little brown jen

Hair Adventures..

2011-05-17T12:20:00.002-04:00

Hi! Have we met?

Shortly after christening myself "little brown jen," it occurred to me that I'd left something out of this most basic descriptor of myself. If you know me, this will come as no surprise. However, if you don't know me, within the first ten minutes of our very first meeting (but likely less), you will (inevitably) think, maybe say, the following: "Wow. You have a lot of hair.." Your facial expression may even resemble a variation of: O_O... O_o.. >.< if I've come to see you about combing said hair. Yes, kids. I have. A LOT. Of. Hair. I comb it every day (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). I know. Want proof? See here:

Exhibit A. Little Brown Jen awaits inevitable professional hair combing that occurs a stunning TWICE a year

See - Believe me now?

In 30 years, there are only like 4 people in life that have combed my hair more than once. They are all in my family. And they all quit as soon as I could comb my own hair. This is how it goes: I find a stylist, they do my hair, and it's either a) terrible and I never go back or b) great but they move, are too expensive or both. Such was the case this past year when I took to the twitters to find a recommendation for a new stylist. I found a stylist last year that I intended to go back to. He moved. Curses.

So when a Twitter friend, Kalinda, tweeted me about her stylist... I was excited, yet reluctant. My hair... does the most, to say the least. But, the salon was nearby and I had her every assurance that TarRa was a "Hair Whisperer." As the universe would have it, I called TarRa and what do you know? She had an appointment that afternoon. I vowed I would walk out if I felt uncomfortable, to listen to my intuition which had never failed me (I've always known when trips to the salon were going south. My own fault for staying. Lesson learned.). But as soon as I met TarRa, the universe told me to relax. And I did. TarRa was amazing with my hair, handling it with care and obvious experience. My hair cut, press, everything is fantastic! See:

Exhibit B: It's like magic! Who's hair is that? MINE! Yay!!

So, yes dears. If you're in Atlanta, and you need a "Hair Whisperer," I now trust TarRa with my hair-life. THAT is saying the most. Find her here at She Salon in StudioPlex!

Today, my kid lied to me. I blame y'all.

2011-05-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, so maybe not you exactly. Or at all. I'm being harsh and dramatic but, all of that is beside my point. And, I also know that I am not alone in this experience as many of you have been parents for far longer and more times over than I. This here rant is one that has been building through 5 years of holidays like Christmas, Hannukah, Birthdays, and now, apparently, Easter (??) where our kids have grown to expect presents, and we, parents, are expected to buy them. Add to that grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and kind strangers that love to shower gifts and candy on our kids on any given day and my head begins to explode.

The "But-I-Want-It!!!" syndrome is rampant and I can't exclude myself. I love to buy stuff! BUT, I'm also a grown-up, have a job and all that boring stuff that goes along with it. I was also that same kid that demanded to have anything and everything I wanted. To wit: I, famously, spent an entire day shopping with my dad when I was four. By all day, I mean that literally. Both my mom and dad had their arms full of packages. As we walked out of the mall, I saw a swimming baby doll on display in a toy store. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen (since 5 minutes before). I asked for it. My dad said no. I demanded it. He said no again. Then, I apparently kicked a grown man so hard he left limping. I, however, left with a swimming baby doll. That entire middle part of the story? I don't remember any of that so, I'll dispute it as defamation of character. Witnesses (namely, my parents and *everyone* in my family) insist it is true. TomAto, TomAHto. Whatever. Thankfully, I've grown (mostly...) out of that. I am paying for it now.

My kid is overwhelmingly GREAT. He's funny, smart, obedient, charming and lovely. But everyday, I swat commercials off of my child like flies. I'm sure many of you do the same. Not a day goes by that my child DOESN'T ask me for something he heard about in a commercial - be it food, movies, toys, ANYTHING. This has been hard already. As he aproached school age, I've dreaded the peer pressure-ish, I-want-what-so-and-so-has-part of parenting but I thought I had some more time. THIS post is inspired by a little toy we used to call "a top" but is now a new-fangled "Beyblade". Kids ages 5-7 everywhere have been running around demanding them.

