Category Archives: Race

A post-racial America. Really??

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If Black people were to wring their hands in disgust, protest and offense as a result of every racially inappropriate remark or gesture they were subjected to, the country would be embroiled in riots and disorderly conduct of unimaginable proportions. While no doubt inappropriate, Senator Reid’s comments in the book Game Change regarding President Obama did not cause Black people, other than Michael Steele, to cry foul and “go off.” Besides, in his case, he was simply “carrying his party’s water.” But I digress.

The truth of the matter is that racism in America is still alive and well in 2010. What is different today is that most Black people – at least the ones that I know – are not content to sit on their hands and play the role of victim. The realization that the old adage about teaching old dogs tricks rings very true to most. This is to suggest that there is a greater understanding today than ever before among Blacks about change. If change is to occur, it is going to have to come from us and not those who are steeped in ignorance and self-hatred.

The point is not to suggest that these attacks – that is, after all, what they are, attacks – should be ignored or simply swept under the rug. It is not that simple or easy. Once one has been subjected to the injustice of racial discrimination, no matter how subtle or overt, it conjures up a memory. Like the residual smell after a house fire, it lingers and occupies an indelible place in the brain that can be recalled with very little strain or provocation. So, the change that I referred to is akin to developing a thicker skin and a greater sense of one’s own identity. In doing so, we foster a greater understanding of ourselves, but more importantly, we have the power to enlighten the ignorant. Enlightenment comes in many different forms, but I have found it to be most effective when demonstrated through actions and deeds, not words. My own belief is that as a Black man, I have an obligation to exceed other’s expectations of me. My mother is famous for doling out clichés. My favorite of these is “No one can walk on your back if you are standing up straight.”

I was in Detroit last week and had a conversation with Errol Service, a McDonald’s franchise owner. We discussed among other things, how one lives an authentic life and what is really important. In the course of the conversation Errol said, “In 2010, I am living my life as if I only get one take.”

It turns out that he had spent time watching a motion picture being filmed on location. He was surprised at the number of takes it took to film just one scene in order to “get it right.” He said that it prompted him to think of his life as if he were making a film in which he only got one take. He explained that not only did it cause him to take stock in everything that he does, but it has also affected the way he interacts with people on an everyday basis. He has also started spreading this philosophy to his peers and employees in an effort for them to up their game and be their very best.

This philosophy makes sense and speaks directly to the change I am talking about. We have to own our identities and take full responsibility for what we do and the way we live our lives.

A close friend shared a copy of This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women.

The book is a collection of personal essays based on the National Public Radio series of the same name. This I Believe is filled with beliefs about what is truly important to this collection of people from all walks of life. While I have yet to finish the whole book, I was struck by one of the essays, “Leaving Identity to Other Folks,” by Phyllis Allen. The brief essay is poignant and personal, containing moments that we all can relate to, but, in my opinion, the last line of the essay is the perfect summation of this conversation – “What you have to do is be the best that you can be.”

“Standing in the rain waiting to go up the steps to the balcony of the Grand Theater, I gripped Mama’s hand and watched the little blond kids enter the lobby downstairs. It was the fifties, I was “colored,” and this is what I believed: My place was the balcony of the downtown theater, the back of the bus, and the back steps of the White Dove Emporium. When I asked Mama why this was so, she smiled and said, “Baby, people do what they do. What you got to do is be the best that you can be.”

 

Can’t Find No Work, Can’t Find No Job

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The views expressed in Mister Roberts Neighborhood are based on my own beliefs, observations and life experiences.

Lately, I have been doing my own brand of “research” in order to gauge and form an accurate picture of how the economic downturn is affecting blacks.
I call this study, “Can’t Find No Work, Can’t Find No Job,” which borrows from the Marvin Gaye song, “What’s Happenin’ Brother.” The song comes from Gaye’s landmark 1972 release, “What’s Goin’ On,” but the song’s relevance, meaning and applicability have undeniable connections to the plight that many in the black community are experiencing today.
To date, my “journey” has taken me to store-front churches, laundromats, check cashing stores, a homeless shelter as well as barber shops and beauty salons. The one thread of consistency among the places that I visited is that they all primarily cater to an audience that is exclusively black.
Of these, the salons and barber shops proved to be among the most insightful and consistently informative. This is due to the fact that they tend to cover an extremely wide and diverse swath – regardless of gender, socio-economics or class.
The most intimidating, yet revealing “portrait” was what I discovered during a homeless shelter visit. The stories and the experience touched me at my core and helped me better understand just how the last twelve months have turned lives upside down. Much of what I found validated things that I already knew to be true – the lack of funds has forced people to re-align their priorities. I met people who, a year ago were just starting to “feel the pinch” and have now lost their jobs and their homes. In fact, the only possessions many have are the ones they can carry.
In his 1/18 Op-Ed piece for the New York Times, “Blacks in Retreat,” columnist Bob Herbert wrote:

“As the nation continues to wallow in the trough of widespread unemployment, black Americans are bearing a disproportionate burden of joblessness.”
Herbert always provides an eloquent and precise assessment of the topics that he tackles. Make no mistake – the facts are very real and sobering.

