Tropic Thunder and The History of Blackface

more about “Tropic Thunder and The History of Bla…“, posted with vodpod

 

Surprisingly, I have heard a lot about the word “retarded” used throughout Tropic Thunder, but haven’t heard hardly anything about Robert Downey Jr.’s character being in blackface. Regardless of what others may think, I will be in the theater right after work (what do you mean, “You people?” What do you mean “You people?” .

The history of actors in blackface is an interesting topic, but it doesn’t signify today what it did 70 years ago. This podcast provides a general overview of blackface’s history, but so much more substance could have been provided. Check it out, and in case you consider heading to Blockbuster to rent some of the mentioned films, I recommend only watching Birth of a Nation if you’re looking to critique ignorance.

Obama and Reparations

A recent article in USA Today highlights Sen. Barak Obama’s stance against reparations.

 

Although I was a little upset that the Federal Government was able to provide tax rebates to all taxpayers while the reparations issue still went unaddressed, I have to somewhat side with Barak Obama.  Reparations are not the answer.  We differ however, in the aspect of instead improving schools, health care, and the economy for all.  That money is best spent in the areas that are largely populated by African Americans to ensure that we get the bulk of the money intended to level the playing field.  If a check were to be distributed to all descendents of slaves for let’s say $5,000, it would help, but it would in no way compensate for the pain placed upon enslaved Africans and its residual effects on society and the African-American community specifically.

 

Hopefully, once Obama is elected, he will tweak his plans to compensate our Nation’s descendents of enslaved Africans.  (This issue will be brought up when I make my next donation.) 

Let Fashion Be Your Guide

I am really excited to get my hands on the latest issue of Vogue Italia— regardless of whether I will actually understand any of the text.  Many people are already aware that this issue features all Black models acknowledging that Black models are too often discriminated against in the fashion industry.  After reading MSNBC’s article discussing the edition, which stressed the importance of more Black people working in fashion to help change the face of the industry, it tied back to another article I read in the Express this morning about breaking into the fashion industry, specifically from a DC perspective.

 

I know several people who are serious fashionistas and fashionistos who chose not to pursue a career in fashion for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they feared it was too competitive.

 

The most important thing I pulled from these two articles was best stated in a quote I found in the Express, “Don’t talk yourself out of it. You don’t need a business or a fashion degree,’ says Parkerson. Her sentiment rings true in her store’s motto: ‘It’s never too late to change.”  Too often, we grow up, reality hits us, and we forget that dreams can come true.  I used to think the key to success was belief, but after not believing in many of the things I have accomplished, I have learned that what is most important is not giving up. 

 

I am also guilty of giving up on one, two… or ten dreams, but today I have been reminded that you can’t fail if you don’t give up, so if you want something go after it and don’t stop ‘til it’s yours!

Obama’s Cover of The New Yorker Magazine

I mean, really, granted the cover is not funny, but it really isn’t worth all the media attention that it is receiving either.  Rumors of Obama have been circulating for months that claimed he had Muslim ties.  Anyone with half a brain knows that they’re false.

 

 

It all goes back to a media theory known as “Third-Person Effect.”  (You should look it up; very interesting stuff.)  Everyone wants to believe that they’re somehow smarter than the average person, and no else could possibly see through The New Yorker’s mastermind scheme to keep Obama out of the oval office. 

 

 

People relax.  I hardly think this magazine cover is going to sway any voters to see Obama in a new light, but if anything, it should make people realize how silly all these rumors are in the first place.