Mic On Monday: Dear Daddy...

Barack Obama is in the White House. America must now confront it's belief that black men are not in the home, that black men are not good fathers, that black men cannot provide for their families. Mr. Obama may be the father of a new hope & this era of change, but good responsible and nurturing black fathers are more prevalent than The Maury Povich Show would have us to believe. The positive black male presence is non-existent in most mainstream media. If a black man gives back to his community, he's given a 30-second blurb on the evening news; however, when a black athlete or musician commits a crime, he's glorified as if his poor behavior is what is to be expected of all black males. Anything better is frowned upon or ignored. Rappers T.I. & Lil Wayne provided money, afterschool programs, and housing for their respective communities. MTV & even BET covered the stories in less than five minutes. T.I. was recently incarcerated for weapons charges and Lil Wayne is facing jail time as well. Both artists' crimes and jail sentences have been the subject of several media outlets' Top Stories lists. Thus, it is easy and commonplace for the general public to perpetuate the lazy, careless, & absent black male stereotype.


Father's Day 2009 is a prime time to reflect on those men who have been present in our lives as father-figures. It's easy to look celebrities and socialites as if they are our only source of leadership. But, there was a time before our infatuation with glitz and glamour that we valued the town police officer, doctor, fireman, teacher, & pastor. Being a father figure and a positive male role model was important and a privilege that held more prestige than rims, bling, and the amount of women one has. Many insensitive, aimless, irresponsible males do create offspring and choose not to care for them. However, our society chooses to publicize their shortcomings & apply them to the majority who do care and provide for their families. This year's celebration of fathers should reflect the change Obama speaks of and the hope of America's future. We should rebel against the recession that aims to discount our fathers' presence and their great works. Our fathers deserve to be acknowledged for more than simply aiding in our conception.

To My Father

Daddy,

It's been said that I have your ears & your temperment. I hear your voice when I stray from the path I know to be right for me. I hate getting dirty but because of you I know that a gentleman can sweat and get the job done and still look smooth and be attractive. I am slow to speak because you taught me that actions always speak louder than words, unless an ass-whooping was in order. You never taught me to wait for anyone else when I could take care of myself. I know what hard work is, but more importantly I know what hard work & good planning can accomplish because I see it everyday when I look in the mirror and reflect on our home & our life. I know that I have the world in my hands because you've placed it in my palms. I know that negativity isn't worth my time & that negative people don't deserve my company. I know that you're proud of me & that you love me; your hugs tell me that this is true. I know that you may not always understand me but you still listen and let me sort through my own confusion. I know that I have safety & peace & assurance because you're only a phone call away. You welcomed my partner into our family & we're both grateful for your support. He reminds me of you in many ways, but the longer I am with him I realize that I remind me of you. My limbs are becoming wrought with veins that say

"I'm not afraid to take my future into my own hands."

Those same veins are what I prayed for when I didn't think I looked enough like you. I wanted people to say I looked strong like my daddy, that I spoke strong like my daddy, that I made every moment count like my daddy. I'm still learning. I can still shit-talk with the best of 'em because you taught me that sometimes life is just bullshit and trees. I know that my daddy is the first man to love me without any strings attached and Scott's learning this, too.

Thank you, Daddy, for not letting go when you could have so many times before.

I love you, Michael.

To my Homie, Lover, Friend...Happy Birthday, KHOLI!!!

She walked into the room, following a line-up of young women that I watched from across the room. She, however, definitely stood out, with a fire-red mane, super-fab glasses that hid eyes that I would later find to be too honest for their own good, and a grin that caught my eye because I caught hers. What can I say? I’m kind of amazing. (Actually, as I was introducing myself to the room, I opened my mouth and my man-voice was M.I.A. “I fly like paper, get high like planes…”) I apologize for my shameless plug during my attempt to honor my boo. I also apologize for my failed attempt at false modesty. I AM amazing…like Yeezy and Jeezy.

So…the grin. That grin told me that she “saw” me and said grin also told me (later) “Nigga, I got plans.” But, that story is for yet another day. Over the course of the summer of 2006 and the years to follow Ms. Kholi has made it evident that friendship, love, respect, passion, and total freshness (not like body deodorant, but like “flyy,” the now defunct “swag,” and “bad” like…[Insert Michael Jackson voice here] “Who’s bad?!”) are important to her expression as a woman and as a human being.

