Because it's too hot to post an original tonight - I'm going to repost.
In honor of the fact that Kanye West directed up and coming rapper's Drake "Best I Ever Had" video...
So you wanna be a video model OR Cutting Images: Stupid things that shouldn't bother me, but do
Videos.
By now I have grudgingly admitted their frivolity, sexism, racism, and colorism to boot. But once in a while I have come across a video for an artist or a song that I thought was so cute when I heard it, but when I saw the video...'Arggh, Say it Ain't So!"
Kanye West's second album, Late Registration, had the single "Gold Digger," a song that quickly became a #1 hit. I heard the song on the radio one day, I bobbed my head to the beat and laughed at the jokes and image that he presented. I still find the song to be high - larious.
So one day I stumbled upon the video. Put aside how the video presented the women in a sexy pin up pose, hyper sexualization is de riguer in music (otherwise known as things you tell yourself to be able to watch modern entertainment.)
Never mind the fact that a song about gold diggers only portrayed Black women (which plays into the stereotype of Black women being overly demanding and materialistic - Kanye's brown himself.)
What I did notice, and couldn't explain away, was how the models/video gold diggers looked.
They were beautiful. With hair to their shoulder blades or longer. Slim.
And they represented a wide diverse spectrum of fair skinned women. From a lovely tan to a rich caramel.
Now I am use to the, oh, let's say, 10:1 ratio in most Black videos that aren't totally populated by strippers (meaning the higher end videos.) For every one deep brown to black woman, there has to be at least 10 lighter to light skinned women for balance. I think it gives artists credibility about their ability to see beauty in all shades if they can point to at least one "Black" one.
Make no mistake, I would never allow myself to be in that sort of video. The sort of video where 'scantily clad' is mandatory, while someone sings raps about how money grabbing, sexually insatiable I am for them. But to not have anyone who looked like me to be represented in the video for a song that I liked, from an artist that I liked. It feels like I am not even being considered, to be erased, eliminated without even being allowed to audition. Are the dark skinned women not regarded highly enough to be a "coveted cover girl"
So me being me I had to brood on why even the token dark girl was excluded:
1. Because of love for his mama, he didn't want to show anyone who looked like her as a gold digger.
2. Maybe these were the only types of women who auditioned.
and then I was out of explanations.
Being represented in a sexist, materialistic way shouldn't matter, right? But it did, because it speaks to the question of who is desirable, who is wanted.
I know many think that this generation doesn't have a unifying cause like the Civil Rights fight to end segregation. Instead our battle is subtler, it's a fight for control over images. The constant bombardment of images can determine how broad or narrow your world view is.
Update: I read somewhere that the director, Hype Williams, had featured all his principal models from his videos. So maybe his selection was based on lack of availability? Like when I was in elementary, I once asked my older brother why there were nothing but light skinned women in the video. His answer: "Maybe they were the only ones who auditioned."
Hey it's the nicest answer any casting director could ever give.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Michael Jackson dethrones Elvis Presley
Okay, Micahel Jackson.
Wow. What hasn't been said already - from the sociological analysis, to the entertain met genius of MJ, to the indifferent.
Me? I'll add to this cannon by simply being flip: I wonder if and when people will start having MJ sightings like people always claimed to have had of the Elvis Presley?
On a more serious note, I'll simply say that while I didn't know Michael Jackson, his drives, fears, etc (no, people. consuming the tons of tabloid stories and exposes don't really count as "knowing" someone). I will say that I am glad that he shared his musical talent with the world and by extension, me.
R.I.P. Michael.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Serial Marriages
I'm reading this book, Marriage, A History by Stephanie Coontz right now - and while she has a history of "marriage" throughout the world, currently she theorizes that America's modern notion of marriage sees it as a love bond between two people. Buuuttt, we also view love as a fluid state that we fall in and out of, and that is perfectly acceptable.
But people still lament the divorce rate as being unnatural and the cause of various, unnatural social changes (ah, feminism, what can't you be blamed for?)
I'm not sure how I feel about that - because while I want to experience a the dizzying, heart pounding passion that people often characterize as love, I've heard enough accounts to make me believe that a majority of those feelings fade naturally (unsustainable). You have to seek out new partners to experience that glow, if you will. So when I think about marriage, my views are decidedly more along the lines of 'like mates with like', 'marriages work because people choose not to get divorced', etc.
Needless to say, I'm not the most sought after person to talk about love and marriage at parties.
With this view of love and the continued popularity of marriage, the best thing that we can hope to see for the institution of marriage, is that people enter into a series of marriages throughout their lifetime (the serial monogamist for the married set if you will).
But people still lament the divorce rate as being unnatural and the cause of various, unnatural social changes (ah, feminism, what can't you be blamed for?)
I'm not sure how I feel about that - because while I want to experience a the dizzying, heart pounding passion that people often characterize as love, I've heard enough accounts to make me believe that a majority of those feelings fade naturally (unsustainable). You have to seek out new partners to experience that glow, if you will. So when I think about marriage, my views are decidedly more along the lines of 'like mates with like', 'marriages work because people choose not to get divorced', etc.
Needless to say, I'm not the most sought after person to talk about love and marriage at parties.
With this view of love and the continued popularity of marriage, the best thing that we can hope to see for the institution of marriage, is that people enter into a series of marriages throughout their lifetime (the serial monogamist for the married set if you will).
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Daria Morgendorffer Lives!: Revisiting Adolescene
Going to networking events as an adult reminds me of going to school sponsored dances in middle schools. (well, in my case high school, but because I'm a late bloomer I assume everyone else were acquainted with these awkward minglings before I was).
Everyone is in pronounced cliques, grouped together in various groups throughout the room. Quick glances across the room, fleeting smiles, clutching drinks, because no one comes to dance but you need some sort of physical activity, etc.
But unlike middle school, where you are allowed to be awkward, shy, standoffish and just counting down until you can get out of your 'party' clothes into some real clothes and hang with people you know; adults at networking functions, are expected to play think diving into a group of strangers to smile, shake a hand, drop a business card and say a line is the most fun thing to do.
No matter what your age: it isn't.
BTW: I went to a networking event tonight (could you guess?), stayed for less than 15minutes, spent $9 (parking), owe $19 (I had forgotten my cards), and spoke to three people (if I had stayed any longer, I wouldn't have had enough money to get my car out of the garage - honest).
Learning that my awkward, shy, inner adolescent is still alive and well - priceless.
Everyone is in pronounced cliques, grouped together in various groups throughout the room. Quick glances across the room, fleeting smiles, clutching drinks, because no one comes to dance but you need some sort of physical activity, etc.
But unlike middle school, where you are allowed to be awkward, shy, standoffish and just counting down until you can get out of your 'party' clothes into some real clothes and hang with people you know; adults at networking functions, are expected to play think diving into a group of strangers to smile, shake a hand, drop a business card and say a line is the most fun thing to do.
No matter what your age: it isn't.
BTW: I went to a networking event tonight (could you guess?), stayed for less than 15minutes, spent $9 (parking), owe $19 (I had forgotten my cards), and spoke to three people (if I had stayed any longer, I wouldn't have had enough money to get my car out of the garage - honest).
Learning that my awkward, shy, inner adolescent is still alive and well - priceless.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Star Trek Convert
Okay, I just the saw the movie and I loved it!
I have just a passing knowledge of Star Trek, so I knew all the cool phrases (Beam me up, Scotty!, Live Long and Prosper, I'm a doctor not a mechanic, etc), but I couldn't tell you diddly about any Star Trek storyline. So I was glad that they started totally at the beginning, showing how the main characters (Spock and Kirk) started at their respective academies, team up and save the universe. The plot was believable (although I did have to ask my cousin a couple of times - “wait, whose that/how’d they do that?” But a few minutes later, I would always feel like I had caught up so I didn’t mind the mild confusion.
Just a few itsy details...
+Captain Kirk - was the original Kirk so arrogant, yet kept getting his butt handed to him in fights? Seriously, Kirk spent a good deal of the movie with blood on his face. Actually, he deserved most of it, so Kirk in pain was always kind of funny.
+I loved the relationship with Spoke/Uhuru - the tenderness was very believable and the (wise) decision to just dole out tiny expressions of their caring for one another (a kiss here, a glance there) kept everything in balance. Whenever the world is in peril, I hate for characters to WASTE precious moments declaring their lover for each other when they could, oh, I don't know, be saving my life!
+NOW - I loved seeing all these people of color around the two (white, male) leads - the fact that they all got to speak, prove themselves was great too, BUT…can the next movie focus on the ethnic characters or is that too much to ask for? (Uhuru for all intents and purposes was just the girlfriend character - meaning the majority of her lines, interactions were to urge on her man).
All, in all, I’m not going to bother to dig up the older Star Trek series, movies, (those costumes, the production value, the dialogue, the acting - there's only so much cheese I can stomach and I prefer to reserve that for anime) but I will go see the next Star Trek movie.
H/T to Monique Blog for the pic!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Philosophical Musings: War...what is it good for?
That's a catchy song, tap your feet, snap your fingers, sing along in crude imitation kind of song.
But when you actually sit back and think about the lyrics - it asks a disturbingly provocative question: what is war good for? But imagine asking yourself that question when you're actually a soldier in a time of war.
I read an article months ago from Miami New Times: Give Me Shelter.
