Blogcritics Author: Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Dear Black Woman, You Are Not a Victim

Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:36:33 EDT

After watching the April 17 episode of Oprah featuring Ben Chavis, Russell Simmons, and Kevin Liles, I am convinced that until we as African-Americans stop playing the "victim" card and take responsibility for our actions, how we treat ourselves and how we allow others to treat us, we will continue this vicious cycle of self-degradation that continues to plague our community and that gives permission for others to openly disrespect us in the media.Simmons, Liles, and Chavis repeatedly skirted around the issue at hand, blaming poverty, and ignorance for making hip-hop "the mirror of the parts of society America wants to ignore." They were convinced and are on a crusade to convince the world that they truly care about the well-being of the black community and have vowed to support each other's initiatives through the all-powerful "Hip Hop Summit." This sickened me and it should sicken any other African American who has risen above, or watched their families and friends rise above, their circumstances, not letting what goes on around them control their lives, but rather taking control of their destinies... all while refusing to call anyone out of their name. Simmons, Liles, and Chavis should be ashamed of themselves, and on today's episode of Oprah proved themselves to be the self-promoting executives we all know them to be. I am convinced that the HHS is to them a large body of people they can influence and control -- specifically to buy products, support artists, and most importantly vote for candidates the "leaders" choose to endorse. Maybe this is a stretch, but after the comments and insincerity I felt coming from the their mouths, I find it hard to believe anything else. I say this just to advise everyone to be very careful who you look to as leaders. I heard author and talk show host (booted from BET) Tavis Smiley say once "You are the leader you have been looking for." I couldn’t agree more. Stop blaming "the world" for your circumstances. Take control of your life, your mouth, and your thinking. Poverty is not causing anyone to call their sister a ho, ignorance is not forcing Snoop to call women bitches, and desperation is not forcing black women to participate in their own disrespect -- or is it?We as black women must realize that we hold so much more power than others would like us to believe. We do not have to participate in our own disrespect to win the approval or attention of any human being. What kind of sense does that make? We are the single moms, we are the college-educated professionals, and we are the doctors, lawyers, and teachers of our community. We must stop supporting the crap that does nothing but help kill our spirits, the spirits of our children, and of our community.Think about it, would CBS and MSNBC really have pulled Imus' show if advertisers didn’t pull out first? Women and African-Americans make up a heck of a portion of the consumer community and where we choose to spend -- or not spend -- our dollars is an extremely important lesson from this whole situation. Stop supporting what brings you down and instead use your economic power to build you and your community up.When you go to the club, if there is a song that you know degrades you and your sisterfriends -- don’t run to the dance floor saying "Ohh girl, thats my song!" Instead sit down and convince your friends to sit down, too. When people ask why you cleared the floor, tell them it's because you wont dance to a song that basically labels you a prostitute. Tell them you're better than that, and tell them you are there to have fun, but not at the expense of your self-respect. We all know the guys aren’t going to dance alone. And we all know that the one girl who will still get out in the middle of the floor and perform for everyone wont keep dudes' attention for long. Take a stand until the DJs stop playing the songs -- stand up until the radio gets a clue that you've realized your power and decides to stop playing those artists because they aren’t making them any money. If you don’t hear the songs on the radio are you really going to have heard it enough to go buy (or download) the album? Probably not. You see, it's the little things that make the difference. Start small, and infect the world with change. YOU are the leader you've been looking for. Not Russell, not Jay-Z, not Kevin Liles, not Al Sharpton. YOU. Start making your own decisions. Do what's right, do unto and treat others the way you would want them to treat you. Most importantly, do unto yourself the way you know you should. I'm not dismissing that Imus was a complete idiot for saying what he said and stealing the Rutgers' women ball players' moment of glory, nor am I disregarding the institutionalized racism that is so ingrained in our society. What I am saying is don't let others' negative opinions and beliefs stop you from doing and being your best. When you do, you become a victim, and victims are never victorious. And having someone call you out of your name is living way below your potential. As a Black woman, don’t forget about your pain and your frustration; instead use it and turn it into positivity that will change you and the world that surrounds you. We are better than who the world is trying to tell us that we are, and what we are choosing to believe about ourselves. But nothing will matter until we take control of our lives and redefine our identities as the loving, beautiful, intelligent, and most of all worthy individuals God has created us to be.

