Beyond Black & White » SwirlQueen

What Michael Douglas’ Oral Cancer Revelation Means for Young Black Women and Girls

SwirlQueen — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:28:37 +0000

Former ABC Bachelorette hopeful and pediatric dentist Dr. Misee Harris was simply researching HPV online and was shocked to see the news surrounding Michael Douglas and his oral cancer revelation. People see a big time mega movie star like Michael Douglas and feel so far removed from his reality, that they don’t think it could happen to them. So the news that oral sex ultimately caused his cancer is huge Hollywood gossip and likely doesn’t seem true for average everyday Americans. Of course this is far from the truth according to Dr. Harris as she had just diagnosed a patient who had unknowingly contracted HPV – a teen patient.

As a medical professional who often treats patients in undeserved communities, Dr. Harris quotes the CDC. Black and Hispanic women get cervical cancer more than women of other races, possibly because of decreased access to Pap testing and follow-up treatment. As a dentist, Dr. Harris is extremely disturbed to diagnose teens with oral HPV and has to then break the news to a teen who’s oblivious to the danger they have put themselves in and has to further tell the parent who is usually in denial about their children’s sexual activities. It is not a pretty scene but with the rise in oral HPV cases, Dr. Harris finds herself having to explain sexually transmitted diseases to patients and their parents.

Dr. Harris is adamant that teens should be getting the HPV vaccine. “Kids today absolutely must get the Gardasil vaccine!” Dr. Harris reports that parents may be the biggest obstacle to children obtaining the vaccine and preventing HPV in most cases. “Parent’s I’m telling you, your children need to be protected and it is your obligation to protect them — especially against a disease that is preventable. In the southern US where Dr. Harris practices dentistry, studies show that percentages of black and other minority girls protected by all three doses of Gardasil are significantly lower than in other parts of the country.

“It does Michael Douglas no good to backtrack from the original statement regarding his oral cancer. He should be using his celebrity to and shout from the rooftops for parents to protect their children!” exclaims Dr. Harris. CTV News reports that HPV is linked to the Western’s world fastest emerging cancer. Dr. Harris further explains: “This is the tip of the iceberg and America better heed this wake up call. Our children deserve better than this.”

Dr. Misee Harris is a pediatric dentist, humanitarian, philanthropist, model and actress who practices dentistry in Lexington, Kentucky. She uses her reality and celebrity status to promote good dental health and benefit underserved children via her Project Smiles Foundation.

Dr. Harris Photo Credit: Carlos Stephenson

(As reported to Getrude Matshe of the Huffington Post)

Swirling, Young, Beautiful and Disabled?

SwirlQueen — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 23:48:08 +0000

Whitney and Garrett at the Alamo

In light of the wonderful discussion prompted by a QOTW that stumped our wise one, I could not help think of the first person who followed me on Tumbler. Meet Whitney Mitchell. Whitney is a phenomenal young woman who touches everyone she meets. You are drawn to her bubbly personality, positive demeanor and beautiful smile. You hardly notice that Whitney is a quadruple amputee at all. Her condition does not define her and she thrives in spite of it. In fact Whitney is more determined than ever to be the dancer she always dreamed of being. Whitney is in constant company of people who love and adore her — family, friends and strangers alike are inspired by her winning attitude and refusal to be defeated. I don’t detect bitterness due to a medical misdiagnosis causing her condition.

Proving that anyone can find love anywhere, Whitney is a young, swirling sister whose dedicated, loving fiancé Garrett never left her side. One cannot help but cheer this outstanding young woman on to greatness. I don’t really even think the word disabled is in Whitney’s vocabulary. I would venture to say that Whitney is more abled than many of us who have all our limbs. “Stay Strong” is her motto. Read about Whitney on her website and send a shout out on her Tumbler page. Whitney welcomes questions and inquiries from all! What disability? Go girl!

Whitney pictured with famed motivator Nick Vujicic.

Bling, she got the ring!

On being “black” in Australia and the U.S.

SwirlQueen — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:17:05 +0000

I happened upon this blog a while back. It was originially posted back in 2009 on the blog Cultural Matters by Lisa L. Wynn. Lisa is a white American expat living in Australia. I found the post interesting enough to review the comments and chime in a couple of times. I encourage black women to seek out opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. I know people living in both places. Follow the comments and discussion. People are still posting.

On being “black” in Australia and the U.S.

by llwynn

Here in Sydney as well as in Egypt, people have often commented to me on the strangeness of the American logic of race. “Why do you call Barack Obama black? His mother was white. Why don’t you call him white?” I explain the cultural logic of the “one-drop rule” of attributing race in the United States, but often people just shake their head at the absurdity of it. I tell them that yes, it’s absurd, but it’s how our culture popularly imagines race. Everyone knows that Obama’s mother was white, and yet everyone “knows” that Obama is black.

I’ve read enough of the work of my colleagues who do work in Brazil, and I’ve lived in Venezuela (where the racial imaginary is closer to that of Brazil than to that of the U.S.), to have some familiarity with different cultural logics of “race.” When it comes to Australia, though, I arrived here pretty ignorant. So for the past year and a half, I’ve been watching and listening carefully, trying to work out how the Australians imagine race. In certain ways the Australian logic seems to parallel the American formula. But in other ways the logic is quite different. Here, being Aboriginal seems to be not about the mixing of genetic or biological material but rather about heritage, about identifying with a community of people who claim you as one of their own. I’ve met several Aboriginal scholars who are as fair as Welsh-background me with straight blond hair, so it’s definitely not one’s appearance that is considered to make one Aboriginal.

Yet perhaps that’s also true in the U.S. It is self identification that matters most in “racial” categorizing, and this is reflected in the U.S. Census, where a person is categorized as black or white or Hispanic etc based purely on how they describe themselves. In contrast, Indigenousness in the U.S. can be is more straightforwardly about imagining the mixing of blood; to be officially Native American for purposes of obtaining some college scholarships or special admissions considerations, for example, you have to show that you are at least 1/16 or 1/32 Native American by descent (see this interesting online discussion); in contrast, the right to hold a Tribal I.D. card from most Native American tribes has to do with how you were raised and what community recognizes you, not with fractions and bloodlines.

But I started out talking about how Australians imagine Indigenous identity, i.e. Torres Strait Islanders or Aboriginal Australians, not about what Australians think it means to be black. I still don’t know that much about how Australians imagine blackness. (Maybe that’s because Australia is more about imagining whiteness than blackness?) This recent SMH article describes a group of Aboriginal artists as “black,” though the skin color of the artist they use to illustrate the article is quite fair. Yet to my American eye, this article is so wonderful — and strange — because of the way it describes a fair-skinned musician as black without at all indicating that there’s any strangeness about that. It makes it look like Australians are a lot less hung up on racial appearances than Americans are.

Can any of my Australian colleagues tell me more about how these labels get applied in Australia? Is “black” applied to all Indigenous Australians, independent of skin color? Is it equally applied to Sudanese immigrants?

Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Opportunity – Please Hurry

SwirlQueen — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:44:56 +0000

Think what you will of Jay Z, but he is providing a wonderful service for deserving students all over America. Please share this information with everyone you know, as you never know who you may be helping. Some of the lost in our society discussed so much on this blog are some of the very ones who can benefit from this information.

Jay Z’s Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation is doing its part to help under served students get a higher education. The foundation offers scholarships to single mothers, children who attend alternative schools, students who have earned a GED, students with grade point averages of 2.0 and students who have previously been incarcerated, etc., but desire a higher education. This group is generally not the recipient of college scholarships and is typically ignored by the Board of Education. If you or someone you know is a high school senior, college student, and/or between the ages of 18-25 pursuing studies at a vocational or trade school, you may be eligible for the Shawn Carter Scholarship. All applicants must be a US Citizen and complete the on-line application no later than the published deadline date, which is May 31, 2013.

Hat tip: Gwen Canon

Source

http://www.shawncartersf.com/

Swirling and Marriage – Andreas and Zani

SwirlQueen — Mon, 27 May 2013 07:48:05 +0000

When I came across this couple I was actually drawn into the photo by the intense and deep love Danish Andreas Anderskou and South African Zani Suttle have for one another. Although they actually live in New York city, the Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch (Western Cape) South Africa was quite the perfect venue for this handsome and lovely couple to exchange their vows. Wow! Photographs by Christopher Munton Photography.

Watch Andreas and Zani’s beautiful video

Andreas & Zani from Sweefilm on Vimeo

Source

Source:

Why Would You Date or Marry a Known Racist?

SwirlQueen — Sun, 26 May 2013 00:34:50 +0000

A couple of days ago I was led to a story on one of those white nationalists sites about a white racist who loves black women and is with one of the sweetest black women out there. You know how the cartoons show eyes moving around in the head with that sound effect that kids enjoy so much? Well that was me when I read it. I can’t in good conscience share that link but if you look hard enough you will find it.

This man was saying how much he hates black men and agreed with racists on that deplorable site in every other way except for what they have to say about black women. He justified his philosophies by explaining that black women were the only women who ever treated him nicely. So it seems like he is an actual reject and can only find solace in the bosom of a sister. Well now. All I could do was shake my head. Of course his fellow racists told him he had no place on their site.

