The Normalization of Sexual Orientation

The onslaught of media attention over one's sexual preference has hit a level of polarization that makes me wonder.  Why is the choice of one's sexual orientation a big to do?  Is there an agenda behind it?  Of course, I have some understanding of why, and we can run the issue from end zone to end zone.  That is not my undertaking here.   I believe it is one's right to have a preference, and I'm not opposed to that. But, to presuppose that being gay is the new Black, is extreme.  Notably, the LGBTQ community has experienced suppression in various forms, but not to the level of the Black community.  As one of my colleagues said, "There is no comparison."

African American Men wearing "Gay is the new Black" T-Shirt

If I decide to come out like radio host Rickey Smiley as "heterosexual."  Will that make the news or be written off as mere comedy?  When one decides to "come out" such as former pro athlete Michael Sam it truly is their decision, and everyone doesn't need to know.  It's the individual's business and responsibility to be comfortable with the skin their in--not mine, or anyone else's.  I am not an advocate of homophobia, and anyone who chooses to harbor ill feelings against those in the LGBTQ community must stand down.  Constructive honest dialog is the order of the day, and this is the approach I choose to take.

Theologically speaking, transgression is transgression, and the human family shares a common bond when it comes to wrong doing.  The question was raised in my theology class last night: Is being gay the sin or is the sexual act the sin?  There are strong arguments on both sides.  I don't believe being gay in "name" or "title" is a sin because gay, lesbian, etc. is one's sexual preference or orientation--not the sexual act.  According to the standard that the scriptures set biblically and quranically--the "sex act" is the sin.  Therefore, one cannot judge or condemn the LGBTQ community based on a "title."  Many hear the name or title, and automatically think sin.  At the end of the day, we all will have to present ourselves before God as one approved, and give account of our record.

Former Pro Football Player Michael Sam

The reality is, we are in a media age that puts the public into dissemination overload.  The attempt to "normalize" sexual preference and orientation makes me question the agenda.  

Do those in the LGBTQ community deserve the universal and inalienable human rights given to others?  Absolutely!  But, to normalize the obstacles the community endures as having something in common to the plight of the Black struggle is far from the crux of the matter.  Gay, being deemed as the new Black has become the new slogan... But, that is very offensive, misleading, and problematic on many levels, as being gay is not a badge of racial pride, especially when one thoroughly examines what it means to be Black and gay.  In fact, in many cases Black folk who are a part of the LGBTQ community have been alienated and marginalized because of their race, and not their sexuality.  *Originally written Feb 2014, Updated Feb 2016.

Further reading to consider:

‘No Blacks’ Is Not a Sexual Preference. It’s Racism http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/09/no-blacks-is-not-a-sexual-preference-it-s-racism.html

The People’s District: 5 Reasons Gay is Not the New Black

http://forthdistrict.com/5-reasons-gay-is-not-the-new-black/

Are Gay Men More Racist Than Straight Men?

http://new.www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-alvear/are-gay-men-more-racist-t_b_6984072.html

RACISM IN THE GAY COMMUNITY AND HOMOPHOBIA IN THE BLACK

COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING THE GAY BLACK MALE EXPERIENCE

https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05222008-112356/unrestricted/ClarenceEBrownIII2008Thesis.pdf

‘You’re Really Nice, but I Don’t Date Black Guys’: Racism or Preference? (VIDEO)

http://new.www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-manske/youre-really-sweet-im-just-not-into-black-guys-racism-or-preference_b_6401436.html

Richard Sherman -- Still a Thug!

Many people are blasting Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman over his so-called "rant" after the Seahawks Superbowl win. He's been called every derogatory racial slur on the planet. According to reports he is being referred to as a "thug," "crazy man," "gangsta," "dangerous" and last but never least the proverbial "n-word." Now, as a former football player and current coach, I know what it means to play with heart and passion. When you have a competitive spirit, you compete, it's that plain and simple. Guys talk all type of smack in the game of sports on and off the field. It's part of the culture!
Now, do I agree with the many who said his remarks were mistimed, absolutely, but it is what it is, and what is is the game of football. Trash talking is a part of the culture of sports as mentioned above. While critics blasted the likes of Tom Brady (cursed out a referee), John Mcenroe (Classic rant on umpires) Coach Bobby Knight (Throwing chairs), and Coach Mike Gundy (I'm 40, I'm a man) for their rants. All of these individuals (who are White) were romanticized, and never forced to endure the type of derogatory onslaughts that Sherman and other Black athletes endure. Paraphrasing radio talk show host Joe Madison "If you're white it's alright, and if you're black it's not."

