More to Love

Mika sang it well - "Big girls, you are beautiful". It's wonderful to see such a strong emergence of non-skinny women on the entertainment scene. The standards must erode away until they're gone. Not every woman out there is super-thin. Big girls usually have the most powerful voices anyway.



Gabourey Sidibe who acts in the movie Precious. The movie has not come out yet so can't say much but I'm anxious to see it.



Beth Ditto, lead singer of the group gossip who's impressed everyone with her unique vocals. What a diva.

Joe Wilson the Ignoramus

Wow, Nancy Pelosi's face said it all. She took a double look and creased her eyebrows in bemusement. What was Joe Wilson thinking shouting "You lie" to the President after making a statement about illegals not being included in the new Health Care program. What kind of sense of entitlement causes a person to yell out something that profane during a President's address. White Republicans and Conservatives are really having a hard time eating their humble pie and just accepting the President of the US for who he is. Not just another black man who they're so used to looking down upon and infantilizing but the most important and powerful man in the land.

Shame on them!

Caster's Verdict-Intersex

So the truth is out. While most were on the "She's a man" bandwagon. There were some less exaggerative ones speculating that she has a biologically androgynous nature. So what are they going to do about her career now? This case may raise some questions about how to classify hermaphroditic individuals in sports. Those who fall outside of the gender binary have always been shunned and pushed to the margins of society. Perhaps stories such as that of Caster Semenya will force the world to rethink the way it approaches gender issues within sporting tournaments.
As for the 'YOU' magazine spread. It appears to me as a desperate last ditch effort to prove to everyone that she is just a regular 18 year old woman.

The Black Snob referred to YOU as a "tabloid" magazine. Haha. Props to Danielle's sense of humour. Never thought of it that way. Just one of those long standing locally produced cheap mag with creepy articles sometimes. Come to think of it, it's a kind of paper mix of gossip, local stories, fashion articles for teens, cartoons, a short story, a TV guide, a centrefold porter, more articles. It's loaded with things . That anyone would find it necessary to buy regularly is beyond me.

District 9: Finally Seen It

Two days ago, I satisfied my curiosity and went ahead to check it out. Funny incident. A man resembling JM Coetzee became impatient whilst waiting in the ticket queue about 30 minutes before the movie was scheduled to begin because there was only one till operating. He angrily tried to nudge me forward, it was ridiculous. I was the only one in front of him and the line was short. Patience is something so many must make a habit. Since I love watching people get mad in public, it was really hilarious.

So let's get to the movie. It's really on surprise to me that it turned out the way it did. Hollywood can't help but revert to stereotypes in relation to people of colour. Once again, the main protagonist is white. We are forced to view people of colour, in this case Nigerians, as somewhat subhuman or a deviation from normality. We perceive the story through an intrinsically white lens and thus empathise with the protagonist and his life. So I can certainly agree now that I've seen it with the critiques made at racialicious. It may not be an allegorical reference to apartheid entirely but it did deal wad of offensive racial stereotypes. My question is was the Nigerian aspect really needed. What part did it play within the main plot other than that of attempting to provide comical relief in somewhat of a heavy movie. In that case, it seems Neil Blomkamp and his people found it quite appropriate to 'bamboozle' these caricatured characters. Typical Hollywood style.

As far as the movie being an apartheid allegory, I beg to differ. If the prawns are somewhat of a representation of blacks during the time of National Party rule, why is it that they come from a different planet. Remember who the original inhabitants were. This movie does not come across as allegorical. It was a worthy attempt at science fiction within an incongruous context. But some aspects of it were just plain egregious. Either way, I'm glad to see more blockbuster-scale movies being shot on the continent. Let's just hope the writers and directors will attempt to do a wiser job at portraying characters in a less prejudiced and more progressive light.

When the World Debates Your Gender

What a firestorm Miss Semenya has caused. Ever since, she siezed the gold medal for the 800m women's at the IAAF Champs, she's been at the centre of this totally ridiculous controversy concerning her gender.

It's funny to me. When I saw her running, it did not even occur to me that her gender is somewhat unclear. I saw a young woman running exceptionally well and clobbering her competitors. As it turned out, the French and Russian runners that she beat were upset about the astounding way she won the race and went on a mission to create some speculation.

She's been treated to a hero's welcome here - OR Tambo Airport was populated with hundreds of newfound fans congratulating her first-time performance at the tournament.
But it's the questions that baffle me. She's muscular yes, she's strong and athletic in physique like most other athletes yet there still remains a big question mark as to what side of the population she should be classified under and it's kind of tragic.

I know she's a woman. You can see it on her face. She may not conform to the popular standard of beauty that society seems to dictate. Her hair is not long, her body is not soft, her breasts are not full and she does not wear her hair long. That's exactly why she's been given so much scrutiny. I really don't think they would have bothered had she been more feminine in the way she appears.

I've even heard some say that she must change her ways and learn female etiquette. Once again, it comes down to the gender-binary and the pressure it puts on androgynes to fit the norm. I wrote a post about gender-role transcendence before and this is certainly something to consider here. We're a long way away from a world where gender is hardly an issue in the way people are judged.

On the other hand, I would agree with those that accuse those that alleged against her of racism. Would they have bothered to bring this up if she had not placed first and simply won silver or bronze or nothing at all? No, they would not have given a damn and that goes to show that whites still have a problem with people of colour dominating sport. Venus and Serena have had to face up to the same challenges and evne worse for them playing in a sport which is white-dominated.

News:IOL

Claims of racism were made against "white media" and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) by politicians and Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene these past two days, but Sam said Semenya formed part of their strategy for London and would remain so unless an investigation into Semenya's gender by the IAAF proved otherwise.

The bloggers at racialicious made some pertinent comments about the whole charade and I could certainly agree with most of what is being said by the media defending Semenya's privacy. This case should have been handled in a confidential manner but it's leaked. Can you imagine having the whole world debate on whether or not you really are what you claim to be? I certainly can't.

Long Silence

J Randy Taraborrelli's 620 page biography on the late Michael has kept me busy for a while. Was a fanatic of course, it was necessary to undertake this venture and glad I did. A bevy of new information earned and my oh my how entertaining. He was a character. Don't need to say that but this book is privy to knowledge even some hardcore fans may not have known. So, officially over it but the full musical collection must still be owned so not entirely achieved closure.

Between dodging annoying people without assuming the battlefield stance and laughing at simpletons parading the TV screen on "reality" shows. I've managed to gain momentum in fueling ideas for a literary project. This is all very personal and never write full posts this way but funny as it may seem. I don't have much else to say. How apathetic of me. Well. That's a wrap for now. Keep it locked.

Compassion for the Plight of the "other"

Is perhaps one of the most incredible triumphs of human character to note. We don't realise it but recognising the humanity in those that are not like us is a challenge. Especially in a world that is so bent on forming divisions instead of breaking them through empathy and understanding.

These thoughts emanate from an article in the Saturday Star Canvas by Janet Smith. This month we celebrate women's lib or what we have of it. Though much needs to be done to obtain full equality, great strides have already been made. In comparison to women that lived half a century ago, we have many more opportunities to grow and progress as humans and not simply women. Ideas surrounding gender roles are much less rigid. Women can more or less do anything they want to. For that, it is a privilege to be a woman in the 21st century.

But it is a woman's location that makes all the difference. Muslim states in Africa and Asia still practice brutal genital mutilations. A clear act of pure unadultered misogyny which is accompanied by a myriad of other heinous acts.
I began this post with some talk about empathy. A recent movie which has struck plenty of controversy mainly owed to a scene in which a woman mutilates herself 'Antichrist' has left me wondering. The European public is so up in arms about this scene which is part of a movie and thus not real but less troubled by the reality of the many thousands of mutilations that take place. It serves to speak of how empathy breaks down almost immediately at the ethnic barrier. The West is somewhat indifferent to the suffering of those is less developed regions of the world because of this business of seeing only the "other" and not a fellow human being similar in a number of ways.
Otherization is something we have probably all been guilty of. Recognising that common humanity that binds us is one way forward toward a post-racial and post-sexist society and world.

