Sammy Sosa Embraces the (Not-So) Dark Side

Hello, again, my lovely loyal readers. I'm back to rant, and not at all in a kinder, gentler fashion. As you may well know, Sammy Sosa, while intending to soften his skin, ended up bleaching his face to match Edward Cullen's (Cool, a chance to throw in Twilight!) Now, anyone who's ever stood in a beauty supply store knows this explanation is crap. We've all seen the tubes of cream with names like "Fair and White", and "Black & White" (I wish I were making that name up) whose label descriptions barely mask their intentions to turn one from Oprah to Alicia Keyes, and probably lighter. I am deeply offended and hurt by these actions on so many levels. Firstly, Sammy evidently thinks his audience is stupid, seeing as he used the lamest excuse possible to justify why he looks like the undead. Secondly, as a public figure, he IS a role model, whether he cares to be or not, and by doing this, he's saying that brown-skinned people aren't good enough, as they are, lastly, Sammy's actions, because of their colonial implications, will perpetuate the long-standing animosity that darker-complexioned people harbor towards those with lighter skin or a biracial background, because of the real and perceived advantages they enjoy in this society. Enjoy your artificial complexion, Sammy,thanks for the disappointment.

Richard Nixon: Friend of the Mulatto

New tapes have recently been released of Richard Nixon's many delightful musings on the world, including his beliefs regarding abortion. Here for your reading pleasure is a quote from an article, in which he's speaking to special counsel Chuck Colson: Nixon said, "There are times when abortions are necessary, I know that, you know that's when you have a black and a white." Colson: "Or rape." Nixon: "Or rape." (Here's the link to the full article from which this came http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/23/eveningnews/main5107797.shtml). This quote seems to imply that the Prez thought that race-mixing was worse than rape, as it appears that he had to be prodded to include that aspect in his commentary. Wow.

Regarding Michael Jackson

While this blog was on hiatus, we lost a giant of the entertainment industry. It is well understood that Michael Jackson was, to say the least, a deeply troubled man. In his eternal quest to cling to a childhood he felt deprived of, he made many questionable judgements and it remains a matter of fierce debate as to whether he took his behavior to depraved levels. His face seemed to became a tableu for his monumental insecurities, and he developed a dependency on painkillers, enabled by those around him who did not neccesarily have his best interests in mind. Conversely, he was a family man who had a close relationship with his mother, maintained close friendships with a small circle of confidantes, and raised three children who, as was made clear during his memorial service, loved him deeply. Of course it goes without saying, he was an artistic genius whose unique style was well-regarded by greats like Fred Astaire and James Brown, as well as recognized the world over. As we the public remember Michael Jackson, we must keep in mind both his incomparable talent and the complicated human being behind the magic. Farewell, Gloved One. Thanks for being a part of the rhythm of our lives.

Back in the Saddle

Dear Readers:

A life transition temporarily interrupted publication of this blog, but I'm back and look forward to continuing to share insights on the mulatto experience. Thanks to those who've read up to this point, I appreciate it.

The Real Meaning of White Pride

I want the white supremacists to do me a favor. If these hatemongers absolutely insist on carrying on their primitive ideology, I must in turn insist that they relabel it something other than white pride. Otherwise , fine upstanding citizens with full or partial European heritage will always be looked upon with suspicion when they dare to proclaim any inkling of actual racial pride, the kind that comes from an appreciation of the cultures of their ancestors, their migrations here, and their place in the larger picture of the American melting pot. We deserve better than this simpleton midset, reflecting the worst aspects of American history, so please, I ask, be accurate so the rest of us can live according to our true selves.

The Washington Post Heralds a New Day

My poor, pitiful computer has hit a technological depression, and has thus been tempermental, so I have been unable to post for a while until now. That being said, I am posting the following article from the March 23 Washington Post, even though it's from a month ago, because I feel this needs to be brought to people's attention, especially for those of us biracials who live in the DC area. I'm so encouraged by this development and have high hopes for the rest of the country.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032202211.html

Happy Anniversary Mulatto Diaries

On March 19, 2008, Tiffany Jones began a Youtube v-log centering on black/white biracial issues. http://www.youtube.com/user/tiffdjones. With humor, honesty and her lively personality, she has discussed all of her thoughts on relevant topics. She has also recently begun a Wordpress blog, http://mulattodiaries.wordpress.com/, and has a Mulatto Diaries film in the works. All of this is a welcome addition to the burgeoning mixed-race media and I always look forward to the next installment. Congratulations, and thank you for addressing the vital needs and concerns of the biracial community.