The Japan Crisis, Racism and Social Networking: Two Sites Take On Racist Pigs

Like everyone else, I was in shock at the sheer devastation that seemed to engulf Japan like an all-consuming fire.  I woke up to news about an earthquake, and then it became clear there was a tsunami, but I guess I didn't think it would be that bad.  Then the news reports made it clear: something REALLY bad had happened to Japan and her people, and it was unprecedented. 

I watched in horror as the waves headed menacingly and quickly to towns, washing away boats, people, cars.  The only thing in my heart was a prayer for those lost and for those who survived.  I did not think about anything else.  My heart was and is with Japan, as are most of yours.

But not everyone had family who developed a moral compass within them and for them.  Not everyone has class or even love for fellow human beings; empathy even.  Not everyone has a brain either, as witnessed by the stunningly sheer ignorance, hatred and outright RACISM featured for the world to see at Ignorant and Online and Karma Japan. 

I don't want to get into demographics too much.  It would be easy to point out that the vast amount of racists and morons featured on the page are White, but that would be a disservice, because the same people raising hell against these imbeciles are as multicultural, and White, as those talking the shit.  Sure, one may be able to put race in there, but I think that absolves the group as a whole.  Believe me, this is a group effort at this level of ignorance.

One Year Later, Life no Better in Haiti [VIDEO]

"Stability of markets depends on countries like Haiti remaining poor, Europe, US's commitment is to their own subsidies only" - Nicole Lee (President of TransAfrica Forum)


BIO: Nicole Lee is the President of TransAfrica Forum. She has worked as a human rights attorney in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.Nicole Lee lived in Haiti where she worked for a human rights organization that investigated and prosecuted the human rights violations by the military during the 1994 coup.

Sean Penn is 'Suspicious' of Wyclef's Bid to Become President of Haiti

So Wyclef has decided to run for president of Haiti, Lauren Hill is currently working on making a comeback, and the fifth Beetle still remains more popular than Pras. Oh well, so much for that long awaited and anticipated Fugee reunion album...

Sure there've been questions raised as to the legitimacy of Wyclef's quest to become president beyond his ability to lead his beleaguered country out of the throngs of centuries old colonialism. But beyond the question of his ability to lead a nation after displaying the obvious inability to keep a three man musical group together, serious questions are being asked.

One such voice comes from Sean Penn, an activist who is no stranger to controversy. Here is Penn in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Larry King Live last night, after Wyclef's official announcement of his candidacy:

George Bush still doesn't like black people, or their Haitian germs

So George Bush and Bill Clinton have been out putting in work; they've been raising funds for the people of Haiti, who are still suffering even two months removed from the tragic earthquake that rocked their country. Yesterday, they both visited one of the many "tent cities" on the ground and shook a few hands in a meet the natives sorta moment. Their visit was slated to be an effort "to remind donors of the immense needs facing the recovery effort." Good idea; but take a look at this following clip and tell me what else we were reminded of. Oh and here's a hint: pay attention to George Bush's right hand after shaking a few hands:


Now I don't wanna pass judgment, nor mention the obvious "message" or perception - Kanye West already covered that angle. But I'll say that from what I read, Bush is somewhat of a germaphobe; he once infamously used a woman's shirt to wipe off his glasses. So in-spite of him reportedly having an aide give him "a big dollop of hand sanitizer" after shaking Barack Obama's hand. I won't be my usual race-baiting self and suggest that he has a problem with black people. Now his mother? That's a different story; and I wouldn't dare suggest the notion that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.