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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 1257
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 05:15 pm: | 
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They are already running "Whatever Happened to Venus and Serena" columns in the sports sections.
Though it is probably too early to relegate them to the scrap heap, it does seem like since they took the Old Man out of the equation they ain't been the same.
Martina Navratilova said that they have lost their concentration trying to be fashion models et al. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3715
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 05:21 pm: |
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I agree with Martina. You can't have it all...at least not at the exact same time.
But if their real interests/aspirations are AWAY from tennis courts, I wish them the best.
Because they seem like good people. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1811
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 05:25 pm: |
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Yes, it is frustrating--although I was glad to see Venus win so convincingly last night and hear her give such an intelligent, confident speech to the press after her win.
SERENA just makes me sick. She's allowing her insecurity about her looks to allow her to WASTE her youth trying to be a model/actress/fashion plate rather than using THESE YEARS to finish etching her legacy in concrete. I just wish she would PRACTICE and focus on her game the way she did long ago.
As Richard said today---"They got bored with the game, because it stopped being a challenge."
Now they have a Reality T.V. series coming out----smh
I wish they would get on the ball and put just a little luster on their gold before they go out for good.
GO VENUS!
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1812
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 05:26 pm: |
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Oh, and ABM...please notice that this photo of VENUS "also" looks like the IVORY BUST of Nefertiti in profile.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1814
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 06:12 pm: |
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By Howard Fendrich
ASSOCIATED PRESS
2:25 p.m. June 27, 2005
WIMBLEDON, England – The second Monday at Wimbledon offers the rare treat of all 16 men's and women's fourth-round matches, and on this particular afternoon there was the even rarer sight of Venus Williams playing confident, mistake-free tennis.
Less than 48 hours after sitting with chin on hand while watching her sister Serena lose to Jill Craybas, Williams strode onto the same court against the same opponent, more concerned with righting her own game than restoring family pride.
She managed to do both. Williams won the first six games and the last six to overwhelm Craybas 6-0, 6-2, looking a lot more like the player who won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001 than one who hasn't reached a Grand Slam semifinal in two years.
Asked whether facing someone who just beat Serena particularly pumps her up, Williams looked down and laughed.
"I definitely would like to do it a little bit for my sister," she said, then paused before adding this telling phrase: "but mostly for me."
Williams used her 6-foot-1 frame to track down Craybas' shots to the corners and to win 13 of 14 points at the net. She limited her unforced errors to four in the first set, and after falling behind 2-0 in the second, Williams broke back at love.
"She was really fired up today," Craybas said. "She definitely has a chance to win the tournament."
First things first, though, starting with a match Tuesday against No. 12 Mary Pierce, back in the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a nine-year absence. It's a strong follow-up to reaching the French Open final.
Williams last went that far at a major at Wimbledon in 2003, also the last time she made a Slam's final four. She won only one title in the past 13 months, and that was a lower-level event where she didn't face anyone ranked above 39th. So her apparent resurgence was the most noteworthy development on a day filled with passing moments of interest for the record attendance of 41,386.
Some were the sort of odd occurrences brought about by the pressure of playing on Centre Court, such as Kim Clijsters' three double-faults in the final game of her 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3 loss to 1999 Wimbledon champion Lindsay Davenport. Or No. 24-seeded Taylor Dent simply watching a shot land at his feet – clearly in – to give away a break-point chance at 5-4 in the second set of 2002 Wimbledon winner Lleyton Hewitt's 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-3 victory.
There were instances of frustration, such as over on cozier Court 18, where No. 10 Mario Ancic, a semifinalist last year, let out his anger after getting broken by No. 26 Feliciano Lopez to start the second set. Ancic picked up a bottle and chucked it, then tossed his racket, which a ball boy fetched. Ancic finished the job by spiking and breaking the racket.
Lopez won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to become the first Spanish man in the Wimbledon quarterfinals since 1972, while No. 21 Fernando Gonzalez defeated No. 31 Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-3 to give Chile its first man in the final eight since 1985.
