The status of terror suspects released from Guantanamo base is discussed on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today. Yipes. Where is the documentary filmmaker to record this plight? We are talking serious memoirs here.
Oh- and in other news...Bolivian doctors staged a one-day strike to protest the presence of 600 Cuban physicians providing free health care in Bolivia. Do these guys want to protect disease and sickness?
E-NOTES: WHEN THE NEWS IS NOT ENOUGH. THE BLOG OF E. ETHELBERT MILLER
Friday, June 02, 2006
When did I start to recycle newspapers? I purchased the Washington Post this morning and quickly started reading the first of a series of articles on "Being A Black Man." I was looking foward to seeing where this was going to go. I even told my son about it. The last few months he has been reading books about the black male in our society. The joy of not driving to work is that you can read the newspaper on the run. That's why there are so many free papers offering the quick news and go.
Well, I started reading "Being A Black Man" and was immediately disappointed. Maybe it's because my field is African American Studies and I've been at Howard since the main yard had a few more trees. Even the title of this piece seems dated. It has that retro tone of "Who Needs The Negro?" I was hit with stats about black men that made me feel I was stuck somewhere with one of those annual National Urban League Reports and not a cellphone.
Nothing new here, but the problems with stats is that you can use them to make people feel you're winning the war in Iraq. Is the glass half full or half empty. Are we free or still slaves? It depends on who you ask. Show me the stats.
Talking about asking, we keep asking the same old questions. It's like we need a new Spike Lee movie just to have a new catch phrase. Many of our intellectuals have not moved beyond DuBois; and it's foolish to continue talking about double-consciousness when many people today now have three. Consider a person who is Black, American and Muslim. Anyway, the Post Series has that Black Caucus Weekend feel without the wardrobe. Articles that recycle the same stuff. So here is what I think we should be looking at when we talk about black men or when black men talk:
1. Depression. A full examination of this topic is needed, also black suicide among black youth.
2. A discussion with African American fathers who have lost their sons to violence and drugs.
I'm talking about households where the father was there and not absent.
3. Black fathers raising their sons alone. This might be a result of the death of a wife.
4. Rural and Urban black men. Is there a difference? We know the music is different.
5. Discussion between young black men from Haiti, Somalia, Liberia, England, Germany and the US. Is the plight of the black man in America a global problem?
6. A look at black men whose roots are also in Korea and Vietnam. Moving beyond Ward and Woods. Oh, and let's not forget the young black man who is being raised Muslim in this society.
7. Black Gay men, fighting stereotypes, etc. What is going to be their future?
8. Interviews with brothers and sisters. What influence does a sister have on her brother?
What are the dynamics between siblings in our changing world.
I could list about another 10-12 topics that just need to be placed on the agenda for discussion.
I'm very interested in knowing what African American men think about global warming and space travel. Don't you want to know too? Well, don't forget to recycle.
Well, I started reading "Being A Black Man" and was immediately disappointed. Maybe it's because my field is African American Studies and I've been at Howard since the main yard had a few more trees. Even the title of this piece seems dated. It has that retro tone of "Who Needs The Negro?" I was hit with stats about black men that made me feel I was stuck somewhere with one of those annual National Urban League Reports and not a cellphone.
Nothing new here, but the problems with stats is that you can use them to make people feel you're winning the war in Iraq. Is the glass half full or half empty. Are we free or still slaves? It depends on who you ask. Show me the stats.
Talking about asking, we keep asking the same old questions. It's like we need a new Spike Lee movie just to have a new catch phrase. Many of our intellectuals have not moved beyond DuBois; and it's foolish to continue talking about double-consciousness when many people today now have three. Consider a person who is Black, American and Muslim. Anyway, the Post Series has that Black Caucus Weekend feel without the wardrobe. Articles that recycle the same stuff. So here is what I think we should be looking at when we talk about black men or when black men talk:
1. Depression. A full examination of this topic is needed, also black suicide among black youth.
2. A discussion with African American fathers who have lost their sons to violence and drugs.
I'm talking about households where the father was there and not absent.
3. Black fathers raising their sons alone. This might be a result of the death of a wife.
4. Rural and Urban black men. Is there a difference? We know the music is different.
5. Discussion between young black men from Haiti, Somalia, Liberia, England, Germany and the US. Is the plight of the black man in America a global problem?
6. A look at black men whose roots are also in Korea and Vietnam. Moving beyond Ward and Woods. Oh, and let's not forget the young black man who is being raised Muslim in this society.
7. Black Gay men, fighting stereotypes, etc. What is going to be their future?
8. Interviews with brothers and sisters. What influence does a sister have on her brother?
What are the dynamics between siblings in our changing world.
I could list about another 10-12 topics that just need to be placed on the agenda for discussion.
