You Decide: Disgrace or Pride?

At first glance, many may see the above cartoon as a replication of a proud nudist black man. All the trappings of pride are clearly evident: the rainbow flag, the beads around the neck and the ones around his balls and cock, both in the colors of the rainbow. Literally and figuratively, head-to-head gay pride all the way. That's probably what the artist, cartoonist Patrick Fillion, fully intended. An image of complete pride. A strong, buffed black man; a fitting representation of the best of his race. 

But is that the only message this caricature sends? Is there another subliminal meaning to this cartoon that perhaps isn't so flattering? Perhaps, even, derogatory? Maybe just a little bit of racial profiling?

There's a possibility the supersized erect cock, protruding nipples and tight balls depict the stereotype of the oversexed and promiscuous black man. Always horny and loaded with testosterone. Unable to control his sexual appetite. Ready to pillage and plunder any white man within reach or sight.

The look in his eyes some may see as teasing and seductive. Others may see the look as deceitful and lustful. It's all based on experience and perspective. Some experiences and worldviews encourage and foster bigotry and prejudice.

The muscles and physical prowess many may see as just what it implies: strength. The same image to others can represent sexual aggression, thuggishness or a criminal element. Anything but the reflection of fitness and health.

As a gay man who is a practicing social nudist, I've no issue with the subject's nudity. However, those from a modest background or a puritanical upbringing possibly view his nakedness as a reference to his rampant and uncontrollable sexual proclivity. Many unfamiliar with social nudity wrongly equate nudism with sexual license.  

In no way am I even hinting that Mr. Fillion's cartoon contains any form of racism. I'm sharing these thoughts with you for your consideration and determination. There's a saying that every picture is worth a thousand words. Just as we carefully choose our words to avoid misunderstanding, we must apply the same to the images that we share.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

Dr. Shaq: Dumb Athlete?

I've often heard many refer to four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O'Neil as a "dumb athlete." Why, I have no idea. The man has obvious basketball skills, evidenced by his 19-year career in professional basketball, all within National Basketball Association franchises. Unless, of course, it is because he is a big, Black man? But then, that doesn't reflect on Mr. O'Neil's intelligence.

Could it be because he was drafted into the NBA court world from Louisiana State University before he graduated? Perhaps. Regardless, Mr. Shaq proved last Saturday, May 5, 2012, exactly what fools these critics indeed are. He was awarded (spelled e-a-r-n-e-d) his doctorate in education from Barry University in Florida. Previously, he had also received his bachelors and his masters, both in education.

Guess who's laughing now?

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

George Zimmerman Arrested

Zimmerman's Arrest Mugshot

Note: This wasn't my original article for today. I thought this breaking news was important and wanted to share it here. I posted a piece about this on Monday, March 26, 2012.

Florida's special prosecutor in the Trayvon Miller murder, Angela Corey, has formally charged George Zimmerman with second degree murder. During this press conference, she announced that "Mr. Zimmerman has turned himself in." He is being held in the Orange County Jail in Orlando.

Ms. Corey began the news conference by stating that she had spoken with Martin's parents and "we've told those sweet parents" that they would soon get answers.  

Finally. After almost two months of waiting, nationwide protests and direct intervention by the Florida governor (which resulted in Ms. Corey's appointment as special prosecutor), his family will get answers. But can they trust the results? Can any of us?

This entire incident, unfortunate as it is, has brought to light all that's wrong with our system of justice. The process is still flawed by racial bias and profiling. Facts and reports are altered to reflect the opinions of the persons reporting and don't always contain the truth. The belief that justice itself is swift and blind has once again been compromised.

Let's hope that this time around, we'll all at last have both the facts and justice.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked 

Murder Or Self-Defense?

It's now been almost a month since Trayvon Miller, 17 years old, was shot and killed in Florida by George Zimmerman, an adult. Zimmerman, a member of a neighborhood watch (surveillance group), thought Martin was suspicious and a threat to his community. He confronted him and the result was the death of the teen, wearing a hoodie and armed with a canned soft drink and a package of candy. Zimmerman alleges that he acted in self-defense. Those are the known facts surrounding the killing of the youth.

The local police department conducted a preliminary investigation and filed no charges against Zimmerman. Martin had no prior police record and up to the time of this unfortunate incident, no history of problem or unlawful behavior either at home or at school. State of Florida law allows for self-defense if the individual feels threatened for their safety.

Trayvon's family hired an attorney to reopen the investigation and the story has now gained international attention. Media coverage has been extensive and public reaction has led to large rallies in support of the late Martin. The ensuing publicity has forced the federal government to intervene, the Florida governor has appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the incident and the local police chief has temporarily resigned pending the outcome of the investigation. To Martin's family and the millions outraged, it's all "too little, too late."  

Murder or self-defense? Racial profiling? Mistaken identity? In the wrong place at the wrong time? Unfortunately, we'll never know all the answers nor the complete story. All we have is Zimmerman's account of the situation. Trayvon is no longer alive to offer his version of the events. Then there is the major question: why was Zimmerman armed to simply patrol his neighborhood? By law, he has a constitutional right to own a gun. Does this give him the privilege the right to fire at will? Are any of us safe anymore?

I agree with Trayvon Martin's family and countless others. Charge Zimmerman and let the justice system take care of the matter: render justice. That's the reason we have the process. Allow it to sort through all the facts and decide the case.

Consider this: if the situation were reversed and the teen had shot the adult, especially a black teen and a non-black adult, what would have happened? We all know the teen would have been arrested and charged without a second thought as to guilt or innocence. Why tolerate the appearance of a double standard in this instance? Unless, of course, that's exactly what it really is: one set of rules for one race and a different set of rules for another.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked 

Not Surprising

Sooner or later, it was bound to happen. I'm not surprised in the least. It doesn't take too long for what some people truly think to surface. No matter how hard a person may try, their true nature eventually shows itself. Then, there are also some who don't even bother to make the effort to conceal their feelings. Whatever the reason, this bumper sticker has surfaced.

Yes, it is insulting and offensive. That's exactly what the designer intended. At the same time, it's stupid. A true picture of the intelligence level of the author. It's hard to hide ignorance for too long. Not exactly what the designer intended.

For starters, not only is the word "re-nig" misspelled, it should be "renege." Secondly, as it reads, it really means don't make a mistake, vote FOR Obama in 2012. Renege means to take back, to change. Clearly, taken in the context of the fine print and the Obama logo with a red slash across it, this is not the message the original creator intended. From a distance a reading only the headlines, it urges people to vote for President Obama in 2012. Hopefully, by now the author is suffering some form of heart palpitations as this truth sinks in.

Racist? Yes. Hateful? Yes. Stupid? Yes. Free Speech? Yes. Dumb? Yes. Free speech is a right. The cure for stupid and dumb is education. As for racism and hate, all too often faith, justice and human reasoning triumphs over all that.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked