I am not a Bible totting Christian, but I love the Lord something SERIOUS! I try not to write too much about faith/religion, but I had to get this one off my chest. In the Bible it says God has no concept of time- 1000 years to us is like a breath for Him. Although I am striving to be more Christ-like in my daily walk, I will be the first to tell you- I do not have that same concept of time. I need to make moves, I need to get on with my day. I do not need to speed through life, but goodness, can we speed through this song?!
Here's why I'm mad:
Gospel songs have become ENTIRELY too long! There have been plenty of times when I was in my car listening to Praise 104.1 (DMV, you know about that), changed the station, listened to a whole other song, gone back to Praise 104.1 and the same song was still playing! Really, though?! I am all for giving God praise, but for 8 minutes and 24 seconds? Dude, your praise has gone on long enough.
It is my personal opinion that many of these songs are long because these singers are monopolizing their time. Many gospel songs consist of a verse, chorus, maybe a second verse and a refrain. Most of these songs go downhill once we hit "the refrain". The refrain is usually a repetitive sentence sung by the choir, while the soloists ad libs. I love Hezekiah Walker, but he is one of the biggest culprits, along with Walter Hawkins, Fred Hammond, etc.
And if you think that is bad, do not let any of these songs be live!! You have now entered into the land of double digits. I have listened to CDs where a song will go on for 12 minutes, end, then start back up again! I am sure if you were at the concert, it would have been a great experience, but for a CD? You need to get the producers in quick to edit that joint.
While we are on the subject of taking too long, church needs a cap as well. We serve a God of order. The order of service needs to start ON TIME and end in a timely fashion. One should not go to church and feel like they just had an eight hour work day. Sometimes, it is permitted because the Holy Spirit will high jack the service and I am totally OK with that. Often times however, church, just like gospel songs, take too long because the pastor or the choir over does it. I am Baptist, but sometimes I think if only I could be a Catholic for a day- get in, get out, Hallelujah, Amen!
God loves our praise, as a matter of fact, He loves and wants nothing more than for us to worship Him, in Spirit and in Truth, but some of you are making a mockery out of Him. Do not allow alter call to go on for 30 minutes because someone did not come up. Do not brow beat; if your message was not well received, then move on. Do not show us your vocal prowess; we know you can sing. There is no need for the screaming and carrying on.
Be subtle, be humble, but more importantly, be quick!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Roof Yourself!
Times are tough. Real tough. Our economy is taking a downturn, people are losing their jobs and their homes... It is becoming increasingly hard out here and the truth is it will get harder before it gets better. Not only are these tough times, but they are desperate ones as well. People are turning into monsters because they feel helpless. Every single bank in my neighborhood has been robbed. If you knew where I lived, you would understand the shock in that statement. I live in the suburbs/backwoods of Virginia. I mean, you drive a little farther and you start to see cattle; that is what I mean by backwoods. You have to travel a long way to get to my neighborhood, so in order to rob a bank where I live, you MUST be desperate and determined!
Now, as messed up as it may be, I can understand why people rob banks. People are BROKE and banks have money! We have to eat, go to work (if we still have a job), pay bills and that takes money. Whether you have it or not, you have to pay the piper, so I can understand the increase in bank robberies. What makes me go hmmmm, is the increasing murder and mass shootings.
Here's why I'm mad:
There have been one too many instances of mass killings where the shooter eventually shoots himself. Dude, just because you have life tough does not mean you have to take it out on everyone around you. This woman killed her son, then shot herself and this man went on a killing spree in Binghamton, then shot and killed himself. Not to mention the Alabama killings (I believe they've had three in one month), the man who shot the preacher in St. Louis Missouri, the man who killed his kids and his family in California because he and his wife were laid off. I can go on and on, but that is not my intent.
