49 Search Results for "chris"

• Why Michael Jackson Went Globa

  • From: urbanradionation
  • Description:

    
    
    What about the face of Michael we didn't like. Rev. Al Sharpton had it right. Michael Jackson wasn't strange.
    
    Prior to the death of Michael Jackson, you rarely heard any Michael Jackson songs on the radio. One of the albums that deserved more air play was Invincible, released in 2001. My favorite tracks from the album are "Butterflies" written by Marsha Ambrose from Floetry, "Break of Dawn", and "You Rock My World" featuring an intro by Chris Tucker. Kudos to 96.3 WHUR in Washington, DC. They were really the only station that gave those tracks any significant airplay. For the most part Black radio and mainstream media in America abandoned Mike.
    
    Overall, Michael became less popular in this country the last ten years of his life, while he continued to maintain popularity around the world. Americans generally thought he was weird. Some may say because he began whitening his skin, the African American community stopped buying his records and supporting him. Or maybe it was the accusations of child molestation that caused his popularity to suffer. One thing for sure, if you don't get radio airplay or video plays it's hard to get record sales.
    
    Maybe corporate radio followed the dictates of the record companies and simply stopped giving his records spins. At the time of the release of "Invincible", if you recall, Michael accused Sony Records and its president Tommy Mattola of racism, think about that for a second, and said he was a devil, because they did not promote the album. He even called on Rev. Al Sharpton to set up a protest and demonstrations at Sony Records in New York. So I ask, what's a recording artist to do to keep themselves popular in the world of entertainment. You do what you deem as necessary. In recent years, we've heard stories of Michael trying to recapture his American audience. We've heard he was seeking advice from everyone from Prince to T.I.
    
    Many in the U.S. look at Michael Jackson as wacky because of the many plastic surgeries he had and of the skin whitening. More specially, African Americans perceived the changes in his features as self-hatred. In this country, skin color is such a politically and socially charged issue we expect the world to take it as serious as Americans do. But that's simply not the case. Michael took a look outside of the United States of America and began to play to a global audience, a world stage if you will. Not to suggest that a "whiter" apearance was Michael's ultimate plan, but let's be real, it didn't hurt.
    
    After the success of the "Thriller" album, the world was ready for more of Michael Jackson. He was determined to become the greatest entertainer the world had ever seen. While Michael's skin condition worsened, he hid it with dark glasses and sparkling military attire which included his infamous glove. The quirkiness of his personality became more apparent and his inability to maintain a private life disappeared. Michael did suffer from the skin condition vitiligo. He also used make-up, bleaching and chemical treatments to even out the absence of skin color on portions of his body. Besides who in the entertainment industry hasn't had plastic surgery that sometimes has gone wrong. By the time the "Bad" album was released, Michael Jackson was definitely different. He was playing to a world audience now. U.S. record sales were only a small piece of the pie. World wide concerts were on the horizon. Michael, a Black man, who was losing his color, had gone global and we didn't understand. He was just "weird Mike."
    
    We've seen the videos from countless countries in Europe and Asia, where thousands of people were in near hysteria over his mere presence. We sit back in this country, in amazement at the adoration of these fans. But we must realize, Europeans and Asians are not Americans. We may share music, but cultures around the world are unique and different. Michael made himself relevant on a global scale. Michael was a genius. What we saw as strange, the rest of the world embraced.
    
    Case in point is the world's fascination with white skin. One aspect about Michael's life that was seen as controversial to Americans especially people like Bill O'Reilly. We in this country would be horrified by seeing skin bleaching commercials. But the rest of the world, even in parts of Africa, sees this as normal. We would never see or hear these commercials on radio or TV in America. Obviously, "Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" still hasn't reached most of the world.
    
    So let's be clear, it was not appearance, it was talent nurtured in the tradition of African American soul music from singers like Jackie Wilson and James Brown and nothing else, that caused Michael's star to soar. Which makes him not only a Black icon, but the quintessential World Superstar.
    
    Michael Jackson was built to entertain. What a sacrifice he made to entertain. A sacrifice that included his childhood. So I don't judge Michael Jackson for the choices he made in his life when compared to the humanitarian contributions he made to this world.
    
    In death, maybe we need to think differently or have another perspective about Michael, as Berry Gordy so eloquently put it at the memorial service on Tuesday; he was more than the King of Pop, he was the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. He was brilliant. For that Michael Jackson paid a price we may never understand.

    Joe S.  Go to my blog post to see more links and videos for this blog http://www.urbanradionation.com/2009/07/before-radio-record-industry-and.html 

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 63

• WHY OBAMA SCARES ME, TOO

  • From: pinkiehot52
  • Description:

     

    294

    
    Comments

    

    Why Obama Scares Me, Too

    by  Chuck Norris
    

    06/16/2009
    
    
    

    The New York Times passed on the opportunity to publish a great op-ed letter to President Barack Obama from Lou Pritchett, a former vice president of Procter & Gamble. Pritchett worked for that company for 36 years, until his retirement in 1989.
       
    Confirmed by the Internet watchdog Snopes, here's a sample of what Pritchett wrote:
    
    Dear President Obama:

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    <A HR

       
    You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me. …
       
    You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll. …
       
    You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
       
    You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
       
    You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
       
    You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
       
    You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves. …
       
    You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.
       
    You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals. …
       
    You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
       
    You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Reillys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
       
    You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.
       
    Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
    
    Lou Pritchett
    
    Thank you, Mr. Pritchett, for your love for America, honesty and willingness to risk your reputation by speaking up to this administration.
       
    Now let me add a few of my own fears to yours:
    
    President Obama:
       
    You scare me because so many amazing corporate and American leaders, such as Lou Pritchett, are saying you scare them.
       
    You scare me because after you initiate more government borrowing and bailouts than all presidents combined, you then require Congress to follow a system that is "pay-as-you-go."
       
    You scare me because you really do believe that going into massive amounts of debt can remedy our economy in the long run.
       
    You scare me because your actions don't reflect the federal governmental constraints and fiscally prudent principles of our Founding Fathers and Constitution.
       
    You scare me because you repeatedly still play the blame game with the Bush administration but never blame the Clinton administration, even though it was responsible for the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac subprime fiasco via the proliferation of loans to unqualified borrowers.
       
    You scare me because you buy and run the banking, automobile and (soon) health industries with taxpayers' money but refuse to call it socialism.
       
    You scare me because you claim to be a fighter for minorities and the promises of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness yet do not defend the unborn. What greater minority is there than those in the womb, against whom you already have enacted more pro-abortion laws than anyone since the Roe v. Wade decision?
       
    You scare me because you promise to defend the U.S. against all potential enemies yet pacify those harboring terrorists, fight for the rights of combative detainees, and enable the enemies of Israel.
       
    You scare me because you deny America's Judeo-Christian heritage before other countries of the world, espousing "the promise of a secular nation" during an age in which religious revisionism is on the rise. (Thank God for Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., and others like him, who even now are trying to preserve America's religious history by proposing the passage of a bill that would create "America's Spiritual Heritage Week." Call or write your representative today to support it.)
       
    You scare me because your media team (including the mainstream media) seeks to label as radical, quarantine socially or in some way penalize any opposing conservative voices (such as conservative talk show hosts, news agencies, columnists and actors, such as Jon Voight).
       
    You scare me because your media team does not address or diminish in any way your deification before the world, epitomized by the editor of Newsweek who stated this past week on Chris Matthews' MSNBC show: "In a way, Obama's standing above the country, above the world. He's sort of God." (How much scarier can it get than representative statements like that in a republic that once stood for a balance among political powers and a government "by the people, for the people"?)
    
    Sincerely,
    
    Chuck Norris
    
    America, it's time to awaken from your slumber. Quit looking to the government for answers, and start looking to reputable sources. I recommend starting with Lou Pritchett's 1995 business book, "Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat."

    
    

    HE SCARES ME AND JON VOIGHT, ANN COULTER, PIG LIMBAUGH, THE NEWT AND ALL OF SATAN'S UNDERLINGS,

    THAT CALL THEMSELVES REPUBLICANS AND CONSERVATIVES AND BLUE DOG DEMOCRATS. THE GROUP THAT CLINGS TO GUNS AND GOD. THE REAL AMERICANS,  YA BETHCA!

    
    

    ALL THIS SITE DOES IS SPREAD HATE PROPAGANDA AND TAKE THESE FOOLS MONEY, WITH BOOKS AND RECRIUTMENT TO THE NRA. A BUNCH OF FLIPPING RETARDS. THE RESULTS OF CENTURIES OF INBREEDING.

    
    
  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
  • Views: 111

• Keith Olbermann, Chris Mathis,

  • From: nmcgee8198
  • Description:

    Some of you have spoken of us being silent.  I want a great deal of us to truly educate ourselves.  The News keeps us aware of what is going on.  I find that MSNBC is for the Democrats more than CNN and other stations.  I still watch CNN sometimes but my television is usually on MSNBC.  Fox Cable News will never see me watching them.  The bigots are coming out of the woodwork because they are afraid.  President Obama is doing a good job.  Instead of the Republicans and the bigots crying, they should get behind our President and help get this country back on its feet.  This President has more on his plate than any President ever and I am really tired of them trying to compare him to past Presidents.  He is the President of the 21st Century and there is no comparison truly to what his has on his plate.  1929 could never compare to 2009.  President and First Lady are truly a different breed and I will be glad when everyone else sees what I see.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 197

• Chris and Rihanna: An Observa

  • From: E_Joyce
  • Description:

    I am really not clear about what people want. If you want the justice system to handle it, well, Brown's day in court is coming, and like everyone else, he is innocent until proven guilty. If you want to know what happened, wait until the facts come out before your judging is cast in stone. If you want him to heal, change and grow up, then advocate that he is in extensive therapy for two years, with five years probation and has to stay away from Fenty during that two year period, unless for business purposes. AND that she is also required to go into therapy IF she was throwing punches as well. But if you just want to continue the Chris Brown beat down, because you are vicariously dealing with your own mess, this is actually not helping you, and -- whether you are the giver, recipient or were the unwilling witness of abuse and you haven't resolved the resulting effects -- if you are doing it you need to take responsiblity, if you are receiving it you need to take responsiblity for your self and any children that are witnessing/experiencing this behavior; you know what Christ said about casting that first stone...
    