If tennis' global reach is expanding, nothing comes close to matching the impressive strides made by Russia's women. They won three Grand Slam titles last year and now have four quarterfinalists at a major for the first time: defending champion Maria Sharapova, No. 5 Svetlanta Kuznetsova, No. 8 Nadia Petrova and No. 9 Anastasia Myskina.
Sharapova didn't face a break point in her 6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 16 Nathalie Dechy. Myskina, meanwhile, trailed by a set and two breaks against yet another Russian, No. 6 Elena Dementieva, who eventually held two match points. But Myskina came all the way back to win the rematch of the 2004 French Open final 1-6, 7-6 (9), 7-5.
U.S. Open champion Kuznetsova's explanation for her countrywomen's success?
"Because nobody will give you nothing for free in Russia," she said, "and you have to do the work for it."
Kuznetsova plays Davenport next. Tuesday's other women's quarterfinals: Sharapova vs. Petrova, and Myskina vs. No. 3 Amelie Mauresmo.
The men's quarterfinals Wednesday: No. 1 Roger Federer vs. Gonzalez, No. 2 Andy Roddick vs. No. 9 Sebastien Grosjean, No. 3 Hewitt vs. Lopez, and No. 12 Thomas Johansson vs. No. 18 David Nalbandian.
Two-time defending champion Federer beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (6), while Roddick defeated Guillermo Coria 6-3, 7-6 (1), 6-4. Roddick and Federer appear to be on course for a second consecutive final.
"It's in the back of my mind. It's obviously something that I think about and dream about," Roddick said. "But ... I'm not good enough to overlook the next two matches."
He was being modest, but that last sentence could very well have been spoken by Williams recently.
It couldn't have been easy to go from No. 1 in the world to No. 2 in her family, reaching Slam final after Slam final, only to lose to little sis. Add in the shooting death of her half-sister, plus assorted injuries, and there are plenty of explanations for the elder Williams' slide to 16th in the rankings.
"I've always felt like she's just a few matches away from getting a lot of confidence back," said Davenport, who beat Clijsters at a second straight major after losing their previous six matches. "The last 12 or 14 months haven't gone the way her career began for her, and she's still out there battling."
Williams' father, Richard, said Serena headed home to have a doctor check her injured left ankle. But their mother watched Venus and Mark Knowles beat Todd Perry and Els Callens in mixed doubles in the evening, another victory on a long day.
"Venus is on a good trail right now," Richard Williams said.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 556
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 06:28 pm: |
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I wish everyone would give these two, young ladies a break. They're awesome--and sometimes one can't "win" everything ALL the time. All in all, they are proably two of the most incredible, female tennis players--EVER!
I wish them great success in the future. I think with their self-discipline and determination, tennis will not be their last stop on the road of success.
btw, as much as I like Serena's personality (she seems so sweet), she could definitely let that blonde weave go. It's overkill....and unnatural looking. But....to each their own....I know Ms. Williams, surely, doesn't give a shyt what I think. If she likes it and her (crazy loooking) White boyfriend likes it, that is all that is important.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1816
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 06:36 pm: |
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I totally agree with you, MOON.
Serena should do us all a favor and let that shit go. It's disgusting on her.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 558
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 06:58 pm: |
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She is such an pretty, young lady. Why do that to herself? I don't understand how one can have so much money and get such a jacked-up weave. I am no one to tell anyone what to do with their hair, but seriously, I'd really like for someone she respects to tell her the truth about how foolish that blonde weave looks.
Now, I'm definitely a free spirit. When it comes to fashion, I kinda let people be. However, I will say that there are times when I just don't understand why people, especially women, try to defy the laws of nature and their God-given beauty. To me, there is NOTHING like the natural beauty a woman is born with. I think most Black women I've seen with "blonde" hair look ridiculous. Just as most White women with collagen in their lips look ridiculous--as do most Asian women with A$$ implants. I would like women, in general, to make peace with their natural beauty and stop looking so damn stupid trying to obtain "a look" that is so obvioulsy fake....on them. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1817
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 07:18 pm: |
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But women, inside themselves, are often little girls--especially if they were raised by weak mothers and no father.
And they want to be LOVED and they want "approval" from men.
