“Jean-Michel Basquiat first became famous for his art
And then he became famous for being famous
And then he became famous for being infamous”
Jean Michel Basquiat new documentary
Bottom Line: Lively and touching doc combines insider view of its art-star subject with smart present-day interviews. click here
Tom Burrell, ad visionary, examines the marketing of the myth of black inferiority from Target Market News
(January 19, 2010) Recently there has been a collage of disturbing images saturating the media: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s racially insensitive comments about Barack Obama; Chris Brown’s abuse of Rihanna; Tiger Woods’ adultery with numerous white women; the controversy surrounding the Black pathology on display in the film Precious.
These images are disturbing but not surprising, according to advertising visionary Tom Burrell, author of the groundbreaking BRAINWASHED: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority (SmileyBooks; February 8, 2010; Trade Paperback Original; $15.95). A selection of the Black Expressions Book Club, Price M. Cobbs, M.D., author of Black Rage, says of BRAINWASHED, “Tom Burrell has mined his pioneering career to produce a wise, thoughtful, and must-read book.”
Burrell, a 45-year veteran of the advertising industry and an inductee of the Advertising Hall of Fame, calls the marketing of the myth of Black Inferiority to justify slavery within a democracy “one of the greatest propaganda campaigns of all time.”
Burrell examines how, for hundreds of years, Black Americans have labored under a Black Inferiority/White Superiority shadow and have been subject to a brainwashing campaign that was launched when slavery in America was legal. The debilitating campaign continues to this day. Until now, no one has detailed the damaging effects it has had on generations of Black Americans from a marketing/propaganda perspective.
During his decades in the advertising business, Burrell coined the phrase “Black people are not dark-skinned white people.” It was there that he got a close-up view of how Blacks are viewed in this country and the way they unconsciously view themselves. He connected the dots from slavery and Jim Crow segregation to present-day commercial and social propaganda.
Topics explored in BRAINWASHED include:
� How Blacks and whites have been victimized by the lie and why this victimization must end.
� The 10 questions every Black American must wrestle with to free their minds, including:
- Relationship Wrecks: Why can’t Blacks build strong families?
- Uglified: Why are Black and beautiful still contradictions?
- Studs and Sluts: Why do super-sexualized stereotypes from O.J. to Tiger Woods still reign supreme?
- Homey-cide: Why do Blacks kill one another at astronomical rates?
- D’s Will Do: Why do too many Black parents promote educational catastrophes for their children?
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Why do we settle for living large, because we feel so low?
- Neo-Coons: Why is the joke always on us?
� Brainwashed 2010: Why Black pathology plays big at the box office
� How brainwashed are you?
But BRAINWASHED is more than a book, it’s a movement that offers people a template for engagement and empowerment. Burrell explains that the most potent resource in the anti-brainwash initiative is media: audio or visual, via television, radio, film, music videos, billboards, print, the Internet, or cell phones — everything that influences our minds. “The full media spectrum is now at our disposal,” notes Burrell. “With technology, we can elevate our cultural discourse and reward positive thinking and action.”
To recruit “evangelists for positive propaganda,” Burrell has established the Resolution Project, which will sponsor the 1st Annual “Flip the Script�Stop the Brainwash” campaign. This worldwide competition will honor the best positive propaganda campaigns in video, art, creative writing, poetry, music, and other media based on a theme inspired by BRAINWASHED.
Marketing communications pioneer and Advertising Hall of Fame inductee Tom Burrell is credited with revolutionizing the image of African Americans in television and changing the face of American advertising. His award-winning work promoted positive and realistic images of Blacks and acknowledged the purchasing power of the African American community.
In 2007, Burrell founded the Resolution Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes intra-racial dialogue and community-based new media “stop the brainwash” campaigns. He lives in Chicago’s South Loop area.
During his economics class at Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, the scholar and educator, W. E. B. DuBois, was asked by an inquisitive student for the quickest and surest way to prosperity. “What I amabout to share,” Dr. DuBois replied, “you would do well to write on your heart and place in your purse. Many a ruined man dates his downfall from the day he began buying what he did not need. If you are in debt, part of you belongs to your creditors. To whom you give your money, you give your power.” More than one half century later, DuBois’ words still resonate. Money is, arguably, one of humanity’s greatest tools. Regardless of what others may think, say or do, money is like any other resource or commodity – neither good nor bad, neither sinful or sacred. Unlike other resources, however, money evolves from the thought processes of those who possess it. Emanating from a flow of ideas, money is an instrument, a standard which can be used for both good and evil, by the rich and the notso-rich, by the haves as well as the haves not.