The soldiers featured in the article found that they couldn't find a compelling enough answer to that question to return to their tours of duty. So, they didn't. They've been on the run ever since.
I was surprised at my own reaction - I've never been one to shed eyes on Independence Day or Veterans/Memorial Day, to lionize soldiers efforts - I've known people who have deserted in previous wars, and I didn't think the less of them
But I can't seem to bring myself to whole heartily support the soldiers that are going AWOL in this war.
Frankly, the fact that so many volunteered and then decided not to return kind of irks me. The underlying issue is honoring your commitments, I guess. Then again, who am to insist to someone else who actually decided to enlist that they should remain even though they are miserable. Over and beyond, any objections I've found to most wars, I didn't enlist because I already believed that simply being in the armed services, especially during combat, sucked.
Still, it (really) irks me the soldiers that are going AWOL.
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Jim Alexander Collection
Just a quick shout out today.
A favorite artist of mine, documentary photographer Jim Alexander, has recently put together a new collection.
Check it out.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I'll have my romance on the side, please (part I)
I'm currently reading the final installment of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn. And this video kind of summarizes the whole book, minus the fear, animosity and eminent danger present in other parts of the novel.
I'm posting exactly why this matters tomorrow. So in the meanwhile, enjoy!
I'm posting exactly why this matters tomorrow. So in the meanwhile, enjoy!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Steve Harvey and the Good Book
I just peeped an excellent post at 'What Tami Said' about Steve Harvey's latest book, 'Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man.'
The book itself is filled with old-fashioned, common-sense advice on heterosexual relationships - in other words, a whole lot of nothing new was typed up and copy righted for this new dating advice manual.
So Tami posed the question, just why did so many people rush out and buy it like it was the cat's meow?
Why indeed?
I think a major reason is that it confirms so many of their own beliefs - but it's all been written down.
We may be an alliterate society, but many people (Kanye West not withstanding) give more importance to information that someone thought was important enough to seal with ink on paper.
Nothing like having a ready go to reference to prove some one else wrong. Get into an argument about male/female roles, then just reply, "Well, on page 12 of Steve Harvey's 'Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man'..." You are practically guaranteed to win an argument.
I kid, but only because I understand the relief of being able to imbue your own points of view with greater authority. I also know the feeling of helplessness when you find that you don't have any ready reference and are left feeling inarticulate, because it feels so unprofessional to continue an argument with just your feelings or own reasoning's to back you up. Trust. It feels a whole lot better to have a book.
I always found this to be particularly true in discussions around the Bible. Now, many in my family are very religious. Me? Not so much. So often around the supper table, I just keep my mouth shut.
I disagree with many things that are said. But ultimately the discussions escalate to the point where someone whips out their Palm Pilot or table Bible, in order to point to the exact chapter and verse which proves their point. Exultation at being "proven" right shines on their faces. The argument has been ended because the 'good book' says this is so.
Hmm, have I gone off on a tangent about my religious and family background ramble, when I'm not ready to talk about yet? Eeep!
My point was - just seeing the thoughts and views which you agree with in print can serve as almost a divine confirmation that you are right. Man, what a good feeling! So people are certainly willing to be separated from their hard earned money for that feeling. Which is why "common sense" books like "Think Like A Man, Act Like A Lady" and "He's Just Not That Into You" are lapped up.
The book itself is filled with old-fashioned, common-sense advice on heterosexual relationships - in other words, a whole lot of nothing new was typed up and copy righted for this new dating advice manual.
So Tami posed the question, just why did so many people rush out and buy it like it was the cat's meow?
Why indeed?
I think a major reason is that it confirms so many of their own beliefs - but it's all been written down.
We may be an alliterate society, but many people (Kanye West not withstanding) give more importance to information that someone thought was important enough to seal with ink on paper.
Nothing like having a ready go to reference to prove some one else wrong. Get into an argument about male/female roles, then just reply, "Well, on page 12 of Steve Harvey's 'Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man'..." You are practically guaranteed to win an argument.
I kid, but only because I understand the relief of being able to imbue your own points of view with greater authority. I also know the feeling of helplessness when you find that you don't have any ready reference and are left feeling inarticulate, because it feels so unprofessional to continue an argument with just your feelings or own reasoning's to back you up. Trust. It feels a whole lot better to have a book.
I always found this to be particularly true in discussions around the Bible. Now, many in my family are very religious. Me? Not so much. So often around the supper table, I just keep my mouth shut.
I disagree with many things that are said. But ultimately the discussions escalate to the point where someone whips out their Palm Pilot or table Bible, in order to point to the exact chapter and verse which proves their point. Exultation at being "proven" right shines on their faces. The argument has been ended because the 'good book' says this is so.
Hmm, have I gone off on a tangent about my religious and family background ramble, when I'm not ready to talk about yet? Eeep!
