On Thursday, October 27th, I had a great conversation with Joseph Adbin of Big Brother season 24 on TikTok Live. He was as gracious and warm as I knew he would be. We laughed a lot, covered a wide range of topics, and just had a good ole time. We are officially cuzzins now!

The result is the following multimedia experience, which is to be consumed in order from top to bottom. Please click the triangle icon on all six video & audio inserts. Curl up with a nice cup of tea and…التمتع! – Tracee Loran

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PRELUDE

Press play for a little poetic ode to J.A. How many Big Brother S24 references do you spy?

CHAPTER 1

On July 23, 1997, a new babe was born…

…On July 5, 2000, a new reality TV show was born…

…22 years later the two would meet and life for the babe is forever changed.

CHAPTER 24

“I didn’t really know what I was getting into with Big Brother. I was fortunate enough to have navigated it pretty okay.”

Many things had to happen for Joseph Abdin to make his Big Brother season 24 (BB24) debut.

Thing Number 1: He had to make that long 9-month journey to earth, and you know that can be a tricky ride.

Thing Number 2: The earth had to not implode on January 1, 2000. For those too young or too jaded to remember, following the publication of a three-page article titled “Doomsday 2000” by Canadian author Peter de Jager, alarmists predicted that as soon as we transitioned from 1999 to 2000 the world would be no more. Sidebar: I don’t think it was ever fully explained how a New Year’s Day extinction would work considering the various global time zones. But anyway…

Fortunately, the earth remained intact, and, in fact, it has evolved; technology continued to advance; social media became a behemoth of good and a lot of evil; and reality shows grew exponentially. It is the latter two that are (in part) responsible for the current popularity of Joseph Abdin, Esq.

Thing Number 3: Joseph was recruited to be on Big Brother, meaning he wasn’t forced to submit one of those embarrassing audition tapes that live in perpetuity. That’s a major win. But here’s the catch: The Florida native was an alternate; therefore, he wasn’t guaranteed a spot on the show.

Marvin Achi, the producers’ first choice, dropped out of the cast at the last-minute, paving the way for the first generation Syrian and Palestinian to glide into his destiny.

It’s hard to imagine BB24 without the lawyer slash fitness guru with more personality than Beyoncé has platinum records (dat’s a LOT of personality). Fortunately for hardcore BB fans (and BB neophytes like me) we didn’t have to live through that gloomy reality.

Joseph embodies such a warm spirit and giving heart that he was in his feelings about taking Achi’s spot. “Big Brother, he said, offered so much opportunity and love and support that I always felt like God, maybe the guy who didn’t go on the show had a family emergency…had an unfortunate circumstance. Maybe…all this that was given to me, you know, was for him.”

Joseph would soon discover that Achi is spreading #BlackBoyJoy and thriving, so everybody eats!

CHAPTER 24.5

“I don’t think I say that to anyone in that house, except for Taylor…you can win this game…I think you’re gonna win this game…and I say it time and time again to her. And that’s because I genuinely believe it. And…even with me thinking she can win and she has a probability to win and everything, I’m still helping her because I’m perfectly happy with that outcome.“

The super dope fact is Joseph Abdin was a Big Brother season 24 Houseguest. Even though CBS may have fumbled the bag by not showcasing him more while he was on the show, Baba’s eldest is one of two reasons why Big Brother 24.5 is a thing. A HUGE thing. Enter Jaylor Nation.

If you’re a fan of BB24 you know about the special bond that Joseph shares with Taylor Hale, this season’s [SPOILER ALERT] winner. Taylor’s victory was historic because she was the first Black female Big Brother Houseguest to win; she had to withstand being put on the eviction block six times; and she endured some ugly bullying in those early days of the season.

Trying to mention Joseph’s BB24 experience without talking about his Taylor connection is akin to asking for a jelly sammich sans the peanut butter or Ben without Jerry. Go ahead and try it. It’s very important to note that Joseph and Taylor are killing the game individually. They can and do stand alone. They, at times, choose to stand together.

On the inside of the insulated world Joseph had an invisible S on his chest as he valiantly protected Taylor, to what many, even Joseph, would say was at the expense of his own game. What he didn’t know was that those simple human acts of kindness endeared him to a legion of fans on the outside. Black women head up the Jaylor (a portmanteau created by melding Joseph + Taylor) Fan Club because we’re accustomed to seeing melanated sistas, particularly those of a darker hue, being vilified and branded “angry”, not protected and celebrated. Post-Big Brother, Joseph has been rewarded for that loyalty. But he doesn’t think the gratitude is necessary.