They're the current big thing. And with that, my kid lied to me and it goes like this:

@theCamDean and his friends love to play with these Beyblades. Kids bring them to school and have "battles" during their free time. Personally, I rarely allow Cam to bring toys to school. I have given in here and there but mostly, I say no for lots of reasons. One being that he's going to school - there are toys and a playground there. Go run. Two, he's 5 - he loses stuff. Three, everyone can't afford everything - I don't want to create a situation of envy or discomfort. Kids like to show and tell. It's what they do. So, I *generally* say no.

From jump, I told Cam I wasn't buying him a Beyblade. Ever. It has small pieces and my child is not careful with his toys. It would be rendered useless in a week. I may as well throw money out of the window. He's been, generally, fine with that. Yesterday, he did ask if I would buy him some and, again, I said no. Life was fine. This morning, he found an old Happy Meal toy that was similar. He asked to take it to school because he doesn't have a Beyblade. I said no. He whined, cried, asked Daddy, all of that, but got himself together and put it away. I sat him down and said, "Cam, I'm so proud of you. Thank you so much for showing me what a big boy you are! I really appreciate that you are following my rule." He gave me a hug and we started to leave for school. At that moment, he forgot his hat so I told him to run to his room and get it. That last second temptation got the best of him. We left for school and when he tried to get out of the car, he had a hard time and kept readjusting his pocket. *Major Side-Eye*

"Cam, what's in your pocket?'

"Nothing!" he says, turning his whole body away.

"Cameron Dean. What. Is in. Your. Pocket!"

"NOTHING! LEAVE ME ALOOOONE!" he whines..

We all know the end of this story. That was the abridged version. It actually lasted longer and happened more dramatically than that in the school parking lot. We were 15 (extra) minutes late. And in that little debaucle, I cried as a mom whose child truly lied to her for the first time, with intent. Sure, he's embellished or denied small things here and there, but this time - this was different. And maybe I'm over-reacting. But am I really?

I tend to see things as an unending chain of cause and effect. Everything can be traced back to something else. In this case, Cam wanted so much to play LIKE his friends, with the same toys, that he made a split second decision to sneak a toy that his father and I explicitly banned at school. The cause: Beyblades at school. The effect: jealousy, deceit, feeling left out. But just a while ago, it was enough to be able to play tag and soccer with his friends at school. They ALL can do that - it doesn't cost anything or leave anyone out. And it was the MOST FUN, as Cam would say. This week? Nothing is fun if he doesn't have a Beyblade or a similar toy to show his friends.

So what happens when our children begin to perceive inclusivity as directly related to what they own? Am I the only one that remembers people getting robbed, killed, and bullied for their sneakers or lack there of? What about the lengths people went through to buy their kids a "Tickel Me Elmo"? Is it really a stretch to imagine that this is how and where it begins...? And as parents, how much responsibilty lies with us when we buy our children things "because so-and-so" has one and we don't want them to be left out..? Maybe, I'm reaching. But I, kindly, disagree.

Work in progress!

2011-04-26T17:33:00.001-04:00

As you can see, this place is now littlebrownjen.com! *the crowd screams YAYYYY!!!!* And with this fancy, new .com, I'm hoping to add some fancy, new blog posts. What will these blog posts be about, you ask? Well, Stuff. That's right, stuff. Eating stuff, drinking stuff, seeing stuff, thinking about stuff, ATLANTA stuff! What will it have in common? ME! What more do you people need?? :)

But really, seriously, I hope my new (old) blog will be about life in and around Atlanta, Mom-ing my own way, Wife-ing my own way, and having fun my own way. And by my own way, I mean almost exactly like everybody else but not really. Know what I mean? Of course, you do. So, here we go - Me + y'all! Ya ready?

Soul + Sole. TOMS "Style Your Sole"

2011-04-16T22:06:00.003-04:00

On a rare day, I found myself free for an afternoon to do just as I please. So, naturally, when I heard about shoes, painting and music, I thought to myself "PERECT! I love all of that!" Not to mention, the shoe event was sponsored by TOMS!, an amazing company that provides one pair of shoes to child in need for every pair you purchase. You are always buying two pairs of shoes, and, clearly, we all agree two is better than one! :)

Various artists customize your TOMS shoes while you wait
While the event took place from 12-6pm at Nordstrom in Phipps Plaza, when I arrived at 5 pm, all of the artists (about 8) were busily painting away, with no end in sight :) Each customer could choose their artist based on samples and customize their new TOMS to reflect them. It was fantastic! Add to that an amazing soundtrack by my good friend DJ X, and it was my perfect-shoe-shopping-storm. What more could you want?

