In the first part of “The People Who Cried Wolf,” I examined the almost never-ending need for black people to cry out oppression without determining visions or plans for progress. That is something that comes naturally, but looking deeper into the situation throughout this country and in the media I am struck by another situation which has a strange strength in this country. Reverse racism (or the “People Who Cry Wolf” knowing that they are apart of the Wolfpack, s/o to all my True Blood watchers out there).

Over the past week, the media has taken to the story of Shirley Sherrod and how a conservative blogger was able to get her fired from her position at the USDA over statements that were considered racist by the untrained ear. To me, all her statements (even in the doctored video) were REAL. There is nothing like dealing with someone that has a distinct memory of the slavery that used to hold this country. Who in this country would have that memory better than an old farmer from the south? So naturally, it would difficult to help someone who has benefited directly from the work of your ancestors. But ultimately, being able to look past everything and help the old farmer was the conclusion of the story and the beginning of another conversation.

For years, Faux News has been doctoring articles and video to help them scare their viewers into a paralyzed state of paranoia that enables them to build movements of fear and hate. Anyone have a sudden urge for tea? Anyway. This is not new, so I’m not going to waste any energy on that. What’s new is it worked (for the 4th time). Because of their false news story, an employee was let go from her position at the USDA, but more importantly the government as a whole showed who/what is more important to them moving forward.

Where I grew up, it was general practice for white people to wear confederate flag belts, hats, and shirts to school everyday. It was also know that this was okay with the administration. When a new dress code was implemented my junior year of high school, the clothes that we highlighted were baggy jeans, shirts with civil rights figures like Malcolm X, and gold chains because all these things showed a hate for (or more importantly the understand that we were not apart) of white America. These articles were considered threatening and yes you get it, racist against the majority white population. But no consideration was ever given to the confederate flag clothing. You may ask yourself why this was, but my justification is that for every child that wore a “rebel” flag t-shirt there were more 4 that wore baggy jeans. This made parents in the area look at their children in clothing that made the black people look like “niggers.” Probably was a little too much or it could have made them second guess what they hated in the first place (the person or the clothing).

What’s more important to point out in this situation as we look to the events of last week? Is it the fact that racism still exists in America, or is it the power that white American has anytime they want to play the reverse-racism card? I’m going to go with the latter only because the NAACP and the federal government chose to point the finger at Sherrod before knowing the whole story (keeping in mind the story was being run on both organizations number one supporter Faux News… hmmm…). Similar to the principals at my high school that were more concerned with the clothing that made them uncomfortable to deal with the black students problems, this was the “principals” of this country’s way of stopping any conversation that could make everyone in the majority uncomfortable. Only thing is, my principal was a middle aged white woman, and this country’s in a highly educated, articulate, and simply cool black man. To me, this situation should have been right in the wheelhouse for an hour long speech on national television about the race problems that are still holding this country back from the future dream that we have sold ourselves.

But again, the government did its best quality control exhibition and tried to stay far away from the issue of reverse-racism and why the country ate it like the free Popeye’s chicken at a Tyler Perry movie premier. This just points at the box that overt racism can put you in. It keeps you from speaking in the first place because of the fear of retaliation. But if you have the strength to speak, it can also strike you down as a racist for being against the racism that holds you. So instead of have a press conference addressing the people at Faux News and their attempts to spread poison to people uneducated about race, we continue to let “white kids in school” wear their confederate flag shirt, hats, and belts. And where does that get us you ask? That depends on what kind of change you were hoping for 18 months ago, but at least no one wears any Malcolm X.

Check out this great Washington Post Article on “The Reverse Racism Ploy and Obama”

And Stay Gifted.

cody

Just to make sure your Friday is going well… Here are some examples of “Being Gifted” at its finest!

Curren$y – Raps and Hustles

Martin Season 1 Outtakes

Allen Iverson – Top 10 (I think #8 should be #1)

Lil Jon (ft. Jadakiss) – Knockin’ Heads Off

Short Bus Shawty – BYOB

Stay Gifted!

cody

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been exposed to something that we as a people (meaning black people) are doing to hurt our progression as a race and of the nation in general. For years, I have listened to people talking about the “man” and everything that holds us back as a people. Fine with me, because for the most part there are concrete events and legislation that has handcuffed (literally and figuratively) the majority of the race. But there is a developing problem that I am looking to address right now.

