So Barack Obama is Worse than Timothy McVeigh?!!

With today being one day removed from the Tea Party protests, I must declare as the great communicator Ronald Reagan once said, "It's morning in America." Yes indeed it's a new day. If you think we became post racial after November 4th 2008, you were sadly misled. For that day was yesterday.

You see, only in post racial America can we find a picture like the one posted above. A picture of a Negro here in the good state of Tennessee protesting his disgust for Barack Obama as did pretty much everybody else. The blog We Are Respectable Negroes was responsible for providing me the pleasure of being witness to this. You may call this coonish considering his costume, but hey, coons are proud Americans just like anybody else. I don't know that brothers name, but he has proven just how far we have come as a country by showing his level of patriotism never mind the fact that he does look like Apollo Creed from those Rocky movies. I don't know, but maybe he just wanted to be the first Negro at a Tea Party since we weren't privy to that in Boston back in the day. I mean I could be wrong, but I don't think Negroes filled out W-4's back then did they?

It's morning in America when at the Tea Party protest in Oklahoma, someone saw it fit to display the sign which reads: Tim McVeigh Would Love The Tea Party. Really? Tim McVeigh, Oklahoma City bomber Tim McVeigh? That dude is a cultural icon now? I mean wasn't he executed in a Federal prison for his despicable yet cowardly act of bombing a Federal building which was responsible for the loss of 168 lives including children who were known to spend the day in daycare? This guy is a hero? But yet conservatives are mad at the recent report from the Department of Homeland Security which says that we should be on the lookout for people like him with the recent increase of hate groups. What's next, Osama Bin Laden being chiseled into Mount Rushmore?

Oh I get it, its a new day in America, and people like McVeigh symbolize the very freedom that the founding fathers were all about. That's right, we should all aspire to grow up to be just like him. Yup, we should idolize guys like him all the while dismiss the DHS reports of the possible rise of nutjobs on American soil, who may do the very same thing. Oh I get it, the only terrorists are those guys who wear towels on their heads and not guys like Tim McVeigh. You know what? I don't think I like this new day in America. Yeah, this post racial thing doesn't sound too cool. Barack Obama gets elected and its as though people have lost their minds; White and Black people alike have lost their damn minds. Yes, we have Black people who think diversity is a bad thing, and White people are ready to secede from the union that is the United States of America.

Yes, it's a new day in America indeed folks, and we have our citizens who identify with the republican party or conservatism for all of this; fueled by wackos in the media of course. The very same people who are always concerned about Islamic extremists terrorizing this country, and spreading their hate, refuse to recognize that currently in America, conditions are conducive to the mindset of right-wing extremists who hide behind patriotism and commit acts of violence against fellow citizens. Oh well, lets just hope that they don't start bombing abortion clinics, or sites of major sporting events like the Olympics in Atlanta and then an jihadist Muslim pirate extremist becomes the fall guy of the month.

Divesting from the Black Community: Run Black Woman Run!

"When a thriving African American or urban community is realized, certainly as a society as a whole we all win." - John Anderson

There is a married couple in Illinois right now - the Anderson's who are pictured above - who are conducting an experiment of buying exclusively from Black businesses for one year. They live in Chicago, which if you don't know, happens to be located in the county, which has the most, Black people per capita in the country. They've named their social experiment "Ebony Project". Not a daunting task considering where they live, right? Well, on the contrary. It's has not been easy and they've even had to drive up to 14mls out of their neighborhood just to do grocery shopping, and 18mls just to get to a health food store for vitamins. They have also gone as far as to purchase gas cards online from Black owned gas stations well outside of their city to compensate their undertaking. So why are they doing this experiment? It's their belief that with the Black community being underserved, coupled with the $850 billion buying power of the Black community annually, this shift may in some small way help to expand and bring money back into the Black community.

In other words, this experiment is about giving back. You can read their full story here if you haven't already. They are encouraging other African Americans to do just as they are as well. Me personally, I could see doing this, and realize that it is in effect what is needed in order to strengthen our community from a financial perspective. Sounds like a good thing doesn't it? Well, not to everybody Black at least. You see, I never knew this, but there is a movement which seeks to empower Black women, by them divesting in the Black community. I was privileged to come across this information by reading a couple blogs about it. Honestly, I think its a very bad idea that centers around men bashing, and can never have positive effects on the community.

