Welcome to MultiCultClassics.blogspot.com
The blog launched in March 2005. The initial goal was to spark discussions and debates about multiculturalism in the advertising industry — including all the good, bad and ugly complexities and contradictions.
Admittedly, there wasn’t a master plan or long-term strategy. Just decided to begin typing and see where it might go.
Many essays and months later, the plan is no clearer. The strategy is being reworked daily too.
Nonetheless, the conversation continues — despite the fact that it’s more of a monologue versus dialogue.
Here’s what MultiCultClassics.blogspot.com offers you:
If you’re deep into the multicultural advertising scene, this is the place for relatable, relevant insights and more. It’s all the stuff you’d toss around the virtual water cooler.
If you’re semi-clueless to the world outside of your personal universe, this is the place for you as well. One deliberate tactic here is to expose the masses to progressive, 21st century diversity. It’s not something exclusive to the human resources department. Think of the blog as delivering a recommended daily allowance of culture.
Please read the blog starting at Essay One. You’re encouraged to agree or disagree with anything posted.
Please visit often. Admission is free. Open to the public 24 hours a day.
Finally, please share the blog with everyone you know. It works best with an inclusive spirit.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
Essay 231
A Pair of Jacks and a Joker with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• The King of Pop may soon become the King of Bahrain. Michael Jackson plunked down $1.5 million for a piece of land on Bahrain’s Amwaj Islands, and rumors claim he’ll ultimately make it his permanent home. Note to the children of Bahrain: Run, dammit, run!
• Controversial NFL superstar Terrell Owens has a new supporter — the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson complained that Owens’ suspension and deactivation for the season were too severe, and the civil-rights leader suggested the Philadelphia Eagles release Owens to the open market or free agency. Note to Terrell Owens: Run, dammit, run!
• The King of Pop may soon become the King of Bahrain. Michael Jackson plunked down $1.5 million for a piece of land on Bahrain’s Amwaj Islands, and rumors claim he’ll ultimately make it his permanent home. Note to the children of Bahrain: Run, dammit, run!
• Controversial NFL superstar Terrell Owens has a new supporter — the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson complained that Owens’ suspension and deactivation for the season were too severe, and the civil-rights leader suggested the Philadelphia Eagles release Owens to the open market or free agency. Note to Terrell Owens: Run, dammit, run!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Essay 230
Quick Quotes from MultiCultClassics Minutes…
“It’s a big task. I’m aware of the enormity of this…But I also think that I’m up to the task.”
>>Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, poised to become Africa’s first elected female head of state.
“I’m going through my own struggle, my own hurricane in a way…I believe in overcoming, and if I can do it, I wanna be that light so people can see me and feel they can be inspired and say, ‘You know, [he] can get through this, I can get through this, so we can actually go through this together.’”
>>R&B artist and alleged child pornographer R. Kelly, sounding really pathetic.
“[If] al-Qaeda comes in here and blows you up, we’re not going to do anything about it…You want to blow up the Coit Tower? Go ahead.”
>>Bill O’Reilly, responding to San Francisco voters who passed a ballot measure that urges public high schools and colleges to ban on-campus military recruiting.
“We regret this tragic incident, but we have to remind our patrons that violence at theaters is extremely rare…We’ve had 1.5 billion people come to the theaters in each of the past three years, and there were only a handful of violent incidents. Though very unfortunate, this type of incident is very rare at the cinema. At this time we don’t know if there is any association of this particular incident in connection with the [Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ starring 50 Cent] film that was playing.”
>>John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theater Owners, commenting on a fatal shooting that took place at a Pittsburgh theater. Yeah, right. The violence was probably inspired by Disney’s Chicken Little film.
“It’s a big task. I’m aware of the enormity of this…But I also think that I’m up to the task.”
>>Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, poised to become Africa’s first elected female head of state.
“I’m going through my own struggle, my own hurricane in a way…I believe in overcoming, and if I can do it, I wanna be that light so people can see me and feel they can be inspired and say, ‘You know, [he] can get through this, I can get through this, so we can actually go through this together.’”
>>R&B artist and alleged child pornographer R. Kelly, sounding really pathetic.
“[If] al-Qaeda comes in here and blows you up, we’re not going to do anything about it…You want to blow up the Coit Tower? Go ahead.”
>>Bill O’Reilly, responding to San Francisco voters who passed a ballot measure that urges public high schools and colleges to ban on-campus military recruiting.
“We regret this tragic incident, but we have to remind our patrons that violence at theaters is extremely rare…We’ve had 1.5 billion people come to the theaters in each of the past three years, and there were only a handful of violent incidents. Though very unfortunate, this type of incident is very rare at the cinema. At this time we don’t know if there is any association of this particular incident in connection with the [Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ starring 50 Cent] film that was playing.”
>>John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theater Owners, commenting on a fatal shooting that took place at a Pittsburgh theater. Yeah, right. The violence was probably inspired by Disney’s Chicken Little film.
Essay 229
Here’s the follow-up to the column presented in Essay 218…
-----------------------------------------------------------
Readers sound off on what blacks can do, whites can’t
November 13, 2005
BY MARY MITCHELL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
Responses to my “What Blacks Can Do, What Whites Can’t” column were overwhelming in volume and in intensity. Blacks are definitely divided on this subject. Some African Americans went so far as to call me “self-hating,” for bringing up the double standard many of us are operating under.
I was also not surprised that some of the applause came from whites who have a low opinion of blacks, period. But “What Blacks Can Do, What Whites Can’t” isn’t about them. It’s about starting the conversation that needs to take place between blacks about blacks disrespecting blacks.
I also heard from members of the “hip-hop heads” who accused me of being out of touch. The only thing I can say to that is this: If not using racial slurs means I’m out of touch, I don’t want to get in touch. If not believing that black women and girls are “hos” and “B’s” puts me out of touch, I’ll just stay out of touch.
Now, here’s what some of you had to say via e-mail:
“I’m a Latina, and there are times that I see how Mexicans are portrayed and it really does sicken me,” wrote a reader in Iowa. “On the other hand, I also see how Latinos perpetuate these stereotypes, and so the issue struck me.”
What’s interesting about the hip-hop mania is that youth from every culture want to be part of it. For example, one day last summer, a carload of Hispanic males pulled up in front of my house with their radio blasting filthy lyrics. They got out of the car and stood beside it, talking loudly and addressing each other as “N----- this” and “N----- that.” It was appalling.
“It may not be my place to comment on this issue, but … (I) have seen firsthand that there is much wasted potential and talent in the African-American community and anyone that has the courage to attempt to rectify this problem deserves tremendous encouragement and credit,” said a reader who identified himself as having grown up in Evanston.
Thanks, but no thanks. When it comes to these sensitive racial matters, a white person’s praise doesn’t help. Ask Condoleezza Rice.
And, whatever the topic, it’s always the media’s fault.
“The media does not want to focus on ‘elected’ representation. The media does not want to tell the story of hard-working, non-music, non-athlete, non-movie-star persons of color. We as a community appear to be so starved for recognition that we accept any ink, on anybody, that fits the image dujour,” a reader wrote.
As Sen. Barack Obama’s brilliant memoir reveals, biracial children and people who are involved in interracial relationships catch it from both ends. They, perhaps better than others, understand that blacks can be just as prejudiced as whites.
“Many blacks think it is o.k. to use racial slurs directed at my family,” he wrote. “In 10 years of marriage, I have yet to hear one white say anything racially degrading towards my family, yet we get racially degrading remarks from blacks on a monthly basis.”
He obviously forgot Rule No. 1: Blacks can degrade each other in public, but whites can’t say anything that could even be construed as degrading about a black person. Still, that doesn't mean that whites aren’t talking about this man like a dog behind his back.
