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Subject: "RE: Fantasia's 'Baby Mama' Song Sends Bad Message?" This topic is locked.
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NETER
Member since Apr 08th 2005
756 posts
Sun Apr-10-05 03:18 PM

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126. "RE: Fantasia's 'Baby Mama' Song Sends Bad Message?"
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The characterization of motherhood being trivialized into a simplistic trivial label such as "baby mama" is a pure example of our inability to grapple with the deliberate manifestations of white supremacy as a power-control mechanism. The wheel of white supremacy is still rolling and yes we are still suffering from century fold degradation in our forms of cultural expression.

Cultural expression speaks to the core identity, self-awareness, and spirit of any people. White supremacy uses these channels of expression to control our desires and our fears because it understands that the control of culture precedes all other methods for obtaining power. If you are to subjugate anyone begin in their midst with their very own forms of song, dance, literature, dress and all artistic expression associated with it



>As I listened to Fantasia caterwauling about how great it is
>to be a “baby mama,” I was reminded once again why I hate the
>show “American Idol.” It’s not just that it has those with no
>talent judging the minimally talented (I exclude the gorgeous
>AND talented Paula Abdul from that assertion). It’s that any
>of us can go to any storefront church in black America and
>find better singers than the ones that appear on the show.

Paula isn't excused for her talent.. she partakes and profits off the bafoonery

>
>Let’s face it: that’s what many “baby mamas” have done. They
>got knocked up by some loser who couldn’t or wouldn’t marry
>them. That’s a mistake. You don’t go around singing songs
>praising your mistakes. You correct them.

This is a grave miscalculation on your part. Many women become pregnant not because they slept with a loser but b/c the loser did a hell of a job in pretending not to be a loser. Of course that doesn't negate the fact that there was an err in decision-making, but my eye tells me that many women open themselves up to men merely because they believe that they aren't going to leave them. I think if many women knew what the "response" would be then it may not reach that point. Secondly we must acknowledge the role that the courts and government has in this area. Child Support is one of the most destructive control mechanisms that the government can employ within the context of domestic life. The system pits mother against father while also serving catalyst for confrontation and conflict in the black community (just as mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence).

>But let’s assume -— and believe me, this is only for
>argument’s sake -— that Fantasia is right, and that “baby
>mamas” do deserve praise. Why do they deserve more praise than
>the sisters who decide to get married and then have children?
>Why do “baby mamas” deserve more praise than those sisters who
>decided to wait before either having children or getting
>married and decided to attend college and get a career and
>degree first?

Waiting to get married or obtaining a degree isn't the surest way to harmony in child-rearing. Consider infant mortality rates...The infant mortality rate (number of infant deaths per 1,000) was about 15 per 1000 for whites in 1900 and 30 per 1000 for blacks. With all of the medical advancements and so called access gains we've achieved the number has dropped dramatically. As of 2003 the rate was 4.2 for whites and 8.0 per 1,000 for Blacks. Although this is a substantial decrease it is significant to note that the "double" standard still exists. The disparity and disproportionate rate is apparent (4.2/8.0). This suggests that institutional racism is still a factor. This exists regardless of age, economic background, marital status etc. College educated black women are still more likely to have babies of low-birth weight than college educated white women...!

>And isn’t Fantasia ignoring the wealth of problems single
>motherhood has brought black America? If I’ve heard one person
>involved in juvenile justice matters tell me once, they’ve
>told me a score of times: most of the young black men in “the
>system” come from homes with a single mother. No father
>around. In a town like Baltimore, where 75 percent of black
>boys don’t graduate from high school, you can bet most of
>those dropouts are the sons of “baby mamas.”

You fail to acknowledge the structural forms of racism and classism that leads to these conditions.. e.g. school vouchers.. funding based on property taxes ... discriminatory practices within the public school system (teacher referral of black boys to special education programs)

>Speaking at Morgan State University two years ago, author
>Jawanza Kunjufu told a room full of black folks that “the
>greatest demon in black America is fatherlessness. The common
>variable for the black dropout rate, the incarceration rate
>and drug use is the daddy didn’t stay.”
>
>Kunjufu noted that 90 percent of black families had a father
>in the home in 1920 and 80 percent as recently as 1960. Today
>the figure is 32 percent.
>
>“Slavery did not destroy the black family,” Kunjufu correctly
>concluded.

(Slavery had a role in this instability.. I dont recall any studies revealing that slaves were allowed to marry or defend their women from whatever the master desired)
>
>It took a value shift of seismic proportion among black
>Americans of the latter part of the 20th century to do what
>slavery, white racists and white racism couldn’t do in the
>hundreds of years before. And now we have dimwitted people
>like Fantasia celebrating that value shift in songs extolling
>the virtues of being a “baby mama.”

