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Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 02:38 am: | 
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You know, I really would appreciate some feedback on this new dilemna I'm in. After I explain the situation, I'll ask a question. Please tell me what you would do in my situation.
I'm nearing a deadline for the novel I've been re-writing. There's a lot of pressure to have it finished by March 15th (it's a book I wrote years ago and stuck in a drawer--only a few weeks ago they had me to start writing a "final" draft)...I have never worked this way before. Between the day I started and March 15th--that's about 2 months, 2 weeks to have it ready and it's a novel).
On the one hand...I think the book is probably more thoughtful and original than most of the other stuff that's out there by Black women authors (the editor picked it because they think it could get rave reviews and still be a popular bestseller)--BUT, I think it could be a hell of a lot better if I had more time...and I feel that I would respect myself more if it went out BETTER.
I feel that if I just had 6 months to a year to let the characters keep talking to me...this book might be a Classic instead of merely "worth a look". Now here's the question...
How do I speak with the powers that be and get them to consider giving me the time to write a "Classic" instead of a bestseller with standard literary values? I am feeling very sad that no one seems to realize how extremely serious I am and devoted to my "art". They see me as a New Sensation. Honestly--I don't think they've read any of my books. Important writing rather than good writing, in my experience, takes a lot of time and nurturing.
What would you do in this situation?
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Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 03:38 am: |
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Kola--
Greetings.
First of all you have to stop putting down other Black women authors in your posts in order to support your own work. The writing itself, the language, the ideas, your ability to tell a well-written story will state that fact for you just fine...anything else seems self-serving. And, the reality is that there are quite a few AA authors - female - that are bringing it to the table something fierce, to borrow an old fashioned phrase.
Dana Johnson
Marita Golden
Grace Edwards
Jenoyne Adams
Bernice McFadden
Nichelle Tramble
Danzy Senna
Persia Walker
Diane McKinney Whetstone
etc, etc, etc...just to name a few.
Now, with all that said, I think you should take the time to write the book that will make you most proud. Afterall, it's your name at the end of the day, not the publicist, not the editor, not the reviewers but yours that will be out there to take the heat. Deadlines are missed and met all the time. You are not the first, nor will you be the last author to miss a deadline. You have to take the time and treat each creation with the care and attention it deserves. My guess is that the editors want to strike while the iron is hot (i.e., all your recent publicity) but after so much publicity you have to produce a piece of writing that backs up the (sometimes grandiose) claims or else it will all feel like a great big publicity stunt.
I wish you luck and I hope you do whatever feels most comfortable, but I also hope that you will continue to post but hopefully refrain from making each discussion topic a story about your book or your situation. This is NOT an attack in anyway so please don't take it as such but reading over past posts it feels a little like you address the topics only as a way to discuss your book or publicity surrounding your book.
If my perception is wrong I apologize, truly, and I do wish you the best with the latest endeavor.
Bayou |
yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 11:54 am: |
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IF you can, you should follow your heart. You should be happy with what you produce, if possible, and not worry about the business side. Yet, i'm sure that is virtually impossible and idealistic. Still, you should fight or negotiate for more time.
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Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 11:55 am: |
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Hi,
Well said, Bayou. Might I add, Kola, what does your contract say? Can you re-negotiate your contract? |
Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 01:33 pm: |
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ANonymous...I refused to sign the contract (because I have a phobia about these Euro-Caucasoids, I don't deny it--they haven't even read my past books!!). My agent has signed in my place to make sure I cannot sell the manuscript to someone else. I did not know that I could just...miss the deadline. I would be afraid to be so rude as that, but you're right--it might be necessary for the good of the art...to just miss the deadline (a few times).
Yukio thanks so much and I will try to get on that Gayl Jones discussion with you one day when I'm not busy trying to write, Sis.
BAYOU LIGHTS--thanks so much for such honest advice. I will take it. Also, most of the AA women that you listed are my favorites. It's not them I'm talking about. I was making reference to the type of books that the Publishers would like me to submitt--which they would pay big dollars for and publish in a hot second.
What gets me so mad is the "ease" at which these Sista-girl-Exhale type books get published and FLOOD the market...lowering the bar for BW writers with gooey poorly-written stories about ridiculous romantic expectations, cheap rivalries, life-wasting endeavors, etc. But then a Dana Johnson, Wanda Coleman or countless others yet to find a publisher--have to starve for YEARS sitting on absolutely excellent manuscripts (I've read many of them) and all they get told is: "It's great writing, but most of todays Black women bookbuyers can't comprehend at that level. The market has changed". Naturally, White editors have a problem with my portrayal of White society and characters in my books--in my new book, they're upset that 2 white superior court judges are gunned down in cold blood by an angry Black mother--they wanted me to change one of the Judges to a Black man--I refused. So this causes trouble. But I draw the line when White editors tell me--"call up Alice Walker and Gloria Naylor--they'll tell you that THAT type of writing doesn't sell with todays Black female market". NO--what it is...is that White men and White women (who especially hate an authentic Black woman) want to keep us for raising serious thought-provoking issues about OURSELVES. Apparently, we're supposed to be obsessed with Euro-Caucasoid culture and nag all day about some anonymous Black man.
Our daughters are being spoonfed a bunch of pulp crap that ill prepares them for the reality of being Black women in a Euro-Caucasoid society (which is what this is). That's what I meant. Just look at all the Black women who cannot understand my posing topless on the back of my books--and find it so offensive, totally ignoring the fact that I MUST represent the Nile River "zarpunni", my Womb and that my culture is 26,000 years old while theirs is "borrowed" from White folks for a mere 400 years. I AM THEM--a sliver, atleast, of the REAL THEM. Their ignorance about their own African roots is what causes me to think that the Black women writers are not fully teaching the Black women about THEMSELVES the way that Morrison and Walker did so beautifully. In my own image, I reject Euro and Christian and Islamic modes of expression--all of which come from African slavery. I totally love and adore Berniece McFadden and Marita Golden and I've praised all of them in my work (via my characters), in interviews, etc. They often share my view on this. I did "put down" Connie Briscoe--because she runs her mouth about me all the time.
I'm getting sick and tired of certain Black American (women in particular) who try to espouse the notion that "I'm not one of them". I'm tired of being excluded just because I know who I am--and they don't want to. I have had many other Africans come up to me and mention this fact--"How AAs will make EXCUSES for why they can't get along with us...and for how they can't seem to understand that what is valuable to them is often worthless to us, because we don't come from the same culture. These things should not keep those of us with intellect from bonding" (as our ancestors would be pleased for us to do). I had expected that AA women would be open to this bonding rather than hurling the vile and disrespectful insults that I've received over the last year--as Troy Johnson could tell you about one intensely vicious incident that he was privvy to himself (with some woman Nichelle).
But you're right, Bayou and I promise to follow your advice. I will try not to post about "ME" so much.
Thanks, too, for speaking directly to me, brother. So many here are above that.
Kola
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Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 03:21 pm: |
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Kola--
Your agent signed in your place? Is that ethical? Are you bound to the deadline because of his signature?
