Showing posts with label african american elite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label african american elite. Show all posts
Monday
Elitist Blacks Have Held Black Folks Back More than They Know
The brown cardboard box was set up long ago and inside it were numerous talented blacks that were told to behave in ways that would not give white men and women anything to talk about. In American history, the majority of blacks had a limit on what jobs they could take (and in some communities that is still true to this day).
Blacks were warned by elders not to take on any positions that would shame their educated kinfolk and to make their ignorant relatives proud. Many of us were instructed by grandparents that all that "shuckin and jivin" was prohibited. "Sit down somewhere, cut out all that dancin', pick up a book," I recall my grandmother commanding me.
I was told many times that rich white folks and successful blacks like Oprah knew best. They were in the industries that most of us could only dream of getting into, because we didn't have "connections." I heard often, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."
So here I was told over and over during childhood to "stay in the lines" as I colored in coloring books. I was scolded for acting "simple" and I was threatened about getting my you know what beat if I acted like I was going to do anything to cause a white person to look down at my family or black folks in general. "You know what to do, when we go into this store, you better not act like..." The stereotypical names of blacks were endless borrowed from racist whites with a black dialect twist on them. I won't even bother to repeat them here. Some of you remember the drill especially if you were born in the 1950s and 60s or had parents born during that time. You probably even showed your behind a few too many times in public and Mama or Daddy had something for you in the store or at home and it wasn't good.
As I read more and more about black history particularly when it comes to the entertainment industry, I understand why professional black actors, actresses, musicians, and others were adamant about the way blacks were and still are portrayed on TV and elsewhere. Many elders are strict to this day about any thing that looks a little bit like "coonery." But I have to admit that all the rules, regulations, warnings and more, keep plenty of blacks in a box while everyone else get opportunities without all the stress that comes with accepting certain roles. Professionals can be like strict parents who never let children go out of the house and then when the time comes for them to spread their wings, the rebellious go buckwild! If one is so concerned about white folks, well breaking news, they are still going to talk about your black self and if you don't look attractive, they really are going to talk--what else is new? People around the world will have their share of racist comments on and off the Internet whether you are doing something stereotypical or not.
I realize that there is a certain degree of control that needs to be demonstrated within various social groups so that people don't get out of hand in any industry (not just entertainment), but does it have to be to the point that elitist African Americans (notice I didn't say blacks) have to take care of their own by any means necessary? Could it be that the crabs in the barrel mentality has long been encouraged within a group who is supposed to be the watch dogs for others? Maybe some elders are a tad-bit jealous of younger members knowing their time is expiring; therefore, they nitpick about any and everything causing divisiveness among the groups? Are elitist elder and younger African Americans starting to turn on one another and rebel in more ways than one? Is something breaking within the constructs of secret wealthy organizations run by paranoid African Americans so worried that every move out of the box thinkers come up with might cause the race to lose decades of progress? This has long been an issue between the favored and not-so favored just breaking into industries all across our nation.
I personally believe that all the fear is clearly unnecessary nowadays. People are going to work with those who are open, honest and true to almost any craft they can add to or conjure up just so long as it makes money. The public isn't the least bit concerned about how one or many individuals portray blacks just so long as it is done in a way that makes sense for them and handled with care. However, some would have you believe that the sky is falling over everything you say or do related to black.
The public sees tomfoolery everyday on the bus, driving in cars, seated in parks, walking down the street in packs, and even within our own families--so what is new? The deaf, dumb, blind, foolish, prostitute, pimp, hustler, maid, driver and ghetto don't represent me or anyone else I know they are in categories all by themselves.
So for those who like to worry much about image; instead of doing that I have an idea, how about you put more effort into giving a wider no-name audience of talent and skill a break? The truth of the matter is we are tired of seeing elitists keeping all the opportunities within their families as if we don't know that many of you are somehow related to one another!
Nicholl McGuire is the self-published author of many nonfiction books, an inspirational speaker, a wife and mother of four sons who lives in California. She manages many blogs and other sites around the web. Her dream was once to sing, dance, and act but her father told her, "That is not an attainable goal...There's enough blacks singing, dancing and acting. Do something else."
Blacks were warned by elders not to take on any positions that would shame their educated kinfolk and to make their ignorant relatives proud. Many of us were instructed by grandparents that all that "shuckin and jivin" was prohibited. "Sit down somewhere, cut out all that dancin', pick up a book," I recall my grandmother commanding me.
