How To Rent A Negro

Sometimes you stumble upon something that is controversial, yet kind of cool at the same time. A couple of years ago a woman by the name of Damali Ayo authored a book entitled “How to Rent a Negro”. I had the book on my shelf for a while, but never got around to reading it until recently. I found it to be a hilarious and satirical look at what goes on between the races in American culture. The book is set up as guidebook for transactions between the renters (whites) and the rentals (blacks). The premise of the book is that if you are going to be the token black in a situation you might as well be compensated.

Although "the purchase of African Americans was outlawed many years ago," Ayo writes, "black people are once again a valued and popular commodity." In her view, they appeal especially to whites who rely on their relationships with blacks as evidence of their own progressive politics or simply to inject some sorely needed "cool" into their lives. Ayo has in mind real-life versions of George Costanza, the "Seinfeld" sidekick who spent an entire episode in search of a black person whom he could pass off as his friend in a social situation.

Whites like George need not despair that slavery is no longer legal, Ayo suggests. "Those who want to utilize the service of an articulate and well-mannered African American are easily classified as renters. Those who find themselves serving as certified African Americans for colleagues and friends are conveniently referred to as rentals." Her book is a tongue-in-cheek guide to completing such "transactions" with a minimum of fuss. As I mentioned the book is very funny, but it also has a sobering ring of truth.

http://www.rent-a negro.com/books/pages/How%20to%20Rent.htm

The Lena Baker Story

Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris", "Martin") will be starring in an independent film entitled "The Lena Baker Story" about the first and only Georgia woman to be sent to the electric chair. First of all I am totally against the death penalty under any circumstances. The main reason is that it is a barbaric and outdated way to deal with crime. Secondly, it does not deter crime because those who commit crime do not think they will get caught and many people actually do not get caught.

Another problem with the death penalty is that some people on death row are not guilty, which brings me back to Ms. Baker. It seems that this woman was used for sex (raped) by her employer regularly and when she finally got the nerve to fight back she ended up killing him which led to her being convicted (by an all white, male jury) and sentenced to death. Although she proclaimed her innocence, stating that she acted in self-defense, she was executed. Sixty years after her execution she was pardoned by the Governor of Georgia.

Although justice came far too late for this mother of three, her story can help to illustrate what is wrong with the United States justice system. The same problems that existed sixty years ago still persist today. People of color continue to bear the brunt of an justice system that often times simply does not work . Some people say that the time has come to move on and not focus on the past. I beg to differ, “Those who are unaware of history are destined to repeat it" - George Santayana. I welcome any comments you might have.

The Boondocks

Anyone that familiar with me knows that I love the "Boondocks" an adult cartoon on the Cartoon channel created by Aaron McGruder. The cartoon is actually a spinoff of sorts from McGruder's political comic strip in which the main characters are 10 year old Huey, 8 year old Riley, and Robert Jedediah Freeman or "Grandad" as he is affectionately referred to by his grandsons. Rounding out the cast is Thomas Dubois (The District Attorney), his wife Sarah, his daughter Jasmine, and Robert's self-hating buddy, Uncle Ruckus (no relation).

Riley is a grifter who is forever trying to get something for nothing. For instance he convinces his grandfather to act as if he is blind in order to reap the benefits from two reality show. These schemes always have a backlash and unfortunately the characters end up in much worse shape than they started.

Huey is the voice of reason in an insane world. He is intellectual, militant, and well-versed. In one episode he is asked to speak at his grandfather's friend funeral. Huey recites poetry from Khalil Gabran, the little brother is DEEP!

There is also the semi-regulars that stop by from time to time, such as, Remy and Ed Wunsler III, a new character called Thugnificent and his crew consisting of Macktastic and Flownominal. Below is a clip from this week's episode in which Grandad is introduced to the world of internet dating.

The Twenty Fifth Anniversary of AIDS

There is a movement to promote AIDS/HIV testing between now and February. Organizers of the Black AIDS/HIV Awareness day are asking the public to know their status and get involved in the education and awareness raising process. America could be more diligent in stamping out AIDS/HIV if it had not be for the homosexual implication of the disease. In the beginning AIDS research was not a priority in this country because it was viewed as some sort of punishment for what was considered an immoral lifestyle. Now twenty-five years later, we still do not allow advertisement of condoms on television, unlike England, Sweden, and other European countries.

The powers that be in television do not accept condom advertisements because that are concerned about the backlash from religious and political leaders who oppose public discussions about sex education and birth control. Once again the powerful dictate public policy, which causes the citizenry to be ill-informed, unaware, and unprotected. This attitude will not change in the near future because it stems from a deep and unresolved cultural conflict in American society.

I am interested to know what others think about AIDS/HIV and the issue of condom advertisement in the United States.