Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I wonder if Dr. Gates spoke up for her?


What a difference a day makes. I felt so much better today.

Anywhooo, I just caught a little of Soledad O'Brien's Black Folks in A-merry-ca Part 2, and she had some of the usual "black community experts" who brought along some influential people in their lives. Ironically, for Tom Joyner, it was Dr. Henry Louis Gates, a man who has been in the news more than Michael Jackson lately. (Hell, even his O ness talked about the Cambridge beat down at his press conference. Although I don't think white folks will like what he said much. Read the comments after the article I linked.) Sorry people, but the good Doctor disappointed me again. When Soledad asked him about his neighbor who thought she saw a spook sitting by the door and called 911, he damn near apologized for his neighbor. Hell, he even offered to send her flowers.... Dr. Gates, you are a smart man with many letters and honors, but I.... rrriiinnnggg... wait, my phone is ringing....sorry for that folks, it was the Drop Squad, and they wanted to know if I knew Dr. Gate's Cambridge address. Let me stop. (Lord I hope my friends over at The Root don't get mad at me, but they should know me by now. There goes another blogroll. )


But seriously, I got a very deep e-mail from a writer and blogger who I am starting to respect more and more called Eco.Soul. Intellectual. Fam. wrote an interesting piece about the Harvard culture and a young sister who was thrown to the wolves by some of our cousins who inhabit it.


"Several months ago, a burgeoning female scholar by the name of Chanequa Campbell, who hails from Brooklyn, NY, was kicked out of her campus dormitory and not allowed to graduate for her association to a murder suspect. More specifically, she was the friend of the suspect’s girlfriend. The confusing part of this case is that while Campbell was banned and not allowed to graduate, the suspect’s girlfriend, Brittany Smith did graduate and stayed on campus.


Campbell, who says she is from a poor family and was not part of the black elite student circle, has pointed out that it is because of her socio-economic status that she was treated in such a way, and without the support of black Harvard students or faculty. The silence of black Harvard in the case of Campbell drastically contrasting the racket made in support of Gates illuminates the serious class issues that have caused serious boiling points in the African-American community.


Gates is an established historian known most recently for his documentary, “African American Lives,” a series connects noted African-Americans back to their complex lineages such as Oprah Winfrey, Tina Turner, and Morgan Freeman. He is at the zenith of his career. He has achieved what many scholars dream.


On the other hand, Chanequa Campbell was at the beginning of her academic journey. She too has been praised for her academic success, but since her dismissal her whole life trajectory is questionable. At a time when Campbell needed the utmost guidance and support from black Harvard faculty and staff, she was quietly disregarded, suggesting that her less-than-desirable background would possibly mar the reputation of blacks on campus.


Though many do not like to acknowledge the classism in African-American communities, it is prevalent throughout the group. It is a hideous historical social construct that is determined by more than wealth, but also skin color, hair texture, education level, and sadly how distant is one’s slave lineage.


Ironically, Gates, who in his African-American heritage series repeatedly points out the “white ” blood in him to the point that he smiles in delight when a DNA scientist tells him that he has more white blood than black, is nothing but black when the police come. Yet he is “too” black to be rallied and insulated by the black and white Harvard community. Yet Campbell, with her Brooklyn roots, who is a darker, young woman with blatant West African features, is too black, even for black Harvard.


Like in the days of DuBois, who was proud of his European ancestry (Dutch and French) and his Massachusetts roots from a community of free people of color who were educated and reasonably prosperous, his pedigree, which also included his physical characteristics, were perfect for the black elite of that time. DuBois’ elitist ideology was so heavy a belief that he campaigned for blacks to support his vision of the “Talented Tenth” or a group of black intelligentsia that would further the black race and lead the rest of the group. This idea was heavily contested by other thinkers and black activists of the time, but the idea and practice of an insulated, crème de la crème, black circle still remains.


It is not surprising that Gates’ (or should I say gatekeeper) name has been saved, and in some eyes, has been elevated, while someone like Campbell, who could’ve been the next Gates or Oprah, or perhaps furthered his work, is now forgotten.




It's amazing what a cup of hot chocolate and a good nights sleep can do.

130 comments:

primegirl said...

i have been wondering the same thing, field: what did gates say or do, if anything, about this student's situation? suddenly he "gets it". please.

Invisible Man said...

Brilliant! actually Negroes like Gates only turn on the Blackness when it suits them. I hope some brothas break into his house on his next "trip" and the police show up and let them go.

JP said...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/07/22/2009-07-22_obama_says_police_acted_stupidly_in_arrest_harvard_professor_henry_louis_gates_j.html

Field Negro of the highest order

classysbf said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kid said...

I'm glad the President gave him a shout out.Now Dr. Gates is going to go through what W.E.B. Du Bois went through. Dr. Du Bois went half way around the world, became communist, then finally in Accra ,Ghana he realized that Marcus Garvey was right. The Talented Tenth will have to wake up and pull some of us up with them.

Anonymous said...

Field, you have got to be kidding, I didn't see that HOT MESS on cnn was cleaning the bird cage which was more fun, but, he was ready to apologize? Wow, I guess the neighbors have never noticed that he lived there, black man, who is 56% white, with limp and white wife, how did that ever go unnoticed? But, then again, I have no respect for this cat anyway whs is black for now and not black when this dies down and he is out on the Cape with all his bougie not-black this week cohorts.

mjohnso27 said...

FYI: The other young woman, Brittany Smith, was also barred from the Harvard graduation. http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/2nd-black-woman-denied-harvard-graduation-due-to-school-shooting/

kid said...

Spike Lee spoke of this in "School Days". Maybe the entrance exam for the "Jack and Jill" and "paper bag clubs" have changed, but they still are elitist.We shouldn't be too hard on Dr. Gates, at least he ain't Clarence Thomas, or Ward Connerly people who want to destroy the black community.Skip is still on our side. This might wake him up like DuBois finally understood Garvey.

Robert M said...

Gates met Karma. He didn't like Karma.
This whole thing of elite has been a shit storm this year. Whorehouse in Atlanta allowed a "legacy" to remain on campus and graduate AFTER he shot a house student at a club of campus wth the approval of the board. Gates and Oglethorpe whining. Then the President makes a joke about getting shot at the WH knowing damn well he would definitely have been shot had he broken into his house in Kenwood(for all the folks trying to take a peek just keep walking because you can not even walk down the street when he's not home).

Anonymous said...

so, Field, are you going to put Gates on the lawn any time soon?

Anonymous said...

Remember Aresenio Hall, and his things that make you go hmmmmm

ok... first I have to mention that I only watched the last half of Black in Amercia 2 today. The segment when they were talking about an elite ball.

Was it me, or my TV, or the lighting... but did everyone seem to light to carmel skinned.

I'm just wondering.. are there no blurple or blue/black african american achievers.

I'm just saying....

Anonymous said...

Kid-"We shouldn't be too hard on Dr. Gates, at least he ain't Clarence Thomas, or Ward Connerly people who want to destroy the black community.Skip is still on our side. This might wake him up like DuBois finally understood Garvey."

Skip is 'still' on our side? Like a few other Blacks, I don't think he gives a fat rats ass for most Blacks. He certainly didn't try to help the Sista who didn't graduate. Why was he so silent? Was it because she couldn't be talked to like some of our folks, or was it because of her skin color and class status?

Kid, are you an exclusive member of Jack and Jill?

boukman70 said...

OK, when I first heard the report on "Tell Me More" about how distraught Gates was and how he kept whining to the cop, "You're just doing this because I'm black," I laughed my black b-hind off. I was wondering what universe he lived in. I mean, hell, I'm a nerdy black kid from the 'burbs who went to one of them highfalutin' schools and kept his nose pretty clean, and I've been stopped, harassed, and arrested on several occasions.

It made me wonder what universe this "spokesman" of our people came from. Thanks for the post, Field. Now I know.

Ya know, if you go to the campus of Tuskegee U., there's a statue of Booker T. Washington with a sheet and a downtrodden negro at his feet staring hopefully up at him. It's called something like "Lifting the Veil of Ignorance."

Who needs the veil lifted now?

Anonymous said...

Anon11:04p "I'm just wondering.. are there no blurple or blue/black african american achievers."

I only know of one, Clarence Thomas.

RedLipstick said...

You know I first read about her story in passing on the London Times site. This Gates issue shines a brighter light on it but it's a well worn topic when it comes to the ivy league schools.

Remember all the talk during the campaign about the First Lady's undergrad thesis on Princeton Educated Blacks and the Black Community?

Do elite/educated/wealthy blacks owe something to blacks not similarly situated?