I love Kholi because

1. She enables my random ridiculous dramatics (e.g. the aforementioned shameless plug…still many more to come).

2. She is THE only person I allow to call me MIKEY (the way she says it is so CUTE…like me *told you*).

3. She is smart like flash cards and times tables.

4. She sends the best text kisses. I promise you that when my phone receives a Kholi “muah;)”, I know my unlimited daytime minutes are well spent.

5. My mom still calls her “my enabler”; which is really the pot calling the kettle black. Trust me.

6. She wrote in my journal…and I have to admit that I read it from time to time to remember “us and our plans”…cause we got’em, yo.

7. She has a dangerous obsession with shoes.

8. When I told her that I wanted to be a stripper when I grew up, she said no. When I begged and used my charm, she still said no. She’s still saying no as I type this.

9. She inspires me.

10. She told me this, “Mikey, we’re trophy’s.” …and I believe her.

C.Y.T.Kholi, I love you. You’re my girl, sister, lover (of my soul), homie, and friend. I am so proud to label your presence in my life, knowing that none of these words properly express your impact in my world. Thank you and Happy Birthday, ma. You are truly an AUTHENTIC chick.

Love,

mikey

Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

“I’m sorry.” It’s amazing how much hurt or pain or frustration or anger is lifted off one’s shoulders when this statement is offered up as a personal sacrifice and a balm used to ease a bruised ego or upset heart. When was the last time you told someone that you were sorry, that you apologize for harming their well-being? I am always surprised at how easy it is for us to say “I’m sorry” in the day-to-day happenings such as when we forget to return a pen or paperclip to a co-worker that we borrowed from their desk. Or when we interrupt someone’s conversation. Or when we take a bit too much time at the McDonald’s drive-thru trying to find the exact change for your Southern Style Chicken Sandwich with extra pickles & and large Triple Thick Vanilla Milk Shake.*
Nevertheless, such trivial episodes in our lives for whatever reason elicit this weighty statement. However, when we hurt someone, whether intentionally or not, we seem to lose the capacity to issue this statement that is otherwise so easy to say. Why is it that the moments in which our whole being should submit an apology, we choke?

“I’m sorry” has saved friendships, relationships, and families. It’s yielded perspective and alternatives during situations where neither party wanted to compromise. It’s enabled our common humanity in times of war and chaos. It’s initiated dialogue between various peoples & nations. It’s ended arguments that may never have suffered resolution. It’s created peace.

“I’m sorry” is so profound a statement that it not only eases our spirits when we hear it from someone who has wronged us; but, it also comforts us when we apologize to ourselves. When was the last time you told yourself that you were sorry? For not acknowledging your abilities and talents? For succumbing to fear, gossip, or negativity? For not enabling your potential? For not listening to your conscience? For not respecting yourself? For not being AUTHENTIC? (ßreal talk.)

Let’s make this interactive. Today check me out on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/envyoftheworld. Within your realm of comfort, tell me some of the people or situations or issues for which you wish to apologize. Start with yourself first. For instance, your message will go as follows:

“I’m sorry: 1. B/C I chose not to prepare for my tests. 2. B/C I underestimated the parentals & their awesomeness. 3. B/C I haven’t accomplished as much recreational reading as I know I have time to accomplish.”

Now, if you don’t Tweet, please feel free to leave a comment in the same format. However you choose to participate or if not at all, please know that we are all entitled to an apology if someone harms us or if we harm ourselves. Take some time to apologize to yourself and to someone. And the next time you say “I’m sorry,” please realize the power you hold. It’s mighty.

Till next time…

Stay up. Stay real. Stay AUTHENTIC.

mic

Mic on Monday: Protect the Booty!

