4 days ago
African-Americans have decided to move to the South in recent years. The 2010 Census was the first one in decades that showed more blacks living in the South than in the North. For most of the 20th century, blacks migrated out of the South en masse, finding new jobs and new lives in places like Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago.
Now, the Great Migration has reversed. In the first decade of the 21st century, 75 percent of African-American population growth occurred south of the Mason-Dixon Line, the highest that number has been in decades. Meanwhile, states such as Michigan and Illinois saw absolute declines in their black populations.
»The New Black South, Governing.com (via npr)
Even though I already live in the South (let the debate continue on what Texas is), just last night I was thinking how much I’d love to move back to the mother-land. AKA Tennessee.
via npr
1 month ago
Dear Lena Dunham: I Exist by Kendra James - Racialicious - the intersection of race and pop culture.
Guest Contributor Kendra James, breaks down the bullshit that is POC “representation” on Girls.
A great read. I was initially interested in seeing this show. There was a lot of hype and it seemed to describe the lives of young women around me and maybe myself but I suppose that was a wrong assumption. Even Kate Beaton took to twitter to say how she despised every single character. And such is the trouble I have with television. Mad Men has been all that’s kept me near the tube. And even with a show that, until recently, had an all-white cast (maid not included), you have to be willing to pick your battles. Does the era in which Mad Men takes place make sense in character portrayal? Sure, but at least they are willing to talk about it. But does Girls get a pass? Does Friends get a pass? Does 30 Rock, where the main Black character is a buffoon, get a pass? These things need to be called out because how can it be 2012 and this still be happening in television? Where are we represented in television and why is Issa Rae’s Awkward Black Girl just a web series when it clearly resonates with all people? And clearly includes all people. Why is it a struggle for white writers and producers to feature these characters? They are obviously college-educated and seem to have been given the opportunity to be put around all kinds of people. It’s understandable if you only grew up in same hood your whole life but Lena Dunham has had the chance to reach outside of any clique she may have grown up in.
I haven’t travelled to many places and my continuing education hasn’t been so ongoing to allow me to be around different communities. And yet, I’ve found them. At work. My neighborhood. At shows. At marches and protests. I can look at my friends and truly see different faces, different colors. And all in San Antonio or in Denver! So why couldn’t she find them in New York City of all places?
I would still check this show out myself to have any sort of real critical opinion about it, but it just makes me sad already. I’m not one of those people who says that I don’t watch tv or have a television to be cool. I want to know what’s out there. I want to be entertained. But so far none of it speaks to me. Because it seems like it’s not for me.
via daughtersofdilla
7 months ago
This is awesome and it also reminds me of this great article with even better commentary. Of course, we can throw in the hipsters with Native American headdresses. Sometimes I think I wouldn’t mind it if people were actually educated about it or weren’t using it as a costume but as a genuine appreciation of the culture. You don’t really see that. You see them using it for comedic purposes or to look cool.
I remember a student at my elementary school was Navajo and had invited his uncle to demonstrate a dance for us. We all got to wear headdresses but we also learned the importance of it, where he came from, what his dance meant, and much more. That’s a memory that has stayed with me for a long time. I think that’s important. People will say why is this a big deal but I think it’s based on ignorance. This is great.
via daughtersofdilla
8 months ago
I feel like there are so many factors in this that don’t really allow for comparison but it’s laid out pretty plain before my eyes. I think Dev makes a really good point and you realize that it’s bigger than race, or how women are treated in the court system. Davis’ case happened many years ago while the Knox & Anthony cases have been somewhat recent. But it’s sad how easy it was to sensationalize and give a large amount of attention to these two women’s stories and Davis, as well as other numerous unjust cases, were given media attention at the last minute. Many people (although there were efforts in the past of support) didn’t know his name until weeks approaching his execution. I’m sure most people didn’t know his name until days of his execution! It’s a hard fight when no one knows who you are.
And another factor is not just media attention, but what our courts stand for nowadays. I’m sure Italy’s court system may be slightly different from our American court system but the point of any of these “systems” is to give out justice for the victims and, yes, the defendant. City prosecutors and judges get so caught up in being right the first time. They are tangled in the web of “systems” that they can’t even step outside them to do the right thing. What’s so wrong with changing your mind? What’s so wrong with going over the details again so you know you made the right decision? Going off your gut when it comes to a man or woman’s life just doesn’t cut it! That’s not a fair system. There’s no justice in that.
