Why we should've been boycotting the Oscars all along.

As many of you may know, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee have both announced that they are going to Boycott the Oscars because of their lack of Diversity.

While I still find Jada Pinkett-Smith's decision somewhat suspect (not because I dislike her, but because the timing seems a little... convenient?), she does bring up a lot of valid points.

The problem with the Oscars though, is that they have ALWAYS favoured the White Majority. If you look at a list of Women who have won an Academy Award for Best Actress on Wikipedia, there is one Person of Colour (POC).

Halle Berry is the ONLY WOC (woman of colour) to have won for Best Actress. Ever. Now, she isn't the only one to have been nominated, but I find it interesting that she is the only one to have ever WON. Seriously, the Oscars have been handing out awards since 1929.

So, because my interest was piqued, I went researching and here are my results (if you care to read them).

Since the first Oscar was given to Emil Jannings in May 1929 here are the number of People of Colour who have won for Best Actor or Best Actress.

In 1956, Yul Brynner became the first Asian to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for the musical "The King and I."

In 1982, Ben Kingsley became the first person of South Asian Descent to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Gandhi."

In 1950, Jose Ferrer became the first Latino/Hispanic to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Cyrano de Bergerac."

In 1963, Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Lilies of the Field."

In 2001, Denzel Washington became the second African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Training Day."

In 2004, Jamie Foxx won for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the movie "Ray."

In 2006, Forest Whitaker won for his portrayal of Idi Amin in the movie "The Last King of Scotland."

And, in 2001, Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. She won for "Monster's Ball."

So... You may have noticed that only ONE woman of Colour is on that list... Yeah. That's a problem. You may have also noticed that there are ZERO Indigenous peoples (i.e. Native Americans). Here is a nifty little break down of what we just read.

• 1 Latino

• 5 African-Americans

• 2 Asians

• 10 African-Americans (Though Lupita Nyong'o is actually a Mexican-born Kenyan woman)

• 7 Latinos/Hispanics

• 2 Asians

• 0 Indigenous peoples (AGAIN).

To name a few:
Seriously. So don't come at me with the whole "well there just weren't qualified POCs to play the parts" because it's simply NOT true. White people get the parts, even if the part calls for a POC. And there are several POCs who can pull in a crowd! Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Will Smith, Halle Berry, etc.
It's not that hard guys. They just don't really care about being diverse.
Hence the reasons we should've been boycotting them all along, instead of just this time.

8. 8 People of Colour have won for Best Actor or Best Actress since the start of it all in 1929.

EIGHT.

Now, if you will, please follow me to Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. This time in Chronological order!

In 1939, Hattie McDaniels became the FIRST African American to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind."

In 1952, Anthony Quinn became the first Latino/Hispanic to win an Oscar. He won for his role as Eufemio Zapata in "Viva Zapata!"

In 1956, Anthony Quinn won again for his role as Paul Gauguin in "Lust for Life."

In 1957, Miyoshi Umeki became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Katsumi in "Sayonara."

In 1961, Rita Moreno became the first Latina/Hispanic woman to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Anita in "West Side Story."

In 1982, Louis Gossett Jr became the first African American man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He won for his role as Sgt. Emil Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman."

In 1984, Haing S. Ngor became the first Asian man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He won for his role as Dith Pran in "The Killing Fields."

In 1989, Denzel Washington won for his role as Pvt. Tripp in "Glory."

In 1990, Whoopi Goldberg won for her role as Oda Mae Brown in "Ghost."

In 1991, Mercedes Ruehl won for her role as Anne in "The Fisher King."

In 1996, Cuba Gooding Jr won for his role as Rod Tidwell in "Jerry Maguire."

In 2000, Benecio del Toro won for his role as Javier Rodriguez in "Traffic."

In 2004, Morgan Freeman won for his role as Eddie 'Scrap-Iron' Dupris in "Million Dollar Baby."

In 2006, Jennifer Hudson won for her role as Effie White in "Dreamgirls."

In 2007, Javier Bardem won for his role as Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men."

In 2008, Penélope Cruz won for her role as Maria Elena in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

In 2009, Mo'Nique won for her role as Mary Lee Johnston in "Precious."

In 2011, Octavia Spencer won for her role as Minny Jackson in "The Help."

In 2013, Lupita Nyong'o won for her role as Patsey in "12 Years a Slave."

If you are thinking that 19 people of colour in this category is fine, even though that's 19 out of the past 87 years, you're a jerk.