Friend says, “ What’s Mic on Monday?” I gasp. I clutch the pearls. I am befuddled. Have I not been clear in explaining the yummy goodness that is “Mic on Monday”? Immediately I send out the bat signal aka rush to my computer and begin to concoct a definition that will solidify my AUTHENTIC efforts. After much toil & trouble, I have crafted the explanation: Mic on Monday is something for the ladies. The womb is the beginning of all life. Honor it on the first day of the week. Like Queen said, “Ooooohhhh, ladies first…”

That’s right…we be droppin’ knowledge. Tell a friend.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC.org/saam) highlights sexual assault as a public health issue & advocates tailoring their campaign to better suit your community. The statistics of sexual assault as of 2007 are that 1 in 2.5 women will be raped before the age of 25 & 1 in 4 men will be raped before the age of 25. Other stats you may find are alarming, to include children.

Please take some time to visit www.NSVRC.org/saam. Your safety is key in living your most AUTHENTIC life possible.


Oh…you thought I was finished? It ain’t neva ova!

Mic Check: do this - Don’t just share your sexual assault awareness info with your girls. Spread knowledge to your boys & see what they have to say about this 1 in 4 male statistic that will prove that it’s not about gay men raping straight men; but rather men & WOMEN seeking control and power over another human being. The Crisis Center that I work with meets guy after guy who ‘knows’ that women can’t rape & that men who get raped probably wanted it. Then we show them a case from 2005 where a man was raped by two men as his wife watched. She thought it would be ‘funny’. It was their honeymoon.

What a world we live in. I’d blame it on the alcohol, but Jamie already did that. Thus, get in the know. Don’t rely on a false sense of security. The life you save may be your own.

get in the know
get real
get AUTHENTIC

mic

MIC ON MONDAY!!! CHECK Yo'Self...

It’s been a long time…
since we left you…
without a dope beat to step to…


Good day, AUTHENTIC!


I apologize for my recent shamtasticness, however, I’ve had an icky aka cold/flu/ -- utter nastiness. Please forgive me. Pretty, pretty please? I’m on bended knee. Actually, I’m chillin’ curled up on a body pillow in my boo’s room. Nice visual, eh?

Now, down to business. This past Sunday was Easter, & whether you dig religion or not, it’s a symbol of rebirth & reinvention. It’s a time to celebrate Jesus & how he rose from the dead to dye candy-filled eggs laid by bunny rabbits in order to save us from a horrid, sinful existence in a world of primary colors, thus yielding pastels & very happy gay men with a flare for the fantastic & a love for fashion & cute handkerchiefs. This Sunday school lesson has been brought to you by the letter A & the number 2. Be blessed, my chirren! (Disclaimer: If you found any of the aforementioned statement funny, you will go to the hell.)

The term “spring cleaning” not only applies to one’s attic or closet, but also to one’s life. Dead weight friends, unhealthy habits, negative thinking, counter-productive work ethic -- must all go…much like Macy’s post-Christmas holiday discount sale. SIDENOTE: I like cute clothes. (hint) I can fit a 3/4 in Lucky Brand jeans & my shoe size is an 11 or 12 depending on the make of the shoe. (double hint).

My spectacular physique aside, Mother Universe on this day has offered us a new start with the ushering in of spring. It is your responsibility to your health & wellness -- & ultimately, your humanity -- to take full advantage of this chance of rebirth. I prefer self-evaluation to start my rebirth process; however, that does not mean that my external evaluation is not to take place simultaneously. Ask yourself some key questions:

1. When was the last time I smiled? Why?
2. When was the last time I cried? Why?
3. What do I want for my life right now (my present goals)?
4. What do I want for my life tomorrow (my future goals)?
5. What has my past taught me?
6. What answers am I still searching for?
7. What is my purpose in its purest/simplest form?
8. What would I like to improve physically? Why?
9. What do I like about myself physically? Internally?
10.How do I recognize my worth from day to day?

No, you may not look like Beyonce, or Halle, or me when you complete your tasks. Nor will you immediately find your inner Oprah or Gandhi; but you’ll begin to notice your fledgling source of inner peace & self-worth & beauty that may have gone unacknowledged during the rigors of winter.

Check in with yourself & you’ll appreciate the pearls you’ll find that exist in the treasure chest you call you.

A friend/play cousin told me this morning that there’s no reason to hang your head. At this very moment, there are people hard at work trying to steal your joy. Don’t let them. It is your choice.