Sorry, Joseph; your type of chivalrous goodness is rare!

The Jaylor story has just entered its first act, so there’s still a long way to go before the ending is revealed. And as I mentioned to Joseph during our convo, I feel protective of the duo as individuals and as a unit. My prayer is for their bondship (in whatever iteration) to blossom and not be pushed or tainted by outside forces, this includes Jaylor Stans who truly want the pair to win.

Taylor’s ears musta been burning because the former Miss Michigan USA hilariously crashed our TikTok Live party, but you’ll have to peep the entire conversation to see how it all shakes out.

CHAPTER 51

“Like, at the end of the day, a lot of people’s journey is a pursuit for money. And I just didn’t want — because I have this path right in front of me — to allow it to bend my moral compass to something that I can’t stand by in any way shape or form.“

Ok, let’s back up a bit. Before BB 24.5, there was Day 51 when Joseph was betrayed by two members of his “Leftovers” alliance and became the seventh Houseguest to get evicted (technically he was the eighth person to leave because Paloma, who started some vicious Taylor lies, fled the House on her own volition).

Being evicted early and without the ability to say goodbye to Taylor – while upsetting for his fans — made Joseph a martyr and would eventually fuel the Jaylor plotline. But first they had to get through the rough days of looking for the light switch in complete darkness, i.e., not know what was going on with the other person. Taylor was on the inside broken by Joseph’s assumed betrayal (after Kyle & ‘nem don’ lied on Joseph’s name). For his part, Joseph was in the Jury House (the place where nine evicted Houseguests are quarantined until finale night) no doubt lamenting his abrupt departure and wondering how Taylor was managing.

But something else important also weighed heavily on his mind: What his family thought of his maiden reality show appearance. His brother, Adam, assured him that it was nothing but love.

There were, indeed, several proud nations…

CHAPTER 6

“My heart drops every time I see Arab, Muslim, or Middle Eastern on media.”

Before Joseph entered the Big Brother house, there had only been five contestants of Arab or Middle Eastern descent on the series. American television has perpetuated the old tired, harmful tropes of Middle Eastern or Arab men for as long as there has been television. I think you know what those are; we’ve watched the same American TV shows.

I have at times enjoyed several of the aforementioned programs (I’m thinking of two specific Emmy-award winners) while simultaneously cringing at the bigoted and narrow-minded writing. Because of those lazy stereotypes we almost missed out on an incredible human being (Thing number 4). Joseph understandably didn’t want to fall into the trap or be transported back to a childhood of hurtful memories, so he was close to turning down the invitation.

The weight of defying ugly stereotypes about Arab men shouldn’t fall solo on Joseph’s shoulders. No one person should ever have to be burdened with dispelling decades of insidious characterizations and changing collective minds about their people. But the reality is Black and Brown folks often carry those heavy loads, whether the outcomes are good or bad. Thankfully, in this case, Joseph done good.

It’s going to take a few more Joseph Abdins to change the Hollywood narrative about Arab men, but he has hopefully started an upward trajectory. And you know La La Land loves to hop on a trend.

CHAPTER 3

“I kept misbehaving or I wouldn’t even call it misbehaving, just not paying attention.“

“You’re so bad,” is an all too popular refrain spoken by parents and teachers who have mislabled children living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity, one of the most common childhood neurodisorders.

According to a 2016 Centers for Disease Control study, over 6.1 million children in the U.S. have received an ADHD diagnosis. Joseph is included in that statistic and like 2.8 percent of the global adult population, ADHD is still part of his everyday reality.

Teens with ADHD often struggle socially and academically; while adults with untreated ADHD face a lifetime of challenges including high unemployment rates and broken relationships. This makes what I’m about to say next so astonishing: Joseph graduated from law school a year ahead of schedule and passed the bar on his first try! His counselors basically mocked the idea of him being a lawyer, let alone finishing law school early. There’s a lesson in there and you don’t even have to look hard to find it.