Ayofemi is a writer who in her daily journey seeks to be a Citizen of the World, a life mission one of her professors and famed journalist, Chuck Stone shared with her and with everyone he meets. She chooses to write on a variety of subjects, and is particularly persuaded to only write about things that inspire her. She hopes that her work inspires others to always seek and confront truth in their lives, no matter how difficult it at times, can be.

ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Gives An American Hero the Homecoming He Deserves

Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 22:11:04 EST

There isn’t a free Sunday evening where I miss my ABC lineup: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and if I can keep my eyes open, Brothers and Sisters. At the end of the night, I usually feel pretty good, and it’s a juggle between which of the shows’ episodes topped the evening. It’s often a toss-up because each show satisfies my entertainment needs in a different way. Extreme Makeover gives me hope that kindness still comes in large doses, Brothers and Sisters a glimpse into the intricacies of a large immediate family (I’m an only child), and Desperate Housewives, well, is, umm... full of the backstabbing, sex, and sin I’m sure most of us will never have or do (ahem). But on February 11, 2007, six years and five months to the day that over 3,000 people lost their lives in a vicious attack on our country’s soil, the Thomas family, Ty and his crew of designers, furniture makers, construction workers, and good ol' kindhearted folks stole the show – and captured my heart.We will never forget the selfishness and the selflessness that occurred on the fateful day of September 11, 2001 when a group of men, believed to be Islamic terrorists, flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. No one old enough to remember will ever forget where they were on that day. I was a high school senior at the time, and was in the middle of failing a physics test. I am somewhat ashamed of the relief I felt when our principal made the announcement for all teachers to turn on our closed-circuit television because our nation was “under attack.” Little did I know that in those very moments, our world would be set on a violent course that would change millions of lives forever. On that day in 2001, Marine Jason Thomas was also a student dropping his daughter off at his mother’s home in Long Island when his aunt told him that planes had struck the twin towers. Reports say that without a moment to contemplate doubt, Thomas grabbed his Marine uniform and drove to Manhattan, parking his car feet away from the scene. Equipped with a flashlight and a shovel, Thomas met and paired with ex-marine Staff Sgt. David Karnes and searched for survivors. In the steel abyss that once stood as symbols of economic strength, Thomas and Karnes didn’t search in vain. They found, beneath 20 feet of rubble, two Port Authority police officers, Will Jimeno and Sgt. John McLoughlin, alive. It’s no secret of the patriotism and there’s no surprise over the commercialization that occurred after September 11, 2001. We as Americans should be proud of the unity that our nation showed in the following months. From our government to our streets, it was all for one and one for all. That day we all were just human, a feeling we should never forget and a day our history will never allow us to forget. Jason Thomas identified himself only as Sgt. Thomas that day. He walked away with no accolades, just the security in that he had done his duty. With his family in tow he moved away from the city and bought a home in Columbus, Ohio, thinking he would put the horrors of that day behind him. Thomas is a handsome African-American man who stands with the stature of a king, but whose face and eyes reflect the humility of a cupbearer in a kingdom. Last night, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition gave him the royal homecoming he deserved. His fellow servicemen demolished his home, which was in deplorable condition, and gave him a castle of his own. He is a father, a husband, a son, and a brother, and last night he and all those who helped him made all of America proud. Last night Thomas was the face of our country.But there is something about the subjectivity of history and about Thomas’s story that can’t be ignored. History can be sculpted, twisted, and told any way the storyteller prefers. Oliver Stone, the hit-making director and writer of such blockbusters as Any Given Sunday, Evita, and Scarface, is such a storyteller, and in 2006 chose to retell the story of the day four men’s lives crossed. McLoughlin, Jimeno, and Karnes were all involved in the film adaptation of this story. Jason Thomas was not; only his last name was known. It wasn’t until seeing the movie trailer on television and only after a loving nudge from his aunt that he came forward and identified himself as the Sgt. Thomas played by William Mapother (cousin of superstar Tom Cruise) in the film. The making of the movie World Trade Center, however, documented a historical event, and in it Hollywood chose to remember Jason Thomas as someone else. Executives, who usually never miss a beat in filmmaking, promised they could not find Jason Thomas. They stood by their statements that they did not know Thomas was African-American though they used the first-hand accounts of people who interacted with him including Karnes, and the men whose life he saved. Hollywood chose to cast a white man to personify Thomas’ courage and strength in this film. This is a touchy subject, and I’m sure this is why media coverage was sparse and limited. How can we focus on race when talking about an event like 9/11? But this issue cannot and should not be ignored and it is every American’s responsibility to make sure real stories are told, no matter how many tickets it may or may not sell. History and the media have told us for years that people who look like Thomas could never stand for what he’s stood for during this period of his life. History books show us that people who look like him were lynched for their innocence, and are murdered by those who pledge the same allegiance to be safekeepers for our country. Talk shows, political pundits, television show, news and movie producers say that people who look like him don’t take care of their families, steal, cheat, and exploit everything they touch. But last night Jason Thomas showed us something different. Thanks to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the American public is not only aware of Jason Thomas’s heroism, but we know that he is a man who feels, and who loves. He is not a black man who has left his family, he is not a black man who is in jail or who does drugs, he is not a black man who is crying about racism or about who is trying to keep him down. Instead, he cries because every time he looks at the American flag that now flies high in his front yard his heart bleeds. Thomas’s heart bleeds because he loves his country and he loves his family, he loves the band of brothers formed during his service, and he knows he would commit the ultimate sacrifice so what is most important to him can survive. Hollywood super producer Michael Shamberg apologized for his “oversight,” and as the true hero he is, Thomas humbly accepted. But I question, for the millions of people who saw that film, and who will see that film in 20 years, what it would have done for them to see a black man in that role? How many minds would it have changed about what went on that day? Who could Jason Thomas’s heroism inspire? The answers to these questions we may never know. But the images of blacks in the media have been so twisted and tampered with, that seeing Jason Thomas as a soldier who left his family and risked his life for his country could have really touched and changed people’s minds – people of all races. This isn’t the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last, but it is the media who must be responsible for the use of their power, and the public who must hold the media responsible for using their power honorably.On February 11, 2007, six years and five months to the day our nation was changed forever, one deserving man was made to feel like the hero he proved himself to be and he was allowed to walk into his home with honor. Jason Thomas, for your courage, strength, and heroism we salute you. For bringing the power of kindness into our homes every Sunday, ABC and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, we thank and we salute you, too.

