Showing posts with label african american women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label african american women. Show all posts
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Professional Black Women & College Educated Black Men
The problem continues according to DeNeen L. Brown of the Washington Post in her February 25, 2010 article titled "Single black women being urged to date outside race". There is a sentiment among African American women that African American men are taking far too long to get their lives in order for sustainable relationships and marriage. This sentiment is new material for columnist outside the African American community, but women within it have dealt with this situation for decades. Brown's article addresses some of the frustrations that single black women have in waiting for that "good black man" to come along. For some, patience has melted like ice on a warm summer's day in the Mississippi Delta. The unspoken tradition in the community was for the women to save themselves for the male. Family and social pressures made this a reality for many African American women that aged and wound up with a host of prospects and no real gold to speak of in their quest. The term men, women, male, and female refers to African Americans unless otherwise specified in this article.
Today, many of these younger professional women are throwing the old taboos aside to pursue a life of happiness outside their own hue. The commonality of seeing a male athlete, entertainer, politician, or minister date or marry an Asian, Caucasian, or Latin female is a well-established social reality. However, eye-brows continue to lift as more women opt to do the same as men by dating outside their race in larger numbers than before. It is difficult to get substantive numbers on just how many are embarking on this new approach to fulfilling the desire to be happy in a relationship, but judging by the number of social groups, dating services, and blogs online, it is definitely popular.
During the 1990's we saw an influx of men dating Latin women in places like in the Southwest. The African American female was not as popularly sought after by these men, and this remains unclear. Now, we must understand that one region does not a country make. There are various elements that contributed to this gap between African American men and women and it all did not come about in one decade. A good percentage of males strayed from the path of prosperity in the 1980's due to the introduction of quick and easy money stemming from the drug trade. Thug-life was celebrated and later commercialized in music, and television. Hundreds of thousands of men fell victim to the lure and found themselves either behind bars or on the sideline of life watching others prosper. The women pushed themselves to attend school, rear children, and assume the roles of both father and mother. Others abstained until finishing school to find "Mr. Right" after going through or avoiding "Mr. Right Now". The number of men that might have had the aptitude to complete college experienced difficulty in qualifying for financial assistance due to prior convictions or being labeled as a felon. The opportunity arose to speak with some of these men who made it through the 1980's and 1990's to become successful unmarried professionals.
During informal discussions with several of these gentlemen, the subject came up about dating African American women and the responses were interesting. Physical features were never brought up such as good hair, lighter skin-tone, or incorrect grammar usage, common factors that some men who will not date African American women mention from time-to-time out of bias. The way they were treated in the past by other African American women during their earlier years seemed to have left a subtle residual anger. This lingering pain manifested into a preferential taste to respect them, but devalue them in respect to having a reminder of a not so pleasant experience in their lives. The interesting aspect of it all was that they would have intimate relations with them, but not marry or have children with them. So, from this perspective we can summarize that there are varied reasons that this romantic disconnect exist between the educated classes of African American men and women when it comes to relationships.
This leaves the professional black woman with limited options in that she is 3 times more likely to attend and finish college than an African American male according to United States Census 2008. And as of May 29, 2010 at 1:44 am, there are approximately 309,376,250 million people in the United States of which 37,131,771 million are African Americans. About 18.5% of females have at least a bachelor's degree with only 15.7% of males with degrees. The implications are that 2.80% of the female population with at least a bachelor's degree may be in search of a partner of sorts roughly. The total African American population with a high school diploma through a graduate or professional degree over the age of 25 years is about 22,166,023 million in the 2008 Census. From that group is where the aforementioned percentages are derived. This means that about 620,649 thousand women with bachelor's degrees or higher are in that pool of professional African American women without mates. So now there is a bit more clarity in respect to the imbalance in the male to female ratio of college educated African American females.
Now what does this mean? This group of 620,649 thousand women are faced with three options, either date a man that may not have the same educational level, remain single, or date outside her race. Statistically, it is logical that there is a shortage of men graduating from college to keep up with the demands of females. However, there is another factor that has to be considered, the current state of the economy that knocked many of these men out of positions in firms. This means that a more centric focus of personal survival is more appropriate than starting a family that could be seen as a liability from his perspective. Demographically, the bulk of these men and women are based east of the Mississippi River. So it could be further stated that the women that are opting to date interracially are from this group of 620,649 thousand women.
Today, many of these younger professional women are throwing the old taboos aside to pursue a life of happiness outside their own hue. The commonality of seeing a male athlete, entertainer, politician, or minister date or marry an Asian, Caucasian, or Latin female is a well-established social reality. However, eye-brows continue to lift as more women opt to do the same as men by dating outside their race in larger numbers than before. It is difficult to get substantive numbers on just how many are embarking on this new approach to fulfilling the desire to be happy in a relationship, but judging by the number of social groups, dating services, and blogs online, it is definitely popular.
During the 1990's we saw an influx of men dating Latin women in places like in the Southwest. The African American female was not as popularly sought after by these men, and this remains unclear. Now, we must understand that one region does not a country make. There are various elements that contributed to this gap between African American men and women and it all did not come about in one decade. A good percentage of males strayed from the path of prosperity in the 1980's due to the introduction of quick and easy money stemming from the drug trade. Thug-life was celebrated and later commercialized in music, and television. Hundreds of thousands of men fell victim to the lure and found themselves either behind bars or on the sideline of life watching others prosper. The women pushed themselves to attend school, rear children, and assume the roles of both father and mother. Others abstained until finishing school to find "Mr. Right" after going through or avoiding "Mr. Right Now". The number of men that might have had the aptitude to complete college experienced difficulty in qualifying for financial assistance due to prior convictions or being labeled as a felon. The opportunity arose to speak with some of these men who made it through the 1980's and 1990's to become successful unmarried professionals.
During informal discussions with several of these gentlemen, the subject came up about dating African American women and the responses were interesting. Physical features were never brought up such as good hair, lighter skin-tone, or incorrect grammar usage, common factors that some men who will not date African American women mention from time-to-time out of bias. The way they were treated in the past by other African American women during their earlier years seemed to have left a subtle residual anger. This lingering pain manifested into a preferential taste to respect them, but devalue them in respect to having a reminder of a not so pleasant experience in their lives. The interesting aspect of it all was that they would have intimate relations with them, but not marry or have children with them. So, from this perspective we can summarize that there are varied reasons that this romantic disconnect exist between the educated classes of African American men and women when it comes to relationships.
This leaves the professional black woman with limited options in that she is 3 times more likely to attend and finish college than an African American male according to United States Census 2008. And as of May 29, 2010 at 1:44 am, there are approximately 309,376,250 million people in the United States of which 37,131,771 million are African Americans. About 18.5% of females have at least a bachelor's degree with only 15.7% of males with degrees. The implications are that 2.80% of the female population with at least a bachelor's degree may be in search of a partner of sorts roughly. The total African American population with a high school diploma through a graduate or professional degree over the age of 25 years is about 22,166,023 million in the 2008 Census. From that group is where the aforementioned percentages are derived. This means that about 620,649 thousand women with bachelor's degrees or higher are in that pool of professional African American women without mates. So now there is a bit more clarity in respect to the imbalance in the male to female ratio of college educated African American females.
Now what does this mean? This group of 620,649 thousand women are faced with three options, either date a man that may not have the same educational level, remain single, or date outside her race. Statistically, it is logical that there is a shortage of men graduating from college to keep up with the demands of females. However, there is another factor that has to be considered, the current state of the economy that knocked many of these men out of positions in firms. This means that a more centric focus of personal survival is more appropriate than starting a family that could be seen as a liability from his perspective. Demographically, the bulk of these men and women are based east of the Mississippi River. So it could be further stated that the women that are opting to date interracially are from this group of 620,649 thousand women.
James Adams is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of industry experience in the areas of Information Technology, Broadcast Media, International Business, Marketing, Public Relations, and Entertainment combined.
James has several years of personal experience as a personal match-maker and informal relationship adviser with a successful track-record. In his twenty plus years in the aforementioned fields, he has mastered the realm of social networking by engaging in topics, and subject matter after extensive research.
Monday
The Myths and Misunderstandings When Dating Black Women
Stereotypes seem to be abundant when it comes to the dating world. So many people listen to myths, stereotypes and other false things and that ends up hurting them when it comes to finding love. If you are ready to take the plunge and start dating black women then it is time for you to stop listening to the myths and misconceptions about them. Black women are like any other woman and when you lump her into a stereotype you are just hurting yourself. There is a wonderful, beautiful black woman out there just waiting for you to give her a chance.
Here is the Trouble
When you listen to the rumors and you buy into the stereotypes about dating black women you are losing out. You are letting these false stories and ideas shade the way you think about this group of women. The truth is that black women are just women at heart. They are not much different than other women. It is very important, when you are searching for a mate, that you have an open mind. Do not let things you hear cloud your judgment. You need to be willing to get to know each woman for who she is, not for the stereotype that you think defines her.
