Essay 327

A MultiCultClassics Monologue Sequel…

• Wal-Mart is blaming human error for the Website incident that coupled Black films with “Planet Of The Apes” and “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” (See Essay 326). The Washington Post reported: “A Walmart.com employee mistakenly grouped [Black-themed] movies with 263 boxed-set DVDs a year ago as the company prepared for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day promotion…The company called the error ‘completely unintentional’ and said no punishment was planned.” While Wal-Mart has been involved with questionable racial issues in the past, this new scenario appears to be a legitimately unintentional screw-up. However, anyone interested in “Tarzan Of The Apes” on DVD should also enjoy “Diary Of A Mad Black Woman.”

• The Boys Choir of Harlem has a new member singing its praises. Former New York Mayor David Dinkins has joined as interim chairman, hoping to turn around the organization’s financial troubles. “Whatever mistakes have been made,” Dinkins said, “they weren’t made by these children.” Looks like the fat lady won’t be singing just yet.

• The Greater Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Harlem has been holding Hip-Hop Church on Thursday nights for about a year. The congregation regularly rocks along with rapper Kurtis Blow and more. “I understand that there’s a lot of negative in hip-hop today,” Rev. Stephen Pogue says. “But Hip-Hop Church highlights the positive sides of hip-hop, what hip-hop can do.” Wonder if The Boys Choir of Harlem knows how to rap.

• What Would Jesus Dump? A total of four NBC affiliates have refused to air the new series “The Book of Daniel,” starring Aidan Quinn as an Episcopal priest with a gay son. Of course, conservative Christian groups have griped about the show. Hey, “The Book of Daniel” doesn’t sound any less offensive than Matt LeBlanc’s “Joey” spin-off.

• Toys “R” Us “R” downsizing, with plans to shutter 73 stores nationwide this spring. The retailer once self-titled as “The World’s Biggest Toy Store” lost its top spot to Wal-Mart in 1998. But Toys “R” Us isn’t completely giving up yet, as stores are rethinking their strategies. “They’re slowly upgrading the level of their stores, adding more educational toys and exclusive toys. They’re redefining who they are,” one expert noted. “The only thing Wal-Mart offers is price.” And dubious movie recommendations.