Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Should The N-Word Be Abolished?
Considering the fact that the N-word was created as a racially demeaning term used to marginalize an entire race of oppressed people, it is hard to understand why the word is still a fixture in urban discourse. The debate on whether or not the term should be informally abolished is still raging in America, though there is a general lack of consensus with regard to the sensitive issue. While the rules banning most if not all other races from using the term are clear, we are still unable to let go of the historically rooted profanity, turned term of endearment.
Recently, Jonathan E. McCoy, an 11 year old boy took a stance against use of the N-word. His smart, honest approach to criticizing the word's implementation in urban culture is among the most poignant ever offered by such a young orator. In his speech, McCoy states:
"Unfortunately this misinterpretation of our heritage has been perpetuated among our own race. Rather than obliterate this disrespectful term we have adapted it as a cultural phrase. You've heard it, “What's up my n-word?” Or maybe you've said it, “Get out my face n-word.”So why have we taken this word to use it in our everyday language to communicate to or about ourselves? Let me dispel the myth, as a people we are neither economically, politically, nor socially disenfranchised…..So I'm petitioning you to join me in deleting this word from our vocabulary as a people, as a nation and as a world."
While this young man is aware of the benefits of abolishing the N-word, other more public figures differ in opinion. There are scarcely any hip hop artists that omit the word "ni*ger" from their music, much less their personal vocabularies. Prominent rappers (who are also consequently our youth's role models) glorify its use, and encourage it regularly. Jay-Z, who is perhaps at the apex of hip hop fame, is one of the most vocal advocates of the N-word. In a recent interview with Fuse TV, the super star explained his views on the N-word when asked whether it was still appropriate to use the word ni*ger with someone like Barack Obama in office, Jay-Z responded:
"No i disagree with that, I think that what we did with the word ni*ger is turned it on its ear. We took the power out of the word because people give words power. If we eliminate the word ni*ger, i mean, its a great gesture. But i don't believe that's the answer to the problem. If we eliminate the word ni*ger it will be porch monkey. People give words power...Before [Barack Obama] was there, this word existed and we took that word and turned it on its ear and made it a term of endearment. Like 'this is my nigga, jigga my nigga.' We took the power away from that word...I think the larger problem is fixing that. Fixing racism at its core that's the only thing you can fix. You can't fix words."
While both are conscious of the fact that racism is the foundation upon which the N-word was built, their opinions of what it has been built into varies. Whats your view? Is the N-word just a derogatory remnant of the past, or have we as a people taken control of it and made it a positive term?
Should the N-word be abolished?
Here is the footage of Jay-Z's interview with Fuse. Check for the racism discussion around the 16 minute mark:
To see my photo gallery of the most infamous N-word supporters go here!!!
Want To Know What Dates With Celebs Are Like?
Ever wonder what it would be like to date a Celeb? Where would he take you? What would you do? How fab would it be? Well I sure have! Here is my speculation of what it would be like to date today's hottest celebrity men:
1.) Lil Wayne
Expect to go to Morton's Steakhouse because we all know how he likes to open 'em up and fillet Mignon! Perhaps a date with the pu**y monster is not such a bad idea...
2.) Jeremiah
Although this R&B star is sexy, I'm not entirely sure that a date with him is a good idea. If he is so cheap that for your birthday he wont even get you a real present (just some old birthday sex), then expect nothing better that Mickey D's on this date (didn't you see the video for I'm a star?).
3.) 50 Cent
This buff rapper will probably take you to the candy shop. Maybe Dylan's Candy Shop if you're in NYC. But be careful, because he WILL try to make you lick the lollipop too! Yikes!
4.) Drake
He will definitely try to be slick and take you on a group date with a few of his other "close male friends." Keep an eye on him though. We all saw the picture, Drake! We know that your head has a propensity for falling into other men's laps (side eye).
5.) Trey Songs
Trey has made it clear that he likes the money, cars and the clothes. Expect to be picked up in an exotic European whip, taken on a shopping spree and treated to a dinner at some fancy restaurant. But you can also expect to be bored to death by the dinner conversation, because he's only into talking money. He just wants to be successful.
6.) Chris Brown
This could be a fun date. Things should go okay. JUST DON'T PISS HIM OFF! Don't say i didn't warn you.
7.) Michael Vick
For this date, you will probably be visiting your local questionable Chinese restaurant. You know, dog meat is considered a delicacy in China.