Also, I was a little confused by a sentence in that last paragraph. Are you speaking of Nichelle Tramble? I highly doubt she would attack you. I have corresponded with her and she's very gracious.
Bayou |
Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 03:50 pm: |
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No not Nichelle Tramble the writer--a Black woman at a magazine named Nichelle. Troy was the one who got the hiddeous email and he told her off.
Ms. Tramble is a gifted, beautifully sincere writer who I greatly admire (although I only read one of her books). I think she's going to be really big as more people find her work. I gave her book as a christmas gift to my sister in D.C. and to two activist friends of mines in London. They all loved it! I think she's marvelous!! That's what we need more of, because she never manipulates our cheapest insecurities and emotions for a buck.
I have a wonderful Black woman AGENT who used to be a top editor at William Morrow and Simon and Shuster. She's great and we're on the same page. It's these damn publishers who don't like it that I'm so "political--womanist-identified and that I am not willing to transcend Race, which I am not, because after living in both Sudan and America, plus Morocco, I'm not stupid, nor do I want to mislead AAs anymore than they've already been mislead. I think you all should become more selfish and less involved in Whites. The only people who are asked to transcend race are we Africans (which means you too!)--and with my Black babies not being born equal as of yet, how can I not attempt to get out the messages of an African mother? I speak for millions, I assure you, Bayou". But I always had an Ethiopian publisher in the past, you see.
I had my agent sign a guarantee that I would not sell to anyone else but the Publisher in question, unless they refuse to accept the nature of the book. So my contract is not really in cement. I am thinking that I might be able to force them to wait another 6 months.....the thing is....they want to capitalize, as you so rightly deduced, on the Publicity surrounding "Kola Boof". It doesn't seem to have occured to them that I am an artist and that the publicity is only the result of a very strong message at the base of it, which ofcourse, the Media overlooks--that's why I refuse anymore interviews. They're making me look like a cartoon character!!
Bayou--you and Cynique must forgive me, because I am such an Ambitious, willfull person (I'm an orphan and I don't belong anywhere)...so my survival mechanisms have made me "Vain" to a degree. Please forgive me as I attempt to do some adjusting. I am not a bad lady, I am just from a cluttered, difficult life. I have done most of my achieving alone... and I feel DRIVEN, because I might be killed before I can fully get my very urgent message to the people. Please understand that I love everyone, but I am afraid for the Black people if I don't leave a map behind for them. Truly, we need the voices of our real mothers now. Between the Caucasoid, the Arab and all these God-less religions, The whole world is upon us!
It is my duty as the motherseed to leave a map back to the Womb. I feel this very strongly and I can be "insufferable" for people who aren't so serious and who don't understand the importance of what I must do.
I know that you feel me. I can tell.
Kola
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Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 04:15 pm: |
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Kola:
I wonder if you realize how condescending you sound when you insist on aggrandizing your African roots while putting down American people of color because you think their culture is borrowed. I beg to differ. Black Americans have their own unique culture, one that is indigenous to their time in this country. White people borrow, imitate, and even steal very liberally from us. Black Americans have a very noble history of surviving and progressing and contributing to this country under the most adverse of conditions. Are today's conditions in the African nations anything for you to be bragging about? Haven't your countrymen allowed themselves to be exploited by the white man??
As for your dilemma - "this above all, to thine own self be true" - so says Ol Will.
Cynique |
sisgal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 05:00 pm: |
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Kola: We are not perfect, but we are who we are, once Africans, transported, and all of us speaking to you today, born here. I am so proud of who we are today, and yesterday, despite and because of what we've been through as a people. Sure we may have adopted their ways, and vice-versas, but most importantly we are survivors with a rich and diverse history, we are important today as were yesterday. We all have a niche in this world, this america, whether we are permed, natural, read or write Sister-girl books.
Your story is very interesting, but I agree with Bayou Lights and Cynique, that you don't have to convince us of how good or true you are by belittling the works of others. The very act itself may backfire. I am one who hates controversy, don't muddle over senseless arguements or disagreements and I've been reading your posts of late and have been wanting to comment, but most of the time I say why bother, its not my business until today. Because I feel, a lot like Bayou Lights and Cynique that when you attack AA authors in general, Black Americans in general, in many ways you are also attacking who I am. I wish you continuous good wishes with regards to your writing. |
Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 06:18 pm: |
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Cynique and Sisgal...I sincerely apologize to both of you if I insulted you in any way. That wasn't what I wast trying to do.
Cynique, in regards to the woman who said to Troy Johnson that my bare chests and my ideals were "backwards" and that I was embarrassment to her and other Black women.....this was when I asserted that her "straightened hair,fake weave, Anne Klein outfits, worshipping of a White Christ and other accessories were the real EMBARRASSMENT and that my culture from which she is blood related...was 26,000 years old in comparison to the one she espouses which is only 400 years old.
The only AA author I've openly attacked on this board is Ms. Connie Briscoe--although I didn't say anything any worse than others posted in a chat room discussion about the author's work. If you actually go back and read my posts--I'm usually praising AA authors. So I find Sisgals comments kind of confusing. Most of the posters here are far more critical of AA authors than I have ever been. E. Lynn Harris was torn a new behind on here recently. Others have complained about the Sista-girl books with far more venomous language than I have.
Over the last year...I have seen MANY people attack me on this board...and never once have responded with ire or an attitude. I took criticism and accepted it when people commented that they didn't believe stories about my life. When either I, my boyfriend or African friends posted here about slavery in Sudan, we were shocked to find not one single comment from AAs to acknowlege our presence or our struggle as fellow Black people, which is as Bad as Poor Manners come. Silence equals consent--it also is more offensive than sound. But I never lashed out at anyone. BUT ALSO...NOT A SINGLE PERSON EVER DEFENDED ME WHEN I WAS BEING ATTACKED OR BERATED...in fact I received nasty emails telling me to go back to Africa or asking to please not post here, because I just didn't belong. Troy Johnson told me to ignore that element long ago and I did so. What everyone did here was collectively not speak to me.
My goal is to assert my opinion, will and knowlege...amongst African Americans...because that is what your ancestors have asked me to do. I came to this country at 8...I'm pretty Black American myself by now. And I intend to carry out my mission even if there are sometimes bitter confrontations, of which I have been experiencing since the first day I walked up to black girls and said "Hi" and they turned up their noses because I had an accent they didn't recognize.
I think that before you call Kola condescending and uppity...you might really investigate your claims a little further. And my culture, Cynique, which is 26,000 years old...is also YOUR CULTURE. That's the point I'm fighting to make.
WE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE. You were GREAT before you got here.
