Africans Cheer for former Colonial Master in Cup

Despite the South African soccer team getting bounced out of the World Cup as this years' host nation there are Black South Africans who feel they have a home team in today's finale.

As I write the Dutch are lacing up to face off with Spain in Johannesburg. If you know your African colonial history you will recall that the Netherlands ruled portions of South Africa. Now many Black South Africans are rooting for their former colonial master to take home the highest prize soccer has to offer on the global stage.

This shows that followers of the only worldwide sport, where fans' national pride is stronger than the calf muscles of No. 10 on you favorite soccer team, can look beyond racism, segregation and generational mistreatment. Black South Africans have united with Dutch fans be the 12th player on the field as Holland fights for the Cup.

Now, let's not oversimplify this contest and it's circumstances. Not all Black South Africans are draped in the of equal-part red, white and blue stripes of the Holland flag. And they shouldn't. Few things are more of a personal choice than your sport fanhood. Certainly some Black South Africans are rooting for Spain, or are indifferent.

But grabbing on to our cultural connections more than the stereotypes and ugly history has become a theme of the 2010 World Cup finale. The tourney that brings the world together every four years has added another chapter this year. As we read the book on this finale, whether the Dutch win or lose, Black South Africans will remember this match for how the felt (and their choice to forgive and/or forget...or not) about their sense of national pride that was born out of colonialism.

The Fabric of Our Lives: The New-Age Political Quilt

In the wake of the passing of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) American politics has hit another checkpoint on the racetrack of evolution in leadership. The longest serving US Senator had a storied career bringing thousands of projects to his state, holding almost every high-ranking Senate post and mentoring scores of upstart Senators. But the other side of the coin is less stellar -- Byrd was a kard karrying member of the Ku Klux Klan and an early opponent to the Civil Rights Movement.

During the Byrd memorial in Charleston, West Virginia President Barack Obama recalled some of the first words Byrd spoke to him.

"There are things I regretted in my youth, you may know that," Byrd said to Obama. The President said he responded that we all have had regrets.

President Bill Clinton spoke about Byrd too, painting the character of Byrd from how he helped now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to aiding the "little man" in West Virginia. Yet, Clinton mentioned the KKK too.

"[Byrd] was trying to get elected," Clinton said, regarding his potential reason for joining the Klan. "He spent the rest of his life trying to make it up. We are all alike, that is the real education the Senator Byrd got."

While Byrd continued to make his mark in the Senate legislating for the Mountain State just a few 100 miles away, hailing from another Charleston was a South Carolina State Senator Tim Scott. Now Scott is the republican nominee for South Carolina’s first Congressional district, who just beat out long-time segregationist Strom Thurmond’s son the primary. That is a feat in itself, but Scott would also be only the fifth black republican US Congressman in American History. In his 20's Scott was mentored on the virtues of the Republican Party by a white man in South Carolina who was only a couple years his senior. Scott's mentor passed away before reaching 35 and that has inspired Scott to continue the dear friend’s message and work.

Scott has said he is also inspired to become a public servant like Strom Thurmond. That raises eyebrows even higher. A black politician that models himself after a proponent of "Separate but Equal," how does that fly? But like Byrd, Thurmond changed over time.

In Scott's lifetime (he is 44) Thurmond became better known, at least in South Carolina, for his outstanding level of constituent service. Scott has said he wants to be cut from that same cloth.

Personally, I know that Strom Thurmond was great with constituents. When my grandmother, Lillian Whack, was seeking nursing home care for her mother in Charleston she wrote to nearly every politician in South Carolina asking for help. The one-time segregationist was the only leader that responded. Thurmond helped coordinate an agreeable arrangement for my great grandmother's final years. South Carolina voters seem to have seen more of this side of Thurmond in Scott than they did in Thurmond's own son.

The fabric of America's politics is evolving -- in all political parties, in all races, among men, among women, all across the nation. From Byrd and Thurmond, to Scott and Nikki Haley (Indian-American GOP nominee for Governor of South Carolina) the quilt is being woven with swatches of red and blue. The difference is the fabric is starting to come from new manufacturers now more than ever.

Beware of the Black Guy

A Washington Post writer opened a can of racial worms about two weeks back when he theorized that President Barack Obama couldn’t show what some consider “enough rage” over the BP oil spill _ or over anything, for that matter _ lest he conjure the image of the “Angry Black Man.”

See columnist Jonathon Capeheart’s article here:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/06/rage_why_obama_wont_and_cant_g.html

With all this petro in our oceans and washing onto our shores, this was the LAST story line I was thinking about, but now that it’s out there, let’s consider the question: Do black men have to be careful _ maybe even more careful _ than the rest of society when it comes to expressing anger?

As a black man, I am obviously biased, but I would say yes. I feel many black men today can be revered but are still feared, especially by non-blacks. This isn’t to suggest that all non-blacks fear black men, but I do think this is probably the group of which they are most likely afraid.

I have also had some experience with the issue. From a young age, I recognized my distinction from non-blacks and even from black girls in terms of how I was treated by members of the majority race.

When I was about 11 years old, I was riding my bike with four of my boys (who happened to be black) and we stopped in a neighbor’s driveway. The police were called and came to our homes. As an intern at a major newspaper, I can remember standing up too quickly from my cubicle and drawing a startled, anxious response from my non-black co-workers.

For those of you reading this post who aren’t black men, this might seem a silly topic to you, and I’d hardly expect you to understand. Capehart’s point, however, is not unique to black men. All kinds of people draw looks of discrimination and cause a chain reaction of bad body language simply in this country for being who they are: the disabled, interracial couples, homosexuals, Arab-Americans.

Clearly, not all people feel the same way about these folks and others. But there is enough prejudice and stereotyping to go around. Black men face their challenges and will probably always be the target of certain misconceptions. But in 2010, that is a minor challenge considering from whence we have come. Still, it is worth understanding, mentioning and discussing.

So let’s do that here, and then move on.

Majority Mind: "Get Rid of the Bad Blood"

Below is a link to an article by Fareed Zakaria in the June 7 edition of Newsweek. It takes a similar line of logic to our "Get Rid of the Bad Blood" post, but tackles a different topic. It addresses President Obama's foreign policy and his critics. Check it out and post a comment here on Majority Mind.
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/05/29/obama-vs-al-capone.html

"Get Rid of the Bad Blood"

RT @lwhack 4 IL Dems #blagotrial is like the "war" after Michael Corleone's 1st murder in The Godfather, but less honorable, hope 4 #freshstart #change

Yes, it is today. Disgraced Former Illinois Governor goes to trial for numerous corruption charges. The outcome is uncertain. Pundits, lawyers, jury members, judges and residents will all have opinions on what will happen.

But the outcome of the trial is NOT what I want to talk about. You see, we know the Illinois political reputation well enough by now. And at this point the nation and the world know there is "Bad Blood."

There is a laundry list of convicted and accused Illinois politicians. You know it, our you can Google it. Point is maybe, just maybe, this Blago Trial will lead to a "war." Like in "The Godfather" when Michael Corleone offed that mob boss and the police captain at the Italian restaurant. After that there was an all out "war" between the "five families." Things could have gotten better, many would say with "The Godfather II" that conditions worsened.

With the contentious fall election with anti-incumbent sentiments, with a dismal economic forecast hitting Illinois especially hard and with people being sick of "politics as usual" maybe some of the "Bad Blood" can be washed away.

But political change of this magnitude arrives like the slowest glacier, instead of at the speed of hurricane waves, but maybe this new low can rechart the course of Illinois. But it is up Illinois citizens of all backgrounds to rise up and get politically active in this non-presidential election year (in HIGH numbers). It is up to incumbents and "New Blood" politicians alike, to wash their hands of any "Bad Blood" and move forward with real solutions, that help real people as their core motivation. If Illinois makes this type of investment years from now we can be looking at a better state. If not, the "war" might just give birth to another. Or worse, there will be little or nothing to fight for.

The Matter with the Media: TV edition

An election year TV series has come to a close on our screens. And this year someone on TV always seemed to be talking about the impact of the media. Too harsh on Sarah Palin, some claimed. Too soft on Barack Obama others accused. Sexist toward Hillary Clinton others shouted. Not friendly to John McCain others insisted. Free passes to Joe Biden chided others.

With all this ruckus about the media flipping channels has been like navigating through a conservative vs. liberal pass-fail course. But do any of these programs really pass? It seems like most shows have political leanings. In this environment how do you get non-bias, engaging news anymore?

According to a poll on this Majority Mind blog 66 percent of you said that the "mainstream media could do a better job," reporting on the news. (Please vote in the poll if you have not already)

With this being the case many people ages 18 to 34 get their TV news from sources like "The Daily Show" or "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central. These programs hosted by Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert seem to have a humorous liberal slant. The Comedy Central duo is even held their own election night coverage in a program entitled "Indecision 2008."

On the other end of the spectrum Mike Huckabee, Republican Arkansas governor and former Republican presidential nominee, has a show on FOX with a more conservative vibe. After dropping out of race Huckabee has stayed in the news reel by becoming part of it. He has recently published a book that he will be surely cross promoting on his show.

And now CNN has a show, "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" on which the comedian host a late night style show on socio-political issues. He is openly an Obama supporter.

Pundit and partisan press as news is becoming more prevalent, not just on these shows, but in media outlets in general. And there seem to be more analysts (who are normally permitted to lean left or right) filling segments with their partisan opinions. That seems cool, but then anchors and reporters on major networks seem to tilt too far off center that's not so cool.
That's just crooked.

Part of the solution is that since opinion seems here to stay in the media viewers should insert their voice into the discussion in order to heard. Ever been watching TV and started talking back to the anchor or reporter, disputing or agreeing with what they are saying?

Now TV show Web sites host blogs related to their programs and viewers can log on a post comments. One example is CNN anchor Rich Sanchez who uses Twitter, Facebook and MySpace as a conduit for dialogue with viewers. In the current media landscape, when viewers are going to get opinion with most stories, at least there are opportunities to share your stance.

In later posts we will address media bias in web content, newspapers and radio.
But in TV do you think news programs are turning bias? Why? And what would you like to see done differently?

Post a comment below

High schools for gay students a positive alternative?

Walking down the hallway or stopping in the bathroom countless students that identify themselves as gay have probably been harassed and ridiculed. Other gay students may feel scared to express their developing or developed sexual identity because they fear being judged by their peers. In years to come these students may have another option in Chicago.

The Chicago School Board will vote on the proposed School for Social Justice Pride Campus Nov. 19. Initially, this vote was to have occurred Oct. 22, but a decision was postponed because of the large number of other school proposals that the Board of Education must decide on.

What makes this vote significant is that this proposed school is being created to cater to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Officials say that the high school will not be a “gay high school” but rather an institution for students who find traditional schools non-conducive to learning because of their sexual orientation.

This would make Chicago the third city in the nation to have this type of school. The first two high school are New York's Harvey Milk and Milwaukee's Alliance.

The proposed Chicago school would enroll 600 students and would be open for anyone to attend. Officials are hoping the school would be open for the beginning of the 2010 school year.

Research and surveys have found that students who are bullied because of their sexual orientation are more apt to miss class, drop out and not graduate. Enormous percentages of students surveyed also report being harassed and physically assaulted at school.

Supporters believe that the creation of these schools would help tremendously in the academic and social development of high school students who choose to live an alternative lifestyle.

However, the creation of these proposed schools leads to other issues and more questions. By sending students to these alternative high schools, we as a society are not completely addressing the core issues.

Instead of teaching tolerance in our schools, maybe this implies view separation as a better solution. This may send a message to “normal” students that there is something wrong with their fellow classmates who live an alternative lifestyle and that separation is the only solution.

Majority Mind Question
Do you agree or disagree with creating high schools for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender youth? Why or Why not?
Do you think this will further stigmatize gay students? On the whole will it lead to more or less prejudice?
Post a comment below

Palin, Obama shake up presidential landscape

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama definitely stand for fresh, history-making perspectives in this presidential election year.

Palin has burst on to the 2008 presidential scene and in less than two weeks has established that she is a politician with the characteristics of an 'ordinary person.' As a Republican governor she has an 80 percent approval rating in her state, still few in the other 49 states knew her name.

As a relatively unknown Palin has assumed the role of attack dog (she would say 'pit bull with lipstick') in this race—her 'red meat' is Obama. With her acceptance speech the Republican Vice President nominee tore into the Illinois senator like a moose she has slaughtered and was preparing to dress. Since her speech she has repeated her slick one-liners on the campaign trail.

Palin had some interesting one-liners (this time as answers) ABC interview with Charles Gibson in her first non-scripted television appearance. Her foreign policy knowledge on NATO, Russia and Georgia relations and Bush Doctrine were the first litmus test on her expertise on international affairs. You do the math, did she pass?

Now it was Obama who burst onto the scene during the 2004 presidential race at the Democratic National Convention. His oratory skills and charisma was what made the first-term Senator stand out. But attack dog was never his style. His speeches and his demeanor have inspired, much like a motivational speaker, a preacher even (hmmm?).

But his speaking abilities were not Obama's only attributes or associations during this campaign. The issues of Rev. Jeremiah Wright (controversial remarks at Trinity Baptist Church), Father Pfleger (pastor at St. Sabina who made remarks at Trinity), William Ayers (co-founder of radical left organization with alleged associations to Obama), Tony Rezko (political finance mogul who is under federal indictment) and his association with notorious Chicago machine politics have made Obama's journey to the Democratic Presidential nominee a dramatic one.

What is interesting is these two politicians with very different paths share a lot in common. They both were virtually unknown (and in essence they are still politically mysterious). To many Obama and Palin have questionable levels of experience to be the No. 1 and No. 2 ranking political officials in the U.S. They are both relatively young, in their 40s (Obama, 47 and Palin, 44). They both represent historic firsts for their parties as nominees (Palin, first woman and Obama, first African-American man). Frankly the both are compelling speakers and personalities—different facets of the American Dream have gotten them to this point.

Alleged scandal plagues them both, as mentioned with Obama — for Palin the flip flopping on support of the 'Bridge to Nowhere,' media scrutiny around her 17-year-old daughter's pregnancy and the pending ethics investigation of her firing of Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan who did not dismiss state trooper Michael Wooten despite Palin's allegedly urging. Wooten is Palin's ex-brother-in-law.

The irony is these two are not battling it out directly. Obama's running mate, Delaware Senator Joe Biden is the Democrats' Vice Presidential nominee and John McCain is atop of the Republican ticket.

Biden and McCain have been friends, long-time senators working on opposite sides of the aisle in Washington, DC for over two decades. The are both entrenched and experienced in the political landscape domestically and internationally. With an unpopular incumbent president 'change' is the buzz word this election and Biden and McCain are not change as much as they may try to be. Their running mates, however, embody change.

The Democrats should be running away with this election many pundits say because of the failures of the Bush administration. But the forecast doesn't call for a landslide at this point. This seems like it is going to be another close one, 2000 and 2004 were down to the wire contests as well.

But this election is close for different reasons. Whichever party takes control of the White House is going to usher in change—historic and hopefully substantive. Whether Obama or Palin are sitting in the White House offices history will be made.

What is more exciting is the changes or reforms that will be made during the next administration. What direction will that lead the country in?

During this campaign so many have reminisced on the leadership of former presidents like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Whether Obama or Palin reach the nation's office it is a wonder who they will inspire and what leaders will spring up that will call out their historic names as their role models.

What do you think? Sound off by posting a comment below.

Racism in the 'Eyes' of the Beholder

Spain lost to the U.S. in the gold medal game in Olympic men's basketball. But the Spanish squad, its players and its management have a tainted legacy for the 2008 Games that is mark by more than their silver medal. Tainted with their racist act of taking team photograph where each member of the team took their fingers and pull his eyes in order to look, well, Chinese.

"The advert for a courier company, which is an official sponsor of the Spanish Basketball Federation, occupied a full page in the sports daily Marca, the country's best-selling newspaper" according to The Guardian [United Kingdom publication]. Members of the federation have defended the photograph saying it was not meant to be offensive, that they were paying homage to the Chinese.

What makes this even more interesting is it has been reported that the "Spanish national teams are sponsored by Li-Ning, the footwear company owned by Chinese Olympic hero and torch lighter Li Ning," according to the New York Times. You would think this would given them a heighten sense of cultural sensitivity.

This makes me wonder . . . in 2008 is this offensive, is the acceptable?

Would an African-American trying to make their lips thinner to appear German . . .
Would a Chinese person putting black face on to appear Nigerian . . .
Would a Mexican wearing a turban to appear Afghan . . .
Would these be gestures of imitation as the highest form of flattery or would those being imitated enrage those races?

The thing is these types of things happen everyday, some are publicize like this, most are not. Most of these racy comments and actions occur around dinner tables, at churches or barber shops among other places — and typically the people in the conversation tend to look the same.

And that is fine, but maybe we can start having more constructive conversations about race, so we can see how these racy comments and actions can be turned into actually understanding each other better.

Color in America

CNN has aired its long form piece Black in America as reported by Soledad O'Brien. Tackling something like this is remarkable, yet foolhardy at the same time. Remarkable for trying to shed light on race issues the so often get swept under the rug on the cutting room floor of major TV networks. Foolhardy for trying to do more than scratch the surface by repeatedly setting off explosions in a field of stereotypical land mines.

Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native American and Whites in America know what their experience is and members of these groups tend to know what the experience is like for others of their race who are in the same or different socio-economic, geographic and cultural groups. Oftentimes people of mixed race or those who have family members of different races have an understanding of navigating race in America from that perspective.

Series like CNN's Black in America try to explain race to those who do not understand and lack perspective, but it does so in a way that people may end up with a misunderstanding because the piece makes sweeping generalizations. But that is why we shouldn't depend on it too much. It goes back to the responsibility of parenting and other methods of socialization to shape our thoughts — not just the media.

At the UNITY journalist convention in Chicago on July 24 O'Brien said Black in America was done to start a conversation. Hopefully it has done that and hopefully the talking points draw from many references and sources other than CNN.

A lot of aspects of blacks in America were not covered in the piece. The best and most insightful interview O'Brien did in the piece was with Spike Lee. To get a more authentic, less staged insight into Black America don't forget that "good" art imitates life. I recommend Spike's movies, namely "School Daze" and "Do the Right Thing."

In "School Daze" Black men who are college students at Mission College are confronted by townies who question their "blackness" and they flip the question right back on them.

For more of the big picture on race in America "Crash" is a must see . . . a least twice.

The point is lets not wait until CNN does Hispanics in America, Middle-class White women in America, Homosexuals in America, Unemployed College Graduates in America for us to start trying to understand the intricacies of countless groups.

A Chicagoan's take on New Yorker Cartoon

As a black man who grew up minutes from where Sen. Barack Obama made his mark as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago— as someone who has gotten a haircut in the barber shop that Obama has frequented for years, I am not offended by the editorial political cartoon in the New Yorker.

If a reader/viewer is brash and reacts solely on emotions to the jarring nature of the illustration he or she has simply missed the point.

Obama dressed in "Muslim" garb, his wife, Michelle Obama, as a rifle toting rebel, an American flag burning in the nearby fireplace and their so-called "terrorist fist jab" illustrate the extremist caricature of the Obamas that SOME in the Republican party are hoping to draw up in hopes of leading to Obama's political demise during the 2008 presidential election.

I listen to the conservative talk radio hosts and I watch a certain news station to hear and understand the thoughts of journalists that are touted by Republicans. You have to have a varied perspective so you to understand political commentary. Some people, most people don't care that much to acquire this understanding and they have the right not to care.

But here is the deal on the New Yorker cover:

Does this editorial political cartoon mean the New Yorker supports this view?
NO. Upon closer look the magazine leans in the opposite direction.

Does the New Yorker have the First Amendment right to use this depiction?
ABSOLUTELY, YES.

Again, everyone is not going to understand this editorial political cartoon. If the Obama campaign is expressing their dismay because they are not sure that voters are going to comprehend the New Yorker cover then I can see their angle. They may want to appear proactive in their "Fighting the Smears," effort I can see that logic.

But if the Obama campaign is disturbed by this for any other reason then in my opinion they are off base.

1968 meet 2008

By 1968 Former President John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X had already been assassinated. The year witnessed the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. who had just proclaimed that he had “Seen the promise land!” As Robert Kennedy was gearing up a presidential campaign, he actually informed people of King’s death. Months later this Kennedy was also killed.

By 2008, 40 years later, another presidential election year has the making of another cast of prolific leaders. No, I am not comparing the current field of candidates to the legends of the sixties. Time will evaluate their significance.

What I do know is that after 232 years of white men running the White House maybe in the U.S. of A “melting pot” can bear some diversity in the Oval Office.

For President 2008: Religion, Race and Gender Diversity
Mitt Romney- potential first Mormon president
Hillary Clinton- potential first Woman president
Barack Obama- potential first Black president
Bill Richardson- potential first Hispanic president

Biblically 40 years is a time of probation or trial. King saw the promise land in ’68. I submit that it has taken a little while longer for the rest of us Americans to see it. Maybe 2008 is the year to get there.

Now the promise land is not a universal place, it means one thing to you and something else to me. Maybe you think we are already there, or you might think we still have a long way to go. But reaching the promise land would imply that we’ve reached a milestone, a turning point in U.S. History.

Having Romney, Clinton, Obama or Richardson in the running for the White House indicates a transition from one trial period to another. With such a crossroad at hand we have to beware of the socio-political landscape of the U.S. from the country cornfields to the suburban strip malls to the massive metropolises that make up the nation.

A look back at the sixties reminds us of the revolutionary leaders who lost their lives. We cannot fathom what our country would be like if they lived.

In 2008, the history-making presidential hopefuls are at risk for the same fate.
Hopefully, the red, white and blue has grown to accept that WASPs won’t always be the sole inhabiters of the White House. If religion, race or gender integrate the Oval Office in 2008 it will prove the nation is a ripe for change.

Majority Mind Questions
Do you think Romney, Clinton, Obama or Richardson will get to the White House this November? If so which one (or two) and why do you think America is ready for them? If not why do you think America is not ready for one of them?

The Color of Music

Have you ever heard someone’s voice, saw their name written down or seen their wardrobe and assumed they were a certain race? If yes, (and be honest with yourself) have you ever been wrong?

I have been wrong before. I admit it, the first time I heard Robin Thicke’s “Lost Without You,” I presumed that the song’s soulfulness came from a black person’s voice. You can call me a racist, but hey, I am trying to be transparent here. You should try it too.

Anyway, I heard the song on the radio first, so I was thinking this brother can sing. Then I saw the video and I was like oh okay, that’s what’s up.

I didn’t really feel bad that I was wrong. I just brushed it off. But, it did teach me a lesson-- I shouldn’t be so assuming.

There is a country singer that climbing the charts in the biggest music category in the nation. She is young; she has spunk and the natural hallmarks of a quality country singer.

Many in the majority white country music radio audience might not have known that this singer is black. But they probably do know that Rissi Palmer’s “Country Girl” is a hit in the genre. The video was nominated to be a Top 50 Video of 2007 on Great American Country.

I wonder if some country music fans had a double take when they first saw that “Country Girl” video (just like I did when I saw “Lost Without You”). If so, I think that is okay—there are some natural unconscious stereotypes that we all have. But it is when we pretend we don’t form those prejudicial opinions at times that we are actually fostering racism.

Just think— if you make an assumption and you are proven wrong your mindset changes. Or it should anyway. You will probably think twice before you assume again. Talented, crossover artists like Thicke and Palmer break down our racial barriers. Through our ears they open our eyes.


Majority Mind Questions
When have you made an assumption and been wrong regarding someone’s race? What did you learn from it and how has your perspective changed or remained the same?

Easy Targets

Over the past couple of weeks, we have witnessed two disturbing events involving black professional athletes. First was the death of Washington Redskins cornerback Sean Taylor following a break-in at his home. And last week in Indianapolis, Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley and a group of associates were shot at while out partying. A member of the Pacers staff was shot in both elbows during the attack. These tragic events are a reminder of the targets that many black professional athletes have on their backs.

For years, there have been numerous media reports of black pro athletes being robbed, attacked or shot at while at their homes or out for a night on the town. Many athletes have brought unneeded attention to themselves by flaunting their wealth while others have been targets based solely on their status. This seems to be a very prevalent issue primarily when it comes to black professional basketball and football players.

Many are quick to blame the athletes for being too flashy with their money, cars, jewelry.etc. Also, black athletes are criticized for their entourages and their inability to cut ties with troublesome friends from their past. Some like to put black pro athletes and rappers in the same category as being magnets for trouble because of their perceived flashiness and love of “the good life.”

While all of these factors contribute to this problem, it ultimately is unfair to solely blame the athletes for enjoying the fruits of their labor.


Majority Mind Question

Are the problems black professional athletes face a reflection of the cultural issues that African-Americans face as a whole or is it a problem solely within itself?

Old Heads should be Fired, New Leaders for Hire

The leaders of the 60s, lead in the 60s. Maybe it is time for the old guard to retire. Two old-time black civil rights leaders come to mind. Both are noteworthy in their own right, but even in their hey day they definitely shared the limelight with brighter stars of the movement.

One is former Mayor of Atlanta, the other is a former democratic presidential candidate. One is a former United Nations U.S. ambassador, the other a reverend.

You guessed it Andrew Young and Al Sharpton. They both ought to cash in their pensions and stop preaching to the masses.

WHY? Because instead of encouraging the next generation of political and social leaders, Young and Sharpton specialize in negatively criticizing them or downing projects that could help them.

Young made some misplaced remarks about Senator Barack Obama’s (D-IL) candidacy for president. The former ambassador said that Obama was not ready to become president. This is a valid opinion, but wouldn’t it make sense to mention what Obama or other politicians of color do have to offer.

Sharpton is even more disappointing. He is an ambulance chaser of civil rights spectacles. He seems more concerned with staying in the press than social progress. The “prolific” preacher speaks (or spews) metaphors and slick phrases that edify next to nothing.

With all his speaking out against everything from rap music (on the heels of Imus) to Chicago seeking the Olympics (because of the city’s police torture instances) he has missed the mark. And people are catching on Al.

Chicago’s Mayor, Daley responded: And the mayor shot a barb at [Sharpton], asking why no one raised questions when his hometown was vying for the 2012 Olympics.
"It's interesting, nobody opposed New York (in the 2012 Olympic bid) -- very, very interesting," the mayor said. "Why all of a sudden is it opposed here?"
(NOTE: New York has endured many cases of police torture)
(Chicago Tribune, Dec. 12)

Rap Mogul, Jay-Z responded: If Sharpton is speaking for me, Somebody get him the word and tell him I don’t approve, Tell him I’ll remove the curses, If our schools gonna be perfect, When Jena 6 don’t exist…
(American Gangster, “Say Hello”)

Majority Mind Question
Which political or social power players who influence today’s youth at large are going to have a significant impact on future generations? How do they impact youth, positively and negatively?

Enough Blame To Go Around.....

Within the past week, a string of violent crimes has rocked the U.S. In Omaha, Nebraska a gunman opened fire in a crowded mall which led to the death of 9 people. A shooting at a Colorado church took the lives of 2 individuals. Whenever a violent crime occurs, our nation is confronted with the question of who is to blame.

For years our televisions, movie theaters and radios have been filled with violent content. Society is full of violent video games, movies and music that our American culture cannot get enough of. Many of today’s youth spend countless hours playing video games that portray violence in a realistic manner. Every weekend, moviegoers flock to their local theatres to view films that are heavy on violence and light on content. Numerous television shows portray violence in such a casual manner that many individuals are desensitized to crime and bloodshed. And don’t forget about music. For years, hip-hop music has been blamed for the violent state of society and it would be hard to argue that it does not play somewhat of a role.

While it is completely unfair to solely blame the media for violent occurrences, one must ask themselves what we as a society value. We are continually saddened by news of school shootings and other violent rampages, but we indirectly support violence in other ways. Although the media cannot be held liable for the actions of a few individuals, it does have to accept partial responsibility for the material that they allow to be released into society.

Majority Mind Question

Does our value of entertainment come at the expense of our concern for the effects that it may have on our society?

Act Your Race?

How you dress, how you talk and how you approach work says something about you. It’s part of your identity that you formed as you grew up. But to many people, I will dare say most, it is also part of your racial identity.

Think back to the grade school lunchroom table. Did most everyone at the lunchroom table look just like you? If so, did you all pretty much act…well, the same?

Maybe it was at your little league games, your dance classes, your class field trip, your local playground or your summer camp that you realized everyone is not the same. Now that you have grown up-- whether you are flat out prejudice, a closet racist or tolerant of all people you may have heard phrases like "he is acting white" or "she is trying to act black." And here's a news flash for you, in 21st century America people can act Hispanic or act Asian too.

Just reflect on your childhood for a minute...
Did you wear your jeans baggy, loose or tight?
What slang phrases were commonplace among your friends?
Did you have a strong work ethic or were you lazy?
What profession is the prototype for your peers?

Black kids who wore real tight jeans weren’t acting black. White kids talking “ghetto” weren’t acting white. Hispanic kids who didn’t have a strong work ethnic weren’t acting Hispanic. Asian kids who didn’t want to study math and science weren’t acting Asian.

Or maybe that was just my school.

Majority Mind Questions
It may sound ridiculous but people do have these thoughts. What do you think about youth and adults acting their race? How should we act? When have you dealt with the act your race dilemma? Share your story!

When All Else Fails......

With 2008 just around the corner, the country is itching for the opportunity to vote in the next President of the United States. That’s right, the Bush regime is finally nearing its end. Over the course of the upcoming year, the public will have their TV’s, newspapers and radio stations dominated by the presidential elections. This of course is not necessarily a bad thing as citizens should be fully informed about the candidates they will be voting for.

However, the upcoming presidential elections also mean that our TV’s will be plastered by celebrities reminding us how important it is for the younger generation to vote. Who can forget P.Diddy’s 2004 “VOTE OR DIE” campaign which he created to get individuals 18-35 to the polls. That year also saw countless other celebrities doing commercials and using various other platforms such as award shows to urge young people to vote. Call it shameless self-promotion or genuine concern, one cannot deny the heightened awareness and excitement among young voters.

On one hand, society should do whatever it takes to make sure that the younger generation is educated and informed about what is going on in their country. However, the larger issue may be that society is ultimately forced to rely on celebrities to promote issues and causes fundamental to the growth and development of our country and the world.

Majority Mind Question
Should we as a society rely on celebrities to play the role of educators to ensure that the younger generation is fully informed about issues pertinent to society?

A History of Violence

And the Oscar goes to!...........With the Academy Awards just months away, the general public and movie critics alike have predicted Denzel Washington will receive his 6th Academy Award nomination for his role in American Gangster. The film was arguably this years' most anticipated release and raked in over 40 million dollars at the box office opening weekend.

In American Gangster, Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas who was one of the biggest drug dealers this country has ever seen. The film follows Lucas's ascent to the top of New York City's crime hierarchy to his ultimate decline and destruction. Washington's fiery portrayal of Lucas immediately drew comparisons to his electrifying performance as Alonzo Harris in 2001's Training Day. Denzel collected his first Best Actor Oscar for this film and became only the second African-American actor to attain the academy's ultimate prize.

Many in the black community were not pleased when Washington received his first Best Actor Oscar for portraying the corrupt and menacing Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day. Meanwhile, fans and critics instantly pointed to Washington's star turns in 1992 as Malcolm X and in 1999 as wrongly imprisoned boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter as being performances Denzel should have won his first Best Actor Oscar for. The masses cried foul when it took playing a villain for only the second African-American actor to capture the golden statue for a leading role.

While Washington did have a previous body of work that warranted a Best Actor award, his turn in Training Day falls right in line with some of the most heralded performances and characters in film history. Many of these performances have led to numerous awards, nominations and Best Actor awards.

In 1973, Marlon Brando, who is thought of as the greatest actor of all time, received his second Best Actor Oscar for portraying Don Vito Corleone in 1972's The Godfather. His portrayal of an aging crime boss is thought of by many as one of the greatest characterizations in film history. Two years later, Robert DeNiro won his first Oscar for portraying the younger version of Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II. Both Godfathers won Best Picture Oscars, cementing them in history as two of cinema's greatest films.

Who can forget Al Pacino's unforgettable performance as Tony Montana in 1983's Scarface. Pacino was electric as an unstable, arrogant and abrasive cocaine-dealing drug lord. Although the film did not net any Academy Award nominations, Pacino's performance did lead to a Best Actor Golden Globe award nomination. Goodfellas, released in 1990, won Joe Pesci his first Oscar for his over-the-top performance as Tommy DeVito.

Funny enough, the portrayal of one of cinema's ultimate villains lead to a Best Actor Oscar. Anthony Hopkins turn as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs led to his first ever Oscar. Not only was Lecter a serial killer but he was also a cannibal who enjoyed eating his victims. This film went on to capture Best Actress, Director, Screenplay and Picture Oscars at the 1992 Academy Awards.

Not only may Denzel Washington earn his 6th nomination at the upcoming Academy Awards, he may win his second Best Actor Oscar for American Gangster. Yes, it is another villainous role, but not one that is anything out of the ordinary for American cinema.

When Denzel decides to retire from acting, his career will not be defined by his (possibly)two Best Actor Oscars for playing the bad guy. It will be defined by his talent and passion for the craft of acting. If Denzel wins the golden statue come 2008, it won't be the first time the award is won for portraying an American Gangster.

Majority Mind Questions
What are your thoughts about actors of any racial background being typecast into certain roles?
Do you recall any other movie stars that only seem to be recognized or awarded when they play particular types of characters? And more importantly, does this take anything away from the actor or does it add a stigma to their acting persona?
What movies do you think would have been better or worse if different actors or actresses were featured in them and why?

The Beantown Embrace

Throughout history nobody has mistaken Beantown as a black town. Boston has long since had a lily white persona. And it shows. In recent years, Harvard held a panel entitled 'Has Boston shed its racist reputation?' However, the panelists couldn't even answer this daunting question. They merely acknowledged the city's lack of progress in becoming more racially inclusive.

The bus riots of 1974 have left unresolved racial tensions that seem to plague the city today. Boston just has never been the best place in the U.S. for blacks to live, work or play.

Speaking of play, does the Bostonian pigment prerequisite extend to sports arenas? Boston has had its share of great white superstar athletes. For years, Kevin McHale and Larry Bird were the face of the Celtics and more recently Tom Brady has become the city's poster boy.

With the NBA season underway, Beantown has a big three in basketball to match their reigning big two in baseball. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz will have to share Boston's athletic spotlight with Celtic-old-head Paul Pierce and the newest additions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

In some record books, Manny and Ortiz have surpassed Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig as the best one-two punch in baseball history. Could the three-headed monster offense of Pierce, Allen and Garnett re-write sports history too?

Even if they don't, the three have brought the Celtics back into big-time b-ball conversations. And Bostonians love it. While the city has instantly embraced their black superstar athletes, many black residents still find themselves on the outside looking in.

With Boston's current crop of black superstar athletes, it takes us back to the question 'Has Boston shed its racist reputation?' This question can only truly be answered once more progress is made outside of sports arenas.

Majority Mind Solutions
*Boston's black superstars like Manny, Ortiz, Pierce, Allen and Garnett should make their presence know in Boston's black communities and all of the city's few diverse districts in order to cultivate tolerance and acceptance of all races.
*Sports owners and their vice presidents of community relations should reach out to Boston's local black youth and give them a helping hand through athletic, social and educational programs.

Majority Mind Questions
Do YOU have any potential solutions to add to the list or do you think there is no problem in the first place? Feel free to respond!