NPR: Tell Me More Segment Single Moms Of Colour Having Children Alone By Choice

I was listening to NPR today at www.npr.org  and there is a program   called Tell Me More.  Today’s show was about women that have children on their own by choice. It was an interesting discussion.

An African American Jolene Ivy  started a support group called Mocha Moms for single mothers. The second guest is a South Asian American single mom Asra Nomani. The third guest was  Audria Dunson a married woman. 

Here is the link to hear the program: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17126669

Men’s Tennis Year End Review: Roger Federer Still Rules But Is The Gap Closing?

Some people argue that men’s tennis isn’t exciting because it is basically the Roger Federer show. I will be honest for a very long time I didn’t care about men’s tennis. I usually turned off the television set when the American men played they ruined tennis. The American men Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, and Pete Sampras are so unattractive and unappealing to look at. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to see Sampras, Agassi, or Courier naked they are just so gross to look at.

I think Michael Chang was kind of cute although I kind of wish Chang had a different hair style. I also wish Michael won a few more slams. I do like Malivai Washington he is just pure visual stimulation. Everytime Malivai was playing my eyes was focused on his big firm muscles, his beautiful face, and big ass.

Of course, I was a fan of Malivai’s tennis as well. Malivai Washington is just so hot he’s a total hunk! Malivai is so gorgeous I was so happy when Malivai reached the 1996 Wimbledon finals. When the American men dominated men’s tennis I refer to these years as the dog years.

The American men sucked the life right out of tennis because the USA media created a false artificial rivalry between Sampras and Agassi. The only people that cared about Sampras and Agassi are the Americans. The bottom line is Sampras always beat Agassi in the grand slam finals. Agassi and Sampras were also boring personalities their popularity was only in the United States.

It wasn’t until Roger Federer emerged that I really started to pay attention to men’s tennis. Roger Federer brings sex appeal, sophistication, talent, charisma, and he’s a great tennis champion. Some people say Roger isn’t attractive but I think he’s gorgeous he’s a very sexy man.

I just love Roger’s public personality so much. Perhaps Roger is “acting” in the media when he appears so humble but I think this is his real personality. Roger comes across as a very humble champion despite all of his tremendous success.

Roger seems so sensitive, so polite, so gentle, so unlike Andy Roddick or James Blake. Has a male champion ever been so sensitive as Roger Federer? When Roger wins he is so emotional he cries he seems so grateful to have the privilege of playing tennis. Is Roger Federer the perfect man? Why can’t more male athletes be just like Roger Federer? Is any male athlete in the world more perfect then Roger Federer?

The world is truly blessed that Roger Federer is playing tennis he brings a certain kind of sophistication and glamour to the tennis court.The American men are too aggressive and hostile, I hate that I don’t like men that boast about their masculinity and have bad attitudes. Roger Federer is so graceful on the court he moves like a dancer yet he has the killer instinct to be number one. It is so nice that Roger Federer is the supreme number one and I am so glad the best players are international tennis players.

Roger Federer has been dominating the ATP Tour for the past four years. Not even Monica Seles, the Williams Sisters, Martina Navratilova or Steffi Graf have ever had this kind of domination. Roger is winning just about everything except the French Open.

However, tennis is so much more fun to watch then other men’s sports. For instance, professional hockey, American baseball, and football players are covered head to toe you don’t see any male skin. Where is the male flesh? Basketball is kind of sexy I got to admit you see big, tall, sweaty, handsome, muscular, men running up and down the basketball court. I can watch an NBA game but it gets kind of boring after a while.

I do watch golf once in a while whenever Tiger Woods plays he has such a nice big firm ass to stare at. When Tiger Woods is playing I will check him out. Some of the men’s golfers are so gross though they got huge beer guts and they are so out of shape. How can you be a professional athlete and be so out of shape?

I actually prefer to watch the LPGA women’s golf I find it more exciting. If heterosexual men can gawk at female volleyball players in their bikinis it is only fair the we get to check out male tennis players.

Men’s tennis is the only male sport other then men’s swimming when you get to see the complete male form in its true stunning glory. When you watch a tennis match you aren’t just watching the tennis. You can use your imagination and glance at the bulging muscular biceps, triceps, leg muscles, hairy legs, and big male butts.

Next, when the male tennis players bend over to pick up a ball or serve you can see the underwear sweating through tight see through shorts. Also the most important part of the tennis match is of course the crotch shots. How can anyone say men’s tennis is not exciting? Its a total sausage factory! Tennis is both fun to watch on an entertainment level but also on a voyeuristic level as well. I mean there are so many hunks in men’s tennis these days!

Even though Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the world number one and two in the world some people say they are boring. I think Federer and Nadal are both sexually attractive for different reasons. Nadal is so muscular he also has a nice ass to look at it is big firm and juicy. Some people say Federer is feminine because he cries when he wins but I think that shows Roger is human. The year 2007 has proven that the gap is closing between Federer, Nadal, and perhaps a few other players. Fernando Gonzalez, David Nalbandian, and Novak Djokovic are the only players this year to both defeat Federer and Nadal in the 2007.

The year 2007 started and ended exactly the same with Swiss tennis god Roger Federer on top and ruling the ATP Tour. Spaniard Rafael Nadal has a new distinction he is the first man to ever finish at the number two position three years in a row. Roger Federer started off the year in strong from storming through the Australian Open without dropping a set. Federer became the first man in 27 years to win an entire grand slam without losing a set.

Roger easily dispatched the sexy Chilean player Fernando Gonzalez in the final 7-6 6-4 6-4. Doesn’t Fernando have a nice sweet ass? Gonzalez has clearly improved into a real top player he’s lost weight, he’s got a new coach, a new attitude, and he’s playing smarter tennis. Fernando always had a big serve and a enormous forehand but a weak backhand. Fernando has developed his backhand and its now a weapon he can hit slice or topspin off the backhand side. Fernando has more variety in his game and he’s thinking much more on the tennis court. In the past Fernando had a tendency to be too aggressive he simply tried to hit the ball hard without thinking.

Roger Federer followed up his Australian Open win by cruising to the title in Dubai. In early February 2007 Roger also passed American Jimmy Connors streak of 160 consecutive weeks at number one. Connors held the old record for 160 weeks in a row and now Roger Federer has broken and surpassed Connors.

However, after a month’s break and riding on a forty one match winning streak Roger was clearly rusty when he arrived at the Indian Wells event. In a surprise upset Argentine player Guillermo Canas snapped his winning streak. Canas beat Federer in a stunning 7-5 6-2 upset. Canas had just returned to the ATP Tour after using a banned substance. Rafael Nadal went on to win the Indian Wells event and he surprised many by destroying Andy Roddick in the semifinals 6-4 6-3 in about an hour. Nadal simply overpowered Roddick. Roddick appeared heavy, slow, poor footwork and his ground-strokes clearly lacked accuracy and power. Roddick was considered the favourite going into the match he now has a losing record against Rafael Nadal.

At the Miami event many pundits thought that Roger Federer would resume the domination of the ATP Tour. Once again, Guillermo Canas proved his Indian Wells upset was no fluke he defeated Roger Federer 7-6 2-6 7-6 in the fourth round. Federer had chances to win it was a shock that he did not pull through. Perhaps Roger was becoming complacent with his invincible status? Roger has been dominating men’s tennis for so long that he did not take Canas seriously. However, after losing to Canas for the second time in a month Roger was not happy. You could tell Roger was seething with rage. Roger hates losing to anyone twice in a row. The young Serbian player Novak Djokovic beat Nadal in the quarterfinals and rolled over Canas in the finals.

On the clay Rafael Nadal continued where he left off from last year as he whipped Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in the Monte Carlo final. It was shocking to see Roger with less confidence for the first time he looked scared. Roger didn’t believe he could beat Rafael. Also, Roger made some crucial breakpoints slip by him. The next week Rafael Nadal stormed to the title in Barcelona. One of the problems I have always had with Roger Federer’s French Open preparation is I just don’t believe he is spending enough time on the clay courts. I am pleased that Roger added an additional clay court event to his 2008 schedule. Roger is supposed to play the Estoril Open in Portugal in early April 2008.

