R Kelly Not Guilty On All Counts
It is very interesting when Michael Jackson was accused of molesting young boys the media had a field day. Yet there is only ambivalence with the media and public in relation to the R Kelly child porn case. Could it be because R Kelly isn’t considered as big a star as Jackson? Or is the real issue about the gender of the alleged victims?
The issue of gender needs to be explored it is clear that the reason the R Kelly case wasn’t that big because the alleged victim was a teenage girl and not a prepubescent boy. Child abuse is disgusting, abhorrent and unacceptable regardless of the gender of the victim.
However, when R&B King R Kelly was accused of sexually abusing teenage girls there wasn’t press attention at all. The end result was never in doubt the reason why is because the alleged victim stated that she wasn’t on the video tape.
Even though the relatives of the alleged stated she was on the tape there was reasonable doubt. The jury could not convict R Kelly because the prosecution simply didn’t have a strong case there wasn’t enough proof and evidence. I am not an R Kelly fan nor do I listen to his music.
It is not surprising since we live in a world of heterosexual male domination and male supremacy. We are conditioned to just shrug our shoulders when a man is accused of taking advantage of an innocent girl. It also appears there is an ambivalent attitude towards female sexual exploitation. Is society saying it is palatable for a grown man to be screwing innocent teenage girls?
Pregnant Transgender Man Interview On Oprah Part 3
Pregnant Transgender Man Interview On Oprah Part 2
Pregnant Transgender Man Interview On Oprah Part 1
My Favourite Uncle Toms
Dr. Condoleezza Rice has been praised by Essence and Ebony magazine as the most powerful woman in the world. My question is what is Dr. Rice going to do about the crisis in Kenya? Dr. Rice is all over in the Middle East focusing most of her attention on Israel for the past four years. All I read in the newspapers and on the internet is Israel this and Middle East that. Is the Middle East and Israel the only part of the world with problems? The occidental world’s fixation on Israel obscures the real issues taking place on this planet and it is a hindrance to world peace and progress.
The only reason the United States is interested in Israel is because Israel is in the sphere of influence of the United States. The United States government should be focusing more attention on Asia, South America, and Africa. What about the crisis on the African continent? Why hasn’t Dr. Rice done more for the African people? The question remains when has Dr. Rice ever spoken out about issues that concern black people and specifically black women?
Ru Paul was a sell out years ago but Ru Paul confirmed his Uncle Tom status when he vigorously supported the racist entertainer Charles Knipp. Charles Knipp also known for his pernicious alter ego Shirley Q Liquor. Shirley Q Liquor is basically Knipp performing in blackface and a caricature of blackness and black womanhood. Knipp performs across North America at various gay bars while the patrons laugh at the most abhorrent, racist, and disgusting anti black jokes. Ru Paul defended Knipp. No one is really surprised though everyone knows Ru Paul makes his cash from being the resident Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom Ru Paul knows where his money is generated from performing in the white gay bars in North America. Ru Paul isn’t going to bite the hands that feed him.
If you need a visual image of an Uncle Tom Clarence Thomas would be the first image in your mind. Clarence Thomas may be the second African American to hold the prestigious position as a Supreme Court judge. On the 60 Minutes interview last year Thomas was contrite and obnoxious in his views about Anita Hill. However, Thomas is also known for having anti affirmative action views. Thomas wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for affirmative action. Thomas appointment to the Supreme Court is basically affirmative action in effect.
Violence Against Women Of Colour Does Premier Dalton McGunity Care?
Is the Ontario Government apathetic to our concerns about violence against women of colour? On Monday Aqsa Parvez a sixteen year old girl was murdered. We just cannot dismiss this violent murder and say its just Muslim community internal politics. As a society the murder of a young woman affects all of us. We must not remain silent to violence against women of colour. Just because Aqsa Parvez was from a different culture does not mean we should be apathetic to the concerns of Muslim women. We are all human beings here. Doesn’t anyone care?
The media reports have focused on the private sphere of the Canadian Muslim community and have ignored the public sphere. Everyone is walking on egg shells. Everyone doesn’t want to appear as though we are offending the Muslim Canadian community. However, nobody can justify violence against women and say it is about “honoring” the family.