My point was - just seeing the thoughts and views which you agree with in print can serve as almost a divine confirmation that you are right. Man, what a good feeling! So people are certainly willing to be separated from their hard earned money for that feeling. Which is why "common sense" books like "Think Like A Man, Act Like A Lady" and "He's Just Not That Into You" are lapped up.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Back in Skinny Jeans blog
I've been on the dieting Ferris wheel and I'm trying to get off, but I'm still interested in nutrition and exercise and overall healthy living. But in this culture whenever you mention nutrition, exercise, hell food and all signs lead back to how to diet so you can look like a supermodel.
It's such a relief to find another blog that takes a non pressured and wholistic (truly wholistic, not that lip service "health" magazines push) meaning she truly takes a look the physical, mental and a smidgen of the spiritual, when giving advice. I love her blog so much that I just had to add it.
Check out this post to find out just why I'm so crazy about Back in Skinny Jeans.
It's such a relief to find another blog that takes a non pressured and wholistic (truly wholistic, not that lip service "health" magazines push) meaning she truly takes a look the physical, mental and a smidgen of the spiritual, when giving advice. I love her blog so much that I just had to add it.
Check out this post to find out just why I'm so crazy about Back in Skinny Jeans.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Vampire Lovin'
The randomness
Okay, I have been a lover of vampire fiction ever since Anne Rice converted me with Interview with a Vampire several years ago.
The strength, the beauty, the tortured, alienated existence (that part was especially appealing to me as a teen - hence I use to be a very big fan of Rice's brooding Louis vs. the charismatic Lestat) and finally the fact that they no longer had to deal with "gross" human factoids such as disposing of bodily waste and aging.
Currently, I am in deep like with HBO's True Blood and am enjoying a brief affair with Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series ;)
Nevertheless, I feel the attraction to vampire lore fading. Beyond the lovers (hmm, are there any stories about vampire/human friendships - why are they always lovers?) being from two "separate worlds", it's starting to dawn on me how stupid and dangerous it is to fall in love with someone who wants to eat you and whom you would be utterly powerless to stop from sed chopping down.
But the defining moment that wrecked took away my infatuation was watching a love scene on True Blood. For reasons to mundane to bear repeating, Vampire Bill has been was buried. Young, naive (stupid, stupid, naive, stupid) Sookie rushes to his grave site. He burrows his way out of the grave and with dust still falling from his body, makes love to Sookie then and there.
Romantic and life affirming, no? Well, no actually no. Like reading the "love scenes" in Twilight, I am suddenly left scratching my head with why vampires even feel the need to "have relations". Isn't that what the whole blood sucking thing a metaphor anyway?
And on the human front: Why would you want something dead inside of you?
Oh, don't worry, I'll still be reading up/watching on how vampire/human relations are fairing, I'm just looking for something a little less common now.
How about a heterosexual vampire story with a female vampire and male human? And seriously, how about a non-physical relationship between human and vampire? Heck, I'm even interested in a romance where one of the love interests is allowed to die from old age - that would be something?
Okay, I have been a lover of vampire fiction ever since Anne Rice converted me with Interview with a Vampire several years ago.
The strength, the beauty, the tortured, alienated existence (that part was especially appealing to me as a teen - hence I use to be a very big fan of Rice's brooding Louis vs. the charismatic Lestat) and finally the fact that they no longer had to deal with "gross" human factoids such as disposing of bodily waste and aging.
Currently, I am in deep like with HBO's True Blood and am enjoying a brief affair with Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series ;)
Nevertheless, I feel the attraction to vampire lore fading. Beyond the lovers (hmm, are there any stories about vampire/human friendships - why are they always lovers?) being from two "separate worlds", it's starting to dawn on me how stupid and dangerous it is to fall in love with someone who wants to eat you and whom you would be utterly powerless to stop from sed chopping down.
But the defining moment that wrecked took away my infatuation was watching a love scene on True Blood. For reasons to mundane to bear repeating, Vampire Bill has been was buried. Young, naive (stupid, stupid, naive, stupid) Sookie rushes to his grave site. He burrows his way out of the grave and with dust still falling from his body, makes love to Sookie then and there.
Romantic and life affirming, no? Well, no actually no. Like reading the "love scenes" in Twilight, I am suddenly left scratching my head with why vampires even feel the need to "have relations". Isn't that what the whole blood sucking thing a metaphor anyway?
And on the human front: Why would you want something dead inside of you?
Oh, don't worry, I'll still be reading up/watching on how vampire/human relations are fairing, I'm just looking for something a little less common now.
How about a heterosexual vampire story with a female vampire and male human? And seriously, how about a non-physical relationship between human and vampire? Heck, I'm even interested in a romance where one of the love interests is allowed to die from old age - that would be something?
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