More 'happiness' = less hate

Photo by Z'ma Wyatt

For those of you who are not aware, June is Pride month – 30 full days “to recognize the impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex people have had on the world.”

For the weeks leading up to National Gay Pride Day – the last Sunday of June (and yes, it’s true – President Bill Clinton being the first president to declare it as such) – is celebrated with parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lives lost from hate crimes and more.

If you’ve ever been to a Pride festival, especially in San Francisco, you know it is a giant party for EVERYONE (and does draw just that), all celebrating that which makes us different and unique – yet still human beings.

But the irony of this and just about every other day/month of recognition is that there was a lot of pain and sadness that got us to the period of honor.

For more than 200 years, African Americans were held as slaves throughout the South and treated as fifth-class citizens across much of the rest of the country until President Abraham Lincoln freed them via the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. For thousands more, that freedom didn’t come for another 2.5 years when blacks in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free.

In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were force to live in internment camps (i.e. prisons) across the Western U.S. Since that time, many Asian cultures are looked down upon, people grouping them as one.

Today, tens of thousands of Mexican immigrants flock to this country each year to make a better life for them and their families. Unfortunately, for wanting something so many of us take for granted, this group of people is treated too often like aliens – the unkind and unfair name some still call them.

And since hatred and ignorance are equal opportunity traits, the LGBTQI communities have been called everything from evil to misguided to being blamed for the AIDS epidemic.

Need I go on?

But it’s okay … in 2011 we can celebrate Black History, Asian-Pacific American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage and Native American Heritage months and even Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village, New York, that sparked the modern LGBT liberation movement in the United States. And on June 19 we recognize Juneteenth – the date of the announcement of freedom for African Americans in the U.S., primarily those in the Western half of the country.

So we’re good, right?

It’s truly sad that in order to get a national holiday or monthly observance a person or groups of people – usually representing some “minority” in the general U.S. population – must go through some hardship or injustice before the “majority” will acknowledge they are worthy to be “equal.”
But that equality is too often in theory only.

There was a time when the only thing “gay” meant was to be happy, “having or showing a merry, lively mood.” Like other hateful words linked to groups of people, it’s time for us to take back the negativity so many still associate with the word.

Be “gay” who you are and who you represent.

Be “gay” to represent a group of people that you belong to.

And we all need to take the time to use these daily, weekly and monthly observances to tear down our walls, eliminate our ignorance and embrace the core of what does make us all the same.

BE “GAY!” BE PROUD!

Originally published at myshadesmagazine.net.

No ‘rock stars’ here

Today, the color pink is all the rage in San Francisco.

No, it’s not the latest in summer swimwear or a flash mob planning to sing Pink’s big hit “So What” in unison. We’re talking about the type of pink that comes in the form of a letter from your employer saying “cutbacks are forcing us to eliminate your position.”

That’s right, it’s Pink Slip Day in the city and county of SF and although the estimated 15,000 workers who will receive the notices are in a furor over the layoffs, there is a silver lining to the situation.

“The purpose of this is to avoid layoffs,” Mayor Gavin Newsom said to a TV news crew Thursday. “… to allow them [workers] the dignity of maintaining their healthcare. I’m waiting for a better alternative.”

These layoffs will go into effective in early May, at which time many of those affective will be able to return to their jobs if they agree to work no more than 37.5 hours per week. According to Newsom, the 6.25 reduction in salary will save the city $50 million, a much-needed shot in the arm as the city faces a $522 million budget deficit going into the new fiscal year.

Losing a job during rough economic times is no fun … I know first hand. But if my former job had given me the opportunity to reapply at a reduced salary, and still keep my health benefits, I would have grinned and bore it.

I understand the frustration city employees and the residents-at-large feel over San Francisco’s constant inability to wrangle in an out-of-control budget, but I see this as a chance to keep some form of money – more than bi-weekly unemployment benefits – flowing into your household.

In Newsom’s grand plan, fire, police and Muni operators – who are having their own challenges these days – will not be affected. Another saved clique: city attorneys. Now that’s the group I question. But in a city plagued with lawsuits and alleged wrong doings, it may be wise to keep them around.

Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig is an award-winning journalist who resides in the Bay Area. Contact her at talk2mfc@yahoo.com or visit her blog at stpminute.blogspot.com.