Movie Review: Dreamgirls

Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby — Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:45:56 EST

If you can trust anyone to tell you the truth about a film, it’s me. I appreciate film and all art for what it is -- a creative outlet that should be respected and offered constructive criticism. More importantly I believe art should encourage critical thought and social commentary, and that a lot of the stuff offered on TV, the radio, and in the movies is crap. So understandably as I sat down in my comfy reclining theater seat to see Dreamgirls during its opening weekend, my eyes were narrow and my arms were folded. I was a skeptic.I was skeptical of this production because I hate to see something so hyped that I hate it before I see it. I was skeptical because I am always skeptical about a movie starring Beyonce Knowles; not because I don’t like her, but because I believe her career is such a product of the press agency machine that the girl isn’t really given a chance to show if she’s got true talent, let alone acting ability. Too often Hollywood execs think if they just put her (and other celebrities) in a movie without having or nurturing any real talent they’ll automatically tap into a target audience and into their wallets. But, as I said, you can trust me, and the entire cast of Dreamgirls, Ms. Knowles included, deserves the hype it’s received and they also deserve two hours of your time. I came in a skeptic and I left a believer. The movie is definitely one to see, and here’s why… The movie production of Dreamgirls is phenomenal. Bill Condon, who also wrote the award-winning film adaptation of Broadway’s Chicago, never misses a beat with his direction. Audiences wont feel like they’re watching another big Hollywood movie, but rather actors who are dedicated to giving performances to the best of their abilities. These are actors, who are pouring their hearts and souls into every word, every gesture, and every blink. Good work is often attributed to the actor but, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover aside, I believe it takes a good director to bring quality work out of acting amateurs, and Condon does just that.Amateurs – yes, lets talk about Jennifer Hudson. This girl has never graced a movie set in her life, and yet she is truly a natural in this film. Jennifer Hudson is Effie White. Every note, every tear, and every word screams “look at me now” to the American Idol fans that booted her, and Hudson does a job with this character that is more than respectable, it’s admirable. Now, is her performance worth the hype it’s receiving? I am still not too sure about that. It is a great performance, especially being her first. But is it Oscar worthy? I don’t think so. Yet, given the other nominees in the Golden Globes category, her performance is by no means mediocre. Her work appropriately matches the caliber of her competitors, and she also deserves to win. And yes, the girl can sing. But that’s no secret. Another film amateur -- Ms. Beyonce Knowles. We all know Knowles has one of the best PR people in the world working for her. So much time is spent promoting her, her movies, and her music that Hollywood seems to forget that her film performances have been extremely lackluster and boring. However, as Deena Jones, Knowles has not only been given the opportunity to show people she can act, she proves that the best way to give the performance of your life is to find pieces of yourself in the character you are playing. Knowles was made for this part.Loosely based on Diana Ross, Deena is favored over her group members because of her “cross-over” looks and is catapulted to stardom. Everyone knows she doesn’t really have the voice to move millions, but she’s a good package for the masses – pretty, non-threatening, and she's a black woman who looks great in a blond wig. Sound familiar? The similarities between Knowles and her character in this movie are uncanny. Her career is controlled by her manager from the time she was a teen, she is made the center of attention of a girl group later to seek her solo career in movies and endorsements, members of her group were booted for reasons that have yet to be made clear (Destiny’s Child circa 1999) and she, like Deena, has the look needed to break into the world of mainstream music. Of course, Knowles is going to be criticized for her performance; she’s an easy target and critics (and haters) would then have to find someone else to pick on. But no one seems to mention, first, that Knowles does a very good job in this role; she’s makes it very believable, and second, that Knowles had to confront truths about herself and