Thinking Through the Intangible Cost of Wars of Aggression

http://vimeo.com/12061164

My cousin is currently on her third tour in the Middle East. After witnessing the horrors and violence of war, she has become more invested in peace studies and addressing local, national, and global violent conflicts.

As I think about the phrases like "Support Our Troops," I am struck by the emptiness of such a phrase in terms of us and our troops grappling with realities of the cost of war. This is not a new revelation, but this video has once again reminded me of the losses all families affected by wars incur. This video is not ground-breaking, but it does bring to light a particular experience had by many military families. Kudos to those involved with the production of this video and let us continue to support our loved ones by agitating and becoming vigilante about the true cost of war.

In Memoriam: Dorothy I. Height

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126128076

Swag, Sex & Cipha: Trans/forming Hip Hop in the 21st Century

Femcee Cipher!!!!

http://hiphopwired.com/2010/03/30/who-you-calling-a-bith-a-discussion-on-female-roles-in-hip-hop/

Check me out at Hip Hop Wired!!!!

Baby Got Back!

An interesting study about the health benefits of being "Bootylicious.!

http://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health/experts_say_your_booty_is_good_for_your.php

Almost There From Disney's "The Princess and the Frog"

This scene is the inspiration for my Friday blog. Please check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAVM-vwX8Pk

A More Perfect Union: Fighting for Equality

A Rant....

My excitement regarding the District of Columbia's 12-1 vote for recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states in the nation's capital was quickly diminished by California's most recent setback in the push toward "fuller" equality for the GLBT community.  

Let me first start this rant by affirming that the securing of the right to marry is by no means a "cure all" for the plethora of injustices confronting GLBT communities in the United States, particularly GLBT individuals of color and those from the working and underclass.  The right to marriage and the rights and privileges afforded those relationships recognized by our governments as legal unions, though desired by many, has many classist underpinnings that do not account for the daily struggles for equal rights that many GLBT individuals confront.  Nevertheless, at this crucial historical moment, the right to marry is pivotal for the future of our nation achieving the kind of democracy that embraces ALL of its citizens without prejudice.

President Obama's recent decision not to rescind the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has left our country less secure and the well-being of millions in war-torn countries in fatal jeopardy.  Children across the country are being victimized for their perceived "sexual orientation", often with tragic consequences (Please see the horrific stories of Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera).  The movement against equality has gained traction through mobilizing the social conservatism historically associated with Black and Latino communities.  The stakes are high and the obstacles appear nearly insurmountable, but HOPE abides among those of us committed to a more perfect union.

The fight for "gay marriage" is symbolic of something much greater, though on its own merit carries a particular significance for those invested in civil rights and true equality.  With my eyes and heart fixated on the push for marriage in my hometown, the Chocolate City, I anxiously await what will happen next.  Will Congress approve what appears to be nearly unwavering support for fuller rights for GLBT couples?  Or, will Congress attempt to obfuscate this push toward democracy?  Will D.C.'s African American and Latino residents (many of whom oppose gay marriage) support the city council (with the exception of council member and former mayor, Marion Barry) and Mayor Adrian Fenty in securing the right to marry for all people in the District?  I wait with bated breath, as the fight for equality comes to my backyard.

signing off,

diva feminist