Do you ever question your own decisions and have doubts?
Should I enter a journalism program? I keep on thinking about that. I wonder would it give me an edge? I feel like I’m getting too old to return back to school. I have been having this ongoing conversation with myself inside my mind. It is this constant tug of war. Part of me feels like maybe it would “help” and another part of me feels like I should be spending more time actually acquiring more “experience.” I don’t know what to do? I’m getting old I’m not getting any younger.
Next, I say to myself school isn’t everything experience also counts. Now this year I have been “gaining” more experience but not the payoff. Toronto is an extremely competitive media market. I did finally get my first professional radio credit this year when my documentary “The Good Son” was broadcast on CBC radio in May. I’m very interested in radio and I’ve thought about expanding my experience in this area.
I’m interested in so many things. I’ve thought about taking a screenwriting course next year, I’ve thought about that a lot. I thought about completing that novel that I have procrastinated about finishing. Well actually the rough draft is complete its all about finding the right “editor” to edit it. I want to get another volume of poetry published. I am so sick of being a one book writer!
I already have a BA degree but I have been wondering lately if that’s enough? I secretly think to myself how the hell do some people get published in the LA Times or the NY Times? I really want to know? I’ve been to media journalism websites such as the webiste http://www.mediabistro.com and asked for advice.
Is Canada The Most Boring Place on Earth? Are there Any opportunities here?
I’m undecided if I’m going to end this blog right now? There is just a lot going on in my life right now I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment. During my life on this planet I can honestly say I’ve had about two or three real friends I could confide in or talk to. I wonder do real friends even exist? And if friendship is real does it really matter? After all we only have is ourselves right? I have one “friend” right now but I realize that I should not tell him my problems or make him worry about me. He has his own life to live and he also has his own quandaries as well.
Let’s face it everyone has problems in life and I am not different then anyone else. If you’re read my book “You Don’t Know Me” or various articles I’ve written you will know the kinds of problems I’ve had. My life is far from glamorous that’s for sure.
Right now I think I am suffering from depression? Yes, I went to the doctor and yes I’ve been on anti depressants in the past but I didn’t find it very helpful. I understand in life people “change” and you either need new experiences or they do? I can say that I’ve had plenty of “acquaintances”. Sometimes I think I “expect” too much from people or people expect “too” much from me? I’m not the kind of person that gets “emotionally” involved with “a lot of people”. Sure, I can talk to people but I definitely don’t trust people that’s sure. I don’t even trust immediate family members that’s a fact.
Also, right now I’m questioning a lot of things in my life right now. I have a BA degree yet I feel worthless? I don’t know what to do right now? I’ve been to career counselling, workshops, and I feel the people in these workshops or career counselling centers only care about getting paid. I find there attitudes extremely insincere but that’s just my personal opinion.
It seems in society now one university degree isn’t enough? Should I return to school? I so don’t want to go back to school? I’m upset about a lot of things. For instance, I thought I would be more successful in life right now and I’m definitely not where I want to be. I can’t seem to find a writing job? I’ve tried everything.
Its the dilemma of being a Canadian. Although Canada is a prosperous country Canada is in some ways like a prison. Has anyone ever watched Canadian television lately? If you’ve ever watched Canadian television or paid attention to the Canadian arts you will notice how unimportant the “arts” are in this country.
Another thing I find so “irritating” is the pretentious “snobbish” attitude of the Canadian publishing and writing industry. I cannot stress how “pretentious” it is. Also, its very small. Canada only has about thirty literary agents. Yes, I’ve bought the American Writer’s Market book and it seems that’s the way I’m going to have to go. I don’t know why some Americans think Canada is like mars or something? The thing about Canada is everything is “imported” here. The entertainment, arts sector of Canada is in dire straits and I’m serious. In Canada, all the TV shows, all the movies, are all American. Even most of the theatre plays here are “American”.
