BLACK MEN+WHITE WOMEN: A FAD OR THE NEW ORDER

This blog post took a long time even to start because of the sensitive nature of the content.
I should start by saying I'm sorry if any person or race is offended by the content of this
post. For more than 10 years I have witnessed the slow methodical migration of White
women to the arms of Black men. In the early 80's my older brother married a White
lady and fathered 3 children. I tried to remain open minded even though it didn't feel
right. At the time I spent much of time in North Carolina where I attended college. While
back home on a break; my mother recounted an altercation between my mother and
my brother's wife. My brother, his wife and their first born were living with my parents
and not contributing to household expenses in any way. My mother handled the altercation
in the way you might expect an African American mother to handle it.

I filed this information away and tried not to make much of it. Soon after an African American
icon of pop music Michael Jackson courted and married not 1 but 2 White women. I sat up
and paid attention at that point. Because another brother of mine was about to wed a woman of
Asian descent [Chinese]. My head was starting to spin out of control as one Black man
after another started to couple with White women. I'll be the first to admit that Black women
have their own set of "issues". As Black men we are conditioned to not only be tolerant of
these issues but to also coax, encourage, convince whatever word you like; Black women
and men to be better African Americans for each other. If for no other reason but to keep the
African American race alive.

I'm reminded of a time right after I graduated college; one of the first jobs I was allowed to
work was at a women's apparel shop in the stock room. One day a sales associate (a White woman)
approached me and uttered these words "Bo, do you like sex? I was thinking of having
you over to the house if that sounds good to you." I was mortified. I started looking for
another job and the sales associate was arrested a week later for stealing money from the store.
 She was probably looking for a scape goat. O.J. Simpson married a White woman and that did not end well nor did it discourage any of the Kardasian women from grabbing their own "Black raging
bull". I say that because to me it seems those Black men are just being objectified.

As a Black man who has spent a lot of time with other Black men; I feel that most Black
men do not mind being objectified. That is where I am stuck. It's a choice that these
men make for themselves and there is nothing I can say about that. Sure every
adult should make their own decisions about their mate; but at what cost to their own race.
Webster's defines  Ethnocentrism as having or based on the idea that your own group or culture
 is better or more important than others. This rings true for me but I must add that the African
American race should be more important to African Americans.

FAMILY MATTERS?

I, like so many others have come to the realization that "family" now means the poeple
that treat you better than those related to you by blood. It is difficult for me to pin point
when this phenomena began. For me after a series of family tragedies; I suddenly
realized that my blood relatives in total hate each other. Understand this realization
came in the midst of family tragedies. Arguably, a time when family comes together
for mutual support and compassion.

Born the youngest of 5 children in Atlanta GA, life was a dream.
We had many of the same ups and downs as any other family.
The only way in which we differed from others in our community is
we (I) was raised in a 2 parent home. My parents stayed married until they
both passed away in 1998. In retrospect; the dysfunction that that began years
before could be seen as an omen.

One of my brothers (2nd oldest) began drinking around the age of 16. By the time he was
18 he was hooked on crack. I don't need to detail the residual attrocities that came from him.
soon after; I discovered that several of my first cousins were addicts as well. By 1986, I
could only stand the company of persons not related to me by blood accept of course my
Mom  and Dad. I think back on that time and try to consider what I could have done
different. I draw a blank because I was close to perfect as a child. I gave my parents very
little grief. In fact I did not visit very much grief on any of my family members.

You may wonder why in 2014 I'm still stressing over Family Matters. The simple answer is
I WANT to have a congenial relationship with my family but I can't do it by myself.
Though too many of my cousins are addicts;  the one's who aren't have
carved out a nice life for themselves. There is where the disconnect is really visible.
If you are without substantial resources or do not posses a high earning potential; you
are not invited to holiday functions, weddings, birthdays etc. But you will be provided with
the details of the event after the fact. To the point; you are great with my family if you
have a lot of money but treated like a leper if you don't.

Today, my best friend is like a "real" brother to me and he, like my real brother is a recovering
addict. You can understand why I'm still in therapy. Maybe you've heard the phrase
"analysis paralysis". It means I'm not doing anything because there is too much going on
in my family and in this country for me to effectively execute a plan of action. Perhaps you
could join me @BoHennessy on twitter and maybe a beneficial dicussion will begin

RETURN OF THE BLOG: AN OPEN LETTER OF WHAT TICKS ME OFF

First and fore most isis is a bunch of female monkeys. What

else would you call group of idiots maximizing on the strife

of unsuspecting Middle_Eastern citizens? I have had it up to here

with all this terrorism bullshit. It is not difficult to see that

that terrorism in it's entirety does nothing but destroy life,

homes and families. I challenge each and every member of isis and

all other terrorist groups (you know who you are) to take inventory. That means take a moment and think about what you are doing. Are more people dying for no reason at all except they are of a different religion. Exactly what have you gained from you sinister

efforts? Nothing at all because every year like clock work you have "Arab Spring" But now you do have target on your back and America is

gunning for you. Bad luck in all your endeavors.

