This is America.......This is the Way!

 This morning I woke up feeling like a Mandalorian, chanting Childish Gambino's "This is America". For those who are into the Star Wars chain, a Mandalorian is a bounty hunter who embraces a simple principle, and conforms to complicity without judgement by reciting their mantra "This is the Way".  

Last night, hopeful America was praying for a landslide, hoping this modern slave owner, will finally get the ass kicking he deserves, and is booted out the White House. Well, like four years ago, this is not happening right now. We are experiencing a flash back of disappointment. We might have avoided this disappointment, had we come to terms with the way America operates.

Here's a brief history lesson of America; it was discovered by lost explorers, who then claimed it, and brutally dismantled its indigenous people.  Fast forward, America embraced slavery, and all existing states were involved, wasn't until after the Revolutionary war, the North abolished slavery, but they were still racist, for further information on this topic, read The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson. Slaves are freed, with a failed system of reconstruction and a prosperous immersion of Jim Crow. We then get some civil rights, and we're done! Ladies and Gentlemen, this is America, this is the way. We live in a country in which the founding principle is based on brutality, a caste system, racism and ideologies of supremacy.

Unfortunately, us hopefuls, are confident America is better than this, after all these acts were centuries ago, we're in a better place.  I have to ask those who think like this, what were you watching this summer? All I saw was racial protest against police brutality, that were much needed, and startling COVID statistics, primarily compromising of  essential workers, which oops were mainly Black and Brown folks.  Compare to the above paragraph, not much has changed. Racism occurs in a myriad of ways. Some are blatant like Charlottesville, some are genocidal like COVID.  It was funny how this nice term of "essential" was derived to represent those who had positions of servitude. Thinking back, a slave would have been essential. So, if we are so easily disposed, why would we think this country is ready for a women of color to hold the second highest position of the land? They beat and kill us whether forcibly or genocidal, and we think they're ready for Kamala!?!?!?

As folks became excited at the promise of a Kamala, Vice Presidency, did we forget, what is America? Were we so jaded at this prospect that we clearly disregarded history and our current climate.  When I heard of her nomination all I could think was, what in the world was Biden's camp thinking of selecting Harris."  Furthermore, why oh why did the "Black delegate" whoever they are, strongly recommend Harris, and felt it was justified due to the racial intensity of this country, for that very reason she should not have been selected. While Sorors were running around in colors, and practicing choreography. America was thinking "oh hell no, if Joe dies while in office, she'll be president" Don't front you all thought the same, and became OVERJOYED.  The issue is they thought the same thing, but they weren't overjoyed. They barely accepted Obama, to the point they elected the anti-Obama. Do you think they would risk another negro at the top helm???? NOOOOO. 

The Democratic establishment lacked vision and balls. The objective was to get this FUCKER out, not to appease black America. You could appease them by getting him out. Never underestimate intrinsic ideologies. They may not show it, but it's deep rooted. Haven't we been here before? We've all witnessed a country who thrives on capitalism, to the extent states refused to shut down during COVID for fear of an economic backlash, translation, money means more than life, mainly black and brown life; further translation "essential workers" you still have to come in. Right there alone, there's a genocidal vibe. We clearly were not the benefactors, and why would those who were positively impacted want to change the way. 

As much as I believe Kamala would make a much better VP than Pence. I have no confidence in this country's ideology, it's embedded, carefully disguised, and unmasked when need be. The only thing we have left as Black and Brown is our money power. Either stop spending money on the unnecessary, and while you're at it stop supporting, Kanye, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne. If you have the ability to work from anywhere, now may be the time to consider a temporary ex-pat relocation. If you decide to stay you want may want to consider reviewing The Trump Survival Kit, posted in 2017. This is not our country, we were never wanted, only if we could be inferior with a purpose. This is America.....This is the Way!

Peace Out, 
Blacktina

Say it So, Joe

OMG, Black America WTF up!!!! Joe Biden is being dragged through black media because he told Charlamagne self-proclaimed the God, “if you vote for Trump you ain’t black” Guess what, he’s fucking right!!!! How hypocritical of all those in black media blasting Biden on the pretense that he takes the black vote for granted, yet how many of us have seen that “Black Plant” in all the Trump rallies and we have echoed the same sentiment.

Like many in our community, I REQUEST of our leaders to take our vote seriously, but I be damn if I let an interview on a pop culture show, with a Stephen A host replica aka Charlemagne, a bragger, DJ Envy, and a self-indoctrinated therapist, Angela Yee (who I like BTW) determine should Joe get my vote or not. If he doesn’t, who gets it, Trump, or are we going be like those salty Bernie voters and just don’t come out at all. Haven’t we learned our lesson from the last time!?!?!?!

Another thing, stop pressuring Biden to get a black women VP candidate. He would surely lose this election if he does, or if he wins, nothing will be done because those former Dixiecrats' who are now Republicans won’t do shit with him.  We have to face reality, it’s about the lesser of two evils, and right now Trump wins at being the evilest, but he also wins because no matter what he does, he has a dedicated base. While we’re busy commentating, and writing articles about how WRONG Joe is, and possibly influencing where our vote or to vote should go. His base still thinks COVID 19 is a hoax, why, cause he told them; they refuse to wear a mask, why, cause he doesn’t, and are probably drinking Clorox, why, cause he told them; that’s DEDICATION to the max, albeit stupid, but nonetheless DEDICATION!  One thing I give to those damn Republicans, Trump could rape their daughter, take a shit on their desk, and they’ll still stand behind him, while we pout about Biden saying what we all feel; it’s like the word Nigger, he’s not allowed, give me a fucking a break!

Those in the media who have this platform, I beg of you to be careful, some things needs attention, and sometimes we just got to roll, and suspend on being the party of division.  I urge you and all those who have the responsibility of being woke, please don’t give this any legs.

Stay Safe, Peace Out,

Blacktina

White People Stop Telling Me Racism is Over!

If I sit in Starbuck’s too long, the police is called on me for loitering. Yet, YOU, white people can walk into a Subway restaurant armed with assault missiles, not just guns, we’re talking some war shit, and NOTHING happens to you, not even a talk to disband, a citation, NADA, NOTHING, ZILCH.  Hell, they were even served a sandwich, WTF!?!?!?!

And, you have the nerve to keep telling us, we need to get over slavery, or the succeeding dysfunction. You will NEVER EVER have the ingenuity of insight to just recognize, you’re some fucked up people. You LOVE being white cause you can get away with shit like this, all day, every day.  If you think I’m crazy, just look at the record. For chagrins I’ll give you my top 5, but hell you know the real number has plenty of zeros following:

1.     Emmitt Till killed for whistling, looking or speaking to a white woman (who lied), whatever it was he wasn’t supposed to be near her.

2.     Trayvon Martin was walking in his neighborhood, and was killed by George Zimmerman a neighborhood watch toy cop.  His reason, Trayvon looked suspicious because he wore a hoody.

3.     Philando Castile was asked for his license and registration, as he reached for it he was shot to death in front of his 4 year old daughter. The officer thought he was getting something else, but asshole you asked him to reach for his info, WTF!?!?!