"A seismic shift among black Americans" You must mean the sellout Negroes who stepped into political office in the 1970s and America's Black cities ... the Morial's in New Orleans for example. These executives were not adequately prepared (nor was it their intention) to run the urban core with necessary building techniques and plans of economic empowerment for black people. Furthermore, they were unable to adjust for white flight which was also coupled with "capital flight." Deindustrialization was one of the root causes of black family erosion ... along the chemical warfare that was unleashed on the black and poor. Along with drug use was the shift of the criminal injustice system's approach to drug addiction from a medicinal-judicial mode (where one could receive medical treatment for his or her addictions) to a criminal-judicial model (lock up the fiends).

The time has come for institutions (independent of gov. funding) that can foster a forum for the cultivation of advanced counter-hegemonic, post-colonialist, post modern Afrikan centered arts and education. Education for liberation first and foremost.


Unlike educational systems that are supported by the status quo (white supremacy) in western culture that provides "education" for "employment e.g. gettin those degrees. That is, education to foster workers for capitalist gain. Even in the context of "institutes of higher learning" such as colleges and universities (HBCUs too) there is an emphasis on upholding the status of western culture most often at the expense of other cultural perspectives and primarily to uphold the cultural contributions of Europe as a prerequisite to learning. These institutions produce neo-conservative and pseudo-liberal black public intellectuals such as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., William Julius Wilson, Stanley Crouch, and Anthony Appiah .These and others have produced so-called scholarship, its African and African American subject matter notwithstanding, for an elitist group of primarily white intellectuals and educators as its audience

We must strive to circumvent the ability of these universities and other entities to prevent access to detailed primary research materials in addition to making this information available to the local black community-this will not be achieved through Saturday tutoring sessions and painting projects in elementary schools. The goal is to produce covert black intellectuals that produce scholarship from primary sources gathered from other grass-roots intellectuals throughout the Afrikan Diaspora. Networks of localized institutions that share historical, cultural, spiritual and political information on a large scale through the work of organized travel study and cultural exchange trips...


UHURU SASA!

In The Spirit of Sankofa

  

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Fantasia's 'Baby Mama' Song Sends Bad Message? [View all] , 3X, Sun Apr-10-05 04:12 PM
 
