Me? Angry?! (an excerpt from: ‘The Diary of the Misadventures of a YBP: When Blanking is Enuff’)

*Author’s Note*
Janae is to thank for the ridiculously wonderful (and long) addition to my title. Yaaas. Ashe.

Today, on my initial post for CCB, want to speak to my fellow YBPs (Young Black Professionals – Yes, I made that up. Yes I'm aware of how not catchy it is. Let me cook.) about an issue that many of us will, if we haven't already, encounter as we become budding professionals in each of our respective disciplines.

We've all been there; recent grad, elated to have landed your first gig in your field of study. Everything is wonderful until 'it' happens: Your first professional conflict and you're faced with the challenge (and stigma) of being seen as 'The Angry Black Co-Worker'

'It' (finally) happened to me.

On a seemingly normal day, I went to work with the intention and expectation of…well…working. I prepared for my day as I normally do, arrived and exchanged pleasantries with everyone, as usual, and began to work.

Then this exchange took place:

Raheem:
(in such a nonchalant, as-a-matter-of-fact manner)

“Jack and Amy (white people) told me how you blanked on them this morning…You might want to chill…You don't want to be known as the 'Angry Black Chick' “

Me: (completely caught off guard) “Pause. Wait, Negro say what?!”

Then Raheem repeats what he said and continued on to another subject as if none of what he'd just said to me was an issue.

I stopped him. I had to.

First, I was taken aback by the comment that I 'blanked'

Blanked?! At work?!

*holds up 'C'Mon Son!!!' sign*

I'd never give someone the satisfaction of taking me out of my happy place at work. Hmph.

Second, - Wait, so the event in question was a conflict? Now this is news to me, because all I did was simply report an issue and suggest what we (and by 'we' I mean ALL of us employees could do to prevent further possible job-costing mishaps like the one we (and by 'we', I mean 'me') had to fix.

Third, since when did me being assertive make me angry? If Raheem were there, he would have seen the (so not angry) exchange and said/thought otherwise.

Folks, I work for an intense, and at times, very stressful, broadcasting company. That means in order to make it in that type of environment, you have got to have a tough skin and not take anything personally. At the end of the day, no one wants to be the one to blame when we have an issue as important as the one I addressed with my two co-workers.

Listen, Content doesn't air correctly--->We draw unemployment checks---> Sallie Mae doesn't get paid---> Applications get sent to Onyx, Magic City, The Pyramid---> Things get unreasonably real. I don't want to imagine.

Anywho, back to the issue at hand...

Why is ok for our Caucasian counterparts to be competitive, assertive, and demanding, even, in the workplace but when we are, our approach is somehow problematic? What do you do? Happily conform? Make them (yes, 'them') feel comfortable by not showing concern/voicing your opinion?

*sighs*

What gives?

Funny how college prepares us for everything but how to deal.

So, people of CCB (this acronym is perfect, btw.), Have you ever been in the 'Let me turn myself down so that I don't intimidate anyone (and by 'anyone' I mean ‘yt’ people)' situation? How did it make you feel? Do you feel pressure in the workplace because of the double standards that we still must face? Speak on it!

-Nakia D.
The (not so) Angry Black Chick.

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Looks Like Another Love TKO

How much does love have to physically hurt before we acknowledge it is time to move forward?
We all know Chris Brown aka Light Ike played a game of roll bounce on Rihanna's face Grammy Night 2009 and with his most recent outburst on Twitter + the deletion of his account it only seems right to discuss. Now I know plenty of people feel as though we should "let it go," and also hide under the fact that "we don't know what REALLY happened that night," but come on guys are we going to be that lackadaisical in acknowledging his pettiness that has ensued since the attack. How can we let it go if Mr. Breezy continues to respond to every person that mentions the attack to him?

African Americans, the demography that will be scrutinized here, must learn that it is OK to voice an opinion about something that does not concern us. Things that are swept under the rug and skeletons in families closets have perpetuated the sanity of African Americans for too long because it is somehow easier to ignore the fact it happened than discourse to seek help and closure for certain events e.g. rape, incest, or domestic violence.

It is really painful for me to hear the views and opinions on the Rihanna-Chris Brown situation from my peers because when it boils down to it people either believe they "love each other" so they are entitled to work it out or "that's their situation not mine." My sweet brown boys and girls, what would happen if YOU were to get TKO'd by your lover of some sort, and your support system was not there because its not their business? Would you still feel as lethargic? How would you react to the whispers of you being called weak for returning to your assailant? Yes, Rihanna is fully capable of making her own decisions, but just because she Instagrams a few washed up Ghandi quotes about unrequited love and tweets cute little photos of the two laughing it up over champagne and cereal, that makes it OK for her to be stupid as hell and go back to this nigga? African American have a higher overall rate of intimate violence and black women experience a 35% higher rate of domestic violence than Caucasian women. Is our retention to these ain't shit niggas to blame? Possibly vice versa as well because of course, some of you crazed females are beating up your men too, as well as the homosexuals.

