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American Idol Is Anti Male! Taylor Hicks And Ruben Studdard Dropped From J Records!!!

Former American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks have been dropped from J records. Studdard and Hicks both won American Idol despite not having the Hollywood looks and toned bodies. Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks are strong male singers. Despite Hicks and Studdard’s singing talent, it simply wasn’t enough for J Records. I am wondering if there is a misandrist element to American Idol? It is important to point out Ruben and Taylor are male because I have always felt American Idol wasn’t the right format for talented male singers. The people that call in to vote on American Idol are mostly young females.

Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard both lost American Idol even though they won. Inferior talents such as Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry actually achieved more success and media attention then Hicks and Studdard. In terms of singing talent, Hicks and Studdard are superior they have more range and more powerful voices. Clay Aiken didn’t win American Idol but his debut CD was more successful then Ruben Studdard’s album. Chris Daughty also didn’t win American Idol, but he has the looks that mainstream North America considers sexually attractive. Daughtry also has sold more CDs then Taylor Hicks. The reason is Daughtry and Aiken appeal to women. The marketing machine in the music industry is cognizant of the fact young women find Aiken and Daughtry sexually attractive. Aiken and Daughtry are also younger then Studdard and Hicks. Women imagine they can have sex with Daughtry and Aiken. Ruben and Taylor were not able to maintain the momentum of their success on American Idol.

Ruben and Taylor obviously were not trained for Hollywood 101. One way stars maintain the public’s interest is by acquiring as much media attention as possible. In Hollywood image is everything. I am not sure Ruben and Taylor understand the game but appearance is critical to success. It is not fair but Hollywood is never fair. Hollywood is not the real world it is a dream factory. Taylor and Ruben just didn’t have the looks or body image that turn women on. Ruben and Taylor also did not obtain endorsements from companies because they were not considered marketable. It is also interesting to note Ruben and Taylor are both from the same city Birmingham Alabama. Both Ruben and Taylor seem like nice guys that just didn’t gel with Hollywood and the mainstream public.

In the music industry, music fans want the young male singers to have sex appeal to draw in the female demographic. The dirty secret of the record labels is they also want the young male singers to draw in a gay male demographic as well. Yet the record labels never discuss the gay market because they don’t want the public to know this fact. For example, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias are rare in the music industry they acknowledge their gay male audience.

Martin and Iglesias know that gay men show up to their concerts to support them because they think both men are sexually attractive and they also like their music. Martin and Iglesias have openly talked about the fact they have gay male fans. The marketing teams for Martin and Iglesias are cognizant by acknowledging the gay male demographic is just good business. Most young male singers try to act macho and ignore the gay male audience. Martin and Iglesias know they can make more money by selling more CDs, DVDs, concert tickets, more publicity by acknowledging gay men.

I am not suggesting that Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard should of reached out to the gay male audience to sell CDs. All I am suggesting is, that marketing is very critical to success. A singer cannot simply be a singer these days. A singer is a part of a brand, and a brand has to be able to appeal and sell to more then just one demographic in order to be successful.

Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks simply did not attract any demographic and this is one of the reason they were dropped from J records. The music business is in a tough position these days due to digital downloading and the apathetic attitude of the general public. Also, heterosexual women and gay men were not interested in either singer.

The record labels do not publically acknowledge the gay male demographic in the media but in marketing meetings they definitely are target the gay community. At gay bars and clubs across North America for example, when a major young male singer has a released there are often contests at gay bars. The gay fans can win a CD of the artist this is a form of promotion to cross over into the gay market.

Also, record companies pay advertising space in the gay media to let the gay audience know when young male singers have a CD released.

The feminists like to say society puts pressure on females to be sexy and to be thin. Yet the hypocritical feminists always ignore the fact men we are also pressured to look sexy too. The pressure was extremely intense on Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks to lose weight, get in shape, get the hard abs, and be sexy. Ruben did lose some weight but clearly this was not enough to interest the female audience. Ruben and Taylor were perhaps a bit too old for American Idol?

