I woke up this morning, LATE! A little grumpy, but thanks to my morning radio station, by the time I came into work, I was not as cranky as I thought I would be. I brought in cereal for breakfast, but I was in a turkey-bacon-eggs-and-cheese kinda mood, so I went to the deli where I normally grub in the morning. And then it happened.
::FREEZE::
Have you even been in a situation where you think you know exactly how it is going to go, but by your surprise, it goes totally different? Good, I am not the only one. Back to the story.
::UNFREEZE::
As I am walking to the deli, I see a black woman and I admire her because I think she looks classy, yet simple. I give her the head-to-toe once over and when we make eye contact, she smiles at me. Nothing over the top or too dramatic, just one of those "good morning" smiles that can sometimes be accompanied by a head nod. Of course I smile back, but after that brief encounter, my mind starts racing. How come more black women do not greet each other that way?
Here's why I'm mad:
I do not understand the concept of women tearing each other down, especially black women. If we see a woman staring too hard, we automatically assume the worse. When a black woman sees another woman staring at her, the reflexive thought, "What is she looking at?!" pops into her head. We do not think that the woman (black or white, but mainly black) is admiring our shoes; we do not think that she likes our outfit or thinks our hair is cute. We think she has an eye problem! Why?
How come we do not smile and nod? You see her staring and you KNOW she knows that you know you just caught her staring- so why not smile? Why do we think the worst? This morning's exchange made me decide I am going to do better. I am an attractive woman who is comfortable in her own skin. I should not feel intimidated or threatened by another woman, especially a black woman, because at the end of the day, we are probably in the same boat. I am challenging my black sisters to wear a smile today. See if it does not change how you feel; see if it does not change how someone else feels about you! If you are staring at woman with a beautiful dress, compliment her! That will be one less woman on the street wondering who in the hell are you looking at and why? Who knows, she might surprise you and comment on those fierce shoes you are wearing.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Baby Mamma's, Concubines, and Hoes...
If that title did not get your attention, then I messed up! This entry is about what you think, but it is not what you think. I just read an article from "the Root", which was very interesting, Confessions of a "Tiny and Toya" Addict. I have never seen the show, nor do I plan to. I saw Tiny accept an award on T.I.'s behalf and that was too much exposure for me.
Regardless of how you feel about the show and the main character, I think something should be said for the author's opening statement:
Admittedly, I was suspicious of news that Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter—concubines of hip-hop royalty, T.I. and Lil Wayne, respectively—were going to have their own reality show on BET: Was this BET’s answer to The Real Housewives of Atlanta? Did we really need to see The Baby Mamas of Bankhead? - Michael Arceneaux
Here's why I'm mad:
The term "concubine" REALLY offended me. No, seriously. It really did. Say what you want about these ladies, but I think of all the hip hop groupies out there, they do not really fit the bill. I do not know much about their personal lives, but from what I do know, these women were not blinded by the celebrity status of these artists and jumped on their coattails. No, these women were behind them from jump street.
Tiny had her own career and fame- no matter how long ago. Say what you will, but Xscape was a good group in the nineties and I think I would be hard pressed to find people who would not agree. Girls, you KNOW you were singing, "kick of your shoes and relax your feet...". Xscape was one the hottest girl groups out there that got us through middle and high school. I have not heard much from her since the group disbanded, but whether T.I was in the picture or not, people will say, "Oh yeah, that's Tiny from Xscape"! Not, "Hmph, that's T.I.'s jump-off". Correction, Tiny is T.I.'s fiancee and I think she at least deserves that respect instead of belittling her to "concubine" status.
Same with Toya. Toya was not famous but was with Lil' Wayne from high school. Remember, Lil' Wayne was in his teens when he first came out, so it should not be a shocker that he would be dating someone around that time too. They had a child and were married. Until now, she has remained silent and in the background- no one even knew she existed, which I think shows the real reason why she was in the relationship- not because she wanted the fame and the fortune, but because Lil' Wayne was her husband. Now she is a "baby mama of Bankhead". Toya is a divorcee, not an ex, but an ex-wife! There is a HUGE difference. One that should be noted.
