The Silent Taboo

I came across, Possessing the Secret of Joy (Alice  Walker), while in college and it has been a book that had a lasting effect on me. I have been an advocate against genital mutilation every since I put is down. Over the years, I have been trying to educate myself more on the subject. In 2009, I purchased a copy of, Warrior Marks: Female Genital Mutilation and the Sexual Blinding of Women (Alice Walker and Pratibha Parmar) to learn more about the subject. Warrior Marks, like Reinvention, is one of those books that I have to nibble on. Over the last few days, I have not been able to put this book down it has really drawn me in. It's one part of this book that is solely dedicated to the interviews Walker and Parmar conducted during this time for their documentary.While scanning through the interview section, I came across a thought that hit me like a ton of bricks and that makes me want to take a year to only research this topic. Walker stated that there is NO evidence whatsoever of the female African slaves that were brought to America practicing genital mutilation for a period of time. From all that I have read on slavery (which has been enough) I have never came across anything that has even remotely addressed genital mutilation during slavery.

It has been documented in various material that slaves were not allowed to practice certain aspects of their culture. We also know that many continued to practice certain rituals and traditions in secret which makes me wonder was genital mutilation one of the traditions they kept for a while. This topic has me "wondering" a lot! I hope in the very near future I get a chance to really put my History degree to good use researching this topic. As most Historians know, once you start researching one topic so many more come to the surface. If the practice of genital mutilation did carry over we can clearly devise that it not  hold because most African-Americans have never heard of this practice.

I am interested to know what you all think about this topic. Please leave your comments sharing your thoughts especially if you have came across this topic in your own reading/research.

More  later...

2011...

In the area of social justice and world events, 2011 has been a "wow" year. I don't know where to begin there was the Arab Spring/Summer, the Occupy Movement, and the death of two dictators. London even saw a time of extreme rioting. There is continued unrest in Egypt and other countries including Syria. Needless to say 2011 was a year of revolution and the protester. I apologize for not blogging more and getting involved in the "conversations" of the previously stated events. Regardless, of my lack of content on the events I am very excited about what was/is happening. I am also very concerned about the huge changes these events will produce in peoples lives. How will the people of Libya, Egypt, and North Korea fair in their new environments. I have concerns about how the people of Iraq will move forward since American troops have left their country. As we enter into 2012 (God willing) I say...."power to the people."

Happy New Year, from Panther!

deus ex machina

So as I'm driving home tonight, I get an update on my phone that another notorious dictator has passed away, Kim Jong II. This man had to be hired by the devil himself. CNN has a story titled "Kim Jong's II Legacy of Repression." I think a better title would be a "legacy of OPPRESSION." One of his tactics was to rule by starvation! I am praying for the people of North Korea that they find some liberty in the leadership that replaces Kim Jong II. Honestly, I pray that a spirit of revolution rise among the people of North Korea and they demand change. Revolutions are taking place all over the world and Dictators are Dying...

The Making of an Organic Intellectual

 As you all know I'm taking small bites of this book which usually means that it takes me a few days to read through a chapter because there is just so much information to try and digest. When I picked up the book for a much overdue blog post, I read straight through chapter 3, "Becoming "X": January 1946-August 1952." In this chapter Marable gives us a summary of Malcolm's life in prison, his introduction to the Nation of Islam, and some of the most amazing details of the history of the Nation of Islam. I wanted to review this book chapter by chapter to lift out those "golden nuggets" that can be missed when one does an overall review. This particular chapter makes me happy I made that decision.

"I could spend the rest of my life reading" (91).

Malcolm's life is prison was one of terror and most of the time he was the one causing it. Marable gives us a little history on the inhumane conditions of the Charlestown State Prison. Charlestown was also the oldest penal facility in continuous use in the world at that time (71). Another characteristic that stood out about Malcolm during his prison stay was how incredibly lazy he was. He stayed in trouble for dodging work or doing enough just to get by. I'm only sure his poor work ethic stemmed from his life of hustling and never really being established on a job. Malcolm met John Elton Bembry a fellow prisoner whom he worked with and whose intellectualism mesmerized him and actually set him on a self-directed course of formal study. Malcolm put this new knowledge to use on the prison debate team where he became an "expert" debater (91). The discipline that came along with Malcolm's search for knowledge really set the stage for him to move into his next phase of life. 

