Afro-chan

Japanophiles...

2011-02-05T03:47:00.001-08:00

suck big time.

Ignorance is unacceptable

2010-12-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

I came across a great article on Racialicious which was linked from Native Appropriations. Boy, did that get me thinking. The author observes that after presenting a seminar on Native American culture, "No one was embarrassed or ashamed by their lack of knowledge, no one found it out of the ordinary."

I am always asked about the history of the USA especially in terms of ethnicity, culture, the so called melting pot theory and so forth. Many people only think in terms of black and white, but, our history and modern society is so much more than that. Teaching about Native American cultures in Japan worries me. I don't want to misrepresent or appropriate anyone's culture but I don't have any reliable background to pull from. That bothers me. And, it is embarrassing. I have always tried to self-teach but it is hard when I don't even know where to begin for fact-checking. Usually I point at a map of the USA and point out different areas and name some different Native American groups. Everyone quickly catches on that we are not talking about one big homogeneous group. Then I can address some of the stereotypes, teepees, slapping your hand repeatedly against your mouth and going "woo woo woo", feathers, Thanksgiving as a friendly lovefest, the Indian halloween costumes and the like. Even so, I really don't know much beyond that.

When I ask other North Americans how do they explain Native American histories to Japanese people (or other foreigners) I get blank stares. Some people ask, "What do you mean?", or, "I don't". Sometimes the attitude is, "Oh, I just start from American History." That last statement is my favorite. We all know once the Declaration of Independence was signed all native people floated into the air and disappeared into an alternate universe. Everything we do today is a throwback to European cultures and has nothing to do and no influence from anyone else(sarcasm).

It's appalling that so few people see any of this as a problem. I just feel like as a country we can do better.

Hollywood is soiling my childhood memories

2010-11-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is single-handedly trying to destroy my fond memories of movie watching. While wasting precious minutes browsing YouTube I noticed the words: "Samuel Jackson to do a remake of THE LAST DRAGON". My back straightened up as the realization smacked me across the cheek. There is going to be a remake of the 80's classic, The Last Dragon! What the? Who the? How the?

Truthfully that is one movie that should never be remade. I am certain the innocence of the characters and the plot will be ruined by new graphics and bringing things up to date (read: hypersexual themes). Something about that unsophisticated orange Tang-colored 'glow' is important. I can't imagine it being brilliant or sparkly like a certain vampire.

Despite my sentiments let's run down who is in line to play the 3 major characters. I did some internet sleuthing and I pray that I am mistaken about 2 of them. Here are the 3 main characters and original actors:

Bruce Leroy played by Taimak
Sho-nuff played by Julius J. Carry III (R.I.P)
Laura Charles played by Vanity

Below is a list of the new actors picked for these roles and my analysis.

Sho-nuff played by Samuel L. Jackson
It is easy to imagine Mr. Jackson bringing a serious, dramatic and evil yet funny and cartoon-ish aspect to the role. For the physical all he would need to do is workout and slap on a wave nouveau wig. We already know he can pull off hair extensions. All in all, he is a reasonable choice. He has star power but he could actually bring something to the table if he kept Sho-nuff in his somewhat original role along.

Laura Charles played by Rihanna
Um...no. I really hope the 'kinky' dominatrix thing is a rumor. That completely supports what I am afraid of, a hypersexual movie. The appeal of The Last Dragon was it's wholesomeness. Damn it. I equate Hollywood's "show more ass" approach to TV's putting a cute kid on a sitcom in order to boost ratings if only for a little bit. People may sit up and take notice but they don't remain loyal when they realize the program on their screen is still crap. If the character has been completely rewritten there will be some serious changes to the plot and feel of the movie. Boo.

And now to the part we have all been waiting for...Bruce Leroy played by Taylor Lautner
At first I was really skeptical (truth be told I still am) but like Taimak, Lautner is trained in martial arts(karate). Taimak wasn't known for overly amazing acting skills and Lautner is the guy without a shirt. Taimak had the glow and Lautner has been in a movie with someone who glows. Unfortunately Lautner is really beefed up and Bruce Leroy, although fit, had an innocent unfinished look. Maybe Lautner's age could give him that innocence. Bruce Leroy didn't look like a fighter and that could be an issue if the character comes across as this seasoned hardcore guy. I suspect he will be the seasoned hardcore guy since he has to win the love of a kinky dominatrix.

After re-reading what I wrote I am beginning to wonder if unlike the original story line are they going to drop the whole theme of communities and neighborhood establishments being overrun by greedy privileged people and showing how a community can find the power from within to stop that from happening? As a little girl I enjoyed watching regular people winning against the big scary guys. As an adult that was something about the movie I appreciated even more.

I know I'm late but I love it!!