So they try to be whatever they think MEN want them to be.
This reflects all women, but for Black women it's much worse--because at least the White and Asian woman both have light/light skin and Straight Long Hair, which are tenets of White Supremacist culture.
Black women--authentic black women like SERENA---do not. So they face ODDS in the society that are nearly impossible to overcome, and especially without the understanding and help of Black Men, there is no one to beat their drum BUT THEM by themselves, and who will even listen?
This is why I set myself up to be hated and ridiculed with my own work---because it literally takes DRASTIC and sometimes IRRATIONAL thinking just to remain true to ones self. This is a toxic culture for black people...a culture that ENCOURAGES THEM to kill themselves off.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 559
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 07:29 pm: |
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Kola,
If Black women don't have the "understanding and help of Black men", why do Black men still marry Black women more than they marry these "other" women --women with "light skin" and "straight hair"? I think the fact that intermarriage among Black men, though it's more than Black women, isn't very high, is a testament that Black men still date/marry/procreate/love Black women. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1818
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 07:33 pm: |
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Moon---I don't know HOW you got on that. Which wasn't what I was addressing at all.
I'm talking about the fact that Black Men
--nevermind.
You wouldn't understand.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1819
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 07:36 pm: |
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70% of Black children grow up in homes without fathers, MOON.
And the level of "understanding and compassion" for the LIFE of a black female is pretty low in the black community in ways that you could never fathom or comprehend, because you're in DENIAL about what little you do know.
Black girls, the ones who are really black, get no NOTHING from black men in general---they have to water their own damned selves.
And all you have to do is watch Nigger Media and listen to what comes out of black men's mouths and their selfish hearts and you will see the truth.
And it is real.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1820
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 07:37 pm: |
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Nobody gives a fuck about little black girls. Where do you live? Shit.
Get real.
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Africanqueen
Veteran Poster
Username: Africanqueen
Post Number: 71
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 09:04 pm: |
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I just had a dream last night about a guy I had a crush on in high school. He was just about as dark as me, but God he was so beautiful, much more attractive. He came to me and his smile never left. Anyway, just wanted to share the dream so it'd come true  . I miss his smile  ...
Ok, let's go to Venus and Serena. Moonsign, you are defitnitely right. They can't win the entire thing all the time. Tennis is a white people's sport and for them to even be up there is huge for us black people. People go through failing and things will get in the way for them. But I doubt that it will put them last in line.
I don't think modelling and acting is what's making them perform foolishly. I think they do a pretty good job at it too. Because of them tennis and fashion go together today. When they're old and they can't play anymore, I'm sure they would be famous models or actresses. They're just doing something they can fall on when tennis is over. Modelling and Hollywood may just be the easiest thing while they're playing right now.
As far as the blonde weave, I think that she should let it go too. She needs to represent her people not the blonde hair/blued eyed people. Just because it's a white people's sport doesn't mean she can't stay black. I hope no white man out there is encouraging her to wear that weave. I think she would look so beautiful in afro or just braids.
I also hope the Williams aren't struggling finding a cute black man because of their skin color. If that's the case then black men are stupid because the 2 sisters got all the money and not only that, they are beautiful and very athletic.
I don't understand why some black men choose light skinned women or white women over dark skinned women because of color and hair issues. That's just not smart of them, I feel bad for them actually. After all, they're the ones making themselves look bad. I think hair is so disgusting for someone to choose it over hairlessness. All colors are beautiful, should nobody take one over the other.
Anyway, I'm not against interacial marriages. I just hate it when people(especially black folks) put in their minds that the dark skin people are less beautiful than light skinned. That's such hypocrisy. Because well, all people are beautiful in my mind. People are beautiful in their own God's given way. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1821
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 09:11 pm: |
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Amen and bless you AfricanQueen.
You are VERY right---and I am so grateful to have you and MOONSIGNS here to be so honest and open....it really helps us ALL and I admire you ladies so much.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 560
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 09:22 pm: |
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Surely, Kola, we are going to have different perspectives. Is it because we have completley different backrounds (childhood etc.)? Sure. Is it because I'm White and you're Black? Sure. Is it because we live in areas that are totally different? Sure.
