Anti-Black Entertainment Television

I must holla about the BET Comedy Awards last night. I chose to tune in as a result of a desperate need for comic relief. And for the most part, when I was able to get beyond the bleeps, and could uncover my own eyes (and not that of a child who shouldn't be watching), I somewhat enjoyed certain elements of the show. HOWEVER, the majority of it---well, read on.....

If you view my profile, you see that I am totally in favor of freedom of expression. But some things are just totally baffling to me. Can someone please explain to me why our comedic actors and entertainers will stand at the microphone and encourage others to include and support them in movies, television shows, etc., in the midst of profanity and acts of lewdness?

I don't get it! Maybe I'm just crazy. But if the story is that we are held back because of our ethnic make-up and "The Man" won't allow us to grow as respected comedians and actors in the industry, then my thinking would be; maybe it's because "The Man" is watching this awards show that you are acting a fool on right now!

I just won't apologize for my opinion, and I won't even attempt to make excuses for my sisters and brothers. But when I watched Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Cheryl Underwood and a few others stand up and thank "our people" for giving them awards, while spewing profanity in every other word; it just doesn't add up. Didn't Chris just host the "thEmmy's" or some awards show recently? (Yes, I am purposely articulating it that way...) I didn't hear all of the explicit language on that show. So why come home and act up?

And what about Shemar Moore's, "I'm so fine that I need to freak every woman that I'm placed on stage with" charade? The brother is definitely a sex symbol by society's standards, but Tyler Perry (who did exhibit a wonderful example of charm and professionalism) could not even accept an award for his movie debut, for Shemar attempting to simulate getting busy on the stage floor with Tichina Arnold!

If you didn't watch it, it's really just more of the typical anti-Black programming that BET presents on a consistent basis, but I'm sure they will run it again, and again, and again for a while. If you choose to tune in, you may feel that this stuff was harmless. But the bottom line is, that even if BET feels that their audience is only made up of people under 25, and the behavioral examples of last night somewhat support that, why not elevate that demographic to a higher level of entertainment? Why don't we stop talking about who's holding us back, and how hard it is to stay on television and be included in movies, and make a conscience choice to improve upon our complete image? I don't feel that we should accept this type of behavior, just because we are among our own people. If you can clean it up for the "thEmmy's", then you can clean it up for yourself, your children and your people. Peace.

It's a Business, Not a Hustle

I must holla this week about my people in business. My people, my people, my people.......Sigh......Where do I begin? I get so tired of watching other nationalities excel and thrive, while my African-American brothers and sisters continue to struggle. Our struggle is not merely caused by the oppression of "The Man" anymore--it is how detrimental we are to each other and ultimately ourselves.

As an entrepreneur, I won't even attempt to mislead anyone by saying that this has been, or is, an easy road. And most of the difficulties that I've experienced have not been from a lack of knowledge of my industry, lack of experience in working with people, nor issues with racism and sexism. The difficulties stem from some of the types of individuals that I've dealt with, and how they choose to handle their businesses---my people. I know there are those who are shouting in the Amen corner right now, since this is not foreign to most. It is seemingly a never-ending nightmare, that pierces at the heart of everything that I represent, that I endeavor to be and attempt to teach my clients about their businesses.

It always seems to be the same scenario. A dream; instead of a vision. A hustler; as opposed to a professional. A follower; instead of a leader. A conformist, instead of one who upholds positive change. There is not enough time spent perfecting the God-given talents placed within, because there is too much spent on trying to get over on the next brother or sister, or trying to do too many things outside the realm of the professional expertise provided to each individual. Not to mention the "use people's services without compensation" factor. Whoa, let's not even get started on that one!

Without going on and on, my sisters and brothers, we HAVE to do better. We are supposed to be providing generational wealth for our children and leaving a legacy of stability--not debt and fallen talents. As what I feel is the strongest and most powerful culture in the world, we should set the standard for what everyone else is doing. Whatever your passion in business, pursue it with the most integrity and professionalism possible. That's all I have.....Peace.