History Making: Empowerment and Inspiration to Women and Hispanics

I'm wary of those that always try to suppress matter of race as if they mean little. Keeping silent about racial prejudice and other forms of segregation will not help these injustices disappear nor will it heal the wounds and break the divisions caused by systemic bigotry. One who avoids discussions of this nature is quite possibly fearful somewhat of confronting their own prejudiced ideas pertaining to the "other" and therefore chooses to ignore the issue altogether. It is somewhat an attempt to mask the dirt lying beneath the carpet surface instead of sweeping it away and disposing it off. This is what a person who avoids conversation about race is to me.

That being said. It is highly essential that Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation into the US Supreme Court be regarded as a historical moment based on her race and gender. Though she reached her position not based on these factors alone. It is still a triumph in this respect because as much as some out there like to pretend to not give a damn about race. It is impossible to ignore it and its implications on many acts of inequity and oppression throughout the world. So why try to?

Disturbing Doesn't Even Begin to Describe

The short story I just recently discovered. Written by the author of the book from which the motion picture 'Fight Club' was adapted, Chuck Palahnuik. It is a gruesome three-act account of household accidents which take place under similar motivations. I'm being euphemistic of course. You'll have to read it yourself. It's not for the faint-hearted, no pun intended considering that approximately 70 people to date have fainted during public readings of the story. I grimaced without moving while going through it. It was that horrendous.

This is why literature is such an exhilirating force. The power that can be evoked through an ordered compilation of words coupled with the images strewn together by one's imagination. This is where the power is. I may not have fainted reading 'Guts' but I was intrigued, stunned and repulsed all at once. Want to know what I'm on about. Google it but be warned. It'll make you react in a strong way.

Saying I'm Vain Wouldn't Be Fair

I'm not vain. My face is a canvas and my scalp is my terrain. I approach matter of my image as an artist or landscaper will treat their work. With careful precision and knowledge of one's own self in order to fully express all that is within in the physical realm.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I'm seeking the assistance of a hair stylist to vamp up my look. I'm going short and asymmetrical. Cropped on one side and fairly long the other. I've been inspired by those eccentric youngsters and their avant-garde hair designs that defy convention.

I want to go off the hair extensions for a long time. Short hair is chic and easy to manage. Figured I'll give it a go. Reading Luuvie's post about Solange's short hairdo at the incroyable Black Snob's website encouraged me. Society has a preference for women with long hair. So?

"I'll Be At the Studio"

She hasn't been in the news alot but her twitter updates have shown that she's in the studio working on future projects.
Namely, the first artist on her record label NEET Rye Rye. The single 'Bang Bang' is hot. Very nice dance beat with the kind of heavy percussion that you could step to. Great work. Haven't been able to view the video so why on Earth would I torture myself by posting it.

Silent Lady

She hasn't been in the news alot but her twitter updates have shown that she's in the studio working on future projects.
Namely, the first artist on her record label NEET Rye Rye. The single 'Bang Bang' is hot. Very nice dance beat with the kind of heavy percussion that you could step to. Great work. Haven't been able to view the video so why on Earth would I torture myself by posting it.

insight from bell hooks: patriarchal family values

Yesterday I came across a man in his 30's with brunette hair and tanned skin who on hearing me greet him while we shook hands asked "Where I got my accent from?" Strange little comment. I replied in a whimsical and joking manner - "From outer space." What kind of a question is that really. Is there a place that people can go 'specially for the purpose of picking up accents. Does he think that I forced myself into speaking this way through careful deliberation instead of it just having progressed naturally throughout my life. Now, I find it hard to classify my accent because although I've lived in South Africa for most of my life, I've dwelled in other places too so it is very eclectic. It's not really one thing at all. It's an amalgamation of so many different elements. So, I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world. An Earthling. I am eloquent because I read obsessively. Perhaps this is the surprising factor - the fact that I am well-spoken. Which indicates to me that a person of my ethnic background is not expecting to have a wholesome command of the English language in this country and I suppose in another Westenrized countries. How patronining. I find it prejudiced. It's certainly not the first time I've noticed a surprised expression on a person's face on hearing the first sentence come out of my mouth or even an explicit compliment based on my high level of eloquence and how well I articulate.
Why such low expectations. It's so ridiculous how paternalistic some people can be. Of course, it doesn't bother me but observations must be made for the sake of a better understanding of the world around me. It's not about narcissism - it's about dispelling ignorance in my own mind by understanding and perhaps even trying to find a common ground.
bell hooks made this point in her thesis, Feminism: A Transformational Politic

To understand domination, we must understand that our capacity as women and men to be either dominated or dominating is a point of connection, of commonality.

In this commonality, she argues, we can begin to reach a common understanding - experience empathy - which may help to terminate our divisions and prejudices for one another. Within a family unit, there are aspects of domination and submission, superiority and inferiority. The traditional nuclear family most certainly serves as a microcosm for society which is based on patriarchal belief systems and heirarchical structures.

Reading the following was a cathartic moment. Empathy! Something I've always pondered in secret and never been able to vocalise until now. In most traditional family units, it is impressed upon children that they are the lesser beings, that they must take orders in an almost militaristic fashion. Now, I certaily understand discipline and teaching right from wrong but in families - black ones especially - guidance is delivered in such a way that dehmuanizes and degrades, silences and discredits the voice of the child as if to say that it is worthless. Is it no wonder that when the child involves finally leaves the nest, they experience trouble standing up against authority even when they know very well that their rights are being violated by it. Such upbringing beats one into submission and does not foster the opportunity for raising a person up into a fully-autonomous and self-expressive human being who will not under any circumstance tolerate injustice against their own person.

Growing up in a black, working-class, father dominated household, I
experienced coercive adult male authority as more immediately threatening,
as more likely to cause immediate pain than racist oppression or class
exploitation. It was equally clear that experiencing exploitation and
oppression in the home made one feel all the more powerless when
encountering dominating forces outside the home. This is true for many
people. If we are unable to resist and end domination in relations where
there is care, it seems totally unimaginable that we can resist and end it
in other institutionalized relations of power. If we cannot convince the
mothers and/or fathers who care not to humiliate and degrade us, how can we
imagine convincing or resisting an employer, a lover, a stranger who
systematically humiliates and degrades?

There is a lucid correlation between a person's ability to take control within their nuclear family unit and their corresponding ability to do so outside of this unit. The moment a person's voice is free and most importantly, respected, within the family, they are given the unconscious knowledge that the same will occur at the workplace, amongst friends, toward a lover etc etc

In a broader sense, considering this correlation, the violation of the traditional nuclear family has its implications on why there remains such open right-wing opposition to families headed by same-sex parents. The notion of two fathers or two mothers is not traditional and is most essentially a violation of the patriarchal notion of the man being the head of the houshold. Could this be why same-sex marriage is still so controversial? Is it more an upset of patrirachal values that hold society "together" and keep male hegemony intact than it is a violation of morals and the like?

Why the Gates Arrest Shouldn't Surprise Anyone

In the 'Land of the Free', your achievements, level of education and respect from your community mean null and zero when you as still a member of a minority race group. Sometimes it's as if some whites are on a mission to prove that it doesn't matter what you have done and how much talent you have you're still below us because we're the ones that are white and you're not!
Gates arrest should not be a shock, guess what colour his skin is. Yes, Obama said it right. The officers had a lot of "stupidity" for what they did. It resounded like an act of sabotage. "Ok, let's pretend we think this guy doesn't live here, ask him what the hell he's doing trying to get into his own house. Aggravate him until he is livid with rage, not apologise for screwing up his day and when he reacts as a normal human being would do who has been treated in such a undignified manner not just this moment but many moments before this for his entire life as a black intellectual residing in a nation that works against the favour of people of colour and tries at all costs to push them to the fringes of its society. Let's re-awaken those emotions so that we'll have proper reason to arrest him as we should every one of them."

