Living "On The Real"

Koreans Love Their Hip-Hop/R&B

2011-07-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Asian world has been very progressive over the past few years. Its because of smart economic choices, manufacturing technological goods & computer based materials. American Hip-hop/R&B/Jazz has influenced many countries such France, Britain, Brazil and even South Korea. Koreans have almost perfected the art of hip-hop/r&b dancing and music, in such a short amount of time. Here some examples.

Taeyang seems like an Asian Usher. It's pretty decent.

SHINee is the most popular "p-diddy" Boy band in Seoul.

T.O.P is a Korean Rapper, beat sounds playable.

2NE1 is like the Korean Destiny's Child.

Noo! Another love/hate video by Chris!

2011-07-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

I really don't approve of hitting girls. But damn the media makes him look so delicious!

Obama Spoof - Freestyle Death of bin Laden

2011-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

I thought this video was very well done, wanted to share it with you guys.

"And If You Keep Poppin' Dat Booty, Imma $pend It All."

2011-04-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

This recent unofficial music video by Chris Brown is degrading towards women. But i'm loving the song & his exotic dancing...its a guilty pleasure.

Obama Launches Reelection Campaign on Fourth Day of Fourth Month, Same Day as MLK Assassination.

2011-04-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

Today, I was working online and I overheard the media news on my 32" that Obama had signed up for reelection in 2012 (please vote) at the same time for the 43rd anniversary of MLK assassination. Was it a coincidence or did he plan this? I hope Obama addresses this later in the media. Either way it makes me a little uncomfortable. In my opinion, I believe Obama will win the election in 2012 for a few simple reasons.

1) He raised more money then both parties combined in 2008. From the past, the party that raises the most money wins. The Republican National Committee is broke from holding hate relies across the country, while supporting incompetent politicians and stripper bars in Miami.

2) He may have a lot of minority votes considering that Spanish/Latino Americans are pissed in the south, they need papers to prove their citizenship. He's going to have a large GBLT following, now that we can serve openly in the army. It's obvious that African-Americans will be voting in large numbers as well.

3) He got the economy going, Wall Street is doing VERY well right now (I'm skeptical at times).

4) The Republican National Committee is in debt, and there are no official candidates that are open for reelection. I believe they will half-ass it again at the last minute, like McCain and Palin. Theres talks about Mitt Romney running 2012, if this happens we are doomed (He's a Mormon and his father had multiple wives).

That being said, if Obama wins, there will be a lot of pissed off people in America...I would hope history doesn't repeat itself.

Black Genocide in 21st Century America

2010-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Very interesting documentary. The title speaks for itself. Sad.

My Philosophy/Thanks

2010-04-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wanted to thank all my followers for the positive comments. It's been a month since I posted any information. I haven't forgotten about you all. I've been focusing on school & work, it gets hard towards the end Lol. Also looking for a new job/career path because I am unhappy with my work situation. If it doesn't work, fix it. Getting mad/upset WILL NOT change anything, the world will continue to spin with or without you. Thats my philosophy. It applies to everything.

P.s. I am open to ideas and information on how to make this blog better for the readers.

Ancient Lovers

2010-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

I was looking for some information on past male lovers and I came across some interesting facts . This can be related to not only men of color but to all gay men. Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum are considered the to be the first same-sex couple in recored history. Considering they were brothers; which was very common in ancient times, they signify the starting history of gay culture.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khnumhotep_%26_Niankhkhnum)

Essays

2010-02-18T16:22:00.000-08:00

(http://www.beyondmasculinity.com/articles/harris.php)

Today, I researched more information concerning identity crisis among colored men in America. I came across an interesting anthology of essays from different gay men. They express how GENDER & POLITICS can be misleading. The article posted tells the story of gay men from African American perspective. Hopefully, this can help those who share the same feelings.

HipHop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes

2010-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

VERY INFORMATIVE documentary. Byron Hurt of Northeastern University examines issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture. Check it out!

Authors Note 1 - Iambic Pentameter? Lol

2010-02-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

First of all, I hope everyone has/had a great day.

I wanted to express my thoughts and feelings.

This process has been extremely insightful.

Research is one of my favorite things to do.

It gives us a better understanding of life.

Feel much excitement while developing my Blog.

I had the chance to follow similar Blogs.

It inspires me others share the same experience.

I'm confident in us as strong and resilient men.

Together we can help enlighten those who struggle.