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/11/alabama-shooting-leaves-11-dead/
I have one piece of advice for these people who are at their wits end and feel the need to take matters into their own hands: roof yourself*. Because you are having a rough break and want to end your life does not mean we are in the same boat as you. Do not kill everyone else, THEN kill yourself. No, do us a favor and roof your own damn self if you feel that is the solution to your problems. We will find a better, more livable solution for our own.
*roof yourself- to jump off a roof resulting in your untimely, but immediate death.
Now, as messed up as it may be, I can understand why people rob banks. People are BROKE and banks have money! We have to eat, go to work (if we still have a job), pay bills and that takes money. Whether you have it or not, you have to pay the piper, so I can understand the increase in bank robberies. What makes me go hmmmm, is the increasing murder and mass shootings.
Here's why I'm mad:
There have been one too many instances of mass killings where the shooter eventually shoots himself. Dude, just because you have life tough does not mean you have to take it out on everyone around you. This woman killed her son, then shot herself and this man went on a killing spree in Binghamton, then shot and killed himself. Not to mention the Alabama killings (I believe they've had three in one month), the man who shot the preacher in St. Louis Missouri, the man who killed his kids and his family in California because he and his wife were laid off. I can go on and on, but that is not my intent.
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/11/alabama-shooting-leaves-11-dead/
I have one piece of advice for these people who are at their wits end and feel the need to take matters into their own hands: roof yourself*. Because you are having a rough break and want to end your life does not mean we are in the same boat as you. Do not kill everyone else, THEN kill yourself. No, do us a favor and roof your own damn self if you feel that is the solution to your problems. We will find a better, more livable solution for our own.
*roof yourself- to jump off a roof resulting in your untimely, but immediate death.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Facial Features
Besides when people do things that annoy me, and I feel the need to tell you why I'm mad, son, I love being happy. For someone who gets upset easily, you would be surprised how happy I can be. For instance, when a great song plays on the radio, I get ecstatic (do you remember that song "Superwoman" by Karyn White?!- CLASSIC! I heard that the other day and I am sure the person driving along side me got a concert.). When I see money on the floor, I get besides myself with joy and am especially elated while driving down the street and noticing that gas has gone down a few cents. If you have ever been on the phone with me while I was driving home, you know this to be true! I have received a few complaints lately that my inner joy does not show outwardly and apparently, that is a problem.
Here's why I'm mad:
I went to church yesterday and while talking to my favorite Pastor, PT, he told me I always look so mean, to which I responded, "don't worry about it. I have a lot of joy in my heart". PT quickly replied, "well it doesn't show on your face". My mother, who was standing not too far off, got a kick out of that comment and began laughing hysterically (I must admit, it was a pretty good comeback). Later on that evening, my mother commenced to lecture me on my facial expressions, or lack thereof.
When I am in certain places, like church, the train, the street, etc., I keep my facial expressions to a minimum. Have you ever seen someone laugh on the train to themselves and thought they were completely bizarre? Maybe downright crazy? I have and I will be darned if that person will one day be me. I do not see the need for me to walk around with a smile frozen on my face in order to make you feel better about yourself. My arms are not crossed, my lips are not pouty, and my eyebrows are not furrowed. If any of those things occur, then it is obvious that I am not pleased. However, devoid of all those tell tale signs, you can assume that I am in a good mood or at the bare minimum, I am content.
Also, I have come to realize that my serious face, as I like to call it, keeps the crazies, stalkers, and annoying men away, amongst other things. If I look like I do not want to be bothered, then people will not bother me, but if I have a pleasant disposition, people are going to think it is okay to talk to me. I cannot stand walking down the street and men are trying to holla at me, just because I decided to have a pleasant countenance. OR better yet, those people who are always trying to get money for the cause du jour. Looking mean not only keeps annoying people away, but it also keeps money in my pocket and saves me time!
Conversely, if I am expressing some sort of joy, people always want to know why am I so happy, as if one needs a reason. And if there is one, maybe, just maybe it is none of your business. If I feel the need to express to you why I am so happy, you will not need to ask. I will tell you.