A lot of people retweeted Dev challenging him on his comments. And the funny thing is their minds went straight to race. They were telling him not to make it a Black thing. I don’t think that was completely Dev’s point but, hey, let’s consider the image built up around guilty Black men and guilty/innocent white women. Dark and dangerous versus always a good student, always happy (before they allegedly snapped). Dropouts versus devoted moms, sisters, and daughters. Anthony and Knox are your neighbors while Davis is from the other side of the tracks. From a place you don’t know.
The same can be said of minority women who go missing. No one faults a family from doing everything possible to get their daughter back. But how many Black and Brown faces do you see on the news pleading for their daughters’ safe return? How many times do police departments file those cases as runaways? Why are women of color not being protected, not being given that attention? Why are we worth less?
There are so many things to question when it comes to crime and the judicial system. There’s a lot to consider. Race, sex, background history, etc. You would think evidence would come first on that list. Burden of proof. Testimonials. But all the superficial things must come before, to create a story for its viewers (or for the jury). The stage must be set and then you can interpret it any way you like. Interpretation over Facts. What a shame. Honestly, I’m surprised I sleep so well at night knowing that the law can’t do anything for me.
1 year ago
On May 15, 2011, Psychology Today contributor, Satoshi Kanazawa posted an article entitled “Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women?”. We demand that the Psychology Today editorial board publicly account for how and why this racist and sexist article was allowed to be published on the Psychology Today website, and take transparent steps to prevent this from happening in the future. Kanazawa’s article is nothing more than a vile regurgitation of racist and sexist beliefs about black women disguised as “objective” and “scientific” research findings, and contributes to a historical legacy of using distorted “science” as a tool to justify violent ideas about and treatment of black women. Kanazawa has a history of writing biased and error-ridden articles that attempt to justify racist beliefs. Other scientists have discredited his research and his legitimacy as a social scientist has been called into question. That Psychology Today publishes Kanazawa’s often problematic articles casts serious doubt about the trustworthiness of their publications as well as the rigor of their editorial process. Psychology Today is not just a magazine and website, but it’s also a site that people access resources for mental health services for their well being. Publishing damaging and crude articles such as Kanazawa’s demonstrates a profound disrespect for anyone who turns to Psychology Today for these resources. Though Psychology Today has removed the article from their website without explanation, the editors have not acknowledged or taken responsibility for publishing the article, discussed the editorial standards they require from their contributors and whether this article satisfied those standards, or explained why Kanazawa remains as a contributor, despite being discredited by other social scientists. Psychology Today editors have a journalistic and ethical duty to be both transparent about how this article was published and accountable for this failure in public trust.
Because of the damage that this kind of misinformation creates for both the public and Psychology Today, we demand the following:
1) a public statement from Psychology Today editors demonstrating accountability for the article itself and the editorial conditions that allowed this article to be published on your website.
2) the removal of Satoshi Kanazawa as a contributor to your website, magazine, and any other Psychology Today publications based on his history of discredited research and repeatedly submitting racially biased articles to Psychology Today, including this most recent disturbing article that your editors chose to abruptly scrub from your website.
3) and the development of more thoughtful and sophisticated strategies for identifying how racism, sexism, homophobia/transphobia, and other oppressions and biases shape any so-called “objective” scientific inquiries, methodologies, and findings that your contributors examine in your publications. These strategies should be communicated to the public in an effort to be more transparent about how you are disrupting bias in your reporting.
Also, please visit this additional important change.org petition demanding that “psychological professional associations to devise a formal statement alerting the public that, given their track record, Psychology Today should not be considered a reliable source of psychological knowledge.” This petition has been endorsed by the following people: Alisa Bierria Aishah Shahidah Simmons James Braxton Peterson, Ph.D. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Ph.D. Yvonne Welbon, Ph.D. R L’Heureux Lewis, Ph.D. Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Ph.D. Mark Anthony Neal, Ph.D. Jennifer Williams, Ph.D. Tamura A. Lomax, Ph.D. Erica R. Edwards, Ph.D. Tishana Trainor Tarana Burke Imani Uzuri Kenyon Farrow Linda Perkins, Ph.D. Llanor Alleyne Yolo Akil Kim Ford Yaba Amgborale Blay, Ph.D. Ruby Sales Brittney Cooper, Ph.D. Susana Morris, Ph.D. Tiona McClodden Amina Wadud, Ph.D. Moya Bailey Sarah Haley, Ph.D. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.D. Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, Ph.D. Sofia Quintero Osizwe Raena Harwell, Ph.D. Nuala Cabral Alondra Nelson, Ph.D. Asha French Salamishah Tillet, Ph.D. Joan Morgan Crunk Feminist Collective Ava DuVernay Carla Jean-McNeil Jackson, Esq. Christa Bell Marlo Denice David, Ph.D. Valerie Ann Johnson, Ph.D. Carla Stokes, Ph.D.
