Feed a Child South Africa | Problematic Advert

In the name of charity is it ever alright to depict a black child as a dog belonging to a white owner who is fed scraps off food to throughout the course of the day? Even if the message is to state that many children eat worst than dogs. This is what This is Africa is asking.  Take a look at the advert by Feed a Child South Africa. It just screams wrong, wrong, wrong. If this is how white South Africans see the indigenous Black populations poor children, what do they think of the rest? The advert is in one of the most poor tastes I have seen in a long while. I just wonder if poor white children are depicted in this way in South Africa. It is just bad really. The could have done this ad by showing a well fed dog and a child with an empty bowl at a dinner table to sat on a porch. If this is the box they are in, this charity needs to think outside of it.

Read the article on This is Africa here.

Channel 4 discussion with Dencia

Dencia defends her product and its name on Channel 4 news. She argues that her cream although named Whitenicious is not a bleaching agent but a spot treatment and blames the media for the image it has. Dencia actually on her social media outlets has thanked the media for mentioning her product. Before and after pictures of Dencia clearly show that she is an avid skin bleacher. Regardless of what she says, many who seek help with hyper pigmentation are not going to see her product and think that it helps to even out the skin tone. The image it portrays is of a pale ghost like lady promoting a product that places "white" skin at the top of its agenda.

The Latin Good Hair Bad Hair Debate

I spotted this documentary called Negro : Pelo Malo or Black : Bad Hair on Alice in NappyLand's blog . It gives a broader look at the whole good hair bad hair debate that has plagued the African Diaspora. This documentary share stories from many African-Latinos and the experiences they have gone through regarding the perception of their hair. (I would normally only post hair related posts on my natural hair blog but felt this debate is always worth sharing with everyone.)

It is quite interesting I have come across this doc as this week I had a debate with some friends. Some have daughters who have begun reading about what is in a Relaxer and have begun transitioning back to their natural hair texture. Of course their parents likewise always say "my child has bad hair and just cannot cope with it" as a reason why they want their daughters to keep relaxing their hair. I also found one who would do twist outs to get back some curls in her hair. 

I also have a friend who went back home to Nigeria for a family event. She usually wears a small curly coily fro which is growing all the time. Her family told her she needed to do something with her hair as in it's natural. Luckily for her they were satisfied with a natural protective style as opposed to chemicals.

The real problem is that far too many people in the worldwide Black community lack knowledge in how to care for their own God-given hair. I myself grew out my relaxer years ago. My scalp did not like it. I have gotten lazy with my styling but as tempted as I am to go back I doubt I will. When someone says they or their child has bad hair they most probably need to re-think how they actually treat and care for their hair. In the explosion of the Natural Hair Movement  the wealth of knowledge is out there and no more excuses. Nowadays there are even forums which are multi-cultural and dedicated to people simply with curly or kinky hair. 

I am not against choice so if you relax your hair that is fine. I am just against ignorant dated comments. That if you were to check the origins of those thoughts and sayings you may find it was not your ancestors who originally coined those terms which have since been embraced en-masse by a whole nation of people.

One more thing the documentary made a good point. A lady said when you think of bad hair what they really mean is African hair. So the closer your hair is to African texture the undertones of the argument means its too far from Europeans and means less progression more primitive looking etc. How sad. Yet if any person cared to look at African countries from North to South they would come across multiple hair textures as so it should be the case for the Motherland. 

A parody of reality

One of the people I follow on twitter tweeted this video by @Chescaleigh. It is called "Shit white girls say to black girls". Now I have seen some response videos that completely miss the point whilst others have expressed that it has been an eye opener. The part of this parody I relate to the most is the hair issues. In previous jobs schools I have had question after question thrown at me about my hair. These hair questions and the want to touch come hard and fast whether I wearing my own hair or extensions I bought. I have no qualms telling people when I have extensions that it is not mine but it becomes tiresome when everyday you are asked the same questions. Thankfully the last group I worked with had a more mature attitude and did not have desires to get in my hair with their fingers. But imagine even if it is not yours it is attached to you. I have had hair issues with other non African Diaspora races too. Having said that I know a few Black people that did not realise I had so much hair. Shame on them!!. 

Trivial things that have been said to me is that my own hair reminded someone of their pubic hair. Another lady touched my hair and was like "oh its so soft", as if it was not going to be. Anyway if you have not seen this video take a look. It has gotten 3million views so far. The original video that has started  whole wave of these videos is called "Shit girls say" and is also worth a look.

Jessica Ramsey aka Chescaleigh explains her reasoning behind the video on Huffington Post

If we can't laugh together we probably can't grow together. Thoughts?

Children are not colourblind

I have been watching the BBC series on mixed race Britannia. One of the ladies featured was born to a Jamaican mum and white European Englishman. She spoke about how she was adopted due to her mums mental health and that she was placed in a white family in a white area. Growing up she had almost no non-white interaction. On her first few visits to see her birth mum she was scared of her because of her dark brown skin. I do not care what anyone says, she was obviously told or observed and overheard certain things that would lead to such a reaction. It did not help that she was not around both races that made her. She did however speak of being called names and her adoptive mother telling her to respond to the ignorant folk that she did not have to spend thousands on a holiday to get a tan. However she had no diverse culture as what is normally said to be celebrated by mixed race people. The man she met introduced her to west indian food and bit more culture.

Now I mention this because we are always told that kids see no colour. Well someone told me that about that animal that is supposed to be mans best friend. Anyway I was sat at home with my boys when I over heard a conversation taking place. My youngest who is currently 3yrs (and three quarters) attends playgroup and my oldest is 6yrs old. They are doing their usual banter and than suddenly I hear son 2 say to his brother "you're black hahaha" and pointing his finger at him as he spoke. Son1 was quick to reply and said "No! I am not black, I am brown!" My ears my eyes did a double take. To make sure I was not hearing things I enquired what was said and the exact same thing was repeated. 

Son2 goes to a playgroup the children are various backgrounds though predominantly white. All I can take from this is that some kid who is already being programmed by his/her parents has told my baby he is black. At home we just say Jamaican and British etc. I told Son1 yes you are right you are brown. It would be wrong for me to tell him that this crayon is brown which is darker than you and for me to tell him oh but your skin colour is black. I hate to think what sort of conversations take place in some people's homes. Now though Son2 calls himself brown and they both recognise the various shading our family has. Maybe this new generation will move people towards nation and culture rather than skin colour of which the current ones do not actually fit.

I have had many debates about the use of Black and African etc. Some African Americans from Bill Cosby to the common man do not appreciate their African genetics and just want to be called American and happily accept Black over African. I myself I am fine to a limited degree with Black in a political sense when not expanded to be all encapsulating to other non european races. However when it comes to describing me and who I am. I am an African-Caribbean by way of Jamaica that just happens to be British. Mouthful? No, because I do no often have these conversations. White folk or rather Europeans are like well your English as you are born here but culturally I am a West Indian Brit and as a people is recognised in this way politically too.

All in all no one can tell me that kids do not see colour. My children have been seeing colours from the moment their eyes focused and only as they have come into contact with other children whose parents are a bit loose with the tongue began to pick up skin colour. Son1 never had such an experience when went to nursery. I still feel like complaining but I am leaving it and correcting what they hear as and when it comes along. They believe me, after all, over everyone else (including Daddy.......). 

Sidenote: The issue for me is not that my child has been called "black" but the way in which it was said. The children are aged between 2-4yrs old. Yes as my hubby says children name call all the time but this at this age is of an adult nature and cannot be accepted with no form of concern. 

Should we care for Ben

Ben Douglas has written an article in the Daily Mail, to express his disgust at being called the N-word. But should we as a Black community care about his feelings when he mocks us on radio and TV. He fails to realise that the stereotypes he throws at his own people are the same ones people throw his way. His appearance on The Big Question was so shocking. He looked so flabbergasted when Precious Williams (whose book I must read one day which is titled Precious) discussed the cultural and identity problems she developed in her mixed adoption. In her case it was not that her parents could not look after her, the judge dismissed them as they were black. Her adoptive parents were loving but she was just not culturally aware and grew up with negative attitudes to her own people but threw education she has learned differently.

Now Ben was not having this and he basically tried to say her experience was rare, yet Dr Derrick Campbell who was a guest on the panel who works with people who suffer the fallout from being disconnected from their culture agreed with Precious. He called Ben out for his remarks on Radio 4 where he likened people from his birth place as dressed in tribal gear running around an open top fire. How can any Black person be taking seriously with remarks like that.

