Are Black Student's in Honors Classes?

So, I'm attending college now and Monday was the first day of classes for me but I do not have all my classes everyday. On Tuesdays I have an Honors Banned Books and Censorship class, that I had to take because I am in the Honors Program and you must take at least one honors class to obtain your scholarship. Walking into the class I was already prepared for what I saw. A sea full of white faces with a sprinkle of Mexicans. No blacks. I am the only black student in this class. Now granted it could just be because the class seems like it's going to be the lamest shit in history but in a school with a good amount of black students I should not have been the only one in that class.


This made me realize that black students really DO NOT apply themselves the way they should. Once this came to my attention, I started reminiscing about how I was normally only one of maybe 2 or 3 black students in my honors and AP classes in high school also. All throughout my life, I've been in accelerated classes and have always been the only or one of a couple black students in the classes.


Quick Story: One time, in my high school Spanish class, we had an old white male substitute. I was sitting near a couple of other black girls, we were all working quietly and this man comes up to us and says "Wow, I've never seen black people work so hard... I'd like to thank you." -,- He really said this to us... and what's fucked up is he really meant it as a compliment. I could see that he was being genuine, so I chalked it up to him being old and white and didn't call him out on it.


What is up with that? Why do people see black people as underachievers and why do we SEE OURSELVES that way. Why aren't black students striving to be overachievers? It seems all that black students are interested in is partying, chillin' and just having fun. College is about the whole experience but the MAIN reason we go is to be educated... or else why the fuck are you paying 19,000 dollars to party? You can do that shit for free. I'm tired of being the one of the few black students in honors classes. It's discouraging. My black people, we need to get grounded and realize what is important in life and that's NOT partying, smoking, drinking, trying to look cool and all that other unnecessary shit. Education is the key to living a comfortable life... there's very few ways to be successful without a college education and while school is not for everyone and is not the only way to make it, having a college education makes most situations much easier.


Now, to bring this back to honors programs and classes; YES more and more black students are attending college but they are NOT applying themselves as they should. WHY AREN'T Y'ALLS BLACK ASSES IN THE HONORS CLASSES?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Black people NEED TO REALIZE that we MUST be the best to get half of what mediocre white people get. We MUST be the best to get that 6 figure salary job a year, we MUST be the best the get that raise over our white co-workers, we MUST be the best to get that higher ranking position at the office, WE MUST BE THE BEST... but that all starts with your CREDENTIALS. How you do in college and how you apply yourself is also a factor in whether people employ you or not. You think if you passed all your classes with C's and mainly D's but you graduated, that someone will want to higher you? YOU MUST APPLY YOURSELF and aim to be the best because in this world you must be.


MzBwnSkn

Movie Review: The Help

Taking place in the 1960s South, a young woman comes back to her home town, after college, where she's the black sheep because she has no man and want's to become a big time writer in New York. For the time being she settles for a columnist advice writing job for the local paper. Just like most white children of this time, she was raised by her black maid and she decides that she want's to write a book from the persepective of "The Help." Reluctantly black women jump on board for the idea but everything must be done in secret because it is against the law and their jobs, even their very lives, are at jeopardy for telling all the white folks' bussiness.

Overall this is was a very great film. The acting was greatly done by all parts. The black maids made you feel their pain and the white racist fold made you hate them. This is one of those films where black people will walk out hating every damn white person in the universe, I know I did, but then you come back down to life lol. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because the acting was superb and the film did what it was meant todo; get a reaction out of the viewers and make you think.

This movie was actually based off of the book version, which I haven't read, but the film was so good that I'm sure the book was even better. Most times, it is. So, if you love to read, there is a book that came prior to this film. I'm sure it'll be a great read because this was a great film.

MzBwnSkn



Acting White???

All my life I've heard some variation of this directed towards me. My father had told me I "talk like a white girl." People I barely know have said I "act white" because I'm quiet when you first meet me. A guy once told me that I was a black-white girl because I said I didn't live in the ghetto and I know I was better than him, not all people, just him specifically. Let's think about it though, what exactly is exacting white?


Do people think this about me because, for the most part, I speak "clear" English? Meaning, you can understand every damn word that comes out of my mouth. Do people think this because I tend to speak "proper" instead of every other word that comes out of my mouth being some type of slang? Do people think this because I don't run around acting like a fucking fool, yelling at the top of my lungs, or acting "ghetto", with people I don't know? Do people think this because I don't live in the ghetto, never have lived in any "real" ghettos and don't pretend like I have?


