In the South Bronx, a young doctor embarks on a research project to find out why black women are being infected with the HIV virus at an alarming rate. Dr. Mehret Mandefro takes us into the lives and relationships of two of her female patients, Chevelle and Tara, as they identify and struggle with the social factors that put them at risk.
Chevelle, abandoned by her family as a teenager, became addicted to drugs and dependent on sex with men to get attention and cash. When we meet her, she's been clean for a year and is striving for financial independence. Tara suffered sexual abuse for much of her life and resorted to sex work to survive. Her current boyfriend is pressuring her for sex even though she is undergoing a series of invasive surgeries for cervical cancer. Despite her frail condition, Tara works to overcome her fear of saying no and gains new confidence along the way.
As Chevelle and Tara strive for more power in their lives and relationships, Mehret expands her research to include women across boundaries of race, class and country. She also begins to grapple with these extremely personal themes as they appear in her own life. A visit to Ethiopia, her birthplace, and candid conversations with her privileged girlfriends in New York, yield a startling realization: heterosexual women across the continents face a dangerous power imbalance in the bedroom. When she lets her hair down, steps out of her doctor's role, and confesses her own weaknesses, even this Harvard trained physician sounds just like one of us.
ALL OF US is about AIDS but it is not a tragedy. It is a story of resilience, sisterhood and courage.
http://www.allofusthemovie.com/aboutthefilm.php
One of my first thoughts while watching this documentary last night was that it was a good alternative to "Precious". For me "Precious" was just a lot of drama for entertainment sake - if that's how you like to be entertained. However, "All of Us" brought it to reality. TRUTH seemed to be the major underlying message in the film as I saw it. An important truth was that it wasn't just people who came from bad homes, suffered incest, dropped out of school, and led a life of drugs and wild sex. Even the doctor whose focus is HIV/AIDS had to admit that she was not always practicing safe sex. She came from a two parent (loving two parent) household, was obviously well educated, and beautiful.
Inspiration to look in the mirror and start by being truthful with ourselves. The film also encourages real talk. Glad I saw it!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love
Doesn't happen often, but I have a new movie on my "must see" list. "Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love". Love has to be the operative word that sums it all up for me. You can feel the love and the passion that Youssou brings with his music and that just can't be faked. A couple of times during the documentary men are brought to tears from the power of the performances. Now that's something - seeing a strong African man cry from love.
The documentary is centered around the release (and fallout) of Youssou's "Egypt" cd. The cd that finally won him a Grammy (after 4 nominations I think) was also the cd that made his own people in Senegal turn their backs on him. As the cd was celebrated in other countries, those who had even heard it in Senegal would not talk about it. Stores there would not sell it and curses went out towards Youssou.
"Egypt" was Youssou's way of singing about what he loved. He sang about his religion and its prophets. Unfortunately, he wasn't one of the chosen few allowed to sing about such.
What watching the problems that Youssou faced and his fight to support what he felt true to his heart, I thought of some of the church people I hear on a regular basis. They don't like the new gospel music. Why can't we just sing the old hymns? Fear of change is not of God but what so many "spiritual" people allow to make them forget what love is all about.
I think that there is something in this film for everyone whether it be the music, the cultural lessons, a chance to look in the mirror, or encouragement to keep on pushing for what you believe in.
Thank you Youssou for bringing what you love and sharing it with the rest of us.
The documentary is centered around the release (and fallout) of Youssou's "Egypt" cd. The cd that finally won him a Grammy (after 4 nominations I think) was also the cd that made his own people in Senegal turn their backs on him. As the cd was celebrated in other countries, those who had even heard it in Senegal would not talk about it. Stores there would not sell it and curses went out towards Youssou.
"Egypt" was Youssou's way of singing about what he loved. He sang about his religion and its prophets. Unfortunately, he wasn't one of the chosen few allowed to sing about such.
What watching the problems that Youssou faced and his fight to support what he felt true to his heart, I thought of some of the church people I hear on a regular basis. They don't like the new gospel music. Why can't we just sing the old hymns? Fear of change is not of God but what so many "spiritual" people allow to make them forget what love is all about.
I think that there is something in this film for everyone whether it be the music, the cultural lessons, a chance to look in the mirror, or encouragement to keep on pushing for what you believe in.
Thank you Youssou for bringing what you love and sharing it with the rest of us.
What Is Sexy
Here's the article that made me think about it today:
http://globalgrind.com/content/953055/The-Problem-With-Amber-Rose/
http://globalgrind.com/content/953055/The-Problem-With-Amber-Rose/
I always read the comments because I often find them as important as their subject. I was reading this one a minute ago and just wondering (once again) why is it that as women, we're not thought of as being comfortable with ourselves, secure, or free unless we're putting it all out there (breasts, butts, punanny, etc.). I've read a couple of articles about how intelligent Ice-T's wife was. You think if she hadn't had all the plastic surgery, wore clothes that covered her breasts and at least a third of her body, and wasn't always letting us know what goes on in her bedroom with her husband we'd have to have articles talking about how intelligent she is?
