“Why, Black Men, Why?”

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There seems to be ominous plot  to not only effeminize the black man, but to get rid of his masculinity altogether. It seems like the media, the music industry and Hollywood is steadily promoting the gender-less, integrated black man, who doesn’t mind “fitting in” just to be socially accepted. This should sound familiar to the African-American public because this is precisely (in a way) what happened to black people after the Civil Rights movement. We wanted to be socially acceptable. Now we have a plethora of black entertainers (some who I’ve admired growing up) are simply falling into the go along to get along crowd. For the record, I have no disdain, dislike or hatred towards gay people at all. I could go on to tell you that I have gay relatives (just like most people) however, I’m a Christian so you should know very well what my position is in regards to the lifestyle. See, I’m not really directing my frustration towards gay people at all. My issue lies with the gender confusion that our society (as a whole)is perpetuating; especially involving African-American men.

As many people are aware, this whole ‘effeminate’ culture on the mainstream level started several years ago when black men were adopting a European, Metro-sexual look. It began with the rebirth of the “rock-star”  image, started by rappers such as Lil’ Wayne. It was a throwback clothing wise to what the American rock-stars were doing in the 70’s and 80’s-minus the female hair styles, of course. Then it took a turn into a different direction when black men (and women) started to embrace the ever-so-docile, “nerd” look. Not saying being smart and educated is bad, however, last time I checked the nerd look wasn’t to fly in the 80’s and 90’s. It is what it is; however, we now have a new day that has dawned upon the African-American community. Forget Robin Hood, now black men are not only in tights, but skirts and dresses.

In Hollywood, several black entertainers have ‘dressed’ themselves up as women for years. Actor-Comedian Flip Wilson was one of the originators of dressing in comedic drag, which lead to several other black entertainers such as Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx  to follow suit. Writer-Director and Actor, Tyler Perry has amassed millions of dollars from his Madea character in which he himself portrays and dresses like a woman. It seems like Hollywood doesn’t mind giving out these roles to black actors, and black men certainly don’t mind making or acting in them. Yet I will give them a proverbial pass because hey, even I was entertained by Sheneneh, back in the day. My issue is nowadays you have black men participating in effeminate behavior while claiming to be masculine men. Entertainers such as Kanye West, Pharrell and most recently, Omar Epps, who on his latest appearance on ABC’s The View, had the skirt and skinny jeans flowing. Say it isn’t so Q.

The effeminization of the African-American male is no longer a myth or something to speculate upon. It has become a full-blown reality. I’m not trying to be rude, but what has happened to the masculine African-American male? When did it become ‘socially correct’ for black men to have some sort of unisex outlook in regards to his clothes and overall appearance? Black women, has this become the standard of the 2014 African-American male? I’ve heard of us men getting in touch with our feminine side; however, I wasn’t aware we had to act like one to do it.

Omar's skirt Continue reading “Why, Black Men, Why?” →

The Jussie Smollett Propaganda ‘Living In A F’d Up World’

