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!!!
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