8.) Martin Lawrence
Many women find this wacky actors sense of humor charming. If Martin is your cup of tea, the get your manners in check ladies. You are headed for a good home cooked meal at big mama's house!
9.) Lil Bow Wow
Two words, Chucky Cheese.
10.) P. Diddy
I anticipate that as soon as he goes to pay the check at whatever fab restaurant you dine at, the Feds will swoop down in a scene out of the movies and lock you up for dealing with that dirty money. That's if Kim and Cassie don't tag team your a** first.
11.) Jay-Z
WAKE UP LADIES. Beyonce says its too big, long and wide, and we all know what she really meant. She's not about to give that up. You are so not getting a date with Jay and his big "ego."
12.) Fabolous
Something tells me that the way this rap star spells his name (wrong) is indicative of how your date will be; faux fab. He might want to stunt and take you shopping. He'll say "go ahead baby, just throw it in the bag." At that point you will probably go crazy and try throwing entire racks into "the bag." Then as soon as you turn your back to try to stuff 22 pairs of Gucci shoe boxes into a single shopping bag, he will sneak right out the door because he's not into trickin. I'm just saying...it could happen like that. You never know.
13.) Soulja Boy
Beware! This date is only for the shameless and in-shape. Soulja Boy will take you to teen night at the local club, and have you doing silly dances ALL NIGHT LONG! And don't wear sunglasses! He might attack your face with a white out pen.
14.) Flo Rida
Dude, you're totally going to Dave and Busters to have a totally awesome time. Then maybe you will check out a gnarly Britney Spears concert. Anything mainstream, dude.
15.) Kanye West
My guess is, Kanye will take you any where you like. You will have amazing conversation about how fab your outfit is, and the new line of hand bags that just came out. Maybe you will gossip a little. But at the end of the night he will most likely hit you with an "I'm not that into girls you."
Perhaps dating a celeb is not all its cracked up to be, or it is. Care to speculate?
How Not To Wear Your Weave
Weaves, wigs and extensions are all double edged swords. On one hand, they can help you to look unbelievable fly. On the other, they can make you look like you are wearing a bird's nest on your head. Please, ladies, avoid much ridicule and humiliation by taking a few necessary precautions before you venture into the realm of supplementary hair. Here are a few things for you to consider, before you let some hairdresser convince you that you look like the next Beyoncé.
1) Are your tracks showing? Ladies, this is a cardinal offense against the weave gods. Do not let your tracks show! Either cover them up or put on a hat, because exposed tracks just eliminate the purpose of the entire weave.
2) Don't opt for the cheap stuff! There is a wide array of hair available to you at every price point. However, DON"T use that as an excuse to buy the cheapest half-plastic-half-horse concoction out there. Spend the extra money to get (at least) something that sprouted from another human; and then if you can, go for the better quality human hair.
3) Keep it natural looking. I don't care what type of Polish-Chinese-Indian-Cherokee you claim to be mixed with. Nobody can grow 5 pounds of 24 inch hair. No one. Don't try to jam 5 packs of hair on to your head. It will make you look like a furry lollipop.
4) If you are going to do a lacefront, or any wig for that matter, don't let it eat your forehead. Try to get one with a realistic hairline that is not 2 centimeters above your eyebrows. And avoid gluing a wig to your forehead. That just doesn't even sound right.
5) Keep your edges tight. It makes no sense to have a super kinky mini afro around your hairline, and then 16 inches of perfectly straight glorious locks flowing out of the middle of your head. And while you're at it, make sure your edges are the same color as your extensions. Black roots have no business with a blond weave.
6) You can't treat a weave like its your real hair because, well, its a weave. Don't get your weave and then think its your hair so you don't have to be as meticulous as you would have been without the extensions. Wrap your hair at night. Comb it. Tie it. Love it. Don't be fooled! Your hair may look like your own, but its still a product that needs to be taken care of and maintained.
7) Fake it 'til you make it. A huge part of the weave-allure is the fact that when done correctly, it will blend in with your own hair. So work it like its growing right out of your own scalp. Fling it, make it bounce a little when you walk, style it up and be fab with it. Rock your weave so hard that no one will ever suspect that came from the store!
Check my gallery to see some celebs demonstrating how NOT to rock your weave HERE!!!
Do West Indian Women Get A Bad Rap?
