file this under hell in a handbasket

so i'm starting a new "series" so to speak. cause i often come across such nonsense, schenanigans, and general foolywang material (c) ybf and as rum punch knows, my response is usually hell in a handbasket. hence a virtual drawer in my corner of the view from here file cabinet called "Hell in a Handbasket" meaning that whatever follows is just so crazy, so ri-damn-diculous that those engaged in the activity are surely on their way....

exhibit A: why lawd why! hat tip to sandrarose for the inspiration. i mean really do kids have nothing better to do after school. and don't tell me they are expressing their creativity through interpretive dance. booo double booo.

*warning* some would consider this NSFW altho no clothes come off...

---> video removed by poster for fear of lawsuit<---

at least she had the good sense to say cut after almost 3 minutes of pure D craziness...

earn your keep, vol i

Two nights ago, I watched the television debut of the broadway cast of Raisin in the Sun (2004), featuring Phylicia Rashad (Mrs. Claire Huxtable ala Cosby Show), Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball), and Sean P. “Diddy” Combs. Now granted, I missed the first hour of the show, but I’ve seen the classic production with Sidney Poitier -- so I didn't skip a beat -- What struck me the most about the film is Diddy’s manifestation of the soul of the young, troubled black man that we see in every city today as Walter Lee’s character. I could identify with Diddy’s portrayal of Walter Lee, ‘cuz I see the knuckleheads on the corner, at the metro station, around the way. . . Now, don’t get me wrong-- Bellini has witnessed the same arrogance in sistas, too.
So, for the ones not playing their part – this post is all about YOU. . .

If you’re familiar with the playwright, Lorraine Hansberry – she wrote the script for the original screenplay – then you already know that Walter Lee thinks he is owed something. From who? It is unclear. But why? That is unclear too. The answer to that question rests with the audience. Diddy embodied all the swagger coupled with ignorance that typifies our young generation. Why did Walter Lee feel entitled to the money that his Daddy earned to make a better way for his family. Daddy tolled hours from dawn until dusk for 40 years – Walter Lee couldn’t identify with that work ethic – so why the hell did he think he was owed the money? (if ya got answers – enlighten me, ‘cuz Bellini needs to know)

Now, to top of the arrogance and ignorance embodied in Walter Lee, who wouldn’t have been who he was without stupidity. Just a damn dummy! Searching for the pot ol’ gold and just gives it to the damn leprechaun! Who are you Walter Lee? (Mrs. Younger had to give him the quick history lesson and inform him of the proud people they come from) And how dare you – diminish your Daddy’s legacy in that fashion. Ahhh. . . but Daddy didn’t leave the money to Walter Lee – he gave it to his wife . So, what’s your story ….?

Now, I know you love your son and I also know he wasn’t filling the shoes of manhood just right. So, you give him the money as a bait -- an act of goodwill and to demonstrate your trust in the man of the household but Walter Lee didn’t earn that money – Daddy did. Now, I’m not going Daniel Patrick Moynihan on Mrs. Younger by no means – Senator Moynihan didn’t know shit about black folks or the black women to lay sole blame at her feet – but that is a topic for another day. . .

And perhaps, this is the problem with us black folks. A lot of us were given shit for no reason. Maybe ‘cuz our parents made it and so they shared their blessings with the children.
But how are the children to make it – if the parents are giving shit for free?
In this world, and day, and time -- you have got to earn your keep.

This discussion is far from over, so stay tuned for part deux. . .


cheers,

Bellini

I Hear Ya, Stevie!

Today, as I was navigating through the Metro system to get to the good old job I heard the lovely musings of some youth…

"You a stupid MothaF-cka! You know that?! You’s a stupid, ugly Motha f-cka!"

"So, you ain’t S—t! B-tch!"

Oh it was a great way to start my day ya’ll. I was so proud of them!

First of all I’m already pissed that there aren’t any more three day weekends until Memorial Day (though I will be taking my Easter Monday). But I just wasn’t trying to hear that sh-t first thing in the morning before I would have to deal with the Motha Fcukas in my office.

Now I will be the first to admit, I am a reformed and still recovering Cussaholic. I spoke real bad in college. There, in the hallowed halls of academia, reading the great literary works of the decades, exposing myself to big words galore-my signature phrase was F-ckin’ A! It worked to describe the taste of food, the behavior of friends and foes, and I just used it to express general exasperation. I wasn’t raised to cuss people out, I can count the number of times I’ve heard my parents cuss and still have fingers to spare. But sometimes its just easier to tell someone F-ck You! Than to say that you'd sincerely consider their point of view.