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Apparently being classified as ‘black’ or being named after two continents (African-American) just doesn’t move the needle anymore for white guilt sympathizer’s, the history of racial oppression, and Civil Rights activists. Even though black males have been the overwhelming targets of injustice in this country which has lead to false imprisonment, lengthy prison sentencing compared to their white counterparts, racial profiling that often turns into police brutality, and white vigilantism long before MAGA hats ever existed. Now, black men have to worry about our SEXUAL IDENTITY as the new plight in our Martin Luther King efforts to overcome in 2019 against the dastardly, white supremacists. This is the narrative that Empire actor, Jussie Smollett, wanted you to believe. It’s not just Smollett who wants the world to believe that those who wear there sexual identities on their sleeves are being targeted for doing so, but others in the LGBTQ and black feminist/intersectionalist crowd are apart of this charade to separate one’s sexual preference or identity, from one’s blackness. As if our ancestors were ever told prior to being lynched by white vigilante’s that; “We’re lynching you Nigger cause we’s heard you’s a faggot!” Since Negro lynchings were often a sadistic public spectacle (which has never lead to anti-lynching legislation laws being passed btw), Smollett decided to take matters into his own hands by concocting his own public lynching involving two MAGA hat wearing white thugs, a noose, and a bottle of bleach.
From the first time I heard about the Smollett attack, I knew something just wasn’t right about it. When you consider the time (2 a.m.) and the inclement weather conditions (below zero) temperatures; its hard to imagine two bloodthirsty, Nigger fag-hating, Trump (white) supporters on the prowl at night during arctic weather conditions. Yes, I’m using the nefarious “F” word because the actor Smollett did in his alleged hate crime encounter that you would often see in some sleazy, fictitious, tabloid magazine such as The National Enquirer, Star or Globe. Now you would think being a public figure that the star actor would notify the Chicago Police after surviving the windy city beat down; instead, Smollett chose to keep in contact with his manager for the next few hours while adorning a noose around his neck to support his “lynching” ordeal. I guess this gave his manager time to alert Jussie’s Empire contemporaries -Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and creator/director Lee Daniels – and the liberal media as they were in go mode taking to their social media accounts to express their outrage and offer their deepest condolences. Henson, one the shows main characters who plays the strong, boisterous, “Cookie Lyons”, while posting on The Gram wishing the best for Smollett who she affectionately calls “Her Baby” was also very passionate about any fans of Jussie or of the show (Empire) to download his new song, F.U.W., to make it go platinum(?). The outpour of support continued to flood social media timelines with the hashtag “#JusticeForJussie” (which later became a rally in N.Y.C.) from fans and notable celebrities and activists such as Katy Perry, John Legend, Michael B. Jordan and Reverend Al Sharpton; to which I knew this “attack” was leaning towards a political direction when I seen a story that read “a modern-day lynching.”
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Presidential hopefuls, Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., trumpeted the eerie “modern-day lynching” phrase in a pair of tweets in hopes that such attack against the gay-first actor and others like him that the penalty should be posed as a federal crime and members in Congress should be behind their Anti-Lynching bill which was unanimously by the Senate in December, but has yet to be voted on by the House. Interestingly enough, Smollett’s homophobic story seems oddly coincidental during a time when you have two Obama-posing “rejects” declaring their bids for the white house on sentimental days for black America on Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Harris), and the first day of Black History Month (Booker). There’s even photo’s of the Empire actor who had the unmitigated gull to coin himself, “The Gay Tupac”, during a concert after the attack, being pro Harris and Booker in several Justice for Victims rallies and LGBTQ and Women’s Right’s movements run by liberal Democrats. I bring up the political aspect of this Smollett charade now deemed a hoax is because even behind the anti-lynching legislation there might even be a deeper agenda called HR 2282, aka the “Equality Act.” This Act, again being backed by Harris and Booker, will amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit and the jury system. So in other words, the so-called Civil Rights Act that many black Americans marched for, died for, were Jim Crow segregated against, thrown in prison and actually LYNCHED for will have to take another seat at the proverbial back of the bus; and make room for those of the sexually confused crowd. It is no wonder why Martin Luther’s “Dream Speech” made him realize that it had become a nightmare then, and should be more frightening now.
In Smollett’s over zealous pursuit to bring awareness to victims of the LGBTQ community in his now FALSE tale of him being victimized by two homophobic racists (who were actually two paid Nigerian extras from the Empire series), Jussie has even further alienated himself and other black gays in an already divisive community. Think it not strange that Smollett would collaborate a hoax involving two racist white men feeding into the anti-Trump, alt-Right paradigm; when in all actuality the very same LGBTQ community he’s a part of, has its own racist and homophobic issues. Instead of comparing himself to the deceased rapper [Tupac] in an attempt to gain notoriety for a up-in-coming singing career, maybe he should have channeled Stonewall hero Marsha P. Johnson and spoke out about the racism black gays (especially black Transgenders) experience within the “Love not Hate” rainbow cabal. I mean, since Jussie wants to make up a fictitious hate crime story involving nooses to the dismay of our ancestors, why not deal with the real “hatred” within his own faction of sexual misfits? I guess that “Same Love” Macklemore rapped about about several years ago doesn’t always extend towards the end of the LGBTQ rainbow now does it?
I decided to wait until all of the crescendo of social media brouhaha or received to see if any apologies would be made not only by Smollett, but from the anti-straight black men coalition who tried to essentially “Kevin Hart” or bully, black men into what they perceived as not standing up for Jussie. In fact there was one limp-wrist clown who wrote a commentary for no Vibe Magazine entitled Op-Ed: Straight Black Men’s Silence On Jussie Smollet’s Homophobic And Racist Attack Is Dangerous, by Richy Rosario. Rosario, who states in the article he’s a 27-year-old gay Dominican man, said he has to pray before entering barbershops and that he’s “never felt supported by straight men to safely be his full self in front of them.” The frantic writer continues to divulge his inner feelings using emasculating dog whistles like “toxic masculinity” to subtly shame black (even though he includes brown) men as he argues:
“I don’t care how historically homophobic black culture can be. That will never be a valid excuse for one’s silence or ignorance. In Hollywood, music, politics and sports, there are tons of black men with influence who choose to turn a blind eye or “mind their business,” and it’s not helping anyone.”
I wonder after Rosario picked up his face from the floor, would he come out of the closet and apologize to us “cisgendered” straight black men for what many of us knew was a sham from the very onset. Rosario, and others of his ilk, have openly demonstrated not only their contempt for straight black men but if you’re not for us, then you’re against us and will quickly be labeled as “toxic” and a “homophobe.” The truth is, black men as a collective do not care how those of the LGBTQ mishmash crowd choose to identify themselves or what alternatives lifestyles they engage in; at least this brother doesn’t. However, in the same way you choose to live your life by labeling what you do privately, publicly, you cannot force (me) or other black men to agree with your lifestyle. When has it ever benefited black people to put their sexual identity first? It’s the same nonsensical quagmire black feminists have fell for since the days of agent Gloria Steinem and white feminism. Although Smollett -who faces 16 counts for filing a false police report and disorderly conduct- failed in his attempt at being the poster child for gay black victimization, however, he continues his innocence pleading not guilty following his arraignment in Cook County Circuit Court this past Thursday.
Whether you believe the actor’s story of events and it being staged from what the prosecutors are now calling is not really the crux of this post. There seems to be an ongoing “Trojan Horse” undertone found in many of these so-called “SJW’s” victim movements. For example, I was an ardent supporter (initially and obviously) of “Black Lives Matter” which sprang into action following the highly publicized death(s) of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Only to find out that not only is “Black Lives Matter” a paid opposition front group full of racial agitators and provocateurs, black hetero-normative or (that c-word again) cisgenders, are nothing more than propaganda to an otherwise LGBTQ, immigration agenda. Using the deaths of unarmed black males to generate media attention, cause social unrest, AND at the same time, eyeing political aspirations as if they could give a damn about the deaths of ‘black lives’ aforementioned above, is disgustingly disingenuous. This is why this Smollett situation wreaks of conspiratorial efforts gone awry in a ploy that seems too far fetched to use the excuse that he’s some “underpaid actor.” Time will only tell if the clout-chasing actor will really find out how “F’d Up” this world really is not as the fictional character Jamal Lyons, but as the non-fictional Jussie Smollett, a black man. Peace.