Subject Author Message Date ID
I'll be the first to say I think the song is DISGUSTING.
Apr 07th 2005
1
White Amerikkka would kill Becky & Em
Apr 07th 2005
4
      Sickening, isn't it?
Apr 07th 2005
7
Negroes don't care
Apr 07th 2005
2
A lot of cats dismiss everything Suave_Bro says,
Apr 07th 2005
3
      Cause Suave hoe ain't no bro he coming from a eurocentric
Apr 07th 2005
38
           eurocentric bullshit base?
Apr 08th 2005
70
damn well said
Apr 07th 2005
5
I've never heard the song.
Apr 07th 2005
6
You need to shout 'ALHAMDULILAH'!!!
Apr 07th 2005
8
      It's that bad? Really? somebody post the lyrics.
Apr 07th 2005
9
           YES SIR. And I REFUSE to post those lyrics. I heard
Apr 07th 2005
10
           violent much?
Apr 14th 2005
195
           Here you go
Apr 07th 2005
11
                *vomits all over keyboard*
Apr 07th 2005
12
                What is the problem with this song?
Apr 07th 2005
22
                     Come on brother...
Apr 07th 2005
31
                     Shameful?
Apr 08th 2005
47
                     2 points:
Apr 08th 2005
60
                     RE: 2 points:
Apr 08th 2005
69
                          you need to sign off
Apr 08th 2005
77
                          You first
Apr 08th 2005
82
                               RE: You first
Apr 08th 2005
87
                                    RE: You first
Apr 08th 2005
102
                          Sister, you are SOLIDIFYING MY POINTS:
Apr 08th 2005
80
                               RE: Sister, you are SOLIDIFYING MY POINTS:
Apr 08th 2005
103
                     No, birthing babies is not wonderful no matter the situation.
Apr 08th 2005
85
                     Cmon man, she's shouting out the successful single mothers
Apr 08th 2005
64
                          That's what I took from it.
Apr 08th 2005
86
                     RE: What is the problem with this song?
Apr 13th 2005
180
this post makes me wanna go Cosby in here
Apr 07th 2005
13
this nigga is clownin AND has a poor grasp of the english language.
Apr 07th 2005
14
Yep
Apr 07th 2005
15
i'll step up and say it was "reactionary"
Apr 07th 2005
16
it's cool. i'm not saying the song is a classic
Apr 07th 2005
17
      the sad part is:
Apr 07th 2005
18
co-sign... LOL @ haters actin' like Fantasia invented baby mommas
Apr 07th 2005
19
fuck all the politics
Apr 07th 2005
21
that's what I got from the song..
Apr 08th 2005
43
      can we be honest for a second tho?
Apr 08th 2005
44
           true
Apr 08th 2005
59
                encourage destructive behavior??? that's laughable.
Apr 08th 2005
61
                     i feel like a broken record
Apr 08th 2005
63
                          I may be wrong but...
Apr 11th 2005
128
                               why do they deserve support?
Apr 11th 2005
132
                                    I see your point
Apr 12th 2005
154
                                         solutions are simple.
Apr 12th 2005
158
                                              Dang...same thing with my grandmother/pops
Apr 12th 2005
172
DUMBEST PARAGRAPH IN THE ARTICLE:
Apr 07th 2005
20
The only part of the song I have a problem with
Apr 07th 2005
23
what's wrong with motherhood being a badge of honor??
Apr 07th 2005
24
      RE: what's wrong with motherhood being a badge of honor??
Apr 07th 2005
25
           the word "single" is not mentioned ONCE in the song
Apr 07th 2005
26
           RE: the word "single" is not mentioned ONCE in the song
Apr 07th 2005
27
           do you honestly think talk shows reflect reality??
Apr 07th 2005
28
                RE: do you honestly think talk shows reflect reality??
Apr 08th 2005
45
           You either can't HEAR, or can't READ...
Apr 08th 2005
66
                dude, you're reaching. just log off, please.
Apr 08th 2005
67
                     How am I reaching? He said the word 'single'
Apr 08th 2005
89
           She's saying successfull single motherhood requires recognition
Apr 08th 2005
62
RE: Fantasia's 'Baby Mama' Song Sends Bad Message?
Apr 07th 2005
29
^^^the truth^^^^^^^^
Apr 07th 2005
30
That's very true
Apr 07th 2005
32
RE: That's very true
Apr 07th 2005
33
This post should've ended w/ this
Apr 07th 2005
36
But look on the other side how do these kids come about
Apr 07th 2005
39
      RE: But look on the other side how do these kids come about
Apr 08th 2005
40
      Oh it has everything to do with it
Apr 08th 2005
41
           none of which has anything to do with the song
Apr 08th 2005
42
                I like the Ricky Smiley version better
Apr 08th 2005
51
      Just in it for sex?
Apr 08th 2005
46
           u are going 2 have to start dealing in reality @ some point
Apr 08th 2005
72
                RE: u are going 2 have to start dealing in reality @ some point
Apr 08th 2005
76
                     RE: u are going 2 have to start dealing in reality @ some point
Apr 08th 2005
81
The comments in the post are KILLING ME!
Apr 07th 2005
34
OK
Apr 07th 2005
35
you're the one making excuses to hate...
Apr 07th 2005
37
Nope
Apr 08th 2005
48
RE: Nope
Apr 08th 2005
49
      *sigh*
Apr 08th 2005
52
      RE: *sigh*
Apr 08th 2005
53
      "LIKE a badge of a honor" not "was" or "is"
Apr 08th 2005
55
           RE: "LIKE a badge of a honor" not "was" or "is"
Apr 08th 2005
57
                directs you to post 44
Apr 08th 2005
58
      Cosign
Apr 08th 2005
54
      Yeah, some people were sick on similes and metaphors day
Apr 08th 2005
65
      Most ridiculous, semantical argument in the
Apr 08th 2005
90
      Black Girl Pain
Apr 08th 2005
71
           Kweli had both of his parents though
Apr 08th 2005
73
           So what?
Apr 08th 2005
74
           RE: Black Girl Pain
Apr 08th 2005
75
                RE: Black Girl Pain
Apr 08th 2005
78
                     ok, there's our disagreement
Apr 08th 2005
79
                          RE: ok, there's our disagreement
Apr 08th 2005
83
                               RE: ok, there's our disagreement
Apr 08th 2005
84
Best part of the article...
Apr 08th 2005
50
Good intentions, bad songwriting
Apr 08th 2005
56
very, very good article.
Apr 08th 2005
68
RE: very, very good article.
Apr 14th 2005
189
3X's Thoughts
Apr 08th 2005
88
Pretty good synopsis.
Apr 08th 2005
91
really?