Please reblog this and sign the petition by clicking the photo or visiting this page.
When this article came out, I actually wasn’t upset. I thought it was absolutely ridiculous especially coming from someone who has written some outlandish articles before. It was something I felt people wouldn’t take seriously and I have the hope that the majority of them didn’t. What did upset me, however, was that Psychology Today deleted the article and shied away from who this man was and what reasoning that such an article should be published. I’m glad it opened up a lot of dialogue about race and sexism but it doesn’t excuse not getting an apology.
UPDATE: Apparently they apologized just yesterday. Link here. I don’t know what other measures will be taken but hopefully future publications, schools, etc will find Kanazawa a complete joke.
via blackfashion
1 year ago
The Whitewashing Of Mixed (Black) Women In Hollywood «
I must confess that it’s something that has always irked me to a degree. I’ve discussed this in the past in regards to Maya Rudolph and her movie, Away We Go. Lately, we seem to routinely be given the pairing of a white man with a racially ambiguous woman…
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I would just like to say that this is a very well written article about something that’s always bothered me about certain films and TV shows, however have found it difficult to put my finger on. It’s pretty cool to see it addressed and though your article is a little short and I would have loved to hear more, I’m thankful to hear it. Although, I think I may have a completely different spin on it:
I don’t think I want these or other actresses like them to be held accountable for their Black-ness, so to speak. But I do want them to tell the stories or at least feature their mixed roots. I feel like it must be hard to grow up between two or more cultures but you rarely hear that story. Imitation of Life is one of my favorite films. I saw it at a very young age when my mother showed it to me and I have seen it several times since. I love the plot, I love the acting, I love it! But I especially love that there’s a portrayal of a girl wanting to be white and trying to escape all that is Black. For a movie like that to be made in 1959 (my favorite version. There was another done in 1934) is impressive and just goes to show that for a long time this has been an issue. It would make for better character development if what it means to be mixed was featured more often amongst mixed actors and actresses.
Multiculturalism is such a real thing in today’s society and it’s not enough to just see the Black or White of things, to see Hispanic or Asian. Everyone seems to have a little of this or that, and whether that’s true or not (because you know folks love to think they might be anything other than who they are), people are at least being influenced by a multitude of cultures. So where are these stories and why don’t mixed people want to express this fight they’ve had or still have within themselves?
I’ve read both White Teeth and On Beauty by Zadie Smith and applaud her for her boldness on the approach of mixed families. She grew up in a home like that and it’s fantastic for her to feature it in her novels. It’s especially interesting that she features it without overdoing it. A multi-cultural family is apart of her book but it isn’t THE book. If screenwriters are afraid of pushing the issue, then obviously they’re in the wrong profession. Just because Maya Rudolph and Rashida Jones look racially vague doesn’t mean their character must remain that way also. Writers need to step up their game, as do directors, to at least crack the surface on this. Because I am not mixed, I would want to hear those stories. I would want them to feel real and get a better understanding of those who identify with more than one race.
I’m a big fan of Maya Rudolph and I think Away We Go was the best portrayal of a relationship in films I’ve seen lately. And I’m not a huge fan of romance or romantic comedies so that’s saying something! I thought the movie was just right. I don’t think I had a problem like you did about her being without Black friends because all of my close friends are not Black. In fact, I’ve been without Black friends for a long time. Then again, I grew up in San Antonio, Texas where the population is mainly Mexican-American. It’s still been easy to be around people of color in that respect. All in all, though, I know how it feels not to have that kind of community around you. But yes, I did have a problem with who she was being put aside. And that’s all it’s really about: the individual. She didn’t have to have Black friends or go to a Black school or even live in a neighborhood who’s residents were mainly Black. She didn’t even have to be Black. But she could have been at least biracial. I know that sounds crazy and a bit of a conundrum but like I said, it’s not enough to see it just Black and White anymore (pun intended). We could at least see more of what it means to be multiracial in a multicultural world in movies, books, and on TV. I can’t wait to hear those stories. I’m just hoping it happens sooner than later. Again, thanks for writing something that has been often overlooked. It’s good discourse. I can’t wait to see Bridesmaids too!
via theessentialsofcool
