Archive for January, 2009
Tiger Woods, Golf, and Black History Month
Written by Michael Vass
As we enter the first Black History Month in which we will not only be celebrating the past acheivements of great men and women, but the until recently undreamed of African American Presidency, I decided to look at what else might we celebrate.
That took me to looking, eventually, at Tiger Woods. Being [...]
An Obama effect in Hollywood is insulting
Written by Michael Vass
There is something that’s been nagging at me for months. The Obama effect on media and television. The very statement is an insult. Let me explain why.
An effect is a reaction to a stimulus. As long as the stimulus is around the effect continues. Once it is gone the effect fades. An [...]
A lie said by millions
Written by Michael Vass
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” - Inigo Montoya - Princess Bride
Yesterday I was speaking about Good Hair, the upcoming documentary by Chris Rock. After having written about this subject I was brought back to an old pet peeve of mine. A [...]
I have often regretted my speech, never my silence
Written by Michael Vass
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” - Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
For those that are still angry, concerned, or just learning of the murder of Oscar Grant I want to mention that I have not forgotten. I still am following the details as best [...]
America is still America
Written by Michael Vass
Well it has to be said by someone. I know the hate mail will flow.
I understand, and am gleeful, about the history being made as President Obama becomes the first Black man that is President of the United States. It is a moment that I never expected in my lifetime.
That said, I [...]
A Night to End Violence Against Women in Darfur
Written by Michael Vass
Recently I have been in contact with Cynthia Basinet, an accomplished woman of multiple talents. She might be best known to some for her 2005 cover of Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby (which was included in my tribute to Kitt after her death). But she is also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and [...]
Oscar Grant - the deafening silence
Written by Michael Vass
Right now I can say that I can’t recall a post subject that has drawn more attention on my blog than right now on the subject of Oscar Grant. Not that the major news media has been focused on this issue until there were riots in the streets of California. Yes Oakland [...]
Oscar Grant murdered by Oakland police in cold blood
Written by Michael Vass
Can we even start a year without something racial happening in this country? I have already spoken about my thoughts concerning the Muslim family that were subjected to fear and discrimination while trying to take a flight. But this is something far worse.
On New Years eve, hours into the start of the [...]
America likes quality not color in movies
Written by Michael Vass
I just want to back track for a moment. At the end of 2008 there was a top of 2008 list that I think most have never heard of nor are they aware of who made the list. While this list is mostly for acting entertainers, movie studios and movie theaters it [...]
Happy New Year - if you are not Muslim and on AirTran Airlines
Written by Michael Vass
It’s really a shame that the new year has just started and already the ugly face of prejudice has shown itself. In fact it popped up on New Year’s Day. Couldn’t we get past the first day without an issue? Obviously not.
The whole event happened in Washington D.C. The problem was that [...]