Do I think that there is a problem that 70% of Black children grow up in a single parent home? Yes. Do I feel that there are many reasons for this serious problem? Yes. Do I feel that there are some real solutions for this problem? Absolutely.
I know the media is biased, Kola. That is why I don't allow it to dictate how I live my life, or RULE how my children feel about themselves. I'm not speaking of you specifically, but I don't quite understand how people can protest so much to what they "see", yet, continue to digest it day in and day out--even support it with their capital.
"Black girls, the ones who are really black, get no NOTHING from black men in general--they have to water their own damned selves."- Kola
Kola, within ANY circle of women, I think you would discover the same sentiment. NO human being can totally survive on the mental, emotional and physical support of others. EVERY human being has an "awakening"--where they fully understand that a majority of their happiness and peace in life comes from a contentment that begins from the inside out, not the other way around. Does having a caring father, lover or husband aid this "awakening"? Sure. Does it complete it? No.
"The level of understanding and compassion for the LIFE of a black female is pretty low in the black community in ways that you could never fathom or comprehend, because you're in DENIAL about what little you do know."-Kola
Kola, yes, when individuals allow the media to dictate their standards of living and how they treat others, I totally agree with you. How can a person pollute their mind and expect to be healthy and treat others with respect? The media does not promote Black females in a positive light (in general), but then again, I don't think females (in general) are presented in a positive light. While it is an external problem (the White controlled media), it is also an internal problem in regards to how SOME Blacks view as what being Black is, and what Black "culture" is. Outside the US is a totally different story, but here, tell me at point do people give up their right to CHOOSE how they live? America, with ALL of it's flaws, IS still the best place to live. American's are selfish (in general). If any person allows themselves to be dictated by the media, they are suckers. There is a way out of allowing poisonous images and ways to dictate one's life.
I know you think I'm "in DENIAL", however, I think you deny the fact that I've seen and experienced much more than you WANT to give me credit for--AND, I feel passionately about many issues that you do.
"Nobody gives a "f" about little black girls."-Kola
I don't agree with you.
You asked "how" I got on this? Well, when you make generalizations that Black men don't want "authentic Black women", I disagree. Black men still marry Black women more than "other" women. And, in America, a majority of "Black" women, obviously, because of this country's history, aren't ever going to look like they originally did in Africa. I think you have a hard time accepting this. America is not Africa and Africa is not America. Nevertheless, these women are still Black--and when all is said and done, "Black" men are still proving they desire "Black" women more than any other race of women. Though I've never been to Africa, I feel confident to say that seeing dark-skinned, African men with any other type of woman than a woman who looks just as they do, would be extremely uncommon! From my experience with Africans, they are like Asians and Indians, intermarriage is not commonplace within their culture(s).
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 561
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 09:38 pm: |
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Africanqueen,
I TOTALLY agree with your points--with the exception of tennis being a "white people's sport". While it has been a sport that has been dominated by White players, I don't view ANY race as having the right to "OWN" ANY sport. I'm glad we are seeing more racial diversity in sports. It's not only "right" to me, it's natural. Talent isn't limited to race, color or gender--and I'm glad the world is waking up to this very HUMAN thing.
btw, I don't think Venus OR Serena would have ANY problems finding a "cute" Black man. I think the average, Black man LOVES Black women that look as they do.
Though I believe that there are some women with blonde weaves who suffer from self-hate issues, I don't think Serena is one of them. Reason being, I think she likes fashion, and for this reason, is extremely open to experimenting with various styles. I could be wrong, but I feel Serena is very confident--I just think her fashion sense is off a bit. Maybe as she gets older it will be one of those things where she says to herself, "What was I thinking?" I think she looks at her hair as a fashion accessory, not as a way to get a man.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1822
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 10:31 pm: |
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Oh, really Moon? Since when did a White woman become an expert at the experiences of Black women?
You think after I've lived nearly to be 40, I don't know anything about being a BLACK woman? You think a girl with pitch black skin like Nyibol doesn't know anything about what she's talking about when she wonders if Serena and Venus can find black guys who think they're attractive now that they're celebrities and rich?