It is our choice to improve ourselves, appreciate ourselves, & to encourage ourselves to be our best & most AUTHENTIC selves.

Get up.
Get life.
Get AUTHENTIC.

mikey loves you, baby



P.S. This is so abrasive...but, you feel me, right?

Mic on Monday: An apple a day...

Open your mouth, stick out your tongue, & say, "AAAAAAaaaaUTHENTIC!"

No HMO needed. This is just a check-up.

How's your Post-it Note sticking nowadays, or rather, how are you sticking to your Post-it Note?

You betta ack like you know what I'm talkin' bout!

Remember this.

[Cue dream sequence HERE.]

<<<Press Play.>>>

I thought I told ya'...that we won't stop.

I thought I told ya'...that we won't stop...being AUTHENTIC.

Pull out the pastels and pick up your Post-it Note for 2009. It's Springtime!

Remember: We're never closer to greatness than when we're walking foward arm in arm with fear and promise, our eyes on the horizon, our feet on the ground.

get up.

get real.

get AUTHENTIC.

m./e

Mic on Monday: GET TESTED...for LOVE.

It's yet another Monday, AUTHENTIC, & I think that I will keep today's post simple.

GET TESTED...

for LOVE.

This includes but is not limited to tù familia, your friends (them backstabbers, too!), your boo/booty-call/bedfellow/friend with benefits, & last but NEVER least - YOU! And if that's not enough motivation, get tested for me. That's right people, get tested for the one who loves you most...MIKEY, baby! [Insert my Keri Hilson "Turnin' Me On" intro voice HERE]

It's been a while since my last "Hey, AIDS is real" post. But just in case some of you like reminders, here it is:

*sings*

"Don't you...evah...get...too...comfortable..."




Till next time,

get up.
get real.
get AUTHENTIC.

love,
m./e

P.S. Click the "GET TESTED" to link up with the latest stats concerning HIV/AIDS & the womenfolk.

Mic on Monday: Opening Doors

Good day, AUTHENTIC!

Young men are taught to open doors for ladies. Young women are taught to enter these doors and cross these thresholds. However, when a young man fails to open a door for a lady or when a young woman fails to enter the door and cross the threshold, both are considered deviants or less than man or less than woman.

This weekend my boyfriend took me on a tour of the local aquarium. The animals, the sea life, the people were great. The smells...not so much. But I digress. During one portion of the tour, I witnessed a young girl (no more than 3 or 4 years old) standing with her hands akimbo, complaining to her parents. The father was holding the door open for the little girl and her mother. The mother passed through the door and waited for the young girl to follow suit. However, this precious little mama had something on her mind. As I got closer within earshot, I could hear her explaining to her father, "I want to hold the door for myself." The father watched somewhat amused and a bit confused. Enter the mother. Mom recrossed the threshold and squatted down to eye-level for her daughter and said, "When a man holds a door open for you, you walk through it. You are a lady. That's what ladies do."

"But I'm not lady. I'm a little girl," replied the smart little girl...with some stank on it.

"Well, little girls become ladies when they grow up," explained the mother.

"No they don't!"

"Not if they act like you. Now quit causing a scene and get through this door," commanded the mother.

The father had checked out of this exchange and had focused his attention on the growing bundle of people waiting to walk through the door his daughter sought diligently to not walk through. And this is where my pissedoffedness enters. The mother smacked the little girl on the cheek, grabbed her hand, and told the father, "Come on. We gotta go. She's probably just sleepy and cranky."

Views on corporeal punishment aside, this situation upset me and puzzled me.

Why couldn't the parents allow the little girl to open the door for herself? Why did the mother equate ladyhood with crossing thresholds? Why was the father absent from the conversation?

Am I the only person who thinks that this would have been the perfect opportunity for the parents to recognize their daughter's desire for independence as a growing woman? Why did they not encourage her self-reliance?

Ladies of AUTHENTIC, I need answers.

Till next time...

get up.

get real.

get AUTHENTIC.

m./e

Mic on Monday: A Women's Worth

When do you tell a sistafriend that she's falling short of her greatness?