2010-10-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Damn right!

My Post Valentine Post

2010-02-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

I did nothing this past valentine's day except for reminisce about my former crushes. When I was little I just knew one of these guys was meant to be mine.

1. Taimak aka Bruce Leroy from the Last Dragon
First of all, you couldn't tell me that this was not a serious movie. I mean it was so serious to me. Leroy took on the evil Sho'nuff without flinching. How many guys do you know who have 'the glow'? I knew when he fought it was for my honor. Imagine the shock I go when I watched that movie as an adult. Me thinks Mr. Gordy smoked a bit of the pipe when he wrote that one. Taimak was still fine though.

2. Ralph Macchio aka Daniel-san
Watching him in the first Karate Kid Movie kick the shit out of that smug blond guy was like getting revenge on those stupid smug elite country club wannabes that lived around my way and went to my school. It was about that time that people started to point me out and other me. I identified with Daniel-san. He was fighting for recognition, for both of us.

3. Bilal Abdul-Samad (2nd from left)
Bilal was the third youngest brother of the youthful R&B group The Boys. In fifth grade my friends and I went so far as to form a club with them as a focus. Each of us got to choose one brother to be ours personally. Bilal was mine, with his cute fluffy cheeks and adorable smile. He could Dial My Heart anytime he wanted.

4. Dustin Nguyen (front and center) aka Harry Truman Ioki on 21 Jump Street
Johnny Depp who? Dustin is where it's at. The first time I saw him with his perfectly coiffed hair I knew I was in love. The dude was so cool it hurt. He was probably the most handsome man I had every laid my eyes on. His dangly earring in the left ear was proof that he was bad ass. He always had that I'm chilling side eye glance and a flirty smile. I always thought that "Nah-goo-yen" would be a cool name...(Cut me some slack I was around 10 years old and possibly hooked on phonics.) Even now he is still hot as hell. He is a great actor who never gets the recognition he deserves.

5. Blair Underwood
This is around the time I discovered LA Law and Ebony Man calendars. Oh Blair my cup of chocolat. Wow. Perfection. I didn't know much about him except that I liked him. He was tall (maybe) had a commanding presence and a sparkle in his eye. He always looked so collected and in control whenever I saw him on interviews. He was "husband" material even though I was far too young to have a husband.

The answer is yes...

2010-02-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

Rep. Elliot, you would have it done to you. Perhaps you were just fantasizing out loud? A mother just happened to call you yesterday? She didn't complain to the school? Did you get the woman's name or phone number? Was her name something like, "Ima Toole" or "Mary Juana"?

Let me weigh my options...

2010-02-13T00:46:00.000-08:00

Poor Rosa Bracero. She had a choice: take her Regents exam, graduate from high school and attend technical college at the expense of putting a roof over her family members' heads or, sit through a mandatory seven hour meeting with a shelter intake program and not graduate, obtain higher education and better herself. Homeless kids miss a lot school. Shelter programs need to change their hours and screen children after school hours. Isn't education essential for having a brighter future? Officials sited that make-up Regents tests cost lots of money. I say, "Pay now or pay later." Luckily the Coalition for the Homeless is on the ball. Both the NYS Education Commissioner and the city are apparently working to rectify this.

I'm trying to help you. Please think about it.

2010-02-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

1. Never complain about someone's behavior if you are doing the same thing.

2. Be professional, even if you think someone is not professional towards you. If you are doing right then you have a much stronger case.

3. "I'm going to do this just to piss him/her off," is not cool after the age of 16. It is unacceptable past the age of 24. If you are approaching or past 30 well...it's a damn shame.

4. Unless you have a problem with someone's gender/skin tone/nationality etc...leave it out of your argument.

5. Repeatedly starting sentences with, "No offense but..." is useless. We know you mean to be offensive.

6. I don't recognize your privilege so please go back rethink your approach and try again.

7. If you don't want to be called racist then stop acting like a racist.

8. Shut up and listen. You may learn something.

9. Everyone can tell the difference between true confidence and bravado fueled by insecurity. Work on yourself a bit more.

10. "It's the principle..." reflects one of three things: 1) You truly believe what you are saying, 2) You can't support what you are saying but, are too embarrassed to admit it, 3) You just want to argue because you are too immature to let it go.

11. "Well, we would never do that back home." I appreciate the information; I will remember it when I am in your country but, you are in my house now.

12. Learn the language before you profess to be an expert on someone's culture. This way we can at least attempt to take you seriously.

13. Sleeping with someone of a another color or nationality does not make you open-minded.

13. Put some clothes on. Your ignorance is showing.

If it is not about race...

2010-01-19T02:10:00.000-08:00

then don't mention the color of someone's skin in your argument.