I remember a friend of mine told I eat like white people do because I don't mix my spaghetti and the meat sauce all together, I eat it like you do in the resturants when you put the noodles on the plate first and then put the sauce on top. She told me I was ACTING WHITE because of that. Seriously, the way I eat spaghetti makes me more "white."


So there's a "nigga" way of eating now? I have to mix the spaghetti noodles and sauce together to be more black? This acting white shit has really gotten out of hand.


Now let's be completely real, there are things that white people do and black people; things that people of every race are more know for doing. Mexicans eat beans, Black people eat fried chicken, White people eat green bean casserole, blah blah blah BUT why does speaking proper have to be a white thing, or why should acting like you've got some home training be a white thing... why does THE WAY you eat spaghetti have to be a fucking white thing?


Black people need to get out of this "if your not acting ghetto" then your "acting white" bullshit. Most black people won't just come straight out and say this is what they mean when they say someone is "acting white", most may not even realize it, but this is in general the thought process behind this phrase. People everywhere associate being ghetto with being black and the opposite with being white. That shit is fucked up though and black people should not be accepting that. Yet, black people are the main culprits in accusing other black folks of "acting white."


Now, if I see a black girl who only dates white guys, talks like a "valley girl", dresses like them white preppy chicks do, has her hair permed with a long straight weave in, works at Hollister or Abercrombi and Fitch, wears bright pink lipstick that she know's she's too dark for and only has white friends in general; yea I'ma say she "thinks/wishes she's white" or she's acting "white" because in that sense she probably does wish she were white and yes she is "acting white." Regardless of how your raised or who your raised around black people will always know the difference in behavior they have with white people and if a black girl is acting this stereotypically "white" then it is damn sure safe to say she's acting white BUT what I won't say she's acting white for is if she speaks proper. I won't say she's acting white if she doesn't live in the ghetto and is proud of that. I won't say she's white because of the way she eats spaghetti.


Everything NON-GHETTO isn't acting white. Now, let me say this before I offend anyone further. I am not saying there is anything wrong with being from the ghetto. Shit, you can't help where you come from but there is a problem with acting like the stereotypical nigga/bitch who's from the ghetto. There is a problem when you associate anything non-ghetto with being white.


Back to myself, I don't view myself as "ghetto." Do I do nigga shit, yea, but am I ghetto? No. I'm tired of feeling like I have to prove my blackness to other black folk. My SKIN COLOR should be enough right there. No matter how I talk, eat, interact with people; I am still going to be BLACK. That will never change. Why should anyone have to act like a fool to be "black enough" and yes the way people view others as being black is acting like a fool. I feel I act blacker than most people, bc black to me doesn't mean acting ignorant; it's accepting who you are, being proud of your skin, wanting to help your people and living life knowing that shit is set up to hold you down but pushing past that to have the life you deserve. Those are all things that being black means to me and I'm all that and doing all that. Being black to me isn't about acting like some ghetto ratchet ass hood roach and that's not what being black should be to anybody else, especial black people.


So really, all this "acting white" shit, needs to dull down. I'm not saying to completely stop saying it because I do feel there are times when it is appropriate BUT I am saying stop viewing everything not stereotypically "black" as white. That's just another form of self hate and one more way of keeping us down as a race.


MzBwnSkn

Movie Review: Skin

This movie is based on the true story of a dark skinned girl born in the 1950's to two white South African parents. It goes through her and her family's struggles dealing with her skin tone from youth into adulthood. Without, giving too much away it's a very touching story that I believe everyone should see.

The most interesting thing to witness in this movie is how Sandra's (main character) parent's view her. To them she is completely white because they are her parents, despite her skin tone. The way they treat other black Africans is interesting because in reality their daughter is a black African, yet they are just like the rest of the white South Africans.

I recommend everyone to see this film because it is very touching and will leave you thinking deeply on what it means to be black and how despite what genetics may say or who you come from; if you look black, you are black.

Self Esteem Issues Within the Black Community

This article coincides with the Light Skin vs. Dark Skin article but it spans over more than just skin tone. Of all the races, I would say that black people have the most self esteem problems. We idolize material shit so much more than any other race and if someone disagrees with that, just think about this:


What are Asian people best known for? Being smart. What are white people best known for? Being crazy as hell but also running this world. What are Hispanics best known for? Having a lot of kids, amongst other things, but that shows they cherish family. What are niggas best known for? Being "ghetto", getting money, nice cars, fat asses, wasting money on bullshit to impress people, big dicks, etc. DUMB MATERIALISTIC BULLSHIT.


Everything were known for in this world, besides being good athletically and atristically, is nothing to really to be proud of. A fat ass... getting bitches (key word: bitches)... wasting money in the club by "popping bottles"... really?


A major problem in our community is that we admire the wrong shit. Not enough black parents are instilling in their children that education is one of the most important things a person can aquire in life. Oh but we will make sure we buy our kids the latest Jordans or let our daughters dye their hair Pink because Nicki Minaj dyed her's that way.


All these things come back to low self esteem issues. We still have not gotten past what the media instills in us is beautiful. Black people are still struggling to find our beauty. That's why the light skin vs dark skin debate is still around today.Were fighting each other over what's beautiful instead of fighting the media and what white people have instilled in everyone, that white women and men are what everyone should want to be.


Sure things aren't the way they once were but black people are still really struggling with self esteem issues as a whole and we have to get over this milestone. I believe the best way to work towards solving this problem is to start instilling into our children that looks aren't everything, their something, but not everything. Help your children aquire other characteristics that will build self esteem and make them proud of theirselves for working hard to be something better than your average nigga... as the saying goes "The Children are our Future." If we can get the kids to start valuing things other than money, cars, hair, makeup, etc; then I believe we will start to see a change.


MzBwnSkn

Any Requests?

Any requests on article topics or suggestions on how to make the site better are always greatly appreciated. You can post them under this thread or send them in to ebonychronicles@gmail.com. Also if anyone wants advice for anything they can send them in to the email also. I'm not an expert advice giver but shit, I don't mind helping people the best ways that I can.


MzBwnSkn

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

     I remember when you announced your campaign for office. Black people everwhere cheered, smiled, laughed, cried; because it was finally due time for us to get a black man in the white house. When you actually won the presidency, it was definitely a historic moment to remember and I am proud to say that I was around to witness history BUT once the buzz died down, then came time to get down to business and as far as I'm concerned you ARE NOT living up to everyone's expectations.

     Believe me Mr. President, I understand that shit was fucked up upon you coming into office and you have a heavy load on your shoulders BUT your campaign for "Change" and how adamant you were about it is what really fucked you up. People had such high expectations of you and really put all their hope into you. Your campaign slogan combined with you being the ultimate change, a black man, made people really believe that you'd be better than the average president. They were wrong... and so was I.

     To your credit you did say that it would take longer than 8 years (2 terms) to fix our economy BUT one would think that some legit shit would be popping off by now. No, I cannot go into detail about all the things that you have done, but I will say that if were still in a "recession" shit hasn't got too much better from what you have done. We need effects that we can feel... RIGHT NOW, not tomorrow or the next day. The recession is here, it's not something that may happen in the future, is prominent and in effect now, people needed help not today but yesterday and like most presidents you are not able to provide a "fix it now" pill, that makes everyone's problems go away.

     Today, Mr. President, my cousin says to me "Yesterday, was our presidents birthday," and you know what I said... "Who cares." She was seriously shocked and appalled, saying "He's our president, you should care," and I replied, "Why because he's black, I never cared about any other presidents birthday, so why should I care about his?" That's where people, mainly black, get their thinking fucked up. Why should I view you any differently than I've viewed any other president. Because your black? I already fucked in liking you from jump because your black... and let me add for all the people who will feel the need to say it, your only half. I believe, Mr. President, that if you weren't of the African American persuasion people would not be riding so hard for you. In, fact I know they wouldn't and I've now realized that regardless of your race, your no different than any other president.

      You came in on this big precedence of change and instead of taking you like we should have, people thought you were superman and you could make shit happen for us now, but Mr. President, superman is what you are not. Your no different than any other president/politician we've ever had before... your skin is just a few shades darker. Your a bullshitter like the rest, a manipulator like the rest, a good speaker like most of the rest, a "family" man like the rest... nothing major sets you apart from the rest besides your skin tone... and that's no longer enough to win you kudo points. 

     Mr. President, I know that you or others may read this and think "Damn, this bitch must really not like me/him," but that's not true. The difference is I now like you no more or no less than I've ever liked or will like the average president, bc that is what you are, an average president. Until you show me some spectacular shit you've done, besides catching Osama, that specifically benefits our people as a whole, I will keep this view of you.
       I'ma keep is ONE HUNDRED though, come next election, I will be voting for you, just off the fact that I like knowing that a black family is running the white house BUT you being black will no longer make me like YOU or turn my cheek to the fact that the campaign slogan you ran on was a piece of bullshit... JUST LIKE ALMOST ALL THE OTHER PRESIDENTS WERE. 

Sincerly, 
MzBwnSkn 
*NOTE* Love me or hate me for this one folks... I had to take it there.

Light Skin vs Dark Skin... Yes, I'm taking it there!!!

