“At the rate we are going, marriage equality will be achieved for gays long before equality is achieved for Black America.” (Ocky Williams 4-18-2012).
So my prediction came true. Wednesday June 26th the Supreme Court of the United States has decided that DOMA (The Defense of Marriage Act) was unconstitutional. This was a day after the same Supreme Court invalidated Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act which designates which parts of the country must have changes to their voting laws cleared by the federal government or in federal court. This was the result of racist and discriminatory acts against blacks (in much of the southern US states) that prevented them from voting in elections during and after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s.
Over the last two elections cycles we have seen Republican officials across the country attempt to implement new voter ID laws and requirements all in hopes of surprising the minority vote which usually votes Democrat. With all the nonsense we have seen in the last 10-15 years with hanging chads, electronic votes vanishing into thin air from voting machines, paper and absentee ballots missing or destroyed or simply not counted, the ridiculous long lines, etc.; it is obvious we need more regulations to help fight the shenanigans of certain (usually Republican) precincts and counties around the country. There is a clear reason why Republicans are so happy with this decision. With Section 4 being nullified, they have now been given a pass to disenfranchise within the legal limitations of the laws they themselves created and lobbied to get passed.
Be sure to check out the original post below where I made my prediction and as always feel free to leave you feedback.
Which reminds me; let us not forget all of the racist comments that came from some in the white gay community after the Prop 8 passage in California? For the most part the black community received a severe tongue lashing from the white gay community as though we were the reason for the passage
Weekly you hear or see stories of black men, young and old being gunned down by the police for some “justified” reason. We see or hear stories in the media of over-hyped, overcharged, and heavy sentences being handed down to blacks in our unequal for profit Justice System for similar crimes that whites get light sentences or slapped on the wrist for. I know that plenty of members of the white LGBT community have experienced discrimination, harassment, beatings, bullying and acts of murder. LGBT life can be a difficult one for many if not all; however white LGBT culture (especially white gay males) has the benefit of still being able to do something that blacks can’t. That is take part in the spoils and benefits of white privilege in America.
White America may be in the minority decades from now but up until that point comes, white America is the majority that rules our land. Again black gays and lesbians might be able to conceal our sexual orientation but not our skin color and believe me…gay is not the new black. To the white LGBT community, it is not that we don’t understand the discrimination you are going through and how you are suffering.
We understand because we have suffered for centuries and still continue to face discrimination to this day. I am happy and envious that the white LGBT community was able to model their movement after the Civil Rights movement by organizing, marching, voting and doing something that the black community as a whole has forgotten how to do…and that is come together with their economic power to enforce change.
At the rate we are going, marriage equality will be achieved for gays long before equality is achieved for Black America.
Thank you Ocky for being forthright in your originality and truth. The man – Prince D – that has won your heart is definitely deserving of it and you his. I only hope that when you do tie the knot I am invited, and I really hope that more of us get married as to prevent a lot of heartache and heart break to our “partners” should something unexpected arise, or should major decisions have to be made and they cannot have their rightful say in the matter, whatever the situation.
Again I commend you on your insightfullness and astute political awareness and community consciousness. You are a gem and asset to us, as is Nick, and the “Discreet City” family.
We moved 2 steps forward and one step back. All the pressure we can muster needs to be brought to bare on congress regarding the setbacks of the Voting Rights Act (They can reverse and and ALL decisions of SCOTUS). My questions to all of those old guard southern plantation mentalities (ala Paula Deen, et.al.) that are still alive and kicking in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, The Carolinas, Florida, and Texas is: “If you are doing the right thing, and abiding by the voting laws of the country, then why are you in need of having the laws abolished?” “If you have abided by the Law and you feel comfortable with the results, and equality has been implemented – one man/woman, one vote, why then does the law need to be repealed?” How come we can’t keep the LAW on the books for “safekeeping?” Today I heard that Mississippi, which has a one third Black population – 1/3 is equal to 33% – has never elected a BLACK person to a statewide office. Thats racist crap and you and I both know it. Call it like it is – RACISM. It’s about to get real thick up in here.
“How come we can’t keep the LAW on the books for “safekeeping?” Exactly…to prove why this is still needed see the link below…
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/31/us/court-blocks-tough-voter-id-law-in-texas.html?_r=0
This happened in 2012 not in the 1960’s.
JUNE 25, 2013 — The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is being dismantled piece by piece and Black people become more disenfranchised from the political franchise to the point whereby the “clock is being rolled back” to the Jim Crow era. Black people have been dealt a severe blow to their hard fault and won remedies through blood, sweat, and tears – including many deaths. President Obama would not be president had there not been “The Voting Rights Act.” There’s no better time for a March on Washington than now.
JUNE 26, 2013 — DOMA is repealed, and GAY marriage in California is upheld. All of the MAINSTREAM gays are jubilant and celebratory, ecstatic even.