Don't know--but I was really feeling good about Malaka (Chris Rock's wife) tonight on Black in America 2 taking those kids to South Africa and trying to expose them to the larger world--as FN would say "That's field negro behavior!"

And Mr. Perry from Connecticut made me want to leave my cushy job and teach at his school--100% graduation rate and all kids go to college---I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Field, I doubt that Prof. Gates even knows who Ms. Campbell is.

Anonymous said...

Field, I doubt that Prof. Gates even knows who Ms. Campbell is. If he heard re: her story, he probably issued a matter-of-fact, "Oh". After all, in order to help Ms. Campbell, there would have needed to be some sort of a return for him. People like Gates don't help just anybody. Come to think of it, he wasn't able to help himself just recently.

Sammy said...

Field: Ok, I admit it. I am not as smart as I would like to think I am.

Now, why were these tow young women not allowed to graduate? It couldn't be "because the boyfriend on one of them murdered another person". What is the real story?

And here is something that just escapes me: why were these women involved with drug dealers and allowed them to stay in their dorm rooms? With guns and drugs? What kind of mentality does this?

Am I to believe that someone smart enough to go to Harvard is not smart enough to NOT associate with the scum of the earth? For this reason alone I have no sympathy for either of these women.

Oh wait, I now realize the problem.

"The Man" did it.

kid said...

Anonymous said...

Kid-"We shouldn't be too hard on Dr. Gates, at least he ain't Clarence Thomas, or Ward Connerly people who want to destroy the black community.Skip is still on our side. This might wake him up like DuBois finally understood Garvey."

Skip is 'still' on our side? Like a few other Blacks, I don't think he gives a fat rats ass for most Blacks. He certainly didn't try to help the Sista who didn't graduate. Why was he so silent? Was it because she couldn't be talked to like some of our folks, or was it because of her skin color and class status?

Kid, are you an exclusive member of Jack and Jill?

11:04 PM
______________________________
First "Jack and Jill" wouldn't let me in I was too dark, seriously.

What Dr. Gates done for black Academia is of great value to the black community.He's not Cornell West and of course he's not Dr. Tony Martin ,but he done more than Clarence Thomas. Thomas made those EEOC laws that screw black people to this day.

starrie said...

i live in boston...gates did NOTHING in regards to chanequa being kicked out...not one of those harvard snobs stepped forward on her behalf...i watched the news when this all went down and the comments from various folks on campus was "harvard has zero tolerance" for shenanigans...whatever...chanequa needs a good lawyer...it's so obvious what happened to her...

Monie said...

Skip Gates has embarrassed himself so badly that his reputation may be damaged beyond repair.

He just doesn't come across as a sensible person. But as I said in jest yesterday I'm pretty sure there was a long conversation between Skip and his Harvard overseers recently.

I guess they told him not only to capitulate to the local police but also to apologize to the nice White woman that called the cops on him.

There will be rewards in heaven for Black people like Skip.

kid said...

eds the veil lifted now?

11:06 PM
Anonymous said...

Anon11:04p "I'm just wondering.. are there no blurple or blue/black african american achievers."

I only know of one, Clarence Thomas.

11:10 PM
________________________________
There are several but Clarence Thomas is a product of Affirmative Action, not hard work.The after he got his, he close the door on everyone else.

field negro said...

boukman79, you know you dark skin Negroes don't do TV so well. You make it too hard for the makeup person. :)


"Now, why were these tow young women not allowed to graduate? It couldn't be "because the boyfriend on one of them murdered another person". What is the real story?

And here is something that just escapes me: why were these women involved with drug dealers and allowed them to stay in their dorm rooms? With guns and drugs? What kind of mentality does this?

Am I to believe that someone smart enough to go to Harvard is not smart enough to NOT associate with the scum of the earth? For this reason alone I have no sympathy for either of these women."

Sammy, that's a fair point. And I have gotten a couple of e-mails from folks who are at Harvard now who say the same thing you seem to be saying. (Jeremy, I will respond to your e-mail tomorrow) so I am trying to be fair here. But do YOU know all of the facts? Are you at Harvard now? If you are, please help us out.

old white guy said...

I followed your link to President Obama's press conference and read some of the comments. It seems you have located a hotbed of intellectual activity unparalleled in this universe. Just kidding.

Ms. Campbell is very pretty. I may be biased because my name is Campbell and I do not know all the facts... Actually it does seem that Ms. Campbell was treated unfairly and I hope this gets corrected.

I have long hoped that we could put prejudice and discrimination behind us. Our whole society suffers as long as these insane attitudes exist. It is not a hopeful sign when those who have been victims then turn around and victimize others. It is an insane world.

Glad you got some rest but you seem entirely too happy. Are you sure that was hot chocolate?

Thank for the link to Organic Intellectual.

Anonymous said...

I watched BLACK in AMERICA as well, and I was ashamed of Mr.GATE'S! he was talking like a HYPED up IDIOT!

Field is this man married to a WHITE WOMAN?

I have often wondered how BLACK MEN can proclaim being proud of their heritage, but yet, will MARRY a WHITE WOMAN in a heart beat!!!

I was so angry when the segment of BLACK in AMERICA, highlighted the so called ELITE AFRICAN AMERICAN'S! are these people watching the NEW'S!! what part of AMERICA are they living in!

BLACK people may come in all shade's and come from different economic background!! but, when it is said and done, your LIGHT SKIN and your MONEY will never make you welcome in WHITE ELITE SOCIETY!!!

boukman70 said...

Now, Field, that ain't right! I've been told, when I'm on camera, I look at least 56% white!

kid said...

Anonymous said...

I watched BLACK in AMERICA as well, and I was ashamed of Mr.GATE'S! he was talking like a HYPED up IDIOT!

Field is this man married to a WHITE WOMAN?

I have often wondered how BLACK MEN can proclaim being proud of their heritage, but yet, will MARRY a WHITE WOMAN in a heart beat!!!

I was so angry when the segment of BLACK in AMERICA, highlighted the so called ELITE AFRICAN AMERICAN'S! are these people watching the NEW'S!! what part of AMERICA are they living in!

BLACK people may come in all shade's and come from different economic background!! but, when it is said and done, your LIGHT SKIN and your MONEY will never make you welcome in WHITE ELITE SOCIETY!!!

11:44 PM
__________________________________
Franz Fanon and Richard Pryor married white women. Does that make them any less black? Angela Davis married a white woman,is her street cred any less? Justice Sotomayor had a white husband.We got to grow up out of that stuff. You have some blacks that marry white for self hate,like Clarence Thomas.Before you judge look at the full person.

Anonymous said...

Sammy-"Am I to believe that someone smart enough to go to Harvard is not smart enough to NOT associate with the scum of the earth? For this reason alone I have no sympathy for either of these women."

Yes, believe it. One can be smart but lack integrity. One can be smart but lack wisdom. There are intellectuals who lack common sense, let alone wisdom. Also, there are smart people with degrees who have inflated egos that make them behave stupidly and immorally...i.e., Cheney, Madoff, Spitzer, Nixon, Clinton, Jessie Jackson, and others.

Anonymous said...

That beautiful young woman needs to take her ass South or West if she just needs to be educated with white folk or those trying to fade to white to feel important.

I've wondered lately how and why is it still that these half-breads that don't even have to be married to other half-breads - they are opting for the real deal as partners as the experts on black life. Why are these African American experts and other spokes persons on AA issues damn near white?

However, this story reminds me of a converstions I had a the post office last momth. I was mailing my son a raincoat for the dog and a proud grandmother was sending some things to her grand daughter who is to be a freshman at Spellman in the fall. She had received free rides for Harvard, Prinston and a few others mentioned but chose the offer from Spellman because they produce " strong black women."

There are too many institutions she could go to where she and her beautiful features and mind would be supported, appreciated, and defended.

Anonymous said...

Kid-"What Dr. Gates done for black Academia is of great value to the black community.He's not Cornell West and of course he's not Dr. Tony Martin ,but he done more than Clarence Thomas. Thomas made those EEOC laws that screw black people to this day."

If you keep comparing every Black to Clarence Thomas everyone will pass. What's up with that? Is CT your measuring standard for Blacks?

La♥audiobooks said...

Field, thank you for sharing this story. I first read about Campbell a couple months ago on a blog owned by a black female. There were several professional black female commenters who tore this girl apart. I was truly speechless because most of them preach the black female empowerment rhetoric. Yet, they didn't even give this girl the benefit of the doubt.