Break down:

As a comparison: 67 White People have won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor/Actress versus the 19 People of Colour. 67 to 19.

Even better comparison: 79 White People have won Oscars for Best Actor/Actress versus 8 People of Colour.

And don't even get me started on how Hollywood has fucked over the LGBTQIA community while claiming to love them. That's a rant for another day (I'm looking at you "Danish Girl").

Here's what this boils down to, if you really want my opinion (of course you do, that's why you're reading this!):

If you look at the list of Best Supporting Actors/Actresses, the majority of those roles revolve around long held stereotypes against those minorities. That's what Hollywood gives Actors/Actresses of Colour. Stereotypes.

More often than not, you find an Actor/Actress of colour forced into a role that is stereotypical to their particular race. Or you find White actors/actresses who are playing a POC.

Mickey Rooney
Marlon Brando
Robert Downey Jr
Angelina Jolie

A Conversation about Books

I love reading.

Books are my happy place. Always have been. I don't remember a time that being in a book store didn't make me ridiculously giddy.

Except today.

Today being in Barnes and Noble made me angry. It made me angry for a few reasons.

1. The "Men's Interest" section (which I've spoken about before) still has the same set up.
Fishing, hunting, having rock hard abs, half naked women, guns, fast cars. There were no Men of Colour on any of those magazines. Not a single one. This also goes back to the sad societal fact that Men are regarded as cavemen. They are incapable of feeling anything except for raging lust and the desire to kill things. We, as a society, have decided that this is what the definition of Masculinity IS. There is no room for people who are different. Especially if they are of a different ethnicity. Because we like to WHITE WASH everything.

2. The "American History" section.
In this section of the store I counted only 3 or 4 books that were dedicated to People of Colour. And none of them were dedicated to peoples from the Asian continent. One book was on escaped Slave narratives (which ARE important to American History, but ONE is NOT enough!), one book was written by Condoleeza Rice, one was about Rosa Parks and one about a Military Officer's wife during a Crow Indian uprising. I only count that one because it does involve Native peoples. As a book ABOUT Native Peoples... That's debatable. That's it. And the American History shelves were rather large. They could've held a whole shelf dedicated to Civil Rights, Emancipation, Native People's history, etc. Did they? Nope. Not at all.

3. The "Civil War" section.
In this section there were literally NO books on Peoples of Colour. None. And I saw ONE book on Women. That was it. I do believe the Civil War was an integral part of History, but there were more than WHITE MEN involved in that period of Time.

4. The "World History" section.
Basically it was all European history with a smidgen of African history thrown in for good measure. There was a small amount of Middle Eastern history, but almost exclusively in how it correlated to America. Last I checked that was NOT the extent of the World...

5. The Store in General.
I wandered around the store and found very few books that pertained to People of Colour or were written by People of Colour except in the Classics sections... This bothers me. Not just because its all White Washed all the time, but because Authors of Colour write books ALL THE TIME. Not just way back when.

So, I think from now on I'll shop at Second-hand stores or online where I can find variety that isn't completely white washed and only about Men.

#FreeBree

In case you haven't heard, this was a thing...



Bree Newsome, an activist, took matters into her own hands and did a beautiful, brave and AMAZING thing by taking down one of the BIGGEST symbols of racism in America. She's right, we shouldn't have to wait for some White Lawmaker to take it down. We shouldn't have to wait to take down a symbol of tyranny.

#FreeBree #FreeJames #KeepItDown

Not sure who drew this but I'd pay to have it on my wall. Today we witnessed history. #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/oDm8tw4DbO

— Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism) June 27, 2015

Non-POC ask often how they can be an ally. James Tyson, who stood at the base of the flag pole as @BreeNewsome climbed. THAT'S an ally.

— April (@ReignOfApril) June 27, 2015

"She needed a superhero so she became one." #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/ifh4FChDot

— Rahiel Tesfamariam (@RahielT) June 27, 2015

Calamity

This is what is going on in America.

9 #BreloTrial cops file federal lawsuit, saying they are victims of racial discrimination http://t.co/guAdR9Hlm5 pic.twitter.com/pX5OaptgU3

— deray mckesson (@deray) May 24, 2015

That comfortability with white supremacy is a privilege, and silence about the violence and injustice of white supremacy is complicity.