    The thing is... IMHO, I am beginning to see more of an electronic lynching going on that seems to have absolutely nothing to do with the actual incident. There are others who have hurt women in the entertainment industry and I have never seen so much ongoing outrage and continued media coverage. Yes, we absolutely should continue the important dialog about abuse, but Brown and Fenty are the catalyst, not the poster child and whipping boy for this conversation.  We are now in approximately the seventh week and it continues, having had more coverage on NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC and all other outlets than the two Pennsylvania judges who received $2.5 million in kickbacks to put our teens and youth in a specific privatized prison. Even Rick Sanchez did not mention the story until I twittered him about it.  Should we not question why?

    There is this determination to project the end result of this singular action. One size does not fit all.  (For those who say well he's done it before, perhaps you shouldn't believe everything you read or hear. The latest "source" in the police department is sharing what they say is a different story.)  With distance and extensive therapy Chris is salvageable. He is young enough not to have this behavior become a part of his character and has the means to buy all the therapy he needs, and some help to disengage from what looks to be a toxic relationship.  How about we focus on all those who don't have the means, information or the resources to get that help, both to avoid attracting abusers and becoming one. Because there are many women -- and men -- who go from one abuser/controlling person to another.  Years ago I interviewed a man who married five women, four of whom were abusers and was looking for the sixth wife. He was sure that he could somehow fix the fact that his mother often physically beat up his father in front of him and his siblings. Most abuse is one of the worst legacies that we pass on from one generation to the next. We need to find a way to stop the cycle. Get back to me with a workable plan for that.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 156

• GODfearingwoman1

  • Views: 44
  • Since: 8 months ago

• BeBe Winans

  • From: orenthia_t
  • Description:

    I want to know what you think about BB Winans assaulting his exwife, should his career be over, should his music be banned, as you wished the for Chris Brown? What are you thoughts?  I only heard you laugh about BB's situation.  Don't say Chris Brown's situation is more violent...domestic violence is domestic violence no matter the nature of the act.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 118
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• Chirs, Rihanna and Abuse: More

  • From: E_Joyce
  • Description:

    Today, Thursday March 12, 2009, there will be two shows on television -- on Oprah and on The Tyra Banks Show -- focused on abuse and teen dating.  I sincerely hope that the shows reaches teens, adults, every gender. I am really not clear what people want. If you want the justice system to handle it, well, his day in court is coming. You want to know what happened, wait until the facts come out before your judging is cast in stone. You want him to heal, change and grow up, then advocate that he is in extensive therapy for two years, with five years probation and has to stay away from Fenty during that two year period, unless for business purposes. AND that she is also required to go into therapy IF she was throwing punches as well. But if you just want to continue the Chris Brown beat down, because you are vicariously dealing with your own mess, this is actually not helping you.
    
    The thing is... IMHO, I am beginning to see more of an electronic lynching going on that seems to have absolutely nothing to do with the actual incident. There are others who have hurt women in the entertainment industry and I have never seen so much ongoing outrage and continued media coverage. Yes, we should continue the important dialog about abuse, but Brown and Fenty are the catalyst, not the poster child and whipping boy for this conversation,. We are now in approximately the seventh week and it continues. Has anyone questioned why?

     

    The issue of abuse is definitely on my mind and I suppose that its on the minds of many, not just because of Rihanna and Chris (see the post below) but because there seems to be an increase in reported domestic violence,  multiple victim murder/suicides  We need to discuss this subject again and again, until there is a change in the minds of those abused and those who abuse. Or maybe it's on my mind because just yesterday I was told that a young man, straight A student, a senior,17, was kicked out of his house by his own mother.  Why?  Because her boyfriend was moving in and did not want him there.  Or because just last night, a 14 month old is now in the hospital after being  severely beaten by a teenaged boyfriend of the mother, why: Because the chid wouldn't do what he thought he should.  The mother was beaten as well, but here is the thing: there were other people in the house at the time, who did nothing.  What about you?   Are you a part of the growing problem or part of the solution?  In the spirit of enlightenment, below is an excerpt from one of my writings  If it helps at least one person to take a hard look at his/her relationship...:.:

      

                                                     THE SOCIO-PREDATOR

     

    I was surprised to hear from Reese.  We had a casual business relationship over the last two years.  I had heard the tragic story about his estrangement from his wife because of her alleged sexual preferences, from other mutual contacts.  He sounded so depressed, so victimized -- his wife was looking to take his life's work away after all.  He was a musician -- not a lawyer or a businessman.  I made suggestions for solutions that would protect his work.  I also discussed how the business side of his music was at a standstill and sliding downhill.  I don't know exactly when the conversation became personal, I hadn't been paying much attention to the secondary comments.  "I've had a crush on you since I met you.  Didn't you know?"  I was stunned by this "revelation".  He is a married man, so I never paid any attention to him.  He told me months ago, that he was living with a married couple, friends of his.  Now they were moving into a new house and he was essentially becoming homeless.  We talked for a long time.  He surprised me by calling back with poetry…written by him…for me.  Wow.  I had a free open airline ticket and thought that this was a good time for a business trip to Miami.  If the personal didn't work, the business would.  Interesting what one discovers when you are face to face with the reality of another human.  Reese wasn't living with married friends, he was living with the woman with whom he had a relationship of over two years, and she wanted him out of her house.  She wanted him gone because he was consuming her financially and emotionally -- and she was trying to summon the strength to get rid of him.  Reese had actually left his wife for her -- another woman -- not because of alleged misbehavior.  Reese was not the person he portrayed to the public.  He was actually insecure, verbally abusive,  had a tendency toward physical abuse, and a chronic liar.  Reese was looking for a new place to land.  After all, women had always taken care of him, even though he seemed to have a lot of anger -- even hatred -- for them, especially if they exhibited any emotional or personal strength.  Reese was a predator.  I wasn't going to be his next meal.

