Written In Black And White.....

Once again the media never fails to disappoint me. As I shake my head reading yet another article with a very unnecessary tasteless title and relentless bashing: 

Now after doing further research I was told that this particular site is equal to that of MediaTakeOut which does not hold the best reputation in media. So any one who knows or hears the name mediatakeout then you know there is a likely chance that its just not true.  However for those who may not take the time out to check their references and check to see if it is a valid site THIS SENDS ALL THE WRONG MESSAGES for the following reasons :

     1. The fact that this particular blog site couldn't congratulate her on making an ESPN cover.where only 8 African-Americans female has had the honor to get the cover spot.

    2. Every dominate centered female DOES NOT go by the pronouns of "he" "him" or "baby daddy" that burns me.

  3. Using the word "ALLEGED" does not make it ok to say what would be considered an opinion. 

  4. "But, if you want to see her butt naked in ESPN's Body Issue flip the page" *insert blank stare here* yet you somehow some way found away to sexually objectify her.

*my reaction the entire time*

How many of you have sat and read an unnecessary title whether in the newspaper, local news, website or wherever and thought "Do they purposely use their outlets to not only make black people look bad, but also the LBGT community?" I have heard a few people say that we often bring the attention to ourselves, which sometimes seems to be true however, in this case she should have been praised and congratulated on making such a cover as ESPN this particular media outlet decided to just completely slander her and insult her by addressing her with male pronouns and focusing on the negative setbacks of her personal life. Brittney Griner is only one of many who often get profiled negatively in the media, and it makes me wonder, will we as African Americans as well as LBGT African Americans ever get a fair post. I know there are many African Amercan blogs and reporters but pay close attention. The site is named blacksportsonline...key word BLACK. So then the question becomes at what cost do you then begin to tear down a fellow successful black woman, because keep in mind before all of this she was one of the top picks in the WNBA, she was the 1st WNBA player to ever score to 2000 points and block 500 shots. Also she won Best female Athlete ESPY Award and it was not mentioned in the article. She was as many of us will experience at least one time in our lives PROFILED, and the big blow is by another black blog/gossip site. Now by all means let us not forget what exactly got this young lady into her predicament, and abuse of any shape form of fashion IS NOT AT ALL exceptable. I believe this story could have been presented in a better way than this and why we as a community (black and LGBT) are so quick to highlight your negative before positive? Is this the "crab in the bucket" mentality that often spoken of and yet dissolved?

However I'm beginning to wonder does the media help place the target on our back along with society. Are they really the ones that place the horrible image upon us? I agree that at times we do cause attention by not always making the best decision but lets be honest anyone else of any race creed or sexual orientation would have gotten a way better title. Now being apart of a blog I understand that I am now considered media especially when my focus is about a celebrity however I am going to try my best to make the changes that I would like to see within the media. Some may say well that's a big task but, somehow someway this has to change.  

Peace and Blessings,
Swagg P







"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Dallas Mavericks and Brittney Griner: Paradoxical Potential

Mark Cuban is a name synonymous with words such as risky, outlandish, and bold. An avid business man and known "shark" is once again engaging in venturesome activity. Mark Cuban has announced that he is considering women's basketball star, Brittney Griner in the 2013 2nd round draft pick. Cuban states even if she isn't selected he's considering giving her a spot on the team's summer league squad. Cuban's logic behind sexually integrating the NBA is that there is great marketing opportunities and that she's the best option considering those players remaining after the 1st round draft pick. Cuban believes she's capable and wants to give her the opportunity to prove that she is.

Houston native, Brittney Griner has an impressive basketball record. The 6'8'' Baylor player has earned three consecutive Big 12 player of the year awards and she is the second all time scorer in Women's NCAA Division One basketball. She is arguably the most transcendent female college basketball player of all time. Noted for her athleticism and physicality, in a male dominated industry it is no wonder that she is also criticized for those same qualities. Often being likened to a man on the court, Brittney has received some negative feedback for her authority and achievement on the court. Responding to Cuban, with "lets do it" will equally get Griner praised and condemned.

The best part about this potential endeavor is that it speaks volumes

to the movement of equality. Though Cuban's move isn't pioneering in integrating the sexes in sports, it most certainly is a critical move during time of revolution. Let's think that Cuban's sole motivation for considering Griner isn't JUST marketing and earning opportunity, but maybe this move is revolutionary in that equality is based on skill and merit not sex or the perception of it. Maybe on the court he sees an outstanding, well deserving talent. However, there is still concern about the perils Griner will face if she makes it to the team. Sure we'd like to think that we live in a day and time in which women can do the same things a man can do probably better because women think differently. And while this "new" way have thinking has done some wonderful things for women, femininity and the female empowerment movement, Griner being accepted as a part of the Dallas Mavericks would only add to the de-feminizing rhetoric that she's already been exposed to. For a moment, I thought that the WNBA no longer existed. Certainly we know of the inequalities that exists between the WNBA and the NBA such as salary, air time and the like. If she makes it to the NBA what will that mean for the WNBA? Will it be no more? Will other women players seek try out opportunities in the NBA before considering the WNBA? Will women become more susceptible to negative innuendos from those currently players and the low-level players that are chosen after a girl? We all know the effects of misogynistic bullying and the outcome could be a major fall out for women's liberation movement, but I think its worth the risk.

The key for all women and sports fans alike is to remain optimistic that the Cuban along with team officials will be make the best choice. I'm sure that Griner, will bring her best with her to try outs.

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"