The arts are at the bottom of the ladder in Canada. Canada is all about the status quo. The only people that get their work published, produced, or whatever are the same people its a constant vicious cycle. I cannot remember how horrible the Toronto theatre scene is right now. My goodness, every single black theatre play is about slavery, or about some black person from the nineteenth century? Its like what about the present? As I have told you I’ve written a play and I want to get it produced. Anybody that reads my blog and knows anything about the theatre business if you have any tips let me know? Am I wasting my time entering my play into theatre competitions?
What about now? I’m tired of wasting my time here. There is nothing going on in Canada right now. Canada is so dry I’m serious.I’m not suggesting Americans don’t have thoughts about their arts scene not being as good as it could be. My perspective is though there are so much more arts opportunities down there then here. One of the things I admire about America despite its serious social problems is the abundance of opportunities for artists. Arts is viewed as important in America there are so many arts organizations yet here in Canada there is hardly anything at all.
The Canadian writing industry is pathetic its so small. Basically, all there is Toronto and that’s it. I feel like I was born in the wrong country. I should of left Canada years ago. Now I feel like I am trapped here as though I am suffocating.
I looked at the Media Bistro website and there are numerous writing jobs but its pretty difficult for an American company to hire a Canadian given the fact America is paranoid about immigration right now. I’ve been having feelings of despair. I’m not going to harm myself or anything like that but I’ve been in a rotten mood the last couple of days. I haven’t gone on a date in how long? I don’t even remember anymore its been a few years. I’m focusing on “helping” and “improving” myself right now. I think maybe I should end this blog? I mean does anyone really read what I have to say anyway? And do my thoughts and ideas really make a difference?
Why is Halle Berry Complaining Again? She’s got it better than every other actress of colour in Hollywood?
I read an interview on Reuters website yesterday with Halle Berry. Once again, Berry is complaining about the struggles she still has with finding quality work. I was stunned and shocked. Berry has an Oscar, SAG awards, a Golden Globe, a Silver Bear, and an Emmy. She is also the “only” “black” female celebrity other than Beyonce that is always profiled in the mainstream media. If you need a translation let me be blunt. Berry and Beyonce right now are the only light skinned black women that have white features that are celebrated by white Hollywood. Berry and Beyonce’s success has as much to do with their talent but also with their Eurocentric appearances. If Berry was extremely dark, and didn’t have white features she simply wouldn’t be getting the film roles she gets right now.
Berry’s life is constantly in the news in the mainstream media and the black media. Halle Berry is a crossover actress. What about darker skinned black women? You know black women that actually look black? Where are they? Where are Angela Bassett’s leading lady roles? Where are Whoopi Goldberg’s leading lady roles?
Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in my mind are superior actresses to Halle Berry. Please go see “What’s Love Got To Do with It” or “The Color Purple” as proof. Where are Angela and Whoopi’s best actress Oscars? Whoopi managed to win an Oscar to her credit but Angela Bassett has not. And the question is why? Angela Bassett is beautiful and very talented but she doesn’t have the white features or light skin that mainstream North America and Hollywood favors. Halle Berry has the “right look” she’s making serious cash, she also is the “only” “black” actress that Hollywood considers bankable.
Now some people may think talking about pop culture isn’t important but I believe it is. Popular culture shapes, transmits, forms, and creates, messages through images. Movies aren’t just entertainment they are dialogues between the society and the viewing audience. What are the messages the movies really sending to the African Diaspora? What does it mean in the year 2007 that there is only “one” leading black actress in Hollywood and she’s over the age of 40? What does this say to younger black men and women that are actors or want to become actors?
Let me provide an example, lets say someone wanted to make a serious dramatic film about a famous black woman in history. The first person the studio executives would call is Halle Berry. It doesn’t matter that Berry does not look similar or have the range necessary for the role. In Hollywood Halle Berry would be “first choice” because they consider her the only true A list black actress. Now if Berry doesn’t want a role then the studios pass it over to Queen Latifah and if she doesn’t want it well it the role is up for grabs for all the other black women in Hollywood.