4.     George Stinney Jr., at the age of fourteen was the youngest person executed in the United States. He was charged with double murder, with no evidence, other than he was black and two little white girls had been murdered.

5.     Mary Lynch, in 1918 she was lynched, doused with gasoline, set on fire, and if that wasn’t bad enough, here’s the WORST part, she was pregnant. The mob tore through her abdomen, took out the baby and a WHITE man of course, stomped the fetus twice, and killed it.

You may say some of these top 5’s were a century ago, but here’s the real KILLER, the same shit can happen today with the same outcome, we’re hunted and YOU WHITE person have no retribution. So, please stop telling me there’s no racism, REALLY. Whenever you feel the urge just read this, and look at the video that surfaced on May 9^th, 2020. 

Peace Out,

Blacktina

I’m Kind of Feeling this COVID19, and No I’m Not Sick

Before I begin, my heart goes out to anyone who has been affected whether you’ve been sick or lost a family member during this crisis. I myself lost my husband during this global pandemic, therefore I too am your sister in arms when it comes to the grieving process.  However, I’ve been able to unapologetically live my grief without any remorse, hesitation, or concern myself with my inward behavior during this time. I owe the ability to sanely handle this process due to the COVID19 social distancing mandate, which has allowed me to telecommute and not have to deal with the daily work culture grind.  During my time of solace I’ve had the privilege of viewing how COVID has uncovered some misgivings about today’s society.

Pre-COVID19, I can recall many office conversations regarding a colleague’s phenomenal family whether it was about their children on the honor roll, community service, family vacation or just a regular happy weekend, hiking or biking somewhere. Especially when it came to the children there was these Proud Parent Moments (PPMs).  Here comes COVID19 and within a week that PP moment has literally turned into the other pee pee as in Pissed Off Moments.  The amount of social media postings I have viewed, literally begging cities to open up have been hysterical. The driving force of the begging is the inability with having to deal with the family dynamic. The once great kid is now a pain in the ass, and that spouse, oh boy this is where it gets good, has you now thinking WTF was I thinking of!?!?!  No longer were spouses, husbands in particular were being compared to the Barack to their Michelle.  Oh No, COVID19 took away sports and bars, what’s a man, at best what’s a wife to do. You could have sex, but after 45, and kids, it’s just not the same. The hysteria surrounding COVID has ignited a family breakdown which involves the notion of entertaining risking your precious children, and/or perfect spouse (wink wink) potentially contracting a deadly disease than stay at home, all because you’re getting on each other’s nerves!  But again Pre-COVID, it was all Leave it to Beaver!

On to the work environment, Walter Scott said it best “the tangle web we weave when we learn to deceive”. Organizations have longed scoffed at the idea of remote work. Some even said remote work reduces engagement and team collaboration.  (cough bullshit)  The real reason why they pretended remote work was sooooo bad for the culture, is one simple word TRUST. Why in the world did remote work seem so foreign?!?!?! After all we don’t even bank the same, watch TV the same, listen to music the same. But yet, we as a super power still had to report to work five days a week, 40 hours, 1 hour lunch, (2) 15 minute breaks, and had the nerve to vocally be bold if weren’t dressed appropriately.  I mean we had so many WTF moments at work, that honestly the pre COVID work culture killed more people at least on a mental level than COVID.  So, we’re hit with a global pandemic, and now everyone telecommutes. Why couldn’t we do this prior?!?! Again one word, TRUST! Companies are afraid of you stealing time which means stealing money, therefore they need to WATCH and make sure you’re working, (kind of sounds like slavery, but again that’s another conversation). As much as organizations want to tote engagement, inclusive work culture, and all that good shit, you still have HR departments governed by traditional leadership (aka the old people who need to leave, sorry to sound insensitive, but some of you know who you are) who really think that working remote was actually dishonesty coupled with theft. But, ah, here comes COVID and mostly everyone in corporate American can work remote. What I’m hearing from this exercise is, when an employee needs a work like balance, I’m being dishonest, but when you an employer needs to keep business as usual, then we’re in alternative mode and it’s OK.  In the words of Ed Lover, C’mon Son, GTFOHWTBS!!!But, I’ll say this, the work norm has definitely changed, and that MISTRUST shit ain’t going to work. Employees will be calling their employers to the table with that Aw Hell NO!, and Oh, hell yes I’ll be working from home from now on from time to time. You Mr. Employer can obviously deal with it.

My last COVID reveal is one that I think we all know but it takes global pandemic to damm near convert to a genocide.  My black/brown sisters and brothers are dying quicker than other race, why, not because we drink Crown Royal or eat fried chicken, despite what you may hear, that’s not it. The real reason is we’re considered “Essential” workers. Such a pretty word for such demeaning tasks.  We should all take into consideration the Field Slave was also considered an “Essential” worker. They had to pick that cotton in three digit temperature heat, snow, rain, hurricane, whips, etc. you name it.  Fast forward to 2020 there’s a respiratory virus that can kill you in 3 days, but you still have to go to work cause you work in the mail room and have to deliver mail to an empty office; or you’re a bus driver, people supposed to stay home but you still have to drive the bus; the best one for me is the security guards in the vacant office buildings. Look at these people, not a white face in sight.  There are so many reasons for this disparity, too much for one article, but just the magnitude should raise an eyebrow at the very least.  Is anyone concern? Can we close the corporate mailroom, mass transit, or close the building, apparently NO, cause their “Essential”. I ask essential to WHO?????  If we really care about the human race then NO ONE with the exception of the medical, police and fire department should have to defy the Stay at Home order. Do you realize these people going to work, are not only getting infected, but also the families they come home to. Global pandemic or Genocide, you decide!

Whatever your feelings are about COVID19, I hope for the sake of humanity that your conscious of respecting the well-being of your fellow man prevails.  This is one serious virus that should not be taken lightly. Listen to the medical professionals, who we need to THANK every day, and stay your ASS at home!!!!! 

Peace Out,

Blacktina 

The Trump Survival Kit

I didn’t think it would come this, but after the latest press conference and Lord knows countless others, “are you fucking kidding me!?!?!” moments, I think it’s now time to invoke the Trump Survival Kit for African Americans. Some may think a survival kit is a bit drastic, but so is having an imbecile for president who has surrounded himself with the most progressive racists of our time. As a women of color it scares me what these men could do with the 13^th amendment; remember the Jews in a million years never thought one man could turn nations against them.  I ain’t trying to live through a modern holocaust!

Please note: if you are any other “minority” race, I hate the word minority, but if you fall under this category based on societal standards, then you too may need to create a kit or adjust the contents of what’s being explained below:

The Trump Survival Kit

Item #1.    Passport – If you don’t have one already, it’s time to start the process. The cost for a passport whether new or renewal ranges from $110 - $165.  Check out https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html for exact info. And while you’re at it, start researching other countries you may want to export to. 

Item #2.      Money – Start saving your coin. You do not need anything new right now.  But, you will need bribe cash in the event you need to escape.

Item #3.      Escape Route – At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if someone isn’t building a new underground railroad. Folks, it’s time we get our Harriet Tubman on.  Figure out where you want to go as mentioned in Item #1

Item #4.      Learn a new language – Depending on the destination or destinations you’re thinking of, it will be helpful if you learn the language, which will make your transition a bit easier.

