It Needs To Be CED: I’m Not African-American Either

When I heard that Raven-Symoné said on Oprah’s Where Are They Now that she isn’t African-American, I didn’t give it any thought, in fact, I still haven’t seen the episode or read about the news reporting it. I blew it off because I’ve been saying that same thing for years!

I will probably watch the show to see why she said it but if you’ve read any of my CEDitorials over the years, you will never see me using the term African-American, I always refer to myself as Black or to my peoples as Blacks. And yes, I capitalize Blacks all the time! When I’ve written for other publications, the editors always ‘de capitalize’ the B, I have no control over that, but, on this site it will always be a capital B! I see that editors capitalize other ethnicities such as Asian and I figure why can’t I capitalize my race?

It Needs To Be CED: Sweating the Small Things

Technology and advances in basically anything in society is typically good but at the same time, attention spans have lessened and pettiness has risen. We live in a society that rewards ignorance more than moralistic achievements. Charity and good will is ignored while ‘ratchetness’ is highly compensated. You know what I’m talking about so no example is needed.

It’s also a shame that people complain about the smallest and dumbest things, all for a chance to be heard or to air pettiness at opponents or those who don’t agree with their agenda. It was reported nationally that President Obama performed a ‘latte salute’ to some Marines as he stepped off Air Force recently. The president of the United States salutes albeit with a coffee cup in his hand and people are outraged?!?! Seriously?

When did society become so sensitive and petty? Just because you don’t like someone doesn’t mean you have to obsess about what is perceived as wrong or non traditional. If he didn’t salute at all, then, although still not newsworthy, it would be a little more understandable.

It Needs To Be CED: A Mother’s Love

I’m on the train, on my way to work and I see two pregnant women and a young mother with her two children in the same car. Initially, I didn’t give it much thought until I saw how the young kids were being lovingly innocent in the company of their mother. I also noticed how affectionate and caring she was towards them and I couldn’t help but think of what a mother’s love could do for and to a child. Then I start to wonder how our world could be the way it is if this is the start a child gets from his mother.

The strength of a woman can be unbelievably strong in the midst of what she goes through in her life, this is evident. I can attest that as much as I equally loved both my mother and father, I know for a fact I inherited my mother’s strength and as many barriers I’ve faced in life and the struggles I’ve been through, I made it because of that same strength I saw and continue to see in her.

It Needs To BE CED: Is Mark Cuban REALLY Racist?

“If I see a black kid in a hoodie on my side of the street, I’ll move to the other side of the street. If I see a white guy with a shaved head and tattoos (on the side he now is on), I’ll move back to the other side of the street. None of us have pure thoughts; we all live in glass houses.” Mark Cuban

Now, with this statement, the whole world is going bananas by saying Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, is racist. Of course, this comes on the heels of the Donald Sterling (LA Clipper owner caught on audiotape making disparaging statements about and towards Blacks) controversy.

I read the whole statement and, although I can’t prove that he is indeed racist, the thought I got out of that statement is that he is prejudicial. And no, that’s not the same thing, although a racist is prejudicial. In fact, this is the other quote people are reporting on, “I know I’m prejudiced, and I know I’m bigoted in a lot of different ways.” But, does this make him a racist?

It Needs To Be CED: Corruption, Politics As Usual

By BIG CED

The recent ‘discovery’ of corruption in New York politics should come as to no surprise. Well, at least to a skeptic like me. Politics have stopped being about ‘the people’ years ago and yet, people are still fooled by the politicians who will do anything to make a buck or take monies to further others’ causes based on the amount of the checks. Why do you think lobbyists make so much money?

The lobbyists are just legal corruption providers, operating, on surface, to appeal to whatever politicians they can get in their pockets, for whatever causes that will line their pockets further. They are just a mere step below the corrupt players who do it in the back alleys. Only difference is that the politicians allow them to bid for their corruption, er, services legally, as I am quite positive that there are more ‘perks’ included under the table that greatly influences the hands that are being greased.

It Needs To Be CED: Why Can’t We Celebrate Black History Year?

