What's a fan to do
So I'm kinda pissed about Boondocks. I know that maturity is supposed to keep us from responding to ignorance, but goddamn, it is so offensive on so many levels. And why? I'll tell you why. Hypocrisy.
People tell you that Michael hates being Black and bleached himself so that he doesn't have to have brown skin. Now, I know, more than anyone, that people are generally stupid. It is a dumb conclusion to draw. Simply because it's not... fucking... possible. Do you know how I know it's not possible?
Because if Michael Jackson had truly discovered a way to bleach his skin, a good 2/3 of brown people in this society (and probably other societies too) would flock to the local drugstore in droves.
There would need to be no rumors of Bankrupt Michael, cuz he'd be a fucking bazillionaire. I mean, Gates would have nothing on this guy. As much as Black people emulate White people? C'mon, now! Get up off it.
But Michael is a joke. We all know it, don't we. I mean, nobody takes him seriously. Ok, he was important, once. Not because he believes in Black empowerment, or because he believes it's his obligation to give to the very communities who shun him (see article below). He was important, once. But not because he understands that children everywhere are being abused and speaks out vocally against the hideous crimes of child violence. No, Michael was important-- once-- because MTV said he was. And when MTV said he was no longer a viable, useful, VALUE ADDED member of the musical community, suddenly, America remembers how ridiculous Michael looks, and how very strange he is, and wow... America really can't remember what it was she saw in him in the first place.
Now let's talk about The Nation of Islam, which has never been an accepted group in America. Not by White people, and definitely, MOST DEFINITELY not by Black people! Who the fuck is Aaron McGruder to pretend that suddenly, the NOI represents Black people? Everybody knows that the NOI is a joke, because we teach things like pride, and honor, and discipline. Oh, wait, I'm tripping, that's right, we teach anger and hatred. Because we don't think White people hung the moon, or believe that validation can come from a group of people who have collectively managed to fuck the world for about 2000 consecutive years. Yes, it's coming back to me now. The NOI insists-- to the detriment of the universe-- that maybe, just maybe, if Black people got up off of their lazy, violent, ignorant asses, we wouldn't be quite so 'oppressed' by 'THE MAN'. The NOI is a joke, we all know it, don't we. I mean, nobody takes them seriously. Man, even Malcolm X left *hee hee, snicker snicker*.
So now the great, and White, and mighty right American society is worried about the collaboration of the NOI and Michael 'Wacko Jacko' Jackson. And why, I wonder. Because we all know what strides Black people have made in this fucked up country. I mean, it's not like we're living in the 1800s when it was a crime to even be Black. This is 2004, and holy shit, NOT ONLY are we all over the goddamned place, it's the White people who wanna be like us! Look at Eminem! And *Nsync! And Pink! Jamie Kennedy even puts on dark makeup! (Not to be confused with Jolson's black face. No no, this is totally different. Plus, you know, it's funny) WOW... White people love Biggie! They revere Tupac! Black folks must really be making some progress, huh. We don't need the NOI stirring up the pot, do we. Why don't that silly Farrakhan sit down and stop causing trouble for us nice, obedient, prosperous Black folks.
And Michael! That poor, twisted, sick bastard. Just look at him, with his straight hair and hacked off nose. He is the epitome of weird, isn't he. An anomaly. No self respecting Black person would be caught dead doing what he's done to himself... all that plastic surgery and makeup. Black people would never do that kind of stuff! Wait a minute...
Ok, so Lana. Calm down, girl. It's not that serious, is it? Boondocks is a comic. It's Aaron's job to make jokes. Because life is a joke. And nothing is ever to be taken seriously. We can laugh about the kinky sex life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and we can point out that Mandela really wasn't that great a leader anyway. It's all fair game, because it's all a joke. Rosa Parks deserves no respect, with her old ass, it's not like she was the first person to refuse to give up her seat, so why should we make her into some kind of hero? Even Jesus had issues.
You guys are so right! I never thought of it that way. Wow, this has been a revelation. Thanks, Aaron! Thank you for pointing out that in a world of cynicism, everything and everyone is fair game, especially if they're Black. Thank you for being a maverick and daring to be different. You have made me realize that I am far too serious for my own good, and I definitely need to learn how to take a joke.
*~*~*
Michael to match funds raised for murder victims
January 22, 2004
ABC7Chicago.com reported the following article recently:
City officials in Gary, Ind., are offering a $100,00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in the murder of 23-month-old Anthony McClendon Jr., his father, Anthony Sr., and Jimmy Jones, 45, and his wife, Laurice, 47. The four were gunned down last Friday in what police say appears to be a drug-related incident.
"We are church people. And we don't know anything but church and it is hard," said Loretta Thames, A.J.'s great aunt.
A local activist set up a fund to help the toddler's family, who called the boy A.J. He says whatever funds collected will be matched by Jackson.
"He really felt compelled to reach out. What he has offered to do is match the funds that we raise," Derrick Mosley, Bringing About Reform.
For police, attention from Jackson's involvement may help find the people responsible for the murders.
"Human nature will dictate eventually someone will lose a certain degree of interest and then it becomes harder us to get the public support," said Sgt. Thomas Branson, Gary Police Dept.
Meanwhile, A.J.'s family asks for witnesses to come forward.