Item #5.      Swimming Lessons – If there’s one thing we learned from the slave trade, swimming was not one of our strong suits. Hell, just watch Amazing Race there’s always a black team who can’t swim.  During an escape we will not be able to control the method of transportation, some of it may require getting on a raft and then swimming the rest of the way.  Start learning, plus it’s healthy for you!

Item #6.      Natural Hair – Sistahs, sistahs, sistahs, now more than ever is the time to go natural. During an escape you will not be able to maintain a weave, plus you might pisst off the other escapees with the smell, let’s be real.  For the relaxer chicks, you can pretend your hair is not nappy, but you know six weeks into an escape you will lose your mind.  I’m personally going through the relaxer-less process now.  My advice, start slow, get use to the hair your ancestors gave you, and you’ll see you’ll adjust!

Item #7.      Berries and edible Plants – In every slave movie escape, somewhere somehow they end up in the woods and actually survive.  Back in the day, peeps knew what natural aka organic really was. Take a class on natural berries and plants that can be used for consumption and medicinal purposes. As a matter of fact, Groupon was recently offering a survival in the woods class for $59, I suggest you check your local listing.

Item #8.      Dog Training – As much as we love our furry family members, we all know they were the primary weapon of slave recovery.  With this being said, now is the time to embrace your inner Cesar Millian and take a dog training class, learn to disarm, pacify them or whatever it takes not to be eaten or caught.

Item #9.      Learn to climb a tree – If you don’t subscribe to item #8 then may I suggest you learn how to climb a tree.  This is an official reach out to Bree Newsome to host some classes.  Remember, this was the sistah who climbed the flag pole to remove the confederate flag in South Carolina.

Item #10.   Get a Massa – If you absolutely feel you can’t follow items 1-9, then may I suggest you broker a deal with a white person you can trust, and ensure he/she will be your Massa in the event the 13^th amendment is repealed and we’re once again deemed legal property. 

On a final note, I encourage all folks to stay woke. We live in a country that kidnapped, abused, degraded and continues to despise us. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do to make their AmeriKKKa great again! Be on guard and if you can’t fight them, then get the hell out. At least this time it will be on your own terms! 

Peace out,
Blacktina

The Folders

I don’t have a problem with Steve Harvey, Ray Lewis, Jim Brown and Kanye West meeting with Donald Trump. Hell, I don’t have a problem with the Talladega marching band performing at the inauguration. Nope, no problem at all.  What I have a problem with is the easy way all of these people and institutions fold like a bad hand in Vegas.  I would just like to see for once in my lifetime black people stand up like other races, Asians, Jewish,  Latinos and go HAM on someone. Why do we always believe in turning the other cheek? Why is we have to be the forgivers and move on? Why can’t we demand apologies? Why can’t other party atone for their behavior? Why is it that moving on requires us to just take it and excuse the other party for the sake of moving on.

Have any of these people who are in the spotlight and represent us, so they say, ever think that their representation appears misguided.  I can only imagine how other races laugh at us. For real, think about it, slavery lasted centuries and we don’t even think of bringing up the word reparations.  The holocaust was a decade plus, and hell even if you think Nazi, you will be sued.  Yet, our race will sit with a man who refuses to denounce racism or sexism, rather he unapologetically promotes it.  If you’re unclear about his stance just remember the campaign and his emergence of the Alternative Right aka the new Nazi’s, remember we can’t say Nazi.  And if the campaign isn’t enough to understand his view, then go back to his history and research the Central Park 5.  Homeboy was real about prosecuting and throwing away the key for 5 young black youths.  Who ironically were found innocent 20 years later. When asked would he apologize, he said NO, cause he still felt they were guilty, despite overwhelming DNA evidence and a confession from the actual criminal.  And, when it comes to discrimination him and his Daddy were prime advocates, to the point where a Black person couldn’t even rent an apartment in one of their buildings.  But the biggest offense is when he championed the movement to overthrow the first Black President, accusing him of not being a natural born citizen and forcing him to produce a birth certificate; all because his name was “foreign”, and because he was Black.

 

I don’t know how in their conscious do any of the named celebrities in this article or anyone else of color meet with such a man who clearly belittles, and HATES your people. Yes HATE‼! He is a fear monger and if given the chance not only deport every immigrant legal or not, but hell who knows, may look to reverse the 13^th amendment, after all our freedom is actually an amendment to the constitution, which one can debate that the laws of the land were not for us! Having the audacity to meet with a man like this and coming out grinning for cameras, is shameful, disgraceful and just disrespectful to your base and your ancestors.  Yesterday I heard Jeff Johnson say, that just because some people read two books they think they have the right to criticize Steve Harvey.  Mr. Johnson, I have read plenty of books, just because I’m not a journalist doesn’t mean I don’t know my shit.  I know enough to know that even before Dr. King met with the Kennedys who were Democrats aka Dixicrats, they had to prove to him with actions they were genuinely serious about helping the southern blacks.  As a matter of fact it was not until Robert Kennedy who fought for the release of MLK, who was sentenced to a chain gang, did we then embrace the Democratic party.  I ask you and all the other “folders” what has this man done to make you think he will have our best interest at heart? So far, nothing, except for a meeting with disconnected individuals who grew up hood, but have long been gone!  It’s a travesty, that what represents us is spineless and profit seeking for their own celebrity. Not to mention how insulting it is for us as Black people that this man thinks that a comedian, football player and rapper can institute community change.  He asked to speak to them because to him we’re so dumb, that we’ll listen to the radio talk show host or Kim Kardashian’s husband.  Let that sink in, how much this man thinks of us!

 

Steve Harvey glaringly attacked Donald Trump during the election and rightly so, but in the same token to shuck and jive afterwards is just so UNFORGIVING, so CHEAP.  For heaven’s sake people have some pride! Demand the respect you and all of us around you are due.  Now, I don’t expect the “folders” to carry our race, however I don’t want them to represent us.  To quote Harriet Tubman “I would of freed more slaves if they knew they were slaves.”  It’s apparent that their motives are too far removed with what’s plaguing our communities.  With that being said, I’m not here to change the “folders”, as a matter of fact, fuck them! But as citizens, we have a duty to call these people out, close the chapter and move on.  As of now, I’m taking a cue from Dr. King, until action is done in our favor, and only then will I entertain a compromise. 

Ping Pong Politics

     Today I’m surviving on 2 hours sleep,  like many others I stood up last night watching the election results.  My persistence at remaining awake was due to an enormous surge of anxiety coupled with the reality that this couldn’t be true. Donald Trump, (oh lord it kills me to write this) is the President of the United States.  NOOOOOOOO‼‼‼ Why America? Why? But then it hit me, Americans have been tired of the standard DC politics, the bureaucracy, the overall political bullshit. We vote you in and still get shitted on, so in the words of Donald Trump, “what do you have to lose” But for me I lost my sense of hope in this country.  Here I write to you as a Black Latina woman who has to self sanction what she says in public, and yet the man running for President has referred to African Americans as The Blacks, homosexuals as The Gays, and the Hispanics as criminals! To the dismay and shock of many he WINS‼‼! But did he really win because of his brashness or better yet was it because Americans had embraced his idiotic statements and internalized them to symbolize he was different, different from the standard  DC politics. Was it like, fuck it, we need somebody to say what they mean without sugar coating it, and hopefully things will get done.  As I thought about how Trump supporters felt, begrudgingly I had to admit, I get it!  I understand,  because I felt the same way when Barack Obama entered the 2008 presidential race.