I am sure Halle Berry fans will rake me over the coals for saying this but why isn’t Berry more grateful? Why does she always utilize the same sales tactic to garner media attention for her films? Every time Halle Berry has to promote a movie Halle always plays the victim.Halle is at the top along with Denzel Washington and Will Smith lets call these three the trinity they are the top three black actors in Hollywood. I don’t hear Washington or Smith complain about how hard they got it every single time they are promoting a movie. Is there racism in Hollywood? Of course there is. Is it harder for Berry because she’s a black woman? Of course it is. I just find it derivative that she doesn’t even seem to realize how many opportunities she has compared to every single other actress of colour in Hollywood.
Does anyone care about Parminder Nagra? I do. I think Parminder Nagra is a talented young British actress. Parimnder was the star of “Bend It Like Beckham” yet the white British actress Keira Knightley her co star in the movie is now a major star. I am not going to knock Keira Knightley I mean its not her fault that Hollywood recognized her for her performance in “Bend It Like Beckham”. Keira Knightley has been in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, she is a rising star.
Where is Parminder? Oops I forgot? Parminder is on ER on NBC. Yes the star of “Bend It Like Beckham” you see on Prime Time television. Parminder is not white or light skinned so she isn’t going to be offered any big movie roles. You would of thought that Parminder proved she had an audience with her international hit movie. The attitude of Hollywood remains the same they favored Keira her costar over the real star of “Bend It Like Beckham”.
I am sure Pariminder is pleased she has a steady pay cheque working on a major American TV network. However, I think ER is limiting to Parminder’s talent and that’s just my personal opinion. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see Parminder sink her teeth into a dramatic movie role?
Did you know Halle Berry’s next movie “Tulia” is about an Indian American woman Vanita Gupta! Last time I checked Halle Berry is not Indian American. Parminder isn’t Indian American either she’s a British South Asian woman. However, Parminder would make perfect sense for this role. Now why did the studios ignore Parminder for this role and pick Halle Berry? Parminder would of been perfect for the part!
Aishwariya Rai and Shilpa Shetty are attractive but I am not sure they are as talented as Parminder Nagra? Halle Berry does not have Indian heritage and its insulting that she’s taking this role. Yes Hollywood is about box office but what about having some cultural and racial sensitivity? Berry’s being hypocritical here she’s complaining about how bad she’s got it but she doesn’t have a problem taking a role meant for an South Asian or Indian American actress.
Here you have Halle Berry saying she has it so rough yet she doesn’t mind taking a role that was meant for another actress of colour. I don’t understand Halle Berry? I find Berry to be so pretentious. I am cognizant of the fact that the film industry is about making money and is profit driven.
I wonder what the other black women in Hollywood are thinking when they hear Halle Berry using this same pattern over and over again about how hard she’s got it? Halle Berry has so many fans especially in the black community a lot of black movie fans would become outraged if another famous black actress dared to speak out against her. However, I bet the other black women in Hollywood are even more frustrated then Halle Berry. Where is Angela Bassett these days? I believe Bassett is a superior actress to Halle Berry. When was the last time you saw Angela in a quality film that was a major success? When was the last time Angela Bassett had a leading lady role? Whoopi Goldberg is on television right now because the film roles simply aren’t there for her. I admire and respect both Whoopi and Angela because I believe they were the ones that really broke down the colour barrier in Hollywood in terms of making quality films.
In Halle Berry’s last film “Perfect Stranger” she had to once again exploit her sexuality to garner media attention. “Perfect Stranger” of course bombed at the North American box office grossing only $23 million dollars. I think Halle Berry should be counting her blessings that at least she has options and choices. At least Halle has a choice. Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan I believe are just as beautiful as Berry but you see Sanaa and Gabrielle don’t have the “white” look. Sorry did I write that? I mean to say Sanaa and Gabrielle don’t have the “right” appearance to appear in major leading lady mainstream roles.