Unfortunately, so many black college students fail to realize the long-term impact of DuBois’ words and, as a result, they are well on their way to financial ruin and, not to mention, relinquishing their power. As more than just a casual observer, specifically a business school professor who teaches at a HBCU (historically black college or university), after a quick stroll down the heart of our campus one would quickly surmise that Black students are doing well. Ironically, many students not only dress better than me but tool around campus in late model vehicles that put my SUV to shame. Spending money they don’t possess on items they don’t need. Many are walking billboards for an array of expensive designer labels. Closer to the norm than the exception, on any given day, coeds within the Atlanta University Center can routinely be found adorning high end brands such as Chanel and Burberry while sporting $400 Gucci, as well as the ever-sotasteful, Louis Vuitton handbags. Did I mention that $300 Coach pumps are amust? Georgio Armani shades and Tiffany bracelets can usually be found topping off any ensemble. And, if the weekend weather is cooperative, some students decide to “dress down.” Take my word for it. There’s nothing casual regarding the price of goods on “casual Friday.” Both males and females have been known to break out the Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, and Versace. And their cars? Oh my, the cars. None other than an Infinity, Escalade, Hummer, Mercedes Benz or the ever so popular mid-size BMW or Lexus – replete with leather trim, sport wheels, and a state-of-the-art sound system, of course.
But all that glitters is not gold. Like the clothes and accessories on their back, “bling-bling” comes with a price. If you were to examine the actual net worth – that is, the value of assets, or what a typical student owns, minus the value of his or her liabilities, what he or she owes – their bottom line would barely approach $5,000. Between annual student loan payments and monthly credit cards, upon graduation the average Black student who attends a public HBCU will carry more than $18,000 of debt (more than $30,000 for those attending a private institution), when he or she walks across the stage to receive his or her degree. According tothe most recent data, during the past seven years, the average student loan burden has ballooned by 60 percent. Nearly two-thirds of all four-year college graduates (close to 90 percent for African Americans), carry some form of student loan.
On top of student loans, which can be subsidized by the Federal Government and demand no interest while students are pursuing their degree, more and more students bear credit card debt. According to Nellie Mae, a national provider of higher education loans, since December 2000, 78 percent of undergraduates own at least one credit card, up 11 percent since 1998. Among those who own credit cards, 32 percent carry four or more cards, an increase of 27 percent. And, if this were not enough, 95 percent of graduate students carry nearly $5,000 in credit card debt, while 6 percent of those students owe more than $15,000. And that does not include the balance of their car note regardless how resplendent.
Too many of us, like the ill-informed student mentioned above, fail to understand the importance of financial management. The issue of wealth building is more important to the Black community than ever. Of the 2.8 million African Americans who retired in the year 2000, that number will grow to 3.2 million by 2010. Many of these individuals lack the savings they’ll need to sustain themselves in later years. Furthermore, the federal safety net has frayed. Consider how attacks on affirmative action have curtailed educational opportunities for some African Americans, especially those hoping to send their children to public institutions. As a result, what millions of educationally and economically disadvantaged Americans can manage to build will undoubtedly serve as a resource base to advance and bolster Black families in the challenging days ahead.
To nine-tenths of the world’s population, the average Black American is wealthy. African Americans possess nearly everything the wealthy own – only in smaller amounts. They own homes, cars, clothing, televisions, savings accounts and debts – but insmaller amounts. Their food is just as tasty and as plentiful; their beds are just as comfortable, and their homes are nearly as cozy. They possess the exact amount of time and just as much freedom. With only a fraction of the world’s population, Black Americans possess 10 percent of the world’s total monetary income. Or, to draw a clearer picture, Black America’s combinedincome is equal to or greater than several Western European countries and Canada as well.
There is a larger gap between the standard of living of most of the world’s population and the average Black worker than between the standard enjoyed by America’s average Black worker and the wealthiest member of our society. And, in case you’ve fallen for the myth that blacks are poor, consider this not so well known fact: Black Americans earned $679 billion annual income in 2004, and spend more than two-thirds of this figure on goods and services. This figure and per capita spend is equal to many first-tier countries in the western world. Black America’s problem is not the lack of money; its problems stem from what it does with its money. Consider the following scenario:
If you were to approach 100 Black Americans at age 25 and ask “Would you like to be wealthy?” Blend in gender, as well as equal education, talent, skills, and abilities. Midway through their twenties, you’ll notice a sparkle in their eyes, purpose in theirmanner, and an eagerness toward life. Why? Because these men and women truly wish to generate wealth. Now project these individuals 40 years into the future. Allow for time, growth, and development. At the close of four decades, you’ll be astonished with the findings. Imagine 100 able-bodied men and women armed with the opportunity and latitude to financially stamp their mark in the field of their choice, within the most affluent nation on earth, the majority – 55 will rely on an array of government programs in order to survive their remaining years. Thirty-five, unfortunately, will be dead. Nine will reside within Black America’s upperten percentile, those wage earners who boast incomes of $55,000 per year. And, one – ONLY ONE – will have gained entry into one of the most elite groups in the nation–those African Americans who feature household incomes of $200,000 per year or more. In short, Black America’s most affluent. Think for a moment, of those whom you pass on the street, within any city in the nation–large or small; rich or poor – only one out-of- 100 individuals will reach his or her financial goals. Only 1 Percent!