Many have chosen to single Rihanna out as hot headed, irrational, and Caribbean. But since when did "Caribbean" become an insult? Peruse the comments following stories related to the Chris/Rihanna beat-down and you're sure to find one, if not many, angry bloggers insulting Rihanna and attributing her actions to her West Indian nationality. Fine, people are going to blame the starlet for playing some part in the scandal. But why not separate the girl from the nationality before judging her? Rihanna might be West Indian, but are all West Indians like Rihanna? No.
In fact, it seems like people of Caribbean descent get a bad rap within the industry and in the media as well. Recently, one of Chris Brown's dancers made a viral video in which he called Rihanna a "West Indian slut." The problem is, a generalization like that goes beyond Rihanna and encompasses all West Indians. While this could be chalked up to a misuse of words, it seems like there is a negative connotation connected to people, and in particular women, who identify them selves as West Indian.
In a recent episode of the popular Bravo show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, cast-mate Lisa visits her mother who declares that she is West Indian. At that point Lisa comments on how "spicy" such women are. Yet another generalization, albeit not as severe as the previous with regard to Rihanna. Throughout the media it seems like such stereotypical opinions are the standard for this vibrant, diverse group of people. The West Indies is comprised of several independent island countries beginning near the southernmost tip of Florida and continuing to the coast of Venezuela. Considering this, it is strange that so many people from so many different countries are so often lumped together and pigeonholed.
So is this the standard? Do West Indian women really get a bad rap, or are these two instances isolated?
Your thoughts?
Rihanna's Top Throwback Hairstyles
Rihanna is quite the chameleon when it comes to her ever changing hairstyles.
Many times it seems like she draws inspiration from past celebrity icons and pop culture idols. Here is my compilation of Rihanna's top throwback hairstyles.
They say that history repeats itself, and in the case or Rhianna's hair, this is certainly true. If TMZ's comparison above doesn't convince you, then have a look at my gallery at
HELLO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Jay-Z: "I Believe In God, But Not Christians or Muslims"
Jay-Z went on Hot 97's Angie Martinez radio show to officially address rumors that he is a member of the super-secret Illuminati, and a “devil worshiper.”
He definitely did tackle the rumors head on, instead of dancing around the issues like these celebrities so often do. He also spoke candidly about his views on other religions (which he doesn't believe in). Check out his interesting perspective below:
“I don’t know where it started. I don’t know where it came from. I really think it’s really silly. For the record, I of course believe in God, but I believe in one God. If people must know my religious beliefs, I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think all that separates people. I think it’s one God. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell. But as far as God, of course I believe in God. Am I a part of some sect or cult? That sounds stupid to me. It’s like ignorant to even say, and umm… I guess that’ll be the last time I address that. It’s ignorant to me”
I can’t even get in a golf club in Palm Springs. I’m from Marcy Projects. Just think about that? People that control the world?
Do you believe that those sort of organizations exist?
I think there are cliques of friends that control things. I don’t if there is a devil worshipping sect. That’s a little Tom hanks. I believe there are cliques of people that control the world…but that’s just natural process. I’m sure Obama has his people and everything is good but as far as how far people are taking it…
So you don’t intentionally do this to put people in a frenzy?
I’m an entertainer at the end of the day. Maybe I’ll push your buttons but you know…
What do you think? Is Jigga really down with the devil?
For the rest of the interview and the audio, go to Rap Radar.
STYLE PROFILE: Swimwear Designer Johnny Vincent
Superstar Rihanna has been spotted vacationing in fabulous bathing suits by a brand new designer that you should definitely get to know.
Swimwear is one of the most frustrating clothing items to purchase. It is easy to feel like your options are ridiculously limited while browsing through rack after rack of the bikinis or one pieces that are distinguishable from each other only by their differing colors or patterns. True, swimsuits are meant to be minimal, but they all tend to look alike, and for the individualistic girl, a plain old bikini just isn't going to cut it.
Check out Rihanna's sombrero look in Mexico!
Enter Celeste Johnny, a new designer that is infiltrating the swim wear game one couture bikini at a time. Celeste's sexy design sensibility is transforming the way we look at the typical swim suits (ie, the "3 piece" bikini seen on a yachting Rihanna recently). If you are looking to crank up the temperature of your beach look this year, then Johnny's new swimwear line under the moniker "Johnny Vincent" is just the thing to help you keep it hot!