In Rome, Roger suffered his worst loss since becoming world number one losing to the journeyman Italian player Filippo Volandri. Volandri shocked Roger defeating him 6-2 6-4 in straight sets. The Italian media were stunned and Volandri became an national hero overnight. Volandri reached the semifinals of the Italian Open. Nadal barely defeated Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals edging him in a 7-6 6-7 6-4 three hour marathon. Davydenko once again proved he’s a great clay courter but he simply isn’t mentally strong. Davydenko should of beaten Nadal but once again he crumbled under the pressure. Davydenko demonstrated a new strategy to beat Nadal though and that is to hit the ball very hard to Nadal’s forehand cross court. Nadal tends to hit his forehand cross court he doesn’t like being forced to hit the ball down the line. Since Davydenko takes the ball on the rise early he can force Nadal into errors. Chilean Fernando Gonzalez reached the Italian Open final but Nadal destroyed him easily 6-2 6-3 in about an hour.

At the end of the Italian Open the stunning news wasn’t just about Roger Federer losing to Volandri. The big story was that Roger dumped his coach Australian Tony Roche. I always felt Tony Roche wasn’t the right for Roger Federer. Roche is a senior citizen how can an old fossil help Roger?

How can Roger train with Roche the man is too old he already has one foot in the grave? Roche hardly ever traveled with Roger he had no respect for the great Roger Federer. Roger doesn’t need a coach anyway what is a coach going to teach the greatest player of all time? For one thing Roche is an elderly man he simply is set in his ways. Roger also can be belligerent he obviously doesn’t like anyone telling him what to do. And since Roger has been number one for so long he obviously knows his own game. Roger was paying Roche a salary yet the old man refused to travel with Roger on the ATP Tour. Roche may have a great tennis mind but he’s also an elderly weak man. One wonders what Roche could of done with Roger on the practice court? After Roger even lost to Volandri it was reported that Tony Roche didn’t even have enough class to call Roger after the shocking upset. All Roche cared about was being on Roger’s payroll. It was a shameless act on Roche’s part. Roger admitted he had been thinking for months to get rid of Tony Roche he made the right decision he doesn’t need the old goat. At the Hamburg Masters Roger snapped Rafael Nadal’s eighty one clay court match winning streak crushing the Spaniard 2-6 6-2 6-0. It was Roger’s first victory over Rafael on the clay courts and Nadal’s clay court streak was over.

At the French Open however, the story was the same Roger had fifteen breakpoints against Rafael Nadal in the men’s French Open final and lost once again in four sets. Once again, Roger capitulated the match. Nadal didn’t win the match Roger lost the match that was the difference. Roger had numerous opportunities to win but failed to deliver. Roger has the game to win the French Open but he has to decide if he’s going to play attacking tennis or not? Roger appeared stunned and depressed after the final. Roger skipped the grass court event in Halle Germany the week after Paris to deal with his grief.

At Wimbledon Roger once again defeated Nadal in the Wimbledon final. However, the surprise was Rafael Nadal put up an incredible fight that lasted five sets. In the fifth set it was Nadal that blinked first and he choked. Nadal had a series of breakpoints at 2 all in the final set yet he failed to deliver. It was a shock to many that Nadal choked he should of won the match. Roger became the first man since Borg to win Wimbledon five years in a row and he won his eleventh grand slam singles title in the process. Nadal admitted in interviews that he cried profusely after the Wimbledon final loss in the men’s locker room. Nadal was very upset and a bit depressed after choking his chance to become the first Spanish man to win Wimbledon since Manuel Santana.

Meanwhile, as Roger Federer took his usual month break after Wimbledon as Rafael Nadal returned to the clay in Stuttgart Germany. Nadal won the title. But was it a wise decision to play so much tennis? In the summer Nadal complained of having problems with his knees. Nadal is only twenty one but he’s also a counter puncher. Nadal expends too much energy on the tennis court his game is exhausting to watch. Its shocking that Rafael Nadal a big strong muscular man doesn’t have a big serve or a more attacking game. Nadal is a new version of Lleyton Hewitt he fights real hard but he could eventually burn out and fade into oblivion.

At the Montreal Masters Serbian player Novak Djokovic beat Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. In the process Djokovic beat the three top male tennis players in the same event. Djokovic was the first man to achieve this accomplishment since Boris Becker beat the three top players back to back in the 1990s to win a ATP Tour title.

The tennis critics once again stated that Roger Federer was vulnerable leading up to the 2007 US OPEN. Roger destroyed American James Blake in the finals of Cincinnati Masters event rolling to a 6-1 6-4 victory in about an hour. Roger also rolled over past Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic to easily win the US OPEN for the fourth year in a row.

Roger now is the first man since the openly gay tennis star Bill Tilden in the 1920s to win four consecutive US OPEN titles. Think about it people it has taken over eighty years for another man to win four consecutive US OPEN titles. I mean Roger Federer is simply an incredible tennis player!

Roger had reestablished the fact he is still the dominant number one in men’s tennis winning three out of the four grand slams. Roger also became the first player ever in the open era to win the Wimbledon and US OPEN titles four years in a row. No male or female tennis player has ever equaled Roger’s achievement.

At the Madrid Masters and Paris Masters Argentine David Nalbandian shocked many by defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer twice to win both events. Nalbandian has lost a considerable amount of weight. The complaint about David Nalbandian has always been about his ambition and desire to become a champion. David’s serve has also improved and he seemed serious about tennis. David’s ranking soared right back into the top ten.

However, it was too little too late he did not qualify for the Masters in Shanghai. The question remains when is David Nalbandian going to win a grand slam? Its not a question of talent. David is clearly one of the few players along with Novak Djokovic that has the ability to defeat both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Contrary to the American tennis media’s bias Andy Roddick is not at David Nalbandian’s talent level. Nalbandian is much more talented then the American he has the abilities and weapons that bother Federer and Nadal. Nalbandian moves much better then Andy Roddick, he also has superior groundstrokes, and he’s a better volleyer then Andy Roddick.

At the final men’s event of 2007 Roger Federer finally lost to Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in a tight three set match. Doom and gloom emerged from the computers of the world media. Once again the world media doubted Roger Federer. However, Roger once again silenced his critics as he easily destroyed Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, and Spaniard David Ferrer to win the Master Cup title. Roger has now won the Masters title four times in his career. David Ferrer has proven he’s a much better tennis player then he looks he defeated Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, Rafael Nadal, and blasted American Andy Roddick to reach the finals. Ferrer is a tiny man but he’s very consistent. Can Ferrer improve and win a grand slam? Anything is possible in tennis these days.

Meanwhile, after the shock loss to Fernando Gonzalez Roger decided he needed to play a more aggressive style of tennis by serving and volleying. Roger stormed through the event demonstrating he’s still the best. I believe Roger should serve and volley more often I think this will be crucial for him in 2008. Roger needs to play a more aggressive game instead of just trading groundstrokes on the baseline. Roger has the variety, the big serve, the big forehand, slice backhand he has all the weapons.

I think in the year 2008 the key for Roger is he has to play a more aggressive style of game in 2008. Roger has improved his serve in 2007 and that was the difference in him winning a lot of matches especially the Wimbledon final against Rafael Nadal. The serve was the difference. Nadal can run around all day but you need a big serve to win some easy cheap points. Roger came up big with the huge aces when he needed it. Roger Federer is a very intelligent player I am sure he realizes the younger players are hungry and they want to topple him off of his pedestal. Although Roger Federer lost nine times in the year 2007 he is the supreme number one in men’s tennis. I do wonder though is the gap closing?

Was The EU African Summit Just A Waste Of Time?

The recent EU and African Summit in Lisbon Portugal is in a precarious position. There are a lot of unanswered questions. How can anything be solved in just two days? Shouldn’t the Summit be longer? Is anything going to be done about the crisis in Darfur? Does anyone care? Can a bridge in the miscommunication between Europe and Africa really take place? And will anyone acknowledge and actually become proactive about the corruption on both sides?

At the EU African Summit the Europeans have stated they want to end colonial style trade agreements and enter into free trade deals. Many African leaders are opposed to this because they view this as against their self interests. The issue of democracy is an important one in some African countries there are bogus elections where corrupt men are being elected. Its depressing that some of the African leaders are clearly dictators that are only interested in lining their pockets with money.