I have read numerous articles about apologists stating that “religion” was not a factor in Aqsa Parvez’s death. How can people just blatantly lie and say this? “Religion” may not have been the “only” factor in Aqsa Parvez’s death. However, “religion” is a convenient tool that misogynists utilize to control women. It is obvious to me that patriarchy and misogyny are the root issues here. Why are we so afraid to speak the truth?
My dear readers what are we going to about this? It is a vicious cycle we can all play the blame game. Religion cannot be used as an excuse to conceal male domination and misogyny. We live in a world that is racist, sexist, and anti woman. Male violence is pernicious, vile, abhorrent, and totally unacceptable. However, the question has to be asked where was the social safety net? Aqsa’s high school knew she was having problems at home and didn’t do enough to help her.
Where are the services the programs for women of colour that are victims of domestic violence? The province of Ontario is a rich province we cannot cry poverty. What are we going to do about this? Another young woman’s life is gone and a family is shattered. Why are we silent about the concerns of women of colour? Domestic violence is still a taboo in society we just don’t want to talk about it. Women of colour are even more marginalized then white women due to race and gender. Are domestic violence shelters equipped to deal with the racial, cultural, social, religious, political issues women of colour encounter? You have to wonder? I understand that domestic violence is a serious issue and that money isn’t the solution. However, the more funds available could of helped Aqsa Parvez.
I think the Ontario government should be doing more to reach out to women of colour that are in distress. If you want to make your voices heard contact Premier Dalton McGuinty. You can contact Premier McGuinty either by e-mail, fax, telephone, or write a letter. If people speak up the government must listen. We must shatter the silence about domestic violence in society. If we are united against misogyny and male domination we can make the world a better place.
Dalton McGuinty Main Legislative Building, Room 281,
Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON, M7A 1A1
416-325-1941
Fax: 416- 325-3745
Sixteen Year Old Girl Murdered In Toronto Area Over Religion and Culture Clash With Her Family
In Mississauga Ontario yesterday a sixteen year old girl Aqsa Parvez was murdered, she was allegedly choked to death by her father. According to news reports Aqsa Parvez’s father Muhammad Parvez has now been charged with murder. Mississauga is a suburb of Toronto its a part of the greater Toronto area. The senseless murder is very chilling, depressing, and very sad. Aqsa’s older brother has been charged with obstructing police.
The teenage girl was a Muslim and there was a culture, generational, and religious clash with her family. The story according to Aqsa’s friends is that she did wear the hijab when she left her home for school. However, once the Aqsa arrived at school she removed the hijab . Family members followed Aqas to her high school and found out she wasn’t wearing the hijab.
The mainstream media are framing the young girl’s death as an “honor killing?” What do you think? Do you think the murder was an “honor killing” or is this just mainstream media sensationalism? Or a mixture of both? Will the press be culturally sensitive or paternalistic? Paternalism will not bridge the miscommunication gap between the Muslim communities and the rest of Canada. Will blaming occur and the mainstream press state that Muslim Canadians are not “assimilating” into Canadian culture? Will more finger pointing and blaming take place?
The Ontario government has a critical role here in this case. Once again the question has to be asked, where are the services for women of colour?Some women’s shelters due to inadequate funding have difficulty dealing with the cultural, racial, religious issues that relate to women of colour. Will the Ontario government step up to the plate and address this very important issue or not? Or will Premier Dalton McGuinty provide a politically correct speech and do nothing. The money is available Ontario is a rich province there is no excuse. Premier Dalton McGuinty has a responsibility here and he must act accordingly.
We cannot just sit and watch young women die and say its none of our business just because our cultures are different. We cannot just say we don’t understand Muslim culture and allow another life to perish due to our apathetic attitude and indifference. If we remain silent to misogyny then we are condoning it. I guess the question is now what can be done? What can the public do?
I think there needs to be more studies conducted, more research, and instead of just talking action needs to take place. The Ontario Government needs to realize domestic violence is a top five issue. Why are we so complacent to violence against women?
In Canada we have laws and violence against women. It is clear there needs to be more social services available for younger women and teenaged girls across racial, cultural, and religious lines. I believe not enough money is being spent on domestic violence services for women of colour. Maybe if there was a social safety net available this girl’s life could of been saved?
