The Mascot Debate

Warren Wimmer/WireImage


Chief Illiniwek, the recently banned mascot of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was allowed back for their homecoming celebrations this weekend in what the university described as in accordance with their belief of free speech. Their chancellor described the use of the mascot as a representation of personal expression, yet this mascot has an obvious connection to the university's collective history. During the 1960's, many athletic programs on campuses across the country began erasing American Indian nicknames and by the turn of this century, only a minority remained. For the rest of the article, click here.

It is unfortunate that the University of Illinois reversed the ban in the name of "free speech" despite the racist origins of the mascot, and the fact that it represents the entire university, not simply the students who choose to use it in the homecoming celebrations. One can't really be surprised by this move, when just this month one of the teams playing in the American League Division Series was the Cleveland Indians. It's easy to ignore the problem of such mascots when we have become so desensitized that we hardly realize their existence. We can only hope that more people will wake up.

The (pro)be meets the bwog

Our friends at the bwog posted about us yesterday. To see the full article, click here.

Kat Williams Rocks Noose on the Red Carpet and Most Cry, "Fashion DON'T!"

Katt Williams, the pint-sized comedian, rapper, and actor of "Wild 'N' Out" fame wore a noose on the red carpet for the 2007 BET Hip-Hop Awards. Some people consider it an ignorant, socially irresponsible move; others a social commentary; others try to understand his intentions, but find his attempt to keep dialogue about recent hate crimes alive misguided. Perhaps most upsetting is that he chose to wear a noose the same day he chose to wear that jacked up dark pink suit and hair badly in need of a wash, set, and blowdry.

Williams is also"Harlem World Diplomat" and member of the Dipset Family (The Diplomats).

Horrified? Like his ensemble? Share your thoughts....

Blackface Commemorated?

http://www.eonline.com/ reports that:

"Warner Home Video is commemorating the movie's—and the genre's—80th birthday with a new, deluxe three-disc Jazz Singer DVD. If you're not up for 265
minutes of Al Jolson, blackface or Al Jolson acting like a hammy ham while
smeared in blackface* then we suggest you celebrate cinema's sound era by
visiting (or revisiting) some of the finer examples of spoken dialogue.
Our ears recommend Casablanca, All About Eve, Annie Hall, Chasing Amy and just about anything written by Billy Wilder."

Hollywood's first feature-length "talkie", Jazz Singer, stars Jewish actor Al Jolson.

I personally recommend anything starring Denzel Washington or Al Pacino...actually, anything preferably not starring actors smeared in blackface.

First Chipotle now....

That's right- no longer do you have to watch the goodies of Pinkberry through your TV screen of Lauren and her 'friends' scarfing it down on The Hills. Today Pinkberry opened. There is a lot to be said for hype- and frozen yogurt apparently. Check out the lines from this evening.

Barnard SGA Townhall

Tonight's SGA Townhall in the James Room at Barnard was supposed to address the question: Is our community broken? While there was a lot of eating going on, several good points were brought up including:
-Having a large-scale reaction to the recent bias events similar to the Take Back the Night tradition
- Rather than bringing our community together, the recent events have been decisive; people have retreated to their 'cliques' and comfort zones
-Professors should address issues like what happened at SIPA and TC in classes, we should be allowed to discuss it in class
-Further elaborating on the classroom, our communities are in the classroom- when our assignments and our tests have nothing to do with the real-life events that are affecting us, that is where we get the disparity
-Check out G.S.'s "World Wall" coming to Low Plaza this week. It was inspired by Barnard's wall and comments and frustrations are welcome.
-After the event was over, there were many echoes throughout the room about having the next Townhall be focused on the curriculum at both Barnard and Columbia, and how reforming it can help address some of these issues

Solidarity at Sunday's MSA Eid Dinner

This Sunday evening at Lerner Hall, student groups united over the MSA Eid al-Fitr Dinner, in anticipation of this week's National Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week. Student organizations from across the board presented statements of solidarity and support, as well as condemnation.

