Despite what you and your family go through, you should always try to make amends and forgive one another. There is no telling when God will invite one of us home. You don’t want someone to die and the two of you end on bad terms. So take time to say “I love you” “I forgive you” or whatever it is you need to say. Our time here is not forever- don’t wait until it’s to late.
“Me and Mrs, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Jenkins
Mrs. Jenkins, we’ve got a thing going on
We both know that it’s wrong
But it’s much too strong to let it cool down now.”
My aunt is belting out the lyrics to Billy Paul’s; ‘Me and Mrs. Jones.’ Instead of using the last name Jones, she uses her own last name. We are at my parents’ house, and this has become a tradition of ours. Every Saturday, or whenever possible both sides of my parent’s families come to our house to eat and sing Karaoke. This is one of the many traditions that we have, some are things that we just started doing regularly, like our annual Christmas parties and BINGO day. Others are the things we’ve picked up from our ancestors, and they’ve just been passed along from generation to generation.
Growing up in my family, we experienced different traditions. We celebrate holiday dinners together, Sunday dinners, family reunions, family vacations, and so much more. There are so many traditions in the African American community, and some of us don’t know why these traditions exist, which is a shame because it’s our culture and we should know everything about it.
When I sit and think about it, I realize that I never knew why certain things had to be done and how or where did they originate from.
Jumping the Broom
Jumping the Broom; it’s not only a popular tradition in the African American community, but it’s been made into the theme of a movie. Last year a movie entitled; ‘Jumping the Broom’ hit theatres. The movie was about a young black couple who hadn’t known each other for long, and deciding to get married. These two people were from two different worlds, the bride’s family was high-class and wanted a traditional American wedding, the groom’s family, was middle class and wanted to relive the traditions of our great ancestors. Angela Basset, an actress in the movie, who was the bride’s mother said in an interview; “A lot of young people don’t know the strains and struggles that people have made so that we have opportunity today… Jumping the broom signifies a time when slaves weren’t allowed to marry. Families were broken up; children were being snatched away from their parents. ” This is significant because it lets those of us who know nothing at all about this tradition, know why it’s so important in our culture. It wasn’t until after I seen the movie, that I wanted to learn more about jumping the broom, the real meaning of it. Basset was right, a lot ‘us’ don’t know anything about the tradition.
According to Larry James article about ‘jumping the broom,’ he states; “Jumping the broom is a ceremony dating back to the 1600s and derived from Africa. Dating back to slavery days, jumping the broom together has been part of weddings for couples who want to honor the tradition. It also has roots in the Celtic culture and including but not limited to Welsh, Celtics, Druids, and Gypsies and some aboriginal or shamanistic cultures. ” Unlike Basset’s statement, this goes into more details about the history of this tradition, which is important because it’s vital to know why our great or great-great grandparents care so much about doing this at weddings. Although I’ve never seen this personally done at weddings, I’d love to restart to tradition within my family at my own wedding.
When a couple jumps over the broom, it’s their way of leaving their past behind, and walking into a new life as one. Each part of the broom represents something different; the straws of the broom represent family; the handle represents the Almighty, and the ribbon represents the tie that binds the couple together.
Something that’s just as important as weddings is the holidays, it’s another time when we all come together and celebrate.
African-American culture is rooted in Africa. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, “It is a blend of chiefly sub-Saharan African and Sahelean cultures. Although slavery greatly restricted the ability of Americans of African descent to practice their cultural traditions, many practices, values, and beliefs survived and over time have modified or blended with white culture. There are some facets of African-American culture that were accentuated by the slavery period. The result is a unique and dynamic culture that has had and continues to have a profound impact on mainstream American culture, as well as the culture of the broader world.” This defines exactly what African American culture is and what nations, and/or cultures are involved in black culture as a whole.
Christmas
“Now it’s time to get funky
To the right now, to the left
Take it back now y’all
1 hop this time, 1 hop this time
Right foot 2 stomps, left foot 2 stomps
Slide to the left, slide to the right
Crisscross, crisscross
Cha-Cha real smooth.”
DJ Casper’s lyrics are loud in the party hall of Holiday Inn Express. I’m surrounded by family, we’re celebrating Christmas. Everyone is on the dance floor doing the newer version of the electric slide, “the cha-cha.” It’s now at the part where he says;
“Freeze, Everybody Clap yo hands
Come on y’all, check it out
how low can you go?
Can you go down low?