Another reason Taylor and Ruben were not successful is both guys didn’t really have a background story or interesting personalites. Ruben and Taylor’s management teams obviously didn’t put the time and effort into creating their image. You cannot simply be a good singer in this superficial pop culture, you need a gimmick. In Hollywood everyone has a gimmick, the star has to have something about him or her that that can pull in an audience. The public needs to have a hook to identify and relate to the star.

The reason Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood are very successful is all three young women have the “it” factor. According to Soundscan, Carrie Underwood is the most successful American Idol winner in the United States. Underwood’s second CD is proving she has maintained her audience.

Carrie Underwood is an attractive young woman she also can sing she has the blonde hair and the Eurocentric appearance Hollywood and North America finds appealing. Fantasia has the background story she was living in poverty, was in an abusive relationship, had her daughter at the tender age of seventeen. However, Fantasia overcame the odds and this is why the public loves Fantasia. Fantasia has continued her success with the hugely successful Lifetime movie which was the second highest ratings winner on that network. Fantasia also had a successful autobiography as well. In addition, Fantasia has proven she can act she is the star on Broadway in the play the Color Purple. The Color Purple is a huge success due to Fantasia and the critics have praised Fantasia for her incredible acting and singing performances.

Kelly Clarkson won because she was ordinary all American girl. Although Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia are not considered attractive by American standards heterosexual women and even lesbians can relate to them. Clarkson also had a very large under twenty five female demographic on her side. Unfortunately, for Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks not enough women found them to be sexually attractive to buy their albums.

The pressure is now on for younger male singers they have to be sexy and fit. Justin Timberlake, Usher, Omarion, Bow Wow, 50 CENT, Kanye West, and Chris Brown all know they have to spend hours in the gym developing the rock hard abs. The women love men that are extremely physically fit so they can  drool over male pop stars in concerts.

Women like to look a good looking and attractive men that can sing. Taylor and Ruben can sing but they simply were not considered hot. Ruben and Taylor both need to fire their management teams they need an image overhaul.

Women have to be able to fantasize about male singers, imagine that the male singer are singing only to them and love them. Women need to be able to masturbate and get wet and have the sexual fantasy while listening to their CDs. It is the reason N’SYNC, Backstreet Boys were so successful in the late 1990s and early part of this decade women wanted to have sex with them. I doubt very few women are masturbating and getting wet in their bedrooms over Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard.

Unfortunately, I think this could be the reason Hicks and Studdard have not been successful they actually look like real ordinary looking men. There is no fantasy to Ruben and Taylor. Women don’t care about their background story because there is none. Also, Hicks and Studdard are the oldest American Idol winners. Hicks and Studdard failed to reach an adult demographic. The adults don’t care about Ruben and Taylor because they see American Idol as a tacky teen show. Taylor and Ruben’s music wasn’t their own music it was a part of the American Idol machine. Simon Cowell the creator of American Idol wasn’t very helpful when he was so public in criticizing Taylor Hicks in the media. Cowell just didn’t like Hicks. The reason Cowell didn’t like Hicks is because Cowell didn’t think Hicks was marketable because he is an average looking guy that wasn’t fit and trim.

American Idol is clearly a program meant for younger singers under the age of twenty five. Studdard is twenty nine years old and Hicks he is thirty one. Another point to consider is Studdard and Hicks are the only men to have ever won American Idol.

Studdard’s first CD “Soulful” was successful selling over 2 million copies. However, Ruben’s recent CD “The Return” was a commercial failure selling only 236,000 copies. Taylor Hicks had even worst sales his debut CD sold only 699,000 copies he didn’t even go platinum. The question has to be asked is American Idol the proper format for male singers?

Everytime I watch American Idol I just don’t think it is fair to male singers. I have a feeling a lot of men also don’t find American Idol very appealing. The dilemma for male singers is they cannot count on the male demographic to support them. American Idol is considered unworthy of male support.

My perspective is, American Idol is all about a girl’s dream that she can become a singer. American Idol is obviously a program geared towards a female audience. Women like it the show is so corny. American Idol is all about a girl’s dream that she can sing her heart out and make her dreams come true. I think this is the reason American Idol is so appealing to the female demographic. All the female winners of American Idol have been very successful. Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood are still in the spotlight. The recent winner Jordan Sparks her CD hasn’t sold a lot but maybe the sales will go up?