Jumping on the Bandwagon- Carol's Daughter Shampoo Review

2009-09-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have decided to try the "miracle tonic" for black women's hair. My reason's for trying these products are simple:

1) No sodium sulfates. Lathering shampoos kill my kinks.
2) It is cheaper to buy these products and have them shipped than mix my own. Raw ingredients are expensive in Japan.
3) I bought new cookware and want to keep them pristine for as long as possible.

Japanese products are not an option. They are way too harsh for my hair. I like as little product as possible. My reviews will consist of the goodie bag sent to me by my beloved Mommy. I really can't comment on cost because it was all on the parents dime. (I'll pay them back when I visit for Christmas).

The Products:
Khoret Amen Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss
Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss
Black Vanilla Herbal Shampoo
Tui Herbal Shampoo

I'll keep it simple.

Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss

Pros: Smells great! It reminds of the green creamy center in Keeblers Grasshoppers Cookies. (Aaahh...that takes me back). Creamy texture easy to know where it's going in your hair.
Cons: You know how sometimes you wake up sick and your tongue and mouth is all coated with white scum? Imagine that look and feel on your hair. My fro was white and sticky! I had to use another shampoo to get it out.
Verdict: I will do a spot test on my skin. If it doesn't irritate it I will use it to shave my legs. Or I may try it on some chicken (kidding).

Khoret Amen Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss

Pros: Fresh scent like clipped grass but very light. It makes me think of laundry flapping in the breeze in the countryside. Creamy texture easy to know where it's going in your hair. Gently cleans without over-stripping hair.
Cons: It requires a little extra rinse out time than with other shampoos. It doesn't dry my hair but it doesn't seem very conditioning either. If you use lots of leave-in product then you will definitely need 2-3 shampoos.
Verdict: It is a keeper for shampoos that do not follow a night out in a smoky/polluted area or days where you have used lots of product. This will probably be my travel shampoo.

Tui Herbal Shampoo

Pros: Very very gentle shampoo. This could be good for every day use. It smells fruity but not overpowering. It's kind of like pineapple upside down cake topped with cherries for your hair, or a fruit juice Capri Sun. Loved the smell. Although gentle it cleaned surprisingly well. It has a watery consistency which moves easily through afro hair.
Cons: On the flip side its consistency makes it hard to apply. You cannot put it in your hands because it will just run off resulting in pouring most of the bottle down the drain on the first try and having to carefully walk across a slick bathroom floor to your cabinet, fish around in a box filled with peanuts and bubble wrap trying to find the other bottle so you can finish washing your hair. You could dump it straight on your hair but you will probably use too much because you cannot see what your doing. No matter how gentle it is, too much shampoo is never a good thing.
Verdict: If you have the patience to play around with amounts and figure out how to get it on your hair I would recommend it.

Black Vanilla Herbal Shampoo

Pros: It smells like a vanilla candle, soft and warm. I actually found it quite therapeutic. If you like cooking pumpkin pie-esque smells this is a good one. This gently cleanses and nourishes. This shampoo seems to take out the bad stuff but there is no stripping at all. It moves like honey (without the stickiness) so it is easy to apply but glides through the hair like water and rinses easily. If you use no product it won't strip. If you use some product it will wash it away. It did a good job washing out the Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss. You could skip conditioner with this (less money and product).
Cons: It's not sold in Japan. I didn't think of it first, call it Judy's Daughter and get a copyright so I could be rich.
Verdict: This is my favorite shampoo so far. It is probably one of the best I have ever used. Just look at the happy fro at the top of this post!

Next Review: Conditioners and Leave-Ins.

Tui Leave-In Conditioner
Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie
Lisa's Hair Elixir
Hair Milk
Some of Marguerite's Magic

It makes you wonder...

2009-08-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

I am utterly amazed by the autobiographical story Tony Dokoupil wrote for Newsweek's True Crime Week Series. It is entitled My Father The Dope Dealer. Actually it's not the story that amazes me. In fact the outcome is exactly what I would expect when a distributor of illegal drugs (marijuana and cocaine) gets caught up in the "high life" and begins using his own product. Basically he screws himself and the whole operation up. The collateral damage of hitting rock bottom is he abandons his son, winds up in prison (although for only like a year or something), comes back to smack his wife around and basically winds up penniless. Here is where the surprise comes in...the comments section after the article. After reading every comment (all 6 pages of them) as of Thursday 3:00 pm (Tokyo time) I was gobsmacked. The overwhelming majority of comments were blasting the author for being upset with his dad. Some of the gems:

Posted by Haywardgirl:
"I would never deny my father the opportunity to meet his grandson."

