Mel Hopkins

#4  because it has history -and if "bestseller" written out across the badge like it was on "the power list"...

#s 6, 1, 3 (in that order of preference) makes use of the AALBC colors which promotes the AALBC brand wherever anyone uses the badge...

5 hours ago, Troy said:

I'm not writing Time magazine, I'm not calling for a boycott of them, I'll just go back to continuing to ignore them

Again I just find it fascinating that some people see racism where other do not.  Even the unwillingness of some to recognize it when it is staring them in the face is remarkable to me.  I would never have guessed this to be the case.  I've learned a lot in the discussion.

There can be no unwillingness to "recognize" racism...You either perceive it or you don't.   There can only be an unwillingness to speak out against what one perceives as racism.  If one "sees" racism but says nothing then they're  completely ineffective in the fight against oppression.

When I see/experience racism, I DO something about it.   When I experienced what I believed was racial/sexist bias at my workplace - I filed a complaint against my employer...No lip service.   No ignoring it 'hoping it would go away.  I. Filed. A. Complaint.  

In an emergency - "you don't fight the smoke - you fight the fire...Using your resources and energy on the fire " prevents the house from burning down to the ground or a plane from burning up in the sky  

A subjective photo ... is smoke.  

Black men being executed in the streets for our viewing pleasure... is the fire ...

I fight fires...

Speaking of  those who don't recognize racism (or danger for that matter) when it's staring them in the face...

94% of black women voted for Hillary

15% of black men voted for Trump 

 

44 minutes ago, Troy said:

Besides the majority of Americans now consume news on social media,

@Troy Unfortunately, the statistics don't support your  assumption.

Majority of Americans are still glued to the television including black Americans to get their news  .  So it's important to continue to remind television execs that it's not cool to show black death on television for any amount of revenue.  Our youth should not be subjected to such a high disregard for  black lives.    

Your response is confusing to me - you want me to be all up in arms about your perspective of beauty or athleticism and how it's pictured but this is how you respond to something you know exist and can mentally harm us..

"Mel I simply do not consume news on TV and have not for decades.  So I have less than zero motivation to write them."

I won't watch when television news shows graphic images of murder - but they will hear from me every time they broadcast black murder.   Gratuitous violence at the cost of black lives is not cool - whether I'm a consumer of television news or not.  If I hear about it - I'm writing.

As for 45, I didn't vote for him... I voted for Hillary in the last election.  I couldn't care less if he's a racist - he's not qualified to be in the highest office of the land.

2 minutes ago, Troy said:

@Mel Hopkins, I'm surprised you would use this approach to answer the question I posed.  

I believe you understood my question.  I also believe you know I know what the word means.  My use of the word in this context was appropriate given a broader and perhaps more colloquial use of the term  As in the results of an action taken by a person who is a racist is "racist."  A broader description of  #2 of the definition you provided would include in my view the media's representation of our people; which is part of our "social system."

Here is a new question for you (anyone).  Do you believe that the media (news, entertainment, etc) is capable of being racist?

@Troy, I'm surprised that you can't believe you're not the arbiter of all things racist. LOL! 

This is why there's no yes or no answers to subjective questions such as racism.  From my perspective the LeBron picture IS NOT racist even by your definition. Someone else could see this picture and demand apology ...but me? meh.  I stated what's disconcerting to me about the photo - and that may amount to nothing more than jealousy on my part. 

"Here is a new question for you (anyone).  Do you believe that the media (news, entertainment, etc) is capable of being racist?"

Nope... but I believe General Managers, News director, exec producers, reporters and in anyone in the position to make editorial decisions can be.

Many make decisions where the true definition of racism comes into play - but so far, I think I'm the only one who has actually spoken out against one of the most egregious decisions of late.

 What I'm referring to are the state-sanctioned executions and maiming of black men shown on our local, cable & network nightly news.   I've written to my local stations, tweeted to cable stations about their decisions to show state-sanctioned murders in heavy rotations - desensitizing the viewing public to black murders...

