Hey everybody! I really missed this forum while I was away. It's taking me a while to read through all the threads, but I just had to comment on this weeks episode of RW.
Nicole seems really hurt because Malik isn't living up to her idea of what a black man is supposed to be. I think she feels she has invested a lot of time getting to know him only to realize she doesn't know him at all. We all know that can be frustrating. Nicole has lived a hard life and feels she doesn't have to share those details with the house. However, I think she would have eventually done so with Malik. I think that is what the real issue is. It's a lot deeper to Nicole than it is to Malik. She's on a totally different level than he is. Remember, Malik has told Mike that he doesn't really even know her, but Nicole felt like she knew Malik and his beliefs. That's why she feels hurt and betrayed by his admitting that he dates outside of his race.
I think she is concentrating on Malik's appearance and what she thinks it means about him because she is really into her own physical apperance. Nicole presents herself in a certain way and most of that comes through in what she wears and how she carries herself. So, is it surprising that she would make judgments about Malik based on his appearance? Really, what does having an afro have to do with being a real black man and being active when it comes to black issues within our own communities? Does that mean that Joe Black, CEO, who wears a three piece suit to work isn't a real black man? You don't have to wear a Marcus Garvey t-shirt and a 'fro to be a real black man and all that Nicole seems to think goes along with that. Remember when "Malcolm X" came out and EVERYBODY was wearing the "X" t-shirt?
It became more of a fashion statement than anything else. Basically, it all comes down to the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover".
As far as Malik is concerned, I don't see it the same way Nicole does. I don't think Malik is being hypocritical. Malik is young and a little naivè. Right now, he doesn't see that there is anything wrong with wearing a Marcus Garvey shirt and dating women outside of his race. I don't see that there is anything wrong with that, either. Malik seems more open-minded to me than Nicole and Coral. He seems more secure in himself than Nicole and Coral. I think that is what is really important. I see Malik doing more for his community than the other two.
Nicole and Coral have done nothing but bring dissention into the household. Maybe they think they are "keepin' it real" by being disrespectful and arguing with whom ever presents an opinion contrary to their beliefs and/or opinions. The way Coral acted at her desk at Arista was an embarrassment. She needs to grow up. It's really not that deep. And Nicole being "close-minded" about her music? They seem to be looking a gift horse in the mouth. How many people wish they had a job HANDED to them at Arista? C'mon, we have survived way more than that as a people. And these are their issues?
Sorry for the long post. I guess I'm making up for all the posts I didn't make when I was away.
------------------
Sigma Lambda Upsilon: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity
http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org