Here's why I'm mad:
I went to church yesterday and while talking to my favorite Pastor, PT, he told me I always look so mean, to which I responded, "don't worry about it. I have a lot of joy in my heart". PT quickly replied, "well it doesn't show on your face". My mother, who was standing not too far off, got a kick out of that comment and began laughing hysterically (I must admit, it was a pretty good comeback). Later on that evening, my mother commenced to lecture me on my facial expressions, or lack thereof.
When I am in certain places, like church, the train, the street, etc., I keep my facial expressions to a minimum. Have you ever seen someone laugh on the train to themselves and thought they were completely bizarre? Maybe downright crazy? I have and I will be darned if that person will one day be me. I do not see the need for me to walk around with a smile frozen on my face in order to make you feel better about yourself. My arms are not crossed, my lips are not pouty, and my eyebrows are not furrowed. If any of those things occur, then it is obvious that I am not pleased. However, devoid of all those tell tale signs, you can assume that I am in a good mood or at the bare minimum, I am content.
Also, I have come to realize that my serious face, as I like to call it, keeps the crazies, stalkers, and annoying men away, amongst other things. If I look like I do not want to be bothered, then people will not bother me, but if I have a pleasant disposition, people are going to think it is okay to talk to me. I cannot stand walking down the street and men are trying to holla at me, just because I decided to have a pleasant countenance. OR better yet, those people who are always trying to get money for the cause du jour. Looking mean not only keeps annoying people away, but it also keeps money in my pocket and saves me time!
Conversely, if I am expressing some sort of joy, people always want to know why am I so happy, as if one needs a reason. And if there is one, maybe, just maybe it is none of your business. If I feel the need to express to you why I am so happy, you will not need to ask. I will tell you.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Shameless Plug
This post is long overdue, but since Dr. Jay barked on me to update my blog, I figured I might as well get it out now.
This is dedicated to my girl and everyone who holds her down at USNA.
You make them strong. We make them Army strong!
The Few. The Proud. The Marines.
Accelerate Your Life.
Yup, you have seen the commercials, so I am sure you have heard these lines before (which I get a kick out of by the way for some strange reason). I am no advocate for military service- I know I would not do it. Only service I advocate is church service. Anything outside that, you are on your own. However, I am tired of those who have nothing good to say about the people that are trained to defend our country.
Here's why I'm mad:
A very good friend of mine, Queen Boss, is a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I have known this young lady since I was 13! and for as long as I have known her, she never liked school. During senior year of college, she made the decision to enlist in the USMC. For five years, I never heard from her. Besides the fact that I moved out of New York City, she was all over the globe, including a tour in Iraq.
I kept in contact with QB through our mutual friends who would see her when she came back to NYC. When QB and I finally reunited in the spring of 2007, I nearly cried. Besides the fact that I was seeing one of my good friends for the first time in a long time, she was not the same QB I left in HS. The QB I knew was a fighter, literally, who loved to sing, dance, step and was always the center of attention. She did not really care for mundane tasks like classes and student groups. It just was not her thing. Four years later, here she was, and instead of the same feisty girl I knew in HS, she was now a reserved woman. QB still had her spark and her sass, but she was less quick with her tongue. Here was a woman who actually THOUGHT about what she had to say before she said it- QB, you KNOW you were not like that in HS!! :) Being in the USMC did not change who she was, but it refined her characteristics by decreasing the negative ones and accentuating the positive ones.
Right now, QB is finishing up her second year at the Naval Academy and has two more to go. When she graduates, with her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, she will be the first African American female Marine to graduate from the Naval Academy. She has rubbed elbows with the Centennial Seven and is friends with the first African American to become Command Master Chief of the Naval Academy, who also happens to be a woman.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the Naval Academy numerous times and I was more than impressed with the caliber of African Americans who attend the academy. A few of them go because their parents were graduates or were Naval officers, while others go because they might have been in jail if they had not.
