DISQUS

I'm very ignorant when it comes to this computer stuff. So how many emails do you get a day? This sounds interesting, but I can't be going through a million emails.

Oh it's very fishy.

But I think Jem raises some fair, unspoken points. He/She is only saying what everyone else has been saying for years - what do black Americans, Africans, women and other historically oppressed groups of people have to do with me?

: )

When I said "flamboyantly ethnic," I meant boldly or perhaps unapologetically African-American centered/focused. The criticisms highlighted in the post suggest that there is something negative with the movie not having "mass appeal," but instead having a "target audience." My point was that there is nothing wrong with certain types of black people making certain types of movies for certain types of people. We must stop allowing our cultures to be defined by the mainstream culture.

As far as blacks not embracing diverse views of themselves, is it because they don't see diversity or is it because they aren't exposed to diversity. There is a difference.

We're just a desensitized society. Nothing affects us and nothing is off limits anymore.

GIB, I'm over here saying Amen to almost everything you're saying! LOL.

Osteen's response was on point. Period.

I don't know how much is "appropriate" for a spiritual leader, but my real question is how do we determine that? Why is no one calling about Catholics? Business leaders? Or the Senate?! Why is it okay for us to make millions but our leaders can't?

Is there really a price you can put on "spiritual health" which for many governs every other health aspect?

PLEASE support organizations like kiva.org.

This was very encouraging Fred. I have been in a process of self-examination and I need to make some decisions. Quick.

I haven't read all of this yet, but this issue is so dear to me. Our generation LONGS for the days of the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement. Where are the authors who really want to say something?!

MattPat -
I can't deny that I Would Die 4 U and When Doves Cry are classics ... despite Prince's messiah complex in the former song. The truth is I haven't heard enough of Purple Rain to say it shouldn't be #1.

I'm just saying folks shouldn't act like Mary J. Blige aint rip, "I was ya luvah and yo sek-kuh-terry!"

Dupree -
Only the Whitney Houston tracks on Bodyguard were cool. Side B was kinda garbage.

Leah -
I'm sure Lion King is on there. The soundtrack alone won like 10 awards.

Others emailed me privately and said don't forget Space Jam (I Believe I Can Fly) and Love Jones (the official neo soul soundtrack).

Do people still by soundtracks ... I mean of movies that are NOT musicals?

^^^ Real talk.

And I've yet to hear the National Anthem performed better than Jimi Hendrix's version.

were these problems put in context in the book or were they written as if they are only "black" problems - created and maintained by blacks and blacks alone?

Co-sign Kim. The writing started off rough in the beginning. It felt like a play ... but when it got going, it was smooth sailing.

Check out this good interview of Tasha Smith who played "Angela" - the funniest thing I've seen in film in a long time:
http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/10...

I looked over the article, but I don't get it. Did not Bell violate his probation by getting into the fight?

"the dividends were not worth the stress."

Bottom line. Period. If you look up what's happening in Phoenix and many other places, I don't have to explain.

"If I got fired for all the bad stuff I’ve done or said I’d never be able to get a job again."


CO-SIGN!!!


But still unsure about how I feel about his return ....

I really didn't get the scene. Did they mean just listening to black music period gives one n*gga ears?!

Anyway ...

I've been on "white" music my whole life. Unlike these young folks when I was coming up MTV and VH1 used to ONLY play "white" music - aside from some Jackson every now and then. So I advise folks to check out some of the 80s masterpieces - which is probably why I'm really feeling Timbaland right now.

Fred, did you draw this?! LOL.


First hip hop, now this ...

Interesting you posted this. I just saw Bobby last night for the first time. I was like, wow, there was a time when people actually felt CONNECTED to presidential candidates. I'm not talking Clinton connected. And even most of us who look optimistically at Obama and Clinton are somewhat cynical. I hope these days aren't truly gone.

It's also worth mention that the Creflos and Warrens are such A SMALL percentage of Christian clergy. The vast majority aren't rich. You'd be surprised at how many are barely middle class.

Well first, the wonderful thing about faith is that it is personal and free to interpretation.

I perosnally believe that Christ considers being simutaneously wealthy and righteous in this world challenging - not to be confused with wrong - because of how money and the desire for it switches our focus, priorities, etc. Not calling you out personally, but how many folks are consumed with money who don't really have it yet?! God knows what they'd be like if they actually had money.

And besides why do you want what you want? Cause Creflo and them got it? Are your intentions Godly?

I don't believe Jesus is a fan of poverty. We can talk about specific verses/passages but that would make this post longer than it needs to be. Is he a fan of humility (which is what the whole "no place to lay his head" bit was about - partially)? Yes. And I don't believe that humility and prosperity have to be antonyms.

Be careful with coveting. We can't imagine what comes with the riches we seem to drool over. Can we really handle the trials and challenges that come with having Dollar's dollars? I'll answer for you by saying no, simply because you don't even know what those challenges are.

Seek what God's will is for YOUR life. Find peace in that and pursue it.

When are some lawyers and other professionals going to realize that it really isn't twice the pay when you factor in everything you have to give up for that salary?

I can get with Egyptians not self-identifying as black. Being able to self-identify is very important. And I think folks have that right even if every other person disagrees with them.

But TO ME they are African ... which is not the same as black. It is what it is.

And for what it's worth, I too think Jesus was not black. A man of color? Yes. Black? No.

Funny how some of these contradict each other. : )

I value Kanye ... greatly. I really have no opinion on Barkley. Maybe I'd feel differently had he brough Phoenix a championship. ; )

Re: #1, Kanye really disappointed the status quo - specifically many of my friends - by saying pursuing an education because you're told to do so when those degrees have nothing to do with what you are supposed to do/want to do in life is unproductive. It needed to be said.

I've always been turned off by Kanye's calling out folks' problems but not being willing to change the same ones in himself. Addressing them but not changing them is wack. He is being held accountable. It reminds me of growing up in DC hearing Marion Barry telling us to stay off of drugs.

I think Barkley doesn't get that #3 is some folks' way of learning from their mistakes.

I understand West's tantrums, but I feel for him because he actually thinks they are acceptable. And that's sad.

#6 is the truth. Period. The ability to self-define - or at least, not be defined by the masses - is a great one.

Can't get with #9. If you wrong, say you sorry. But I dont think Barkley thought he was wrong in those situations, right?

Good stuff man. Never heard of these. Although I'd be a bit nervous about joining one. I'm not that informed when it comes to investing, so I dont have many tips to offer. Plus I trust the advisors I have now. I'd hate to leave them for people like me.

You're right. We need to be aware of alternative routes - especially when they prove to be fruitful.

I just think that when we're talking about Wall Street in particular, most of us need to come to the table as "officially qualified" as possible to be given just some of the same chances that they get. But who knows, maybe things will or already have changed ...