Whites respond
Here’s one from a white guy who only agrees with my column when I’m taking black people to task:
“You actually had something bad to say about your race. What you need to address is the fact that many blacks are [prejudiced] against whites and that is ok … but if whites don’t like blacks, mostly because of the way they act. Then that is horrible, and they deserve to be ostrized. [sic]”
OK. I understand that mostly. But it’s the partly that is usually a problem. And as revealed by the next e-mail, whites still don’t understand why they dont get to criticize black leadership.
“Personally, I have a HIGH disrespect for the Sharptons, Jackson Srs., Farrakhans of the black community. Why -- not only because of their contempt for ‘white folk’; but also their well honed capability to manipulate the black community to ridicule those deserved of respect such as Thomas and Rice.”
Really, why should black people give a heck about what white people think about black leaders? They aren’t following them. Didn’t they learn anything from the Marion Barry comeback?
Finally, a black male student at the University of Chicago got to the crux of the controversy.
“I want you to come to this campus and sit in our library so a white student can look at you, confused and ask if you are a part of the janitorial staff,” he said. “I want you to come to this campus so a white student can introduce himself to the white person standing next to you with a handshake and then address you with ‘wassup my sista, how you livin.’”
Black people who make it to U of C don’t want to be associated with these images from the ‘hood.
Still, it’s not up to white people to change those images. That’s on us.
Copyright © The Sun-Times Company
All rights reserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Readers sound off on what blacks can do, whites can’t
November 13, 2005
BY MARY MITCHELL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
Responses to my “What Blacks Can Do, What Whites Can’t” column were overwhelming in volume and in intensity. Blacks are definitely divided on this subject. Some African Americans went so far as to call me “self-hating,” for bringing up the double standard many of us are operating under.
I was also not surprised that some of the applause came from whites who have a low opinion of blacks, period. But “What Blacks Can Do, What Whites Can’t” isn’t about them. It’s about starting the conversation that needs to take place between blacks about blacks disrespecting blacks.
I also heard from members of the “hip-hop heads” who accused me of being out of touch. The only thing I can say to that is this: If not using racial slurs means I’m out of touch, I don’t want to get in touch. If not believing that black women and girls are “hos” and “B’s” puts me out of touch, I’ll just stay out of touch.
Now, here’s what some of you had to say via e-mail:
“I’m a Latina, and there are times that I see how Mexicans are portrayed and it really does sicken me,” wrote a reader in Iowa. “On the other hand, I also see how Latinos perpetuate these stereotypes, and so the issue struck me.”
What’s interesting about the hip-hop mania is that youth from every culture want to be part of it. For example, one day last summer, a carload of Hispanic males pulled up in front of my house with their radio blasting filthy lyrics. They got out of the car and stood beside it, talking loudly and addressing each other as “N----- this” and “N----- that.” It was appalling.
“It may not be my place to comment on this issue, but … (I) have seen firsthand that there is much wasted potential and talent in the African-American community and anyone that has the courage to attempt to rectify this problem deserves tremendous encouragement and credit,” said a reader who identified himself as having grown up in Evanston.
Thanks, but no thanks. When it comes to these sensitive racial matters, a white person’s praise doesn’t help. Ask Condoleezza Rice.
And, whatever the topic, it’s always the media’s fault.
“The media does not want to focus on ‘elected’ representation. The media does not want to tell the story of hard-working, non-music, non-athlete, non-movie-star persons of color. We as a community appear to be so starved for recognition that we accept any ink, on anybody, that fits the image dujour,” a reader wrote.
As Sen. Barack Obama’s brilliant memoir reveals, biracial children and people who are involved in interracial relationships catch it from both ends. They, perhaps better than others, understand that blacks can be just as prejudiced as whites.
“Many blacks think it is o.k. to use racial slurs directed at my family,” he wrote. “In 10 years of marriage, I have yet to hear one white say anything racially degrading towards my family, yet we get racially degrading remarks from blacks on a monthly basis.”
He obviously forgot Rule No. 1: Blacks can degrade each other in public, but whites can’t say anything that could even be construed as degrading about a black person. Still, that doesn't mean that whites aren’t talking about this man like a dog behind his back.
Whites respond
Here’s one from a white guy who only agrees with my column when I’m taking black people to task:
“You actually had something bad to say about your race. What you need to address is the fact that many blacks are [prejudiced] against whites and that is ok … but if whites don’t like blacks, mostly because of the way they act. Then that is horrible, and they deserve to be ostrized. [sic]”
OK. I understand that mostly. But it’s the partly that is usually a problem. And as revealed by the next e-mail, whites still don’t understand why they dont get to criticize black leadership.
“Personally, I have a HIGH disrespect for the Sharptons, Jackson Srs., Farrakhans of the black community. Why -- not only because of their contempt for ‘white folk’; but also their well honed capability to manipulate the black community to ridicule those deserved of respect such as Thomas and Rice.”
Really, why should black people give a heck about what white people think about black leaders? They aren’t following them. Didn’t they learn anything from the Marion Barry comeback?
Finally, a black male student at the University of Chicago got to the crux of the controversy.
“I want you to come to this campus and sit in our library so a white student can look at you, confused and ask if you are a part of the janitorial staff,” he said. “I want you to come to this campus so a white student can introduce himself to the white person standing next to you with a handshake and then address you with ‘wassup my sista, how you livin.’”
Black people who make it to U of C don’t want to be associated with these images from the ‘hood.
Still, it’s not up to white people to change those images. That’s on us.
Copyright © The Sun-Times Company
All rights reserved.
Essay 228
There’s a new blog worth checking out — ihateboomers.blogspot.com. The blog is essentially comprised of rants against Baby Boomers. Spirited, insightful and entertaining stuff. Click on the essay title and join the happening, man.
Essay 227
Boeing has settled its gender discrimination lawsuit, agreeing to dish out $72.5 million. Nearly 18,000 former and current female employees will receive payments for abuses that include unequal salaries. Now Boeing is facing another lawsuit involving 15,000 Black workers. The company’s slogan is, “Forever New Frontiers.” Looks like they’re seeking to take discrimination to new heights. Speaking of settlement, White Settlement, Texas has decided to keep its name. Local officials wondered if White Settlement seemed politically incorrect, ultimately inviting voters to decide. In the end, the name won support by a 9-to-1 margin. Given its current racial ratio, perhaps the town should consider revising its name to 85% White Settlement. The Texas town was established in the mid 1800s when Whites settled among Native Indian areas. Speaking of Indians, the NCAA refused to give in to the University of Illinois over its mascot. While conceding the school may call its team the Fighting Illini or the Illini, the Chief Illiniwek character has been ruled unacceptable. Students, alumni and fans continue to fight for the mascot, insisting he symbolizes school traditions. Maybe they could balance things out with a sidekick mascot called Whitey.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Essay 226
‘Round Midnight MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• A woman in Iowa found a dead turtle in her package of Folgers coffee. A Procter & Gamble spokesperson speculated it might have occurred during Hurricane Katrina, as Folgers manufacturing plants are based in New Orleans. No word yet if the company plans to capitalize on the disaster by introducing a special Hurricane flavor of Folgers. Now with juicy turtle bits!
• The Bush administration may sue Southern Illinois University over the school’s minority and female fellowship programs that allegedly discriminate against Whites. Now there’s a perfect way for Dubya to woo Black voters — by filing lawsuits in defense of White folks. Hey, it would be perfect to let Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas rule a final verdict.
• A new survey showed nearly 60 percent of Americans think President Bush is dishonest. The other 40 percent know he’s a fucking liar.