Shit, I can be sexy with sweat pants & a t-shirt on. I'm okay with being naked too but I just don't feel as if that's for everyone else to see.
I was looking at a picture of Lil Kim earlier today on some site and thinking about in the movie "Notorious" it was Biggie who told her that she needed to wear less clothing to make it. I somehow wondered if this was the beginning of her self-confidence being broken down and down to the point where it wasn't just wearing lil to nothing, it was plastic surgery.
She was such a beautiful young woman before she began this transformation. She has to be one of the sweetest people I've ever met as well.
Also brings up what thoughts about how in today's society being free and confident and open in relationships equals hanging out at strip clubs and swinging. I listen to Michael Baisden on my way home from work each day and as I listen to the "experts" he has on, I think that we have definitely gotten lost.
I don't want to go to the strip club with my mate because I don't want to be a participant in him lusting after other women. Love and commitment doesn't stop you from being attracted to others, but why put yourself in a situation that can easily lead to acting upon those attractions.
I don't want to go to the strip club with my mate because I don't want to be a participant in him lusting after other women. Love and commitment doesn't stop you from being attracted to others, but why put yourself in a situation that can easily lead to acting upon those attractions.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Old Friends, New Friends, Changes of Hearts
Friendship
And a youth said, "Speak to us of Friendship."
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
- Khalil Gibran
On this past Saturday night there was a reunion of people from college. Some of us lived in the dorm together, some connected through the Leaning House, and others had just connected through mutual friends. I had no intention of going.
I don't know if I'm becoming stranger with age or just wisening up enough to see more of me as the years go by but even a simple party with those I knew became a learning experience. My initial thoughts were that I already talk to or seek out those who I feel the need to interact with so who cares about the rest. As the requests came from more & more people that I attend, instead of complimentary, it just made me feel weird. I couldn't figure out why all of these people I never make an attempt to talk with were wanting my company.
Why was it so important I be there?
Earlier on Saturday, I painted my toenails, showered and washed my hair so that I would be prepared to make an appearance. I had decided to go for an hour or so and then slip out. Around 5 or so, the thunder began and ooooooooooh I had an excuse to stay in. I just knew it would begin pouring down rain at any minute and who would fault me for not wanting to drive. I drove to get dinner and afterwards began cleaning.
At almost 9pm I got a call from a friend saying that I had to come and he'd been waiting for me. He was leaving to return to LA Sunday and just had to see me. This got me dressed and out of the house.
You know what? I had fun. It was actually really nice to talk to those of like minds. The connection was there and even though it had been years since I'd seen some, the interaction was just as easy as 20 yrs ago. It was also amazing to see how much of the same mischief and childlike qualities most of us still possessed.
Many seem to make me appear larger than life and I heard a few exaggerations about my past, but even that gives a feeling of love. I heard a few accounts of past events that I wasn't sure whether or not I really participated in, but then again, I wasn't 100% sure and they could have been true. There were memories brought back of times I'd forgotten and I got to remind some others of their forgotten pasts as well. I also got to clear up one story over 10 yrs old.
I so enjoyed myself at the party I had not planned on attending and I'm glad that call came through to make me get off my azz. It appears that sometimes I can forget how much I appreciate some of my old friends. There were also a few conversations with those I didn't know that were refreshing.
Old friends, new friends, and I'm thankful for a change of heart.
And a youth said, "Speak to us of Friendship."
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
- Khalil Gibran
On this past Saturday night there was a reunion of people from college. Some of us lived in the dorm together, some connected through the Leaning House, and others had just connected through mutual friends. I had no intention of going.
I don't know if I'm becoming stranger with age or just wisening up enough to see more of me as the years go by but even a simple party with those I knew became a learning experience. My initial thoughts were that I already talk to or seek out those who I feel the need to interact with so who cares about the rest. As the requests came from more & more people that I attend, instead of complimentary, it just made me feel weird. I couldn't figure out why all of these people I never make an attempt to talk with were wanting my company.
Why was it so important I be there?
Earlier on Saturday, I painted my toenails, showered and washed my hair so that I would be prepared to make an appearance. I had decided to go for an hour or so and then slip out. Around 5 or so, the thunder began and ooooooooooh I had an excuse to stay in. I just knew it would begin pouring down rain at any minute and who would fault me for not wanting to drive. I drove to get dinner and afterwards began cleaning.
At almost 9pm I got a call from a friend saying that I had to come and he'd been waiting for me. He was leaving to return to LA Sunday and just had to see me. This got me dressed and out of the house.
You know what? I had fun. It was actually really nice to talk to those of like minds. The connection was there and even though it had been years since I'd seen some, the interaction was just as easy as 20 yrs ago. It was also amazing to see how much of the same mischief and childlike qualities most of us still possessed.
Many seem to make me appear larger than life and I heard a few exaggerations about my past, but even that gives a feeling of love. I heard a few accounts of past events that I wasn't sure whether or not I really participated in, but then again, I wasn't 100% sure and they could have been true. There were memories brought back of times I'd forgotten and I got to remind some others of their forgotten pasts as well. I also got to clear up one story over 10 yrs old.
