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To Each His Own
What is it about the Oscars that Black people can't get over? Every year around this time, there appears to be some type of controversy surrounding the lack of racial diversity with the actors se- lected for recognition on Hollywood's biggest night.
You would think that by now Black people would get it... The occasion was never meant to be for us.
When the Motion Picture Academy was created 93 years ago, celebrating Black accomplishment was never a part of the equation. Though that changed over the years, with several African Ameri- can entertainers receiving nods for their work, at its core, the Academy Awards have always been dedicated to acknowledging the very best in the arena of white film-making.
To put things in perspec- tive, imagine white people making a big stink about not being in the running for B.E.T. or Soul Train awards! You don't ever hear about this type of thing happening because they realize that those celebratory platforms aren't designed for them.
Even though the Oscars aren't called "The White Movie Awards" that's the un- spoken understanding by those who make the deci-
sions. And, just like you may have an Iggy Azalea or Eminem show up to be honored at a B.E.T. event from time to time, victories by people like Denzel Washington or Octavia Spencer at the Oscars are just as anomalous.
At some point, it would be great if Black people could, somehow, overcome this persistent need for mainstream validation: that psychological defect that causes us to believe our tal- ents and achievements have no value until they are quali- fied by our white counter- parts.
The thing that I don't think many of these actors and actresses take into con- sideration when they get be- hind protests like #Oscarssowhite is that being given a pat on the back by those in the Academy may not be such a good thing any- way. After all, it's not a new revelation that the selection committee has a shady his- tory of only giving their tro- phies to Blacks who take on roles that fit stereotypical images.
Out of the 16 Academy Awards won by Black people since 1927, five were given to individuals who portrayed either slaves or domestics. And, out of the remaining eleven winning roles, one
went to an actress who played a brutally abusive, welfare recipient mother (Monique), an actor who played a crooked cop (Washington), another who portrayed an African dictator (Forrest Whit- taker) and an actress who played the wife of a man in prison (Halle Berry).
This year's crop of nomi- nees only has one Black face, and it belongs to Cynthia Erivo, the woman who took on the lead in the movie, Harriet.
I seriously doubt it's a co- incidence that, out of all the well-received movies featur- ing Black people including Queen & Slim, Dolemite Is My Name, Us, etc., making noise this year, it was yet another slave role picked for nomination.
When you take all of this into consideration, you have to wonder if a Black actor being told by the Academy that he or she did a "good job" is actually something they should be proud to hear?
Tyler Perry put it best recently when asked about the current situation with the Oscars. He said, "If you build your own table, you don't have to worry about begging for a seat at someone else's."
I believe, if Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were alive today, he would agree.
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A Case Against The Electoral College System
ome of us have always wondered why the rule of
the “majority wins.” applies to practically every election in the nation except when selecting the Presi- dent of the United States. How the majority of Ameri- cans could vote for someone who still loses the position simply because a smaller number of Americans chose to live in a small state makes no sense.
Why not follow the Electoral College system for peo- ple living in small cities and counties, in small-sized voting districts. Why not follow the Electoral College concept for elections of City Council persons, County Commissioners, Congressional representatives, judges, legislators and governors, as well.
We believe our country’s founders’ intent for the Electoral College has proven to be corrupted. One of the original intents of the Electoral College was to “pre- vent a tyrant from manipulating public opinion and coming to power.” Well, guess what? We elected a tyrant of all tyrants in 2017 anyway. So, the Electoral College goal failed. There is no longer a need for the Electoral College.
Moreover, courts and judges continue to approve restrictive voting identification rules that negatively impact the elderly, minorities, and students. In Au- gust, a federal court of appeals ruled that “president electors can cast a ballot for someone other than the candidate who received the popular vote” in your state.
Since the Electoral College system did not prevent us from electing a tyrant, why do we still need it? Think about it and let’s start working to defeat the Electoral College system.
Have An Attitude Of Gratitude In 2020
”Let no foul or polluting language come out of your mouth.”
Ephesians 4:29
Your words can pollute or purify.
If you constantly complain, you release poison into your life.
Complaining is not based on your circumstances; it’s based on the attitude of your heart.
If you keep the right attitude during your time of adversity, God will honor you.
When you have a heart full of gratitude, it leaves no room for complaining.
There is always something to thank God for, no matter what kind of adversity you have in your
life.Start by thanking Him for giving you life and salvation.
Thank Him for the air you breathe and the sunsets you enjoy.
Thank Him for the Promise in His Word that no matter where you are in life, He is leading, guiding
and prospering you.
Decide TODAY to live a life of thanksgiving.
Don’t allow the poison of complaint to prevent you from receiving all God has for you! Live in joy, love, and with gratitude!
A new decade, a new day. Happy New Year!
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 5-A