Owning my (domain) name

Just became the proud new owner of cvbell.com . Now I have to figure out what to do with it.

Race, Media and Domestic Violence

BitchMedia is asking some hard questions about domestic violence and the role that race plays in determining media coverage/public reaction:

Which celebrity has earned more bad press for reported acts of domestic violence—Chris Brown or Charlie Sheen?

When gossip Web site TMZ.com criticized Brown Jan. 21 for appearing with designer Jean Paul Gaultier, in makeup that made him look bruised and bloodied for a “warrior-themed runway show,” visitors to the site accused TMZ of vilifying Brown while giving Sheen a pass for allegedly battering his wife on Christmas.....

Clearly, Chris Brown is guilty—and of a despicable crime, no less. But because he’s African American, will it be harder for him to redeem himself in the public eye than a white celebrity guilty of a similar crime? If he genuinely changes, that is.

These are important questions, especially regarding rehabilitation and forgiveness. I hope no one will discount the centrality of the severity of the battery in Brown's case, however. This must make a difference. Proportionality matters. Chris Brown's battery was severe and he compounded it every time he spoke out publicly and refused to take full responsibility.

That said, this is not Sheen's first time out in terms of violence and substance abuse. The public's willingness to forgive some celebrities regardless of the severity and repetitiveness of their transgressions is stunning. And does, sometimes, seem correlated to race. I just don't think it's helpful to jump to Brown's defense, and I see a lot of that in the African American community of which I am a part, but I understand the frustration.

Thinking about making a list of films

Films that confront race either explicitly or implicitly, and films that represent race and ethnicity in ways that are culturally and/or politically significant come in many different genres. Some may not seem to be about race at all. Nonetheless these films made us reconsider our assumptions about what race means in our lives and how we relate to each other.
So far I can think of at least 5 in the past decade that made a big impression:

• Crash (definitely NOT my favorite film, but it's important)
• Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story -- an important documentary, which too few people saw, and which says a lot about the role of race in politics.
• Monster's Ball
• Something New
• Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (Sepia Mutiny did A LOT on this film. Light but innovative and significant I think to South Asian community. Here's an interesting post on it http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/000200.html)

When Race is a Political Weapon

A symbolic racialized attack, even within the Black community, is a poisonous political weapon. This story by Arianna Huffington effectively demonstrates why the Call & Post's Aunt Jemima editorial cartoon is so insidious. Not so long ago Sharpe James deployed similar invective --crazy, highly racialized charges--against Cory Booker: taking money from the KKK, "collaborating with Jews", being a "faggot white boy," a "white republican," a "black trojan horse," and "errand boy Black politician ." Seriously, these are quotes from the ex-Mayor James and from some otherwise impressive people. 

Back in 2002, Huffington reported:

In elected office for 32 years, and feeling the heat of a surprisingly tight race, four-term mayor Sharpe James has leveled a variety of lunatic charges against his opponent, city councilman Cory Booker, accusing him of taking money from the KKK and the Taliban, collaborating with Jews to take over Newark, being a "faggot white boy" and (cover your ears, children) a Republican. What makes this mouth-foaming vitriol especially nutty is that Booker is an African-American, a Democrat and a Stanford and Yale Law School-educated Rhodes scholar, who, in case you're wondering, is straight and hasn't received a dime from David Duke or Mullah Omar.

The point and the problem is this -- this type of racial accusation is powerful if not confronted. It can be used to punish, stigmatize and potentially silence almost anyone, even sincere public officials with great records serving the community. 

What's more, this choice of rhetoric and this type of image doesn't just shame its intended target. It introduces poison into the community well and ultimately demeans and therefore damages us all. As a commenter on Jezebel.com said: "Internalized racism is still racism."

Read more

Arianna Huffington's Salon.com piece "The madness of Newark's King James"

Join the Facebook Group condemning the Call & Post's Aunt Jemima editorial cartoon 

Racist Editorial cartoon of State Senator as Aunt Jemima (updated)

This is a sad story involving race, representation and local politics, but I'm hoping it will have a satisfying conclusion. A little over a week ago an Ohio newspaper, the Call & Post ran an editorial cartoon depicting African American Ohio state senator Nina Turner as Aunt Jemima and saying in broken English, "I be’s da new leader." Just as disturbing, the newspaper is Black owned. 