It is important when these tragic news stories occur to not jump to conclusions or make generalizations. The mainstream media should be careful to not “frame” and make stereotypes about an entire religion and focus on the news. However, I hope “othering” does not take place here and the mainstream media will utilize caution. However, it is well known when tragic news occurs outside of the mainstream community there is a tendency that “othering” may occur. The news here is that a young girl was terrified of her father to the point that she even left her home a few days ago.
My perspective is that religion should not be used as a blanket to conceal misogyny. The teenager obviously wanted to fit in with her classmates. It is normal for a sixteen year old girl to want to belong and be just like her friends. The murder is a tragedy a young life is now lost and a family is shattered.
If you want to voice your concerns to Premier Dalton McGuinty here is his info:
Dalton McGuinty Main Legislative Building, Room 281,
Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON, M7A 1A1
416-325-1941
Fax: 416- 325-3745
Link: http://www.mississauganews.com/article/9341
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1151774720071211
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071212.GIRL12/TPStory/National
Was The EU African Summit Just A Waste Of Time?
The recent EU and African Summit in Lisbon Portugal is in a precarious position. There are a lot of unanswered questions. How can anything be solved in just two days? Shouldn’t the Summit be longer? Is anything going to be done about the crisis in Darfur? Does anyone care? Can a bridge in the miscommunication between Europe and Africa really take place? And will anyone acknowledge and actually become proactive about the corruption on both sides?
At the EU African Summit the Europeans have stated they want to end colonial style trade agreements and enter into free trade deals. Many African leaders are opposed to this because they view this as against their self interests. The issue of democracy is an important one in some African countries there are bogus elections where corrupt men are being elected. Its depressing that some of the African leaders are clearly dictators that are only interested in lining their pockets with money.
The German chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that the EU are united against Robert Mugabe the dictator of Zimbabwe. Well its about damn time! Merkel’s statement is a powerful one because one of the reasons Mugabe has remained in power is due to the influence and power of African leaders. Merkel’s public admonishment of the African leaders for keeping Mugabe in power is a stern statement. However, one wonders if Merkel and the EU have a real genuine concern for the people of Zimbabwe or just politics as usual? Why wait until now? Why wait for a crisis to occur? Its obvious Zimbabwe is not in the sphere of influence of the EU and the crisis in Darfur is not in their self interests either.
However, the African leaders cannot just complain about “slavery” when they are active participants in corruption. The legacy of slavery and imperialism are indeed factors for some of the problems on the African continent but this cannot be the scapegoat.
It is time the African leaders not only acknowledge that Mugabe is a hindrance in Zimbabwe but push for democratic elections. It is clear Mugabe does not care about the people of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was once known as the “bread basket” of Southern Africa the economy was improving over a decade ago but now Zimbabwe is in a state of crisis. What will happen in Zimbabwe when Mugabe dies?
There is still a belief that is fostered by the western media that all the problems on the African continent relates to the inadequacy of the African governments. Africa is not one country the continent consists of fifty three independent countries that all have their own separate identities. The African countries need to work together and move past their differences to make Africa more stronger, economically power, and assert their influence. The Europeans created the European Union because they were cognizant of the growing power of the United States, China, and Russia. Contrary to popular belief the African continent does have billions of dollars worth of natural resources such as oil, gold, diamonds, eco tourism, and money from foreign investments and aid. The money is available the difficulties stem from the lack of distribution of the revenue to the masses.
It is such a racist and simplistic ideology but it does indeed exist that the African countries “want” to “impede” their own progress. The quandaries on the Africa continent are complex and relate to economic, geographical, political, and social issues.
When famine occurs in Africa the western world suddenly notices the African continent and has the racist paternalistic approach that the African people just want “hand outs”. However, its not the African people’s fault that during the rain season crops are not receiving enough water and people go hungry and die. Humans cannot control the weather or climate but African politicians clearly need to do more. Where are the irrigation systems? Why is clean water still an issue in the twenty first century? When will the Occidental world hold African dictators accountable? Sanctions are only a smoke screen to make it “appear” as though the west is taking “action”. Sanctions actually affect the poor people more they feel the immediate impact of sanctions. The Occidental world has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe doesn’t care its not affecting his life but the people of Zimbabwe are suffering.
