tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56724993300158666742024-02-20T17:31:37.324-08:00The Glenda R. Taylor ReportAn open forum for the comments of critical thinking global citizens
IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00493076753208871827noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672499330015866674.post-50309467759043876262019-07-23T19:28:00.000-07:002019-08-23T12:32:52.976-07:00Kamala Harris: An American Black?<h4>
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<title>Kamala Harris an American Black</title>
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<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Conservatives,
White Supremacists, foreign adversaries (using bots), and anyone Black or White
who does not know or is uneducated about the intricate history of identity and
the Black man/woman in America need not use social media to alert Americans of
African descent (formerly Afro-Americans, Coloreds, Negroes) who is a “real” American
Black. Is Louis Farrakhan not a “real” American Black because his mother was
born in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and his father was born in Jamaica? Is Malcolm X
not a “real” American Black because his mother is from Grenada? Is Civil Rights
activist and World War II veteran Harry Belafonte not an American Black because
his parents were born in Jamaica? Or should we not consider Sidney Poitier
whose parents are from the Bahamas a “real” American Black? Shirley Chisolm is
an American Black and her parents were born in the Caribbean. And for the record, according to my
definition, Senator Kamala Harris is an American Black. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Most
Black people in America are aware of their often multi-racial roots. There are
many American Blacks who have African, European, Native American, and African
diasporic roots. Some of our ancestors were enslaved; some were not. Informed
Black people cast aside the residual Willie Lynch chains which inhabited their
colonized minds, and do not accept definitions of “American Black” by those who
contemptuously strive to divide the Black community.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the 1600s and
throughout the 1800s, depending upon the state, an American Black was one with
African Ancestry. In the early 20th century, The Racial Integrity Act and laws patterned after it, defined one
as Black if he had one drop of African blood. Those laws effectively created a
system that categorized people by color, more so than by DNA. Therefore, many
people of color, regardless of their ethnicity, have similar lived experiences.
</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK4"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Initially,
American Blacks had roots in slavery in the U.S.; however, in the mid-twentieth
century with the migration of laborers from the Caribbean and after the Civil
Rights Act in 1964, an American Black became more than one with roots in
American slavery. Many African Americans learned and understood, during the
Black Power and Black Arts Movements, their connectedness to the African
diaspora. They acquired knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi’s fight against
colonization and the commonalities they had with oppressed people around the
world. After exploring the untold stories in their history, they realized they
had relatives who were placed in the Caribbean, Brazil, and other areas of the
Middle Passage. This awakening led to an embrace of their Caribbean and South
American brethren. The African American community redefined “Black” and the
category became inclusive, not exclusive. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Currently,
and since the Civil Rights era, an American Black is an African American or one
with African ancestry who is born in or has migrated to America. This includes
people from the African Diaspora who have become citizens of the United States
and may or may not have assimilated into the culture of African Americans.
African Americans are American Blacks, but they are distinguished by their
culture and their roots in slavery and the Jim Crow era.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Senator Harris is
an American Black with African diasporic roots. Her parents may not have been
born in America, but her father gave her the “drop of African blood,” and her
mother embraced African American culture and without negating her own heritage,
engaged her daughters in the culture of African Americans. Born in America,
Harris has the lived experience of an African American with multi-ethnic roots.
She did not “hijack” Black history; she lived it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> When Senator Harris addressed
Vice-President Biden and started speaking of the little colored girl who
endured the indignities of busing, I knew she was referring to herself before
she made it apparent. I was not surprised because I read her memoir (The Truths We Hold: An American Journey)
and knew how she perceived herself. She is American. She is Black. Based upon
her roots and her lived experience, she is a “real” American Black. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael Jackson
said it does not matter if one is Black or White. However, in some circles of
American society, it matters. There will always be those who engage in a narrative
which is divisive. There will always be insecure bigots and racists who promote
hatred and blame. I am patriotic, and I value our multi-ethnic Union. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a diverse
group of intelligent Americans who want to lead our great country. Senator Elizabeth
Warren, Secretary Julian Castro, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Amy Klobuchar,
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Vice-President Joe Biden, and yes - Senator
Kamala Harris and many others. I am an American. I am Black. I am a woman, and
I vote. I research the backgrounds of Presidential candidates and listen to the
debates. As I have never discriminated against a Presidential candidate because
he or she is White, I will never discriminate against Senator Harris (or any candidate)
because she is Black. Despite her ethnicity, she is first and foremost an
American.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Email: Glenda@GlendaRTaylor.com</span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00493076753208871827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672499330015866674.post-25602708898032555062019-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:002019-02-04T14:36:14.772-08:00Let’s Talk About Race
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Many
have called for the resignation of Governor Ralph Northam. I am torn. I am not
ashamed to say I am conflicted. I understand the pain and horror of the African
Americans who call for his resignation as they internally quiver from the
“memories” that pour forth from their DNA. I understand the embarrassment of
some Caucasians as they are reminded of this shameful and foul aspect of our
joint American history. I understand the democrats who are embarrassed that one
of their own has been outed as participating in this despicable racist act.