The German chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that the EU are united against Robert Mugabe the dictator of Zimbabwe. Well its about damn time! Merkel’s statement is a powerful one because one of the reasons Mugabe has remained in power is due to the influence and power of African leaders. Merkel’s public admonishment of the African leaders for keeping Mugabe in power is a stern statement. However, one wonders if Merkel and the EU have a real genuine concern for the people of Zimbabwe or just politics as usual? Why wait until now? Why wait for a crisis to occur? Its obvious Zimbabwe is not in the sphere of influence of the EU and the crisis in Darfur is not in their self interests either.

However, the African leaders cannot just complain about “slavery” when they are active participants in corruption. The legacy of slavery and imperialism are indeed factors for some of the problems on the African continent but this cannot be the scapegoat.

It is time the African leaders not only acknowledge that Mugabe is a hindrance in Zimbabwe but push for democratic elections. It is clear Mugabe does not care about the people of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was once known as the “bread basket” of Southern Africa the economy was improving over a decade ago but now Zimbabwe is in a state of crisis. What will happen in Zimbabwe when Mugabe dies?

There is still a belief that is fostered by the western media that all the problems on the African continent relates to the inadequacy of the African governments. Africa is not one country the continent consists of fifty three independent countries that all have their own separate identities. The African countries need to work together and move past their differences to make Africa more stronger, economically power, and assert their influence. The Europeans created the European Union because they were cognizant of the growing power of the United States, China, and Russia. Contrary to popular belief the African continent does have billions of dollars worth of natural resources such as oil, gold, diamonds, eco tourism, and money from foreign investments and aid. The money is available the difficulties stem from the lack of distribution of the revenue to the masses.

It is such a racist and simplistic ideology but it does indeed exist that the African countries “want” to “impede” their own progress. The quandaries on the Africa continent are complex and relate to economic, geographical, political, and social issues.

When famine occurs in Africa the western world suddenly notices the African continent and has the racist paternalistic approach that the African people just want “hand outs”. However, its not the African people’s fault that during the rain season crops are not receiving enough water and people go hungry and die. Humans cannot control the weather or climate but African politicians clearly need to do more. Where are the irrigation systems? Why is clean water still an issue in the twenty first century? When will the Occidental world hold African dictators accountable? Sanctions are only a smoke screen to make it “appear” as though the west is taking “action”. Sanctions actually affect the poor people more they feel the immediate impact of sanctions. The Occidental world has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe doesn’t care its not affecting his life but the people of Zimbabwe are suffering.

Eco tourism is another complicated and political issue on the African continent. The rich western tourists travel to numerous African countries because they want to see the wild animals such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, zebras, and many more in their natural habitats. The soundbites the western media utilize are from white conservationists such as Jane Goodall. Since when is Jane Goodall an expert on African issues? Jane Goodall just cares about the animals she doesn’t give a damn about African people dying due to starvation. When Jane Goodall and other white activists are complaining on CNN or BBC or whatever network about some animal species dying I am apathetic. Do these white conservation activists care more about wild animals or about human beings?

I can honestly say I don’t care if people feel the need to kill animals if they need space to grow crops for food, feed their livestock, and for agriculture. Once again, African governments are not serving the best interests of the people only thinking about profit. People need land to survive and to thrive. Human beings are above animals for a reason and if people need land then the wild animals need to perish this is their fate. The western world ignores the plight of the African people and actually places more importance on creatures such as rhinos or elephants. The most important issue to me is that the African people have food, free education, access to free health care, clean water, and a decent amount of land for agriculture. People kill the animals because they need the land not all animals are killed just for profit. There seems to be a great imbalance yes eco tourism is a business but what about the concerns of the African people? Human life is more important then pathetic creatures such as lions, rhinos, elephants, and zebras.

Next, the Occidental environmentalists complain about animals being killed by poachers for profit. Notice the so called white animal activists only care about the elephants, lions, zebras, but not the African people. The news media hardly ever discuss the underlining issues. Doesn’t anyone wonder why some African people feel compelled to kill the animals? The message the western media are presenting is that Africans are backwards, uncivilized and just care about “making a profit” by killing animals. The Occidental world isn’t thinking about the suffering, the poverty, and the desperate measures people are taking to survive.

The world is apathetic to the concerns of the African people. Does anyone actually care about the African people? Some people see eco tourism as a waste of natural resources that land that should be for humans is being set aside for western interests. Of course, eco tourism is a business and yes it is profitable. However, how much of the money in Kenya’s tourism industry goes to the Kenyan people? Some people see eco tourism as a waste of land that can be used for agriculture and Africans are once again being being displaced for western interests.

The dilemma for Africans is the Europeans still hold all the cards. The attitudes of both the African and European leaders needs to change. Slavery is over but the slave mentality still exists. Europe acts as the slave master and the African leaders are the House Negroes willing to make any concessions to just acquire more revenue. The European Union have maintained African debt for decades and they don’t want to relinquish control. The tense relationship between Europe and Africa is a long one there is mistrust on both sides. On the one hand the Europeans are stating Africa needs to be “independent”. For example, France still manipulates and is involved the political affairs of its former African colonies.

How can African countries develop self sufficiency when their hands are tied by the Europeans and North Americans? The International Monetary Fund is another cancer that needs to be scrapped and changed. There are so many strings to foreign aid that is not even being discussed. The Europeans aren’t simply going to provide free money to African countries they also want a return in their investments. Its a vicious cycle of the Europeans profiting off of Africa, the African dictators are avaricious and don’t utilize the revenue to help the African people. Next, African people suffer and are dying in the process.

There continues to be a paternalistic attitude that Africa’s problems are just due to internal politics. When is Europe’s role in Africa issues going to change? The Europeans are a part of the problem not the solution. African immigrants wouldn’t feel the need to immigrate illegally to Europe if there were push and pull factors available within their own countries. If the economies in African countries were stronger and more resourceful people wouldn’t feel the need to immigrate to Europe. North America, Australia, New Zealand, should be more vocal about the hypocrisy of both European and African leaders.

One major European leader absent from the EU African Summit was the the new British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mr. Brown has stated he is boycotting the EU and African Summit because Zimbabwe’s dictator Robert Mugabe is present. Why doesn’t Mr. Brown just be honest? Does anyone honestly believe Mugabe was the only reason Brown wasn’t present at the Summit? Give me a break. The United Kingdom is not interested in the affairs of the African continent or about African people.

After all, the UK is known for treating black people as though we are the “other” and “inferior” to whites. Brown doesn’t give a damn about Mugabe he is simply using Mugabe’s presence as an excuse and scapegoat. Cooperation between African and European nations are not a concern to Mr. Brown or the United Kingdom.

Europe has a significant role in the corruption in several African countries for centuries. For instance, countries such as Nigeria has natural resources such as oil. The Europeans are also involved in siphoning billions of dollars out of Nigeria. Nigeria for example is one of the world’s largest exporters and resources of oil. However, very little of the billions of revenue is distributed to the Nigerian people. Why isn’t more money being spent to educate young Nigerian boys and girls for free? Where is the free clean water? There needs to be more emphasis placed on education opportunities for all African people. What about health care? Why isn’t more being done?

People become desperate there have been recent news stories about foreign workers being kidnapped in Nigeria by vigilantes. The vigilantes are not all just “crooks” or “criminals”. The occidental media have attempted to brand all the kidnappers as bad people this is simply not true.

Some of the African vigilantes are simply people fed up with the system. I believe these feelings of understandable due to the resentment and anger against the Occident. How would you feel if your family was starving, dying , and hungry while foreign workers are living comfortably in luxury?Would you like it if you knew your own government has no concern for the people and are allowing foreign companies to steal the wealth? What would you do? Wouldn’t you feel powerless and want to do something? Violence is not the answer but what are people supposed to do just sit, wait, and die?

When will the United Nations speak out about the corruption on both the African and European continents? A two day summit is just a waste of time. If Africa and Europe really want change to occur more time needs to be set aside for these conferences. The United Nations also has a critical role yet continues to be reticent.

