Mel Hopkins

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.

Who is this Steve Harvey and Why the F*ck is he all over my TV? I wondered the same thing too! And I can't switch my radio dial without hearing his voice. In fact, if I'm honest, I hear and see him so much he's starting to make sense - and I really don't care for his brand of anything.. So you make an excellent point. WHY does he have media sewed up.

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... 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"

@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.

@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.

@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.

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.

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.

@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) @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?

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.

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

@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".

@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. @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 .

LOL! You are just a joy and a Gem! I don't have a clue about "football" either but I enjoyed the broadcast. Also that's for the heads up to "spreaker". Have you always used this service or do I remember you using another one for your poetry?

@Pioneer1 I can't prove anything to your liking, that's an inside job. But seeing that you've successfully completed this thought exercise, however, I'm satisfied that I've provided you direction to see AR for yourself.

@Pioneer1 You're correct. Excuses are the tools of the incompetent. I agree, we make our decisions based on the information we have, but here in America there's nothing preventing us from access to information. If one has never learned to read - there's a organization out there most likely in the poorest neighborhood to help. I'm not a high-achiever; I am well-read. I acquire so much data, I have to set aside time to process it. A high-achiever is someone who has accomplished a lot, to produce a lot for the betterment of society. For example, someone who has created a process where everyone has clean drinking water; or made it easier for us to communicate and/or share ideals, etc. I'm not that person. I follow my interests (thanks mom and dad) However, we don't live in an nanny-state for a reason. We, as a society, may capitalize off of what we believe are poor choices but we don't prevent people from doing what they want. Pharmaceuticals are heavily regulated and made illegal because Big Pharma has seized up the patents and can't make a huge profit, if "Pookie" is dispensing on the corner. FDA don't give an ish about safety... if they did "Hillbilly Heroin" (Oxycontin) wouldn't even be available by prescription. There would be a tracking system in place to make sure abusers don't go doctor-shopping to get scripts. In fact, some of the drugs on the market will kill and maim you quicker then a bad batch of smack. Our laws have nothing to do with our safety...I spent 7 years in News and when I wanted answers about laws I looked to Trade deals and followed the money trail . Soda is taxed heavily in some communities but not because of the sugar content - but rather it's a cheap way to get energy. if it doesn't grow from the ground or have eyes ...then it's nothing more than a 64 oz bottle of soda, packaged in a box. Even anything should be regulated it should be the sugar producers! Still, I believe people choose how they want to live their lives. I started smoking cigarettes after I got married , and continued smoking well after my divorce. Then one day, when I was about to do a photo shoot for my black enterprise article, something in my mind said "you don't want to be known as a smoker." (now of course the article was for "Techwatch" there wasn't going to be any mention of me smoking ) I quit the day before the photo shoot. I haven't picked up a cigarette since. It was my decision. No one should be making decisions for another person. That is unbelievably arrogant. It is also arrogant to think people don't know what they're doing just because they don't fit into a construct we've built.

@Delano not a clue. No one has ever asked. I've actually wanted to see what would happen too. Some of my married men friends introduced me to their wives earlier on. Those men were about networking and achieving other goals - so often if we were seen out together it was perceived as business. (it was)

@Troy, anything that goes beyond harmless flirting is greeted with my standard line, "let's ask your wife."

Well interestingly enough that could be case -speaking from experience, the majority of white men love their black women milk chocolate to dark chocolate... So that photo of Viola might be quite appealing to them. Yep there's yet another perspective.