DJ X provided the soundtrack for the event
TOMS "Style Your Sole" events are held across the country so check their website for dates and other events. And while you're there, go ahead and buy yourself (and a child!) a pair!
lbj

Head Over Heels!

2010-02-25T16:52:00.009-05:00

I know I've been missing in action for quite some time, but have no fear! I'm lurking and plotting all the time :) I'll be back to writing before I, I mean you, know it! I figured that I could mark my triumphant return to my blog (..?) by sharing this awesome charity and fundraiser that I'm supporting. The charity is Athena's Warehouse, founded by Atlanta local (and one of my very own bff's!) Bee Nguyen. In her own words:

Atlanta-based non-profit group that provides low-income high school girls with prom dresses. Our goal is to show both girls and women that females can empower each other through personal support and public service. Our icon, Athena, embodies strength, equality, and heroic endeavor; she is accompanied by an owl that marks wisdom. She is our urban version of a fairy tale ending.

We collect cocktail dresses that are in good condition year round. We appreciate your support in helping students who are unable to purchase their own attire.

Awesome, right? I knew you'd think so! So naturally, you want to know how you can help. Fortunately, Bee's got a plan.

First: DONATE! Dresses, money, time! All of it is equally important and ABSOLUTELY necessary to make this a success! Prom season is starting in just a few weeks so all three of those things are in high demand. You're a little on the broke side? No worries, me too! Athena's Warehouse needs volunteers for the Prom "Personal Shopper Days" where the girls will pick out their dresses. We will also need volunteers to help chauffeur the girls to and from their community service commitment. Easy, right? You can contact Bee for more details here.

Shopping and driving not your thing? Perfectly fine! Second way you can help: HAVE FUN! I'm sure you're now saying to yourself: Wait, what? That's it? Yup. Come to the Head Over Heels Prom! The event will be held at Studioplex in Inman Park on March 12, 2010! Tickets are ONLY $15 in advance and $20 at the door. That'll get you 2 drinks and chances to win awesome door prizes! We'll be dancing and partying all for a great cause! The theme is Head Over Heels because while we looooove our shoes (Did I show you my wedding shoes?? Another post for sure..), and this is all about collecting dresses, we want to remember that what matters is brains over beauty (that wasn't nearly as catchy a prom theme title, lol! BUT that's why Bee's in charge!). Check out the flier and website for details! You can buy your tickets now (DO IT!) via PayPal or contact me for more details!

Really Creative Loafing??

2009-09-08T01:11:00.011-04:00

I came across the photo above a few weeks ago via Creative Loafing Atlanta's twitter feed. I missed the Latino Festival and was excited to see that the Festival had been chosen as my favorite alt-weekly's photo feature. I eagerly clicked on the link, waiting for the page to load. Except, when it did, I (seriously) had a physical reaction to the photo. I jumped back, like huh??

"Music, food, dancing and cultural pride was the order of the day at the annual FREE Festival Peachtree Latino, which took over Underground Atlanta and surrounding streets on Sunday, August 23, 2009"

cl_atlantaHey! Thanks for the feedback on the pic, the edit staff felt it was strong and provocative, which is what we aimed for....8:08 PM Aug 26th
cl_atlanta...and we certainly run provocative photos of people of all races. Your criticism is valid, tho so thanx for sharing it!8:10 PM Aug 26th

Now, presumably, this was supposed to make me feel better and model good customer service. Except after reading it, I became increasingly more annoyed. There was something about "provocative photos of all races" that just didn't sit well. Did I criticize the photo for being racist? No. Did I mention race? No. Wait, did i even explain why I thought it was a poor choice? No. All I had said was THIS photo, CL? Really? But the assumption was made anyway, simply because the photo is of an ethnic minority. Now don't get me wrong, the racial implications of such language paired with a photo, reducing our "cultural pride" to this image truly bothered me. But beyond that, I felt violated as a woman! I opened the image to find anonymous female bodies, close up.. very sexualized. This was the highlight of the entire day's worth of festival happenings?

I don't buy it. But, I also know that when you are inundated with conversations surrounding -isms, your filter can become sensitive. Was I overreacting? I put the questions to my Tweeting Latinos and allies- @SofiaQuintero, @Mami2Mommy, @blogdiva, @ChrisMacDen to name a few. The response was the same. "THIS is what they think of us?" they all said in various ways. I received maybe two out of 20+ responses that didn't think the photo was a big deal one way or the other. But still, an overwhelming majority (of my self admittedly-completely-unscientific poll) felt uncomfortable with the image. Doesn't that mean something?.. I've never felt compelled to write a letter to the editor, but I took that step forward and I'm glad I did.