• A Black alderman from Milwaukee claimed to be a victim of racism after cops allegedly manhandled him during a traffic-related incident. The alderman said the arresting officer punched him in the ear and bashed his head against the hood of the squad car. Police probably insisted the alderman got off easy, as the standard procedure for Black motorists also involves stun guns and knees to the groin.
• Wal-Mart received an early holiday gift — activists complaining about the retailer’s views on Christmas. The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights insisted Wal-Mart insults Christians by opting for “Happy Holidays” versus “Merry Christmas.” Actually, the megastore is offending the public with a truly corny holiday commercial starring Destiny’s Child. Yes, those stylish sistahs are definitely frequent shoppers in the Wal-Mart fashion department.
• A woman in Iowa found a dead turtle in her package of Folgers coffee. A Procter & Gamble spokesperson speculated it might have occurred during Hurricane Katrina, as Folgers manufacturing plants are based in New Orleans. No word yet if the company plans to capitalize on the disaster by introducing a special Hurricane flavor of Folgers. Now with juicy turtle bits!
• The Bush administration may sue Southern Illinois University over the school’s minority and female fellowship programs that allegedly discriminate against Whites. Now there’s a perfect way for Dubya to woo Black voters — by filing lawsuits in defense of White folks. Hey, it would be perfect to let Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas rule a final verdict.
• A new survey showed nearly 60 percent of Americans think President Bush is dishonest. The other 40 percent know he’s a fucking liar.
• A Black alderman from Milwaukee claimed to be a victim of racism after cops allegedly manhandled him during a traffic-related incident. The alderman said the arresting officer punched him in the ear and bashed his head against the hood of the squad car. Police probably insisted the alderman got off easy, as the standard procedure for Black motorists also involves stun guns and knees to the groin.
• Wal-Mart received an early holiday gift — activists complaining about the retailer’s views on Christmas. The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights insisted Wal-Mart insults Christians by opting for “Happy Holidays” versus “Merry Christmas.” Actually, the megastore is offending the public with a truly corny holiday commercial starring Destiny’s Child. Yes, those stylish sistahs are definitely frequent shoppers in the Wal-Mart fashion department.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Essay 225
MultiCultClassics Minutes Presents The Smell of Victory and Other Assorted Odors…
• Cincinnati voters elected a Black mayor. And no, it wasn’t Venus Flytrap. “This is the beginning of a new era,” Mark Mallory told supporters. “We are going to bring energy to this city like we haven't seen in a long time.” Let’s see if he can match the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Detroit voters re-elected their Black mayor. Kwame Kilpatrick executed a stunning, come-from-behind victory. “This is our moment when unity should be the thing that we all strive for — oneness,” Kilpatrick said. “When you look at this election, it really was about the future of Detroit.” Let’s hope he fares better than the Detroit Lions.
• Here’s a comeback we can all do without. The neo-Nazi group that sparked riots in Toledo last month wants to return — this time to protest the way the cops and city handled their last gathering. What a bunch of neo-Nutcases.
• Rapper Beanie Sigel went to jail, but not for anything related to the guns, drugs and violence his music glorifies. Seems the man failed to pay about $27,000 in child support. The badass rapper got busted by his baby mama.
• Novelist Terry McMillan faced off with her gay ex-husband on Oprah. Why is Oprah making like Jerry Springer? Blog visitors are encouraged to write your own lines with “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Waiting To Exhale” references.
• Cincinnati voters elected a Black mayor. And no, it wasn’t Venus Flytrap. “This is the beginning of a new era,” Mark Mallory told supporters. “We are going to bring energy to this city like we haven't seen in a long time.” Let’s see if he can match the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Detroit voters re-elected their Black mayor. Kwame Kilpatrick executed a stunning, come-from-behind victory. “This is our moment when unity should be the thing that we all strive for — oneness,” Kilpatrick said. “When you look at this election, it really was about the future of Detroit.” Let’s hope he fares better than the Detroit Lions.
• Here’s a comeback we can all do without. The neo-Nazi group that sparked riots in Toledo last month wants to return — this time to protest the way the cops and city handled their last gathering. What a bunch of neo-Nutcases.
• Rapper Beanie Sigel went to jail, but not for anything related to the guns, drugs and violence his music glorifies. Seems the man failed to pay about $27,000 in child support. The badass rapper got busted by his baby mama.
• Novelist Terry McMillan faced off with her gay ex-husband on Oprah. Why is Oprah making like Jerry Springer? Blog visitors are encouraged to write your own lines with “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Waiting To Exhale” references.
Essay 224
Adman Ernie Schenck builds another bonfire — this time involving Baby Boomers, bashers and bigotry. Click on the essay title and join the party, baby!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Essay 223
Making midweek merry with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• A few weeks ago, community activist Najee Ali led protests against billboards for the new 50 Cent movie. Now reports claim he was allegedly beaten by bodyguards of Nation of Islam Minister Tony Muhammad. Bet Ali wishes he had Fiddy’s piece handy during the incident.
• Michael Jackson may occasionally visit the U.S., but he’ll probably decide to live elsewhere. Jackson’s father claims the superstar has received numerous threats in the States. So it looks like the King of Pop will remain in exile for now.
• Toyota has decided to put the brakes on running commercials during FX drama Nip/Tuck, bowing to pressure from an activist group. Ironically, the carmaker could definitely benefit from an advertising facelift.
• Bill O’Reilly is still acting like an idiot, feuding with Hispanic columnists in Dallas and Denver. Part of the battling revolves around O’Reilly allegedly agreeing with a caller on his radio show, stating that Mexican immigrants are essentially “biological weapons.” As if the verbal excrement repeatedly firing from O’Reilly’s throat aren’t toxic bombs.
• One observation about the new Cartoon Network series The Boondocks: Why did the censors bleep everything from shit to motherfucker, yet permit nigger to flow freely for 30 minutes straight?
• A few weeks ago, community activist Najee Ali led protests against billboards for the new 50 Cent movie. Now reports claim he was allegedly beaten by bodyguards of Nation of Islam Minister Tony Muhammad. Bet Ali wishes he had Fiddy’s piece handy during the incident.
• Michael Jackson may occasionally visit the U.S., but he’ll probably decide to live elsewhere. Jackson’s father claims the superstar has received numerous threats in the States. So it looks like the King of Pop will remain in exile for now.
• Toyota has decided to put the brakes on running commercials during FX drama Nip/Tuck, bowing to pressure from an activist group. Ironically, the carmaker could definitely benefit from an advertising facelift.
• Bill O’Reilly is still acting like an idiot, feuding with Hispanic columnists in Dallas and Denver. Part of the battling revolves around O’Reilly allegedly agreeing with a caller on his radio show, stating that Mexican immigrants are essentially “biological weapons.” As if the verbal excrement repeatedly firing from O’Reilly’s throat aren’t toxic bombs.
• One observation about the new Cartoon Network series The Boondocks: Why did the censors bleep everything from shit to motherfucker, yet permit nigger to flow freely for 30 minutes straight?
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Essay 222
National and International MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• Black firefighters from Cleveland came away with a split decision in their lawsuit against the city. Jurors decided the firefighters faced racist behavior, and the city failed to properly respond. Additionally, a 1996 test for promotions to captain and lieutenant discriminated against Blacks. However, jurors deemed tests in 2000 and 2002 to be acceptable. “I can’t believe there’s such problems after all these years,” one juror said. The guy probably doesn’t get out much.
• Two members of Breasts Not Bombs were arrested for picketing topless at the state Capitol in California (See Essay 217). The women were protesting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ballot measures for a special election. Officials are deciding whether or not to charge the two as sex offenders. Can’t imagine the Governor would have any issues with their actions.