Bry'Nt "REAL" Gay Rapper - Show Support

2010-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

"Bry’Nt is trying to break down stereotypes and barriers that would hinder individuals from gaining the respect they deserve. He realizes it will be a process, but he knows that with his efforts in the entertainment field as well as the community he will be able to break through those glass ceilings!"

http://www.myspace.com/bryntmusic

http://www.youtube.com/user/BryNtMusic

The Black Identity [Part2]

2010-02-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

Looking back on the last post...

The reason Cass’s model for homosexual identity does not work for blacks is because it assumes that sexual identity is of highest importance. The main identity of African Americans is almost always that of their racial/cultural identity. Racial identity is encountered long before sexual identity is realized.

Break the Chain, Educate Yourself.

Model for African Americans: William Cross's theoretical model of Black self-identification; stages African Americans undergo in the shaping of their identities as black Americans. [Shows how we develop healthy cultural identities. (This is commonly used)]

1) Pre-Encounter; the stage at which an identity is formed, but no experience with differential treatment based upon race has occurred.

2) Encounter stage; when the individual begins to experience differential treatment based upon race.

3) Immersion-Emerson; These experiences culminate to eventually destroy the previous identity and new, afrocentric identity begins to form. [this stage can be very confrontational, in which the individual judges others’ levels of “blackness.”]

Eventually, the Emersion phase of this stage is when he/she transcends this confrontation mindset. [MATURITY]

4) Internalization stage; individual begins to feel a sense of belonging in the black community and primary reference group.

5) Commitment stage; the individual becomes committed to the furthering and improvement of the black community

Cass’s and Cross’s models are very similar on a minority level 1) Both experience early stages of differential experiences from majority groups. 2) Both have a stage of self-identification and conflictive “us versus them” mentalities. The main problem between these two models is the assumption that each will be separately integrated as the primary identity. It is necessary to have a positive experience within the homosexual and African-American community in order to achieve a healthy social identity. [This is were the conflicts arise].

The Homosexual/Bi Identity [Part1]

2010-02-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Several theorists, have looked at the process of identity development for people of minority status and how they change from that of their majority counterparts. For us, this will explain the African-American status in a majority white society.

Model for Sexual Identity: Vivienne Cass’s theoretical model of homosexual self-identification; When a gay person undergoes a series of stages progressing toward self realization of one's homosexual feelings and how they view themselves in society . (This is most commonly used)

1) Where he/she recognizes that there is something different about him/herself.

2) Then the person begins to recognize that he/she may be gay and internal conflict arises due to negative views of homosexuality by society as a whole.

3) The person has come to self-identify more as a homosexual than a

heterosexual, though they may not outwardly admit it.

4) When he/she accepts his/her homosexual identity, while recognizing the stigma placed upon gays by straight society. Person begins to develop an “us versus them” mentality. [Often fearing the suffering of acceptance in larger society]

5) The person begins to take pride in his/her identity as a homosexual and no longer fears the reprisal of larger society. [Holds a degree of opposition to

mainstream sexuality]

6) The individual begins to integrate his/her sexual identity, which has become his/her primary identity, back into the other identities. [Meaning there's more to your personality then just being gay]

HOWEVER, a fatal flaw in Cass’s framework: Ethnocentrism (the tendency to believe that one's ethnic or cultural group is centrally important, and that all other groups are measured in relation to one's own.)

Cass’s model works very well on Western Caucasians and other minorities well-integrated into white culture

Its pointless to address homosexual identity formation in most African Americans.

Why?

Because we identify ourselves as an ethnic minority first, long before homosexual minority comes into play. White men will not have to worry about such double standers.

Source: http://www.scribd.com/full/26815801?access_key=key-iw8xd4bgdg5d2s5gms7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnocentrism

Know The Facts - Or It Will Slap You In The Face

2010-02-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Often we have to deal with conflicting social identities. Sociologist have tried to theoretically explain why the developmental process between black and gay identities conflict with each other as dual-minority in the mainstream America. Hopefully, I can help others to have a better understanding of themselves and break it down on a scientific perspective. By understanding ourselves more, we can respect eachother as a community.

From my experience, science is the key to getting a insight on how the REAL world works. If your looking for spiritual guidance you probably wont find it here. I'm only giving you the information. As far as I know, you can only save yourself.

Role Models?

2010-02-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

I think it's important to have role models in our black gay community, considering the lack there of on the straight side. It's easy to find a list of white gay role models in the mainstream media, but difficult to find for the average black gay community. Another issue is the age factor when finding a role model. It's good to have role models close to your generation, in hopes of similar experiences and guidance from older generations.