    Socio-predators show up in a variety of genders, sizes, and colors.  A socio-predator is one who attaches him or herself to another human being using a variety of tactics to blend themselves into the lives of the unsuspecting victims.  Socio-predators are more sinister extensions of the controlling personality.  We speak of the male form of a socio-predator in a joking, yet somewhat reverent manner.  "Oh, he's just a wolf in sheep's clothing."  Someone who is a little mysterious, a little naughty and, well, a little romantic.  Unfortunately, socio-predators, male or female, are voracious in consuming their victims emotionally and financially.  They know who to target.  They know how to make you their next victim unless you are paying attention and recognize the attributes of the socio-predator.

     

    PROFILE OF THE SOCIO-PREDATOR

    The term predator is normally used to identify someone who preys upon the unsuspecting child.  These predators usually look for the child that seems unsure.  The socio-predator preys upon adults -- male or female -- and has some generally distinctive attributes that you should be aware of: Charm is an important part of their facade.  They seem to be so nice, so disarming.  They are always in a little bit of a difficulty; there always seems to be a problem or crisis.  They always need help, preferably yours.  He or she is usually being victimized by someone else… at least according to him or her.  From their distorted point of view, there is always someone who is doing something to them, creating a problem for them, hurting them somehow.  They just don't understand why. 

    Their focus is always on you in public.  No one else gets your attention but him or her.  If you choose to talk to anyone else, jealousy appears, or they isolate themselves until you come to their rescue.  You are charmed by the attention, but the reality is that it is important to them that you become consumed with providing what they need.  There is always an anger lying beneath the surface of their personality.  They portray themselves as disliked, unloved, and misunderstood.  "I don't know why no one likes me," is one of their more common complaints.  Insecurity, jealousy, and a tendency to isolate themselves and you from other people are components that tend to surface at some point. 

    You find yourself emotionally exhausted after dealing with them.  Predators not only want what you offer materially, they want all of your emotional loyalty, all of what you are.  It's fun at first to feel so needed.  Then you begin to realize that what makes you you is being consumed by him or her.  Money usually becomes a part of the support they need.  Without realizing it, you have begun to spend money to help solve whatever the problem is.  As time goes on, you realize there is always some kind of a problem.  You've made an investment in the potential and now realize that there will be no return on that investment. 

    Truth is usually not a part of the package that you have purchased.  You begin to discover that there may be two or more sides to the sad stories they tell.  They never take any responsibility for the situations they are in or the problems they have.  It's always someone else's fault, your fault, never theirs.  As long as you are compliant, the facade is usually what you experience.  When you begin to question or not agree with him or her, a new personality appears.  The person becomes cold, distant, mean, verbally abusive, emotionally abusive and in extreme cases, physically abusive.  There is likely to be an attempt to make you feel guilty about upsetting them; the situation, in fact any situation, is your fault.  Threats to end the relationship begin to be made.  It is only when you give in or become compliant again that the new behavior stops and the facade reappears.  You find yourself apologizing for everything, becoming more compliant "just to keep peace."  This new personality is the real personality; as time goes on, the real personality becomes more prevalent in your relationship.  As you are being emotionally consumed, you begin to believe that it's your responsibility to keep the real personality in check. 

    If there are children involved, watch closely to see how the person relates to them.  If these are his or her children, are they ignored, neglected, or abused?  If they are yours, how are they treated when you aren't in the room?  What do your children say about him or her when they are alone with you?  Don't dismiss their reactions and responses; children have a good sense about whether an adult is worthy of their trust.  Note: women are especially good at using their children as a part of the emotional package they get you involved in.  As you become emotionally tied to the children, the children become the blackmail she uses to make sure that you are compliant.  " I think I'll just move to California," or "I should go back to their father."  These threats translate into "either you do what I want you to or you won't get to see the children again."  There is never a change in their circumstances; financial and emotional independence never comes about.  He or she always needs you.  In reality, he or she needs to feed upon your emotional security until it becomes insecure, your financial stability until you are financially depleted.

     

    ARE YOU A TARGET?

    While anyone can be a target for a socio-predator, there are some of the attributes that make you a more likely candidate While anyone can be a target for a socio-predator, here are some of the attributes that make you a more likely candidate:

    You have a reputation for being the nice guy (male or female).  Most people know that you'd do anything to help someone.

    You have a quality of naiveté.  You expect people to be who they claim to be.

    If you are male, you have the "Superman Syndrome."  You are always the knight in shining armor, the hero, the one who shows the way to the good life. 

    You are the caretaker; you look for the stray cat, the homeless dog with puppies; you usually end up scratched or bitten in your relationships.

    You are a publicly secure person with hidden insecurities.  You are good in the corporate world.  You may be a professional with a degree or two.  Education does not automatically make you smart when it comes to those you pick for relationships.  If you are insecure on a personal level, your vulnerability shows, no matter how much you believe you hide it. 