(Note: Father still uses crack and cocaine, occasionally)

Posted by SeEiNg_SoUnDs:
I can safely say that he did it for you. It may not have been an honest way of making money, but he provided for you, cared for you, and just wanted to make sure you had a complete childhood.

(Note: The father stressed he did it for the thrill and the high of being the big man.) This was not about scraping to get by and feed his son.

Posted by imherenow:
Waah waah, you had it sooo tough, dude you dont know what tough is. What you ought to be is thankful that you even had a taste of the good life,

(Note: Therefore abandonment is justified. Who needs a daddy when you can have... things?)

There were a lot of "don't judge him" and "everyone makes mistakes" comments. It was unreal. The basic sentiment seemed to be, "So daddy left, don't fault him because he was just trying to live his life. No one is perfect" and such...

Why does he get such a pass? Why is there so much sympathy for the father and so much vitriol towards the son for "putting his father's business out there"? I just strikes me as odd because I don't see that kind of sympathy for other drug dealers. The author verified that the drugs came from Columbia and Mexico. When I read articles about drug distributors from Columbia, Mexico or any other L. American country the comments take on a different viewpoint. I wonder why? I'm just saying...

Supreme Court Of The United States

2009-07-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

Every time I look at the acronym SCOTUS I read it as scrotum. It makes me giggle.

Oh snap

2009-07-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

I have been so stressed this past week but a nice little article I read today made me smile. The Republicans are really trying to play hardball with SCOTUS nominee Sotomayor. She is doing well at the the confirmation hearings. If this were 1988 I believe the correct expression towards Sen. Sessions would be, “Cold busted.”

One commenter Jamey, wrote, “There will be a print of her shoe sole on his face in the morning.“ Classic.

Please enjoy the article in its full text here. I hope it is as good for you as it is for me.

BET is whose entertainment?

2009-07-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

So...on the BET awards show/MJ tribute Lil Wayne** sang a song about screwing every girl in the world while pre-teens (including his daughter) danced on stage. Reason #293489 for why I stopped watching Black Entertainment Television. Personally that description is a misnomer. It would be best to update their acronym:

Bleak Embarrassing Train-wreck

Bungled Egregious Television

Blemished Enervated and Tainted

Bag o'Excrement Television

Brain Erasing Tool

Buffoonery Exposed Today

Bulk Expendable Trash

Blacks Eschewing Themselves

Broadcasting Execrable Things

BET is like a cockroach. You just want it to die.

**Despite my intense disliking for that fiasco I wonder how Lil Wayne's views of women and sexuality were formed.

I was also extremely bothered by all the fools in the audience blindly singing along...Wasn't anybody present offended?

The King Of Pop

2009-06-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Surreal.

Brain Snippets

2009-06-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

*Black Entertainment Television is still on the air? Hmph, imagine that. I didn't know.

*I just read that CNN is doing a Black in America 2 segment. I wasn't so interested until I read that they are looking for an African immigrant's perspective on being black in America or if they even identify. That would be worth watching. I have heard so many varying opinions on that topic.

France considers a ban on burkas...

2009-06-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Taken from an article on CNN.

"The problem of the burka is not a religious problem. This is an issue of a woman's freedom and dignity. This is not a religious symbol. It is a sign of subservience; it is a sign of lowering. I want to say solemnly, the burka is not welcome in France," Sarkozy told lawmakers.

But by banning the burka isn't that taking away a woman's freedom of choice as to whether or not to wear it?

Chris Brown will serve 5 years of probation...

2009-06-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

Whoopdee doo...Apparently that's standard. I am really hoping that one year of domestic violence counseling class will do something. I wonder if that is his first time laying his hands on someone? I also hope Rihanna will get counseling to make sure she doesn't wind up with someone else like that.

Dribble, shoot and score one for Kuwait.

2009-06-03T00:39:00.000-07:00

Afro-chan would like to send a big, “Congratulations”** to the four women who were elected into the Kuwait Parliament on May 17th. This is a first for the country. Sixteen women ran for parliament seats. The winners include:

Massouma Al Mubarak(pictured) – She became Kuwait’s first female minister in 2005

Salwa Al Jassar – Professor of Education

Dr. Aseel Awadi, PhD –Professor of Philosophy

Rola Dashti – Economist

Keep in mind that in 2005 women were first given the right to run and vote in elections. Women are doing big things around the world. Let’s celebrate.

* *Part of me would also like to extend a big, “middle finger” to the groups who asked that no one vote for women in the elections but I will refrain from doing so. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs.

Let The Ignorance Begin

2009-05-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Newt Gingrich wrote on his blog.

Imagine a judicial nominee said "my experience as a white man makes me better than a latina woman" Wouldn't they have to withdraw? New racism is no better than old racism. / A white man racist nominee would be forced to withdraw. Latina woman racist should also withdraw.