Below, you'll find the text that I submitted to Creative Loafing, which has also been printed in this week's issue, Sept. 2-8, 2009. I'd love to know your thought and feelings about it!

I am writing to request that you change or delete Joeff Davis' Photo of the Day from the Underground Latino Festival. The photo is extremely offensive especially when labeled as an image of Latinos celebrating their "cultural pride." I've looked through the gallery and several images are quite striking, as well as better representations of our culture and community.

Not only is the current image offensive to me as a Latina, battling stereotypes of being hyper-sexualized and feisty-tempered, but as a woman. The image succeeded only in creating anonymous female bodies, co-signing the longstanding dehumanization and objectification of women and minorities. (Please see The Hottentot Venus for context.)

As I told the person that handles your twitter feed, I do appreciate the acknowledgemnt. But to then suggest that you paper runs "provocative" photos of all races belittles my critique and ignores the fact that the decision to run this photo as the face of the event falls squarely into supporting the status quo of stereotyped portrayals of minority communities. Doing it to all communities only means you equally offend all communities, not that you are absolved of any unfairness.

I am not asking that the photos be hidden or that a photographer "lie" with is camera. I recognize that these are images of true happenings. But as a photographer myself, I know that the photographer's responsibility lies in framing the picture, including and omitting facets of reality as they are perceived. Your photographer, and editorial staff's, decision to run with this photo shows a misstep in awareness of the struggle minorities face to be seen fairly, fully, and outside of the typical negative stereotypes.

I do not aim to accuse anyone of racism, your staff nor Joeff Davis. However, what I hope to convey is that this image was a poor decision for which your paper should take responsibility.You can see my twitter feed to see some of the comments that I have received in response to the photo. I mention it only to illustrate that our community, and allies of our community, do feel similarly to what I am describing here, even if they do not choose to address you formally. Some people just don't have the energy. My only aim is to create awareness and a heightened sense of responsibility to the diversity of your readership.

I appreciate your time and hope to continue this dialogue. I would love to work with CL in leading discussions regarding media representations of minority communities.

lbj

that irked the hell out of me. Even still, I retweeted the link saying only something along the lines of "Really CL? Is this a joke? THIS is the picture you chose?" I let it go after that. The day went on, my annoyance wore off and I nearly forgot about it. Until I received this:It made me uncomfortable and I couldn't explain it right away. Heck, I've been to plenty of Latin festivals, dance clubs, parties - my stepdad is in a salsa band! I've seen it all. But there was something about this picture paired with this happy little caption:

Farewell Michael...

2009-06-26T16:19:00.004-04:00

There are too many emotions with MJ's passing yesterday. Many of us have never known life without Michael - 45 yrs of a musical legacy. He provided the soundtrack of my life. Every single song conjures a vivid, powerful memory and fond emotion, all the way back to my earliest days.

Michael gave us his life through his music. There's no question he was a troubled man, but let us remember all that he gave us. Michael PROVED that meaningful, positive, political music could be succesful, powerful. He was the definition of a humanitarian.

Celebrate Michael today and always. If you're not dancing, you're not doing it right. I'll leave this post with a teary farewell and some pics of MJ at his best.

Michael J. Jackson August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009.

King of Pop, Always.

California can kiss my....

2009-05-27T16:17:00.010-04:00

Yesterday, California insulted the country again with their ruling on Proposition 8 and made Iowa even more desirable than I ever imagined it would be. Anyhoo, The Cam Dean and I headed over to Piedmont Park to add our voices of dissent at a protest organized by our friends at GLBTAtl.org. The turnout was fantastic and Cam had a great time. Several media outlets were there as well, and guess who got their picture taken! That Cam... ;-)

This picture courtesy of www.projectqatlanta.com

Cameron Lewis, 3, and his mother Jennifer Bhagia, 28, joined the rally. Bhagia says that because she is biracial, she feel a responsibility to support the cause with her son. "There was a time when my parents couldn't get married," Bhagia said. ELISSA EUBANKS/EEUBANKS@AJC.com (Courtesy of AJC.com)

Also, please take the time to check out GLBTAtl.org and their "My Two Cents" Campaign! This fight is far from over-it's just the beginning! Gay, Straight, Black or White, Marriage is a Civil Right.