To me, those women geared their judgment based on the fact that Campbell came from the "hood", and still kept "hood ways" (as if they were friggin there to know what really went down). They were so perturbed, they felt this girl from the hood may have ruined scholarship opportunities for other black students. They also openly praised the other black students on campus for throwing this girl under the bus and treating this clearly prejudice situation like the plaque. Even in the eyes of these professional black women, she was guilty based primarily on hood association. Their social bias didn't allow them to see the situation for what it really was. Oh, and their embarrassment fever didn't stop there either, someone just had to comment on her name "Chanequa".

I choose not to say anything to those women - I was too disappointed. Not worth it, their minds were set. But I still calls it as I see it. There is NO doubt in my mind that inner black classism played a role as to why they didn't support this particular black female. And it's partly why some of us black people are so quick to condemn the "cousins" who we feel embarrass us in the eyes of "white society" without even giving them the benefit. And I'm sure Gates may have felt the same way, no doubt he's one of them. Now, he really knows, or he just got a reminder.

La♥audiobooks said...

Btw, I just skimmed through some of the previous comments. I see that some here would disagree with my take on this. But I always try to give black females the benefit because - society rarely do, and who else will? You are going to have to prove to me without a doubt that she's guilty.

There are pieces to the puzzle that aren't quite clear, and I also feel they quickly reacted, and with prejudice.

Good night.

La♥audiobooks said...

I meant plague.

Field, I know you tell us not to correct our errors, but that looked too strange.

Ok Bye. :)

Lady M said...

I don't always agree with everything Obama does, but I liked what he said at the press conference. I thought it was appropriate, and also fitting, that he included a "disclaimer" at the beginning of his statement about not knowing all the facts and whatnot. I know the wing nuts are prepared to give him hell for the "I would get shot" comment, but the reporters at the press conference laughed, so it wasn't like they didn't agree.

Anonymous said...

Field,
I've noticed your use of the phrase "Drop Squad" more than once without really understanding....oh well with me here all the way out in the Pacific, how was I to know but now with your link provided the tip about the movie........now I know what I'll order from Netflix soon.
Glad you're feeling better today but if you have another one of those BAD days just fly out here to Maui and relax with a walk on the beach.

Makaii

kid said...

La♥Incognita :

I remember when there was a time when parents were ashamed to name their kids Tyrone and Jerome. Many said it sounded too ghetto.Twenty years from now there's going to be a lot of kids named Barack, black and white.I seen a lot of white women named Keisha.the name don't matter , it's what you do with it.

kid said...

Anonymous said...

Kid-"What Dr. Gates done for black Academia is of great value to the black community.He's not Cornell West and of course he's not Dr. Tony Martin ,but he done more than Clarence Thomas. Thomas made those EEOC laws that screw black people to this day."

If you keep comparing every Black to Clarence Thomas everyone will pass. What's up with that? Is CT your measuring standard for Blacks?

12:10 AM
_____________________
Yes.

Anonymous said...

Kid-"Yes."

He's not a good standard because from his behavior he is not Black. So you want to give all Blacks a pass? Even those you know don't give a damn about Blacks and will do nothing but exploit and use them?

Anonymous said...

Skip Gates grabbed the lantern from Mike Steele and pushed him off the lawn. Skip apologized to Mike then assumed his position.

Anonymous said...

DR. GATES ON COPS!!

Dr. Gates Starring on "Cops" this Saturday Night please check your local Fox Channel 8:00PM EDT, 7PM CDT for addition information.

Followed by "America's Most Wanted" starring John Walsh.

Good evening my name is John Walsh and we have an a.p.b. tonight for Dr. Henry Louis Gates. Dr. Gates sometimes plays a "Smooth talking black expert on t.v." He also tells people he will stand up for for his community. Dr Gates has appeared on many cable channels.

Dr. Gates was last seen at Harvard U. breaking into his own house but he was spotted by an alert neighbor that called her local police dept. and folks we struck pay dirt tonight, We have Dr. Gates photo looking like a your typical "Black Man" on his way to his local jail.

When the police dept. took Gates into custody he was finger printed and charged with breaking and entering his own house. Once he was released rather bring the racial profiling spot light to the media he choose to run and hide.

Dr. Gates was last seen running around with a bunch of "Uppity Negroes" wearing high priced suits, drinking fine wine and signing books at your local book store.

Folks we really need you help finding this "So Called Champion of Justice for his people". Now here are a few other clues, Dr. Gates has grey and black hair, wears glasses and sometimes appears to act white. Folks don't be fooled by him and his high priced gang of experts that often on Fox News and CNN.

Now if you've seen this dirtbag please call 1-800-CRIME TV again that's 1-800-CRIME TV. You can call our number and stay anonymous if you choose. Let's get this dirt bag off tv and fast we need your help so get on those phones.

We will be right back after this short break. We have fast breaking information on our next suspect 'Michael Steel" another House Negro.

Stay Tuned!

I.Am.Spoken.Word. said...

Let's be real.

We should want blacks in affluent communities to use their money and influence to help the black community. The man that founded MLT said that same thing.

But reading these comments sound like a typical "crabs in a bucket" theory to me. What are we seriously upset about?

We should focus our rage on people who bring negativity to the community.

We point fingers at congressman and CEOs but excuse the gang members and drug dealers. Let's hold everyone accountable, instead of overlooking one and demonizing the other.

I watched the whole show tonight, and what I got from it was that Race is an important factor; capable of being a detrimental road block away from success. It provides a hurtful explanation of our history and our present circumstances. However, in the name of Individual effort, it can't be an excuse for progressive movement.

I.Am.Spoken.Word. said...

*it can't be an excuse to shy away from progressive movement.

kid said...

I.Am.Spoken.Word. said...

... sound like a typical "crabs in a bucket" theory to me. What are we seriously upset about?
_________
You got it . These fools are plants. We know what Dr. Gates has done for the African American community. I don't pay attention to anyone that post anonymous.

sandra said...

No matter what Gates said about shenequa in the past; but he's going to do a special documentary on this issue--let's move forward! Every person comes to enlightenment based on their own experiences. Go Skip! Do the documentary and bring this issue to the forefront. Documentaries are your specialty and if anyone wants to do a story on Shenequa and women profilees so be it. I'd love to see that also.

kid said...

sandra said...

No matter what Gates said about shenequa in the past; but he's going to do a special documentary on this issue--let's move forward! Every person comes to enlightenment based on their own experiences. Go Skip! Do the documentary and bring this issue to the forefront. Documentaries are your specialty and if anyone wants to do a story on Shenequa and women profilees so be it. I'd love to see that also.

2:42 AM

_________________________________
that's right pay no attention to those Republiklan plants that are trying to start trouble. First they mentioned his interracial marriage, then they question his negritude.They want us to fight each other , not the real enemy FOX and all the other neo-cons.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

I first heard about the Campbell case on Jezebel.com. She said basically none of the other black students came to her defense. Several black students comments on other sites that they didn't believe her innocence.

According to a New York Times article I read, she said she want to move to Italy. She has a tight network of black American and African expat friends in Milan and they don't judge her "hood" background.

Anyone who says there are no class issues in the black community is blind. There are. We just don't talk about it.

LACoincidental said...

As a product of any Ivy, can say for a fact that Ivy League/elitist Negroes running for the tall grass when trouble strikes is nothing new. I am not surprised in the least. I remember vividly how our intercollegiate black student conference want to bring all their buppy prep school friends from Spellman, Harvard, Morehouse, Princeton, Brown, Howard, Hampton, Colgate, etc.....but my friend fought tooth and nail get these clowns to include the local state college and community college in the conference. It was distasteful and it taught me all I needed to know about the Ivy Leagues -- they only want 'their kind' of folks around, damn all those Negroes toiling in the fields.

Now, if it took one of my boys holding the equivalent of a filibuster in the student union just to include local college kids (read poorer, probably darker Black kids) at a Black college conference...imagine the kind of acts of Jehovah would be required to get a Harvard or Yale black prof to stand up for two young sisters who are about to lose out on their dream because they happen to know (but did not conspire with) a killer?


Its sad that no one has stood up for this sister, but its ingrained in the Black elite culture to protect your own hide at all cost. Like others have reiterated, WEB DuBois and Adam Clayton Powell were a bougie know-it-alls too until reality smacked them lopsided. Maybe "calling your repair man while black" and doing a perp walk out of his own house will be Skip Gates' "Road to Damascus".

kid said...

nyc/caribbean ragazza :

They just wanted one less black with a degree.Blacks needed to have this discussion when "School Days" came out.Now we have to talk about white on black racism and black on black racism.

One thing why is a photographer at Dr. Gates house? Why is the black cop not looking at his partners and instead looking at the cameras?
Most police look at the person they are arresting, not posing for pictures.

Anonymous said...