You may think I am OD-ing and maybe I am, but as an engaged woman, I would hate for someone to refer to me as JB's concubine- which is really the intelligent word for mistress or whore. It is demeaning. Those terms should be saved for the superheads of the industry. No one would EVER call Beyonce Jay-Z's mistress, so why not afford these other women the same respect? Or is it because they are seen as ghetto and a bit classless why they cannot be deemed as such?
What do you think?
Regardless of how you feel about the show and the main character, I think something should be said for the author's opening statement:
Admittedly, I was suspicious of news that Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter—concubines of hip-hop royalty, T.I. and Lil Wayne, respectively—were going to have their own reality show on BET: Was this BET’s answer to The Real Housewives of Atlanta? Did we really need to see The Baby Mamas of Bankhead? - Michael Arceneaux
Here's why I'm mad:
The term "concubine" REALLY offended me. No, seriously. It really did. Say what you want about these ladies, but I think of all the hip hop groupies out there, they do not really fit the bill. I do not know much about their personal lives, but from what I do know, these women were not blinded by the celebrity status of these artists and jumped on their coattails. No, these women were behind them from jump street.
Tiny had her own career and fame- no matter how long ago. Say what you will, but Xscape was a good group in the nineties and I think I would be hard pressed to find people who would not agree. Girls, you KNOW you were singing, "kick of your shoes and relax your feet...". Xscape was one the hottest girl groups out there that got us through middle and high school. I have not heard much from her since the group disbanded, but whether T.I was in the picture or not, people will say, "Oh yeah, that's Tiny from Xscape"! Not, "Hmph, that's T.I.'s jump-off". Correction, Tiny is T.I.'s fiancee and I think she at least deserves that respect instead of belittling her to "concubine" status.
Same with Toya. Toya was not famous but was with Lil' Wayne from high school. Remember, Lil' Wayne was in his teens when he first came out, so it should not be a shocker that he would be dating someone around that time too. They had a child and were married. Until now, she has remained silent and in the background- no one even knew she existed, which I think shows the real reason why she was in the relationship- not because she wanted the fame and the fortune, but because Lil' Wayne was her husband. Now she is a "baby mama of Bankhead". Toya is a divorcee, not an ex, but an ex-wife! There is a HUGE difference. One that should be noted.
You may think I am OD-ing and maybe I am, but as an engaged woman, I would hate for someone to refer to me as JB's concubine- which is really the intelligent word for mistress or whore. It is demeaning. Those terms should be saved for the superheads of the industry. No one would EVER call Beyonce Jay-Z's mistress, so why not afford these other women the same respect? Or is it because they are seen as ghetto and a bit classless why they cannot be deemed as such?
What do you think?
Friday, August 7, 2009
Going to the Chapel...
AND I AM GOING TO GET MARRIED!!! This single ride has been a great experience, one I would not trade in for the world, but boy am I glad it is over! Remember when you were young and you went to the amusement park? And you loved the thrill of the roller coaster? But as you got older, you settled for the the more stable rides? That is what it feels like making the transition from single sister to wedded woman. You remember that thrilling, carefree feeling and you look back with nostalgia, but you accept and embrace another thrilling, yet calmer lifestyle ahead.
Because of this new change, I have been, dare I say, happy (???)!!! When one is in love, they tend to forget about the ho hum drum of everyday life and they pay less attention to the small and petty details that would normally get them upset. I do not know why this happens, but it just does. You are willing to let of go of things you normally would not have. This is also the reason why I changed my schedule. I will be leaving the nest egg soon to start a nest of my own so I would prefer to cherish the time I have left with my family.
But, with all this happiness and love and blah, blah, blah, being the woman that I am, I can (and will) still find a reason to be upset...
Here's why I'm mad:
Why is there such a stark difference in the reaction of men and women when they hear you have gotten engaged? Although women mourn the loss of a member of their single sisterhood, they are still very happy that she has found something better than this devastating dating lifestyle. They rejoice because this means there is hope and maybe they can be next. They are happy because dang it, their girl is happy.