Celebrating diversity

For about 20 years, the push to be diverse has taken a stronghold on this country.

And despite the ongoing battle to legalize same-sex marriage — the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold Prop. 8 last Tuesday — our state, especially the Bay Area, is overly liberal in its thinking. This includes how local residents often times don’t think twice when it comes to the LGBT communities.

Unfortunately, a small group of East Bay parents didn’t get their copies of the “embrace diversity” handbook.

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Stand up … or just remain seated

For most of my life — and many times during the last nine months I’ve written this column — I have “preached” the idea that one person can make a difference.

No matter how big the problem, how minute the situation, if you are determined to create change, then nothing, and no one, will stop you.

Monday night, I met someone who despite the hardships she encountered, ridicule she endured and moments of insecurity she faced in her life, never gave up.

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Fighting for our future

Whitney Houston and I are in agreement: We believe the children are our future.

Yeah, it’s cliché and has been heard around the world way too many times, and I’d be pressed to find someone who doesn’t believe the same. But what are we doing to show the phrase is more than just words?

Our economy continues to struggle, our country is still at war and the state’s jobless rate is close to an all-time high. We struggle to make ends meet and struggle harder to give our children a taste of what we adults had ourselves. But with every corner we turn it seems those in the state Capitol and several in Washington are forgetting what building a better future really means.

It is important to get our country — and state — on solid ground again, but should this be done at the expense of our youth?

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Earth Day philosophy every day?

On Tuesday - Earth Day 2009 - people around the globe will come together to celebrate the great planet we live on.

On the “official” Earth Day Web site it reads, “Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment."

Hmmm … interesting. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could incorporate this “vision” into a way of life for all? Not only on Earth Day, but the other 364 days of the year, as well? And let’s expand the focus from the environment to include say … one another?

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Go team, go! Next, please …

In last week’s column, I shared with you my observations on how the enthusiasm over the election of our 44th president had dimmed and how Obama-wear no longer seemed to be the fashion du jour.

I hadn’t realized it until a reader pointed it out, but part of my frustrations in seeing less people openly supporting our president is more about the people who seem to have crawled back into the comfortable holes they call lives, only to venture out again when enough other people are making noise.

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Am I the only one?

Tucked away in the corner of the trusty backpack I carry with me every day is my black wool ski cap, which has “OBAMA” spelled out on it in rhinestones. Since the weather can be unpredictable some evenings and I hate the cold — and the wind even more — I keep it on hand with a pair of gloves and a cotton scarf.

I bought my cap in Washington, D.C., when I attended my new president’s inauguration in January. I’ve worn it with pride often and used to love the attention I got when it sat upon my head.

But over the past month or so, when it has been chilly or windy enough to wear, I’ve noticed people hardly pay it any mind anymore. And now that I think about, I no longer see much Obama-wear out and about as it was proudly worn and displayed from last October through the end of February.

Am I the only one who still wants to shout to the world that Obama is our commander-in-chief? Am I the only one who is finally happy to have a commander-in-chief who is worth being proud of? Am I the only one who cares anymore?

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Public transit etiquette

For about 18 months, I’ve used public transit as my main mode of transportation.

Caltrain between San Jose and Millbrae; San Francisco’s Muni system — buses, trains and the like; BART, to all points it can take you; and even a jaunt or two on local transit shuttles and Contra Costa’s County Connection. And of course, I’d be remiss in not mentioning the East Bay’s tried and not so true AC Transit.

Now I’m not here to share with you all the problems, issues, complaints and more I have with most of these agencies. I’ll save that soapbox sermon for another day. What I do have on my mind this week is the way in which the people who ride hither and yonder behave while out and about.

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10.1 and climbing

In most cases – on a scale of one to 10 – the higher the number the better you are. Well, news is out that the state of California has gone beyond a 10 ... and that’s not a good thing.

In January, California’s unemployment rate hit 10.1 percent – the highest in 26 years. This comes during a time when close to two million people across the state are looking for work and the national rate is wavering at 7.6 percent.

There’s no quick solution and I admit, I don’t have an answer, but aren’t there ways to lower this number? In recent weeks, I’ve had two people tell me how their employer – in order to meet his or her own business needs – have reduced employee hours. Not unlike the furloughs many are experiencing in several industries, this reduction of hours may cut one’s pay, but it at least allows them to collect some form of paycheck.