Common Myths
There are actually quite a few stereotypes and myths about dating black women. These things can be very hurtful. They can prevent a man from meeting an amazing black woman. Here are some of the things you may have heard about black women.
The most prominent thing that is said about black women is they have too much attitude. If you take a step back and look at the big picture then you will see there are women of all colors that have big attitudes. It is not a black woman thing. Not every black woman has an attitude. One thing that may lead to this assumption is that many black women are very strong and independent. This is a cultural thing and it is not a bad thing. It does not mean that she has an attitude problem. Many men are simply intimidated by a strong and independent woman, so if that is you then dating black women may not be right for you. A strong and independent woman needs a man who is just as strong and independent.
Another hurtful myth is that black women all have multiple children and a lot of drama surrounding their kids fathers. This is a myth that is fueled by Hollywood movies and sitcoms and it is not true by any means. Get to know a real black woman and you will see this and many other myths falls flat.
Black women are beautiful. They are loving and caring. They are all unique individuals. It is common to lump women of a specific race or culture together and say they are all a certain way, but when you do that you are just limiting yourself. Not every black woman is the same. If you are interested in dating black women then you have to take the time to look at each woman as an individual and get to her for who she is and not just for the color of her skin.
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Wednesday
African American Women Speak Out
African Americans in general have come a long way from the dark days of slavery; this is especially the case for women. There are so many challenges and issues that this group has faced over the year thus making it very difficult to summarize all this information in one piece. Consequently, the paper will focus on the last fifty years i.e. African American women’s struggle between the nineteen fifties all the way to the present day.
The role of African American women in the Black Panther Party and their depiction at that time
When conducting an analysis of the black movement in the Black Panther party, one cannot help but realize that there were numerous clashes going on in this association. First of all, Black People were struggling with the revolutionary agenda and in order to garner support for their movement, most of the members of this party had to construct certain identities that were unique to the black person.
Another issue that cropped up in this period was the fact that there high levels of Sexism in the Black Panther party. This was largely depicted by the Actions of the Party’s leaders-Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. In a book Published by Doubleday “A taste of Power” by Elaine Brown (1994), the author describes her experiences as a member of the Black panther party. Elaine Brown was brought up in a poor Black community but had the opportunity to access education.
During her time in the Black Panther party, Elaine Brown, along with other women in the movement were largely interested in transforming African American welfare. These actions were the things that took up most of her time. Some of the activities that Ms. Brown focused on included increasing medical assistance to her community, provision of food assistance among many other aspects related to the social well being of her community. However the men in this party had a more radical approach to their coz. Most of them applied as double thronged approach in the revolutionary activities; there was the political dimension and the militant dimension. Leaders like Huey Newton and Bobby Seale wanted to create a defensive system for the Black people through military techniques. These ideas even permeated into the running of their daily activities.
For instance, the Black Panther party used to publish a newspaper in which Elaine Brown was one of the editors. At one time, it happened that Brown (1994) had delayed with the newspaper’s production by one hour. In response to this action, the tough disciplinarian Booby Seale sought to find out who had caused this delay. When it was revealed that the editing took longer than required, Seale commanded his subordinates to disciple Elaine Brown. They did this by flogging her with ten lashes on her back.
Brown (1994) explains that while going through the beating, she was “burning with rage” at the actions of her leader Seale who seemed to be applying double standards in the administration of justice within this party.
Within the Black Panther movement, women were expected to silently obey the words of the male leaders. Even the manner in which codes of practice were established in the Black Panther Party reflected this deeply engrained Sexism. No one was expected to vote or contribute to the rules governing the party. Instead, women were to listen and abide by the decisions made by their male counterparts. It is also interesting to note that within this party, there were no female leaders as all of them were predominantly male. This goes to show that women were almost invisible. To the men in top positions, women were seen as instruments that could be used to implement the party goals and nothing more.
However, despite this seeming mistrust, on cannot overlook the fact that some women in the Black Panther Party contributed towards Black empowerment in their own silent way. One such case is the latter mentioned author who chose to change her society in whichever little way she could.
Cleaver (1968) in his book Soul on Ice brings in a totally different dimension to the sentiments and feelings that African American men held about Black women. It should be noted that this book was written while the author was in prison. He had been arrested and tried for a series of crimes that included robbery with violence. While facing life imprisonment, the author began putting his ideas to paper through this book.
In “Soul on Ice”, the author describes his experiences as a young black man struggling with his identity. In his descriptions, he brings in the element of the white women. According to the author, the white women symbolized something that was unattainable to the Black man. In other words, Cleaver (1968) regarded women in a political manner. To him, sexual interconnection represented an avenue that he could utilize to make known his political sentiments.
Through the book, one is also able to understand another unconventional idea about the African American woman at that time. Cleaver (1968) says that he had a picture of a white woman pinned on his prison cell wall and on one occasion, the prison guards to his cell came and tore down this image. In response to this action, Cleaver started questioning his true outlooks towards the Black woman. He even asked a number of prisoners about their opinions on Black women.
Most of them asserted that it was exceedingly difficult to be attracted to the black woman because black men were bombarded with images of white women who they could only idolize but never get. Consequently, Cleaver brings out the fact that black women were not admired by their men.
Soul on ice also reveals a very interesting phenomenal in gender issues; that there were double standards in treatment of women at that time. Cleaver (1968) confesses that he wanted to exercise control over the white race by raping their women. He further reveals that in order to perfect this act, he began by raping Black women. The most shocking aspect of the “Soul on Ice” was the fact that the author only apologized to members of the white race for raping their women but rationalized his violent sexual acts against African American women as part of the moral deterioration of their society.
This part drew some sharp critics from African American feminists who believe that the same mentality still exists today. Many African American women have been violated and abused by Black men but society dismisses it as a normal occurrence in ‘that’ part of society.
Bambara (1970) through her book “The Black Woman: Anthology” brings out a rather positive aspect to this discussion. According to the author, there are a series of exemplary black women in history who have depicted courage and promise through their actions. These author cites a series of poems, books and other works are highlighted in order to bring out the positive role that many Black women are capable of embracing at their time.
In the “Black woman”, the author manages to address some of the challenges that one has to tackle when trying address gender identity for African American women. She brings out the fact that many African American women were struggling with racial inequality and domination by males at the same time. Additionally, the author also explains that women have the ability to transcend their circumstance by becoming the best that they can be. Bambara (1970) claims that this is only possible when women manage to balance the following;
• Motherhood
• Racism
• Politics
She insists that being black and female presents an individual with double trouble in American society as she knew it.
The book is los particularly insightful in exploring the issue of male patriarchy and gender identity. Bambara (1970) believed that women’s identity could be constructed independently from men’s. She also asserted that women’s struggles needed to focus on the restoration of their rights rather than continual emphasis on the issue of their attachment to men. The latter author also believed that female identity formation needed to be intertwined with the concept of black hood. According to her, one could not eliminate the issue of race and claim to have discussed gender effectively. Bambara (1970) believed that African American women had the capacity to change their lives as they knew it because so many other women (as cited in her book) had done the same.
Jackson (1970) also epitomizes the struggle that African American women underwent during the regime. George Jackson was serving a sentence in Soledad Prisons. He decided to join the Black Panther Movement while in jail and started writing socialist ideology through his book “Soledad Brothers.” In his writings, more emphasis was on the black revolution and political ideology.
Very little reference was given to the direct role that women play in Jackson’s society. However, one can relate male struggles to female struggles because both these genders were members of one race and injustices undergone by Jackson were the same injustices that women had to undergo too. Jackson (1970) complained about the failure of the American system to include Blacks in the economy. Consequently, the same can be said about African American women at that time. They were also undergoing economic oppression because of the lack of economic opportunities. The capitalistic approach of the ruling class caused the black community to be the inferior group and women in that category were no exception.
Deburg (1993) asserts that the Black struggle in the nineteen sixties and nineteen seventies was not just a political movement; it was also highly cultural. This author believed that the most revolutionary actions carried out by the Black Panther movement were related to the following
• Racial pride
• Self definition
• Strength
The Black Panther party was instrumental in the restoration of racial pride within the Black people who had been struggling with self hatred for so long. In fact, a large percentage of them were instrumental in the restoration of this self confidence. Deburg (1993) also brings out the fact that self actualization was a concept that was widely preached by these members. They believed that they could restore strength and belief in oneself among the black people. These sentiments were deeply spread among the people and Black women must have received them too.
Deburg (1993) adds that this construction of black identity was done through music especially soul music, it was also done through other cultural avenues like paintings, folktales, comedy and writings. The author enlists some of the contributors to this struggle and some of them happened to be women. Consequently, through the book, it is possible to see that women played a crucial role in changing society. However, their contributions still do not outweigh or even correlate to those ones that their male counterparts made in the black struggle.
Additionally, Deburg (1993) also talks about the issue of beauty. He asserts that African American women as icons of beauty were redefined as a result of the activities of the Black Panther Party. They were able to assert that some of the conventional ideas of beauty in America were misguided and that the physical features predominant among Black women (such as the Afro hair and full lips) were attractive features.
Forner (1995) explains the fact that the activities of the Black Panther Party were highly misunderstood. Most of them were taken out of context and considered as just another invisible force in the Black community. The author talks about how women in this community were able to contribute towards the coz laid out by this Party by carrying out a series of community based activities. These included handing out posters, conducting liberation clinics and schools too. In other words, the author brings out the fact women in this movement were largely regarded as policy implementers. Men were the ultimate policy makers in the Party.
Hansberry (1959) was a demonstration of some of the struggles that black people and women especially were undergoing at that time. This play continued to be read and enacted in many parts of the country even years after Lorraine Hansberry’s passing thus bringing out the fact that African American women are yet to come out of certain oppressive situations.
Hansberry (1959) uses a series of characters, phrases and words in order to bring out African American women’s struggles during her time. For example, in this play; “ a raising in the sun”, the playwright uses the phrase “ drop the Garbo routine”. Through this phrase, the author is trying to show how men wanted women to know their place in society. This fact is seen through one of the characters in the play known as Beneatha. The latter character was different from others because she was aggressive and was unafraid to point out any chauvinistic tendencies among the men that she interacted with. This caused a lot of tension between her and her male counterparts because this was not expected of women. Additionally, this woman was independent and liberated.
Hansberry (1959) also brings out the fact that African American men expected Black women to behave in a submissive manner. She brings this out through another character known as George. George tells Beneatha that if she wants to find a husband, she would have to be act like other women; this meant that she should not have behave in a very intelligent manner or in a way that depicted that she had studied so much.
The latter author’s writings are also essential in bringing out some of the struggles faced by black women in her time because of the problems that this category of Americans had to overcome. Through another character known as Mama, it is possible to understand African American women’s plight at that time. Mama may seem like a strong woman when viewed externally, but inwardly, this woman was struggling with insecurities related to her children’s future as she was unsure about what it held for them. Another woman that was dealing with dilemmas in the play was Ruth. Ruth had found out that she was pregnant and that she would have to raise yet another child in a home that was already struggling with their finances.
This child was coming at a time when Ruth was having problems with her marriage and did not know what will happen in the future. Beneatha is also struggling with a much larger problem in the African American community and America at large; that of gender barriers. These were particularly difficult for her because there were also other class barriers imposed upon her as an African American woman. Lastly, the play epitomizes the rigid beliefs held by certain African American Men who held stereotypical views in a world that was filed with so many possibilities for change. Consequently, this was why such men tried rationalizing their traditional ideas as much as they could.
The role played by African American women today
The role played by African American women today has changed drastically compared to the sixties and seventies. One only has to look at recent political events that the country has witnessed today to certify this; one of them being that America elected the first black president in history. President elect Obama’s victory was important to the black race but it also provided an opportunity to re-examine the role of black women in society today and contrast this to what it had been in the past.
Many feminist activities believe that the existence of a black first lady provides an avenue that allows black people to have positive female role models. Many black women had problems finding such dominant black, female role models in the past. Through Michelle Obama, this has now changed.
It should be noted that Michelle Obama has fitted well into this role because she represents sound American values. She also represents strong black women who manage to overcome challenges in their communities to make it. This is because Michele attended one of the most prestigious universities in the land; Harvard and she also managed to rise up the career ranks, raise two daughters and be a wife to her husband. All these issues highlight the fact that Black Women’s portrayal in society today is more balanced than it was thirty or forty years ago. At that time, most women were supposed to take behind the scenes roles. Even in the Black Panther Party, they were seen as invisible elements or entities that would only be important in behind the scenes struggles. (Regina, 2001)
This kind of mentality has drastically changed today. Black women can be seen making speeches and participating actively in political life. However, this does not distort the importance placed on family values. African American women today are expected to be active politically or economically and also to be active in their personal lives through family institutions. First Lady Michelle Obama has epitomized this new image of the African American woman today.
However, one should not assume that these changes are without their flaws. The United States media being as trivial as it is has still depicted some negative depictions of these kinds of role models. For instance, when Barrack Obama won the Democratic primary elections, Michelle commented that “ for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because I think people are hungry for change”.
Many media houses kept playing the first fourteen words of this phrase. This caused conservatives and critics to label her as unpatriotic. This was unfair treatment of this female African American icon because very little attention was given to the last words in the latter phrase. Consequently, the criticisms were taken out of context. Other media houses have attempted to label her as a bitter woman because of the thesis she wrote during her university education about the oppression of black people. There was also a point in time when some groups accused her of talking against a certain white leader in church. These assertions bring out the fact that the media has still not fully embraced this issue. However, the latter are a far cry from what went in the nineteen sixties and seventies. At least now African American women in the limelight can be criticized and get a chance of exonerating themselves.
Also, they can express themselves more openly than they did forty years ago. (Hudson, 2008)
Another issue that is interesting to note about the portrayal of African American women today is the fact that there are still certain stereotypical images that bombard Americans today. Most of them encompass the depiction of African American women as loud, angry and physically large. These images have been common in most comedies or movies and African American feminists assert that in order to get rid of these stereotypes, then more “normal” depictions of women will be necessary. For instance, they could depict those ones studying etc.
Conclusion
African American women are now enjoying the fruits of their struggles during the sixties and seventies because back then women took the back stage; they hardly took part in policy making initiatives and their voices were not heeded. However, this has changed drastically today. African American women now have the opportunity to express themselves, take up leadership positions and be role models to others.
References
Cleavers, E. (1968): Soul on ice, available at http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Ice-Eldridge-Cleaver/dp/038533379X/ref=nosim/?tag=chickenajourn-20 accessed on 25th November
Bambara, T. (1970): The Black Woman, Washington Square Press
Jackson, G. (1970): Soledad Brothers – The Prison letters of George Jackson, available at, http://historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/soledadbro.html accessed on 25th November
Foner, P. (1995): The Black Panther's Speak; Da Capo Press
Baraka, A. (2000): Black Fire; an Anthology of Afro-American Writing; Plagrave
Deburg, W. (1992): A New Day in Babylon; Reed Business Information Publishers
Hansberry, L. (1959): A play - A Raisin in the Sun, available at http://www.public.iastate.edu/%7Espires/raisin.html accessed on 25th Nov 2008
Regina, J. (2001): African Womanism in the Black Panther party; Western Journal of Black Studies, 22nd September
Hudson, C. (2008): African Womanism; reclaiming our lives, Gale Group Publishers
Brown (1994): A taste of Power; Doubleday Publishers
By: Sherry Robbert
Author is associated with ResearchPapers247.Com which is a global Research Papers and Term Papers Writing Company. If you would like help in Research Papers and Term Paper Help you can visit ResearchPapers247.Com>
The role of African American women in the Black Panther Party and their depiction at that time
When conducting an analysis of the black movement in the Black Panther party, one cannot help but realize that there were numerous clashes going on in this association. First of all, Black People were struggling with the revolutionary agenda and in order to garner support for their movement, most of the members of this party had to construct certain identities that were unique to the black person.
Another issue that cropped up in this period was the fact that there high levels of Sexism in the Black Panther party. This was largely depicted by the Actions of the Party’s leaders-Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. In a book Published by Doubleday “A taste of Power” by Elaine Brown (1994), the author describes her experiences as a member of the Black panther party. Elaine Brown was brought up in a poor Black community but had the opportunity to access education.
During her time in the Black Panther party, Elaine Brown, along with other women in the movement were largely interested in transforming African American welfare. These actions were the things that took up most of her time. Some of the activities that Ms. Brown focused on included increasing medical assistance to her community, provision of food assistance among many other aspects related to the social well being of her community. However the men in this party had a more radical approach to their coz. Most of them applied as double thronged approach in the revolutionary activities; there was the political dimension and the militant dimension. Leaders like Huey Newton and Bobby Seale wanted to create a defensive system for the Black people through military techniques. These ideas even permeated into the running of their daily activities.
For instance, the Black Panther party used to publish a newspaper in which Elaine Brown was one of the editors. At one time, it happened that Brown (1994) had delayed with the newspaper’s production by one hour. In response to this action, the tough disciplinarian Booby Seale sought to find out who had caused this delay. When it was revealed that the editing took longer than required, Seale commanded his subordinates to disciple Elaine Brown. They did this by flogging her with ten lashes on her back.
Brown (1994) explains that while going through the beating, she was “burning with rage” at the actions of her leader Seale who seemed to be applying double standards in the administration of justice within this party.
Within the Black Panther movement, women were expected to silently obey the words of the male leaders. Even the manner in which codes of practice were established in the Black Panther Party reflected this deeply engrained Sexism. No one was expected to vote or contribute to the rules governing the party. Instead, women were to listen and abide by the decisions made by their male counterparts. It is also interesting to note that within this party, there were no female leaders as all of them were predominantly male. This goes to show that women were almost invisible. To the men in top positions, women were seen as instruments that could be used to implement the party goals and nothing more.