Eco tourism is another complicated and political issue on the African continent. The rich western tourists travel to numerous African countries because they want to see the wild animals such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, zebras, and many more in their natural habitats. The soundbites the western media utilize are from white conservationists such as Jane Goodall. Since when is Jane Goodall an expert on African issues? Jane Goodall just cares about the animals she doesn’t give a damn about African people dying due to starvation. When Jane Goodall and other white activists are complaining on CNN or BBC or whatever network about some animal species dying I am apathetic. Do these white conservation activists care more about wild animals or about human beings?
I can honestly say I don’t care if people feel the need to kill animals if they need space to grow crops for food, feed their livestock, and for agriculture. Once again, African governments are not serving the best interests of the people only thinking about profit. People need land to survive and to thrive. Human beings are above animals for a reason and if people need land then the wild animals need to perish this is their fate. The western world ignores the plight of the African people and actually places more importance on creatures such as rhinos or elephants. The most important issue to me is that the African people have food, free education, access to free health care, clean water, and a decent amount of land for agriculture. People kill the animals because they need the land not all animals are killed just for profit. There seems to be a great imbalance yes eco tourism is a business but what about the concerns of the African people? Human life is more important then pathetic creatures such as lions, rhinos, elephants, and zebras.
Next, the Occidental environmentalists complain about animals being killed by poachers for profit. Notice the so called white animal activists only care about the elephants, lions, zebras, but not the African people. The news media hardly ever discuss the underlining issues. Doesn’t anyone wonder why some African people feel compelled to kill the animals? The message the western media are presenting is that Africans are backwards, uncivilized and just care about “making a profit” by killing animals. The Occidental world isn’t thinking about the suffering, the poverty, and the desperate measures people are taking to survive.
The world is apathetic to the concerns of the African people. Does anyone actually care about the African people? Some people see eco tourism as a waste of natural resources that land that should be for humans is being set aside for western interests. Of course, eco tourism is a business and yes it is profitable. However, how much of the money in Kenya’s tourism industry goes to the Kenyan people? Some people see eco tourism as a waste of land that can be used for agriculture and Africans are once again being being displaced for western interests.
The dilemma for Africans is the Europeans still hold all the cards. The attitudes of both the African and European leaders needs to change. Slavery is over but the slave mentality still exists. Europe acts as the slave master and the African leaders are the House Negroes willing to make any concessions to just acquire more revenue. The European Union have maintained African debt for decades and they don’t want to relinquish control. The tense relationship between Europe and Africa is a long one there is mistrust on both sides. On the one hand the Europeans are stating Africa needs to be “independent”. For example, France still manipulates and is involved the political affairs of its former African colonies.
How can African countries develop self sufficiency when their hands are tied by the Europeans and North Americans? The International Monetary Fund is another cancer that needs to be scrapped and changed. There are so many strings to foreign aid that is not even being discussed. The Europeans aren’t simply going to provide free money to African countries they also want a return in their investments. Its a vicious cycle of the Europeans profiting off of Africa, the African dictators are avaricious and don’t utilize the revenue to help the African people. Next, African people suffer and are dying in the process.
There continues to be a paternalistic attitude that Africa’s problems are just due to internal politics. When is Europe’s role in Africa issues going to change? The Europeans are a part of the problem not the solution. African immigrants wouldn’t feel the need to immigrate illegally to Europe if there were push and pull factors available within their own countries. If the economies in African countries were stronger and more resourceful people wouldn’t feel the need to immigrate to Europe. North America, Australia, New Zealand, should be more vocal about the hypocrisy of both European and African leaders.
One major European leader absent from the EU African Summit was the the new British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mr. Brown has stated he is boycotting the EU and African Summit because Zimbabwe’s dictator Robert Mugabe is present. Why doesn’t Mr. Brown just be honest? Does anyone honestly believe Mugabe was the only reason Brown wasn’t present at the Summit? Give me a break. The United Kingdom is not interested in the affairs of the African continent or about African people.
After all, the UK is known for treating black people as though we are the “other” and “inferior” to whites. Brown doesn’t give a damn about Mugabe he is simply using Mugabe’s presence as an excuse and scapegoat. Cooperation between African and European nations are not a concern to Mr. Brown or the United Kingdom.
Europe has a significant role in the corruption in several African countries for centuries. For instance, countries such as Nigeria has natural resources such as oil. The Europeans are also involved in siphoning billions of dollars out of Nigeria. Nigeria for example is one of the world’s largest exporters and resources of oil. However, very little of the billions of revenue is distributed to the Nigerian people. Why isn’t more money being spent to educate young Nigerian boys and girls for free? Where is the free clean water? There needs to be more emphasis placed on education opportunities for all African people. What about health care? Why isn’t more being done?