To this point, Herbert’s piece also quoted a statistic from ‘United for a Fair Economy:’
“College-educated black men are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed as their white counterparts.”

The national unemployment rate in December 2009 was 10% .
Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for African-Americans showed little change, slightly increasing at 16.2%.
This news remains discouraging because the black unemployment number is more than double the national black unemployment number in cities like Baltimore, New York and Detroit. The Detroit black male unemployment rate is reported as exceeding 40% where the downturn is referred to in some circles as the “he-cession.”
While I am not trying to paint a picture of gloom and doom, the harsh reality is that this economic assault has, and continues to have, a devastating impact.
The recession has compounded a decades-long problem for black workers, who began the downturn facing a far higher jobless rate than the general population and have fared worse since. Job prospects are slim, but for blacks it is a much harsher reality. Numbers illustrate the sheer depth of the problem they are facing. Indicators point to the fact that recovery for this group will be slow and arduous.
While debates that continue in the mainstream with regard to whether or not Harry Reid’s comments were appropriate or simply offensive, Tiger’s ever-evolving escapades and whereabouts, Real and Not-So-Real Housewives, Men Marrying Wealthier Women and Conan are all titillating, I have found that what is most important and top-of-mind for black people is unemployment.
The issue is two-fold – finding a job and retaining a job.

Amazingly, despite the economic hardships they face, blacks remain optimistic. Perhaps it is a natural reaction based on the obstacles and disadvantages they’ve had to endure. It could also be the foundational belief that hard work and education primarily drive mobility. There is a degree of truth to both. However, what is needed most in order to provide effective solutions is a shift in priorities from outside forces.

If you still haven’t seen Precious, what are you waiting for?

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Admittedly, I didn’t see “Precious” when it was initially released.

Like many of my peers, I “thought”I just didn’t want to see that aspect of African-American life portrayed and played out on the big screen.

It was a struggle because I am a big fan of Lee Daniels, the film’s director.

A native Philadelphian and a fellow Capricorn, in my opinion, Daniels is the new Black

…film director.

Never one to shy away from controversial topics or subject matter, Daniels produced the 2002 Academy-Award nominated “Monster’s Ball,” which, by the way, also garnered Halle Berry the coveted Best Actress Oscar.

He also directed “The Woodsman” with Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick and Mos Def in 2004.

However the Daniels-directed film that grabbed my attention and really made me sit up and pay attention is the 2005 release, “The Shadowboxer.” “The Shadowboxer” stars Helen Mirren, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Macy Gray and Mo’Nique. Hold that thought.

Call it short sightedness. Even though I am a fan, I never thought of Mo’Nique as a serious actress. Maybe I saw too many episodes of “The Parker’s” – (remember “Nikki?”), “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Flavor of Love – Charm School.” Then there are the other film — “Soul Plane,” “Hair Show” and “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.” Unfortunately these films only showed one side of this very talented woman, the one we all know well – the comic.

Back to “the Shadowboxer…”

The film is a wild rollercoaster ride covering everything from organized crime to drug trafficking and murder.

When Helen Mirren introduced the film “Precious” tonight at the Golden Globes, she referred to Daniel’s direction as “raw poetry.” That is an aptly eloquent way to describe the talented brother’s directorial gifts.

Ironically, Mo’Nique’s character in “the Shadowboxer” is named Precious. Really.

This Precious is a crack-addicted nurse. Her performance in “the Shadowboxer” gave hints that this woman is, in fact, a serious actress…a very serious actress. The range of emotions that she demonstrated took me on a journey. I read an interview when “the Shadowboxer” was released, where Mo’Nique said that when she started filming Lee Daniels told her, ‘If you make me laugh, you won’t have a job…” This serious actress took her director’s words seriously and delivered a gut-wrenching, no-holds barred portrayal. One couldn’t help believe what she conveyed not only with dialogue, but her body language and the simplest gestures – a pleading look in her eyes that brought this man to tears.

So, when I finally did see the motion picture, “Precious,” I was not surprised by Mo’Nique’s performance. Not only did she, again, explore a wide range of emotions, she brought to life an abusive and abused character, one that we’ve all encountered before. While we may not know her, we’ve know people who envelope aspects of her persona. The magic is that she did it with authenticity and verve. Her performance is a journey. One that not only takes the viewer to dark places, but just when you think she can’t go any further, she does…again and again.

So far Mo’Nique’s performamce in the film Precious has won The Sundance Film Festival’s Special Jury Prize, The Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actress) and a mountain of film festival acknowledgments. Could the Oscar be far behind? Academy Award nominations are announced February 2nd.

…and I would be remiss if i didn’t mention Gabourey Sidibe’s performace as “Precious.” The dynamic that exists between her character and the one played by Mo’Nique is magical. They are engaged in a war of the heart, where love, betrayal, pain, manipulation and control are the primary weapons. Sidibe’s performance is an understated portrait of restraint and dignity under fire.

I have now seen “Precious,” the film, twice. Despite the subject matter, which is very disturbing, there is a subtle underlying optimism and hope that makes it one of the year’s best. Despite the odds, the human spirit triumphs.
http://www.weareallprecious.com/

 

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Since this was published Mo’Nique also garnered the SAG Award- (Screen Actor’s Guild) for Best Supporting Actress.