They want Obama to apologise. Put things into perspective. The police are a phony institution. The supposed defenders of justice perpetrate it continuously.

They Try to Make Me Go to Readaholics Rehab I Say "No no no!"

Hi my name is Miss Sheeba and I'm a readaholic. From the external observer perhaps who may not share the same passion, it may appear that there is are strong elements of moodiness, insecurity, shyness or social ineptness in one's character. Yet avid readers know that it is anything but.

Ann Donald wrote the article that sparked these thoughts in the Sunday Times Lifestyle. She herself is an obsessive reader and will choose to reading above any other activity. Kindred. I'm often confronted by loved ones displaying a tinge of dismay about my choice to delve into the private world of my own imagination. Where the writer's words are brought to life before my eyes and I am so drawn in that all that I am able to transcend all that exists of me and around me. I elude and leave my body behind and inhabit another world that is new yet familiar in ways in which are entirely relatable. An author, Alain De Botton said this, "The point of reading is at some level to feel less lonely, to feel less isolated with feelings, and also to feel less confused. I think that books have a privileged place in letting us know we're not alone...reading is not just a distraction, it's not just about passing an exam, it's to help you get through the day." Amen. Most cannot stand reading because it smacks off a notion of being distant from others. Yet it is when I am reading that I feel the most connected. It is a paradox yes. An enormous one. But once you fully grasp it, your life is opened to an entirely new dimension of perception. And can be an intense pleasure. The bounds of one's imagination are limitless. Yet images keep our thinking in a box in the shape of television. Reading is a much more powerful and evocative exercise. Those that find reading boring have simply not observed the beauty and potence of their own right brains.

'Elizabeth Costello' by JM Coetzee offered me insight into the way Africans view the act. In essence Africans are community-driven and this spawns somewhat from the oral tradition. Other civilisations have been more book-oriented in their ways of recording history and attaining knowledge. A reader, in this continent, is somewhat of an anomaly, a deviant and therefore someone to hold in slight suspicion because of their silence. Keeping quiet and keeping to oneself are essentially bizarre in most African traditions. Which explains why my loved ones often assume that I am deliberately slighting or ignoring them by engaging in a rather antisocial activity. When in actual fact, my mind (and body) could not be any further from that of what surrounds me. Even that I am not looking for a distraction but rather a heightening of the sense-perception and furthermore an enlightenment. The indescribable and inimitable place my mind can travel to in the act of reading books. It's no wonder the act is so addictive.

Ego Surges: When Men Turn to Aggression to Vent Hurt

Yesterday was one hell of a day. But let me begin by saying that I have been reading a very pertinent book by a the mega-selling author of 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' - Richard Carlson. This one is a follow up and is entitled 'What About the Big Stuff?'. It's not just another load of self-help garbage as some cynics may proclaim. For those that need to get themselves on the right path to living a life guided by wisdom, it is the perfect read. I've gained so much insight from it that it's brought me to a state of inner peace. This is something I've battled with over the past several months so I'm glad to have been taught how to put things into perspective. Firstly by realising how burdensome a mind that never keeps quiet is. I noticed how easy it is for thoughts to run in and out of your head without limitation. I'm starting to develop the habit of stopping certain ones from lingering to long. This often causes a change in emotions. After all, it is true that thoughts precede feelings. The calm that has emerged in my existence emanates from this philosophy. I'm able to concentrate better and most importantly, live every moment to its fullest. What's the use of life if one can't sit back and just take in each second. It makes so much more sense. I know if I hadn't been told or at least reminded of these vital rules by which to abide by, I would've been taken upon a tidal wave of futile emotions this weekend.

Family drama like nothing on this Earth! When I look back on it, boy was it funny. Listening to Grace Jones 'Nipple to the Bottle' this morning reminded me of a male in my family who got physical with me yesterday. Now, it wasn't anything serious. He just tried to ruffle my feathers a little but with my levels of beastliness, it just didn't happen. I managed to break free from him after he held me up against the wall and then, shook me by the head repeatedly. My mother stepped in and stopped the devil from doing further damage. So, I didn't get messed up and I won't have to slash anyone with a kitchen knife in living up to my nickname - Stabs. Haha. All is well in my soul though because I have the wisdom to know that the attack had litte to do with me, I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Mind you, the male I'm talking about has a history of violence against women. I know very well that his anger stems from deep insecurities. On top of that, plenty of male chauvinistic fallacies and a not-so-latent-anymore misogyny. Well, is this the first time I've been confronted by an insecure man's aggression. No, it's happened before yet I've been knowledgable enough to see through it. One guy who happened to be anti-Semitic grabbed my neck and shook me repeatedly after I made a siding remark about Jewish people and the Holocaust but he was also mad because I rejected his advances. So that explained that one. Another male member of my family has pushed me around on two occasions. Now, they've never really hurt me at all. But my curious nature galvanises my interest in male psychology in relation to the above incidents. Men react to their hurt with physical acts. Whereas on the op-end women internalise theirs and tend to become masochism. This shows up in numerous ways. Eating disorders, self-loathing, low self-esteem etc. I've made it a habit of putting things into the right perspective by not getting into fits of rage. But since emotions are somewhat inevitable. Anger must be expressed in an outward direction. Not, I believe, at a person. As men often tend to do because society often condones men objectifying women and children, often times these are the people upon which male anger is attempted to be projected.


Unless the issue of male chauvinism is addressed in relation to male violence. Many women will often continue to blame themselves for the violence that they endure at the hands of men as my contemporaries keep on asking me. "What did you do for him to do that?" It's not a question of what a person does. No matter what a person says or does, a man has no right to lay his hands on a woman without her consent. This is a violation. No matter what. My own mother who was beaten carries this mindset. That if a woman is beaten, it means that she has done something wrong. That is what I call internalised male chauvinism. In essence, BULLSHIT! When will women wake up from these fallacies and see that a man who is physically aggressive in fact toward anyone is pathological and in need of proper psychological help as my poor father is. The first step to getting better is always admitting that there is a problem not with other people but with oneself. The wise Gandhi once said it, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

This weekend has served me with a tremendous deal of insight. Luckily I've had the wisdom to see things objectively - for what they truly are without turning to the usual masochistic way of rationalizing other people's pathologies that women often tend toward.

Michael's Orientation

Despite the many women that may have flung themselves at Michael during his youth when he was that attractive young man singing, "No one's going to be defeated", he hardly ever seemed to express any interest in women sexually. There was a celibate air about Michael. Many noticed. This was confirmed after a tape of a conversation he had with a young boy in which he expressed that his defloration took place later in life than usual at the age of 32. But he often felt lustful and longed to sleep with a woman. Well then why didn't he just hit it with Billie Jean, Dirty Diana or any of the other screaming groupies that obsessed over him? And why oh why was he having a talk with this level of mature content with a child of nine??


Eccentric Michael. I still love his music though. So, he must have been an asexual says close friend Brooke Shields. Hm, is she only saying that because he didn't display any interest of the sort in her. If so, then she is one pompous lady. But perhaps she knew him well enough considering the closeness of their platonic relationship.