So when his latest article in the DM appears where he is disgusted at being lauded by his preferred peers with a racial slur (which it must be noted is not used as a term of endearment by all Black people) he comes crying that he was racially abused. I think Ben was shocked because he disassociates himself from Black culture and he readily accepts the white English culture that he was raised in. 

What does he mean by "I'm from Surrey not Harlem". Is he trying to say that it is okay to be called the N-word if you are from Harlem and all the other cities he named? Is he calling all rappers gangsters? He throws around the fact that he works in theatre as if to say that makes him special. Well Ben you should know many Black people work in theatre and attend theatre shows.  It is fine if you do not want to be seen as a Black British man but just an English man of no specific race. I just hope you see that the racial stereotypes you often throw at other Black people are the same stereotypes your preferred peers will and have thrown your way. 

I doubt you will be humbled by this. I bet Brian Belo is more culturally aware than you. I just cant sympathise with or for you. I hope the DM and its readers gives you sympathy you want. But I doubt you care about what I think. Right now I just cannot take this man seriously.

The Blessing and Curse of the Hottentot legacy

When Europeans invaded Africa for their selfish gains and general curiosity they encountered a people who contrary to popular belief were well fed in some parts. Their body shapes were somewhat different to what the explorers imagined. Traditional European women shapes came with little to no curves in comparison. Their curves were achieved by slipping into tight breath taking corsets that pushed the breasts upwards under the chin and squeezed the waist in. This gave the impression that the ladies who wore this style of dress had a tiny waist with womanly curves.

Sara Baartman hailed from the Khoi Khoi tribe in what is currently called South Africa. She was taken from Africa and paraded around Europe during the 19th century as part of a freak show. She was referred to as the Hottentot Venus. Her people were referenced with the name Hottentot however the correct name is Khoi Khoi. Venus completed her show piece show name in reference to greek goddess of love. The crowds were in awe of her large derriere and gawped at her genitalia. When she passed away a revered European scientist dissected her body and put her private parts along with various body parts on show. In 2002 her remains were given to South Africa and given a proper burial.

Fast forward to 2011. Women of African descent are dotted all over the globe. Come in all different shapes and sizes. The general consensus is that to be a Black woman means you automatically have curves. We get ridiculed for having a big bum or big boobs. Yet when we are lacking in these things we are ridiculed. I have heard so many non Black folk complain about Beyonce's shape yet get happy for Jennifer Lopez. I never thought of Jennifer having much of a bum to get hyped up about to be honest. She just had an "acceptable" shape.

Ninetynine Magazine

Whilst at the You're Beautiful Woman event I went to last week. I had the pleasure of meeting some innovative and inspirational black entrepreneurs. I love magazines but cut down on them dramatically. However this magazine caught my eye.

It is called Ninetynine magazine. Olumide Solanke is one of the creative forces behind the magazine. He spoke to me about it with such joy. You could tell that care and thought has been taken to create this rarity in Black British society. It is filled with stories of UK Black achievers in every level of society. Their mission states that they aim to “identify, inform and celebrate the achievements of proactive black people in the UK”.

It is quite a new magazine a unisex one at that. I have the 2nd issue which has been a very lovely read. Tim Campbell from the Apprentice is the cover star, who shares his life since Apprentice and his current role and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust. This issue explores the need for role models, family values, young mentors , food, money and much more.

I will definitely be subscribing , that way I do not miss a copy. The subscription fee may not be a discount like my Glamour mag. Though it is so worth the read and will save me searching for this brilliant magazine. Have you read it, if so what do you think? I think this is just what Black Britain needs. A positive inspirational magazine from the UK.

Jonathan E. McCoy'S Speech: A New Petition

My friend posted this clip on Facebook. I was so moved by what he had to say. I so agree that we should choose our words carefully. The N-word needs to be laid to rest like yesterday. Watch the clip and let me know what you think.

Celebrate Africa in its entire beauty

Judging by what the media and various aid agencies show you. It would be easy to assume that Africa is just one big ole land mass of poverty and destitution where staying alive is a job all in itself. This may ring true for certain parts of Africa in some cities. However there is a vibrancy in Africa the media will not readily talk to you about.

Sisters Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu have made it their mission to highlight all that is good in Africa. They are travelling by road and embracing Africa and her people various cultures in it’s beauty. Their journey began July 2008 and is destined to end July 2009.

