I HATE PWI ~vs~ HBCU/HBCU ~vs~ PWI Debates

I was taught I could Hate things not people. So, Hate is the best emotion for this issue. Debating whether a Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) or Predominantly White Institution (PWI) is right for a black student is one the most loathsome arguments to me. Today, Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigns amid campus protests, racial tension. I barely read the headline before I saw "They should've went to a HBCU" from a few Black tweople (what I call people on Twitter). I gave my two cents on the whole Mizzou situation including PWI vs HBCU debates on the situation were null and void. HERE. I was not for the troll, today and blame him for this post.

Yes, He gets a Side Eye stamp.

Well, then this Twitter troll told me I was in denial and commence to school me off of One of my tweets. After I told him to go read ALL my tweets on this subject and how saying that the Black Mizzou students "They should've went to a HBCU" was "low key victim blaming", he got quiet or blocked me.

With Football Nerd, a HBCU graduate

I am a Black woman who received her Bachelor's in Family Consumer Sciences with Emphasis in Nutrition from Lamar University, a Predominantly White Institution. I also went to another university & community college (UT-Arlington & El Centro) prior to Lamar and they were PWIs. I am proud of my accomplishments. I am the first 4-year college graduate of all of my maternal grandparent's offsprings. Both my maternal grandparents have siblings, in-laws, & nephews that coincidentally received their Bachelor's degrees at Historically Black College & Universities. Both my grandparents have Associates degrees from HBCUs. My mother went to a PWI. My sister attended an HBCU and PWI. But never in my family's history of debates & discussion were there ever HBCU vs PWI. I was Never told I needed to attend an HBCU until my senior year of high school.

I grew up with this girl, blog name will be Weeble Wobble, who graduated from a HBCU. She was a year older. Weeble Wobble felt like since we hadn't attended an all-black school since elementary, I needed to go to an HBCU. There were only two HBCUs on any of my lists of possible colleges. Those two were Howard University & Tuskegee University. Howard was not financially sound for me and I only wanted to Tuskegee University because the guys I saw during a tour were handsome & fine.

My top 4 choices were PWIs and that is where I applied. One day, Weeble Wobble wanted to visit me at my PWI at the time, the University of Texas at Arlington but I had an organization function. She asked what organization (also one of those people shocked that I do secular activities, I complain about) and I told her NACWC, National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She said, "Oh I've never heard of that". Now I could've left the statement there, but me taking the jerk road I didn't. I said, "Really? It's the oldest African American secular organization. But UTA is the first college chapter." After that discussion, she never brought up me going to an HBCU. She may not remember the exchange. 

I will Never disrespect an HBCU. I just know that an HBCU would not have benefitted my future. I also will Never know the answer to which is better for the Black student, PWI, or HBCU. I don't think there is a definitive answer. And to tell these Black students at Mizzou hurting because of race that they "should've went to a HBCU" is rude. No matter what race people that say it is gross. I don't care if you use education & finances (like that troll twerson), it is an unnecessary cherry on top of a wound.

I've had racist things happen to me in college. One night a member of the baseball team, who was white banged on my bathroom door and asked did I want some watermelon at 3 am while they were visiting my suitemates, who were also White and on the track team. My suitemates told him to leave my door. He said because I was a black girl should've been interested. I don't even eat watermelon. So, the joke is on him."Should've went to a HBCU" would have not help that or this Mizzou situation.

The Goal, we all are striving to achieve!!!

As the deaconess board at my foundation church says or use to say, "If you can't help, don't hurt"!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Spelman Cuts Ties With Cosby

I told you guys months about Spelman College suspending professorship endowment money donated from Bill Cosby and his charities. (Here's the Blog Post). I told you guys I would be paying close attention. Well this week, they made it official and discontinued the Cosby endowment. You can read the New York Times  & USA Today and get news coverage.

I'm not shocked. When the 2005 court disposition documents were unsealed and it revealed he had obtained Quaaludes "with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with," I knew then that should be the nail in his coffin for who ever was trying to give him some benefit of the doubt. Spelman at that point had just "suspended" the money so they were still giving him a little hope of belief. Then the admission of having the drugs to give to ladies he wanted to sleep with had to have been the point where they said enough is enough.

Now, we shouting "Black Lives Matter" & "Say Her Name" because of police brutality running rampant in the country. And we should. But we also need to stand up to folks that are harming us in other ways.