So here I was told over and over during childhood to "stay in the lines" as I colored in coloring books. I was scolded for acting "simple" and I was threatened about getting my you know what beat if I acted like I was going to do anything to cause a white person to look down at my family or black folks in general. "You know what to do, when we go into this store, you better not act like..." The stereotypical names of blacks were endless borrowed from racist whites with a black dialect twist on them. I won't even bother to repeat them here. Some of you remember the drill especially if you were born in the 1950s and 60s or had parents born during that time. You probably even showed your behind a few too many times in public and Mama or Daddy had something for you in the store or at home and it wasn't good.
As I read more and more about black history particularly when it comes to the entertainment industry, I understand why professional black actors, actresses, musicians, and others were adamant about the way blacks were and still are portrayed on TV and elsewhere. Many elders are strict to this day about any thing that looks a little bit like "coonery." But I have to admit that all the rules, regulations, warnings and more, keep plenty of blacks in a box while everyone else get opportunities without all the stress that comes with accepting certain roles. Professionals can be like strict parents who never let children go out of the house and then when the time comes for them to spread their wings, the rebellious go buckwild! If one is so concerned about white folks, well breaking news, they are still going to talk about your black self and if you don't look attractive, they really are going to talk--what else is new? People around the world will have their share of racist comments on and off the Internet whether you are doing something stereotypical or not.
I realize that there is a certain degree of control that needs to be demonstrated within various social groups so that people don't get out of hand in any industry (not just entertainment), but does it have to be to the point that elitist African Americans (notice I didn't say blacks) have to take care of their own by any means necessary? Could it be that the crabs in the barrel mentality has long been encouraged within a group who is supposed to be the watch dogs for others? Maybe some elders are a tad-bit jealous of younger members knowing their time is expiring; therefore, they nitpick about any and everything causing divisiveness among the groups? Are elitist elder and younger African Americans starting to turn on one another and rebel in more ways than one? Is something breaking within the constructs of secret wealthy organizations run by paranoid African Americans so worried that every move out of the box thinkers come up with might cause the race to lose decades of progress? This has long been an issue between the favored and not-so favored just breaking into industries all across our nation.I personally believe that all the fear is clearly unnecessary nowadays. People are going to work with those who are open, honest and true to almost any craft they can add to or conjure up just so long as it makes money. The public isn't the least bit concerned about how one or many individuals portray blacks just so long as it is done in a way that makes sense for them and handled with care. However, some would have you believe that the sky is falling over everything you say or do related to black.
The public sees tomfoolery everyday on the bus, driving in cars, seated in parks, walking down the street in packs, and even within our own families--so what is new? The deaf, dumb, blind, foolish, prostitute, pimp, hustler, maid, driver and ghetto don't represent me or anyone else I know they are in categories all by themselves.
So for those who like to worry much about image; instead of doing that I have an idea, how about you put more effort into giving a wider no-name audience of talent and skill a break? The truth of the matter is we are tired of seeing elitists keeping all the opportunities within their families as if we don't know that many of you are somehow related to one another!
Nicholl McGuire is the self-published author of many nonfiction books, an inspirational speaker, a wife and mother of four sons who lives in California. She manages many blogs and other sites around the web. Her dream was once to sing, dance, and act but her father told her, "That is not an attainable goal...There's enough blacks singing, dancing and acting. Do something else."
Tuesday
Black Elite Showings for The Haves, Examples for the Have-Nots
There are The Haves and The Have-nots so we have been told by the OWN network with the release of the Tyler Perry production awhile back. But long before shows like this and others such as, The Game and Being Mary Jane on BET, there were whites parading around their wealth on television screens all across the world and only they appeared in their shows unless you were a black person in a subordinate role. This still goes on to date with many production companies.
For centuries, the black wealthy were the untold story. Presently, there are some elite organizations (that are not open to the general public without meeting specific criteria), including the Boule, that represent the black elite in our land. However, these days millionaire African Americans don't mind telling the not-so wealthy, "Step back." The issue of color between blacks, like dark and light, isn't as prevalent like the issue of social class here in America. If you don't make a specified amount of money, don't have the right connections, and you don't come from a certain pedigree, you and your family are irrelevant in mainstream media. It doesn't matter what black and white colors you wear, what you put on your license plate, on your finger or on your neck, how you shake hands, or where you go once or twice a year to win favor, you are still irrelevant, "...but thank you for your annual donation," some of these groups tell you. You will work hard and keep working hard while you continue to brag about, "I did this on my own...I didn't need anyone's help." So what. The elite doesn't care until you are competition for them, now they have an offer for you that they don't believe you will refuse.