Here’s a list of famous Gay African Americans to help inspire bravery in the face of ignorance. I'll start with my favorites, they kept it real...

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)
A premiere architect of the Civil Rights Movement, Rustin organized the very first Freedom Rides as well as the 1963 March on Washington. He counseled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on techniques of nonviolent resistance, he traveled to India to learn the Ghandian technique firsthand. He was openly gay and spoke out on gay rights later in his life. [WHAT I THINK] A leader of civil rights movement was gay! Don't believe far right or separatist lies.

James Baldwin (1924-1987)
Baldwin, author, essayist, poet, playwright and activist, explored issues of racial and sexual identity in his literary art. Baldwin touched on issues facing black gays and lesbians at a time when society was not yet ready to grasp the idea.

RuPaul

Singer, actor and song writer does "woman" better than most women. His song 'Supermodel (You Better Work)' was a hit in the '90s as was his beauty, eccentric personality and drag queen persona.

Josephine Baker (1906-1975)

Singer Josephine Baker was the belle of Paris in the 1920s, known for her beauty and sexually charged performance. In 1947, she and her gay French husband wed (her third marriage) and adopted a "Rainbow Tribe" of 12 children. Though she loved men, Baker had many affairs with women, including Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

Alice Walker

Self proclaimed womanist and bisexual, author Alice Walker once had a love affair with singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman whom she says she was "completely in love with." Walker received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her critically acclaimed novel 'The Color Purple.'

Wanda Sykes
Famous mainstream American comedian. She married her female partner, Alex in 2006. She publicly came out as lesbian while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8, which forbids new marriages of same-sex couples in California.

Source:
http://www.blackvoices.com/life-style/gay-african-americans
http://en.wikipedia.org

About The Author

2010-02-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

I go by the name Ian Black. Im 20 years of age. My appearance consists of an average height, five-nine. I have a muscular build of about hundred 175 pounds. I grew up in an upper middle class community with a majority of white Americans. I’m from a hard working African-American family. My mother is a Finance director, very educated women. Father is a retired postal worker, very “old-fashion”. I am the youngest of three, an older brother and sister; they are currently living on their own. This is the life I was born into.

I’ll start with the most important characteristics about myself, a gay black man [Vers/Top lol] . I understand the political and social implications placed on a person in my position. I’ve always taken the time to understand the internal and external conflicts about my situation; education is the key to getting over my fears.

There is strong sense of homophobia in the black community because they believe it threatens the image of masculinity and the family. This is not the case. These ideas have been preached from southern churches to gangs on the streets. While moving into an age of social tolerance among homosexuals, “the institutions” have caused separations also among gay black and white homosexuals.

Growing up, I’ve lived in a majority white’s area which caused me to be very aware of the social issues regarding race. I have noticed social exclusion not just from heterosexuals but from gay whites also. As a teenager it was always hard for me to get a date, it was easier for white gays because it’s more accepted. This really bothered me for some time now and it still does. Research and study on the subject would help me cope and sort out these issues. The media’s conception for a gay white man is far different from a gay black man. I understand the cultural differences between them and how they are different but the direction of homosexuality in the black community is suffocating. The social stigmas of AID’s, homophobia and Down-Low (married men) have caused this to be a problem because the black community avoids talking about it, which affects us even negatively in the long run, gay or straight.

I’ve sat down and talked to a few gay white friends about gay interracial dating and why so many people avoid it. It’s harder for the relationship to be successful on both sides because of level of acceptance from social communities. The idea of telling your family that your gay and your with someone of a different race can bring an uncomfortable setting to the situation. Most teens don’t want to deal with that issue; they just want to have fun and enjoy themselves. Intern this caused me to feel extremely insecure about myself for quite some time. Not only did feel I abandoned by being gay in the black community, but also by the racial separation in the gay community as well. In a way it made me stronger because I can sit down with someone that has the similar issues and help better themselves. I feel so strongly, that I am able to take my experience and help others because it’s needed in the gay black community. A SENCE OF DIRECTION. I’ve always had a vision to model myself after Will Smith a strong black man that handles his responsibilities while creating a positive image for his community.

Most people don’t know this but, Martin Luther King Jr. did not discriminate against homosexuality, he believed in the content of a person’s character. So tell me what happened? There are many social layers and misconceptions that are set up to keep the black community in general suppressed.

I want to change all of that...