The sad part is, that in these same southern states many Black males have been disenfranchised because of previous Felony convictions. It’s really DOUBLE JEOPARDY – which is against the U.S. Constitution. Once you walk out of prison your debt to society has been paid! Many are in jail on trumped up charges. How could serving time in prison be a reason for political disenfranchisement? We know for a fact that it is targeted and affects a specific segment of the population overwhelmingly disproportionately – Black males. Recently, and which has now become “The Norm For Black Men,” 24 Black men were just released from prison because DNA evidence exonerated them and refuted all “purported testimony and false evidence.” How do you restore their lost years of voting? How do you compensate them for a vote that could’ve been the upset vote of an election? These are just some of the struggles that barely scratches the surface of the many that are still on the table, and now we have this to deal with – The setback of The Voting Rights Act.
BLACK PEOPLE BETTER START MOBILIZING
A LUTA CONTINUA – THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
As a germane, but side NOTE: Clarence Thomas is the biggest “TOM” that has ever walked the earth. He is the worse that Black people have ever produced. I actually wish something BAD would happen to him. I stand by my words. I will repeat them again in any public setting. He is a total disgrace. He wouldn’t even be sitting in that seat had Black people not fought hard and died for his “right to have an opportunity.” It’s really sad. He married a white woman and thumbed his nose at everybody, including his ancestors. They must be turning in their graves now.
I didn’t want to write this much (@Nick), but this is such an urgent matter, more so than people can portend, imagine, or even contemplate. It is very serious indeed. The 25th of June, 2013, is one of the saddest days in American history.
I read about this stuff (DOMA, Prop 8 and the voting rights act) in the NY Times newspaper today.
I like the initial role that the voting rights act played when it was established earlier during the Civil Rights Era. But I didn’t know that it would do this: “With Section 4 being nullified, they have now been given a pass to disenfranchise within the legal limitations of the laws they themselves created and lobbied to get passed.” I guess let’s see how things go with that.
With Prop 8 and DOMA in the news, I feel that while those things are good, it doesn’t help many of the issues that African-Americans have to deal with on a daily basis like you mentioned above. When I was at Morehouse College, we had many discussions about those topics and how blacks (and even other minority populations) are disproportionately affected.
I like how you stated that black people have forgotten how to mobilize and unite for greater causes other than frivolous things. I’ve had talks with people older than myself (like maybe 40+) and they talk about how things are going to get worse for my generation. I think it is sad that many younger black (and gay black) people have not always united for causes bigger than themselves besides uniting to vote for President Obama or rallying for Trayvon Martin. Not like those causes aren’t important but I do hope things will improve amongst black people for all ages.
My 2 cents…
“I guess let’s see how things go with that.” << African King
It is not a such thing as Let's just WAIT and SEE how things go. We have to be proactive and mobilize NOW. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated. They are attempting to turn back the clock. The Voting Rights Act should have never been an "Act," it should have been a law. That's what we should have been working on. The pattern of entrenched and repeatedly discrimination concerning disenfranchisement of Black people was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt thus we had the "law/Act" enacted to provide remedy through law because of DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES.
I’m sick and tired of Black People trying to challenge “the gays” on who’s the biggest VICTIM!
Even before these two landmark decisions were handed out, we heard all of the same bitching and moaning from “Black Activists” about how being gay wasn’t as harmful as being black. They cried and bitched about Pres. Obama giving “preferential treatment” to “the gays” instead of bringing forth issues that were specific to Black Americans.
I say F*CK them and anyone who sympathizes with that idiocy. This ruling was NOT a “white gay” ruling! It was a ruling that recognizes all Gay Men and Women as human beings by denying the federal government from discriminate against them! Why should we demand that white gays fight our fight? Where the f*ck were the Black people who helped achieved GAY RIGHTS? Where were the Black Gay Educated Frat Brothers and Elites during the fight for Gay equality? ANSWER: They were at Miami Sizzle sucking Dicks in a hotel room shared by 3 other closeted DL niggas!
Listen, I’ve always been hard on white gay men for their racist objectification of men of color, along with their arrogance and indifference towards minorities. But how in the hell can we demand (or expect) that they “get outraged” about the Voting Rights Act when “WE” as a community sat on our asses for every fight involving Gay Equality??
How about we get all of these jackazzes who frequent World Star Hip Hop everyday to give a damn! How about we get these internet warriors who rallied for Trayvon Martin on twitter and facebook by wearing all this “hoody” bullsh*t to get involved!?
Lets stop waiting for Superman to fight our battles. Because guess what?? Superman ain’t coming, and Gay White elites ain’t coming either!
Q: “Why should we demand that white gays fight our fight?”
A: Because if the mouth piece of the GLAAD mainstream gay movement is about true equality…than shouldn’t they want equality for all regardless of sexuality and color? Or does equality stop at sexuality and color?
Q: Where the f*ck were the Black people who helped achieved GAY RIGHTS?
A: You mean like Coretta Scott King, Al Sharpton and all the black and brown people you see in still pics from gay marches and equality protest?
Q. Where were the Black Gay Educated Frat Brothers and Elites during the fight for Gay equality?
A: Are you referring to black gay men like Keith Boykin or LZ Granderson who have continuously spoke up and out for gay rights or are you referring to black gay men Jason Collins who came out the closet this year and has been visible and vocal ever since?