Sorry, but what Bill Cosby admitted to is dangerous. Even if the women knew they were taking the drugs. Even if he gave them the drug but didn't get to have sex with the women. Even if he never gave anyone any pills. Just the his mindset of what he wanted to do with the drugs is menacing. Quaaludes were prescription drugs that were legally used as a sedative for relaxation. But folks started misusing them because of their possible side effects that can include drowsiness, dizziness, increased sexual arousal (aphrodisia), and paresthesias (the numbness of the fingers and toes). I don't care if everybody was doing it. Bill Cosby knew that was wrong in the 1970's, just like he knows that it was wrong now

Who wants money from somebody who thinks/thought that was okay to do? . Well, Spelman College does not. I can't imagine what the board went through making that decision. If you think funding for public, private, & charter schools is baffling, think about funding for universities & college . Faculty see a mere fraction of the tuition & fees that paid. I think I read when tuition was increased by an average of 72%, faculty salaries only increased by 2.1%. That's what many of the endowments granted pay for. I've seen professor fight to be able to be the one to teach both summer sessions because of the pay. Oh and I went to & graduated from state funded schools. Spelman is a historically black, liberal arts women’s college that is privately funded. I hope no one lost their job. I hope a course or courses was/were not cut because this controversy.  But right is right. I pray that they are blessed with funding from sources that match their mission & moral standings. Spelman like its motto had to make "a choice to change the world". Trust me somebody in the world is impacted by this. Spelman, A Historically Black, Liberal Arts Women’s College decided not to take money from a man who at least had plans to give a women drugs so he could have sex with her. *slow clap*

Oh yeah a side note. Just because Bill Cosby obtain Quaaludes in order to screw women he liked doesn't mean Sagging pants is okay. Pull Your Pants Up!!1

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Courting 1301???

I know I've bored some of you guys with all these series about my screwy love life and criticism on Pop Culture. I know I have gotten away from giving you guys my snarky opinion on current events. I've not been without them but I post on my TL on Twitter. I forget many of you guys don't follow me there. Twitter does not have enough characters. Also, I did Twitter jail once and that was annoying. So you can give it a hearty welcome back with one I had to type this post out my mind.

Blame me having “The View” on in my background while I was working. The topic “Should Colleges offer a course in dating” came up. My mind started going.

So, an adjunct professor at Boston College is concerned about the Dating skills of students. She feels there is too much “hooking up” and not enough dating among college students. She feel like it’s a lost art. So in her course syllabus extra credit is available for any student who goes out on a date, subject to certain rules. It’s the student pays for the date and must make the request face-to-face, not via email or texting. The date can’t involve alcohol, kissing, or sex. This came about because a student asked her during a lecture about campus hookup culture, “How would you ask someone on a date?”. Other schools are going outside the classroom to address dating. Duke University’s Counseling & Psychological Services office ran “How to Be in Love” a series that helps students navigate falling in love, recognize “toxic romance” and analyze their break-ups. The counseling center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ran a weekly workshops this spring that included “being single and ready to mingle” and “uncovering the dating scene” as some of their subjects. Here are the articles if you don’t believe me.
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/07/09/would-you-ask-a-peer-out-for-extra-credit-schools-offer-dating-classes/

http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/18304/

Yes the “hook up” culture is on college campuses. (Wait let me say this to those who have never gone to college but can Always bad mouth college. Just because Some students are having casual sex (many safely) does not mean there are not going to classes and getting a good education. You did too and was not in school.)  It's not new. The culture was there when I was in college. I was never asked on a date by anyone I went to school with. I think the only date I almost had with someone on campus was a “Bachelor Bid” date that fell through big time. Oh they could flirt and make eyes at me. Oh there was one guy (I’ll call him Nickel, just in case some of the folks I went to UTA with, start wondering) that constantly gave me compliment on my looks. He never asked me out. Oh he could knock on my door and want to come in and watch TV (Umm no, that’s a booty call request in disguise. I was not that stupid & naive) but no date asking. I was asked out on dates by men who didn't go to school (Both universities & community college breaks) with me. Not that some they were not the same “just wanna hook-up” busters but they were making the effort to at least act like they trying to get to know me. I can't say Many of the ladies I ever associated with in college were asked out on dates. I might know one of them that asked a guy on a date. So yeah, the Art of dating is a Lost art form.