But uh uh, not men. By way of my fiance, I have heard sooo many, "awwww man! Why'd the hell you do that dawg"?! and "Dang... my condolences", said while shaking their head; and this is my absolute favorite, "Man, you mean to tell me you are going to have sex with the same woman for the rest of your life?!?!".
Why do men make it seem like instead of a wedding ceremony, they will be attending a funeral?
Ugh! Spare me the drama. PLEASE!!!
I look at the man I am going to marry and think YES!! I cannot WAIT to wake up to him every single day, while his friends are asking, "dude, are you sure you can wake up to her everyday?!" like I am some kind of troll!! (If you need proof, check the profile.) This is ridiculous. When I tell my girls, we are damned-near next to tears with happiness! I do not expect that reaction from men, but the wagging of the head as if their fellow man is about to step into the temple of doom is a bit much. Someone even said to my fiance, "I don't know whether to congratulate you or give you my condolences". Really, though?!
Men, help me out. What is the issue with settling down for a more stable lifestyle? Are you afraid you are going to lose yourself? That you will have to trade in the Mercedes Benz for a Mercury Villager? Parties for afternoon teas? Football for Desperate Housewives? Please, tell me. I would like to know. Maybe I am the one who needs to worry. Who is to say that the same impending doom you men foresee will not fall on me?! Clue me in because I really would like to know.
Because of this new change, I have been, dare I say, happy (???)!!! When one is in love, they tend to forget about the ho hum drum of everyday life and they pay less attention to the small and petty details that would normally get them upset. I do not know why this happens, but it just does. You are willing to let of go of things you normally would not have. This is also the reason why I changed my schedule. I will be leaving the nest egg soon to start a nest of my own so I would prefer to cherish the time I have left with my family.
But, with all this happiness and love and blah, blah, blah, being the woman that I am, I can (and will) still find a reason to be upset...
Here's why I'm mad:
Why is there such a stark difference in the reaction of men and women when they hear you have gotten engaged? Although women mourn the loss of a member of their single sisterhood, they are still very happy that she has found something better than this devastating dating lifestyle. They rejoice because this means there is hope and maybe they can be next. They are happy because dang it, their girl is happy.
But uh uh, not men. By way of my fiance, I have heard sooo many, "awwww man! Why'd the hell you do that dawg"?! and "Dang... my condolences", said while shaking their head; and this is my absolute favorite, "Man, you mean to tell me you are going to have sex with the same woman for the rest of your life?!?!".
Why do men make it seem like instead of a wedding ceremony, they will be attending a funeral?
Ugh! Spare me the drama. PLEASE!!!
I look at the man I am going to marry and think YES!! I cannot WAIT to wake up to him every single day, while his friends are asking, "dude, are you sure you can wake up to her everyday?!" like I am some kind of troll!! (If you need proof, check the profile.) This is ridiculous. When I tell my girls, we are damned-near next to tears with happiness! I do not expect that reaction from men, but the wagging of the head as if their fellow man is about to step into the temple of doom is a bit much. Someone even said to my fiance, "I don't know whether to congratulate you or give you my condolences". Really, though?!
Men, help me out. What is the issue with settling down for a more stable lifestyle? Are you afraid you are going to lose yourself? That you will have to trade in the Mercedes Benz for a Mercury Villager? Parties for afternoon teas? Football for Desperate Housewives? Please, tell me. I would like to know. Maybe I am the one who needs to worry. Who is to say that the same impending doom you men foresee will not fall on me?! Clue me in because I really would like to know.
Train Trouble
In my previous post (Open Letter), I neglected to tell you all that my schedule has changed as well! I was offered the opportunity to change my work hours from 10-6:30 to 8:30-4:45. I decided on the latter in order to spend more time with my family (for reasons I will discuss in another post, so stay tuned).
Why is this relevant, you ask? Well, before my schedule change, I had the luxury of driving into work. Now I do not. I have to take the bloody train. DRATS!!
