Browngirl Speaks

these brothas…ahem…dance beautifully.

i know, i know—this seems to be a moot point these days. the two seem to be unified in a way that one requires the other to function at full capacity. and many are tired of the ongoing dialog on the issue. but that’s just it, the dialog must continue as long as this is an issue. voices must be heard that speak against the degradation of women. normally, i really don’t care much about the series of panel discussions on BET “Hip Hop v. America” but i thought i’d check this one out. this set of discussions was specifically on misogyny. so here are a few points i found interesting (these are paraphrased):

Nelson George: the issue of sexuality and sensuality needs to be raised in these discussions.

this i took in reference to music videos. now, i wasn’t quite clear on brother nelson’s point for bringing this up. i don’t know if he was justifying why those who choose to appear in and those who choose to watch are celebrating their sexuality. but, i immediately thought of bilal’s “soul sista”. i have always seen that video as more artistic in glorifying Black women’s beauty than gratuitous nudity. however, we all know that most artists–hip hop or otherwise–are not typically glorifying the Black woman’s temple but perpetuating the Jezebel image. i think the young women who patronize the artists who CHOOSE to promote this image with their music and videos are being slightly misled into believing that having their “goodies” on display is a sign of a secure woman. a woman in touch with her sensuality. a sensuality that was to be suppressed in the past because we were only to be seen as matriarchs, the stronghold of our own families and often that of white families that were employers. the women in these videos do not look like most of us in the real world which perpetuates a whole other set of problems, namely that of the white aesthetic. but that’s for another day. having said that, i can appreciate videos like Anthony Hamilton’s “sista big bone”. here’s a more realistic looking Black woman with a real job, truly “holding it down”. this woman is also very much in tuned to her sensuality and the man is also AND she is not scantily clad. side note: i just realized both more positive reflections of Black women i mentioned are songs that use the endearing term “sista”. any coincidence? i think not.

Jill Nelson: we are conditioned to think Black men have suffered more, so we take low so that they can take high.

so true, so true. but obviously neither owns the rights to suffering. another panelist stated, all Black people have suffered almost equally just in different areas. i disagree. Black women have been and remain the most oppressed and marginalized group. i was so glad that the brilliant Melissa Harris-Lacewell, professor of politics and African American studies @ Princeton, mentioned the Combahee River Collective’s statement that says the liberation of Black women will inevitably mean freedom for everyone from every “ism”.

rapper David Banner gave me a headache with his mindless rhetoric. he never had the courage to come out and say he does what he does with only financial gain in mind. neither does he see the need to be socially responsible with his “music” and videos. instead, he sees rappers and Black men as scapegoats for the issue at hand AND he does not see them as part of the solution. he says “we (rappers) are not responsible for raising your kids” and Black women should “pick better mates” and “close their legs”. this is his answer to eliminating misogyny in hip-hop??? as Willona Woods would say: “Negro, PLEASE!”….

I just attended a White Privilege 101 session and am very excited about the White Privilege Conference coming to Memphis in April 2009. I knew I wanted to attend the conference before the session and now I’m more fascinated. This conference is not about bashing white folks but instead about examining the white supremacist/ privilege paradigm that our society is built on and how to bring about “progress” when viewing things from this perspective. So, this is a series of discussions and seminars that go beyond race/ ethnicity which is why I think any and everyone should attend. The conference explores a number of issues where privilege and oppression are prevalent including gender, sexual orientation and religion. So, check the website for updates. Dr. Eddie Moore, its founder, told me that registration will begin around the MLK holiday.

As a fellow blogger once mentioned, “I want to be light, I need to be light”. Words to live by…
Times are rough, for most I’m sure, but I remain positive because I really need to be light.

Anyway, I was pleased to see Adele on the Today Show this morning singing Chasing Pavements. Lov.er.ly!

I’m making strides on my special project– a black literacy fair for my community. Some aspects are intimidating like communicating with executive directors and whatnot of major non-profit organizations. Preparing a proposal and budget for the event is also proving to stretch my skillset. But it’s all gonna be worth it when this brainchild manifests.

Before I get back to my project, I just wanna send love and positive energy into the universe for Danielle at Black Kool…

it’s hard to write lately b/c life is kicking my butt. i haven’t done anything to life, but that probably has no bearings on when and what life chooses to bring upon me. anyway, i’m trying to keep up with my reading. not so successful there. i’m a friggin’ pedestrian again. this is quite pissy. i’m submerging myself in fabulous tunes. eureeka! my saving grace. as usual, music is my sanity. i recently discovered and artist, well two actually, that i have apparently slept on. on first listen, i felt ashamed and guilty. i felt like i had betrayed music. i felt like i had been sleeping under a rock! how? why did i not ever listen to georgia anne muldrow?!?!?! she is phe.nom.i.nal! right now, she and muhsinah are my audio crack and in heavy rotation on my last.fm. i almost didn’t share this information because i almost want to keep them both to myself. but i digress, i will share with those not already in the know. for those who did, shame on you for not telling me…

“Twice” - Little Dragon
Swedish electronica band

this is what’s hot…

that’s the title of a recently released documentary that i implore anyone-man or woman-having a baby, or thinking of having children, to see.  after i had my own unpleasant birth experience, i couldn’t seem to let it go.  apparently, i wasn’t the only person with a similar story.  i was watching rachael ray a few months ago and ricki lake was on promoting this documentary she produced and was featured in– the business of being born.  i knew i had to see this.  well, i finally saw it today and felt like someone had taken a chapter from my life. 

what this documentary is about is educating women on their choice to take control of their births and not let hospitals and doctors dictate this natural process that’s now so diluted with "designer deliveries" (scheduled c-sections) and unnecessary interventions.    it does advocate the use of midwives and doulas–definitely an option i planned to choose before i saw the film, if i have another baby.  however, i took more than that away from it.  women should not be afraid to question things, especially when dealing with a doctor, concerning childbirth.  this is what led to my unpleasant experience–not having the courage to question or say no when i trusted my body, God and nature.  so, watch the documentary, get educated and know you have choices…

This really pertains to those residing in the Memphis metropolitan so if you do, responses to the following survey would be greatly appreciated.  If you know someone who lives in this area, please direct them to this survey. It’s regarding interest in a local literacy fair. Thanx!

Click Here to take survey

i hope all the mothers have a lovely day of recognition and personal reflection on the hardest and most rewarding job ever…

3 NYPD detectives acquitted in 50-shot killing

Our The U.S. justice system loves to get rid of us any underhanded way it can as well as make examples of us.  i hope bell’s now fatherless children are strong and prosperous. 

 i hope these and other young brown men do not let this injustice allow bitterness and anger to fester in their hearts and become something just as vile and grotesque as this, but instead fuel them to lead the revolution….