Pictures worth millions of words..

2009-05-27T15:37:00.007-04:00

Everytime I try to put into words my thoughts and feelings around President Barack Obama, and now Sonia Sotomayor, my words fail me and feel clumsy... But then I see pictures like this and remember that pictures are worth a thousand words. THIS is what Barack Obama, and Sonia Sotomayor, means to me..

"President Barack Obama bends over so the son of a White House staff member can pat his head during a family visit to the Oval Office May 8, 2009. The youngster wanted to see if the President's haircut felt like his own. "(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

I imagine the differences I may have experienced in my life if these role models were readily available to me as a child. I imagine how my son's reality will be so far from my own, and how mine has progressed from my mother's.

I think of my mother, a Puerto Riquena growing up in the projects of the South Bronx, and her dreams to be a lawyer someday. Racism, sexism, family responsibility and socio-economic restrictions kept her from that dream, but what if there had been a "Sonia Sotomayor" for her to look up to then? Furthermore, it is not unlikely that two Puerto Rican girls in 1960's South Bronx crossed each other's paths.... Still, from the South Bronx to the Supreme Court is a rarity, and that's no coincidence. Socio-economically disadvantaged minorities, especially Latinos with their strict gender roles and expectations of conformity- that's a tough cycle to break out of. But I don't have the energy to break that down right now. You know what I'm talking about..

The tears that escaped me yesterday during Sotomayor's nomination, and throughout the 2008 election cycle, culminating in the election of our first self-identified Black president of mixed heritage, were a realization that for the entirety of my life, I've never felt connected. I've always identified(privately) as an American, but it was never a great source of pride for me. It was just a fact.

Moments, and photos, like these make me feel the weight of American-ness and I see myself in the reflection of a little boy. A little boy realizing the President is just like him.....

(Hat tip to Mixed Race America and Anti-Racist Parent)

Tongue Tied...

2009-05-01T22:49:00.003-04:00

I started this blog as a means to speak my mind. This was to be an opportunity to get to know myself as well as be more outspoken. Yet, I sit down and stare at the screen and the words never get written. I have a lot to say. I just don't know where to begin most of the time.

Writing is not something I've ever enjoyed but as time goes on, I realize that when I force myself to put it out there I feel infinitely better. But there is a certain vulnerability in truth, in honesty-in putting it out there. I mean, what if you read it??

I tried several names for a blog before settling on little brown jen. I've always been terrible at naming things. The names I pick always tend to be really boring or only make sense to me, which in turn, is really boring. But little brown jen stuck. It is my most basic descriptor. Beyond that it's how I relate to the world and how the world relates to me. When I walk out of my house, I am one person, seemingly small, in a vast city, state, country, world. And walking around this world, my brownness defines me. It includes me with some, excludes me from other, makes me "interesting" to the rest.. But at the end of the day, in my world, in my skin, I'm jen.

In this space, I'll work to bring the world closer to me and make myself closer to the world. I hope to explore my brownness-what it means and what it doesn't mean, if anything.. And all the rest of the things that make me jen....

Three!!!

2009-02-26T00:17:00.002-05:00

My little man turned 3 on Feb. 15th! He wanted a baseball party so here's his birthday baseball cupcake-cake! Time goes by so quickly...

Happy people creep me out..

2009-02-05T23:08:00.005-05:00

Seriously. I feel a touch of annoyance when I read gushing tales of happiness. "Life is soooo wonderful! I couldn't ask for anything more! I feel so blessed! My life is perfect! My friends are perfect...." blahbity blahbity blah, lol... It's almost as if I don't think people are honest unless they admit to at least a touch of an emotion that is not happy. Melancholy, great! Nostalgic, that will do! Revolutionary, perfect! But just happy? Can life be truly full if you're happy? In all seriousness, I recognize that there are worse things in life but still...I don't know...Would I be happy being happy?