Take a look at her line HERE!
According to her website:
"In 2007 Celeste launched her first collection, “Paradise”. This collection paid tribute to the Hollywood of old with an explosion of glamour on the runway. With her eye for vibrant color, majestic fabrics and glamorous accessories she has made JOHNNY VINCENT the “must have” item for any woman’s summer collection.Get to know her fashionistas!
Since the launch of Paradise, Celeste has participated in fashion shows all over the world, landed the cover of NOIR magazine, a European publication launched this fall and now has her pieces available in St. Vincent (the island behind the name), Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, New York and in 2009 Barcelona.
With the launch of the “See You Watching” collection Celeste plans to have all eyes on JOHNNY VINCENT."
Ugg & Jimmy Choo To Collaborate
To our dismay, Ugg is set to smear the reputation of the impeccably fashionable house of Jimmy Choo with its oversize fur obnoxiousness.
According to Fashionista, the two mega-brands are set to collaborate on a set of boots ranging in price from $595 to $795. The collection should debut this fall, and will be sold in Jimmy Choo boutiques, Ugg stores, online, and select department stores.
While the Ugg brand will definitely benefit from the Jimmy Choo brilliance, the relationship appears to be extremely one-sided. It's smart to capitalize on the Ugg mania, but the high fashion shoe brand is nonetheless slumming it with this collabo. (Plus, Ugg-Choo sounds more like a sneeze than an all-weather uber-fab shoe hybrid.)
We are so not looking forward to the day when Jimmy and Ugg have a baby. Are you?
10 Reasons Why You Should Abandon Uggs
2010 Trend: How To Rock A Fierce Ponytail
V Mag Asks: Thick Or Thin Models, Which Do You Prefer?
A Fashionable Cause: Help For Haiti
By now we are all aware of the earthquakes that rocked Haiti recently, leaving the small island nation in complete turmoil. Well, fashionistas, here is another way for you all to lend a helping hand.
Kimora, Djimon & Baby Kenzo Cover Ebony
One of my favorite Hollywood families just posed for the February 2010 cover of Ebony Magazine.
The cover features Kimora, Djimon and their newest addition baby Kenzo.
In the issue she discusses her new life and family. She states:
Make sure you pick up this issue!
Check out the cover in its entirety here:
The cover features Kimora, Djimon and their newest addition baby Kenzo.
In the issue she discusses her new life and family. She states:
“I feel like my life has fallen into the right place in a great way. I’ve been very slow and deliberate, and I feel like it has paid off for me in ways that I could not have imagined.”
Make sure you pick up this issue!
Check out the cover in its entirety here:
PASS OR FAIL? Angela Simmons' Style
Angela Simmons is a budding style icon, although it seems she doesn't always put her best pump forward.
Its always nice to see a young black woman taking fashion chances and making statements with her wardrobe. But Angela's style certainly does occasionally come across as...weird. While shes killing the high fashion game, when she dips into the realm of Pastry, her look inevitably does a nose dive.
Our style verdict is that Angie is a true blue fashionista. She has her share of both hits and misses, but the fact that she continually surprises us with her choices makes her a definite stylista.
Take a look at my gallery of some of Angela's hits and misses HERE, then tell us what you think.
Still Prejudiced? Diddy's Vogue Shoot With White Model
Diddy is featured in an amazing photo spread for the newest issue of Vogue US.
The photo shoot paints a portrait of Diddy as the throwback debonair beau to supermodel Natalia Vodianova. Vogue's opulent style of pictorials is very much evident in these gorgeous photos. Diddy's choice of model, though, is sure to get some flack considering recent allegations that the mogul is prejudiced, and doesn't like black women at his events and in his campaigns.
Take a look at the two on the last train to Paris in my gallery at HELLO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Are Black Women Winning The Battle Of The Sexes?
For a long time it was an understood rule that men were to be the breadwinners in their marriages.
While men were expected to "marry down" in terms of finances, women were inversely expected to "marry up," by finding the man most likely and able to out-earn, and take care of them. This has been the status-quo in our society for quite some time, though it seems that the tide is turning.
According to ABC News, a new trend is emerging, whereby women are marrying down, and choosing husbands that are not their superior or even their equal in terms of financial earnings, education and career potential. A new study by the Pew Research Center shows that 1 out of 5 American women out-earn their husband and almost 1 in 3 is better educated.