Around 1948, Malcolm's brother Philbert wrote a letter informing Malcolm that the family had converted to Islam (75). Malcolm dismissed this letting citing that Philbert was "forever joining something" (75). What we come to learn up to this point is that the Little family was really close knit despite all the hardships they faced.  The "family" converting to Islam was seen as a way for them to have a common connection regardless of where they went in life (76). In essence, Malcolm's family introduced him to Islam not the prison culture. This was quite a revelation to me. I can't remember if this fact was listed in the "Autobiography" as such or not but I've watched the Spike Lee movie depicting Malcolm's life so much that I have taken it as fact. In the movie Malcolm's conversion to Islam was encouraged by a fellow prisoner. What was even more shocking was the personal connection of Malcolm's family and that of Elijah Poole's. Elijah Poole later came to be known as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Earl, Malcolm's father, had occasionally preached in the Clara Poole's parents hometown (78). Ella had also been friends with the Poole's when she lived in Georgia prior to them being linked to the NOI (78). Malcolm began to embrace Islam and also demanded that the prisons he was in during this time respect the practices the faith of Muslim prisoners. He moved that the  prisons make pork free meals available Muslim prisoners and that Muslim prisoners had cells that faced East so they could perform daily prayers. During this time Malcolm began to correspond regularly with Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm's correspondence was not only with Elijah Muhammad but with lawmakers, family, and old friends. Marable also made it a point to stress that Malcolm continued to attempt to stay in contact with Paul Lennon his supposedly "homosexual" friend and benefactor. It was Malcolm's letter to President Truman that opened his FBI file which was not closed until his death (95).

I can't stress enough how amazing the details were that Marable gave on the background of the NOI and how the organization was birthed. Marable even gave the early origins of The Moorish Science Temple of America and its founder the Noble Drew Ali and how that movement set the stage for Wallace D. Fard to establish the NOI.  Another shocking revelation was that Elijah Poole was never a great speaker, without charisma, and did not even possess basic language skill but Fard saw "something" in him (87). We later came to learn that that the "something" he possessed was persistence. I would encourage anyone who wants to know more about the origins of the NOI and their system of beliefs to read this chapter. Marable closes the chapter with Malcolm release from prison. When Malcolm left prison he purchased a new pair of glasses, a suitcase, and a wristwatch (99). He stated that he purchased these items because he was about to see more, travel, and seize the time (99). 

There is so much information that I gleaned from this chapter that I plan to research independently. Hopefully, some of that research will end up on this blog. Marable referred to Antonio Gramsci's theory of the "organic intellectual" that sparked my interest. Gramsci was imprisoned for over a decade under Mussolini and found that being dedicated to intellectual engagement he could endure physical hardships (90).  What a thought! So I have to search out Gramsci and his theory a little more. Some other events that were mentioned that caught my eye were China's opium wars and the 1901 Boxer Rebellion. More later....

Daily Musings

Self Promotion?
Ruth Madoff is speaking out to 60 Minutes. Her husband, Bernie, is now serving a 150yr sentence for one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in history. Ruth reveals how she and Bernie attempted suicide due to all the pressure and charges he was facing. The cited article states that Ruth is trying to "humanize" her family. She claims that no one in her family had any idea as to what Bernie was up to. Personally, I don't think their son's had a clue but it is very hard for me to believe that Ruth had no idea as to what Bernie was doing. #mainstory

An Enduring Love
In the age of overnight marriages in which more than half end in divorce this story is quite encouraging. Gordon and Norma Yeager both in their nineties died within a hour of each other holding hands. The couple had a fatal car accident. Gordon and Norma's story is one that will prove the naysayers wrong...real love does still exist. #lovestory

Who Knew!?

Maybe I'm late but I did not have a clue that the cute little red monster's voice was a 6ft black man! Yes, I am talking about Elmo! Kevin Clash had a childhood desire to become a puppeteer every since the first episode of Sesame Street. Most of all I think that this story will inspire African-American youth! This will allow our youth to see people, especially a black man, in a profession besides that of a hip-hop star, preacher, or drug dealer. Look for the upcoming documentary based on Clash: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey. #inspiration

Resurrecting a Name
I'm pretty used to people naming their children "strange" names so this story was not that alarming. The Campbell's reside in NJ and two of their three children are named Adolf Hitler and Aryan Nation. The children were removed from the home because of suspected abuse but the parents claim that is due to the children's names. I doubt the state removed the children over their names seeing that the children aren't newborns. The state could have stepped in at anytime since the birth certificate was issued if there was an issue with their names only. Of course the Campbell's had to make it clear that they were not "racists." They may not be but the choosing to name children after one is suspect. #sideeye

The Great Quarantine
Marian Thompson, widow of Terry Thompson who killed himself after releasing 56 exotic animals, went to the Columbus Zoo to pick up the remaining animals but was turned away. The court stopped Thompson stating that the animals were being quarantined. What I would like to know is, was Marian there when Thompson released the animals? Was she there when he was cited on several occasions for mistreating the animals? If so the animals should not be released into her custody, ever! #followup

Daily Musings

Is This a Phase or a Revolution?

Being apart of the 99%, I have begun to follow the "occupy" movements a little more closely. Like the picture on the left points out I guess I woke up. The buzz surrounding the movement today is in regards to the "Occupy Oakland" movement. The police arrested protesters and fired tear gas on them.  This was done because the protesters allegedly threw things at the officers. It is being reported on (CNN) that the area where the protesters were needed to be cleaned/sanitized therefore the police were trying to  clear them out. This was the same reason given by NYPD a few weeks ago when they came and were trying to forcibly remove protesters. Yes, they wanted to do some cleaning alright they want to clean this "occupy movement" out! All this police involvement makes one wonder if the "powers that be" aren't afraid of a revolution on US soil. This year has been one of revolutions! I know there were be some head shaking and giggles behind that statement but one can't deny that the atmosphere is set. What is so ironic is the fact that "if" there is a US revolution it won't just have a black/brown face it will be more white than anything.  The black/brown faces know how to endure the oppressor we have being doing so since we left the ship to "occupy Amerikkka." #mainstory

Fist Pump to the women of Yemen
It is always inspiring when women take the reigns of a revolution, protest, or movement. The women of Yemen are "symbolically" burning their veils or "makrama" for protection from thugs. The accusations are that the governmental forces are raiding homes killing women and children. The Yemen uprising began in March against  the tyrant Ali Abdullah Saleh and he is not backing down. This veil burning is essentially a plea for help. I pray these women get the protection they need and deserve for themselves and their children. I hope the world is paying attention. #inspiration

Whale Slaves
Peta has filed a lawsuit against Sea Word stating that the killer whales at the park are being held as slaves. Peta's argument that the whales are being mistreated maybe valid but them being labeled as slaves is just a bit much. My main reason for even mentioning this foolishness is to ask, "Where was Peta when the county slaughtered those animals in Ohio last week?"  They are mumbling now that the governor has enacted a ban on exotic animals in Ohio. Peta should have been banging down Terry Thompson's door for animal cruelty long before 49 animals were killed. #sideeye

Amy Winehouse
Today the autopsy results for the untimely death of Amy Winehouse came in. The results are that she died of alcohol poisoning. What a sad ending. We all were rooting for Amy but it seems has though the alcohol and the drugs had a deeper root. #sadending

The Dictators are Dying

As strange as it may seem, when I heard of Gaddafi's death the first thing/person that came to mind was Fidel Castro. I silently said "he will be next." Even though Fidel is not currently the head of the Cuban government the brother that followed him closely is. I don't live there but I'm only sure much hasn't changed. One can only speculate if the people of Cuba will be inspired by the events of the Arab Spring.  No, I don't condone Castro's domestic policy but I do agree with most of his foreign policy. What I cannot dispute is that Castro is a dictator and so was Saddam and Gaddafi. They methodically control their countrymen. They kill unmercifully. Somewhere within the masses their is always a select few that have that revolutionary spark that burns within. Coincidentally, at one time that spark burned within Castro and Gaddafi.

I often reflect back on a NPR interview that I heard when the uprising in Libya began. I don't remember the name of the show, minor details, or even the name of the young man that was being interviewed. The man was a journalist whose parents were exiled from Libya but this extended family including his grandparents still lived there. The main focus of the story was how the young man returned to visit Libya the country that his mother spoke so fondly of during his childhood years. What I remember most about that interview is what this young journalist's mother said about a young Muammar Gaddafi. This woman knew him before he rose to power. She spoke of the 27yr old Gaddafi who she and her friends just knew would move up the political ladder with new and fresh ideas. She would be highly disappointed and she along with her husband had to flee the country because of their political ideas. She had to leave her parents behind. She had to leave the country she loved. While listening to this woman, I wondered to myself what had happened to turn the young Gaddafi into an old tyrant? I also wondered how this woman and others that had to flee during Gaddafi's reign felt when they heard of his death. I wonder what will happen to the people of Libya that now possess a new found freedom?  One wonders if this new freedom is really freedom at all or if they will just have a new dictator that hides in the shadows. Everyone knows that the dictator that hides in the shadows goes by the name of, amerikkka.

The Chaos in the Details

At the close of "The Legend of Detroit Red," I just sat for a few minutes to let the information settle. Marable kicks the details up a notch with much less of his sidebar history lessons. Malcolm is living with his half sister Ella but drops out of school when he realizes there are no girls enrolled (39). One of the many amazing "wow" moments of this chapter was Ella's life of crime. I vaguely remember her being such the motherly figure in the Autobiography but Marable paints a very different picture. Ella supports herself with a life of petty crime and was later briefly committed to a mental institution (40). Malcolm's behavior becomes so erratic that I could barely keep up with all his escapades.

From Marable's accounts Malcolm has no real mentor. His half brother Earl Little Jr. died of tuberculosis shortly after Malcolm's arrival (42). So in turn Malcolm studied the "streets." Malcolm befriends, Malcolm "Shorty" Jarvis, who is an accomplished trumpet player and Malcolm's guide to Boston nightlife (42-43). Malcolm fell in love with the ghetto underworld and became fascinated with black celebrities (43). For Marable to keep up with Malcolm's jobs during this time alone I would say makes him a "master" researcher! Of the numerous jobs that Malcolm held during this time one took him straight to "heaven." It was his job as a rail road line cook which traveled the Boston/New York route.  Malcolm deemed New York/Harlem "heaven." His heart would always remain there (48).

Marable introduces us to the people who surround Malcolm and gives us a peek into their lives and how they influenced him. The love interest who Malcolm could not seem to shake until circumstances made him was, Bea Caragulian, a blonde Armenian. Ella didn't approve of this relationship which brought tension between her and Malcolm. Bea was later married but continued to see Malcolm, commit crimes with him, and ultimately testified against him in court. Her actions left a lasting impression on Malcolm and somewhat shaped  his theory of all woman as fragile and weak (68). Later Malcolm was quoted as saying, "I got my first schooling about the cesspool morals of the white man from the best possible source, from his own women"(69). We meet the to black dishwasher and aspiring comedian, John Elroy Sanford, who later comes to be known as, Red Foxx (51). Malcolm met some of the most famous bebop and jazz artists of the day. We even discover that Malcolm himself had a brief stint as an entertainer. He danced at a bar under the name of "Jack Carlton"(63).

Even though Malcolm was using drugs and drinking heavily Marable refers to him as an "extraordinary observer of people"(52). We see that this characteristic proved valuable in his life as a hustler as well as his skill of master manipulator. He faked psychotic behavior to get out of serving in World War II. Malcolm was in a battle to survive and he was doing it by any means necessary. With that being said, I want to discuss that most controversial part of the book and one of the reasons why  I was initially opposed to reading Reinvention. Malcolm's alleged homosexuality. Reading up to the point where Marable brings up this behavior, I would say Malcolm would have done just about anything to survive. He was running prostitutes, selling and using drugs, and he even robbed a family acquaintance and Ella. So when he met Paul Lennon who the alleged activity took place with I can't say what he would not have done for money. Lennon employed "male secretaries" in his home and Malcolm worked for him for as a butler and a domestic (65-66). For this part of the book to cause so much buzz prior to its release Marable clearly states,"There is NO evidence from his prison record in Massachusetts or from his personal life after 1952 that he was actively homosexual"(66). I don't know if Marable brings up this subject later in the text but if there is only speculation and no evidence I'm done with the whole issue.

I really enjoyed the interesting history tidbits in this chapter that Marable always gives. One being that the famed Apollo Theater was a whites-only burlesque house (49). The amazing  facts about Harlem from the Cotton Club, the birth of the Harlem Renaissance, to the details of the 1943 riot. We learn how bebop turns into jazz because artists,"sought to create a protest sound that could not be so easily exploited and commodified" (62).

What may be the most amazing fact to remember while digesting the details of this chapter was that Malcolm's age span during this time as 15-19yrs old. Marable ends the chapter with Malcolm being sentenced to six to eight years in prison for "being with a white woman" not the actual robbery he committed (68).