I know that everyone is familiar with the story of the “boy who cried wolf.” If you don’t know what I am talking about I’m going to need you to get your childhood story game up. But not to digress, it is becoming more apparent that as a people we have turned into that little boy who cried out for help so much that eventually no one would listen to his stories, no matter how legitimate his claims were.

When I heard about the Oscar Grant judgement (yes, I was paying attention to that and LeBron) I was shocked because of the lack of concerned by people and the media. But more importantly, I was shocked to find that even the people that we irate about the situation were not being taken with the same sense of urgency from not only people outside of their circles, but their own people also. People were tweeting, posting statuses, and blogging to no avail because people were more concerned with the other things.

I was again struck to find out that the NAACP has had a two week media war going on with the Tea Party because of some racist statements that were made by a known racist from a racist organization (the Tea Party). But I’m still waiting for a march or even a press release about the Grant trial and the judgment (maybe I’m unaware of it, if I missed it shoot it over). How much weight could we put on the importance of the NAACP if they are arguing with the Tea Party?

What’s the cause of this? Is it because people are always talking about things that are holding us back but aren’t doing anything tangible to keep everyone’s attention on moving forward? Or is the NAACP making money and staying relevant by continuing to be our complaint box. One question: Have you ever seen anybody ever check one of those? Anyway.

I say all this to say. While the NAACP was fighting against the Tea Party and Faux News, real people with real issue are being taken advantage of. The people that they are supposed to be helping are suffering from NAACP school yard fight for the more racially charge organization of the year.

I don’t know personally how to attack this, so I wanted to get everyone’s opinion on this. I am not saying that we should sit back and let things continue to happen to us as a people, but I am saying that to be taken seriously we need to choose our battles better.

Oscar Grant = Good battle.

LeBron, Nicki Minaj, KFC Double Down, Tea Party, etc = Bad Battle.

Stay Gifted.

cody

here are the links to the articles mentioned in this story…

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_med_aids_prevention

http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/discovery-helps-us-researchers-close-in-on-hiv-vaccine/19547029

Stay Gifted,

Hood Aesthetic

Like everyone else last week, I was ultimately consumed with the quest for landing LeBron as the biggest free agency that has hit the NBA in a couple of years (keeping in mind that KG, Kobe, Shaq, etc. have all been up as free agents recently). This time something was different. In the past, I feel that it was a very interesting process. The free agent looking for the best fit for him to take a team to the champion. Last week, it was all about what pieces teams would be able to put with LeBron to win and that’s fine, but for him to end up going to Miami to Wade’s team. It just left me shaking my head.

Watching LeBron over these last couple of years has been similar to the feeling I got when I popped in the So Far Gone for the first time. I was thinking, I have heard a lot about this guy Drake, and he is living up to everything that I have heard. Even though there were people that I thought were better,  the tape was hot. There is no way around that. He had the hype, the shows (concerts, not Degrassi), and everyone was waiting on an album. But to me, everything changed for me when he signed to Young Money. From that point, the quality of the music has not changed, but I just can’t feel it as much. It just doesn’t seem genuine.

This is the same way I feel about LeBron now. Its not that I don’t think that he is great player, just like I think Drake is a good artist (notice no great yet), but it definitely says something about his personality (and maybe the mind state of people in our generation) that he would go to someone else’s team for a better chance to “win.” To me, it was a very “type B” and I can’t imagine any of my favorite players doing it (even weak-ass Karl Malone stuck it out on the Utah Jazz), just like I could not imagine any of my favorite artists going to Young Money to maximize the amount of money or sells.

To me, both of these instances say that we as a people are leaning towards recognition and awards and away from the integrity of competition and hard work. John Barry of ESPN said Thursday night that he was sad because we would never get to see how good LeBron or D Wade could have possibly been because they will not be able to play the same roles as before. They are going to hold each other back from going to levels unseen because they will have to wait on the other to get there too. This is the same way I feel about Wayne and Drake. I mean, how many times have you heard something hot from Drizzy and Wayne gets on there and hums the song into non-existence. Its almost sad.

