Source: Google Images
If you haven’t seen the new film, Get Out, I’m certain you’ve heard about it by now. This out-of-the-box thriller surely left audiences with lots to discuss. Before I continue, I will give a much needed spoiler alert, so if you have not seen the movie…GET OUT (pun intended)! Continue reading
History has been known to repeat itself and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Racial inequalities were once the driving force of politics, crime and media. Our parents, grandparents, elders, civil rights activists all lived in a world that they had to fight their way through with skin made of steel. Those whom came before the younger generations fought with the hope that the future would be a much better place to live. However, present day must seem like déjà vu to many. Continue reading
Source: NY Post
You would think that racially charged comments and/or actions would be minimal within high profile organizations such as the NBA. However, with the recent scandal involving Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, it is highly evident that this is not the case. For those who aren’t aware, a couple of recordings in which Sterling spoke of his disgust for black people, surfaced and were made public. In the most recent audio recording between Sterling and his multi-ethnic girlfriend (pictured above), he explained how he was disappointed that she didn’t remove all of her Black Instagram followers and that he didn’t want her bringing Black people to games.
Today, Adam Silver (the new NBA commissioner), announced that he is banning Donald Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers and the entire NBA organization. He is also being fined $2.5 million and will be urged to sell the team. This is a huge decision, but many believe it is more than fair, especially since the NBA includes a large number of Black players, families, employees and coaches.
As a multi-ethnic female, I am proud that the right decision was made and it was made clear that such hate and discrimination will not be tolerated. Such behavior goes beyond the game and it effects many people, not just NBA players and coaches.
Source: Google Images
I just so happened to be watching an episode of the Wendy Williams show (I’ve loved her since she was on the air in Philly) and she had Tahj Mowry (Tia and Tamera’s younger brother) as a guest. Wendy began discussing the issue of his sister being openly ridiculed and verbally attacked for marrying and having a baby with a white man. Tahj began sharing stories about how his followers on social media reach out to him saying things like “you don’t have any black friends” if he happens to post a photo with only white people. They even say things like “you don’t embrace your black side” and it shocks him. He and his sisters are bi-racial, with a black mother and white father.
Source: Google Images
I can’t express how disgusted I am that things like this still occur. Growing up as a mixed kid, I feel his pain. I was never black enough and I was never Puerto Rican enough…I mean, what is “being black enough”? Are there certain stereotypical things that I should be doing or is there a certain way that I need to speak in order to be considered black? CRAZINESS! It’s so sad that any one person can be placed in a box or expected to “act” a certain way simply because others THINK they should (a total sign of insecurity and ignorance). If only the world minded their business, lived their own lives and stopped caring about stupid shit, the world MIGHT be a more enjoyable place to live.
Source: Yahoo! Sports and Getty
Imagine being a young, female gymnast competing on the United States’ Gymnastics team. That, in itself, is an amazing achievement. Now, imagine traveling with your team to compete in the World Championships in Belgium where you WIN the all-around title; a rare and prestigious honor! All that training and time invested begins to pay off in a major way. So, you’ve gotten this far and not only do you win, but you are the FIRST black, female gymnast to achieve this victory. Who could take that away from you? Who could step in and steal some of that spotlight that you have so graciously earned? To even have to think that ANYONE could ruin such a proud moment for not just the black community, but for gymnasts all over, is a hard concept to grasp.
Young gymnast Simone Biles achieved exactly what was described above and without any hesitation, that moment of ultimate success was ripped from her when a racial slur was thrown her way. Following the victory, a member of the Italian team, Carlotta Ferlito, said in an interview (according to Yahoo! Sports), “I told (teammate Vanessa Ferrari) that next time we should also paint our skin black so that we can win, too.” Can you believe that?! Not only is it disgusting, but once again, it is the constant reminder that skin is still being looked at all around the world and racism is still very much alive!
Of course, the US had Simone’s back and said:
The United States is proud of its athletes and the success the achieved at our recent World Championships, especially Simone…USA Gymnastics is disappointed by the recent comments made by Carlotta Ferlito…Gymnastics is a global and inclusive sport with talented athletes, and there is no place for racial insensitivity.
Congrats, Simone! Keep your head up and continue to shine…this is just the beginning and the more successful you are, the more you will learn some of life’s toughest lessons. But, don’t let that stop you from being simply great!
As if the “not guilty” verdict wasn’t hard enough, juror B29 speaks out and explains how the jury came up with their controversial verdict. She was the only minority on the jury, who identifies herself as a Black Hispanic, and she feels beyond guilty. Juror B29 is going by the name “Maddy” and explained how juror B37 (the first juror to speak out) made it seem like “we walk by color” during her interviews. Take a look at the interview and let us know your thoughts!
Danithedreamgirl 