— Ryan Dalton (@capetownbrown) May 24, 2015

Black women challenge new ordinance for evening curfew in Oakland with peaceful protest at 7p https://t.co/6vr7hekUTL pic.twitter.com/k42gnCxUJ8

— Dave Id (@DaveId) May 23, 2015

We don't do hands up in #CLE. We won't surrender. It's #fistupfightback pic.twitter.com/A0hhFtALhR

— Rachelle Smith (@rachology216) May 23, 2015

Obama's First Week On Twitter Meets A Racist Welcome Wagon http://t.co/oDsRQZWZyQ pic.twitter.com/tqqzRHEXi3

— Blavity (@Blavity) May 23, 2015

Maybe its just me- There is a difference between protest and riots- and its not based on color as the media thinks #BlackLivesMatter

— Marie (@GaryMillrat) May 23, 2015

Josh Duggar was a "minor" when he molested his sisters but Tamir Rice and Travyon Martin were "men" shot dead for holding candy and toy guns

— Terrell J. Starr (@Russian_Starr) May 22, 2015

#EmmaSulkowicz *waits for angry men to come in my mentions* pic.twitter.com/DX3I4GoQGs

— Zain (@theparkyeol) May 22, 2015

Soldier dies in police custody screaming: I'm choking on my blood http://t.co/yyhkpYaUoM Warning: Video hard to watch pic.twitter.com/L1vONoBS4d

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) May 18, 2015

I'm sick over #HeatherHironimus being forced to "consent" to her son's #genitalmutilation. http://t.co/vYpFipDdCI

— Sarai Lillie (@wicked_roses) May 22, 2015

On #TamirRice and the "potential charges" http://t.co/fZNdL8ZsnP pic.twitter.com/5ik3Q5N4tV

— deray mckesson (@deray) May 22, 2015

They Love Our Bodies but Not Us: Powerful Images From #SayHerName Demonstrations http://t.co/Q805x1oSAL pic.twitter.com/ArNkC0O458

— Blavity (@Blavity) May 22, 2015

White bikers riot in #TwinPeaksShooting. Kill 9. 1000 guns. Arrests. Black men suspected of stealing. Skateboards. Shots. #OlympiaShooting

— Crystal L. Cochren (@CrystalCochren) May 21, 2015

“@_NeverFell_Off: Rest In Power. #SayHerName #BlackWomenMatter pic.twitter.com/jXGmXn4MC0”@IndyFeminists

— Marie (@GaryMillrat) May 21, 2015

Two female inmates filed suit stating Rikers guards repeatedly & openly raped them & others: http://t.co/rznxR3tkQk pic.twitter.com/HAxxvGWO2K

— Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) May 20, 2015

“Nobody is more dangerous than he who imagines himself pure in heart; for his purity, by definition, is unassailable.” - James Baldwin

— Ryan Dalton (@capetownbrown) May 21, 2015

Dear white people https://t.co/8TsXwb2q9T

— Afrikan (@Homesterkid) May 21, 2015

Black men in 6 cities are more likely to be killed by police than in a car accident. (via http://t.co/f0GwfHMHQH) pic.twitter.com/j57WDVZgWD

— deray mckesson (@deray) May 21, 2015

“I never have been in despair about the world. I’m enraged by it. I can’t afford despair.”-James Baldwin

— zellie (@zellieimani) May 18, 2015

Minnesota's first hijab wearing police woman http://t.co/sV6kQNAi1H #mvslim pic.twitter.com/UZqqfweJyT

— Khaled Bey (@KhaledBeydoun) May 17, 2015

The violence in Baltimore the media won't show you http://t.co/EMWc3taTJU #baltimoreuprising #staywoke pic.twitter.com/pXt5DZa0BK

— Blavity (@Blavity) May 17, 2015

Quick Rant.

Quick Rant.
1. Stop trying to demean someone else's experience by saying "Not all police men," "not all men," "not all white people," etc... YES not ALL police officers, men or white people behave a certain way. That is true! However, if you are using it against someone who has experienced something terrible at the hands of *insert person type here* then you are being just as BAD. I'm so tired of seeing people saying "if this officer had been black he would've gotten away with it..." or "would the media have reported about this if a woman had done it?" That's BS and it completely demeans the experiences of people.