This one will make enemies for me; but corporal punishment is sometimes necessary.

Of course if you have a troubled child the scientific approach is step one. Once the

child is determined to be free of mental or neurological affliction; a time out is not

going to work. As a child my dear father spanked each and every one of his (5) kids

when we committed a major screw-up. He used a black leather belt. In my senior year

of high school, I took a new Buick Electra for a test drive and in the process caused

damaged to one of the rear wheels. I was 17 and was spanked with that leather belt.

I would never dane to tell a parent how to raise their child. However, as a former

teacher I saw first hand what the lack of discipline can do to a classroom.

We all know teacher's are not paid enough to educate your children and be correctional officers. Some kind of happy medium must be met.

Microsoft is becoming my #1 mortal enemy. Every time I upgrade my operating system,

I find that I either purchase another upgrade or spend too much money installing

components that were for some reason removed. For example; support for windows xp

was discontinued so I decided to upgrade to windows vista. I have (5) web cams (2 of them new) and none of them work on windows vista because the video capture feature in vista

was disabled. No person on this earth will ever be able to explain to me why I can't record

web cam video on my computer after paying $70 for windows vista.

Google chrome is a fucking joke. Do you remember Internet Explorer? You could block pop-ups easily and they would not cause a problem. The geniuses at Google forced us to use chrome because now Internet Explorer simply does not work and pop-ups are destroying my computer and my online experience even though pop-up blocker is activated.

Last but not least, spousal abuse, the NFL and Rihanna is becoming an unnecessary distraction for a nation in turmoil. We have entire families going to bed hungry every night.

We have parents locking their babies in stiflingly hot cars and we as a nation are being stalked by terrorists; but we are expected to care that Rihanna's song is not featured at a football game? I must be crazy because I still love this country, but we need to fix this.

Some Mistakes Were Built to Last

This country-wide racism we are experiencing has gotten out of control. Maybe

you've heard the phrase “Crazy is defined as doing the same thing over and over

and expecting different results.” That's were we are with racism because it will never

go away; it will continue to ruin lives, families and relationships. This is true because

“Some mistakes were built to last.”

I can see no way to undo all the oppression and abuse of Black (African American) persons

starting before the birth of this nation. Generation after generation of White (Caucasian) persons

were taught that Blacks were the worst possible example of a creature along with our

Jewish friends.

Here is what I would really like my White countrymen to understand;

it is now in our (African American's) DNA to react a certain way when we encounter

a White person we don't know. This reaction will not always be visible, but it's akin to a

chemical reaction in the brain especially when the White person is a Police Officer.

Imagine not knowing what to expect from a person who's job is to “protect and serve”.

Then imagine a relative, loved one or yourself; being beaten, shot and or killed by this person.

How would you react? The question is not rhetorical.

Dig this; a neighbor of mine who is wheelchair bound and Caucasian; started a conversation

with me outside our building. I had seen her in the building but I did not “know” her. I

was naturally cautious for the reason I explained earlier. The conversation ended

without incident. A week later at Publix ( the most racist supermarket I have ever had

the displeasure of shopping in). I saw my neighbor lady across the store about 40 feet

from me. We saw each other at the same time and before I could wave or anything,

she sped away from me in her chair at about 50mph. I didn't know electric wheelchairs

could go so fast. It was because she did not want any upstanding, white people to see

me with her. Furthermore, at this particular Publix which is just 2 blocks from our building

the employees must recognize me; but I am followed around the store every time; to be

sure I don't shoplift just to make it plain.

My point and the moral to this story is that I'm surprised there are not riots everyday in

every city where Black people are treated like Michael Brown or Treyvon Martin. At this

point in my op ed piece I'm sick to my stomach. It does not feel good to dislike a person

or people simply because they are White or “different”; but this happens to me and mine

everyday!!!!

I'm at the point where unless there is a real ground shaking true dialogue about racism

in this country; no one should exhibit any surprise about anything that is a result of this

ignorance we call racism or prejudice.

AMERICA THE SUCKER

America the Sucker

America no longer belongs to Americans. I'll explain; White supremacists say America

belongs to the White race. Mexican citizens say since Mexico is not safe that America is now their

new home. We now give billions of dollars in financial aid to more than 1 country. At the end of the day how much of America is left for people born here such as myself.

Think of America in terms of a “pie” chart ; every country in distress first looks to America for money, armaments, personnel and anything else they can strong arm out of us. At the end of the day how much of the pie is left. It's not rocket science; there is nothing left for Americans. The worst irony is that we are by and large envied and hated by much of the world. I can not speak for anyone else but this makes me feel like a sucker. It seems ridiculously simplistic; but I think ALL assistance to other countries should be put on hold. I need you to really hear this; assistance should be put on hold until:

• Our veterans have their diverse needs addressed
• People who want to work but can't because they have bad teeth they can't afford to fix,

have resources to travel to interviews, access to reorientation for today’s job market

• We address our deteriorating “get rich by any means necessary” culture fueled by

people in power giving too much credit to young Americans simply because they are young.

• Revisit what “The American Dream” truly should mean to Americans who were born in America.

I am not naive; the points listed above will be impossible to enact. We owe it to ourselves to ask

“Why can we not accomplish what America needs to accomplish?” We are also owed an answer to that question.

I have been a part of the work force since the age of 11 (child labor laws be damned), I excelled in school and earned a BA degree. I don't mind working I'm not afraid of working; but to be brutally honest I currently live below the poverty line. To borrow from the UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

slogan “We're not asking for a handout...just a hand”

Sadly, I have had to resign myself to just knowing that I have great and awesome abilities that will go untapped. Since I know I'm not the only American that feels this way; I welcome any comments pro or con. The dialogue that could be sparked is key. We have to start somewhere or soon we will all be a bunch of suckers speaking Chinese or Farsi.  

America, Israel and Palestine: The Axis of Insanity

It is difficult chosing a side when it comes to Israel or Palestine. They are each sovreign citizenships and constiuencies. However, lately self preservation has become, to me, more important. When I say "self preservation" I'm speaking about our beloved country The United States of America.

The evidence that proves that the intentions of hamas are not innocent;
is readily available in this age of information. In the online post "Hamas History & Ideology" we find that
"Hamas was founded in 1987 by Sheik Ahmed Yassin and Mahmoud Zahar during the First Intifada as a wing of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. However, firstly, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood calls for the establishment of an Islamic legal system in the Muslim world and only afterwards it turns its attention to the issue of Palestine. On the other hand, Hamas views jihad as the only way of solving the Palestinian issue. Sheik Ahmed Yassin stated in 1987 through the Hamas Charter, that Hamas was founded to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and to establish an Islamic state in the area that is now Israel, Judea & Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. The very first quote of the Hamas Charter defines its Islamic supremacist character". At what point do you stop telling someone not to place their hand on an open flame. When that person becomes an adult. So in the name of self preservation the United States should first revisit over $8 million dollars in aid to Israel. for the simple reason that there are American citizens who can't get hired because of serious dental issues among other serious homeland concerns.

Next why not , once again, bring leaders of the Israely government and the Palistinian government together; confront them with the truth about hamas and make it clear they they each have a choice. Either recognize that neither Palistine nor Isreal should be villanized in today's reality; or allow the true villains-hamas to destroy them both from within.

It may sound calloused or cold but long live America at any cost

SURPRISE! SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A DRUG ADDICT

The Foundation For A Drug Free World reports: "Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. For years I have been baffled by the number of people I have encountered and befriended, who turn out to be addicted to narcotics. My best friend of over 20 years finally was compelled to tell me he too suffered from an addiction illness. Finding out after 20 years of being very close friends; I was faced with a dilemma. Do I cut all ties and run for the hills or do I stand by my friend in such a troubling time and risk the fallout that is sure to come from such a situation.

My friend is not the first person I have been close to who finds himself gripped by addiction illness. My brother and several 1st cousins are addicted to crack. I don't know if you have ever lived with a crack addict; but my brother was the worst example of a Black man on crack during my childhood. I have tried to forget about all the misery he caused our family; but now it seems every other person I meet is a narcotics addict. I don't have to tell you that I do not warm up to strangers very easily.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice as likely to use alcohol, five times more likely to use marijuana, and twelve to twenty times more likely to use illegal street drugs such as heroin, Ecstasy and cocaine than teens who do not abuse prescription drugs.

While in college in the 80's I took a class called "Drugs and Behavior". Our professor brought a "crack rock" to class so that we can get an upclose look and yes smell of crack burning. Please note that the professor did not smoke the crack in class; he simply burned it so we would know what it smells like. While at home on break I smelled that same metallic chemical smell coming from my brothers room. I burst in and his bedroom floor was littered with empty beer cans and he was smoking crack. I could not wait to tell my parents who already knew about it and did not know what to do.