We supported ‘Black Panther,’ but what happened to’Birth Of A Nation’??

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It has taken me a while to come back to the laboratory to sit here and come up with something say in regards to the condition of my so-called black people. I’ve tried to wrap myself in African-American literature, taken time off from social media, even developed an unusual yet satisfying habit for wine and cigarettes. Perhaps anyone from the outside looking in could play the “armchair psychiatrist” and diagnose me as suffering from clinical depression, which would have been painful to acknowledge, nevertheless it would have been true. Finally, I’d decided to take it to a higher power although many Negroes will clichingly joke with their faces grimacing ear to ear saying, “Jesus take the wheel!” Although I’m currently in that process, it still seems other so-called black folk are looking for superficial ways to come together as a people through fictional stories and symbolism. This leads me to the Black Panther and like most I was excited to see not just an predominantly black cast (including the director), but to see a black super hero brought to you by Stan Lee by way of Marvel Comics. The need for a critical analyses is not necessary in fact, one can simply type up “My Thoughts on… or Black Panther: Decoded, and How Important was…and you will end up with thousands upon thousands of Negroes giving their Siskel and Ebert thumbing praises on the movie. Did I see the film you ask? Absolutely but I wasn’t about to go to the extreme and rock out some dyshiki’s and kente cloth over Black Panther like I was attending a African Comic-Con (no disrespect to the black nerds who support the artist btw)! Also, let me get this out the way real quick: I am a former artist and former comic/video game head so I understand where a lot of these Negroes are coming from with going to the movies dressed up in their African garb. However, I’ve out grown games and comics but for the sake of this movie, I get it.

sticker,420x460-pad,420x460,f8f8f8Black Panther ended up doing historic numbers opening day weekend at the box office brining in a whopping $370.5 million making it the highest for a debuting franchise. As of February 27, 2018, the film has grossed a worldwide total of $782.2 million; quickly earning a buzz from movie critics and fans alike believing the film will amass well over the billion dollars mark when its all said and done. Speaking of the fans, Negroes have set up posts on social media declaring “Wakanda Week” or if the someone says or does something unsavory in the all seeing eyes of black Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, they are immediately bombarded with taunts and dislikes letting them know they are NOT from Wakanda! As funny as it maybe, black folks have become overzealous about this movie and with it’s not hard to understand why. Fictional as it maybe be, there were not only indelible characters and images that didn’t portray black people in the usual stereotypical norms; but from Black Panther/T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), Erik “KillMonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan; to Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o); Okoye (Danai Gurira); and Shuri (Letitia Wright), starred in phenomenal roles which were entertaining and immensely positive. Simply stated, this movie gave our young children something they don’t normally get to see on the big screen from black people: a sense of pride and respect for family and their native country. With that being said, there remains a small grey, ominous cloud that has shattered my once exuberant joy in regards to this motion picture that begs the question: What about Birth Of A Nation?
In early January 2016, Birth Of A Nation much like Black Panther, was an highly anticipated release scheduled for the fall in early October. It was championed at various independent film festivals and even garnered an early Oscar buzz. Those early acclamations sooned turned into disparaging declarations of rape, aimed at the film’s producer, director, and star Nate Parker. Stemming from an incident in 1999 while a student athlete at Penn State, Parker and co-writer Jean McGianni were formally charged with sexual assault but both were acquitted by jury. After starring in several prominent roles prior to B.O.A.N., the media begun to attack Parker including the accuser’s brother who called Parker a “rapist” even insinuating the actor/director for being the reason which lead to the accuser committing suicide in 2012. Despite the actor defending his image and feeling empathy for the accuser in several Facebook posts and interviews, Women Right’s groups-mainly white and black feminists- continued to slander Parker in articles and on television platforms. One feminazi in particular-Amber Phillips- was especially vicious during a live taping on Roland Martin’s “News One Now” program after the film’s October release. Phillips, like many other black female guests, wanted to make B.O.A.N. about sexual assault and felt that was more important than the Nat Turner story itself. The shows host Roland Martin, was later accused of tweeting and insinuating the movie flopped due to the non-support by black women. Needless to say it didn’t help Parker’s situation once black society found out the actor was married to a white woman, something many sister’s despise.In the end, Birth Of A Nation and the story of Nat Turner, was sabotaged.
As I scroll up and down my YouTube page trying to avoid all of the Black Panther mania that has mezmorized Negroes like hair weave and Jordan’s; I think of what could have been with B.OA.N.. It’s like some of us, or maybe many of “us” didn’t see what the liberal media was doing prior to the release of Parker’s movie. Because the movie surrounded a black man fighting back against his white slave master (which represents our modern-day system) and winning, there was no way Hollywood was going to green light this picture. Knowing this he saved up his own money, sided with a few investors and got the film made on a mere eight and a half million dollar budget. Though the movie managed to recoup its budget by grossing over $16 million, however, due to the controversy surrounding the film Foxlight Pictures cancelled the international release. In the words of you super militant, red, black and green Negroes white supremacy two, black America, zero. Now some of you may ask “What do you mean white supremacy TWO?” The “TWO” comes from the original “Birth Of A Nation” produced and directed by D. W. Griffith in 1915 that revitalized the “Second Era” of the Klu Klux Klan and was used as a recruiting tool. Not only was the movie hailed as a landmark achievement, it depicted one of the most racist organizations in American history as heroes; meanwhile the Negroes (who were white actors in blackface) as buffoons, imbecilic, and sexually aggressive towards white women. So do you think it was a coincidence that over a hundred years later “they” ran the same play in real life with Nate Parker who played a rebellious slave? See, they’ll let us have our Black Panther because its fiction and black folks won’t never become someone like a “KillMonger” in real life. I would go on but I think I’ve said enough already and besides I really don’t want that grey cloud to return again. No more wine and cigarettes.
Grace & Peace.

