I am feeling some kind of way right now.  This video captures part of it..

My whole life it was just one way.  My hair was “hard to manage” so relaxing it (straightening perming chemically altering) was the only way.  Even when I took my braids out and my hair was long and wild I didn’t know how to handle it.  Me and almost every little black girl is told the same thing one way or another.  ”Going natural” is expensive and time consuming and hard and you will have so many more “ugly days” and you don’t even know how it will look or if that look will suit you and there is so much less to do with it…. and it runs on a loop in your head and all you want is to feel human. The hair that grows out of your head makes you less of something and people will call you nappy and liken your tresses to pubic hairs (happened to me) and it is hard enough being a girl without inviting that into your life.

Now I touch my hair and I cannot explain the feeling.  Like I feel unbound. Like that feeling you get when you are relieved of a great burden. Like when you learn the truth and the constant ticker of lies finally stops in your head. I can look in the mirror and see myself and no one else.  I can do everything. Thinking about it I almost want to cry over all the bullshit.

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/11/evolution-of-gay-men-on-tv.html

and laughed at the following cliches:

I’m gay and…

1. Super wealthy

2. I don’t like wearing shirts

3. White…but more importantly, tan.

4. scared of my strange new feelings!

5. I kind of want to piss off my parents with my gayness (desperate housewives).

6. You cant see me kissing until the 2000s.

7. I am super turned on by first touching another man’s neck and/or shoulders.  That is how we reproduce.

8. Shhhh. No one close to me knows!  If they found out they would look at me weird and be all like “wtf!?”

Of course this video does not represent all depictions of gay males on television but I would say it is a good cross section.  Of course this is not including any shows from thw Logo channel that are specifically marketed to LGBT peeps.  So these shows were all written for an assumed straight and closeminded audience (feel free to challenge my generalization).

I would like to discuss a few questions in relation to this video:

What came first, the stereotype or the media depiction?

What assumptions, reactions do you have to the depiction of “gay identity”? Do you think this even exists?

Better clips to consider?

Where the hell were all the black gay men!? What would those clips even be? Men on films?

Thoughts!?

http://www.thegrio.com/2009/09/is-there-really-a-racial.php

Personally I never cared for Myspace too much but there was a time (right before college) that I used it fairly regularly.  I do think that Facebook is somewhat elitist.  Remember when we were so excited to get our .edu emails so we can join? Was anyone else mad when FB opened to anyone with an email addy?

What are your thoughts?

What do you think this says about how various cultures want to use the internet?

(stretching) What do you think it days about the Digital Divide?

IDK whatever you have to say about it.

In addition to my comments below I would like to add that I came across this story that makes me feel a little better about this issue.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/20/romney.health.care/index.html

The article outlines a Healthcare reform plan Mitt Romney introduced in Massachusetts.  The article is boasting that the program is very popular and has resulted in nearly 100% coverage for the people of Massachusetts.  If this is true, I definitely want to know more about it.

My question is, why haven’t I?  I can only see lots of benefits for Republicans if plans like this were more center to the debate instead of something I happened to find on twitter (twitter makes my life better btw). 1. It would be an alternative plan that would prove that the GOP is working at it too. 2. It would thrust Mitt Romney, a conservative candidate, into an even better position to become a challenge to the Dems in 2012.

I think it is ciritcal that the GOP make it clear that they are not a purely oppositional party and that they can bring important legislation for everyone to the table.  Also, isn’t the GOP looking for a high profile candidate to help bring together the coalition?  Do they not want Mitt Romney to be that guy?

Am I missing something here?

I haven’t been brainwashed to only support democratic candidates.  If a republican can give me the sweet sweet political love I need I would be willing to cast my vote accordingly…. Right?

Thoughts?

Answers plz!

So I would like to suggest a constructive discussion about the topic that is leaving me awake at night a little scared…. Here are some clips that scare the shit out of me to set the mood…

If your haven’t seen this one, it is the Grand Daddy of crazy reactionist rhetoric that has literally brought tears to my eyes. Pat Buchanan on Rachel Maddow Show.  The part I want to focus on is where he explaims that white men deserve more America goodness because they are 100% of the people who made this country…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAiN3DBchFU

Next a clip that I’m sure you’ve seen because it has been on several news shows but just to refresh your memory…

Rush has also called Obama racist but it’s pretty much along the same lines…

Bear with me PLZ.

Pat Buchanan and Glen Beck, just like Rachel Maddow and Kieth Olbermann (to name some on the other side), have scores and scores of people who watch their shows and use their opinions to inform their own.  This happens in various degrees but there is no doubt in my mind that Pat Buchanan and Glen Beck represent a section of the American public that look to them to not only inform but to be their voice on a national stage.

I approach this issue trying my best to walk on eggshells.  Because I know honest, genuine, hard working people who would agree to a certain extent with Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Beck. However at the same time, I want those people to know that this makes me nervous.

Here is a clip of Rachel Maddow clearing up some of what Pat Buchanan said on her show….I think this clip is fair (let me know if you disagree)

Basically what I am concerned about is a widespread public belief/understanding of history that erases the contributions of everyone but white males in the building of this country. Like most things, if you repeat it enough it becomes true.  For example I am sure all of you have seen clips of angry people at town hall health care reform meetings who channel Beck’s comments and yell “I want my America back.”

Here come the questions:

What do you mean by “YOUR America”? (I mean this is as non snarky as possible) What is the “white culture” that Obama hates?  What do these comments really mean?

Is the “my America” and “white culture” that these people refer to only a few semantic shifts from white supremacy?

What will this outrage at the loss of the old America turn into?

Before you answer, here is how I am framing my thoughts on the situation:

http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2005/12/02/how-not-to-be-insane-when-accused-of-racism/

I learned a long time ago to never suggest in any serious manner that a friend of mine may be (shhh) racist (to their face). The backlash ranges from extreme embarrassment to very angry and friendship deteriorating hidden feelings.  I am uncomfortable even writing about it.  The article really does a way better job at it.  So keep it in mind.  Even if you find yoruselves sympathizing with the Glen Becks in the world, I would like to know your feelings.  Afterall, issues like Affirmative Action and Health Care Reform cut VERY close to the heart of many people.  I will not judge if you don’t. This is about discussion afterall.  (Also I’m pretty sure there should be an anonymous option if you should choose)

Just to reiterate general points:

WTF do you think of the idea of “post-racial” America? Does anyone believe that shizz?

What emotions do Buchanan’s and Beck’s arguments stir up?

What do you think about the editing of American History to upplay some people and downplay others?

Share a moment where you were accused of being racist/sexist/classist/other-ist? Thoughts?

Whatever other question you would like to answer/ask.

GO!

So I promised this first post a few days ago and I am just now getting to it. Deal with it.

Anywho, this discussion is going to involve RACE, GENDER, and REPUBLICANS! Oh My!

It begins with an article I read on the conservative “American Thinker Blog” about an incident that occurred between California Congresswoman Barbara Boxer and Black Chamber of Commerce head Harry Alford.  You can read the whole thing here : http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/07/why_democrats_win_why_republic.html

But here are the basics:

• Boxer and Alford disagree about some sort of energy/jobs issue (its unclear just from the clip)
• Boxer decides to try to persuade Alford by citing other black people who agree with her (NAACP, some group of black men from Atlanta ect.)
• Alford gets really angry because they essentially don’t have anything to do with him….besides being black.
• Boxer starts to retreat from her dumb assumption.
• Republican senator doesn’t really call her out on it.

Here is a link to the actual video as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FoekBjhtWE

Points I would like to discuss:
1. I’m not sure how to exactly feel about the “incident” between Boxer and Alford. Part of me thinks he overreacted a bit.  But what if I’m part of the problem!?
2. (referring more to the comments on the article) How do you feel about the charge that “republicans need to stop being nice”? My first reaction is fear because I thought they were being pretty mean all along…. (Um, not you Repub friends…)
3. (comments again) One commenter states that they feel Repubs should take on some traits from the “personalities” of Ann Coulter and Sarah Palin (i.e. tell it like it is take no prisoner type).  Aside from what I feel about these people, I think it is almost cool that those two figures, that at least these commentators seem to endorse as people to rejuvenate the party, are women.
What do you think? Is the Republican party (and/or it’s elected officials) being too nice about issues?  What about all of the “truth” that is not getting out there?  I know at least some of it has to exist.  How do we find out!?
What do you think of Ann Coulter and Sarah Palin (the latter more than the former obvi) as new blood for the Republican Party?  What feminist critiques can you see?
And of course any other issues you would like to bring up are welcome!

(*Like the title? As I was making this blog I was sitting right next to my copy of “Gender Trouble” by Judith Butler who of course took her title from “Female Trouble” directed by John Waters)

Love a dove love,
Amber-ambeezy-theresinator-youresohotiluvu