The study uses mega-couple Jay-Z and Beyonce as its example. Jay-Z made an impressive 35 million last year, but still, Beyonce nearly tripled that figure, pulling in an estimated 87 million.
The study goes on to say that marriage as a whole is an institution on the decline, particularly among African-Americans. While 62% of them between the ages of 30 and 44 were married in 1970, only 33% had tied the knot in 2007. In this case, the link between success and marriage is much more pronounced. One opinion in the ABC segment suggested that since Black women are attaining college degrees, climbing the corporate ladder and owning businesses more than ever before, the "number of comparable mates is slim."
Its official, the home really is no longer the man's castle; increasingly, its hers too.
What's your opinion on this study?
To watch the ABC News segment go here.
Kelly Rowland and Jennifer Lopez made red carpet at Scott Barnes' "About Face" book launch party at Hotel Gansevoort in NYC last night.
Both ladies looked stunning in their LBDs (can you ever go wrong with a little black dress?). Simple is definitely a good look for Kelly while J Lo is the consummate diva in her cropped frock.
You decide, who rocked it better?
Kanye & Amber Kick Off Mens Fashion Week In Fur
Kanye West and his beau Amber Rose were spotted taking in the Paris Menswear shows today.
The pair were caught rocking head-to-toe fur ensembles that are sure to ruffle some feathers in the PETA offices. The folks over at Paris Vogue tweeted this candid of Kamber:
What do you think, is their fur fashion-statement faux fabulous?
These two aren't the first to get caught up in the fur frenzy. To check out a few other celebs rocking fur this winter GO LOOK AT MY GALLERIES AT HELLO BEAUTIFUL!
The pair were caught rocking head-to-toe fur ensembles that are sure to ruffle some feathers in the PETA offices. The folks over at Paris Vogue tweeted this candid of Kamber:
What do you think, is their fur fashion-statement faux fabulous?
These two aren't the first to get caught up in the fur frenzy. To check out a few other celebs rocking fur this winter GO LOOK AT MY GALLERIES AT HELLO BEAUTIFUL!
Kid Cudi + H&M Say "Real Men Wear Skirts"
While I always encourage experimentation in fashion, men in skirts just doesn't quite do it for us. Maybe someone should let H&M and Kid Cudi know that.
First Cudi was spotted proudly wearing a kilt at a Miami New Years Eve performance. Normally we would write this off as an eccentric show of fashion experimentation. High fashion designers have been showing skirts in their menswear collections since the dawning of the runway. Entertainers are dabbling more than even in the "artistic" pretenses of high fashion looks (hello Lady Gaga), and we were fine with filing the rapper away in that neat little file.
Now, however, it seems that the man-skirt is set to infiltrate mainstream society in a big way.
According to Shine, H&M has added pleated skirts to its Spring 2010 menswear collection. Yes. Knee length, pleated, skirts. We vote no.
The entire line seems to have a feminine flair to it. According to Shine,
The spring 2010 look book for mass retailer H&M has some very surprising pieces for men. Like fringe jackets, tie-dye scarves, harem pants, and, um, skirts, to name a few. Sure Marc Jacobs himself can pull off a skirt, but can you picture even the most fashionably daring men you know seeking out and wearing a skirt from H&M?So what do you think ladies; will you be buying your partner a skirt this Spring?
Take a look at the new line here and tell us what you think.
Hello, Beautiful...
Hey lovie doves!
I've been gone for a minute but I'm back with the jumpoff!
I went ahead and decided to follow my dreams, and the quest landed me in a deelux office building in the Manattan sky.
I'm writing for a company called Interactive One, the umbrella covering Black Planet, GIANT Magazine, HelloBeautiful.com, TV One etc. etc. etc.
...And, its fabulous.
So I got a J-O-B, and abandoned my B-L-O-G...
S.M.H.
But alas, I'm back. So lets get to love one another once again, shall we?
I've been gone for a minute but I'm back with the jumpoff!
I went ahead and decided to follow my dreams, and the quest landed me in a deelux office building in the Manattan sky.
I'm writing for a company called Interactive One, the umbrella covering Black Planet, GIANT Magazine, HelloBeautiful.com, TV One etc. etc. etc.
...And, its fabulous.
So I got a J-O-B, and abandoned my B-L-O-G...
S.M.H.
But alas, I'm back. So lets get to love one another once again, shall we?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)