We are almost 1/4 of the way through 2009, and some of us are feeling the weight of our New Year's resolutions. Some of us cheat and eat that extra piece of cheesecake and convince ourselves that Summer is still six months away. Some of us put off calling that old friend thinking that they won't notice you both haven't spoke in months...or years. Some of us haven't told that special someone "I'm sorry," or that they're special. Some of us haven't stopped to appreciate ourselves. Said, "I love me."

Thus, my reason for today's post: this weekend one of my sistafriends received word that her relationship with her boyfriend was over - via text message! As asinine a gesture as this is, my frustration arose because she felt that she deserved this treatment. She's two months away from her Master's degree, beautiful, intelligent, she knows me, [Insert more great adjectives HERE.], so chick is the bomb circa 1995 with all the bells and whistles of the 21st century. Sadly, she has since opted to wait for him to realize that he loves her.

Why?

I am clueless. I've found that this is not uncommon for many of my girls, especially my minority chicks. And with the recent upsettedness that is Rihanna vs. Chris Brown vs. the Media, I find it peculiar that women who, in my opinion, are one step away from ruling the world, have this mindset that they deserve less than their worth when it comes to their romantic life.

Ladies of AUTHENTIC, when do you tell your sistafriend that she's living below her means? In other words, what do you do, what do you say when your girl is cheapening herself and denying her greatness?



get up.
get real.
get AUTHENTIC.

m./e

Mic on Monday: Happy Women's History Month!

Happy March, AUTHENTIC! March marks the celebration of Women's History. AUTHENTIC's hand is on the pulse of this history. A history marked with Michelle Obama (First Lady of the United States of America), Venus and Serena Williams (tennis professionadas and moguls), Alicia Keys (singer/songwriter/actress), Queen Latifah (singer/actress/producer), and Fatima Robinson (choreographer). Women's History month 2009 is the start of a redefinition and reclamation of feminine energy and its works. Change and the transcending of the shackles of insensitive patriarchy, - Women of AUTHENTIC - you make this happen.

However, there is still much to be done.

In Brazil, a nine-years old girl is pregnant with the twins of her step-father. He is said to have molested her since she was six years old.

And (below), a confined young girl in Seattle, Washington, is beaten senseless by TWO officers.



And my friend Nikki, just witnessed the trial of her rapist be put on hold...because HIS family had unexpected circumstances. Apparently, the fact that their son raped a woman doesn't warrant any humanity. Nikki's life is still in this insecure boy's hands, and his parents are not willing to acknowledge this very big piece of information.



Thus, change must come. Through art, through song, through word, humanity and compassion must overcome the recession of postive energy our world is experiencing. Obama may offer a bailout for our pockets, but it is up to us to bail out our hearts and minds. Dear women of AUTHENTIC, please extend your hand in change and fight to extinguish the blatant inconsistencies of our government, our communities, and our homes.


Happy Women's History Month!

get real. get change. get AUTHENTIC.

mic

Mic on Monday: Girl Trouble!

Good day, AUTHENTIC! I apologize for my lapse in posting last week, but Life called, and when I answered the phone she had some very good news for me. That aside, I have a confession to make:

I got girl trouble. It's serious.

Now, I know those of you who know me are trying to rationalize how I can have girl trouble; but, I promise, this time it's mad serious. Check this out.

It is the last Monday of February 2009 and I know that some of you may be asking yourself “where were the obligatory Black History Month posts?” I was having a conversation with a mix of friends this weekend and someone stated that after Obama’s election to the White House, Black History Month seems a thing of the past. The speaker stated that she felt that BHM was important and that it was instituted so that America could realize and acknowledge Black people’s contributions to our country. Since Barack Obama is now President of the United States of America, the goal of BHM has been attained & therefore the month is no longer needed. Now, I found many areas of concern with her logic, but I can’t really include the full or abridged conversation here because I’m not sure that we’ve agreed to abandon this discussion just yet.

I will, however, leave you with what I believe is her main argument:

Barack Obama’s election to the White House signifies the end of the plight of black people. The African Diaspora officially has equal footing in the world and can now enjoy all the rights and privileges of mainstream American society and the greater global community. Basically, blacks no longer need Black History Month because we’re the same as everyone else.