Of course the people who subscribe to this theory are not believers in what I sayas I did over at the blog Happy Nappy Head. According to them, the Black community is beyond saving. According to them, there is an "Ark" that is representative or symbolic of saving the Black woman. According to them, it is the Black man who has destroyed our communities, deliberately harm Black woman, and contribute to much of the negativity we see and hear about. You know, the whole 70% single Black women raising kids thing, right? Not just that, but also that Black men are responsible for all the crime in our communities and it is the Black man who has made it unsafe for the Black woman and her children.

Well, to them, Black woman are looked at as being the savior of the Black community. By who, I have no clue, but since it's up to them - Black women - with the Black community being beyond repair, the best strategy for them, would be to cut and run. Yes, divesting is what they suggest Black women do. No joke, I'm not making this up; you can click the links above to see just what I'm talking about. Now, can you tell me just how this is something positive? I mean, currently, in this country, for every dollar in the White community as far as wealth is concerned, there is 10 cents in the Black community. Yes, the gap of wealth is that wide per the release of a study done by the Federal Reserve which is conducted every three years.

These results are as accurate as of the year 2007, and I seriously think in the future, given the economic downturn which affects Blacks and other minorities hardest, that the gap will be shown to be even wider. So that said, isn't it even more important that we pull together as a people, and invest in our community as opposed to divesting? I mean, when you divest, economically and otherwise, where and what are you investing in? And when you do, though you may feel that it's beneficial to you as a Black woman or Black person, what is it doing to the community at large?

Growing up, I was told that one should not be a part of the problem, but instead part of the solution. Well, is divesting truly a part of the solution for the Black female collective? To me, cutting and running is the easy thing to do. Not only that, though it is your choice to do so, I find it rather selfish, and shows a weakness in character. I don't know what you may think, but I didn't see men like Martin Luther King Jr. divest from the Negro collective, or not focus on the people in this country who needed a voice back in the 60's. You know the very same people who were riddled with pretty much the same social issues, and ills due to their economic disadvantage? For that matter, never did Angela Davis as she continues to speak out and remain active in issues of social and economic injustices in this great land of ours.

Maybe because I'm a Black man who works to serve a higher purpose other than me when it comes to my people, I feel the way I do. Yeah, maybe that's it. The hell if I know. However, I do know Harriet Tubman must be rolling over in her grave when she hears Black woman with this type of talk. If she ever was a ghost, I think some of these sisters would think twice if she appeared and pulled her famous pistol in an attempt to get them to realize that the fight and struggle is not theirs alone. I don't care what they say, but divest as you may, but sadly, at the end of the day, you'll still be Black just like the rest of us you've left behind.

Haters Wanna Hate, Lovers Wanna Love, I Don't Even Want, None Of The Above

Ronald Reagan was known as the great communicator. According to hardliner republicans, George W. Bush was the great liberator, and with the events of today via the Tea Party Protests, Barack Obama can be dubbed the great motivator. Yes, it would appear that Obama has the uncanny ability to motivate a few crazies in this country.

Howard Zinn, one of the greatest historical scholars in this country once said, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism," and he was so correct. Personally, I'm all about and for any activism of a positive nature to affect change, but I find it ridiculous that the election of a Black man has many fellow Americans up in arms...literally.

Not only do we have citizens protesting today about runaway spending, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has released a report warning of increased right-wing extremist groups. You know, those crazy right-wing white supremacists etc.? Yeah, Barack Obama with his audacity to hope and seek change, has surely done that; he has brought out the loons that's for sure. My thing is, where were all of these people when this country was going down the tubes via runaway spending by the Bush administration on the war in Iraq? You know, the war that was influenced by that inconvenient truth or weapons of mass destruction? Well, they were pretty quiet then, and the only destruction, coupled with right-wing ideologically influenced financial industry deregulation, were the economy, and our asses.

How come there were no Tea Parties then? How come all of a sudden, there are a few nutjobs parading as patriots in an attempt to "take back the country"? Well, the answer is simple: many of them are all being influenced by a bunch of conservative sore losers who are still pissed having lost the presidential election. Yes, and since the party has no current or viable leadership, they are being heavily influenced by profiteers of the right-wing media, parading as journalists. Yes, these events have been heavily promoted on Fox News Network; go figure. I'm guessing that today's events all across the country are the Ying to the Yang that was Obama's victory. He has inspired many of us to become a part of the political process, and become more active in our communities. Equally, he has indirectly inspired a large number of our misguided ill informed patriots as well.