After the journey which is funded by themselves and donations, they will write a book and short film as well as help other young Africans make the journey too. That to me sounds really good.

People forget that Africa is where life began. The oldest fossils are in Africa. Africa has a wealth and history that pre-dates many of these younger nations around today.

Please take a look at the site and read about their journey and Celebrate Africa.

Focus on me and what I want

You know my life has been full of people telling me what they feel is right for me. Yet my opinion is not right for them. I give up sometimes. It just goes in one ear and out of the other. Especially if you are nagging me. You have your opinions and so do I.

Some friends have turned their back on brothers and are telling me the materialistic reasons why doing so is so good. Me being me, I am like "there are good decent brothers out there". So you know just because you have gone for the rough please do not swipe all of them with the same brush. I have two sons to bring up and backside I am not going to allow anyone to pre-determine who they are by the colour of their skin. You love who you love and that all there is to it.

Rant over. I might write a thought provoking piece on that but will see. Anyway I have been thinking about what I like to do and need to do. So firstly I need to do a course and complete it. I need to get healthy and start listing what I eat. I am kind of addicted to the dummies series of books. I have 'Nutrition for Dummies'. I believe if I start reading it again I can educate my mind into making healthier choices. My friend loss loads of weight and she agreed with me. I may not eat loads I just choose quick fixes.

Also I have now decided to seriously setting up my own business. I doing my research at the moment. To fit in with my life it would be an online business venture. I am also going to try and add pictures of my makeup looks on this blog. I buy so much I might as well share. Oh by the way. I went to christening and bought 3 Barry M dazzle eye shadow dust. It was on offer in Superdrugs 3 for £9.99. The colours just matched my dresses accent so much. I just love eye shadow. Purple is now my second favourite eye shadow colour after green. Gold is third.

I am done with negative people. I already know what is wrong in my life, what situations are not good for me. People just need to understand I am the only one living my life and only I can do me. I am working on the inner me, the spiritual me. I am just going to make sure that I take care of me really.

PS - My addictions seem to be eye shadow and books. Trying to cut down on those. Lip glosses are soon to be added to that list but I have more restraint. I was so tempted today to buy L'oreal lip gloss that was just so pink and sparkly it was calling my name. I put it back on the shelf and went and got the Pampers I went in the shop for in the first place.

Italian Vogue's Black Edition

For as long as Italian Vogue made it known they would change up the skin hues on their fashion pages for one month, the world has been talking. Is this significant or a good marketing ploy. All editions of Vogue magazine tell you exactly who they feel is beautiful. Even their readership harbours the same views. How often do you hear the sentence 'black models do not sell when on the front page'. Is it that they do not sell or that particular month never sells good at all. There could be endless answers to that. Of course there is an answer which I believe is more true.

Now I am not going to lie, I have joined the Facebook groups, received numerous text messages telling me to go and buy this edition of the magazine. A magazine I never buy. Well I believe they have a clever double edged sword in the marketing. This may not all be by choice. Various sources have said that its not the magazine that fears it wont sell, its the publishers and distributors predicting poor sales. That in itself speaks volumes. These whispers have led to many urging all to buy to prove them wrong if only for one month.

I do believe that the magazine will sell well. We like seeing ourselves presented. I might buy a copy if I am able to get hold of a copy just so I can see what Vogue's definition of Black beauty is or just to look at fashion photography with black women as the main focus so to speak.

In conversation with a friend I mentioned that I did not feel this one off magazine edition was a cause for celebration. The models will probably be super slim, little or no curves, straight hair/weaves, medium to light in complexion. If they manage to capture the full spectrum of black beauty than well done for one month. If not, then its nothing new.

I will leave you with this quote from an email that was sent to me by a good friend of mine, whereby (its appears to be by ) Dr Lez Henry critiques Vogue and the Black community reaction to this novelty issue ;

In a time when Afrikan-centred organisations and individuals are struggling to publish magazines, books, films etc. etc. to unshackle our minds, you can bet your bottom dollar that many who are circulating these stupid emails and texts have never circulated one that supports these endeavours, much less purchased any of their products or attended any of their events, which is why I suggest that when it comes to many blacks it seems that LUNACY IS TRULY IN VOGUE!!

Knowledge gives us the power to liberate or enslave!

What do you think? Celebration, contemplation or nothing at all.