This is a double standard (racist act) because they won't show the murders of white people on television.  When that truck driver mowed down people on that bridge in France on Bastille day and the casualties and dead were strewn along the streets every American Cable station made the decision not to show the carnage - their reasoning was due to young viewers watching...To me that sent the message Black dead bodies aren't of concern or disturbing because they're just "blacks" ... Why no consideration for black men being shot in the street, tasered or run down by cars? Because in their ears ...black executions are entertaining as public hangings back in the jim crow south.

Have you written to your local station, network or cable station about this type of bias? Have you "noticed"?

15 minutes ago, Troy said:

I can only assume that you see no racism in the way that LeBron is portrayed (assuming because you did not respond to my question)

racism:

Nope. This photo doesn't fit the definition.

24 minutes ago, Troy said:

When I see that photo of Dijomon Hinsou (sp?)   I'm just reminded of the story, from where the image was taken, of how a handful of white boys defeated a massive army of Black Africans... (the Hinsou character was thrown down a hole, and he was an emissary, whose role was not respected)

Erm @Troy... this photo  is  Peter Mensah who plays Oenomaus, a top notch gladiator and teacher of Spartacus,  in the Starz series  "Spartacus"... Spartacus is  a story inspired by  a small group of slaves fought against oppression of oligarchy,  overthrowing  a large roman army... 

Maybe there's some truth to how blinding racism can be...

45 minutes ago, Delano said:

Or it may not make sense.

11 hours ago, Cynique said:

i was just about to delete my post because  i decided it was too rambling and probably of no interest to anybody but me.

So glad you did not! I'm so glad I listened to "THE VOICE" that told me to take some time on the board  tonight to read" ... I enjoy your voice and your messages and I gravitated to your words when I first noticed your posts...

I agree there's a kinship and it feels as if I walked past  you , (or any one  of the vocal crew here )  on the street,  sight unseen, I would immediately turn around because of the spiritual/energy connection.   I know I'd say,  "Have we met somewhere, before?"

2 hours ago, Troy said:

Here is a simple question for you (or anyone of course); is the photo of Lebron James, which Cynique accurately described as "being substituted for the giant gorilla King Kong," even a little racist in your view?  Why or why not? 

See @Troy, it's not simple for me... This goes to what @Delano said " Think about it unless you perceive racism it doesn't exist for you. In your mind this is ridiculous. " ... Lebron looks like a warrior very much in the spirit of Spartacus My father was a warrior - so when I see black men I see warriors.  This cover made me sad, though, because I see protection in the warrior spirit but I don't see him protecting someone that looks like me... and the fact that model is carefree and dancing means she feels very much protected and safe to just be her playful self...

This is what I mean about how imagery reflects our beliefs.... You'd probably never write that story from that photo but that's how it affects me.  

5 hours ago, Cynique said:

her more determined to  hold on to her beliefs.

This sentence struck me to the core!  How can we hold on to "beliefs" that aren't ours to begin with but instead were given or forced upon us...

I often wonder if the purpose of life is to lose our beliefs - engage in productive thinking when we do find ourselves thinking...

5 hours ago, Cynique said:

We locked eyes for an eternity of a moment and  there was recognition there as she began to laugh and laugh - and then i did, too.   (We once had a  good time together somewhere in time. )  The light of her purity is helping me to experienced  love in my quest to embrace the truth, love and light

And yes!  Most of all experience and accept love ...

Have you seen this awesome movie with the premise the eyes are the windows to the soul and  "recognition" does occur through the eyes?  The story reveals no matter how many lives we live we return with the same "eyes"  

On 5/18/2017 at 6:22 PM, Troy said:

I'm afraid I did not communicate my point very well because it looks like you missed it. But in general, in a white racist culture white men exercise a lot of power over Black women.  Sometimes the use of the power escapes Black women and this can be infuriating to brothers...

@Troy Well that makes two of us.  It seems my point was missed as well.

Take Two 

Black women have a different relationship with white men  - one black men aren't privy to.  It's the main reason black women made the best spies during the civil war.