Since addiction is an illness of course sufferers need help; but what about the collateral damage to innocent bystanders like myself. We at first want to be compassionate but to people who don't have an addictive personality trait; we don't know where the line is between compassion and enabling. I know we will never wipe out narcotic drug use is this country; but what do we do with our "friends" in the meantime. My friend of 20 yrs is on his 3rd recovery attempt.

IS YOUTH WASTED ON THE YOUNG?

I'm sure I'm not the only person born around 1965 who is confused about what is
happening in pop culture and media. Older more established "stars" bring it even after 50. This has been proven by the likes of Robert Deniro, Danny Devito, Mel Brooks and even Dan Akroid has a new project; the list goes on. Why then are all auditions for everything for people under 30. Could you be serious? It's the older more settled performers who embody discipline and...wait for it...TALENT!

I'm going to fight kicking and screaming because I am 49 next month and have been vocally trained professionally  and my acting chops areon point. In the near future I will upload a series of videos on youtube showcasing my talents as no auditions
are open for a fossile like me.

Maybe some of you realize how our society looks at older people as only useful when they were young. Yes that is ludicrous because if you navigate life successfully for 40+
years you are the type I really want to see more of in pop culture. Here i'll state the obvious if you live long enough you too will be "old".
I'm open to any comments, critisizms and of course AUDITIONS!!!

SLAVERY VS. IMMIGRATION

I have said it many times before and I'll say it again;
I really do like our Latino brothers and sisters. I have
dated at least (2) in my lifetime and will again I'd imagine.
With that said; it does not make sense for illegal (undocumented)
immigrants to hold our cities and city halls hostage because
they want everyone to look the other way while they break the law.
Let's be real; the second an illegal person sets foot on American
soil without documentation, they have broken the law.
That's not even what makes me so angry.
On a very personal note; I remind everyone that my ancestors
were brought to this country against their will. That was bad enough;
add to that having to work from sun up to sun down with no compensation
in extremely unsafe working conditions. Then they were beaten,raped and lyched.
How about we get this countries affars in order as it relates to the African American.
Why can't Mexicans fight to make Mexico better. I would support SOME
American assistance in that endeavor
Next; The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy or (ITEP)
boasts that illegal immigrants pay approximately 11B
in sales tax and the like. That's fine. However, when our government
is on the verge of shutting down over the national debt/budget; all the
Income tax revenues that should come from our undocumented guests
would at least ease the pressure. I can't afford vital dental care. Can you say "sepsis"?

An article found at the ITEP website confirmed what I suspected to be true. A wife explains:
"Here is a funny example of how illegal aliens get better medical attention than a U.S. citizen might. Recently my husband had neck surgery, and we were told that he was only allowed to stay
in the hospital for one night due to our insurance. It would only cover the expenses for one night. Next to my husband was an illegal alien who had been there for 3 months already, and guess what? He did not have to pay any expenses". When I read craziness like this I am mortified.
 I think President Obama is on the right track by making our undocumented guests follow the proper path to citizenship by uncomplicating the now outdated immigration laws

Celebrities: Friend or Foe

Webster's defines "celebrity" as " a famous or celebrated person". If you have

ever encountered your favorite celebrity on twitter (or facebook) you may have discovered that many "celebrities" should not be celbrated but chastised.

I'll name names later but my first experience with twitter was dissapointing

because I thought if you see a celebrity that you like and want you to say "hi"

and say how much you like their body of work; I also thought the celebrity would 

respond with a thank you.Only (2) Nick Cannon and Boris Kodjo responded.

I wonder what would happen if we (the fans) would turn our resources

and attention to actually TALENTED performers or "celebrities".

I'll tell you what would happen; untalented fops would have a lot less $ to

buy expensive toys and trips with which to make us "the fans" jealous to

the point that we "the fans" begin trying to find the most outrageous way to

become famous and the circle is never ending.

Here is the thing that really sticks in my craw; when we patronize a 

celebrity in any way we contribute to THEIR well being. I wonder how we the fans

are acutally being plussed by "celebrities" like; J. Beiber, Rhianna, L. Gaga, C Sheen

and the like? We are not. Logic dictates if someone with influence is ruining your

society you address that situation by boycotting them letting them know it

is not o.k. to piss on police officers or walk around nude in public or film sexual encounters for the world to see; instead of actually having talent.

A celebrity should be able to stand on talent alone like Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjo,G. Knight, L. Vandeross,

A Franklin, A Baker, D. Washington etc.

I welcome comments from readers who think differently and of course I NEED to hear from readers who do feel the same. Either way this discussion is not over