• Fox News has been accused of sexual harassment in a suit filed by the Equal Opportunity Commission. The charges state a Fox vice president “routinely used gross obscenities and vulgarities when describing women or their body parts.” During a discussion on sexism in the workplace, the executive said, “Of course I’d pick the man” when given a choice between hiring a male or female — in addition to expressing his concern that women become pregnant and leave their positions. Here’s another blowhard ready to join adman Neil French for Happy Hour 24/7.
• “The commission reported in April that a lack of training led to behavior that was at best clumsy and at worst racist in those neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. It criticized the fact that [the area’s] police officers have rarely been punished for misdeeds and lamented the lack of ethnic diversity in all branches of the police. That lack may be compounding the racial connotations of the civil unrest, with [immigrant youth] pitted against a predominantly white police force.” Sound like a scenario from the mean streets of New York, Miami or Los Angeles? Try Paris, France — where the rioting continues with virtually no end in sight.
• Authorities are beefing up security measures for potential violence that includes vandalism, civil disobedience, racially motivated mayhem and gunfire. More news from Paris, France? No, just preparations for the release of the 50 Cent movie on November 9.
• Black firefighters from Cleveland came away with a split decision in their lawsuit against the city. Jurors decided the firefighters faced racist behavior, and the city failed to properly respond. Additionally, a 1996 test for promotions to captain and lieutenant discriminated against Blacks. However, jurors deemed tests in 2000 and 2002 to be acceptable. “I can’t believe there’s such problems after all these years,” one juror said. The guy probably doesn’t get out much.
• Two members of Breasts Not Bombs were arrested for picketing topless at the state Capitol in California (See Essay 217). The women were protesting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ballot measures for a special election. Officials are deciding whether or not to charge the two as sex offenders. Can’t imagine the Governor would have any issues with their actions.
• Fox News has been accused of sexual harassment in a suit filed by the Equal Opportunity Commission. The charges state a Fox vice president “routinely used gross obscenities and vulgarities when describing women or their body parts.” During a discussion on sexism in the workplace, the executive said, “Of course I’d pick the man” when given a choice between hiring a male or female — in addition to expressing his concern that women become pregnant and leave their positions. Here’s another blowhard ready to join adman Neil French for Happy Hour 24/7.
• “The commission reported in April that a lack of training led to behavior that was at best clumsy and at worst racist in those neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. It criticized the fact that [the area’s] police officers have rarely been punished for misdeeds and lamented the lack of ethnic diversity in all branches of the police. That lack may be compounding the racial connotations of the civil unrest, with [immigrant youth] pitted against a predominantly white police force.” Sound like a scenario from the mean streets of New York, Miami or Los Angeles? Try Paris, France — where the rioting continues with virtually no end in sight.
• Authorities are beefing up security measures for potential violence that includes vandalism, civil disobedience, racially motivated mayhem and gunfire. More news from Paris, France? No, just preparations for the release of the 50 Cent movie on November 9.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Essay 221
Punching in on Monday with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• President Bush declared that the U.S. does not torture suspects. This should come as news to all the suspects who have been tortured during the war on terror — as well as the soldiers sentenced to prison for torturing folks. Or maybe White House wordsmiths will spin a fresh term. Intelligent Interrogation, perhaps?
• The “girlcott” staged against Abercrombie & Fitch appears to have worked (See Essay 214). T-shirts bearing offensive statements have been pulled from store shelves. Doing the right thing is easy when it’s less than three weeks before the holiday shopping season.
• Diddy spent $350,000 to pimp his ride, even customizing the Chevy Express 3500 with a full wet bar. Not sure how it would be legal to serve liquor in a vehicle. MADD may be revised to stand for, “Mothers Against Damned Diddy.”
• Michael Jackson has reportedly been sneaking into London to record music with his kids, hoping to inevitably release an album. Brilliant idea. The Kink of Pop should produce duets with Pee Wee Herman, R. Kelly and Mary Kay Letourneau.
• President Bush declared that the U.S. does not torture suspects. This should come as news to all the suspects who have been tortured during the war on terror — as well as the soldiers sentenced to prison for torturing folks. Or maybe White House wordsmiths will spin a fresh term. Intelligent Interrogation, perhaps?
• The “girlcott” staged against Abercrombie & Fitch appears to have worked (See Essay 214). T-shirts bearing offensive statements have been pulled from store shelves. Doing the right thing is easy when it’s less than three weeks before the holiday shopping season.
• Diddy spent $350,000 to pimp his ride, even customizing the Chevy Express 3500 with a full wet bar. Not sure how it would be legal to serve liquor in a vehicle. MADD may be revised to stand for, “Mothers Against Damned Diddy.”
• Michael Jackson has reportedly been sneaking into London to record music with his kids, hoping to inevitably release an album. Brilliant idea. The Kink of Pop should produce duets with Pee Wee Herman, R. Kelly and Mary Kay Letourneau.
Essay 220
MultiCultClassics Member (title officially bestowed upon all blog visitors) Hadji Williams is at it again. Now he’s brought his soapbox to Adweek. Check it out below…
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The Big Whitewash
November 07, 2005
By HADJI WILLIAMS
After 13 years as a copywriter, I’ve noticed three perennial constants: 1) an increasing number of failing ad campaigns and marketing strategies, and a growing number of confused and frustrated clients, colleagues and ad critics; 2) the increasing cultural and ethnic diversity in America; and 3) the mind-numbing lack of ethnic and cultural diversity within the ad industry.
Here’s a shot in the dark: Has it crossed anyone’s mind that a big reason so many marketers still struggle to reach our diversifying consumer base is because we’re less and less like them than ever before?
We talk a lot about how media-savvy consumers have become, but we sidestep the obvious fact that they’ve also gotten blacker, more Mexican, more Puerto Rican, more Chinese, more Korean, more Ethiopian, more Colombian, more Jamaican, etc. And with this has come more definitions of what’s cool, what’s sexy, what’s beautiful, what’s relevant, what’s heartwarming, what’s human and, more important, what ideas can and should build a brand.
But sadly, as a black creative, I can tell you that even in 2005, the ad industry’s idea of diversity remains blondes, brunettes, redheads, plus openly gay versions thereof. In fact, when I freelance at general-market shops, I’m usually the only black person around (sans secretaries, of course). General-market shops remain well over 90 percent Caucasian—or much more, depending on the market. It’s precisely this continued whitewash that’s hurting our ability to connect our clients’ brands with an increasingly diverse marketplace.
Again, how do you “think out of the box” when you’ve hired nothing but boxes?
To remix John Edwards, there’s a different America out there: They never loved Raymond. They never got Friends, Seinfeld or Sex and the City. They still don’t get SNL or According to Jim. Their musical tastes aren’t shaped by Rolling Stone, TRL or even BET. They don’t trust Fox. They don’t shop at Banana Republic or Gap. Their ideal female isn’t in Cosmo or Playboy. (And quiet as it’s kept, they dismiss Dove’s “Real Women” as an attempt to capitalize on the zeitgeist of white women’s insecurities, despite their being propped up as the standard of feminine beauty since day one.) This America rarely golfs and will never ever drive 500 miles in a circle, much less watch others do it.
(By the way: This America is not white.)
By 2010, black consumers will spend some $920 billion annually, Latinos nearly $1 trillion and Asians some $525 billion. By 2040, 50 percent of Americans will be non-Caucasian.
Now, how can an ad community whose diversity reflects Will & Grace on its best day simply “research” its way into this America’s heart or pocketbook? I guess we can rely on so-called universal truths, provided they really are universal.