This cartoon clearly exploits demeaning 19th century stereotypes for political retribution--Turner supported a ballot initiative for county government reform that the Call and Post opposed. It's not the first time this paper has punished African American leaders that challenge them, and a broad based coalition of Clevelanders and friends have joined forces to say this is unacceptable. A few people have written letters to the editor. Over 1200 people have joined the Facebook group my friend, Robyn Minter-Smyers started to demand an apology.

Here are a few key links for more information:

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/7OWlH2

Cleveland Scene http://bit.ly/8qyTi1

Cleveland Plain Dealer column - http://bit.ly/6SAHH7

Deborah Plummer on the Huffington Post: No Confusion When It Comes to the "Isms" http://bit.ly/88HEV2

12/7 update. There are now over 1300 members of the Facebook Group and Crain's Cleveland Business just published a great piece on this issue entitled "Call & Post sparks collective outrage." The article quotes Brian Hall, a local African American business leader who is demanding a strong, clear community response: "if this (Aunt Jemima cartoon) were published by a white institution, it would be national news and we would be in the streets in protest. We cannot let a black man destroy the fabric of two great institutions (the local NAACP and the Call & Post) that have served our community for over a century.”


Cleveland Magazine editor Erick Trickey also has a fascinating post detailing the fierce power struggle behind the cartoon. Definitely worth reading. Key quote: "Some people are just incensed that the paper would use an old racial attack to try to enforce political conformity."

New Updates on Twitter

Follow me on twitter at twitter.com/BellCV or follow EntStudies  (AEJMC's  Entertainment Studies Interest Group) for thought-provoking tweets about the study of entertainment.

Barack Obama - Democratic National Convention - TIME

Barack Obama - Democratic National Convention - TIME

He is not a perfect candidate, but once again proved that he can, in the face of daunting expectations, deliver a simply breathtaking speech at an absolutely pivotal moment. Masterful performance to match a brilliantly written speech. Conversational at times, lofty at others - and studiously serious throughout, in an apparent attempt to demonstrate that he possesses the demeanor of a plausible president. Superhumanly poised, he exhibited no jitters, never rushed, and married his own cadence to the rhythms of the audience's reaction.

Hitting Bush and McCain like a pro, he damned with faint praise, mocked with humor, and emphasized issues on which the Republicans are vulnerable.

In the process, Obama appeared to achieve every goal the pundits and political backseat drivers had set out for him in advance: he showed his heart, emphasized the economy, and, most of all, looked like a president. Worlds better than the revelatory 2004 convention speech that set him on the course to the nomination.

— by Mark Halperin

Obama Pride in North Carolina!

Komen NC Triangle Affiliate:

Sign up by June 3 to Run, Walk and Unite for the Cure

RACE FOR THE CURE JUNE 14 AT MEREDITH COLLEGE
All are invited to join Dems United for the Cure, a diverse group of Democrats and other progressives from around the Triangle coming together for the Race for the Cure for breast cancer, for universal health care, and for victory in November 2008.

WHY RACE FOR THE CURE?
This election year, it's clear that we work together or we fall apart, and this is a cause we can all support. Because 10 million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next 25 years without the cure, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is fighting every minute of every day to save every life. That's why Hillary and Barack supporters alike will be walking and running together June 14 in the Race for the Cure with the hopes of raising as much money as possible to support this mission.

Every dollar raised will be invested in breast cancer education, screening, and treatment for underserved women in our community and in the national search for a cure. As one of the most respected charities in the U.S., Susan G. Komen for the Cure has received four stars, the highest rating possible, from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator, and was named one of America's 100 Best Charities by Worth Magazine.

WHY DEMS UNITED FOR THE CURE?
This cause is particularly relevant right now. Both presidential candidates understand the need for an effective and comprehensive health care plan, including marshaling resources against breast cancer. In keeping with that commitment, our participation in the Race for the Cure contributes to the life-saving work of the Komen foundation while demonstrating to our community that what unites us is more important and more powerful than what divides us.

RUN, WALK, OR SLEEP IN FOR A CURE - SIGN UP BY TUESDAY JUNE 3
Participants can join Dems United for the Cure using the paper Race Entry Form available at http://www.komennctriangle.org/images/RFTC_08entryform_DO.pdf .