Well, since I'm not one to miss out on all the fun, I've decided to do my form of protest today as well. Uh huh, RiPPa is also a patriot. Yes, I'm not going to protest by having a "Tea Party" screaming against taxation without representation (umm, aren't we represented based on our vote via elected officials?). I'm going to run around with my man R. Kelly. Yes, we'll be scouring our great nation today, and possibly for the rest of the week. Yes, we'll be hosting "Pee Parties" to protest the "Tea Parties". Yup, we're going to attend all these silly "Tea Parties" and pee on all these idiots who are now motivated by the election of Americas first Black president. Uh huh, me and the Pied Piper will be flying around in the G4 making it rain on these fools...literally. Like I said, I'm all about being a patriot and speaking truth to power, but this crap must be disrupted, and yes, me and R. Kelly are going to be the ones to do it. Trust me, nothing will break up a crowd quicker than being peed on in public. How's that for dissent, activism, and patriotism?

Will you join me?

Reporting Live From The Crack House

My wife and I were just talking not too long ago about how we've cut back on viewing cable news channels. I swear, I can only take so much of the shit every damn day. Whatever happened to news stories like "Man bites dog". Some shit like that, instead of what the hell is going on with the economy, Wall Street, Obama, and Republicans, would be a welcome for me. I'm also sick of all the racially slanted pieces. Ok, so Obama won, I get it Don Lemon, its history. Damn, do I need to see you do a story every weekend about some unnoticed Black first?

Here's a story for you Don, do a story or expose on all the Black men like me who are tired of this shit. CNN canceled D.L. Hughley, isn't it time that they follow suit? No. Instead, they're coming out with Black in America II in a couple months. What are they going to do different than last time? Probably nothing but show us the edits from the last episode. Hell, they never offered any solutions the last go around. The way I feel right this very moment as I type this, I don't know if I'm going to even watch it. Now, unless they show me a clip of Soledad O'Brien reporting live from inside a crack house, which just might change things for me. That's right Soledad, do a story from inside a crack house, and be sure that the dealers and patrons are White.

I mean shit! Make the news interesting for a change. Hell, tell me how the economy has benefited the hood. You know, show me a piece on "Big Shirley" and how she's making a killing boosting the latest gear from the mall. Or maybe how hard it has been for drug dealers; you know, with everybody out of work, as a feel good piece? Yeah CNN, shit like that. Fuck it, if you really wanna reel me back in, g'head and convince Dave Chappelle to be an anchor. Shit, at least make a brotha laugh every once in a while during this madness. Hell, tell Brittney Spears to drop a kid again or wear no panties or sumthin’?!

I tell you one thing, I’m so glad this pirate shit is over. Yes, I'm happy that they rescued Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship enterprise; thank you lord Jesus! For the last month it seemed like all they would ever talk about on the news were pirates. Do you want to know why? It's because they're Black; what else? Black men get a bad rap in the news, and it would appear that being a pirate is another illustration of how this happens. The funny thing about this is that I just read a report which said that watching the news pretty much reinforces stereotypes and negative perceptions of Black people. And here we are now, after this latest pirate escapade, a brother can’t even walk into a Red Lobster or Long John’s Silver without looking more suspect than before.

I think its bullshit that these pirates have gotten a bad rap. Hell, Johnny Depp made millions being a pirate, and nobody said anything. But when Somali's do the same thing? Pirates are all of a sudden bad. What’s worse about the coverage is that now they have every American hating pirates. Not just that, but they never showed any news pieces which would explain what’s happening in Somalia. Nope, they won’t tell the American people that the U.S. gov’t used the C.I.A. with the blessings of the UN, to overthrow the Islamic gov’t they had about a decade ago in the whole bullshit war on terror. They never tell the American public that European companies have been dumping toxic waste in Somali seas, and pillaging the shores for $300 million worth of seafood every year.

But as soon as this shit jumped off, they conveniently threw in a possible Al Queda link to scare the shit out of people. All of this while there is no gov’t in Somalia to protect its seas and people from the theft of one of its natural resources and way of life; which is fishing. Instead of those facts being provided to the public, the story of their terrorist activities are being exploited, only because they hijacked an American ship. You know what? Now that I think of it, Don Lemon should continue showing those positive Black firsts. Maybe if he continues to do so, White America would forget that we do more than corner the market on crime. Yeah, and maybe a brotha can eat a piece of fish in public without getting the side eye from folks who the media has left an impression on.

