Is it just me or is something really amiss?
Domestic violence…in the church?
Verbal abuse…in the church?
Intimidation...in the church?
…and what does any of this have to do with Whitney Houston?
SMH – Scratching My Head
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Category Archives: Eric’s Musings
The Thing About Aunt Jemima
I’ve got this thing for Aunt Jemima.
Long before Oprah, Aunt Jemima was the first Black female icon to gain welcome entrance into homes across America, both Black and White.
This dates back to the late 1800’s.
I acknowledge and disavow the negative racial stereotypes associated with the early incarnations of Aunt Jemima.
Admittedly, my fascination has more to do with the power of the brand – Aunt Jemima empowered and inspired consumers, making them believe that they could capture “her special magic” simply by adding wet ingredients to a dry mix.
There are three Aunt Jemima print ads, circa 1943, on my kitchen wall.
They remind me, daily, that as advertisers, we have a responsibility to help craft responsible messages that are authentic, relevant, engaging and absent of offensive and derogatory stereotypes.
For additional reading on the subject, check out —
Slave in a Box: The Strange Career of Aunt Jemima by M.M. Manning
The Grace of Silence, A Memoir by Michele Norris, whose grandmother portrayed Aunt Jemima, selling pancake mix to midwest housewives
Black Characters in Search of Reality, A New York Times Opinion by Brent Staples
Shattering Stereotypes – Black Women Define Themselves
My mom sent me an article today that appeared in the Washington Post, “Survey Paints Portrait of Black Women in America.”
The article is part of a series.
The basis of this article, as well as subsequent articles in the series, is from a survey conducted by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
It included interviews with over eight hundred Black women.
“…(it) represents the most extensive exploration of the lives and views of African American women in decades.”
The findings shatter stereotypes and misconceptions.
Furthermore, the interviewees add dimension, substance and provide a more accurate assessment of “Who” the Black Woman in America is today…and what is truly important and motivating to her.
Check it out.
DIVA ON A DIME – Wealth isn’t characterized by Income and Spending Alone
Last February, I posted a blog, “Meet Miss Recessionista.”
It spoke to how women are “holding it down” – surviving the economic crunch, shifting priorities and doing the same (and in some cases, more) with less.
One year later, surviving in a tough economic climate is still prevalent among all consumers, but especially African-Americans.
While unemployment declined to 8.5%, African-American unemployment rose to 15.8%.
Taking nothing away from my brothers, it is fact that sisters are more actively involved and engaged in the shopping process.
To that point, there is an article, “Living Large On Less,” in the February issue of ESSENCE Magazine.
The cover “tease” boasts DIVA ON A DIME – How You Can Do More With Less.
Part of an on-going series, the article examines
“…how women are spending and saving in these uncertain times. Three ESSENCE readers – a teacher, an accountant and an entrepreneur – give up the goods on how to afford the the things you love.”
Check it out.
The Promise of Prosperity
For as far back as I can recall, black-eyed peas and collard greens have been an essential part of every New Year’s celebration.
Some eat them on New Year’s Eve.
Others, New Year’s Day.
I do both.
And I know that I am not alone.
It is a tradition.
A southern tradition with tentacles that reach every corner.
Eating collards and black-eyed peas on the first day of the year invites a prosperous year ahead.
The “greens” represent dollar bills.
The swelling of the cooking peas symbolizes prosperity.
In full disclosure, I will honor the tradition welcoming 2012.
I will take shortcuts…with the help of Goya and Wegman’s, but I will honor the tradition.
Happy New Year.
I wish you good health, the love and support of family, good friends, dollar bills and prosperity.