About to get into another writing session for the album, but before I do I wanted to add my .02 on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid saying Obama was an ideal presidential candidate b/c of his light skin tone. He’s been heavily chastised for his remark, especially by Mr. Brilliance himself, Michael Steele.
I’m really trying to understand what the fuss is about. Reid was stupid for using that vernacular, but his assumptions about skin tone perception are quite right…if sad. This is a discussion held in all communities behind closed doors (and a mentality forged in our subconscious)…light skin is viewed as being better, as more comfortable…”safer.” I forget which university did this study, but they found that when provided w/ same credentialed candidates folks would always vote for the lighter skin alternative.
Of course this mentality is stupid. But we can’t help what we’ve been socialized to believe. People should be judged by their individual attributes and not racist perceptions of “good,” but we all know this country (world for that matter) often forgets its higher precepts in practical living.
So yes, Senator Reid’s comments were tactless…but they reflect a degree of truth. Humans are lazy folk who generally classify people by outdated perceptions of value. No, he shouldn’t resign…but yes, we should have that deeper discussion on race (the mythical one that folks are always talking about…)
And as far as the word “negro” is concerned…I’ve given up trying to understand if it’s offensive or not. There’s a sorta bad connotation w/ it, most of the time at least. There seem to be exceptions: “negro please”, united negro college fund, this year’s census etc. Half the time I don’t know what to refer to myself as. For now, I’d appreciate if folks would call me “future husband of Gabrielle Union or Oprah” (it worked for Mr. Chappelle). I can dream. Sugar mamas would be a dope means of funding this album…
To leave on a musical note — If you haven’t picked up Thunder, the collab effort from master bassists Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, and Victor Wooten…do so with the quickness. I never would’ve imagined three bassists being able to blend so well, creating engaging melodies while having a dope low end. But they do it. On this vid they go into a nice little jam around 2:30
