my hair was in locs. It’s so sad and I wonder if it will ever change since images of black women in natural hairstyles are a rarity even in media by, for and about blacks. Check it out for yourself.

Sheryl Underwood and the governing board and administration of Deborah Brown Community School are all black which makes this black hair drama all the more pathetic. Perhaps one day, EVERYONE, will appreciate their God-given beauty. In the meantime, I strongly encourage Underwood and the folks at Deborah Brown Community School to watch Chris Rock's documentary, Good Hair.

 

 

Broadcast premiere of controversial film ‘Dark Girls’ airs on OWN, 6/23, ABPSI and CHN provide solutions to dilemmas posed by the film

 

Watch the world television premiere of Dark Girls on OWN. Tune in Sunday, June 23, at 10/9c.

Dark Girls is a fascinating and controversial documentary film that goes underneath the surface to explore the prejudices that dark-skinned women face throughout the world. It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures that span from America to the most remote corners of the globe. Women share their personal stories, touching on deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes of society, while allowing generations to heal as they learn to love themselves for who they are.

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) announced that, in response to a request from the Oprah Winfrey Network, it is providing resources to facilitate healing conversations about the ground-breaking film, Dark Girls, which will have its world television premiere on OWN on Sunday, June 23, 2013. ABPsi’s resources will be available at www.abpsi.org. 

In addition, ABPsi is providing information about its collaboration with the Community Healing Network (CHN), which is working to mobilize the Black community to overcome internalized beliefs about the inferiority of Black skin, Black hair, and other characteristics associated with people of African ancestry. 

Dark Girls explores the blows to self-esteem faced by dark-skinned women all over the world, and ABPsi psychologists have compiled a summary of the issues raised in the film and their psychological implications, emotional wellness tips, and links to helpful resources. 

To address the broad range of problems related to the idea of Black inferiority, ABPsi is working with CHN to create a network of self-help groups focused on emotional emancipation, healing, and wellness for Black people. ABPsi has developed a ground-breaking, research-based Emotional Emancipation (EE) Circles Toolkit and Curriculum in partnership with CHN, which will be available to the public in August 2013. EE Circles are safe, flexible gatherings in which Black people can come together to share stories, learn more about the impact of historical forces on emotions, and learn and practice essential emotional wellness skills. 

“We believe,” said Community Healing Network President Enola Aird, “that the only real solution to the problems illuminated in Dark Girls is a vibrant grassroots movement for the emotional emancipation of Black people, and it is our hope that EE Circles will be catalysts for personal reflection, dialogue, and action that will help heal, revitalize, and transform the Black community.” 

For more information, visit www.abpsi.org and www.CommunityHealingNet.org.

 

 

Related Links:

The Official Dark Girls Movie Website

Dark Girls

 

 

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GMC TV PRESENTS THE ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE STAGE PLAY ‘LOVE WILL FIND A WAY’

(BLACK PR WIRE) – ATLANTA – May 15, 2013 – GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting family entertainment, presents the original World Premiere Stage Play “Love Will Find A Way”(www.watchgmctv.com/stageplay, #StagePlay), the conclusion of a two-part romantic dramedy starring Christian Keyes (What’s Done In The Dark, Madea Goes To Jail), Gabrielle Dennis (“The Game”), Jason Weaver (Drumline, ATL), Vanessa Simmons (“Run’s House,”Dysfunctional Friends.), Carl Payne (“Martin,” “The Game”), Shanti Lowry (“The Game,” “The Closer”) and Suveria Mota (Las Pandillas de Los Angeles). “Love Will Find A Way” makes its world television premiere exclusively on UP on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT. 

GMC TV will officially change its name to UP on June 1, so “Love Will Find A Way” represents the first original Stage Play to air on the newly-named network. The network’s new name communicates a clear sense of its unique brand position, which has always been, and will continue to be “Uplifting Entertainment.”

Based on an original screenplay written by Siddeeqah “Sid” Powell (GMC’s NAACP Image Award nominated “Somebody’s Child”) and directed by Drue Powell (Somebody’s Child, “For Richer or Poorer” Series), “Love Will Find A Way” is a sequel to May’s Original World Premiere Stage Play “What Would You Do For Love.”.

UP’s “Love Will Find A Way” is produced by Swirl Films’ Eric Tomosunas, who has produced and taped numerous stage plays and feature-length films for television and DVD, including 35 & Ticking, Love for Sale, A Mother’s Prayer, There’s a Stranger in My House, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “The Ideal Husband,” “The Love You Save” and “Sugar Mommas.” Follow Swirl Films on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swirl-Films-Inc/178293836335 and Twitter on @SwirlFilms.