However, despite this seeming mistrust, on cannot overlook the fact that some women in the Black Panther Party contributed towards Black empowerment in their own silent way. One such case is the latter mentioned author who chose to change her society in whichever little way she could.
Cleaver (1968) in his book Soul on Ice brings in a totally different dimension to the sentiments and feelings that African American men held about Black women. It should be noted that this book was written while the author was in prison. He had been arrested and tried for a series of crimes that included robbery with violence. While facing life imprisonment, the author began putting his ideas to paper through this book.
In “Soul on Ice”, the author describes his experiences as a young black man struggling with his identity. In his descriptions, he brings in the element of the white women. According to the author, the white women symbolized something that was unattainable to the Black man. In other words, Cleaver (1968) regarded women in a political manner. To him, sexual interconnection represented an avenue that he could utilize to make known his political sentiments.
Through the book, one is also able to understand another unconventional idea about the African American woman at that time. Cleaver (1968) says that he had a picture of a white woman pinned on his prison cell wall and on one occasion, the prison guards to his cell came and tore down this image. In response to this action, Cleaver started questioning his true outlooks towards the Black woman. He even asked a number of prisoners about their opinions on Black women.
Most of them asserted that it was exceedingly difficult to be attracted to the black woman because black men were bombarded with images of white women who they could only idolize but never get. Consequently, Cleaver brings out the fact that black women were not admired by their men.
Soul on ice also reveals a very interesting phenomenal in gender issues; that there were double standards in treatment of women at that time. Cleaver (1968) confesses that he wanted to exercise control over the white race by raping their women. He further reveals that in order to perfect this act, he began by raping Black women. The most shocking aspect of the “Soul on Ice” was the fact that the author only apologized to members of the white race for raping their women but rationalized his violent sexual acts against African American women as part of the moral deterioration of their society.
This part drew some sharp critics from African American feminists who believe that the same mentality still exists today. Many African American women have been violated and abused by Black men but society dismisses it as a normal occurrence in ‘that’ part of society.
Bambara (1970) through her book “The Black Woman: Anthology” brings out a rather positive aspect to this discussion. According to the author, there are a series of exemplary black women in history who have depicted courage and promise through their actions. These author cites a series of poems, books and other works are highlighted in order to bring out the positive role that many Black women are capable of embracing at their time.
In the “Black woman”, the author manages to address some of the challenges that one has to tackle when trying address gender identity for African American women. She brings out the fact that many African American women were struggling with racial inequality and domination by males at the same time. Additionally, the author also explains that women have the ability to transcend their circumstance by becoming the best that they can be. Bambara (1970) claims that this is only possible when women manage to balance the following;
• Motherhood
• Racism
• Politics
She insists that being black and female presents an individual with double trouble in American society as she knew it.
The book is los particularly insightful in exploring the issue of male patriarchy and gender identity. Bambara (1970) believed that women’s identity could be constructed independently from men’s. She also asserted that women’s struggles needed to focus on the restoration of their rights rather than continual emphasis on the issue of their attachment to men. The latter author also believed that female identity formation needed to be intertwined with the concept of black hood. According to her, one could not eliminate the issue of race and claim to have discussed gender effectively. Bambara (1970) believed that African American women had the capacity to change their lives as they knew it because so many other women (as cited in her book) had done the same.
Jackson (1970) also epitomizes the struggle that African American women underwent during the regime. George Jackson was serving a sentence in Soledad Prisons. He decided to join the Black Panther Movement while in jail and started writing socialist ideology through his book “Soledad Brothers.” In his writings, more emphasis was on the black revolution and political ideology.
Very little reference was given to the direct role that women play in Jackson’s society. However, one can relate male struggles to female struggles because both these genders were members of one race and injustices undergone by Jackson were the same injustices that women had to undergo too. Jackson (1970) complained about the failure of the American system to include Blacks in the economy. Consequently, the same can be said about African American women at that time. They were also undergoing economic oppression because of the lack of economic opportunities. The capitalistic approach of the ruling class caused the black community to be the inferior group and women in that category were no exception.
Deburg (1993) asserts that the Black struggle in the nineteen sixties and nineteen seventies was not just a political movement; it was also highly cultural. This author believed that the most revolutionary actions carried out by the Black Panther movement were related to the following
• Racial pride
• Self definition
• Strength
The Black Panther party was instrumental in the restoration of racial pride within the Black people who had been struggling with self hatred for so long. In fact, a large percentage of them were instrumental in the restoration of this self confidence. Deburg (1993) also brings out the fact that self actualization was a concept that was widely preached by these members. They believed that they could restore strength and belief in oneself among the black people. These sentiments were deeply spread among the people and Black women must have received them too.
Deburg (1993) adds that this construction of black identity was done through music especially soul music, it was also done through other cultural avenues like paintings, folktales, comedy and writings. The author enlists some of the contributors to this struggle and some of them happened to be women. Consequently, through the book, it is possible to see that women played a crucial role in changing society. However, their contributions still do not outweigh or even correlate to those ones that their male counterparts made in the black struggle.
Additionally, Deburg (1993) also talks about the issue of beauty. He asserts that African American women as icons of beauty were redefined as a result of the activities of the Black Panther Party. They were able to assert that some of the conventional ideas of beauty in America were misguided and that the physical features predominant among Black women (such as the Afro hair and full lips) were attractive features.
Forner (1995) explains the fact that the activities of the Black Panther Party were highly misunderstood. Most of them were taken out of context and considered as just another invisible force in the Black community. The author talks about how women in this community were able to contribute towards the coz laid out by this Party by carrying out a series of community based activities. These included handing out posters, conducting liberation clinics and schools too. In other words, the author brings out the fact women in this movement were largely regarded as policy implementers. Men were the ultimate policy makers in the Party.
Hansberry (1959) was a demonstration of some of the struggles that black people and women especially were undergoing at that time. This play continued to be read and enacted in many parts of the country even years after Lorraine Hansberry’s passing thus bringing out the fact that African American women are yet to come out of certain oppressive situations.
Hansberry (1959) uses a series of characters, phrases and words in order to bring out African American women’s struggles during her time. For example, in this play; “ a raising in the sun”, the playwright uses the phrase “ drop the Garbo routine”. Through this phrase, the author is trying to show how men wanted women to know their place in society. This fact is seen through one of the characters in the play known as Beneatha. The latter character was different from others because she was aggressive and was unafraid to point out any chauvinistic tendencies among the men that she interacted with. This caused a lot of tension between her and her male counterparts because this was not expected of women. Additionally, this woman was independent and liberated.
Hansberry (1959) also brings out the fact that African American men expected Black women to behave in a submissive manner. She brings this out through another character known as George. George tells Beneatha that if she wants to find a husband, she would have to be act like other women; this meant that she should not have behave in a very intelligent manner or in a way that depicted that she had studied so much.
The latter author’s writings are also essential in bringing out some of the struggles faced by black women in her time because of the problems that this category of Americans had to overcome. Through another character known as Mama, it is possible to understand African American women’s plight at that time. Mama may seem like a strong woman when viewed externally, but inwardly, this woman was struggling with insecurities related to her children’s future as she was unsure about what it held for them. Another woman that was dealing with dilemmas in the play was Ruth. Ruth had found out that she was pregnant and that she would have to raise yet another child in a home that was already struggling with their finances.
This child was coming at a time when Ruth was having problems with her marriage and did not know what will happen in the future. Beneatha is also struggling with a much larger problem in the African American community and America at large; that of gender barriers. These were particularly difficult for her because there were also other class barriers imposed upon her as an African American woman. Lastly, the play epitomizes the rigid beliefs held by certain African American Men who held stereotypical views in a world that was filed with so many possibilities for change. Consequently, this was why such men tried rationalizing their traditional ideas as much as they could.
The role played by African American women today
The role played by African American women today has changed drastically compared to the sixties and seventies. One only has to look at recent political events that the country has witnessed today to certify this; one of them being that America elected the first black president in history. President elect Obama’s victory was important to the black race but it also provided an opportunity to re-examine the role of black women in society today and contrast this to what it had been in the past.
Many feminist activities believe that the existence of a black first lady provides an avenue that allows black people to have positive female role models. Many black women had problems finding such dominant black, female role models in the past. Through Michelle Obama, this has now changed.
It should be noted that Michelle Obama has fitted well into this role because she represents sound American values. She also represents strong black women who manage to overcome challenges in their communities to make it. This is because Michele attended one of the most prestigious universities in the land; Harvard and she also managed to rise up the career ranks, raise two daughters and be a wife to her husband. All these issues highlight the fact that Black Women’s portrayal in society today is more balanced than it was thirty or forty years ago. At that time, most women were supposed to take behind the scenes roles. Even in the Black Panther Party, they were seen as invisible elements or entities that would only be important in behind the scenes struggles. (Regina, 2001)
This kind of mentality has drastically changed today. Black women can be seen making speeches and participating actively in political life. However, this does not distort the importance placed on family values. African American women today are expected to be active politically or economically and also to be active in their personal lives through family institutions. First Lady Michelle Obama has epitomized this new image of the African American woman today.