But on the real…I still do feel where you are coming from and agree with most of your points.
No one in this thread has addressed this statement of blaring ignorance. WHY? Are we scared to address something so obviously contradictory? Until we can confront statements of this sort head on and nip this ignorance in the bud we will continue to suffer the injustices, and rightfully so. Who can respect you when you don’t respect yourselves? Who can support you when you don’t support yourselves? It’s downright foolish for anyone to get a free “pass” on making totally ignorant ass statements like this.
“…CLOSETED DL NIGGAS SUCKING DICK.”
I can see how and why we are fucked up and can’t get it together. This statement is the gist of our fuckupedness. It says it ALL.
“They were at Miami Sizzle sucking Dicks in a hotel room shared by 3 other closeted DL niggas!”
SMH @ Nothing says I hate myself “more” like this statement. I don’t know whether to be ashamed, embarrassed, or indifferent. This is a hard statement to interpret coming from a bona-fide intellectual. I’m hurt to the say the least. We seem not to be able to rise to the challenge confronting us as “UNITED COLLECTIVE.” This is the embodiment of a blaring example how “we” use the N-WORD to hurt and cut deeply. I am deeply concerned.
@ Nick, we have to do it ourselves as we have no choice. Our backs are against the wall. We are fast approaching the time when the collective will move in unison or we will, literally, cease to exist.
This is great news for America. Unfortunately, once full marriage equality is achieved, the white gays are going to move over to the right leaving us colored folks to fight conservatives by ourselves. Unfortunate, but true.
as fate would have it…i attended an event organized by the human rights campaign here in New York yesterday in regards to the present topics at hand. what i witnessed was surely historic as our brothers and sisters from all creeds came together in celebration of a struggle that has yet to be fully won. the voting rights act and its current affect on citizens of this country was brought up as a priority among those in attendance, which i found to be enlightening. we are now moving towards an era where we stand and fight for the freedom and rights for all people..i strongly feel that we are headed in the direction of a society of inclusiveness. of course this takes time, but is happening.
I hate politics, it is all a bunch of bull … And It gives me a headache
I feel where Ocky, coshamo, and def where Will is coming from. Rallying together mobilizing and becoming one cohesive unit fighting for the same rights, as are predecessors did back in the civil rights era, will only get things done on the surface. They will give us what we want to shut us up.Then once we stop making noise, they will still be behind the scenes trying to find other ways to fuck us.
The sad thing about politics is there are 2 sides : What we see on the surface and What really goes on. Until we, all minorities, blacks, gays, and progressive thinking individuals, are apart of the later, then no real permanent changes will be made.
“The sad thing about politics is there are 2 sides : What we see on the surface and What really goes on”
@Lee B
You just summed it up. And even when you share this with most,they believe. Or jump on the tired “that’s conspiracy theory”, as if gradual yet radical changes throughout haven’t always been accomplished through a “conspiracy “.
Most is never how it appears on the surface particularly in politics. It’s much deeper than most care to know or realize.
Blacks were mobilized in the past by the church and mosques. And at the very least barber and beauty shops. But the church at large is in bed with the “powers that be” in the mass deception and pacifying of the people. And those that have caught on who have left all too often don’t mind being ignorant. It’s too overwhelming to accept what reality is. Smh
Correct…behind closed doors the Republican and Democratic politicians are essentially the EXACT same party.
What you see TV is Political Theatrics to keep the charade going.
Have they excluded us? Or Have we excluded ourselves? I know it’s easier to find a scapegoat or hope someone else will solve our problems, but WE must own our own mess as Black people and clean it up. Sorry but no one wants to help anyone who doesn’t want to help themselves. At least I don’t.
This was a victory for all Gay folks, it’s not just “their” victory. See those words alone say a lot about the mindset of how either we’re excluding ourselves from ALL other gay people or how we don’t see ourselves marrying another dude. So the cycle continues until WE take ownership for ourselves, our words and actions.
I understand…but just a question…
How many minorities are currently on or have served on GLAAD’s board of directors? How can GLAAD understand minority gay issues and target minority gay issues if there is not a minority face in the room as a reference point? What’s wrong with diversity?
There are plenty of gay and straight men in the US of all racial backgrounds that can care less about getting married (don’t plan on it or don’t want to) who have other pressing issue to worry about.
If you look at Jena 6 march and protest and the Travon Martin march and protest the overwhelming majority of participants were black people…Where was GLADD?
Blacks are quick to join other causes (nothing wrong with that) but why are others not as quick or reluctant to join black causes?
@ Ocky, really bruh?
Are you really asking where were GLAAD members during the Jena 6 protests? Do you realize that the mass majority of those Black folks protesting for the Jena 6 despise homosexuals! If you did an unscientific street poll while standing in those crowds you’ll see the already existing ignorance and hatred still prevalent among our people. Ask the average straight Black person how they feel about homosexuality, or same-sex marriage, and watch them hide behind the bigotry of religion while providing their answers.