Though the story is still evolving, all agree it is outrageous that a 25 year
old college educated man, whether it was Northam or another young man, was
willingly photographed in a KKK uniform, and the yearbook editors found it fit
to publish. I understand the outrage and silent glee of some Republicans who
act appalled at this Democrat’s deeds. For some of them, it is almost a breath
of fresh air, as their party is<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>consistently blasted and reprimanded by Democrats and others for not
fumigating the racist stench from their midst. The twenty-first century has
seen the Republican Party tarnished by its silence and seeming acceptance of
the racist attitudes and bigotry of party members. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I
am a historian and I know the roots of coonery, coons, blackface and all of its
racist underpinnings. I understand the pain and have witnessed the scars of
this vile, mostly cloistered element of American history. My parents and my 13
aunts and uncles were victimized by Jim Crow and all of its stench. I am the
daughter of southerners, and I grew up in the north during the great migration.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I
am not detached from the heart-wrenching pain. I have listened to and read the
stories. I have visited the museums and studied the unconscionable acts of many
Americans who were born and lived through the early to mid-twentieth century.
It is real. There are many elders Black and White who have haunting memories of
this pre and post-Civil Rights era. If one were born in the 1930s, 1940s or
1950s, the stories of “Bombingham, Alabama” or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Ghosts of Mississippi </i>are as close as yesterday. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">At
first, it is surprising to think that Northam who admired Michael Jackson (and
probably listened to the many Jackson Five hits when he was a child), knew how
to Moonwalk, and assuredly watched the videos and had in his music collection
Michael Jackson’s declaration that “We Are The World” and “It does not matter
if one is “Black or White,” would be caught in an act of blatant racism.
Initially, it may seem bewildering that in 1984 a school yearbook or a college
educated man would not understand or be sensitive to the fact that blackface or
dressing as a member of the KKK was insensitive and morally despicable. Yet,
Reverend Al Sharpton advises that the 1980s was not an era of innocence where
racism was in the past. He reminds us (and Jermaine Jackson’s memoir, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Are Not Alone</i>, confirms) that
throughout The Jacksons record-breaking Victory tour the family was confronted
by racism and death threats. The truth is that some of us need to look in our
attics. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">There
is justified fury and indignation; however, it is time to pause and be
honest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For the majority of Americans
who are Christian and are led by the words of Jesus, remember that Jesus said,
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Can any White American with
roots in this country honestly say that he nor any of his loved ones never
participated in an act that would in the present day be considered racist,
horrific or embarrassing? In the words of Joan Rivers, “Can we talk?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Can
any Black American with roots in this country say that he has not been in the
presence of, supported or voted for a candidate that he knew in his heart was a
racist? Do the holier-than-thou Democrats know the history of their party or remember
that prior to the 1960s their party was the home of the KKK? Did the racism in
the party suddenly dissipate with the Civil Rights Act? Did all of the racist
Democrats suddenly seek redemption and ask for forgiveness from Black folks,
following in the footsteps of Governor George Wallace?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>How many of the outraged Republicans or
Democrats have read or reviewed James’s Allen’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Without Sanctuary</i>? Is it possible that a beloved grandparent, older
sibling, aunt or uncle is pictured in a book which has vivid photographs of
public lynchings where the onlookers are enjoying the occasion?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Governor
Northam is only four years younger than I and one year older than my sister. He
went to school in the South.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I went to
school in the North and had WASP, Italian,<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>and Jewish classmates. Northam is said to have had Black
classmates.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If the truth be told, during
this period, it was not common for young people to discuss race and racism with
people who were not within their race. The politics of racism was relevant, but
it was not a central theme in a conversation with one’s white classmates. It
was not until I was in my late 20s that I engaged in conversations about race
with white and Jewish people. It was not until 2011 that I had a conversation
with a professor who admitted her grandparents did not like her liberal
attitudes and had ties to the KKK. She was honest. Her integrity was
refreshing. I respected her for it, and I think she was somewhat relieved to
confess her family’s past to a Black person who believes: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let he who judges be judged</i>. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Today,
no one will deny the actions by the Governor, or his classmates are