It may mean readjusting your budget, or finding a second job/gig to make ends meet, but at least it’s better than an unemployment check – and the hassles that can come with that – or nothing at all.

It’s something to think about when “furlough fever” gets you down. Trust me, I wish I’d had gotten a fever over a pink slip.

Terminator 3.5: Rage against the Legislature

Editors note: Written prior to budget approval.

He said he’d do it and he meant it.

I’m not sure state lawmakers really believed that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would hand out 20,000 pink slips to state employees at various levels, but now he has. The move — which would see about half of those jobs eliminated sooner rather than later — reportedly will save the state about $750 million.

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Black History Month: Is there still a need?

Sixty-three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery, a young black scholar decided to create a week that celebrated the accomplishments of his people — despite the persecution and struggles this group continued to go through.

For some time there has been discussion as to whether or not Black History Month should slowly fade into the sunset. Why do we need a month — the shortest of the 12, no less — to honor a race when it really should be done all year long? With the election of President Barack Obama, the debate is growing a little louder.

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And he’s off…

This time, hopefully, he won’t go as far.

Johannes Mehserle, the accused former Bay Area Transit Officer who shot and killed Hayward resident Oscar Grant III on New Year’s Day, made bail Friday afternoon.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson one week ago set bail at $3 million. Although Jacobson said he was forced to set bail according to state law, he placed it at an amount he said he felt would deter the former officer from skipping town if he is able to raise the money. Mehserle was arrested Jan. 13 following an “escape” to Douglas County, about 15 miles south of Carson City in northwestern Nevada. In part, he feared his life.

During an evening march and protest in downtown Oakland Friday, the word of and anger over Mehserle’s freedom quickly grew. Grant’s family, through their lawyer, also voiced concern over his meeting the bail they, too, had hoped would be denied.

Now, I in no way condone what the disgraced former BART officer has done and feel he should be treated like any Regular Joe and be convicted of the crime we all have seen he committed. However, as much as everyone wants to see Mehserle behind bars – particularly, a radical few who have pushed the limits of peaceful protesting – the man does have the same rights of any criminal.

Yes, Mehserle found the means to raise the 10 percent bond unlike many other prisoners. The fact that he was a law enforcement representative who may have taken his authority way too far is disheartening. The reality that Mehserle is white and Grant was black, perpetuating the theory that racism is still alive in America, promotes lively discussion and accusations in the case. But acting violent and ignorant over the situation only adds fuel to their fire.

Continue the peaceful protests. Keep public attention on the wrongs of this case. Voice opinions, and facts, that will bring police brutality to an end. But allow justice to be served.

Best friend, revisited

Is it just me, or does the thought of cloning your best friend seem a little creepy?

In this case, the best friend is Lancelot Encore – the yellow Labrador puppy owned by Edgar and Nina Otto of Boca Raton, Fla. … or rather LE v2, a DNA duplicate of the original lab who died a year ago.

“Lancy” is a scientific miracle, with a price tag of $155,000, which the Ottos bid at an auction with a San Francisco biotech company that had Lancelot cloned in South Korea.

"We just got him because we wanted to have Lancelot more than just the 11½ years," Nina Otto said.

Eleven and one-half years? This amount of time – some would say is about 80 “dog years” – was not long enough for this senior couple to share memories to last a lifetime? The couple’s additional nine dogs and menagerie of cats, birds and sheep wasn’t enough to keep them happy?

The cloning does say a lot about their love for LE v1, but couldn’t their money – which apparently is a non-issue; Edgar Otto is the son of Edward Otto, a co-founder of NASCAR – have been used for say ... a shelter or rescue dog?

Each year, the Humane Society reportedly euthanizes 3 million to 4 million pets in the United States. With the money the two spent, a lot of dogs could have new homes.

Although it’s a little strange, it is a sweet tribute to a cherished family member who has gone to the big kennel in the sky. I just hope when one of the Ottos do leave this earth, the other doesn’t have an extra $155,000 lying around.

If you can’t beat ‘em …

They first tried by nominating Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican Vice-presidential candidate in November’s elections.