But really this isn’t a criticism towards people who cuss. Even though I is saved, sanctified and dated a minister (brushes off halo) when folks get on my nerves I ain’t praying for them! Well, not at first anyways, it’s more like wishing them on a one way journey to someplace nice and hot. Stub a toe on some furniture? Excited that your song came on the radio? Hey, sometimes those warrant a choice four letter word of exclamation! Sh------t! (c) Clay Davis, The Wire.

But my issue is with cussing in public. Doing it loudly. Doing it in front of white folks-allowing them to view it as typical Black folk’s behavior...so when articulate Black people show up on the scene they are shocked that we know how to speak well. And I fear that we are doing it because we don’t know the vocabulary. We think we’re keeping it real, fitting in, being cute or strongly getting our point across…

Rum Punch will be the first to tell you that I don't love the following song. I mean, I came to expect more from the man who brought us Superstition and Living for the City. Surely when he wrote this he was thinking of the F-word that came to my mind when I first heard this song...



But then I thought that had he kept it "real" would the words that compose these lyrics be as poignant? Wouldn't folks have been caught up in the fact that Stevie was dropping the F-word? And at his age? He should know better too! I don't know. But there are times when we ought to censor some of the things we say so people can finally hear us speak...

See You In Seven

Say It Loud!

Happy Monday to you all. Your girl is not feeling well... I have quite a storm brewing within. Ain't got much to give today.

In honor of the last Monday of "Black History Month", here is Brother J.B. with a timeless anthem:





Tumultuously Yours,
Dark & Stormy

40 Acres and Some Jewels

I love watching PBS’s Antiques Roadshow. I started watching in undergrad when I lived in the dorm without cable. Saturday mornings were filled with this guy and the antiques roadshow.

So if you’ve never seen the show, here’s a re-cap: people bring what they believe are valuable antiques to be appraised by experts. Sometimes they are pleasantly surprised when they find out they have a treasure. Sometimes they come on the show looking like they are up to their eyeballs in debt and someone said, “hey, let’s take this old lamp to the roadshow that’s comin to town and see how much it’s worth.” Oh they look so sad when they learn the truth: it ain’t worth much.

So basically people acquire their “antiques” two ways. One: They happened to be at someone’s antique store, thrift shop or yard sale and they picked up this curious item at a low, low price. Two: The item has been in the family for generations, something great, great, great ancestor brought with them from the old country or from a foreign trip to the Far East or some other place that seemed exotic in 1722; and the item has been passed on from generation to generation, sometimes with the history or even historical documents accompanying the treasure. Oh the things that people have brought to this show! Jewelry from the original Cartier in France, pottery from the Ming dynasty, art work from renowned painters…

Yeah, so I watch this show and I love this show but it also makes me mad. Why? Cause I never see any Black people on there. That’s right, we don’t have “antiques”. Slavery anyone? We (and obviously I’m making generalizations here) don’t have shit passed from generation to generation since 1762. Except maybe some soul food recipes, grandmama’s thighs and a serious pathology we’re still trying to overcome to this day. All we get passed down to us from our folk is oral history (valuable I know). And now we’re barely getting that. And all we got from our white ancestors was straight hair and lighter skin. And if we do have anything, it’s a kettle that our ancestor cooked on for massa or something massa gave his help after 40 years of service.


Sigh. Yet another reason for reparations. Raises fist in the air and shakes it!

I know that life isn’t fair. I know that we carry a heavy load. I know that I’m stating the obvious by pointing out that slavery left us at a disadvantage (in more serious areas than not having antiques). Besides me hating that slavery robbed us from the possibility of so much and that no one wants to talk about it. Oh just sweep that slavery thing under the rug. Didn’t it happen sooo long ago? Nothing from back then affects y’all today… But like Amaretto & I were talking bout the other day, I hate that the treasures we do have may just be valuable in our community, like an original JET with photos of Emmitt Till's body (shout out to Dark & Stormy's mama) or the tin can of tobacco my mom has that belonged to her favorite uncle who fought in World War I, and provides sentimental value but we wouldn't dare try to take it on the antiques road show. So, we may have things of value, but would they be considered valuable to the mainstream? You know since they decide what's valuable. But that's a post for a whole 'nother day...I also hate that so many of us still don’t have the means to acquire antiques, to have things that are assets and appreciate in value. Sometimes I just look at all that we have and I smile. But then I look at all that we don’t have and I know that we still have such a long way to go.