In 2004, marketers spent less than 4 percent of marketing dollars (an all-time high, no less) through multicultural agencies and media outlets. It’s just a matter of time before ethnic professionals realize that general-market shops are more barriers than bridges. Once they do, they’ll stop begging for slices of the pie and start baking their own. They’ll reach everyone the general-market shops ignored, offended or just bored to tears. And eventually, general-market clients will follow, because love (of money) conquers all.
Ultimately, general-market shops will be left to do what we’ve done for the last 80 years—make excuses for our institutionalized bias and exclusion. Because at the end of the day, the only thing more obvious than our problem is the solution. And our refusal to be a part of the solution.
Hadji Williams is an agency veteran and author of “Knock the Hustle: How to Save Your Job and Your Life From Corporate America.” He can be reached at author@knockthehustle.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Whitewash
November 07, 2005
By HADJI WILLIAMS
After 13 years as a copywriter, I’ve noticed three perennial constants: 1) an increasing number of failing ad campaigns and marketing strategies, and a growing number of confused and frustrated clients, colleagues and ad critics; 2) the increasing cultural and ethnic diversity in America; and 3) the mind-numbing lack of ethnic and cultural diversity within the ad industry.
Here’s a shot in the dark: Has it crossed anyone’s mind that a big reason so many marketers still struggle to reach our diversifying consumer base is because we’re less and less like them than ever before?
We talk a lot about how media-savvy consumers have become, but we sidestep the obvious fact that they’ve also gotten blacker, more Mexican, more Puerto Rican, more Chinese, more Korean, more Ethiopian, more Colombian, more Jamaican, etc. And with this has come more definitions of what’s cool, what’s sexy, what’s beautiful, what’s relevant, what’s heartwarming, what’s human and, more important, what ideas can and should build a brand.
But sadly, as a black creative, I can tell you that even in 2005, the ad industry’s idea of diversity remains blondes, brunettes, redheads, plus openly gay versions thereof. In fact, when I freelance at general-market shops, I’m usually the only black person around (sans secretaries, of course). General-market shops remain well over 90 percent Caucasian—or much more, depending on the market. It’s precisely this continued whitewash that’s hurting our ability to connect our clients’ brands with an increasingly diverse marketplace.
Again, how do you “think out of the box” when you’ve hired nothing but boxes?
To remix John Edwards, there’s a different America out there: They never loved Raymond. They never got Friends, Seinfeld or Sex and the City. They still don’t get SNL or According to Jim. Their musical tastes aren’t shaped by Rolling Stone, TRL or even BET. They don’t trust Fox. They don’t shop at Banana Republic or Gap. Their ideal female isn’t in Cosmo or Playboy. (And quiet as it’s kept, they dismiss Dove’s “Real Women” as an attempt to capitalize on the zeitgeist of white women’s insecurities, despite their being propped up as the standard of feminine beauty since day one.) This America rarely golfs and will never ever drive 500 miles in a circle, much less watch others do it.
(By the way: This America is not white.)
By 2010, black consumers will spend some $920 billion annually, Latinos nearly $1 trillion and Asians some $525 billion. By 2040, 50 percent of Americans will be non-Caucasian.
Now, how can an ad community whose diversity reflects Will & Grace on its best day simply “research” its way into this America’s heart or pocketbook? I guess we can rely on so-called universal truths, provided they really are universal.
In 2004, marketers spent less than 4 percent of marketing dollars (an all-time high, no less) through multicultural agencies and media outlets. It’s just a matter of time before ethnic professionals realize that general-market shops are more barriers than bridges. Once they do, they’ll stop begging for slices of the pie and start baking their own. They’ll reach everyone the general-market shops ignored, offended or just bored to tears. And eventually, general-market clients will follow, because love (of money) conquers all.
Ultimately, general-market shops will be left to do what we’ve done for the last 80 years—make excuses for our institutionalized bias and exclusion. Because at the end of the day, the only thing more obvious than our problem is the solution. And our refusal to be a part of the solution.
Hadji Williams is an agency veteran and author of “Knock the Hustle: How to Save Your Job and Your Life From Corporate America.” He can be reached at author@knockthehustle.com.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Essay 219
Sunday Services with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• “I’m not glorifying violence. I’m just trying to capture what goes on in the environment. If your environment is violent as a child, you will write about these things in your songs and talk about them in your first movie. I hear this criticism that many rappers have too many songs about someone being shot. For me, it’s not about just putting violence in the music. It’s about striving to capture in the perfect song what goes on in the street. You don’t think this is going on in the streets? I’d like to get the records of the hospitals in my area of the Bronx for just one week. There will be far more victims of violent crimes — stab wounds, gun shot wounds, or whatever it is — than many people even think happens. If anything this music and my movie is just saying that this is happening in America,” said 50 Cent in a recent interview.
• “To me, 50 Cent is a Black gangsta Jesus with the wounds to prove it,” said Jim Sheridan, director of the rapper’s latest movie. Not sure which Bible Sheridan has been reading — the New American Rapper Standard Version?
• 50 Cent movie billboards have also been taken down in Philadelphia after community protests. “The message could be ‘rob to get rich.’…It’s a very offensive message that is part of a mind-set that says you can solve problems with violence,” said Bilal Qayyum of the anti-violence group Men United for a Better Philadelphia. Maybe the group should have asked, “What Would Black gangsta Jesus Do?”
• Another movie billboard has led to protests, and it also depicts a controversial figure with a cult following and history of violence — Harry Potter. The billboard is in Queens, New York, and officials argued its size and position violate city ordinances. Activist groups might also insist the message stereotypes the Wizard and Quidditch-loving community.
• A discrimination case has surfaced involving irate Amish folks. It started when a woman who abandoned the Amish community was denied service by an Amish store owner. The woman argued her civil rights were violated, while the store owner argued serving someone excommunicated from the church goes against the laws of the Amish community. The Amish tradition requires rejection of higher education and modern technology. But it apparently doesn’t prohibit engaging our complex legal system.
• Just in time for the holidays: another controversy involving t-shirts and rappers. A design made popular by Young Jeezy depicts a snowman with a menacing expression. Critics argue the character symbolizes a different type of snow — specifically, cocaine. Schools across the country have already banned the t-shirt. Which will probably make it the must-have item this holiday season.
• “I’m not glorifying violence. I’m just trying to capture what goes on in the environment. If your environment is violent as a child, you will write about these things in your songs and talk about them in your first movie. I hear this criticism that many rappers have too many songs about someone being shot. For me, it’s not about just putting violence in the music. It’s about striving to capture in the perfect song what goes on in the street. You don’t think this is going on in the streets? I’d like to get the records of the hospitals in my area of the Bronx for just one week. There will be far more victims of violent crimes — stab wounds, gun shot wounds, or whatever it is — than many people even think happens. If anything this music and my movie is just saying that this is happening in America,” said 50 Cent in a recent interview.
• “To me, 50 Cent is a Black gangsta Jesus with the wounds to prove it,” said Jim Sheridan, director of the rapper’s latest movie. Not sure which Bible Sheridan has been reading — the New American Rapper Standard Version?
• 50 Cent movie billboards have also been taken down in Philadelphia after community protests. “The message could be ‘rob to get rich.’…It’s a very offensive message that is part of a mind-set that says you can solve problems with violence,” said Bilal Qayyum of the anti-violence group Men United for a Better Philadelphia. Maybe the group should have asked, “What Would Black gangsta Jesus Do?”
• Another movie billboard has led to protests, and it also depicts a controversial figure with a cult following and history of violence — Harry Potter. The billboard is in Queens, New York, and officials argued its size and position violate city ordinances. Activist groups might also insist the message stereotypes the Wizard and Quidditch-loving community.
