New Model Minority — Life. Feminism. Pop Culture.

Tyler Perry and Chris Brown: A Teachable Moment

February 19, 2009 by Renina

Earlier this week I was sitting in on a class about the Myth of the Black Mammy.Tyler Perry and the fact that his films are popular withwhite crowds and Black crowds alike came up. I mentionedthat Black comedians have a history of dressing up … [Continue reading]

Pimps, Ho’s and Chris Brown

February 12, 2009 by Renina

It happened on Sunday. The news first broke.I was on Twitter, reading messages about The Grammys,with the TV turned off, when someone wrote a tweet saying,"Looks Like Chris Brown put his Pimp hand Down on a Ho."I unfollowed the person that made … [Continue reading]

I Need a Beat

February 9, 2009 by Renina

We Need a Beat.Raquel Wilson and I are working on a podcast seriesabout Gender and Hip Hop. We need your help with anintro song. If you make beats and want to make a contribution, get at me.The elements that I envision are: 1. For anybody who is … [Continue reading]

My Hair is Good, It Ain’t Never Hurt Nobody #1

February 5, 2009 by Renina

I have been nappy since 1993. While there are some peoplethat contend that Black women with natural hair lovethemselves more so than women who don't. I don't subscribe tothat notion. There are some women with natural hair thatlike themselves, … [Continue reading]

2 Train Wisdom

February 5, 2009 by Renina

Last Tuesday, I ran into a homie, Simone, on the 2 train.She is in BK now, but she is from Oakland, and we both knowcommon people.We are cool, but not tight. This is important to note becauseof the significance of what she went on to say to me.I know … [Continue reading]