So, I guess it’s up to me to make sure I get some antiques in the family. I’m thinking I could do this two ways: I could travel to some nice antique shops around the state and could slowly start my collection. Or I could do some research, find my white ancestors, knock on their door, and tell them to let me get one of them vases!

That’s my time y’all! Happy Rum Punch Friday!

subdividing the races

“There’s two different races, in that race,” explained James Rice, a white resident describing black people, as Mr. Fields affably worked voters at Jack’s. “You got some that don’t want to be nothing, and you got some that want to help. You don’t find too many like James Fields.”
--"Race Matters Less in Politics of South," N.Y. Times, February 21, 2008

it's amazing how one little quote in a New York times article can sum up race relations in America. Rum Punch talked about the idea of transcending race a while back and how difficult it is to really do that in this country. you know how white folks automatically put you in that first category Mr. Rice talks about, "don't want to be nothing" till they have an actual conversation with you and realize that you are a functioning human being who has achieved some shit.

but mint julep, tell me something i don't know....

well i can't really. cause Mr. Rice's (or white folks like him's) thoughts, you shoulda knew already. i know i live it and breathe it. it's like my default setting at first glance from a white person. young Black girl = uneducated, teenage mother, etc., etc. or administrative assistant in my office, or sales associate in macy's. but mint julep, you say, stop exaggerating, all whites don't think that when they see you...

uhhhh ok maybe not that exact picture but the default is always on the bad side cause i can see it in their eyes. i'm tall, i'm dark, and i have "those awful dreadlock thingys" in my head. and i love love love it when some nosey ass white person sits next to me on a plane and wants to chat me up, talkin bout where you headed, what you do, etc. and i drop that bomb on them. oh i'm a lawyer. booo-yow bitches!

but if you black in america and you suprised at Mr. Rice's statements, well you shouldn't be. if you Black in America and you're not mal-adjusted, go get mal-adjusted...find some mal-adjustment, it may save your life. (c) Mos Def. I bet Mr. Rice would be suprised at my views on white folks in America...

“There’s two different races, in that race,” explained Mint Julep, a Black resident describing white people, as Ms. White Woman affably tries to work voters in Texas. “You got some that are racist, whether it be concious or unconcious racism, because they happily benefit from or are unaware of their white privilege, and you got some that want to help non-whites, who they view as unable to help themselves, and in so doing they pat themselves on their nice liberal backs and feel superior. I don't really know if I care for either one.”
-- Mint Julep

Deja vu

November 07, 2000

The results are slowly coming in . . .

New York -- Albert Gore winner
Texas -- George Walker Bush winner
California -- Albert Gore winner
Tennessee -- George Walker Bush winner
Illinois -- Albert Gore winner
Arizona -- George Bush winner
New Mexico -- Albert Gore winner
Utah -- George Bush winner
Maryland -- Albert Gore winner
Florida -- Albert Gore ??? . . . George Walker Bush ???. . .

"CNN would like to report that Al Gore is the winner."

"Fox News reports that George Walker Bush has won the Sunshine state."

************* Albert Gore . .vs. . George Walker Bush ***************

popular vote --- 50,996,119 . . . . . . . 50,456,169
electoral vote --- 266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Damn!

Could it happen again?

The Democartic contest for the nomination could see the same scenario.
There is the popular vote and the vote by the superdelegate.

A superdelegate is a muckety-muck of the party (congressman, senators, party charimen, etc.) that casts their vote after the people have cast their own . . .

It's an elitist concept, the logic goes that the sophisticated had to curb the will of the people -- just in case the people get over themselves -- the elites can put them in check.

Barack Obama is winning the popular vote, the most states, but could fall short in the number of superdelegates needed; whereas Hillary Clinton can lose the popular vote, capture the least states, but win the most superdelegates, and continue on to the party's nomination.

things that make you go hmmmm. . .

So, what do you do if deja vu happens twice -- granted I'm not speaking of the national race.

DNC what do you do? What is your position? What are the implications of your decision for party members? Most importantly, how would such a scenario impact the general election? Howard Dean, Chariman of the DNC, claims we will have a nominee before the Denver Convetion. Dean, I'm not sure what leverage you have to make either one of them concede if the numbers are close.
Remember, history has each of their backs!

To Democrats:

If Barack is your candidate -- will you feel slighted if he isn't given the nomination due to superdelegates negating the vote of the people?

If Hillary is your candidate -- will you feel snubbed if superdelegates cast their vote for her, only for the DNC to intervene in the process?

Well, what will you do?

cheers,

Bellini