Kim Burrell: “That’s the Way ‘Love’ Goes” (Controversy)

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I guess the word ‘love’ continues to evolve unlike the theory of evolution these days as singer-songwriter Kim Burrell continues to catch heat over a sermon she delivered over a week ago. According to our liberal (communist) media, the expression of love must mean that you have to be inclusive and intolerable not only to one’s feelings, but to one’s personal lifestyle, identity, or sexual orientation. Having a personal opinion, preference, or conviction which is contrary to the “new normal” you are immediately labeled a social pariah, a hatemonger, and my least favorite-favorite imaginary derogatory term: a “homophobe”. This is precisely what has happened to the gospel legend Burrell, who should know a thing or two about ‘love’ considering she leads a very “progressive” ministry called “Love & Liberty Fellowship Church, where she serves as an Eldress/Overseer-Bishop. Burrell makes no apologies in her sermon where she preached on the “perverted sexual spirit”, which is pervasive and prominent in many African-American churches. Another gospel great, Pastor Shirley Caesar, initially supported Burrell in a video by saying, “You should have said something four years ago when our President made it alright.” However, once her comments were made public she too felt the inescapable wrath of LGBT minions labeling the “Queen of Gospel music” a homophobic bigot as well.  The 78-year-old gospel icon whose career has spanned six decades, issued an apology during a recorded segment with Bishop George Bloomer. To be honest, the apology from the visibly shaken Caesar sounded like more like damage control to save what’s left of her legendary career. I guess that’s the way love goes.

The Burrell controversy has come at a price for the 44-year-old songstress. After having her invitation from The Ellen DeGeneres Show rescinded by DeGeneres on social media herself, Burrell also lost her radio show with Texas Southern University called “Bridging The Gap with Kim Burrell,” and was removed as a honoree from BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music event. Actress-comedian and star of “Almost Christmas”, Monique, offered her two cents when she weighed in on the topic on her periscope radio show called “Monique and Sidney’s Open Relationship.” The Academy-Award winner told her viewers to focus their energy on fighting for what matters per the Huffington Post:

“It’s almost laughable, because you’re saying that in 2017, we are still dealing with people taking issue with people being who they were born to be, who they choose to be,” she said, then addressing people who mask their anti-gay bigotry with religious rhetoric. “People are still taking issue with the cloak of, ’I am a warrior for Jesus and I must fight for Jesus and stop all you fags and dykes before y’all get condemned to hell.’”

I guess this is the comedian’s attempt to get back into the good graces of Hollyweird after claiming to be “back-balled” following her Oscar winning performance in the movie “Precious.” Whatever her motive is, I think her and Burrell’s detractors are missing the point. Burrell (and Pastor Caesar until she retracted) made their comments in front of a community of believers who share Kim’s same Christian beliefs. Her sermon was done in front of her congregation addressing pertinent issues within the church (body of Christ) as a whole. As Burrell stated in her apology video, “sin and whatever falls under the category of sin, was preached.” Yet, because of some unscrupulous, unsuspecting, member/guest recorded a two-minute snippet of Burrell passionately denouncing what she calls “the spirit of delusion and confusion,” has been appropriated with her spewing hate? Don’t get me wrong, the black church has sometimes played a debaucherous and hypocritical role when dealing with those in the LGBT community. Often prostituting their gifts and talents for fanfare during praise and worship services; only to turn around and excoriate them with the bible as well. It makes you wonder with the entire backlash and “bullying” Burrell is receiving (yes I said bullying), what would her dear friend who chose Kim as a spiritual adviser, the late Whitney Houston, think about all of this? Maybe that’s part of the problem.