• A discrimination case has surfaced involving irate Amish folks. It started when a woman who abandoned the Amish community was denied service by an Amish store owner. The woman argued her civil rights were violated, while the store owner argued serving someone excommunicated from the church goes against the laws of the Amish community. The Amish tradition requires rejection of higher education and modern technology. But it apparently doesn’t prohibit engaging our complex legal system.
• Just in time for the holidays: another controversy involving t-shirts and rappers. A design made popular by Young Jeezy depicts a snowman with a menacing expression. Critics argue the character symbolizes a different type of snow — specifically, cocaine. Schools across the country have already banned the t-shirt. Which will probably make it the must-have item this holiday season.
Essay 218
The column below responds to the recent incident involving students at the University of Chicago (see Essay 213). It appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Thuggin’ white kids shine light on contradictions
November 6, 2005
BY MARY MITCHELL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
Apparently, only black people can have a “straight thuggin’” party. Both the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune reported that when a group of about 20 white students at the University of Chicago held a straight thuggin’ or “ghetto”-themed party last month, black students were appalled. The white students wore their baseball caps sideways, hung heavy gold chains around their necks, pulled on some droopy pants so their underwear could show, and listened to music by the likes of Nelly and 50 Cent.
The university’s president, Don Randel, is now concerned that the party will “undermine” the university’s attempts to build stronger ties to the surrounding poorer communities and further isolate black students on campus.
Randel sent a letter last week advising students that the “straight thuggin’” gathering of whites was “offensive” and “parodied racial stereotypes based on assumptions about economically disadvantaged members of society.”
In other words, white students didn’t have any business trying to look like the rappers on BET.
The hapless group of white students are now perceived as having done something “racist.” African-Americans, on the other hand, are being portrayed as victims. But they aren’t victims. They’re probably embarrassed.
Because blacks have allowed a handful of talented rappers to basically define the black experience, more people are getting offended by these images. Yet they are hard to stop.
Sunglasses, afro, gold chain
Talk about a money-maker -- last year, Sprite launched “Miles Thirst,” a hip-hop doll that pronounces “motto” as “mah mah-toe,” as its pitchman.
I questioned a spokesman about this decision, and was told that the company’s own research showed that white youth were fascinated with the way black teens dress. “Thirst,” with his wrap-around sunglasses, heavy gold chain, afro, gym shoes and baggy jeans, is a stereotype of black youth.
But hip-hop represents only one segment of the black community. “Straight thuggin,’” or “Gangsta Rap,” as it’s been called, has nothing whatsoever to do with the lifestyles of most of the black students who end up at the University of Chicago.
And Randel, who criticized the white students for perpetuating racial “stereotypes based on assumptions about economically disadvantaged members of society,” means well, but doesn’t get it. There’s nothing economically disadvantaged about Nelly, Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Still, I want to help white people avoid these unpleasant moments. Here’s a brief excerpt from my handbook: What Blacks Can Do; What Whites Can’t, which should be on shelves soon.
***
Blacks can call the ghetto “fabulous”; whites can’t even call it the ghetto.
Blacks can wear their pants so low we can see their underwear; whites can’t. (Well, Eminem can.)
Blacks can wear gold chains, flash gold teeth and carry gold canes; whites can’t.
Blacks can wear dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros; whites can’t.
Blacks can shave their heads; whites can’t shave their heads, because only white supremacists shave their heads.
Blacks can call each other the N-word, and, of course, whites can’t call blacks the N-word. For example, recently state Sen. and the Rev. James Meeks said police officers often stop drivers in cars they deem to be “N-----mobiles.” A white state senator would have been tossed out of office for the same remark.
Blacks can shoot up their neighborhoods, rob the elderly, rape women, abuse children and kill each other, and whites can’t say anything about that lest they be accused of stereotyping the black community.
Black gangs can run amok; whites can’t even label black thugs a gang.
Blacks can use racial slurs to exclude other blacks from the political arena; whites can’t.
The latest example of this phenomenon is Michael Steele, a Republican and lieutenant governor of Maryland. Steele is trying to become the first black senator elected from that state.
But Steele has been subjected to the worst racial slurs imaginable. At one debate, a group of black people pelted the stage with Oreos. Last week, a black liberal businessman with a blog depicted Steele as a black-faced minstrel and “Sambo.”
***
Of course, you know What Blacks Can Do; What Whites Can’t doesn’t exist. But maybe it should. Because there are glaring contradictions in the way black people have approached racial issues. We shouldn’t expect whites to treat us any better than we are willing to treat ourselves.
So if black students at the University of Chicago are really offended by the idea that their white classmates are mimicking black rappers, they should make sure they aren’t going to any straight thuggin’ parties of their own.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Thuggin’ white kids shine light on contradictions
November 6, 2005
BY MARY MITCHELL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
Apparently, only black people can have a “straight thuggin’” party. Both the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune reported that when a group of about 20 white students at the University of Chicago held a straight thuggin’ or “ghetto”-themed party last month, black students were appalled. The white students wore their baseball caps sideways, hung heavy gold chains around their necks, pulled on some droopy pants so their underwear could show, and listened to music by the likes of Nelly and 50 Cent.
The university’s president, Don Randel, is now concerned that the party will “undermine” the university’s attempts to build stronger ties to the surrounding poorer communities and further isolate black students on campus.
Randel sent a letter last week advising students that the “straight thuggin’” gathering of whites was “offensive” and “parodied racial stereotypes based on assumptions about economically disadvantaged members of society.”
In other words, white students didn’t have any business trying to look like the rappers on BET.
The hapless group of white students are now perceived as having done something “racist.” African-Americans, on the other hand, are being portrayed as victims. But they aren’t victims. They’re probably embarrassed.
Because blacks have allowed a handful of talented rappers to basically define the black experience, more people are getting offended by these images. Yet they are hard to stop.
Sunglasses, afro, gold chain
Talk about a money-maker -- last year, Sprite launched “Miles Thirst,” a hip-hop doll that pronounces “motto” as “mah mah-toe,” as its pitchman.
I questioned a spokesman about this decision, and was told that the company’s own research showed that white youth were fascinated with the way black teens dress. “Thirst,” with his wrap-around sunglasses, heavy gold chain, afro, gym shoes and baggy jeans, is a stereotype of black youth.
But hip-hop represents only one segment of the black community. “Straight thuggin,’” or “Gangsta Rap,” as it’s been called, has nothing whatsoever to do with the lifestyles of most of the black students who end up at the University of Chicago.
And Randel, who criticized the white students for perpetuating racial “stereotypes based on assumptions about economically disadvantaged members of society,” means well, but doesn’t get it. There’s nothing economically disadvantaged about Nelly, Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Still, I want to help white people avoid these unpleasant moments. Here’s a brief excerpt from my handbook: What Blacks Can Do; What Whites Can’t, which should be on shelves soon.
***
Blacks can call the ghetto “fabulous”; whites can’t even call it the ghetto.
Blacks can wear their pants so low we can see their underwear; whites can’t. (Well, Eminem can.)
Blacks can wear gold chains, flash gold teeth and carry gold canes; whites can’t.
Blacks can wear dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros; whites can’t.
Blacks can shave their heads; whites can’t shave their heads, because only white supremacists shave their heads.
Blacks can call each other the N-word, and, of course, whites can’t call blacks the N-word. For example, recently state Sen. and the Rev. James Meeks said police officers often stop drivers in cars they deem to be “N-----mobiles.” A white state senator would have been tossed out of office for the same remark.