      In 2008 Barack Obama was a Jr. Senator from Illinois with about a year and half experience. Prior to running for President his only claim to fame was electrifying voters as he delivered one of the most memorable DNC speeches for the Kerry/Edwards ticket.  Other than that and a few appearances on Oprah and some news shows I can’t recite what Obama had done as a Senator. But yet, with his lack of experience he beat Hilary Clinton out of the Democratic primaries. Coincidentally like this election she too had more experience than Obama, even to the point where she served as his informal mentor while in the Senate. And then the unthinkable happened, he beat John McCain, an established tenured Senator. We never asked how in the hell did this happen? A man with only a year and half political experience beat out two veteran politicians.  He was able to sail to the office because he promised what we all wanted to hear, we need CHANGE in Washington. The change from the Washington status quo, in particular the Bush presidency.  Fast forward to 2016 not much has changed. Washington is still stalled, bills for the middle class aren’t being passed.  The Affordable Care Act is not that affordable.  To note, Barack Obama has done a lot despite the clear opposition he faced from a Republican congress, but he still came up short from the CHANGE he promised.  So, 2016, here we go again and guess what we still need CHANGE. Just like we needed change from the Bush presidency, Americans felt a need to change from the lack of progress promised by the Obama administration.  Unfortunately, Hilary Clinton was part of that administration and like McCain fell prey to guilty by association.  Yes, there were the emails, Benghazi and the dishonesty of the DNC (Thank you, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Donna Brazile, smh…..), but let’s be honest that was in no way in comparison to Trump’s “grabbing the pussy”.  Yet he wins and she loses. 

      Hilary’s lost signifies the attention span of the American voter.  We live in a world of get it done or get out.  Since it doesn’t look like the Democrats got much done, then why come back right now, again quoting Trump “What do you have to lose”.  So let’s go back and switch to Republican.  America will Ping Pong the hell out of the parties till one gets it right.  For those non Trump supporters like myself. I take solace in knowing the scales will tip in 2024 back to Democrat as I’m sure Trump and his cabinet of crooks (Guiliani, Christie, etc.) will make it easy for us to make that decision.  As an American, my psyche, my emotions and my disdain for this process can’t take any more of this.  As citizens we need to truly understand the laws of our land, and legislate to re-write them if needed; understand the election process especially the importance of mid-elections, and research/understand how to “fire” our representatives who don’t represent us but look out for their own interest.  This level of Ping Pong politics is costing us far more than we can ever calculate.  If you’re still unsure of the ramifications, then just look no further than our newly elected President, the host of Celebrity Apprentice!


Peace Out,
Blacktina

Lena Dunham –WTF?!?!!?

Almost everyone I know has had the “curious” cousin or family friend who tried to kiss or touch you during the child game of family.  When these occurrences happened a couple of things proceeded; 1) you ran and told your parents and 2) somebody got a whipping.  Case closed! Usually the outcome was so bad for the individual they were talked about for months and not trusted to be alone with anyone.  This is how I grew up and how  my family dealt with these types of things.

Apparently, according to Lena Dunham other families may act differently, as evidenced in her new book, Not that Kind of Girl in which she described three sexual acts with her younger sister.  See quotes here. In my opinion the most disturbing aspect, is not the acts themselves but the lack of parenting.  If I caught my 7 year old opening my 1-year-old daughter’s vagina, I would have spanked the hell out of her.  This would be an opportune time to teach your child about not violating others.  Whether at 7 or 70, unless you have express permission to open up my vagina, you shouldn’t touch it.  If the excuse lies on “curiosity”, the parents still should of treated this as a teaching moment coupled with discipline.  As the old saying goes, curiosity killed the cat.  In this instance it would have killed her so-called explorations that continued throughout the years.

It is not uncommon for children to be sexually curious even at the age of 7.  After all we see our parents sleep in the same bed, closed doors, and we all have heard the creaking of a bed and perhaps a moaning.  After a while you figure they’re not playing checkers and yes you wonder what’s it like.  There is nothing abnormal about wondering. What’s abnormal is when you see a child spread someone’s legs and open a vagina and pretend this is standard behavior. This type of behavior may manifest itself into adulthood, which at this point may equate to a child predator.  By no means do I think Ms. Dunham is predator rather she was curious child.  However, by publishing this memoir and being the voice of the millennial generation, is she giving permission to say, it’s OK for your young child to be that sexually curious to the point of violating others?  Is she also willing to take responsibility for those curious children who may turn into adult predators, all because the voice of this generation said it’s OK!  I doubt Lena Dunham wants to have the ills of society on her shoulders.  But, she needs to understand her celebrity and voice have power, to jokingly minimize these acts can spiral into a resonating delusion that these practices are acceptable. 

These excerpts from Lena Dunham’s book should make your skin crawl.  Being the comedic writher that she is, I’m sure this wasn’t her original intent.  It is clear that Ms. Dunham’s upbringing lacked self-control; rather she was raised to be free, open and told this was OK. Some things are not OK, and require discretion aligned with consequences. Perhaps her parents may not have taught her this, but it’s apparent based on the outpouring of rage the media and American public will!

Peace out,
Blacktina

Trayvon Martin is Alive!

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past 2 years, we all know Trayvon Martin died at the hands of an overzealous racist.  Although Trayvon is physically gone, he does still live on in each and every black child. Here's an example of how and why. 

Yesterday afternoon my teenage daughter had a mini pool party at our community pool.  We live in a subdivision and pay nearly $300 a year in HOA fees. I refer to this party as mini, since there were only around 15 teenagers in attendance, no music, no sneaking in alcohol and no profanity. Usually there is only one attendant at the pool; however on this day there was anywhere from 3-5 attendants.  These attendants didn’t arrive until they started seeing a number of teenagers.  I thought to myself, there is nothing unusual about teenagers.  But, on this occasion there was a difference.  These teenagers were mostly black.  As soon as the numbers started to increase so did white flight out the pool and the increase of white pool attendants arrived.  

These attendants had their eyes on my daughter and her friends, who stood on their side of the pool and only conversed amongst each other.  Any sudden movement by the party members caused the attendants to react and walk over to them multiple times.  In one instance while playing with water balloons, one attendant rushed up and told a girl to stop. The girl agreed and said she’ll throw them away.  Instead, the attendant insisted, by accosting the girl by pulling her arm, snatching the balloons, which ultimately broke in her hands.  At this point I had enough and so did the few African American adults in attendance.  In unison some approached the pool attendants, while others approached the kids and recited the infamous speech of  “stay calm, and don’t react with hostility”.  In speaking with the pool attendants, I asked following:

1) What’s up with the 5 attendants when there’s usually only 1? 

2) And are my daughter and her friends being racially profiled? 