People become desperate there have been recent news stories about foreign workers being kidnapped in Nigeria by vigilantes. The vigilantes are not all just “crooks” or “criminals”. The occidental media have attempted to brand all the kidnappers as bad people this is simply not true.
Some of the African vigilantes are simply people fed up with the system. I believe these feelings of understandable due to the resentment and anger against the Occident. How would you feel if your family was starving, dying , and hungry while foreign workers are living comfortably in luxury?Would you like it if you knew your own government has no concern for the people and are allowing foreign companies to steal the wealth? What would you do? Wouldn’t you feel powerless and want to do something? Violence is not the answer but what are people supposed to do just sit, wait, and die?
When will the United Nations speak out about the corruption on both the African and European continents? A two day summit is just a waste of time. If Africa and Europe really want change to occur more time needs to be set aside for these conferences. The United Nations also has a critical role yet continues to be reticent.
Homophobia Is A Global Issue Not Just Specific To One Race
Does homophobia exist in Jamaica? Of course homophobia exists in Jamaica just like it does in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the rest of the world. However, the current trend is suddenly the western media have taken it upon themselves to “denounce” homophobia in Jamaican Dancehall music. Make no mistake the western media does not “care” about black gays and lesbians that are being attacked and murdered in Jamaica due to homophobia. The mainstream media are only interested in pathologizing Jamaican culture trying to treat Jamaican people as though we are backwards and uncivilized. So once again we have this paternalistic approach of the “white gay saviours” GLAAD and EGALE that jump at the chance for some free press claiming to “save the day”. In the process GLAAD and EGALE are only demonstrating their true racist colours. The truth is GLAAD and EGALE ignores the cultural differences between Jamaica and the western world.
Where is the “urgency” in the North America or European media when gay men are killed right here in Canada? In Toronto Canada last year Harley Walker a seventy two year old white gay man was brutally murdered by another white man in his Toronto home. Walker arranged for a sexual encounter with the accused after chatting online.
Next, after Walker was violently murdered according to news reports the accused removed Walker’s body from his residence and dumped it in Northern Ontario. Now did the Toronto media make a “racial link” between the fact that the accused was also a white male? Where are all the articles about “all white men” being homophobic killers? Oops I forgot when gay white men are killed by other whites the Canadian media don’t make “racial links” they just “report” the news. Where are the news reports, radio broadcasts, and documentaries that the accused “whiteness” was a factor in Walker’s death? Shouldn’t white Canadian culture be stereotyped as well?
In Vancouver British Columbia Aaron Webster a white gay man was brutally murdered in Stanley Park in November 2001. Stanley Park is a well known cruising ground in Vancouver. Did the white gay media and the mainstream media make a “racial link” between the violence against Aaron Webster and Canada? Is Canada now branded as a haven for violent, savage, homophobes that can run freely and kill and murder gay people at free will? Of course not.
The western media are only focused on selling papers, boosting ratings, obtaining sound bites for radio, and finding new ways to “demonize” the black race. Since Beenie man and Elephant man are minor black celebrities this racism sells and captures the public’s attention. The public loves reading racist articles that frame the lens and present the black community in an unfavorable light. And here you have the paternalistic white gay organizations “lecturing” black people on “tolerance” its like give me a break. The black race doesn’t need white gays patronizing us that’s for sure.
Last year in October 2006 a young black gay man Michael Sandy was brutally murdered by four white males in Brooklyn last year. The white mainstream and gay media reported the news but there was no urgency to the Michael Sandy tragedy. Some media outlets even attempted to downplay the fact that Sandy was murdered by four young white men. Could you imagine a racial reverse? Its a fair question. The Michael Sandy tragedy shatters a lot of stereotypes. Homophobia is not specific to one race its a global issue and its a very serious issue. The mainstream media attempted to “ignore” the race factor here and just focused on the fact Sandy was gay. However, my perspective is this displaces the context of the Michael Sandy case. Michael Sandy was an innocent young black man and he was killed specifically because he was a black gay man. Being black and also gay are two social signifiers of being a minority in a very homophobic, racist, and misandrist world. When the mainstream and gay media ignore the truth they are attempting to erase and ignore reality.