2. YES bad things happen to EVERYONE. That is true! Its NOT a contest! No one has had it as bad as you think you have. We're humans. We're never going to fully understand each other because how we experience things is unique to US as INDIVIDUALS. That being said, don't come in and say that a guy who has been molested doesn't understand being raped because he is a guy. That's simply not true. And its not a contest. Stop making it a contest! If we would all just SUPPORT EACH OTHER through the bull instead of trying to make ourselves out to be the bigger victim we'd a bit better off.
3. People just need to stop doing bad things to each other! Seriously. How hard is it to be kind to someone? Just because you don't understand something, doesn't mean You have the right to judge!! DON'T JUDGE. We're all just trying to make it in this world. And its a crappy one. So, instead of making it harder on someone else, why don't you mind your own business and just love? Its not you. Just let it go.
End Rant.

"I Can't Breathe."

I am at a loss for words.

Normally I can't hold back from ranting about things. Especially like this. Especially like now.

I don't know what to say. Every time I try to speak, I just can't.

"I can't breathe."

"Atticus--" said Jemm bleakly. He turned in the doorway.

"What, son?"
"How could they do it? How could they?"
"I don't know but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it--seems that only children weep."

- Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird"

(Photo belongs to "Humans of New York")

Ebola.

I will never forget when a customer tried to tell me that the person who died from Ebola here in the US was from Africa. That he was an African. And I wanted to tell him that not every Black person he sees is from Africa. Just like how not every Korean, Japanese, Chinese or Thai person is from Asia. Just like not every white person is from England.

Maybe, if we taught critical thinking, proper grammar, how to back up what you say with facts and not just have a baseless opinion, etc... Maybe, the world wouldn't be such a mess.

And, no, I don't care that he was a man from Africa. That is completely beside the point. We always say people come from "Somewhere Else," ESPECIALLY if they aren't WHITE. Its the notion that just because someone has dark skin that automatically makes them from "Somewhere Else." That if someone has different characteristics they must be from "Somewhere Else."

I wore Hijab for several months and I was asked all the time "Where are you from?" and was met with "No, I mean, where were you from originally?"

The notion that differences mean "Somewhere Else."

YOU can't be from here, because YOU are different.

And that bothers me.

Odd Dream #?

I was in an old house, finely decorated so as to belong to someone fabulously wealthy. There was a large (v. LARGE) statue of a man who looked a lot like Alan Cumming. That was one end of the room. then there was a small section of the room that was like an inside garden that could be closed off from the other side of the room by shutters, thus obscuring the view of the statue from the bed.

Something was terribly wrong with this house though because there was some man, my husband I believe (who looked like Brad Pitt), who was trying to do me harm. Or I believed he was trying to do me some harm.

So... what else is a girl to do but try to call on the spirits to save her? And that's what I did... Apparently.

Alan Cumming statue was apparently "Uncle Vance" and he totally came to life to help me. And then he and my Brad Pitt look-a-like convinced me everything was in my head and that I was fine and the relationship was fine. Then Alan abandoned me.

Then I was in another house that was haunted and trying to help this mother, daughter and daughter's boyfriend... Which was weird. Especially because they looked like cartoons except for their eyes. At one point I even mentioned (I think to myself) how "real" their eyes looked.

Then I was in a grocery store, shopping with Pomegranate and somebody else. I discovered that Cap'n Crunch made "spicy" cereal AND bread. So, whilst trying to discover those things I came across these GIGANTIC eggs. Like, huge! And I stopped and wondered if I should buy them for shits and giggles.

Still trying to decide I walked down the frozen food aisle and Pomegranate jumped out of a freezer at me, trying to scare me.

Then I was on some brick street because of a party (or this might've been before the Alan Cumming statue, I'm not sure...) and heard that someone I disliked was going to be there so I was trying to escape and ended up in a dark room with Aunt Peggy's son. He was in a wheel chair and had an oxygen mask (which he does in real life, because he is dying of lung cancer) and he was trying to tell me something and Aunt Peggy's corpse was on a bed in the dark room.

Then I was doing a Historic House tour (like I did while I was visiting Massachusetts this month!) and I tried to squeeze through a section of the door (they made doorways tiny, btw) and barely made it through. Pomegranate was magically there again and says she's going to a different entrance. And this little woman (I'm assuming the tour guide) says that she has trouble fitting and she only ways 120 pounds.

Somewhere in this house I went into a bathroom and when I touched the handle everything went weird. Like, I legit felt everything go very weird both in the dream and in real life. I suddenly felt very sick, and then when I looked in the mirror my hair was done like this:


And I'm wearing something like this (except in Pink)


I am a serving girl in some rich person's house (the same house I was touring) and I am very close friends with a black servant (not slave, SERVANT). I look all around me and I see things I "like" (like on Facebook) and I think "How odd? I thought I was in pre-Facebook days?" And then I like something that pisses off my friend so I give her flowers... Like its a video game or something.