Here's why I'm mad:
Before I tell you why I am mad, let me tell you what is good about the train. I can actually relax and fall into a light sleep for 35 minutes instead of sitting in traffic during that time. I can blast my iPod, text on my phone-WAIT I have to stop right here. Did you know that the state of Virginia has made it illegal to text and drive?! The first fine is $20, the second is $50 and the third, well, I do not remember the third but point blank that is crazy! First it was illegal for teens, but not it is illegal for everyone... sheesh! So yeah, as I was saying, I can blast my iPod, text on my phone and just chill, but that is all that is good about the train.
One thing I have come to realize, especially in the summer, is that people stink. I am talking about the most rancid and putrid smell ever to offend my nostrils! It is extremely offensive because when you are trapped in a boxed car for 35 minutes, the air gets a thin... real thin. The only break is when the train opens its doors during a stop, but the relief (if any) is mild and goes unnoticed. Oh, and do not let the A/C go off in the train car. OOH EMM GEE!!!!! Then it just feels like you are sitting in a hot, sweaty dumpster truck. Ugh...
The other thing is people wear bags like they are going to school. Remember when you were in junior high school and you had to bring almost every single text book you had to school?! Now imagine grown adults doing that. Granted, some may very well be in school, but geez where do they get these bags?! One woman nearly PUMMELED me in my head with her hand bag. No, not a regular woman's hand bag. This is one of those huge shoulder bags used to carry books and all the items that are too large to fit into her purse (it resembles those re-usable grocery bags). I wanted to slap her, but I did the only thing I could d:, turn around and stare her down until she realized what happened and apologized (which she did).
And one last thing- getting into a subway car with no available seat or finding out the only available seat is the one next to you and having it filled by the biggest (wo)man in the universe- is just downright awful!! Please tell me I am not the only one that has happened to. I promise you, I sit on the train everyday with Ghandi-like patience because I feel like any day now, Ashton Kutcher is going to put my out of my misery and notify me that I have been punked. Or better yet, MTV is going to run out and tell me I am on their (cancelled) show Boiling Points and reward me monetarily for my troubles.
I do not know which of these offenses are the worst, but boy they certainly cook my goose! I am up to HERE with METRO's train system. I have a ton more issues, but this post is getting long. Look out for "Train Trouble II". As long as I keep riding the train, I have a feeling that post will be coming real soon.
Why is this relevant, you ask? Well, before my schedule change, I had the luxury of driving into work. Now I do not. I have to take the bloody train. DRATS!!
Here's why I'm mad:
Before I tell you why I am mad, let me tell you what is good about the train. I can actually relax and fall into a light sleep for 35 minutes instead of sitting in traffic during that time. I can blast my iPod, text on my phone-WAIT I have to stop right here. Did you know that the state of Virginia has made it illegal to text and drive?! The first fine is $20, the second is $50 and the third, well, I do not remember the third but point blank that is crazy! First it was illegal for teens, but not it is illegal for everyone... sheesh! So yeah, as I was saying, I can blast my iPod, text on my phone and just chill, but that is all that is good about the train.
One thing I have come to realize, especially in the summer, is that people stink. I am talking about the most rancid and putrid smell ever to offend my nostrils! It is extremely offensive because when you are trapped in a boxed car for 35 minutes, the air gets a thin... real thin. The only break is when the train opens its doors during a stop, but the relief (if any) is mild and goes unnoticed. Oh, and do not let the A/C go off in the train car. OOH EMM GEE!!!!! Then it just feels like you are sitting in a hot, sweaty dumpster truck. Ugh...
The other thing is people wear bags like they are going to school. Remember when you were in junior high school and you had to bring almost every single text book you had to school?! Now imagine grown adults doing that. Granted, some may very well be in school, but geez where do they get these bags?! One woman nearly PUMMELED me in my head with her hand bag. No, not a regular woman's hand bag. This is one of those huge shoulder bags used to carry books and all the items that are too large to fit into her purse (it resembles those re-usable grocery bags). I wanted to slap her, but I did the only thing I could d:, turn around and stare her down until she realized what happened and apologized (which she did).