Lets just go ahead and ask; “where was GLAAD on the Global Warming debate?” or “where was GLAAD on the immigration fight?” This is how ridiculous this entire thing has become. I briefly searched the internet a couple of hours after the ruling was announced just to get a vibe of what Blacks thought about the ruling. What I found was not surprising! Actually,they sounded just like you Ocky. When they weren’t quoting religious dogma, they were sarcastically asking if Gay whites will join the fight for voting rights?
Yes, there were some “symbolic” Blacks who supported marriage equality, but the VENOM for the “mass majority of Black folks” painted the picture of a people who could not care less!
This is OUR fight! Lets make people aware and take to the damn streets! Check Black Media today and going forward and you’ll see that there is little outrage about the gutting of the Voting Rights Act.(in fact, most mofos don’t know anything about it) Instead, there is venom about DOMA being tossed out.
So wait…so because some black folks don’t like gay folks therefore GLAAD shouldn’t have spoken up or out during Jena 6 or any racial injustice situation?
Your theory is because blacks don’t like gays, GLAAD shouldn’t care about racial equality.
Really bruh?
To answer your other question GLAAD has spoken up about immigration reform… gay couples one of American origin one of foreign origin will now be able to marry & have it recognized by the federal govt. thus granting their foreign spouse legal US status in states (will be able to soon). This was a part of the immigration bill that Republicans were fighting against and something that GLAAD has spoken about plenty of times concerning the immigration fight. Climate change has absolutely nothing to with this debate… WTF
I am not talking about straight black or white folks who don’t care about DOMA or who are anti-homosexual…you brought that up I didn’t
I am talking specifically about black gay folks and the black experience…again WTF?
Try to keep the debate in the proper lanes.
@BlackPegasus
Everything you said is the TRUTH!
Ocky as a gay man I am satisfied with the courts ruling Of DOMA & Prop 8, but on thing is keeping me from jumping up & down, the fact that in this same week SCOTUS ruled to against Section 4 of the Civil Right Voting Act and I’m not hearing any outrage from the gay community about that. many Civil Rights activist of color have publicly comes as allies for the gay community on their issues but I recall hearing any gay activist championing civil rights issues other that those pertaining to gay rights. Its just more proof of the lack of communication and approach the gay community puts out towards people of color.
I will never understand how it can be hoped or expected for white “gays” to support black “gays” in “any” cause and unite simply based on having same sex attraction in common.???Straight people don’t do that.
Whites and blacks aren’t uniting over anything simply because they have being attracted to the opposite sex in common.
The white lady interviewed on CNN after the Supreme Court decision said what we hear all the time,”we just want to be treated equal”.
Ok… If that’s the case ,it has go across the board. ACTand THINK like your supposed counter parts.
In the end, for those who really “believe” in the system ,it’s about what’s more important to you. Where you’re going to put your limited amount of energy into. In your ” black ” causes. Or your “gay” causes.??
Voter discrimination is not a ” white” mans problem,whatever his sexual orientation. And you can’t expect a white man, who is naturally threatened by you ,due to his own “evolution” inspired train of thought to support you just because he likes penis as well.
Once black people at large get it figured out that the “system” is not for them. Never has been. Never will be. Then and only then will that move forward.
Lol. Running to the polls for Obama. As if they forgot many of the plantation “overseers” or assistants of overseers were BLACK by design.
@TLK
So now you can understand how I feel. Aside from the already political junkies like you and I, many Blacks aren’t tuned in…
But here’s where we disagree. You said it’s because the media is not talking about it…Well guess what?? The media ignored the Trayvon story until the internet and twitter exploded with Black People saying hell NO! So my question is; “what’s trending on BLACK TWITTER today?”… It sure as hell ain’t the Supreme Court Decision!
@BlackPegasus
I work very closely with the public. From what I see ,many blacks are waking up to the fact FINALLY that the system is rigged from the top down.( see the All Seeing Eye on the pyramid on the $ bill) (I’m being sarcastic “somewhat”) . So if it has to do with “voting” most are quiet about it now because what has happened ,or more correctly ” hasn’t happened”, is downright embarrassing if one was counting on Obama for any real “Change”.
So there is widespread ignorance and misinformation that most are content with. It’s sad. But this is what has happened. Blacks are ” in their own zone” . Their in their zone. Their in their own zone. Smh
For those who think that white LGBT people don’t care about Tuesday’s SCOTUS Voting Rights Act decision, the white lesbian Rachel Maddow eloquently challenged the U.S. Congress to pass legislation which would repair the Voting Rights Act on her MSNBC show yesterday.
Do you think Rachel Maddow speaks for all of white LGBT America or do you think Dick Cheney’s conservative Republican white lesbian daughter Mary Cheney, feels differently than Rachel Maddow on the Voting Rights Act Section 4 issue?
Rachel Maddow speaks for of the White LGBT community about as much as Al Sharton speaks for all of the Black community. White gays will do for the Black community about as much as the Black community will do for themselves, which is little to nothing. At the end of the day, the Black community is to blame for their lack of mobilization for anything other than new pairs of Jordans.
Thank you Nick! my point exactly.
Wait so black people didn’t mobilize in mass and vote for President Obama? By the way, this last election was the first time minority votes surpassed white votes.
Curious do you think black gays put more stock in organizations like GLAAD or in organizations like Rainbow Push or the NAACP?
My point is that I didn’t elect GLAAD as the organization to fight for equality, they elected themselves and gave their organization this title (nothing wrong with that). “GLAAD is leading the conversation for LGBT equality” This is from their mission statement. So does this mean as a gay men my gay equality stop or end at my racial equality?
Regardless if blacks are not mobilizing the way we think we should how does this prevent GLAAD from speaking out and championing racial issues for (LGBT) people of color? How does this prevent them from having any person of color on their board of directors?
Racism exists in this country regardless if folks are gay or not. If black and brown gay folk can join GLAAD make donations and partake in their functions…what is wrong with GLAAD championing racial discriminatory causes impacting LGBT people?
Ocky, you’re the same guy that said “Fuck the Boy Scouts, lets start our own shit.” The same should apply here…fuck them, let’s do it ourselves.
Okay, let’s assume the entire GLAAD organization is Racist…so we should wait for them to speak out against racial discrimination? They won their battle (for now) and their “victory” will help both white and brown gays (whether that was their focus or not).
Instead of dismissing the White gays that ARE speaking on the voter rights issues, lets embrace them and force the silent Blacks out there to “get on the bus” so to speak.
How dare you use my own words against me? That’s traitorous…LOL
Just an observation…I’m asking questions that no one seems to be answering. It’s nothing wrong with saying “I don’t know”. Black gay dudes in this here comment section have criticized the black community and men within the black gay community as not doing anything or not doing enough but criticism of GLAAD is off limits?
In no way can I disagree with your point but it is answering a question that I didn’t ask.
Rachel Maddow does not speak for all white LGBT America (did anyone say she did?) and Mary Cheney does not speak for all white LGBT America either.
I mentioned Rachel Maddow not because I think that she represents all, most, or even a significant number of white LGBT people on this issue. I mentioned her because she is a white lesbian with a platform (her show). She could have spent that time talking about the victories for marriage equality but she chose to spend considerable time on her show talking about the Voting Rights Act. She also talked about the Voting Rights Act several times again last night.
People mobilize organically around issues that impact them directly. If some black people are concerned about the Voting Rights Act, they need to organize to bring about the change they want to see.
My question is not what are white LGBT people going to do about the Voting Rights Act. My question is what are the black people who claim they care about this issue going to do about it? Are black people going to mobilize to get Congress to repair/update the Voting Rights Act or are they going to merely complain about the ascendancy of the LGBT movement.
Q: My question is what are the black people who claim they care about this issue going to do about it?
A: Same as we always do. Protests and marches have already been planned for August 2013.
A better question would be what is Congress going to do? They are the ones who would have to develop a new set of guidelines and rules to replace Section 4…which means they would have to high light and point out states where discrimination still takes place and come up with a plan.
This is already a do nothing Congress so I expect nothing to change here. Besides this…it still doesn’t answer my question which is why does GLAAD get a pass on racial or discriminatory issues concerning LGBT people of color? Why does it seem like black gays are not allowed to question, critique them or point out how non – diverse their leadership is?
Gays and the “gay agenda” are simply “pawns”in a LARGER agenda that does NOT include the advancement of black people. In fact, the purpose is just the opposite.
The “global”gay agenda is a tool in the machine to demonize religion. (That’s another topic)
Clearly white gays aren’t interested in equality for all gay people. We are seeing the proof.
Without “women” as a distraction,intelligent ,politically and economically conscious black men are the COMPETION. Why would you assist and prop up a group that by all intents and purposes have bone to pick with you over centuries of horrific oppression? If you are taking care of your “own”,what makes you think the people you are helping gain more rights aren’t going to take care of “their OWN”?
It makes no sense. ESPECIALLY when your Darwinistic mindset has you in fear of your declining gene pool. To add to your motivation to exclude THEM.
GLAAD is supported or more so PIMPED by a government that is clearly not interested in the advancement of black people.
The black pastors have sold themselves. So have the elite in the Greek fraternities. To keep the division going simply showcase and reward the feminine black gay entertainers. And bait the Frank Oceans,Jason Collins and Don Lemon types out of the closet. Give them critical acclaim ,yet they do nothing much in any support of major causes one way or another. Especially not their “own” in any significant way.
And let them try to do so and see what happens……
Lawd Hammercy!
You are starting to make sense on this website..
**takes a sip of Makers Mark**
Lol @BlackPegasus
All one has to do is research these occult organizations the Congressman,Senators,elite at large are a part of and their objectives. It’s never been a secret. You just have to believe its taking place and connect the dots. And it becomes very clear the game of chess that’s being played internationally. It’s all interesting to watch.
I understand what you’re saying, but I’m more concerned about the crime and violence going on right now within our own community than I am any of that other shit. And I’m going to call it shit because that’s what it is.
Black people like to focus on what others have done or are doing to us and ignore what we are doing to ourselves. We are destroying ourselves right now. It breaks my heart and I get so fired up about this shit because I see it every fucking day. Please understand that the damage we are doing to ourselves right now is worse than any damage anyone else could do to us. This is really what we need to focus on right now.