Black women know very well what racism looks like. We weren't absent for the last 600 years, we've been on the front lines fighting it at every turn - sometimes alone.  
The fact that some black men believe they have to inform black women of racism and are infuriated when we don't believe them represents a level of arrogance that is mind-blowing.  

We (black women) don't need black men tapping us on the shoulder, saying, "dude is being racist"  If anything, black women need black men to speak up on their behalf about economic oppression, institutional racism and injustice that is unique to black women.   We need black men to lend a hand to right the table when, for example, black women are paid less money than white men, black men and white women when doing the same job  and are better educated with more degrees and experience. 

It's not hard to recognize what racism looks like when Black women are the first to say "Follow me" Underground Railroad", I'm not giving up my seat"  Our Lives Matter"  while continuously chip away at the bricks and mortar of institutional racism while battling daily doses of sexism with the other.  Seriously what could a black man notice and inform a black women about who lives with a daily double dose of oppression?

Further, black women have been style trendsetters since we arrived in the Americas... today we call it cultural appropriation when white women take our styles ...but they do copy us to appeal to white men and black celebrities.

Therefore making a caricature of a black women's features doesn't deny  black women opportunities.  It's childish but it's harmless trolling that targets black men like dudes playing the dozens trading mama jokes.    But instead of black men lobbing a few of their own, they instead return to black women and say,

"white men say black women are ugly, don't you agree?"    I, for one, say, "no." 

And It's not because I'm oblivious to racial taunts.  it simply doesn't resonate with me.  

What some black men finds 'racist" concerning black women is personal. And with that Time magazine cover it appears as if it hit its intended mark.

On 5/18/2017 at 10:35 AM, Delano said:

She is a commidity. Troy and Pioneer wouldn't buy her, Cynique and Mel would. 

@Delano,  Ms. Davis is not a commodity in the respect that she's for sale - her work is for consumption but not her. 

What's for sale is this issue of "Time" magazine.  The magazine cover dictates newsstand sales. 

What's in question is whether or not the photograph of Ms. Davis and Ms Davis's popularity will sell copies. 

Would I pick up this issue if I saw it on the stand?  Yes I would.  I'd want to know why Ms. Davis is so happy and what's next in her career.  

So in that respect, yes I'd buy.

21 hours ago, Delano said:

That's one of my specialties. Its like i had the following idea. Let's say you went to a masked ball. And you met someone and fell die them. Then when you met you found they weren't the sex that you are attracted to normally. What would you do. Then lets say on your third meeting yiu found out they cross deessed on your second date. 

@Delano It makes you wonder how sexual attraction manifest.. I've never been sexually attracted to women... but I had a mindf-ck moment when I was once working on a project with a "butch" and found her incredibly "hot"... 

"Knowing" she was physically a women; I had no "desire" to be with her but I became fascinated with the attraction itself.  I found it weird because she presented like a man...and it was that aspect of "her" I found attractive.  I enjoyed the mental exercise because it helped me to realize what type of men I find attractive... "renaissance men"   Although she dressed like a man, talked like a man -she still had a balance about her... that I find incredibly sexy in men.   

Now of course this brings us no closer to how I decided on or it decided me sexually ...It did, however, help me to understand my sexual attraction to men.

@TroyWe're using two different examples.. You are talking about visiting different countries where American (black) men are transient. I'm referring to intimacy of relationships that grow into marriage and raising up families together here in America. 

The number of American households with white husbands and black wives have been continually on the rise since the 80s... when I went to the museum I was astounded by the amount of families with white men and black women.

So to help you understand my point, it seems that black men have embraced the caricature image of black women; while white men are growing families with  black women, of all shades, who may or may not look like that...Most of these men are of  means  (wealthy) while others just have a net worth that exceeds that of a black households even if the man only has a high school degree. (I make this reference to indicate because they can choose anyone in money-obsessed America)  Some of the black women are of means, as well, but have tired of  waiting for some black men to "shake it off" . 