However, a very sexually attractive male singer has never won American Idol. I think it goes back to days of Elvis. American Idol has a fear of male sexuality. It seems the public is comfortable with average looking guys like Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard winning because they also have a very safe heterosexuality. Ruben and Taylor are non threatening heterosexual men.

Some men will never admit this, but all men look at other men’s bodies. Heterosexual men like Kanye West, 50 CENT, Eminem. Notice that 50 CENT, Kanye West, and Eminem are also attractive and physically fit as well. Regardless of whether a male is heterosexual or homosexual men have to imagine we can “be” the singer. 50 CENT, Kanye West, and Eminem are always showing off their bodies. Men do pay attention to the physique of male singers even though some men will lie and say we don’t.

Men don’t like Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks because men don’t find either singer to be very masculine and physically appealing either. Listen to the rap and rock CDs of male singers, they always boast about their sexual prowess. Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks don’t sing about sex in their music they come across as asexual. Young men cannot relate to Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks because males don’t find them appealing either.

Young men like their male singers and rappers to have a bit of machismo to be brash, arrogant, to be outspoken. Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks are nice ordinary guys they don’t frighten parents but they also don’t turn on their daughters either.

I think the lack of success Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks have proves male sexuality and body image is very important. The media also don’t care about Ruben or Taylor there is nothing controversial about them. Many men view American Idol as a corny female program because the show changes genres every single week. A lot of men look down on American Idol we just don’t take the show seriously as real music.

The American Idol brand also ignores rap music for a reason. The reason is rap music is considered to be very controversial and has an intense testosterone and male sexuality. Rap music provokes thought and American Idol isn’t about thinking it is just about singing crappy songs. American Idol blocks out rap music because the show is supposed to be “family entertainment”. Men want to hear music with more substance and the show has turned off the male demographic. American Idol is a female show the marketing team behind American Idol play it safe because it sells. Unfortunately for male singers unless you can turn on the female audience and be sexually attractive they are going to fail.

Link: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/07/arts/People-Taylor-Hicks.php

NPR: Tell Me More Is A Great Show!

Last year I discovered NPR Radio one day while surfing the internet. I am impressed. NPR has a better in depth analysis of the news then the mainstream USA media outlets. One show that I listen a lot is called “Tell Me More” hosted by Michel Martin.Michel Martin’s show is broadcast from Monday to Friday on NPR Radio. Michel discusses a lot of issues important to the black community but she also focuses on many issues like self help, health, politics, and entertainment.

Let me just be honest in Canada the radio stations generally ignores black Canadians. There is one black radio station in Toronto but it is total garbage. There is no talk show format on that particular radio station and they focus on a very young demographic. There are some university radio stations in Canada that are kind of interesting.

The only time Canadian radio discusses black people is when something negative occurs. What about regular black people that are making a difference in this world? I like “Tell Me More” because the program does focus on regular black people that are working hard to achieve. “Tell Me More” is wonderful program because Michel discusses black achievement. So often in the media the focus on black people is often from a very myopic and racist perspective. Thank goodness for the internet! I am so happy that I found “Tell Me More” because I want to listen about black issues that are important to me.

One of today’s topics on “Tell Me More” was about Oprah and Bob Johnson the former owner of BET. Ms. Martin and her guest Dr. Juliet Walker discuss Senator Barack Obama and the Oprah connection. Dr. Walker talks about the hypocrisy of some female Oprah fans that don’t want Oprah to support Barack Obama. Ms. Walker makes an excellent point nobody makes a big deal about Barbara Streisand supporting Senator Hillary Clinton.

The second guest Alvin Hall talks about money management. The third guest sociologist Bertrice Berry talks about New Years resolutions. The fourth guest Alice Smith is a promising young African American singer. Alice Smith discusses her debut album “For Lovers Dreamers & Me” was released on a major label Epic records. Smith has a kind of folk rock sound she reminds me of a mixture of Janis Joplin, Sophie B. Hawkins, and Tracy Chapman. Smith is definitely not R&B and this is so refreshing. Smith loves rock and roll and country music. Ms. Smith is breaking boundaries about what people think is “black music”.