Anyway, we are the best of friends and we walk around and then somehow we end up making out and I woke up just as we had fallen to the floor from some crazy girl-on-girl sex.

I swear, I didn't eat anything before bed!

A Wish Upon a North Star

"[T]here was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other."

Today marks the 1st day of my favorite month (besides September of course). Black History Month!

The above quote is from Harriet Tubman, one of the most amazing women to live during that time. She is credited with having helped over 300 slaves to escape to Canada and the Northern states. She worked tirelessly, despite physical ailments and the danger of the job.

I would like to honor this woman today, for all the sacrifices she made and the beautiful life she led.

And the cries of the children were silenced.

I was going to hold off on writing about George Zimmerman and the conviction he should've received for the death of Trayvon Martin, but I can't.

I can't help but believe that Trayvon has become our modern day Emmett Till. And I'm not the only one who believes this. (Look up Emmett Till and you'll see what I'm talking about.)

From day one people tried to tear down Trayvon's image. Who cares if he wasn't perfect? Does that make it okay to kill someone? Does that suddenly mean that George Zimmerman is a hero rather than a criminal?

If Trayvon had been a white boy and George Zimmerman a black man, would he still be walking away scott free?

The One and Only

Has anyone seen the newest Cheerio commercial? It is one of the most precious commercials I've ever seen. It features a beautiful little girl (with the most amazing hair!) and her mom talking about the heart health of Cheerios. The little girl then runs off and dumps a bunch on her father's chest, because she wants his heart to be healthy.



Now, did you see anything wrong with that commercial?

No?

Neither did I. But apparently a bunch of people did.

I get really tired of blogging about how ignorant and racist people are. I get really tired of seeing it all over my computer screen. I get tired of hearing about the evils of immigration and the evils of gay sex and the evils of interracial relationships.

You know what I see when I watch that commercial? A little girl that loves her Daddy so much she wants him to be healthy. I don't see color, I don't see who her parents are. I see a child who loves their parent.

Its exhausting, sometimes. Standing up when everyone seems to have glued themselves to their seats. Seriously, this is 2013! GROW UP! We're not our ancestors, trapped in the muck and mire of hatred and ignorance. We are the NEW AGE. We are the FUTURE.

Its sad times when a Hispanic kid is told to "#gohome" simply because he is Hispanic. No one seems to care that he was born HERE and raised HERE. We see his skin and say "He's illegal."

We have a black president and everyone is up in arms about every little thing he does, even though the presidents before him did the same damn thing. You know why? Because he's Black and Bush was white. And even though the majority of people I know HATED Bush, they say Obama is awful and Bush was better and blah blah fucking blah!

I'm OVER it.

GROW THE FUCK UP PEOPLE!

Dear Mr. President

August 01st, 2012

Dear Mr. President,

It's a funny (as in weird) time right now, don't you think? All this insanity with your upcoming election (I am confident in your abilities as you can see) and the world is all a stage (as Shakespeare once said) set with chessmen. In the end it's kind of like that, a political checkmate with more than a chessboard at stake. Of course chess players don't usually play for keeps.

Mr. President, I am going to be honest, I'm not sure why I am writing you. My previous letter (before I was married I sent you a glittery Paris themed card) had a point. I wanted to tell you how much I supported you. I still support you (and not just because you were the first president I got to vote for). But this wasn't really going to be about that.

We're moving, not just as a country. Moving towards something ill-defined and frightening. I'm afraid, sir. Afraid that we're moving not for the better. We (the collective "we") have grown so lazy, prejudiced, paranoid and irrational. I feel like I'm trapped in the collective body of a rabid dog. I resist, but get pulled in again. It seems insane because it is.

Frankly, Mr. President, I could care less about your religious beliefs. The constitution (last I checked) said nothing about religion. I care that you have morals; compassion, honesty, etc. I don't care if you were born overseas or not (not that I believe you were, but I hear this ALL the time at work) because you were born to American citizens so it wouldn't matter anyway.

What I care about is you visiting the Colorado victims. I care about you paying the same amount of taxes I do. I care about you donating your Nobel Peace prize money. I care about you fighting for equal pay for equal work.