“The Eldress-Bishop” has always been known in the church world for her incredible musical talents and gifting’s, but she also wasn’t pigeon-holed into your typical “gospel-singer” as she has worked and performed with what the church calls “secular” acts. Burrell recently lent her vocals to the song, “Godspeed” from R&B recording artist (and openly gay) Frank Ocean’s chart-topping, “Blonde” album. Needless to say, once Burrell’s controversial sermon was released, Ocean’s mother (Katonya Breaux Riley) was not amused, taking her thoughts to social media:

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Burrell, like so many other Christian ministers and artists, have become so enamored with the celeb-reality culture that too often their faith becomes compromised when it pertains to certain social-political issues. Not to be preachy, but this society will only tolerate a “social gospel” which is according to gotquestions.org is: Christian ethics to social problems such as poverty, slums, poor nutrition and education, alcoholism, crime, and war. These things are emphasized while the doctrines of sin, salvation, heaven and hell, and the future kingdom of God are downplayed. So no matter how many celebrities Burrell and others like her can befriend in the industry, if you’re not willing to play the “go-a-long, to-get-a-long,” game than your career will be shutdown. Considering how political correctness runs amok in media and entertainment, there is absolutely no way you can hold on to a sound biblical worldview and remain spotless in the eyes of men. It’s like oil and water, the two just don’t mix! Anyways, Burrell has maintained her position so far even telling her followers during her apology (but not sorry) video that, “I talk to the spirit of that thing, and I won’t take it back.”

Disagreement shouldn’t be the new “hate speech” people. Peace and love y’all!

Phil Jackson & LeBron James’ ‘Posse’

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It’s official ladies and gentlemen of this nation: Political correctness has run amuck in this country thanks to people like LeBron James. I often pondered why out of all the celebrities or stars in Hollywood, why on earth did Hillary Clinton need people like LeBron James? Jay-Z? or Beyoncé? Sure she wanted to collect the so-called much needed “black vote” by assuring dual continent Negroes aka African-Americans, that she has their very best interest at heart (if you believe this then you’re nuts). Clinton selects these prized entertainers because when in doubt, she can always spout elements of victimhood and spout (more like pout) cries of racism (even though Clinton is on record praising friend & mentor former KKK member, Robert Byrd). Many black folks have been manipulated and bamboozled into thinking one political party i.e. the Democrats, actually cares about the well-being of the dual Negro and that the other party–the Republicans–are fully of overt racists (which to a degree I will concur) and any black person voting for or affiliated with the GOP is a sell-out (like Ben Carson).  Still, in the case of LeBron James and other athletes and entertainers of the sort who openly supported Clinton, maybe they was forced, coerced, or was a made an offer they can’t refuse?

In case you haven’t heard, the reigning NBA Finals champion James needed his “safe space” in front of reporters yesterday venting his disgust regarding comments made by Knicks President, Phil Jackson. The comment, in particular, had to do with Jackson’s use of the word ‘posse’ Jackson used to describe LeBron’s entourage during an interview with Jackie MacMullen of Espn:

“When LeBron was playing with the Heat, they went to Cleveland and he wanted to spend the night. They don’t do overnights. Teams just don’t. So now (coach Erik) Spoelstra has to text Riley and say, ‘What do I do in this situation?’ And Pat, who has iron-fist rules, answers, ‘You are on the plane, you are with this team.’ You can’t hold up the whole team because you and your mom and your posse want to spend an extra night in Cleveland…”

Not only did the word ‘posse’ infuriate James as he thought the word and Jackson’s comment had a significant racial overtone, it made LeBron’s friend and business partner, Maverick Carter, especially uneasy as he took it as a shot at African-Americans (dual Negroes):

“”I don’t care that he talks about LeBron,” Maverick Carter told ESPN.com. “He could say he’s not that good or the greatest in the world as a basketball player. I wouldn’t care. It’s the word ‘posse’ and the characterization I take offense to. If he would have said LeBron and his agent, LeBron and his business partners or LeBron and his friends, that’s one thing. Yet because you’re young and black, he can use that word. We’re grown men.”

While I understand Jackson probably was taking a small, cheap, gratuitous shot at the 4-time league MVP James; however, James must understand that as a African-American he has already won. This posse comment should only legitimize James as not only a walking ambassador being its preeminent face of the league, but a business model and a blueprint to future athletes who turn their ‘posse’s’ into more than just hanger-on’s, loan-leeches, and tear the club up buddies. LeBron’s “boy’s” have secured an economic future that will surpass the King’s playing days through various investments, deals, and projects through a promising multi-media production company. Not to mention, another one of his childhood friends and acute business partners, Rich Paul, runs a highly touted sports agency called Klucth Sports, which not only represents the “King” but also slew of other NBA talent including this year’s number one draft pick Ben Simmons.

 

 

Be that as it may, still, I disagree with LeBron’s over reaction to Phil Jackson’s remark and turning it into another plight that African-Americans have to struggle to overcome. Even though Maverick Carter voiced in a tweet that he wasn’t calling Jackson a “racist”, yet both Carter and James are implying race in their sentiments. Moreover, leave it to the progressive minions at Espn to make this into something incendiary or egregious towards James and black athletes in general, AND, you can only disagree with the posse remark if you’re white pundit because if you’re black pundit, you’re a sell-out. But I guess the LeBron’s, the Beyonce’s, the Jay-Z’s, the Mary J’s, of the world that endorsed Hillary Clinton, all of a sudden makes you ‘black’? Also, how much you wanna bet the same people who were upset with James just over a year ago about “your Highness” lack of support for or political involvement in the death of Tamir Rice, are the same one’s clamoring to his defense now? Utter nonsense I tell you.

LeBron, you and your team is winning; keep it up.

Peace and love y’all!