House Negro
I find you to be just another hypocrite who just use race when it fit like a glove.
You seem to make a 360 degree from your original blog about Dr Gates, yesterday he was a hero but today he is another vilain.You even have the nerve to bad mouth W E Dubois is it because he exposed your hero Marcus Garvey as a fraud ?
Do you know all the facts about Ms Campbell ? you are just posting about it because of the Dr Gates incident more than month after the facts.You always yap about Al Sharpston and Jessie Jackson let me remind you that without them your ass will be in Trentchtown dodging bullets.You need to respect the people who make it possible for you and me to enjoy this country.
Excuse my English Im a Francophone

Bob said...

In the Ivy League, the less money you have the smarter you have to be to get into undergraduate school. Princeton has plenty of rich slackers on campus. They're good to know; they have excellent beer in the fridge & quality doob.

I wonder how many of Harvard's "black elite" have names like Chanequa.

Anonymous said...

"I wonder how many of Harvard's "black elite" have names like Chanequa."

None. And you are right. You have to be pretty smart to get into Harvard undergraduate school if you are poor.

field negro said...

"You seem to make a 360 degree from your original blog about Dr Gates, yesterday he was a hero but today he is another vilain"

"Hero" to who?

"You always yap about Al Sharpston and Jessie Jackson let me remind you that without them your ass will be in Trentchtown dodging bullets.You need to respect the people who make it possible for you and me to enjoy this country."

Actually, I was living better than 80% of the people in Babylon when I lived on the rock mon. (But that's another story) And what's the difference between "dodging bullets" in Trenchtown or West Philly? Oh I know, at least in West Philly I have the police to protect me. But wait....

kid said...

Field pay no attention to him. I especially hated the Garvey wisecrack. DuBois admitted before he died that Garvey was right.divide and conquer don't work anymore.

field negro said...

kid, not everyone knows their history. :)

agentX said...

Harvard, as you know, produced a lot of the business leaders that proceeded to run our economy into the group. So screw Harvard. Whatever good they do is negated by all the bad they do.

Captcha Code: Sucka (hahaha)

Anonymous said...

you said-- (Hell, even his O ness talked about the Cambridge beat down at his press conference. Although I don't think white folks will like what he said much.

and why is that? because we're all racists and disagree with him? SHAME ON YOU.

Antonio said...

On the subject of Skip, I do feel his neighbor did nothing wrong. She saw two people trying to get in his back door and called the police. Maybe she couldn't tell one was him. Maybe she never met the guy (I rented a room in a house for 4 1/2 years and only met two of the neighbors).

Anonymous said...

OMG y'all funnier than a barrel of Poach Monkeys...
Are y'all really hatin on the esteemed Professor Gates or is this some Bizarro A-murder-ca I've woken up to???
I agree, he might have a PhD, but gets an "F" in Common Sense...He's just given the greenlight for every crackhead in the Boston Metropolitan area to break into his place... What Cops gonna go anywhere near the Professor's "Crib" after the Presidents comments??? Hell, I might drop by myself, the old Prof's probably got a Great Jazz collection.....

Frank

P.S. thank's to y'all for visiting my own Blog...keep those obscene comments coming

RiPPa said...

Ok Field, you know I love you like a play-cousin; yeah, the one who had all the cool toys when we were kids. But Obama gets "Field Negro" status for saying what he said about Gates? C'mon man, he was asked a question and it wasn't like he came out or spoke up for that...oh...you know...what's his name...

yeah that EMT in Oklahoma who got choked by a state trooper while on the clock trying to save a life?

See, we know Gates, but we don't even know or ever heard the name of the brother who got choke slammed.

Ok yeah, it felt good hearing him say those cops were stupid. But shit man, Negroes like me haven't forgotten that his ass was quiet during the Jena 6 situation and a host of other not so memorable Negro moments.

Like Chuck D says in "Fight the Power"...

"DAMN IF I SAY YOU CAN SLAP ME RIGHT HERE!"

I'm just sayin, if Barack was never asked that question at the presss conference, would he have ever publicly voiced his opinion?

Or do we have to wait until some crazy right wing racist nutjob come down here to Memphis and shoots up the National Civil Rights Museum (a place all of you people should visit once in your life)? Or is that not to "Holocaust-ish" enough?

Anonymous said...

I think Chanequa is now a Harvard Grad. She was not allowed to participate in commencement. Many of the black Harvard students don't think she is innocent. They find associating with known drug dealers and then having someone murdered in your dorm room problematic. Go figure.

Faith at Acts of Faith Blog said...

Wow Field you get your gold star for this post. Now I could protest a bit and say ppl will listen to you discussing this because you're a male but other black female bloggers have been talking about this and it's only considered "special" because a man brought it up. You did cover all the angles though, the classism, sexism, her skin shade and features how the blacks abandoned her. Bravo! This is the reason why blacks are always going to be running in circles chasing after white racism and getting but so far. Until the sexism and homophobia is dealt with they can forget crying about discrimination and oppression from others when we - and by we I mean men - are doing the same thing to black women,

Anonymous said...

I dont get it, Chanequa (Where in hell do y'all come up with these names?? reminds me of twin black baby girls named Syphilis and Gonorrhea, but I digress) has NICE STRAIGHT HAIR, and her skin tones sort of a pleasing Cafe Mocha that the whipped creams melted into...

OK, her facial features are a little shall we say, "Mannish", but who cares if she's hidin a Y Chromosome in the woodpile somewhere???

Frank

BSweet said...

Okay, I have a question. Does being married to a white person make you less "Black" or a cheater on your race?

I'm a white woman. I am honest, fair, hard working. If I marry a black man, does that make him less black?

I'm for racial equality. If marrying me makes you less black, then WTF are we all fighting for?

Why is everybody down on Gates for being married to a white woman? You don't know her! You don't know what kind of a person she is. How black does a person have to be to be acceptable to the black community? If it's like that, then we all might as well go live in separate cities, countries, whatever.

I call B.S. on all of you for that. I don't think it's right. I'm a person and so are you. Hard to say who you will fall in love with. I may be white, but I am one hell of a woman. Any man would be lucky to have me, black or white or whatever.

Quit it with that crap. It perpetuates the B.S. Varying shades of black equals how valuable you are. Shoot. You all know that's wrong, so cut it out.

A.Smith said...

Field...

Check this out: http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/why-black-harvard-won%E2%80%99t-speak-up-for-chanequa/

Eco.Soul.Intellectual said...

thank you field negro! also, i watched about 20 minutes of Black in America and had to turn it all the way off. Did Soledad pull these people out of her speed dial, hmph, hmph, hmph. Her coverage is too safe, too cheesy, too disconnected, and too superficial.

oh yeah, thank you to all the folks who defend the black folk who have lost their minds in the ivory towers, like, Harvard. and big ups to those who keep the glass grinding to put into the intellectual food of the corrupted

La♥audiobooks said...

BSweet hollered:

"
If marrying me makes you less black, then WTF are we all fighting for?
"

(??)
Oh, so it should be a privilege to become less "black", why fight it. LOL. Ok, I'll get more serious now. (clearing throat)

"I'm for racial equality".

Racial equality for who/what? Black males and white females to sex and marry each other at disproportionate rates? What about equality for all black/white IR relationships where more white males would eventually prefer to marry black females? Are you for that too?

..."then we all might as well go live in separate cities, countries, whatever."

In other words, if blacks don't show they are willing to appease or assimilate into white society in whatever capacity, then they should go live elsewhere.

"Hard to say who you will fall in love with."

Not necessarily, if someone has interest or preference for a particular race, then it wouldn't be too difficult to choose a partner from within that preferred race. It's simple arithmetic, nothing more. I hate to break it to you, but before your husband met you, he was most likely in the market for a white female.

"I may be white, but I am one hell of a woman. Any man would be lucky to have me, black or white or whatever."

You sound insecure, not a surprise. I realize it must be easier for white women like you to believe you were special picked for whatever personal qualities you thought you beheld - oppose to just being that "any ol white girl would do" based on your 'fair' skin and the race-social attributes you tend to present. How threatening must that thought be to think that another white female with "bigger" and "better" blue eyes/blonde hair could easily replace you due to your husband's superficialities. Sure, go and head and tickle your fancy...

"How black does a person have to be to be acceptable to the black community?"

They are the ones who don't usually want to be considered "black" much less have any association with the black community. They only accept "us" when your kind turn on them, then they end up on our door stop trembling with a t-shit for us to wear.

"Quit it with that crap. It perpetuates the B.S. Varying shades of black equals how valuable you are. Shoot. You all know that's wrong, so cut it out."