And one last thing- getting into a subway car with no available seat or finding out the only available seat is the one next to you and having it filled by the biggest (wo)man in the universe- is just downright awful!! Please tell me I am not the only one that has happened to. I promise you, I sit on the train everyday with Ghandi-like patience because I feel like any day now, Ashton Kutcher is going to put my out of my misery and notify me that I have been punked. Or better yet, MTV is going to run out and tell me I am on their (cancelled) show Boiling Points and reward me monetarily for my troubles.
I do not know which of these offenses are the worst, but boy they certainly cook my goose! I am up to HERE with METRO's train system. I have a ton more issues, but this post is getting long. Look out for "Train Trouble II". As long as I keep riding the train, I have a feeling that post will be coming real soon.
Open Letter- Accept my Apology...
Dear Readers & Blog Followers,
This letter will serve as my official apology for neglecting you for a whole month!! So much has happened since my latest entry that has made it quite difficult for me to post any entries. As a matter of fact, I had so many posts in mind that it really frustrated and saddened me to know I could not post any of them.
Here's why I'm mad (and the 411 on what has been going down)...
I GOT BUSTED!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently, my boss does not really approve of my Internet time during work hours. Granted, she is totally correct. Internet usage should be minimal, but dear readers, you do not know my job. I am an admin/receptionist and my job is cool, but sometimes it is boring- VERY boring. In order to eat up my time, I do things like check e-mail, facebook, msn (if you pay any attention, most or all my article references come from there!), and BLOG.
Here is the thing- I have this complex about being idle. I do not like it. I would prefer to stay busy at all time because 1- it keeps me occupied, 2- it keeps my brain working and 3- which is most important, it makes the time go fast. I mean, WAY FAST! All that being said, it pains me to sit at the desk all the day long with nothing to do, just like it pains my boss. I have asked the secretaries and paralegals if they need help to which their response is no, so what is a girl like me to do?
On top of that, jobs are scarce these days and ummmm, I need this one. Readers, any suggestions? What can I do to fluff my time or keep me busy? I am desperately crying for help!!! SO HELP!!! My livelihood (and this blog) depends on it!!!
Thanks,
Your Displeased Diva
PS- the boss is away... can you tell?! ::evil laughter in the background:: Gosh, I am such a rebel... NOT (lol)!
This letter will serve as my official apology for neglecting you for a whole month!! So much has happened since my latest entry that has made it quite difficult for me to post any entries. As a matter of fact, I had so many posts in mind that it really frustrated and saddened me to know I could not post any of them.
Here's why I'm mad (and the 411 on what has been going down)...
I GOT BUSTED!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently, my boss does not really approve of my Internet time during work hours. Granted, she is totally correct. Internet usage should be minimal, but dear readers, you do not know my job. I am an admin/receptionist and my job is cool, but sometimes it is boring- VERY boring. In order to eat up my time, I do things like check e-mail, facebook, msn (if you pay any attention, most or all my article references come from there!), and BLOG.
Here is the thing- I have this complex about being idle. I do not like it. I would prefer to stay busy at all time because 1- it keeps me occupied, 2- it keeps my brain working and 3- which is most important, it makes the time go fast. I mean, WAY FAST! All that being said, it pains me to sit at the desk all the day long with nothing to do, just like it pains my boss. I have asked the secretaries and paralegals if they need help to which their response is no, so what is a girl like me to do?
On top of that, jobs are scarce these days and ummmm, I need this one. Readers, any suggestions? What can I do to fluff my time or keep me busy? I am desperately crying for help!!! SO HELP!!! My livelihood (and this blog) depends on it!!!
Thanks,
Your Displeased Diva
PS- the boss is away... can you tell?! ::evil laughter in the background:: Gosh, I am such a rebel... NOT (lol)!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Et tu, Brute?
I loved English in High School. I could do without writing papers, but reading all those books were just divine! (Yes, besides being a complete diva, I am also a huge nerd). My most favorite class was AP English where we even read the Bible as literature. I particularly enjoyed our Shakespeare series: Hamlet, Macbeth, the overplayed, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Ceasar.