I actually think younger people (those in college or not) think “hooking up” is dating, these days Thanking Wikipedia for a definition, Dating is a part of human mating process whereby two people meet socially for companionship, beyond the level of friendship, or with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or marriage. It can be a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by the couple. While the term has several meanings, it usually refers to the act of meeting and engaging in some mutually agreed upon social activity in public, together, as a couple. Dating is not hopping in bed (and any other places) and having sex only. That’s the definition of Casual sex. I'm not judging. I’m not in that position to do so. I’m just as human as the other humans. I’m just saying that Casual sex or hooking up is not the same as dating

I'm not totally against this concept of teaching Dating skills. I think that the skills should be taught before one graduates high school. But we know those skills are not being taught for various reason including, sheltering your children and just flat out not teaching children respectful advance social skills. TV and Movies do a better job than those who should be doing the instructing.  I think the colleges that are having seminars should continue as they are. It is probably taken out of the Student Activity fees and like all student activities it’s optional. Being extra credit for a Philosophy class is cute. But it’s not being taught on a wide spread forum.

I don’t ever want this to be a college course. Show me one Degree that needs Dating in its course work. Maybe the rudiments, trends or styles of dating for sociology or psychology degrees. We are talking the skills of dating or how to date not fundamentals.  I'm still miffed at all the 4 course hours of physical activity required when I was in school. Dating doesn't even fall under that department as elective. That’s a course the tuition would be supporting for a high probability of naught. Tuition is already too High to be taking superfluous electives. What  governing body of any College or University is going to let this course be added to the curriculum. And before you use the course, know that that is a Women’s Studies course, called Politicizing Beyoncé. Here’s the description: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is known as many things: singer, songwriter, actress, performer, half of hip hop and R&B’s most powerful couple, even fashion designer. But few take her seriously as a political figure. This course will attempt to think about our contemporary U.S. society and its current class, racial, gender, and sexual politics through the music and career of Beyoncé. On the surface, she might deploy messages about race, gender, class, and sexuality that appear conservative in relation to social norms, but during this course we will ask: how does she also challenge our very understanding of these categories? How does Beyoncé push the boundaries of these categories to make space for and embrace other perhaps more “deviant” bodies, desires, and/or politics? We will attempt to position Beyoncé as a progressive, feminist, and even queer figure through close examination of her music alongside readings on political issues, both contemporary and historical. We will juxtapose Beyoncé’s music with writings on black feminism and the black female experience in the U.S. (and beyond), to attempt to answer: can Beyoncé’s music be seen as a blueprint for progressive social change? So that argument base is moot.

Again parents & guardians should be teaching these skills. It’s part of the advanced social skills they need when they leave the home to go out in the world. Oh some are but I've had conversations with some of the future citizens of the world. Some can't complete a conversations without mumbling and me asking them what did they say constantly (Sad part is there are some slightly older” (my age) people out there like that also). I’m going to guess knowing anything about proper dating skills is doubtful. Good job to universities, college & professors taking an interest social life of its students. Just don’t require any tuition money in that interest.

What do you think???

Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

College Graduate Confessions: My Response to Those Who Didn't Go

Starting a new Blog Series. College Graduate Confessions. Had some down time and my mind got to going on thoughts about me being a college graduate. Enjoy

I am a College Graduate. Actually my degree is 10 years old this year (August), Yay! I stay on top of my professional study courses as much as I can, also. One day I’m going to get my Masters (No I'm not a person constantly say that either).  Life will not stand in the way forever. But it amazes me how many people I know that feel the need to say in my presence how they were tired of school when they graduated high school. I have been asked/told whether I like been in school numerous time in life.  Maybe it’s me but it is So Annoying. From the time I was graduating high school until this day there are these people that feel the need to say it. I feel like a jerk if I respond but this my blog and I can be a jerk if I want to.  So is what I want to say so badly.

I knew I wanted to go to college since I was 9 years old. I knew I belonged on a college campus when I was in high school hoping that college had to be better than this. I was 85% correct. Portions of college can be just a Dumb as high school. I chose college it didn’t choose me. I didn’t go because everyone else was going to college. I wanted to go. Yes, I like going to school. I like learning. You chose your path and I chose mine. Now let go live our lives.

Okay I got typed out. Trust me most people in the world know that every one is not College material. Most people know every one can not go to college. That's what make our world so beautiful and diverse.

It is just that some people don’t get that they sound as annoying to me as those people that brag that they have their BA from Lah-Lah, MBA from Blah-Blah and getting their PHD from the story goes on. (Yeah those that Brag about their degrees get on my nerves to). I don’t know if people are saying that they didn’t go to school because they feel inferior and want to justify why they didn’t go, want you to feel bad for going to school, or they are just aimlessly talking thinking they are fitting in. It is probably a strange combination of all three. I just want it to stop. Especially around people like me who don’t care what you do with your life as long as you are a decent citizen to this world. They are slime balls with and without degrees, everywhere. Just care about not being one of them.