Discussing asexuality. Though to the non-asexual person, this orientation seems almost difficult to comprehend, there do exist individuals out there who simply do not experience sexual attraction toward anyone at all. Though some do engage in it simply for the physical experience and satisfaction of libido, others remain autoerotic (preferring to satisfy themselves in solitude) whilst some refrain from sex altogether. Michael may very well have been one such people. All he seemed to have love and time for was music. Women may have been of little sexual importance except for when it came to his lyrics, videos and shows. He may have kissed that woman from the 'The Way You Make Me Feel' during the 'Bad' tour but what difference in importance can one attach to this than with his kissing Bubbles the Chimp? He kissed people all the time, it was non-sexual because it probably is true that Michael was asexual. Not concerned with intercourse at all. And his "lust" may have been just a way of him trying to conform or step away from his perceived awkwardness.

The Illiterates Convention

Though the anonymous nature in which people on the internet can interact is somewhat of a bonus when it comes to having the courage to air one's opinions. Such as in the wonderful blogosphere. There come an array of embarrassing repurcussions of this kind of anonymity. One of them is the perpetual disintegration of the English language.
Users of youtube are especially guilty not only of butchering the English language to shredded meat but of the most laughable racist, chauvinistic, homophobic slurs and epithets you will ever hear.
Again, I can only owe this to the level of anonymity that the internet affords a user. One has the free ability to vent all their frustrations and anxieties from daily life in a manner which is conducive to their secrecy. Then there are clowns who usually make statements in order to guage the reactions of others or begin fights on message and comment boards alike.
A mixture of apathy, illiteracy, frustrated emotions and bigoted thinking - the make up of the Illiterates Convention we now call interactive internet.

What a Relief This Is

So, after reading about the IAT tests developed by Prof Anthony Greenwald of Harvard University I took it upon myself to try them out.

Aware of how others may perceive me based on my ethnic group and gender, I was curious to know how I may approach the following issues in my mind. I was pleased to see that I am not a self-loather. Results were as follows:

• The Black - White IAT: a slight automatic preference for African Americans / Blacks relative to European Americans / Whites
• The Gender - Career IAT: moderate association of career with female and family with male
• The Skin-tone IAT: moderate automatic preference for Dark-skin relative to Light-skin
  

Well, I was worried I'd emerge with results that contradicted my wishes. Most individuals who took the above tests were shown to have preferences that opposed mine. Know what, I've made a conscious effort to resist many of the popularly-accepted beliefs flung at me from society. The IAT results I received are proof of that. This is proof that a conscious purging of racist and sexist beliefs is entirely possible. Had I not been one to always be so dissident, my test results would have appeared in the majority's margin. Heretical thinking pays off, telling ya.

Quit Hollering Will You

So while the objectification of the female form is hardly ever surprising at all, this post at the racalicious website conveyed in a succint manner every reason why rap videos are not offensive but destructive in informing society about ways in which Black women are viewed with respect to societal heirarchies.

While I'm all for celebrating diversity and promoting self-love through the positive presentation of stereotypically negated aspects of people's appearances across the colour spectrum, I have to admit that I have avoided rap videos for years now. For the same reasons that are stated in the above article.

It is disturbing, as an individual who considers themselves head first and body second, to have to acknowledge the fact that my body may be viewed as nothing more than a "communal" object to be publicly spoken about, groped and gazed upon. Even more disturbing is that society encourages this kind of behaviour from men as some kind of male bravado expression.

So the messages that rap videos are transmitting are harmful because they fail to portray Black women in a non-sexual light which means that as a Black women, no matter how you try to prove yourself as an intellectually-competent individual. There will always exist those latent sexual associations which hinder your capability as an intelligent individual in the eyes of those that know no better than to absorb images from rap videos without applying any sort of critical thinking.

Rap videos are essentially misogynstic. This is an aspect many scholars and academics have pointed out in their critiques. Yet as Black people we continue to support a music that rejects the idea that women of colour are in any way able to function on an intellectual level. When little boys and girls are exposed to this, what is it that they learn. That to be a man is to dominate women and utilize them as passive sexual tools, collect them in an ornamental fashion and dress them up, parade them to the public as modern-day Venus Hottentots only to exclaim "Hey, look fellas, my woman is hot!" Furthermore, that to be a woman is to tolerate this as "normal" and sexualize oneself. Dumbing herself down in the process only to be bestowed with the crown of male appreciation and have one's self-esteem boosted as a result of male applause.

As long as women remain stuck in the notion that in order to maintain self-love and that they must live up to beauty standards that society sets up for them progression will not happen. Progression toward a state of gender equality. Women are not afforded the chance to operate as individuals outside of the consideration of aesthetics. How can one spend their whole life wasting money on beauty cosmetics and hair-do's waiting for another to validate their appearance by calling it beautiful when self-acceptance of one's natural form has not taken place?

Androgyny: Gender-Role Transcendence

This is something that rarely crosses my mind until someone makes a unwarranted remark about my style and dress-sense which is hardly feminine. I have my reasons. It may appear to be the case of a tomboy who apparently requires a little growing up or someone unrefined or unsophisticated. The other day someone very close to me who'd I expect to receive unconditonal affinity from dissed my look in terms of the clothes I choose. Even going as far as to compare me to other more conforming young women who conduct themselves and dress styles according to their gender-role expectations rather than their individual personalities.

This remark got me thinking very strongly about homophobia. Why how others choose to engage with others sexually and relationally has anything to do with those not involved. I may not be homosexual but the way I dress seems to rouse some slight irritation within the female members of my family. Far from finding it offensive, I wonder sometimes why one would waste their time this way instead of just leaving another person be. There is nothing harmful about choosing to dress in a gender-deviant manner. It's not as if a person is shooting up heroine in their veins that it should cause deep concern. Maybe it's just the individuals here. They are archetypal examples to me of people who've without question chosen to conform to their prescribed gender-roles.

I took the BEM androgyny test and found out that my personality 70% male and 40% female. There are men that would take this test and probably score with a high margin of their personality tilting toward the feminine side. These are men who've been called repugnant and derogatory words "faggot" and "gayboy" all because of their inherent leaning toward feminine thought and behaviour. I recognise the same subordination from other women toward me and wonder why one cannot transcend their notions of how each gender should be when judging an individual. Of course, more enlightened individuals refrain from this kind of judgement. Enlightened in terms of understanding the psychology that goes into the behaviour of each gender and also how this can be affected by conditioning and upbringing.

Gender-role transcendence is important to me. When a person meets me and starts judging me according to the fact that I am a young woman, the interaction become severely problematic. They'll begin to apply genderized stereotypes to me that do not even fit at all. It amuses me though because I realize how much the other will judge a person based on appearance alone. On meeting someone, that's all there really upon which to figure someone out. But that's when the aspect of determinism comes in. Why not simply consider the person at hand a mystery to be uncovered upon the case of receiving further first-hand information. Is this such an impossible task for the human psyche to undertake. Don't know. Not a psychologist but in my ideal world, I'd wish not to have female stereotypes applied to me at all because I hardly conform.

As is expected of women, I do not commodify myself heavily through excessive adournment. Though the appearance of neatness is important to me, I don't dress in a way solely for the purpose of attracting attention from men. In fact, it comforts me to know that I am not being gazed at and objectified. I've always known that for a woman or a man to act in a way that disturbs the equilibrium of traditional gender-roles is offensive to many bigoted people as is the emergence of people of colour in power roles that were traditionally reserved for whites alone.

Grace Jones is a major inspiration. I find much of my motivation from her look.

The Sport of Gazing

A self-proclaimed scopophobic I am because there is nothing in this world I detest more than being stared at by people. It's unnerving because I know it's ojectifying. My naturally curious nature compels me to ask what could be so interesting about another human going about their daily lives that it incites one to stare. So much so that one cannot divorce their eyes from them, must gaze incessantly and continue to do so even when the person gazed at notices. It's rude and we've all, if we've been conditioned by Western standards, been socialised to know that staring at others is simply impolite. But in the spur of the moment, some individuals will forget all of what they've been taught and invade another's privacy without consideration.

There are exceptions and being aware of them, I should ease up on my judgements. Lost in thought or concentrating intenseley a person will look at an imaginary spot in space for a prolonged period of time. It may just so happen that there is someone occupying the position in which their line of vision is directed. I understand that. I do it sometime. But this exception often accompanies a blank expression and a kind of absent glint in the eyes. In that case, one can know what the cause of the gaze is. A person whose mind has drifted off to Wonderland .

So when the stare is concentrated and intense on you and it's barely imperceptible. What's the deal with that? Noticing this doesn't make me a narcissist but I am slightly interested about it. Considering my "foreign" appearance in a nation xenophobic. South African blacks are hostile to those that seem foreign in appearance. Worse still the paternalistic white South Africans. Knowing this helps me understand that staring perhaps from these types of individuals implies that in me they identify a separateness, a difference and it draws their curiosity and interest as does the fact that I end up gazed at whilst going about the mundane routine of daily life. I prefer this argument to the following which I found on wikipedia under the "Gaze" article:

Gazing at someone and seeing someone gaze upon another person, say much about the relation between the observer and the observed; and about the relations, between and among, the subjects of the gaze (the people, place, thing being gazed at); and about the circumstance of the gazing. Catherine Lutz and Jane Collins say that gazing's mutual nature reflects power structures (the nature of the relation between the gazer and the gazed-at subject) that tell us who has the right and/or need to look at whom.[citation needed] Although the gaze might be regarded merely as the action of “looking at” a subject, Jonathan Schroeder says: it signifies a psychological relationship of power, in which the gazer is superior to the object of the gaze — an idea basic to feminist textual analysis.

This is where the notion of the male gaze originated in feminist theory. Because society is regarded as male dominated and slogans such as "sex sells" exist which we see manifest in the continual objectification of women in the media, the gazer is in essence the one who supposedly claims to hold the power cards.

I don't like this at all. It's unnerving - being looked upon as an object. Terrible.

Serena Beats Venus: or did she?

Serena not keen to have the smaller plate this time around.

I would hate to think that Venus is handing titles over to her sister. Between the two of them it's clear that Venus is the Goddess of the Grass Turf.
But it's hard to tell whether she actually lost as a result of Serena's genuine power or if she just threw it to give her sister another taste of Wimbledon glory.
They're sisters damn it, it's difficult to have an authentic competitive edge over someone you've grown up with. Especially if that person is your baby sister. I'm not trying to imply some silly sense of sentimentality but there's a good chance that during their off-camera discussions, they organise their plays. Who knows?
Doesn't really matter. I love them both. How can you favouritise?

Mayhem Ensues: Posthumous Drama

There is no way that this man would've died in peace. He's going down with more hype than Princess Di and Elvis Presley put together.
He's left behind a wake of questions surrounding the cause of his death, why he even considered Diprivan as a way of falling asleep.
This is abnormal, implied Dr Drew - a known specialist in celebrity addiction cases. The man found a way of attaining an anaesthetic used only within hospital ER's and surgery wards and asked one of his hired specialists to inject him with it.
That was it, his heart couldn't take it? What an enigma. Even in death he's continuing to baffle and mystify the world.
The cybernetic mayhem now ensuing is similar to that of what took place last week on twitter - system overload. Only this time it's who can clinch a ticket to his memorial this coming Tuesday. So many registered that it's now been decided that only those that are blessed by the luck of the draw will attend.
Rest assured, the MJ-saga is still to continue.
Is this how he wanted it to be? Was every step he made within his lifetime all the way up to his "mysterious" death last week Thursday all part of an ordered set of steps he took to make sure he went out with a bang as all great entertainers wish to?

If so, why couldn't he ease off the drugs a little until after the tour. That sense, he would have really left the stage in the supernova-like fashion that makes performers memorable in death.

There are few who have managed to mystify millions in death the way this man does now.

Fifa Confed Final and Bronze Match

This weekend was thrown into an array of continuous media reports about MJ and hastily arranged musical tributes on every existing music channel available. So little attention was handed to the presiding football tournament and much else after the untimely death. Life goes on. The news stations are finally beginning to acknowledge. South Africa failed to complete Spain's humiliation by denying them 3rd place when they allowed their excitement to distract them from defense. Letting the opposing side equalise and take the match into extra time where Spain managed to concede a goal and claim back an ounce of their dignity. Disappointing. Brazil took the cup as was predicted. Though many would've savoured watching the underdogs show the world that miracles are very much a reality. Next time boys. Nice try however.

Fifa Confed Cup!! USA vs Spain; Brazil vs South Africa

What an incredible match this was. I could hardly contain my elation when two days ago the US defeated the European champions Spain 2-0. Nicely done boys. The American boys have humbled a team that seemed very complacent going into a match with the Americans. Yesterday's match was slow-paced and boring. Hardly enough to hold my attention but it was obvious Brazil would take it. This has been a very interesting tournament. Full of suprises. The final will be fantastic.

My Fallen Soldier: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson: 29/08/1958 - 25/06/2009



What a mournful day.

The musical genius that has blessed generations of people with timeless and uniquely beautiful music over the past 40 years. Michael, the King of Pop is no more. A real icon. His presence and influence in modern music is so ubiquitous he will forever be immortalised by the legacy he left behind. His music has played a large role in my own life. I've appreciated his songs since I was a little girl. For every song he released, there is a part of my life that I can link up a recollection with. 'Thriller' is still the highest grossing album of all time. As a child, I would get home from pre-school and watch a VHS I owned of some of the videos from the album. His diabolical yellow eyes kind of scared me so I would run out of the room sometimes. But I knew the dance routine well. Like many others that idolised Michael.

I would sit on the patio with my late grandmother and tell her that I wanted to "marry" Michael. I was a four-year old girl infatuated with Michael! By 'marry" I had no clue what I was talking about but I knew I loved him. In the early 90's, it was Bad and Dangerous albums that had me in a frenzy. It was sheer hypnosis with every new video that was released and the songs - listened to them non-stop. It was incredible.

And you know what...I'm still trying to master this routine. My affection for it just resurfaced.


Michael jumped onto the new jack swing bandwagon at the turn of the nineties with Dangerous. There was production from Teddy Riley on numerous tracks, videos with three of the most well-known black supermodels of the day - Naomi, Iman and Tyra. The alternative MJ (Jordan of course), Kriss Kross, Heavy D all made their presence known in Jam. Aside from Kid 'n Play, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Nickolodeon I can't think of anything other form of entertainment that encapsulates what the early nineties were all about in my mind.






Michael was a masterful lyricist. He really put this on display in much of the album. Great piece of work. What else can I say. A song with the kind of groove and kick combined together with a socially-responsible message make a song like Jam rare. Remember the Time had such commendable choreography - traces of this single routine's influence are almost omnipotent in contemporary hip-hop, jazz, funk dances.




And how they did this lean is still a mystery to me. I used to think it was some kind of glue they'd placed on the soles of the dancers and Michael's shoes. They were specially-designed somehow. Sure someone on the net has an explanation...lo and behold




I would try to moonwalk, learn all the lyrics, listen to his songs over and over again.

In the 1995, The Earth Song and Stranger in Moscow were songs I loved. I listen to the latter when solitude creeps in and a kindred musical voice is what I'm scouting for. The words I hear Richard Ashcroft of Brit alt-rock group, The Verve, in the heartbreaking and soul-transcending ballad Bittersweet Symphony come to mind: "I need to hear some sounds that recognise the pain in me, yeah"



Now everytime I hear that song I'll think of how Michael must have felt in his latter days. He told his friend Uri Geller, "I am a very lonely man". That saddens me even more than his death. That even with all the fame, accolades and global adoration he was a man alone in the world in his mind. It's sad to lose such a musical genius. I hoped to get the chance to see him live during his final concert dates in the UK. But that won't be. His music lives on. In my heart, soul and mind. Michael, my fallen soldier. Rest in peace. Your music made me the person I am today. "I love yooooou!" awwww, Michael I salute you.

Fifa Confed Cup: USA vs Egypt

What as pleasant suprise! Egypt is out of this and the ones to send them home were the guys most seem to have written off. It wasn't just a lucky victory either, they got three in which means they concentrated. It was nice to see the Italians serve up some eye-candy too but they're on their way home so that's that. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the next round of matches. The semi-finals.

Fifa Confed Cup: USA vs Egypt

What as pleasant suprise! Egypt is out of this and the ones to send them home were the guys most seem to have written off. It wasn't just a lucky victory either, they got three in which means they concentrated. It was nice to see the Italians serve up some eye-candy too but they're on their way home so that's that. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the next round of matches. The semi-finals.

Fifa Confed Cup: Brazil vs Italy

Thank you. This is precisely what the pompous Italians needed. They've been destroyed. Two sets in a row. Love it when so-called World Champions go down. Brazil puts on a stellar performance as usual. They're through to the next round.

Where is our Vote?

With the Supreme Leader releasing a statement today that the vote was 'definitive', it's clear that justice will not soon be served to the Iranian people. A blank check was even written out to the Iranian defense force to encourage its attempts to quell protests. Protests obviously justified by the fact that the nation's votes have been disconsidered. Why else would they take to the streets. The word theocracy may just as well be a synonym for dictatorship. That a vote can be rigged and thereafter defended by the so-named Supreme Leader is simply a way of disguising authoritarian control. International press have been banned from entering the country for direct reports, Iranian civilians are being assaulted, shot at, teargassed and humiliated in the name of wanting freedom of choice.

Fifa Confed Cup: New Zealand vs Iraq

A zero draw certifying New Zealand their first tournament point. They were so glad they even celebrated...over a draw. Wow. No comment. Hehe. Life is rough like this.

Fifa Confed Cup: Spain vs South Africa

Beloved South Africans shall be weeping over their beer cans and ashtrays tonight. They're through to the next round though. Courtesy of New Zealand's dismal play throughout the competition so far.

Fifa Confed Cup: USA vs Brazil

Clobbered. At least it's not as bad as what New Zealand were put through. Brazil made the American side almost seem pathetic. Although they surely aren't. Not managing to concede a single goal was quite a shame. This side needs alot of strenghtening.

Fifa Confed Cup: Egypt vs Italy

Oh my the Italians have been shown. This just happens to be the first time Italy have been devoured by an African country in a Fifa tournament. Good! The so-called world champions have been trampled. Not to mention humbled.

Fifa Confed Cup USA vs Italy

Current world champs Italy win as expected. Good play from American boys. Just wasn't enough to beat them unfortunately. Too busy watching 'Top Model' though missed much of the match.

Fifa Confed Cup: Brazil vs Egypt

This outcome was predicted. Fairly boring boring match. Especially for an opening. Sepp Blatter brought attention to the fact that the turnout was low. Well maybe that'll encourage the tournament organisers to lower the prices of tickets. Hopefully.

Madonna Finally Given Mercy

Well, good for her. Her wish was granted. The Malawian court has ruled in her favour and allowed her to adopt the little girl Chifundo. A great thing too. For all kinds of reasons, people have expressed their opposition to celeb-adoption. They prefer children to remain in their countries of origin where they can stay close and in-touch with their ethnic heritage. Yes, let them know their heritage and continue to reside in poverty. It may sound materialistic. But rather they grow up in comfort knowing that whatever they wish to do and become as adults will not be entirely difficult owed to their newfound privilege. This is where I stand up and support decisions to adopt. Madonna is a mother herself, even though the media slanders her to no end, she may very well be a sincere and loving individual with her adopted kids best intentions at heart. All in all, I'm glad Mercy has been given a family. In this case, it's not just a family in itself but a chance at life she wouldn't have had otherwise.

Xenophobes Still At It

South Africans are back to their xenophobic expressions of loathing, again! Outside a cathedral in central Jo'burg which is now crowded due to a displacement of Zimbabwean foreigners within the city, a sewage truck decided to "accidentally" spray large amounts of filthy water on the Zimbabweans whilst they sat out in the street during the day. The truck drove past as it did so and from the accounts of the involved, the liquid (whatever it was) smelt horrendous. It couldn't have been good. It was obviously a prank. A way of humiliating these people who have done no harm.

When will South Africans quit it with the hatred of foreigners? The Confederations Cup is this month. Let's see how they'll handle that influx of foreigners

"Africa" in the American Mind

This is prevalent in almost every single reference to the African continent voiced from the mouth of an American regardless of their race. They seem to experience trouble in speaking of Africa in terms of its constituent countries. This seems petty, no I take that back. There is nothing petty about it. They have no trouble remembering or pronouncing countries in Europe such as France, Germany and England. Doubtless, they find it easy to mention exact countries in South America - the most popular, for them, being Brazil. The land of small bikinis, low-cost plastic surgery, sexy women freely available to foereign men for sex, warm weather and pretty beach fronts all year round.

Ah, but Africa. Poor, impoverished, hungry, war-torn Africa. One unified clump of a continent. So uniform, it's as though the countries themselves are states such as the fifty-two that America recognises as part of the United STATES of America. Is this where the confusion lies? They somehow draw parralels between America and Africa. No, it can't be. Surely they know it is a continent.

On Macon D's stuff that white people like blog, he gave me a hint as to what could perhaps be the reasoning behind this perpetual mistaking:


Craig had just returned from working with the Peace Corps in . . . I was about to write "Africa," but in light of yesterday's post, I'm going to resist that lazy American tendency, and work my brain a few seconds longer to come up with the specific country. . . okay, I remember. He'd been working in Benin.


Ah, so I get it now. Apathy. That's all it is. Their lazy to either remember or pronounce or find out what country is being spoken of in every case. I know Oprah does it all the time. Whether it is to come across as intelligible enough for her audiences or she simply has a hard time letting go of the apathy that hinders Americans (and others in the world for that matter) from being particular about Africa and it's constituent nations. When referring to ongoings at her Leadership Academy which she knows very well is in South Africa, she simply spoke of her "school in Africa". Oh, Oprah. This is where you let me down, lady! It all sounds perfect just perfect until you start going on about taking trips to Africa and the animals in Africa. (sigh)

Anyhow. Let them see their own mistakes and rightfully administer corrections. Because I don't really care about American ignorance anyway (despite the fact that I'm ranting about it). Life is full of contradictions that way.

"Why?" one may ask.

Probably it is a manifestation of the highly romanticized idea propagated in Western mainstream media about the jungles of Africa, the animals and safari one can enjoy on arrival in the Motherland. Alot of them often arrive in Africa hoping to see the animals right away not realising that in the presence of civilization, animals must be kept in captivity or enclosed behind strategically-placed fencing as is the case with the Kruger National Park and many others around the continent.

I clearly recall being handed a colouring book on a commercial airline as a kis (think it was British Airways, can't really rememeber) and it contained colour-in pictures of kids from all around the world expressing their respectic heritages, cultures and traditions through their dress. Each setting clearly conveyed which country was represented by each image. Netherlands was a young Dutch girl wearing clogs and standing in front of a windmill, Australia was a boy playing with a boomerang in the outback with a kangaroo somewhere in the vicinity. Then it came to Africa (sigh) and lo and behold we had the typical jungle setting. An Africa boy wearing a Madiba-style shirt and safari hat. Foliage hanging over with a giraffe and lion in his background. I was, naturally, a little confused. This isn't Africa I thought. Not the Africa I knew personally. Too young to know of course the stereotypes applied when it comes to Westerner's view of those from foreign countries.

Perhaps its also the fact that for an American tongue many of Africa's countries are difficult to prounounce. Again that comes down to apathy. How can a things such a mental laziness be acceptable at all?

Try harder!

Aw, Cut the Lad Some Slack Will Ya

Previously quoted as to saying that he was a demon. A recent statement was released that he was not responsible for the leakages from Rihanna's mobile but we all know that he was responsible for something else. You know what, this story is stale. It's so stale it's starting to grow mould and release a tremendously foul odour.

Here's the video in which he claims very jollily after letting e'body know when the next album gon' be droppin' that he is not in fact a monster.

Well, all, alright. I take back my words. Nothing in his tone was remorseful I am to say. He doesn't strike as the kind of boy that would express deep emotions sincerely. Ah, well. This is turning into one laborious, dragged-on saga.

The "Not a Monster Video" right here! click, click.

Efforts to Globalize Truth of Sri Lanka Conflict

Maya has been steady trying to raise awareness about the reality of the conflict in Sri Lanka. That it was more an attack on innocent civilians than it is a ploy to take down the Tamil Tiger movement who sought to establish their own independent state. She's asked Oprah to do something about having talks with authoritarian figures whom she obviously has direct connections to Michelle Obama ---> President Obama.

M.I.A. urging Oprah for help.

What can really be done about War especially in cases where the cause and proliferation of conflict is so complex and difficult to resolve.

M.I.A. offering Bill Maher some correction in a recent interview.

Genocides hardly go unnoticed but hardly anything is ever done by the international community. Too busy with their own affairs. Even their ploy to bring aid to foreign countries is just a way of avoiding madrass education that breeds terrorist behaviour.

If you're like me and haven't been 100% clued up on this conflict. Here's some help for you: wikipedia article

The media claims that the war has ended with the killing of Velupillai Prabhakaran - the head of the Tamil Tiger movement. Is it official? Time will tell.

Kudos to Maya for having a social concern and responsibility for a mother nation.

Glambert: the new Freddie Hg

Now some of us are really having a hard time getting over the fact that the most complimented, least criticised and widely-hyped up Adam Lambert did not take the title. Did it spell an end for the demise of his would-be career. Of course not. Not only are record companies lining up to offer him a deal, Queen guitarist Brian May is considering making Adam a permanent feature in the band's performances. Yep, yep, yep Freddie Mercury has been incarnated!

Softmedia had this to say:

As fans must know, Lambert and American Idol winner Kris Allen sang with the legendary rockers on the grand finale of the eighth season. Apparently, guitarist Brian May was so impressed with Lambert’s “flair for the dramatic,” as well as his great vocal skills, that they’re seriously considering making their time onstage more than just a one-time thing. Again, as noted above, nothing has yet been determined – what’s clear at this point is that, even if Lambert does not become a fixture with the band, some sort of collaboration is to be expected.

“Amongst all that furor, there wasn’t really a quiet moment to talk.” May is quoted as saying by the aforementioned e-zine. “But [drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with [Lambert] at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.” the legendary guitarist further explains.

For the full article click here

The performance with kiss was spectacular.



But I have to ask myself what that song Latifah sang with Lil Rounds was all about. Cue the Rain? But their diva swaggers were blazing, the crowd was going full speed. They had them pumping. Nice work, ladies.

Darling SuBo Makes It to the Final

She's done it and she's on her way.

As expected Susan made it all the way to the final of Britain's Got Talent and there is a great chance she might win it. What could be standing in her way?



She's been a fresh burst of hope and a wonderful bubble of uniqueness. Who else has singlehandedly made themselves this famous within such a short space of time by going viral on the internet. And I have to say that she's looking lovelier than ever after having her eyebrows plucked, her rowdy brunette mane trimmed and coloured and some great clothes put on her. Great improvements.

I will not fib: SHOCK to my system!

Adam Lambert did not win? Adam Lambert did not win! Adam Lambert was not pronounced American Idol 2009. How could this be?

Is it that Kris was the All-American boy American was looking for and that Adam's punk/emo look was just too deviant for mainstream America's tastes. The black nail-polish and Aretha Franklin-esque singing on rock songs was just too much it seems or did Adam's supporters just get too complacent. I don't know but all I can say is that sitting in the living room with a blanket over myself at 4am yesterday morning, I was left flabbergasted after Ryan Seacrest made it known that Kris Allen had won the show.

On the bright side, there will definitely be an Adam Lambert album. It would be very surprising and even suspicious to find out that there is not a single record company in the US that is willing to sign him on. This guy is Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson and Prince all wrapped up in one. He could be a legend, just give him about 25 years. A real performer. Not that Kris doesn't have talent because from a musical standpoint, he certainly does. I liked his rendition of Heartless - that was truly original and way better than Kanye's original version. But Adam strikes me as having more spunk, stage presence and confidence.

There is hope. Nothing to fret about. Look at what David Archuleta has done. Never mind that. Jennifer Hudson was removed before the top 5 - we all know what's become of her. Winning American Idol is only an official pronouncement of your claim of the title and the fact that you will automatically be given a record deal once you're off the show. The real success that comes after the show is dependent on numerous other factors: a good measure of luck, having the right connections and perhaps even destiny. Who knows? But it's still suprising to see that the individual that was praised the most and to whom everyone had aforehand crowned as this season's winner has lost to a humble 23rd old college student from Conway, Arkansas.

Just goes to show. Nothing is ever certain and it really aint over til the obese madame belts her ass off!

Hilarious: The Christian Bale Tantrum Remix

"It's f***ing distracting!"
LOL!!!

Have a Hunch This Will Be Brilliant

Trailers never usually catch my attention as much as this one has. I have no idea when I will get the chance to see this considering my global positioning but I am looking forward. It looks like it's going to be very good like Slumdog Millionaire slamming you with every emotion imaginable all in the span of about 90 minutes.

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious is the story of a poor, overweight African-American woman battling abusive relatives and a pregnancy borne of incest. Enough said. My heart is already getting hit. Real life. You think you have problems huh?

Relapsing and Bringing Forth the Comedic Rap Once More

So guess who's back for the second time. Dear Beloved Marshall himself (note the irony please, note it without fail!). But this is hilarious. Absolutely, gob-smackingly funny. He only ever seems to take the mickey out of one section of the populace however - the white American. Dare he write a single lyrics badmouthing any African American musician, actor, sportsperson or entertainer while Dre is busy assembling the instrumental in the studio.

Sarah Palin, Amy Winehouse (and her partner-in-crime, Blake Fielder-Civil), Jessica Simpson (and her man), Ellen Degenerees (and her um, woman Portia de Rossi), Lindsay Lohan (and her ex, umm, female DJ with Smooth Criminal-esque hat always on head), Bret Michaels, Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears (and her ex-man, Kevin Federline) have been made the centrefold for Slim's current ridicule. Not that he has ever left Britney alone though. He's been going at her since the Marshal Mathers LP. Who could forget this all-time classic - "Won't the Real Slim Shady please stand up, please stand up, please stand up..."



And his 2003 comeback in which he delivered his familiar trademark parody raps.



What's with the random references to Star Trek and the Rain Man . Quite arbitrary. But how could Fox News' most inflexible conservative not resist putting a word in just for us to let him know how exactly he's interpreted Slim's latest video.

Bill O'Reilly of course has already taken his usual anti-rapper route by claiming that "Eminem is obviously on an obscene rant about Sarah Palin," and that the video is "Totally obscene. Totally inappropriate. Nothing good about it."

A full report on O'Reilly's remarks.

Let's not take this too far. We've always known Eminem as the King of Comedic Rap. For years he's entertained us with his incredible ability lyrical ability and satirical poeticism. He may have issues with Kim Mathers and his Mother (poor woman) - is he a misogynist? Probably not. Is he obscene. Probably yes but there is worse to be said about the obscenity and lack of morality present in other sectors of mainstream media. Comic relief is much needed especially at a time such as this.

Who Gave 50 Cent a Reality Show?

It could only be Mtv. '50 Cent The Money and the Power' is hilarious. We have 50 with his mobster-wannabe gestures and dress attempting to be some kind of fly black rendition of the Trump himself. Fast-talking hustlers, hard-looking women, a white boy speaking project slang all competing to become 50's apprentice. Who aside from the contestants on this show would take this laughable nonsense seriously? Well, just like most the other so-called reality shows on telly it's highly entertaining. The stupidity of men is merely there to be made fun of and to find humour in.

Non-Conformity is the Key to my Survival

The price one must say for nonconformity is enormous. Anger from those who fail to overthrow you. Accusations of devious wiles, walking the world alone with the hatred of other weighing you down only for the moment. Those of us that do not conform are strong like blocks of steel ready to shake off the disgust of those who cannot understand us. Fear of no man.

When you do not feel the rage they do but simply smirk and whir a delicate few decibels of laughter at the ones who consider themselves normal. They say that I am mad, that I hallucinate, that I am stupid and do not belong in the world. Wisdom enough I have to understand that an assault on my person is actually an insult to one's self. Insecurity of the other is thrown upon me like a wet blanket that once law in the kennel of a rotten old bastard dog, I throw it off and stand tall like the fierce black queen of Africa I am. A valorous young woman with a future resembling the luminescence of a supernova. They point fingers in my face, try to lower my Highness. It's all just folly - they don't see the beast in me. Every negative epithet obliterated at the gnash of each canine and incisor sharpened to perfection. With flawlessly subdued rage simmered down to a peaceful simmer, my stature multiplies in size - only growing bigger. Don't feed the beast - you shall only create a monster.

Unbelievable...Lil Rounds ousted

Shock horror. American Idol top 7 singer Lil's been taken out of the competition. Alongside Anoop Desai who made a sneak entrance into the top 13 as a result of the judges wild-card choice. I don't get it. Is it the voters? She started out so strong. A season favourite. The judges save was totally wasted. Using it on Matt Giraud was a mistake. Lil would've stayed a while longer. Well, what's there to complain about. Adam Lambert is the obvious winner. That being said they might as well end it quick. I don't see it happening any other way. But. Let's not get too speedy. Suprises may loom. Who really knows?

Voting Day

Did my citizen duty yesterday. Went on down to the voting station to cast my votes for the national and provincial legistlative authorities. Stood in line for about an hour. Went into the booth and made my two mark. A secret of course though I can say my choice was based on moral conscious, intuition and a touch of feminist consciousness. Though I am not entirely liberal, it is important to bear in mind whether or not a candidate and her/his party is mindful of individual human rights. Poverty, energy issues and job creation are of importance too but a party that has its eye on making sure equality and free choice are taken into consideration has my full attention. Women are still an oppressed people in a country not willing to put aside strongly oppressive cultural beliefs. Gays and lesbians still not afforded the the assurance of safety in a society that shows such potent disdain for men and women unlike them in terms of sexual preference. These are all factors I considered when making my decision. After hearing the results thus far. I can say that I predicted the result quite correctly and am content about the vote I made. About the president. Well you know how I feel. Neither contempt or gladness. Just nonchalance.

The Underdog from an English Village - Susan Boyle

So there's been immense hype generated lately by the middle-aged spinster Susan Boyle who recently partook in an audition for Britain's Got Talent.



She may not look like your average diva - graceful, stylish, "attractive" in the general sense but one can't deny that the woman's got some incredible laryngeal powers. What a pure and brilliant voice! Suprising to most considering the package. But this is why I have an affinity to her. From her appearance alone she was misjudged as untalented, incompetent yet she is anything but. Inspiring! Truly inspiring. Perhaps there is some advantage to being an underdog in one's field of competition. Who expects you to win, to emerge out tops? Barely anyone. Which is why your success always ends up as a complete surprise. I'll be glad to see her go on to do well as a professional singer. She deserves it. Her talent and spirit have taken me over.

Love this Woman!!



Charting a record-high of approximately 45 million views on YouTube we have the draling Susan...beautiful!

Sifting through the aluvium rock of rubbish music only to find...PURE GOLD

Stumbled across yet another fascinating piece of work. Santogold nee Santi White. Grabbed hold of the album and I'm loving it to the extreme. Electronica-infused beats layered with finely processed alternative soul vocals topped off with some eccentric i-stand-out-like-a-sore-thumb-and-i-don't-give-a-damn lyrics. We have Santigold. She's just brilliant period. That's it. Stand out tracks for me have proved to be the funky 'Unstoppable' and the futuristic 'Starstruck'.



A new one to love and certainly keep looking out for. Comparisons have been made between her and M.I.A. Although I do see a similarity in their very idiosyncratic sounds, there is the distinct difference. Mainly a result of seperate musical influences and childhood environments. One from the UK the other from the US. But both of course carving their own pathways in the most innovative ways imaginable. This is what I call an artist. There women are slowly starting to revolutionise the role female artists play in the music industry. Santigold is the future.

The Future of Auditry Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Has Arrived

The connection is being annoyingly slow but I don't mind of course. A cool rush of fresh perspectives and unique vibe just came over me. Janelle Monae. Too much spunk and way too much cool. I'm entranced. She has offered me a brand new hope in what I was simply beginning to give up on.


Educate thyself Earthling: Visit Her Site

Representation on the Space

Zuma: We're Headed toward Catastrophe

So, it seems like it is set in stone. Jacob Zuma shall most likely be the next president of South Africa. This is a truth I have not been so readily willing to acknowledge for very obvious reasons. He even went to the length of making an appearance at Rhema Bible Church last week Sunday to propagate his agenda. As was expected some did obviously walk out on the whole farcical charade. What can I say. The masses are blind as bats. It's too late for Cope to make a difference. The ANC shall win the 2009 General Election and a massive brain drain or middle class exodus shall occur indefinitely.

Grace at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Well well well, Ms Jones as per usual. Strutting her stuff. She's so consistent even at 60. The clothes looked fantastic too. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week looked like a fun ride!

Poverty Alleviation through Cinema

How proud I was to watch the critically-acclaimed Slumdogg Millionaire claim the Oscar for Best Picture among a myriad of other Oscars in several different categories. Even more glad to hear that the child actors in the film have had their lives completely transformed and on a different path because of this movie. As is the case in many developing countries all over the world. There exists a very small percentage of the elite class who can afford the luxury and comfort of a wealthy middle to upper-class life and right at the pit of the social pile is the majority of the population...struggling through dire circumstances of poverty. The divide between rich and poor only intensifies as time passes. India is no different of course.
If political corruption, mismanagement of government spending, megalomaniacs with dictatorial leanings ruling nations continues to bring lack of progress in the social and political frameworks of the poorest countries in the world. Then art should surely provide a means to transcend the devastation of lack. I don't want to see African-American actors flying to African and poor Asian countries to play African characters. I want to see local men and women used to characterise stories filmed by American and British productions companies. If more of Africa's resources are utilized surely changes no matter how slight can be made to the livlihoods of many. Filming itself provides a boost to a nation's GDP. It's important for filmakers to realise how much development and change can be brought about within poor nations through the movie industry which spoils millions a year. Money which only circulates within the business itself making rich men even richer. Yes, this may be another quixotic appeal from a young African but taking from the example of perhaps one of the most successful motion pictures of 2008, it is evident that the business of film can easily be assigned to take on philantrhopic quests in places of the world that need this kind of charity the most.