And here’s why I’m not sure the conversation is finished.

I asked her

“If Hillary Clinton won the Presidency, would all of women’s problems be fixed and all women’s works be recognized, creating equal footing for the female gender?”

She has yet to answer.

Was I wrong to pose such an inquiry? Is her logic incorrect? Is my unsettledness due to her being a twenty-something black college student who aligns Beyonce’s female proclamations and calls for dope boys (read Destiny Child’s “Soldier” lyrics) with Nina Simone and Lena Horne’s artistry and political involvement? Or am I really upset because her peasant blouse and skinny jeans with Reebok’s and an “I Heart Black People” hoodie were an affront to the surrounding aesthetic? Help me out, AUTHENTIC. I need answers. Those of the female persuasion.

Whatever the case, get real. Get lifted. Get AUTHENTIC. Happy Monday!

mic

The Happiness Chronicles: Service Before Self

Hey, AUTHENTIC!

I'm a bit excited today because we are one step closer…to being AMERICA'S NEXT MODEL! Wait. I apologize. We are one step closer to officially having Barack Hussein Obama as our Commander-In-Chief! Yes We Can/Did/Will Do. However, as we learned every year in elementary school, the calendar is only big enough to include one Monday that is dedicated to one black man and his service and greatness and story. Greatness thy name is Martin Luther King, Jr. And this is where today's history lesson stops. Dr. King did wonders for America. And I am not uninterested in MLK 101, but it's been my experience that people remember and embrace and practice what you preach when that preaching can be enacted in a tangible way. Thus, how will we make change and create progress in our lives? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Obama both encourage a life of community service. Which brings us to our newest installment of "The Happiness Chronicles!"

[INSERT ROARING CROWD  & APPLAUSE HERE].

My ridiculousness aside, AUTHENTIC is dedicated to uplifting women of color and all of the wonder and greatness you possess. Happiness is but a reflection of your efforts made manifest in your works. Thus, community service is three fold: it yields purpose beyond ourselves, connects you to your community, and ultimately makes you (that's right!) HAPPY because of the sense of pride and progress you'll experience as you see your involvment grow and manifest change. And like my girl Kholi says, "There's no small change." At least that's how I think it goes.

With Obama Nation a day away, service is pivotal to aiding our new administration in succeeding and reviving our economy and strengthening the ties of diversity. For many of us who wish to/and do serve our community, the pressure to be part of something big can be overwhelming. Although starting at home may seem small, it is reasonable and more personal. You can really put your stamp on local projects by volunteering at local Boys & Girls clubs, YM/YWCA, Big Brother/BigSister, local nursing homes, youth book clubs, and even soup kitchens. You might even tell your friends to tell their friends about checking out AUTHENTIC and her various connects on Facebook, MySpace, and the Ning network. You may donate money to your causes, but in today's economic  climate,  finances may not be your first choice of service. I advocate volunteering your time before giving your dime.

Here are a few volunteer ideas that make a great difference with little to no charge to you. They may even make someone else happy…and that's the business we're in, at least for January.

1.smile at a stranger

2. hug a friend

3. pay a compliment to someone with whom you rarely speak

4. offer to clean an elder's front yard

5. spend some time with a local youth

Check out the video below. The First Lady in Chief Michelle Obama declares Monday, January 19, 2009, a day of service. Get involved. Get AUTHENTIC.

2 Oh ... OH! 9 ... TO DO!

For 2009 my Post-it Note says that I am

1. maintaining my happiness at all costs
2. nurturing my talents...on the daily
3. focusing on servitude within my community, both locally and globally
4. And lastly, but never least, being flyy like only I can be (this includes, but is not limited to, eliminating posers, unmasking truth, and seeking the positive.)


thanks mikey!

I'm, sooooo! Posting this to my wall!

Hey guys?!? How are you doin you in 09!

FIRST OFFICIAL "Mic on Monday's" post: come get some!

Good day, Authentic! I’m Mic (pronounced ‘mike’) aka Mikey aka the envy of the world aka that Authentic man. And, well, it’s Monday, so I suppose today marks the first OFFICIAL “Mic on Monday’s” post. For more about me, check me out here and here and here and definitely here. Now, let the games begin!