However, one should not assume that these changes are without their flaws. The United States media being as trivial as it is has still depicted some negative depictions of these kinds of role models. For instance, when Barrack Obama won the Democratic primary elections, Michelle commented that “ for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because I think people are hungry for change”.
Many media houses kept playing the first fourteen words of this phrase. This caused conservatives and critics to label her as unpatriotic. This was unfair treatment of this female African American icon because very little attention was given to the last words in the latter phrase. Consequently, the criticisms were taken out of context. Other media houses have attempted to label her as a bitter woman because of the thesis she wrote during her university education about the oppression of black people. There was also a point in time when some groups accused her of talking against a certain white leader in church. These assertions bring out the fact that the media has still not fully embraced this issue. However, the latter are a far cry from what went in the nineteen sixties and seventies. At least now African American women in the limelight can be criticized and get a chance of exonerating themselves.
Also, they can express themselves more openly than they did forty years ago. (Hudson, 2008)
Another issue that is interesting to note about the portrayal of African American women today is the fact that there are still certain stereotypical images that bombard Americans today. Most of them encompass the depiction of African American women as loud, angry and physically large. These images have been common in most comedies or movies and African American feminists assert that in order to get rid of these stereotypes, then more “normal” depictions of women will be necessary. For instance, they could depict those ones studying etc.
Conclusion
African American women are now enjoying the fruits of their struggles during the sixties and seventies because back then women took the back stage; they hardly took part in policy making initiatives and their voices were not heeded. However, this has changed drastically today. African American women now have the opportunity to express themselves, take up leadership positions and be role models to others.
References
Cleavers, E. (1968): Soul on ice, available at http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Ice-Eldridge-Cleaver/dp/038533379X/ref=nosim/?tag=chickenajourn-20 accessed on 25th November
Bambara, T. (1970): The Black Woman, Washington Square Press
Jackson, G. (1970): Soledad Brothers – The Prison letters of George Jackson, available at, http://historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/soledadbro.html accessed on 25th November
Foner, P. (1995): The Black Panther's Speak; Da Capo Press
Baraka, A. (2000): Black Fire; an Anthology of Afro-American Writing; Plagrave
Deburg, W. (1992): A New Day in Babylon; Reed Business Information Publishers
Hansberry, L. (1959): A play - A Raisin in the Sun, available at http://www.public.iastate.edu/%7Espires/raisin.html accessed on 25th Nov 2008
Regina, J. (2001): African Womanism in the Black Panther party; Western Journal of Black Studies, 22nd September
Hudson, C. (2008): African Womanism; reclaiming our lives, Gale Group Publishers
Brown (1994): A taste of Power; Doubleday Publishers
By: Sherry Robbert
Author is associated with ResearchPapers247.Com which is a global Research Papers and Term Papers Writing Company. If you would like help in Research Papers and Term Paper Help you can visit ResearchPapers247.Com>
Thursday
Hair We Go Again! - the African-American Woman's Hair Raising Issue of Hair Vs. Health
The hair issue seems to be raising its ugly head again. With the recent release of the new Chris Rock film: "Good Hair" the conversation again turns towards the importance that black women place on their crowning glories. The amount of money that women, black women in particular, spend on their hair according to the film is staggering. We spend billions to have our hair "fried, dyed and laid to the side" as they used to say, and because of that, we are NOT going to mess it up. I know women who have claimed to develop awkward sleeping positions, like propping pillows up behind them, so that they could sleep sitting up. Or one young lady I know who claims to sleep with her head hanging off the bed so that she doesn't "smoosh" her do. I for one like a good night's sleep, so I'm not about to allow a style to get in the way of my dreamtime, so the most that I will do is to sleep on a pillow with a satin cover or pull it up at night with a satin scrunchie. Yes fashionistas, I did say scrunchie, and mind you, it's only for sleeping and doesn't go outside of the house.
In that same vein, a hairstyle has never kept me from the gym or my regular workouts. My personal stylist is very used to me saying to her, make it cute enough to last me a day, because it won't make it past the week-end. And many of my colleagues who see me with a straightened style know not to get used to it 'cause it won't look like this tomorrow.
I joke about that aspect, but it's true and very real. If you talk to most Fitness Professionals, especially those who have experience working with black women, the number one reason that they give for not working out is "they don't want to mess up their hair". To that I say, get over it! Maybe at one time that may have been a weak but valid excuse, but nowadays women have so much freedom to play with different styles. With the teaching schedule that I maintain, I work out regularly and still maintain a great appearance from head to toe. The trick is experimenting and finding hairstyles that work well with your lifestyle. You can braid it, get a weave or extensions, buy a ponytail, a wig, wear it natural as a fro, locks, twists. There are so many options, but just don't let the hair issue get in the way of your health. At the rate many of us are going we will be good looking corpses faster than you know it. Imagine the conversations at the funeral, "she was so young...but her hair was always fierce". Some how I just don't think that's how it will play out. At that final stage, who will care about your hair? Your fly and fierce hairstyles won't make a difference when you're not there to enjoy life with your loved ones, especially for reasons that are preventable! For those ladies who get it, I applaud you. I've seen some of these ladies get really creative. Before class they go into the locker room and carefully wrap their hair, and some have even rolled it up in curlers and covered it up with a scarf to keep it in style. When I see them after class or their workouts, they'll smile at me and say, "I love looking good, but I need to work it out and that's more important." What's even better about this whole scenario is that the guys at the gym who see this actually don't mind. Their response is, "I can't get mad at a woman who puts her health before beauty and a hairdo". Did you hear that ladies? They're more impressed that you're working it out. This summer I taught at a fitness event outdoors and it poured cats and dogs. I waited for the director of the event to tell me to stop the workout, but he said keep it going and so we did. Although we lost a few women to the elements, the majority stayed until the very end. And when the rain cleared I said, "Well, that eliminates excuse number one...the HAIR ISSUE. If you ladies can work it out in the rain, you have no more reasons to EVER use hair as a reason to forgo you workout again." They all laughed, but they knew it was true.
So why is this so much of an issue? According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), *80.5% of black women in the United Sates are considered overweight while 54.3% are clinically obese having a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30.
At these raised levels, that means that 80.5% of black women are at a higher risk for weight-related illnesses or chronic conditions that are exacerbated by higher weight levels such as Diabetes, Hyper-tension, Heart disease, Cancer and Stroke. Have the freedom to wear your hair in whatever fashion you choose, but please ladies, do not let it get in the way of your life! As the old saying goes "over my dead body..." if a change in habits does not occur today, that may be sooner than you think.
by Allegra Feamster
*Statistics source: CDC/National Center for Health Statistics; Health U.S., 2008, Table 75
*Statistics source: CDC/National Center for Health Statistics; Health U.S., 2008, Table 75
Wednesday
Talking About People
Admit it, on a good day you love talking about people! Whether it is what they are wearing, saying or doing, you have an opinion. But what happens when you are around people and that's all they know how to do? You most likely find yourself going along just to get along. "Girl, did you see what she was wearing...look at him he needs to lose some weight...did you see her weave...she call herself a Christian?" You see, when you subject yourself to people like this on a regular basis, you can't help but act just like them!
Talking about people; instead of talking about ideas is common amongst many African Americans especially the old school type. They are more interested in what their neighbor looks like than what he or she is doing for the community. I thought about this when I noticed some videos about some of our popular singers and dancers. Lets face it, most of them are not Christian no matter how much they say they love God -- they love a god, its just not the one in the Bible. They do things on purpose to be talked about such as dress half-naked, shake their booty for the camera, use expletives, yell, and act like a fool and some ignorant blacks will accept this as nothing more than entertainment. What would happen if we turned our heads and gave the foolish no attention? What would happen if we would not write about certain entertainers, watch their programs, or buy their cds? What would happen?
What non-blacks looking on the outside in see are people who act stupid and therefore assume they are stupid. Think about the times when you were with some ignorant family members who drew attention to themselves by talking and laughing loudly. Remember how you felt? Do you recall what people said or did around you?
Advertisers, producers, marketers, promoters, and others in the media know that blacks react to music and gossip. They know that if they create a drama, blacks will watch. They know that if they put a beat to a commercial, blacks will stop what they are doing. They also know that many blacks are very much into their Bible; therefore, if they can create a distraction by using a booty-shaking, pretty woman (or man) to parade around in front of them they will be less likely to follow the priniciples of the Bible. Without the word, you will most likely fall for anything and you will most likely spend time talking about everything but the word.
So when you hear your brother or sister talking about people, what exactly are they saying underneath all the criticism? Do they love themselves? Are they jealous of others? Do they look at another's flaws to try to build themselves up? What kind of person are they really? Should you even be associating yourself with them? How do you feel after you have been in their presence?
On the surface gossiping seems like its fun and harmless, but in the end it only leaves one bitter, jealous and further distant from the one true God.
God bless.