It is Official: Tyra Banks Hates Black Gay Men And Black Women

I can honestly say I will no longer watch America’s Next Top Model. I am disgusted with the hypocrisy, homophobia, double standards, racism, misandry, and sexism of the program. Tyra Banks preaches to young black women to love themselves. How can anyone like Tyra Banks, she is so plastic and fake?

On Tyra’s talk show and ANTM we see Tyra prancing around with her fake contact lenses, and shoulder length weaves.I am not suggesting black women cannot wear weaves or perm their hair. Black women have a right to style their hair anyway they want. I guess for some females they want to try new hairstyles and that’s fair.Nobody wants to wear the same hairstyle all the damn time that’s boring and sometimes change is a good thing. After all, white women and other women of colour wear hair extensions, braids, and weaves too.

However, has anyone ever seen Tyra without her long weave? When have we ever seen girlfriend rock an afro, or twists, or braids? Can you imagine Tyra Banks without her Eurocentric appearance? Tyra has a European appearance with her light skin, contacts, and long weave is the image of blackness Hollywood says is palatable.

Would Tyra be popular with whites and blacks if she actually tried to not look and act so white? Its a fair question. Could it be if Tyra didn’t have her fake weave and rocked an afro the TV ratings would drop? If Tyra had a more Afrocentric appearance would this shock and turn off black and white television viewers and CW Network executives?

In the summer of 2007 a white Glamour Magazine editor made a racist and sexist statement at an industry meeting , she said she didn’t like seeing black women with natural hairstyles. You know black women that don’t wear hair extensions, perms, weaves, and straight hair. The white female executive from Glamour Magazine said braids, twists, and afros are a “no no” in a corporate environment.

Recently, Glamour Magazine had a damage control session in a closed meeting with a group of black women. Glamour Magazine clearly has a very good public relations team because they want the controversy to disappear. However, my dear readers we cannot let the Glamour Magazine episode vanish. We must pay attention to the messages society is transmitting through culture, hair, and language. We are all lectured in some way to conform to the representation of whiteness.

Trya Banks is following the same philosophy she is a pretentious hypocrite. Tyra preaches to young black women about loving themselves yet she embraces and conforms to the image of whiteness. Whiteness is the only representation that sells in the American fashion industry. Black women are encouraged through racist imagery such advertisements, magazines, television, product placements, and black celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles and Tyra Banks to act and look white.

Doesn’t anyone wonder why Tyra always wears the same long blonde or brown weave? Why does Beyonce wear the same blonde lace front wig all the damn time? Whiteness is the only acceptable image on television and the closer black women are to whiteness the more palatable they become. Whiteness is also the global standard of beauty that everyone is judged against. My perspective is that Tyra is actually a very negative influence on young black women. Is it okay for black women to be black on TV? Can black women ever be presented as being nice, intelligent, caring, young women that are not termagants?

I remember when Tyra admonished Danielle during one cycle about her country accent. Tyra’s attitude was disgusting, pernicious, and disgraceful. I understand the fact that Tyra is supposed to give the girls advice. I just have this feeling that Tyra was cognizant of the fact white America was “watching her”.

The great African American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois created the term “double consciousness” and the term was included in his powerful collection of essays called “The Souls Of Black Folk”. Its amazing that Du Bois analogy was created over one hundred years ago and it is still valid and makes perfect sense. Du Bois analogy refers to the fact black people we are conscious that we live in separate spheres. Tyra was criticizing Danielle because America’s Next Top Model is in the public domain on television for the world to watch. Tyra didn’t want a dark skinned black girl with a country accent to “mess up” her product.

Tyra wanted Danielle to not only speak “proper English” she also wanted Danielle to “act white” to not upset the white television audience. Black people we are well aware of the fact the white lens is constantly watching us. Blacks we become “perceptive” of the white gaze and in many ways we have to conform to function in society. Now why couldn’t Danielle speak with her country accent? Was Danielle’s accent really too hard to understand? Or was it because Tyra didn’t want to be reminded of “blackness” and she didn’t want her “brand” to be “tainted” and viewed as “too black”?

Tyra Banks has an image of being “colourless” she’s the light skinned young “colourless” black woman that white North America loves. Tyra’s kind of black but not too black she’s tries her best to be as boring as oatmeal. Tyra’s not political either she’s not really interested in black issues, she chooses to ignore race because she wants to make money.

Tyra is “aware” that the Eurocentric lens was paying close attention to the way she interacts with the black girls. Trya tries too hard to be “hands off” with the black girls she reminds me of Oprah. Tyra has no respect for other black women. Oprah has changed she used to be about black women’s issues but now Oprah is basically a white woman. Oprah is a shrewd business woman she has to be as white as possible in order to obtain white female acceptance. Its a a tricky balance the game Tyra and Oprah are playing they have to “act white” yet also distance themselves from black women’s issues. If you’ve been paying attention to both Tyra and Oprah’s shows they rarely discuss important issues that relates specifically to black women. Both Tyra and Oprah will lie to the public and say they are all about reaching “all women”.

People need to realize Oprah and Tyra’s gimmick is to use the word “all women” they really should just be honest and say they want to reach the “white female demographic.” Audre Lorde wrote in her groundbreaking book “Sister Outsider” there is no “global sisterhood” between white women and black women.

I mean why can’t they just be honest? Oprah and Tyra cannot appear to be “too black”. I mean can you imagine? Its like give me a break please. The only women Oprah and Tyra are interested in reaching are the white middle and upper class women with disposable income. Just be real ladies we undestand its just “business.”

Has anyone ever watched the Oprah show lately? Tyra’s talk show is very similar she’s copying the Oprah blueprint by acting so white. Notice in the audience you see a sea of white faces on both Tyra and Oprah’s television shows. Has anyone ever wondered why? Its all due to market research and “branding” the product. Oprah and Tyra will lie and say that its just a coincidence that so many white women are in the show’s audience. I’m not buying that for a second. Oprah is a shrewd businesswoman and Oprah knows the more white women in the audience the more likely white women will tune in to watch. It just makes practical business sense.

Tyra and Oprah realize their target audience is white women and not black women. Yet the black media consistently present Oprah and Tyra as “groundbreaking” black females when they both conform to the representation of whiteness. Tyra and Oprah will never do anything to “upset” the white female demographic because they want to make as much money as possible off of white women. Oprah and Tyra have to sell products, advertising space, and to continue to generate revenue through the white female demographic. Tyra is never going to “rock the boat” and upset the white girls. Tyra may criticize the white girls but she is never ever cruel to them. The way Tyra bashes and admonishes the black girls I sense Tyra has internalized racism issues. Maybe Tyra hates being black? Maybe the problem is really Tyra?

I think Tyra is just jealous of the black girls because they are more attractive. Maybe Tyra just hates dark skinned black women? After all, does anyone remember the episode of Tyra’s show and Naomi Campbell was on? Tyra acted like a scared kitten. Tyra wasn’t just preaching to Danielle to speak with a so called “proper” American accent. Tyra was screeching at Danielle to conform to white middle class American standards of respectability. Make no mistake Tyra wasn’t just telling Danielle she had to speak “proper” to succeed in modelling. Tyra was letting Danielle know that she was embarrassing her and her “brand” in front of the white American audience. Isn’t being black good enough? Shouldn’t Tyra have told Danielle that blackness is beautiful? Tyra has a clear disgust for any image of blackness. Tyra runs in the opposite direction of anything relating to black culture. Tyra is a termagant, I don’t know how people can stand her? Tyra is hardest on all the black girls because she knows white viewers will complain and say that she’s “favouring” the blacks.

Tyra also has an intense hatred for other black women its so obvious. Tyra has lashed out at Bree, Danielle, and this season Ebony. I can honestly say Bree, Danielle, and Ebony are more beautiful on the inside and out then the so called supermodel Tyra Banks. When Ebony said she didn’t want to be on the program anymore Tyra called Ebony “a quitter”. Tyra was shocked that a contestant actually told her that her TV show was whack. Maybe, just maybe, the reason Ebony wanted to leave the show was because she couldn’t handle being around Tyra Banks since she’s such a mean spirited vindictive person. Ebony actually arrived at her own decision that she didn’t want to be a model. Did you see Ebony run out the room? Girlfriend, ran like the wind to get away from the Medusa Tyra Banks.