Ahhhh Julius! An interesting character he was, but what was more interesting was the plot against him and all those involved! Including his best friend, Marcus Junius Brutus. As members of the senate conspired to kill him, he would not have thought his friend and relative would aid in his demise. On the ides of March, Ceasar uttered his last words, *"Et tu, Brute"?
*Literally translated- "And you, Brute"? Loosely- "You too?"
Here's why I'm mad:
Am I the only one who feels betrayed by the leaders elected to govern our country? Et tu, governor of South Carolina?!
Last week, Governor Mark Sanford went on vacation on the Appalachian Trail, or so we thought, and arrived this week Tuesday. According to reports, during that time, no one was able to reach him and his own wife had no idea where he was. That is certainly not okay, but I can let that slide. Upon the governor's return, the truth REALLY comes out and we are told that Gov. Sanford was actually in Argentina having an affair... instead of being home... with his wife... and four sons...
...for Father's Day.
I am shocked and appalled. And wait! He is not the only one! Gov. Sanford's confession comes only a few days after Nevada Senator John Ensign had an affair with his legislative aide... who was married. And the plot thickens!
Besides the fact that these men are Republican and conservative in their beliefs, they are more importantly elected officials. These are the people we put in office because we feel they are capable of running our government on both local and state levels. The saying is very true that with great power comes great responsibility. To whom much is given, much is surely required and I do not think it is too much to ask for these politicians to be responsible adults.
My rule of thumb with candidates running for office is this: If you are having issues at home, how can you rule as an elected official? Hear me out:
Taking on the responsibilities of running a household is no easy task! You juggle work, being a good husband/wife, raising kids, tackling all the bills, etc and so forth. Once you find a good way to balance all of that, you can do extra things like join the PTA, become involved in church or your community. The better you handle the small things, the better you will be able to handle the big things- like running for councilman, or city attorney. When your community realizes you are able to handle situations that crop up in your own backyard, they will allow you into theirs as well, allowing you to become a governor, senator, or congress(wo)man and maybe even president.
You mess up at home, it trickles down to everything else.
While everyone else is taking their position for granted and proving they are not worthy enough to stand their ground and be real men, real husbands and real leaders, who is going oppose being "Mr. Me Too"? Who is going to do things differently and be the ethical and moral stand-out?
Do not be another Brutus? Before thinking about yourselves and your selfish pleasures, think of your constituents- the people that voted you into your position. If that does not tug on your conscience, think about your family. They deserve that second thought.
*Update- Right after I wrote this post, I read this article. Clearly I am not the only one wondering what is going on in Washington.
Ahhhh Julius! An interesting character he was, but what was more interesting was the plot against him and all those involved! Including his best friend, Marcus Junius Brutus. As members of the senate conspired to kill him, he would not have thought his friend and relative would aid in his demise. On the ides of March, Ceasar uttered his last words, *"Et tu, Brute"?
*Literally translated- "And you, Brute"? Loosely- "You too?"
Here's why I'm mad:
Am I the only one who feels betrayed by the leaders elected to govern our country? Et tu, governor of South Carolina?!
Last week, Governor Mark Sanford went on vacation on the Appalachian Trail, or so we thought, and arrived this week Tuesday. According to reports, during that time, no one was able to reach him and his own wife had no idea where he was. That is certainly not okay, but I can let that slide. Upon the governor's return, the truth REALLY comes out and we are told that Gov. Sanford was actually in Argentina having an affair... instead of being home... with his wife... and four sons...
...for Father's Day.
I am shocked and appalled. And wait! He is not the only one! Gov. Sanford's confession comes only a few days after Nevada Senator John Ensign had an affair with his legislative aide... who was married. And the plot thickens!
Besides the fact that these men are Republican and conservative in their beliefs, they are more importantly elected officials. These are the people we put in office because we feel they are capable of running our government on both local and state levels. The saying is very true that with great power comes great responsibility. To whom much is given, much is surely required and I do not think it is too much to ask for these politicians to be responsible adults.