Nicholl McGuire
Freelance Writer, Published Author & Poet
http://www.twitter.com/writeratservice
Talking about people; instead of talking about ideas is common amongst many African Americans especially the old school type. They are more interested in what their neighbor looks like than what he or she is doing for the community. I thought about this when I noticed some videos about some of our popular singers and dancers. Lets face it, most of them are not Christian no matter how much they say they love God -- they love a god, its just not the one in the Bible. They do things on purpose to be talked about such as dress half-naked, shake their booty for the camera, use expletives, yell, and act like a fool and some ignorant blacks will accept this as nothing more than entertainment. What would happen if we turned our heads and gave the foolish no attention? What would happen if we would not write about certain entertainers, watch their programs, or buy their cds? What would happen?
What non-blacks looking on the outside in see are people who act stupid and therefore assume they are stupid. Think about the times when you were with some ignorant family members who drew attention to themselves by talking and laughing loudly. Remember how you felt? Do you recall what people said or did around you?
Advertisers, producers, marketers, promoters, and others in the media know that blacks react to music and gossip. They know that if they create a drama, blacks will watch. They know that if they put a beat to a commercial, blacks will stop what they are doing. They also know that many blacks are very much into their Bible; therefore, if they can create a distraction by using a booty-shaking, pretty woman (or man) to parade around in front of them they will be less likely to follow the priniciples of the Bible. Without the word, you will most likely fall for anything and you will most likely spend time talking about everything but the word.
So when you hear your brother or sister talking about people, what exactly are they saying underneath all the criticism? Do they love themselves? Are they jealous of others? Do they look at another's flaws to try to build themselves up? What kind of person are they really? Should you even be associating yourself with them? How do you feel after you have been in their presence?
On the surface gossiping seems like its fun and harmless, but in the end it only leaves one bitter, jealous and further distant from the one true God.
God bless.
Nicholl McGuire
Freelance Writer, Published Author & Poet
http://www.twitter.com/writeratservice
Monday
Stress Management - High Blood Pressure and the African American Woman
I am an African-American woman who was born and raised in the south. My family, like many other southern families, idea of having a good meal is eating smothered pork chops, home made mashed potatoes with gravy, collard greens with ham hock and jiffy cornbread with butter on top. In the south, we love to eat the hog and all of its parts. Southerners are known for eating chitlings, pork ribs, chopped barbecue, ham sandwiches, pork sausage, and bacon.
Everything Good To You Is Not Good For You
My mother cooked and fed her children pork because her parents cooked and fed their family pork. My mother died from too much stress on her heart, as did her mother. They both had high blood pressure and they both died young. I am forty years of age and I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Do you see the pattern? Is this a pattern in your family as well?
Eat Healthy
The way that you can manage the stress that is being placed on your heart is by preventing it before it happens. When you eat fried foods and pork products you run the risk of clogging up the walls of your arteries. If your arteries are clogged with build up from grease then you are putting stress on your heart because your heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood to your vital organs. Managing stress starts with your diet by limiting the amount of pork, salt and fried foods that you intake and increasing the amount of fruits,vegetables, whole grains and fiber that you eat. Before you change your diet, you should consult with your doctor. There are also many books out there about healthy eating as it relates to African-American women.
Exercise
You can also reduce the amount of stress you place on your heart by exercising. Your heart is a muscle that is connected to valves which are connected to your arteries. When your heart is pumping blood it moves the valves and when you are inactive there is not enough blood flowing to keep your valves working properly. Walking for about 30 minutes a day is a great exercise for strengthening your heart and keeping your blood flowing properly. You should consult with your doctor before you start a new exercise regime.
Statics show that African American women have a high risk of being diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a disease that can be passed on from family to family but you can also have high blood pressure because of controllable variables such as being over weight, inactivity and having poor eating habits. High blood pressure is a silent killer and can lead to strokes and heart attacks. If you have not done so already, get you blood pressure checked and work on controlling the amount of stress that you place on your heart.
Antionette Tate enjoys helping people to discover their inner peace and joy. She invites you to visit her blog "Inner Peace and Joy: Tips to Help You Maintain Inner Peace and Joy Daily" http://howtohaveasuccessfulday.blogspot.com/ or email tonietate1@aol.com
Everything Good To You Is Not Good For You
My mother cooked and fed her children pork because her parents cooked and fed their family pork. My mother died from too much stress on her heart, as did her mother. They both had high blood pressure and they both died young. I am forty years of age and I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Do you see the pattern? Is this a pattern in your family as well?
Eat Healthy
The way that you can manage the stress that is being placed on your heart is by preventing it before it happens. When you eat fried foods and pork products you run the risk of clogging up the walls of your arteries. If your arteries are clogged with build up from grease then you are putting stress on your heart because your heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood to your vital organs. Managing stress starts with your diet by limiting the amount of pork, salt and fried foods that you intake and increasing the amount of fruits,vegetables, whole grains and fiber that you eat. Before you change your diet, you should consult with your doctor. There are also many books out there about healthy eating as it relates to African-American women.
Exercise
You can also reduce the amount of stress you place on your heart by exercising. Your heart is a muscle that is connected to valves which are connected to your arteries. When your heart is pumping blood it moves the valves and when you are inactive there is not enough blood flowing to keep your valves working properly. Walking for about 30 minutes a day is a great exercise for strengthening your heart and keeping your blood flowing properly. You should consult with your doctor before you start a new exercise regime.
Statics show that African American women have a high risk of being diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a disease that can be passed on from family to family but you can also have high blood pressure because of controllable variables such as being over weight, inactivity and having poor eating habits. High blood pressure is a silent killer and can lead to strokes and heart attacks. If you have not done so already, get you blood pressure checked and work on controlling the amount of stress that you place on your heart.
Antionette Tate enjoys helping people to discover their inner peace and joy. She invites you to visit her blog "Inner Peace and Joy: Tips to Help You Maintain Inner Peace and Joy Daily" http://howtohaveasuccessfulday.blogspot.com/ or email tonietate1@aol.com
The Best African American Dating Sites Are Not Very Hard to Find
Nowadays, there are a lot of African American dating sites available for African American single men and women all over the world that it's becoming a whole lot easier and convenient for the entire community. In fact, one of the most popular sites that is constantly growing in number with regards to its memberships is Cupid Online Dating's African American dating service. It has become so popular and well-liked by the African American community that it has experienced much active participation from its members. It is not only easy to use, but safe, fun, and secure that you can instantly find your match in just a click of a button.
But before signing up for a particular membership, here are some important reminders to take note of before joining a particular dating website:
The first thing you should take note of is how the website is done. Check if it is really organized, well-designed, and monitored actively by the administrators. If the website you've landed on has too many pornographic ads for example, it's best you leave that site and look for better ones online.
Next, check if the website requires you to pay for a membership. Though some websites do this for funding and maintenance, you have to consider the price of the membership and the payment method as well.
See if the personal profiles are personally done by real people and not by posers who only want to expand their dating service with numerous personal ads and profiles. See if the profiles contain unreadable characters or the info doesn't make sense.
But before signing up for a particular membership, here are some important reminders to take note of before joining a particular dating website:
The first thing you should take note of is how the website is done. Check if it is really organized, well-designed, and monitored actively by the administrators. If the website you've landed on has too many pornographic ads for example, it's best you leave that site and look for better ones online.
Next, check if the website requires you to pay for a membership. Though some websites do this for funding and maintenance, you have to consider the price of the membership and the payment method as well.
See if the personal profiles are personally done by real people and not by posers who only want to expand their dating service with numerous personal ads and profiles. See if the profiles contain unreadable characters or the info doesn't make sense.
Friday
African American Marriages and Relationships Need a Lifeline
Historically the African American community has struggled with sustaining longevity and commitment to marriage. It's dutifully noted in numerous writings and teachings that slavery embedded a crippling blow to the African American community, a crack so precipitous that the African American family is faintly progressing, if at all. African American relationships need a lifeline.
Recent studies state Black women, in sum, are less likely to marry, stay married, and remarry. Those who marry do so at an older age than do whites. The differences between blacks and whites are greater than they were a generation ago. As a result, black women spend far less of their life in a marriage than do white women. White women now can expect to spend less than half of their lives married. But among black women, the corresponding figure has plunged from 40 percent to 22 percent - about the same proportion of life that the average college-educated person spends attending school. Marriage has become just a temporary stage of life for blacks, preceded by a lengthening period of single-hood and followed by a long period of living without a spouse. For blacks, even more so than for whites, a long, stable marriage is the exception rather than the rule. (Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage).
Why is it that more African American couples do not seek external support to salvage or improve their marriages or relationships? As resilient as African Americans are, there is often little resilience in regard to protecting and developing a marriage. Often other cultures will survive marital struggles and relationship conflict due to the practice and support of counseling, coaching, or even therapy if necessary. Arguably, other cultures seem to understand the value of open mindedness and the benefits of utilizing external avenues of support to assist with sustaining a healthy marriage, and relationship enhancement.