The question is will the music industry allow Smith to breakthrough the colour barrier? I find it interesting that white singers such as Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone, and Robin Thicke are praised for singing R&B music. I have listened to Winehouse, Stone, and Thicke and they are good singers. There seems to be a fascination in society with white people that can sing so called “black music”. However, when black singers such as Alice Smith and Rissi Palmer are crossing music genres and do not sing “R&B” they don’t receive the same kind of media attention. Why is there a double standard? So whites can appropriate black culture and profit off it but when black artists attempt to do the same thing they are scorned? I don’t get it. Also, will the black media give Alice Smith the support she deserves? I thank Michel for giving Alice Smith an opportunity to showcase her music.

I really like “Tell Me More” because the topics are so diverse and Michel just has a very charismatic, engaging personality she just draws listeners in. If you would like to listen to any of the NPR programs just go to NPR website http://www.npr.org

Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17759813

Mr. Procrastination

I admit it I am Mr. procrastination. I always tell myself that I’m going to do something and then I forget about it for the longest time. Today I am drafting a list of all the things I want to try to do in 2008. I won’t put the pressure on about finding a publisher in 2008 because that’s a lot of pressure. I think the important thing for me in 2008 is to be effective.

I also tend to say I am going to do something and then eventually get around to doing it at the last minute. Although, I already have one book published “You Don’t Know Me” I didn’t appreciate the way TSAR published the poetry volume in 2005. At least I have a professional credit and the book is available in libraries. When I think about it 2005 is almost three years ago it is time to move on. I will never have that first experience again but maybe I can have better experiences the next time around.

It is time to move on from that painful experience. Just because I had one bad experience doesn’t mean every other experience with writing is going to be bad. I need an attitude adjustment ASAP! I tend to get down on myself when bad things happen. I am cognizant of having these negative feelings and emotions. Sometimes I think the negative thoughts surround me and I allow these negative thoughts to control me. I have to break the cycle. I am aware of the patterns this vicious cycle that has entered my mind and I doubt myself. I guess everyone has doubts? I will be honest I definitely think will I ever get another book published? I have this thought a lot.

I received a letter from a fellow writer in November 2007 and he told me to never surrender. Sometimes it is hard because a lot of the time a writer is waiting. You are either waiting for an e-mail or letter of acceptance for publication or a letter or e-mail for rejection. I also realize nobody owes me anything. It is harsh but true the editor or publisher either likes my work or he or she doesn’t. So it is my job to make sure my work is polished. The waiting game can be psychologically, emotionally, and physically exhausting. However, when I receive an e-mail of acceptance it makes everything worth while. It gives me the courage to not give up.

I guess everyone has doubts. Sometimes I wonder am I good enough? Why is it taking so long to receive a response? I always send S.A.S.E. with my submissions because I know publishers will throw your work in the garbage if you don’t send S.A.S.E. I also always send international reply coupons as well.

My printer is acting up again! I hate when that happens! I think I need some new computer ink.I know it sounds corny but I got to keep on trying. Isn’t that corny? So its time to move on from that negative experience and I am looking for a new publisher to republish “You Don’t Know Me”. I also have a second poetry manuscript completed and I am conducting a lot of research. Let me tell you it is so hard to get a poetry book published. Poetry isn’t considered a money maker in the book industry unless you are famous. Everyone knows that I am certainly not famous. I am just an ordinary man that has a love for poetry. For the past two years I have tried and tried to get another poetry book published only to encounter rejection. I still haven’t given up on poetry because I have a passion for it I love to sit and write out my thoughts on paper. I love to read my poetry aloud it is a very soothing experience.

I am still sending my poetry out to magazines, literary journals but I am going to focus less on poetry in 2008. My poetry was published in a literary journal and an anthology in 2007. I have decided I am going to leave poetry behind for a bit. I am now going to concentrate on a manuscript that I had written over three years ago yet it has been collecting dust in my drawer.