All the way to da floor?
How low can you go?”
My cousin is grooving, and she trying to go low, but apparently her jeans is a bit too tight, before she makes it back up her jeans rip right down the middle. The funny thing is she doesn’t really seem embarrassed, and if she is, she’s doing a fantastic job at hiding it.
This tradition is done at every family get together, the cha-cha, the cupid shuffle and any other slide that is popular at the time. Although my family and I have our own set of traditions for Christmas parties, we ignore the traditions that came from the roots of our African American culture.
A tradition I’ve never heard of, but is no longer recognized, is Jonkankus; it was a celebration which honored an ancient African chief. Jonkankus was a dance done on Christmas and Easter. In her article about the roots of African American Christmas tradition, Irene Smalls said; “In celebrating the Johnkankus, the community members were continuing an African folkway and also creating one of the first African-American traditions. ” Instead of waking up to ask about presents on Christmas, kids would ask about Johnkankus. This tradition lasted for nearly 300 years. This made kids back then a lot less dependent on toys and gifts, and more on the spirit of Christmas, the holiday itself.
Although this is a tradition that hasn’t been done in years it still interest me, because it shows me how much myself and the others in my community don’t know about our history. Johnkankus isn’t the only tradition that I was surprised by.
Kwanzaa was actually to my surprised originated in Africa, never has my family celebrated this holiday, nor did any other black families I knew. I grew up believing that white Americans celebrated this holiday. On the ‘Christmas in America’ website they talked about different holiday traditions including kwanza. “The holiday originated in 1960s, during the civil rights movement to commemorate African heritage of African Americans who use Swahili language. ” As many may know, the holiday lasts for a week. There are family events, gifts are exchanged and black, red and green candles are lit to symbolize the seven basic values defined for the African American family life. The meaning behind kwanza, I’ve always known about, and I thought I knew the meaning behind it all but apparently not as much I thought.
Soul Food
We all usually arrive at the same time; me, my parents, and everyone else in our family. Today is no different. It’s 1998, I’m nine years old. I’m surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, my parents, siblings and of course my paternal grandparents. It’s Sunday evening, and we’re getting ready for the usual dinner we have. I look at the huge green house on the Southside of South Bend. I hate the color, and it reminds me of puke. I walk in with my parents, and the aroma hits me; Greens, dressing, sweet potatoes, chicken, and so many other foods and of course desserts. The big oak table, which seats maybe 12-14 people, is almost set. Since it isn’t ready, I play in the living room with my cousins until Granny Barbara calls us for dinner. The living room wall is filled with pictures; cute and embarrassing ones. We never get to play long because several minutes after we start, we’re called to dinner.
Food is something that brings all American families together. Every year on Christmas and Thanksgiving, my family sits around a huge dinner table filled with a variety of different soul foods; dressing, sweet potatoes, collard greens, turkey and/or ham, and so much more. No matter what is going on, if you put a plate of soul food on the table and surround yourself with family the problems are temporarily resolved.
My great grandmother, who was born and raised in Arkansas, taught myself, my siblings, and my cousin about the different types of foods. Most of the foods originated from down South, such as southern fried chicken, which is chicken, seasoned, floured and battered and then fried. I use to think that only African Americans had this meal, but now the meal is outside of the African American culture. Along with chicken, watermelon and chitterlings also known as chittlin’s are also popular within the Black Culture and originated from down South. I knew that fried chicken and chittlin’s were stereotyped around blacks, but I never knew that watermelon was stereotyped around black people as well.
We all hate black eyed peas, but our granny won’t let us be dismissed until we finish them. I stuff my mouth, go to the bathroom and spit them out. I’m sure they know what I did.
Music
Ironically two, of the three topics I have begun with thus far, started with some type of song; it makes me realize that music really is an important factor in my life. I love all genres of music, from R&B to country. My family also listens to it; while at work, while doing homework, while showering or any other activity, music is most likely involved.
While sitting in my magazine writing class, (there are usually four in the class, but one student is absent.) Heather Augustyne is the guest speaker; she is talking about Ska music. This is a genre no one in my class, me included has ever heard of. Augustyne smiles as she says, “I figured this crowd is too young, for that.”
In her book, An Oral History, Augustyne says; “Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica during the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rock steady and reggae. Ska was combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. It is characterized by a walking bass line accented with rhythms on the upbeat. ” This just lets us all know more about the history of culture.