Those women took their wealth and heritage elsewhere..(For some reason, Chaz Ebert and Serena just popped into mind). These white men aren't transient, they have extended /(returned) their roots into Africa via Black women have the mtDNA that traces back to Africa. Only she can pass it to her offspring (male & female).  So maybe it's a biological drive that causes these white men to see darkskinned black women differently.  [Who knows.  I like @Delano   question on sexuality because it forces you to think about the drivers of the species]

From my perspective, this speaks to the mental effects of racism and how the victor will divide and conquer to continue their legacy by any means necessary. During slavery in America and Europe this was a huge practice.  Some offspring were legitimate heirs to nobility others were just used to create offspring... Today the families are joining legally and leaving a different legacy... I live in the south now, and I see these families all the time. 

Heck, my twin daughters from my ex-husband are French-German yet, they carry my East African mtDNA and will pass it on...

 If Prince Harry (6th in-line to the throne) marries Meghan Markle - his ascendants will have created an ancestral tie to the Motherland through Meghan - her mother is of African "ascent"..(that's how the British royalty speak of their heritage - one ascends not descend.)

But I digress, white people use racism to cloud the mind because they play long game. Just imagine having the forethought to make sure your family line has ancestral claim to the Motherland ...

@Troy, Your colors pop and are appealing.  Your  smile and voice are inviting and you look comfortable surrounded by  books....   One critique: Please listen to hear not just to respond...Even if the subject is off topic, cross talk between the host and the guest invites viewers into the conversation. We tend to pay more attention to two people having conversation than one person giving a lecture. 

26 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

Mel

As for the rest of your argument, not sure if you read completely through what I've written but I did address the rest of your assumptions. I rest my case.

If your argument was that laws existed to protect both the individual from harming himself as well as harming others BUT the only laws that are actually enforced are those which prevent others from being harmed, then again:

Seat belts laws are ENFORCED.....even if you're the only person in the car and would be the only person to get hurt.

Helmet laws are ENFORCED.....even if you're the only one who stands to get hurt on a motorcycle

If somone attempts suicide they are LOCKED UP....even though they showed no evidence of wanting to harm anyone else.

Having done the research before I wrote my response I stand by what I've written. 

Once you do your own research on why the laws were enacted - then my answer will make sense to you. 

@Pioneer1, I've never experienced an "overseer" so I may be to liberal in my use of the definition  -but this feels like you believe in doing the work of those who seek to oppress. 
What people choose to wear is their choice.   If someone chooses to make a caricature of someone's style - that ignorance is THEIRS and theirs alone.. not the person wearing the style.  

I'm glad those young women are ignorant (as in unaware) of the caricature of Aunt Jemina - at least they aren't tainted by self-hate and it won't take up room in their head.

7 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

There are no such things as "false analogies".
An analogy is like a metaphore or hypothetical...the onus is on the THEME not it's reality.

In building your syllogism, it contained  logical fallacy  "False Analogy" 

False Analogy

Definition:  In an analogy, two objects (or events), A and B are shown to be similar. Then it is argued that since A has property P, so also B must have property P. An analogy fails when the two objects, A and B, are different in a way which affects whether they both have property P.

As for the rest of your argument, not sure if you read completely through what I've written but I did address the rest of your assumptions. I rest my case.

35 minutes ago, Troy said:

And, with this responsibility in mind, acclaimed artist Vanessa Newton made the deliberate choice to depict slaves as beautiful people who possessed great dignity,

@Troy After coming from the National Museum of African American History and Culture... I understand this depiction.  I wouldn't have before visiting the exhibit. 

I was blown away by the workmanship and detail put into the artifacts - original cloth, homes, tents, all makeshift spoons, dishes, a hand stitched shawl that Harriet Tubman wore... These people were ENSLAVED and still took pride to make the best out of crap! According to some exhibits, they picked the cotton, ran the gins and had to make their own clothes from inferior fabric... so maybe if they smiled it was from the pride they took in their work.  (shitty yes, but really awe-inspiring)

35 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

For decades we've fought to get rid of the "mammy" image and now some of our youth want to bring it right back as a sign of rebellion.
 

