Bitch Bad, Woman Good, Lady Better, They Misunderstood...

 

When episodes of The Real Housewives of ___ and Basketball Wives invade my Facebook and Twitter feeds more than a presidential address, I cringe as proper role models for our little girls continue to become less visible.  Being an artist who is willing to critique a variety of socioeconomic and political issues, Lupe Fiasco’s latest release tackles children’s misperception of women and implications associated with the word bitch.

Although you may not agree with his view, check the video and lyrics below. Just a little food for thought.  

 

Lupe Fiasco – Bitch Bad Lyrics
[Intro]
Yeah
I say bitch bad, woman good, lady better
Hey, hey, hey, hey

[Verse 1]
Now imagine there’s a shawty, maybe five maybe four
Ridin’ ’round with his mama listening to the radio
And a song comes on and a not far off from being born
Doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong
Now I ain’t trying to make it too complex
But let’s just say shawty has an undeveloped context
About the perception of women these days
His mama sings along and this what she says
“Niggas I’m a bad bitch, and I’m bad bitch
far above average”
And maybe other rhyming words like cabbage and savage
And baby carriage and other things that match it
Couple of things that are happenin’ here
First he’s relatin’ the word “bitch” with his mama, comma
And because she’s relatin’ to herself, his most important source of help, And mental health, he may skew respect for dishonor

[Hook]
Bitch bad, woman good
Lady better, they misunderstood
(I’m killin’ these bitches)
Uh, tell ‘em
Bitch bad, woman good
Lady better, they misunderstood
They misunderstood
(I’m killin’ these bitches)

[Verse 2]
Yeah, now imagine a group of little girls nine through twelve
On the internet watchin’ videos listenin’ to songs by themselves
It doesn’t really matter if they have parental clearance
They understand the internet better than their parents
Now being the internet, the content’s probably uncensored
They’re young, so they’re malleable and probably unmentored
A complicated combination, maybe with no relevance
Until that intelligence meets their favorite singer’s preference
“Bad bitches, bad bitches, bad bitches
That’s all I want and all I like in life is bad bitches, bad bitches”
Now let’s say that they less concerned with him
And more with the video girl acquiescent to his whims
Ah, the plot thickens
High heels, long hair, fat booty, slim
Reality check, I’m not trippin’
They don’t see a paid actress, just what makes a bad bitch

[Hook]

[Verse 3]
Disclaimer: This rhymer, Lupe’s not usin’ bitch as a lesson
But as a psychological weapon
To set in your mind and really mess with your conceptions
Discretions, reflections, it’s clever misdirection
Cause, while I was rappin’ they was growin’ up fast
Nobody stepped in to ever slow ‘em up, gasp
Sure enough, in this little world
The little boy meets one of those little girls
And he thinks she a bad bitch and she thinks she a bad bitch
He thinks disrespectfully, she thinks of that sexually
She got the wrong idea, he don’t wanna fuck her
He thinks she’s bad at being a bitch like his mother
Momma never dress like that, come out the house, hot mess like that
Ass, titties, dress like that
All out to impress like that
Just like that, you see the fruit of the confusion
He caught in a reality, she caught in an illusion
Bad mean good to her, she really nice and smart
But bad mean bad to him, bitch don’t play your part
But bitch still bad to her if you say it the wrong way
But she think she a bitch, what a double entendre

[Hook]

[Outro]
Bitch bad, woman good
Lady better, they misunderstood
You’re misunderstood
Bitch bad, woman good
Lady better, greatest motherhood
(I’m killin’ these bitches)


 

Moroccan Spiced Pulled Pork

As I've said in the past, I evaded the “other white meat” for over decade before we resurrected our love affair for one another. That's not to say I’d order a pork chop or shank at a restaurant, but I definitely can appreciate a low and slow-cooked rack of ribs or pork shoulder.

After a 24 hr brine to preserve moisture, I massaged the pork shoulder with blend of moroccan spices and chipotle then roasted it for 15 hours until the meat separated from the bone.   

A lover of anatomy, I took a little time appreciating the differences between the human and porcine scapula while shredding the finished product...but that's another story. So back to our regularly scheduled program...