African American couples far too often rely on the "church" for direction and advice regarding marital and relationship support. Couples seeking support from the church is a positive option indeed, however, the church often offers a one dimensional view of "working things out" and often this support mostly prayer and scripture prayer. Well, prayer is good, but along with prayer there needs to be reinforcement and direction on various key elements of a relationship i.e., such as stronger and more effective communication between two people. In addition, there should be a re-evaluation of values and belief systems of the two committed individuals to determine if these values and beliefs are still in alignment or if they ever were.
Failure to understand your partner's beliefs and values is the key contributor to conflict in relationships. Prayer is ineffective without action to compliment it. Couples must understand what these actions entail and what steps can be taken as a unit, to effectively achieve each step in which will lead them to their shared goals within their relationship. Yes, prayer does change things but, the right actions helps things stay changed.
Lastly, the African American male has to step down from his egotistical thrown and stop believing that he or his relationship does not need the support of progressive tools and services that are in place to enhance him and his relationship. The notion of "I'm a man and I don't need anyone to tell me how to run my house" needs to be relinquished. Coaching, neither Counseling nor Therapy is services designed to neither deduce the authority of any man or woman nor dictate how a household should be run. These services are in place for positive and progressive growth and personal development individually as well as with a partner. This egotistical mindset is apart of the stifling problem that continues to cripple and contribute to the increasing percentages of divorce in the African-American community, increasing percentages of single black women, and the disparity of what an appropriate vision of black marriage should look like.
I'm not saying that this is the soul reason for the break down in relationships in the African American community. However, I am arguing that the African-American community as it pertains to marriage and relationships needs a lifeline. There are a variety of support services that are available to African Americans just as these services are available to other ethnicity as well. The difference is the other cultures exercise them regularly and often successfully. It is baffling to understand how the mental and physical energy easily dedicated towards various miscellaneous activities and tangible material things can be exerted effortlessly and without a second guess in the African-American household. However, often when the opportunity for personal growth is realized or if a marriage is on the brink of separation or divorce, it is effortlessly released without the same mental and physical energy or passion that is exuded towards other matters. The greatest investment is the investment in self; arguably this "investment" holds little value in the African-American home.
African American marriages and relationships need a lifeline; please share your services, your knowledge and wisdom with as many people as you can. Do not just attempt to "sell" them a service or product- offer them the value of personal development, stronger unity and the vision of a better future for themselves and their families.
Shelby Hill
Recent studies state Black women, in sum, are less likely to marry, stay married, and remarry. Those who marry do so at an older age than do whites. The differences between blacks and whites are greater than they were a generation ago. As a result, black women spend far less of their life in a marriage than do white women. White women now can expect to spend less than half of their lives married. But among black women, the corresponding figure has plunged from 40 percent to 22 percent - about the same proportion of life that the average college-educated person spends attending school. Marriage has become just a temporary stage of life for blacks, preceded by a lengthening period of single-hood and followed by a long period of living without a spouse. For blacks, even more so than for whites, a long, stable marriage is the exception rather than the rule. (Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage).
Why is it that more African American couples do not seek external support to salvage or improve their marriages or relationships? As resilient as African Americans are, there is often little resilience in regard to protecting and developing a marriage. Often other cultures will survive marital struggles and relationship conflict due to the practice and support of counseling, coaching, or even therapy if necessary. Arguably, other cultures seem to understand the value of open mindedness and the benefits of utilizing external avenues of support to assist with sustaining a healthy marriage, and relationship enhancement.
African American couples far too often rely on the "church" for direction and advice regarding marital and relationship support. Couples seeking support from the church is a positive option indeed, however, the church often offers a one dimensional view of "working things out" and often this support mostly prayer and scripture prayer. Well, prayer is good, but along with prayer there needs to be reinforcement and direction on various key elements of a relationship i.e., such as stronger and more effective communication between two people. In addition, there should be a re-evaluation of values and belief systems of the two committed individuals to determine if these values and beliefs are still in alignment or if they ever were.
Failure to understand your partner's beliefs and values is the key contributor to conflict in relationships. Prayer is ineffective without action to compliment it. Couples must understand what these actions entail and what steps can be taken as a unit, to effectively achieve each step in which will lead them to their shared goals within their relationship. Yes, prayer does change things but, the right actions helps things stay changed.
Lastly, the African American male has to step down from his egotistical thrown and stop believing that he or his relationship does not need the support of progressive tools and services that are in place to enhance him and his relationship. The notion of "I'm a man and I don't need anyone to tell me how to run my house" needs to be relinquished. Coaching, neither Counseling nor Therapy is services designed to neither deduce the authority of any man or woman nor dictate how a household should be run. These services are in place for positive and progressive growth and personal development individually as well as with a partner. This egotistical mindset is apart of the stifling problem that continues to cripple and contribute to the increasing percentages of divorce in the African-American community, increasing percentages of single black women, and the disparity of what an appropriate vision of black marriage should look like.
I'm not saying that this is the soul reason for the break down in relationships in the African American community. However, I am arguing that the African-American community as it pertains to marriage and relationships needs a lifeline. There are a variety of support services that are available to African Americans just as these services are available to other ethnicity as well. The difference is the other cultures exercise them regularly and often successfully. It is baffling to understand how the mental and physical energy easily dedicated towards various miscellaneous activities and tangible material things can be exerted effortlessly and without a second guess in the African-American household. However, often when the opportunity for personal growth is realized or if a marriage is on the brink of separation or divorce, it is effortlessly released without the same mental and physical energy or passion that is exuded towards other matters. The greatest investment is the investment in self; arguably this "investment" holds little value in the African-American home.
African American marriages and relationships need a lifeline; please share your services, your knowledge and wisdom with as many people as you can. Do not just attempt to "sell" them a service or product- offer them the value of personal development, stronger unity and the vision of a better future for themselves and their families.
Shelby Hill
Wednesday
Are You Fake or Ghetto?
If I see another young ignorant black female look me up and down without me even opening my mouth up, I think I'll scream! What is wrong with these ghetto girls? Have they no class? Oh that's right we are living in an era where keeping it real is supposed to be cool, acting ghetto is hip and so forth. Anything outside of that is fake. Kind of funny when those who are supposed to be "keeping it real" wear fake hair, eyelashes, nails, gold, designer bags, and so on!
Let me share my story. I attended a house gathering. I was already seated at a table when she walked in, she saw me before her man did and there she was checking me out. I smiled, waved my hand, even said, "Hello." She barely said, "Hi." I knew right away, she wasn't my kind. That's right, I said it, "my kind," because my kind isn't going to suck teeth, roll eyes, and show her cards before she sits at the table!
You see, we all have cards we play whether literally or metaphorically speaking. The ones I'm speaking about are related to one's personality. The cards being the attitude, thoughts and behaviors. I use the example of a card game. There are the playing cards you try very hard to not allow anyone to see until you know you are ready to show them in the hopes of winning the game. Too many sistas show their hands (as well as everything else) all the while thinking "I'm cute" with no objective. One old fool told me years ago, during our first meeting, barely knowing me, "You are one of them that think your cute." I was floored, "What? You don't even know me I told her." She said, "That's what I thought before I got to know you. You alright, I guess." When I thought about her words while looking at the woman seated near me, I realized she showed the cards in her hand. A darker skin woman with a complex about lighter skin hues with long hair, I thought. Well, you know she quickly went on my list of those who just "ain't" my kind of people.
So back to the house gathering, on another occasion I spoke to another eye bouncing, insecure woman, who this time didn't have a man who she could worry about, and she too quickly looked to the left and then to the right and back again at me barely saying an audible, "Hi." She was a light hue like me, so I thought skin tone most likely isn't the issue she has with me, I wonder what's her story? So I sat back and watched her, because at some point I knew, she like the other insecure women I have encountered in the past, would play her hand too! So I spoke about an issue that was non-related to my observation (you see I'm not showing my hand) to a room full of women. I watched her reaction to me, she was shifting around looking as if she was trying real hard to ignore me. What I said was a noncontroversial thought directed at someone in the group, I wasn't long winded with what I said, I figured that the eye rolling woman was just doing what she does best being insecure, but then the thought came to me, she, being younger, probably thinks I talk white, is being fake, or some other ignorant thought young women think about when observing older women who look and speak better than them! It wasn't long before I noticed that she was "the type." The type who hadn't been around many women who spoke intelligently. I recognized that same reaction from other young women like her in the past. If these women knew any better they would know, there are experiences one has when he or she attends college that molds and shapes some more than others (ask President Barak Obama and his wife Michelle.) Most educated people have a demeanor that is very different than uneducated ones. It is often misconstrued for being fake or "acting white." I would say for some, whether educated in a college, trade school or self-educated, they aren't being fake, maybe out of touch even weird, but not fake! To be fake is to be something you are not, but when you are what you are you will walk it and talk it. A person with a higher education walks and talks differently than one who doesn't. Does it make them better than the next woman or man in personality or in spirit? No. But there is a good chance, that he or she will do better academically, but I digress.
