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…
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)
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!
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.
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!
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 t…
In our current social climate where everyone is just one “I wish somebody would” away from ranting, raving, or worse, harming someone about a socio-political topic, black folks have become immensely aroused (with good reason) with the current divide and conquer racial narrative propagated by the media. In essence, many black folks are looking to align themselves with so-called “black consciousness” thinking Negroes and looking to alienate or scrutinize others who either dare to tote the line of being “color-blind Negroes” or retorts the “new black” lingo. Such is the case for Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, hip-hop’s last adolescent act prodigy by way of So So Def legendary producer, Jermaine Dupri. Moss in a series of tweets lasting several hours, spoke on how nice the Trump Hotels were and how he’s not really into voting because he believes the system is controlled. This caused some of his followers to question his voting allegiance whether he was pro-Trump or pro-Hillary, due to him being enthralled with the Republican nominee’s hotels
Man i only believe what the eyes see. Im mixed. I dont know what my ancestors was doing. I only know what i see! https://t.co/OdDO2pvtBS
Then Mr. Bow Wow received a guilt trip tweet about what our ancestors did so he could have the right to vote. Then, the 29-year-old entertainer responded in a series of tweets about his ‘mixed ancestry’ to the immediate disgust of the ever trolling ‘Black Twitter’ fanbase. This petulant situation continued to snowball out of control once Moss revealed a picture of his biological father—which further ignited a social media firestorm among the sensitive likes of Black Twitter and Instagram.
Here’s my take on this insignificant matter: Shad Moss was basically talking about politics from his perspective while at the same time appreciating the hospitality, comfort, and luxuries of staying at a premiere Trump hotel. I actually agree with Shad’s position when it comes to voting because the candidates are in fact controlled (which is another word for selected). Even though I applaud people like Carmelo Anthony and others who are using their platforms to take a stance when it comes to social issues; however, we can’t expect ALL athletes and entertainers to be on one accord and Bow Wow is no exception. He gave his honest answer about politics and how he isn’t pro-Trump, yet you have Negroes fussing about him claiming his Cuban, White and Native roots? I understand he’s cocky, arrogant, and continues to hit the reset button in his mind which keeps him “arrested” in the 2000’s era when his status was most potent as a child star. This is one of the main reasons why he receives a titanic load of hatred because Moss truly believes he’s attained the level of greatness which pencils him in with the upper echelon of hip-hops elites (feel free to laugh people). Based off the tweets I’ve seen, Moss should have of done a better job in explaining his “blackness” because once you declare yourself as a racial/ethnical “other” (when the visual doesn’t add up), be prepared for the ambush of Black Twitter to make you trend for all the wrong reasons. Peace and love y’all!
The 21st century Negro athlete has been all but censored when it comes to social political issues within the African American community. It is looked as the big “no-no” in the eyes of advertisers, endorsements, public relations and the NBA/NFL itself. Gone are the days of Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the boisterous Muhammed Ali. These were men of principle, character, and weren’t afraid to embrace who they were and where they came from. They understood being socially aware could cost them everything they worked for, but they knew black brotherhood was not only an iconic symbol to engraved in the minds of black America, but a warning to white America that we as a people shall not be moved. Insert the modern day athlete: when unless it’s the current social movements of the day (aka everything non-black), the athlete is obligated to appear in commercials and…
The 21st century Negro athlete has been all but censored when it comes to social political issues within the African American community. It is looked as the big “no-no” in the eyes of advertisers, endorsements, public relations and the NBA/NFL itself. Gone are the days of Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the boisterous Muhammed Ali. These were men of principle, character, and weren’t afraid to embrace who they were and where they came from. They understood being socially aware could cost them everything they worked for, but they knew black brotherhood was not only an iconic symbol to engraved in the minds of black America, but a warning to white America that we as a people shall not be moved. Insert the modern day athlete: when unless it’s the current social movements of the day (aka everything non-black), the athlete is obligated to appear in commercials and functions for foolish and insulting causes like Sheryl Sandberg’s gynocentric inspired, Lean In. I don’t even need to mention how the LGBT agenda continues to have a burgeoning presence in the league with every team being garnered pride shirts; hosting LGBT game nights; and WNBA player’s broaching the question for pay inequality compared to the NBA professionals. You have breast cancer awareness month which seems abundant and repetitive throughout the year having the players wear pink on it on multiple occasions. Yet, when it comes to men’s health, they have an utter blatant disregard like heart disease and prostate cancer doesn’t affect us? Give me a break!
This leads me to the New York Knick’s star forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is recognized league wide as a top ten performer when healthy, and become the face of one of the NBA’s most historic and influential franchises. Anthony sharing the memorable photo of black brotherhood on his Twitter and Instagram a few days ago, may have just entered enemy territory playing for the NBA’s largest market. Melo is calling for his professional contemporaries to challenge their local and state governments and address real social political issues. Showing up with an “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt and wearing your jerseys inside out during a playoff game, will no longer cut it. As you can remember, the former Clippers owner Donald Sterling was recorded making incendiary remarks about African Americans which led him to sell the team to Microsoft guru Steve Ballmer in 2014. The reason why I bring this up because is both teams who were scheduled to play that day (Clippers vs. Warriors) could have exude their power as players by putting an fiscal stranglehold on the NBA and its advertisers by simply refusing to play. There lies the problem. Melo is not only dealing with the threat of losing endorsements for standing for black people and causes, he will have to deal with the emasculated, coddled, and socially docile black male athlete. Hopefully, with the recent killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by what some would identify as “race soldiers,” maybe some these athletes will grow a pair after all.
A perfect example of how much power black athletes have in their sports programs is the incident which took place at the University of Missouri late last year. Lead by allegations from micro-aggressive students of racial discrimination, 32 black football players refused to participate in all football related activities until the universities’ President, Tim Wolfe, had resigned. Maybe this could be the example Anthony and others who respond to his clarion call can galvanize; in extreme circumstances of course. In a post which appears on his Instagram and website ThisIsMelo.com, the Knick’s forward passionately expressed the need for change and how even he—by any means–would lead the charge:
Depending how far Melo is willing to stick his neck out there for social change only time will tell. But I personally salute Mr. Anthony for being brave enough for even challenging his contemporaries in a time where racial tension continues to swell nationally. It’s time out for soft shoe protests which judging by what’s going on in Baton Rouge has become a late season version of Marde Gras. See what the corporations are afraid of and absolutely distain is black athletes involving themselves in black political causes. Not to mention if THEY were to gentrify our inner cities (instead of greedy corporations) plus create neighborhood businesses that will establish an economic base. Because while I understand going to our local politicians and assembly men demanding change; however, we all know that this change we long for will only remain daydream without having monetary clout. I’m sure Carmelo is aware of this as he looks to amend a system that even he admits has been perpetually “broken”. Peace and love y’all.
After delivering such a riveting message during last week’s BET Awards, Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams went from a thunderous ovation from a crowd of his peers, to a week of receiving malicious criticism from Conservative cowards; who set up a spiteful petition to have him fired from ABC. See, Mr. Williams’ words wasn’t about his blackness, playing the victim card, or him being some spoiled overpaid actor using his platform to bash cops. Not even close. His words were about what took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana last night when a young man identified as Alton Sterling, 37, was gunned down by some bloodthirsty cops. Eerie; however, but prophetic.
It’s no secret that black women or women in general, are attracted to a man with some kind of power or influence. Whether it’s your prestigious entrepreneur, entertainer, politician or congress men, even down to your local pastor; women love a man with a position of power. Kind of ironic those feminist women crave power disguised as equality; but then turn around and say they want a guy with some sort of “status?” But that’s another story for another day. What I want to deal with is the fascination that black women have for thugs. Even one of the most respected female emcees, MC Lyte, had to pay homage back in the day with the song, “Ruff Neck.” It actually happened to be one her biggest records by the way. However, what I want to do is to try to understand the psychology that women have when it comes to…
Nearly two years ago next month, the black church and various other media outlets and blogs couldn’t wait to dispel the latest sentiments from a message involving mega church Pastor Jamal Bryant. Bryant, who’s certainly no stranger when it comes to controversy both in and outside of the pulpit, received an enormous amount of scrutiny and public backlash when he preached a sermon that contained a line from current R&B bad boy Chris Brown and his latest song at that time, “These H**s [Girls] Ain’t Loyal.” Seems like the mega church Pastor can’t leave these ‘girls’ alone as yet another woman has come forward alleging Bryant is the father of her newborn son. According to reports from The Christian Times, the child’s mother, Latoya Shawntee Odom, a 34-year old Californian massage therapist, bare it all to Obnoxious Television through a series of text messages that she had a sexual…
a frustrated black, feminist, insomniac writer who is biding time and saving money to relocate in order to avoid the burden of navigating through white spaces.
#PaperlessThoughts80 