I have this fear about fiction writing I can admit it. Fiction is my weakness I haven’t written a lot of fiction. I only had one short story published and that was five years ago. I tend to write mostly non fiction such as poetry, essays, opinion pieces, and features articles. I feel more comfortable with this form of writing then with fiction. However, I’ve decided that I’m going to try in 2008 to find a publisher for my novel.

A few years ago I bought the Writer’s Market Literary agent book and I will be honest I didn’t find the book very helpful. One reason was a lot of the agents in the book simply were not looking at new writers. Of course, I realize the Writers Market book is only one book to find an agent.

In Canada, one of the problems here is that there are simply very few literary agents. The Canadian book industry is very small. The Canadian publishing industry is kind of pretentious in the sense it is all about literary fiction. You know the drill a lot of Margaret Atwood and her clones. I find Canadian writing so boring it just doesn’t interest me. The way I write I know that it would work with an American publisher. The Canadian book industry also has a very myopic attitude towards black writers. One literary agent told that the Canadian book industry thinks blacks don’t sell and that we don’t read.

The United States book industry has a much larger black book market. I won’t make the mistake I made a few years ago. I think the USA is the way to go! The dilemma is most of the literary agents in Canada will only work with seasoned pros because these writers are already established. So I have decided I’m not even going to bother looking for a Canadian literary agent. I am going to look for an American literary agent.I thought about looking for a UK literary agent too? I am going to think about the English language world I don’t know why I wasted so much time thinking about Canada?

I am still going to research on the internet. I was thinking about buying a book on literary agents. I think tomorrow or perhaps next week I will visit the public library or bookstore? I already know a few things to watch out for. The literary agents that charge fees for a manuscript evaluations are agents I will avoid like the plague. Also, I realize even if I do find a literary agent there is no guarantee he or she can sell my book? I am also thinking about conducting more research on small press publishers in North America as well. Also, I need to find a literary agent that is gay positive because the novel I have written deals with homosexuality. I definitely don’t want an agent that is homophobic or has a problem with gay writers.

I Hate The Toronto Theatre Scene!!!

Is the Toronto theatre scene boring? The answer is yes. Is the Toronto theatre scene racist and anti black male the answer is a resounding yes.  I hate when I receive e-mail rejections and there isn’t even an explanation there is all this politically correct bullshit. Nobody wants to be rejected of course, but I prefer an explanation. I prefer an honest answer, I don’t like it when people lie to me.  I will have to look over my play again to see where the miscommunication or disconnect is?

I think there is a fear about my play because it is extremely explosive and controversial!  My play tells the truth to the world about how racist, sexist, misandrist, and homophobic the city of Toronto really is!!!

I just hate when I receive responses such as you know what I’m talking about “there were a lot of submissions this year” or I love this line “it was really difficult to choose.” I am not giving up on my play and I definitely want to improve it. I was really psyched up and excited about a people of colour play festival in Toronto. However, I doubt any black gay men will be included in this so called fucking Toronto theatre festival!!!!

I just received a rejection via e-mail this afternoon. I am crushed. I hate receiving e-mail rejections I find that so impersonal.  If you’ve going to reject me give me a fucking reason damn it!!!  Yes, I am going to bitch right now because I feel like it so let me bitch for a moment and burn off some steam here!!!!!

What can I do? I guess all I can do is try to improve my play. Earlier this year, another Toronto play festival claimed my play was “excellent” and “made the short list”. I immediately asked for advice because obviously words mean nothing if my play isn’t on the stage for the world to see.

Next, the woman claimed they had a “very tough” decision.”  Yet when I look at the Toronto theatre scene all I see is bullshit. Where are the plays specifically about the young black gay Canadian male experience? Yeah, the black lesbians in Canada are actually a part of the theatre scene here but that’s  got nothing to do with me.  Young black gay Canadian men we are invisible in the Canadian arts.There are black gay Canadian male artists here but some of those guys are such cowards they hide in the closet. I’m not hiding in the closet but I am also no wallflower either. I speak up for myself and what I believe in.

