So, Grant Cardone is in the news this week. You may know him as an author and a purveyor of financial and business advice. I’ve never absorbed any of his content. I’m leery of anyone who’s made a fortune telling other people how to make a fortune — especially when they target specific audiences, like Black people. … Continue reading There’s Customizing a Message for Your Audience, and There’s Perpetuating Bias
Let’s all make one resolution for 2022: We will not get angry when someone tells us their opinion. Agree, disagree, egregious, ridiculous, disgusting, silly, whatever, even social media opinions are valid. You do not have to agree, but let’s give our fellow adults the good old American privilege to be heard without being met with … Continue reading Don’t Get Mad at People for Telling Their Truth
One of the fastest women in the world is a 21-year-old Black woman from Dallas with a penchant for brightly colored weaves, long nails and window washer eye lashes. Her name is Sha’Carri Richardson, and her appearance is all anyone can talk about. Sure, we acknowledge that she’s on her way to her first Olympics, … Continue reading Leave Sha’Carri Alone. She’s Young, and She’s a Winner
Those who follow my blog have undoubtedly noticed that I no longer follow my regular Friday posting schedule. A schedule I’ve kept to faithfully, barring a few holidays here and there, for many, many years. I regret that. I still feel a pang every Friday that I don’t post because it’s been a significant part … Continue reading Why I Can No Longer Bear to Write about Race
I spoke to a friend recently who’s in the job market. She’s in a good spot in that she’s already employed, she’s just looking for a better opportunity. But she was grumbling about one particular person she works with who has single handedly spurred her to go hard at her job search. I just laughed. … Continue reading Why Are We Surrounded by so Many Liars?
A woman I work with is moving from Utah. She of white, black and Native American ancestry, her Black husband, their two young children, even the nanny — they can’t take it anymore. It’s not a diverse place — understatement of the year, apparently — and too many of its populace can’t keep their hands out … Continue reading White People, Don’t Be So Sensitive When We Point Out Racism
I must say I don’t feel the least bit gruesome for the subtle satisfaction I feel in acknowledging — dare I say, low key celebrating? — someone’s demise. But I don’t. I suppose it helps that Aunt Jemima isn’t actually a person. She’s a construct. An antiquated, racist construct that has now officially been rebranded. Out with … Continue reading Aunt Jemima Is Dead
My closest friends know I have a running joke about how in my next life I want to be reincarnated as a white man. I’d like to be 6’3″, fine, with thick, jet black hair, milk pale skin and blue eyes. I mean blue! That spooky, piercing Chris Pine/Paul Newman blue. The rest of me … Continue reading To Avoid Arrest and Death in Cases of Domestic Terrorism, It’s Best to Have Blue Eyes and White Skin
I wanted to be terribly hopeful and happy and excited about 2021, but I confess: I’m more like, meh. Honestly, it feels like just another day, which was, for me, par for the course for 2020. One day ran into the next, and before I knew it, my birthday passed. Then it was fall, and … Continue reading 2021, Cool.
A Life Not Grey 