It is important to point out the fact Sandy’s killers were four young white men. So far three of the four white men have been convicted. Its a perfect example of white racism when the media ignores the death of a young black gay man. If there every going to be equality in this world then people should be treated fairly. The media is sending the negative message that Michael Sandy’s life didn’t matter because he was a black gay man and not white. Michael Sandy’s life does matter because he was somebody’s son, somebody’s friend he was a part of the black community. The blood of a white gay person is more important then the blood of a black gay person in the eyes of the mainstream. Sandy’s death was not a concern to the white American media.
The white American gay community was apathetic to Sandy’s death for a variety of reasons. First, Michael Sandy was a gay black man so why would they care? Second, Sandy’s killers were also white so there was no extra motivation for the white gay community to get involved. The powerful white gay organizations such as GLAAD and HRC are only concerned with advancing a “white gay agenda”. In the eyes of GLAAD and HRC the only “victims” of violence and homophobia must be white this is their focus and mandate. Sure, GLAAD has a special people of colour “position” and a couple of token blacks on their payroll but the concerns of black gays are not the focus of GLAAD.
Since Michael Sandy was a young black gay man and his killers were white he was of no interest to the white gay media. GLAAD and HRC chose to ignore Sandy’s death and act like it never taken place. Aren’t GLAAD and HRC against all forms of homophobia? Or are GLAAD and HRC only concerned about homophobia that affects the white race?
No cover of Advocate or Out Magazine, and the mainstream American media was also apathetic to Michael Sandy’s death. No ABC, no CNN, no NBC, or CBS news. Why didn’t the North American media create articles and make a “racial link” between the death of Michael Sandy and the violence of young white men? After all Sandy was lured on the internet for a sexual encounter only to be tricked and brutally beaten and killed by four white guys. Are all young white men now violent?
I am a Jamaican Canadian and I am also gay. I know homophobia exists in Jamaica. However, we all have choices in life and since Canada is a democracy I have freedom to make my own decisions. I have made the choice not to listen to or purchase Beenie Man or Elephant man’s music. I also also made the decision not to attend their concerts. However, I strong disagree with the so called “gay activists” that are attempting to destroy the careers of black entertainers. Music is an artistic expression and every artist has a right to his or her’s own views on art. In this world we are not going to agree with everything everyone else says or does. Last time I checked at Beenie man and Elephant man’s concerts people are not being gay bashed.
I believe EGALE and other so called gay activist organizations aren’t really “concerned” about “fighting” homophobia in relation to the drama over homophobic lyrics in Reggae music. My perspective is these organizations are only concerned with fostering and promoting anti black racism. The western media also is selling this racism splashing various articles and creating hysteria over the homophobia in Jamaica. Its a pathetic attempt by the lazy western press once again to push the boring, dry, and tired racist stereotype that “all” black people are homophobic.
However, there is an ”invisible code” and an eerie silence to white gay racism against black people. The catch here is that the anti black racism is “hidden” under the false pretense of “fighting homophobia”. I cringe when I see white gay activists complaining about black entertainers because I question the motivation of these white gay activists. I question why the “sudden” interest in attacking black entertainers? When EGALE and other white gay organizations block Enimem and Marilyn Manson and other white homophobes from having concerts in Canada then they are legitimate. Until this occurs I just have to call them on their bullshit about ”fight against homophobia”. I also do not believe in censorship.
In September 2007 a concert for Elephant man was cancelled in Toronto because some gay activists were complaining about homophobia. I was quoted in the Toronto Star saying there was a double standard taking place and I stand by my quote. When black people see black entertainers being banned it only fuels anger and in this case black people and fans of Reggae music have a right to be angry. Nothing is solved through censorship and miscommuication is the end result. It is a vicious cycle. Free speech exists for a reason and Canada is a democracy. I have to write about this because I am going to be blunt. I think some black gay activists that side with white gay organizations such as EGALE are stupid. I cannot be more blunt them that. EGALE doesn’t give a damn about violence against Jamaican gays and lesbians. EGALE only cares about advancing their own agenda, acquiring free publicity, and fostering the “image” that they believe in gay rights for all gay people. The black gay activists that side with EGALE are foolish to believe EGALE is really “concerned” about the rights of black gays.