Is it possible my play was a bit too political and not politically correct? I guess for some Toronto theatre festivals they can’t  handle strong language and powerful art. I guess my play should have been written differently you know I could have written a lie and claim the city of Toronto is a utopia paradise and is perfect with racial harmony? Or should I tell the truth that beneath the surface. I believe there is an “invisible code” to the pernicious, deleterious, and horrible anti black racism that takes place right here in Toronto. Why are people so fake here?

I swear I hate this country! I honestly think I am in the wrong place?  I’m going to leave this shit hole of a country.  Canada is too limiting and too politically correct. I think its time to look into getting a visa and just leaving this shit hole of a country. Everyone is so fake and pretentious here.

Take a look at the Toronto theatre scene especially the black Toronto theatre scene it is so derivative, pathetic, and lacking in details. How many times can a play about a black inventor, or about slavery or the fucking Underground Railroad be produced? How many times?  I am serious. Don’t worry during black history month next year there will be a whole bunch of slave plays to choose from for you’re viewing pleasure.

Yes, I am venting now and I am going to vent!!!! Thank goodness, I have enough brains to send my play to the United States. Why do I have this feeling that my play is going to get produced first outside of Canada? Canadians are so fucking fake and phony!!!!

The Perfect Holiday Flops! Morris Chestnut Is Still A Hunk!!!

Well, I just checked www.boxofficemojo.com, The Perfect Holiday bombed big time. The movie only made $2, 930,138 at the box office. “The Perfect Holiday” is a flop and I am not surprised. I have to be honest, I am sick of seeing the same black actors in the same genre together. Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut have been typecast in the black romantic comedy genre. I think people just passed this movie because it’s the same recycled cast. I think Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut are good actors but my goodness don’t they realize they are typecast? I think the major issue is Hollywood’s myopic view of black culture. Hollywood thinks blacks can only “make money” in romantic comedies. Why not present another genre to the black film audience? Stop insulting us with this garbage.

Black movie fans want to see more then romantic comedies. Where are the dramatic films with young black actors under the age of thirty five? Where is the diversity, the deep layers, the complexity? I think most black people said “whatever” and just skipped this movie “The Perfect Holiday”. I can’t blame them either.

I wish Gabrielle’s dramatic film Neo Ned can finally be released. Go to www.neoned.com or visit You Tube and type Neo Ned in the search engine. It is so frustrating because Neo Ned is an incredible film. My goodness is Neo Ned ever going to be released or what? I have been waiting over two years to see that damn movie! Release Neo Ned damn it! Hollywood needs to realize where is the younger talent? We need newer and younger black actors to shine on the silver screen. Gabrielle needs to realize that if she wants to become a serious actress the time is now. Yes, I understand Gabrielle Union has bills to pay but girlfriend, “The Perfect Holiday” is like another “Honeymooners”. I wish Gabrielle would take more risks in her career like she did with “Neo Ned”? I think “Neo Ned” has got to be the strangest thing going on in Hollywood. How can a film with so much critical acclaim not be released? I mean my goodness release the damn movie!!!

Meanwhile, This Christmas continues to do well grossing over $46, 043,000. This Christmas had the advantage of being released during the very lucrative American Thanksgiving holiday. I think this should be a lesson for Hollywood perhaps?

I think the release date for “The Perfect Holiday” was wrong. I actually think a late December or perhaps a January release would of been better. Why release two black Christmas movies back to back? People are just going to choose one over the other. Oh well, Morris Chestnut is so cute he is still a hunk!!!! I wish he was getting more serious film roles.

Can Queen Latifah Come Out As A Lesbian & Still Have The Respect Of The Black Community?

The blogs are  exploding with rumours that Queen Latifah and her girlfriend Jeanette Jenkins are going to have a commitment ceremony. The other story is, that Queen Latifah may officially come out as a lesbian. I doubt Queen Latifah will come out of the closet right now.

However,  she isn’t lying she is a lesbian and she’s not hiding either. Queen Latifah basically lives in the glass closet. Everybody, already knows Queen  is in love with her  “fitness trainer” Jeanette Jenkins. Whenever, Queen is promoting a movie, at a celebrity event, or just doing regular things Jeanette is always there. Now one argument is, that Jeanette is just Queen Latifah’s good friend, but people can tell they are a couple.