I say all this to say that when talking to our children about their career options, the service is not a bad break. Some of our peers might not have had a chance otherwise. QB does not fall into that category- I know her mother, but she knew in her heart that USMC was where she needed to be. Upon graduating USNA, she will return to the Marine Corps where she will continue to grow and climb the ranks. Her goal is to one day be Secretary of State. Being where she is now, the world is her oyster; she may very well fulfill that dream.
I do not want anyone to think I am glorifying our military, which has its ups and downs, and pros and cons, including death. I have talked with QB about the politics that go down, so I know life in the military is not all that it is cracked up to be, but show me an institution devoid of drama. This post is not encouraging everyone to go off to the military or send their children there, but to show that for some people, it is a great option and an even greater career opportunity.
I am very happy to have QB as a friend and that I had the pleasure of seeing her lifestyle, (which is almost jail like lol). QB is close by now that she is located in Annapolis, but we both know after her two years are up, we have no idea where she will end up. However, I am comforted knowing that she is on the right track, like many of our soldiers are. Plus, she is trained to kill. Keeping that in mind, I know QB will be OK.
This is dedicated to my girl and everyone who holds her down at USNA.
You make them strong. We make them Army strong!
The Few. The Proud. The Marines.
Accelerate Your Life.
Yup, you have seen the commercials, so I am sure you have heard these lines before (which I get a kick out of by the way for some strange reason). I am no advocate for military service- I know I would not do it. Only service I advocate is church service. Anything outside that, you are on your own. However, I am tired of those who have nothing good to say about the people that are trained to defend our country.
Here's why I'm mad:
A very good friend of mine, Queen Boss, is a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I have known this young lady since I was 13! and for as long as I have known her, she never liked school. During senior year of college, she made the decision to enlist in the USMC. For five years, I never heard from her. Besides the fact that I moved out of New York City, she was all over the globe, including a tour in Iraq.
I kept in contact with QB through our mutual friends who would see her when she came back to NYC. When QB and I finally reunited in the spring of 2007, I nearly cried. Besides the fact that I was seeing one of my good friends for the first time in a long time, she was not the same QB I left in HS. The QB I knew was a fighter, literally, who loved to sing, dance, step and was always the center of attention. She did not really care for mundane tasks like classes and student groups. It just was not her thing. Four years later, here she was, and instead of the same feisty girl I knew in HS, she was now a reserved woman. QB still had her spark and her sass, but she was less quick with her tongue. Here was a woman who actually THOUGHT about what she had to say before she said it- QB, you KNOW you were not like that in HS!! :) Being in the USMC did not change who she was, but it refined her characteristics by decreasing the negative ones and accentuating the positive ones.
Right now, QB is finishing up her second year at the Naval Academy and has two more to go. When she graduates, with her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, she will be the first African American female Marine to graduate from the Naval Academy. She has rubbed elbows with the Centennial Seven and is friends with the first African American to become Command Master Chief of the Naval Academy, who also happens to be a woman.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the Naval Academy numerous times and I was more than impressed with the caliber of African Americans who attend the academy. A few of them go because their parents were graduates or were Naval officers, while others go because they might have been in jail if they had not.
I say all this to say that when talking to our children about their career options, the service is not a bad break. Some of our peers might not have had a chance otherwise. QB does not fall into that category- I know her mother, but she knew in her heart that USMC was where she needed to be. Upon graduating USNA, she will return to the Marine Corps where she will continue to grow and climb the ranks. Her goal is to one day be Secretary of State. Being where she is now, the world is her oyster; she may very well fulfill that dream.
I do not want anyone to think I am glorifying our military, which has its ups and downs, and pros and cons, including death. I have talked with QB about the politics that go down, so I know life in the military is not all that it is cracked up to be, but show me an institution devoid of drama. This post is not encouraging everyone to go off to the military or send their children there, but to show that for some people, it is a great option and an even greater career opportunity.
I am very happy to have QB as a friend and that I had the pleasure of seeing her lifestyle, (which is almost jail like lol). QB is close by now that she is located in Annapolis, but we both know after her two years are up, we have no idea where she will end up. However, I am comforted knowing that she is on the right track, like many of our soldiers are. Plus, she is trained to kill. Keeping that in mind, I know QB will be OK.
It's My Blog!!
Well, judging by the title of this entry, I am sure you can pretty much tell what it is all about. No introduction necessary-
Here's why I'm mad:
I have been writing this blog for a few months now. It was aptly written to discuss things that occur in my life that get me upset. There are times when I have too much to say because I am so upset and other times when I am at a complete loss for words because I have nothing to be upset about. I would like to think that I am a generally happy person, but I anger easily; dumb things annoy the crap out of me. When dumb things happen in succession, I get angry and feel the need to write about it (hence why I have written up to 3 posts in one day!).
The name of this post is "Tell 'Em Why You Mad, Son!" for good reason. It is for the sole purpose of talking about the things that upset me on a daily basis, ranging from little things like someone cutting me off on the highway or more important subjects like why black history month is still relevant. I keep my entries general enough so that almost everyone can relate. I have even given other people the opportunity to write guest entries on my blog because sometimes, people other than myself feel the need to tell you why they are mad.
If you think my posts are too angry, then by all means, stop reading my blog! Because it is just that- MY BLOG! I say what I want, I write what I want and I am entitled to how I feel. If I am angry, so be it. If I feel the need to blog about why I am pissed today, oh well. Be happy that I am not taking my anger out on anyone else and running on a killing rampage because things are not going right in my life.
So for all you haters out there who do not really like what it is I have to say, you may need to tell 'em why you mad, son. Just do not tell me. I prefer you keep it to yourself.
Signed,
Forever Your Displeased Diva.
Here's why I'm mad:
I have been writing this blog for a few months now. It was aptly written to discuss things that occur in my life that get me upset. There are times when I have too much to say because I am so upset and other times when I am at a complete loss for words because I have nothing to be upset about. I would like to think that I am a generally happy person, but I anger easily; dumb things annoy the crap out of me. When dumb things happen in succession, I get angry and feel the need to write about it (hence why I have written up to 3 posts in one day!).
The name of this post is "Tell 'Em Why You Mad, Son!" for good reason. It is for the sole purpose of talking about the things that upset me on a daily basis, ranging from little things like someone cutting me off on the highway or more important subjects like why black history month is still relevant. I keep my entries general enough so that almost everyone can relate. I have even given other people the opportunity to write guest entries on my blog because sometimes, people other than myself feel the need to tell you why they are mad.
If you think my posts are too angry, then by all means, stop reading my blog! Because it is just that- MY BLOG! I say what I want, I write what I want and I am entitled to how I feel. If I am angry, so be it. If I feel the need to blog about why I am pissed today, oh well. Be happy that I am not taking my anger out on anyone else and running on a killing rampage because things are not going right in my life.
So for all you haters out there who do not really like what it is I have to say, you may need to tell 'em why you mad, son. Just do not tell me. I prefer you keep it to yourself.
Signed,
Forever Your Displeased Diva.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
All these MONTHS!
Hello All!! So I just remembered that February was black history month. Maybe I was not phased because I just so happen to be black 12 months out of the year! We are now in March and it is Woman's History Month. I am a woman every day, all day, so I guess I will not be celebrating that much either. I prefer to celebrate the black woman I am every day!
That brings me to the topic at hand. Should there be a Black History Month? Should there be a Woman's History Month? What about Hispanic Heritage Month? I am not Hispanic, but I guess they need love too.