I’m just tired of hearing it. We all need to live our own lives. We don’t owe anyone an explanation as long as it is right and good. So let’s get back to living our living as decently as we can make them.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

While I was Away...

Hey! Did you miss me? I know! I know! I had desktop problems. I fixed them and now I am back. If you didn’t miss me then you must follow me on Twitter and gotten twearful with my opinions on all kinds of stuff.  LoL My mind was exploding so I had to get them out. Well this blog will be catch you on my opinions.

 

The World Track & Field Championships

                David Oliver is the 100m Hurdle Champion! Yes, a member of Team Eye Candy is a Track & Field Champion.  The World Championship was weird to watch this year. After Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, & Veronica Campbell-Brown ended up on the Banned Substances List and could not compete, the track had some New names and faces on it. It was rather annoying because those who were well seasoned athletes that knew better. *sigh* Also the whole Russia will jail Gay athlete talk was getting tiresome. By time for the Winter Olympics, I will want to scream. Looks like Russia picked the wrong time to pass such laws. Oh well they won’t be getting any World Events for quite some time.  But it was fun the see Mo Farrah repeat his performances in the long distance runs like he did in the Olympics. Brittany Reese is again long jump Champion.  And of course Usain Bolt won the 100m & 200m. Allison Felix got hurt and couldn’t compete. All and it was a good showdown. Now let me learn these new names storming up the track & wearing down the field. Oh, did I tell you a member of Team Eye Candy is a World Champion? LoL Yay, David Oliver!!!

Twerk is in the Oxford Dictionary

                I would love to tell you I was shocked but, I am not. I told you all in previous blog, when Webster’s added “conversate” dictionaries were going downhill from there. People blame Miley Cyrus, who, I think has over twerked. I just blame dummies that want stupidity to be hip. I will remiss if I didn’t give Kudos to the dictionary connected to Microsoft Word for correcting twerk & conversate. Now that is a dictionary a Diva can have faith in.

 

A Twerking Scholarship.

                *sigh* Yes the rapper Juicy J tweeted that he would give a $50,000 Scholarship to best twerker out there.  As a College Graduate with a student loan debt that looks like someone’s annual entry level salary I've decided not to be totally outraged about Juicy J's $50,000 Twerking Scholarship BUT... The $50,000 Twerking Scholarship should ONLY be offered to Strippers working their way through College. Hey "Diamond" can get off the pole because of it BUT "Average Jane" don't have practice the pole because of it. It was a win, win. Well Juicy J later rescinded his “scholarship” offer. So now “Diamond” has to stay on the pole to pay for American Lit & Chemistry this semester and my niece and any teenage girl won’t try to get on one in order to get a “free” ride to college.

 

Booty Bounce

                I don’t understand what the daggum craze about twerking is. I was a teenager in the 90’s so Miami bass music (Uncle Luke, Poison Clan 95 South & my favorites 69 Boyz) were popular sound. So we bounce our butts all the time. Who remembers the “South Dallas Drop”? I was pretty good. I could “drop” flat footed as well as in heels. Twerking is not new. DJ Jubilee (who began his career in the 90’s) started the word in his song “Stop Pause (Do the Jubilee All)”. He said, “Twerk Baby. Twerk Baby. Twerk, Twerk, Twerk”. Check out the Link!  I’m not one to play the race card but as soon as these little white girl started doing the dance… I’m tired of hearing about it. Make it stop.

 

Harriet Tubman Sex Tape

                Yes, Russell Simmons took it down. It was on YouTube. Here's an Article.  I don’t care I am boycotting all Russell Simmons’ products. Glad I don’t have a Rush Card because like all my R. Kelly Music (Yes I boycott him too. Except for Trapped In the Closet on IFC. I saw it before I saw the tape so I got invested) I would have destroyed it. How dare someone make such filth? Sex with a Slave for the most part was Rape. Then to make an important person in the fight freedom be a conniving minx duping someone made it worse. I hated it was ever made. I was subscriber to one of the actor in the video. Keyword: Was.

 

Ask a Slave

                I was very worried about this at first. It came out after the “Harriet Tubman Sex Tape”. A few of my favorite vloggers like it so, I checked it out. I Love It. It’s so tongue & cheek.  Check it out Here.

 

New Book Reviews

                Yes OutSpoken_Diva has been busy reading. My favorite author Pearl Cleage has done it again. “Just Want to Testify” is so good. Let’s just say she uses Vampires to explain the State of the Black Man and how he treats women. So look out for a full review very soon.

 

Okay I going to wrap things up. I forgot how tiring blogging could be. All the typing is wearing me out. Just kidding.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms