What Would Thembi Do? » Politics

Nelson Mandela and Pop Culture

Thembi Ford — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:12:52 +0000

It's hard to believe that twenty years have passed since Nelson Mandela was freed and the African National Congress decriminalized as an organization, but February 11, 1990 began a new era of multicultural democracy in South Africa. I saw Nelson Mandela speak a few years ago and as inspirational as his talk was I couldn't stop reminding myself that this man had endured twenty-seven years of imprisonment for challenging the unjust racist system of apartheid - while the world watched.

Obama After One Year: We Need A Black Cabinet!

Thembi Ford — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:14:15 +0000

It doesn't seem like most of America is feeling the Hope anymore. Anyone could have predicted the fierce opposition that Obama has faced in office, and sadly he is on track to become a single-term mistake. How can Obama fix this? Well, in addition to the obvious need for progress on his campaign promises - health care, managing our two wars, and reviving the economy - Obama should reach for some low hanging fruit. If he does anything in his four years the least he can

Obama on Letterman…Please Man Up, Barack…

Thembi Ford — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:15:14 +0000

I’ve been trying to stay out of politics lately because the nutty racist underbelly of America (which has always been there) is a special brand of disturbing that makes me want to hibernate until 2012. I can’t look at Glenn…

Don’t Mess With The Southside (of Korea)!

Thembi Ford — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:13:31 +0000

I must have Asia on the brain this week. Between yesterday’s post and a constant hankering for authentic kimchi like I had during my trip to Korea, I just can’t get enough…

This is Why We Don’t Have Nothin’

Thembi Ford — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:56:56 +0000

Louisiana State Representative Barbara Norton (in the blue) is Hurricane Chris’s godmother, so I’m sure it was her pleasure to present him with a House Resolution commending him for “outstanding musical accomplishments.” By this she means beating America over the…

This Week’s Love/Hate Relationship With Black Pop Culture

Thembi Ford — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:30:54 +0000

I've always believed that one of the biggest sitcom television bamboozles was the replacement of the original, BROWN, sassy, theater-voiced Aunt Viv with the bland, ALMONDY, acquiescent, merely capable Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

I’m Offended That I’m Offended

Thembi Ford — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:13:43 +0000

There are times that I feel like a poor excuse for a strong black person because I’m not legitimately offended enough to get upset about some things, I’m just offended that I have to spend time being offended!…

“What The Eff?” Wednesday: PhilipinObama?

Thembi Ford — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:46:21 +0000

From the Daily Express, Nicola McCafferty January 20, 2009

‘OBAMA’ GIVES THUMBS UP TO PRESIDENCY

MOST people would probably be nervous knowing billions of people are watching them.

But ‘Obama’ looked

…

RuPaul Does Double Duty

Thembi Ford — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:19:00 +0000

RuPaul as both Michelle and Barack Obama. Pretty clever.

I’ve actually been wondering about RuPaul lately. His absence from the limelight these past few years has allowed some serious weave and pancake face-makeup violations to go under-criticized, and is…

What’s Beef?

Thembi Ford — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

You may have heard that on Sunday, during a surprise visit to Baghdad, President Bush had a pair of shoes thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist. The shoe thrower shouted “this is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people,…