Queen Latifah is aware of the fact the public lens is watching her. She never show up at a movie premiere or a high profile celebrity event dressed as a butch. At high profile celebrity events Queen Latifah always looks glamorous in elegant gowns, carefully applied makeup, and high heels. Once Queen Latifah is off the celebrity platform she can be seen riding her motorcycle and dresses like a typical butch lesbian. Queen Latifah carefully navigates the butch and feminine imagery in the public sphere.

Some people believe the rumours go back to 1996 when Queen Latifah played the butch lesbian Cleo in the hit film “Set It Off”. However, the rumours about Queen Latifah and Jeanette Jenkins are intensifying not because of what Queen says but what she doesn’t say. When was the last time you saw Queen Latifah with a man? It is a fair question.

I am not suggesting just because a woman is single for a long time means she’s gay. However, we have never ever seen Queen Latifah romantically linked to a man we always see her with Jeanette. The public is shrewd enough to connect the dots and discern that Queen Latifah is a lesbian.

In the October 2007 issue, of Ebony magazine, Queen Latifah was actually asked by Ebony if she was dating Jeanette Jenkins. Ebony is the top black magazine in the world and Ebony usually never asks black stars personal questions. Ebony is all about black community “uplift”, and not about getting involved with black stars private lives. Ebony can be boring at times but the interview with Queen Latifah was definitely interesting. However, Queen Latifah provided a very evasive answer and didn’t deny she was a lesbian.

Queen Latifah is also cognizant of the fact since she’s a black lesbian she cannot just come out like Ellen Degeneres. Ellen Degeneres had the support of the liberal white American media on her side. Queen Latifah’s situation is a bit more precarious since she is a black lesbian. Would the black media support Queen Latifah if she declared she is a lesbian? Degeneres was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1997 when she came out. Degeneres is also not a movie star she’s a comedian and she’s also white.

Queen Latifah does have more barriers because she is a black lesbian and her core audience are black Americans. Although Queen Latifah has “crossed over” in the last couple of years into the mainstream with Cover Girl and numerous other high profile endorsements. Queen Latifah always presents the image that she “cares” about what the black community thinks about her.

It appears to me Queen Latifah is struggling navigating the questions about her sexuality. Again, Queen Latifah has never been seen dating a man. Queen Latifah always says in interviews she’s looking for a “good brother” or she hasn’t found the “right man” yet. It is obvious Queen Latifah is a lesbian the public can read between the lines. Black Celebrities have it tougher because they have to deal with the public and private spheres.

Black celebrities are a part of pop culture the media and the public become curious when they notice certain things. Queen Latifah’s “personal life” has always been off limits. Of course, on the one hand that’s important everyone wants to maintain a certain level of mystery and have some privacy. On the other hand, it is well known publicists of the closeted black gay stars also understand in maintaining the status quo. There are numerous female rappers that are gay but they don’t have the same high profile Queen Latifah has so the media and public are apathetic to them.

It is well known that different cultures view homosexuality differently. I actually think because Queen Latifah is a black lesbian it would be much easier for her to come out. There is an anti lesbian attitude in society and lesbians do encounter discrimination in relation to gender and sexual orientation. However, the mainstream doesn’t have the same fear of lesbianism as it does with male homosexuality. There is still an intense hatred society has for gay men.

I definitely think there is so much negativity towards black gay male sexuality. It would be very difficult for a black gay man to come out. For instance, R&B Tevin Campbell was caught soliciting an undercover male police officer. Tevin has not come out of the closet but is an open secret in the black community that he’s gay. Tevin is currently on Broadway in the play “Hairspray”.

Everyone, in the black global community knows Luther Vandross was gay yet during his lifetime Luther never disclosed his sexual orientation. It was an open secret that Luther was indeed gay. Luther Vandross had a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy with the black audience. We all sing Luther’s songs, attend his concerts, buy the DVDs and CDs. However, the game was that Luther was asexual or at least he had to appear asexual for us to respect him.