These elitists parade around on television shows, big off-screen productions, sit in audiences with plush seating, stand before the masses repeating what they learned in college textbooks, and they embrace extended family members about once or twice a year at events while taking great care not to say too much of anything about who or what they are connected to. The African American elite isn't nearly concerned about the little man as much as they care about the white rich man. They will roll out the carpets for him, entertain his children, offer services at a discount or even free, and go so far as to sell-out their own people for silver and gold.
African American elitists know who pays the bills and so they know how to speak in a way that wins them rich friends. The wealthy dress up according to the latest trends and dress down when they want to clown. They toss back hair that cost more than a poor man's wardrobe and decorate necks, wrists and ears with gems that cost as much as a brand new automobile. After mastering their acts, they know how to ask for The Deal from their employers. So what might that be? Anything that will help them be in front of the masses a little while longer.
Power hungry, attention starved, greedy for cash, these so-called caring rich black folks aren't the least bit concerned about how their messages might be conveyed to a dying a world. They defend their actions, place blame on others, and ignore feedback while the money keeps rolling in!
The African American eltists' accomplishments (ie. award shows) aren't on display for all (even though it appears that way), but are strategically and specifically made public for wealthy international partners. Their articulate speaking is not meant to be understood by all, but for some, who know how to translate the meaning behind the meaning. Their hand codes aren't meant for everyone to throw up, but their conversation is reserved for a few. Symbols might look nice for the public to wear, but not all were originally designed for the little people to help spread their brand. Their is a target market who knows when to take their cues. The elitists' black history isn't for all, but for those who are blood-related.
For decades, poor blacks are told to educate themselves about the upper classes' ancestors--people who received much tender loving care for doing deeds that most blacks wouldn't dare do behind closed doors. Those not in "the group" are instructed to learn about strangers in media so that they can come up higher, but what the African American elitist intellectual is not saying is the truly successful, that have gone on before us, was BORN INTO WEALTH or lived on the plantation when master/father/mother was dividing up the acres/assets. Sure, there are those who worked hard to be seen in front of the masses (rather than stay in the kitchen or on the field), but once they arrived, twisted truth is revealed to them by their private connections that go far beyond the general public's understanding of what truth is regarding many things including: economic and social classes, Democratic and Republican, black and white, Satan and God, etc.
Facebook, Linked In, Ancestry.com and other places that link people aren't here just for your enjoyment, elitists as well as government workers are seeking bloodline connections for a variety of reasons besides catching people doing illegal activities. The elders are dying off, what better way then for the younger generation to find out who their relatives are and how might they benefit from those connections?
What were we thinking when we were told as children, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Who do you know? Who knows you? Who can assist you with propelling your idea/business? Someone who knows someone is given a name and contact information of someone else higher on the pyramid structure. That person is used to help further the master's mission/cause/career/business--all the while being reminded that there isn't that much room at the top of the pyramid for mere workers.
It is my belief, there are different levels within the elitists' pyramid structure, besides the one widely displayed around the web, within the upper class. New levels, new devils, so the saying goes. The above average worker, on the college level, might flock to a fraternal group for assistance. This person might believe that he or she can get ahead simply by association. Sometimes this strategy works (for a time), but eventually fades to black. It doesn't take much for someone to bad-mouth another with statements like, "He's hard to work with...I don't like her type...You know how those ghetto blacks are..." before long, whatever connection an individual, who was on the rise, had begins to take a slow ride in reverse.
Another strategy one uses to become like The Haves, while avoiding the Have-Nots, is to join a church and move up the ranks. However, many don't do well going this route because they are too busy feeding the men and women in church leadership with their award-winning, money-making ideas while living hand to mouth at home. This bill and that one needs to be paid, but the loyal member is being constantly brainwashed to give to the church leadership and their vision which usually doesn't have much to do with God's purpose, but more about man or woman's self interest.
The supposedly enlightened ones try many things to be and stay in African American elite circles, as well as others, but their efforts are in vain while radicals are dismissed or killed off. Instead, those who don't belong to "The Club" or the brainwashed in "The Club," feed the pockets of those who came up with the African American history books of their families (not yours, mind you). The workers support the programs that are implemented to help others while someone else takes more than what they have earned while sharing the wealth with select individuals. Some of these crooked elitists lie, deceive and do other things to "hook up" favored brothas and sistas. Some who have been exposed by the elite might boldly tell you, "I'm too busy to be bothered with nonsense...if it doesn't make me money or make me look good, I'm not interested." They seek you out to help propel them, then forget about you once they made their millions.