Here's why I'm mad:
I read a Newsweek article yesterday that brought this topic to my attention. People are questioning whether we should still have Black History Month, after all, we have our first African-American President. Are women still fighting for gender-equality? After all, a major Democratic candidate for the Presidency was a woman. Are Hispanics still being discriminated against? After all, they are the growing minority group in the country. The answer to all of these questions is an unequivocal YES!
Black history, along with Women's Herstory and Hispanic Heritage are interwoven in the fabric of the United States of America. To not give these different stories the attention they deserve leaves out a very important piece of the American puzzle. African Americans need to know when they used to be counted as 3/5 of a person; women need to know there was a time they could not vote; Hispanics need to know what really went down in the Mexican-American War.
Along with knowing these important facts, we need to read literature that highlights the past grievances against both women and minorities. It is important for people to know what their past was in order fully grasp and respect their present. So yes, we need to keep these various "months" because that is the only time people are truly taught, in depth, about what it meant to be Black, a Woman, or Hispanic in this country.
Schools can only do so much. It is imperative that parents teach their kids about all the different facets of life represented in this country. We do not live in a perfect and equal world, but until then, we can learn about the steps we have taken to get to where we are now and use that knowledge to get us to where we need to be in the future. In one word, sankofa.
That brings me to the topic at hand. Should there be a Black History Month? Should there be a Woman's History Month? What about Hispanic Heritage Month? I am not Hispanic, but I guess they need love too.
Here's why I'm mad:
I read a Newsweek article yesterday that brought this topic to my attention. People are questioning whether we should still have Black History Month, after all, we have our first African-American President. Are women still fighting for gender-equality? After all, a major Democratic candidate for the Presidency was a woman. Are Hispanics still being discriminated against? After all, they are the growing minority group in the country. The answer to all of these questions is an unequivocal YES!
Black history, along with Women's Herstory and Hispanic Heritage are interwoven in the fabric of the United States of America. To not give these different stories the attention they deserve leaves out a very important piece of the American puzzle. African Americans need to know when they used to be counted as 3/5 of a person; women need to know there was a time they could not vote; Hispanics need to know what really went down in the Mexican-American War.
Along with knowing these important facts, we need to read literature that highlights the past grievances against both women and minorities. It is important for people to know what their past was in order fully grasp and respect their present. So yes, we need to keep these various "months" because that is the only time people are truly taught, in depth, about what it meant to be Black, a Woman, or Hispanic in this country.
Schools can only do so much. It is imperative that parents teach their kids about all the different facets of life represented in this country. We do not live in a perfect and equal world, but until then, we can learn about the steps we have taken to get to where we are now and use that knowledge to get us to where we need to be in the future. In one word, sankofa.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The New Bobby and Whitney
Yes, I did the impossible... I handed the reins over to my boy Jay. I asked him to guest blog and he certainly delivered. This needs no introduction whatsoever, so just read on people.
(I love it when you call me Jay…)
Unless you have been under a rock for the last week you have certainly heard about the Rihanna/Chris Brown situation that has transpired. And while 95% of the people who claim to know what happened do not have a clue, we have all taken an educated guess that Chris Brown laid his hands on Rihanna. This is not the first time that Chris Brown has had some problems with his aggression. At a party in Europe last year he had to be restrained after he got into a scuffle with a few club goers. Also, there were rumors that he became violent and aggressive with a model in South Africa when she refused to have sex with him. All that glitters is not gold with Rihanna either, whether it has been her alleged affair with Jay-Z, or her “diva” tendencies. She has had her fair share of run-ins as well.
Immediately when this story broke, we jumped to the most outlandish assumptions, such as, Rihanna flipped out on Chris Brown about some chick texting him, and he in turn got mad at her and just starting beating on her. Or, Chris Brown got the “herp,” from Rihanna and then commenced to beat her ass. I mean really people?!