I have nothing but total unconditional love in my heart for you Cynique and for Sisgal. That should override the dumb stuff. And Connie Briscoe is still a narrow-minded, shallow, no-talent who sounds like some House Nigga from a Plantation. WORD.
tima usrah
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sisgal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 07:40 pm: |
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Kola,
It's cool. Your life, your works will be well remembered, I'm sure. You are a very strong woman, I know this, not even knowing you and I am sure you will succeed in whatever you endeavor. I believe you were the first to enlighten me about the conditions of and the travesties taking place in Sudan. I was concerned because I knew of someone who once went to school with me and had to return after college. I don't know how she is doing, but I pray that she is okay. You are right, we are all the same, but with different agendas. I would be the last person to tell you to be anything but yourself, nothing else really matters. One love!
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Wanda Toby
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 08:30 pm: |
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Kola, speak your heart, and do your heart. Although I could disagree and agree with you on several fronts, it's apparant that you are never afraid to say what ever it is you want. That's great as long as you realize that people will strike (in some cases) back. As far as your question goes, since I am a believer in the White Christ lol (I see beyond that though), my advice is to stay true to your craft because you will reap greater rewards. It seems that whenever we as AA or black artist stray from our craft and try to conform to what sells, the 15 minutes never last very long. The music and film industries are perfect examples of that. Stay true and don't be swayed. That is where the reward comes from. |
yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:02 pm: |
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This is an interesting thread. It erupts with multiple issues, race, culture, nationality,and ethnicity, that were not initially the topic of the thread.
Let me say from the beginning that i agree with all of you. I've also been reading the commentaries between Kola and Cynique and i must say you two seem to have a love/hate relationship. Personally Kola, i do think you could critique folk with a little more care. I thought your word usage/choice of words of Cynique's book were harsh.
With that said, let me say my piece.
Kola, i think your dating of culture is unnecessary. Age doen't mean better or worse, it just means that its older, probably different, and probably has different values. Culture changes over time, as Achebe says. And African AMerican culture is definitely a younger culture, but African culture is also different because of historial internal conflicts and external, especially the Trans Atlantic Slave trade, COlonialism, and now Neo-Colonialism, that have led to cultural adaptation, accomodation, resistance, etc... This can be seen with the Europeanization and Christianization of Africa.
Kola you are correct that African Americans and Africans are brothers and sisters and indeed African culture is African Americans' culture. Yet, US and the history of the Americas', the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America, are essential to African Americans' culture, so that to affirm African Americans' culture as African is only partially correct.
The point is that African Americans are a synthesis of white, the african, and the indian( Indeed, Africans are the product of different tribes or ethnic groups, so that group identity and therefore culture change over time, making new Africans.) Consequently, African Americans' culture, and now i'm talking about the Americas and not just the US, is hybrid. Within this hybrid culture there is diversity, which means that among a bevy of black americans you will find a feminst, womanist, black marxist, post structuralist, elitist, ghetto, etc.....We come in all shapes, sizes, and political persuasions. Kola, sometimes you use the term African American and that tends to conflate the diversity within the group. Yet, i don't think you do this purposely. I know too many Africans and they are as diversified as African Americans are.
Africans are as ignorant as African Americans.
This is a very general statement, but it is mostly true, because most people don't have the experience that you have as being reared in both an African and an African American culture. Many Africans come here as adults and are interested in their immediate and local conditions, not learning the conditions and history of their brothers and sisters here, African Americans(this i think is true among folk of the Caribbean). African Americans are the same. Uninterested. Some African Americans, along with most Americans, think that Africa is a country. Shame. We, Africans and African AMericans, are so out of touch. We are both responsible, i think. The distance between us huge, yet the culture and living conditions are intimately similar, intimately, and most of us don't even know it. Distance is not the only problem, of course. African Americans's education is devoid of African history. Many African Americans are ashamed of their ancestors because they were slaves. I'm not making excuses, but this is all true. I don't think we know eachother, really know and love eachother. Just because we may share a phenotype doesn't beget cultural solidarity. That has to be taught and nurtured. Some of us don't know that most Cubans are visually African, that Puerto Ricans, and Domincans and Venezuelans and Panamanians are visually African. We just don't know eachother!
I don't know how Africans are educated, but i do know that those that i have met didn't know much until they got to the US.
With all of my rhetoric, i must also state that we can not enforce people to accept our values and ideologies, even if they may help them. Let people read Connie Briscoe if they want. Everyone can not read, nor are interested in reading "literary" fiction. This preference for commercial fiction is common among most people throughout the world, since most don't have access to the "literary" fiction.
Ok, i know that was long. Best of luck with your book. I look forward to reading it.
One love!
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Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:26 pm: |
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YUKIO...you and others have done one thing that is greatly unfair.
1) You keep ignoring that Connie Briscoe attacked me first...for being topless on my books...and that my opinion is directed at her as a person, because of her "constant" bad-mouthing of ME as someone who makes you all LOOK BAD in front of her precious White people she's so worried about. I don't care who reads Briscoe. Since she has trashed me with her Plantation Imitation-White Mistress attitude, I gave a response to it.
Regarding 400 years.
2) I NEVER put down your culture or how it came to be. What I pointed out is that I was put down FOR MINES (without a single person coming to my defense) and when it was stated that naked African women are backwards, blah, blah...I pointed out that the woman making these assertions was ignorant and a Black person raised in a 400 year old slave culture that was Parented by a 6,000 year old Caucasoid culture. WE BLACK FOLKS IN AFRICA, meanwhile, for 26,000 years--before Christ and the Arabs and Islam--have known that it's an abomination against GOD for a woman's breasts to be covered (being that those breasts are the Holy Religious Ornament of reproduction and life in the first place). We are not backwards, our 26,000 years on this earth is not "savage and less than" just because the WHITES landed in Africa--took one look at our Black man--and felt so "dirty" with their thinking that THEY felt everybody should be covered up. We Blacks didn't have anything to be ashamed about then...and I speak for the Zarpunni (the Mother Superior) when I say right now...We don't have a damn thing to be ashamed NOW.
If African women in Africa or America wish to wear Blond hair, worship a White Christ, Dress in European clothing and present that image to their Black children and then not understand why it is that their image isn't valued and adored...then that's their right. But I was defending my right to embrace the culture and religious beliefs of my OWN PEOPLE. Not the Euro-Caucasoid or the Islamic Arabs.
Please don't take my words out of context.
Your experience in this country is greatly respected and appreciated by me...but don't tell me that it's disgusting for me to bare my breasts...and then take your blond asses to the white man-produces-white babies MASSA Micheal Jackson concert. THASS I'M TALK'N BOUT.
Everyone here is defending the people that I attacked...but in the last year...NO ONE EVER...defended me once when I was being talked about negatively or attacked. That alone convinces me that the tabulations aren't FAIR.
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Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:27 pm: |
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tima-usrah (through fire comes the family)
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yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 10:06 pm: |
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Kola,
Let apologize for my ignorance, first.
1. I'm not defending Connie Briscoe. I can't ignore something that i do't know of. I didn't even know of your conflict with CB. I was stating that people have the right to read commerial literature.
I agree with you. You have the right to express yourself and your culture as you choose. I just don't think you should allow some of the black american women that you know represent ALL african americans, however. Similar to how i would assume that it would be disingenious of me to state that you represent all Africans. I already know this is untrue. The point that i was making was that we are too diverse to pigeon hole and that if people want to be ignorant then let them. In other words, Connie Brisco does not represent me, nor most African Americans. I've never picked up a book by her, and i no have any idea about any of the subjects that she has written. I tend to avoid the "sister-girl" literature myself.
2. Kola you are talking to the congregation. I agree with you, but i was stating, as i said, that sometimes your writing SEEMS to essentialize African Americans into a single unitary category. Black people, african or african american, are heterogenious. That was my only point.
I'm not defending these people that attack you. I've only known you through your postings on AALBC. My comments were related specifically to this thread's posts. I apologize, again. I didn't know the larger context of the conversation. I don't support CB's condemnation of you. She is not my leader.
One Love
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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 12:22 am: |
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Kola, if the book is already finished and all you have to do is produce a "final" draft, what more has to be done? Also, when you signed the contract (or your agent in your case) was it contingent upon you finishing the book by March? And was it recently signed? Lastly, have you discussed your feelings with your agent?
Sorry to answer a question with a question, but I'm a bit unsure of what position you're in. I have a military background in Software Development and was a Project Manager (i.e. lived by schedules), so it's hard for me to understand how if you recently signed the contract why you were given such a short time to finish the project and still allowed your agent to sign for you. Or am I misreading and the only thing she signed was something saying that you wouldn't sell it to anyone else?
On the flip side, I say tell them now...vs planning to wait and miss the deadline.
-Tee |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 12:47 am: |
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Well, Ladies, we're really having a good 'ol hen session, aren't we? And just for the record. Me and Kola are cool. We just do our little "give-and-take-thang". I respect her opinions and, in fact, I am very impressed with all of you intelligent, articulate sisters who have added your voices to the subject being discussed. Much Love!
Cynique |
Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 01:19 am: |
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Hi Tee,
Because I'm in so many newspapers in England, the United States, Egypt and Russia right now--they are trying to capitalize on that as Bayou pointed out. I've also done about 50 radio interviews. But there is no Book by me on a major publisher and "Long Train" was put out of print due to bombing of NABE in Morocco and death threats against my life (because of my attacks on Islam and Slavery in my country).
The recent disclosure by N.Y. Post that Osama Bin Laden was my lover in 1996 and that people thought my oldest son was by him--has only made the interest grow more. The only thing they don't like...is that I'm BLACK and LOOK Black. LOL. Osama's woman should've been a BLOND, you see.
Anyway, you're right. I will tell my agent in the morning and see what she says. I really feel that I'm older and wiser now. I want to re-write the entire book.
Yes, Cynique has always been my favorite poster here. I do apologize if I was mean in reviewing her book. I feel very bad about that, because I don't want her to dislike me. I admire her greatly and I think she's a wonderful sista-girl.
I feel very bad that people think I am attacking THEM when speak of Black Americans, etc. But at the same time, I resent that no one ever tried to defend me when I as being talked about so often with such derogatory language and flat out insults. I never said a word, because I felt that people are entitled to their opinions--and I am certainly one who dishes it out, so I could take it.
By the way, TEE...I have now left the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. I am now an activist SOLO. African men are totally sexist, misogynist pigs and they betrayed me for fear that a WOMAN would become the center of attention. Which I shall do without them. They were also angry that so many Southern Sudanese call me "Queen Kola"--because the people know that Kola is devoted to their cause and that she doesn't back down. I slept with Hassan Turabi (the leader of the National Islamic Front, for godssakes!) My life is the people's. The Black child MUST SURVIVE as himself. I will die for them if necessary, they know that.
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Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 01:36 am: |
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YUKIO: Achebe also said, "When you bring the people Kola...you bring the people life."
It's all good, Sis. I appreciate your support.
I live in America. I am an American citizen. I was raised by the Black Americans.
I have an obligation to give them what I believe will empower them. Much of what I see in this American culture does NOT empower the AAs, it teaches them self-hate and it destroys their families, their children. This is the worst country I have ever seen for the "Black Psyche". Blackness is not allowed here--everyone is trying to breed it out, pass it off as something else and the Black WOman (who is necessary for the creating of Black people--is the most hated and despised person in this country).
So I have to imprint a very OPPOSITE image and message to AAs than what they are used to. I must plant A NEW SEED. When I was in Virginia on a School outing as a small child at a slave plantation...your ancestors spoke to me and told me that it was them who brought me here to America...to do their bidding.
Like most African people, I don't give a damn about the American Indians or the White nigger blood that flows in American Africans. We have White nigger blood in Africa--I am half Arab (an "abeed"-slavenigger blood in me). What I care about is that your ancestors told me that YOU MUST SURVIVE--as Yourselves.
Otherwise, your slave master wins.
If the Black American is defeated...then all BLACK people worldwide will be defeated, because you are the only Blacks on earth with access to the media. You are the ones who inform the rest of us on what's NEW. Our self-destruction should never be accepted and sold to us via the media. I have to change your people--to save mines.
It will take more than a hundred years, but the seed must be planted.
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yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 11:49 am: |
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Kola:
I appreciate your passion. i really do, but i have a problem with some of your points. These points i've addressed already. The way you seem to homogenize African Americans. You put all of us into a box, close the lid, and stamp colonized, bamboozled, ignorant, lost. That is unfair. I've apologized for my ignorance of your beef with CB. I've even pledged allegiance to your right to be an artist--to self-expression.
1. We have a problem in communication, i think. The method i prefer is that we engage eachother. I think i've engaged you, but i do not feel that you've reciprocated. You've relentlessly and consistently essentialized the entire african american group. This must stop. There is a long tradition of the Politics that you seem to affirm, a very long tradition. I'm not exactly sure what your politics are, but it seems to be a Pan Africanism. Your contribution is much needed. That is a fact. BUT, you SEEM to speak as if you're the Queen or shall i say Messiah with some special knowledge that only you possess. That African Americans, as Marxist used to say, have false-consciousness. Thats unfair, irresponsible, erroneous, disappointing.
African americans are important, as you say because we are in the belly of the beast, internally colonized. We, africans and african americans, do have a common struggle, but african americans and caribbeans have been waging that struggle long ago, since the early 20th century, i believe. Your post does not recognize this, you speak like we are walking blind. Mind you everyone is not politically conscious. In my last post i was trying to make the point that we don't know eachother well enough and that people of african descent and people of color in general need to learn about eachother in order for any of us to achieve self-determination.
2. I know too many Africans that disagree with you wholeheartedly concerning their allegiance to Native Americans. This is the problem with your position. If i am African then i am native american. Black Americans have had a long, long struggle in cooperation with Native Americans that we just can't forget, refuse to, would rather deny our African-ness to affirm all of our being. This is not a question of skin, but of struggle. And african americans and native americans have had a common struggle. You've eradicated that struggle, that struggle that our ancestor participated in, so i doubt if they're telling to not give a damn about Native Americans. (BTW, Romantically, I'm a third worldist, which a includes a pan africanism and an african americanism. Yet, in the world of politics, and because i have some understanding of history, i know that political success means some is going to be oppressed and some will be the aggressors and oppressors. Consequently, i know that we can only really get along, but we'll not love eachother, harmoniously...lol! That is politically impossible!)
3. I don't think you're representative of Africans. Again, stop homogenizing people. How do you know what most Africans think, believe? That is impossible, that is godly.
3. ALthough all of us aren't formally educated, we all read, so speak to us like we've read and know some of the things that you know.
Kola, please address these points! Please speak to me intelligently. DOn't preach to me, don't tell me what african americans think, what africans think! You don't know these things!
Now, as i said, you are speaking to the congregation. I think all people of color must survive and affirm their culture...as themselves. I just think you're trying to mass produce and package African Americans and ignoring the struggles that we have had in North America and the blood and struggle that we're shared with Native Americans. Its not a blood thing. I'm not affirm an identity by blood, but by common striggle. I just suggest that you don't try to police and coerce people to affirm beliefs that are not their own. Part of freedom is allowing people the choice to do as they please. Part of leadership is to listen to the masses and internalize their fervor as much as you attempt to influence them. Here, in these posts, you speak to us, now i'm assuming that all of us aren't necessarily the masses but organic intellectuals, like we are ignorant of your positions. This is problematic!
One Love! |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 01:27 pm: |
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Kola,
Don't apologize for speaking your mind, sister. Your honest remarks about my book did not devastate me. I can dish it out, and I can take it. I like having this ongoing discourse with you because I think we are both learning from it. So, in response to your latest comments I will say it is my belief that difference in skin color is at the root of a multitude of problems. If we were all one hue, the caste system wouldn't exist, and we could focus on harmony and equality and the well-being of the HUMAN race. So, ideally, the hope for the distant future is one where skin color is "neutralized", where a new breed exists. Yes, the past is important and we can learn from it, but to be stuck in it is to inhibit growth. Rather than preserving a history of pain, we can create a extraordinary new legacy. To me, yours is a personal mission, one influenced by experiences which have ignited your hurt and resentment, and inspired your passionate resolve. But your blues ain't my blues. Does that relegate me to an unworthy position? Are you going to read me out of the race? It would appear so because you are guilty of what you accuse your detractors of. Your goal as a black woman is one of exclusion rather than inclusion, one, where in your quest for vengence, you set the criteria.
Also, bear in mind that there are white people who have the same mind-set as you, but they belong to the Ku Klux Klan. LOL.
Anyway, you are a brilliant, fascinating, woman, Kola. I like you and wish you well in your future literary endeavors!
Incidentally, I think the reason no one has defended you against past attacks is because nobody knew enough about you to get into the fray, - no one knew whether your accusers were telling the truth or not. You were a mystery.
Cynique |
Kola Boof
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 02:21 pm: |
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Yukio....
You will know the people who really LOVE you--by how unselfish they are in telling you the TRUTH. Even if that truth will cause you to not like them.
After I post this (which is going to really make you angry, but it's that TRUTH you need)...I'm not going to post at aalbc.com anymore. So atleast you'll have that.
Let me just make it plain as possible:
When I first came to America, the child of an Arab Egyptian and a pure Gisi-Waaq Oromon woman and...encountered African-Americans...the FIRST THING I LOOKED FOR (as all other Africans do)...is your forehead, your cheekbone, your lips, skin "thickness" and the shape of your ass. THIS INFORMATION will tell me what part of Sudan you come from and who your people were. Naturally, you are not from Sudan, but in my ignorance--that is what I looked for. The things about you that will make me feel "kinship" and "unity". My Black American parents had nothing North African in them--but I did recognize them as West Africans (who live in Sudan in small groups), even the light ones were clearly West Africans to my 8 year old Nilotic eyes. I was fed African food my first night in D.C....fried fish, yams, corn and watermelon. By being given AFRICAN food...I was able to relax in "kinship".
Like MOST Africans....I have no interest in your INDIAN ancestors (who you rave and talk about so incessantly that it becomes confusing that your skin is so Brown and your forehead and cheekbones speak of the Akan or Serahuli or Ga). That's what you aren't accepting...THAT AFRICANS ARE LIKE EUROPEANS, Yukio..."prejudiced and interested in THEMSELVES". I am not trying to give you politically correct postings...I am trying to show you, openly, what MOST African people say to other African people...and I can assure you that the Africans you know DO NOT share with you the things they do with one another. Especially their observations on race and culture. More often than not, they tell you what you want to hear or what will make their dealings with you more pleasant. If they are MALES--then they probably really don't give a damn about identity, race or any of those issues at all. They're probably Pogo-Niggers (our version of the word "sellouts").
I, my dear, am the MAJORITY. The only difference between them and me...is that I was raised by YOU. I have been taught YOUR history my entire life and I have come to realize that in order to have true, real contact between the two oceans, we need to show who we really are and how we feel. Yukio...my harsh words is the MAJORITY of Africans. Don't delude yourself and don't let your African friends tell you that Kola isn't saying things that they don't all say. But remember...it's my LOVE for you that makes me feel that you are worth CONFRONTING--whether I'm wrong, right, mean or a bitch--doesn't matter. What matters is that I cared enough to make contact and to speak from a different perspective than what you are used to.
I have no use for being liked--my need is to be UNDERSTOOD. Because that's the only way that I can CHALLENGE what you belive.
I'm totally against your assimilation with Euro-Causoids and all the other Non-Nilotic, Non-Negroid races. Not because it's unnatural, but because your people place such matings ABOVE the mating of our own race. Your loyalty, I notice, is not to the darkest of us (who are the most authentic representation of US). In other words...this assimilation will mean the destruction and obliteration of the millions of African people who came here in chains. Your future Multi-Raced people will be just like the Arabs...our own children hating us (because of their connection to us), hating our color and hair. Killing and oppressing us, because BLACK was a stain that had to be removed "systematically". THis goes on in Africa, too, especially North Africa where I come from.
I....Kola....think your people are in big trouble of becoming extinct just like the Indians you think so highly of. Also...recognize the jealousy in me that so many Africans feel when Black Americans go on and on about these red-faced ancestors (who didn't survive)...it seems that you can name them; the Cherokee, Arapoho, Blackfoot, Apache etc....
but I NEVER hear a Black American say anything prideful about the Denkinyira blood, the Ashanti, Akan, Mandingo, Ga, Mende, Fulani,Wolof, Serahuli..etc. I speak with MANY African women here in America who are so sick of it. You will even give the Indians credit for your cheekbones--totally ignoring the beautiful bone structure of the Midnight Blacks of West Africa--who were a far greater and more noble people than the Indians ever were.
Here's some more generalizations for you and I mean this.
An African woman is the LEAST of your thoughts...the one image your people try the hardest to "erase" is hers, but you will adore and glorify the African MAN...although it was his bright idea to sell off our own children while the African WOMAN was powerless in the situation, she being the only one to cry and sing "Sea Never Dry" (one of several hundred hymns African women wrote in honor of their stolen children) down at the ocean front for the next 400 years--mourning the loss of her precious Black Americans who wouldn't speak to her Chocolate, Big-nosed, Big-lipped nappy-haired image on the street IF YOU PAID THEM. OH NO...'cause they ain't loss nothing in Africa.
Native Americans owned slaves and historical documentation of their association with Blacks shows that they were no less Colorist and believed no less in racial superiority than Puerto Ricans (who placed Blacks in the church pews according to color--darkest at the Back, lightest at the front) or the Cubans or the Brazilians or the racist Mulatto families that initially controlled power in other Carribean nations. I have noticed that many Blacks here will speak of these associations as GOOD RELATIONSHIPS. These people's entire history is the practice of breeding Black people off the planet via light skin, light eyes, Spanish hair. Is that the DIVERSITY you hold so high? Being a Bastard?
Not only that....but we have the same Nigger-mentality all over Africa. Our continent is flooded with images of American self-hatred that now encourages our youth that the answer to African suffering and inferiority...is to WALK IN THE LIGHT..WHITE IS RIGHT...GET WHITE.
Furthermore, MOST African people--and I am not speaking about the PogoNiggers who come here and tell you what you want to hear--but most African People have no respect for a race that allowed itself to become EXTINCT. The Native Americans loaned the White man the key to their home...only to find themselves evicted and extinct. This is the same thing I see going on today with AAs who will embrace any culture that has straight hair and light skin. And as they do this, they chant: "ONE LOVE"
Well I would like to ask this....who does "ONE LOVE" exclude? Because from my experience it sure isn't sincere. It usually excludes the darkest people, and specifically, the darkest FEMALE--because ofcourse, she gives birth to this Blackness that the world hates so much.
Tell me Yukio...is it a generalization that every film made by a Black American director, music video and all the Black men's magazines here have a common rule.....that a chocolate skinned FEMALE of "CHILD-BEARING" age is never featured with a male as a romantic partner. This....is the poison that in America...IS MORE THAN GENERAL. It's damn near law. This is the ONE LOVE you talk about so Proudly...as if you're not a hypocrite.
But how dare that arrogant, uppity AFRICAN WOMAN come up in here and tell us what half of us already know is the truth anyway!!!!??? HOW DARE SHE!! What gives her the right.
Well as long as my ass is BLACK and I live in this country raising my 2 Black sons...and as long as your people came out of my BLack ass and I didn't come out of yours...that's what gives me the right. We dont' have to be friends--but we will have an understanding--that I intend to ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO YOUR LIVES. I promised your ancestors I would.
I don't give a damn how you feel about that. As a wombbearer and motherseed, it is my obligation to see that Africa NEVER DIES...that's what an authentic Black woman does.
Sincerely, Naima Bint Harith (Kola Boof)
tima usrah (through fire...comes the family)
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Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 02:57 pm: |
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Cynique,
Unlike the KKK....Whites are welcome in my home to share meals, sleep over, laugh and play games and watch t.v.
But I don't ever place them above MY OWN PEOPLE or my children.
I have many White friends, loved ones, I lived with a White man for 5 years (but yes, I aborted the baby he put inside me--oh yes) and I've dated several Arab men as previously mentioned.
I am not like the KKK. I am like a Human woman who loves her children and is committed to their survival, their existence and their right to be made in the image of their own people.
And I shall NEVER EVER forgive the Euro-Caucasoids for what they did "mentally" to the Black Americans and all other slaves in the Western Hemisphere. Slavery is one thing, but to have ones name and language taken away--to be labotomized and turned into a "nigger" and then hung from trees, raped and separated from ones own children...and taught to BELIEVE in ones inferiority. I have told ALL MY WHITE FRIENDS to their faces that I shall never ever forgive them for that.
I intend to spend my life...telling your Black children all about how I feel. Until I am killed. I intend to TELL IT for your ancestors--because you DO NOT honor them when you suggest this idiocy about starting a NEW NEUTRAL RACE, apparently a bunch of lightskinned, light-eyed people replacing us BLacks...as if that's not what the Arabs and the Jews and the latins were supposed to be in the first place. We've seen this all before. North Africa is now a ghost relic filled with mixed race people who refuse to acknowledge themselves as "black" or "African", in fact, as I stated they only abuse, oppress and hate their African parent nations, because they can never seem to distance themselves from us--but this is what you are espousing as a serum.
What we who are Black should do...is give birth to our own image and love ourselves with the same fierceness that other races love themselves. We don't need mixed children who hate us, think themselves superior and invite other cultures to further disrespect and bastardize us.
You are just a leaf, Cynique---not the root. And without the root, the entire tree dies.
I'm done for good here.
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yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 03:25 pm: |
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Kola,
I've come to you always in love and sharing, always! We disagree with somethings, but i thing we share more than you know.
Question:
If you don't post then how will you share your knowledge with me and others?
My concern:
Still, you continue to miss my point. I neither represent all of African Americans, nor affirm all of the things that African Americans do. I've AGREED with most of the points you've made from the beginning. YOU SPEAK TO ME as if the hate that you've received from other people CAME FROM MY POSTS. I've repetitively said that i don't affirm their behavior towards you, that they don't represent me, and that i didn't know that these people violated your humanity.
I only made two inter-related points:
1. I'm African American and my ancestors struggle and shared and shed blood with Native Americans. Consequently, i'm embracing my entire history, not just the African! I love all Africans and people of African descent. I do not affirm music videos and what black writers, producers and such. They don't represent my views, beliefs, my ideologies! I don't affirm the disrespect that AA show Africans. I don't affirm the disrespect that Africans show AA. I've said this before!
I'm writing to YOU not all of Africa or people of African descent, but to KOLA BOOF. I want you to write to ME, just me and we can engage eachother as individuals. TO YUKIO, not African Americans. I can not and refuse to represent All African Americans. Thats not my right!
Listen to me, read my words, closely! Disagree with me! But don't pigeon hole me! Share with me!
2. I stated that AAs and Africans, and indeed Caribbeans, do not know about eachother, even when we share the same space. I place part the blame on our colonial condition and other part on on ourselves. I appreciate you and welcome you because you want to close this gap, you want to do the work to bring us together. BUT, i don't agree with everything you say and you certainly disagree with me. Those disagreements, however, don't make us enemies! We're still family, even though we don't agree! And thats alright!
If Africans are lying to me, what can i do. I don't look at Africans of the continent as the purveyors of All Knowledge. I don't need nor seek anyone's affirmation. I affirm myself and i seek knowledge for self and i share and disagree and learn and it goes on intimately. I just don't want someone to force ideas dowm my throat. I want them to let me understand om my own terms. I will preach, but they have to decide when and if they want to digest it and use it as nourshiment or they can shit it out. It's their choice.
Simultaneously, I love Africans and most people, even with disagreement. Keep in my, i'm saying that i love individuals, not States, Countries, canons, and cultures, but i do love Africa, the continent and people, but as you've said many times, African culture and history is me and mine--we are ONE. I'm clear that my colonial education has debilated me, and i'm trying to miseducation myself, constantly and persistently! I do know that I have to learn from Africans, and whoever can facilitate my miseducation.
For the most part, I don't disgree with you Kola! I don't! You are angry and I am too, but i'm not angry with you, but with this country and Europe. I'm embracing you all your complexity!Embrace me too,! Embrace our disagreements!
Finally, I think you should continue to post! This is my last comment on this thread! You created it for help and now it has lead to this very WRONG turn. I apologize again for making you feel like i was attacking you. That was not my intent, NEVER! Again, i didn't know of you conflicts with these other people and i condemn their disrespect towards you! I'm only one person, and i feel like you've forgotten that! Forgotten what i've said! That i respect, appreciate and affirm your right to be you! You've attacked other people, their ideas and what they said to you, but you have directed these attacks to me, Yukio, in capital letters, yelling at me as if i've said these disrespectful things to you! I haven't and don't represent those that have. I don't even know your business like that, only the little that i've read on you posts! |
yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 03:27 pm: |
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I still embrace you...nothing has changed! |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 04:08 pm: |
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Kola, you are the living personification of how preoccupation with color is divisive, and irrational. You apparently cannot conceive of any concept other than yours being a viable one. Your color - whatever it is - has made you bitter and arbitrary. Where is your love for your sisters who are not the same color as you? Where is your hate for the Africans who betrayed their own and sold one another into slavery? What is your rationale for sleeping with white men while berating women of color?
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Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 04:33 pm: |
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Kola--
You must know that having a strong opinion means that there will be people who disagree with you. I don't think any of the posts here have been hateful, and there is an incredible amount of support for you and your efforts. What would be the point of leaving the group? I think the discussion has been interesting, and like any good debate filled with "heat".
You make some pretty strong statements, some I agree with, some I don't but my motto is basically "if you deny your past, deny your age, you deny who you are" and who I am is a woman who has Native blood, has white blood, a little Chinese and Polynesian via Hawaii, which at the end of the day is what being African American sometimes means. Am I any less authentic? Nope. Am I any less goofy, well-read, slightly cranky, prone to histrionics, or a great aunt? Nope. All those things make up who I am, as well as the "jambalaya" bloodline, and I rarely respond well to having my experience dismissed or compromised.
That, I think, is what happened here. Your passion sometimes translates as condescencion (sp?) and that's what folks object to, and like family members AALBC will take you to task, sometimes with anger always with a smile and a "don't go, we'd miss you".
Peace. |
Kola
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:13 pm: |
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I apologize to all of you and I will continue to read the posts...but I will try to post much less, because the truth is...what you call Black people in the West..and what I KNOW is a Black person, are two different things. On these issues, we would stay in constant fights.
There isn't any nation in Africa where the Slave Master's definition of Black (as you explained your own creed Bayou Lights) is accepted by us. We do not think so little ourselves that just ANYONE can BE us. I have had that dispute in America since the day I got here, because I know damned well that one of my favorite singers, whom I adore, Mariah Carey is NOT a Black woman, I don't care how much negro blood from Venezuela courses in her veins. Neither is Vin Diesel or The Rock Black. There is nowhere in Africa where they would be accepted as such...nor do Arab and Berber peoples EVER claim "blackness". They would not insult us that way.
And so you'll know Cynique...very few people from the 50 African totems EVER think about their race or color...until they come to the U.S. and come into contact with the Black Americans. Only the Sudanese (where there is slavery and Arab Imperialism) and South Africa (they had apartheid) are "similar" to the Black American's mentality of self-hatred. My own grandmother, Najet, an Egyptian, put me up for adoption because she had spent many decades breeding the "color" out of my father's clan--my NUBIAN coloring would mess it up her afternoon teas. So she felt nothing--putting her own grandchild up for adoption, because of a little thing like COLOR. Yes, I am now a warrior on that issue, because millions of children who don't look like you have to suffer for their color...just as if it were 1954. NOTHING has changed for some us, Cynique. It would seem that a "Black" person would know that already.
Since I understand American culture, I hate to say such a cruel, hurtful thing--but it's true. It doesn't make a person any less of a person (that they aren't Black), but in all honesty I don't think of Cynique as a "Black Woman" after reading her book and then hearing her make the comment about "blending into one big mixed race". That is NOT an authentic Black woman speaking. She's an AMERICAN FIRST...her mixed race means everything to her, hence her desire to see everyone else blended that way--which to me, is my worst NIGHTMARE. She's the product of generations of "former slaves" who can't figure out why the birth a nappyheaded little Black child would be the most important thing in the universe (as it is to me). It's not that I don't WANT to share her fantasy of racial homogenity....but I CANNOT, because I come from the land where Arab women tell the same lie. I am from the Nile River, from Omdurman where people who look like Cynique sell our children everyday..and try to teach us that our only salvation is to become LIKE THEM--Arab Muslims.
The great exiled Egyptian woman writer Nawaal El Sadaawi has written: "The White man's DIVERSITY only divides us from our own people". I believe that. All over the planet...it's only US BLACKS who are TUTORED to become diverse and broken up. This race mixing totally makes it impossible for us to maintain our heritage and to have unity.
But ofcourse, the African man (being that he has no real power in the world--and being that he betrayed his woman by selling off his own children to the Arab and the Caucasoid) has now also become the biggest WHORE in the world...so he finds it wonderful to sleep with all kinds of foreign women, have no responsibility to his people--and Unlike the White man--give birth to sons who look nothing like him and who will only further degrade his culture and his legacy.
The White Man is a whore yes--so is the Arab. But he has not disobeyed God's observation that a true man gives birth to his own image. His self-preservation and WORLD WIDE SELLING of his culture is what gives him respect above all other men.
In the morning streets of Addis Ababba, you will hear Ethiopian children singing this chant: "mothers matter a lot...fathers matter not". It is the Black mother's duty to raise the children to carry on their culture.
I have told my Black American sisters in Speeches: "You must give birth to a new King".
So you see.
MY BLACK CHILDREN...are not ingredients for a salad. And I feel that many of the so called Blacks in this country who are so cavalier about not giving birth to Black children...are obviously that way, because they're not really Black folks. I have noticed that many American Blacks have no core racial identity (as Whites here do). They hate anyone who tries to impose such a RESPONSIBILITY on them--and they do not honor their ancestors.
My entire people are now threatened with annihlation, this includes the Black Americans who have African blood and African hair (who I am proclaiming belong to MY PEOPLE and to our mother, the Goddess Africa). How can I, an African mother, possibly join you in continuing the desecration of my people that slavery started centuries ago?
I cannot. I MUST...I MUST fight for my Black children. I aborted the White man's baby,not because of color, but because it was my greatest fear...that the child would not have "African" hair (which we call back home "The Proof"). I am certain that none of you could ever relate to that. You would probably LOOOVE to have little mixed kids with "good hair". But I prefer my own...and this society in America is against my Black Children.
Women like yourselves, in fact, encourage my children that it's COOL...it's alright...to breed their kin folk off the planet...to make YOU feel more comfortable in your "mixed-state", and ofcourse, the Caucasoids love this, because that was their goal all along. TO KILL MY BLACK BABIES.
I cannot join you in that. I would rather slit the throats of your mixed babies first...because I now fear you, I feel that you're just Zombies against the African race, too--like the Arabs back home who rape our mothers and sodomize our children and roll us up in carpets and burn us alive for being BLACK. Or like the Nubian men who deny they are Black, straighten their hair and marry Turkish Blacks...only to be called "Abeed" to their faces by the Arab Islamics they would do anything to be accepted by.
I am very sorry that I am such a Bitch in your eyes, but I really cannot fail my people. As we say: "If my father dies...then I shall give birth to him again". Black people are the first people of the earth. We are the MOST BEAUTIFUL to my African eyes. I cannot condone an American culture that uses lying phrases like "ONE LOVE" and then encourages Black children to "assimilate".
If you really accept someone--then allow them to be who they are--totally and completely. When Whites come to Africa...no one pressures them to "darken up" or to get rid of that dog-smelling spider hair that grows from their protein-lacking pink scalps. NO...we accept them as they are. BUT HERE...Blacks are asked to become "mixed" (which is LESS THAN they were--a compromise to please the dominant race).
I have to fight against that. So you see--you really won't like me at all, because it turns out that we are not the same people.
But ofcourse I love you all and you're always welcomed in my life and my home. But I am not like you.
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Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:30 pm: |
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Kola--
Whew! That was 100% bona fide hate you just unleashed on us. If nothing else you can be counted on to bring the heat and a little hysterics if things are slow.
With that said, I was with you until this last post, but darling, now you are most definetly on your own. Hope you find peace in this world.
Bayou |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 01:37 am: |
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Well Kola you are, as ususual, being presumptuous when you label me as "mixed", and when you draw certain conclusions about how I live my life. Whatever. I don't feel the need to justify my opinions, or my attitude, or my blood lines. I would, however, like to know who appointed you the "great, grand arbitrator" in charge of designating who is "black", and who is not "black". You are suffering from delusions of grandeur, girlfriend. Furthemore, "methinks the lady doeth protest too much." It's becoming increasingly clear to me that rather loving your blackness, you hate it. You definitely have "issues".
Cynique
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Chris Hayden
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 10:22 am: |
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I thought about this awhile before I posted. My opinion will probably not be popular.
I am a writer myself (for a smattering of what I do, one can take a look over at the Poetree site where I have posted rhythmic ramblings).
Thus, I am, too, an artist. I also write prose of different sorts--short stories, etc. I have a novel that I have been trying to interest someone in for four years.
As an artist, I understand the position regarding integrity of the work, sacredness of the art to the creator, mission. I sympathize with it.
As a writer, who must confront the business of writing, I must take into the consideration the needs of those who want my writing--editors, publishers, have to deal with deadlines, shipping dates, advertising campaigns. etc. Sometimes they don't want it perfect or even good. Sometimes they want it Tuesday.
The artist then must decide whether he can have it Tuesday, or if he wants to let them go ahead and take a hike. Some in our calling are able to do this. Others can't.
If you feel you are in a position to renegotiate the terms of your agreement, and you feel that your art might better be served by that, then go ahead. As one who is out there too, I can tell you that book contracts do not grow on trees, that regardless of how great and indespensible we feel we are, others may see this differently.
If you are insulted by the idea that you are a "hot topic" and that you are being rushed and this is so important to you that you cannot abide by the terms of this agreement, go ahead. Understand that if you have miscalculated, if you are not another Morrison or WRight or Ellison (all of whom have, at some stage or so of their careers, had to bow to the needs of commerce) you may not get a second chance at this--you may be dropped by your publisher and not picked up again.
I think you should be absolutely sure of what you are doing before you make this decision--in 6 months or a year something else may be happening, we may be in the middle of a world war or something and people may have, hard as it may be able to realize, not want to hear from a Kola Boof.
Or, more unpleasantly, you may be in the position of a woman friend of mine. A comer. 52 years old. Progressed from Nurse to Lawyer to Government Department Head. I picked up the paper this morning and found out she just dropped dead.
Of course tomorrow is promised to none of us. But what will happen to the book or any of your other writings if this happens to you.
Certainly, you have within you the power to create another masterpiece.
Just some thoughts on it. |
Sandra
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 10:34 am: |
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Whew! Kola, I am in no way an authority on 26,000 years of African history or how Arabs lie to Africans or how only certain folks are not considered as Black in certain nations while others sell off their mixed race children.
Growing up a little Black girl in America for us AA sistahs (who I sometimes think you have disdain for) is no walk on the beach either. Ok, sure we didn't suffer something as horrid as female castration and the like. But we had and still have our own struggles and trials that have made us strong and proud women. And everyday we are trying to raise our sons and daughters to appreciate our "recent" ancestors as well those from Africa and be happy and healthy in this America. Many of us and our children know "who we are" and it's not always some re-creation of the "white-man-culture."
I know my comments are one-sided as someone else said you have had the luxury of living in America and Africa and you have first hand experiences that I nor my closest friends and family will never know.
You are a WARRIOR for your 'cause Kola--and I admire that so much. And in my middle-class, double-income,BMW-drivin',two-story-brick-house livin',corporate-job-havin',spoiled-daughter-lovin', own way--I too am a WARRIOR, for my children, for my family, for my community, for my life. |
Sese
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 10:20 pm: |
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Kola you should heed Chris' thoughtful, logical advice in response to your initial request. If you spent less time ranting, raving and trying to sway other to your philosophy, that is a complete turn-off (I would not buy any of your literary efforts) you could probably complete the rewrite in the allotted time. I agree with Cynique, you have issues. Really I think your issues are to numerous to isolate/identify
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Carey
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 08:23 am: |
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Hello Sese
I just wanted to say Hi, it's good to hear from you, I've always liked your motherly straight forward approach. We haven't heard from you in some time, thanks for dropping in. |
Claxton
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 08:06 pm: |
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Kola, I'm just returning to the board from vacation--a visit with my sister and her family in Mississippi--so I'm just now reading this thread.
Actually, I can sum up with just a single statement:
Get over yourself and meet that deadline!
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Sese
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 08:49 pm: |
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Hi Carey: Don't post, but check the board all the time to stay informed about AA reading choices. Enjoy the lively, informed discussions and the new board. Tell Miss Ann hello. |
Thumper
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 01:15 pm: |
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Hello Sese,
Sese, it's been so long!! How are you doing? *big smile* Can I ask you a question? How do you feel about the re-publication of several books by seemingly unknown (only to some of us today) AA authors. I ask because I just received a copy of The Wig by Charles Wright, and a few months ago The Cotillion by John Oliver Killens. Is it a good thing or should these books be remain obscured? |
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