I will admit that I was/am in the camp of folks questioning the #NotOneDime campaigns and local #DieIn’s. It’s not that I believe their motivation and intention isn’t earnest, rather I question if such activism truly can be DISRUPTIVE to the point of demanding change. I question it, because I honestly don’t know – I’ve been grappling with it for several months. To your own point, activism is not convenient and it requires daily practice, not occasional activity.

I never shop on #BlackFriday or #CyberMonday / Weekend. So, I guess, by default I supported the cause, but it just doesn’t feel like activism in my book. Where was the action? “Activisms… got to do the work of uprooting the things that injure and press to build a safe space for a thing to live and thrive.”

I would add to your definition of activism by stressing that it must be disruptive. If it is not uncomfortable and highly inconvenient to the power brokers, why on Earth are they going to feel an obligation to change? I’m not suggesting our people be violent or risk their livelihood. However, I am stating that oppressed people have to claim their power and that often means cornering their oppressor into submission.

Also interested in your thoughts about Idris’ parents shutting down sports as an option. His father seemed uncomfortable with his son’s interest in basketball.

This topic and the lies told by black women on the #BlackPowerIsForBlackMen are the same lies white men tell white women about black men.

The problem with black feminist is too many d!kes under the banner. If black men had gay black men running the black power movements I’m positive a list of false complaints about bw would be told.

Being a homosexual encompasses a behavior. A behavior that is abhorrent.

Nonetheless, I plan on taking a few “Black Studies” classes at CCNY. I will avoid your lectures.

Audiences, for the most part, loved Inglorious
Bastards, despite its gross inaccuracy and limited reflection from the
oppressed experience (minus the Shosanna Dreyfus and maybe Donny Donowitz
characters).  The film primarily focused
on the half-wit humor of Pitt’s Midwestern accent and squinty eye. 

You’re right, Django is a bad mutha out to rescue
his lady and kill anyone who gets in his way, but he does show remorse and connection
to the larger injustice as the brother is attacked by the dogs.  In fact, the inhumanity of the act is echoed
by his German buddy, who later can’t help, but take matters into his own
hands.  I also thought it was interesting
that Tarantino would choose a German character (after his last film, Inglorious
Bastards) as Django’s righteous liberator and mentor.

Earlier today, I looked up all of Spike’s box
office results (revenues vs. budgets). 
Not surprising, Spike has provided the world with a number of films that
have lost money (roughly half). 
Moreover, almost all of the films he has written have lost money.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m a Spike supporter and have been moved by
many of his works.  However, the reality
is that the mainstream audience has not been “entertained” by Mr. Lee’s films (his
biggest grosser was Inside Man, which he did NOT write).  There is a place for both of these film
makers in my heart.  I go to a Tarantino
film to get my world shocked and rocked. 
I go to a Spike flick to think critically about a prevalent issue of our
time.   PS – I still don’t understand
Girl 6.

Audiences, for the most part, loved Inglorious
Bastards, despite its gross inaccuracy and limited reflection from the
oppressed experience (minus the Shosanna Dreyfus and maybe Donny Donowitz
characters).  The film primarily focused
on the half-wit humor of Pitt’s Midwestern accent and squinty eye. 

You’re right, Django is a bad mutha out to rescue
his lady and kill anyone who gets in his way, but he does show remorse and connection
to the larger injustice as the brother is attacked by the dogs.  In fact, the inhumanity of the act is echoed
by his German buddy, who later can’t help, but take matters into his own
hands.  I also thought it was interesting
that Tarantino would choose a German character (after his last film, Inglorious
Bastards) as Django’s righteous liberator and mentor.

Earlier today, I looked up all of Spike’s box
office results (revenues vs. budgets). 
Not surprising, Spike has provided the world with a number of films that
have lost money (roughly half). 
Moreover, almost all of the films he has written have lost money.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m a Spike supporter and have been moved by
many of his works.  However, the reality
is that the mainstream audience has not been “entertained” by Mr. Lee’s films (his
biggest grosser was Inside Man, which he did NOT write).  There is a place for both of these film
makers in my heart.  I go to a Tarantino
film to get my world shocked and rocked. 
I go to a Spike flick to think critically about a prevalent issue of our
time.   PS – I still don’t understand
Girl 6.

Peace and Love
Jules

Peace and Love
Jules

I just wanted you to know that for your great work and activism on and off the web, I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award! http://relandothompkins.com/2012/07/03/n-a-h-recieves-beautiful-blogger-award/

Keep shining your light!

I just wanted you to know that for your great work and activism on and off the web, I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award! http://relandothompkins.com/2012/07/03/n-a-h-recieves-beautiful-blogger-award/

Keep shining your light!

And therein lies the problem of white-privilege that cannot be ignored less the solution not be attempted, consciously!

And therein lies the problem of white-privilege that cannot be ignored less the solution not be attempted, consciously!

The problem is, in order for him to allow his voice to be heard on something other than the violent lyrics suburban white kids have come to love, he chooses O’Rile-Me. Turns out, he didn’t think enough about what he had to say. 

The problem is, in order for him to allow his voice to be heard on something other than the violent lyrics suburban white kids have come to love, he chooses O’Rile-Me. Turns out, he didn’t think enough about what he had to say. 

The difference here is that Malcolm X knew that history was a powerful weapon; one to be used in criticisms against an unjust state. Lupe has failed to arm himself with history when facing these reporters and pundits, and for that he should be ashamed. If he won’t expound on his views in front of a bully like O’ Reilly, why should we assume he has any?

He doesn’t understand the difference between “not dumbing it down” and being deliberately obtuse. That’s not smart, it’s condescending and arrogant, and I don’t want to believe that he’s either of those things.

The difference here is that Malcolm X knew that history was a powerful weapon; one to be used in criticisms against an unjust state. Lupe has failed to arm himself with history when facing these reporters and pundits, and for that he should be ashamed. If he won’t expound on his views in front of a bully like O’ Reilly, why should we assume he has any?

He doesn’t understand the difference between “not dumbing it down” and being deliberately obtuse. That’s not smart, it’s condescending and arrogant, and I don’t want to believe that he’s either of those things.

I admire his verve and see great potential in him, but Lupe’s just too young to really know and experience those words, too in love with IDEA of being an intellectual resistance revolutionary.  It just shows that he needs to grow into being what Grace Lee Boggs calls a “solutionary” as well as an intellectual revolutionary.

I admire his verve and see great potential in him, but Lupe’s just too young to really know and experience those words, too in love with IDEA of being an intellectual resistance revolutionary.  It just shows that he needs to grow into being what Grace Lee Boggs calls a “solutionary” as well as an intellectual revolutionary.