    You are meek, humble, and giving in nature.  Socio-predators usually mistake kindness and humility as weaknesses that they can use to their advantage.  When he or she discovers that a person with these characteristics is actually strong and unwilling to be submissive and consumed, he or she will usually run off.  They are, after all, actually cowards.  Unfortunately, before they slink away, the socio-predator may attempt to use physical force, spread lies to ruin your reputation, or  create some extreme crisis that would cause you to remain involved with them.

    You tend to be the one who takes care of everyone, especially the "underdog."  You have either the martyr mentality or the superman syndrome; you believe that it is your job to take on the often unhappy task of taking care of someone else whether he or she deserves it or not. 

    You have a propensity for being victimized.  You get used to being the victim -- not recognizing that it is a role you choose to play in your relationships. 

    WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW

    A socio-predator does not become one unless he or she chooses to be one.  The character of a socio-predator is not going to go away or change because of or in spite of anything you do or don't do.  The ego of a socio-predator is huge; they view themselves as being psychologically superior.  They know just what to do and what buttons to push to get what they want.  He or she takes it as his or her responsibility to mold you into the person he or she needs you to be.  If they are successful, you will find yourself defending their behavior, supporting their lies and living a life that is not yours but theirs.  Predators consume, and when they are finished, they look for new prey.  You may choose to allow this type of person into your life; that is your decision.  However, you have a responsibility to yourself to recognize the risks that come with this decision, and at least draw a line in the sand as to how much of yourself you will allow another person to consume.  Ask yourself: is the reward worth the risk?

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 199

• makadiff

  • Views: 159
  • Since: 8 months ago

• ABUSE OF WOMEN AND MEN

  • From: nmcgee8198
  • Description:

    I am hearing so much regarding Chris Brown and Rhianna and it is becoming overwhelming.  I think that we need to investigate all abuse of men as well as women.  I believe that a great deal of these abusers have been raped and molested.  When we talk, I am only hearing regarding women.  I know men that have been abused by women.  When they speak of Chris Brown with a 40 year old woman when he was 16, if it was a young lady, they would call it rape.  Rape is rape whether it is a man or a woman.  I think we need to start exposing abuse for what is and the pain that so many of us suffer on a daily basis.  Look at the recent murder rate of young children under the age of 12.  I lost my cousin just last month due to domestic violence.  I feel that a great deal of our men are being incarcarated and coming back in their families and it is very difficult to serve in prison and not have a lot of ghosts following you around.  There have been so many people that have been tortured and end up in families and think that is the only way to survive.  Every second a young boy or girl is being molested.  They are crying out and no one is listening.  No one wants to believe that this is happening in their family.  We need to assure that our men are getting treated before leaving prison.  These people must be treated as if they have been in a war and in some cases they really were.  To serve in prison makes these people very angry and when they get out, they self medicate with alcohol and drugs.  My cousin was killed because her spouse wanted some money to buy some drugs and when she did not comply, he killed her.  We need to start a dialouge of getting the drugs off our streets and educating people on getting themselves cleaned.  Most of these people cannot even remember what they have actually done once everything is done.  We teach our young men not to hit but we must also teach our young girls not to hit or start something because of the way the system is set up.  I know a great deal of men in jail right now because a woman called the police and they came and took the man.  The man really had done nothing.  Our laws need to help all parties.  My son had an abusive wife and if he had touched her, he would have been in prison now. 

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 118

• Rihanna and Chris Brown: My Th

  • From: E_Joyce
  • Description:
     UPDATE: Earlier today (Sunday, March 9, 2009), there was a retrospective story about Chris Brown and Rihanna on E! Apparently -- according to their pictoral timeline, Rihanna was actually down in Mexico, contradicting the reports of her whereabouts in the weeks after the alleged beating. They not only alluded to the notion that the picture of her face that the police allegedly leaked may not be be factual --police authorities would only say that the photo appeared to have been taken "during an official domestic violence investigation" and that they were vigorously investigating any leaks" -- the candid shot E! claimed was taken two weeks after the beating and published on February 26, 2009, show her in a white bikini in Mexico and without a single mark. So I am confused as to where the truth will finally take us or if E! was simply manufacturing new sensation. However, it does not change my point of view as stated below.
    
    
    But wait, there's more:  New reasons why we need to wait until we all should wait for all of the information before passing judgement.  NOTE: I still don't believe that a man EVER should hit a woman.  It takes more courage just to walk away.  That said, there was a new leak apparently, on Monday, March 9, 2009, from the police department.
    
    
    
    I have seen it too many times: you become or manifest in your life what you don't resolve. So it seems that they have reuinted.  Yet the situation is far from resolved Chris Brown needs to be by himself and in an intense therapy program for at least a year. Believe it or not, when I saw an interview of him some time ago, my first thought was that he was an angry, troubled young man, even though he may have a good heart. But if he does not resolve his issues now, those issues will be an ingrained part of his character and who he is. No amount of jail time will fix what's broken in him. Forget, the career, he needs to repair who he is first.
    
    Know a little about the Bajun culture and noted that Rihanna's father, who minimized her injuries in his initial public comments, seems to have no problem with her returning to the relationship. Her testimony will be court ordered, not voluntary. That speaks volumes about her mindset and supports  the fact that she needs counseling as well.
    
    Abuse comes in all races, sizes, shapes, religions, cultures, genders, ages, classes. There are as many rich as poor who are abusers. There are many more men being abused than any of us know.  It can be your neighbor, it can be your friend It can be your sister, it can be your brother.  It is, unfortunately a legacy passed from one generation to the next. Psychological abuse is as life threatening as physical abuse, yet there is no way to legally control its effect, short of the California law on threats. The only way we can limit the damage is to help people recognize all of the warning signs.   Until we put all abuse on the national and global table as something to be discussed and eradicated, it will continue to be ignored.
    
    This is a teachable moment for all who see these two as "role models" or are the parents of those who see these two as "role models"   --  and they shouldn't be, you don't know a thing about them, really. If you are in a relationship where he or she is verbally, psychologically, physically and/or sexually abusing you or your children or, for that matter, his or her own children, it has to be the immediate relationship deal breaker. Get out. It will not change, it will get worse -- the "I'm sorrys" do not change character or resolve issues. It takes a full year, at minimum, of intensive therapy for someone who WANTS to change to become a better person who does not abuse. They need to do so away from you. If there are children involved and they aren't yours, then you need to report it, because children have no choice and no voice over adult misbehavior AND when/if it's unresolved., become the next generation of abusers. You and I have to be that voice.
     
    On a personal note, this -- the issue of abuse -- bothers me greatly.   Even though it was many years ago, I still remember my friend who lived a few houses down from me and I knew her father abused her, a lot, even though she never spoke of it.  I had helped her with her paper route  one day,so that she wouldn't get home late.  She went into her house and to this day I can still hear her screaming as he beat her.  One of the most beautiful, gentle men I ever knew and loved, died in an auto accident, and it wasn't until weeks later that his brother shared a secret: his father had consistently abused them all, especially his wife, who later died.  As a writer, I have interviewed several men who witnessed and experienced  physical and sexual abuse, and saw, first hand, how those experiences shaped who they are.  I am currently at the beginning stages of researching and writing a true story about an entire Alabama family and the horrific abuse they endured  and continue to have to deal with-- and how the legal system and the community did not save them.  If their story will help you -- or you -- or you, to realize what kind of toxic relationship you are in, show you that the door is open and you can leave, it will be worth it to them...and to me. 
     
    Here is what I know. You cannot fix someone who is broken.  You cannot save anyone who doesn't want to be saved and you can only change one person: yourself.  You make his/her problem yours when you choose to stay in an abusive relationship or allow your children to be abused just to keep a man or a woman.You make his/her problem yours when you continue to believe the myth that you can fix the problem you had with your mother or father by making the relationship work with someone who is just like him/her.  You become or manifest in your life what you don't resolve.  If you are an abuser, your only hope is professional help, and to leave.  If you are being abused, your only hope is to leave and get professional help.  Don't think about it, don't rationalize over it, don't justify it, leave.  Don't let your choice not to change be the legacy you leave behind.
     
    I learned that sometimes saying something more than one way can reach more people.  I wrote a series of poems on abuse over the years.  Perhaps someone will hear this one today.
     

    BITTER REALITY

     

    You see, they wouldn’t listen.  And now...

    they play their usual sad song

    once again the victim of …whatever

    the day brings.

    You see, they wouldn’t listen.  And now...

    the words they use to defend

    the offender

    taste bitter with the salty tang

    of blood that tends to flood

    the mouth when slapped

    with the back of the hand

    or punched with words that

    would make a real man cry…

    You see, they wouldn’t listen.  And now...

    when you tell them the consequences

    of believing honey-dipped I’m sorrys – which is

    probably their only spoken truth --

    well-designed to lure them back

    into the depths of a hell

    only a fool would believe in,

    they look at you and sigh

    about how you “can’t understand

    why… he needs me.”

    Or “but I love him”

    Love?  That you cannot define?

    As you recline

    on the floor where he slammed you?

    You see, they wouldn’t listen.  And now...

    I deliver this eulogy for

    all of those who believe

    in staying too long,

    realizing too late that the

    door was always open

    just as the final blow

    is delivered.

    (c) 2008 from Ramblings Through the Attic of Thought

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 265

• People are so hypocritical----

  • From: blezzed1
  • Description:

    I am getting so irritated w/all the comments abt Chris Brown and Rihanna. I do not condone ANYONE putting their hands on anyone else. So what Chris did was wrong. Unfortunately, he has become a product of his environment. So he needs help. Rihanna is not squeaky clean either. Reprts will show she was arrested at Richmond Intern'l Airport for assualting him. But I guess it is okay for HER to assault him AND not for HIM to assault her. If rolls were reversed and that was him w/his face swollen for her wailing on him... you all would be calling him a PUNK for getting his tail whipped by a woman. No one would have wanted to press charges bc he is a man and she is a woman. Dont say it can't happen bc I have a female friend who whips her husbands tail at least 3 to 4 times a month. My point is this we choose to prosecute who we want to. James Brown was KNOWN for beating up his wives bt he died being the GOD FATHER OF SOUL and will alwys be remembered for it and you arent going to stop playing his music. R.Kelly look at his track record, although he was acquitted for his crimes, we know he did it. But when you have money like he does you can pay people to be quiet. Let R. Kelly come out w/a album today or tomorrow and everyone will jump up and go and get it.
    As I said I dont condone a man hitting a woman or the other way around. If a man puts his hands on me BE SURE I AM GOING TO FIGHT BACK. There is no need to call the police bc he has to go to sleep. I am a young girl w/a old school heart..grits, and hot water are wonderful.
    