Where were you when Campbell was being crucified? And save the condescending white savior shit. I hope you also go preach the 'good word' to other white fellowmen where it usually counts. I hope I covered most of it.

DuchessDee said...

FN, Yesterday I was stopped WDB. Again. twice less than 9 mths. Its getting real bad out here black folks. Riding my motorcyle, I was pulled over because my visor was "partily up" on my helmet. mind you you DO NOT need a helmet in PA. I was given a warning and let go. I guess I should not have been in Malvern and to stay out. when i arrived home and watched the documentary with Morgan Freeman and the children with the intergrated prom I again had it hit on my head. They do not want us around them and will do anything to make it uncomfortable for us to stay. Too bad Mr Gates dont get this. They dont want him there and every once in a while make it uncomfortable and remind him who he is - Filth beneath their shoe.

Trust, I will do all that I have to to protect mine. I have taken shooting lessons and will get a permit to carry.

The war is coming.

La♥audiobooks said...

ActsofFaithBlog said...
"You did cover all the angles though, the classism, sexism, her skin shade and features how the blacks abandoned her. Bravo!"

Yes, he sure did. Bravo!

alicia banks said...

rippa:

ditto!!!

obama was less tame than usual
but still far too tame for me

and why could obama not just say the word "RACISM" ONCE????

i remain underwhelmed by the safe tame gray obama/gwb 2.0

__

re dubois

yes
once he was a euro clone of skip
and a rival to garvey

but at the end of his life he hated america and wrote only about the PERMANENCE of racism in amerikkka as he lived in exile
as a black rebel....and a LITERAL pan-african garvey clone

i hate skip because he feigns/ bastardizes/arrests/abbreviates the ENTIRE legacy of dubois!
___

i adore soledad o
and i loved pt 1 of bia 2
anxious to see pt 2 this pm

http://www.geocities.com/ambwww/gates.htm

Lisa J said...

Bummer that he didn't speak up for her. I guess he goes in CYA mode and look out for your own. I had read about this young lady and the situation was crazy. Some how I think if Muffy and Buffy had drug dealer boyfriends and said boyfriend was a murder suspect I doubt they'd be held up from graduating. DOes anyone know if the girls got their diploma but weren't allowed to walk or if they will not give them their diploma? That seems wrong, I don't care what you did, after your schooling has been paid for (scholarship or not) and you have completed all your requirements with sufficient grade, you should get your diploma. And I know their are some Harvard grads who have actually commited crimes (see wall street) do they strip them of those. Snooty weasels.

I still like Skip but would like to bitch slap him for saying he'd get that bitch some flowers. She'd get a cursing out from me and I'd tell her she'd best remember my face and those of any other black members of my family if she doesn't want a foot up her a$$.

oh and anon 2:10, you so crazy!

west coast story said...

Oh christo, the crabs are circling in the barrel. Two days ago Gates was a victim and today he is an Uncle Tom. Negroes are the most easily manipulated human beings on this earth. Okay, after the Taliban stepford sisters.

This story reeks to high heaven. I'd like to hear from the other side on this one.

west coast story said...

As for the neighbor, I want my neighbors to call the cops if they think I am being burgled. I'm still trying to figure out how this is her fault. You all act like you were there, that you were in this woman's head and know what her motivation was.

The person who screwed up was the cop. The cop should have taken his tired ass out of the house once Gates established he was in his home. Bad mouthing a cop is not illegal. Having someone threaten to report you to your chief is not illegal. The cop is the one who created this mess with his uppity behavior over getting his tender feelings hurt.

If I was sick from bronchitis, and had just returned from a a 20-hour flight, I wouldn't be kissing anyone's ass either. Blue uniform or not. If I was sick and tired on top of being profoundly insulted, I would have gone to jail too. Gates stood up for himself and that's field negro behavior in my 'hood.

Dmd said...

Gates made a fool of himself. If I were a police officer, I'd look for any possible excuse to arrest someone acting like that regardless of their color. I mean damn! Dude shows up (potentially risking his life) to defend your property from a potential break-in, and instead of laughing about the mixup, and being thankful for the well-performed work, you flip out and call the man a racist!!?!! Sure the cop over-reacted. If it were me though, his reaction would have been an under-reaction from what I'd have liked to do, namely bitch-slap the prof.

I keep thinking about various situations in which a black man could equally humorously yell out "This is what happens to black men in America!!" Let's see:

1) When stopped at a DUI checkpoint
2) When made to go through airport security
3) When firefighers restrain you from going back into your burning inferno of a house for your pet fish
4) When getting shot by another black man

Ok, that last one isn't funny. Just tragically true, but not nearly as fun to shout about because it's much tougher to blaim whitey with that one. As for the first three, they seem to have similar character as the actual incident insofar as they all serve to protect both the public and the individual in question and are performed by public servents.

I'm puzzled why the neighbor keeps getting ridiculed for calling the cops, and why folks keep insinuating she's racist too. I'd be thankfull my neighbors called the cops! For real! What's the lady supposed to do? Amble on over for a closer look to make sure it's not Gates locked out of his home?

This issue about this girl is tough to comment on... Like several people have already said, sounds like she made very poor choices for an extended period of time in regards to her friends, and in the end paid a heavy price. Sounds like the real failure in black leadership came well before she was kicked out... How can a young lady like that make it into Harvard, and yet have no one in her life that told her the possible consequences of hanging out with the wrong crowd? Of course, it's quite possible she *was* told and made the adult choice to associate with whom she would, and accept the consequences as they came. Ain't nothing wrong with a person paying the price for the choices she made. But we, and I, don't know the details, so the above is all speculation. I certainly wish her well, but find it tough to blaim Gates and others for her predicament.

Anonymous said...

That's the typical mindset among the black community: The only oppressors are white and the only victims are black males.

Vérité Parlant said...

Yes, well, when I watched Black in America last night, I realized that my invitation to The Tuxedo Ball must've been lost in the mail.

N.

BSweet said...

"If marrying me makes you less black, then WTF are we all fighting for?"
(??)
Oh, so it should be a privilege to become less "black", why fight it. LOL. Ok, I'll get more serious now. (clearing throat)

*It is not a privilege to be white or black. We are PEOPLE. Celebrate your heritage. I do. But when black people reject each other for not being black enough, or for whatever reason like that, I think you are working against yourselves. For instance, the black mother who loves one child more than another due to the variation of cafe au lait skin tone vs. blue black. Does that make sense?

"I'm for racial equality".

Racial equality for who/what? Black males and white females to sex and marry each other at disproportionate rates? What about equality for all black/white IR relationships where more white males would eventually prefer to marry black females? Are you for that too?

*In my family we have several white men married to black women. So F U. Don't you assume that about me. You don't know me. I said EQUALITY. That means everybody.

..."then we all might as well go live in separate cities, countries, whatever."

In other words, if blacks don't show they are willing to appease or assimilate into white society in whatever capacity, then they should go live elsewhere.

Incognita - Seriously? I mean...seriously? You get that from what I said? Oh brother.

"Hard to say who you will fall in love with."

Not necessarily, if someone has interest or preference for a particular race, then it wouldn't be too difficult to choose a partner from within that preferred race. It's simple arithmetic, nothing more. I hate to break it to you, but before your husband met you, he was most likely in the market for a white female.

Incognita - I am married to an Italian. My first husband was black. I am attracted to tall, darkish men. So what? What's it to you? Why do you care so much about other people's love lives, unless you feel a distinct disadvantage? Well, do you?

"I may be white, but I am one hell of a woman. Any man would be lucky to have me, black or white or whatever."

You sound insecure, not a surprise. I realize it must be easier for white women like you to believe you were special picked for whatever personal qualities you thought you beheld - oppose to just being that "any ol white girl would do" based on your 'fair' skin and the race-social attributes you tend to present. How threatening must that thought be to think that another white female with "bigger" and "better" blue eyes/blonde hair could easily replace you due to your husband's superficialities. Sure, go and head and tickle your fancy...

*I'm not threatened and I am not insecure. You are also making a wide jump in assuming I am blonde/blue. Does being attracted to a "blue/blonde" necessarily make you superficial?

"How black does a person have to be to be acceptable to the black community?"

They are the ones who don't usually want to be considered "black" much less have any association with the black community. They only accept "us" when your kind turn on them, then they end up on our door stop trembling with a t-shit for us to wear.

*Okay, so it's US and THEM and "your kind" now, is it? Isn't that how racism started in the first place?

"Quit it with that crap. It perpetuates the B.S. Varying shades of black equals how valuable you are. Shoot. You all know that's wrong, so cut it out."

Where were you when Campbell was being crucified? And save the condescending white savior shit. I hope you also go preach the 'good word' to other white fellowmen where it usually counts. I hope I covered most of it.