her career by playing Deena. We all know that confronting the truth is never easy, and by the end of the film, when Knowles sings "Listen", a song about finding her own voice, I’m convinced every word is coming straight from her heart. I read in the November Issue of Elle magazine that during film preparation Knowles worked with an acting coach (it shows) and that each session was less like training and more like therapy. She could no longer wear mascara from the tears shed preparing for this part. We have to give the girl some credit and this movie shows us that we can’t hate Beyonce for her success. She can’t help if she is beautiful and marketable, but her career wasn’t handed to her -- she worked for it. And much like the rest of us, she’s had to and will continue to fight her own battles, internal and external. Oscar worthy performance – not just yet, but as Deena Jones, she’s off to a good start.I am upset that the media isn’t really acknowledging the rest of the cast’s performances, which also deserve acclaim. Loosely based on Motown pioneer Berry Gordy, Jamie Foxx is very convincing as car salesman turned music mogul Curtis Taylor Jr. Foxx is ambitious, conniving, and controlling, and his character is an example of what the desire to succeed in “the business” can do to a person’s integrity. Foxx’s career is on the move, and I’m glad he hasn’t complained about not being nominated for a Golden Globe. He had his time to shine and now he’s sharing the limelight. Very respectable. It’s also extremely satisfying to see Eddie Murphy back on the screen – and not as an animated donkey. Murphy brings R&B crooner Jimmy Early to life like no one else could, and seemingly Early does the same for Murphy. This performance is reminiscent of Murphy’s Saturday Night Live days and fans remember why they fell in love with his potty mouth and outrageousness in the first place. And remember when Murphy recorded that album? (See “The 1980s") Yes, we’re all grateful he stuck to acting. But, the time Murphy spent behind the microphone paid off. He sings his own songs in this production, as do all the other characters, another great and authentic quality to this film. Don’t be fooled however, by the comic relief Murphy offers. Pay attention to Murphy’s depth as an actor shown when Early deals with the downs of his career. In one moment, with one look and in dead silence, Murphy communicates so many things about his character and about his abilities as one of the greatest actors of our time.Other very notable performances include the iconic Danny Glover as music executive Marty Madison, the handsome and charming Keith Robinson as C.C. Effie’s brother and Dreamgirls songwriter, Tony award-winning Anika Noni Rose, playing Lorrell Robinson, an original Dreamette in love with Early, and Sharon Leal, seen on the prematurely cancelled Boston Public. All the actors, besides being very talented singers, offer performances that make the core group of cast members strong and powerful. Look for cameos by Loretta Devine, a member of the original Broadway cast, Jaleel White from the early '90s hit sitcom Family Matters and Dawn Lewis of A Different World.Though Hollywood has chosen to praise only three performances in the big screen adaptation of Dreamgirls, the entire cast, from the leads to the extras, deserves accolades for its work. This movie has not only given a dimly-lit star a chance to shine, and an overexposed star the opportunity to get in touch with her inner self, but has also granted a new generation a glimpse into the lives of the pioneers of black music. Despite the hype, Dreamgirls is a very good movie, and is one of the most important films about the black American experience of the last decade. Condon and the cast do justice to the '60s and '70s and as the director, Condon doesn’t dare to gloss over the racism, or the political and social climate of that period in American history. What he does with the storyline and set design adds an authenticity that should be appreciated not only by black Americans but also by all Americans. In the midst of the music is a very human story about loyalty, respect, ambition, and redemption. And it really offers a foot-tapping, hip-swinging good time. And to note, though Dreamgirls has been given a lot of publicity, it has only been released on 852 screens, compared to the 2,000 most big-budget films with number one selling pop artists, film icons, and Academy award-winning actors receive – and it’s still doing well. But that’s another conversation. It will be released on close to 1900 screens on January 17. Dreamgirls is well worth the money. Take a family member, take a friend, you’ll be glad you did.

Music Review: Dave Chappelle's Block Party Soundtrack

Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby — Mon, 8 Jan 2007 07:54:17 EST

If Dave Chappelle's Block Party was the underground hip-hop and neo-soul family reunion of the decade, the film's soundtrack is the plate that cousins, aunts and uncles would wrap and take home for tomorrow's dinner.It's a casserole of Black Star's lyrical brain food, Erykah Badu's body nourishing vocals, and Jill Scott's soul-soothing voice. To add politically conscious and old school flavor, it's sprinkled with appearances from hip-hop revolutionary artists Dead Prez and pioneers Big Daddy Kane and Kool G. Rap. This soundtrack is the home-cooked meal for fans who have missed these artists for too long.Recorded during the film's taping in Brooklyn, N.Y., the birthplace to many artists appearing on the album, the soundtrack captures all the energy of a free concert. As soon as the beat to Dead Prez's "Hip Hop" starts, the vibe takes over and listeners are transported to the crowd assembled on the borough's block. When Mos Def and Talib Kweli start counting the chorus to "Definition" (One two three/Mos Def and Talib Kweli/We came to rock it on to the tip top/Best alliance in hip hop/Wyhao), the party is officially on its way. But nothing is more refreshing than to hear Erykah Badu's voice accompany Kweli in the performance of "The Blast." She also performs her hit "Back in the Day," and fans will remember how she dominated radio airwaves and charts with an innovative style no one could ever reproduce. It feels good to know she can still take a microphone and control a performance with unparalleled coolness. Though most of the songs are past hits, there are a few surprises.Jill Scott, known for her creativity and unique neo-soul, performs a jazzier version of "Golden" and puts a rock-inspired spin on "The Way," both popular tracks from previous albums. Other performances include Common and The Roots with special appearances by Bilal and Kool G. Rap.Missing artists from the film include Kanye West and The Fugees, additions that definitely would have placed this soundtrack in its own category of hip-hop prominence. Luckily, the artists' who are on there hold their own and offer a fulfilling and complete album. To get the full experience, the soundtrack should be played only at maximum volume. Any other way would be a great loss to the listener.Hip-hop fans should thank Dave Chappelle for bringing these artists together to film a concert that could be seen for less than $30, and now for the opportunity to bring the experience home.