Why Shannon Sharpe Is ‘Undisputed’

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The Colin Kaepernick conversation parade continued last week when it became virtually a daily discussion topic on FS1’s new sports talk show, Undisputed. The show is comprised of former Espn First Take’s television personality and Award-winning journalist, Skip Bayless, NFL Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion, Shannon Sharpe and moderator (*cough* Molly Qerim look-a-like) Joy Taylor.  Although the show has received some criticisms from naysayers like Skip’s former Espn colleague Dan Le Batard, calling the show “First Fake”, Undisputed has managed to pick up steam by tackling one of America’s most contentious topics surrounding the matters of race. In one of the commercials I’ve seen for the show, Bayless promises that he will “unleash” and be “unfiltered”, when in fact it’s actually been his opponent Sharpe who’s been doing all of the unleashing lately. Understand, when it comes to the Kaepernick protest, what it did was unveil what…

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Why Shannon Sharpe Is ‘Undisputed’

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The Colin Kaepernick conversation parade continued last week when it became virtually a daily discussion topic on FS1’s new sports talk show, Undisputed. The show is comprised of former Espn First Take’s television personality and Award-winning journalist, Skip Bayless, NFL Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion, Shannon Sharpe and moderator (*cough* Molly Qerim look-a-like) Joy Taylor.  Although the show has received some criticisms from naysayers like Skip’s former Espn colleague Dan Le Batard, calling the show “First Fake”, Undisputed has managed to pick up steam by tackling one of America’s most contentious topics surrounding the matters of race. In one of the commercials I’ve seen for the show, Bayless promises that he will “unleash” and be “unfiltered”, when in fact it’s actually been his opponent Sharpe who’s been doing all of the unleashing lately. Understand, when it comes to the Kaepernick protest, what it did was unveil what many black folks already knew what was there—white racism.  It exposed the “One of my best friends is black”, nonsense some white folks regurgitate because how dare this Negro show contempt towards those who fought for his freedom? Even though Colin made it perfectly clear that he was protesting about police brutality and oppression against people of color; still, the only thing his detractors focused on was the so-called desecration of the American flag and the countless veterans who’d fought for this country. Like black folks haven’t fought for this country though, right? Now enter Shannon Sharpe to properly articulate from the black perspective and essentially shutdown the talking points that most other black sports commentators—Stephen A. and Jason Whitlock—has either danced around or straight up referred to it as “gestures”.

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In a poignant segment held on Wednesday last week, Sharpe touched on comments made by Clemson’s head football Dabo Swinney, by calling his remarks “antiquated” and just because we have blacks as ceo’s, millionaire’s, and the nation’s first black president, just because certain ones are celebrated, what about the ones who are looked down upon? As the conversation furthered, Sharpe cogently explains when dealing with the police, both should be treated equally:

“This is what I ask Skip: If a police officer were to pull you and I over on different occasions, and he walks to your car and asks for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, registration; I would expect him to walk to my car—not with his hand on his gun—and ask me in the same polite manner. And if you ask him a question and he answer it; I would like to ask him a question and him not tell me to shut my ____ mouth…

Later on in the program, Swinney’s comments were broached again by another guest, college football analyst Joel Klatt. Like so many others, Klatt brought up the good ol’ veteran speech due his father serving in World War II. Klatt also made it a point that he found what Seattle did by joining arms to be more “acceptable” versus what Kaepernick originally did because he didn’t know what he was doing. Sharpe, however, wasn’t fooled by Klatt’s obvious hypocrisy (which deserved a stern side eye btw) and continued to dissect into the college analyst argument by bringing up his privilege; his white privilege. Klatt briefly interrupted Sharpe by saying “we view this entire situation through very individual lenses,” because frankly in Klatt’s (and many other white folks who think like him) opinion, the flag is reserved for all things heroic, patriotic, and white American values, only. To this, Sharpe addressed Klatt’s remarks:

“You view it through the lens of being a white male [Klatt agreed] that has never had an amendment, an act, or a constitution amended for your civil rights. You never had a white man had fair housing (?). You never had to say, ‘you know what, you can’t go [Joel Klatt] to that place because you’re a white male.’ You never had that…But I tell you what, I bet you Jerry Jones would not trade places with a 75-year old black man in Chicago or Detroit. I bet Joel Klatt would not trade places with a 30-year old black guy from Chicago or Watts; I bet he wouldn’t do that. You know why? Because it’s great to know that I’m white and I’m a male in America; and I’m viewed totally different than any other demographic—in America. That’s fact. That’s not fiction…that’s not a prism. That’s factual.”

I must admit it’s very refreshing to see an intelligent brother on television being able to speak his mind so fluidly and not have to settle being the typical Negro who has to (and gets used to) buck dance around white folks. Unlike other social issues, the problem of race is as Max Kellerman stated this country’s “original sin”, so to see it discussed openly and poignantly, was exceptionally powerful.  Undisputed may have originally pinned in some people’s minds as powerhouse, popular, sportswriter going one-on-one with some former fill-in sports jock. Well make no mistake about it, Undisputed might be Bayless’ show but after the first few weeks, Sharpe has not only handled his own when matching wits with Skip, he has also established himself as riveting and knowledgeable commentator that is a force to be reckoned with. Don’t act like you didn’t notice Joel’s face during that debate though. One word: Sal-ty!

If I had only one wish like Ray J I wish there were more Sharpe’s in sports talk media; but that won’t likely happen. It makes me wonder with FS1 being a Fox station which normally only deals with racial issues from a conservative, right-wing angle, would allow Sharpe to speak more from a liberal perspective. Because we all know there exist that counter group who’s indifferent towards Sharpe’s passionate views; and that he’s making excuses for “lazy black folks”. Even though they would purposely ignore when Shannon mentioned several times that he “judges people individually”, they will still bring up why he didn’t mention black on black crime like Ray Lewis, who also appeared on the show. Nevertheless, the show was about (I repeat) police brutality and the oppression people of color (mainly black folk) have faced in this country—not about black on black crime. Maybe one day as a black community we can all protest the niggerish behavior that takes place in our hoods. Only problem with that is the Negroes who complain about it the most, or use it to impress the white conservatives they emulate, would actually have to come back to these “hoods”. Now why you wanna go and do that? Grace and Peace y’all!

 

 

Kaepernick’s ‘Unpatriotic’ Conviction

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“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color…” “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

(http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem)

As the dog days of the national sports world comes to a close, many networks are looking for virtually anything newsworthy to chew on until college and pro football lines up for the opening snap. That includes socio-political issues that have become immersed in sports talk much to the chagrin to the common man’s sports junkie pleasure. Which brings me to the story of Colin Kaepernick, who, for all intended purposes, might not even keep a roster spot by years end. The story of Kaepernick’s political protest has created…

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Kaepernick’s ‘Unpatriotic’ Conviction

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“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color…” “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

(http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem)

As the dog days of the national sports world comes to a close, many networks are looking for virtually anything newsworthy to chew on until college and pro football lines up for the opening snap. That includes socio-political issues that have become immersed in sports talk much to the chagrin to the common man’s sports junkie pleasure. Which brings me to the story of Colin Kaepernick, who, for all intended purposes, might not even keep a roster spot by years end. The story of Kaepernick’s political protest has created lighting rod in sports talk because it has more to do with what’s critical and eye opening instead of what’s popular. It transcends the sports world and makes typical Americans focus on a matter that’s often swept under the rug. No, we’re not talking about the usual “black on black crime” that usually circulates the media circuit and puts the emphasis on black folks to get it together. Kaepernick’s statements shines a light on law enforcement which is to the American masses is a slap in the face, followed by an indignant middle finger to everything deemed “white American.” By Kaepernick refusing to stand and acknowledge the national anthem, he has become in many people’s eyes an “anti-American” who is ungrateful for what our military has done—past or present—so he can have the opportunity to enjoy life as a citizen of the alleged free world. How dare Colin commit the sin of patriotic blasphemy, or did he?

None of Kaepernick’s detractors will stick to what he actually said, nor will they point to the reason why he said it. They are quick to point out our service men but will not address our local so-called service men that have gotten away with killing black people with impunity. For instance, you have law enforcement that has been captured on camera murdering African-Americans in cold blood, yet these same officers have as Kaepernick has stated, “getting paid leave for getting away with murder.” So how does such a pivotal statement get misconstrued? Simple because Colin has as Stephen A. Smith articulated, made Americans choose sides; like it or not. If one was to look at social media this past weekend, you can clearly see how the American populous took to Colin’s conviction which was mostly met with venomous ire.

Then you have your Victor Cruz’s and now Jerry Rice’s of the world coming forth trying to diffuse Colin’s stance at the appeasement or out of their own opinion, which coincidentally sides with the prevailing popular opinion—of white folks. I wonder though if these Negro athletes are familiar with the person who wrote the national anthem in the first place? None other than American honored Francis Scott Key, who was a lawyer by day and a slaveholder by all means necessary to benefit the capitalistic so-called patriot. Even if one was to dive in the annals of the Smithsonianmag.com, there lies an article which begs to question “Where’s the Debate on Francis Scott Key’s Slave-Holding Legacy?” Here’s an excerpt for those who just don’t know:

In 1814, Key was a slaveholding lawyer from an old Maryland plantation family, who thanks to a system of human bondage had grown rich and powerful.

When he wrote the poem that would, in 1931, become the national anthem and proclaim our nation “the land of the free,” like Jefferson, Key not only profited from slaves, he harbored racist conceptions of American citizenship and human potential. Africans in America, he said, were: “a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community.” (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/wheres-debate-francis-scott-keys-slave-holding-legacy-180959550/?no-ist)

https://twitter.com/Lrihendry/status/770693921424965632

If one was to read further in the article, you would discover that Key’s racist views were parallel to President Thomas Jefferson and many others; for even he too thought the Negro was a inferior being. With that being said, how can anyone justify their scrutiny towards Kaepernick for not standing for a country whose original sin continues to haunt them at every angle? Whether it be through the media or our government, the fact is the so-called American Negro hasn’t received its well-deserved justice and those who think otherwise are living in a color blind society.  America has made it common practice for the Negro to forget what has happen to his ancestors while having no problem propping up so-called Jews and the travesty of their Holocaust. This is the minimization of black culture which gives rise to the affluent blacks who have quote, “made it” but share the same ideology that is pro bono for white folks.

In the end, what Colin Kaepernick has done is open that same can of worms that too often gets fed to self-righteous journalists, pundits, and typical American skeptics who would rather hear about if Colin will make it to his or hers fantasy league. Given his limited platform, Kaepernick has decided to break the sports code for Negroes by not only refusing to acknowledge the national anthem, but telling you why he does by directly pointing to an institutional problem with law enforcement. I wonder, would Kaepernick’s stance be considered this “newsworthy” if it was something other than black lives? Kaepernick’s stance should leave the normal American downtrodden NOT because you agree or disagree with Colin, but for the simple fact that when you express your beliefs according to our Bill of Rights, you get vilified. The hatred especially gets intensified when you speak on black issues. This is a no-no in America or you’ll get labeled as being a “victim” or some KKK affiliate (for what reason I don’t know) when black folks DO NOT have a history of oppressing folks. But it is what it is…peace and love y’all!

