Black Panther: The first step in improving race relations in the U.S. and abroad

At first, it seems trivial that a film based on a Marvel superhero could actually wield any power in the battle for racial equality. But…

Debut issue of Captain America, 1941 (Marvel Comics)

we know that for decades the media has been a tool for propaganda.

“He who controls the message controls the masses” – Joseph Goebbels

Anti-semitic German film The Eternal Jew directed by Fritz Kippling (Terra Films 1940)

Movies, in particular, have the unique capability to entertain while incorporating subliminal messages of racism, sexism, ageism, sizeism, homophobia, xenophobia— practically any ‘ism’ or phobia that one’s cold, little heart desires.

Now imagine a film in which all the main characters are African-American. And powerful. And intelligent. And it’s not a slave movie. Or about drugs, gangs, or poverty.

The new Black Panther Comic (Marvel 2016)

The director and cast of the Black Panther film scheduled for release in 2018 (image courtesy of Deadline Hollywood)

Hollywood executives knew what would happen if every film released portrayed your people (black people) as down-trodden, criminals, uneducated, and at the mercy of the white man seeking to fulfill his “white savior complex.” And so what would happen if films portrayed the opposite­–educated, rich, successful, law-abiding African-Americans? Well, I leave you to answer that question.

 

 

The Pragmatist’s Guide to Dating

In my previous post, I explained how the key to a lasting relationship is selecting your life partner in the same manner in which you would choose a business partner (you should read it if you haven’t already). Well, here’s my follow-up to that post.  I’m sharing some of my favorite tips—things I’ve discussed with only my closest friends. You’re welcome.

Selecting the Right Candidate

You want the best of the best, but keep in mind that “best” does not mean “perfect.” Create a list of substantive deal-breakers and stick to it. By deal-breakers, I mean things that you will not accept in a partner.  Drug use, smoking, psychosis—these are some of the more common red flags that signal “DO NOT PASS GO.” Just remember that the longer your list, the harder it will be for you to find someone. Maybe some of those deal-breakers can be shifted to the “I wouldn’t be crazy about this but I can live with it” list.

The Probationary Period

This is the first 12 months of your relationship. Twelve months may seem like a long time, but it was the same amount of time that I was on probation when I was an Assistant Conductor for the Long Island Rail Road back in the day. They were pretty strict, but with good reason—as you should be in a new relationship. Remember, people show you their best version of themselves in the beginning. Crazy is hard to keep hidden for a year. If you detect a hint of crazy during probation, nip that ish in the bud and keep it moving!

Relationship Start-Up Capital

This refers to the amount of time, effort and yes, money, that both parties are willing to invest to get the relationship off the ground. During the probationary period (and beyond), be sure to analyze the amount of capital that you’ve invested and compare it to that of your partner’s. Are things one-sided? Are you always the one calling? Is one person doing all the spending while the other’s doing all the taking? If that’s the case, then what you have is a sole proprietorship. In a true partnership, it takes two to make things work.

Now, keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list. And, of course, there are exceptions to every rule—except these three. Good luck!

Until next time,

 

If You Want Your Relationship to Last—Treat it Like a Business

For years, we’ve thought that falling in love is the only prerequisite to living happily ever after. And for years, approximately 40-50% of marriages in America have ended in divorce. Love is important, but if you want your relationship to last, choose your life partner the way you’d choose a business partner.

“WHAT? IS SHE CRAZY?” you ask.

I assure you, I am completely sane—most of the time. And if you think about it, a relationship is a partnership, right?

 

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP MODEL

In order for a partnership to work, business or otherwise, certain criteria must be met:

• Both parties must share common goals. For example, in business, this would include your outlook on market expansion. With your significant other, this would involve your outlook on family expansion (i.e. you want kids, but he doesn’t).
• Both parties must share a common philosophy. In business, this would be referred to as your mission statement. In a relationship, you can’t expect to be swinging from the chandeliers in the bedroom if all he wants is missionary. You get my point…I hope.
• Both parties must trust each other. This is self-explanatory. If I think my partner is dipping in the cookie jar, it isn’t going to work. Oh, and if I met my business partner while he was in the process of robbing a bank, wouldn’t I be crazy to go into business with him? Unless, of course, our business was robbing banks.
• Both parties must respect each other. Again, this is self-explanatory; respect for each other’s judgment, beliefs, ideas is a must.

Love is just part of the equation to a successful relationship. Granted, it’s a significant part, but without the elements listed above, there will never be enough to sustain a lifelong partnership.

Until next time,