Chris Brown has flown off the handle repeatedly on Twitter at people that continue to vilify him, but in his maturation he needs to realize people will NEVER FORGET. Ike will forever be known to have beaten Tina, Brandy will never live down killing a woman, Michael Jackson, even in his death will always be accused as a child molester. Sidenote: I am heavily into pop culture so I really do try and stay unbiased to celebrities and their legal troubles, but this whole situation is on a different level because the delicacy of the crime and opinions it formulated. The situation sheds lights on a mass of immaturity that continues to receive a pass because of their stardom (I suppose that whats it attributed to, no?) People need to understand their self worth and stop selling themselves short for "love." The inability to resist someones company does not equate to loving, neither does missing their sex, or that connection that you two may have had. Cocaine makes you feel like you can skydive from the heavens into a bowl of freshly seasoned collard greens but is the continuance of use beneficial? All I'm saying is our relationships are the future statistics; are we going to let those numbers decline because we are not strong enough to stand up for ourselves and the right to be treated respectfully and safely?

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Black Excellence Tuesday (B.E.T.): Rudy Currence, The OTHER

For those who don't follow me on twitter (or haven't dedicated a marginal portion of their life to climbing in my windows and snatching my thoughts up)...[FIRST: what are you waiting for?!]...second: I am a avid lover of all things beautiful, inventive, passion-filled, rousing music. I was first introduced to Rudy Currence by a member of my “Auntie Team”, Irene (eye-rizz). She posted a video of his “You Bring MeDown” on her twitter page and I haven't looked back since. I listened to that song (edit: it wasn’t EVEN the entire song, just an excerpt) at least 20 times a day for the next few weeks.

I recently had the opportunity to attend my first Rudy Currence concert last month at Marymount University. (TIP: If you live near a college, you NEED to get hip to their events. They’re typically free, or very cheap, and terribly excellent… a la, this show). After the show, I sat down with Rudy for a freestyled leisurely interview.

Though blaring, the coffee shop in which the concert was held, played a delightful mix of neo-soul, appropriately accompanying the interview.

 

*”What kind of man would I be?” – Mint Condition plays*

Juh: Awesome performance. Incredible, Incredible. I really liked your combination of a little bit of R&B with a little bit of gospel and classic rock. Is this reflective of a typical set or were these adjustments made because of the venue? (Marymount is a Christian University)

[A friend of Rudy’s interjects, introducing himself and taking a seat. The more the merrier! I’d noticed a patch of harmony coming from his direction earlier in the evening:

“I heard your harmonies and I was like..”WHOAH who brought in the church?!” 

Friend: Yea, that definitely was NOT me. I have a terrible voice. Like very bad. I love karaoke but I do it as a joke. I do ridiculous stuff like the Pussycat Dolls.]

-The focus returns to Rudy-

Rudy: Partially, yea. I always try to adapt my show to my audience to make sure I’m connecting with what they’re in tune with while still doing my thing and getting into my zone. Until I get an entire structured production of a show together, it will continue to be that organic, free flowing mix of genres.

“Church members saying ‘He’s so talented. Why he wanna sing R&B music? Excuse me, what does Reverend Currence think about it?’ Since you wanna know, my dad is so supportive. Since you wanna know, my momma’s in management.”

-          Excerpt from “Zion”

 I was surprised when you mentioned that you were a PK (Preacher’s Kid). What has been that experience?

For me, it was just important that I stayed true to myself. I grew up in south. So a lot of people were asking why I wasn’t singing gospel. But my thing is: why should we put God in a box? Many were concerned that I was moving towards secular music. I think it’s important that you first have a relationship with Christ. The relationship should be the focus. I make sure I keep a maintain a level of positivity in my music but I don’t limit myself to a single genre.

[Rudy's friend attests to power of Rudy’s music] I'm not a very religious person. But [Rudy's] music provides a spiritual lifting that anyone could take away from the experience. I don’t go to church. But I think the positivity in  the message is important. So it’s cool that I can come to his shows and get a piece of that.

*”Do You Remember?” – Jill Scott comes on*

[That, in my opinion is one of the greatest powers of music, the ability to rouse people emotionally, spiritually, psychologically. It’s one of the primary reasons many black churches thrive.]

Are you on tour right now?

I’m spot dating. I’ll be in North Carolina at UNC Pembrook. Then I’ll be at Michigan for a showcase

So I'm doing a lots of spot dating all over the east coast and mid-west.

So you’ve recently signed with a label? (And by recently what I REALLY meant was two years ago -_-)

Yes, I signed with DTP (Disturbing the Peace). It’s been a great learning experience. I’ve received several opportunities and platforms. I did a song with Quincy Jones called "Soul Bossa Nostra" featuring Naturally 7. We performed it on The View. So far I’ve had three nationally-broadcasted performance opportunities.

Some artists lament their artistic transition from indie life to the major leagues. Do you find that being signed has limited you creatively? Do you feel like you’ve been placed into a box?