Ebony, Essence, Upscale, Vibe, and the other black entertainment publications never asked Luther about his homosexuality. The topic was off limits. I think that’s the tragedy of Luther’s life that he wasn’t able to be himself in the public sphere. Its the hypocrisy of the black community that’s disconcerting. On black blogs such as Bossip, Crunk and Disorderly, Mediatakeout, and other black blogs the homophobia can be incredible.

Another point to consider, is openly gay and closeted black gay stars cannot count on the mainstream white gay community as a potential market. Black gay stars are rarely ever mentioned in the mainstream white gay media. Black gay and lesbian celebrities know their main market is the black audience.

If you bother to pick up the glossy white gay magazines such as Out Magazine, Girlfriends Magazine, or the Advocate you will notice gay people of colour don’t exist. If you surf some of the white gay media blogs there is a condescending, patronizing, and racist attitude towards black gays and lesbians. Black gays and lesbians we are marginalized due to race, gender, and sexuality.

A few white mainstream gay media blogs, have a “corner” on their websites marked “gay people of colour” as if that’s all we are. Being black and gay is more then just being displaced and branded on some white gay media website. We are multi dimensional people and there is more to us then being categorized and stigmatized into a cardboard box. I find these kinds of barriers limiting no wonder some black gays don’t trust the white gay community.

You will also notice most of the time the people on the cover the mainstream gay magazines are white gays not black gays. Also, when the Advocate does have a black star on the cover the celebrity is usually straight. For example, Mary J Blige was recently on the cover of The Advocate. The public image of blackness is still compulsory heterosexuality and once again black gays and lesbians we are branded as “the other”.

Even in lesbian pop culture on the television program the L Word why is the only black woman on the program Pam Grier’s character straight? Why isn’t Grier’s character a lesbian? The L Word is about lesbians and bisexual women yet the only black woman on the program is heterosexual. I find this annoying, irritating, but not surprising. Black lesbians are once again displaced in pop culture. The producers and writers behind the L Word have a right to do whatever they want it is their show. However, I think Pam Grier’s character should be a lesbian not a heterosexual woman. We need more representations of black lesbians in pop culture. Yes, Jennifer Beals plays a lesbian on the L Word but Jennifer Beals has never declared that she is a “part” of the black community. Beals is mixed race and she’s always kept a distance from the black race and black issues.

There is an eerie silence to the issue of racism and prejudice of the mainstream white gay media. Luther Vandross never attempted to reach out to the white gay press during his lifetime. Vandross simply did not trust the gay white media. Rosie O Donnell and Ellen Degeneres are white lesbians they are a part of the white gay American community. Queen Latifah is a black lesbian although she is popular she is not white. The white gay press also has a consistent racist paternalistic attitude to the issue of homophobia in the black community. Meanwhile, the white gay press ignores the bigotry within the white race. It will be interesting to see what Queen Latifah will do? The questions about Queen Latifah’s sexuality have even entered mainstream media publications. Everyone is just waiting to see when Queen Latifah will come out or not?

I think there might be a slight backlash against Queen Latifah if she came out as a lesbian. Some people may be shocked but there have been rumours of other high profile black female celebrities being lesbians as well.

There have never ever been a high profile A list black lesbian celebrity to come out of the closet yet. Although the former WNBA basketball star Sheryl Swoopes did come out a few years ago. The public was apathetic to Swoopes coming out announcement people just shrugged their shoulders. Swoopes was very brave in coming out of the closet. Swoopes is an Olympic gold medalist. However, since women’s basketball has a low profile in the American sports culture there was indifference to Swoopes coming out.

Nobody, was shocked when Swoopes declared she is a lesbian. Although it may not be politically correct to say this the WNBA has the public image of being a haven for lesbianism. There are a lot of stereotypes associated with women’s sports. Swoopes, coming out as a black lesbian didn’t exactly shatter these stereotypes. Although, it was commendable that Swoopes came out it just wasn’t a big story. Queen Latifah’s situation is entitely different she’s a well known A list Hollywood movie star. I think there is still the unknown and that’s probably the reason Queen Latifah hasn’t come out yet.

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

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