So, here I am bringing this age old debate back. I know some of you reading this are probably thinking "Damn, can we let this shit go already," but what's a site focusing on black articles/situations without a good ol' light vs dark debate?

We all watch television and we all know what the media portrays as beauty. Light skin, with petite features. We all see who the rappers are hiring as the hoes for their videos and granted their might be a couple dark girls thrown in their but that's mainly only because she's got a fat ass. Rarely ever will you see the main video girl be a dark skin chick.

The real question here is; what’s wrong with being Dark Skinned? The only time dark skin is revered over light skin is when concerning men. Dark skin men are seen as masculine and strong, generally speaking, while light skin men are seen as more feminine. So I guess to rephrase that question it should be; what’s wrong with being a Dark Skinned Woman. Can we take the stereotype of dark skinned men being the most masculine and apply it dark skinned woman also? If dark skinned men are seen as the most masculine, are dark skinned women seen that same way?

Does being dark skinned automatically make a woman less attractive? Is skin tone the defining factor of who's beautiful and who's not? I say no. I've seen many beautiful dark skinned black women as I have also seen much beautiful light skinned black women. Beauty is beauty no matter what skin tone it happens to come in. To counteract that statement, ugly is ugly no matter what skin tone that comes in also.

What we all need to sit back and realize is that being light and being dark doesn't matter because at the end of the day we are all black people. When non-black people look at a dark skinned person they a black person, when they look at a light skinned person they still see a black person, just with lighter skin. In the end they still see black. Instead of dividing ourselves because of skin tone we need to work together, to build our communities back up.

If there's one race of people that do not stick together and have each others backs, that would be black folks. We’re constantly dividing ourselves, over ignorant problems, instead of building each other up and working together. Who's going to take care of us, but us? We all know how unfair and unjust this world is, especially against minorities. Mexicans stick together, Asians stick together, Middle Easterners stick together. Were damn near the only race that has divided ourselves and could care less what happens to the next black family. We need to get back to the times when being black, in general, was beautiful and we built each other up instead of breaking each other down.

The light skin vs. dark skin debate is a bit dated but it is still relevant today. We need to let go of this self-hating mentality we have against one another. All were doing is feeding into what the “white man” had planned for us so many years ago when they started raping our black women. They wanted us to divide ourselves and hate each other so that they have the upper hand and to this day they still do. The only way we can start to get some power back is if we start trying to come together and rebuild ourselves in any ways that we can. First stop is getting over this light skin vs. dark skin problem. People need to realize that regardless of skin color were all still black and black is beautiful no matter the skin tone.

*Note* My thoughts are a bit jumbled here. To conclude it, my point basically is regardless of light vs. dark beauty is not determined by skin color and INSTEAD of focusing on each others skin tone we need to realize that black is black regardless of the color. Stop the division over dumb shit, it get's no one anyone.

It's 2011!!!!!!!

As the years go on people want to forget and let go of the past. While I agree with letting the past be the past I do not agree with forgetting and I do not agree with brushing off serious topics such as Slavery, Racism, Discrimination, etc.

People like to act naive to the fact that no matter if it's 2011 or 1909, there are still going to be ignorant people in this world who do ignorant shit. Sweeping serious topics under the rug is going to help NO ONE. This whole "It's 2011" movement shit is not going to fix any problems. I call it a movement because everyone is hopping on board in repeating this phrase any time some ignorance is talked about or acknowledged.

Person 1: "Today, this little white bitch, threw a cup of soda at me while driving past and screamed out 'go back to Africa'."
Person 2: "Wow. People are still doing thing's like that? It's 2011."

This phrase really makes me want to karate kick people in the throat. The year in which we live in will NEVER change the fact that some people are going to hate you just because your black, or white, or a woman, a Christian or Mormon. WHATEVER, makes you "different", someone will hate you for that reason.

Don't get me wrong, everyone has their biases. Lord, knows that I have many but do I hate anyone because of their skin tone? No. Do I hate anyone because of their gender? No. Do I hate people over things that they cannot control or change? No... BUT some people do and until people really accept this and stop turning away from it, we won't make much progression as a people.

The "It's 2011" movement isn't new. Last year it was "It's 2010" and the year before, "It's 2009." I'm sure in 1967 they were using this same phrase but people need to realize this phrase will never make an ignorant person change their views of you. It will never make a neo-nazi stop his un-intelligible hatred for you. It will never make a sexist person like you for your gender. 2011 ain't shit but a number. Realize this, stop pushing shit aside, talk about it and work towards making it better and then maybe we'll be able to make some real progress. Maybe because in all honesty some shit just never changes.