Now you tell me…

Who are the real pirates?

The Crying Game: When Men Cry While Naked

Ok people, lets go back to the debauchery, and dysfunction that is our daily lives. Yep, lets talk about sex. I was talking to my homie Fungke Blak Chik the other night about her recent dating escapades when she was updating me on a situation with a fake ass lying ass onetime Negro suitor. Well, not to put all of his or her business out there, but she’s no longer seeing this lame. My bad, I shouldn't’t call him a lame because I don’t know the guy personally, plus he’s not here to defend himself. Plus, like I said, I’m not going to put anybody’s business out there....

But anyway, dude has been acting shady, and pretty much has been in hiding since “hooking up” with her. Now, from what she was telling me, dude cried when he finally got a piece. He got a piece of what RiPPa? You know? A piece? You know booty? Pussy? Sex?!! Damn I hate slow ass people. Anywhichaway, yes when dude hit it he cried. I wouldn’t know, but allegedly, according to my girl, it’s just that damn good. I don’t know about any of the fellas reading this, but isn’t that some scary shit? I mean, isn’t it a scary thought of hittin’ a chick off, and then having to cry afterwards? I mean, I don’t know about any other guy, but I don’t ever want to have sex with a woman that was so good that she made me cry when it was over.

Now women would probably see this as a good thing and no big deal. Actually, I think some women would welcome a man breaking down in tears when they first have sex. To those women, it would be a form of validation of their prowess between the sheets. I’m sorry, but if I was a woman, a nigga crying after I gave him some would be a signal that he’s possibly crazy. Ok, so he may not be actually crazy or deranged, but crying during or after sex makes him a potential crazy stalker dude, and I would be concerned. The last thing you (or I) would need, is a guy jumping out of the bushes when I got home from work or wherever wondering if he could hit it again, and where the hell I’ve been. So yes, if it were me, I’d cut dude off in a heartbeat after that.

However, I know how some of you women love keeping a crazy dude around. So yeah, I could understand you continuing to see him and you telling your friends that he really loves you. Umm, that dude doesn’t love you. He’s crazy and he’s trying to own you. Didn’t you get the memo? Abraham Lincoln said that whole slavery owning people thing isn’t happening, or allowed in this country anymore. Now if you like being chained up or handcuffed during sex, that’s a different blog, and your bedroom. The point I’m trying to make is that some of these guys do this crying thing in an attempt to run game.

Yes, when a man/woman cries after sex, what he/she is doing is trying to convince you that you’re the best thing since pants with pockets. Ok so maybe better than that, but you get the picture. You’re supposed to devote yourself entirely to that person just because you made them cry. Yes, you and your sex organ is supposed to be on sympathy auto-pilot, and give in to their every intentions. That’s right, and you wonder why some of these couples end up on Divorce Court on TV embarrassing their family members as they argue over who gets the George Foreman Grill. They usually do because one of them fell for the crying game.

My 18mth old daughter pulls that shit when I get on to her for doing something wrong. She runs to me with open arms crying so that I can pick her up. I’m not gonna lie, I often fall for it, but it’s only because she’s a baby. Having said that, I don't think any grown person should fall for that same shit in a relationship; or most definitely after sex. I’m not going to say that it is completely unnatural to be emotional and cry ever. All I’m saying is, to be careful about the tears you fall for. I did that once with a woman, and all I’ll say for now, is that it didn’t turn out too well, and yes, she did have some issues which were unhealthy. For all I know, this dude did my girl a favor of crying and falling off the face of the earth, and it’s a good thing she didn’t fall for that game.

Easter, Family Portraits & Cowboy Pimps

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and go hunt for colored eggs! Yup, it’s definitely Easter folks. Oh, in case you didn't know, or are probably Muslim, into Scientology, or a republican...Easter is a Christian 'holiday' that celebrates the day that Jesus rose from the grave.

After which, he bought a new suit and decided to play with rabbits, and hide colorful eggs before going up to heaven. Since Jesus is the focus of Christianity, people all over the world continue the practice. Well, I dunno about around the world, however, I do know about some of the people I saw in the mall yesterday. Hell, I even saw a woman who I knew she had to be a stripper on her way to work being that she was barely clothed running around buying a dress for Easter Sunday. I guess it just goes to show that we’re in a recession when strippers get saved.

I saw so many people shopping and buying "dress clothes", I started to question if Barack Obama sent them extra tax refunds, or a damn stimulus check. Maybe it’s because I now live in the bible belt. Yeah, maybe that’s what it is. I swear, I've never seen so many people lose their minds as I've seen this weekend outside of Christmas shopping. All over the place there were people buying church clothes. It made me wonder if these people were true Christians or the fake Christians who only show up for communion once a year. Hell I even saw a whole family decked out in their Sunday’s best lined up waiting to take pictures at Sears. I couldn’t help it, but I thought to myself, “I know these people ARE NOT gonna wear the same thing tomorrow at church, and I hope not”

We even went out to dinner and there were a lot of people in their church clothes lined up waiting to eat. I thought it was odd since this was Saturday night and not Easter Sunday. But my wife informed me that they were probably some Seventh Day Adventist members. It’s a damn shame that Christians can’t even agree on when the Sabbath should be observed. Oh well, there are many contradictions in Christianity, so no biggie.

My wife's grand-parents, and her father are in town from Detroit, for the weekend, and It’s been cool so far. Just seeing her grand-parents enjoying life together at an old age is a beautiful thing. I could only hope to live as long in love and in the company of the most beautiful woman in the world in my life. Yesterday, with them being here, we decided to go get some portraits done at Sears. It was then that I saw the madness as it relates to Easter shopping and such. But like I said before, maybe its because I live in the bible belt that I'm privileged to see such behavior.

There was one family ahead of us waiting at Sears to get pics that cracked me up. They had to be at least 15-20 deep. Oh and yes they were Black. The funny thing about seeing them was seeing the grand-parents; who oddly enough, seemed to be the only actual adults in the group. They were dressed to kill....literally! You know how old dudes have this saying to describe how “fly” they looked dressed up, called being “casket sharp”? Well, the way they were dressed, you would have died from the uncontrollable laughter.

The old dude wore a gold suit; something sorta like a pimp would wear. I like seeing old dudes dressed sharp in suits, but this guy?? He looked tacky as hell! He looked like a pimp reject, which is worse than an assistant pimp. I promise you, dude looked like Snoop Dogg's uncle Junebug. What was worse and took the cake, was that he also wore a cowboy hat. I swear, I'm not making this up. Dude was like a hybrid Negro. He was part pimp, part cowboy, and his suit looked like a cheap shower curtain from the Dollar Store. I’m sorry, but the cowboy pimp thing was a big mistake.

His wife wore all pink and didn't look too bad in my opinion, but my wife thought she was a hot mess; I guess being a guy I tend to be harder on the fellas. The rest of the family (mostly kids) were kinda fucked up looking the way they were dressed as well. But when your grandfather is a cowboy-pimp you can pretty much look however you please. I mean, grandma, and grandpa were dressed to the hilt, but the rest of them looked like they were straight off the playground sporting garanimals from the 80’s. For the purpose of this blog I wanted to take pics of them with my camera phone, but I didn't wanna look like a Japanese tourist in Hollywood. Besides, that dude would have probably called his cowboy-pimp buddies to put a hit out on me once word got back that he was featured on the internet.

Getting family pics is a pretty cool thing. Most families, even as screwed up as they are, just coming together and taking pictures is a good thing. It’s the one moment in time that captures togetherness despite any dysfunction. The family that was ahead of us did play and act the part of dysfunction even in waiting for their pictures to be taken. But I'm sure that with the click and flash of the camera that love was there. That’s why I like looking at family photos. When I see them, I see the love, and really that’s what it’s all about. Maybe if more families got together and took pictures, we'd have more families staying together, or at least pretending to like one another?

I dunno, but that’s what I think. Hell, even Jesus took a family picture eating dinner with his homies before he got gaffled by the Feds. And I'm sure though he predicted his demise, dudes probably thought he had too much to drink, and was talking out of the side of his neck. Which is kinda messed up because I know after he was killed, those same dudes probably wished they had wallet sized pictures of themselves all together. After all, you never know when it could be the last time that you're all together.

Love That Chicken!

Ok, this one ain't funny as it is probably just a sign of the tough economic times. A week or so ago, this guy was caught on tape robbing a convenience store with his kid in tow. Reports say that he did this out of desperation to be able to provide for his kid having recently lost his job. Ok, so he was a White guy, and I'm sure America, though disgusted by his crime, could probably feel his pain.

QUESTION:Do you think they would be so "forgiving" of the cats who did this:

Ok, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the guys who did this shit was Black. Yeah sure I'm exhibiting my racial bias, but damn! If this shit doesn't sound like some ig'nant Negro shit, then I don't know what else is.

"Give up the chicken!"

Now ain't that some shit? These clowns cases the Popeye's restaurant, just to be sure they were able to rob this woman for some chicken. I could be wrong, but I don't think chicken is some new slang for money. I mean, they specifically asked for chicken, got it, and took the ladies money as if it was a condiment. Hopefully this doesn't become an epidemic in this country. We already have some fool killing Black women being dubbed a serial killer and all. The last thing we need is a chicken bandit running around. I wonder if they'll ever hit the Obama Fried Chicken joint in Brooklyn.

One Year Later And The Madness Keeps Growing

One year ago today, I started this blog. I call it The Intersection of Madness & Reality for one reason, and one reason only. I wanted this to be the place where I was able to release the madness that are my views via social commentary, in a real sorta way. That plus I wanted this place to be the watercooler around which most of you tell lies about yourselves and other people. Not only that I wanted this place to be like the transit station where you folks can connect to other great reads here on the net. Yes, I fancy myself as the Black Forrest Gump who speaks for all the dead men named Bubba who were born with big gums.

If you've been reading this page for a while, I hope you've thoroughly enjoyed my brand of edutainment even though you may have not left a comment saying so. Lets face it, comments are not important. It's not like I'm a stripper working the pole who relies on your generosity of you digging in your pocket and slipping a comment between my man boobs every now and then. Nope, I am not as unfortunate. However, I hope you folks continue to support this page, and tell your friends about me. Yes, have them and even your grandparents subscribe, or put this page in their favorites. As you can tell, this is a family friendly blog.

My vision for the future is to have this place filled to the capacity with much chatter, filthy language, groping, bar fights mixed in all for the purpose that is you. That's right, I do this all for you the reader. Speaking of you, the reader, I'd like to know, what do you think of my blogging? Seriously, I'd like to hear your honest opinion so don't be afraid to speak your mind. By doing so, you can help me provide you folks with a better, and more enjoyable blog reading experience. Like I said earlier, I'm here for you.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, yes, that is a picture of me and my parents at my first birthday party. Sorry I didn't save any of that cake to offer you folks, but instead I bring you my love and gratitude for your continued support. Fittingly, instead of all this happy happy joy joy associated with me celebrating my Blogoversary, I'd like to take a moment to continue the good fight against racism, and the horrible injustice Black men have to face in America.

Meet, James Marshall:

Big Man On Campus? Not if you Don't Graduate!!

Earlier in the week I read an article that said that currently, the graduation rate for Black students from HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) was at 37%. It was also noted that this figure was found to be four points lower than the national graduation average for Black students period. Even more disparaging was the finding that there is a stark contrast in graduation rates for Black men relative to Black women at these HBCU's as well.

A recent study by the Associated Press, found that 29% of Black male students graduate from HBCU's within a six year time span. With women making up roughly 61% of the student population at these colleges, that rate of graduation for Black men is very discouraging. The article covered various suspected contributing factors to these results, and there was no clear cut reason or explanation.

A few years ago the stat that was tossed around, is that there are more Black men in prison that in college. A claim that has since been debunked I might add. But that said, it would seem that for the "few" Black men in college, the graduation rates would, and should be higher given the alternative of prison. Especially when we're talking about Black colleges and Universities, right?

One of the factors questioned or discussed had to do with the concept of the "Big Man On Campus" attitude. It was said that because of the disparity in enrollment between men and women, men may develop the big head, and somehow think they're special, or a potential catch. Well, err, umm, if you're not graduating, how much of a catch can you be? I said that to say that in the dating world (not exclusive to college) this has developed into somewhat of a problem for women.

Not in the post graduate world however, Black women have the advantage in the professional setting when it comes to employment. I guess this is one reason why I'm kinda glad as a father of three girls; two of which who will be off to college within the next 2yrs. At least for my own satisfaction, I know that the chances of being sidetracked by some clown thinking about short-term booty may be slim. In my mind I'd like to think that them being around other women who are focused cannot do anything but help them along.

