Essay 447

Just another MultiCultClassics Monologue...

• The people of Bahrain have mixed feelings about Michael Jackson spending so much time in their country. Some folks are delighted and intrigued by the King of Pop. Others don’t appear to be fans. “I’m not against [Jackson] being in Bahrain — but against him using Bahrain to run away from his problems,” said one citizen. Another griped, “He should keep his concerts and his effeminate manners away from us… We don’t want him turning Bahrain into Las Vegas.” Don’t look for Siegfried & Roy to show up in Bahrain anytime soon. Unfortunately, there are no such guarantees regarding LaToya and Jermaine.

• Los Angeles Cardinal Richard Mahony’s immigration preaching received mixed reactions from parishioners (see Essay 445). Some folks offered support. Others delivered condemnation. One woman remarked, “We are overrun with illegals and they want everything for free. I am very much resentful, and especially that the Catholic Church wants to support them.” Another man said, “I came for my ashes [on Ash Wednesday], and I don’t like [Mahony] to be so political.” What would Jesus do? (Jesus the illegal immigrant, that is — not the more famous Jesus.)

• Busta Rhymes doesn’t turn the other cheek — rather, he’ll punch it. Rhymes is facing a lawsuit for allegedly attacking a fan who asked for the rapper’s autograph. “[The alleged victim] just wanted [Rhymes’] autograph. He didn’t want his fingerprints on his face,” said the accuser’s lawyer. Since the assault, the fan is “continuing to have headaches, back problems and sleepless nights.” At least until he gets paid by Rhymes.

• A report by MarketResearch.com shows the buying power of the Hip Hop Generation. The Hip Hop Generation is defined as American youth who identify with hip-hop culture, totaling over 24 million people aged 15 to 29 — roughly 39 percent of the whole age group. The report said these consumers “lust for anything new, with strong affiliations for the latest hand-held devices and internet technology, drinks and snacks, and personal care items.” By 2010, this audience is expected to have $644 billion in disposable income. Even more if they pursue lawsuits after getting punched by Busta Rhymes.