Its tiring and annoying that summer passed and there wasn’t one movie at the multiplex that I wanted to watch. I don’t only watch black movies I like watching good movies. I like character driven movies. However, it would nice not to have to wait until the “end” of the year to finally see some serious dramatic films with black actors.
Berry is promoting her new film “Things We Lost In A Fire” directed by the Danish woman Suzanne Bier. Bier is a well respected director and from what I have read the movie looks like its a comeback role for Berry. I really do hope this movie is a success for her. Berry said she had to “fight” for that role well at least she was “offered” an audition for that role. I doubt Gabrielle Union, Sanaa Lathan, or Kimberly Elise would be considered for that part.
I definitely agree with Halle Berry that an Oscar winning actress that is an A list star, shouldn’t have to “fight” for roles. Halle Berry is paid several million dollars per movie she’s the highest paid actress of colour in Hollywood. Berry is at the very top of the Hollywood ladder then other respected women of colour in entertainment around her age such as Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, and Lucy Liu. What about Asian women or South Asian women or hispanic women in Hollywood? Other women of colour got it much harder then Halle Berry. Yet I don’t hear Jennifer Lopez, or Lucy Liu, or Queen Latifah complain about how hard they got it? And I think other black, South Asian, hispanic, and East Asian actresses would have more valid arguments about the entrenched racism and sexism they encounter. Where is Parminder Nagra’s big movie role?
Where is Sandra Oh’s Oscar? Sandra Oh is on Grey’s Anatomy and that is a big deal. Grey’s Anatomy is one the top shows on television and Sandra has won a Golden Globe award and a SAG award. Sandra has been recognized by Hollywood for all her hard work. However, when was the last time you saw an Asian Canadian or Asian American woman the main star of a studio film? Where are Sandra’s leading lady roles? Sandra has often been in “secondary” roles in motion pictures such as the film “Sideways” or she’s either the white girl’s best friend or somebody’s “friend” but never the main star. At least Halle Berry gets to be the “star” of her movies.
Has anyone ever heard of Rachel Crawford? Rachel Crawford is a very talented black Canadian actress she was in the lesbian film “When Night Is Falling” twelve years ago in 1995. Rachel is a solid actress she’s has had work on Canadian and American television. Where is Rachel’s Emmy?
Now Berry, Latifiah, Lopez, and Liu are the top four women of colour working in Hollywood today. If Halle Berry has it so bad what about people like Parminder Nagra, Sandra Oh, Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, and even the women of colour below them? How must they feel when they read Halle Berry complaining about how hard she’s got it?
Berry not only gets top salary, endorsements, international fame, leading lady roles, magazine covers, TV show interviews, always a guest on Oprah. Wow how hard does Halle Berry got it? It must be so hard cashing multi millon dollar cheques and being the “only” leading black lady in Hollywood.
Last time I checked Queen Latifah is stuck in mammy roles such as “Hairspray” as Motormouth Mable due to her size. Latifah only had one serious dramatic role this year Life Support but it was a TV film on HBO. Union can’t seem to get anything outside of the black romantic comedy genre, Washington is still in secondary roles in films such as “The Fantastic Four” or smaller films such as “The Dead Girl” and Liu is on TV. I am not trying to downplay the frustration Halle Berry has when she says she has to “fight” for movie roles because I am sure she does. I am a bit cynical and a bit irritated whenever she has a movie to promote she complains about how hard she’s got it. Halle has endorsements with Versace, Revlon, and numerous other companies she’s an international superstar. Meanwhile, Kimberly Elise was fired from the CBS show “Close to Home” last season she no longer will the the white girl’s “best friend” this season. I think Elise is a better actress then Berry but Elise doesn’t have “the look.” Elise has even said this in media reports in interviews with Ebony magazine and NPR and other outlets.