So here I am with more life experiences to add to my School of Hard Knocks education. I have to defend myself from haters (a street term used to define people who are jealous of others.) I sometimes feel that I have to prove that I am not fake; however, I will not resort to acting ghetto to prove a point! Acting ghetto is like saying a bad word, it just comes out you don't have to work on it! There isn't much effort needed in that department for me!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com
Let me share my story. I attended a house gathering. I was already seated at a table when she walked in, she saw me before her man did and there she was checking me out. I smiled, waved my hand, even said, "Hello." She barely said, "Hi." I knew right away, she wasn't my kind. That's right, I said it, "my kind," because my kind isn't going to suck teeth, roll eyes, and show her cards before she sits at the table!
You see, we all have cards we play whether literally or metaphorically speaking. The ones I'm speaking about are related to one's personality. The cards being the attitude, thoughts and behaviors. I use the example of a card game. There are the playing cards you try very hard to not allow anyone to see until you know you are ready to show them in the hopes of winning the game. Too many sistas show their hands (as well as everything else) all the while thinking "I'm cute" with no objective. One old fool told me years ago, during our first meeting, barely knowing me, "You are one of them that think your cute." I was floored, "What? You don't even know me I told her." She said, "That's what I thought before I got to know you. You alright, I guess." When I thought about her words while looking at the woman seated near me, I realized she showed the cards in her hand. A darker skin woman with a complex about lighter skin hues with long hair, I thought. Well, you know she quickly went on my list of those who just "ain't" my kind of people.
So back to the house gathering, on another occasion I spoke to another eye bouncing, insecure woman, who this time didn't have a man who she could worry about, and she too quickly looked to the left and then to the right and back again at me barely saying an audible, "Hi." She was a light hue like me, so I thought skin tone most likely isn't the issue she has with me, I wonder what's her story? So I sat back and watched her, because at some point I knew, she like the other insecure women I have encountered in the past, would play her hand too! So I spoke about an issue that was non-related to my observation (you see I'm not showing my hand) to a room full of women. I watched her reaction to me, she was shifting around looking as if she was trying real hard to ignore me. What I said was a noncontroversial thought directed at someone in the group, I wasn't long winded with what I said, I figured that the eye rolling woman was just doing what she does best being insecure, but then the thought came to me, she, being younger, probably thinks I talk white, is being fake, or some other ignorant thought young women think about when observing older women who look and speak better than them! It wasn't long before I noticed that she was "the type." The type who hadn't been around many women who spoke intelligently. I recognized that same reaction from other young women like her in the past. If these women knew any better they would know, there are experiences one has when he or she attends college that molds and shapes some more than others (ask President Barak Obama and his wife Michelle.) Most educated people have a demeanor that is very different than uneducated ones. It is often misconstrued for being fake or "acting white." I would say for some, whether educated in a college, trade school or self-educated, they aren't being fake, maybe out of touch even weird, but not fake! To be fake is to be something you are not, but when you are what you are you will walk it and talk it. A person with a higher education walks and talks differently than one who doesn't. Does it make them better than the next woman or man in personality or in spirit? No. But there is a good chance, that he or she will do better academically, but I digress.
So here I am with more life experiences to add to my School of Hard Knocks education. I have to defend myself from haters (a street term used to define people who are jealous of others.) I sometimes feel that I have to prove that I am not fake; however, I will not resort to acting ghetto to prove a point! Acting ghetto is like saying a bad word, it just comes out you don't have to work on it! There isn't much effort needed in that department for me!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com
Friday
Is African American Mothers to Blame for Out of Control Men?
She did the best she could to raise her son without his father. You see, his dad and most of the young boys in the community, grew up without a father. When you spend some time interviewing mothers like her, she will tell you that her child's father was no good! He would cheat on her, sell drugs, drink too much, run with his friends, etc. You may feel for our sister and tell her how great she was for raising this child, but there is something you may not have thought about...why would she select a man like that anyway? Oh she may tell you, "He wasn't like that when we first started dating." He may not have been as bad, but certainly there were some signs to suggest she would eventually have a real problem on her hand. Now if she chose to ignore the signs, she not only put herself at risk to be hurt emotionally and/or physically, but her child was put at risk before he even got here!
So now this innocent child who came from a seed who didn't want him, or wanted him but chose not to raise him, is suceptible to all sorts of problems as a man and when he gets in trouble no one wants to take responsibility (noticed I didn't say "take the blame.") The truth of the matter is once the damage is done, the blame game does nothing more than name a person, it doesn't put his mother in prison, it doesn't make her pay monetarily, and it doesn't heal anyone. So can you blame her? Some will say, "Blame the daddy, he wasn't there!" His absence may have impacted or increased the chances for his child to do wrong, but when it all comes down to it, the child/man is responsible!
It's so easy to blame the mother for her out of control son, the woman for the mate she chose, the girl for being abused and misused, the ignorant for not getting a good education, the family for everything that is wrong with America! But when will society wake up and realize that pointing the finger is not going to make an out of control boy or man, become better! Tearing down a family, a career, and a life is not going to help matters!
Lazy, critical, racist, and foolish people will say that "if it wasn't for...they all are alike...that's why we can't get...that's why they won't..." and other statements like these, because they aren't intelligent enough to come up with a solution. So what is the answer when a young man becomes out of control? Where does he get help? What do we look for in childhood, to not only determine which category he should be placed in, but what should he and us be doing to help him while he is still young, and where do we get the money to pay for the top of the line care? See, there are plenty of resources, but money ultimately determines who gets the best care. So if you don't have the income, nor can you travel to the best resources, you are stuck with whatever the free program around the corner can give you!
You see, there is a lot of talk in the African American community about the almighty butt whippin', but what isn't being said is "what do I do when the butt whippin is ineffective?" It may have worked for you, but there is a new generation of children that isn't even a little bit fazed by the mighty butt whippin'. Some children are retarded, hyperactive, disabled, and other similar things, how does a butt whippin' get through to a child who goes from one mood swing to the next? It may work temporarily on him or it may never work! Now you have a bitter, angry, and resentful young man who can't wait to hold a gun in his hands! It's unfortunate, but many parents from the ghetto in New Orleans to the mansion in Beverly Hills, don't know how to balance punishment with love! Lots of hitting and sassy talking, but not enough hand holding and walking!
So I close with this, it's time that society get it right! Put a halt on passing judgment on these young boys and men who entertain us, work for us, help us, and love us! It isn't just about his momma, wife, or girlfriend, when he gets in trouble! It's about the choices he chose to make (good, bad or otherwise) and when he makes the wrong choice, which one of us will step up to the plate, not talk about him, give a brotha a hand, not slap him!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com
So now this innocent child who came from a seed who didn't want him, or wanted him but chose not to raise him, is suceptible to all sorts of problems as a man and when he gets in trouble no one wants to take responsibility (noticed I didn't say "take the blame.") The truth of the matter is once the damage is done, the blame game does nothing more than name a person, it doesn't put his mother in prison, it doesn't make her pay monetarily, and it doesn't heal anyone. So can you blame her? Some will say, "Blame the daddy, he wasn't there!" His absence may have impacted or increased the chances for his child to do wrong, but when it all comes down to it, the child/man is responsible!
It's so easy to blame the mother for her out of control son, the woman for the mate she chose, the girl for being abused and misused, the ignorant for not getting a good education, the family for everything that is wrong with America! But when will society wake up and realize that pointing the finger is not going to make an out of control boy or man, become better! Tearing down a family, a career, and a life is not going to help matters!
Lazy, critical, racist, and foolish people will say that "if it wasn't for...they all are alike...that's why we can't get...that's why they won't..." and other statements like these, because they aren't intelligent enough to come up with a solution. So what is the answer when a young man becomes out of control? Where does he get help? What do we look for in childhood, to not only determine which category he should be placed in, but what should he and us be doing to help him while he is still young, and where do we get the money to pay for the top of the line care? See, there are plenty of resources, but money ultimately determines who gets the best care. So if you don't have the income, nor can you travel to the best resources, you are stuck with whatever the free program around the corner can give you!
You see, there is a lot of talk in the African American community about the almighty butt whippin', but what isn't being said is "what do I do when the butt whippin is ineffective?" It may have worked for you, but there is a new generation of children that isn't even a little bit fazed by the mighty butt whippin'. Some children are retarded, hyperactive, disabled, and other similar things, how does a butt whippin' get through to a child who goes from one mood swing to the next? It may work temporarily on him or it may never work! Now you have a bitter, angry, and resentful young man who can't wait to hold a gun in his hands! It's unfortunate, but many parents from the ghetto in New Orleans to the mansion in Beverly Hills, don't know how to balance punishment with love! Lots of hitting and sassy talking, but not enough hand holding and walking!
So I close with this, it's time that society get it right! Put a halt on passing judgment on these young boys and men who entertain us, work for us, help us, and love us! It isn't just about his momma, wife, or girlfriend, when he gets in trouble! It's about the choices he chose to make (good, bad or otherwise) and when he makes the wrong choice, which one of us will step up to the plate, not talk about him, give a brotha a hand, not slap him!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com
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Based on a work at africanamericanplanet.blogspot.com.