So the majority of us sit back watching what society deems an "A-lister, a successful..., award-winning entertainer, famous artist, Fortune 500 CEO, millionaire athlete, or a best-selling author..." be rewarded for what? What did they really do? Who really helped them? Who robbed who? What is the real story of how they got there from here?
Before you watch another elite award show, television talk show, listen to another radio program or podcast, or read a book about a celebrity, ask yourself, "Why is this so important that I watch/read it?" The answer might surprise you, because the truth is, there is no reason other than to blindly follow our masters while helping them fill their bank accounts--let me add and further brainwash you into doing yet another thing that adds no long-lasting benefit in your life.
Nicholl McGuire
For centuries, the black wealthy were the untold story. Presently, there are some elite organizations (that are not open to the general public without meeting specific criteria), including the Boule, that represent the black elite in our land. However, these days millionaire African Americans don't mind telling the not-so wealthy, "Step back." The issue of color between blacks, like dark and light, isn't as prevalent like the issue of social class here in America. If you don't make a specified amount of money, don't have the right connections, and you don't come from a certain pedigree, you and your family are irrelevant in mainstream media. It doesn't matter what black and white colors you wear, what you put on your license plate, on your finger or on your neck, how you shake hands, or where you go once or twice a year to win favor, you are still irrelevant, "...but thank you for your annual donation," some of these groups tell you. You will work hard and keep working hard while you continue to brag about, "I did this on my own...I didn't need anyone's help." So what. The elite doesn't care until you are competition for them, now they have an offer for you that they don't believe you will refuse.
These elitists parade around on television shows, big off-screen productions, sit in audiences with plush seating, stand before the masses repeating what they learned in college textbooks, and they embrace extended family members about once or twice a year at events while taking great care not to say too much of anything about who or what they are connected to. The African American elite isn't nearly concerned about the little man as much as they care about the white rich man. They will roll out the carpets for him, entertain his children, offer services at a discount or even free, and go so far as to sell-out their own people for silver and gold.
African American elitists know who pays the bills and so they know how to speak in a way that wins them rich friends. The wealthy dress up according to the latest trends and dress down when they want to clown. They toss back hair that cost more than a poor man's wardrobe and decorate necks, wrists and ears with gems that cost as much as a brand new automobile. After mastering their acts, they know how to ask for The Deal from their employers. So what might that be? Anything that will help them be in front of the masses a little while longer.
Power hungry, attention starved, greedy for cash, these so-called caring rich black folks aren't the least bit concerned about how their messages might be conveyed to a dying a world. They defend their actions, place blame on others, and ignore feedback while the money keeps rolling in!
The African American eltists' accomplishments (ie. award shows) aren't on display for all (even though it appears that way), but are strategically and specifically made public for wealthy international partners. Their articulate speaking is not meant to be understood by all, but for some, who know how to translate the meaning behind the meaning. Their hand codes aren't meant for everyone to throw up, but their conversation is reserved for a few. Symbols might look nice for the public to wear, but not all were originally designed for the little people to help spread their brand. Their is a target market who knows when to take their cues. The elitists' black history isn't for all, but for those who are blood-related.
For decades, poor blacks are told to educate themselves about the upper classes' ancestors--people who received much tender loving care for doing deeds that most blacks wouldn't dare do behind closed doors. Those not in "the group" are instructed to learn about strangers in media so that they can come up higher, but what the African American elitist intellectual is not saying is the truly successful, that have gone on before us, was BORN INTO WEALTH or lived on the plantation when master/father/mother was dividing up the acres/assets. Sure, there are those who worked hard to be seen in front of the masses (rather than stay in the kitchen or on the field), but once they arrived, twisted truth is revealed to them by their private connections that go far beyond the general public's understanding of what truth is regarding many things including: economic and social classes, Democratic and Republican, black and white, Satan and God, etc.
Facebook, Linked In, Ancestry.com and other places that link people aren't here just for your enjoyment, elitists as well as government workers are seeking bloodline connections for a variety of reasons besides catching people doing illegal activities. The elders are dying off, what better way then for the younger generation to find out who their relatives are and how might they benefit from those connections?
What were we thinking when we were told as children, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Who do you know? Who knows you? Who can assist you with propelling your idea/business? Someone who knows someone is given a name and contact information of someone else higher on the pyramid structure. That person is used to help further the master's mission/cause/career/business--all the while being reminded that there isn't that much room at the top of the pyramid for mere workers.