Is he serious?
This is in reference to a quote found in a lecture U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor gave in 2001 at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Did Mr. Gingrich even read the quotes or is he responding to what he heard? Judge Sotomayor said:

“Second, I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.”

Let’s examine this quote alone and look at Mr. Gingrich’s statement. Where is the racist statement? Would someone please explain it to me? He contrasts her statement (notice how he put it in quotes) by reversing Latina for white man and white man for Latina woman. Nowhere did Judge Sotomayor say she is better than a white man. She said she hopes her experiences would reach a better conclusion than a white male “who hasn’t lived that life”. That life she refers to is the life of a latina woman.

Judge Sotomayor points out earlier in her speech a conversation she had with Judge Miriam Cederbaum, a former colleague in which she argues; because of women and minorities, paternalistic laws were challenged and overturned. She then cites examples such as desegregation and women's rights. She states that Justice Thurgood Marshall argued during Brown vs. Board of Education and Justice Ruth Ginsburg had a strong voice in ”convincing the Court that equality of work required equality in terms and conditions of employment,” although she doesn’t she deny that someone can emphasize with those who may have had different lives.

…we should not be so myopic as to believe that others of different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding the values and needs of people from a different group. Many are so capable.

Simply put, Judge Sotomayor believes that diverse backgrounds within the court system will better serve a diverse nation. Sometimes people with different backgrounds and ideas may raise questions that would never occur to someone who has not been exposed to certain experiences. Isn’t it a judge’s job to get the full story before making a decision? There is no racism in that. To read Judge Sonia Sotomayor's speech transcription please visit here.

I will end this post with GOAL III of the American Bar Association

ELIMINATE BIAS AND ENHANCE DIVERSITY.
Objectives:

1. Promote full and equal participation in the association, our profession, and the justice system by all persons.
2. Eliminate bias in the legal profession and the justice system.

Sonia Sotomayor

2009-05-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

President Barack Hussein Obama has announced his nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. I am doing little more research on her because I am only mildly familiar with a few of her past rulings. Apparently George W. Bush also considered her for a U.S. Supreme Court pick as well. Given that, I wonder if he will speak out in her favor. I wonder how the Republicans will present their filibuster.

Some Biographical Information

This information comes from the UNITED STATES COURT of APPEALS for the SECOND CIRCUIT website.

1976
Princeton Graduate Summa Cum Laude
Went on to graduate from Yale Law School

1979
Assistant District Attorney in New York County

1984
First judicial appointment
Associate and later partner with the law firm of Pavia & Harcourt
Focus: intellectual property issues, international litigation, arbitration of commercial and commodity export trading cases

October 2, 1992
United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York

October 7, 1998
Commissioned United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Honorary Doctor of Law Degrees
1999- Herbert H. Lehman College
2001- Princeton University and Brooklyn Law School
2003 - Pace University School of Law
2006 - Hofstra University

Memberships/Affiliations
American Bar Association,
New York City Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association,
Hispanic National Bar Association,
Puerto Rican Bar Association
Association of Judges of Hispanic Heritage
National Association of Women Judges
American Philosophical Society

An Open Letter...

2009-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

To Whomever This Applies:

You packed up all your things and moved to a foreign land. For that, you should be commended. The most important thing in life is to try new things. For leaving your comfort zone, you should be commended. You gave it the 'good old college try' but, unfortunately you are not cut out for this life. Time to pack it in and go home. Please just leave before you damage relations further between your host and home country.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen

Supreme Court-This will be interesting

2009-05-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

Justice David Souter plans to retire from the Supreme Court at the end of his term. Who will replace him? I have no idea...let's wait and see. President Obama's term is already an exciting one.

CNN has sunk to new lows...again

2009-05-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching a segment on CNN discussing President Obama's "swagga'". Paging Dr. Kevorkian...Could you squeeze me in this afternoon?

Sometimes I wonder why I even check CNN. Wasn't it a much better news source years ago or was it because I was 10 years old and didn't know better? I would expect this on MTV but the news?

ATTENTION: Black Elections to be held in the coming months

2009-04-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

I just received this message in my inbox from the media. Please pass this on to everyone you know.

Dear Black People,

It seems that the (media appointed so-called) black leader Jesse Jackson will be traveling to Iran in hopes of persuading the government to free journalist Roxana Saberi. If you have been reading up on her story, she is the woman who was accused of working as spy for the US government. She was recently sentenced to 8 years in prison.

This of course brings up an important matter: If Jesse Jackson takes on the role of organizing the release of Saberi who will fill his role as the media’s “black leader” in his absence? We need someone the media can quote for the universal black opinion. Therefore, an emergency black election for the new black leader will take place. We, The Media have compiled a list of candidates. The candidates were selected based on their ability [to inflame Republicans, embarrass POCs and not represent anything we aren’t able to fit into a category] as leaders and role models in the black community.

