The Gentleman Update (8/2/2009)

Hello there everyone. Yet again, I must come to you with an update since I haven't really had much to say lately. Again, I apologize. But like I said, I feel it's better for me to talk with you about something meaningful opposed to talking for the sake of hearing myself talk. And with that said, it's hard to find intriguing topics to hit on with nothing much really going on. You know how it is, writer's block, boredom, and lack of material. With that said, I'll start with the updates from the Gentleman.


In regards to the book, in my own fault, it's been partially put on the backburner. Meaning, I haven't given it all the thought and time as I should. I've even stopped reading to gain a greater understanding on the art of literature. Really, I think that's more of my growth. The last book I picked up, I couldn't finish because I pretty much knew where it was going. In the author's (Steve Harvey) defense, his trade is not that of an author or a writer. I haven't put forth much effort to find more stimulating reads either, and that needs to change if I'm serious about writing this novel. I don't want to be that guy who's always talking about what he's going to do or what he should do. I am proud of myself, however, because I've come up with a premise, and started working on one specific part of it also. I've decided to begin writing down each idea I have for plots, dialogue, settings and situations. I should have been doing that the whole time, but if we don't learn from our mistakes, we don't understand the concept of intelligence.


The last and only entry I posted was about a letter written to BET by an (alleged) 15 year old girl about the network's choice of programming. I felt almost obligated to read and comprehend the message she wanted to get across because very rarely does anyone take a stand and say what everyone is thinking. I believe that many of us has, at some point or another, took a long look at what BET had to offer and didn't feel empowered or proud. I stopped watching once it was sold to Viacom because at that point the network for / by Black people was now run by white people. Not saying I have a problem with white people running the company, I have a problem with the network that represents the view, opinions, and lifestyles of Black people somehow being developed by white people. Let me slow down for one second, and explain a few things. If we can have a network called Black Entertainment Television, then it is only fair to have a network called White Entertainment Television, Chinese Entertainment Television, Mexican Entertainment Television and so forth. So personally, I felt having that channel was asking for trouble. But then, it went in a completely different direction. It showed black people in a way that came only second to VH1. I mean, the most positive shows were canceled on behalf of more rap music, celebrity gossip, music videos with no real point, music with no substance, and reality shows with no purpose. I'll admit, I enjoyed BET Uncut. The show and its videos had a purpose and a timeslot to accommodate it. Now we have Tiny&Toya, Wendy Williams, Keyshia Cole's family and many more that paints a picture of a black community that may not be true. From the award shows with no class, to the variety shows that were taken off the air for a reason, and countdown shows with the most ghetto of influences as it's guests, I feel like BET could have done better if it were to be so bold as to call itself BLACK Entertainment Television.


As of late, I've been dealing with some minor issues. It has been harder to clear my head or focus on just one thing. On top of that, I've been having fun in what's been going on with my church. Mostly the youth church, but the church nonetheless. They've put on carnivals, they mime, they dance, they sing, they play basketball and they really have a lot to say if you just listen to them. Some of the smart kids you've ever been around and I'm proud to say that's where I've come from. Couldn't make it to the skating party with them since I'm sore from balling all over them at the picnic. But don't let me gas you on, them little punks can work a nerve. Like all humans, they can be fake, have attitudes, and just generally upset the whole mood of the environment. But, I wouldn't trade them for any other brats. I would name them all if I thought for a second the little punks would appreciate it. lol! So, until next time people, which is hopefully sooner than later, don't be a failure: don't watch BET and go to church!