Another thing I resent about America’s Next Top Model is the way the show deals with homosexuality. Homosexuality is a freak side show on America’s Next Top Model its a total joke. I remember there was a beautiful lesbian on the program her name was Kim and the lesbophobia on the show was incredible. I recall Jay Manuel telling Kim to be more “feminine” I wanted to smack him.

The part of the program I find most offensive is way the gay men of colour are framed. Gay men of colour on America’s Next Top Model are the “fairy godmothers”. Jay Manuel and Miss Jay sprinkle their “fairy wisdom” on the naive young heterosexual girls on how to be a model. So basically you have two gay black men telling women how to act more “feminine”. Isn’t that kind of sexist and homophobic? Why didn’t Tyra hire female consultants to teach the girls on how to act like a model? Wouldn’t that make more sense? The gay men teaching the girls to twirl and move their hips on the runway may seem like “entertainment” but its actually an abhorrent form of homophobia. I think the reason Jay Manuel and Miss Jay were hired was because they are the humour segment of the show. People are privately laughing in their homes “look at those two black fags.” Let’s be honest and real here we know what people say behind closed doors.

I am disgusted with the stereotypes of gay men of colour because we are so marginalized. Yes, I am cognizant of the fact gay men are involved in the fashion industry. However, not every gay man talks with a lisp, twirls around, and walks with a limp wrist.

A good friend of mine we have a constant joke because I don’t care about fashion. I mean obviously I wear men’s clothing its important for a man to have a positive image of himself . The way a man will dress says a lot about a man’s personality and self image. I just feel like the image of gay black men on television is very negative. The last positive image of a black gay male on mainstream television was Carter on Spin City. I loved Carter because I could identify with him. Carter was definitely gay but he wasn’t a stereotype he wasn’t a queen. Carter dressed in men’s clothing, he liked sports, and he also liked guys.

My friend says I am different in a way compared to some gay men because I have absolutely no interest in fashion. I don’t read fashion magazines to find out the latest trends in men’s fashion. I don’t pluck my eyebrows, I don’t wear makeup, or lipstick, I don’t wear nail polish. I understand that there are drag queens they are an integral part of the queer black family. A lot of drag queens are involved with charity work and other community programs to support the gay black community.

I am not suggesting that black gay men cannot perform in drag if they want to. If this is Miss Jay’s real personality then that’s his personal business. I am only arguing why does this fairy godmother stereotype have to be the only representation of gay black men on television?

I like to wear nice suits, dress pants, tie, or sweater, or blazer if I am going to attend an important event. I don’t watch Fashion Television, sorry Vogue is not a bible it doesn’t interest me. I am not suggesting there aren’t gay men that are not effeminate because there are. I can even be effervescent at times I can admit that. I am not a macho man either but why does Miss Jay and Jay Manuel have to be so feminine?

However, I am aware of the fact people are actually “laughing” at Miss Jay and Jay Manuel they are the circus clowns. Jay Manuel and Miss Jay are the bizarre entertainment while Tyra Banks is ringmaster of the show. Miss Jay and Jay Manuel also have to be “sassy” and make shocking jokes so all the girls will giggle and laugh. Yet the truth for Miss Jay and Jay Manuel the television audience are “laughing at them” not “with them”. People don’t realize Miss Jay and Jay Manuel are caricatures. Perhaps Miss Jay and Jay Manuel are cognizant of this? I guess all those queens care about is cashing their next pay cheque?

I also think there is a subversive element of homophobia to the program. Miss Jay and Jay Manuel are extreme stereotypes of gay men of colour. Its the pathetic, homophobic, racist, and sexist imagery of gay black men that sells. Is it necessary for Miss Jay and Jay Manuel to be such cardboard cut out stereotypes? Miss Jay prances around in women’s makeup, wears women’s clothing, and high heeled shoes. Miss Jay looks like a complete joke.

One argument is that this is just the way Miss Jay true personality. However, in the eyes of the black community and mainstream society people think “all” gay black men act like this. I find the homophobic imagery of Miss Jay sashaying across the catwalk and twirling around a bit unsettling.

The real issue I have with Miss Jay and Jay Manuel is that there is no diversity. I am not just focusing on America’s Top Model my argument is also about television in general. Where are the regular gay black men that I can recognize? Where are the gay black men that wear regular men’s clothing you know like the rest of us? I think this is the reason I miss Noah’s Arc so much. Why isn’t Noah’s Arc on the CW Network? The CW Network is the only TV channel that broadcast black television anyways.

I cannot believe Jay Manuel is a Canadian! Jay Manuel has to be one of the worst exports from Toronto Canada ever he has such a bad negative attitude. Jay Manuel always acts so bitchy and he’s very vindictive and mean spirited. I don’t like the image he presents on television. I don’t know if the writers of America’s Next Top Model tell Jay Manuel to act like this but he’s ugly on the inside and out.

Gay men of colour we are stereotyped as limp wristed sissies that wear women clothing or bitchy queens like Jay Manuel. Sorry, not all gay men of colour act like Miss Jay or Jay Manuel. No I am not a stone cold butch. I am not some S&M daddy but I like to wear baseball caps, I watch sports, I drink beer, and I don’t wear women’s clothing. Where are the gay black men that are not hairdressers, fashion stylists, effeminate photographers, or limp wristed queens? I guess for television rating the CW Network feels the need to marginalize gay men of colour and reduce us to sexist, misandrist, and racist stereotypes.

Jay Manuel I guess is the antidote to Miss Jay, he’s supposed to be the more butch gay man of colour. I just find Jay Manuel to be even more vulgar and worse then Miss Jay. Miss Jay seems to really care about the girls he wants them to succeed. Perhaps this is just a writing device? Maybe its just a gimmick the “hook” to attract an audience to see the next outrageous thing the two gay men will do next?

The reality television writers have to give Jay Manuel and Miss Jay distinctive personalities for the program to attract viewers. I guess for the CW Network they cannot have two gay men of colour that are actually “nice” people. Nice gay men are not entertaining for television. One gay black man has to be the stereotypical fag and the other has to be the annoying bitchy sea hag.

Jay Manuel comes across as a shrew no wonder the girls cry on the show because he’s such a blood thirsty monster. I just think America’s Top Model is such a disservice to black women and gay black men. Why are black women and black gay men stereotyped to the extreme on America’s Next Top Model?

Tyra is the executive producer of the program she has no excuses. Tyra claims she’s involved with the development and production of the show. Tyra and the CW Network will do anything to make money. I guess all Tyra Banks cares about is stereotyping black women as having haughty attitudes, and gay black men we are all limp wristed bitchy queens. The bottom line is America’s Next Top Model is a ratings winner for the CW Network. It appears Tyra has no real love for the black community she doesn’t care about the negative stereotypes, representations, and images that are broadcast. All Tyra Banks cares about is acquiring TV ratings, keeping her show on the air, and raking in more revenue.

Women’s Tennis Year End Review: Williams Sisters return to the top but Justine Henin is number one

Venus and Serena Williams once again demonstrated to the tennis world and to the cynical critics that they are great champions. The Williams Sisters nemesis is the great Belgian player Justine Henin. Henin has proven she is the number one player in the world at the moment. Justine is the queen of the WTA she is very consistent but I wish she had more of a personality. I do not know if its all lost in translation? Henin comes across as very aloof, indifferent, and haughty. Amelie Mauresmo is from France she is bilingual just like Henin but she comes across as very gentle, nice, and friendly.

Serena started off 2007 ranked at eighty one in the world. At the 2007 Australian Open so called tennis experts Pat Cash the one slam wonder and of course the termagant American tennis commentators at ESPN television were forecasting a dystopian storyline for Serena. Jon Wertheim the egregious American tennis reporter also bashed Serena about her physique. Has Jon Wertheim ever looked in the mirror at his own reflection? Wertheim will go on and on about Serena being out of shape but she’s gorgeous. Wertheim should take his own advice and be careful he can shatter glass with his appearance.

Since I live in Toronto Canada the only “sports” network available is TSN. For some bizarre reason TSN continues to receive their tennis feed through ESPN television. During the French Open this year the Tennis Channel shared television broadcasts duties with ESPN. I find the Tennis Channel commentators to be so much more professional and classy they actually talk about tennis. I cringe every January when the Australian Open commences because I constantly have to put my television set on mute.

Its the same tired and dry cycle we have Patrick McEnroe on the air with his constant homoerotic displays of affection for Andy Roddick and James Blake. Patrick will have a lovefest with himself and declare his devotion to the chronic underachiever Andy Roddick. Patrick will go on and on about how great Andy Roddick is. Roddick has proven he is in the second tier of the top ten. Roddick can beat most of the male tennis players but he cannot beat the best. The only way Andy Roddick can win is if the other top players lose early. Roddick has not proven he can beat the best in the grand slams. James Blake can’t beat anybody at the top he always capitulates in the grand slam events.

The unprofessionalism of the American tennis commentators is beyond disgraceful its pathetic. Mary Joe Fernandez, and Cliff Drysdale are the only Amerian tennis commentators that understand the difference between being silent between points. Mary Carillo and Pam Shriver the loquacious tennis analysts have not learned to be silent between points. Patrick McEnroe is basically a professional cheerleader whenever Andy Roddick is on the television set McEnroe has an extremely egregious behavior he has zero class.

Nadia Petrova a former top ten Russian player and Serena’s third round opponent criticized Serena prior to their match. Petrova has never won a grand slam nor has she ever advanced to a grand slam final. Its so foolish for Nadia Petrova to bash Serena when Petrova is a consistent underachiever. Nadia was quoted in the press saying Serena doesn’t concentrate enough on tennis. Well, where are Petrova’s slam titles? Last time I checked she’s not a champion and not a winner. Petrova has a history of being a chronic choker in big matches. Once again Nadia Petrova’s big mouth proved to be her downfall. Serena fought back from down 1-6 3-5 to win the match 1-6 7-5 6-3.

The rising Serbian player Jelena Jankovic another big mouth that has proven nothing at the elite level also questioned Serena’s fitness. The media have hyped Jankovic but she always fails at the quarterfinals or semifinals of grand slams. I don’t consider Jankovic a contender until she wins a grand slam. Serena destroyed Jankovic 6-3 6-2 in their fourth round match. In the quarterfinals Shahar Peer from Israel choked the match she was two points from defeating Serena but lost 3-6 6-2 8-6. In the semifinals and finals Serena played her best tennis easily blasting Czech teen Nicole Vaidisova and the overrated Maria Sharapova in straight sets. Sharapova was in tears after the match after Serena humiliated her 6-1 6-2 in about an hour. Sharapova appeared slow, she was intimidated by Serena and she played like a scared little kitten.

Mary Carillo’s bias against the Williams Sisters exploded in her face. Carillo’s immature outbursts about Serena’s lack of dedication to the game just made her look like a complete idiot. Carillo and Pam Shriver criticized Serena’s weight even laughing at times at Serena as they placed Eurocentric body image standards on my girl. For once Mary Carillo was silenced and stunned there was absolutely nothing the termagant could say. Carillo looked like a fool for all of her racist and sexist comments against Serena Williams during the 2007 Australian OPEN ESPN broadcast.

Carillo is a consistent Williams Sisters hater along with Pam Shriver, Chris Fowler, Patrick McEnroe, and the rest of the pathetic ESPN crew. Does ESPN have a policy to hire racists for their tennis telecasts? Sure seems like it. Sadly, Carillo, Fowler, Shriver, and Patrick McEnroe are all fellow Americans yet they bash the Williams Sisters with every opportunity they can find. I tend to have my television set on mute they make my ears bleed with their hypocrisy and bigotry. When are ESPN tennis viewers going to hold ESPN accountable? If you have a problem with the American tennis commentators complain to ESPN let them know this racist crap cannot continue.

It just goes to show in the United States skin colour and not nationality is the litmus test for ESPN television. Andy Roddick and James Blake had miserable years on the ATP Tour as usual. Patrick McEnroe looks like a professional groupie he hypes Roddick and Blake up and they keep on losing the big matches. Its clear that Roddick and Blake are not contenders. There is only one person that controls the ATP Tour and his name is Roger Federer.

Yes Rodidck and Blake won the Davis Cup but that was a team effort. On the ATP Tour both American men have proven they are below the Europeans. Patrick McEnroe as everyone knows is the American Davis Cup captain but what have Blake and Roddick accomplished this year. Last time I checked Blake and Roddick were 0-4 against Roger Federer this year. Roddick and Blake also failed to reach a grand slam final. Why doesn’t ESPN waste their time on the failure of the American men?

Venus was unable to play the Australian Open due to a chronic wrist injury. Venus started 2007 at a minor event in Memphis easily destroying Shahar Peer 6-1 6-1 in less then an hour to win the event. However, media reports dismissed Venus’s title victory given the fact she was playing against lower ranked players. Venus was shrewd to play Memphis because she simply wanted to build her confidence and win matches.

Serena continued her strong play at the Miami tier I WTA event in March 2007 once again defeating Sharapova again easily 6-1 6-1. Justine Henin choked against Serena in the finals as Serena fought off two match points to win the title 0-6 7-5 6-3. Earlier in the event Venus squandered a lead against Maria Sharapova in the third round losing a tough 2-6 6-2 7-5 marathon. Richard Williams openly criticized Venus in the press I was stunned. I understand Richard was frustrated but to pick on Venus through the media was surprising.

Unlike Serena, Venus’s game has to flow to work consistently. Serena has a more consistent serve and forehand then Venus. However, I think that Venus moves better then Serena she has longer legs and more reach. I also think Venus volleys better then Serena. It is very tough to pass six foot one Venus at the net.

The real difference between Venus and Serena I believe is the mental aspect to the game. I don’t question the hunger or desire of both Williams Sisters I know they want to win. The issue I have with Venus is why can’t get help with her serve? Venus has the biggest serve in women’s tennis. At the French Open Venus served at 129 mph during one match. It is the largest serve ever by a female in a main draw WTA tour event. If Venus can just harness her power, pull back a bit, learn to wait be patient she can be so dangerous.

I notice that Serena has the ability to slow down a bit take a bit of power off the ball if she’s making too many unforced errors. I notice with Venus that she just tries to strike the ball harder and harder off her forehand side even if she’s making mistakes. Another issue I have with Venus is why does she only play well at Wimbledon? Its a fair question. At Wimbledon Venus realizes she can pull back a bit not try to hit the 125 mph ace all the time. I think the key for Venus is to slow the serve just a little bit but get a hard effective serve in. At Wimbledon this year Venus served so well and that was the key to her winning the title. Venus is six foot one I like that she is coming to net more but she needs to make this a habit. Venus is so tall she reminds me of Althea Gibson in the sense she instinctively knows how to volley at net. I wish Venus can develop more of a serve and volley kind of game.

When Serena plays she want to win at all costs she has the killer instinct. Venus also has a killer instinct yet crumbles when she plays Serena she just doesn’t produce. Is Serena more talented then Venus? Well, according to their grand slam results in a way the answer is yes. Serena has won all four of the grand slams and Venus has won two out of the four. The question has to be asked, why hasn’t Venus won the Australian Open or French Open yet? Will Venus ever win one of the first two grand slams of the year? I ask this question because its obvious Venus has the ability, she has the fitness, it all comes down to Venus mechanics. Venus problems are more psychological and mechanical. If Serena is extremely fit and motivated she’s very dangerous. Venus is different Venus game has to be flowing in order to challenge the top players.

Venus had a satisfactory clay court season clay has never been the Williams Sisters best surface. Serena has won the French Open once in 2002 and Justine Henin has dominated the French Open ever since. It is shocking to me that Venus has never won the French Open. Venus has won major clay court titles such as the Italian Open on the slow red European clay in 1999, she also has won the Charleston clay court event in the United States in 2004. Venus lost to French player Tatiana Golivin at Amelia Island, she lost to Jelena Jankovic in a tight three setter in Charleston, and she also was defeated by Svetlana Kuznetsova in Warsaw. Venus worst clay court loss in 2007 was the Aravane Rezai in straight sets. At the French Open Venus lost to Jelena Jankovic again in the third round. Venus complained that she was suffering due to anemia and a lack of energy in the 6-4 4-6 6-1 loss. Serena reached the quaterfinals only to be swept aside by Justine Henin 6-4 6-3.

