iGAP

All gaps are not created equal. Currently, I am in the throws of getting my mouth picked, prodded, pulled, and whatever else my dentist deems necessary to correct my teeth and gums. Admittedly, my gap is past "cute", but more importantly I'm anxious to maintain a healthy smile. The story behind my teeth is whole other post. No doubt I was social pariah throughout school and amongst my peers. Today, as a grown woman thoughts of rejection still rear its ugly head from time to time. However, I take solace in what I've learned from living with an outward imperfection. More often than not, our imperfections are used to against us. However, it also gives us humility, strength, perspective, and individuality. I used to hate my sense of self. Yet with age, experience, and even before surgery, I learned to love and appreciate the woman I've become: strong, compassionate, unique, and creative. I doubt that will ever change, no matter what I decide...

ToothFaerieCherie.com

WOULD YOU CONSIDER A CONFEDERATE HISTORY MONTH RACIST?

Virginia is popular for its fundamental role in the late Revolutionary and Civil War. Tourists would be hard pressed not to find poignant war memorabilia, monuments, and museums dedicated to the fact; including the legendary confederate battle flag – a historical reminder of the state’s political posture during the Civil War. Confederate symbolisms are scattered about the Virginia countryside to a mural of confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on its capitol city’s canal wall. Even so, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has taken the alleged sentiments of southern pride a step further by designating April “Confederate History Month”. This statewide commemoration of the confederacy seems to be the straw breaking the back of racial tolerance as it is viewed more so appalling than commendable; citing marked disapproval, controversy and mass media scrutiny into McDonnell’s own racial disposition in lieu of this recent act and other gubernatorial policies.

In short, the Civil War split the northern and southern states of the union and according to Academy Award nominated filmmaker Ken Burns (who took six years out of his life to document the Civil War in its entirety), “it was the most horrible, necessary, intimate, acrimonious, mean-spirited, and heroic conflict the nation has ever known (Burns).” Notably, confederate soldiers touted their battle flag during opposition against the North to maintain the plantation economy and ideals of the south – which distinctly involved the practice of slavery by southern sharecroppers and aristocracy. It is this distinction that colors the dispute between those who think the flag merely symbolizes southern pride and/or honor for the fallen confederate soldiers, and the latter who think it’s a flagrant representation of racial prejudice. So, who if anyone is the April fool? “In his defense, McDonnell said "there were any number of aspects to that conflict between the states. Obviously, it involved slavery. It involved other issues. But I focused on the ones I thought were most significant for Virginia. I felt just as I've issued dozens and dozens of other commemorations, that it was something that was worthy of doing so people can at least study and understand that period of Virginia history and how it impacts us today (Yvette Carnell, SodaHead.com)." Others do not accept his ideology and see the action as a theoretical slap in the face to African-Americans. “It's offensive to celebrate slavery: Confederate History Month is a "glorification of slavery, racism, and treason," says Frances Martel in Mediaite. And it's hugely offensive, even if, as McDonnell claims, it's "just for the money" tourism will bring to the state. No one is arguing that the Confederacy should be "erased from memory," or school history lessons, but dedicating an entire month to it "implies a level of admiration (qtd. in The Week)."

Columnist Jason Pressburg expresses the patriot perspective, stating in his article dubbed Historic Meaning of the Confederate Flag still Wrong, “Ask anyone who has this symbol [confederate flag], and they'll most likely tell you it has something to do with "southern pride." But if you're a Northerner like me, you might become uneasy by this. No matter where you grew up, you will very likely receive an extremely biased education, especially regarding the Civil War. The New York public school district that I was taught in left me with the impression that it was a battle between the North, the good guys, and the South, the bad guys. The Northerners were abolitionists, fighting from the good of their hearts to end slavery. The Southerners were the cruel masters of the slaves, fighting to keep their wicked slavery ideals. I also came to college thinking the Confederate flag was and is an evil symbol of hate. (Obviously, I was in for a rude awakening when I came to Elon.) But to the Southerners I've met that identify with it, they think of the flag as a symbol of the joys and values of being Southern. Many of these qualities, like common courtesy, are some of the things that are so refreshing about the South compared to New York.” Meanwhile, moderates argue that McDonnell was wrong for not initially omitting mention of slavery and its influence in the matter when integrating Confederate History Month however it would be biased not to honor soldiers who fought in died in the war whether or not they are considered as columnist Rick Moran put it, “on the wrong side of history (qtd. in The Week)” or not. Well, one thing is certain; Gov. McDonnell is resolute in his decision but will have a lot of explaining to do in the coming weeks as temperaments are tested on the issue.