I say all this to say that I hope that these are just two rare instances the submissive nature of people in the spotlight. But more importantly, I will never be able to say that LeBron or Drake could ever be close to the top of my list in their professions respectively. I would rather be an Allen Iverson or a Jadakiss anyday.

Stay Gifted!

cody

So with last nights over played drama Lebitch James (I refuse to call him by his govt. name but that was before he pulled up his skirt and showed the world he was nut-less) left Cleavland for the sandy beaches of Miami and you know what I cant say that I blame him a Ring is what EVERY one who plays the game wants. I mean hell Darko has a ring so I get it trust me I do, but by joining the NBA’s version of the Yankee’s he has abdicated his throne as the King.  Sorry by going to Miami and joining Wade’s team he has taken the pressure off of himself to rule the court and just to be a supporting character. Which is cool leading isn’t for everyone but you would think for someone who called themselves King it would be for them.  Lets be honest he is one of the greatest talents to play the game currently but he proved hes more Pippen than Jordan hell he’s not even Kobe.  Jordan was the man on his time and it was built around and to compliment him, Kobe blew up what would have been a perennial contender just to prove he was the man, while LeBitch shows you that he does not want to be the man, just the man standing next to the man. So now theres an empty throne I bet Kevin Durant is the one to claim it because clearly Lebitch did not want it. Lets be clear Lebitch is going to get a ring or 4 but he will never be known as one of the games greatest and maybe thats fine with him.. his mentor is Jay-Z who clearly counts whose winning by the amounts of a bank account and if thats the measure of a winner then in a few short years Lebitch will be a “winner”  This is just my opinoin… let me know what you think.

Ouch. My father had turned and jabbed me in the shoulder while we were waiting for the movie Knight & Day (while a surprisingly good movie, it saddened me that summer only offered that and A-team as action movies; as a kid it seemed like Will Smith alone kept a quality action movie out every week) because the preview for Wall Street 2 came on. I was taken aback on a few fronts; One that my father would want to see a sequel; two, that a 60+ year-old-man could bruise me so easily; and three, that in an economic climate such as we live in today people would still want to hear about people greedily hoarding money under the auspices of fair play.
“Lame”, I said. “No one will watch it”, I said. “There will be rioting in the streets”….ok, I didn’t say that. Still, no way did I think that I was wrong on this.

I was wrong on this.

Earlier this week, it was leaked that Bosh, Wade, and LeBron met at a secret location dubbed “the summit” (insert angelic or ominous music as it applies). What has recently become clear is that they spoke about playing all together in Miami; Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James ALL playing together. Ric Bucher stated that putting these three on a team doesn’t equal a championship; that “the NBA doesn’t work like that.” Apparently Bucher was on sabbatical during the entire year of 2008 when the Celtics (led by their “big 3”) made their run at a ring, and the US Olympic team (which was comprised, among others, of these three) made their Gold Medal run.

After the much ballyhooed “summit”, there was a ton of viral chatter about what the meeting would mean for the rest of the league. Most of it was just inquisitive inquiries about the players’ final destinations, others though (I’m looking at you Michael Smith and Tillman) were hell-bent on convincing everyone that this was somehow a bad thing.

Gekko has been running the league for years, is it finally time for a change?

Greed is Good.

The overwhelming theme of the attacks of the summit was that LeBron should be above asking for help, that LeBron (by seeking help to combat the loaded Lakers and Celtics) was somehow less of a superstar. I’ll say this again, so that maybe it will make some sort of sense to you (because it makes zero sense to me). Although he has been unsuccessful in single-handedly winning a championship (as everyone who has ever played professional basketball can sympathize with), he is less of a superstar for sacrificing his own personal accolades, statistics, and money (because the Cavs are the team that can offer him $30 million more than any other squad) for the sake of a championship.