UPDATE: Here is the list of groups that participated:
United Students of Color Council
Students Promoting Empowerment and Knowledge (SPEaK)
Columbia Queer Alliance
Native American Council
Student Organization of Latinos
Student Coalition of Expansion and Gentrification
Columbia Students for a Democratic Society
LUCHA
Organization of Pakistani Students
Liga Filipina
International Socialist Organization
Hillel
Hindu Students Organization
African Students Association
CU College Democrats
Club Zamana
Club Bangla
Chicano Caucus
Black Students Organization
Bahai'i
Columbia College Student Council
Asian American Alliance
Turath
Progressive Jewish Alliance
Society for International Undergraduates
CU American Civil Liberties Union
CU Amnesty International
Turkish Students Association
Vietnamese Students Association
Haitian Students Association
Barnard Student Government Association
Black Organization of Soul Sisters
Eurasia Initiative

Strike Three Against the Fashion World--Griot on a Midnight Rant

This is the first posting from yours truly, my friends. Feel free to rant with or against me, as I choose to ramble however I please.

We all know about the fashion world's selectivity in selecting models. Models have to be of a certain weight, height, shape, blah-blah de blah-blah-blah. You could probably pick an argument with the fashion world for discriminating against left-handed people and still have a case.

At a panel-led discussion at the New York Public Library on Monday evening Ms. Bethann Hardison, former model and agency owner decried the fashion magazines such as Glamour and Vogue for lack of racial representation. As reported in the October 16 issues of the Metro Newspaper, Hardison denounced such forms of popular media for neglecting to consider such an important issues in selecting models for their ad, reminding her audience of a time when diversity was a high priority.

Big names such as Iman, Beverly Smith, and fashion designer Tracy Reese attended the sold-out event.

By the way, Hardison, who began her career as a model in 1969, has become known for constantly challenging ideas of fashion and beauty. She has since produced many fashion shows, fostered the creation of Bethann Management Co., Inc., a talent-managing agency, and managed public relations.

Hardison definitely has a point. But what makes me wonder is, how much is this fight worth fighting? Before you start throwing tomatoes, here me out. Magazines cater to an audience. I think we can all agree that the majority of Vogue's readers are likely Caucasian. I'm not sure how pleased a little white girl would be if she opened a Vogue Mag to see a black chick wearing a hot outfit. As a white person, it might be a little subconsciously unsettling to actually see black people dressing better than you.

Some people just make up their minds that there is no place for them in the white world. That's what Essence Magazine is for. I can't tell you how happy I get when I see black women in that magazine, page after page after page.

On the other hand, you may be of the opinion that the fashion world is the fashion world, and that any white person who chooses to let race get in the way of such a form of aesthetic beauty is either, apart for being racist, visually impaired or sartorially challenged. After all, certain textures of clothes do look better on darker tones.

It makes you think, as a black person, on what basis do you define your world? And on your basis, do you choose to fight against discrimination within the system or for visibility outside of it?

--Le griot ésotérique

Proxy Exclusive- Obama Joins Black Planet

Welcome to the new era of presidential campaigns in America. No previous generation has seen anything like this, and even the 2004 campaign was not this accessible and wired. From the YouTube presidential debates to (legitimate) facebook profiles, the 2008 presidential candidates have taken the campaigning process to a new level. The proxy has an advanced copy of a PR release going out tomorrow, Monday October 15th, about the official announcement of Barack Obama's member profile on Black Planet, the largest African-American social networking community, as well as four other significant online networking communities. Obama's Black Planet profile is very youth-friendly with YouTube links, friends lists, personal stats, and photos, similar to MySpace pages and facebook profiles.

In one day, Obama managed to get more member friends on his Black Planet account than he did in one month on facebook. The power of online networking is limitless with one Black Planet member writing,

“I don't normally vote, but if it will help put you [Obama] in office, I will start. I think you [Obama] are one of the most qualified candidates in the running and it's not just because you are black, it's because you stand up for what is right and would make a great leader of this country.”

With still a year to go before the presidential elections, we are in for a campaign of the future and who knows what's next.

