Comment from misscookie

Excellent

Wow!
This is a powerful write. And it's a shame your words are true here a some whites who think like you and took a stand for the actors and actress of color.
Thank you for this awesome read.
Cookie

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Thank you Misscookie, I am already taking some heat for this write but it's okay, I expected it, I must not be afraid.

reply by misscookie on 10-Feb-2016

You're very welcome, have a blessed day.
Cookie

Comment from Sambangi

Excellent

Yes, I agree there are biased decisions in many areas not only oscars. You have expressed your thoughts boldly with right words. Hope someone will listen and do something to correct the flaws in the system

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Please know that I do not seek to change anyone's minds or opinions, their consciences must do that for them. I do however, try to speak for as many people who lack the opportunity or ability to do so on their own. I believe that is the duty of those who write.

Comment from PoemsOfDD

Excellent

Nomi338, this is a great read. I loved how you used words like "y'all, that's cool, that's okay" - it brings it back down to reality and how it is. You have described a scene in the arts and award ceremonies that is long over due. How long must it take - but small steps produce loud voices and big change. I really enjoyed this poem for its honest poetic expression. The rhyme is a bit off in places but its the story line that brings it back on track. Thank you for sharing this reflective piece.

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Thank you, I was making a statement with more emphasis on the content than on the form. I appreciate your comments.

Comment from Sis Cat

Excellent

A strong poem about African Americans not being acknowledged at the Oscars. I, too, was shocked by who was not nominated. I was sure Will Smith was a shoe in for best actor nomination for Concussion. And there were other deserving actors as well.

Some small suggestions: capitalize "Mr. hateful man" so it reads as "Mr. Hateful Man."

Also, drop the commas here "Kool Ade, from that" and here "you bring, rain to."

This is the correct way to spell "Kool-Aid."

Thank you for sharing and daring to speak the truth.

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Wow! Thank you for your awesome comments and very helpful suggestions/corrections. I will attend to those directly. I am already taking some heat from some of my readers who feel slightly offended and perhaps betrayed by the words of the poem. Not that I place myself anywhere near the famed writer Richard Wright, but he explained why he wrote the difficult to digest novel "Native Son", he wanted to make people feel uncomfortable, to take them out of their comfort zone so to speak. Sometimes people need a shock to the system to make them realize that no everything is not okay. One of my favorite poets Paul Lawrence Dunbar spoke of wearing a mask, a mask that grins and lies, shading our cheeks and hiding our eyes. Some folks would be surprised by what they would see in our uncovered eyes.

Comment from giraffmang

Excellent

Hi there,

I appreciate the sentiments here and the emotions this stirs up but I am not so sure this is all that cut and dried as many would have us believe.

All of this is subjective (awards and so on) based on some people's ideas of merit. I bet you that every nomination was black, there wouldn't be the outcry among black people. Don't get me wrong, here, I am sure there is some element of truth to this but it never seems to come around the other way.

For every 'black' group there isn't a corresponding white one and I think things can go too far. take 'Black History Month' for example - no corresponding for white - it's all history.

It is great to stand up for oneself and acknowledge what comes before and achievements and so on, but I do feel sometimes that this just perpetuates the cycle.

Great piece though, full of passion.
G

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

This was not written to call for change, it was written primarily to express a sentiment commonly expressed within the black community. Listen the main message contained with this poem is that absent of any award show recognition, people are still making movies that earn all those involved a very nice living. Hell even the actors who played Sambo roles on TV and in early movies made a very nice salary and enjoyed a measure of celebrity.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I must admit I'm not sure what we're talking about here, living in Australia, although I've been to the US a few times, I'm not au fait with the various awards, although I'm only interested in the merits, colour, creed or nationality is irrelevant anyway, that's just tribal, but well done, well written, blessings Roy,

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Thank you Roy, I appreciate your comments. As a writer I try to represent various viewpoints on issues that matter. My own personal thoughts only serve to get in the way of my art. So I try to remain out of the way as much as possible.

reply by royowen on 09-Feb-2016

You did a great job, good to stand back

reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Thank you.

reply by royowen on 09-Feb-2016

Most welcome

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

I would have to agree with your poetic/ essay. I think that there should be more diversity in not only the Oscars but in all endeavors. Well said.

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 Comment Written 09-Feb-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016

Thank you DonadVicki. I appreciate your wonderful comments very much.