I guess I am impressed when I see people I know posting important facts (online) in Black History daily or several times during the month of February, named Black History Month. It’s the ‘cool’ thing to do, I suppose. But, I liken Black History Month right along with other ‘holidays’ like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Why do I need a certain time to acknowledge my mother, father, girlfriend or my history?

During the year, if I am in a relationship, I take my girl out, I buy her flowers, gifts, things I think she would need and/or like, acknowledging my love for her throughout the year. Same thing with my mother. I’m taking her out here and there, buying her whatever she needs or wants, checking up on her, doing the things I feel a good son should do for his mother. My father has passed on, but that doesn’t mean I only think about him or recognize him on Father’s Day. He is still on my mind throughout the year.

Now, as impressed as I am with ‘us’ being recognized ‘once’ a year, every year, I’m wondering why ‘we’ feel like we should celebrate when we are told to celebrate ‘our’ history?

It Needs To Be CED: I Applaud Chris Brown

By BIG CED

Now, I’m pretty sure after some of you read this, you will see me as cynical or maybe another adjective that is unprintable here. But, hear me out. Let’s just look at it for what it is.

People are complaining about Chris Brown staying seated when he was defeated by his ‘rival’, Frank Ocean, when he lost to him at The Grammys in the category of Best Urban Contemporary Album. In case you didn’t know, there seems to be some sort of ‘beef’ between the 2 popular singers and there was a brief ‘tussle’ almost 2 weeks ago outside a recording studio they were both at. So, it’s fair to say that the two of them aren’t really on speaking terms (But, then again, who IS on speaking terms with Chris Brown these days, besides, of course, Rihanna!) or making plans to record a song together in the near future.

Ok, you’re caught up? Good!

Now, I’m gonna play devil’s advocate and say simply, I applaud Chris Brown! Now, before you start calling me a fool or ignoramus or whatever it is coming to mind as you read this, give me a minute to explain.

It Needs To Be CED: Can Celebrities Keep Their Privacy?

By BIG CED

I’ve heard it many times, if a celebrity chooses to enter into a public life, they have forfeited their right to privacy. My question is, who instituted that rule? Why can’t people in the public eye still have their privacy? Why must ‘we’, the media, feel like we have to report EVERY salacious detail about something that if the shoe were on the other foot, we wouldn’t want as public knowledge?

I can tell you for a fact that there are a LOT of writers, journalists, bloggers who are and have done things that they would NEVER want anyone to know, yet, they are the first ones to report any personal information that no one would want reported, but they do so with celebrities. Now, is that fair?

Does Love Truly Conquer All?

By BIG CED

Yes, by now, I’m sure you’ve seen the photos of Chris Brown and Rihanna sitting, happily, together at The Lakers-Knicks Christmas game yesterday. Some are disgusted, some are happy, most don’t care. It is what it is, but, looking back several years ago, this skeptic knew this scene would be what it was yesterday. As a matter of fact, I feel if it weren’t for public pressure, they would have been back together sooner.

Now, if you ask people around me who I’ve spoken to about the situation, they will tell you I’ve always stated that they never broke up! Yes, what happened was tragic, ridiculous and should never had happened. What’s even worse is that this is a common occurrence around the world daily. Couples fight, couples get entangled in violent confrontations, yet, because most aren’t celebrities, it doesn’t get reported and in a lot of cases, life goes on.

Oh, So Now it’s a Black Thing?

There was never anything wrong when whites voted for whites in 100 percent of the presidential elections until 2008. Now, there are complaints of blacks voting for blacks because they are black? Now, it’s about race, although it was never about race when it was white candidates?

This topic of conversation has taken on new light since former Secretary of State Colin Powell stated he would be voting for President Obama once again. For those who don’t know, Powell was the most recognizable black Republican when he was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.

It Needs To Be CED: Is Chevy Chase Really Racist?

http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/is-chevy-chase-really-racist/

The tone in which he uses the ‘N’ word doesn’t amount to it

There have been numerous reports of actor Chevy Chase using the derogatory ‘N-Word’ on the set of his television show, “Community.”