My rule of thumb with candidates running for office is this: If you are having issues at home, how can you rule as an elected official? Hear me out:
Taking on the responsibilities of running a household is no easy task! You juggle work, being a good husband/wife, raising kids, tackling all the bills, etc and so forth. Once you find a good way to balance all of that, you can do extra things like join the PTA, become involved in church or your community. The better you handle the small things, the better you will be able to handle the big things- like running for councilman, or city attorney. When your community realizes you are able to handle situations that crop up in your own backyard, they will allow you into theirs as well, allowing you to become a governor, senator, or congress(wo)man and maybe even president.
You mess up at home, it trickles down to everything else.
While everyone else is taking their position for granted and proving they are not worthy enough to stand their ground and be real men, real husbands and real leaders, who is going oppose being "Mr. Me Too"? Who is going to do things differently and be the ethical and moral stand-out?
Do not be another Brutus? Before thinking about yourselves and your selfish pleasures, think of your constituents- the people that voted you into your position. If that does not tug on your conscience, think about your family. They deserve that second thought.
*Update- Right after I wrote this post, I read this article. Clearly I am not the only one wondering what is going on in Washington.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Reverse Racism? Really?
I really like the word, "really". My favorite response to any and everything is, "really, though"? It sums up exactly how I feel, whether I am surprised, upset, angry or just feeling some kind of way.
"No one has brought forth the slightest evidence she has the intellectual candlepower to sit on the Roberts court. By her own admission, Sotomayor is an "affirmative action baby."
"No one has brought forth the slightest evidence she has the intellectual candlepower to sit on the Roberts court. By her own admission, Sotomayor is an "affirmative action baby."
Though the Obama media have been ballyhooing her brilliance - No. 1 in high school, No. 1 at Princeton, editor of Yale Law Review - her academic career appears to have been a fraud from beginning to end, a testament to Ivy League corruption.
Two weeks ago, The New York Times reported that, to get up to speed on her English skills at Princeton, Sotomayor was advised to read children's classics and study basic grammar books during her summers. How do you graduate first in your class at Princeton if your summer reading consists of "Chicken Little" and "The Troll Under the Bridge"?"
Really, Pat Buchanan?
Here's why I'm mad:
Many, if not all of the comments in this article are ridiculous to say the least, including him lamenting white males as "victims" of affirmative action and how it perpetuates "race-based bigotry against whites". I am sorry Mr. Buchanan, but last I checked, my race was overpowered overwhelmingly at my Alma Mater by you guessed it... whites. I would even venture to guess that most, if not all, Ivy League schools are still majority white. I may be over-reaching with this next comment too, but shoot, I would not be surprised if all the schools, save for HBCUs, were majority white.
I am not going to debate the pros and cons of affirmative action; that is for a different post, but it is foolish to believe that Judge Sotomayor was nominated to the Supreme Court bench just because of her race with absolutely no credentials to back her up.
We all know how college admissions work- majority of your application is based on your numbers: SAT, GPA, LSAT, etc., but they take other things into consideration as well; volunteer work, recommendations, work history, etc. Judge Sotomayor might not have been the strongest on paper, but she might have other skills that made her a considerable candidate. Things like work ethic, honesty, determination, being a hard worker- things that grades do not tell you, but recommenders can. Those qualities are things you cannot study for, but you can surely earn.
Stranger things have happened, but to think that one's race is the sole purpose for one's career advancement is truly ridiculous. Some people know they are where they are because they are Black, Latino, Asian, etc., but they also know they deserved a chance because otherwise they would not have received one. I believe Judge Sotomayor fits that description and I am very glad that Princeton, Yale and now the White House thought she was deserving enough to get a chance to do what she clearly does best: succeed.
It is quite obvious that Buchanan is a bafoon. What is really sad and quite upsetting is that he and millions of other white people believe this foolish rhetoric. I do not know much about Judge Sotomayor, but I am quite sure and confident that she is much smarter than Pat Buchanan gives her credit for.
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