We’ve all heard and seen the commercials and the billboards telling us to check the HIV status of our partners. But, I have found, too often, that this is where we stop. It is as if our other loved ones are not in danger of contracting HIV. Don’t they matter, too? (This is a rhetorical question. If they don’t, please suspend your disbelief for all practical purposes of this conversation. Thank you.)

We should have a little talk with everyone about whom we care.

“But, Mic,” you say, “how do I talk to those other than my partner/boo/boyfriend/girlfriend/booty-call/bedfellow/STD perpetuator/[INSERT YOUR LABEL HERE] about HIV and protection or worse…ABSTINENCE till commitment?”

Wherein, I will politely reply, “I dunno. But thanks for asking.”

However, since I am here. I suppose we can delve into this a bit more.

It always catches me by surprise that even in our arguably sexually liberated 21st century society, parents are still uncomfortable speaking with their children about sex and protection. But, what is more puzzling to me is the fact that many children are uncomfortable speaking to their parents about this issue. Yet, we all know how to Supaman dat’ ho. Things that make you say, “Hmmm.” It’s as if this little ditty is really about superheroes and our bootylicious music videos and magazines only give us that funny feeling below our tummies because they’re so wholesome and remind of us of grandmamma’s biscuits and our favorite Saturday morning cartoons (Smurf’s and The Snorkels were mine…but, I digress.)

So, in whose lap does the responsibility fall in regards to sex education and STD prevention? I am going to upset many of you when I say this, however, you’ll love me in the end (If not, this, too, is another one of those places where you suspend your disbelief. Thank you.).

The responsibility lies with the children--us. Why? Well, a wise prophet once said that “the children are our future.” That same wise prophet said that “crack is wack.” The jury is still out on said prophet. But, nonetheless, the responsibility is ours because these are our bodies, our lives, our futures that are being shaped right before our eyes and at the rate that our world is changing, our parents may not be equipped to navigate the slippery slopes of sex in the 21st century. Seriously, some of us aren’t even equipped and we’ve been riding the rides in this amusement park called post-9/11 America for almost a decade.

Now, there aren’t many tools available kosher enough for us to interrupt Sunday dinner with an impromptu slideshow or hand puppet production (my personal favorite!) that discusses the humps and bumps of sex education. Pun intended. But, if your family is like mine, and it probably isn’t (Again, my friend, keep suspending that disbelief. Good job. Thank you.), you can all appreciate hearing stories about real people living real lives.

Billboards have models. Commercials and public service announcements have actors. Both are important; but, the visualization of people who share your experience is always more gripping and lasting. Think about it: when was the last time you appreciated a man telling you how to be a woman?

Dear Bush Administration, this is my mother/sister/homegirl’s uterus. It’s hers. Not yours. So, beat it…and not like that, silly.

"So, Mic," you say, "what the hell is your point?"

To which I will politely reply, "Watch your tone."

But, I do have a little tidbit to share with you:the website A Positive Life.com is a great example of how multi-faceted the face of HIV/AIDS is. Each testimonial expresses the great need to self-educate and to share that education with your loved ones…even your drunk, stank-faced, wig-wearing, too loud, nosey auntie who gives you the same oversized red sweater every year at Christmas (I apologize. I may be personalizing.).

These are our stories told by a new generation of story-tellers. There is someone with whom everyone can identify. Parents, children, friends, and lovers share their stories of living with HIV/AIDS. They share their stories of empowering their loved ones who are HIV positive. They share their stories of supporting those who have full blown AIDS. You cannot deny the amount of courage, faith, strength, and, ultimately, love conveyed in each video or voice recording. I encourage you to take some time and check out this great website. It’s easy to navigate and one of my favorite parts of the whole site is that people look like me. Of course, they’re nowhere near as fabulous; but, they are brown-skinned and black-skinned and red-boned and yellow and well, not melatonin-less.

Good day, ladies. See you next week! Enjoy life. Enjoy you. Enjoy just being authentic.

Ciao,
mic

P.S. She supports HIV/AIDS awareness, too.