Here’s why I’m mad:
I am mad because all of our preconditions of this domestic violence come from their celebrity status. We are really only concerned about Chris Brown’s physical/verbal abuse now because it is in the news. It is the hot new gossip. We are at our computers trying to find the next scoop on what really happened inside that car. We are anticipating every comment from Chris or Rihanna on what really happened, or an official statement. We are more concerned with canceled tour dates, Chris Brown’s real location and what Jay-Z will do in retaliation, than anything else. Let’s be real people, we are talking about Rihanna and Chris Brown, we are NOT talking about domestic violence.
What is real is that while we have been caught up in this domestic violence scandal, the real face of domestic violence continues to be out there and stays completely hidden from the public eye. The average victims of domestic violence are not platinum selling recording artists, models, or actors. Nope; they live right at the end of your block. In the last week what could have happened should have been a new dedication to ending domestic violence or at least attempting to help those out there who are suffering, but instead we have been glued to our TV sets and every blog site we can find to get new details about Chris Brown and Rihanna.
So yeah, how about people spend some time being real stewards of change instead of into the latest celebrity gossip. How about we do not perpetuate guilty until proven innocent. (I swear to beans, do not let the report come out that Chris Brown was trying to defend himself from her and was merely shaking the “ish” out Rih-Rih, which Chris Rock said was clearly “fair game.”) How about we go online and find out some ways that we can really help fight domestic violence. How about we stop saying, “Yes we can,” or “Yes we did,” and start saying, “Yes we are.”
Could not have said it better myself Jay.
(I love it when you call me Jay…)
Unless you have been under a rock for the last week you have certainly heard about the Rihanna/Chris Brown situation that has transpired. And while 95% of the people who claim to know what happened do not have a clue, we have all taken an educated guess that Chris Brown laid his hands on Rihanna. This is not the first time that Chris Brown has had some problems with his aggression. At a party in Europe last year he had to be restrained after he got into a scuffle with a few club goers. Also, there were rumors that he became violent and aggressive with a model in South Africa when she refused to have sex with him. All that glitters is not gold with Rihanna either, whether it has been her alleged affair with Jay-Z, or her “diva” tendencies. She has had her fair share of run-ins as well.
Immediately when this story broke, we jumped to the most outlandish assumptions, such as, Rihanna flipped out on Chris Brown about some chick texting him, and he in turn got mad at her and just starting beating on her. Or, Chris Brown got the “herp,” from Rihanna and then commenced to beat her ass. I mean really people?!
Here’s why I’m mad:
I am mad because all of our preconditions of this domestic violence come from their celebrity status. We are really only concerned about Chris Brown’s physical/verbal abuse now because it is in the news. It is the hot new gossip. We are at our computers trying to find the next scoop on what really happened inside that car. We are anticipating every comment from Chris or Rihanna on what really happened, or an official statement. We are more concerned with canceled tour dates, Chris Brown’s real location and what Jay-Z will do in retaliation, than anything else. Let’s be real people, we are talking about Rihanna and Chris Brown, we are NOT talking about domestic violence.
What is real is that while we have been caught up in this domestic violence scandal, the real face of domestic violence continues to be out there and stays completely hidden from the public eye. The average victims of domestic violence are not platinum selling recording artists, models, or actors. Nope; they live right at the end of your block. In the last week what could have happened should have been a new dedication to ending domestic violence or at least attempting to help those out there who are suffering, but instead we have been glued to our TV sets and every blog site we can find to get new details about Chris Brown and Rihanna.
So yeah, how about people spend some time being real stewards of change instead of into the latest celebrity gossip. How about we do not perpetuate guilty until proven innocent. (I swear to beans, do not let the report come out that Chris Brown was trying to defend himself from her and was merely shaking the “ish” out Rih-Rih, which Chris Rock said was clearly “fair game.”) How about we go online and find out some ways that we can really help fight domestic violence. How about we stop saying, “Yes we can,” or “Yes we did,” and start saying, “Yes we are.”
Could not have said it better myself Jay.
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