Blacks can shoot up their neighborhoods, rob the elderly, rape women, abuse children and kill each other, and whites can’t say anything about that lest they be accused of stereotyping the black community.
Black gangs can run amok; whites can’t even label black thugs a gang.
Blacks can use racial slurs to exclude other blacks from the political arena; whites can’t.
The latest example of this phenomenon is Michael Steele, a Republican and lieutenant governor of Maryland. Steele is trying to become the first black senator elected from that state.
But Steele has been subjected to the worst racial slurs imaginable. At one debate, a group of black people pelted the stage with Oreos. Last week, a black liberal businessman with a blog depicted Steele as a black-faced minstrel and “Sambo.”
***
Of course, you know What Blacks Can Do; What Whites Can’t doesn’t exist. But maybe it should. Because there are glaring contradictions in the way black people have approached racial issues. We shouldn’t expect whites to treat us any better than we are willing to treat ourselves.
So if black students at the University of Chicago are really offended by the idea that their white classmates are mimicking black rappers, they should make sure they aren’t going to any straight thuggin’ parties of their own.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Essay 217
Saturday Night Jive with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• President Bush has ordered his staff to attend ethics briefings, making attendance mandatory. The briefings will cover refresher courses including “the rules governing the protection of classified information” — which should be particularly enlightening for Vice President Cheney and his cohorts. Can’t help but think these ethics briefings are long overdue. By at least five years.
• Black politicians in California are crying foul over a misleading mailer for a drug industry-supported campaign. The mailer is titled, “The Black Woman’s Guide to California Politics,” and its contents ask voters to back Proposition 78 — a measure that would permit drug companies to voluntarily cap prices to avoid mandated caps. Funny thing is, the mailer features photos of Black state and federal legislators who don’t support Proposition 78, right alongside pleas to vote for the measure. Of course, tiny mouse print states the depiction of legislators in the mailer does not signify their endorsement. Those pharmaceutical companies really are the masters of legal disclaimers. It all presents another example of Black leaders lashing out against drug dealers.
• Looks like the U.S. isn’t the only country struggling with immigrants and racial segregation. France is into its tenth day of violent rioting involving immigrants and lower-income communities. The similarities between the U.S. and France are downright eerie. Déjà vu? The Minuteman Border Patrol should have a field day with this scenario.
• A California peace group called Breasts Not Bombs has made its mark by having members go topless during protests. But officials at the state Capitol are prepared to put a squeeze on the efforts, threatening to charge the women as sex offenders. There’s a joke involving “weapons of mass destruction” here somewhere.
• R. Kelly is pursuing another lawsuit against Jay-Z. The new suit charges Kelly and companions were pepper-sprayed in the face by an associate of Jay-Z, and the sprayer was ultimately rewarded with a record company executive job. Not sure what Kelly hopes to prove. Kelly has sprayed people in the face over the years too, though not with pepper spray.
• El Carajo Restaurant is getting its sign after all. The Miami eatery came under fire when folks complained Spanish translations for the name include penis and other expletives (see Essay 181). The owners insist the name means the crow’s nest of a ship. City officials tried to deny a permit for the sign, but ultimately bowed to legal advice. Menu items at the restaurant include… uh, never mind. Just be careful when ordering the Chef’s Special.
• Minnesota Vikings players are boycotting a local TV station for investigative journalism involving the infamous “Love Boat” scenario (see Essay 178). A reporter allegedly scoured through players’ garbage for evidence. Not sure what the problem is here. Given the tawdry details of the actual event, it seems completely appropriate to seek details in the trash.
• The National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative group focused on good government, is calling out Diddy (Sean Combs). The group has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Committee, claiming Combs violated campaign and tax laws when supporting John Kerry in the last presidential election. Wonder what Kanye West would have to say about this.
• President Bush has ordered his staff to attend ethics briefings, making attendance mandatory. The briefings will cover refresher courses including “the rules governing the protection of classified information” — which should be particularly enlightening for Vice President Cheney and his cohorts. Can’t help but think these ethics briefings are long overdue. By at least five years.
• Black politicians in California are crying foul over a misleading mailer for a drug industry-supported campaign. The mailer is titled, “The Black Woman’s Guide to California Politics,” and its contents ask voters to back Proposition 78 — a measure that would permit drug companies to voluntarily cap prices to avoid mandated caps. Funny thing is, the mailer features photos of Black state and federal legislators who don’t support Proposition 78, right alongside pleas to vote for the measure. Of course, tiny mouse print states the depiction of legislators in the mailer does not signify their endorsement. Those pharmaceutical companies really are the masters of legal disclaimers. It all presents another example of Black leaders lashing out against drug dealers.
• Looks like the U.S. isn’t the only country struggling with immigrants and racial segregation. France is into its tenth day of violent rioting involving immigrants and lower-income communities. The similarities between the U.S. and France are downright eerie. Déjà vu? The Minuteman Border Patrol should have a field day with this scenario.
• A California peace group called Breasts Not Bombs has made its mark by having members go topless during protests. But officials at the state Capitol are prepared to put a squeeze on the efforts, threatening to charge the women as sex offenders. There’s a joke involving “weapons of mass destruction” here somewhere.
• R. Kelly is pursuing another lawsuit against Jay-Z. The new suit charges Kelly and companions were pepper-sprayed in the face by an associate of Jay-Z, and the sprayer was ultimately rewarded with a record company executive job. Not sure what Kelly hopes to prove. Kelly has sprayed people in the face over the years too, though not with pepper spray.
• El Carajo Restaurant is getting its sign after all. The Miami eatery came under fire when folks complained Spanish translations for the name include penis and other expletives (see Essay 181). The owners insist the name means the crow’s nest of a ship. City officials tried to deny a permit for the sign, but ultimately bowed to legal advice. Menu items at the restaurant include… uh, never mind. Just be careful when ordering the Chef’s Special.
• Minnesota Vikings players are boycotting a local TV station for investigative journalism involving the infamous “Love Boat” scenario (see Essay 178). A reporter allegedly scoured through players’ garbage for evidence. Not sure what the problem is here. Given the tawdry details of the actual event, it seems completely appropriate to seek details in the trash.
• The National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative group focused on good government, is calling out Diddy (Sean Combs). The group has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Committee, claiming Combs violated campaign and tax laws when supporting John Kerry in the last presidential election. Wonder what Kanye West would have to say about this.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Essay 216
First Friday’s MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• A new study shows the mere depiction of alcohol-related imagery — even in advertising — inspires aggression whether you’re drinking or not. Most adfolks feel strong revulsion by simply viewing the Budweiser and Coors spots starring the bad-acting brewery bigwigs.
• Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman went on a rant, insisting graffiti artists caught tagging public property should be subject to harsh punishments — including having their thumbs chopped off on national TV. “I also believe in a little bit of corporal punishment going back to the days of yore, where examples have to be shown…I’m dead serious,” proclaimed the mayor. Wait a minute. This is coming from the mayor of a place where prostitution is legal and mob influence is the norm. Add this moron to one more thing that should stay in Vegas.
• President Bush announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees, and the list included Muhammad Ali, Aretha Franklin, Frank Robinson and Paul Rusesabagina. Hey, maybe Kanye West was wrong after all.
• A Chicago avenue will be named after the late John H. Johnson. The new honorary street sign will appear at the corner near Johnson Publishing Company headquarters.
• Blacks now make up a smaller share of the military, with declining numbers of Black recruits. The Army has taken the biggest hit in terms of Black recruiting. Guess we can expect to see hip-hop advertising for the military soon.