I so enjoyed myself at the party I had not planned on attending and I'm glad that call came through to make me get off my azz. It appears that sometimes I can forget how much I appreciate some of my old friends. There were also a few conversations with those I didn't know that were refreshing.
Old friends, new friends, and I'm thankful for a change of heart.
The Human Contract
"The Human Contract" is the first written & directed by Jada Pinkett Smith. I'm now ready to see what else she brings to the table.
One friend was excited because the female lead in the film was pretty much a "player" and he seemed to think this was extraordinary. I told him that I think it happens more often than not but whereas a woman might be more willing to admit aloud her mistakes, a man definitely isn't going to share with the boys how he got got.
The movie takes us into the life of a successful businessman who gets caught up in the web of the "exotic" woman. She's married but her husband allows her to play. He's in the middle of a divorce and the biggest business deal of his life. As you can guess, all of this gets pushed aside as he falls madly for this woman like no other he's ever met.
Jada makes an appearance in the film as well.
Of course there were parts of the storyline we all wished had been explored more but for me, I enjoyed it because it was something different and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. Worth renting for sure.
One friend was excited because the female lead in the film was pretty much a "player" and he seemed to think this was extraordinary. I told him that I think it happens more often than not but whereas a woman might be more willing to admit aloud her mistakes, a man definitely isn't going to share with the boys how he got got.
The movie takes us into the life of a successful businessman who gets caught up in the web of the "exotic" woman. She's married but her husband allows her to play. He's in the middle of a divorce and the biggest business deal of his life. As you can guess, all of this gets pushed aside as he falls madly for this woman like no other he's ever met.
Jada makes an appearance in the film as well.
Of course there were parts of the storyline we all wished had been explored more but for me, I enjoyed it because it was something different and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. Worth renting for sure.
Julie & Julia
Now I was excited about seeing this movie and so when my friend Tamra received a pass to the screening, I was on her every day about going.
I love food. I love trying out new recipes. I love watching others cook. I like both Meryl Streep & Amy Adams a lot and after seeing the movie, I have a much greater love for Julia Childs. I can relate to Julia's approach to food with an almost childlike fascination and enjoyment. Even moreso, I loved the relationship she had with her husband and the amazing support & love she received from that union. Without him, I don't think we would have been blessed with all the love of food & cooking Julia gave to us.
Our growth isn't completely dependent upon ourselves and I think this movie highlights how we become all we can be through our relationships with others.
Great movie. Entertaining, endearing, funny, exciting and definitely worth seeing. My friend Tamra went only because she knew I was excited to see it but came away loving it.
I love food. I love trying out new recipes. I love watching others cook. I like both Meryl Streep & Amy Adams a lot and after seeing the movie, I have a much greater love for Julia Childs. I can relate to Julia's approach to food with an almost childlike fascination and enjoyment. Even moreso, I loved the relationship she had with her husband and the amazing support & love she received from that union. Without him, I don't think we would have been blessed with all the love of food & cooking Julia gave to us.
Our growth isn't completely dependent upon ourselves and I think this movie highlights how we become all we can be through our relationships with others.
Great movie. Entertaining, endearing, funny, exciting and definitely worth seeing. My friend Tamra went only because she knew I was excited to see it but came away loving it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Revolutionary Road
I didn't really get much from the trailers that made me feel as if I needed to rush out to see "Revolutionary Road" upon it's theatrical release. I did attempt to see the free screening, but the line was soooooooo long by the time I got to the theater, my friend and I left for other entertainment.
Well, I watched it last night and was actually very surprised. For me it was so intense and thought provoking that I was glad I decided to put it on my rental list. I'm also now wishing I had someone to discuss it with who has seen the film.
Even though the story took place during an earlier time period, it still spoke to what happens for many today. Getting stuck and not knowing what your "true calling" is or having a clue as to how to figure it out. Working the 9 to 5 that you hate but you know you also like having a place to live, a car to drive, and your utilities operating. Or else the woman who married that guy who would take care of her for the rest of life, but realized that it's just not enough and there's a longing to be leading a different life.
It all rests on whether or not you can face the fear to just get out. Leap and pray that you land in one peace. How do you begin? What door do you choose?
Good movie!
Well, I watched it last night and was actually very surprised. For me it was so intense and thought provoking that I was glad I decided to put it on my rental list. I'm also now wishing I had someone to discuss it with who has seen the film.
Even though the story took place during an earlier time period, it still spoke to what happens for many today. Getting stuck and not knowing what your "true calling" is or having a clue as to how to figure it out. Working the 9 to 5 that you hate but you know you also like having a place to live, a car to drive, and your utilities operating. Or else the woman who married that guy who would take care of her for the rest of life, but realized that it's just not enough and there's a longing to be leading a different life.
It all rests on whether or not you can face the fear to just get out. Leap and pray that you land in one peace. How do you begin? What door do you choose?
Good movie!
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