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 63
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• Chris and Rhianna

  • From: peewee1
  • Description:

    I think they should just let go, the both of them.  He should let go because even if Rhianna lies and says he's done or said anything to her, EVERYONE will believe her.  No matter what he says?   Then again, who's to say he won’t do this again? You never know.  I think they are both young and he should get some help.  He's 19 and does have time to change.  He was raised in violent environment from what I've read, so give him a chance to get some help.  I heard Tom Joyner say he would not play his songs on the radio anymore because of what happened.  I don’t think he should go that far. Everyone makes mistakes. The black men should not dismiss this young brother. Help them. This is a very talented young man.  Don’t turn your back on him.  Help him!  If he does that shiggady again, then you turn your back on him like we did with OJ.    He's still a kid.  If anything, instead of Jay-z and Usher giving negative comments to the Media help the young man.  Anyway, Jay-z should probably not speak about him at all.  I've seen him on video knocking down some woman.  Jay-z, Usher and whoever else had negative comments regarding the Chris and Rhianna situation, I think you’re spitting in the wind. If Rhianna was my daughter, I would wonder where I went wrong.  I think when you love yourself, you would not continue in this type of relationship.  I also think that this was not the first time.  That sort of behavior shows it head early in the relationship.  He either threatened or hit her before.   I remember my mom and aunt saying sometime you have to let a man go because of the principle.  I think this is one of those times

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
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• Chris & Rhianna

  • From: smileyccg
  • Description:

    Tom, I totally disagree with the people that say give Chris a break because he is young, or this is what he saw growing up and he is doomed to repeat this behavior. I don’t know about anybody else but one picture is all I need to see to know that he went too far! I love my African-American brothers, but they must be held accountable for their actions. We can stand by them and pray for them, but also let them know that this behavior is not tolerable. If more people would give this kind of tough love then maybe we would not’t see so many of our brothers behind bars. I am so tired of us making excuses for each other and say it’s “them”, “the man” or whomever that is trying to make us look bad.  If he had kept his hands to himself, there would be no picture to leak to the media. You should band him for a while, and I don’t think you should band Rhianna’s music because she is the victim. I like him and it is difficult for me to say this, but I believe that it will benefit him to have some real consequence for whatever time you decide…he should not have to satisfy some requirements such as therapy though before you play his music again. Hopefully, he’ll get therapy because he needs it.  I was in an abusive relationship in my early twenties (late teens) and it didn’t last. It began with small things that I allowed and slowly progressed over the years. I didn’t think much of it at first because I used to fight back to the point that this person would leave me alone for a while.  The final straw is when he jumped on me and choked me until I was nearly unconscious. The only thing that kept me from getting this person back while he slept was the fact that we had a child who would possibly grow up without a mother and father. He thought I was going to stay with him and completely changed in that he became more violent acting. He never put his hands on me again, but he would threaten me and he wouldn’t let me just leave him…I knew I would have to take my child in the middle of the night. I waited a few months planning my escape, but I got out and have never been in an abusive relationship since.  It has been about ten years and this person and I get along well as co-parents. I’m pretty sure he has changed but I will never know on an intament level. I do have a rule that works for me in that I don’t look back…once I break up with a man there is no getting back together.  My prayers go out to Chris and Rhianna and I hope they find their way to a healing place. God Bless!

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
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• chris and rhianna saga

  • From: famucain
  • Description:

    Tom, In my opinion I think you are being too hard on Chris Brown. We all agree that a man should never hit a woman. This is a very serious issue. However, known of us really know the full details of what happened. I think both of them have serious issues they have had to deal with growing up thus affecting their behavior today. One of your listeners called in and gave his opinon on what kind of treatment Chris should receive. What we all fail to realize is that Chris knows exactly what a battered woman looks like. He grew up seeing his mother this way. I personally believe that they BOTH need continuous counseling and support from family, friends and fans. Also, you cannot expect the two of them to just not have feelings for them anymore. These are to very young people who think that they are in love. We all have to remember, kids mimick what they see and if this is what's been going on in their world then most likely they are gonna do what they see. Rhianna has anger management problems just as Chris does. We as African-American need to be giving sound advice and support to them rather than condeming them, especially Chris. I cannot understand how so many of us can sit back and not fully know what happened and yet give our opinion on what happened. Everyone keeps talking about the pictures, I for one have only seen one picture that was deliberately leaked to make Chris appear to be such a monster. Again, I see this also as the media taking another shot at our at our African-American brothers. Every oppurtunity they get to destroy one of us they will. But what's more appalling to me is that our on men sit back and allow this to happen. Instead of condeming him, try forgiveness and reaching out to help him. You have they avenue to do this and we know that so many follow in you footsteps. And even now that they are back together so soon, I believe that they need help now more than ever because it just appears to me that they are more concerned about their images and trying to hus everybody up than taking the time to deal with their issues.  But od course this is just my opinion.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 136

• Chris & Rihanna

  • From: change2009
  • Description:

    First of all, this not being any of our business is out of the question. When you start depending on the public's money to live you owe the public an explanation of such outrageous behavior.  Chris should first apologize to all young girls out there who looked up to him, who buys his music, who supported him throughout his career.  What message are you sending to them?  That is okay to take a lash from your boyfriend....its okay because you're young?  What about the young men who emulate him?  We have for so long wanted a Chris Brown to come along to change our young men from looking so ganster all the time.  Well if this is what they have to look up to then no thanks.  Chris Brown has to publicly face shame and ask for our forgiveness before I would ever support him again.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 98
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• Violence Against Men/Women