Now it seems the Grand Old Party is again attempting to improve its image with its election of Michael Steele as chairman of Republican National Committee – the first African American to hold the post. On Friday, the former Maryland Lt. Governor won the party’s top post in a 91 to 77 vote.

“To those who support us, to those who believe in the ideals, those conservative principals that have made us the strong and proud party that we are … to those who stand indifference with us, it’s time for something completely different,” Steele said after being elected. “… and for those of you who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over.”

Congrats to you, Mr. Steele. And a tip of the hat to the Republican party for at least looking outside the box. However, the process of creating change and embracing all people – without discrimination or double standards – goes beyond appearance.

President Barack Obama didn’t gain the respect, admiration and support of millions of Americans (and global residents) because he was black. Voters didn’t flock to him solo because his color somehow showed the country that we are a union where all people are truly created equally.

Obama gave people hope and belief through his words and actions. He demonstrated for a number of years his commitment to others.

Once Republican leaders can master this skill – and really meet the American people in the middle – they may have a chance of again gaining some form of respect around the globe.

Feb. 17, 2009 … are you ready?

When I am wrong about something, I’m the first one to admit it.

Back in November, I wrote a blog item that made light of the quickly approaching digital TV transition. I joked about a “DTV Transition Show,” the number of commercials and announcements informing people of the switch and the occasional tests to determine if your TV is DTV ready or not.

I spoke to soon … I’m sorry … I was wrong.

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Interested in a drunken Negro?

No soon after I say "I've seen it all" about something - in this case, someone - I am proven wrong.

The latest is the owner Lafayette French Pastry Shop - an oh-so-popular pâtisserie in New York City. Baker Ted Kefalinos has created his tribute to the Inauguration of Barack Obama: "Drunken Negro Faces." The grotesque-looking chocolate-covered cookie is not only raising eyebrows, but also turning stomachs.

I don't know if Kefalinos is racist, ignorant or just plan stupid, but I hope that more people spread the word about the hateful message he is sending to others ... ever-supporting the fact that racism, at all levels, still runs rampant in our country.

Now, I heard that the baker has apologized, but am having problems finding it. And if he did, I thank you Mr. Kefalinos, on behalf of millions of people around the country and world who don't find humor in yours. But your misled creativity hasn't stopped you in the past ... who says it won't in the future?

Check out the video ... send it to your friends ... and if you live in NYC, boycott Kefalinos' establishment. Make this baker stop making, more importantly naming, new items that represent those tiny chisels that try to chip away at the change our country has achieved.

Chance of a lifetime

The time I woke up to find a spot in my ticketed area of the Inauguration: 4:30 a.m.

The distance I walked with thousands of others — like sheep — through a crazy maze that never seemed to end: Two miles to; five miles from.

The chance to stand alongside hundreds of thousands of Americans as we watched the first African American to be sworn in as president of the United States: Priceless.

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A dream come true

As I sat and watched the rebroadcast by CNN of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., 45 years ago, I realized the historic event took place only a few miles away from where I sit now.

I have seen excerpts of the speech and read parts of it since I was young, but it never touched me as much as it has now. Could be I’m getting older; might be that I didn’t get a lot of sleep the past few days. But I think it’s the fact that there is something in the air these days in the District and no matter who you are, where you are from, what your political views are … you can feel it.

We all seem to gravitate to King’s words, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” But on this day, it was something else he said that stood out for me.

“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”

In less than 24 hours, our nation will welcome in as President a man who already has opened that door. Children of all ages have run in knowing what is right when so many adults still don’t. And all around me I watch men, women, children; black, white, brown and more; gay, straight; and those who never thought they would, climb out of the quicksands onto the streets of Washington, D.C., to join with others near and far, after years of uncertainty in so many areas “to sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’”

Read more of this post and Inaugural podcasts and updates at The Globe Newspapers.

In the heart of the District

It’s been a day of ups, downs, meeting new people, eating great food and breathing in the sights and sounds of all that is inaugural.

The temperature climbed up some — to a balmy 30 degrees — but is expected to drop back down when snow flurries move in tonight. Despite the weather, I braved my way on the Metro train, using my souvenir Obama smart card. The cards are sort of like the TransLink cards, but they actually work on more than one mode of transportation.

Read more of this post and Inaugural podcasts and updates at The Globe Newspapers.