@CDotti
When people are misguided they need leadership. And there is none ,on purpose.
Al Sharpton and Jessee Jackson are outdated jokes. The mega-church pastors are in bed with the white elite ie T.D Jakes and the “Bush Family” of all people. The fraternities are largely silent. But they’ve always served as “keepers of the gate”.
Eric Holder, Clarence Thomas,Colin Powell. Sell outs.
Who’s left?……
Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, (occult managed puppets) . Tyler Perry 🙁 …And the rest who have relationships with a ball of some sort. THESE are the ones showcased before Generation Y and X.. And this, by design.
Travis Smiley,Cornell West , Dr.Claude Anderson, a few that come close to speaking the truth aren’t given a platform. And if they were,sadly it would probably be too much for most to handle.
Most simply don’t like the truth. It’s really that simple. And when you are oppressed and disadvantaged at large,truth is the most important thing you need.
If you believe the game and scam that is politics,the way it’s presented to you, you’re lost from the start. If you claim to be a ” believer” , but you don’t study to check to see if what you’re being taught to believe matches up to the text book you subscribe to,you’re lost. If you’re all about money yet you don’t know where inflation comes from or the history of the Federal Reserve Bank and that it is NOT part of the government,you can’t plan “realistically for the future.
Long story short, black people at large wont be lifted up. It’s each one teach one. Starting with those closest to you. You’ll drive yourself crazy waiting for the government to help you and black folk at large to wake up.
That is why I talk about the issues of the black community with people and try to spread awareness. Some black people get upset with what I have to say, but I look at them as part of the problem. They don’t want to be faced with the reality of the situation. They’d rather live in ignorant bliss and walk around as if we’re still not second class citizens. A lot of black people have created a false image in their mind that we are equal and that racism no longer exists. Some blacks think we should get over slavery. “Forgive and forget” is what one black person said to me yesterday. I was taught to never forget your history. Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it.
It’s funny you mention Al Sharpton because I asked someone yesterday why when something bad happens to a black person everyone wanna ask about “where is Al Sharpton?” Is he the only go to person for blacks? That just reinforces my belief that we as black people are in trouble.
The mega-church pastors are a joke. Did you know there is a new reality show with the black mega-church pastors called Preachers of L.A.? It looks like any other ratchet reality show you would find on VH1. These pastors are walking around like rappers, and you’ll see what I mean. One of the pastors said said P. Diddy and Jay-Z are not the only ones who should be driving Ferrari’s and living in the large houses. And this is what black people support and pay their tithes.
here go the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml8bQDnnkKk
I think what some of you are saying is bullshit. You seem to forget that whites have helped us in the past and still do. We did not do everything on our own and are not doing everything on our own. Both sides like to throw stones, but we have helped each other and still do. Don’t forget who marched with us during the Civil Rights Movement.
I don’t understand this attitude of not wanting to be involved with the marriage equality movement because you think white people don’t help us with racial equality. Marriage equality has nothing to do with race. That applies to all of us LGBT no matter what color we are. Maybe if black gays were involved the white gays wouldn’t have scapegoated blacks when Prop 8 passed. Just some food for thought.
Other than that, no need to act like whites don’t help us. That’s a lie. They help us more than we help ourselves. That’s the real tragedy. If you need examples, holla.
@C.Dotti
SMH at what you said about the mega-church reality show. But a truth many aren’t aware if is that the church at large has it coming. It’s in the making. The “informed” KNOW.
Since these pastors are in bed with the elite I think many of them may know the real deal and jumped on board to fleece flocks before it all goes down. These men are educated. They can’t be oblivious to the grander scheme. But it wouldn’t surprise me if a few of the mega-pastors are.
As you’re implying ,most are drinking the proverbial kool-aid. They don’t want to know or address truth and reality.
Slave culture is being marketed and sold GLOBALLY. This is no accident that hip hop is as influential as it is. You cannot navigate through the system well if you buy into the values that hip hop at large promotes. But blacks are wallowing in the popularity of this subversive culture that originates with our slave mentality. It’s a force that can be beaten going the opposite direction, but most don’t want to hear that.
The basic knowledge that could save most is being mocked by the likes of Jay Z, Kanye, Jay Cole, Rihanna,and the list goes on. We are in the midst of pyschological ,dare I say spiritual warfare.
The best anyone when can do is spread awareness in hopes that the few for whom it’s intended will bite. Trust man this is not just happening here in the U.S.
it’s futile to focus on what is happening with blacks en masse here.
I truly believe that if YOU become “aware” and you spread that “awareness”, you’re guided to a safe place. You can’t stop wanting to become more and more
“aware”. This is what it’s all about.
Truth be told, the majority aren’t even in a better position. This is why the propaganda that we are “equal” and that the playing field is level is being promoted.
Lol. Look at how the media promotes interracial relationships even amongst gay people ie Frank Ocean, kanye West. Jay Z and his morphing into a white woman main whore. It’s a trick. And so many fall for it. Get rich ,give it back to whites. And complain openly about how no good you’re own are.