TMZ reported earlier this week that Chase blurted out the epithet in an awkward rant about the direction his character is taking. Evidently, “Pierce Hawthorne,” the character Chevy portrays on the show, has a slightly racist view of things. I’ve never seen the show, so I can’t say for sure, but according to other news outlets, the character is an eccentric millionaire with some time on his hands.

It’s been previously reported that Chase has complained about the attitude of the character; and that he has, for awhile, been uncomfortable with the character’s behavior and has beefed with the writers of the show. I say kudos to him for that.

Is Chevy Chase a racist?

Tony Parker suing W.I.P. for Drake/Chris Brown fighting is like me suing….

By BIG CED

So, everyone has heard about the ‘big’ Drake/Chris Brown fight earlier this week in New York at W.i.P. NBA player, San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker was injured in the melee. The basketball player has decided to file a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the nightspot (Tony Parker suing W.i.P club for $20 million over eye injury suffered during Chris Brown-Drake fight), saying the club and security were negligent. His lawyer, David Jaroslawicz, also stated, “The defendants were reckless, careless and negligent in permitting Drake’s entourage and Brown’s entourage to be in the club at the same time despite known tension between the two.”

Now, I KNOW I’m not the only one who thinks this is absurd, especially since he didn’t name the combatants in the suit, you know, the guys that actually STARTED the fight… So, I’ve compiled a list of equally stupid reasons to file a silly lawsuit….

Let’s Stop And Frisk the New York Police Department

By Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton

The controversial ‘program’, Stop and Frisk is a legal reason for law enforcement to harass, er, stop mostly minorities in the hopes of catching some infraction (Firearms, drugs, etc.) in the name of preventative measures to stop alleged criminal activities before they happen.  I’m sure this was put in place because before this ‘program’ was instituted, it was illegal to do this without just cause (and mind you, in New York City, just cause is being Black and any other non-white race. As we know it, the police stopped us ‘just cause’ we’re minorities.) This has been controversial since its inception because it usually happens in minority neighborhoods (or as law enforcement likes to say, ‘high crime areas’. That is cop speak for any neighborhood that houses mostly Blacks and Latinos).

Nearly 90% of the ‘victims’ of the NYPD’s Stop and Frisk program (Stop and Frisk- New York Civil Liberties Union’s stats) were ‘innocent’ of any infractions, yet, this continues in the name of ‘preventing crime’, yet, there are crimes in other areas of the city, yet, the ‘citizens’ of those neighborhoods aren’t subjected to this method. What I don’t understand is how can this practice be justified when only 10% of the people harassed, er, stopped, may have weapons, drugs or anything illegal on them? Law enforcement claims it is preventing crime by doing this but how come they aren’t on the Upper East Side frisking white kids who deal drugs, carry weapons and commit other crimes as well? Or down in Chelsea or any other ‘non-minority’ area of the city?

Sexual responsibility reaches new heights with iPhone app Chec-Mate™

If you could share your current STD status with someone instantly through your phone or other application device, would you?

STFree introduces the new Chec-Mate™ application; the world’s first and only Smartphone application developed for the iOS and Android device that will allow you to verify, share or exchange your recent Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening dates and results instantly, securely and confidentially.

Chec-Mate™ is the brainchild of Eli Dancy, founder of STFree Certifications Inc. and creator of the unprecedented Safe Sex License, which is recognized by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “We are excited that advancements in technology have provided us with an opportunity to be the first to provide the world a secure platform to safely exchange lifesaving information” says Dancy.

MGK Joins Record-Setting Tech N9ne ‘2012 Hostile Takeover Tour’ – Lace Up Debut Album Coming Soon!

EST 19XX/BAD BOY/INTERSCOPE RECORDING ARTIST MGK ON RECORD-SETTING 2012 HOSTILE TAKEOVER TOUR MTV’s 2011 HOTTEST BREAK-THROUGH MC SETS OUT   CROSS-COUNTRY FOR 90 SHOWS IN 99 DAYS!