You in BBWland know that I am reminded of a lot that I bring to you for your opinions and general discussion. This is no different. Back in October 2012, I posted the above pic in relation to a series that appeared in the Orange County Register relating to the rise in White Supremacist Groups in the area.

I was listening to a radio interview of David Whiting of the Orange County Register discuss his six part series on the rising number of white supremacists in Orange County. I guess it should not have been surprising what Whiting surmised.

A black or non-white man with a white woman could be targeted for an assault or even killed because they feel a white woman’s womb is to be protected. The fact that these gang members (yes, they are a gang) live such evil hate filled lives is so ironic because some of them have black and Latina girlfriends. What???? Yes they swirl too. That’s fine and good that racists swirl, but I want to know about the sisters who are with these racist men. How could one be with someone who eats, drinks and breathes constant hate? To knowingly be in a relationship with a man who hates entire races including yours is beyond me. I don’t get it. A former racist is ok as he is reformed. But someone who is an active racist is incomprehensible. He is major dbr and a black woman should know that she deserves better than that. NOT. FOR. ME. (Smh, but the pic is still funny).

Source

Whiting: Troubling trends in O.C.’s white supremacy movement

What Types of People Marry Interracially?

SwirlQueen — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:56:00 +0000

I consider most people who marry interracially, progressive and out of the box thinkers. I did not know that there were actual categories of people who chose to marry interracially until I came across this post online. Evidently there are select categories that most of us fall into who date and marry out. We are: outcasts, rebels, mavericks, compensators, adventurers, escapists, and unstables.

The outcasts are those people who do not feel comfortable with their race because they don’t agree with the norms. They are often questioning why they have to do certain things, and are not happy because they don’t fit in with the social groups of their race. The outcast will usually find a culture within another race that appeals to their needs. This provides the outcasts with the opportunity to marry interracially and begin a family within a different racial context.

The rebels are those people who disagree with the basic values, beliefs, and politics of their race. For them marrying outside of their race is not only a form of a long-life commitment to another person, but it is also a long life commitment to a form of protest. They disagree with one or more aspects of their race and they don’t care what anyone around them might think if they marry outside of their race.

The maverick may be seen as the non-conformist. People in this group are usually independent. Although the people within their race usually accept them, they would rather not belong to the “in group.” For the majority of the time these people are sufficiently detached to the different aspects of their race that they are happier not belonging to it, much less belonging to the “in group.” Marrying interracially allows the maverick to feel freed of the pressures to join and conform to the values, beliefs, politics, etc. of a race that they do not accept.

The compensator is the person who is always looking for their “other half.” These are the people who feel incomplete by themselves, who do not want to be alone, and long for a loving relationship. This may not sound exclusively for people who marry interracially, but it is because this type of compensator is under the belief that they can only find what they need with a partner from a different race. The compensator attributes the deficiencies in their life to their race. Many times the compensator belongs to a broken family where neither of the parents is present, physically nor emotionally. The compensator is not negative about their own race they are just under the impression that someone from a different race can provide what they feel they are missing.

The adventurer is the person who is always daring to be different. Adventurers marry interracially because they need the excitement from those who are different to them. They are risking their life with a race that is unknown to them, they don’t want a predictable relationship instead they want a marriage that will stimulate their life and make them feel special. Many adventurers cross all boundaries: race, class, religion, age, etc. Each additional difference makes the marriage and their life more exciting.

The escapist is the person who marries outside of their race in order to improve the quality of their life. The escapist may be marrying a different race to move up the social or economic ladder, they marry for the benefits. The majority of interracial marriages include some type of trade off between the parties involved.

Unstables can be described by deviance. They marry outside of their race to defy authority. The authority they are usually trying to defy is their parents. Once they marry outside of their race the family will consider them to be abnormal and unstable people. Not many people marry under this type of circumstance, but it does happen.

The article covers the history of interracial marriage, these categories, stages of marriage and some possible issues of biracial children. But I was drawn to these seven categories as I found it odd to be categorized. But I guess it is not so strange. To be fair the writer said that people who marry interracially are not limited to these categories and its a good thing because I don’t see myself in any of them. I don’t see my husband in any either but I can say that I recognize a couple of them in the some of the categories. Do any of you in BB&W land really see yourselves under one of these seven labels? Do tell.

Why Not Give a Guy in Prison a Chance?