But this is all too much to complain about . It’s depressing. The key like you said is to become more aware YOURSELF and help a neighbor to do so. The path is their OWN. Those that don’t want to hear it? Keep it moving.
I do try to spread awareness and make blacks open their eyes by providing examples of what we’re doing wrong and how it’s affecting us negatively. I give examples of injustices happening to us that are not happening to other races, but it doesn’t seem to sink in. The Trayvon Martin case is a perfect example. Zimmerman is guilty as sin. Do you think if it was a white boy that he shot that we would even be going through this shit?
Take the Oscar Grant case for example. He was shot and killed laying face down by a white officer and it was caught on tape with witnesses all over, yet he still got off with only two years prison time. Not only that but the officer had an outpouring of donations that paid for all his legal expenses. Same with Zimmerman when he set up his website for donations and raised all that money. These people go around killing blacks and people are donating millions to see them get off scott free. That should tell you people don’t give a shit about blacks.
Black kids dying, dropping like flies in Chicago. Where is the media coverage? Where’s the outrage? Where’s Obama? That’s his city, right? You got Michelle Obama talking about the kids in Chicago don’t like sunny days because that’s when everyone is out in the street and people die. So what are we doing about that Michelle? I know Obama loves to run to the video camera when white folks get shot up. Man, I’m so done with this shit.
I do try to spread awareness and make blacks open their eyes by providing examples of what we’re doing wrong and how it’s affecting us negatively. I give examples of injustices happening to us that are not happening to other races, but it doesn’t seem to sink in. The Trayvon Martin case is a perfect example. Zimmerman is guilty as sin. Do you think if it was a white boy that he shot that we would even be going through this shit?
Take the Oscar Grant case for example. He was shot and killed laying face down by a white officer and it was caught on tape with witnesses all over, yet he still got off with only two years prison time. Not only that but the officer had an outpouring of donations that paid for all his legal expenses. Same with Zimmerman when he set up his website for donations and raised all that money. These people go around killing blacks and people are donating millions to see them get off scott free. That should tell you people don’t give a shit about blacks.
Black kids dying, dropping like flies in Chicago. Where is the media coverage? Where’s the outrage? Where’s Obama? That’s his city, right? You got Michelle Obama talking about the kids in Chicago don’t like sunny days because that’s when everyone is out in the street and people die. So what are we doing about that Michelle? I know Obama loves to run to the video camera when white folks get shot up. Man, I’m so done with this shit.
@elg
agreed! For all the complaining some gay men of color seem to do, there is no action or organization within our own “so called communities”. Oh wait, we do have that powerful organization that puts together Miami Sizzle lol.. The point is simply this; it’s a fool’s errand to constantly moan and bitch about “dem white folks”. We have a so called mecca of Black gay men residing in Atlanta. But is there any sense of “community” in Atlanta? (Or any other major city for that matter?)
After Jason Collins came out of the closet, we had homophobic bigots like ESPN’s Chris Broussard making outrageous statements of hatred while hiding behind his “religious beliefs”. Is Mr. Broussard still employed by ESPN? YES he is! He’s still there because Black Gay Men didn’t do shit about his statements! In fact, Broussard said what he said because he knew Black gays would let him get away with it!
See my point here? While we moan about ‘dem white folks”, we ain’t doing jack sh*t to demand that our very own people stop treating us like abominations. Meanwhile, Rapper J. Cole seems to have gotten a pass from the “Black gays” regarding his anti gay sentiments in his latest album. “Some” are defending this bullsh*t by claiming “he’s just being edgy in a artist sort of way”. whatevers!
We are nothing but a bunch of cowards!
http://www.musedmagonline.com/2013/04/espn-anchor-chris-broussard-stands-by-on-air-condemnation-of-jason-collins-homosexuality/
@BlackPegasus and others
Atlanta is supposed to be a “mecca” for black LGBT people. If black gay men in Atlanta can’t pull together a critical mass of progressive black gay men in Atlanta to challenge homophobia in general, and black homophobia in particular, then where can it happen?
The LGBT movement is moving forward at rapid speed. When the history of the LGBT movement is written, will black gay men be an integral part of that history? Will there be any black gay HEROES for future generations of black gay boys/men (and others) to read about and look up to? The time is now. The choice was always yours.
@elg
My sentiments exactly! Thank you my brotha 🙂
Does anyone remember the slogan “Gay is the new Black?” Remember that ish? I sure do. The problem that I have with the gay white machine is that they selectively use the struggles of Black people to gain their equal rights while secretly hating Black people. They never stand up against any issue that does not directly impact their desires. They also don’t really mind if their actions help other gays and lesbians as long as they get what they want. They will use that as a come worship me now tactic in dealing with minority lgbt people.
One of the reasons why you have opposition from Black folks is not only religious dogma, it is a loyalty factor as well. I did not hear one gay person who was so jubilant about the DOMA victory say that they were upset about the section four ruling. This ruling will also affect the machine if districts are redrawn and produce more conservative and or tea party leaning districts. Where were the perpetrators of “gay is the new black” when that ruling came out? I know for a fact that sentiments like this does not help mend the riff between the two communities especially when those of us who are sgl know that there is a deep racial divide in the white mainstream gay community.