There are three different ways that ADHD presents itself: Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. While I’m not sure which ADHD category Joseph deals with specifically, I do know that his success and the rays of positive light he emitted on a highly rated network television program can inspire others — both young and seasoned — living with ADHD.

As a youth mentor, I’m always thinking about young people and how they navigate a world that is often cruel. I asked Joseph what he would say to a young’un not unlike himself who deals with bullying because of a perceived difference. His answer did not disappoint.

CONCLUSION

“The clock is ticking so make the best of it in every moment.“

Joseph Abdin slid into the hearts of Americans rather unexpectedly. His bondship with Taylor Hale has surely helped, and it’s been sweet to witness. We root for them to make “it” as a couple. Here’s where I insert an emphatic [BUT].

This incredible human being who comes from equally incredible immigrant parents (shout out to them for raising a good one) doesn’t need to be propped up by another person or an ideal. He can unequivocally stand on his own (the same is true for Taylor). TV shows, speaking tours, books, modeling gigs…e’rething and anything is possible. Not even the sky is the limit for the lawyer turned reality star. So, what does Joseph want for himself? What does he dream about when he wakes up every day?

EPILOGUE

When light is blocked by an object or a person, it casts an ominous shadow.

Joseph Abdin is walking in the light, unobstructed, with opened arms, and an infectious smile. Shadow not included.

Click here to watch my full conversation with Joseph Abdin, the most popular Big Brother evictee in the show’s 24-season history. Yes, I only watched one season, but my cuzzin Joseph is the only answer. Don’t @ me.

My grandmother has been an avid viewer since she was 71 years old (check the math), and I always wondered why. It seemed silly. Then earlier this year I caught the celebrity version with Boss Grandma (that’s how they know her in these Innanet streets) for the first time. “It’s an interesting social experiment,” I thought, “but I ain’t really sold on committing to three or four months of it!”

In fact, I was committed to NOT committing…until I saw this perfectly melanated queen being bullied on national television. That stopped me dead.in.my.tracks!

I didn’t know her name yet. I just knew that everyone in the scene, led by the muscular brotha, was ganging up on her.

Maybe it was because she reminded me of my goddaughter ‑ whom I affectionally call “Bells” ‑ a tall, graceful, gorgeously chocolate girly girl (the chile loves her some pink and bling!).

Or maybe it was because I knew the history of the treatment of Black women in this country, particularly those of a darker hue.

Or maybe I just hate an unfair fight.

D – All of the above.

Whatever it was I wanted to protect this brown skin girl. I soon learned her name – Taylor – and I committed myself to watching Big Brother 24 so I could help guard my new TV Little Sister.

So, I stayed week after week praying that Taylor would survive being “put on the block.”  Let’s park it there for a hot sec and ruminate on that very loaded phrasing. A phrase that eerily harkens back to what my ancestors experienced — being put on the slave auction block and sold like chattel. Now think about Taylor’s plight. Ugliness, right? But I digress…but do I really?

I had to watch each episode because that was my own way of supporting and protecting Taylor who, like me, was raised as an only child by a single Black mama in an urban Midwest city. I, Chicago. She, Detroit.

I wanted to safeguard my Lil’ Sis at all costs.

When Daniel (who is white-presenting) got in Taylor’s face on some straight STOOPID, made-up bulldoodoo — dude had obviously blacked out as he was spitting venom and blowing his hot fone-kay breath unnecessarily so in Taylor’s personal space — I wanted to call my people and pull up! I was gon’ summon up the power of Mike Tyson, Rocky, and Draymond Green, and homey was gon’ catch these hands. Fa real, fa real (for legal reasons I’m obligated to say Daniel was in no real danger).

I was furious. I couldn’t help but think what would have happened if melanated Terrance or Monte had face-checked non-melanated Alyssa or Brittany like Daniel did Taylor. Imagine the narrative. Imagine!

I was totally oblivious to #BigBrotherTwitter until after the season had ended, so I had no idea that there was a community of Taylor Stans out there protecting her, too. Like Taylor, I was completely in the dark (since breaking free from the house Taylor has repeatedly shared how lonely it felt). My sounding board — much to their annoyance — had to be my friends who were NOT BB watchers. My Girls patiently listened as I fumed and ranted on about what “they” were doing to my Lil’ Sis up in that toxic house.