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

So, I just finished watching... 

A documentary about VOGUE Magazine and its infamous Editor-in-Chief, ice diva Anna Wintour (think the Devil Wears Prada). The creation of this coveted issue is interesting and somewhat comical as you watch the character dynamics between two, old fashionistas clash: Anna Wintour and her creative director, Grace Coddington). I figured I'd pick up a few editorial tips from this flick but nay not really. Yay! I did pick up a few fashion ideas though. Anyway, I enjoyed watching. One can appreciate Wintour's business acumen, sharp eye and decisiveness. Evenso, I'm more fond of Coddington with her gutsy, down to earth attitude, creativity and innate appreciation of the arts.  How real is she right?

SUZE TALKS ABOUT SALLIE...

  Thank you, Suze!   Middle-class citizens are perpetually wading in the water trying to stay afloat in uncertain economic times.  It goes without saying that this situation will hit middle-America the hardest; who utilize the education system as their buoy to a better life.  Not long ago, I sat thru a documentary discussing the predatory lending practices of student loan institutions on & off college campuses across America [ "NOW on PBS" by David Brancaccio click link to view transcript].  It pinpointed the tactics of the nation's largest student loan company, Sallie Mae.  Sallie Mae, "said it will stop offering federal consolidation loans and cease paying loan-origination fees on Stafford loans.  As a result, borrowers will have to pay the price. Former students who want to consolidate their loans can now only turn to the government and a small pool of lenders."   [Read more: Sallie Mae Halts Student-Loan Consolidation at SmartMoney.com]   My student loan interest rate has also ballooned and took off like Falcon Heene!  However, Sallie Mae is also feeling heat.  Reportedly, the company's shares (once known as SLM Corp.) fell this past Friday to 6.7 percent after receiving a poor rating from Ladenburg Thalman analyst Brad Ball on their financial standing.  Meanwhile, their employees are fearful of losing their jobs since President Obama announced his plans to cut out the middle man -- private lenders such as themselves.  Yesterday, in his first State of the Union address President Obama conveyed his intention to place education reform amongst his top priorities & asked the U.S. Senate to join the House in an effort to reform the student loan system.  The plan proposes a $10K tax credit to families, including debt forgiveness to folks who've been paying on their student loan(s) for at least 20 years.      Basically, the idea is to eliminate the "middle management" of banks & other private lenders and the government itself will delegate funds for student loans directly. In my opinion, the audacity of these student loan institutions to set higher interest rates than credit card companies is appauling. Obviously, government intervention is necessary. Furthermore, I'm sure President Obama's intentions are well and if passed such implementations will work in the short term. However, many like myself are hopeful but skeptical. Sterotypically, government bureaucracy is known to misuse such policies. So, whether or not allowing government to "take over from here" will provide a long term remedy this looming ecomomic crisis is yet to be seen.   Tell your story...   What is your take on student loan debt & how are you handling it?   How has your experiences been with student loan companies such as Sallie Mae?   What is your take on the Obama administration's plan for education reform?

NEW YEARS in BLACK HISTORY

"WATCH NIGHT SERVICE"

Many of you who live or grew up in Black communities in the United States have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve.

The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. And ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.

Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service -- made a bit more Afro centric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church.

Still, it seemed that predominately White Christian churches did not include Watch Night services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs.

In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, there is a reason for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations.

The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law.

Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free.

When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

It's been 145 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over."

PS.  Pass this information on so we can educate more of our Family and Friends about our History!

*Unknown Source/Email