reprehensible. If he is not the person in the picture, then his admission of
wearing Blackface to represent Michael Jackson shows that he was either unbelievably
ignorant or simply racist. He admits that though it was the 1980s, the times
were different and things which are today unacceptable were the norm in his
world. This is the truth and is evidenced by the images in his yearbook. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">White
people: Be outraged, but Check your attic. Check your memories and
relationships with people of color. As governor Northam, what you or a loved
one may have considered having fun or a joke may have been a blatant act of
racism. Maybe, you have a clean record. However, how would you feel if one of
your parents was outed for at minimum insensitive, vile racist behavior?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Black people: I know you are weary. The
continuous onslaught of subtle and open racism is burdensome. The constant
denials or suggestions that you are over sensitive because “He is not a
racist,” is taxing. There must be balance; yet,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I know that when you smell racism seeping
from one’s core or dripping from the heart of colleagues, it is unnerving. When
the ignorant try to sanitize an American past that is quilted with a history
whom most want to deny, bury or minimalize, it is difficult to pray your way
through it as your ancestors. “We” forgave” Governor Wallace whose filmed
record of racial brutality spoke for itself. This governor has no such record.
Should he be forgiven? Does his record of public service or his policies shed
light on his heart or is his alleged sorrow</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> convenient</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">? I am conflicted. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I
say to all who have American roots what is in your closet? What is in your
attic? Can your past deeds tolerate the media light?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At what point does one forgive? Can one who
is a bigot or a racist serve “We the People,” and when “We the People” have an
elected official guilty of an ignorant belief system, should he be asked to
resign? Is one ever released from the burden of deplorable belief systems? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Governor,
you made some African Americans question their trust of their white friends,
wondering if they have friends or colleagues who are hiding something in their
closets. Your conflicting statements, your understandable inability to admit
your circle of friends included die-hard racists, your poor explanation of why
you were referred to as “Coon man,” made you lose credibility in the eyes of
all who could see behind the mask. If the truth be told, your admiration of
Michael Jackson, your ability to do the Moonwalk,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>your apology and acknowledgement that
blackface was - is horrific, your conversation with your African American
friend Seth does not reduce the disdain that many African Americans feel when
they see your face or hear the pain in your voice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">My
fellow Americans: Let us talk about race. Let us talk about sexism, homophobia,
and all forms of bigotry. Let us not pretend this ugly past has disappeared
with the election of an African American President or a diverse Congress. Let
us not pretend that we do not have family members or friends who, at some point
in their lives, exhibited prejudice in some form or fashion which by today’s
standards would be unacceptable. Who among us can say he or she has not been in
the presence of someone who has said shameful things or made jokes about
another ethnicity, homosexuals or another religion and sat quietly, not wanting
to create conflict?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is an
uncomfortable conversation. It is hard. It can be embarrassing for some and
very painful for others.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We cannot allow
racist deeds to be ignored and minimized or be led by those who do not
recognize the error of their ways. Yet, it is time we not throw away everyone
who asks to be forgiven for that which he is sincerely ashamed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let he who is without sin, cast the first
stone.</i> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">Glenda
R. Taylor, Ph.D. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">is
a cultural critic, poet, and the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Corridors
of Genius: Excavating The Consciousness, Creative Process, and Artistry of
Michael Jackson.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00493076753208871827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672499330015866674.post-527101341604719632018-07-18T08:51:00.000-07:002018-08-07T09:24:19.900-07:00Donna Summer on Broadway<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="xrtl1"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p><span class="xrtl1"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summer</span></span></i></span><span class="xrtl1"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">, the Broadway musical, gets an 8
rating. Though the storyline is weak, the vocal performances are superb and
make the show worth attending. Summer brings back memories of the late 1970s
and the early 1980s, reminding the audience of the extraordinary music of the Disco
Queen. It was impossible to keep still as the vocalists sang Summer’s many
hits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the show wondering what it