I watched and prayed and watched and prayed some more as Taylor overcame each obstacle. Homegirl was dodging eviction votes like Turner dodged water (Inside joke; ain’t my fault you didn’t watch BB24). Soon instead of merely surviving, she seemed to be thriving. Taylor was all that and literally a bag of chips (again, not my fault that you didn’t watch the season).

When it came time to vote for America’s Favorite Player, I couldn’t get to my phone fast enough. If I could have voted for Taylor 800,000 times I would have (for the record I did NOT). 

On finale night, Boss Grandma and I were 1000% LOCKED IN. I was griped with fear and anticipation. I was so nervous that all the ugly bullying Taylor experienced and sur-thrived would have been for naught. I was scared the bad guys would win.

But then Taylor rose from the seat formerly known as The Block in her gorgeous crystal-encrusted jumpsuit (I mean the girl is a real-life beauty queen) and delivered the most powerful speech I’d heard on any reality TV show and honestly one of the best “fight for your life” speeches ever. Fuh real, fuh real.

I leaped out of my chair. Boss Grandma yelped, “That was good.” We were beaming. And I knew in that exact moment that Taylor Mackenzie Dickens Hale was the winner of Big Brother 24. I knew she snatched the entire bag. I just knew it.

When the inevitable finally happened and Julie Chen Moonves officially declared Taylor the winner of BB24 and America’s Favorite Player, I called those friends who endured my rants and screamed, “SHE WON!” They knew who I was talking about. Toljah, I was committed.

A friend later told me that I had missed out on the “Cookout” season. I was sorry that I didn’t get a chance to witness that special Big Brother history. But honestly, watching for the first time this year was too poetic. It was meant for me to see the first Black woman win the original Big Brother during my first time watching the popular program.

“I am not a shield. I am a sword.”

Yes, Little Sis, you are!

Post Script: There is a Prince Charming in this fairytale, Joseph Abdin, a beautiful spirit with a kind heart who just happens to be super gorge with a TIGHT body. He’s now my TV Little Cousin (on the other side of the family; come on now, I ain’t about that incestuous life!). My Lil Cuz (who beautifully defied the Arab man trope often egregiously depicted on American TV) was ride or die and did what he could to protect Taylor in the House. While Joseph & Taylor’s story is still being written, I’m happy they’ve found each other. #TeamJaylor

To be continued…

It’s been over 14 years since you left us, yet the pain stings like it was yesterday. You left a void as wide as Lake Michigan and as tall as Sears Tower. Can you believe they call it Willis Tower now? So many things have changed since you’ve been gone.

We had our first Black president and he was from Chicago; Oprah moved her operation to Los Angeles, and the Chicago Cubs finally broke the Curse of the Billy Goat. You would have known all of the significant stats from their previous World Series win even though it was more than 100 years ago. We miss the way sports stats effortlessly rolled off your tongue. We didn’t need ESPN; we had you.

We miss hearing your beautiful voice and seeing a smile that lit up the entire Universe. We miss creating memories with you. We miss you. We miss you…

Perhaps the most painful part of missing you doesn’t lie in the “What was”, but rather, the “What would have been.”

We miss watching you march across the stage as you accept your college diploma. Would you have stopped after your Bachelor’s Degree or would we be calling you Dr. DaShand Ray by now?

We miss standing along side you as we build a successful family business, thus leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. We miss holding your precious babies in our arms and spoiling them rotten as proud grandparents do. Would they look just like you?

We miss working with you in the community as we enrich the minds and lives of young boys and girls as we do with your oldest brother. We do so in your honor. You’d be proud.

We have no doubt that you would have continued on a path of greatness. You would have stumbled along the way, because to err is human. But no matter how many times you would have fallen you would have gotten right back up. And, you would have gone on to do some remarkable things.

The “What ifs” and “What would have beens” ignite a pain that rips the heart and pierces the soul. The E2 tragedy took you, our sweet baby boy, but it also dashed your gigantic dreams and limitless possibilities.

Your being is as vivid in our minds now as it was the day you entered into this world. And we will continue to fight for your dreams as long as we have breath.

We love you,

Mom & Dad

Obsessed Stranger: How long did it take to get your hair like that?

Disgruntled Tracee: About 13 years?

Obsessed Stranger: Ooh, your hair is so pretty. Can I touch your hair?

Disgruntled Tracee: Absolutely not.

Obsessed Stranger: Can you tell me how you get it like that?

And that’s where I go radio silent like Jack Bauer. If I explained my hair techniques to every Kim, Kate, and Mary that asked me I would be hoarse. So I decided to present you with a gift on this fine Thanksgiving. I’m going to show you in a few easy steps how to make your hair fun, wild, and free.

Flat Twist Effect…Vamp Lipstick Not Included

Step One: Make a Product-ion

A great natural hairdo’ depends on the products you choose. I love the Shea Moisture line. I’m also a fan of pure shea butter and olive oil. Test different products to see which work best for you.

Step Two: Wash n’ Roll

There is something very exhilarating that happens when the water hits my tresses. I know I’m washing away all of the impurities and getting a fresh new start. Maybe it’s just me, but this is my favorite part!

Step Three: Be Conditioned

Natural hair must stay moist. Trust me, you don’t want dry, brittle hair! That’s not attractive…unless you’re entering a dry, brittle hair contest. Mix conditioner with pure olive oil and apply a liberal amount to your locs. Cover your hair with a plastic conditioning cap; let it sit for about 30 minutes. You can use the time to do a few planks and push-ups. So not only will your hair look good, but your core and arms will be fab, too!

Step Four: Wash n’ Roll…Again

2-Strand Twist Effect

Wash the conditioner out. Grab the biggest comb you have and begin to detangle your hair in smallish to mediumish sections. The size of the sections depends on how tight or loose you want your curls to be. After you comb through the sections, 2-strand twist your hair.

Step Five: Dry, Baby, Dry!

If you have (more) time to burn you can let your hair air dry. This works brilliantly at night before going to bed. But if you’re doing your hair in preparation to paint the town red, sit under a hairdryer for about an hour. At the end of the allotted time, unravel your twists. Apply a generous amount of Moroccan Oil or your fave finishing product to your hair and run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up.

Step Six: Talk to the Mirror

Check out your new ‘do. You look marvelous, right? Now give me your address so I can come and harass you about your hair routine.

 Post Script

Blow Out Effect Sans the Twist

If you want really big hair, you would blow dry your hair and 2-strand OR flat twist it when it’s dry. Then you would spritz the twists with water and sit under the dryer for 30 – 45 minutes. Once dry you would follow the same styling directions listed above. You can also opt to forgo the twist altogether and just let it run wild & free.

Ok there’s a lot that happened in between the dashes, or rather, DIDN’T happen. But the point is my body was neither taut nor svelte. B.S. (before surgery) I was jumping rope like Floyd Mayweather and I did my fair share of push-ups, not the whiny baby girl kind. Times changed and P.S. (yes, post surgery) I could barely jump in the shower or push-up a bra. I became weak like Popeye without his spinach.

Sans the NBA-style getting-better facilities, my rehab was slow and annoying. Impact exercises strained my knee. So I did nothing. Well, I learned how to swim…sort of. And thought I would turn into Michael Phelps (without the DUIs), but alas, I’m still in the shallow end. Needless to say, swimming didn’t turn out to be the getting-back-into-shape panacea that I’d hoped. So I kept sitting…and getting, well you know.

One day I decided it was time to get my Kim Kardashian up off the couch and trade in my big girl panties for something bikinier. Let’s go!

I purchased a $40 Pilates Passbook from LivingSocial, which allowed me to try various studios and gyms throughout New York City, over 100 in all. Winning!

Nestled in the back of the book was a pass to Elite Fitness, a cool boutique gym in Brooklyn’s Columbia Street Waterfront District. I had never heard of it, but I’m all about the adventure. I scanned the schedule on the gym’s website; among the Pilates classes, there was a Rowing Class (Olympics here I come…again) and TRX
Kettlebells.

I’ve seen the Kettlebell workout touted in magazines for a couple of years now. But I dismissed it as another trend à la Zumba, Spin, and Insanity, to name a few. Since I’m a rebel with a cause, I avoid trends like a vampire does the sun. But, there I was staring TRX Kettlebells between the “Ls” and I decided to shun my normal tradition of shunning trends (Hey, my life, my rules).

A quick Google search on kettlebells led me to Russia where the 300+-hundred-year-old “craze” originated. I grew excited cuz I was about to get my Drago on (R.I.P. Apollo Creed).

The TRX Kettlebells class at the super cute Elite Fitness was led by the super fit Darryl Aiken-Afam, a Martial Arts Master. Yikes!

 We began the session with an exercise straight out of the Karate Kid. While we didn’t “wax on, wax off,” we cleaned the hell outta those shiny wood floors. My arms felt like ramen noodles and my Kim Kardashian was singing off-pitch Yeezus tunes. Mr. Miyagi would be proud.

At the end of the Karate Kid routine, Master Aiken-Afam-a maniacal smile plastered across his face-said, “That was the warm-up, now for the workout.” Damn. Damn. Damn! I was cursing Mr. Miyagi, Apollo Creed, Ivan Drago, and Bruce Lee.

On the floor, the kettlebells in all their deliciously vibrant colors seemed as appealing and ostensibly harmless as a bag of Skittles. But forty minutes and a million (ok, I exaggerate) Russian Kettlebell Swings later my arms went from ramen noodles to feeling like limp caution tape and I was panting like a pussycat on her tenth life!

 Yeah TRX Kettlebell kicked my Kim Kardashian and never doing it again seemed like a wise decision. Nobody would blame me, right? After all, I do have that surgically repaired knee to fall back on. But quitting is not an option; like Lil’ Jon so eloquently said, “Turn down for what?!”

 Yep, I’m coming for you Drago…and Master Aiken-Afam.

In October of 2011 I started helping the re-building efforts of the youth ministry for Emmanuel Baptist Church, which is aptly named Youth Leaders of Emmanuel (YLE).  Last Friday, we had a super-sized version of our bi-weekly event Teen Canteen REMASTERED.  The teens…and adults had a blast.  Check out video and rock with us!

Thanks for effectively helping me cut down my reality TV viewing.  I love competition reality shows; I think they are awesome. And I often get swept up in the drama, tuning in every week to see which of my favorite singers will survive the battle rounds, which designers will be aufed, and which “celebrity” will be fired.  Well, thanks to you I no longer have to worry about the latter.  I simply don’t care.  I cannot continue to feed your pockets by supporting your television shows.  You’ve shown that you just don’t deserve it.

According to statements you made during your public presidential run decision-making shenanigans (insert marketing ploy accusations) you are ‘troubled’ by the support President Obama continues to receive from the Black community.  I’m not sure why you would be troubled by this.  We’ve supported many worthy white candidates over the decades and there didn’t seem to be any uproar.  You said we should support you because you have “great relationships with the Blacks.”  Wow.  You’re clearly out of touch. Strike One.

You were essentially the famous face of the Birther Movement.  Obtuse, sore-losing Republicans who have nothing better to do than to challenge the President’s place of birth.  Strike Two.

We now know that the Birther Movement was a major fail. But still you and your cronies persist. Now you’ve become the famous face of Labor Statistic-Gate – this so-called conspiracy by the Dems and the BLS to cook the books. Strike Three.

Mr. Trump, you certainly have the right to support whomever you please.  You have the right to throw your money to whichever candidate best serves your interests and pockets.  But it is completely irresponsible to use your celebrity and obvious media clout to say things that are outlandish, silly, and more than borderline racist.

I’m aware that in the wake of your “The Blacks” comment, you told the ladies of The View that your show enjoys healthy ratings.  Great for you.  Perhaps you won’t miss me and any of the other MEs out there.  Perhaps like your buddy Mitt, you’re only concerned with 53% of the country.  Perhaps the rest of us can kick rocks.    Whatever the case may be, I am officially done.  Me and my TV say, YOU’RE FIRED!

Sincerely,

Tracee Loran

Yep, you are in the presence of royalty…albeit H.S. royalty.  I was crowned Homecoming Queen; I won with the help of the 47%’ers and some other cool people (i.e. jocks, artists, brainiacs, popular kids & misfits).  

At the time I thought my fashions were hot. No comment, please.