Let me switch to my social scientist hat... If you think we live in a post racial America I must say with all due respect-Stop Thinking It! Many people say "African Americans are always playing the race card." But, in all candor, I submit the card cannot be played if it is not in the deck. Black athletes have always been categorically castigated--while our white counterparts are romanticized. Think about some of the greatest rants in sports history. Sherman's exuberance is right in step with the same exuberance that a Serena Williams or Muhammad Ali exclaimed when they won. Ali was dragged through the media during his day, and he too, while not college educated was highly intelligent. America had never seen anything like the bold and charismatic Ali--Ali "shuck up the world," and the labeling of the African American athlete began. Sherman who grew up in Compton is being labeled as "America's New Thug." Never mind the fact that Sherman graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and went on to Standford to earn a 3.9 GPA--he's still a THUG!

In the words of Muhammad Ali according to Minister Louis Farrakhan during a conversation they had some years back--"The Champ" uttered these words "Still a nigger, brother." What Ali was saying to Farrakhan was that no matter how far African Americans have come in American life we are still thought of as "niggers."  Like blogger Olivia A. Cole wonders, I too am wondering " what it takes for a black man to be regarded as human in America." The categorical castigation of Black males continues and is a result of the perverted mind of white supremacy. I know many think we live in a post racial society, but the dominate power structure can't let it (power) go. The dehumanization of black males continues, and the idea of black male masculinity being seen as dangerous, obtrusive, and thuggish is woven in to the racial tapestry of American life.

The New Slave Shoe... Chains & Shackles Remixed

"A test market of who or how many Africans are awake in the Americas, it does not matter we know that they are still sleep." ~Annini

Many people will ask, "what's the big deal?, it's just a shoe!"  "It's makes a fashion statement...," or, even worst when someone Black says "Who cares slavery is over and besides other Blacks sold Blacks into slavery."  What an asinine statement from someone who is not able to understand, and share genuine feelings of concern, for all of the pain and suffering our great-great grandparents endured while in chattel enslavement during the African Holocaust.

"JS Roundhouse Mids, dropping in August."

It is very saddening to note especially when someone who is Black makes such an absurd statement.  I can almost bet my last dollar, as guest columnist Tingba Muhammad noted in a recent column in The Final Call Newspaper, "It is almost impossible to imagine a Jewish person saying anything similar: 'Since there were Jews that financially supported Hitler, and Jews that were soldiers and officers in the Nazi army, and Jews that delivered other Jews to the concentration camps, I don’t want to hear about any Jewish Holocaust.'"  Indeed, such a statement is impossible to imagine to juxtapose the horror and ongoing effects of the suffering, pain and total destruction of a people.

Bottom line is, we have to educated, and teach our young people point blank not to buy into this buffoonery & trickery, like J-Cole said in the joint 'Nobody's Perfect,' "They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer..."  At the end of the day, this is just another in a long line of signs, and as I like to cogently say "another kick in the ass!"  Time is long over do... WAKE UP & DO FOR SELF!

'C'mon Son' (Metta World Peace)

According to Buddhist teaching, Metta (Pali) is a benevolence toward all beings, without discrimination, that is free of selfish attachment. It is a strong, sincere wish for the happiness of all beings.

C'mon son!!!

Come on my dude formally known as Ron Artest aka Ron Ron... we all thought you learned from your past dear brother. What a poor example of benevolent sportsmanship! But I suppose we all have to keep to our duty and renew ourselves daily in the Universal Divine Order of Peace & Equality! -The Brotha

Tragedy at State College

'This is a tragedy,' Paterno says. 'It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.'  (Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2059268/Penn-State-scandal-Matt-Millen-breaks-air-number-victims-DOUBLES.html#ixzz1d4Gw7D)

As a former collegiate football player and currently a HS football coach, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Joe Paterno affectionately known as "Joe Pa."  For his impeccable 46 year coaching career to come to an abrupt halt like this is totally unthinkable.  Joe Pa has been a model coach known as a father figure and philanthropist by many he often garnered due honor and respect.  Now the question is raised whether or not this inexcusably repulsive act allegedly committed by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky will tarnish his legacy.  The question is raised rightful so amidst the current climate.  I believe to an extent it will publicly but on an individual bases I believe not.  I will still hold the same respect and admiration I had before for Coach Joe Pa  as a football coach even though from a moral stand point he should have done more.  Which is why ultimately the school board had to make the very tough decision to fire him.  Some critics like Stephen A. Smith suggest that he should have went months ago but it appears the powers that be conveniently waited until he passed Eddie Robinson's coaching record for most wins.