Choose any of the "Open" (coed) Team options: One-mile fun run/walk, Open Competitive 5k run, Open Recreational 5k walk/run, or even "Sleep in for the Cure". Most of us will do the Open Coed Recreational 5k at 9 am, but we also have people in the competitive 5k at 7 am AND the one mile fun walk at 9:45 am. Regardless of activity, you'll be a part of our team, get a team shirt, and funds raised will count towards team totals.

Completed forms must be returned to Team Captain Carole Bell by Tuesday June 3 at 5pm for submission to the Komen foundation. Please download today and then fax the completed form to 919.942.6443 (attn: Carole Bell, tel 919-619-5918) or email cvbell@gmail.com to make arrangements for dropping it off in person.

TO DONATE
Donating is an excellent way to contribute to the cause, and it's quick and easy:
Go to http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/united
Click on the link on the right side that says "Support Dems United for a Cure". This link is located under the kicking donkey image.
Choose the amount to give and enter billing information.

Contact: Carole V. Bell M 919.619.5918 cvbell@gmail.com http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/united

Dems Unite to Run, Walk, or Sleep In for the Cure

Now that the primaries are almost over, all are invited to help put the divisions of the campaign behind us by joining a diverse, Triangle-based team of Democrats and like minded progressives to run, walk, or donate to the NC Triangle Race for the Cure on June 14th. Over a dozen people in three counties have already committed to being a part of this team. We believe it's the perfect opportunity for us to start working and having fun together for an important common cause.

WHY RACE FOR THE CURE?
In this election year, it's clear that we work together or we fall apart, so here's a cause we can all agree on. The Susan G. Komen Foundation's Race for the cure funds breast cancer education, screening, and treatment for underserved women in communities like ours across the country and also supports the national search for a cure. That's why Democrats, Hillary and Barack supporters alike, will be running, walking, and fundraising together in support of the foundation June 14.

This event is fun and highly relevant right now. Both candidates understand the need for an effective and comprehensive health care plan in this country, including marshaling resources against breast cancer. In keeping with that commitment, our participation in the Race for the Cure demonstrates to our community that what unites us is more important and more powerful than what divides us.

JOIN US - RUN, WALK, OR SLEEP IN FOR A CURE

With participants from Orange, Chatham, Durham, and Wake, we'll make a solid contribution to the cause of fighting breast cancer, have a visible presence at this major community event, and demonstrate much needed Democratic Party unity across counties and candidates. And yes, there will be a cool Dems United for the Cure team T-shirt, which we'll all wear to show what we're walking for.

There's one thing you need to do today to show your support: Register Online. Online team registration is only open through midnight May 27. After that, new team members can use a paper registration form (available for download from the web site), which must be submitted to me by June 3.

Even if you can’t join us June 14, you can still make a contribution. Either sign up as a team member to "Sleep in for the Cure" or make a donation to the team. If you join our team and "Sleep in for the Cure", you can get your team t-shirt through the mail.

REGISTER ONLINE WITH DEMS UNITED FOR THE CURE:

1. Go to http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/united and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
2. Click on the link that says "Join Dems United for the Cure".
3. On the registration page select: "Open Recreational 5k Adult - Teams" to walk with our core group at 9 am. Registration is $25 per team member.
• Or choose one of the other team activities such as the competitive 5k, 1 mile fun walk, or "Sleep in for the Cure" (also quite fun). You can be a part of our team, get a team T-shirt, and the registration fee and funds raised will count towards our team totals.
4. After you submit the form, you'll receive an email confirming your registration.
• When you register online, your confirmation explains how to use the Race Center web site to customize your personal fundraising page and e-mail friends using preexisting message templates provided by Race for the Cure. The Race Center will allow you to recruit teammates and supporters, track your progress and get fundraising tips.
• As team captain, I'll also get a notice of that info including your email address so I can keep in touch about logistics like your team T-shirt and our progress overall.

DONATE TO THE CURE

Making a donation is an excellent way to support the work of the Komen foundation and is quick and easy:

1. Go to our team page at http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/united
2. Click on the link on the right side of the page that says "Support Dems United for a Cure". This link is located under the kicking donkey image.
3. That will bring you to the donation page where you can choose the amount you want to give and enter your billing information.

Thanks in advance for your support. Please give me a shout at cvbell@gmail.com if you have any questions, suggestions, or if there's anything I can do to help.

All the best,

Carole Bell cvbell@gmail.com

Team Captain, Dems United for the Cure