Wikipedia talks about music and African Americans, the encyclopedia states; “African American music is rooted in the typically polyrhythmic music of the ethnic groups of Africa. African oral traditions, nurtured in slavery, encouraged the use of music to pass on history, teach lessons, ease suffering, and relay messages. During slavery, Africans in America blended traditional European hymns with African elements to create spirituals. Music was used to pass by time, and give slaves the Holy Spirit. ” Back then and in this day in age, music was comforting, and relaxing, it puts you in another world.
Rap and R&B is popular now in the Black culture. R&B is usually mellow and soft tunes. For the majority of the time, its lyrics are about; love, lust and/or sex, but using so many words. Rap; which I’m not a huge fan of, can be offensive, there is usually a lot of cursing and degrading women in the songs. I’m sure our ancestors would be spinning in their graves, if they heard half the words that are said by rappers.
Hair
Hair is very important to Black American women. Some like me don’t mind wearing weaves. I don’t like to get perms though. Others like one of my best friends; Len likes to wear natural styles. She’ll wear hers wild, natural curly, twist, braids, or corn rolls, etc. In the slavery days black people we’re always referred to as ‘nappy headed’, this means their hair is curled up, and dry, brittle and tangled. I prefer not to walk around with my hair like that so I depend on chemicals. Just as the movie was made about; jumping the broom and soul food, a movie has been made about hair as well. It’s called ‘Good Hair,’ comedian Chris Rock discovers the curiosities of African-American hairstyles, after his 7 or 8 year old daughter asked him why her hair wasn’t straight like a girl who was in her class, who was mixed with White and Black.
In Noliwe Rooks book; ‘Hair Raising’ this is what she had to say about African Americans and their hair; “since the beginning of African civilization, hairstyles have been used to convey messages to greater society. As early as the 15th century, different styles could indicate a person’s marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth and rank within the community. Unkempt hair in nearly every West African culture was considered unattractive to the opposite sex and a sign that one was dirty, had bad morals or was even insane. Hair maintenance in traditional Africa was aimed at creating a sense of beauty. ”
As the years go by, more and more styles are incorporated into the Black community, some I’m not too fond of and others I like. Hair no longer identifies your age, religion, or marital status. People can now choose how to wear their hair. When I see people both old and young wear afros or just natural hairstyles, I always wondered why they do so. I learned it’s a way for those individuals to express themselves as well as show their roots. Since the end of 2010 the natural hair styles are becoming extremely popular amongst college students and young adults. I respect the people for wearing their hair natural, because it shows they’re not afraid to show where they come from. I don’t want to get things confused though, because I’m not ashamed of where my ancestors came from, I just prefer different hairstyles.
Maintaining facial hair is more prevalent among African American men than in other male populations in our society. “The soul patch is so named because African American men, particularly jazz musicians, popularized the style. The preference for facial hair among African American men is due partly to personal taste, but also because they are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop a condition known as pseudo folliculitis barbae, commonly referred to as razor bumps, many prefer not to shave. ”
In Good Hair, Chris Rock interviews Reverend Al Sharpton who asserts, “My relaxed hair is just as African-based as an afro because it all came out of black culture. ” By this he means that even if you do get perms or relaxers you’re still representing your community because both perms and relaxers come from Black Culture.
African American cultures and traditions have come so far over the years and it will continue to grow in the future. Traditions in my own family are improved and added every year; one that I love is our family reunions. Every year we have song that’s played for our coming together and celebrate our lives as families, as well as our grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, who aren’t there to celebrate with us. The song is ‘Family Reunion’, by the O’jays.
“It’s so nice to see
All the folks you love together
Sittin’ and talkin’ ’bout
All the things that’s been goin’ down
It’s been a long, long time
Since we had a chance to get together
Nobody knows the next time we see each other
Maybe years and years from now
Family reunion (Got to have)
A family reunion
Family reunion
(It’s so nice to come together) To come together
(To get together)
I wish grandma could see
The whole family
I sure miss her face
And her warm and tender embrace
And if grandpa was here
I know he’d be smiling for me a tear…”
To see what he has done
all the offspring’s from his daughters and sons
As the song comes on, I sit and think about how true the lyrics are. We all wish that Granny Barb and Papa Kenny were in the picture, but they’re not and we know it so we keep their spirits alive in our traditions.