Immediately the response was “Oh No, we’re just here to make sure everyone has a good time.” My reaction was we usually can, but today we’re being watched like something out of Persons of Interest. I went on to say, “I see a group of kids trying to have a good time, but for some reason YOU see a MOB.”  Furthermore, this lady who apparently may have some “Klan” gear in her closet had no right accosting this young lady, who was clearly cooperative.  If the young lady would of defended herself, Klan Queen over here would of claimed Stand Your Ground and we all know that can result in murder.   

I know a pool party may seem trivial compared to the death of Trayvon Martin, but so was his death over a perception (i.e. hoodie and skittles). As a mother of a black daughter I always thought she was safe, unlike our young black men.  Yesterday taught me she isn’t safe; and a lesson to all, if we feel we’re being discriminated, speak up, say it.  As a people we need to be color brave to those who are color blind.  Take a look at Mellody Hobson's Ted Talk and her experience of being discriminated based on pure perception. 

While this incident was disturbing, I found myself feeling justified about how I confronted the issue.  There was no yelling or cursing, just pure honest conversation about my perception of their reactions.  In all honesty, this conversation was liberating to all those involved.  Facing fears and uncovering untruths allows us to open the doors of compromise and conversation.  For the remainder of the party my daughter and her friends were left un-bothered; furthermore I received an apology from the HOA regarding this incident.   Don't get me wrong folks, this isn't a total cumbaya moment, but it's start!

Peace Out
Blacktina

The Generational Gap - When Does it Age Out?

We often hear how this millennial generation is one of entitlement, fast spaced and is accustomed to many spoils which some may say leads to the unconventional modern employee.  Basically millennials' are the WTF generation who takes no crap, and will do as they please when they please as long as the job gets done!  Being labeled as Generation X I do tether on both the Baby Boomer and Millennial end until recently in which I think my so called balancing act is kind of swaying towards team Millennial and here's why.

By trade I am a Learning and Development professional which means I'm a strong proponent of growth and development, no shock there.  Recently I've been assigned a project to re-structure an Executive Training Program.  This program is geared to recent college graduates seeking retail management positions.  During the planning phase I included retail management seminars but also seminars geared to understand the life cycle of merchandise, the role of the corporate office and leadership development skills; afterall these people will be in management which will mean they will be leading.  As the re-structured program was viewed by leadership, the following comment was uniformly shared amongst these individuals "I don't want these trainees knowing anything else except retail, if we show them anything about corporate, they'll want to leave and join the corporate office".   It took me a minute to let the statement resonate and unfortunately I don't have a poker face so everything pretty much showed what I was feeling.  So rather than play coy, I just had to ask why?

The response for a lack of a better word was RIDICULOUS.  These "Leaders" said they have a fear of college kids who feel entitled.  To them it was insane that these young adults did not want to work on  weekends, and holidays (including Thanksgiving).  In reality who the hell wants to work on weekends and on Thanksgiving especially after I've completed four years of college and have mounting student debt.  Furthermore, their rationale was once they get a sense that there's something else out there they would want to leave, so it would be best not to expose them.  When was the last time you heard of a college graduate not being exposed; one word to defy this, Internet!  The first thing I could think of was the word oppression and a sense of keeping a group down; being a Blacktina I can relate.  As I evaluated their responses I couldn't help but notice they called the management trainees, kids; that alone means they aren't being respected.  Secondly, how can we be a Learning and Development culture and you have a fear of growth opportunities? The sentiment alone contradicts the body of work you so admiringly have pursued as your passion.  And then it hit me, it wasn't about being a Learning and Development professional, it was about being OLD!

The fear factor during this meeting was displayed by those who have been with the company 20 years plus and they weren't 40.  The average age in this meeting ranged from 40-62.  The one's in the 40 range you could tell were baffled, but those 50 and 60 year olds, good lord they meant what they said and wanted like hell to stay that way.   Adjectives like spoil, smarty pants, arrogant were all thrown out to describe these college recruits.  With the obvious resentment towards this generation I had to ask why are we recruiting them.  The answer was simple, we are a progressive organization.  I almost died! LOL.  Really!?!?! You're progressive but you're scared to let them see anything other than what they're here for.  It took all of me to say get the f*ck outta here with that bullshit! But I think my poker face showed it all.

As the meeting adjourned my boss who's also a sistah and around my age understood my frustration and applauded me for quickly recovering.  She then suggested that I "crawl" rather than challenge this group.  Basically spoon feed them only a little cause they ain't ready.  While I appreciated her advice I was pisst the f*ck off.  Why do I have to "crawl" and take it easy? Is it out respect? Is out of fear that I'll be deemed troublesome? Why can't these Boomers see their antiquated methods have aged out?!?! Coincidentally the reasoning to restructure this program was due to it's attrition rate of 32%, considerably low compared to other retailers.  Unfortunately, to this group the reason for such failure is the perception of millennial entitlement.  Their perception and control makes me really wonder who's the entitled group now?

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Be Careful Calling Yourself "Hov"

Ingenious to cryptically call yourself God and have billions of followers respect you as the same.  I'm talking about rap great Jay Z aka Hov, or Hova.  For those who don't know Hov (Hova) is derived from the God name of Jehova.  When I first heard this back in 2002 I was like damm, dude is smooth who would of thought!?!?! However, Mr. Hov's actions of late do not seem very godly like!

Jay Z like other countless hip hop moguls have partnered with a high end store, in this case Barneys.  When was the last time someone from your hood said I bought this from Barneys, just saying.......Granted his partnership is to benefit the Shawn Carter foundation for the socio economic under privilege.  According to Hov he's not making a dime off this venture.  Yet its been highly publicized, his new line is debuting on November 20th.  When I first heard of this partnership I was like OK here we go, you'll tote that you're still all that, you're hood, blah, blah and if you don't believe me just listen to his music.  But if you're still in touch then you should know we don't shop at Barneys or any of the exclusive high end retail.  Hell even Oprah gets profiled in these stores.

But despite what he says he has a right to partner with whoever and if it's for the benefit of the under privilege what better way to do this than with an expensive ass store such as Barneys.  And let's be fair Jay Z is not the first to bullshit his love for the hood and put out apparel, gadgets, etc. that your average hood person couldn't afford except for the drug dealer.  (Read my article about my open letter to Steve Harvey regarding Sean Combs, written a few years back  http://blacktina.wordpress.com/?s=Steve+Harvey&submit=Search).  However this is where it gets murky; Barneys recently discriminated against two young African Americans, they did so by having two undercover "toy cops" stop them outside the store and bring them back in for interrogation.  The toy cops and most likely Barneys as a whole were not convinced that these two individuals could have legally purchased a $300 belt and a $2500 bag.  Barneys proceeded to check their debit cards and hold them to verify no fraud was committed.  In all due respect does it seem crazy to anybody that an establishment now stops paying customers?!?!  Stores usually don't do this, but if you're black there's a strong possibility you're suspect.  The question to Jay Z then begs, how are you going to continue a partnership with a business that discriminates the very same people your foundation is trying to help?