So…what’s the problem again? LeBron wants to win, and the Lakers are STACKED. Kobe has Pau Gasol (read: Spanish Chris Bosh), Ron Artest (one of the better defenders in the league even now at this point in his career) and Lamar Odom (a guy that would absolutely be a starter on any other team). No one says word one about Artest and Odom taking less money to stay with that team (or the RIDICULOUS trade of Gasol for Kwame Brown and Pau’s brother Marc.) So now that LeBron wants to even the playing field, he is considered less of a superstar.

So while for years the company tag line of sports has been, “win at any cost” it should be “win as long as you do so in a certain manner that we deem appropriate”. Granted, the second won’t fit on a bumper sticker of anything short of a Hummer, but it would be more accurate. Everyone who has played a franchise mode of a sports video game has thought about what saving three mega stars on the floor at one time would look like. Due to individual’s unwillingness to share the spotlight/top-billing/money (I’ll take the high road and not mention Kobe breaking up the Lakers prematurely…whoops) in real life, however, we have been deprived of an amalgamation of talent on this scale. As fans, we haven’t seen it essentially because the athletes have been too selfish/greedy to do it (it’s a bit of an unfair characterization of athletes’ point of view, in that they all deserve the right to work for any team that will have them). In the history of the NBA there have never been 3 players the caliber of Bosh, Wade, and LeBron on one team. I for one, as a basketball fan, selfishly want to see it.

Ok sports fans, how do y’all feel?

Later.

Drafts are like Christmas, the greatness of it is really the season. Watching the wire to read potential trades (Al Jefferson of the Timberwolves for Zach Randolph made me wonder if that two day period I can’t remember during Mardi Gras was coming back to haunt me) and anticipating what your team will do. Like my Charlotte Bobcats, that have little money and NO DRAFT PICKS in this draft…ok, so maybe it’s not Christmas for EVERY team. But speaking of the Bobcats, even non-players in the draft can perhaps get a “gift.” A proposed trade (that can’t be consummated until later in July) has the Wizards receiving Kirk Hinrich (a steady PG with quality shooting and starter-caliber toughness/defense) and a number 17 pick for…essentially nothing. What I would like to know, is how those “giftee” teams are chosen (GM relationships, poor enough team that the gift doesn’t come back to bite you, blindly throwing a dart at a team map).

Raleigh's finest

THIS draft is especially like Christmas, with many of the new toys maybe needing to be fixed (read sit on the bench). Past the Kentucky players (really just Wall and DeMarcus Cousins) and Evan Turner, this draft looks a lot like the drafts before they made the 19-year-old rule. Completely based on potential. Perfect example Ed Davis. I love UNC players, and I hope he does as well as he is projected but he is an offensively stunted, thin, athletic “big” man (read: Brandon Wright). Davis has been projected in the top ten, despite never really accomplishing anything in college, as well as having two seasons with missing games due to injury. Bobcats don’t have a pick, but I’m kind of ok with that.

Think about the Draft’s simplicity, all it is a stage, microphone, and some pricey (but not overly fashionable) suits. Still, even an emotionally handicapped person such as myself feels pangs of humanity watching these young men fulfill a goal that they have been diligently working towards for the duration of their lives. For all the ugliness that surrounds college sports (lack of real classroom time/proper education, cash-poor players enriching million-dollar universities/coaches, agents lying to student-athletes about their prospects for selfish reasons, etc.) the draft serves as a throwback to when it’s all about young people playing a game they love for the benefit of themselves and their family.
Quick Note:
A couple players to watch

John Wall: He’s became the number one pick as soon as Kentucky was eliminated from the NCAA tournament. Scary how much he reminds me of Rose. Freakishly athletic, high will to win, and a shaky jumper (not to mention he’s another one and done player that played for Coach Calipari)

Demarcus Cousins: My friend Kellen made the comparison to Rasheed, not in game , but in his impact/personality. He has been criticized (and may be passed on) because of a questionable mental game. But under the right circumstances, you can get out his extremely high ceiling of ability. I also, don’t know specifically what the experts mean when they say he is immature. I remember another (heavily tatooed) freshman coming out of Syracuse that had “character issues” that (despite one fight during the season) has been a great player and NBA citizen. VERY interesting to watch in the future.