SwirlQueen — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:12:25 +0000

I was scrolling through the television channels and came across a show called Prison Wives. I was giving it a side eye based on the title alone but I decided to watch. Two women were profiled who had married men in prison. I felt sorry for those women. One was working tirelessly to get her husband a new trial and the other was preparing for a conjugal visit. They both met their husbands while the men were incarcerated. Again, I felt sorry for the women and wonder what could make women give men in prison a chance. There are probably a myriad of reasons and life is a series of chances but some things are just not worth the risk.

Newsweek March 3, 2003

The show reminded me of an article I read in Newsweek back in March of 2003. We discussed this topic in a Facebook forum and most felt that dating a man in prison or fresh out of prison was not for them. The story was actually about some of the challenges black women share regardless of background or education. The conversation did eventually come to relationships. Author Teri Woods, a self made millionaire and admits that she would rather have a man from prison than be lonely — in so many words. Dating out obviously did not appeal to her. Star Jones, Mellody Hobson, Beyonce, Foxy Brown, Deborah Robers and Deborah Wright all weighed in. Remember this was 2003 but even today, some 10 years later many women think like Teri Woods. Many black women don’t or won’t expand their options to include non black men so some would obviously seek out men in prison. As a former Magistrate,personally I advise against it knowing the criminal element as I do, but each individual woman has to make up her own mind in these matters. And I do believe in the one exception to the rule but are you willing to risk that he may not be the one exception? What say you in BB&W land?

Author Allison Samuels profiled the entire round table discussion.

Humanitarian Call: Help Those With Autism – 5th Annual Pink Pump Affair

SwirlQueen — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:38:46 +0000

Just because Autism Awareness Month is coming to an end doesn’t mean that we will just stop talking about it. Research is being done, positive results are being seen and some are actually recovering. But the picture is still far too bleak for most children on the spectrum. One has to recognize the signs and get a child the intervention as soon as possible for the best outcomes. This is not always easy even for those who live in this country. The more time lost, the harder it will be to catch up. Check out this story and please help if you can.

If you are feeling particularly humanitarian, an opportunity to help those with autism is to attend or donate to this fabulous Pink Pump Affair to be sponsored by famed Los Angeles attorney and advocate Areva Martin, and her Special Needs Network. Proceeds from this affair will send not only children with autism to camp this summer, but their siblings as well. Humanitarian Dr. Misee Harris, a pediatric dentist will be modeling in the fashion show with her gorgeous pink pumps and making a special contribution on behalf of Crest®. Let us know if you make it out to support Areva and her wonderful organization. You may even meet Misee Harris, Areva Martin and many other outstanding women. It promises to be a grand time and I’ll be there with my pink ugh, flats on in relative comfort as I can’t do heels (sorry ladies, at least they’ll be pink)!

Areva D. Martin, Esq. Dr. Misee Harris

I Say Hot Salt–Pillars of Salt to the Extreme!!

SwirlQueen — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:11:37 +0000

This is for the people who no matter what truths you show them, they refuse to see or acknowledge what is right before them and maintain the same thoughts no matter what. This is a sickness for which I use the code words: “I Say Hot Salt!”

This is an interesting story that came about several years ago. I was home visiting family and a cousin was sitting with me eating at the dining room table. Indulging is some of my mother’s delicious fried chicken, my cousin asked me to pass her the hot sauce. I was sure she said “hot salt” I smiled and said, “This is hot SAUCE.” She looked at me and said, “I Say Hot Salt.” I took a breath, and passed her the hot sauce. I reasoned that my cousin just didn’t care what the correct words were, she chose to remain in ignorance —- clearly having been shown what the bottle said and clearly seeing what was inside the bottle. She chose to stay ignorant and say what she wanted to say despite all evidence that she was incorrect. I couldn’t even enjoy my chicken anymore. So now, when people do and say ignorant things, having been corrected or shown the correct way, I think to myself: “I say Hot Salt!” My friends and I now use this as a code, and get a good laugh.

In all seriousness, I found that mindset is a form of “Normalcy Bias”. It is a mental state of people who stand by and do nothing knowing of the impending doom. I use the example of black women, or extreme pillars of salt who know that they are in danger and continue to remain in dangerous areas. Remote connection? Maybe, but the mindset is the same. Remaining in ignorance despite the in-your-face proof of the obvious, or remaining in a dangerous situation despite the in-your-face signs and proof could be disasterous for one all the way around.

Back to the hot salt story, imagine my surprise when I found that there really was a product called Hot Salt! My sister could hardly wait to tell me she found some in her lazy susan —– clueless of when she may have purchased it. We had a great laugh about that one. I understand that Patti LaBelle travels with some at all times. I don’t know what my cousin would call this and am afraid to ask.