I suspect that's part of the problem with the brothers on campus. I don't know, but maybe they're not thinking long term enough. In other words, maybe they get complacent or comfortable with themselves just in knowing that they're in college, and not in prison. Surely there's more to it than that as the article discusses, but to me, that's a major area where I think they fall short. I don't know, but can you tell me what you think, and how can we fix this? I mean after all, shouldn't we care about our young Black men?

Interestingly something that the article never touched on, was the absence of minority faculty at these institutions of higher learning. I never attended an HBCU, but for some reason I always thought that quite naturally, they would be loaded with minority faculty. But according to what I read from Dr. Boyce Watkins, professor at Syracuse University (who happens to be Black just in case you didn't know) this is a problem in itself. Now, with him being a Black man working in academia, I'm kinda apt to believe what he's saying. Besides that, I've been a fan of his for quite some time. Having said that, I must be clear in saying that I am not against sending or having my kids attend an HBCU to further their education.

So you tell me, what do you think is the central problem that contributes to the current graduation rate for Black men from these HBCU's. You can read the press release on the study right here, and you can go to Dr. Watkins' post right here. You can go to either site and read for yourself. You can do that, or you can simply take a stab at it and tell me what you think is the current problem. Is it the colleges, the lack of minority faculty, the ill preparedness for college because of our atrocious public school system (keep in mind that HBCU's often cater to students who come from low income families), or is it just a problem with Black men in general?

What say you?

Given the current findings, would you be against sending your son to an HBCU?

Ayo Fat Girl, C'mere Are You Ticklish?!!

Could you imagine a guy stepping to you and trynna run game to you like that ladies? Ok yeah, I'm sure that approach isn't as bad as some of the stuff you put up with daily. As you get older I'm sure you've just about heard it all to where something like this might not be a bother. But what if you were like, 11yrs old, or maybe even 14yrs old? At that age, it just might bother you right? At that age, girls are conscious of their bodies, and image, right?

So much so that they just might consider picking up on what all those little White girls do, right? You know, that whole making yourself puke after you eat thing? Damn, I can't remember what they call it, but I know that White girl on Diff'rent Strokes used to do it, and they had an episode about it. Oh yeah, bulimia. Yup, that's that stuff those White girls do, right? Uh huh, sisters don't get into that sorta thing. Well, up until I read this article, that's what I used to think.

According to a recent study, Black girls are 50% more likely to be bulimic than White girls. Sounds crazy right? I know, I know, bulimia always sound like one of those White people problems, unlike “that sugar”, and high blood pressure that us Black people have to contend with. Just goes to show how even when it comes to medical problems, racial stereotyping is not a good practice. Sure I know that nowadays we have a problem with child obesity. However, with girls in particular being image conscious (like my 16 & 15yr daughters), I think this is something we should be aware of as parents; or in particular Black parents. No longer should we pass bulimia off as exclusively a problem for White girls, because it can happen to one of ours at least 50% more likely than expected.

According to the study:

1. Black girls were 50 percent more likely than white girls to exhibit bulimic behavior, including both binging and purging. About 2.6 percent of black girls were clinically bulimic, compared to 1.7 percent of white girls. Overall, approximately 2.2 percent of the girls surveyed were clinically bulimic, close to the national average.
2. Black girls scored an average of 17 percentage points higher than their white counterparts on the widely used medical index gauging of the severity of the bulimia, the researchers found.
3. Girls from families in the lowest income bracket were significantly more likely to experience bulimia than their wealthier peers.
4. Bulimia affected 1.5 percent of girls in households where at least one parent had a college degree.
5. For girls whose parents had a high school education or less, the rate of bulimia was more than double — 3.3 percent were bulimic.

Some years ago the comedienne/actress Monique ran with the line, “skinny women are evil.” Well, it's one thing to use such a catchphrase as one of empowerment for women on the plus size. But, it's another to overlook some of our sisters who just may very well be battling this disorder for all we know. Lord knows how long some of them may be suffering with this.

Maybe they're not only evil but suffering a form of psychological disorder because of all the pressures in our society to look a certain way. I'm only passing this on because as they say, knowledge is power, as well as being half the battle. Besides, I think we should pay more attention to our girls other than worrying about them becoming pregnant. We should take an interest in their mind state first and foremost before anything else.

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