I'm very interested in knowing what African American men think about global warming and space travel. Don't you want to know too? Well, don't forget to recycle.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
So you're saying your prayers everyday and you believe there is going to be a "final" conflict in which much of humanity will perish. OK, so it does. Now what? Do you exit from your bombed out building in search of a newspaper?
Too often folks sit around in the dark talking about darkness. Being pious will only get you so far...
Too often folks sit around in the dark talking about darkness. Being pious will only get you so far...
What does greed do?
This following information is in the latest issue of Newsweek:
Enron's stock dive from more than $80 in January 2001 to pennies 11 months later drained the nest eggs of thousands of employees and pensioners nationwide. At the same time, the company's manipulation of California's deregulated energy market stuck residents there with bloated electricity bills and rolling blackouts.
28, 000 Enron employees lost their jobs.
Enron was also one of Houston's leading donors to charity. It's bankruptcy left many cultural groups scrambling for funds.
*ENRON IS NOT WHAT THE E STANDS FOR!
This following information is in the latest issue of Newsweek:
Enron's stock dive from more than $80 in January 2001 to pennies 11 months later drained the nest eggs of thousands of employees and pensioners nationwide. At the same time, the company's manipulation of California's deregulated energy market stuck residents there with bloated electricity bills and rolling blackouts.
28, 000 Enron employees lost their jobs.
Enron was also one of Houston's leading donors to charity. It's bankruptcy left many cultural groups scrambling for funds.
*ENRON IS NOT WHAT THE E STANDS FOR!
Now and then you just stop and think about life. Maybe it's a Buddha moment. You think of folks around the world living in tents, fighting illness, avoiding car bombs, and just trying to patch a life together. How many funerals has the average Iraqi been too? Is there anyone living in Baghdad that has not lost a friend or relative? What happens when your country is always tiptoeing around the edge of history like Haiti and now Somalia. Are we all refugees? Two days ago a homeless man got on the bus during the evening rush hour. It was hot and his clothes and possessions were dirty, and his smell pushed people to the back of the bus and others were opening their windows and hanging their heads out like puppies. I watched the man standing in the middle of the bus, his head down and it was as if he was Jesus stepping off the cross and no one wanted his blood on their work clothes. What is blood but the odor of life.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Yesterday I received copies of Redmond's Drumvoices Revue. The mag is a box of chocolate, so much to taste. I'm happy my essay on Ahmos Zu-Bolton is included. This was the keynote talk I gave on November 10, 2005 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. One can order copies of the Revue for $10. Here is the address:
Drumvoices Revue
Department of English
Box 1431
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL. 62026-1431
(618) 650-3509
Drumvoices Revue
Department of English
Box 1431
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL. 62026-1431
(618) 650-3509
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Alternatives? I keep waiting. What about you?
Here is an upcoming conference - Campaign for America' s Future - TAKE BACK AMERICA CONFERENCE 2006, Washington, D.C. June 12-14, 2006.
For information, go to: www.ourfuture.org
If you just want a side order of poetry go to the Writer's Center on Sunday, June 4th, from 2-4 PM. Poets Jeffrey Coleman and Elisavietta Ritchie will be reading.
For directions to the Center and other information check website: www.writer.org
Here is an upcoming conference - Campaign for America' s Future - TAKE BACK AMERICA CONFERENCE 2006, Washington, D.C. June 12-14, 2006.
For information, go to: www.ourfuture.org
If you just want a side order of poetry go to the Writer's Center on Sunday, June 4th, from 2-4 PM. Poets Jeffrey Coleman and Elisavietta Ritchie will be reading.
For directions to the Center and other information check website: www.writer.org
I just put a call into Vertigo Books (Todd) and ordered a copy of Colson Whitehead's APEX HIDES THE HURT. I remember all the rave reviews Todd gave THE INTUITIONIST when it came out back in 1998. I first met Colson in October 2000. We were participating in the LIVE AT THE LIBRARY program that was part of the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville.
Also out there back then was Denise Chavez and Kevin Young.
Also out there back then was Denise Chavez and Kevin Young.
Back from seeing the Meds. The first of two days of exams. Blood Pressure is back up. It most be the remains of those PoBoys I had in New Orleans. I need to watch the salt, excercise more and do all the don't and less the do.
I see where Anna Deavere Smith's latest project is writing the screenplay for Edward P. Jones's novel THE KNOWN WORLD. Wait for Race debates and mucho discussions about blacks and slavery when this baby is finished.
I see where Anna Deavere Smith's latest project is writing the screenplay for Edward P. Jones's novel THE KNOWN WORLD. Wait for Race debates and mucho discussions about blacks and slavery when this baby is finished.
Can Ghana win the World Cup? This might be a nice way for the African nation to celebrate 50 years of independence. In a few days look for the change in fashion. Soccer outfits are in for the next 2 months. With so much nationalism kicking in the air folks will spend cash for it.
