City of God

One of my favourite movies. City of God is masterpiece out of Brazil. It documents gang  life in the slums of Brazil and it's effect on the people living there. Why is it relevant for the class? Well. It demonstrates that life for displaced Africans is similar in most parts of the world. Their situations and lives are similar. Oppressed people behave in similar ways all over the world. It highlights the devastation and  futility of gang life. It is a very powerful film and a must see. 

African Studies Class Culminating Activity

The African Studies Class Culminating Activity brings us full circle from the beginning of the course to the end. One of the first questions asked was 'What is being Black in Canada?'.  Now that you've had the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the cause and effect of history perhaps your answer may be more detailed and nuanced. 

Can you honestly defend Bill Cosby??

I have been a Bill Cosby fan from before I can remember. My dad's Bill Cosby records entertained the family for years. The Cosby show was a favorite in my house and gave rise to a new Black consciousness. That's why I find his situation so sad. I can't defend him. One person may be a ' money grab'. Thirty-five and counting can't be defended; at least not by me. 

Read this for more:

http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/07/bill-cosbys-accusers-speak-out.html

Chris Rock and Good Hair

One of our most contentious classes is about Black women and their hair. For the last few years I've used Chris Rock 's documentary Good Hair. I've learned that messing work a Black woman's hair will cause discussion (to say the least). It's a complicated issue that deserves a nuanced examination. Here are some of the questions I asked today's class :

Use the documentary 'Good Hair' by Chris Rock as reference for the following questions. Answer the questions in sentence and paragraph form where needed:

What is considered Good Hair?

Why do you think the term Good is used to define hair of that nature?

Why is Chris Rock interested in this subject?

Who does he interview about this subject?

Is Black hair a 'money maker' in the U.S. 

What are some of the complications in the Black hair care industry?

What is a relaxer? How does it work? Is it healthy?

What do they mean by allowing the permanent to burn?

What is a weave? How does it work?

Why do Black women get weaves?

Is getting a weave affordable? Explain? 

Where does the hair come from?