It’s more political now. But, I think anytime you're dealing with such a transition, you have to balance both worlds. When you're independent you learn the business as opposed to being plugged into a machine and just being told that all you have to do is sing. So I’m thankful for my independent background. And I think one misconception is that once you get signed, you don’t have to work anymore. And that simply is not so.

*Music ends*

You’ve truly grown into your gift. What has been the greatest moment since you’ve signed?

We were shooting the video for Quincy Jones' single. We were in LA. He tells me about all of his experiences. Mind you, this is the man that produced Michael Jackson and he asked me to sing something for him. Once I finished he was like “Wow! You’re special.” And for him to have said that, as someone that has worked with Michael Jackson, that will stay with me forever.

What is the most embarassing or craziest thing that’s happened to you? Have you been mobbed by groupies or...

I don't know. That’s hard. Life, in general, is CRAZY. People say some crazy things on Twitter and Facebook. I’m always reading Youtube comments and Twitter mentions. People are crazy! One girl asked me to "adorn” her. Lots of “Will you marry me?” requests. It’s all crazy to me.

Five random questions. Here we go:

What is your favorite midnight snack?

Whatever’s around. I’m not picky. I’m always up late so im always eating late.

What color is your tooth brush?

I think it’s Blue. It might be blue. May be purple. Might be Blue and purple.

What was the first cartoon you fell in love with?

Thundercats

Whose your favorite powder puff girl?

The blond one.

*upon further research, the CCB fact-checking agency confirmed that aforementioned "blond puff" was, indeed, Bubbles.*

What is at the foundation of your passion for music?

For me, music is therapeutic. And though it’s secular, it’s still ministry for me. It’s still a message. I've always had a heart for people so I always want people to leave my shows encouraged and inspired. Life has a way of bringing us down sometimes and I just want to take away from my music a message of positivity to spread around the world.

The seventh Episode of the "Kawai Kronicles" will debut December 3, 2012 on Rudy's Youtube Channel.

Download the FREE "Digital Analog" mixtape HERE

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www.rudycurrenceonline.com/

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Use What You Have to Get What You Want

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The Life & Times of a Functional Ratchet

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“How long until it’s inappropriate to act ratchet?”  This was one of several topics discussed during a phone conversation with Janae the other night.  She wasn’t exactly sure either.  As we arbitrarily threw out prospective ages, I created my own conspiracy: all adults, young and old, behave in a ratchet manner.  However, they do a better code switch than I in order to conceal it. 

My curiosity stemmed from realizing that at some point I’m going to have to take life seriously, this an ultimatum I gave myself after changing my twitter avi to Trindad Jame$. This realization led me to believe that my sometimes ratchet behavior, that actually occurs pretty regularly now, will have to cease sooner than later: or so I think?  Depressing right? See, you know why ratchet in progressive circles and environments is so beautiful? It’s because ratchet provides balance (hear me out).  It’s no different than attending happy hour or going to the club and beefing it up (my favorite, I might add) with your friends.  A little libertinism ain’t never hurt nobody right? Ratchet allows me to let it all out.  Alleviating those pressures that I feel in the presence of my white brethren, to act accordingly with a certain “chill”, as to not come across as abrasive or act out stereotypes (another blog post in itself). 

Janae articulated this as a “functional ratchet”.  Which, in a nutshell, is having the ability to turn your ratchet on and off.  Now, understand that by ratchet, I say it with no intention for it to be synonymous with ignorant.  In this context, ratchet is that enthusiasm some may feel when Lil Boosie comes on, or while giving twerking tutorials to your friends, or even your affinity for the word “nigga”, all of these are elements of ratchet in my definition.  The functional part comes in when you’re able to balance your ratchet with some elevated consciousness. In this “functional ratchet” space I’m convinced many of us find our place of solace.  Spaces where you can let go of a little societal accountability, while growing simultaneously. It is a space where you find your peace of mind. 

In developing our vision, this is where Janae and I see the blog going- the quintessential functional ratchet being.  Where each of you can come and offer your honest opinion, and are also willing to acquire awareness of that which is around you.  That’s when the consciousness comes in.  I found that this is my place of solace; intersections at which I can discuss progressive ideas and also interject opinions, colloquialisms, and real life references that echo my own cultural nuances.  In my place of solace I can freely talk about my excitement for sir Trinidad Jame$ and of the fiscal cliff with people who share the same penchant for books as I.  It’s like an overwhelming sense of calm and belonging, which I hope each of you will also experience here at the blog. 

In creating the Contact Culture blog, we strive to develop a platform to express and witness a considerable amount of transparency to those ideas which you weren’t quite ready to express, or couldn’t exactly articulate at the time.  Originally, our vision entailed our passion for the vertex at which community and culture meet.  Moving forward our actions will ensure to remain on the continuum to bridge the two, but also, provide a place of solace that encourages you to embrace all parts of your identity, in addition to engaging a like-minded community that imbues you with a special level of comfort, to, dare I say, embrace your inner ratchet. 

On that note, enjoy.

de$ap

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