Friday, May 29, 2009

Girls, Barbies, Harlem



The title of this picture is "Girls, Barbies, Harlem" from 1970.

When I first saw it online at the New York Times, I went from feeling nostalgic to disgust. What are you thinking?

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Mean Girls



Although I loved the "Mean Girls" movie, its sad to know that this situation is starting to hit elementary and middle school kids harder. What happened to the days of playing the dozens?

Apparently, Mean Girls are getting younger and seriously dangerous. Watch the video below from CNN. This is just too incredibly sad.




Please visit the Government's website: http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
for more info on tips for bullying.

I wonder what happens to those children whose parents are simply too "busy" to ask their kids how their day at school went? Or better yet, what happens to those children who "act out" at school and parents never get to the bottom of their problems because they are single parents or working two jobs, etc.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Rehearsal



My cousins and I recently called ourselves having an indoor "Ladies Night." Getting all six of us together on the same weekend is tough! We are all twenty-somethings and have our own lives to work out. However, on rare occassions we have opportunities for nights like this particular night. Just as when we were teenagers, the topic of our discussions surrounded men and women in relationships.

My eldest cousin in the house got pretty furious during our discussion. She said she is tired of "the rehearsal." She went on to equate relationships to any sport or hobby. She talked about the struggles of sharpening technique, building skills and finding the "right" players for the team. I began thinking about all the time women invest into their "crafts," which can vary with each woman. Some of us spend time preparing by getting our careers, finances, spiritual well being, etc together. While others want to make sure they know how to hold down the homefront with cooking and running a household. No matter your position, women of color in their 20s are usually preparing and not getting married or into really serious relationships until late 20s/early 30s. With all that said, it can be exhausting to put so much effort into the rehearsal. We spend so much time preparing for the big dance or the big show, and we forget to dance!

When she shared her perspective, I thought about the movie "Center Stage" and the ballerina lifestyle. I cannot even begin to imagine all the time, money, and patience put into building their talent. The shoes, the scuffed up toes, issues with weight, the classes, expectations,performance mistakes and anxiety, and the really "important" recitals. All of these things are expected and its no different for relationships. Everyone is waiting for the main event also known as the wedding. But people rarely think about what happens after the show or the wedding. Some women just want the title: Principal Ballerina. Wife.

Its exhausting. I finally told her...just dance.

If you focus on your dance, the magnitude of the event or who will or will not be there will not matter. Why? Because if you've done what you were supposed to do, the "right" player will not be able to take his eyes off of you. Your presence, style, technique, and talent would be hard to miss.

And if you are passed over, it was not meant for you. NEXT!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Idiocracy Looks Backwards

While at work today I stumbled into one of the most ridiculous conversations I have ever had the unfortunate experience of witnessing. First let me say that, I can understand why someone might not be happy that Obama is president or someone may have chosen not to vote for him last November. All ignorant reasons aside (racism, bigotry, etc) perhaps they are a die hard republican, they don't agree with his views, or they just felt the other guy would do a better job. Regardless of my point of view on the matter, all of these points are valid matters of opinion. After all, you can't know what the future holds. Being weary of the future is one thing, but wanting to go back is a completely different issue.

In this ghastly conversation someone actually said that they longed for the days of Bush? Bush! As in George W. Bush himself. The man, the confusion, the awesome SNL tag lines. I was so dumbfounded I actually asked the individual to repeat himself just to make sure my ears were not playing tricks on me He did and I stood there. It felt like time stood still as he regaled us with his backwards logic. There was talk about Bush caring more about our economy and doing more to fix our foreign relations issues. There was also mention of Bush coming to Africa's rescue and during the Bush administration gas prices were lower. I have never been in so much shock about anything in all of my days.

How, pray tell, does this even come out of someones mouth? That is like longing for leg warmers, acid wash jeans, and that perm you got in 1984 to return after wearing tall boots, boot cut jeans, and a layered bob- you've already seen it in retrospect so you know it's a bad idea. If I even thought it, I would be afraid of saying it if only because my stupidity could show a clear lack of judgement and lead to a whole host of problems.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A Brief Introduction

I've known Ms Blake for the better part of a decade. I've always found her poised, but frank nature refreshing and even when we've disagreed I have always appreciated her insight. The Ebonic Muse is a great way to spread thoughts and opinions (popular and unpopular). I am happy to be a part of it.

I'm not going to bore you or give away all of my secrets by giving a biological rundown of my life. You know: age, race, height, favorite color, favorite food, sexual orientation, education, etc. You'll get to know more about me as I participate in this blog. What I can say is that you can expect me to offer a wide range of opinions from logical to borderline crazy and most definitely devil's advocate (I like to stir the pot). I believe in the free exchange of ideas and less about who's right and who's wrong. I'm also pretty sarcastic and that's hard to express in writing so I am going to make one blanket apology now in case my humor offends someone in an unintended way.

Let's have some fun!!

XOXO
~Nai