I grabbed a mound of fragrant and slightly smokey pulled pork, dipped it in the au jus, and placed it on top of a warm, crusty but doughy Vienna roll. A fan of Memphis-style barbecue, I prefer for the meat to be the star of the show   Therefore, I added just a small amount of my from scratch BBQ sauce.  For textural and flavor balance, I added some homemade apple slaw and pickled jalapeños and squash atop the majestic mountain of pork.

I paired the pulled pork with a libation composed of mesquite honey-infused bourbon, ginger beer, and splash of OJ.  Eat up!!

The Score 

Shoulder to Shoulder – Rebecca Fergusson




Satisfy My Soul – Bob Marley

 

A.D.H.D – Kendrick Lamar 

 

Slow and Steady – Of Monsters and Men

 

Roasted Butternut Squash & Wild Mushroom Risotto

A week or so ago, I picked up some squash, cabbage, carrots, jalapeños peppers, and beets from the local farm.  In efforts to make full use of these perishable goods, I pickled the squash, cabbage, carrots, and jalapenos to pair with some sandwiches.  

Last night, I lightly seasoned (with EVOO, cumin, garlic, pepper, and sea salt) then roasted the butternut squash and beets.  

Once finished, I tossed the beets in a light mixture of vinegar and OJ.  With the remaining squash, I threw together a quick risotto using some vegetable/chicken stock, shallots, mushrooms, and smoked turkey bacon. 

  

Buon appetito!

My Universal Healthcare Soapbox

The recent death of a friend forced me to reflect on the current state of the US on multiple levels. Although they received unemployment after being laid off due to our struggling economy, they earned too much to qualify for government assisted healthcare.  Some people think the solution is simple when they never had to choose between food and shelter or a medical appointment.  But if you have been on the other side, you are set up to lose before the race has even started. 

While I was in grad school, I had grandiose visions of helping everyone in need. At that very same time, I did not have health insurance because I was trying to minimize the amount of money I borrowed. Luckily, nothing ever happened to me.  But living within minutes of the top medical centers, a person should not have to be lucky to survive.  On a plane headed to a continuing education course, a flight attendant summoned for any medical personnel to hit the overhead light to assist in an emergency. Within seconds, a dozen lights were brightly illuminating the cabin.  That act signified to me that most health care professionals have an innate desire to help those in need.

I've been terminated from a position for refusing to forego quality at the expense of drastically increasing revenue.  I was paid well but treating 5-6 patients in an hour is modern day slavery (just my thoughts).  In spite of this, I am still a part of a system where the brightest minds generally do not always accept insurance. I am a part of a system where insurance companies dictate treatment in far too many cases. And I am part of a system where HIV is undetectable in Magic Johnson, yet people in the city where I reside still contract the disease at epidemic rates.  In a country with the brightest minds in medicine, no one should ever die from conditions that are easily preventable or treated yet it happens every single day.

Gandhi once said, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.”  Whether you agree or disagree with my stance on universal healthcare, I think we all agree that a better solution than death is imperative.  I charge each of you to write or call your congressional representatives.  Believe me; the lobbyists are doing the same.


Words I Never Said – Lupe Fiasco

Vent – Big K.R.I.T

Lost In World – Kanye West

What's Crackin' in Orlando?

I've been to Orlando often to visit those magical kingdoms we dreamt about as children. Since becoming an adult, it’s been a different story.  I’ve managed to stay away from Mickey & Co.  like my name was Dwight Howard in 2013 and beyond.

This past weekend a manipulation course (i.e., cracking joints in a specific and skilled manner) brought me back to the destination of many childhood vacations. 

But, I refused to fall victim to the chain restaurants, theme parks, and other tourist traps. When on travel, I try at all costs to live like a local and Orlando wasn't any different.

I rang each morning with a pour-over cup of joe at Barnie's CoffeeKitchen. If you've never had a freshly roasted pour-over or French press, you are missing the complexity of flavors that java offers. Before leaving, I snagged a bag of a freshly roasted organic Honduran varietal.

Now, coffee is one thing but satisfying my epicurious palate is another.   As a resident of the DMV, its easy to spend a ton on a mediocre meal.  Thus when I travel to other cities, I search for those fabulous dives.  Much to my surprise, Orlando didn't disappoint.