"If you saw the car, tell it. Think of that baby. And tell it. That's all we're asking. We're pleading with you to tell it," said Thames.
People tell you that Michael hates being Black and bleached himself so that he doesn't have to have brown skin. Now, I know, more than anyone, that people are generally stupid. It is a dumb conclusion to draw. Simply because it's not... fucking... possible. Do you know how I know it's not possible?
Because if Michael Jackson had truly discovered a way to bleach his skin, a good 2/3 of brown people in this society (and probably other societies too) would flock to the local drugstore in droves.
There would need to be no rumors of Bankrupt Michael, cuz he'd be a fucking bazillionaire. I mean, Gates would have nothing on this guy. As much as Black people emulate White people? C'mon, now! Get up off it.
But Michael is a joke. We all know it, don't we. I mean, nobody takes him seriously. Ok, he was important, once. Not because he believes in Black empowerment, or because he believes it's his obligation to give to the very communities who shun him (see article below). He was important, once. But not because he understands that children everywhere are being abused and speaks out vocally against the hideous crimes of child violence. No, Michael was important-- once-- because MTV said he was. And when MTV said he was no longer a viable, useful, VALUE ADDED member of the musical community, suddenly, America remembers how ridiculous Michael looks, and how very strange he is, and wow... America really can't remember what it was she saw in him in the first place.
Now let's talk about The Nation of Islam, which has never been an accepted group in America. Not by White people, and definitely, MOST DEFINITELY not by Black people! Who the fuck is Aaron McGruder to pretend that suddenly, the NOI represents Black people? Everybody knows that the NOI is a joke, because we teach things like pride, and honor, and discipline. Oh, wait, I'm tripping, that's right, we teach anger and hatred. Because we don't think White people hung the moon, or believe that validation can come from a group of people who have collectively managed to fuck the world for about 2000 consecutive years. Yes, it's coming back to me now. The NOI insists-- to the detriment of the universe-- that maybe, just maybe, if Black people got up off of their lazy, violent, ignorant asses, we wouldn't be quite so 'oppressed' by 'THE MAN'. The NOI is a joke, we all know it, don't we. I mean, nobody takes them seriously. Man, even Malcolm X left *hee hee, snicker snicker*.
So now the great, and White, and mighty right American society is worried about the collaboration of the NOI and Michael 'Wacko Jacko' Jackson. And why, I wonder. Because we all know what strides Black people have made in this fucked up country. I mean, it's not like we're living in the 1800s when it was a crime to even be Black. This is 2004, and holy shit, NOT ONLY are we all over the goddamned place, it's the White people who wanna be like us! Look at Eminem! And *Nsync! And Pink! Jamie Kennedy even puts on dark makeup! (Not to be confused with Jolson's black face. No no, this is totally different. Plus, you know, it's funny) WOW... White people love Biggie! They revere Tupac! Black folks must really be making some progress, huh. We don't need the NOI stirring up the pot, do we. Why don't that silly Farrakhan sit down and stop causing trouble for us nice, obedient, prosperous Black folks.
And Michael! That poor, twisted, sick bastard. Just look at him, with his straight hair and hacked off nose. He is the epitome of weird, isn't he. An anomaly. No self respecting Black person would be caught dead doing what he's done to himself... all that plastic surgery and makeup. Black people would never do that kind of stuff! Wait a minute...
Ok, so Lana. Calm down, girl. It's not that serious, is it? Boondocks is a comic. It's Aaron's job to make jokes. Because life is a joke. And nothing is ever to be taken seriously. We can laugh about the kinky sex life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and we can point out that Mandela really wasn't that great a leader anyway. It's all fair game, because it's all a joke. Rosa Parks deserves no respect, with her old ass, it's not like she was the first person to refuse to give up her seat, so why should we make her into some kind of hero? Even Jesus had issues.
You guys are so right! I never thought of it that way. Wow, this has been a revelation. Thanks, Aaron! Thank you for pointing out that in a world of cynicism, everything and everyone is fair game, especially if they're Black. Thank you for being a maverick and daring to be different. You have made me realize that I am far too serious for my own good, and I definitely need to learn how to take a joke.
*~*~*
Michael to match funds raised for murder victims
January 22, 2004
ABC7Chicago.com reported the following article recently:
City officials in Gary, Ind., are offering a $100,00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in the murder of 23-month-old Anthony McClendon Jr., his father, Anthony Sr., and Jimmy Jones, 45, and his wife, Laurice, 47. The four were gunned down last Friday in what police say appears to be a drug-related incident.
"We are church people. And we don't know anything but church and it is hard," said Loretta Thames, A.J.'s great aunt.
A local activist set up a fund to help the toddler's family, who called the boy A.J. He says whatever funds collected will be matched by Jackson.
"He really felt compelled to reach out. What he has offered to do is match the funds that we raise," Derrick Mosley, Bringing About Reform.
For police, attention from Jackson's involvement may help find the people responsible for the murders.
"Human nature will dictate eventually someone will lose a certain degree of interest and then it becomes harder us to get the public support," said Sgt. Thomas Branson, Gary Police Dept.
Meanwhile, A.J.'s family asks for witnesses to come forward.
"If you saw the car, tell it. Think of that baby. And tell it. That's all we're asking. We're pleading with you to tell it," said Thames.