*This is the first I have heard about Campbell. I haven't had a chance to investigate that, and therefore I do not have an opinion. I am not condescending. If you feel that I am speaking condescendingly to you, perhaps it has more to do with you and your own self-view than it does me. I speak to you as an equal. Do you accept?

BSweet said...

Incognita - write me at home. I am really wondering why you are jumping on me for what you see as the wrongs of all white people. I'm not on here because I am against you.

wendybanchero@comcas.net

I have nothing to hide. I am a very honest person who is working to eradicate racism, no matter who and what. That means ALL PEOPLE.

Anonymous said...

Guys - in Atlanta - we have a county that serves as a test run for what life will be like when BLack people take over. It's called Clayton County.

NONE of you on here were upset when a Black sheriff fired 27 cops - most white - and marched them out with snipers having their guns pointed at them from the roof!

http://stuffblackpeopledontlike.blogspot.com/2009/07/112-reality-of-clayton-county.html


Clayton County is the first county in 40 years in America to lose its accreditation for its school systems, has a massive crime rate and is oh, 75 percent Black.

Alinda said...

given this post and the events this week leading up to it as well as the resultant discourse one might want to visit this link:

Racist Photo Distributed by AMA Delegate

BSweet said...

What is prejudice? It is thinking something about someone without really knowing anything about them. Modern definition, my words.

If you lump me in with whatever your view of white people is, you are doing the same disservice to me that you do not want done to you. Please, let us work together. That's all I have to say about that. Yeah, Forrest, whatever...

Rudy said...

Prejudice is warranted initially. Where we err is when we are presented with a circumstance where facts and instances counter our specific prejudice, but yet we continue to be prejudice with respect to that circumstance.

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hi Field,

I don't even think the circumstances with Chenequa Campbell and Dr. Gates are even REMOTELY similar....

Chenequa is a 21-year old (not a 10-year old) and she made a decision to hang with blacks who were associated with the drug trade and then screamed racism when she was suspected of being part of the drug trade.

Blacks on campus are not obligated to jump to the defense of someone who created a dubious situation for herself. After FOUR years at Harvard, she still doesn't know that if you choose to hang with blacks who are engaged in criminal activities, you could be implicated? Really?

This was a surprise to her?

Blacks are not obligated to jump to the defense of everyone and anyone who screams racism.

Black unity is dead. It has been dead for a long time. Any blacks who walk around with an expectation that other blacks should have their backs really need to have their admission ticket to Fantasy Island revoked...

Right now.

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

@ Nordette

Ummmm... there aren't actually "invites" to the ball...

Those who belong there already know when it is and where it is...

I loooved when Carlotta said, "you don't have to be wealthy to come to the ball, you just have to be in the group...."

Spoken like a true elitist! And I say that as a high compliment! *grins*

vanishing point said...

@bsweet:
"I have nothing to hide. I am a very honest person who is working to eradicate racism, no matter who and what. That means ALL PEOPLE."

maybe u don't mean to sound condescending or privileged, maybe u might be unaware, in a deep sleep, so to speak, to the unfair level of power of whiteness and white racism, ie: nobody has to be your friend, or "accept" your claim of equality or email u just because you tell them to.

perhaps i am reading u wrong, but it seems to me that you are saying that having sex or marrying a black man will cure racism, which is just not true. Whiteness, unfair double standards, the villification of a group of people, that is the problem.

Whitney B. said...

Off topic
@ Kid...........


Hey Kid,

Sorry I didn't get back with you yesterday. I got some bad news and got drunk and disorderly. God knows what I wrote on my facebook site!

See if you can keep track of that house. I really am interested in buying it. I am a great admirer of one of the true American icons, Mr. Langston Hughes.

I have a friend who writes grants and is extremely successful at getting funding for under privileged folk programs. She would be a great asset to this project I have in mind.

You can email me if you want:
wcbcwi@yahoo.com

Put "Kid reponds" in the subject line. Don't go to my link here because it goes directly into spam for some reason.

Whitney B. said...

Oh, yeah......I forgot my manners I was so excited!

Please and thank you several times over Kid!

Whitney B.

Christian H. said...

Wow, I usually don't participate in "black" things because I'm an American - or - A merry can as you say.

The reason is that WE BLACK MEN need to take our community back from the thugs.

I want to get a bunch of brothers together and get licensed to police our own streets.

My opinion is that we should ridicule and harass brothers not doing anything.

They use intimidation to tat up our beautiful women and worship illiterate rappers who couldn't get any other job.

I'm sick of it.

I work in an office with mainly white men and it gets sickening. They lie on their resumes, stab each other in the back, etc.

I've had "undercover" racist actions against me but the EEOC hasn't let me down.

I've never heard or seen anything openly racist because they know I don't joke around like that.

That's the key. Speak well. Be as black as you can and they will hide.

The next thing we need is to stop supporting these BUM ASS RAPPERS AND SORRY ASS ATHLETES.

They're the new HOUSE NIGGERS. They smile and shuffle for the white man but talk shit about brothers that have been to college and dress like it.

I grew up in Philly and my brothers and sisters were harassed when they went to Northeast for school. Sorry right?

I went to Central HS and even there it wasn't expected that I excel.

Anonymous said...

Actually, both Gates and the cop could have excercised more restraint. Gates should have shut up and the cop should have walked away. Gates should have realized that the cop could find something to use against him, no matter how petty, in the town laws. If you are truly Black in AmeriKKKa, you know this.

And I want my neighbors to call 5-0 if they see any suspicious people around my house because I don't want to be sued when the dobies get through with them!!!!

I wonder if Chanequa had actually finished her requirements and if there were any evidence, however circumstantial, to connect her with illicit activity? Such as letting unauthorized persons in the dorm? If so, and she was suspended and required to move out of the dorm, then graduation isn't on the table and race isn't a factor. Before you jump all over me, read some of the guidelines for your own Alma Mater. You'd be surprised at what Administration can actually do in regards to participation in official activities.

Whitney B. said...

@Eco.Soul.Intellectual and Field,

What were you all expecting from Soledad O'Brien? She's from the Curic School, not journalism school, as most of them are these days. These are not hard journalists like Cronkite and Morrow.

I did some further research on this topic and school's still out in my book.

Word verification is apropos:
dimism......perhaps a new word for today's broadcasters.

Anonymous said...

"..She'd get a cursing out from me and I'd tell her she'd best remember my face and those of any other black members of my family if she doesn't want a foot up her a$$."

SOME Blacks are such big mouth bad asses. They love to threaten and tell people off. That is what makes them so desirable and easy to get along with.

A neighbor tries to help another neighbor and that neighbor curses them out. That makes no sense. Well, I wouldn't want to be around that person nor would I ever give a damn who enters that house again.

vanishing point said...

Well, to weigh in on Chanequa, since she didn't get charged or convicted of anything, she should have been allowed to go to the commencement.

plus, don't all those dorms have people who live and work in the dorms to monitor activity in the dorm? where were they when this murder happened?

plus, saying she was hanging out with drug dealers, plenty of white people probably dealing drugs on campus, they all probably graduate too.

Whitney B. said...

After reading the comments, I see the tide sure has changed today toward Skip Gates. I guess the first clue should have been the nickname. Skip, Scooter, Bunny, Buffy. These are elite preppy names.

A Person of Interest said...

Whitney B. said...
After reading the comments, I see the tide sure has changed today toward Skip Gates.


Yep. Rosa Parks is riding in the front of the bus Gates got thrown under.

west coast story said...

Maybe this is why O'Brien feesl some kinship to her subject matter. T

http://www.teachersofcolor.com/2009/07/soledad-o%E2%80%99brien-the-%E2%80%9Ccnn-presents-black-in-america-2%E2%80%9D-interview-july-92009/

As I stated in an earlier post after Black in America I, I have a close relative who has worked in television for a few decades and knows Soledad well. When I told here about the bitching on this site about the first series, she shoved the personal BS aside and wanted to know about the reporting, which she says is all that should count.

Never mind substance when you can fight over style.

Whitney B. said...

A Person of Interest,

Beautiful. Couldn't have said it better than that myself! Clever and ever so sum-acious!

@ Everyone dissing black men marrying white women, making them less that "black". My argument would be because I am white and my best friend forever (or whatever that BFF means) is black, she is less black for that? Am I missing something here?

And, to be inclusive; what about white men and black women dating or marrying? Or, is it because women aren't as important as men?

Personally, I think it is good to mix-it-up. Look at Appalachia and then tell miscegenation is wrong.

Just wondering.....

west coast story said...

Anyone know what a t-shit is? Is it what you wear when you spend too much worrying about what color women black men marry?