I welcome your opinion, but it's extremely insulting for you to come in here assuming the role that Black men usually assume---to dictate to US what we should think, feel and what WE experience.
I hope you don't fuck with me no further than this, Moon. I'm not one of your nice, congenial Black American girlfriends and I don't take dictation from no goddamned Miss Anne.
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Africanqueen
Veteran Poster
Username: Africanqueen
Post Number: 72
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 10:39 pm: |
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Moonsign,
I think it's good too that sports are much more diverse these days. I agree with you... no one should have the right to own any sport. I think though that more black people should represent and be presidents and owners other than just players. It would seem more natural that way to me.
Shaquile Oneal wants to become a policeman after basketball. I just don't understand why he couldn't pursue his career into sports administration, they make allot of money.
I don't think the girls would have a problem finding a black men either. Black men would be stupid to deny the beautiful and athletic mother of earth. Through my own perspective when it comes to dating, people don't only search for skin color or hair.. they search for beauty and belongingness. In general, there are some beautiful white people while there are also blacks. White people belong to whites while blacks to blacks. People search for where they can fit in culturally in the community. I think that a group of one race have just about the same personality as far as the way they act and talk is concern. Marriages outside of one's race come when they find one of these things in common. When two people of different race fall in love, their next step is usually to be accepted in their communities. They want to belong somewhere.
I saw that movie, "guess who" about a black girl and a white girl whom were dating. The girl seemed to act more white to me. I think that this is what brought her into dating the white guy. Although the white guy had no black in him, the girl was a bit white and they got along just fine. In real life, it would be the same thing. This is just one of the ways I see things.
The black women who wear blonde weaves are just dumb. Everyone should represent what God made them as and be proud period. I too believe Serena is confident, but she doesn't know what it means to be black. She's still very kidlike inside.. she really needs to grow and maybe pay attention to what people may think about her blonde hair. Someone might say to let her be what she wants to be. But it is also good to look good in people's eyes. If someone tells me the dress looks bad on me, I would usually take the criticism. It is ok to be confident in whatever we may wear as long as it doesn't become a big embarassment. |
Africanqueen
Veteran Poster
Username: Africanqueen
Post Number: 73
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 10:42 pm: |
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My mistake.. I meant to say, "A movie about a black girl and a white man dating" LMAO. |
Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 562
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 09:33 am: |
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Kola,
No where in my post did I say I was an "expert" on the experiences of Black women. What I did say is that I think you don't want to give me credit for the experiences I have had (that have come thru being married interracially as well has having Black/Biracial children).
About Serena and Venus being able to "find" a "cute" Black man--it's something I don't even feel is neccessary to debate. The fact that they'd have NO problem is more than obvious.
"I welcome your opinion, but it's extremely insulting for you to come in here assuming the role that Black men usually assume -- to dictate to US what we should think, feel and what WE experience."-Kola
Kola, my intention is not to insult. If I'm not a Black woman, I definitely couldn't be a Black man--nor would I "assume" the role of either. Again, never, ever would I do such.
Point is, it is a contradiction to write that you "welcome" my opinion but then turn around and "warn" me in hopes that I won't "f" with you any further. What??!! Kola, I'm not trying to "f" with you. My Black American girlfriends, while congenial, aren't DOORMATS--nor would I treat them as such. I don't dictate how people should live. And, I'm no "miss anne". I'm just sharing my opinion, one you happen to disagree with. This is NOT personal.
And, when all is said and done, the reason that I care about certain issues and have the convictions I do is that, it directly involves my offspring. Mostly likely, my children will marry within the Black community. I can't seperate myself from that--nor do I want to. I love them and I want to make sure that I raise healthy individuals who can contribute to their community in a healthy manner. Period.
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Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 533
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 10:33 am: |
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My husband (HUGE tennis fan) takes our 5 y/o girls out on the courts to hit balls. They're actually getting pretty good, even tho we don't (and won't--at least for now) do any formal training, drills, etc w/them. They knew and could identify Venus and Serena before they could string together a four-word sentence...
Watch out, y'all: In 12 years that sister you see cheering in the stands of Wimbeldon could be yours truly! |
roXie
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 12:46 pm: |
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What I have to say to Venus and Serena is:
"YOU have talent. Leave the shameless publicity to the Tennis' world's Paris Hilton, Anna kourinkova. Anna's looks ( and media attention)will fade in time, but talent will last and so will you praise from the black community if youkeep making us proud!"
That's what I would tell them. :-) |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3716
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 01:32 pm: |
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All,
I think the problem many people have with Venus and Serena is not the losing but that they appear so distracted by other things, which is ironic given that the only reason why they’re getting those other opportunities is by virtue of their athletic prowess
Again, they’re their lives to live as they choose. They’ve earned the right do whatever they choose.
But at this point, it’s clear neither of them will even approach, much less supplant, Martina Navratilova, Stephie Graff, Billy Jean King and Chris Evert (former Lloyd) in the annals of Women’s tennis.
And I as a tennis/sports fan lament that.
Moonsigns,
Respectfully, you often make points that would appear to fit perfectly within a society that never has (or ever) will exist.
You may be able to SOMEWHAT control the media your children consume. But you can seldom regulate what’s daily being taught to them via friends, kin, teachers, neighbor and elders that conflict with what you think/believe.
You definitely tread in intellectual quicksand when you attempt to describe/prescribe how Black men and Black women do/should relate to each other.
And Tennis is not just a White sport. It’s a RICH White sport.
How else do you explain that given the ILLUSTRIOUS history of the African Athlete only 4 or 5 AA’s have won any of the 4 near-100 year old Grand Slam tournaments (US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Britain’s Wimbledon)?
THAT’s why I think what the William’s family has achieved via producing not 1 but 2 Tennis Grand Slam tournament champions ranks amongst the most remarkable sporting feats EVER.
Africanqueen,
Perhaps you are right about Serena. She’s spent her entire youth training to become a championship athlete in a sport that isolated from mainstream Black life. Thus, maybe some of her behavior is indicative of her having been somewhat shield from many of the issues other Black confront daily. But she seems a good enough young lady to eventually ‘catch-up’ with the rest of us.
Funny you question Shaq’s desire to become a cop.
I think he wants to be a policeman because he read comics as a kid and sort of fancies himself some kind of superhero (as indicated by his Superman tattoo and that unintentionally laughable “Steel” movie he made nearly 10 years ago).
But given that Shaq’s about to sign his THIRD +$100 million dollar NBA contract and has earned at least another $100 million via endorsements/movies, you think it really matters to him whether he’d make more money in sports administration than he would as a cop?
I think Shaq’s true calling is comedy. He’s funnier than heck. Can you believe he claims to want to be an undercover cop when his NBA days are done?
HAHAHA!
'Vette,
Then let me be the first to submit an ADVANCE request for some free tickets to your daughters' first US Open Championship match.
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3717
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 01:33 pm: |
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Kola,
And, yes, Venus does favor the "Nefertiti" bust. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1827
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 01:55 pm: |
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ABM, it's funny about SHAQ wanting to become a cop.
I TOTALLY understand.
Because I have a dream---to someday (in old age?) be the Head Writer of a Soap Opera----and people just cannot understand that soaps were my comic books.
I learned English from watching soaps and I also learned how to pace/stimulate prose by studying soaps. It was the soap form that taught me that you MUST keep the reader coming back for more of the story.
At 14---I was reading Classics like "Invisible Man", "Native Son", "Bluest Eye" and Sherwood Anderson short stories while I was watching (really studying) soaps.
My new agent is so confident that I'm going to be a serious "literary contender" after reading my new novel---he doesn't see the need for my flamboyant public persona (which isn't flamboyant, I'm just being me). He says that with my talent, I don't need publicity or a public image. I hope he's right and perhaps I will someday make MILLION DOLLAR ADVANCES and be nominated for Book Awards and be talked about in circles---but the fact is,
I would love to take over "PASSIONS" (the lowest rated soap on t.v.--a show that's so bad I can't bear to watch it) and become Head Writer for what--$60,000 a year?
Head Writers get to be GOD.
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3720
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 02:18 pm: |
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Kola,
I think it would be a BLAST to be a soap opera writers. You can put together some of the most implausible stuff and the airing schedule is so tight you don't have enough time to chicken out and retract it.
Plus you get to make a lot of the prettiest kids in high school look REALLY goofy. And what better payback for a comic book geek than THAT?
But I'm sure you'd guess that my all-time fantasy writing gig would be to write a comic book.
That's why I feel somewhat bad about the response to Reggie Hudlin's Black Panther. 'Cause it's gottah hurt to screw up the gig you've dreamt about having since you were 10 years old. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1834
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 02:55 pm: |
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Richard Williams Speaks Out About the Future for Venus and Serena
Richard Williams has never been one to toe the party line.
Asked on Tuesday if tennis remained a priority for his daughters, Venus and Serena's father told BBC Sport: "Tennis will never be number one in our lives, never has been, never will be."
He added that the pair now considered tennis even less important than when they first started out because "they understand there's a lot more to life".
That was never more evident than in Serena's humiliating defeat to Jill Craybas in the third round which means that for the first time since 2001 she will not feature in the Wimbledon final.
Serena admitted that because of injury she only practiced for one week ahead of the tournament and conceded that perhaps she needed to work "more".
Richard put it in starker terms.
"Serena needs to get in condition - she's in the worst condition."
While fitness played its part in Serena's defeat, the mindset of other players has changed too.
Jim Courier told BBC Five Live: "Craybas said she had never felt she was in a match against Serena until she played her the other day.
"She actually felt like she had a shot. It's really hard to regain that fear once you lose it because they came out and had the world and now the world's caught them."
Three years ago, when the sisters destroyed the rest of the field before meeting in the final, many expected the pair to dominate the sport for years to come.
But since Serena lifted the Wimbledon trophy for a second time in 2003, the sisters have managed just one Grand Slam title between them.
More and more players are now rising to the challenge they set when they burst onto the scene.
Meanwhile, Serena has been accused of taking her eye off the ball as she attempts to get her acting career off the ground, while also investing time in her fashion design label Aneres.
Former player Annabel Croft even questioned Serena's decision to appear on Jonathon Ross' Friday night chat show, days before the tournament began.
But when they arrived on the scene, the Williams sisters were held up as role models principally because they did not dedicate every waking hour to tennis, and because their crossover appeal into entertainment brought new people to the game.
However, BBC analyst and former world number one Tracy Austin believes that in Serena's case, the balance has been lost.
"I live in Los Angeles and it seems like I see Serena on a red carpet every week, " she said.
"It's tough for Serena because she's a very gregarious person. She likes to go out, but I think she needs to cut that out a little."
But she added: "Maybe this will be a wake-up call. At the moment, she seems to want to get back to the top without putting the effort in.
"She said she doesn't like practice and only likes competing. You can't get away with that on the tour anymore. Everybody is so fit and so match tough.
"If she wants to get back, and she can, she will have to put a lot of hard work in."
Whether she is prepared to put that time in remains to be seen.
Their father has ensured that Venus and Serena will lead fulfilling lives with or without tennis.
The sport, however, would be infinitely poorer without them.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 564
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 03:09 pm: |
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Abm,
Daily, we encounter situations where the values we teach our children our challenged--as I'm sure you do. However, just laying down and dying to the poisonous images the media presents, or submitting to others ignorance (teachers, peers, neighbors, etc. who don't "believe" as we do), is not on my agenda. While I'm fully aware that I can't control all of the media my children consume, turning off the tv, monitoring their music, and overseeing the people they associate with, is MY choice--and my responsibility. They're not grown and are kindly reminded of that often.
You may think this kind of "living" is unrealistic. I simply say, reality is relative. To each their own.
I don't know where in any of my post's I "describe/prescribe how Black men and Black women do/should relate to one another". If your talking about how I feel Black men overwhelmingly date/marry Black women, that is simply an observation--not a description or prescription of how Black men and Black women do and should relate to one another.
I maintain that Tennis is a sport that has been dominated by Whites, even RICH Whites, but it's not a "White" sport. I, too, am glad that Serena and Venus are, and have been, breaking the mold and making people realize this simple truth. I hope they are just the beginning.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 565
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 03:17 pm: |
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Africanqueen,
I agree with some of your points.
The one thing I don't agree with is when you touched on the movie "Guess Who"--about the young, interracial couple (black woman/white man). You mentioned how she "acted white" and that is how she related to him. I, personally, feel that kind of thinking is very unhealthy--to think that a person is acting White, Black, Chinese....or whatever is ultimately, extremely stereotypical. Futhermore, it really poisons young minds--especially Black/Biraical childrens. To make a child think that in order to be what they naturally are, that they have to "act" a certain way and "box" themselves, is dangerous. The proof is all around us--and it's not good.
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3724
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 03:56 pm: |
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Moonsigns,
I witness foks do EVERYTHING you prescribe regarding childrearing. And then some. Yet their kids still got messed up.
So, yes, you do the best you can. But you shouldn't for a instance presume it'll be enough.
Even one of Bill Cosby's kids smoked the crackpipe.
I'm not going to squabble of the propriety of what you say regarding Black men and Black women. Because Kola, Africanqueen and the other ladies can handle that.
I'll just say there are matters here that transcend conceptual definition, tangible reference and even space/time.
It's difficult to explain to you. But it's an anger, guilt, disappointment and, STILL, love that unique unto the world.
It's why as much as Kola LOATHES Michael Jackson and O.J...she still LOVES and CARES for them too.
The Black man and Black woman epic can really only be traveled by a Black man and a Black woman. You'll likely never truly understand or appreciate that.
But if you respect it, you should be fine.
And professional tennis as its currently constituted, practiced, managed and administered in a WHITE sport.
Plain & simple.
Why the hell you think the Williams as described by 'Poppa' above are doing any/everything to get the hell away from it?
Respectfully, it takes a WHITE person to pretend otherwise. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1838
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 04:51 pm: |
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ABM:
It's why as much as Kola LOATHES Michael Jackson and O.J...she still LOVES and CARES for them too.
LOL.
That's really true---as much as I hate to admit it.
And actually, it's ABM who made me realize that about myself by constantly challenging me.
I think that sometimes we fail to see what the ROOT of our anger at people is coming from. It's because we love them so much, that we could just.....kill the motherfuckers. It's true.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1839
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 04:51 pm: |
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And even you, MOONSIGNS. I curse at you and get mad, but I really like you a lot.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 568
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 05:18 pm: |
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Abm,
Just because I have strong convictions about doing what I do (for my kids), I, by no means, assume that that will prevent them from making mistakes, or at worst, making a complete disaster of their life/lives. That is where I think you don't understand me. Yes, I have high expectations, but I also understand the one thing in life that is certain is uncertainty. I'm not stupid....or naive, Abm. I just do what I do because I think it's my God-given responsiblity to give to them the best foundation I can give. I need to know that despite what they choose to do with their life, I have done right by them as a parent. When they're grown, I hope they make good decisions based on what I/we have taught them.
You're so right about me not understanding the Black man/Black woman epic--and I have never claimed that I do. You're also right in that I respect that, though--and I will be fine.
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Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 569
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 05:21 pm: |
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Kola,
I think you're an extremely complex woman that truly and deeply cares about others.
And, I know you like me |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3727
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 05:35 pm: |
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Kola: "And actually, it's ABM who made me realize that about myself by constantly challenging me."
ABM: See. And foks try to claim that being a relentlessly arrogant smart@$$ doesn't come in handy. |
Africanqueen
Veteran Poster
Username: Africanqueen
Post Number: 75
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 08:07 pm: |
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Moonsign,
I guess I should reword my words about the movie, "guess who" or in real life. I guess what I was trying to tell you is that people would eventually become what they are brought up to be. That is reality. When a white kid grows up around black kids, he or she usually grows up black culturally even though the skin would still be white. Get me? |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 540
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 09:05 pm: |
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Then let me be the first to submit an ADVANCE request for some free tickets to your daughters' first US Open Championship match.
You're on the list, ABM! |
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