I’m Angry Because Media Said So
Bitter, angry, scarred; these are just a few of the many terms used to describe African American women. These stereotypical terminologies has defaced and defamed Black women for well over 100 years. The problem with this stereotype is it came from the media. The media is telling us that Black women are angry and every other stereotype whether good or positive about different persons race, sex and culture. Some directors such as Tyler Perry and Dudley Murphy use these stereotypes in their films. Their films features black, angry and bitter women protagonists who are sometimes strong, but it can also be the contrary.
The 1929 film St. Louis Blues, starring Blues singer Bessie Smith playing herself is a short about a woman who is being used by her supposedly boyfriend. Smith is a depressed and broken black woman who spends over half the film singing the blues because she was hurt and done wrong by a black man. This is how many films were during this time, women putting their words in the blues, describing their feelings.
During the Blaxploitation era of film; several of these films also features angry black women. Pam Grier stars in the 1973 film Coffy, she is beyond angry in this film. Why? Her younger sister is strung out on ‘smack’ so she goes on a rampage killing several drug dealers and beating anyone up who gets in her way. But not only is her sister strung out, her boyfriend was also beaten to death right in front of her. So, shouldn’t she have a reason to be angry considering her circumstances? According to the media, no. She’s just another black woman bitter and angry, blaming it on society.
Tyler Perry is the man who most think of today when they think of the depiction of an angry black woman. He has countless films in which black women are distorted, stereotyped against and put down. Diary of A Mad Black Woman, Why Did I Get Married (Too), I Can Do Bad All By Myself, these are just to name a few. Each of these films features one or more angry, black female protagonist. The only things that’s unblemished is that these women are angry and that’s all most audience members remembers from these film; they don’t exactly remember why she’s angry and who or what made her that way. It’s just another angry black woman acting a fool for no reason.
The fact that black women are often seen as angry is not completely these directors fault, after all they’re only mocking what directors and media personnel’s before them did. The myth of an angry black woman really dates back to women such as Margaret Garner, Ann Arnold, and even Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Black women who had the experiences of being a pet to the white man and being treated like something less than an animal. Slavery in American began in the mid-1770s; when America was discovered of course. Therefore for nearly 240 years black women has been seen as angry. If you were beaten, forced to work in fields, raped, pulled away from your family, watch many of your loved ones die, wouldn’t you be angry too?
The problem with media and black women is they’re continuing to make black women angry because that’s all they know about them. They know little to nothing positive about a black woman, because they’re still feeding into the stereotypes that supposedly describes them. These stereotypical flaws are centuries old. They also almost always find something else to add to the list as to why black women are angry such as; they husbands and/or boyfriends left them, they’re broke and raising a child alone or maybe just their life isn’t going as planned. Is it only black women who face these everyday events? No, but somehow they are the main women of any other ethnicity derided by the media.
If any of you are LMN fans, like myself, then you were just as anxious as I was to see the long awaiting film, Flowers in the Attic. The film, which is based off a V.C Andrews novel, titled the same, promotes abuse, incest, murder and deceit.
It’s seems as if the Dollanganger family has it all, that is, until the father of the family unexpectedly dies and the family is forced move in with Mrs. Dollanganger’s parent’s in their mansion in Virginia. That’s when the saying, “what’s done in the dark, always come to light,” is applicable. The children quickly learn their father was also their great uncle and their mother is also their cousin. Confusing, right? The point of them going to the home of their grandparents (whom they never knew existed) was to wait on their grandfather to die. Therefore their mother could claim what was in the will and allow them to live happily and wealthy ever after.
The entire mood of the film is a bit annoying, most viewers were most likely expecting to the mother fighting for her children and well-being. Then again, what mother would bring her children to place knowing they’ll have to suffer, it’ll be a lot healthier and easier for her to get a job and care for her family.
Then there is the fact that the children were pretty much naive and nonchalant from the beginning of the film all the way up until the last five minutes of the movie. I thought their mother had the best intentions for them after she was beat, but once she changed her actions and let the money make her, I knew it’d only go downhill from there.
This movie lacks reality, usually in film we’d something that can be relatable to the mass majority of Americans, but I’m afraid only a small percentage, if that can relate to this film. There were too many issues, and it made the entire film to be morally wrong. Maybe in the sequel Petals on the Wind, they can attempt to win their audience back.
Nappy, short, long, curly, bald, wavy, natural; these are some of the many words people use to describe their hair. Remember back when India Arie said “I Am Not Hair?” It seems as if over time, that quote has proven to be false. Most people whether they’re Black, White, Asian or Hispanic, male or female values their hair. It’s a way of expressing themselves, it’s a form of art. Despite what India Arie said about eight years ago, they are their hair.