TheWellVersed.com Relaunches With A New Look & New Attitude

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2nd, 2012 After a strong first year, The Well Versed re-launches today with a new look and a new attitude. Under the direction of Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Andreas Hale, the lifestyle site consistently pushes the boundaries, remaining a go-to site for those in the urban community looking for more than superficial news and celebrity gossip.

It Needs To Be CED: Wait, There Are Racists in the New York Police Department?

I’d like to know why there is always an air of shock whenever there are reports of racism in the NYPD ranks? This is nothing new and I don’t see it going away anytime soon. Now, amid reports that some New York City police officers have created a Facebook page, ‘No More West Indian Day Detail’ to protest having to work the large annual parade, which draws the largest amount of Caribbean people to Brooklyn on the Sunday before Labor Day.  Granted, there has been reports of violence at the event, but there are usually similar findings at the St. Patrick’s Day and the Puerto Rican Day parade, so it’s not just limited to the biggest parade in New York City.

But, it’s not the fact that the officers are complaining about working the event, it’s their description of the paradegoers that’s causing the ruckus. Describing Black people  as animals and savages is straight insulting and reeks of racism. And, of course, some of the police that have posted, are basically taking the ‘celebrity’ way out by claiming they may have been hacked and it wasn’t them writing the nonsense being posted. How convenient! There are always reports of bias within the ranks, yet, for every instance of said reports, there are more denials, yet, it’s a continuous complaint. Just like their flawed ‘stop and frisk’ program, which is a great way to exercise prejudice against ‘minority’ youth in ‘targeted’ neighborhoods.

MOBB DEEP’S LIMITED EDITION EP “BLACK COCAINE” TO HIT STORES NEXT WEEK

Cult rap duo Mobb Deep has officially announced the first release on their newly formed Infamous Records imprint. The group has also revealed that the EP Black Cocaine will be a limited release.  Black Cocaine will be available in two different packaging’s, both of which will be released as a limited edition: a five song EP will be available at major retailers, as well as indie record stores on November 21; a seven song deluxe package will be available only at indie retailers as of November 25^th (Black Friday.) Both editions will be a one time print run and will be available until the end of stocks at both major and indie retailers.

 

The EP is the first studio project by the duo since their last album and it’s a prelude to Mobb Deep’s official full length release that is expected in the first quarter of 2012.  “We wanted to give something to the fans that have been waiting for new Mobb Deep music ” says Prodigy.  “This limited edition EP is a collectors’ item for die hard Mobb Deep fans” adds Havoc.

It Needs To Be CED- Responsible Media (Reposted from the archives of TheIndustrycosign.com- August 24, 2004)

It Needs To Be CED- Responsible Media (Reposted from August 24, 2004)

Now regardless of what I say, certain people are going to take this the wrong way. But at this juncture of the game, I could care less. I’d like to think that I am a responsible person. And with being a responsible person, it is my duty to make sure that people around me are responsible as well. With that being CED, I am a responsible writer/journalist/media person, whatever you want to call me. So with that responsibility, I have to say what’s on my mind when something is bothering me, especially when it affects my community and specifically our children!

As black people or minorities or as people of color, we are always judged by false or negative images that are perpetuated by one or even a small percentage of ‘our people’. We know that we are viewed negatively in the media and as much as we complain, we don’t do what’s necessary to showcase the positives, which is at a higher percentage of our race, culture and community. With this being stated why is it that the Black media joins in? It is common knowledge among the minorities that the majority of us are law-abiding, good-natured citizens, but yet, because of a small number of ignorant people amongst us, we are seen as ignorant as well. What makes this problem worse is the influence it has on children.

Ceditorial: Gold Diggers

(Taken from the archives of TheCrusade.net-3/19/2003)
Today’s Ceditorial is on Gold digging, an art form perfected by many women, specifically in the entertainment and sports industry, and even in the corporate world. Why? That’s my question to the women (for lack of a better word!) who engage in this lifestyle. I mean, besides the obvious answers like security, being taken care of, not having to work, what else is there?

I had a conversation with a young lady yesterday and she greatly disappointed me when she mentioned she’s looking for a doctor or lawyer to take care of her, then explained that she was tired of going to school and having bad luck with men.