I sometimes wonder if my impatience with happy people is a reflection of my own unhappiness. In that perhaps I don't like happy people because I'm not? Jealous? Perhaps... But, truth be told, unhappy is not a word that I think about regularly when analyzing myself(as I am apt to do often). Unsatisfied comes up sometimes, or reminiscent, and yes, nostalgic and melancholy, but not unhappy. I have a quirky, audio-phile, beer enthusiast as a loving husband and a hysterically funny, bowling-baseball-basketball obsessed toddler that make life fun and interesting every day. So I suppose, I have all the makings of being happy. We are healthy, we have love and we have each other. There is always room for improvement, but that's life and I've got a solid foundation. Despite that, I still don't like happy people, I don't identify as one, and I don't believe I ever will.

And I don't mean to sound like a grinch, really I don't. The thing is this- the more I think about it, the more I feel like happiness is so passive. Happiness is something that happens to you and (by default, so does unhappiness). It's not something you can pursue, at least not in a way that I have found to have satisfactory results(I'm open to suggestions!). Happiness doesn't always do well with changes or surprises.. One day you're happy, and BAM! you have a kid.. you lose your job.. you get married.. or you don't..and it's done-you're not happy anymore...And then you have to start all over! So I'll never be a happy person, and no sir! I don't want to be. Not with that contract. Because I can't sit back waiting for the perfect storm. It won't work that way for me. But I'll always be Passionate. Caring. Angry. Giving. Loving. Outraged. Jubilant. Honest. Intense. Loyal. Living. Because all of those states of being require action from me, and as long as I'm doing, moving, Living, unhappiness (and by default, happiness), won't find me.

Closing the Achievement Gap...One President at a time

2009-01-27T00:21:00.005-05:00

There is no question that many years from now, the presidency of Barack Obama will adorn the pages of many history books. Our children will discuss this election alongside that of George Washington, John F. Kennedy and, yes, unfortunately even George W. Bush. There will be many things written about his policies, the "historic nature" of his presidency and the unprecedented campaign that he ran. - And hopefully, there will be something along the lines of "Best. President. Ever. but I guess only time will tell ;-) - But in thinking about our new president and what the election of a minority into the highest office of our country could mean to our country and our children all those years in the future, I am endlessly fascinated by what we may not see in history books. Namely, the psychological impact of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle will have on millions of Americans that have never seen themselves represented in such a way. Granted, I was a psychology major so I suppose it's a given. But as a biracial woman, and mother to a multiracial child living in the South, this isn't just about psychology, it's about race. It's about discrimination. It's about confidence and self-esteem. And it's about equality.

That's why I was so fascinated by this article in Newsweek. In various psychology classes, you learn about something called "stereotype threat."

For example: Let's work with the stereotype "Asians are good at math." You proceed to administer a test to a room of students. You tell them you are testing to see how they compare to other schools or something-whatever. There will be no significant differences, and you'll typically find a normal bell curve. Now, administer the same test, but this time tell them you are comparing the scores of Asian vs. non-Asian students and guess what you will find! Confronted with the stereotype, Asians students will typically outperform non-Asian students. Or, we could say that non-Asian students underperform against Asian students-same thing really. This effect has been found across many stereotype conditions and it can happen to anyone that identifies with the stereotyped group. Basically, you worry so much about confirming the stereotype, that you focus shifts and then you confirm it. This is where President Obama and Newsweek come in.

"So here’s what the new study did. At four different times during 2008 (late August, before the Democratic nominating convention; just after Obama’s acceptance speech; in early October; and right after election day), it asked about 120 college students to take an online test consisting of 20 questions from the Graduate Record Exams (GREs). (Over the four testing periods, 84 black students and 388 white students, matched for education levels, participated.) They were told that the exam was “created by theMassachusetts Aptitude Assessment Center, and is used as a diagnostic tool to assess verbal problem-solving ability”—a ruse meant to activate the stereotype that blacks don’t do as well as whites on aptitude tests. They also had to indicate their race before taking the exam, also known to activate stereotype threat.

The results varied according to when the students took the test. Before the convention and in early October, the performance gap was as wide as ever: white students got a median score of 12.1 compared to blacks’ 8.8 before the convention; the scores were 12.9 and 8.4, respectively, in early October. But just after Obama’s convention speech, and just after election day, “when Obama’s stereotype-defying accomplishments garnered national attention,” as the researchers put it, there was a remarkable effect. Among students who watched Obama’s speech, blacks’ and whites’ scores were statistically equal (10.3 vs. 12.1) after the acceptance speech and 9.8 vs. 11.1 after election day. The difference is considered statistically insignificant--that is, likely due to chance." (emphasis mine)

Of course, the study isn't perfect. There are always issues when you rely on self reporting, not to mention, the change was only visible in students who watched the speech. However, there is still a spark of something, something to note, a fascinating possibility- Has the Black-White achievement gap just been waiting for a role model...?

I know, I know.. I'm totally oversimplifying here.. but you know.. People always did underestimate the power and importance of psychology...

Interview Update!

2009-01-17T02:13:00.005-05:00

Our interview with the Mixed Chicks was this last Wednesday and we had a great time! The chat room was lively as always and we found our experiences to be so similar and very different, all at the same time. Story of my life, huh? Lol. Listen to the audio via the Mixed Chicks Blog or subscribe to their show via iTunes!

little brown jen and husband on Mixed Chicks Chat!

2009-01-13T23:19:00.004-05:00

So this mixed chick somehow managed to find herself a mixed husband who also grew up in the military and tomorrow, Jan. 14th, we're going to chat about it with these Mixed Chicks!
Join us live on Talkshoe where you can join the lively chat room regulars as we talk about our experiences with Fanshen Cox and her "military brat" co-host Heidi Durrow. Also, be sure to check out Heidi's fantastic blog, Light-Skinned-ed Girl!

So what about you all? For me, moving to a military base led me to a surprising fountain of diversity. It was the first time where I felt I was describing myself, versus explaining myself. What are the other places or communities where your identity-mixed or not-became less salient, secondary or surprisingly comfortable?

l.b.j.

SwirlAtlanta Celebrates the Inauguration!

2009-01-12T15:15:00.003-05:00

Join SwirlAtlanta to witness history as Barack Obama becomes our 44th president. We can't all make it to DC but we can still come together and share this moment with friends, families and the community!

We'll be setting up on the Great Lawn to watch the swearing in so we'll save the spot if you bring extra blankets/tarps, chairs, and food/snacks. Let's make it a picnic! I've got cupcakes =) So bring the kids, bring your friends, an extra jacket, and bring in the new administration Swirl style!
SwirlAtlanta's spot will be marked by ORANGE balloons!

It's a New Year.. Time for facing my fears..

2009-01-08T20:20:00.009-05:00

So, the truth is that I'm a scare-y person. Not that I scare people (I don't think..! hmm..) but that I am secretly afraid of lots of things. I have stage fright that extends into various aspects of my life. It can render me speechless in bigger situations and is invisible to others in more intimate environments. I'm a good actress maybe? But the truth is that this "stage fright" even intrudes into myself. Over the years, since I was a child really, I have always felt the need to document things. I've started countless journals only to read something I wrote a few days later and become incredibly embarrassed by my words. Did I say something silly? Well lots of things sound silly in hindsight, but in general, I don't think I've written anything that isn't already in some teenager's diary somewhere else.

Over time, I've come to realize that at the root of my stage fright is not just about being scared to speak up. I have lots of opinions and thoughts, (and I'd even venture out there and say half of them are pretty smart!) but it's a fear of being judged once I have. I spend so much time, in my mind, trying to find the right thing to say that I miss opportunities or end up moving along with the flow of things. Life keeps passing me by..

So with small, but sure steps, I'm introducing myself to the world and discovering my voice along the way. I look forward to sharing, learning, and most of all, growing...And now.. if I could just click Publish Post...

l.b.j.

The Associated Press: Obama effigy found hanging from Ore. campus tree

2008-09-25T18:00:00.001-04:00

> (h/t to Stereohyped)

> This stuns me into silence, anger, and indescribable grief.. Obama
> has a significant lead in Oregon, where he held one of his largest
> rallies to date: 75,000 people. The feelings of hope and pride I had
> when seeing those pictures in contrast to this story contribute to
> the extremely emotional reaction I had to this story. A search on
> Wikipedia detailed the Quakers to be on the front lines of equality
> movements. They were among the first anti-slavery, women's rights,
> and mental health advocates. Their faith is centralized around the
> principles of fairness and equality which makes this all the more
> shocking and disheartening. This reinvigorates me and my commitment
> to anti-racist work. I know you all feel the same way. For more
> about racism during the election please check out:
>
> http://www.stopdogwhistleracism.com/
>
>
> http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hlnR7kQP7tXQKA0872BAweYKqPFQD93DC6PO0
>
> Jen Bhagia
> SwirlAtlanta
>
> Sent from my iPhone