I care about you standing up for GLBTQ rights. I care about those things, Mr. President. I don't care if you worship Buddha or Krishna or Zeus for that matter. I do care if you use your power for good rather than "evil." Be Luke not Vader (well at the beginning Vader, you can be Vader overthrowing the Emperor. Huh, the Emperor could be Romney or big business and you could be Vader throwing them over the railing... Somehow I don't think I'll be getting a job creating your ads any time soon).

I'm sorry I ramble so, Mr. President.

I'm sorry I don't have more money. I want to donate. I want to have a chance to have dinner with you. I want to be more than one voice, but it's very hard being an adult, don't you agree?

I want so many things! I want my freedom. I want my health. I want my liberty and to pursue my happiness. I want to be a part of this so-called "Great Nation."

In truth, I just want to be happy. I want more than what I've been told I should want.

I hope I haven't bored you to tears, sir. I hope you and yours are doing well. I hope you continue the good fight, even if letters from supporters stop coming. Even if it looks bleak. There are people, like me, who can't afford Mr. Romney, sir. Especially those who think he is a good option.

Please beat him. Please continue to be the kind and wonderful human being you are. And please say a prayer (if you believe in that, I don't really anymore) for me.

In all sincerity and with great respect,
Sarai Smith
(formerly, Sarai Lillie)

Unconstitutional

What is this? The 1960's? This is so ridiculously unconstitutional! And how the hell does that promote "greater unity within the church body"?! Racist assholes!
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/11/30/kentucky-church-bans-interracial-couples/

Just when my faith in humanity is put to the test, I find another thing that brings it back up. I hope you all hear what age this young gentleman is in the end.

Quote of the Night

Me (to Jamal): If I hadn't gotten married, you still wouldn't have your money.
Pomme: There you go, Jamal, let's get married so we can get money.
Jamal: O.O
Me: *falls to the floor laughing my ass off*

Oh, the Crazy Things We will Say!

Donnie: Damn Vampires.
Me: Yeah, always trying to take my Count Chocula Cereal.

Kid: I don't think Strawberry Shortcake would appreciate that they are selling her. Especially for 50 cents off.
Me: That's how toe (an affected version of tore) up she is.

L.E.D. (In movie voice over voice) Bruce Storm...
Me: (In same movie voice over voice) Real Estate Agent. Awh Yeah!

Quote of the day (over heard whilst handing out fruit during my second job as a sample lady): Did you get her pie?!

Kid: I need windshield wiper fluid, not new windshield wipers.
Me: (straight faced) I know, but look, it says Windshield wipers and refills!
Kid: I'm going to punch you in the face.
Me: *giggle*

Me: Why did a Madonna mood have to hit at 1 in the morning?!

Donnie: I had sex with every melon on the stand.
Jamal: They're not even robots!

Me: But I put on my brave face and strap on my big girl shoes and suck it up. (You know, this could be taken for something completely wrong.)

Mom: I blame you that the Safety Dance kept me awake last night!!!
Me: You know that you love it and you KNOW that you are thankful that I showed that awesome video to you.

Me: Apparently it is "Sarai is trying to blog let's all start talking to her at once" time. I thought it was only 11:43.

Me: Kyle. I'm drunk texting you. Lol
Kyle: I love you.

Me: I'm thinking I'm now in love with fresh mozzarella.

Donnie: (Very Seriously) Bacon.

Me: I wish you would listen to me when I'm whispering so that I didn't spend half of my time shouting.

Zach: God, you're such a tease!

Me: I even love you times Gackt!

Donnie: It could be worse; you could be black.
Jamal (My roomie, who so happens to be Black): He's right. It could be worse. You could be black!

Donnie: Hey Jamal,
Jamal: Yes, Donnie, I know I'm black.
Donnie: You fucking racist! That's not what I was going to say at all!

It Gets Better

In April (the 13th to be specific), I posted a blog called "September's Children" (you can link to it here: http://saraicrazyblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/septembers-children.html?zx=7d1cbeb70cf8bf40) about young adults and children who killed themselves because of being tormented by their peers for being homosexual/bisexual/transgendered/etc. I also posted a song by a group called Rise Against called "Make it Stop (September's Children)". At the time there was no official video for the song, but I wanted to post it anyway because of the powerful message of the song itself.

Today I was on Facebook (a terrible addiction, by the way) and saw that Fergie (I "like" her on Facebook) had posted a link to the video, because Rise Against is her label-mate. Obviously I had to go and watch it. Unfortunately my computer is slow as hell some days (especially in the afternoon because it is a community connection through our apartment complex), so I settled for downloading it and then watching. And I was blown away.