Decisions, Decisions: Demographics and the Political Race

This New York Times article explores the discourse among African-American women in the Carolinas on two of the leading democratic candidates: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. It's interesting how much of the reason why people like (and know about) Hillary comes from her husband. People quoted in this article note their concern for voting for Obama, simply for his safety reasons. Problematic? I think yes. Read for yourself and VOTE.

Genocide??!! Not Here of Course!

Oh U.S. foreign policy, how you slay me.

Members of the U.S. congressional House Foreign Affairs Committee decided in a "non-binding" 21 to 27 vote to label the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks post 1915 as genocide.

Bush, however is hoping the House of Representatives will be a little more lenient in the usage of such terms because of the fear that Turkey will pull out of the "war on terror".

I mean, I'm sure the White House would be okay with it after we eliminate terror everywhere.

Or at least abroad...I mean, bad things only happen abroad, and when I say abroad clearly I mean outside of the U.S. and what we declare as Europe.

I mean slavery, forced sterilization of women of color, and the active elimination of Native Americans isn't genocide per se, just house cleaning, right Mr. President?

DNA Testing For Immigrants?!!!! Can France Get Any Worse?

Immigration Museum in Paris Exposition Repères. Photo. : Awatef Chengal

Just yesterday, a new museum on immigration opened in France, coming at a time when there is a debate circulating over a new amendment to the immigration bill that proposes: "the use of genetic testing to verify the bloodlines of would-be immigrants who want to join family members already living in France."

If you can't believe this, read the article from the NY Times.

And by the way, Mr. Sarkozy did not attend the inauguration of the musuem, which documents the centuries of immigration to France, from Europe, its former African colonies, and Southeast Asia, in addition to covering current xenophobia and racism in France. Mr. Sarkozy, the son of an immigrant himself, did have time, however, to attend the inauguration of an architectural museum last month delivering a speech about the importance of architecture in France. Yes Mr. Sarkozy, I think architecture is a very important topic in France, maybe more than immigration- WOW.

Before you read the entire article, check out the Immigration Museum's website- if you can understand French.

http://www.histoire-immigration.fr/index.php?lg=fr&nav=1&flash=0

For those of you interested and going to Paris anytime soon, the museum's address is: Palais de la Porte Dorée. 293, avenue Daumesnil - 75012 Paris
Métro Porte Dorée / Bus 46 et PC2

Grupo Quisqueyano: The Art of New York

Grupo Quisqueyano, in conjunction with various other Columbia University student organizations and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity & Race (known lovingly as CSER), will be hosting an event exploring the arts throughout the decades in the Latino community of New York City.

The event will be opened by a remarks from Councilwoman Rosie Mendez and will feature a talk by a former member of the Young Lords, performances, poetry, and work from various artists.

Another highlight will be a special screening of the documentary "From Mambo to Hip Hop" with commentary from the actual directors and producers of the film. 70 guest JHS students from the Bronx will also be in attendance.

How will all of this be scrunched into 2 measly hours you ask? You have to be there to find out, as this is definitely not something you want to miss.

Location: Lerner Party Space, Lerner Hall
Date: Friday, October 12 El Día de la Raza
Time: 12-2 pm

From Mambo to Hip Hop Trailer

No Justice! No Peace!

A rally was held in response to the yesterday's act of racism in front of the main gates of Teacher's College this afternoon at 2 pm. Students, administrators and people from outside the Columbia community came to show solidarity and support the protest against ignorance and racism on Columbia's campus.

Arab-Andalusian Music of Algeria Concert

If you have the chance, check out this opportunity to hear the rich musical tradition of North Africa, which has been influenced by many cultures including Andalucian Spain. This Friday at 8pm, World Music Institute is hosting Nassima at Symphony Space.