We should not expect others to rescue us; we have to work for ourselves. We have to move past marches and rallies into real lobbying and fundraising like other movements have done. Based on some of the comments that I read, that seems like an impossibility. We are so quick to judge and tear each other down and make sweeping statements. We don’t know what is happening on grassroots levels around the country. We don’t know who is in talks to combat this and other atrocities.
We have to do more than vote! We have to demand that our elected officials take our votes seriously. We have to use our financial capital as a tool and stop supporting those corporations who pay money to lobby against us. We have to stop buying into the notion that “things” equal status and realize that our “buying” is power. Money talks and bull ish walks. We must start a new revolution and not just lean on what was done for us decades ago lest we parish.
If anyone belongs to an organization that fights this fight let me know how I can be down. If not then we need to stop throwing stones at those who aren’t doing anything and start one.
Peace!
I’m late to this party but let me give my two cents anyway lol. I think the issue is obviously very complicated. I think it’s a bit unfair for us to assume that white gay men don’t care about black civil rights. In fact, I was just lamenting on my facebook that last week I saw countless posts about Paula Deen from my black(gay) friends, but the only people I saw speaking about the VRA were in fact white gay men who seem to get upset about everything. So I think in a lot of ways it’s disingenuous to act like the VRA was something a lot of African Americans cared or even knew about until after it was scratched. So how can we expect white gays to really care about our struggle(although many do) when straight and gay blacks for the most part seemed completely unaware? I think that’s actually the major difference. The gays(mostly white) KNOW what they want and how to fight for it whereas our generation of African Americans seems mostly reactive and ineffectively reactive at that.
Hannibal:
I agree with:
*our generation of African Americans seems mostly reactive and/or ineffectively reactive
*a lot of African Americans did not know about the VRA until after it was scratched
IMO it seems like (I don’t want to over generalize here) that we have become too apathetic when it comes to the political process. I think that we have been systematically conditioned to disconnect from engaging in the political theater because we feel powerless (perhaps); OR we rely on the POTUS to safeguard our unique issues in his policy directives. Whatever the case, we need to realize that our civil liberties are at stake.
I know that we are not all the same but what one can find easily on social media are delusions of grandeur, gossip, and aspiring to be “hood rich” or “ghetto fab.” It hurts me because I know that is not the totality of who we are. Most of us will not wake up in a “new Bugatti” but all of us will wake up to the ramifications of this VRA decision.
I disagree with:
*white gay men care about black civil rights
Lets take the Human Rights Campaign for example. I have never seen anything that they have done for any human rights except gay ones. I think the organization should be called Gay Rights Campaign for this simple fact. The only thing that closely resembles any support for non-gay issue was this org’s support of presidential candidate Obama…oh wait, it was because he was vocal in his support for equality for the lgbt community. They (rightfully) saw an opportunity to get this President to embrace and champion their cause; hence the sizable donation to his campaign.
I do not vilify those gay white men but I also feel they are opportunistic. The hijacking of the Black Civil Rights movement in this country for their political gain cannot be disputed. The way in which it was done was also in poor taste. But we are supposed to be so accepting because imitation is the highest form of flattery? I think that we have to find ways to maximize on our political capital.
#frustrated
I agree with you to a degree. I don’t think overall the white gays support black civil rights outwardly, but I know many that do. Then again the ones I know are just political people in general. But I also think it’s a two fold issue. When I was in NYC marching for marriage equality, I saw less than a handful of people who looked like me out there. We can’t get black gay men to march for gay rights in force but will gladly reap the benefits. If I was them I would be mad at us too lol. Also, if we were having black civil rights marches(which seem far and few between) why would a white gay man go knowing that a large part of our culture doesn’t want them there? Just something to think about.
@Hannibal
Bro, I agree with you. What’s amazing is the level of apathy that have shrouded the black community (str8 or gay) in recent times. It’s like we’re on the sidelines watching life. Perhaps, a lot of us are not living—we are merely surviving and using only the precious energy we have to just get through each day.
We as men of color who are LGBT or SGL or whatever one considers himself must get involved in the fight for equality. I think that before we do external campaigns, we need to do some internal community work as well. Discrimination, exclusion, oppression, violence, housing and employment inequality, intolerance, and health issues are broad areas that we are facing that keeps “us” separated from “them.” Our issues are real and there’s no one coming to rescue, lead, or save us so we must work to heal these afflictions ourselves.
In regards to civil rights marches and the participation of white gay men, they would less likely be vilified due to the fact that there have always been whites involved in Black Civil Rights issues. If they wouldn’t feel comfortable being present, then they definitely shouldn’t feel comfortable co-opting images, slogans, and experiences of the struggle for Black Civil Rights.
UH OH…. “thinker” has a brain. lol… that’s scary. Black men with minds are few and far between, or put more factually, “A Black man with a brain who actually ‘uses’ it is actually a phenomenon.” The proof is in the pudding…