“Love Will Find A Way” is the fifteenth original stage play to air in the network’s World Premiere Stage Play series following the success of GMC productions “What Would You Do For Love,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” “Between Sisters,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “The Ideal Husband,” “She’s Not Our Sister,” “The Love You Save,” the NAACP-nominated “Sugar Mommas,” “If You Really Love Me,” “For Richer For Poorer,” “From This Day Forward,” “In Sickness and In Health,” “To Love and To Cherish,” and “Community Service.” UP is the only network producing this popular medium and introducing new, original works to a broad television audience.

For photos and more information, please go to:www.watchgmctv.com/GMC/LoveWillFindAWayPressRoom. 

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Queen Latifah's talk show to debut September 2013

Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith will be working together again on the Queen's new talk show set to debut September 16, 2013. Smith is the executive producer. It should be a blast.

 

Photo:   Facebook

 

 

Mitt Romney Doesn't Care About Poor People

The “Mitt Romney Is Not Concerned About the Very Poor” video has gone viral. It is reminiscent of the Kanye West inspired video mash-up — “George Bush Doesn’t Care About Black People” by the Legendary KO.  

*PARENTAL ADVISORY - EXPLICIT LYRICS*

 

Surely someone is creating a remix spotlighting Mitt Romney. He has provided enough material to make a very informative and thought-provoking video. Remember his very cavalier $10,000 bet with Rick Perry during the December Republican debate; his statement that he likes being able to fire people; describing the more than $370,000 in income he earned for speeches as not that much money; characterizing people as envious if they questioned the economic disparity in the U.S.; and the fact that his 2010 income tax returns indicate he pays less than 15% in taxes while sheltering millions in offshore accounts. 

You already know the title of the new video mash-up — “Mitt Romney Doesn’t Care About Poor People.” Just make sure the video accurately reflects the demographics of the very poor in the United States. 

 

 

"Dark Girls" is Sad, Powerful and Haunting [VIDEO]

It's 2011, why are black people still dealing with skin color and hair texture issues?

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

How many times do black people have to address the issue of dark skin vs. light skin...good hair...bad hair. It's so sad and so unbelievable by people who are not black, regardless of whether black American, Black Hispanic, Caribbean black, etc.

If the truth be told, the problem of self-hatred and skin color envy is so deep and pervasive. If the truth be told, it goes beyond blacks. The desire for blonde hair, blue eyes and light skin is prevalent throughout the  ethnicity spectrum and damages the psyche of many not naturally born with those genetic traits. It's easier and perhaps more damaging to blacks who are farther away from Nordic blonde, but others are suffering also.

This madness will continue until people start really loving their natural selves. It's okay to recognize beauty in others but when you do that while hating yourself, the cycle continues. Some of comments from blacks in this video make me angry and sad --- in that order. We know better, let's do better. And to my dark girl sisters, you are beautiful. Know it. Own it. Be it.

 

Black Actors Collaborate on Milk + Honey TV Series from Brown Paper Dolls [VIDEO]

 

Some of Hollywood’s top black actors have collaborated and created an excellent television series, Milk + Honey . The show, over three years in the making, was created to showcase diverse images of women of color that are rarely seen on the big or small screen and to create more opportunities for black actors.

So who are some of the folks behind this series? Idris Elba, Lance Gross and Debbie Allen for starters. Then add Brown Paper Dolls --- Chicago natives and HBCU grads: Dana Gills (Spelman College);  Asha Kamali May (Howard University); and Jeanette McDuffie (Florida A&M University).

The "Milk + Honey" scripted series will soon be seen on all platforms and is looking to be picked up by a television network. The company needs 1 million views of the trailer, so let’s help them surpass their goal. Click on the video below or visit the official website at http://www.milkandhoneyseries.com/.

Thank you. Spread the word!

 

milk + honey series trailer from brown paper dolls on Vimeo.

 

 

A Message for Chris Brown [VIDEO]

I sure hope Chris Brown sees this video from Jay Smooth.  I don’t want him to just hear about it from his management or a fan or a friend.  You see, I think Chris Brown is very talented, as a matter of fact, he’s multi-talented. I also think he’s headed down the wrong path or will not reach the pinnacle of his potential success without better career guidance. Now, if he is being better advice but just not following it, then that’s another story.

 
^{Chris Brown shows off BET Awards}

Brown was given the all-clear, we forgive you welcome at the 2011 BET Awards Show with his multiple award wins, especially that Fan Favorite award during one of the weirdest presentations I’ve ever witnessed.

What was most disappointing and telling about Chris Brown was his attire to the BET Awards. Now, don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t the only one to have committed a flagrant fashion foul but if he is to be truly forgiven for physically assaulting Rihanna, his career move should be less bad boy roughneck and more smooth operator.  Instead, rather than being perceived as fashion forward, trandsetting or classy, he just came across as disrespectful like many of the other performers.  I’m just  saying.

Well said, Jay Smooth!