Photo Credit: American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog.  Life has gotten in the way. A huge, unexpected summer project snatched all of my attention.  Until now, the The Socialite Design has been reserved for articles that lean toward entertainment.  I’ve shied away from politics; after all there are other platforms for that.  I didn’t want to be bogged down with insidious comments from banal trolls and insipid arguments that have no resolution.  But if I’m being honest, this country is at a very critical point and bystander apathy is no longer an option. In this instance, saying nothing is worst than saying something that ruffles feathers.  I’m not a professional political analyst or pundit or presidential historian.  I can’t quote statics or espouse a foreign policy position off the cuff.  But I pay enough attention to know…enough.  Again, America is at a critical juncture in our history. And I realize that many things are nagging me. Be warned, this blog post will undoubtedly take many turns and seem erratic at times. But it all points to one place – be accountable, don’t be fooled by foolishness, and embrace the American dream.

It’s disconcerting to think that Black Americans and Liberals of all colors thought that President Obama would be the savior who swooped down and solved every problem with the touch of his magic wand or sprinkling of Obama “Holy” water.  WTFuzz?!  It really ticks me off to hear Black people say “I’m not voting for him because he didn’t do anything for me.”  Really now?

Vote for the candidate you prefer regardless of skin color or gender or the brightness of his teeth. But I’m wondering if these same folks expected Prez Obama to personally visit their homes and hand out million dollar checks or a redeemable Win For Life lottery ticket.  This President, just like many presidents before him, is not infallible.   Yes, there are more things left unaccomplished than he would like.  But one thing he has fought for is job creation and allocating funds for training. Many of the jobs lost over the past 4-6 years are NOT returning.  What this means is we must receive training in other industries.  A lot of this training is free. If you’ve been receiving Unemployment Benefits or Public Assistance, FREE training is available.  If you desire higher education, this administration has made college more accessible.  Come on people WAKE UP and be accountable!  If you think for one moment, these same programs will be available should MR take office or that Mitt will come to your door and hand over a winning Win For Life ticket THINK AGAIN. Or if you think that by NOT voting for either candidate you are making some sort of profound statement, think 20 more times, slap yourself, then think again!

What ticks me off even further is low-income white Americans who allow themselves to be bamboozled by the Repubs and Mitt Romney’leon. Romney is about preserving the pockets of his constituency. He’s already stated that he does not care about 47% of this country; retracting those statements two weeks later is a tired ploy.  It’s no secret that many members of the GOP and right-wing extremists like to have everyone think that only Black people receive government assistance.  Black people only make up 13% of this country so sheer numbers along prove that that is far from the case. What this means is under Romney’s leadership people of ALL RACES will suffer.

I can name a few presidents who really cared and had compassion for the American people. MR, should he in some unfortunate circumstance win, will not belong to this club; he has about as much compassion and sincerity as the Chicago Cubs organization has World Series titles.

Mitt Romney failed to realize that many of the ancestors and forefathers of the 47% helped to build this nation, helped to abolish slavery & shelter holocaust survivors; they helped to build railroads, canals, & intricate mass transit systems; they hold important patents and are the creators of incredible inventions.  We ALL come from dynamic family trees.   Somewhere along the line everyone needs a little help, even Mitt’s rich friends.  That’s one of the roles of government – taking care of the people. Mitt Romney didn’t exactly need government assistance because he inherited good pocket change from his Papa.  To borrow a phrase from urban colloquialism “I ain’t mad at that,” but not everyone has that option.

What we tend to forget in this great “racial-dential” debate is that not only Black people or Latino people will suffer under Mr. Romney’s policies, but hardworking white Americans will suffer too.  Unions will suffer. Elderly people will suffer.  Women will suffer.

President Obama is a person with compassion and will fight for you whether you hate him or love him; whether you’ve called him lazy or accused him of being Muslim, socialist, or pro-Black. He has demonstrated that he will go to bat for you whether you are a low-income white Mississippian living in a trailer park or a disenfranchised Black person living in a housing project or a Latino -American who has been denied citizenship because of unfair legislation. BTW has anyone ever questioned why “illegals” only refers to people with brown skin?  Just wondering.

America is a strong nation because its like my Great Grandma Ella’s custom quilts – patched together with diverse scraps to create something unified and beautiful.  Let’s embrace this idea.

The truth is if Mitt Romney was a Black or Spanish or Indian man talking about disregarding 47% of the country or blatantly telling lies or being slicker than an oil spill his run for office would be stomped out sooner than Kim Kardashian’s 5-minute marriage.

I just ask that you exercise your right to vote; get involved; accept responsibility for your future; seek the truth; and remain “radically fabulous!”