Sunday, August 30, 2009

McRacism

There isn't really anything lightweight about obesity, hormones, or globalization, but McDonalds' newest attempt to connect with Black folks has my skin crawling enough to warrant a highlight here.
Get out of my neighborhood!!

rescuing

I'm not sure what makes Hollywood writers, directors, and producers think that it's still okay to invest millions of dollars in reinforcing the idea that all Black children need a chance at living just like white people in order to "make it". Whether it's dancing, spelling, or even eating in a restaurant, there seems to be a code behind the silver screen: let's show the Black children what they're missing.

Nevermind that the investigation of a missing 5-year-old is left out of most media outlets for weeks and we can still predict academic performance by race, ethnicity, and zip code. It takes more than a rescue to interrupt generations of oppression, not just a glimpse into how the other side lives... okay, okay, this is getting a little beyond lightweight.

In this coming feature, we see the height of The Great Rescue. Not only does "Big Mike" get lessons in interacting with small children, he gets to feel sheets, play football in full uniform, and hug white people in public.



Aspire, children! Aspire!

What are your favorite rescue stories?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Racial Tension Headache


RACIAL TENSION HEADACHE

I'm about to run out and buy me some of this, thanks Queen Latifah!
LWR Readers - leave us a comment about what causes your racial tension headaches. You know you've got 'em...

Thanks to Adrienne for the link.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Learning English through Armed Robbery and '80s Aerobics

This video left me jaw-dropped and singing "spare-me-my-life" all day long with the requisite arm gestures. It is just the right combination of really disturbing and bizarrely fascinating.
I had no idea what to expect next.


Zuiikin English - Sankakukin Trouble

The description accompanying the clip says:

"The amazing Japanese show that helps you learn English through a variety of dance moves and badly reenacted scenes from Western movies."

I'm not sure what Western movie that's from, but the aerobics moves and repetition are very effective. I really want to tell those smiley Japanese girls that "Take anything you want" is not the right catchphrase when you're being attacked on the street. Though that's pretty much what you can expect from a cop.
May I suggest Girl Army.

I also particularly like the inexplicable close-ups on their armpits. I sure wish I knew what Creepy Guy at the end was saying.
Thanks to Lynn for finding this.