And what of the other 99 percent? Unfortunately, they just drift along, hoping and wishing for the best. These are educated, skilled men and women who’ve allowed the circumstantial winds of personal finance to blow them in any direction. Why, in this land of plenty, is there such a disheartening ending to so many lives? What has happened to the sparkle in their eyes and their eagerness toward life? What became of their hopes, their dreams, and their plans? So, as a people, Black America is rich. But how much do you want? How much money do you need to live the way you want to live? To accomplish the goals you’ve set foryourself? It’s never too early to start.
In his book “Wealth and Power in America,” Gabriel Kolko, an economic historian, presented considerable evidence that the reins of power are always held by the controllers of wealth. If this is true, not only does Black America hold the reins to its destiny, butit is not poor! According to the Joint Center for Political Studies, a Black-led Washington, D.C.-based think tank, Black Americans represent more than
$600 billion in household income – equal to the ninth largest country in the world. Black Americans are wealthier and better educated than 95 percent of whites, and all other people of color worldwide. And because we represent this vast source of economic muscle, there is both good and bad news.
First, the good news.
Research indicates that African Americans constitute 13 percent of the total U.S. population and are responsible for the followingconsumption patterns: Fifty percent of movie theater tickets; 36 percent of hair conditioners; 32 percent of malt liquors; 26 percent of Cadillac automobiles; 25-35 percent of barbecue sauce, baby formula, detergent, potato chips, salt, pasta, toothpaste, and household cleaners; 22 percent of rice sold in America; 20 percent of Scotch whiskey; 20 percent of portable television sets; 17percent of coin operated washing machines (laundromats); 16 percent of orange juice; and 15 percent of tobacco products. Black Americans spend more than $6 billion per year on soft drinks and nearly $600 million a year on McDonald’s fast foods.
Blacks spend 23 percent more on their shoes than the population at large; and Black females consume 26 percent more perfume than any other ethnic group of females. Finally, Black males age 13 to 24, who comprise less than 3 percent of U.S. population, purchase 10 percent of the $15 billion athletic shoe market, and more than 20 percent (one of every five pairs) of Nike shoes!
And now, the bad news.
$ In 2002, according to Census Bureau data, the median net worth of the average Black household was less than $6,000 – barely 7 percent of the $88,651 median wealth of their white counterpart. White Americans enjoy a 14-to-1wealth advantage over Black Americans, a competitive springboard which buffers and may soften any economicdownturns in the economy.
$ During this time frame, though, 42 percent of all U.S. households boasted a net worth of more than $100,000, only 18 percent of Black Americans held this much wealth. To magnify this point, the Consumer Federation of Americacalculated that 25 percent of U.S. households were “wealth poor”–holding net assets less than $10,000. This statistic is a far cry from the 45 percent of Black households who fall into this category.
$ Between 1999 and 2001, the net worth of Black households fell by 27 percent; one-third of all Black households reported either zero or negative net worth during this period. Conversely, the net worth of White households increased by 2 percent.
$ Twenty-four percent of African Americans spend more than their income compared to only 14 percent of all Americans; 32 percent of Black Americans don’t save at all. Less than one-fourth of all Americans fail to do so.
$ Nearly one third of White households own 401K or thrift savings accounts, compared to less than 20 percent of African Americans. Moreover, White households are almost as likely to own stocks and mutual funds (31.9 percent) as IRA or Keough accounts (27.5 percent). Ten percent or less of African Americans own these assets, and their median value – $8,000 – is far below that of Whites ($20,000).
$ Within the context of wealth creation, home ownership and equity (the appraised value of the home minus the mortgage owed) proves to be the most valuable and widely held asset. Against this backdrop, nearly three-quarters(73 percent) of White households held home equity in 2000, boasting a median value of $64,000. In contrast, less than one-half of African Americans are home owners. To compound matters, Whites are three times more likely to own rental property than Black Americans, as well as own and operate a business – 12 percent compared to 3.4 percent. Black Americans spend more than $750 billion annually yet their businesses receive less than one-half of one percent of all sales receipts generated in the U.S.
