Essay 254

MultiCultClassics Minutes presents Drugs, Sex, Money and Hustlers…

• Drugmaker Merck & Co. plans to slash about 7,000 jobs by 2008 in the hopes of saving up to $4 billion. The cuts should also spark a significant increase in anti-depressants, which may ultimately help company profits.

• Pharmaceutical companies have a new tactic for improving their sales forces — literally hiring cheerleaders. Employing women for their vivacious personalities and extra good looks seems like a pretty sleazy, sexist strategy, but it doesn’t violate any discrimination laws. Plus, cheerleaders’ relationships with athletes would also offer opportunities for selling steroids and performance supplements.

• The key creative figures behind the hit movie Hustle & Flow are allegedly flowing accusations of getting hustled. Specifically, filmmaker Craig Brewer, producer Stephanie Allain and actors Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson and DJ Qualls are anxiously awaiting money owed to them by John Singleton. Singleton insists it’s all being dealt with, expressing annoyance that the controversies have gone public. “I don’t like somebody saying I’m a shyster. I resent people making comments when everybody’s life has been changed from ‘Hustle & Flow.’ Everyone has a career now,” griped Singleton. Hey, Anthony Anderson was doing just fine before that movie.

• Speaking of hustle, President Bush is traveling to key states to gain support for his immigration ideas. You have to give the man credit for moving forward with one of the most controversial issues of the day. Especially since the only thing heading south are his approval ratings.