Dominique Jones: Played in South Florida. I have heard everything from Harold Minor to Dwayne Wade. Is an absolute dark horse but I love his strength, his ability to finish at the cup, and his desire to win. Shaky jumper, but so did Wade coming out.

Latavious Williams: a 6’8” PF from the D-League. I don’t think that he’ll be good. Williams is a tweener that doesn’t have the outside game to play SF (yet) and at 205 doesn’t have the body to play underneath. The reason that you have to watch this is the same reason you had to watch Jennings, if he is succcesful you may see more players leave early and go to the D-League in an effort to avoid going to college for a year.

What about you fans? Who are you looking for?
Later.

No, this isn’t about the military, legislation, or protests! This is about people that find themselves getting screwed in “strange” relationship predicaments. Really, I am always amazed by the situations people go through in relationships that probably could have been avoided by inserting one simple step into the master plan. ASK QUESTIONS.

Sounds simple enough, right? Well if so, why is that not enough people do it? Asking questions up front can save everyone a lot of time and heartache.

So here are a few question to ask on the front end of things that might help you move on to the next one realize if the person is worth your time.

1. Are you in a relationship?
Unless you make your living as a professional side-chick looking at you Gabrielle Union this is an important question to ask. I can’t count the number of stories I hear from chicks who didn’t know that they weren’t the main event…until she saw him out with the wife and kids. Asking this question obviously assumes that the person is honest with their answer. The answer might be “yes, but” and at that point you have to decide whether or not it’s something you want to be a part of. Looking for a man of your own? Then this question should probably directly after “hello” and just before “goodbye” or “let’s head to my place”.

2. Did you kiss a boy (or girl) and you liked it?
I’m not the most tactful person at all times and NO, I’m not sure of the best way to ask this question, but if you reside in certain metro areas (no pun intended), this this might be on your top 5 questions list. While I realize that this can be a turn-on for some guys, there are plenty of women that are not cool with this particular “get down”. We all remember the down low phenomenon (which had been going on all along but was eventually brought to the light) and how women were learning of their lifelong bamboozlement all of a sudden. Well, the fact is that there are still plenty’o brothas that won’t just admit their preferences and are still straddling the fence. So ask the question now…or find the answer in his phone later.

3. Are there people looking for you?

Baby-mommas and daddies can be a bit much, but they aren’t the only one that might be checkin’ for your boo. Is the IRS looking for you? We can’t build a future if your bank account is about to be depleted by Uncle Sam. Are the feds hot on your trail, Joran? Now, after getting the answer to this question you still might have to do your own investigation. You don’t want to find yourself getting popped for being an accomplice- #NoBonnie&Clyde and you certainly don’t want to pay repair costs for lost windows due to a woman scorned. This isn’t to say that dating someone with children will always bring havoc, but be sure to check out that relationship and listen to how they talk about the mother (or father) of their kids…you don’t want someone waiting for you in the bushes.

4. Are you on somethin’?

I’m not talking about the recreational use of 4/20 types because, honestly, a lot of people get into that. I’m talking ’bout that Intervention grade madness. We all know what Bobby did to my poor Whitney and I don’t want this travesty to happen to anyone else. Don’t find out about someone’s secret addictions when it’s too late and they’ve smoked up your TV, refrigerator, and hot water  tank. Ask early and look for the signs, or you might just find yourself trying to break your boo out of Sober House.

5. Are you certified crazy?

Now, don’t expect to get a real answer from this question. Actually…just watch the person as they attempt to answer the question or offer an explanation and they might give you all you need in that moment. After all, it’s not like OJ was wearing a t-shirt stating that he was less than sane. Truth be told, everyone is a little crazy, it’s up to you to search deep within to determine just how MUCH crazy you can actually deal with not on a scale of 1 to Chris Brown, using reliable measures. And though there are no t-shirts or mood rings that indicate someone’s level of crazy, there are definitely signs. So if you get home and he’s there in your spot sittin’ in the dark, rockin’…talkin’ bout “surprise” when you walk in….you might want to head down to the station and get to work on those papers.

I know you “gifted” people have a few questions of your own, so share with the group. What questions do you need answered before you can proceed? Speak to me!