THE BALLOT:

Reverend Al Sharpton
Reverend Jeremiah Wright
Tyler Perry
Chris Brown
The Jena 6

The black elections will take place in their usual place. Election dates will follow.

Signed,

The “Always Objective” Media

Correct me if I'm wrong...

2009-03-17T21:53:00.001-07:00

Let's stay Person A is riding a bike on a medium sized street. She comes upon a cross street with no traffic lights nor stop sign. Instead there is a white line where the car is supposed to stop. Let's say she comes to a rolling stop and then proceeds along cautiously. As she proceeds along cautiously Person B in a car practically comes flying out of that small cross street and doesn't even stop at the white line. Person B then almost hits Person A with his car. Person B then proceeds to frown and make the ugly face at Person A. Shouldn't that be the other way around? I'm just wondering.

Thoughts on Michael Steele

2009-03-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Thought #1
Whenever Michael Steele uses phrases like "bling bling", "off the hook" and "hip hop makeover" I have flashbacks of being twelve years old again while my parents are trying really hard to sound cool in front of my friends. They used phrases like "chill" and "diss" which did nothing but embarrass me. Mr. Steele sounds like the parent/teacher/pastor desperately trying to be cool for young people but succeeding only in being cringe-worthy.

Thought #2
Judging by the content of Michael Steele's speeches it sounds like his target audience is not even old enough to vote.

Thought #3
In order to attract young POC voters Michael Steele should try avoiding the stereotypes. I hate it when people begin using lots of slang or affecting some kind of broken English when they speak to me as a way to relate. Having brown skin doesn't make it acceptable for him to do that.

Guilty Feeling #1...Discrimination can be a good thing.

2009-03-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Here in my foreign home away from home I often meet expatriates who are discriminated against socially and institutionally for the first time. Sometimes I feel good when it happens to certain people; the people who just don't get discrimination in my home country and say that victims, "just need to get over it". Oftentimes they have a revelation of sorts. I can say to them, "It doesn't feel so good does it? Imagine dealing with that for a vast majority of your life, over and over and over again." It's like a light goes on in their heads. Oftentimes they think more before they speak/act.

Animals Want To Be Beautiful, Too

2009-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

I ran across an article the other day on BBC Mundo called “Pelucas Para Perros (Wigs for Dogs.)” This was so funny I thought it would be great to send it to my sister who has two cats. I suggested they should do the same for felines. Lo and behold in my inbox today was her reply. It had a link for www.kittywigs.com .

I have seen it all. Okay, now I really would like to see a cat (and not a trained show cat) wear a wig on its own free accord. I have had several cats and not one of them would stand a wig on their head. Maybe my last cat Sheba would have tolerated it, but that’s only because she was semi-immobilized due to kidney failure. Shaking the thing off would have caused her too much discomfort.

But why stop with the wig? Here are some other suggestions to enhance the beauty of the animal species.

Peacock extensions. Tired of the same old green/blue/gold feathering. Be the first to strut pink, fire engine red or bling out with silver. Extensions come in straight, afro hair or Spanish wavy.

Bald Eagle Wigs. What is more majestic than a bald eagle? A bald eagle with a mullet! All hair will be donated by pure Afghan Hounds and dyed to a color that suits you.

Ape Facelifts. Help the orangutans keep a more youthful and less sour face appearance.

Teet implants. Who doesn’t like a big fat chicken breast?!!!

Tail piercing. No more lost tags. Try something more permanent! Leave a lasting impression every time you exit a room. Materials include, real gold, silver and even platinum. Diamond studs are at an extra charge.

Cosmetic testicle replacement. They don’t function which still eradicates spraying and that awful smell. The benefit for domesticated animals is: They no longer have to be embarrassed when encountering those tough strays. Cojones are available in small, medium, large and grande.

Botox for Sharpeis. Compete with the Bulldogs!

Rodent Penis Enlargement. Did you know that in the animal kingdom rodents have the smallest penises of all? Not anymore! With one surgical procedure even the common shrew can compete with the African Bull Elephant. Recipients will receive a custom-made cart free of charge to help carry their new package.

Grizzly Bear Grills- Bite down in style. Blood washes off easily.

Snake legwarmers-Now you no longer have to get dirty slithering on the ground. Stay clean and keep your blood warm at the same time.

Cockroach Semi-Permanent Teflon Coating. Next time you run into a kitchen scream out, “Stomp on this!” Out motto is: Don’t die, just multiply.

Mole lasik eye surgery. Burrowing is for suckers. Everyone needs to get out and see the world.