It is my belief, there are different levels within the elitists' pyramid structure, besides the one widely displayed around the web, within the upper class. New levels, new devils, so the saying goes. The above average worker, on the college level, might flock to a fraternal group for assistance. This person might believe that he or she can get ahead simply by association. Sometimes this strategy works (for a time), but eventually fades to black. It doesn't take much for someone to bad-mouth another with statements like, "He's hard to work with...I don't like her type...You know how those ghetto blacks are..." before long, whatever connection an individual, who was on the rise, had begins to take a slow ride in reverse.
Another strategy one uses to become like The Haves, while avoiding the Have-Nots, is to join a church and move up the ranks. However, many don't do well going this route because they are too busy feeding the men and women in church leadership with their award-winning, money-making ideas while living hand to mouth at home. This bill and that one needs to be paid, but the loyal member is being constantly brainwashed to give to the church leadership and their vision which usually doesn't have much to do with God's purpose, but more about man or woman's self interest.
The supposedly enlightened ones try many things to be and stay in African American elite circles, as well as others, but their efforts are in vain while radicals are dismissed or killed off. Instead, those who don't belong to "The Club" or the brainwashed in "The Club," feed the pockets of those who came up with the African American history books of their families (not yours, mind you). The workers support the programs that are implemented to help others while someone else takes more than what they have earned while sharing the wealth with select individuals. Some of these crooked elitists lie, deceive and do other things to "hook up" favored brothas and sistas. Some who have been exposed by the elite might boldly tell you, "I'm too busy to be bothered with nonsense...if it doesn't make me money or make me look good, I'm not interested." They seek you out to help propel them, then forget about you once they made their millions.
So the majority of us sit back watching what society deems an "A-lister, a successful..., award-winning entertainer, famous artist, Fortune 500 CEO, millionaire athlete, or a best-selling author..." be rewarded for what? What did they really do? Who really helped them? Who robbed who? What is the real story of how they got there from here?
Before you watch another elite award show, television talk show, listen to another radio program or podcast, or read a book about a celebrity, ask yourself, "Why is this so important that I watch/read it?" The answer might surprise you, because the truth is, there is no reason other than to blindly follow our masters while helping them fill their bank accounts--let me add and further brainwash you into doing yet another thing that adds no long-lasting benefit in your life.
Nicholl McGuire
Wednesday
African American Elite Groups
When you think of the many abolitionists, teachers, doctors, business men and women of yesteryear, when it comes to African American heritage, you have to know that many of these people may have gone unnoticed if it hadn't been for some elite group putting their money toward an event, class, book, group, protest, or something else to educate the public.
Over the years, I have read my share of books and spoke to people familiar with the black upper class. If you were like me many years back, you would have never thought about blacks having any "old money" per se, because in the mainstream media this isn't what makes the news. However, there are many African American societies who are comprised of the wealthy. You will find that some African American intellectuals (those in law, business and medicine) aren't impressed with all the glitz and glamour of star athletes, actors, and others in the entertainment industry like one might think. It is assumed that money celebrates money irregardless of where it might come from by those not so successful. But that kind of thinking is contrary to what really goes on behind the scenes. A book entitled, "Our Kind of People" by Lawrence Otis Graham will open up your eyes and mind when it comes to the black upper class. Sports athletes and entertainers are considered "unclassy" by many African American intellectuals and aren't always welcome into certain elitist circles.
Here is a list of African American prominent social groups. Some of these groups cater specifically to African American men or women.
1. Sigma Pi Phi Boule
2. Links
3. Jack and Jill
4. Girl Friends
5. Continental Societies Inc.
6. 100 Black Men of America
Looking for more black organizations? Go here.
Nicholl McGuire
Over the years, I have read my share of books and spoke to people familiar with the black upper class. If you were like me many years back, you would have never thought about blacks having any "old money" per se, because in the mainstream media this isn't what makes the news. However, there are many African American societies who are comprised of the wealthy. You will find that some African American intellectuals (those in law, business and medicine) aren't impressed with all the glitz and glamour of star athletes, actors, and others in the entertainment industry like one might think. It is assumed that money celebrates money irregardless of where it might come from by those not so successful. But that kind of thinking is contrary to what really goes on behind the scenes. A book entitled, "Our Kind of People" by Lawrence Otis Graham will open up your eyes and mind when it comes to the black upper class. Sports athletes and entertainers are considered "unclassy" by many African American intellectuals and aren't always welcome into certain elitist circles.
Here is a list of African American prominent social groups. Some of these groups cater specifically to African American men or women.
1. Sigma Pi Phi Boule
2. Links
3. Jack and Jill
4. Girl Friends
5. Continental Societies Inc.
6. 100 Black Men of America
Looking for more black organizations? Go here.
Nicholl McGuire
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