Mind you, she made the choices of the men she had relationships with. Most disappointing was the fact that she wanted to stay home and take care of the kids while he worked. That’s understandable, but why are you educating yourself so that someone can take care of you? You’ve just wasted all that time and money making yourself more marketable in the workforce instead of just linking up with a jock when you were in high school. If that was your plan, why waste time? Get ‘em while they are young and corruptible!

Ceditorial: The Extremes Of An Artist’s Career

(Reprinted with permission from the original writer, me! Taken from the archives of TheCrusade.net- 4/24/2003)

0444//24/2003
Isn’t it funny how artist’s shift power in the music industry? In the beginning, you’re just trying to come up, shopping your demo, doing open mics, networking but no one acknowledges your efforts. You’re always ignored, frowned upon as a nuisance, and virtually shut down from trying to get your foot in the door. You know you’re the shit and don’t let that treatment get you down. The downside is people may perceive your confidence as cockiness and keep you out simply to validate their perceived power, real or not.

Then you get someone who actually believes in your talent. You’re finally in the door and can now enjoy the wonderful industry politics you have craved to be a part of all your creative life! As you create the hottest shit you can, you’re forced to plead to your label head for the freedom to make the best project possible. You cater to their egos just to get the right decisions made for you and your career. Besides that, you’re also fighting your A&R, who wants to commercialize your project even further just to ensure radio will play it.

It Needs To Be CED: Start Firing Elected Officials and Do Your Own Research BEFORE You Vote!

The way government is run nowadays, it’s not about the people, constituents or the communities being served. It’s all about the elected official and what he thinks or what the lobbyists want. There was a time when politicians actually spoke to the people that helped get them in office in order to understand and know what concerns the community has. But, it’s more apparent that it doesn’t matter what the voters think and this is troubling. There has been countless opportunities recently for elected officials to hear the voice of the people, yet, instead, they ignored those voices and voted or have made changes the people disagreed with. This has to stop!

I do understand that people are skeptics when it comes to the electoral process and especially in the Black community, where the people feel they aren’t truly represented in government, EVEN with a Black president at the helm. In fact, a lot of Blacks feels as if President Obama doesn’t care about them without them realizing that he is the president of ALL U.S. citizens and not just Blacks. But, that’s a different topic for a different time. The fact of the matter is that the people are disgruntled with elected officials in general. But, people don’t realize or won’t acknowledge that they still have a voice in who is elected. We need to start firing these politicians, plain and simple!

It Needs To Be CED: What I’ve Learned…..

I’ve learned that once you start dancing for someone, you have to continue dancing.

I’ve learned that weak managers are hired at bigger companies because they are easier to manipulate and will always be quick to kiss ass.

I’ve learned that when people want to do business with you, it’s because they feel they can gain leverage with you and/or your knowledge.

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to come across as dumb in order to outsmart others.

I’ve learned that you don’t have to like someone to do business with them.

It Needs To Be CED: ALL Police Corruption NEEDS to be Exposed!

Once again, corruption in the ranks of the New York Police Department and it’s not getting the type of publicity it needs to get. In today’s news, it’s reported (No, it’s not front page headline) that Sergeant William Eiseman,  accepted a deal that calls for him to serve weekends in jail for three months. His crime? First-degree perjury and official misconduct. He was also training subordinates how to falsify records and commit perjury, yet, he was only sentenced to serve an approximate 24 days in jail for a crime that carries a maximum sentence of seven years? Why is it that this isn’t newsworthy? You have a police SERGEANT pleading guilty to falsifying records and his excuse was he had the right intent, although what he did was illegal. Yet, the media gets all up in arms about Anthony Wiener showing photos of his genitals via Twitter yet this news barely gets mentioned!

What amazes me is that this police officer, SWORN to uphold the law, actually broke them to try to get convictions, yet, he is sentenced to 24 DAYS in jail. What is wrong with this picture? How are we to know that this isn’t widespread? Where are the politicians on this? How come this isn’t front page headlines? What does Mayor Bloomberg have to say about this?