“My hair matters and I love my hair. I believe hair matters to everyone; mainly women. I believe to some of us, hair is a contributor to self-definition, but to others, hair is a contributor to society’s acceptance of women. Sadly, some women add on extensions etc., because of the absence of acceptance of their type of hair,” this is what Brikayla Hardy had regarding her opinion on hair. She believes natural hair on certain women represents self-love. “Some Native American and African American women were oppressed because of our hair. I believe natural styles for some minority women represents rebellion and self-love.” India Arie would most likely agree with Hardy. To refresh some memories in her song she also said; “Good hair means curls and waves. Bad hair means you look like a slave. At the turn of the century it’s time for us to redefine who we be. You can shave it off like a South African beauty or get in on lock like Bob Marley. You can rock it straight like Oprah Winfrey. If it’s not what’s on your head it’s what’s underneath and say hey…” It should be true what India Arie is saying, but the truth of the matter is to live up to a certain standard in society, your hair plays a huge role. In the black community, women often take their hair to the extreme by adding various colors and unique styles.
In more recent years it isn’t rare to see a woman using her hair as an art canvas and using it as a way of expressing herself. Is this their prerogative? Yes. Will she be judged for that? Yes. Joselyn Ellington knows the workforce is judgmental, so she choose her hairstyles carefully. “I think hair matters a lot, especially in the work force. I didn’t take a risk wearing kinky twists when I first began my job (Massage Envy) because I did not want people to think I was ghetto.” In other words, a woman with bright hair colors and unique and/or will hairstyles won’t last in the workforce. No one wants someone like that representing their company, even if their hair is a form of art. Ms. Ellington agree; “In the work place, and in a professional setting I think big colorful weaves get you treated with less respect. I would not hire a lawyer with big, colorful weaves, it’s just not professional.” This can go for any race; more recently women of several different ethnicities wear weaves and bright colors in their hair. No one can say for sure if these women are expressing themselves or if their mocking someone whom they admire hairstyle. Despite their reasons for wearing these styles, society will still most likely judge them.
To some people like Sareena Mitchell, hair is just another stereotypical where people can judge one another. “People judge, and this whole ‘I’m natural so I’m better than you,’ thing is annoying. I use to be natural and I changed my mind, as I’m entitled to do so, but people act like we have to pick I can be natural one day relaxed the next.” Mitchell is correct, natural hairstyles became popular again a few years ago and it’s very common on college campuses. There is no doubt that women with natural hairstyles are beautiful and many of them use that as a way of embracing their culture and ancestors. That does not give them a reason to judge or look down upon those women who choose to get perms, sew-ins, braids or any other hairstyle involving weave. Hardy, who is natural and expressed how much she loves her natural hair, still choose to wear weave. “I love my natural hair, but my plaits are convenient because straightening my baby takes up a lot of time, I workout, and I’m always on the go.”
Both Hardy and Mitchell believes hair is just something else people get stereotypically judged on. Mitchell says “I think hair in the black community has always been a big thing natural vs relaxed is almost like; ‘light skin dark skin’ just another way to oppress and separate us as a community we always want to pick sides.” As far as Hardy and feelings toward hair, well let’s just say she doesn’t judge women with weave, but chances of seeing her with extensions are slim to none. “My job is not to judge other people, but I have my own limitations of extensions in reference to my personal opinion. I believe hair can be art! I’ve seen it, and to each their own, you know? My hair (plaits or natural curly afro) are a part of who I am, and I wouldn’t want another coarse of hair ever.”
India Aire – I Am Not My Hair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_5jIt0f5Z4
Life is short, and its important to get everything you want and need out of our short time here on this world. That includes love. Many people try to run away from love, because they’re most afraid of being hurt. While you’re running away from a man or woman who may be potentially good for you, you’re also hurting yourself along the way. So don’t be afraid to open your mouth and express yourself to guy or gal. You may be setting yourself up for a amazing future, especially if your “crush” feels the same. So although I may not follow my own advice, I’m telling you all to follow your hearts. Tell them how you feel and take a chance on love.