Arab-Andalusian Music of Algeria

Nassima

Friday, October 12, 2007 8 pm

Peter Norton Symphony Space
Broadway at 95th St
New York

Nassima, an exquisite vocalist and fervent ambassador of the Andalusian music of Algeria, is noted for her renditions of the san’a tradition and her role in preserving this ancient genre, which traditionally was associated with males. In addition to san’a, her repertoire includes the popular Algerian chaabi and Sufi music from the Maghreb . Nassima, who will accompany herself on mandola (lute), will be joined by musicians on ‘ud (lute), qanun (zither), violin, and percussion, and guest dancer Amel Tafsout.

Tickets $32
WMI Friends $27
Students $15

The African Diaspora in New York

Mark this event on your calendars:

Tuesday
10/16/07
5pm – 8pm
Location: MEI (Middle East Institute, Columbia University)

“These women who wear trousers”:

Senegalese Women Immigrants in New York City

Awa Ba
Doctoral Candidate, Uppsala University Sweden

Pissed much?

A flyer found in the Barnard Quad:

*person's face is not covered in the actual flyer.

This guy must have pissed off the wrong girl.

Islamo-Facism Week

David Horowitz, who attended Columbia in the 50s, is returning to speak during Islamo-Facism Week, a part of the Terrorism Awareness Project. Apparently the week's purpose is to:

to confront the two Big Lies of the political left: that George Bush created the war on terror and that Global Warming is a greater danger to Americans than the terrorist threat.

The project claims that in fact the true enemy is :

a fanatical religious movement associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the sponsors of the Muslim Student Association; it is a movement including al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades -- whose common goal is the creation of a global Muslim empire ruled by an Islamic “pope” or caliphate, to be based in Iraq, once America is defeated...

The national Muslim Students Association (MSA), has responded with a "Peace...not Prejudice" campaign that is much more worth spending time on.

However, Horowitz , the author of "Ten Reasons Why Reparations for Blacks is a Bad Idea for Blacks - and Racist Too" and The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America, is coming to lecture...do you think Prez-Bo is going to use a 15 minute introduction to question his ability of having "the intellectual courage" to answer our questions?

Town Hall Meeting

An emergency meeting was held Tuesday October 9th at 9pm in Earl Hall to discuss recent events involving the hate crime at Teacher's College.




2 students from Teacher's College discuss ways of getting involved and showing support.




Students express their sentiments after the meeting.




If you would like to get involved, TC students as well as students from all Columbia University schools will be meeting at 2 pm at the main gates of Teacher's College to protest.

Discussions will be held at the cafeteria at Teacher's College from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. At the same time, President Susan Fuhrman and Provost Tom James will be joining students in a community meeting about the topic in 179 Grace Dodge.

Raise your voice to help improve our campus!

Noose Hung on Professor's Door

This morning a noose was found on the door of an African American professor's door at Teacher's College.

Here is the announcement from the president of Teacher's College.


From: Fuhrman, Susan
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 3:35 PM
To: TC Community
Subject: Community Alert

To the TC Community:

The police were here this morning because a hangman's noose was discovered on the office door of one of our African American faculty members. The incident has been reported to the New York City Police Department (Detectives Bureau of Manhattan) and is under active investigation by the Hate Crimes Task Force.

The TC community and I deplore this hateful act, which violates every Teachers College and societal norm.

Anyone who has any information about this incident is urged to immediately contact (anonymously or otherwise) any of the following:

The 26th Precinct Detective Squad (212 678-1351);

Crime stoppers (1 800 577-TIPS);

John DeAngelis, Chief of Public Safety (212 678-4180);

Janice Robinson, TC General Counsel and Executive Director,
President's Office of Diversity and Community (212 678-3732).

Decolonization Day

10/8/07-

ATTENTION BLOGGERS

If you are interesting in blogging look no further. the proxy magazine (Barnard's magazine about the African diaspora) is looking for staff bloggers and reporters as well as guest bloggers to join the (pro)be- our new blog. Our blog will feature everything from campus events like the World Leaders Forum to restaurant reviews and information on Manhattanville Expansion. Find out more at http://www.theproxyproject.org or http://theproxyprobe.blogspot.com

Or email us at theproxyproject@gmail.com