  • From: JaneWilson64
  • Description:

    All,

    I'm writing this blog because of all of the various innuendos that surround the Chris Brown and Rihanna fight. I agree that responsibility needs to be owned here but I also feel that if the fight was where she was hitting him in the beginning and it transpired into a violent exchange then they both need to accept responsibility for their actions. I am a 44 year woman who was physically abused by my step-father and went onto being abused in my first relationship which was toward the end of high school. I chose to ignore all of the warning signs by saying things like just because he hit her that doesn’t mean that he will hit me. Well I later found out that this wasn’t true not only did he have a fight with a girl in high school who he later cheated on me with but he was also abusing his mother and sister who hid the abuse. This man witnessed his father abusing his mother and went on and continues to be the same type of man his father is. I told my mother that I would never let a man do the things that I witnessed her go thru and she told me never say never. I managed to survive that ordeal and moved on with my life. This man was determined to make it look like I was the problem and it wasn’t him but later everyone realized that he was when they witnessed the stalking and abuse that I went thru because of how the laws were during that time.

    I also wanted to point out the fact that violence is violence; whether it is a man hitting a woman or vice versa. I have a son as well as 3 daughters and I tell them that if they every find themselves in a violent situation walk away and never look back. I wonder sometimes why our society chooses to ignore the fact that women and men are both violent because of their backgrounds. I’m saying this because I have a brother who has been in an abusive relationship for over 12years now and he keeps using the excuse he’s staying for his kids. Although he sleeps with one eye open most of the time because his wife picks fights with him on a regular basis and then goes into a violent rage. For instance, she recently hid a tape recorder underneath the seat of his truck because she just knew that he was cheating on her and she was going to catch him. Well when nothing more than meaningless conversations were on the tape recorder she still decides to strike him across the head with a pot because she said that he just didn’t meet up with her during that time frame. This happens very often and always in front of their children. He’s left but keeps believing that she is going to change and goes back to the same thing over and over again. She’s been arrested a countless number of times and never once has she been locked up long enough for her to learn a real lesson. I know that I’m not the only person who has had this issue in their family but I’m truly afraid for him. I just wonder when are we going to stop saying that a man should never hit a woman instead of people should just keep their hands to themselves. Because men are taught they shouldn’t hit a woman under any circumstances or they will be crucified much like Chris Brown they tend to not understand or want to man up to the fact that they are in an abusive relationship. I just want us to start saying that it is never okay for anyone to commit violence against another human being. I think that people who object to this should really read the reason why the law changed to say that both of the parties go to jail. I believe that if Chris and Rihanna were fighting and she has hit him on more than occasion before he snapped and hit her back then they both should attend domestic violence counseling.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 129
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• Should Chris Brown be convicte

  • From: kevthapoet
  • Description:

    I think if he's guilty than he should be convicted. Many people already are calling him guilty before he goes to trial and I do think that's unfair. In society, we are all innocent until proven guilty. Let's here both sides first before we make any decisions. Keep an open mind and let's not be quick to jump on Rihanna's side because she's a woman. Woman can be aggressive, abusive verbally, physically as well as emotionally. All I am saying is, " Let's be fair " .  Let's here both sides and then cast stones. Then again, let he/she that is without sin go first.

     

     

    Tell kev your view about this matter .......

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 190
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• Rihanna and Chris Brown

  • From: E_Joyce
  • Description:

    This is a very sad time for two real great and young performers.  The blogosphere is blowing up with innuendo, commentary, and a whole lot of judgement.  What you know: something happened to cause injury to one or both parties. There is now a new "rumor" for lack of a better term that there is a third party involved, at least according to The View.  What you don't know: the facts and details. To speculate, condemn, judge, decide who is right and who is wrong, who is the victim and who isn't, before you have the facts and details is not the direction to go in.

    Case in point: I personally know of two separate cases, both where the police were called, both where the actual aggressor was the woman, one of which the police sat and watched through the window before they came in and arrested HER because she was doing the beating, the other where he was arrested, humiliated, but later vindicated. Things are not always as they seem, wait until the facts are clear, then you can proceed with your judging.

    One more thing: You become or tend to manifest in your life what you do not resolve.   What you also may not know, Rihanna is very good at emotional pretense -- which she has done more than once as a "joke". On the other hand Brown grew up in an abusive home. Wait for the facts.

    One last thing:  One of the things I noticed in all of the remarks posted:  Some of these postings appear to be from people who are either in  or were a part of abusive relationships.  If I am talking about you, and you are in this kind of relationship, get up get your things and get yourself to the nearest shelter where they will support and help you make the transition from victim to victor.  Get help.   If you are an abuser,  there is nothing anyone could ever do that justifies psychological, physical, sexual, emotional abuse.  Remember how it felt when you were abuse.  Have the courage to get help today.

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 225
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• What's the straight shiggity ?

  • From: Hal_n_MS
  • Description:

    Elephant in the room......

    Whats up with the Rihanna, Chris Brown situation ? We know what he did, but are the stories true about her exposing him to genital herpes ?

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 100
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• alherisse

  • Views: 25
  • Since: 10 months ago