$ And, if the future weren’t bleak enough, according to the 2004 census, 34 percent of African American children–as compared to only eleven percent of whites–are raised in poverty. So what’s the bottom line? Get a grip on yourfinances and here’s a start.
Develop a budget and stick to it. Track your expenses and begin to eliminate all unnecessary items such as eating out and Air Force One’s and Timberland’s in every
color and style. Learn to differentiate between a “want” and a “need.” Just because you want something doesn’t mean you should buy it.
Begin to eliminate debt and rebuild your credit. Either consolidate your debt on your lowest-interest credit card, or the card with the lowest balance. And college students, here’s a potentially scary thought: A growing percentage of corporate recruiters are requiring new hires to undergo a credit check. During the course of research on my fifth book, “Have vs Have Not: What Black Millionaires Know that Others Do Not,” I discovered that the average Black millionaire – outside of a mortgage – is less than $3,500 in debt–period!
Each of us would be wise to adhere to the words of wisdom shared with me more than twenty years ago by W. Clement Stone,one of the world’s wealthiest. Stone stated, “If you can’t save 10 percent of your earnings, the seeds of greatness aren’t in you.” If necessary, ease into a savings habit by tucking away a dollar or two. Each time your stash reaches $50, place it into a savings account or a moneymarket fund. But don’t procrastinate, start now and save.
Trying to keep up with the Joneses is never a good idea. This habit often leads to increased debt and untold stress. Don’t lose sight of DuBois’ advice to his young charge – “Take control of your financial destiny.” In short, begin to live by your own definition of wealth, not your neighbor’s nor your classmate. Identify what you value most: Looking prosperous or being financially secure? If you fall short of this most simple task, your legacy will forever be analogous to the fool and his money.
Dennis Kimbro, Ph.D., is a faculty member at the Clark Atlanta University School of Business Administration. He is currently writing his fifth book, “Have vs Have Not: What Black Millionaires Know that Others Do Not.”
It has been nearly 70 years since Lon Chaney Jr. gave audiences a fright in “The Wolf Man.” Below is a look at the many werewolves that have howled their way across the big screen ever since. click here
Her name is Ananda Nahu and her work is an explosion of color. Ananda Nahu is a Brazilian artist born in Juazeiro, a quiet city in the interior of Bahia. She grew up in Petrolina, an arid city in Pernanbuco state, separated from Juazeiro by the Sao Francisco river. This land is plagued by poverty; legacy of an unjust and racist system. She often portrays those who have been marginalized by society in her work.
Walk the streets of the city and you’ll see her work on the walls of decaying buildings, rusty train cars or underpasses. She brings beauty to forgotten places and joy to those who gaze upon her work.
Check out Ananda’s beautiful fotolog here
Learn more about Graffiti in Brazil
Article provided by Xica Bahia
This print was made for www.artistsforpeaceandjustice.com. This is a collaboration with Studio Number One’s Cleon Peterson, Casey Ryder and Shepard Fairey. Photography by Tao Ruspoli. All proceeds go to Haiti.
18 x 24″ Screen Print, Signed/Numbered, Edition of 450
Orangina thinks so
Taken from werewolfs.com1. Werewolves can be found in nearly all literature dating back even as far as about 60 AD, when they were mentioned briefly in The Satyricon by Petronius. For anyone with a serious interest in werewolves, this may be a good book to read, though it doesn’t contain vast amounts of werewolves.
2. What is perhaps the first novel entirely about our present-day interpretation of werewolves is the 1857 novel of Dumans, The Wolf-Leader, making it a must-read for werewolf fans.
3. Contemporary works exist in great abundance about the fantasy creature, including the famous Terry Pratchett series, Discworld, that features many werewolves.
4. While it refers to them as Wolves, a novel co-written by Stephen King called The Talisman is about werewolves, as is another novel by King entitled Cycle of the Werewolf, which is illustrated.
5. Pat Murhpy’s Nadya – The Wolf Chronicles mixes fantasy with historical fiction, detailing a family of werewolves that moves to America in the nineteenth century.
6. Another popular historical fiction work dealing with werewolves is Alice Borchardt’s The Silver wolf, which shows them in Ancient Rome.
7. Jim Butcher’s well-known series, The Dresden Files, features two books (book two and four) that prominently feature werewolves.
8. If you’re looking for an alternate view of werewolves, try Skyla Dawn Cameron’s River, which shows wolves transforming into humans.
9. And what list of werewolf novels would be complete without Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?
10. Finally, Stephenie Meyer’s recent Twilight series features a wide array of fantasy creatures, including werewolves.
I’m sure Were Wolves the Mix Tape will find its way to this list