Why do you care? Do you realize how really bad this makes you look? Whining because black men you don't even know marry white women, or non black women, and crying because there's no equality about white men pursuing black women. Who cares?

Whitney B pulls your chain and you dance like a marionette (notice I didn't say dummy).

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with your compatriot Field. I just recently graduated from college and know almost too well the black elite syndrome. You must be seen and be known to be with the crew. If your not then life is hard in college. I just left it alone but its hard not to feel left out or drawn in. It's particualrly hard on the women. I know for a fact that this girl was thrown under the bus. As they say, " Some Skinfolk are not my kinfolk."

Unknown said...

Field,

Now you are talking. In your post you forgot to mention the issue of gender though. If you are a dark skinned "African looking" woman. You are pretty much on your own. And people wonder why some Black women are now taking the serious position of not defending Black men on anything.

Its real

@AB where ever you are.

I am finishing the Color Complex. Oh my! It explains too well what is going on with these two cases.

Unknown said...

By the way, werent't the talented tenth mostly Light skinned Blacks?
This road is long.....

Antonio said...

So has anyone read the cops' response to the controversy? He had a family to think about!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/23/officer.gates.arrest/index.html

Oh wow, officer good to know you ably defended yourself against that 60 year old man! Who knows what he would've done!

*sigh*

alicia banks said...

grata:


this blog is on fire today!
i am just quietly enjoying posts...

glad u love that book as i do!

it is a masterpiece akin to 8 yrs of formal superb black studies courses!

a book i will always cherish
sso glad you like it!

see similar books listed here:

http://www.geocities.com/ambwww/colorism.htm

alicia banks said...

grata:

oops!

wrong link...sorry

that book list is here:

http://www.geocities.com/ambwww/blacklove.htm

mellaneous said...

What up Field! Good observations today. Skip Gates proved that he has been sheltered from the real black experience by screaming at the cops as if he had no idea that the cops have little respect for black folks and most other folks that "work" for a living.

And I hope someone reaches out Chanequa and her friend. This sounds like a grave injustice. Its hard to believe that they weren't allowed to graduate because of their associations. It sounds real un-American to me. While many white folks still blame the victim and deny that a double standard is reserved for black folks I wonder what the doubters make of this.

I wonder is there something we-- that is me you and your readers --can do --something concrete-- for these sisters. Especially since their more elitist cousins kept hands off. But its not just the elitist Negroes that leave brothers and sisters out to dry because the circumstances were not entirely clean. What we forget too often is that folks have rights in this country, even if they are guilty of a crime or "sin" there is always some kind of due process. And when there isn't-- which may have been the case with Chanequa-- we should take to the streets and demand one.

Of course you are watching Black in America, doesn't it seem like a National Geographic special? Its like look at these Negroes they are shy,tender, bighearted, unselfish. Bad public schools, no national will to improve them, white kids somehow getting educated, but look at these Negroes pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. And look at the poor well off Negroes seperating themselves to remind them and others that "we be better than the rest of dem Negroes.

liberation then peace

A Person of Interest said...

I can't speak for Harvard, but I know if I had been caught with drugs or guns in my dorm room in college, that would have been all it took to get me expelled so fast I would have been looking for a job at Taco Bell the next day.

No matter what damn color I was.

alicia banks said...

ditto apoi!

real cold brutal life lessons trump academic ones always

i feel for this girl
but she has indelibly learned:

it is who you know not what you do

&

thugs and their thugettes (even if elite connected protected wanabees) = fatal liabilities even by casual association!!!....leave them all be

__

does anyone know about the elite girl who was allowed to stay?

more of our college kids MUST realize: when in rome, do as the romans do!!!

that is: leave the ghetto/thugs in the ghetto!

bon soir all
ab

alicia banks said...

ps us:

until you graduate

then it is your fn duty to help other ghetto kids up and out!!!

bye

RiPPa said...

After reading some of these comments earlier today I was compelled to do this:

*deep sigh*

My Apologies to Soledad O'Brien and CNN on behalf of the United Negroes of America


Hopefully none of you are offended after reading it.

Unknown said...

Henry Louis Gates and other "black intellectuals" have been pimping the Black Community for years. They seem less concerned with the struggle and advancement of Black people than the advancement of their own wealth and prestige.

Anonymous said...

Give me a break!! WHy is it that every time something bad happens to a Black woman, it has to be because of her hair, skin tone or socio-economic statsu? The young lady was a student at Harvard! She is NO HOOD RAT! Stop trying to make it seem like she is some hard luck case. If she was hanging out with a murderer, then maybe she isn't as smart as the typical Harvard student. You ever think about that? Henry Gates is nobody's Uncle Tom and his situation had absolutely nothing to do with what happend to this young lady. The attempt to connect the two reflects the shortsighted, insecurity of the author of this ridiculous article. How many top professors at any school give a damn about any undergrad? Please! Most undergrads would never even set foot in a class taught by someone of Gates' stature on a campus like Harvard, much less actually get to hear him lecture. You guys need to get a clue.

Anonymous said...

"The attempt to connect the two reflects the shortsighted, insecurity of the author of this ridiculous article."

I don't know about Field, but I like the article and am not insecure. You see it is the "Gate's of the world you are insecure. They trade their skin tone on our black backs allowing educational institutions and corporations to meet AA goals without having to see our African features on a daily basis. They were,9 of 10 time less qualified than their darker challenger for the position. Having secured the AA stop they spend their time putting great distance between themselves and the general black community and if they are in HR that aid and abet schemes to keep best qualidied blacks from securing positions.

When life remindes them they ain't white - they come running home and we take them back and even defend them.

An insecure person would not posit the issues in the first place.

La♥audiobooks said...

Bsweet said: ”It is not a privilege to be white or black

Says you, the "colorblind" white woman.

"But when black people reject each other for not being black enough, or for whatever reason like that, I think you are working against yourselves.

Could the “whatever reason like that” apply to the many black males who openly reject black females based on skin hue and facial features? Or will you accuse me of making that stuff up?

”In my family we have several white men married to black women.

Sure. And do these black women look like Chenequa Campbell? Or do they look closer to Mariah?

”So F U

You will never know the pleasure.

”I am married to an Italian. My first husband was black."

Yup, I knew off the bat you were either married to a black man or dating one. And I’m not surprised it didn’t last either.

”Okay, so it's US and THEM and "your kind" now, is it? Isn't that how racism started in the first place? "

Ah no mi amor, not the good old reverse psychology with a twist of reverse racism.... And don’t try to flip the script with me, I know my history. It started with “your kind” and it’s still being perpetuated by “your kind” to this day. So if you want to give somebody a 'good talking to', go give it to your kind.

”I speak to you as an equal. Do you accept?

You remind me of my white kindergarten teacher. Being arrogant and condescending didn’t impress me back then either.

”I am a very honest person who is working to eradicate racism, no matter who and what

Well, offering of white vaginas to black men isn’t going to heel the world from various discrimination, or end world wide racism. Who told you that? LOL

”Incognita - write me at home."

Usually when people ask for you to contact them in private, it sometimes mean they realized they got in over their heads, and they fear a nasty public retort in he making. And of course, I once had my email altered in the past, I'm not gonna fall for that trick bag. LOL. Have no fear, I wasn't that bad (as I could be in a private email). I didn’t snap my fingers and roll my neck while I was typing either (I don't even know if that's humanly possible). We are both adults who have a difference in opinion. Simple. But I think Kathy @ 2:51 PM said it best.

La♥audiobooks said...

For anyone who may be confused on my position on IR relationships: My main interest is geared towards the betterment of black females, and to see more black women in loving relationships/marriages with men or women of any race. I rarely support black males in IR relationships because there's nothing in it for black females. Literally. I make no apologies if I seem bias. Due to rampant colorism, and intra-gendered racism that many black men have bestowed on black women, I am forced to be bias and unapologetic.

Black males who date and marry non-black females claim they do so because they choose to be "colorblind" and not to see color. I think it's more accurate to say they most likely choose not too see black women, or not to see the color "black" when they make their dating selection.

So now, when these same "color blind" black males find themselves in a racial jam, why do some people expect black women to see his color and expend their energy for his added support? Yet, black women are not allowed to see the color of his wife or girlfriend when she's non-black. Too many people out here want black women to "see", and not to "see" color when it suits them.


For the one who's seeking my attention: I could only speak for myself, I don't speak for all black females, including you. Many times I have read your pathetic Aunt Jemima fence riding comments and I don't negate the things you say. Go ahead and 'transcend' race if it makes you feel more compliant.

I am not you, and don't you ever try to negate my opinion or accuse me of "crying" over black men or anybody because I choose to talk about things that "embarrass" or make you feel discomfort. It may not be your experience, and it may not be mine, but it's the experiences of too many black women. You will never silence me. If you think you despise me now, don't make me give you a reason.

La♥audiobooks said...

Anony 7:19 said "If she was hanging out with a murderer, then maybe she isn't as smart as the typical Harvard student. You ever think about that?"

Yes, she should have been mingling with those white typical Harvard students because none of them could ever be a murdering drug dealing criminal, nor will they ever know of any in their life time. (And I'm sure she rejected a colossal of friend requests from those white student on campus). At least Gates married one of them. Too bad she wasn't with him that day to protect him from racism.

kid said...

@ Whitney B. said...

I will see what is going on with the house.The article first appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.their site is Cleveland.com

I will see who owns the house and let you knw.

Black Rose said...

There is a huge difference between an
African American and a Black American...

Anonymous said...

Black Rose "There is a huge difference between an
African American and a Black American..."

What is the "huge" difference?

Truth prevails said...

Very few people here if any have mentioned anything about DUE PROCESS in the Chenequa case.Alot of people made alot of assumptions about her guilt.Alot of those assumptions seemed invalid because people were trying to put ALL the blame on the girl Chenequa when she was merely a friend of the suspects girlfriend.I guess because she's a girl from the "hood" some people don't feel she has that right.SMH classism is all i can think of

Lisa J said...

Anon 3:14, go fuck yourself. First of all no group is across the board so easy to get along with, 2nd of all to quote Archie Bunker, some of my best friends are white. And no I'm not going to thank some stupid white woman who should know the type of neighbors she had and recognize one of the most famous professors on campus. Your derisive and condesnending comments could lead me to say whites are so patronizing, condescending and feel an inordinate sense of superiority that makes them so easy to deal with. I am so sick of people like you.

BSweet said...

La Incognita - Not in over my head. Just not enough character space in this blog, and besides that, it's become between us and not the board, and not about Chenequa, off topic and belongs elsewhere.

I noticed on your page that you can argue in 3 languages. But can you make peace in any of them?

In my family, we have everything. The black women married to white men that I know are very African-American looking. I'd show you the link to my Facebook page, but that's not really going to help since you are just looking to put me down. Besides, that would be invading their privacy without permission.

No, you don't have to like me. But I am offering the olive branch. That was always my point. If we do not open up discussions amongst ourselves, how are we to being the healing process?

I've made my offer and it's up to you to accept or not. But how sad if you don't.

No, I do not think interracial marriage will solve the world's problems. Seriously? You got that from what I said? What I am saying is - Peace. You are a person and so am I. I am willing. Are you? That's it, no hidden agenda.

Also, if you get mad at your men for being with a white woman, should I therefore be angry at white men who date Asians? Or whatever? It translates out so many ways.

BSweet said...

Also, it irritates me that you act like black men just sort of choose white women and then wherever the arrows strikes...as if we have no say in the matter. I chose him just as he chose me.

Maybe I sound like your kindergarten teacher because I am older than you. Or because you are acting like a kindergartner? I have kids and you are acting just like them. Just all angry and not looking for a solution.

Whatever ye seek, ye shall find. What are you finding? What are you putting out? Put out anger, get anger back.

I am trying to make the world a better place for my having been here. And you? You're fighting. You're going to keep on fighting. Even during times of peace, or possible peace? Why not fight for that? I am.

Truth prevails said...

Well i read everything you B sweet and la cognita or whatever her names is wrote and not only does La make more sense than you she overall seems more honest and is in tune with the truth.The thing about the truth is it just is and it stands alone.You,B, cannot possibly understand where La is coming from cause you're not a black woman.You have not dealt with All the same issues that black women have and continue to face.Some of these issues despite you also being a woman you will never face because you're not a black woman.It's a b/w thang you would'nt understand cause you can't.Also I found what you said about La to be very hateful you know the part about her being ANGRY.Why does she have to be angy cause she does'nt agree with you.Did your man tell you that black women are angry.I bet he did.Fall back hater

Nik said...

"until you graduate

then it is your fn duty to help other ghetto kids up and out!!!"

----
no it's not. people have a duty to themselves (and *their* children) ONLY.

why do so many Black folks think somebody owes them something?

*the upper classes are obligated to help other Blacks

*the upper classes are obligated to let others into their group (many are whining over how the Black upper class excludes others from their group--how would they be elite if they didn't? and it's normal to exclude people).

*educated Blacks are obligated to help those still stuck in the hood.

*Black people are supposed to run to the defense of Blacks who yell 'racism' (thank you, Black Women Blow The Trumpet).

etc....
i don't get the "you owe me" attitude.

p.s. I would've ignored Ms Campbell, too. why would I taint myself by getting involved in that situation?

Anonymous said...

BSweet,
"I noticed on your page that you can argue in 3 languages. But can you make peace in any of them?"

"No, you don't have to like me. But I am offering the olive branch. That was always my point. If we do not open up discussions amongst ourselves, how are we to being the healing process?"

There are others far more courageous who are willing to explore and have an intelligent and respectful conversation. But you are wasting your time with her. Peace is not in her name.

Anonymous said...

WAKE UP KNEEGROWS!!! Dr. Clarke & Dr. Ben exposed Confessor, oH, my bag, Professor Gates years ago, along with a few other still living 'blocking the gates' legendary kneegrows. I had a total three of chips on my shoulders with Pro Gates he's added one more now. For digging in history you can redeem yourself with ordinary kneegrows. Now one chip for marrying that yt woman, one more for being mixed up at the top, instead of the spook who sat by the door, and for not voicing on Ms. Campbell's behalf, one more chip for breaking the camera lens with your stepandfetchit smile when you reported you were 56% inhumane, one more chip, four, for the utter shock you were in when officer Krowley re-instated your 'YOU JUST A NICCA' card, shoulda been settin' bombs by the door all these years like Dr. Ben and Dr. Clarke, I mean I don't expect no mentally cross idenity kneegrow to be no Malcolm, but us field kneegrows woulda lite the bombs. In other words that's the fourth chip on my shoulder with Skip'Gates'. So it would be a good idea to get that documentary you been hollin about rolling, and I want street and working class kneegrows to be the focus on the documentary, because if your name wasn't Professor Gates you might be shot or still locked up, that yt man knew who you were, they know every black family living in "so called elite neighborhoods" he was just re-instating that kneegrow card you dropped, it might be house kneegrow, but to him it's all the same, whatever, field, house. I guess ole' Skip got the warrant, oh, I mean point, kneegrowsssssssssssssssssssssssss

BSweet said...

I need more information. Why is it exactly that a black man dating a white woman is only seeing her for superficial reasons? Why is it not the same if a black woman dates a white man?

Why do I feel that some people here are just as racist and separatist as my redneck country cousins I won't bother talking to because there's no talking to them?

People are PEOPLE. We're people first. Are we not? What am I missing here? I'm for the advancement of people, and I believe race relations in America is a huge, huge issue. I'll admit, I am awkward in my approach, but I am sincere and willing.

BSweet said...

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.

-Maya Angelou

Truth prevails said...

To blackwomenblowthetrumpet.I agree it was not those other kids responsibility to defend Chenequa but it also was not their place to spread a campaign against her.The fact of the matter is some of those kids publicly spoke against her saying they did'nt believe her etc.They did not allow that young lady Due process at all.Everyone is entitled to due process.There were blatant prejudices against that young lady based on her name alone by other black people.Also she should have chosen her friends much more wisely however some of the time it does'nt work like that.Sometimes you don't know who you're dealing with until stuff hits the fan.I'm disappointed in the young lady being discarded before even being proven guilty of any wrongdoing.You know other than being named Chenequa and having a friend who's boyfriend is a criminal.I always ask if she would've been treated differently or shown more sympathy had she been a b/m or had a different name and not came from brooklyn.I saw alot of prejudice being shown to this young lady in plenty of black message boards before all the facts even came out and we still don't know if the young lady was guilty of any wrong doing.The other black kids on campus should'nt have said anything good or bad until facts came out and then after that's only if they chose to do so.

Anonymous said...

"Why do I feel that some people here are just as racist and separatist as my redneck country cousins I won't bother talking to because there's no talking to them?"

You hit the nail on the head.

Maryscott OConnor said...

Another Black Person Murdered by Cops:

http://www.myleftwing.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=25247

Unknown said...

"glad u love that book as i do!

it is a masterpiece akin to 8 yrs of formal superb black studies courses!"




AB,

Thanks. I am done with the book and passing it on to my sister. It is sobering. Will check out the site. I want more....