Another thing I have noticed is how racially segregated the movies still are. Why is it a black actor has to be in a film with a white actor in order for the film to have critical acclaim? Has anyone else noticed this disturbing pattern? Tyler Perry has a movie out this weekend “Why Did I Get Married?” Perry’s film was not screened for critics because he did not like how the critics bashed his first film “Diary of a mad black woman.” “Why Did I Get Married?” is also the only movie out this weekend with an all black cast but its considered a “romantic comedy.” Is Tyler Perry all we got?
Now Tyler Perry has a right to make the films he wants to make because he is his own artist. Every single artist has a right to his or her’s own artistic vision. I just find Perry’s movies didactic, boring, and not stimulating. Now this is my personal opinion. Also, the black community is not a monolithic group. Just because I don’t find Perry’s movies interesting doesn’t mean other black people agree with me. There should be a place for Tyler Perry’s films we all need to a good laugh at the theatre sometime. My complaint is Tyler Perry at the moment appears to be the “only” black filmmaker at the moment that has clout with the mainstream studios. And I see this as a quandary. I believe there just needs to be more diversity.
In the month of October 2007 only two movies will be theatres that have blacks in leading roles and that’s it. Of course black movie goers can see other films because its our choice. However, why are our choices so limited? I am drawn to black films because I want to see movies about the black experience on the screen. My complaint is the lack of quality choices to choose from.
Link to Berry’s interview about Racism in Hollywood: http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1027845720071011
Why are we silent about the hypocrisy and prejudices of the Toronto Media?
Close your eyes and repeat the words “guns and violence” now say this three times over and what images emerges in your mind? Be honest. If you live in the greater Toronto area be honest again. Remember I don’t know who you are my dear readers. What are the images that emerges in your mind? Yes murders do take place in the greater Toronto area and the recent murder of an innocent eleven young boy Ephraim Brown shocked the city. Whenever violence occurs in Toronto we always say the same line over and over “its the parents fault, its the kids fault, its society’s fault.” The media doesn’t do much better. We repeat the cycle over and over. How can we break it? Is it even possible to? Have we all become apathetic to the constant news about death?
Often lost in the cyclone of newspaper reports, radio, and television broadcasts is the misandry and racism of the greater Toronto media. There needs to be more positive male influences for young boys yet society doesn’t seem to give a damn. The Ontario government certainly isn’t doing enough to provide employment for young people or encourage young men to become teachers or social workers often these jobs are filled by women. And just so the feminists don’t come breathing down my throat. I never said female teachers or female social workers do not work hard or try their best. I am saying there needs to be more male teachers, more male social workers, and more male guidance counsellors. Young boys need positive male influences in their lives. A young boy sometimes will listen to an older male that is nice, caring, and actually has empathy for a child and demonstrates to the child that he cares.
For the Toronto media the black community is the “out” group we are on their constant hit list. We are the mainstream media’s target audience. I really hope people pay attention to the race of the people writing the negative anti black articles. And sometimes newspapers willl hire their “token” black writers as the “voices of reason.” Often these “token” black writers will not “rock the boat” and do what their editors tell them to do. They will provide the standard “lecture” when they are actually a part of the “system” and a part of the problem. I mean I understand that blacks in the Toronto media have to cover their own asses they got bills to pay and families to feed. However, I don’t see the black journalists in Canada take the kind of risks that the African Americans do. The African Americans will challenge their white or Asian editors or if an African American is an editor they sometimes even rock the boat. In Canada you never see that take place.
In fact, the Toronto media does a great job stereotyping young blacks and building up the appetites of racists and then unloading the racism in print, on the radio, and TV. I am not denying that violence and crime is not a problem with the GTA black community. However, crime is not just confined to blacks. White people commit crimes and so do Asians and Aboriginals. Where is the balance in the news coverage? Oops I forgot blacks don’t run Toronto mainstream news.
Black Canadian feminist Dionne Brand wrote two excellent non fiction books about racism in Toronto. Brand’s work moves beyond the fear that the mainstream press attempts to create with their articles, radio broadcasts, and TV news stories. Brand studies the news and I learned so much never to just take the news at face value.