The black gay activists do indeed have valid concerns the violence against gays in Jamaica is real and it exists. However, there is also an “invisible code” taking place where white gay organizations are acquiring too much power they think they can speak for the black race. I am here to say today as a black gay man that white gays don’t speak for the black race. And as a black gay man white gay organizations such as EGALE definitely don’t speak for me that’s for sure.
Its clear to me the white gay organizations such as EGALE are specifically targeting black reggae artists due to the undercurrent of racism. It is well known there is a racist perception in the western world that black people we are “more” homophobic then “whites.” I laugh at this bullshit because its simply not true. Homophobia takes place across all racial and cultural sectors. Yet the western media frames homophobia as though its just occurs among blacks. Black straight activists don’t speak up because the white gays have the power of branding them as “homophobes” if they disagree with them. Black straight activists needs to be cognizant of the fact racism in the gay community racism exists. Gay black gay writers such as Audre Lorde, James Earl Hardy, Essex Hemphill, have all written about the hypocrisy of the white gay community in relation to dealing with racial discrimination.
The Conservative party of Canada leader Stephen Harper is a homophobic bigot he’s a white male and he’s the Prime Minister of Canada. In the United States George W. Bush is a homophobe, the Republican party is very anti gay and gay rights is not their concern. Senator Larry Craig has voted against gay rights yet he was caught earlier this year cruising for sex in an airport washroom he also is a white male. White males in North America have the political power the create discriminatory laws to discriminate against gays and lesbians. The negative atttiude the mainstream North American and European media have to reggae artists is also fuelled by their racist perceptions of young black men as violent and evil.
Where are the white gays organizations denouncing Marilyn Manson or Enimem? Where is the urgency? If you visit white gay websites they talk about how “cute” Enimem is and that Marilyn Manson is such a “artist”. Yes its so cute when Enimem talks about beating down women. Marilyn Manson gets a free pass for his homophobic lyrics in his songs because he’s also a white male.
Homophobia is a global phenomeon it takes place all over the world. Violence against gays isn’t race specific yet the western media consistently frame homophobia as though it only occurs in the black community. It is such a disservice because it obscures and ignore the awareness about homophobia in other parts of the world. It is well known homophobia still exists in the so called progressive North America, west and eastern Europe.
Reverend Phelps a white American male heterosexual minister is a homophobic bigot he travels with his congregation and protests funerals if the deceased is gay. Yet Phelps doesn’t receive much press from the mainstream white North American or European media. I wonder why? It is well known in great old Europe the virulent homophobia against gays in countries such as Russia, Serbia, and Russia is very strong and real.
Recently in May 2007 this year there were violent protests in Russia two European members of parliament were arrested in Moscow as violence broke out. Peter Tatchell a white British gay activist was punched and an Italian MP was kicked. The mayor of Moscow Yury Luzhkov called homosexuality “satanic”.
The European parliment this year accused Croatia of promoting homophobia in schools. Why does this not receive much attention in the west? Could it be because the homophobes in this case are white people that it won’t sell enough papers, it isn’t sensational enough or they just ignore white homophobia?
Link to information about Michael Sandy murder trial:
http://gothamist.com/2007/10/12/jurors_argue_bu.php
Link: Story about Aaron Webster’s death
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2004/11/15/gay_bashing_041115.html
Link: Story about homophobia in Croatia
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/may/07050801.html
Link: Homophobia in Russia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6695913.stm
Link: Harley Walker news http://www.thestar.com/News/article/211221
Malcolm X Asks What Kind Of Black Person Are You?
Watching this clip of Malcolm X makes me realize the discussion about House Negroes and Field Negroes exists today. Of course we are all individuals we have a right to have divergent points of view and perspectives. I am not suggesting that there needs to be a collective mentality taking place. However, we cannot change the fact as the scholar bell hooks says race always matters. It doesn’t matter how much power or money you acquire to ignore race is to ignore reality.
When I think about black people like Condoleezza Rice and Clarence Thomas its clear to me that Malcolm X comments makes perfect sense. Sure, Rice and Thomas are blacks with very powerful positions in society but they also follow the status quo. Thomas and Rice certainly don’t give a damn about the black race all they care about is maintaining the power they have acquired. Malcolm X wasn’t perfect but he loved black people and he cared deeply about the black race.