• The race for state senator is getting ugly in Maryland, with Democrats launching racial slurs at the Republican candidate. Lt. Governor Michael Steele, a Republican seeking to become the state’s first Black senator, is under attack from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and an Internet blogger. Blogger Steve Gilliard (who happens to be Black) portrayed Steele in minstrel Blackface, dubbing him “Simple Sambo” — and Gilliard vowed to post more. Talk about Black-on-Black mudslinging.
• K-Fed, aka Britney Spears’ husband, is launching his hip-hop career with tunes due out next year. Great. Now there will be two talentless wannabes in the family.
• A new study shows the mere depiction of alcohol-related imagery — even in advertising — inspires aggression whether you’re drinking or not. Most adfolks feel strong revulsion by simply viewing the Budweiser and Coors spots starring the bad-acting brewery bigwigs.
• Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman went on a rant, insisting graffiti artists caught tagging public property should be subject to harsh punishments — including having their thumbs chopped off on national TV. “I also believe in a little bit of corporal punishment going back to the days of yore, where examples have to be shown…I’m dead serious,” proclaimed the mayor. Wait a minute. This is coming from the mayor of a place where prostitution is legal and mob influence is the norm. Add this moron to one more thing that should stay in Vegas.
• President Bush announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees, and the list included Muhammad Ali, Aretha Franklin, Frank Robinson and Paul Rusesabagina. Hey, maybe Kanye West was wrong after all.
• A Chicago avenue will be named after the late John H. Johnson. The new honorary street sign will appear at the corner near Johnson Publishing Company headquarters.
• Blacks now make up a smaller share of the military, with declining numbers of Black recruits. The Army has taken the biggest hit in terms of Black recruiting. Guess we can expect to see hip-hop advertising for the military soon.
• The race for state senator is getting ugly in Maryland, with Democrats launching racial slurs at the Republican candidate. Lt. Governor Michael Steele, a Republican seeking to become the state’s first Black senator, is under attack from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and an Internet blogger. Blogger Steve Gilliard (who happens to be Black) portrayed Steele in minstrel Blackface, dubbing him “Simple Sambo” — and Gilliard vowed to post more. Talk about Black-on-Black mudslinging.
• K-Fed, aka Britney Spears’ husband, is launching his hip-hop career with tunes due out next year. Great. Now there will be two talentless wannabes in the family.
Essay 215
The good folks at AdPulp.com wrote a nice review for Knock The Hustle by Hadji Williams. Mr. Williams is a MultiCultClassics Member (title officially awarded to all blog visitors). Click on the essay title to check out the review. Then pick up a copy of the book.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Essay 214
Thank God It’s Almost Friday with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• Everybody wants a piece of Abercrombie & Fitch. First, a girls group from Pennsylvania took their “girlcott” nationwide on NBC’s Today show, protesting t-shirts with racy statements they deemed derogatory to females. Now Illinois State Senator Steve Rauschenberger has joined the “girlcott” — although the candidate for governor is threatening a boycott. Awaiting Judge Samuel Alito’s position on this deep issue.
• Note to Abercrombie & Fitch executives: a new Customer Rage Survey showed 15% of dissatisfied consumers actually sought revenge for bad shopping experiences. Wonder if the trendy sales staff will start sporting stylish bulletproof vests.
• Becoming a U.K. citizen no longer requires knowing anything about Britain’s past. A new test that immigrants must pass for citizenship only asks simple questions on everyday life in the country. Old school critics argue a basic knowledge of British history should be mandatory. Perhaps a quiz on Monty Python and Benny Hill would suffice.
• 50 Cent officially disagreed with the Kanye West rant over President Bush’s response to Hurricane Katrina victims. “I think people responded to it the best way they can. What Kanye West was saying, I don't know where that came from,” the rapper proclaimed. Bush finally gets public support from a Black person, and it turns out to be Fiddy. This just isn’t Dubya’s year.
• Sorry, 50 Cent. Emails from former FEMA director Michael Brown appear to support Kanye West. One message to Brown stated, “Sir, I know that you know the situation is past critical...many will die.” Brown responded, “Thanks for the update. Anything specific I need to do or tweak?” The original writer should have replied, “Yes. Update your resume, jackass.”
• Everybody wants a piece of Abercrombie & Fitch. First, a girls group from Pennsylvania took their “girlcott” nationwide on NBC’s Today show, protesting t-shirts with racy statements they deemed derogatory to females. Now Illinois State Senator Steve Rauschenberger has joined the “girlcott” — although the candidate for governor is threatening a boycott. Awaiting Judge Samuel Alito’s position on this deep issue.
• Note to Abercrombie & Fitch executives: a new Customer Rage Survey showed 15% of dissatisfied consumers actually sought revenge for bad shopping experiences. Wonder if the trendy sales staff will start sporting stylish bulletproof vests.
• Becoming a U.K. citizen no longer requires knowing anything about Britain’s past. A new test that immigrants must pass for citizenship only asks simple questions on everyday life in the country. Old school critics argue a basic knowledge of British history should be mandatory. Perhaps a quiz on Monty Python and Benny Hill would suffice.
• 50 Cent officially disagreed with the Kanye West rant over President Bush’s response to Hurricane Katrina victims. “I think people responded to it the best way they can. What Kanye West was saying, I don't know where that came from,” the rapper proclaimed. Bush finally gets public support from a Black person, and it turns out to be Fiddy. This just isn’t Dubya’s year.
• Sorry, 50 Cent. Emails from former FEMA director Michael Brown appear to support Kanye West. One message to Brown stated, “Sir, I know that you know the situation is past critical...many will die.” Brown responded, “Thanks for the update. Anything specific I need to do or tweak?” The original writer should have replied, “Yes. Update your resume, jackass.”
Essay 213
A slow news day with MultiCultClassics Minutes…
• The shooting involving rapper Cam’ron is still a mystery to investigators. Patrolling police apparently witnessed the incident, reporting a gunman fired at the artist’s Lamborghini and a Range Rover carrying his entourage. The shooter and a companion crashed the Ford Expedition they were driving shortly after the attack, but managed to escape. It’s all starting to sound like a bizarre car commercial.
• Denver residents voted to legalize the possession of marijuana for adults. Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams demanded an immediate trade to the Broncos.
• White students at the University of Chicago sparked controversy for staging a “straight thuggin’” party, where people listened to rap music and dressed in mock hip-hop gear. University officials expressed concern over the racial overtones, and called for an open meeting among students and faculty to discuss the matter. Not scheduled to attend the gathering: Vanilla Ice.
• St. Luke School in suburban Milwaukee cancelled an upcoming American Girl Fashion Show, upset over the doll company’s support of a national girls organization that accepts abortion and lesbian sexual orientation. Perhaps the fashion show will be replaced with a “straight thuggin’” party.
• The shooting involving rapper Cam’ron is still a mystery to investigators. Patrolling police apparently witnessed the incident, reporting a gunman fired at the artist’s Lamborghini and a Range Rover carrying his entourage. The shooter and a companion crashed the Ford Expedition they were driving shortly after the attack, but managed to escape. It’s all starting to sound like a bizarre car commercial.
• Denver residents voted to legalize the possession of marijuana for adults. Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams demanded an immediate trade to the Broncos.
• White students at the University of Chicago sparked controversy for staging a “straight thuggin’” party, where people listened to rap music and dressed in mock hip-hop gear. University officials expressed concern over the racial overtones, and called for an open meeting among students and faculty to discuss the matter. Not scheduled to attend the gathering: Vanilla Ice.
• St. Luke School in suburban Milwaukee cancelled an upcoming American Girl Fashion Show, upset over the doll company’s support of a national girls organization that accepts abortion and lesbian sexual orientation. Perhaps the fashion show will be replaced with a “straight thuggin’” party.
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