The first book by Dionne Brand I read was called “Bread Out of Stone” it was published in the year 1994. “Bread Out of Stone” really assisted me to thinking about the news and to pay careful attention to how the news is “framed”.
In the year 2001 Brand’s second non fiction book “A Map to the door of No Return” was published. Dionne Brand is one of the few black Canadian scholars that I believe speaks the raw truth she is unrelenting. Brand also challenges the black community. Brand does not let all sections of the black community get off the hook. So often the work of some black intellectuals its always black society against the world. Brand focuses on the internal politics within the private sphere of the black community as well.
We cannot just blame the mainstream for everything we have agency over our own lives. Brand writes a lot about “othering” and “framing” her work is so important. Everyone should read these two books in relation to thinking about the Canadian media. I really don’t buy the Toronto newspapers these days. I mean why should I?
How many times do I have to see the faces of young black men plastered on the cover of the newspapers depicted as monsters? Usually the skin tone of the black man is darkened to make the black man appear more “sinister.” How many times do the editors of the big Canadian newspapers play up these racist stereotypes? Its typical but should not go unchallenged.
In Brand’s second non fiction book “A Map to the door of no return” she writes about her disgust with the black Canadian newspapers and I agree. I once thought that the black Toronto newspapers had all the answers to provide an alternative perspective to the racist garbage that the mainstream papers dish out. The Toronto black newspapers “claim” to serve a purpose for us to vent or discuss our own concerns about the pernicious racism in the Canadian media. However, now I am not even sure about the black community newspapers anymore such as Share and Pride? Sometimes I think these “papers” do such a disservice. Every single damn week some black “elder” in Share and Pride complains about black youth.
Meanwhile, we have the hurricane of blame continuing. You have the mainstream media saying black parents don’t give a shit about their kids. Yet they ignore the white kids in the suburbs that are getting high on drugs, stealing cars, having babies out of wedlock, and getting into trouble with the law. Next, you have the black community newspapers with their weekly editorials saying that young black people we don’t give a shit about our own lives. When someone is constantly complaining in your ear about something what do you do? Most people tune that person out. I also notice in the black community newspapers you never read articles WRITTEN by people under 30 or under 35.
I am tired of hearing and reading about these “uppity blacks” with their Masters and Doctorate degrees that have broken into the white academia and now have lost their fight for activism. Often some of these “uppity blacks” form an alliance with the oppressor and chip in with the mainstream media to broadcast their own racist prejudices about black youth. Its the old tired “look at me syndrome.” Yes I am looking at you. You are an old goat and you are now siding with the white man because you feel “privileged” because you got “status”, “money”, and “power.” I am so tired of reading about these motherfuckers in the black community newspapers that I tune these papers out. I mean what purpose do these papers serve anymore other then promoting their own brand of misandry and deleterious biases against young black men?
I do NOT believe blacks commit all the crimes in the GTA nor do I subscribe to the typical sensationalistic articles published by the so called “liberal or conservative media” . Has anyone noticed that in the Canadian media there are never any articles or news shows on exactly how the news is put together? Do people actually think ” what” the media tells us is the “only” news out there. The media “only” reports whatever they believe will elicit the kind of reponses or kinds of “collective thinking” that will drive up TV ratings, radio ratings, and newspaper sales. Right now in Canada every few months the sweet spot for the Canadian media is to dig up or come up with anything negative about the GTA black community.
People need to know in Vancouver there is a lot of crime going on down there on the west coast. The out community in Vancouver isn’t blacks because our populations are too low. South Asians are the out community in Vancouver. The gun crime in Vancouver is indeed a very serious issue given the fact the 2010 Winter Olympics is just around the corner. In the Western provinces the First Nations people are the “out” group. And in Montreal the French speaking blacks and Arabs/muslims are the “out” group over there. Every section of Canada has their scapegoats.
Look at the Canadian news rooms from radio, TV, or print you will notice very few blacks. Black Canadians along with Aboriginals are treated as though we are the bottom of the Canadian social hierachy. Whenever, the majority wants to promote “diversity” they will hire Asian reporters and journalists in the news room before they will hire blacks. Has anyone ever questioned why? The news is socially constructed but of course you will never read that in print, on the radio, or on the evening news.
When I use the word “socially constructed” I mean there are actually racist people in powerful positions with their own anti black prejudices that look and seek out stories to stereotype black people. The only times the Canadian media ever writes anything positive about black Canadians is in relation to sports and entertainment. There is more to the black Canadian experience then being a basketball player, track athlete, singer, or rapper. I am not knocking the young blacks that excel in these various forms of entertainment and sports. I am simply saying more diversity is needed.
Another point to consider is why does the actions of some individuals in Greater Toronto black community affect us as a “whole”? Are all white Canadian men pedophiles like Peter Whitmore? Whitmore has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing young boys. Do the Canadian reporters for the various newspapers, radio outlets, TV stations, create “race specific” news stating that because Whitmore is a “white male” his race had a role in him becoming a pedophile? Should we now fear all young white men? Are all young white males child molesters?
The pig farmer Robert Pickton is accused of raping and murdering prostitutes in British Columbia. Are all white males rapists that kill innocent women? Again has the Canadian media ever been “race specific” with Pickton? Why doesn’t the Canadian newspapers “link the race” of Robert Pickton to the alleged crimes he committed and write articles about that? Whenever a white person kills, rapes, or commits a horrible crime the criminal is viewed as an individual. Yet with people of colour and especially black people the media wants the entire “group” or community to feel “guilty”. I have to question this kind of subconscious racist mesages the media is sending. I am tired of feeling “guilty” for people that have no sense of value for another person’s life. I am tired of feeling like I should take responsibility for the actions of a few black men that have no respect or regard for anybody not even themselves. There are amazing positive black men within the black community doing good yet you hardly ever hear about them. I think black people we have to free ourselves from the mixed messages the media is sending us. However, I am not advocating not caring because we should indeed care about black youth of course we should. I am just saying think have critical media literacy when you read the newspaper just remember that its “socially constructed”.
The news you read in the newspaper, watch on TV, and listen to on the radio is “socially constructed” it is created. It didn’t just come out of nowhere. The news is created by non blacks in editorial meetings. The editors will sit at a table with the writers, producers, or story editors and decide which stories will have enough juice to shock the public. The media knows the formula that the best way to shock the public is of course to discriminate against black people and to lower our self esteem and “attempt” to make us feel bad about ourselves. Everyone knows if you want to make more money go after the blacks.
Dionne Brand’s work and other black activists work are important because knowledge is power. When you read something that makes sense you learn something. Brand’s work acts as a catalyst for change it helped me to try to stop feeling so “guilty” or care what the mainstream thinks. I used to listen to certain Toronto radio talk show programs. I now tune that shit out. I mean why should I listen to some rich white females or white males complaining on the public airwaves about how hard they got it? I won’t mention the names of the Toronto radio programs because I definitely do not want to promote them on my blog.
I think black activist organizations are a great source of fighting this supremacy and reading the works of black writers is also very helpful. I think that’s a great place to help with making change take place. When you read the newspaper go to the websites of the various papers that you read. Look at the names of the editors, look for pictures, look to see who the editor in chief is, the publisher, the managing editors, the people in charge. You will notice NONE of them are black and it isn’t by SURPRISE EITHER. The Canadian media isn’t just run by whites now Asian Canadians also hold powerful positions at certain top newspapers. Why don’t blacks have top media positions just like in the United States? It certainly isn’t due to the lack of skill or talent. Canadians are more hypocritical about racism then Americans. I personally believe the “system” wants to keep “blacks” out of the “top” positions. Because if black people were in the top media positions in Canada the news you see, hear, or read would be VERY DIFFERENT.
Some Asian Canadians also have their own racist prejudices and biases against black people. Some Asians also are saying blacks play the “race card” as well yet they don’t acknowledge or even admit the “system” treats different races differently. Some Asians want to deny the contributions black people have made during and after the civil rights movement. The question has to be asked who fought hard against employment discirmination? Where do you think affirmative action emerged from? Who do you think FOUGHT HARD for affirmative action? Who do you think benefits from affirmative action NOW? It isn’t just blacks. It wasn’t Asians that fought hard for it! It was BLACK PEOPLE yet other racial groups are the first to put down blacks and side with whites. Is anyone surprised? Some Asians believe since they are not at the “bottom” of the social hierachy they have a “right” to discrimate against blacks as well. You will never see a black person be the editor in chief or as a top editor at mainstream Canadian newspaper or media outlet. You will in the United States but not here that’s never going to happen.
And if you think other people of colour don’t have their own racist prejudices against black Canadians think again. Aileen Siu the Ontario government employee is an Asian woman and she attempted to justify her racist “ghetto dude” comment. The Evon Reid incident was a perfect example of some Asians Anti black prejudices. Aileen Siu still has her job. As expected the Toronto media swept the issue under the rug. If a black person had made a racist statement that person would of been fired on the spot. Canadians always try to put down America and say America is so racist. At least in America there is an open dialogue about racism and Americans of all races are more cognizant of it. Americans aren’t afraid to discuss racism while Canadians have a pathetic attitude and just attempt to hide from the obvious truth.
Ontario Government employee calls young black man “this ghetto dude”
I just read the Toronto Star and I was shocked and disgusted with the treatment a young black man Evon Reid received after applying for a job. Reid applied for a job as a media analyst with the Ontario government. Reid receives a racist e-mail from an Asian woman Aileen Siu she also happens to be a part time worker for the Ontario government. Siu wrote in an e-mail forward to Reid “this ghetto dude I spoke to earlier.” Siu should be fired on the spot. Does the Ontario government condone racism against black people?
It sure seems like it with the apathetic attitude of Premier Dalton McGuinty. Sure, McGuinty apologized only because he basically had to it was standard politics. Remember there is an election coming up this year and the Liberals got to look as politically correct as possible. Aileen Siu should be fired ASAP. Siu of course apologized but that’s not good enough.
If Siu isn’t fired it just proves once again there are double standards in Canada in relation to racism against everyone else and black people. I personally believe there is a large amount of covert racism against black people in Canada and this is a perfect example of it. Yet of course as we all know covert racism against blacks has always been tolereated in the city of Toronto.
Could you imagine if someone made a negative comment about someone that was a Jew? I am sure the person would of been fired immediately. Does anyone remember a few months ago when a black speaker was denied entry into Canada by the government all because the Jews had a problem with the speaker? I believe there are indeed different standards for certain groups in relation to how immediately the government deals with racial discrimination.
The Ontario government is very quick to respond quickly whenever the Jews are discriminated against. However, if someone black encounters racism its simply ignored by the Ontario government and this is a perfect example of it. All Premier Dalton McGunity is using is words and words sometimes mean nothing. Actions speak louder then words and Aileen Siu should be fired or she quit the job.
However, since the racist remark was made against a young black man the issue will be swept under the rug and it will be just a “misunderstanding.” The incident with Reid is a perfect crystal clear example of the entrenched racism against young black Canadian men. Siu may be an Asian woman but in the Canadian social hierachy the white majority has always treated Asians better then blacks and Aboriginals.
Young black men we are the “out” group in Canadian society we are the “outsiders.” Now Reid is an intelligent and educated man he is a honors student at the University of Toronto. I think Reid should take this to the Ontario Humans Rights Commission because this is a perfect example of employment discrimination. Reid was just applying for a job and there is nothing “ghetto” about that.
Here is the link to the article: http://www.thestar.com/article/238572
If you want to voice your concerns to Premier Dalton McGuinty here is his info:
Dalton McGuinty Main Legislative Building, Room 281,
Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON, M7A 1A1
416-325-1941
Fax: 416- 325-3745
Gayblackcanada 
