There are a lot of things in this world that make me angry. :(
(photo and article courtesy of bamburants.blogspot.com- thanks jonah!)
1.) This is one. While thousands of Filipinos fell victim to the recent typhoon, the Philippine president decides to have dinner with this douche instead, smiling happily as Bush “complimented” our talents by recognizing that yes, Filipinos are very talented- especially in the kitchen (his head chef is Filipino).
Well, I wonder if his chef has been putting cow laxatives in his food, cause that’s some straight bullshit! As a self proclaimed G.P.S. (gangsta pinay sista), I’m one of many brown girls who find comments like these a slap in the face after all our efforts in creating an empowering space for ourselves in a country that obviously still sees us as part of the “help”. Don’t get me wrong, brown sistas come in all beauties and forms, and yes, some of us do make a mean ass sinigang, but I do have a big problem with the larger public ( ie. imperialistic white men) failing to recognize us as strong, intelligent women who speak bravely, write books, earn degrees, and hold it all the way down for our peoples. (AND if you’re lucky, fry up some lumpia on the side when we feel like it.)
Sadly, the Filipino government has always been in a seemingly impenetrable state of chaos and corruption, and almost every Filipino president has failed to provide me with a glint of hope in resurrecting our country’s political integrity. I know it isn’t easy to be president. And even more difficult to lead a country who has a long and extensive history of colonization and continuously rising economic debt- yet, I’m disappointed to find that presidents like Arroyo take advantage of their wealth and power by exploiting the very people they should be uplifting. The Arroyo family owns the main rice cartel in the Philippines, and they have recently risen the price of rice to make it impossibly difficult for the people to afford their main food staple (if you’re Pinoy/Asian, you know how crucial this rice bizznass is boiiii).
Bayan USA will be leading a protest in front of the SF Consulate on Monday July 28th to address this issue (info courtesy of my college mentor, Armael Malinis) The info is below:
When: Monday, July 28th
Time: 5:30pm
Where: San Francisco Philippine Consulate, 447 Sutter Street (c/s: Powell St.)
Two. Michelle Malkin’s hater ass face on Fox News.
My bruddah, Colin, articulates her traitor ways much more efficiently, but what I will say is I’ve taken on an even greater, more recharged, personal mission to do my best to articulate my people’s voice in an empowering, uplifting way no matter what I’m doing. I’ve recently started to pursue my career in television, and the more opportunities I’m getting, I’m remaining conscious in the efforts to provide the ANTI-Michelle Malkin and representin’ a sis who can be unrelentingly fierce amidst the all the wackness. (And fashionable too, mind you.)
Three. On a whole OTHER note: Men who settle for chickenheads. (Yes, I said it.)
Okay, I apologize for that. Generally, I don’t like to say mean things, or put mean labels to people. The term “chickenhead” is very hater-ade of me. I’m sorry. I’m not perfect, but the least I can do is be honest.
Honestly, I am forever disappointed when I hear my beautiful, strong, intelligent, hard working ladies complaining about the lack of honesty, reciprocity, and appreciation from boys while girls in shiny shirts and stretch minis seem to rack up all the love and attention. I was recently reading Joan Morgan’s book, “When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost” (via Jamilah’s and Adriel’s suggest) which effectively addresses the plight of the strong independent woman and the struggles they possess when seeking healthy relationships. (I highly suggest it if you’re looking to fill up your summer reading list.)
Strong women are educated, opinionated, and ambitious- are these qualities inherently difficult for men to accept? It makes me upset that driven women (myself included) have to face the unsettling worry that our ambitions may pose a threat to potential partners who may find our strength overwhelming. The strong women all around me are beautiful, incredible, and absolutely loving- it becomes so upsetting to find that we’re left struggling with the concept of partnership while “chickenheads” seemingly get showered with attention, effort, and time. Secretly, even I’ve fallen guilty of wishing I never learned to possess such ambition for the sake of having the bliss that so easily comes with ignorance. (And every time it happens, I slap myself awake and remind myself I’m straight trippin) That, and despite the guise of this false assumption, the true gem of a dude who deserves such a strong woman will come along and match the hustle. Yadadai?
So Imma end this and encourage my ladies to brush they shoulders off, because regardless, I admire the way you own your brains, talents, and that fierce strut when you claim the world with your step. Keep your head up, love. Remember, chickens don’t fly- and babygirl, you already soar.
On another note, here are things that make me happy ?
1.) Kid Cudi’s new mixtape that you can download here!
2.) Janelle Monae and Kid Sister on the cover of URB
3.) The Jabbawockeez- THANK YOU for allowing me to witness some sexy brown boys representin hella hella hard on mass media- watching you dance seriously makes my heart palpitate with intense joy. I can’t fully express the pride you stir in me. Slurp Alert to the max.
4.) My girl Kristia’s blog, Doorknockers
5.) Dahlak’s cutest happy face on this picture
6.) My girl, Tezeta, as my patna in crime (and estrogen!!!) on iLL-Lit’s upcoming Fall tour- she’s our new road manager! Yay.