However so, the elephant in the room is the abomination allegedly committed on his watch, which raises public concern of could he have done more than just reporting it to school's AD at the time.  Because this alleged crime involves sodomizing young boys is the part that one cannot stomach.  Like former Penn State stand out and current ESPN analyst Matt Millen put it "'I get mad,' Millen said as he broke down in tears. 'It's pretty disturbing. It makes you sick to see that this could happen to this level.'" Sure coach could have taken it further but I'm sure he felt he did the right thing by going to his AD, as it was the AD's job to take it further.  In my humble opinion that is who dropped the ball here and he was rightfully let go, as well as the school's President.  The former grad assistant Mike McQueary who supposedly reported the infraction also thought he did the right thing by following the chain of command.  I respect chain of command no doubt but I as a full grown man witnessing an act of the sort would have done more than follow chain of command.  My moral obligation radar would have caused me to take action into my on hand.

The other elephant in the room, that plays a major role is the fact that most of the young boys allegedly assaulted were African American.  I do not want to play the race card here but one must pose the question is this why, this story was not broken much sooner.  I'm sure the chain of command knew that the majority of the boys were African American. This incident was swept under the rug initially an it implied that young African American males are not valued in this country.   At the end of the day as my mother would always say "what ever is in the dark will come to the light, you just watch, wait and see."  Her words are forever true and as time goes all the information about this case will come to the light.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families because they are going through a very difficult time to say the lease.  I pray justice is served justly and that all parties involved are held accountable.  We just have to sit back and watch as this thing unfolds and not let emotions take over good common sense and decency.  As for Joe Pa, I know he will be able to move forth and find a way to be of service to all involved for the benefit of the common good--a trait that he has exemplified throughout his long coaching career.  It is indeed a tragedy but time heals all wounds.

Why are people still mad at LeBron?

Negative backlash for LeBron still...

Peeps are still upset with Bron-Bron for making a business power move... that was unabashed and unselfish in Da Brotha's opinion!  He's taken heat from NBA greats like Jordan, Barkely and Magic, his former team's owner went balstic, and fans in Cleveland burned his jersey.  Which by the way reminded me of the vicious actions of the lynch mob's that Blacks endured during the 50's and 60's.  Now, I didn't wholeheartedly agree with LeBron playing the race card but I do get his point.  People need to "chill out" and let him be, he made a decision for him and his family.  As I've said before his decision in my opinion was not motivated by a pompousness.  He clearly wants to win an NBA Championship and why not win one with two of your closest friends?

Some athletes just don't get it!!!

What in the world is going on in the mind of All-Pro DL Albert Haynesworth? From not showing up to off-season workouts to not coming in shape to training camp to not playing up to his ability to possible trade rumors, after signing that big $100 million dollar contract--I ask myself what is this guy taking that has him totally off balance? As a man he has a responsibility to represent himself and his family in the best manner. And not because he's being paid the "big bucks," but because it's the right thing to do! As a man, I understand we all go through problems and we have to work through them. Most guys like myself having played football competitively would cherish going to work everyday in the NFL. But for Mr. Haynesworth it's been an up-hill battle, it's baffling to think especially for a guy with his talent and ability. At the end of the day, I wish him the best and hope he finds his way and re-writes the story of his career.

For more: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Shanahan-Haynesworth-not-being-traded?urn=nfl-268406

For my boya Sim Rice!!!

Can anyone out there explain why I can't get a gig these days? I have one major injury in a stellar 12yr career and I get bumped out of Tampa because Chuckie and I didn't see eye to eye. I can admit that I came back from the injury to soon in Denver do to my pride (gave back the money because I felt I didn't earn it but I'm labeled a snob) and in Indy (was baffled that they let me go without getting a full chance to shine but I understand the negative vibe surrounding me) . Now, all of a sudden I can't play anymore? WOW! The league is very fickle, it's obvious especially in my case and in others like Dante Culpepper's. I worked out at a pro-day and personally for a few teams and to my understanding did my thing in those workouts. Then I get word that personnel people say I seemed uninterested! But yet when I ask around I can't get any straight answers from the people I played and worked with over the years so I'm flustered! No disrespect to my peers but no one has put up the numbers I have consistently at DE, no not even Strahan or Taylor. My name was hardly mentioned once during the Jason Taylor trade from a statistical stand point! A hand-full of print media and once on ESPN they mentioned my stats compared to his because they had to. This may sound like the brash Simeon Rice people know me for being but you tell me who's stats are better among my contemporaries? My teammates knew me for being the last one out on the field doing the extra work and bustin' my ass during practice and in games! I've put to much work in throughout my career for it to be this way but I guess these are the breaks in the What have you done for me lately League?