Before I began writing this article and opening up a can of worms, I decided to research the foundation.  The Shawn Carter foundation is headed by Jay Z's mother and provides scholarships in the range of $1500 - $2500, a drop in the bucket for Jay.  When looking at the site most of the recipients are of African American descent which is no surprise since whenever the underprivileged is mentioned its usually us.  What came next was Jay Z's comment which again wasn't a surprise to me but thank the real God it's hopefully an eye opener for others, especially our somewhat blinded youth.  Jay Z stated he won't make a snap judgment, he too has been profiled and empathizes with those who have, but as of now he will continue business with Barneys; raised eyebrows here.  You have been profiled you know what it feels like but yet you'll do business with them.  This is like saying yeah the KKK hung my family, I get it but I'll work with them to benefit my business.  OK maybe Barneys is not the KKK but you get the point.  When does anyone of color (celebrity status) stand up and say Fuck that!  I mean he could of lived up to his "Hov" status  and issue a statement to Barneys requiring them to  change their practices.  I would of accepted him saying he would continue the partnership with the contingency that Barneys up their diversity training, review discriminatory practices, etc.  But he said none of that.  What Hov proved to many of us is he's not God, he is man and like many his morals are compromised by greed. 

I hope his actions opens up the door to our communities that we must make these profiled people accountable.  No longer can they say it's not my job, on the contrary it is your job.  Whether you like it or not you've become a messenger who bridges the gap between cultures.  When you show you don't give a fuck why should we give a fuck about you!  For the most part I strongly believe the 40 and older are hipped to his shit already, it's the young and impressionable I'm concerned about who follow him as a true God.  Listen young people always know if someone or some establishment doesn't like you due to the color of your skin then you have no business ever spending your money there.  Learn this don't give your green to those who don't respect your black and this also goes to Mr. Jay Z aka Hov, make him accountable youngoens, his time has come!

On a side note: Nas would have NEVER done that shit!

Peace out,
Blacktina

Don't Play............

One of the hardest things to do in life is to forcibly compromise your true self.  I'm not talking about letting someone pass you in a lane or skip you on a line; rather I'm referring to changing who you are, you're true innate self.  From first hand account I can tell you its hard, but at times its necessary especially from a work professional standpoint. 

Typically I'm a fun person, I love and I mean love to "cut up".  I try to have a good time where ever I go whether its church, a social gathering and even work.  But recently things changed for me at work.  While I enjoy having fun with my co-workers and my bosses, yes there's more than one, a recent experience made me feel otherwise.  As in the Brady Bunch song, "here's the story".

One of the directors who I frequently have conversations including "joking" around, nothing to serious and never disrespectful recently interrupted a conversation between me and a co-worker.  She did so by quickly stating "oh here I go being rude interrupting y'alls (yes she said y'alls I live the in South, lord help me) and then turned to me and said "ok smarty I know you have something clever to say" and laughed.  She was right I had something to say since I thought this was an invitation to speak.  So I said, "of course you're interrupting we expect nothing more" lol.  Her response while she too was laughing was "hey, don't forget I have a "D" in front of my name.  BTW - the D is for Director.  First of all with my smart mouth I wanted to say is "D" for Dick because you're sure acting like one.  Instead, I chuckled with her and said "I hear ya" and walked away.  She never knew what hit and trust she thinks things are still the same, but I know different.

See her "D" comment although said in "joking" way was a subtle attempt at letting me know you can joke with me but I'll always win because of who I am.  For me conversational banter is a two-way exchange but yet for this individual she's OK with it as long as she can throw her title as a shut down move.  Personally I think it's a punk move that defies the whole "we'll really a team" concept.  You can't call yourself a team and behave in a hierarchical mode when it suits you.  That's not being a Director that's being a spoiled "mean girl" brat!  However, for me it was a revelation to shut it down.  Going forward I have to put things into perspective and treat work as "work", which means my arrival is to work, put on my headphones and only speak when needed professionally.  It's a stark contrast to who I am and I truly hate it.  But when I balance the evils of this change, the consequence of the hood in me to break on my boss far outweighs me keeping quiet.  The good part is me keeping quiet will give me a great insightful perspective of my surroundings which means more Blacktina articles, bear with me :)

Peace out,
Blacktina

The Alma Awards aka The Latin Oscars and Grammys All in One!

Last night I had happened to come across The Alma Awards.  Trust that I'm not using the words come across lightly,  my viewing was purely accidental.  As it happens my husband is an avid MSNBC watcher and as he turned to check on some news broadcast he "came across" Aimee Garcia and David Zayas (Jamie and Batista from Dexter fame) accept an award.  Because of my love for Dexter he felt compelled to yell from the bedroom and have me turn to MSNBC.  By the time I got to the show it was probably about an hour in.  Now I can rant and rave about how I find it unusual that an awards show honoring the achievement of Latinos who are the majority minority of this country is scheduled for a Friday night on a cable news network is besides me.  I guess The Almas does not have enough of a perceived viewership to have an ABC, CBS, NBC or hell even Fox time slot. But enough said, we shouldn't be surprised since this is what we're use to with the NAACP Image Awards; it's always a shock that its on, smh..........

But nonetheless I watched and here's my commentary.  First of all I like to view these shows to see the hidden Latinos, you know the "Martin Sheen's".  These are the ones that we had no idea they were Hispanic until their either presenting and start to really use those "R's" or receiving an award.  It kills me how they tote race pride yet in any Entertainment Tonight interview you'll never hear Viva La Raza! But now all of sudden your abuelita Esmeralda was your inspiration, just shoot me now. Before we load the gun, let's move on to the next "Oh my goodness" moment.

During the after show, yes they really had a after show, I guess they're modeling the BET Awards concept.  But during this "insightful" telecast we had the privilege of hearing from the President of National Council of La Raza (NCLR),  Janet Murguia who boasted the achievement of Hispanics in which it has taken them 20 years to be recognized in the arts.  Anyone reading the last sentence should be doing the Scooby Doo screech or at the very least a raised eyebrow.  20 years, Janet WTF are you talking about?  Your statement probably has Desi Arnez, Ricardo Montalban, Cesar Romero turning in their graves.  Furthermore, do you know anything about Cheeta Rivera or Rita Moreno? Hell The Almas had an Anthony Quinn award.  Again, WTF are you talking about?  Did you forget about Freddie Prinze ala Chico and The Man, and as one of my besties noted, the theme song was by Jose Feliciano.  I'm not sure if Janet meant a particular sector of Hispanics haven't been recognized, but as far as I know The Almas is for all comprising of the Latino race, not just a mere sector!  What made this more profound is no one on the "panel" corrected her.  Which made me say WTF have y'all been in the last 20 years?  Janet's statement made me think and I'm going in here, the Gays, always talking about secluded abuse.  Really!?!?! Granted at times it may have happened but you damm well know it isn't the same. Hispanics has not nor will ever be completely shut out, but yet they will shut out others.   

If you don't believe me just like look at the Little Miss Hispanic pageant in Delaware in which officials stripped a mini me Blacktina because she wasn't latino enough.
Read on if you want clarification.  http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2013/09/27/7-year-old-beauty-queen-stripped-title-for-not-being-latina-enough/    
But here Janet and others on the panel want to cry the woo is me unfair scenario.  Before you whine I suggest you get your shit in order and recognize your inner racisms, and maybe then your achievements will be more profound.  Until you get right and clean up your own house don't expect the rest of us to visit.

And lastly, does the iPad have a timer? If so, Rosario Dawson needs to use it.  I'm sure her speech was probably riveting but who the hell would know since she spoke so damm much and too damm fast. That was just RIDICULOUS, sort of like the show, the time frame and the commentary!  Just realized there's my answer, no wonder why it was on MSNBC, LOL.

Peace Out,
Blacktina 

Janet Murguía,

Is it Me or You?

Randall Kerrik, Johnathan Ferrell

Last weekend in Charlotte, NC Johnathan Ferrell an unarmed 25 year old FAMU graduate was shot and killed by police officer Randall Kerrik.  As I write this I wish this were a new occurrence or at the very least something that would shock me, but regrettably I feel neither.  As I heard the officer was charged all I could think of was why bother he's going to get away with it anyway; so don't waste our time with the hype, the marches, the special "probed" investigation. We all know how the story ends.  The jury will find the officer innocent cause he feared for his life, exercised the necessary precautions, blah, blah and Mr. White Officer goes home, while again we lose another black man.

At this point I don't many others who aren't desensitized by these types of events.  We've seen it with Travyon Martin, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, Oscar Grant, Emmitt Till and countless other unnamed victims.  The introspection of my desensitization made me realize that it wasn't that I longer cared, it was that I understood the root of the problem, which is, it not us but THEM and their FEARS.

Why are white people so afraid of black people? And I mean afraid to the point where they shoot first, not just once but multiple times, at least more than 10.  Almost as to ensure you better be dead! Apparently we're not all cut out like 50 Cent who can get shot multiple times and live.  The reality is white people have this panicked fear of us.  Never have we seen a case in which a white person shot and killed an unarmed person of any race more than we have seen with black people, not even during 9/11 when middle easterners were perceived as the enemy.  When  I look at these events I just shake my head, because I just don't get it! Why are you afraid? Historically you have been the dominant race, enslaved us and to this day supersede us educationally and economically. So why the fear?

Some may say the fear comes of out of white guilt, but I think the fear comes from the perceived take over. Similar to slavery, when a negro became insolent they received the whipping of a life time and at times even murder.  This was the white man's way of keeping us in line cause they thought we were savages and could erupt at any minute. Is this still the perception? White people will NEVER ADMIT to their fears, after all only a social misfit would agree to such a thing.  But for once in our lives we need them to be honest; I know that's a stretch.  The bullshit talk of I'm not racist, I have black friends, I'm for equality in hiring, housing, etc. doesn't mean shit to me if you innately have a panicked fear of me.  That fear will and it already has transcended to your descendants.  Their isn't a white person today who has owned a black person, yet they carry ancestral perceptions.  You may ask, how can that be? Well look at what's been happening since slavery ended nearly 150 years ago and tell me it has not.  To quote President Obama "the look of white woman clutching their purses", "car doors looking", "the department store personal security escort", all stems from a fear they don't want to admit but will easily act on.

Honestly I'm tired of the marches, the talks that we have to fix ourselves first, and all the typical diatribe that goes with these events.  I wish someone will really hit to the root of the problem and tell white people, No you're the problem, you're the issue, you're the one with a panic fear, you're the one who needs work, not us.  Yes, we definitely have some problems we can work on, what race doesn't.  However, when I look at these men who were murdered none of them were Pookie from the hood, which tells me it doesn't matter if we have a degree from FAMU, all that matters is the color of our skin and what is innately feared as uncontrollable savages who have to be put down like rabid dogs.  For the most part African Americans are always working hard at trying to fix themselves, but now it's time for white people to fix themselves, cause if they don't why do we even need to bother.

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Corporate Profiling - What Diversity Training Doesn't Cover!

Recently my boss called me into a meeting regarding an incident in which it was reported that I had behaved in an inappropriate manner when it came to moving me to another cubicle.  My accuser who I am not allowed to face is an HR Director who overheard me speak to a colleague and was offended at my tone and what he assessed to be someone who was very angry.  He went on to say that this behavior can contribute to a hostile work environment in which others may feel threatened and even scared.  My boss concluded her end of the meeting by informing me these actions normally result in a written warning but because it was my first time and I most likely wasn't aware that we'll just leave this as a conversation and won't notate my file. She also went on to say that I've been considered as high potential to move up within the organization, however, I need to be cognizant of my behavior especially near outside influences who may have input regarding my growth.

At this point I do believe my boss thought this meeting had concluded and I understood my place......but screech (Scooby Doo) style.  Much to her dismay my inner "aw hell no" kicked in and I responded with my defense aka counter attack:

1) I in no way behaved in an inappropriate manner when I spoke to my colleague who I sometimes hang out with after work.  She's white, I'm Black/Puerto Rican, a little Ebony/Ivory going on.  She understands me as I understand her.  As a matter of fact she too chimed in about the "jacked" up cubicle I was being asked to move to.  Is she being spoke to?  Uh, no she's not, but OK, let's move on to number 2.
2) Hostile, threatening, scared work environment - I take all of these very seriously. How was I contributing to this type of work environment when I was not using profanity, nor raising my voice, didn't throw any objects (you know white people go after that stapler in a minute), hell I didn't even use street lingo.  Did I seem happy, no I wasn't.  But did I act like I was going to blow up the place if I didn't get to sit with my team, no I didn't.
3) Why are you mad, I wasn't even speaking to you? - This was a conversation between myself and a colleague, two people that's it! She wasn't running for cover, she didn't run to him and claimed to be scared.  Why are you so threatened regarding my conversation with another individual?  After all on our recent Employee Engagement Survey one of the questions was, "Do you have a work BFF?" I actually do and it was her.  Who are you to control our conversation, especially when you don't even know how she may approach me when she's angry. Was it because she is white and you were fearful that I was over powering her? Or, were you thinking she's white and I should be respecting her more? Sort of like in "The Help"?

As I concluded my counter points, I also suggested a remedy in which 1) I should be able to face my accuser and 2) Perhaps he needs diversity training, which he should of had because he's an HR Director, but apparently something is lacking.  By this time my boss had a perplexed look on her face, like damm, it's one of the smart ones, shit I thought this would be over.  I then went on tell her my reasons.  If this individual has input to my growth what other mis-perceived notions is he also spinning and to who? Clearly he misunderstood and it resulted in my being spoken to but could have resulted in a written warning. Something of this magnitude should give me the right to face my accuser and defend myself or attempt to understand his perception, it could be a teaching moment for the both of us.

My second suggestion really cut to the core as I went on to explain why this HR Director may need diversity training or we need to really amp it up a notch or two.  This individual has to really come to grips of what he considers offensive and by who. I have witnessed many meetings in which my white colleagues became upset and carried out offensive behavior like banging a table, throwing objects (the stapler never gets old), even cursing.  I've also witnessed them being sent home with pay and Managers asking us to ease up on these individuals when they come in cause their going through a "rough patch".  In this so-called offense I did not exhibit any of these qualities.  Which makes me wonder, how can my tone scare him this much? I'm not a big woman, merely 4'11, 130 lbs.  You're a man of significant size, and now based on my tone you're scared and threatened? Is he a punk? Maybe, because only a punk would report this as an incident.  Do I really scare him? Physically probably not, but mentally, hmmmm......maybe so, but is it enough to report me?