Rock throwing in Kabul. Whenever I see young boys running around doing this, I'm right back in the middle of Lord of the Flies. Geez. How much is it American occupation and how much is it pin the tail on the donkey. Hit the tank and get 5 pts.
Law and order is often a way of maintaining the status quo. Impossible to do in poor countries.
Redistribution of weath, land reform, economic development has to be placed on the agenda around the world. Then we have to look at the quality of life and cultural values. Do you want to live under Islamic law? What is democracy? What about the rights of minorities? If all this makes your head spin just thinking about it, then go outside and throw a rock. It won't solve anything and if it makes you feel good maybe you should be somewhere else making love. Put the rocks back and don't mess with the landscape unless you want to improve the quality of life.
Hatred is nothing but a bag of rocks.
Rock throwing in Kabul. Whenever I see young boys running around doing this, I'm right back in the middle of Lord of the Flies. Geez. How much is it American occupation and how much is it pin the tail on the donkey. Hit the tank and get 5 pts.
Law and order is often a way of maintaining the status quo. Impossible to do in poor countries.
Redistribution of weath, land reform, economic development has to be placed on the agenda around the world. Then we have to look at the quality of life and cultural values. Do you want to live under Islamic law? What is democracy? What about the rights of minorities? If all this makes your head spin just thinking about it, then go outside and throw a rock. It won't solve anything and if it makes you feel good maybe you should be somewhere else making love. Put the rocks back and don't mess with the landscape unless you want to improve the quality of life.
Hatred is nothing but a bag of rocks.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Children's Studio School is having a fun night at Busboys and Poets tomorrow. 6 -8 PM
Celebrate the 29th anniversary of this institution which encourages young children of diverse cultures to explore. The school is located at 1301 V Street, NW right down the street from Busboys.
Talking about Busboys was that E and Ginger G having lunch there this afternoon? It looked like them. A good friendship is priceless. I wish them well.
Celebrate the 29th anniversary of this institution which encourages young children of diverse cultures to explore. The school is located at 1301 V Street, NW right down the street from Busboys.
Talking about Busboys was that E and Ginger G having lunch there this afternoon? It looked like them. A good friendship is priceless. I wish them well.
Another nation in need of help:
www.indonesiarelief.org
Earthquake and tremors...a volcano about to erupt. Rain falling. Poor Indonesia. How many people around the world simply looking for a tent? Roll call of devastation:
Pakistan, Iran, oh and New Orleans.
Prayers won't change the climate but it can change your mind about things. I feel like a guy on a first date with Storm in that x-Men film.
We all might lose a home during our lifetime. We all might be survivors this year or next.
And we're going to have to serve somebody. Dylan in my head:
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord.
www.indonesiarelief.org
Earthquake and tremors...a volcano about to erupt. Rain falling. Poor Indonesia. How many people around the world simply looking for a tent? Roll call of devastation:
Pakistan, Iran, oh and New Orleans.
Prayers won't change the climate but it can change your mind about things. I feel like a guy on a first date with Storm in that x-Men film.
We all might lose a home during our lifetime. We all might be survivors this year or next.
And we're going to have to serve somebody. Dylan in my head:
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord.
The last two days I've been reading the 8 volume BUDDHA by Osamu Tezuka. Tezuka (1928-89) is considered to be the godfather of Japanese Manga Comics. Yes, the creator of Astro Boy.
For information on the BUDDHA series go to: www.vertical.Inc.com
For information on the BUDDHA series go to: www.vertical.Inc.com
Don't miss Anu:
ANU==================================================================One-woman show `Capers at Busboys & Poets June 6th! “Like Anna Deavere Smith, Yadav inserts herself as a questioner/participant…with surprising ferocity.” - The Washington Post
OneDC Community Organizing and Popular Education Initiative presents'Capers a solo play about forced relocation and the human right to housing. Tuesday, June 6th 6-8PM@Busboys & Poets14th & V Street NW, Washington, DC$10 admission. written and performed by Anu Yadav, 2006 DC Mayor's Arts Award Winner for Outstanding Emerging Artist.
www.caperstheplay.com
ANU==================================================================One-woman show `Capers at Busboys & Poets June 6th! “Like Anna Deavere Smith, Yadav inserts herself as a questioner/participant…with surprising ferocity.” - The Washington Post
OneDC Community Organizing and Popular Education Initiative presents'Capers a solo play about forced relocation and the human right to housing. Tuesday, June 6th 6-8PM@Busboys & Poets14th & V Street NW, Washington, DC$10 admission. written and performed by Anu Yadav, 2006 DC Mayor's Arts Award Winner for Outstanding Emerging Artist.
www.caperstheplay.com