-WBQ
We’ve all been through periods of times when we were completely disgusted with ourselves. Whether you felt like you were ugly or fat, or maybe your teeth was crooked- or did you have bad acne? Maybe I mentioned what you were going through, maybe I didn’t and it was much deeper than that. Despite what your going through and how you feel about yourself, its always important to love yourself not matter what. Don’t go around comparing and contrasting yourself to others, because chances are you’ll never be happy. Accept what God blessed you with, don’t take anything for granted! Remember everything that glitters may not be gold! Also keep in mind its hard to be loved and give love when you love your self- inside and out. Its your life; make the best of it. -WBQ
A solicitous host, Derek not only asked each person how he or she was doing, but asked by name about everyone’s spouses and kids.
“Sexy,” “lil mama,” “baby girl,” “ma.” How have men tried to gain your attention? These are terms men like to use to let a woman know he’s interested her.
In todays day and age, men don’t know how to properly approach women. Can you even remember the last time a man approached you with; “hello my name is _____” or “excuse me, can I have a moment of your time..” Has that ever happened to you? I can on one hand how many times I’ve been approached by a man with great ethics. The thing is we women are so use to men running game upon approaching us that when a man comes at us with some respect, we automatically assume there full of games (FOS). Well, I do.
So the question how do we tell these men apart? Its hard to do so, because we’ve all came across men who can make up a fantastic lie in .5 seconds, who’ll have GF and maybe a wife but swear before their kids they’re single, their lies can be phenomenal. Well I have my own rules that I abide by when it comes men.
-Approaching: I’ve never really gave a guy a chance who came to me when some cliche terms and quotes… Someone who really wants your attention won’t be paraphrasing a line Will Smith used back in the 90s- we all know he had game! Im not saying the man have to recite a self written introductory poem, but don’t fall for bull.
– Spousing It Up: Men lie, women lie, a white lie is okay sometimes but lying about serious things such as significant others is pushing it; like really pushing it! So get to know this man, watch him with his phone, when he calls and texts you check the time! Are the hours appropriate or is it booty call hours?
-Eye Contact: I know I said men can look dead in your eyes and lie, but still hold that contact, let him know your on to him… He will probably look away or do something with eyes; basically telling you he’s lying! Good face to face conversations and eye contact can go a long way.
As far as trying to spot a mans game-the signs and signals are never ending. On top of that men are also out for SEX- thats another story, for another day. Until then- just watch out his signs, he’ll tell on hisself before you ever learn he’s lying, just keep your eye open.
Something that has been filling up both my FB and Twitter pages for nearly a week (maybe longer) is how Washington High School student; Bre’onda Green ’punched’ Oregon-Davis student Lexi Minix. To be more specifically WSBT says; “Green punched Minix after the two had a brief physical exchange.” There are a few things I find wrong with this quote; for example there wasn’t a physical exchange prior to Green ‘punching’ Minix. Minix was upset because she was fouled (something seen every day in sports) and elbowed Green. Green reacted off of self-defense, but she didn’t punch Minix as everyone in the media claims, she simply pushed or muffed her in the back of the head. This is the second thing media twisted up. Thefreedictionary.com described punch as ”to hit with a sharp blow of the fist.” Green never made a fist; she pushed Minix, with an open NOT closed hand. But leave it to the media to depict and defame people.
What’s ironic about this whole story is that Green is looked at as the bad person. Fumes were already burning and the game was intense, so when Minix elbowed Green it was most likely out of anger and frustration. Green was probably frustrated as well, but the fact of the matter is she didn’t hit Minix first. So I ask why is Green the only one in the media looked down on and frowned upon. Is it because her ethnicity? Race should have nothing to do with this, but that’s one of the first things many people bring up… I’ve seen comments such as; “typical black person,” “what could you expect from someone of her kind,” the comments only get worse and nasty. Some people even decided to throw WNBA basketball player, and former WHS student Skylar Diggins into the story saying she acted the same way in high school, and she was provoking the situation. Diggins said she was shouting at the referees. Of course the media is leading audiences to believe that she was promoting violence. Typical.
As I WHS graduate myself, I know how many people dislike Washington and they’re just waiting on McCullough or one of his students to mess up or make some kind of mistake. This seems to be more about the school, and not the student. Do I think Green should be punished? No, I don’t, she was acting in self-defense! But the bigger questions what is Minix punishment? He father is the coach of the team, so maybe he’ll be lenient. Everyone is so worried about Green, she didn’t start the altercation with Minix, and she didn’t provoke Minix. So why is she the center of attention and even worse being compared to Sharkeisha?
immakingdifferences 