 As we cut to the core, it was not my tone or behavior, it was me! As a white man he saw an angry black woman and he immediately "Zimmermaned" me which means he profiled me to be violent.  Am I taking this to the extreme I don't think so, using words like scared and threatened what else could these mean?  This very action insinuates to me that if I express myself in this environment even if something negative is being placed upon me that I can NOT express myself authentically without being perceived as a threat.  For adverse situations I have to face them with a sugar coated smile to avoid his fears and those like him.  Yet if I lack aggression then I lack the initiative to move forward.  If I'm too aggressive I'm the angry black woman.  At this point it's a no-win situation, and we wonder why there's a lack of Black leadership?!?!  As you can imagine by now my boss's head had to be hurting this was indicative as she rubbed her right temple, and for some strange reason I heard the Excedrin music play in the background.  Honestly I really didn't care how she felt, if she was able to deliver this message she had to be equally willing to receive my message.  My parents raised me to value my name and I'll be dammed if I let someone's bullshit fears smear it!  To her relief I'm about to start my vacation, but little does she know I will be reporting this incident to our Employee Hotline which takes items very seriously.  Furthermore, I will express how I felt threatened, after all you did say he has input into my growth; if so he has the ability to stifle me because of his prejudicial stereotypical views. You can not threaten my career because you lack understanding, and then hide behind it.  Trust (in the words of a RuPaul Drag Race contestant) after I'm done he will really know what an angry black woman looks like!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

We Shall Overcome; have we?

Back in 1979 my 5th grade class belted out the song We Shall Overcome during the school's annual Black History assembly.*  We sang this song in honor of the civil rights struggle that preceded my generation 10 years earlier.  Fast forward 34 years later,  I woke up thinking have we overcome? The year is now 2013 and a 17 year old boy is senselessly murdered because an assailant's prejudices said this boy has to be criminal, for no other reason but the color of his skin.  It had nothing to do with the hoodie, white kids wear hoodies all the time; it had to do with this boy being black and nothing more! While we all know the story very well, what are we going to do about it? Are we going to sing another song? Are we going to hold vigils? or Are we going to finally stand the f*ck up and say that's it AmeriKKKa, I'm done being your whipping race for all races; don't get it twisted the white race is not your only opponent.  Look at George's mother and uncle, trust and believe they too would have thought that Moreno Trayvon was up to no good!

To the critics who think Black America is being hypersensitive again, let me just give you a timeline of what's happened in my generation that I can vividly recall.

1982  - Willie Turks - A subway car maintenance worker beaten by a white mob in Brooklyn.
1984 - Eleanor Bumpers - 66 year old woman shot and killed by police ordering her from an eviction.
1986 - Michael Griffith - Killed after being hit by car while running from a group of whites in Howard Beach.
1989 - Central Park 5 - Five innocent Black and Puerto Rican kids convicted of gang rapping a white woman.  These kids ranged from the ages of 13-17 and had nothing to do with the rape.  Yet they were crucified the minute they were illegally apprehended.
1991 - Rodney King - Savagely beaten by four police officers, who were later acquitted on criminal charges.
1997 - Abner Louima - Sodomized by a NYC police officer after being arrested outside a Brooklyn nightclub. 
1998 - James Byrd - Head and arm severed as he was dragged behind a pickup truck by 3 white supremacist.
1999 - Amadou Diallo - New Guinea immigrant shot 41 times by police.
2006 - Sean Bell - Killed after he and his friends were shot 50 times by New York city police officers, all were acquitted.
2012 - Trayvon Martin - 17 year old gunned down by neighborhood watch who thought Travyon looked suspicious.
1988 - 2012 - Various black teens gunned down based on Stand Your Ground Law.

Again this timeline is what I can vividly recall, I haven't include the countless other racially victimized cases, nor the plethora of black woman incarcerated for 20 years plus for drugs they didn't even have.  In my lifetime if I can recall 10 incidents and there are plenty more, clearly there's a problem.

For those who are chanting "Let it be" and asking us to respect the judicial process, I have to respond are you f*cking kidding? Where were these chants when OJ was acquitted? Sometimes I think we're getting paid back for OJ, but wait a minute, you did get him! He's in prison for 15 years for "stealing" his own shit.  George Zimmerman KILLS Trayvon Martin and nada, nope, nothing and you ask Black America why are you being sensitive?

I am tired, I am hurt, I feel deflated and have no confidence in this nation and our people.  Yes you heard me right our people.  I don't want to hear another press conference, I want action.  I want to see the new Medgar Evers, the new Martin's, the new Malcolm's, the new Thurgood Marshall's, the new Nelson Mandela's.  As a people we have become complacent and have striven off the backs of our past leaders. When they died the struggle should not have died with them.  Just because the President and First Lady is Black does not mean we've made it, just because the top golfer, basketball player or lead media guru Oprah Winfrey are black doesn't mean WE made it.  It means THEY made it.  But as a people we are still unjustly treated in all spectrums.  Why are we constantly the whipping race? Is it because we let ourselves get whipped? Think about it, what other race has endured our atrocities and refuse compensation.  Answer is NONE.  The Jews will milk anything related to the sacred Holocaust.  The Japanese Americans another group who will seek compensation.  Native Americans, need I say more.  But black people we just get happy to get a job and then wonder why people treat us like shit.  We're treated like shit because we don't demand being respected.  We don't seek a justified apology for being robbed our culture, family, religion, language, etc.  No, we take it lying down and sing a song, or have a march.  NAACP where are you? One of those A's stands for Advancement, instead of paying homage to black celebrities,  what are you doing about our inner city children, education, reducing the prison population, business empowerment, etc.  If you're doing something, we can't see it, nor has it been working.  You too need to step up your game!

Lastly, for my fellow Latinos, Puerto Ricans in particular I noticed many of you (not all) have been silent throughout this ordeal.  Just because Zimmerman is part Hispanic does not make his actions right.  If you're on his side just because Trayvon in your mind is a moreno, then you too you should be ashamed of yourself.  Let me share with you a little secret, you're also Black! Read your history; Puerto Rico was comprised of Indian and African slaves and Spaniard slave masters.  The Indians who couldn't handle the labor died off quickly, leaving African slaves to be RAPED by their masters.  As a result the product of a Puerto Rican. You, mis hermanos and hermanas are mulattos.  If you don't believe me just listen to Celia Cruz she's always paying homage to the Africano ancestors; better yet take a good look at your admiration for Jennifer Lopez and her backside; chicos and chicas that doesn't come from an Indian or Spaniard but pure Africano.  Here's one last one do you like Congas? Guess what, Africano again!

Peeps wake up, reconstruct, demand respect of your leaders, the judicial system, your children, your elders.  Black America you can NO LONGER sit down and think you're doing good.  All rainbow of races are against you, it's time to demand your respect, self-worth and seek sustaining progress that is owed to YOU!

Pisst Off,
Blacktina

*Back in the day recitals were referred to as assemblies in inner city schools.