The song is powerful all on its own. The lyrics pack a proverbial punch without any added imagery, really. For example, the line: "What God would damn a heart? What God drove us apart?" For me, the impact of these statements are staggering. Growing up in church, I was taught that Homosexuality was wrong. As a young woman, I finally admitted to my own tendencies toward Bisexuality. My attraction to women has been around for quite some time, if I admit it to myself. I have always been curious and I've always known in a way. I just never admitted it to myself. Or anyone else for that matter.

Then I saw the video and what I thought couldn't be a more powerful message astounded me by being even more powerful when packed with visual imagery, rather than mental imagery.

I started thinking about all the injustices committed against those who choose to love someone. It's like Love is a dirty word. Love isn't about "Love", it is about what looks good. Its about what makes other people happy. Its about not offending someone. It offends someone's grandmother that a beautiful boy is kissing another beautiful boy, rather than a beautiful girl. It offends some "pastor" that a young black (Asian, Arab, Indian, etc.) man wants to marry a young white girl. It gets under someone's skin that a young woman loves an older man. All the terrible names, all the murders, the suicides, all the hate, because two people can't possibly love each other. What a sin! Heaven forbid that we LOVE one another. Heaven forbid that we actually follow what the Bible says.

That is something I hate more than anything, too. Christians (and Muslims, Hindus and any other religious group) are good at picking what they agree with in the Bible (or whatever religious tome) and ignoring everything else. People like Pat Robertson (I bitch about him a lot, I know, but he gets under my skin SO MUCH) claim the verse "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." (King James Version; Leviticus chapter 18, verse 22). They also follow that verse with this one (also found in Leviticus 18, verse 29) "For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people." There are also many verses in Deuteronomy that suggest stonings and the such for people who don't follow the laws of the Lord.

Now here is where things get a little sticky. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

He also said, "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:39)

Jesus and God are the same person. Ask almost any Christian and you will be told that God is God, Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit is God. God the father, God the son and God the Holy Ghost. So, if Jesus is God and He said to "Love thy Neighbour", we should be following that right? Something my mother used to always say to me was "Love the sinner, hate the sin." Which I think sums up what Jesus was trying to say. Except one problem, God said that those who disobey Him are to be punished with death, exile, etc. So which do we follow? Well obviously we SAY that we should love our neighbours. Of course, if they are gay, black, Muslim, et cetera, then forget that.

Another thing, and this isn't a religious based question, isn't America supposed to be the land of the free? ("One Nation Under God, I feel its love like a cattle prod" That is another line from the song that comes to mind.)Isn't America supposed to be Equal? All Human Beings were made equal in the Eyes of God. Isn't that what America stands for? We are Equal, we are United. Unless, of course, you are African-American, Muslim, Homosexual, Asian, Catholic, Jewish, Women or we just don't like your face. In which case, we are NOT equal or united. United we could stand, Divided we will fall.

I spit in my brother's face because he is different and he spits in mine, is that equality? Is that what men like Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. died for? Is that what the men and women serving in Iraq have died for? Are we only free when we are white and boring? Seriously? Who wants to be a clone? Who wants everyone to be the same? Our differences are what makes us US! Who are we if not ourselves?

I am proud to be a Young, Deist, Bisexual, Varied Woman! I am proud to be who I am, in spite of what everyone says I should be. I am proud to Love whoever I choose to love, in spite of who everyone says I should. I am proud to say and do whatever I want to, not what I am told I should and should not say and do.

In that spirit, I now present the official video for "Make it Stop (September's Children)" by Rise Against. Thanks for reading my rant (or at least for watching the video, since I know that was a wall of text).

Extraterrestrial

I saw the music video for "E.T." by Katy Perry (the version feat. Kanye West, which he sucked, but what do you expect? However, I have to respect someone who interrupts no talent Taylor Swift. End of tangent). It kind of, sort of, blew my fucking mind. I loved it! Of course, the Albino African-American man with the gorgeous ass kind of cinched it for me. He had a really nice ass, just sayin'!

Anyway, Katy transforms into four different "extraterrestrials", and ressurects Mr. Albinism Hotness in this video. One thing I really enjoyed was her eyes, they were constantly changing and she really did look alien. Of course, kudos, as always, to Katy Perry for coming up with something exotic, fun to listen to (fun to dance to as well!) and thought provoking.

