Charles Easley

No laughing matter By Professor Locs – October 19, 2011

Just in time for your holiday shopping: A classic collection of Warner Brothers cartoons, The Censored 11, is being discussed for release on DVD.

I know the title sounds like a scandalous collection of maybe closeted actors from the silent era, but they are actually animated shorts with racially charged images.

In 1968, United Artists made a stash of Warner Bros. cartoons available for television, but due to the politics of the era they withheld 11 that were deemed unfit for broadcast because of their racist content. Those 11 shorts, including one of the most infamous titles, “Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs” (this is not a typo but historically accurate Ebonics), were essentially locked away in a vault for decades

I find this topic fascinating for multiple reasons. You guys know that when I am not fighting crime as a columnist, I chair a film program. The debate on the release of the Censored 11 is ongoing with passionate stances on both sides. Some argue that these films are extremely racist and should never see the light of day. Others argue that this is part of the history of animation and should be studied as an important era in this art form.

I tend to lean toward the later.

Birth of a Nation is one of the most racist films ever made, yet its director, D. W. Griffith, is still hailed as the Father of Film in most traditional film programs. I have shown this film to students but used the opportunity as a teachable moment to discuss others who also contributed to the genre – people like filmmakers Oscar Micheaux, an African-American who produced films around the same time as Griffith.

The real question is, what statement are we trying to make as a society by trying to censor historically racist content?

There was a similar debate earlier this year during television episode of “The View.” Apparently there was a forthcoming edition of Mark Twain's “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” that replaces the N-word with the word "slave."

Whoopi Goldberg was incensed. “When you read Huck Finn, and you read the relationship between Huck and Jim -- who Huck does not see as anything but his running buddy -- it is an extraordinary story," she said.

Whoopi basically believed that the editor had no right to tamper with a classic.

Can we apply the same editing to most rap lyrics that refer to women as bit---s and replace that with diva? Are we prepared for this line of censorship? If we go down that road, then we could witness the demise of BET, The Source Awards, Little Wayne and the entire series of “Basketball Wives.”

I don’t know about you but I am much more concerned with contemporary references. I believe part of the problem is that our youth have no historical concept of how these stereotypes and derogatory images are so insidiously entrenched in our culture and how they continue to have negative implications.

Case in point: One of my African-American male students asked me to review a short script for a class assignment. His script included themes exploring thug behavior, crime, a disdain for education and copious amounts of the “n” word thrown in for good measure.

My first reaction was to assess the logistics of delivering an open-hand slap to the mouth without leaving a visible mark for future witnesses. I instead took a deep breath and asked him several pointed questions.

Do you act like this? Do you speak like this? Do you hang around other people who conduct themselves this way? He sheepishly answered no to all of the above.

I continued, “So you don’t talk this way or act this way or interact with people who conduct themselves this way. So why, when given an opportunity to tell any story of you’re choosing, did you opt to write about such clichéd and stereotypical characters?”

He had no answer, but I did.

This young brother is a perfect example of how historical stereotypes continue to have contemporary negative connotations. The real nefarious power of racism is that the oppressed begin to consume, believe and eventually portray the same negative ideology without question or examination.

So I say let’s open the vaults and inspect these dusty distressing artifacts in the hope that they provide a keener insight into where we come from, who we are and maybe what we can ultimately achieve. What say you?

Eddie Long wants his money back By Professor Locs – October 12, 2011

You would think that Bishop Eddie Long would be trying to lay low these days, but no, he is in the news again.

You guys remember that Long, pastor of the mega flock New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, has been shrouded in scandal ever since several young male members of his congregation come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Long agreed to settle their lawsuits out of court to put the matter to rest.

Apparently the hush money was not enough, because some of Long’s accusers are speaking out…and Long wants his money back.

Other Qcity Commentary When the rug is pulled from under us   A question of character with Herman Cain

The bishop reportedly paid about $1 million in settlement money. I guess that is the standard rate for taking the innocence of several young males.

I wonder if Target has a similar exchange policy: “Hi, I want to get a refund on this suit that I stole, wore to a wild bachelor party and damaged. And do you think I could get that in cash?”

Did Long really think a few thousand dollars would be enough to buy the silence of those young men forever?

I grew up in the church and was fortunate that many of my male mentors honored their roles as spiritual leaders and surrogate father. It is unfortunate that these young men did not enjoy a similar relationship with Long.

Jamal Parris, one of Long’s accusers, told an Atlanta TV station that he loved Long as a father figure but considered him a “monster” and a “predator.”

"I loved him,” the young man said, “and I'm always going to have love for the things he taught us, but how he left us hurt is worse than anything I ever felt in my life.”