Just think if animals were more attractive they would mate more, thus saving species from becoming endangered.

This is even worse than freedom fries...

2009-02-05T02:52:00.000-08:00

Berlusconi's cronies, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, is seeking to ban foreign foods [see link below]. This is about preserving Italian traditions and cultures they claim:

Filippo Candelise, a Lucca councillor, said: “To accuse us of racism is outrageous. All we are doing is protecting the culinary patrimony of the town.”

Massimo Di Grazia, the city spokesman, said that the ban was intended to improve the image of the city and to protect Tuscan products. “It targets McDonald’s as much as kebab restaurants,” he added.

The city spokesman later claims that French Restaurants are excluded from the ban (raising eyebrow). This claim is pointless because McDonalds is McDonalds and kebab restaurants are kebab restaurants. How is a place with a sign reading "Chinese Food" even encroaching on Italian culture? Who will eat there and later say, "I had some good Italian food at the Chinese place!"

But let's be honest, is this really about food? It is amazing what lengths xenophobes go to in this world. As the economy worsens, more and more people will be looking for scapegoats. I hope and pray people have enough since to reject blanket stereotypes.

Even though Italy has its first black member of Parliament I still worry. Residents are taking it upon themselves to attack random immigrants if one commits a crime.

** Full Article

Let The Games Begin

2009-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Michael Steele has been elected the first black chairman of the RNC . The Republican party is not playing. This is going to be interesting.

President Obama Speaks

2009-01-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

President Barack Hussein Obama's Inaugural Speech

2009-01-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Don't Miss

* Video coverage of Obama's inauguration
* Monumental expectations for Obama's address

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Inauguration Time!!!

2009-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

Okay, I am just as excited as everyone else to celebrate the inauguration. I will summarize the feeling by using keywords found in articles describing this event:
- historic
- monumental
- record-breaking
- like never before
- massive
- lavish
- secure

Despite feeling all of those things I opted to stay in. Here is why:

My top 10 reasons for staying home during the election.

10. I wouldn't get back in time for work.
9. Plane tickets from Japan are expensive
8. They're called CNN, MSNBC, Facebook, C-Span, C-Net (to name a few).
7. Stampedes
6. My sister will probably call me by cell and give a play by play.
5. I don't have tickets
4. It's too cold to stand outside for hours
3. Some idiot right wing extremist may try to make a name for himself
2. Drunk people
1. Portable toilets for millions of people...yuck

Kindness in hard times goes a long way

2008-12-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

The economic state of the world is shaky at best and with each passing day it seems less and less stable. Even in wealthier countries like the US and Japan many people are feeling the effects. As an expatriate I worry about my future and stability in a foreign country. Lack of family ties, language and cultural barriers are just a few of the many things that can hurt foreigners living abroad.

Countries tend to put their citizens and everyone else second. Japan is no different. Therefore foreigners must be prudent in their planning. As much as I enjoy living and working here I do realize that in this system foreigners are expendable. Fortunately I can easily move if necessary. This isn't the case for the many foreigners who came to Japan answering a call for more labor. Now that the economy is going down they are being let go from their jobs in droves. There is often little to no warning, no government aid or pension. Families don't have enough money to live and not enough money to move return to their home countries (even if they want to).

Times are rough. Let's look at why gestures of kindness are so important. Check out this article. A woman who owns an empty apartment building is allowing immigrants who have lost their homes to stay there. It is a violation of law to turn a business property into a domicile without obtaining a permit. However given the dire situation the government is looking at a way to skip the red tape and allow this (I was floored when I read that part). It is amazing what ordinary people can do for others. It doesn't solve the problems of unemployment but it sure makes things a lot easier. I hope the government comes through for those families.

An icon has passed

2008-12-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. Eartha Kitt died on Christmas day at the age of 81. I checked out her official website. She worked until the very end. She had bookings lined up through 2009. What an amazing woman. Check her out singing, "I Want To Be Evil".

All I want for Christmas

2008-12-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I have been a relatively good person this year. If you would be so kind as to honor my Christmas Wish List I would truly appreciate it. Most of the stuff is not for me so please don’t think I’m being greedy.

This year I would like:

1. child trafficking to cease and desist.
2. America to take advantage of the high gas prices by walking everywhere and getting in shape.
3. excess consumption to stop. We do need this planet.
4. a new job with a pay increase once my current contract is finished.
5. a vampire series that focuses on suspense and vampire/werewolf issues instead of teenage lust, angst and coming of age.
6. people to realize that killing in the name of God is a paradox.
7. a female rapper with serious skills to emerge on the scene and shake things up.
8. a Hollywood movie featuring "normal" looking people.
9. parents to tell their children “no” and mean it so that they can learn to deal with disappointment and not grow up into wimps.
10. Obama to make it through his first term without any major screw-ups.
11. a more toned bottom and thighs.
12. Al Sharpton to go "natural".
13. Mexican drug cartels to stop destroying their beautiful country.
14. the world to keep its hands off of Cuba.
15. AIDS to no longer be a threat.
16. Hollywood to stop re-making foreign films and write their own material.
17. musicians/artists to be promoted because of their talent rather than their "image".
18. to watch or read news that does not have day-to-day coverage of teen pop sensation latest meltdowns or celebrity break-ups.
19. people to not judge a whole nation by what their government does.
20. power in classrooms to be returned to the teachers.
21. everyone to do something nice for another person and expect nothing in return
22. Prop 8 overturned.
23. someone in a bad situation to get a break.
24. people to stop using the term “reverse discrimination”. No one group has the ignorant/stupid market cornered.
25. peace.

Thanks Santa. You’re the best.

Love,

Afro-chan

No really, it's just hair! (But I do love it.)

2008-12-18T03:35:00.000-08:00

So after work one of my favorite pastimes is checking out the site Racialicious.com. Many of the bloggers write stories that I can really relate to. Today's posting was titled, "Nappily Ever After? Not Quite..." It struck me as funny because just the other day a friend/co-worker of mine was checking out my hair when he suddenly asked, "Do you wash your hair?" The guy next to him had some sort of a jaw dropping, incredulous gasping spasm thing. Of course he quickly mumbled something about that "not coming out right" and restated his questions. What he meant was do I care for my own hair or do I see a stylist? His question was purely out of curiosity and alas, it was not the first time I have been asked that. Currently I live in a place where afros are definitely the minority. Even in my own country (USA) I have been the recipient of pure "strangeness".

Let me begin by saying no matter the meaning behind each question, inquiry or comment about my hair I jjavascript:void(0)ust don't get worked up about it. Humor works best. Life is too short. Let me share some of my favorite comments/conversations from over the years. I will break them down into categories based on who was making comments. Pour yourself a glass of wine and prepare to be amused, amazed, shocked, dismayed:

From men

Man: "Do you ever straighten your hair?"
Me: "During low humidity but I won't perm it. What about you?"

Man: "You are a conscience sister."
Me: "Um...okay. I guess so."

Man: "Your cute enough to do that."
Me: [makes the "hmmm" face and pretends to stroke a beard]

Man: "Time for a touch-up!"
Me: "Time for social etiquette 101."

Man: "Hey, Cleopatra."
Me: "Oh my god, where?!"

Man: "You are an African queen!"
Me: "Actually I'm American."

From Women

Woman: "You are brave!"
Me: [chuckles] Not really.

Woman: "How do you get your hair like that?"
Me: "I was born that way."

Woman: "You go girl!"
Me: [sheepishly raises a semi-clenched power fist and then scuttles away]

Woman: "I wish I had an afro!"
Me: Stop perming your hair.
Woman: "Whooo I CAN'T do that."

Older female relative: "It just looks so nice like that."
Me: "Thank you."

In General

Person: "Do you wash your hair?"
Me: "Yes, why? Is there something in it?"

Person: [random hair grab then squeal] "It's so soft!"
Me: "Well, yeah. You know those Halloween afro wigs just don't capture the true afro feel."

Person: "You should wear your hair like [insert black celebrity with loose corkscrew shaped curls]."
Me: "We don't have the same hair texture."

Person: "Your hair is natural but in Japan an afro hairstyle is the most expensive perm you can get."
Me: "Awesome."

Person: "You know...you have the nicest hair ever. I just love it."
Me: [enamored sigh] "Awww...sweetheart!"

Person: "You may have to change your hair to get a job."
Me: "Actually I have a job. Typically corporate stuff. You know, the usual."

From little kids

Kid: "It's like cotton candy!"
Me: "That is the nicest thing I have ever heard."

Kid: [grabs a stray piece and yanks it out of my head] "I got one! Yeah!"
Other kids: [running and attacking me] "No fair! I want one, too."
Me: "Help, somebody help me!"

India Arie sang, "I am not my hair..." It's true. I am more than my hair but it has become my signature, kind of like the mole I have on my eyebrow. People recognize me that way. You know what? I don't mind. Everyone assumes that I am making a political statement but that is not the case. There is no statement. It's just a hairstyle. Just like any kind of hair there are good days and bad days (meaning the days when it rains and shrinks up like cold testicles.) Just sit back and enjoy it.
Peace.

I am the proud new parent of a blog....

2008-12-18T03:28:00.001-08:00

I have written in journals, posted comments and such, but now I am thinking about publishing my own thoughts. Stay tuned...