Apr 08th 2005
92
You had me 'til coonery. I see what you are saying.
Apr 08th 2005
93
      POOR CHOICE OF WORDS
Apr 08th 2005
94
      so do rappers catch heat for sayin nigga to no end?
Apr 08th 2005
99
           they don't but they should
Apr 08th 2005
101
                don't u think its dishonest for someone to be...
Apr 09th 2005
106
                     the author of the article has written pieces criticizing rappers also
Apr 09th 2005
118
                          i had posters beefin' with the song in mind
Apr 09th 2005
120
      Single motherhood #1 problem?+black male irrisponsibility
Apr 08th 2005
95
           RE: Single motherhood #1 problem?+black male irrisponsibility
Apr 08th 2005
97
                RE: Single motherhood #1 problem?+black male irrisponsibility
Apr 08th 2005
104
                     RE: Single motherhood #1 problem?+black male irrisponsibility
Apr 09th 2005
105
                          B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
107
                               RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
110
                                    RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
111
                                    RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
112
                                         RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
113
                                              RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
114
                                    RE: B.S.
Apr 09th 2005
116
                                         i don't want to get too personal, but
Apr 09th 2005
117
                                              RE: i don't want to get too personal, but
Apr 09th 2005
119
                                                   you really, really need to read this book
Apr 09th 2005
121
                                                        RE: you really, really need to read this book
Apr 09th 2005
122
A lot of y'all are missing the big picture.
Apr 08th 2005
96
Yep
Apr 09th 2005
108
Badge of Honor?
Apr 08th 2005
98
Not really saying it is a badge of honor
Apr 09th 2005
109
RE: Fantasia's 'Baby Mama' Song Sends Bad Message?
Apr 08th 2005
100
if Fantasia sang being a baby momma is a badge of shame...
Apr 09th 2005
123
SIMPLE QUESTION
Apr 10th 2005
125
      simple answer
Apr 11th 2005
146
           RE: simple answer
Apr 12th 2005
177
                i see a lot of things wrong with the "baby momma" stereotype...
Apr 14th 2005
191
We keep stereotypes alive
Apr 10th 2005
124
I like it. It's a catchy tune.
Apr 10th 2005
127
single motherhood is more a class issue
Apr 11th 2005
129
RE: single motherhood is more a class issue
Apr 11th 2005
130
the average white woman is richer
Apr 11th 2005
133
      so u dont have the evidence 2 support your argument?
Apr 11th 2005
135
           2 things
Apr 11th 2005
136
                Question about this point:
Apr 11th 2005
138
                bout as much as being realistic does
Apr 11th 2005
139
                RE: 2 things
Apr 11th 2005
141
                     u have a link that says blackgenocide
Apr 11th 2005
142
                          wow.
Apr 12th 2005
151
it's a cultural issue
Apr 11th 2005
131
      im gonna research that
Apr 11th 2005
134
           Please, allow me
Apr 11th 2005
137
                ok i stand corrected
Apr 11th 2005
140
                     RE: ok i stand corrected
Apr 11th 2005
143
                          maybe it was the sense of community that
Apr 11th 2005
144
                               RE: maybe it was the sense of community that
Apr 11th 2005
145
Let me echo some other sentiments here.
Apr 11th 2005
147
Hate is a strong word
Apr 12th 2005
149
      Much of this has already been said in this thread but...
Apr 12th 2005
153
           THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...1,000,000%
Apr 12th 2005
155
           *Head nod*
Apr 12th 2005
156
           A song is a song...
Apr 12th 2005
160
                WTF!?!?
Apr 12th 2005
161
                RE: A song is a song...
Apr 12th 2005
162
                     very well said
Apr 12th 2005
163
                     Excellent points...
Apr 12th 2005
165
                     RE: Excellent points...
Apr 12th 2005
167
                     RE: Excellent points...
Apr 12th 2005
170
                          Never mad...
Apr 12th 2005
173
                     LOL.
Apr 12th 2005
168
                     RE: A song is a song...
Apr 12th 2005
166
                          RE: A song is a song...
Apr 12th 2005
169
                               Cool...
Apr 12th 2005
174
                                    RE: Cool...
Apr 12th 2005
175
                                         RE: Cool...
Apr 12th 2005
176
                                              RE: Cool...
Apr 13th 2005
179
                                                   RE: Cool...
Apr 13th 2005
184
                                                        Again.
Apr 13th 2005
187
Again, It's Not That Serious
Apr 11th 2005
148
Refocusing priorities
Apr 12th 2005
150
      whats funnier
Apr 12th 2005
152
           Huh?
Apr 12th 2005
157
                errr...from somebody who admits to not reading my post's
Apr 12th 2005
159
                     RE: errr...from somebody who admits to not reading my post's
Apr 12th 2005
164
                          RE: errr...from somebody who admits to not reading my post's
Apr 12th 2005
171
                               Baby mama, sperm donor...
Apr 12th 2005
178
                                    RE: Baby mama, sperm donor...
Apr 13th 2005
181
                                    Good
Apr 13th 2005
183
                                         RE: Good
Apr 13th 2005
185
                                              Agreed but
Apr 14th 2005
194
                                    RE: Baby mama, sperm donor...
Apr 13th 2005
182
                                         RE: Baby mama, sperm donor...
Apr 13th 2005
186
I dont think the girl meant to big up having children out of wedlock...
Apr 14th 2005
188
Her album went plat, yo
Apr 14th 2005
190
wow... good for her
Apr 14th 2005
192
Ha!
Apr 14th 2005
193

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