Barkley’s New Show,’The Race Card,’ broaches a Topic He’s All Too Familiar With

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It seems like the folks at TNT wants to give their most charismatic and controversial sports analyst, Charles Barkley, an elevated soapbox far beyond realm of talking NBA basketball. The Hall of Famer, who once considered a career in politics, will finally get the chance to discuss social-political issues now that Turner has green-lighted the provocatively titled series, ‘The Race Card.’ Barkley has always been a purveyor of sharing his own uninhibited truths even at the expense of offending his own [black] community. Moreover, Barkley will be able to disseminate his personal unfiltered rhetoric aided by several “cultural leaders and tastemakers” which will sure to embody what certain people “should do” or “how to behave,” as an underlying tone.

An excerpt from Turner.com’s press release:

 

In The Race Card, Charles Barkley wants to bust up the echo chamber mentality that so often has people retreating to corners of the like-minded, where views are reinforced and ideas are distorted into angry, unexamined groupthink conclusions. Each week, Barkley will take on the rapidly calcifying positions around today’s hot-button topics. He will seek out the sharpest and most varied viewpoints from today’s cultural leaders and tastemakers. He will then challenge and probe those ideas, even trying them out on himself.

 

No idea presented on The Race Card will be left in the abstract. Barkley will put ideas on their feet, with real-world proof-of-concept tests that will engage people and expose the truth behind their closely held beliefs. In the end, Barkley will reach his own conclusions guided only by his own wits and common-sense wisdom.

 

“We as Americans never discuss the issue of race in this country and how it impacts everything in our lives until something bad happens,” Barkley said. “I see this project as a way to talk about race, class and cultural differences and challenge everyone’s status quo.”

 

– See more at: http://www.turner.com/pressroom/tnt-greenlight-series-charles-barkley-orders-pilot-monsters-god-and-renews-last-ship-0#sthash.5VQ1Hsla.dpuf

 

I often wonder the fascination the media has had with “Sir” Charles Barkley for quite some time now. Sure Barkley has an engaging and colorful personality, but he has the media’s “darling” and a go to magnet when discussing social issues—most notably when it comes to race relations. In the past, Barkley has openly discussed the usage of the rousing ‘N-word’ and how he uses the word amongst his black –and white—friends. In an episode of Barkley’s Inside the NBA, Barkley defended his usage of the ‘N-word’ following a tweet sent from [then] L.A. Clipper forward Matt Barnes, after an on-court skirmish involving Serge Ibaka, of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “Matt Barnes, there’s no apology needed,” Barkley lamented about the racial slur used by Barnes on Twitter. “I’m a black man, I use the N-word with my black friends–with my white friends—they are my friends, Barkley said. The “Chuckster” as called by his fellow colleague and Inside the NBA moderator, Ernie Johnson, continued his on camera soliloquy and made mention of what white America shouldn’t dictate:

“This debate goes back to the Paula Dean thing where they’re like ‘Well, black people use it amongst themselves, it’s in rap records.’ Listen, what I do with my black friends is not up to white America to dictate to me what’s appropriate or inappropriate.”

 

This is exactly the kind of frankness and candor many should come to expect from Sir Charles, which has made him a polarizing figure. Unfortunately, some of his remarks hasn’t fared all too well either especially when it has do with African-Americans. Barkley has stated on record that he makes no apologies when it came to what he calls the “dirty dark secret” in black America, during an interview with Anthony Garano in 2014:

“Well unfortunately, as I tell my white friends, we as black people will never going to be successful not because of you white people—but because of other black people. When you’re black, you have to deal with so much crap in your life from other black. It’s a dirty dark secret, I’m glad it’s coming out (…) You black kids, you know, when they do well in school, the loser kids tell em’ ‘Oh, you’re acting white,’ to the kids who speak intelligently. Oh, you’re acting white…”

-Barkley on 914 WIP Philly Radio, 10/23/14

Needless to say, the proverbial “cat was let out of the bag” on black America much to the distaste to some, but to the agreement (yours truly) of others. Barkley also spoke unfavorably about the riots in Ferguson by stating “those aren’t real black people” and he later added more fuel to the fire by calling them “scumbags.” Barkley has since recanted his original sentiments but not before many in the black media and blogosphere labeled him a “sell-out” and an “Uncle Tom.” Even Houston’s own from the legendary rap group, “The Geto Boys,” Willie D, came out of nowhere to address Barkley and others in a song entitled, “Coon.”

Lastly, I don’t think Turner is looking for some “kumbaya” movement with Sir Charles leading the charge. Rather, they’re looking to cash in on what will be considered a “reality-based” program tackling hot button issues. I believe Barkley will definitely have some controversial contemporaries such as the likes of Stephen A. Smith, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Roland Martin and a slew of others. This will definitely be an early ratings riser due to the impending anticipation of provocative dialogue surrounding race, politics, and social issues. All in all, let’s hope for lasting viewer sake—and Barkley’s—this show doesn’t end up being ‘Teerible.’  Peace and love y’all!