would be like to see a similar musical with the music of Etta James, Ruth
Brown, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, and the one that is being planned for
Michael Jackson. `The shows would all be great if the storylines are
well-written and keep focused on the great music.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="xrtl1"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> </div>
IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00493076753208871827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672499330015866674.post-35494999830599362592018-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:002018-08-07T09:23:34.491-07:00Whitney 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I saw <i>Whitney 2018</i> and was
disappointed. It was excruciatingly painful. I expected to see a film
that shed light on her talent and creative spirit. The movie in tabloidian
style dug up new dirt and family secrets we did not need to know. Her powerful
voice which still gives me goose bumps when I hear it is incredible
and was the only light in the film.</span> </span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I would have loved to see Cissy
Houston telling the secrets of how she nurtured Whitney’s talents. It would
have been great to hear her siblings and colleagues speak of the methods
Whitney used when she practiced her craft. I would have
enjoyed it if her cousin Dionne spoke of the tips she must have given Whitney
regarding improving her techniques or what she told Whitney about how to best
rise to the top of the mountain amidst the obstacles. I would have been happy
to hear a conversation about Whitney’s humanitarianism. It would have felt good
if the public learned that through her pain, she was a successful film producer
as well as actress. The audience should have been reminded that though she had
personal challenges, her films as well as her records were always successful.
Her story is one of pain, but she made tremendous gains in an industry in which
it is not easy for any artist, especially an African American female.
Throughout Whitney’s life, she tried to hold on to her faith and her Bible. I
remember her saying this in her last Oprah Winfrey interview. I do not
remember this being mentioned in the film. There was only a clip of how she
loved going to church in her early days. The demons may have been
following her, but she beat the odds and kept trying to rise again until her
last days.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whitney has a great legacy and
the public narrative should not always center upon her marriage or her on-going
challenges. It is time to see a film which focuses on her phenomenal gifts, the
woman who helped to nurture it -Cissy Houston, the impact Whitney made as an
artist, and the foundation she had as a member of the Drinkard family. That is
the film I want to see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was shocking to read the July
23, 2018 People magazine article in which Cissy Houston and her niece Dionne
Warwick gave a joint statement regarding the film. The film marketed as
authorized by the estate is tainted by unconscionable practices. Whitney 2018
was shown to Cissy Houston only two days before its release to the Cannes Film
Festival. How can the filmmakers wait to tell an elder only days before the
film’s release that the film reports her deceased daughter was allegedly
molested as a child, knowing that this is the first time she has been notified
of this horrific crime against her little girl? How could this heart -breaking
news been kept from Dionne who is the sister of the alleged perpetrator?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This smells like guile. This is not to
suggest the revelations are false; only Whitney and Dee Dee know the truth. It
seems that a” friend” or a personal assistant<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>whom Whitney “trusted” would have let Whitney’s mother know what she had
revealed because revelations of this nature would most likely be used in the
final footage. It, also, seems that the production of a credible narrative
would have included commentary from Cissy Houston or Dionne Warwick regarding
their knowledge or comments, if any, of the allegations.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am not naïve enough to believe
in the 21<sup>st</sup> century that the film would be devoid of tabloidian trinkets.
However, I was expecting to see a film in the nature of what Spike Lee produced
for the Jackson estate. Lee could have drawn from the tons of data available on
Jackson’s personal life or found new allegations to texture the film; yet, he
chose to focus on the artistry and the legacy of Jackson, not his painful, over-reported<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>personal life. Whitney was first and foremost
an artist, an American Master, a daughter of an American master: Cissy Houston,
the cousin of an American master: Dionne Warwick; born into a family of
talented American artists; raised in the presence of America’s greatest artists;
and married to a talented though controversial artist. When will this legacy be
explored? Is Whitney Elizabeth Houston, an American Master,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whose<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>voice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>makes me want to stand up and
salute the flag when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she sings the Star
Spangled Banner, not worthy of a film which documents her fine artistry, her
pursuit of excellence, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and her still unsurpassable
achievements??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00493076753208871827noreply@blogger.com0