These young men are obviously deeply scarred, and part of their healing is to speak out and tell their side of the story. They say the truth shall set you free. A few of the young men are planning to write a tell-all book, to which the bishop issued the following statement:

“Unfortunately, we are in the media again and people are wondering what I am going to say. All parties involved decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. The decision was made to bring closure to this matter and allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry."

You must remember that Long has been a vehement crusader against gay marriage and homosexuality, so the hypocrisy of this situation is deplorable. Regardless of where you stand on gay folks, the plain truth is this: Long’s sexuality is not the issue but rather his absolute abuse power and authority as a mentor and spiritual leader.

And to add insult to injury, we have yet another mega preacher co-signing Long’s behavior: Enter Creflo “Holla If You Hear Me” Dollar, who was recently taped in one of his sermons scolding Long’s flock, trivializing Long’s sexual misconduct and telling members who are fleeing Long’s church that they are not welcome in his congregation.

How is that for a great Christian attitude?

I found the video below and was truly disturbed. No wonder people turn away from organized religion, and no, I did not say “God.” Here we have two high-profile ministers who seem to be co-signing unscrupulous behavior, scolding their congregations for daring to hold them to a higher standard.

Should we not look to our leaders, especially our spiritual leaders, to set an example? It is sad that church, a place that represented an extended family and a safe refuge when I was growing up, has today become the playground for men who think their high-profile status gives them absolute autonomy.

Please review the video and tell me what you see. Men of God or pimps in the pulpit? 

Remembering Robby By Professor Locs – September 28, 2011

Considering that so much of what I write about is couched in laughter, I was conflicted about writing a column this week. You see, today is my mother’s birthday. I lost my mother in 2008 to cancer.

Those of you who have lost a parent know that, regardless of how old you are, it still feels like, on some level, you are an orphan. While I acknowledge the day she left us, I choose each year to celebrate her birthday. Why? Because it is her birth, life and memories that bring me solace.

Robby, my mom, was a true diva. She carried herself like a lady and modeled that behavior for my sisters and other young women in our family. She enjoyed family and lived to host a great party or get together. People say I have a distinct laugh, but hers was truly uplifting and infectious. You see, laughter for us was like an old lazy chair -- it made our home comfortable and familiar.

My mom faced some serious challenges as a young mother. I saw her struggle, so my job, at a very early age, was to make my mom laugh. I believe I developed my sense of humor mainly to distract my Mom from the hard times and to also keep from getting my butt beat…lol.

Robby was the daughter of a minister and was blessed with an incredible singing voice. When I was younger, I did not know or like the effect she had on people when she sang in church. (You know, all the hollering and shouting…smile.) It was not until I was a little older that I truly understood and appreciated her gift. She was not a church fanatic, but she raised us in a very spiritually based environment.

Robby was not a saint, by any means…smile. She was a single, working mother and fiercely independent. She did things her own way and was kind of a militant…lol. She grew up during segregation, but that did not diminish her expectation for a better life for herself and her children.

My Mom was also a taskmaster. She expected all of us to contribute to the household; no entitlement issues here, people. A typical Saturday morning started with my Mom interrupting my Saturday morning cartoons and yelling for us to get up, straighten our rooms, get breakfast and clean the house.

The fun did not stop there. Since I was the oldest, I would then be dropped off with multiple bundles of clothes and rolls of quarters at the Laundromat, like some Las Vegas refugee. (This was back when you could actually leave a kid unsupervised without GPS, cell phone or mace.)

Even on a tight budget, she made sure our home was comfortable -- we had clean clothes, hot meals and managed weekly cultural outings and yearly family vacations. (A benefit of having a big family is you are able to travel and stay with folks, thus allowing you to visit exciting places like Magic Mountain, Lion Country Safari and even Disneyland.)

I continue to see my Mother’s contributions in various aspects of her family. I see so much of her wisdom in what I do as an educator. My youngest sister has her gift of song. My middle sister has her independent spirit and creativity. I became a great-uncle last week and I see my mother in her first great-grandbaby, who I know she would have spoiled and cherished.

When I see how many young people suffer without appropriate matriarchs in their lives, I am grateful for having had such a beautiful, caring and talented woman in mine.

My sisters and I were with my mom in her last days. I was fortunate as her firstborn and only son to hold her hand and be with her as her spirit transcended her body and she took her last breath. A part of me departed with her in that moment, but I keep the best parts of her with me…until we see each other again and embrace in a melodious duet of expressive joy.

They say time heals all things, and to some degree that is true. I grieve a little less. A song, picture or even a scent brings forth more smiles than tears now.

I would like to share a tribute (below) that I created for my Mom for her 60th birthday.

I challenge all of us to uniquely celebrate and honor those we love while they are here. I know I am not the only one who has lost a loved one, and although it is difficult at times, we must remember that we keep them alive and with us through our memories, rituals and, yes, when we are ready again, our laughter.