To DoggyStyle82:
I tried to do the message quote thing, but my computer was taking way too long, so I may mess up some of your quotes, but I'll try not to
.
When I lived in the Dominican Republic, I took some grad classes on life in the caribbean. During one section, we dealt w/ quality of life for Blacks throughout the diaspora. According to the World Health Organization (I believe these stats' come from 1995-1996, but not 100% sure. I do know they are definitely post 1994.) an international organization that among many other things, places rankings on the quality of life. Now I don't know the methodology used for these rankings, but I do know that this group is internationally recognized and validated for the work that they do. Anyway, according to the article we were reading, the quality of life for whites in amerika was ranked number 6. The quality of life for blacks in america was number 37. the quality of life for Blacks in america was rated as far worse than life for many so-called third world countries. We were ranked 7 above Haiti (not meant to slander Haiti, but understanding that Haiti is a country in economic and political distress). Black women (roughly 6%of the total american population) make up the LARGEST group of new AIDS cases. 52% of Black men in the district of columbia are in some way involved in the criminal justice system (jail time, parole system, etc.). That is slightly more than half of the men in chocolate city.
And we all know that the stat's are growing worse everyday. So in this way, it is unfair to compare us to other groups that come here. However, it is BECAUSE we have all of these things oppressing us that we must TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR OUR ACTIONS. Now if doing the little things, like challenging us to examine where we buy our hair care products will cause people to get their toes stepped on(?!?!?!?) then, what hope do we have of taking control of our destiny? Now, you may rejoice over the high GNP that Black people may hold. And, truly, I think that is great. But let us understand that those numbers are in NO WAY REFLECTIVE of the majority of Black people in this country. Just because a few of us happened to do well for ourselves, is in no way indicative of the collective prosperity. As I, a supposed member of the so called "Talented Tenth" look around at the horrific state of affairs that the remaining 90% of our people are in, I cannot rejoice that a small middle class has made it. So if I inadvertantly (sp?) step on some toes in an effort to liberate my people, then so be it. Liberation is not a comfortable issue. No one likes to do it, but that is life. Someone earlier, I can't remember who, said that the point of this thread, no matter what position one takes, is to challenge our behavior w/ regards to supporting Black businesses. Now,many people felt that they were being personally attacked, and I am sorry that they felt that way (if this does not apply to you, than disregard it). But if asking us to examine something that small, is going to cause hurt feelings and bitterness, then we have a long way to go. No matter how high our GNP, try driving a car that is reflective of your high income status (not you personally) like a Lexus or Caddy through I95 (MD, DC, PA, NJ) and see how quickly you will be pulled over. What does a high GNP matter if police can instantly view you as a common black crook? There is a danger in rejoicing so much over the small successes that we miss the bigger picture.
And by the way, Olive oil worked really well for me when I had a perm and even better now that I'm natural. Plus, here's a recipie for those looking for a natural conditioner: (if your hair falls out, I claim no responsibilty
, but I've used this on everyone who comes to me to do their hair and have received only thanks for it)
In 1 gallon of distilled water steep the following herbs:
1.5 TSBP sage
1.5 TSBP rosemary
1.5 TSBP burdock
1.5 TSBP nettle
(you can get the herbs at healthfood stores, they should be purchased in the dried form).
w/o straining the herbs from the water, pour a small amount into a spray bottle for everyday use. Place the rest back into the 1 gallon container and freeze until needed. You can spray this daily or just after washing, whatever works. Be sure to keep the mixture in the fridge, to maintain freshness. This works well on permed heads (great detangler) and on natural heads (picking out an afro w/ the spray is much easier). God Bless.