The Williams Sisters never play warm up events prior to Wimbledon they prefer instead to return to Flordia after the French Open and train in the United States. At Wimbledon Venus almost lost her first round and third round matches. Once Venus was on Center Court at Wimbeldon the old great Venus returned. In a highly anticipated fourth round match against Maria Sharapova Venus blasted Sharapova off the court 6-1 6-3. Venus continued the strong play easily defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-4 in the quaterfinals. Serena lost a tightly contested match against Justine Henin in the quarerfinals. The consensus was it would once again be a rematch of the 2001 Wimbledon women’s final between Venus and Justine Henin.

Venus fulfilled her part easily dispatching Serbian player Ana Ivanovic 6-2 6-4 without breaking a sweat. Ivanovic is a talented young player she has a big serve, good volley, nice variety and solid groundstrokes. Ivanovic’s problem is her mobility she simply isn’t fast enough. Venus exploited Ivanovic’s lack of speed constantly in the match pushing her all over the court and coming to net to knock off the winning volleys.

The other semifinal between Justine Henin and Marion Bartoli was supposed to be a wipeout. Bartoli was ranked in the top twenty but she was never considered a contender. Bartoli shocked Justine Henin 1-6 7-5 6-1 due to Justine Henin’s choke job. Henin capitulated the match even though she had a solid lead and once again failed to deliver at Wimbledon even though she was a clear favourite to win the title. Bartoli’s win over Henin was one of the biggest upsets in Wimbledon history. In the final Venus rolled over Bartoli 6-4 6-1 since Bartoli was most likely overwhelmed due to Venus Williams huge serves, blistering groundstrokes, incredible speed and variety. Bartoli never had a chance but she should be proud of her accomplishment.

Serena missed most of the summer hardcourt season due to a thumb injury she had no matches going into the 2007 US OPEN. Serena played well but it simply wasn’t good enough against Justine Henin in the quarterfinals. Henin rolled over Serena 7-6 6-1. When I watched the match I felt that Serena was slow she wasn’t moving to the ball well enough. I wondered if the rumours were true that Serena was still having problems with her knees.

The US OPEN organizers ruined Venus 2007 US OPEN hopes by rescheduling her quaterfinal match against Jelena Jankovic from Tuesday night to Wednesday evening. Venus won the battle against Jankovic 4-6 6-1 7-6. However, Venus clearly was not herself she only had a day to recover for the semifinals against Justine Henin and lost 7-6 6-4 in a two hour fierce battle. Justine Henin became the first player on the WTA tour to beat both the Williams Sisters in a grand slam event and also become the US OPEN champion.

In the fall of 2007 Venus elected to play smaller events in Asia to boost her ranking. Venus won the Korean Open yet faltered surprisingly against Virginie Razanno of France at the Japan Open and losing to Flavia Penetta at the Bangkok Open. Serena played three events in Germany, Switzerland, and Russia she failed to win any of the tournaments. Whispers emerged that the Williams Sisters were no longer on top of the WTA. The truth is 2007 was really Justine Henin’s year she won both the French Open and the US Open. Henin also did not lost a match after the Wimbledon final.

Lindsay Davenport reemerged in the fall of 2007 winning a small event in Bali but defeating Jelena Jankovic in a surprise upset. Davenport also won a minor event in Quebec City. Davenport proved that she still is a force on the WTA.

The question for the Williams Sisters and Lindsay Davenport is can they stop Justine Henin? Maria Sharapova is a talented player but she lacks variety in her game and Henin has proven she can outlast Sharapova due to her superior fitness and speed. Sharapova may be slim but she simply is not fit enough to compete with Henin. If Sharapova wants to beat Henin she will have to workout a lot harder. I also have noticed Sharapova has no finesse to her game she doesn’t really think on the court. Against Justine she will need to improve her volley skills.

Henin is playing the best tennis of her career she is the reigning Queen of the WTA. One of the advantages Henin has over the Williams Sisters and Davenport is her variety. Justine Henin may not have the best personality in women’s tennis but she does have the drive and the determination. Henin may only be five foot five but she serves big, she has a low slice backhand which has proven to be a weapon against the other top women. Henin also has improved her forehand she also can hit drop shots, and a hard flat top spin backhand to rush her opponents.

Unlike Sharapova and Davenport the Williams Sisters have the variety mixed with the finesse and the power to defeat Justine Henin. The quandary for the Williams Sisters is can they remain injury free for the 2008 Australian Open? Serena’s fitness has always been a question mark and to Serena’s credit she has worked harder on her fitness this year. Serena simply needs confidence and the only way is to play matches. Serena played a minor event in Hobart Tasmania this year prior to the Australian Open. Even though Serena lost in the quarterfinals of the Hobart event I still believe it helped her to win the 2007 Australian Open.

I am kind of disappointed that Serena has elected not to return to Hobart I think she will need matches prior to the Australian Open. Venus is always a question mark she is usually very physically fit but her serve has proven to be inconsistent at times. We just don’t know how Venus will play? At the 2006 Australian Open Venus lost in the first round to a lower ranked player. Can the American women challenge Justine Henin? Or will Justine continue her domination of women’s tennis and win everything? We will find out shortly at the 2008 Australian Open.

If you want to complain and contact ESPN Television about the American tennis commentators racism and sexism against the Williams Sisters here is the link: http://espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/espntv.html

Homophobia Is A Global Issue Not Just Specific To One Race

 

           Does homophobia exist in Jamaica?  Of course homophobia exists in Jamaica just like it does in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the rest of the world. However, the current trend  is suddenly the western media have taken it upon themselves to “denounce” homophobia in Jamaican Dancehall music. Make no mistake the western media does not “care” about black gays and lesbians that are being attacked and murdered in Jamaica due to homophobia. The mainstream media  are only interested in pathologizing Jamaican culture trying to treat Jamaican people as though we are backwards and uncivilized. So once again we have this paternalistic approach of the “white gay saviours” GLAAD and EGALE that jump at the chance for some free press claiming to “save the day”.  In the process GLAAD and EGALE are only demonstrating their true racist colours. The truth is GLAAD and EGALE  ignores the cultural differences between Jamaica and the western world.

Where is the “urgency” in the  North America or European media when gay men are killed right here in Canada? In Toronto Canada last year Harley Walker a seventy two year old white gay man was brutally  murdered by another white man in his Toronto home.  Walker arranged for a sexual encounter with the accused after chatting online.

Next, after Walker was violently murdered according to news reports the accused removed Walker’s body from his residence and dumped it in Northern Ontario. Now did the Toronto media make a “racial link” between the fact that the accused was also a white male? Where are all the articles about “all white men” being homophobic killers?  Oops I forgot when gay white men are killed by other whites  the Canadian media don’t make “racial links” they just “report” the news. Where are the news reports,  radio broadcasts, and documentaries that the accused “whiteness” was a factor in Walker’s death? Shouldn’t white Canadian culture be stereotyped as well? 

 In Vancouver British Columbia Aaron Webster a white gay man was brutally murdered in Stanley Park in November 2001. Stanley Park is a well known cruising ground in Vancouver. Did the white gay media and the mainstream media make a “racial link” between the violence against Aaron Webster and Canada? Is Canada now branded as a haven for violent, savage, homophobes that can run freely and kill and murder gay people at free will? Of course not.

 The western media are only focused on selling papers,  boosting ratings, obtaining sound bites for radio,  and  finding new ways to “demonize” the black race. Since Beenie man and Elephant man are minor black celebrities this racism sells and captures the public’s attention. The public loves reading racist articles that frame the lens and  present the black community in an unfavorable light. And here you have the paternalistic white gay organizations “lecturing” black people on “tolerance” its like give me a  break. The black race doesn’t need white gays patronizing us that’s for sure.

Last year in October 2006 a young black gay man Michael Sandy  was brutally murdered by four white males in Brooklyn last year. The white mainstream and gay media reported the news but there was no urgency to the Michael Sandy tragedy.  Some media outlets even attempted to downplay the fact that Sandy was murdered by four young white men. Could you imagine a racial reverse? Its a fair question. The Michael Sandy tragedy shatters a lot of stereotypes. Homophobia is not specific to one race its a global issue and its a very serious issue. The mainstream media attempted to “ignore” the race factor here and just focused on the fact Sandy was gay. However, my perspective is this displaces the context of the Michael Sandy case. Michael Sandy was an innocent young black man and he was killed specifically because he was a black gay man. Being black and also gay are two social signifiers of being a minority in a very homophobic, racist, and misandrist world. When the mainstream and gay media ignore the truth they are attempting to erase and ignore reality.

 It is important to point out the fact Sandy’s killers were four young white men. So far three of the four white men have been convicted.  Its  a perfect example of white racism when the media ignores the death of a young black gay man. If there every going to be equality in this world then people should be treated fairly.  The media is sending the negative message that Michael Sandy’s life didn’t matter because he was a black gay man and not white.  Michael Sandy’s life does matter because he was somebody’s son, somebody’s friend he was a part of the black community. The blood of a white gay person is more important then the blood of a black gay person in the eyes of the mainstream.  Sandy’s death was not a concern to the white American media. 

The white American gay community was apathetic to Sandy’s death for a variety of reasons. First, Michael Sandy was a gay black man so why would they care? Second, Sandy’s killers were also white so there was no extra motivation for the white gay community to get involved.  The powerful white gay organizations such as GLAAD and HRC are only concerned with advancing a “white gay agenda”. In the eyes of GLAAD and HRC the only “victims” of violence and homophobia must be white this is their focus and mandate. Sure, GLAAD has a special people of colour “position” and a couple of token blacks on their payroll but the concerns of black gays are not the focus of GLAAD.

 Since Michael Sandy was a young black gay man and his killers were white he was of no interest to the white gay media. GLAAD and HRC chose to ignore Sandy’s death and act like it never  taken place. Aren’t GLAAD and HRC against all forms of homophobia? Or are GLAAD and HRC only concerned about homophobia that affects the white race?

No cover of Advocate or Out Magazine, and the mainstream American media was also  apathetic to Michael Sandy’s death. No ABC,  no CNN, no NBC, or CBS news. Why didn’t the North American media create articles and make a “racial link” between the death of Michael Sandy and the violence of young white men? After all Sandy was lured on the internet for a sexual encounter only to be tricked and brutally beaten and killed by four white guys. Are all young white men now violent?

  I am a Jamaican Canadian and I am also gay. I know homophobia exists in Jamaica.  However, we all have choices in life and since Canada is a democracy I have freedom to make my own decisions. I have made the choice not to listen to or purchase Beenie Man or Elephant man’s music. I also  also made the decision  not to attend their concerts. However, I  strong disagree with the so called “gay activists” that are attempting to destroy the careers of black entertainers.  Music is an artistic expression and every artist has a right to his or her’s own views on art. In this world  we are not going to agree with everything everyone else says or does. Last time I checked at Beenie man and Elephant man’s concerts people are not being gay bashed.

 I believe EGALE and other so called gay activist organizations aren’t really “concerned” about “fighting” homophobia in relation to the drama over homophobic lyrics in Reggae music. My perspective is these organizations are only concerned with fostering and promoting anti black racism. The western media also is selling this racism splashing various articles and creating hysteria over the homophobia in Jamaica. Its a pathetic attempt by the lazy western press once again to push the boring, dry, and tired racist stereotype that “all” black people are homophobic.

However, there is an  “invisible code” and an eerie  silence to white gay racism against black people. The catch here is that the anti black racism is  “hidden” under the false pretense of “fighting homophobia”. I cringe when I see white gay activists complaining about black entertainers because I question the motivation of these white gay activists. I question why the “sudden” interest in attacking black entertainers? When  EGALE and other white gay organizations block Enimem and Marilyn Manson and other white homophobes from having concerts in Canada then they are legitimate. Until this occurs I just have to call them on their bullshit about “fight against homophobia”.  I also do not believe in censorship.

In September 2007  a concert for Elephant man was cancelled in Toronto because some gay activists were complaining about homophobia.  I was quoted in the Toronto Star saying  there was a double standard taking place and I stand by my quote.  When black people see black entertainers being banned it only fuels anger and in this case black people and fans of Reggae music have a right to be angry.  Nothing is solved through censorship and miscommuication is the end result. It is a vicious cycle. Free speech exists for a reason and Canada is a democracy.  I have to write about this because I am going to be blunt. I think some black gay activists that side with white gay organizations such as EGALE are stupid. I cannot be more blunt them that. EGALE doesn’t give a damn about violence against Jamaican gays and lesbians. EGALE only cares about advancing their own agenda, acquiring free publicity, and fostering the “image” that they believe in gay rights for all gay people.  The black gay activists  that side with EGALE are foolish to believe EGALE is really “concerned” about the rights of black gays.

The black gay activists do indeed have valid concerns the violence against gays in Jamaica is real and it exists. However, there is also an “invisible code” taking place where white gay organizations are acquiring too much power they think they can speak for the black race. I am here to say today as a black gay man that white gays don’t speak for the black race. And as a black gay man white gay organizations such as EGALE definitely don’t speak for me that’s for sure. 

 Its clear to me the white gay organizations such as EGALE are specifically targeting black reggae artists due to the undercurrent of  racism.  It is well known there is  a racist perception in the western world that black people we are “more” homophobic then “whites.” I laugh at this bullshit because its simply not true.  Homophobia takes place across all racial and cultural sectors. Yet the western media frames homophobia as though its just occurs among blacks. Black straight activists don’t speak up because the white gays have the power of branding them as “homophobes” if they disagree with them.  Black straight activists needs to be cognizant of the fact racism in the gay community racism exists.  Gay black gay writers such as Audre Lorde, James Earl Hardy, Essex Hemphill, have all written about the hypocrisy of the white gay community in relation to dealing with racial discrimination.

The Conservative party of Canada leader Stephen Harper is a homophobic bigot he’s a white male and he’s the Prime Minister of Canada. In the United States George W. Bush is a homophobe, the Republican party is very anti gay and gay rights is not their concern. Senator Larry Craig has voted against gay rights yet he was caught earlier this year cruising for sex in an airport washroom he also is a white male. White males in North America have the political power the create discriminatory laws to discriminate against gays and lesbians. The negative atttiude the mainstream North American and European media have to reggae artists is also fuelled by their racist perceptions of young black men as violent and evil.

 Where are the white gays organizations denouncing Marilyn Manson or Enimem? Where is the urgency?  If you visit white gay websites they talk about how “cute” Enimem is and that Marilyn Manson is such a “artist”. Yes its so cute when Enimem talks about beating down women. Marilyn Manson gets a free pass for his homophobic lyrics in his songs because he’s also a white male.

Homophobia is a global phenomeon it takes place all over the world.  Violence against gays isn’t race specific yet the western media consistently frame homophobia as though it only occurs in the black community.  It is such a disservice because it obscures and ignore the awareness about homophobia in other parts of the world. It is  well known  homophobia still exists in the so called progressive North America, west and eastern Europe. 

 Reverend Phelps a white American male heterosexual minister is a homophobic bigot he travels with his congregation and protests funerals if the deceased is gay. Yet Phelps doesn’t receive much press from the mainstream white North American or European media. I wonder why? It is well known in great old Europe the virulent homophobia against gays in countries such as Russia, Serbia, and Russia is very strong and real. 

 Recently in May 2007 this year there were violent protests in Russia two European members of parliament were arrested  in Moscow as violence broke out. Peter Tatchell a white British gay activist was punched and an Italian MP was kicked. The mayor of Moscow Yury Luzhkov called homosexuality “satanic”.

      The European parliment this year accused Croatia of promoting homophobia in schools. Why does this not receive much attention in the west? Could it be because the homophobes in this case are white people that it won’t sell enough papers, it isn’t sensational enough or they just ignore white homophobia?

Link to information about Michael Sandy murder trial: 

 http://gothamist.com/2007/10/12/jurors_argue_bu.php

Link: Story about Aaron Webster’s death

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2004/11/15/gay_bashing_041115.html

Link: Story about homophobia in Croatia

 http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/may/07050801.html

Link: Homophobia in Russia

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6695913.stm

Link: Harley Walker news http://www.thestar.com/News/article/211221