@Pioneer1

So you fought to rid the "mammy image" that was created by someone who seeks/sought to oppress you, by denying black women agency to wear what they choose?  Is that how you fight someone who oppresses you? By subjugating someone who is willing to fight along side you? 

12 minutes ago, Troy said:

I'm just seeing it from the perspective of American Black man.

I don't think this was a point of contention.  I was never in doubt that you were looking at her from a perspective of American Black man.  I've heard that perspective all my life...

So you can imagine how weird it was for me to learn some white men don't look black women that way... and those white men see us not as the caricature they created for the black male consumption but they see us dark skinned women who wear red lipstick and have full-bodied hair, as attractive and appealing.  
 

This is one of those mindf-ck questions.  

Physically, I practice heterosexuality.  I'm not sure if it was something I decided or decided for me when I chose to procreate naturally. 

Since one of those biological functions is to reproduce, I probably decided I'd go after boys and it became a habit.  I like my life easy and that's probably on the soul level too so my drive to eliminate obstacles before they manifest is real. 

Spiritually, it doesn't matter because connection and intimacy is different on the spiritual plane.

38 minutes ago, Troy said:

LOL! Whoa hold everything!  Mel, have you considered that the very same critique you leveled against Pioneer and me could be leveled against you and Cynique--verbatim?   Think about it....

Of course! That is probably why I don't see black people through the eyes of white nationals / racists. Never have.

2 hours ago, Cynique said:

What keeps sticking in my craw about this debate is that there are millions of black women who look like that picture of Viola Davis.

@Cynique  THANK YOU!!!  I didn't know how to phrase it...but you nailed it! yet, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. 

@Pioneer1 and @Troy seem to have adopted the white man's "caricature" of black women as a standard to what they find unattractive about black women. 

It's weird too because in a way they've allowed racist white man's caricature, troll them and then rent space in their head.  That caricature has seem to have effected their perception of black women's "beauty".   

6 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

You wouldn't give a 3 year old toddler the right to own and operate a handgun would you?

What about an 11 year old?

@Pioneer1 you've presented a False analogy ... We're speaking about consenting adults not children who we, as society, have agreed to be still developing mentally, physically and emotionally.  

Mental ability is not a gift, it's an ability we all possess.  Aptitude may vary but mental ability is inherent unless there's some type of mental damage.   Therefore, adults assume the rights to think and choose for themselves.  When they are denied that right, it means some institution has deemed them unfit to participate in society. Period.   Currently the only enforced restrictions that we have, in this society, are to prevent us from infringing on other people's right to pursue life and liberty... as I said  "our laws have nothing to do with our safety."  But I should be clearer.

Speed limits are such laws - they're not enforced so you won't kill yourself, it's enforced so you won't kill others. Same with driving under the influence..again not to protect you, although that's a fringe benefit - but so you won't kill dude over there who is interested in living and with all his body parts intact. 

Now, if you want to kill yourself without taking others with you, well, some states legally allow you the  "right to die" and other states are considering it. 

By the way, speaking of which, I didn't say government is corrupt.  We are the government and make laws to benefit us.  More power, more benefits.

 

7 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

Look at how high achieving most Africans are when they come here, and look at most Black Americans.
One of the only differences is DISCIPLINE.
Africans come from a society where the youth are FAR MORE disciplined with rules and social customs than our youth and it shows in their educational and occupational performance.

@Pioneer1, there goes that "Hate Speech" sneaking in again.... still, I'll overlook the comparison.  According to some Nigerians, and stats that support that claim they're the most educated nationality in the United States among all cultures - including Asians.   The jury is out as to why this is the case. 

"American Gods"  is a novel by Neil Gaiman and it's now a Starz television series ... The book, and now the series, features African Gods of antiquity and their magic.   When I saw your discussion topic that's what came to mind.

American Gods - bringing African magic to mainstream... even it's in names only .