For those who are curious as to who Mr. Albinism Hotness is, his name is Shaun Ross and he is a model, part time actor and amateur dancer. He is on Twitter for those of you who actually enjoy that. If you would like to learn more about him you can go to Wikipedia, just type in his name and you should be able to find him. Not that Wiki is always correct, but its a good place to start.

Now, is he not one of the most gorgeous men you've ever seen? Or am I the only one?


Of course, he looks even better as he is about to kiss Katy Perry (as alien #4)


And while we're on the topic of Katy Perry as an alien, doesn't she look spectacular here?


Okay, now that I have teased you with a few pictures from the video, here is "E.T." by Katy Perry feat. Kanye (you kind of suck) West.

The American Spy

Mary Elizabeth Bowser



Mary Elizabeth Bowser was a freed slave woman who eventually became a spy working for Union Army during the Civil War.



Some Interesting Facts
* It isn't known when Bowser was born or when she died.

* Mary Elizabeth Bowser was inducted into the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame in 1995 by the U.S. government.

* It is believed that Bowser kept a diary, but it is unclear whether or not it was destroyed.

* In 1865 she tried to burn down the Confederate Capitol. She was unsuccessful.

* She worked with Elizabeth Van Lew, her former owner's daughter.

* Her disappearance is still unexplained.

Some Quotes on Mary Elizabeth Bowser
- "...as she was working right in the Davis home and had a photographic mind. Everything she saw on the Rebel president's desk, she could repeat word for word. Unlike most colored, she could read and write. She made a point of always coming out to my wagon when I made deliveries at the Davis' home to drop information."

- "Ms. Bowser certainly succeeded in a highly dangerous mission to the great benefit of the Union effort. She was one of the highest placed and most productive espionage agents of the Civil War. ... [Her information] greatly enhanced the Union's conduct of the war. ... Jefferson Davis never discovered the leak in his household staff, although he knew the Union somehow kept discovering Confederate plans."

- "Slave power crushes freedom of speech and of opinion. Slave power degrades labor. Slave power is arrogant, is jealous and intrusive, is cruel, is despotic, not only over the slave but over the community, the state." (Elizabeth Van Lew quote on Slavery)

Rosa Parks

I want to know what the hell is wrong with this nation that we degrade and drag people through the mud? Where we have no respect for others and devour people's dirty laundry.

I want to know what is wrong with us that we enjoy pulling people down and destroying heroes for the younger generations. Where we worship music that idolizes violence and sex with random girls and boys. We are a sick, twisted nation, with no hope for the future generations because we have not learned anything.

What kind of time have we come to when young people make vile comments against people like Rosa Parks on YouTube and no one cares? How is that acceptable behavior?! How is that right?

Everyone is human, we all have our flaws and our imperfections, that is what makes us human. Since when do we have the right to destroy someone for those same flaws we ourselves have?

When is it right to say that heroes are not heroes, but are actually the villains? What is there left to believe in after we have destroyed everything good? What is there left to hope for when the people to follow us; the people who will be our doctors, our lawyers, our presidents and pastors; have learned nothing about the struggles of humanity and are too ignorant to learn from our mistakes?

What dreams are left to a country such as ours, where children are parents and those children raise themselves? What kind of life is it where people spew infectious venom and everyone around them spews their own? What kind of people are we that even Rosa Parks cannot escape without being called a "cocksucker" and "a bitch" for not giving her seat up to a white man?

We have no respect, no gratitude, no honor for those before us and without that we are doomed to a generation of ignorant racists who have learned nothing from the mistakes of the previous generation and worship only themselves and destruction.

The Duke of "American Music"

Duke Ellington



Duke Ellington was a Jazz composer and band leader during the early to mid 1900's.



Some Interesting Facts
* Ellington is considered one of the Originators of Big-Band Jazz.

* Was honored by the Pulitizer Prize Board posthumously.

* He received 13 Grammy Awards for his music.

* Ellington toured Europe in 1933 and 1939.

* Composed the musical suite Black, Brown and Beige (1943), which portrayed African-American history and was the first in a series he composed.

* He composed the motion picture scores for Anatomy of a Murder and Asphalt Jungle, as well as composing music for ballets and the theatre.

Some Quotes from Duke Ellington
- "You've got to find a way of saying it without saying it."

- "My men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people."

- "A man is a god in ruins."

- "By and large, jazz has always been like the kind of a man you wouldn't want your daughter to associate with."

- "Gray skies are just clouds passing over."

- "Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited."

"Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington