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Is There a Problem with Black Men in Hollywood?
I was watching the above episode of Oprah Winfrey some time ago (yes I know she has been off air for a minute now) and she had Dave Chapelle on as a guest in which he had some very insightful commentary. During his interview, it had me thinking: Chris Tucker – (5th Element) Martin Lawrence – (Big Momma’s House 1-3, and Martin sitcom) Wesley Snipes – (Too Wong Foo) Ving Rhames – (Holiday Heart, I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry, Pulp Fiction) Chris Rock – (CB4) Eddie Murphy – (Nutty professor, Norbit) Tyler Perry – (Madea) Miguel Nunez – (Juwanna Man, Life) Will Smith – (6 Degrees of Separation)…
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A Rant on Bad Sex, ‘Good’ Food, Race and Violence
Yes here I go thinking again, and I wanted to share my views on some things that have happened recently, things that are on the dome, and just random rants as well. Dress the part play the part As I’ve grown older the club scene for me has become relatively non-existent, with the exception if one of my fellow brothers has an event. Then I’ll attend and support/celebrate. Recently I went to an outing where there was no dress code and people acted like there was no conduct code as well (although I did enjoy the music). For one, I prefer getting a little snazzy when I go out, but…
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Hollywood’s White Saviors and the Negro Damsels in Distress
Before I begin, I would like you to take a look at many of the movies and shows that have been filmed over the years and I ask you, “What do they have in common”? As a matter of fact, lets take a very brief look at a few right now. ‘Conrack’ Filmed: 1974 Starring: Jon Voight, Antonio Vargas, Madge Sinclair Pat Conroy (Voight), an educator, is assigned to Yamacraw Island located off the coast of South Carolina to teach African-American students who are extremely poor, very illiterate and know nothing outside of the world they live in. He teaches them not only basic academic skills but about the ‘American’…
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Cultural Stereotypes in Media – Is This Jamaican Accent Phony, Funny or Offensive?
Jamaican me crazy. Over the last few days, there has been a lot of talk in the mainstream media (and social media outlets) surrounding a particular advertisement slated to air during the largest viewed sporting event in America – The Super Bowl. The 60 second ad spot is from German auto-manufacturer, Volkswagen, and features an office worker attempting to spread cheer to his fellow colleagues during what appears to be a very low morale day at the office. Seems innocent enough. Right? Well he speaks with a very thick and noticeable accent to which one might respond, “Nothing wrong with that. Lots of people have accents”. It’s a fake ‘Jamaican’ accent,…
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Is Reality TV the Reason We’re Losing our Values?
From (RHOA) Ratchet Housewives of America, to Lust & Hip Pop, to Jump shot Jump Offs -aka- Flagrant Foul Floozies, reality television has made its mark on modern day culture and it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. The aforementioned are just a few creative examples of countless shows that have surfaced over the years as networks continue to churn them out faster than you can say, “Gone with the wind fabulous”. Given the overwhelming popularity of the genre, there is no question that reality television continues to command our interests while dominating television airwaves. Now what do these shows have in common? Well, apart from the obvious…