At 4 Rivers Smokehouse, i devoured the Messy Pig, a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw, jalapeños, pickles, and a spicy barbecue sauce. It was almost perfect.  My only suggestion would be to use a brioche bun.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare, a tapas style reataurant, paid homage to the street food of seven Asian countries. The highlight of the night was the Singapore noodle dish composed of fresh herbs, coconut milk, curry, and a little heat, Curry Laksa.

As a fan of the DC foodtruck Takorean, I didn't expect as much from Tako Chenna, a Latin/Asian fusion food truck meets restaurant. I was dead wrong and will never look at Takorean the same.  I had the Thai Peanut Chicken, Tom Yum Mojo Shrimp, and Panko Crusted Cod Takos. The fusion of sweet and spicy with fresh herbs, cabbage, and unique salsas provided an instant foodgasm that was recreated with each bite. The amateur chef in me would have substituted the flour tortillas with it's tastier corn brethren. But this was definitely the hidden gem highlight of the trip.
 

After a weekend full of crack, I was thankful to dive into the casual gastronomy scene that Orlando has to offer.  I ended my trip chilling at Lake Eola Park.

 

The Score

Coldplay – God Put A Smile On Your Face

Three Continents - Jimi Tenor and Tony Allen

 

I’m Beamin

 

Old Rag And Coconut Crab

The weather was perfect this past weekend.  While some of you indulged in crushed, fermented grapes at Wine in the Woods, I climbed 3291 feet above sea level to reach the Summit at Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah.  Below are few pictures from the trek.

Yesterday was another productive day spent outdoors with co-workers at Smokey Glen.  Although the food was good, I had a craving for something a bit more sweet and savory.  I attempted to make coconut crab curry and fried rice that I devoured while visiting a friend in Malaysia.

The Score

Lifening by Snow Patrol  

The Light of The Sun  by Jilly from Philly 

  

The Lights by Devon Beck

People Should Just Kick It

Last year, I saw Anne and Emmett, written by Janet Langhart Cohen. She is an Emmy-nominated journalist and former mentee of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The play provides a bird-eye’s view of a fictitious conversation between child victims of racism, Anne Frank and Emmett Till. Emmett was persecuted for whistling at a young white girl in the segregated South. Anne perished in a concentration camp following years of hiding during the Holocaust.

Although I consider myself a culturally diverse person with friends from all walks of life, I must state my obvious bias. I've endured countless instances of blatant racism, including the sight of women clutching their purses on elevators and rejection from fellow colleagues, neighbors, so-called friends, and strangers due to my skin color. Recanting experiences would often lead to intense debates with close friends about what is more difficult to overcome; racism or religious persecution. During the play, I became more aware of the parallels with our stories as opposed to the differences. Even though ignorance is a breeding ground for hatred, we are all part of the human race. Therefore, our focus should be on the elimination of injustice endured by all. In order for this to take place, it is important for people of all walks to experience life together. Although I cannot change how closed-minded people view me, I can change how I allow it to affect me. Instead of focusing on what divides us, I try to focus on what unites us. We all seek happiness developed through lasting relationships that facilitate mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

If they were having a conversation, maybe Anne would have invited Emmett to Passover Seder. Although that is not possible, I was able to attend a Passover Seder at a friend’s home. I have studied the history of various religions, but I wasn’t sure what was Kosher (pun intended) during the religious ceremony. So, I searched on Google and solicited help from a few of my Jewish friends.

At sundown last Friday, the Seder (i.e., order) began. The Passover Seder is a Jewish ritual that marks the beginning of Passover. We read the Haggadah, a text that details the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt found in the book of Exodus. We recited various passages and sang songs. Some of the customs involved dipping parsley in salt water to symbolize tears shed and eating maror (i.e., bitter herbs) to remember the harshness of slavery. We also added a tomato to the Seder plate to remember tomato pickers, who are victims of modern slavery due to undesirable working conditions and wages. After the formalities, we simply enjoyed each other’s company and conversation just like Anne and Emmett.

I will leave you with an excerpt from the book, Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together:"I used to spend a lotta time worryin that I was different from other people, even from other homeless folks. Then, after I met Miss Debbie and Mr. Ron, I worried that I was so different from them that we wadn't ever gon' have no kind a' future. But I found out everybody's different - the same kind of different as me. We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin our way toward home.”