harveya said:

Harlepolis said:

Let people embrace their cultures and go embrace your own, nobody will take offence to that but the ones who were born yesterday.

Vanity Fair has an article on Craig Robinson this month...

Gravy!

But you're missing the point.

Harlepolis said:

Rorywan said:

Never for a second said there was anything wrong with a magazine that only caters for a certain racial group. But thats what it does, it separates the reading public into 2 (or more) racial groups.

Lets just say it as it is.

How many black folk would have a problem with "Ivory" magazine which caters exclusively for white folk. (ie excludes Black subject matter).

The answer: a lot.

Just saying. And regarding just looking forward to hearing what P has to say? Read the end of my post.

peace to all races. we are all a race.

None!

(Go to the nearest newspaper stand and you'll see a HEAP of "Ivory" themed magazines that don't give a crawling shit about black people) UNLESS they got called on it once in a while Vanity Fair is the most recent example.

(Let people embrace their cultures and go embrace your own,) nobody will take offence to that but the ones who were born yesterday.

Exactly! By the way I will have my Ebony very very soon. I can't wait. I'm like a kid waiting to open my present before Xmas....lol

[img:$uid]http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2084/9118410/16757117/388058514.jpg[/img:$uid]

Harlepolis said:

harveya said:

Vanity Fair has an article on Craig Robinson this month...

Gravy!

But you're missing the point.

And don't get me started on how ethnically homogenous most mainstream media staffs are... It's easy to ignore a world when you're not part of it. Doesn't have to be willful ignorance; incidental disregard stems from unfamiliarity.

ThreadBare said:

Harlepolis said:

Gravy!

But you're missing the point.

And don't get me started on how ethnically homogenous most mainstream media staffs are... It's easy to ignore a world when you're not part of it. Doesn't have to be willful ignorance; incidental disregard stems from unfamiliarity.

Some of the overtones in this thread reminds me of the recent uproar in Arizona

Rorywan said:

2elijah said:

Lawd have mercy, that is so ridiculous. The magazine highlights lifestyles of black celebrities, professionals and everyday African-Americans In its early days of circulations, the African-American population was its main target, obviously because at the beginning of its circulation, there weren't many other magazines that centered or gave information regarding lifestyles and other interests about the black community. It was a source of information where blacks could connect/communicate and be informed of the successes, lifestyles, politics, education, health issues, and achievements and contributions made by Blacks within American society and outside of it. There's no crime in that or the name of the mag. Nothing racist or racial about the name as well. Honestly, some folks find the silliest things to pinpoint.

How about just looking forward to reading about the Prince interview and enjoying it.

[Edited 6/5/10 5:40am]

Never for a second said there was anything wrong with a magazine that only caters for a certain racial group. But thats what it does, it separates the reading public into 2 (or more) racial groups.

Lets just say it as it is.

How many black folk would have a problem with "Ivory" magazine which caters exclusively for white folk. (ie excludes Black subject matter).

The answer: a lot.

Just saying. And regarding just looking forward to hearing what P has to say? Read the end of my post.

peace to all races. we are all a race.

Well, if it didn't bother you, then you would not have brought that into the conversation. Let me put it this way. Years ago there were no magazines catering to black lifestyles. No information whatsoever regarding their culture.

As many race/ethnic groups move into a society, they look for similiarities in news, information about their culture, lifestyles, entertainment, art, achievements, that they can share with those within and those outside of their race/ethnic group, who actually have an interest, in reading or studying the cultures/customs/lifestyles of others. I could remember growing up and there were no hair products for black men/women. Now there are plenty. Should we stop the sale of those products because you or someone else may have a problem understanding why it is important to have those products/literature for available to various groups/cultures who exist in this society? There's tons of magazines many ethnic groups all over the world, some with names related to those ethnicities. What's the problem?

Like someone said, you could go to any newspaper/mag stands and finds tons of magazines, advertisements with mostly white models;with celebrities and others, discussing their culture, products for their hair, etc., Much has changed, but not that much, since the 70s because every now and then, you will see images/ads with persons of color in non-black mags.

You say race has nothing to do with it, so why complain about the name of a magazine that's been around for years, and that you probably would never have had any interest in purchasing it before you knew Prince was going to be in it? I don't get it, it seems everytime Prince is associated with a black event, magazine, some African-American individuals, some folks, not specifically you, but quite a few around here suddenly pop up with that racial nonsense. Let it go. Either you buy the mag, enjoy the July article on Prince or not or just don't buy it all. The name of the mag won't change either way.

[Edited 6/5/10 11:48am]

hestilllovesme said:

NuPwrSoul said:

Tavis did this interview? Ugh

come on Tavis isn't that bad

He just loves Prince like the most of the org people.

What's the problem with it?

There are very few interviews by Tavis that I have found interesting or revealing, and I've been watching him since his days on BET. He is like Larry King--rather than a critical interview, his is a facilitated promo piece for his interview subject with a lot of ego stroking and fondling.

And his interviews with Prince have been no different.

Personally, I am less and less interested in Prince's personal lifestyle, religion, politics, girlfriend, etc. I will pick up a copy of the magazine, though, with the hope that there will be some mention of music--the thing that drew me to Prince in the first place, and the very thing that made possible his lifestyle.

NuPwrSoul said:

hestilllovesme said:

come on Tavis isn't that bad

He just loves Prince like the most of the org people.

What's the problem with it?

There are very few interviews by Tavis that I have found interesting or revealing, and I've been watching him since his days on BET. He is like Larry King--rather than a critical interview, his is a facilitated promo piece for his interview subject with a lot of ego stroking and fondling.

And his interviews with Prince have been no different.

Personally, I am less and less interested in Prince's personal lifestyle, religion, politics, girlfriend, etc. I will pick up a copy of the magazine, though, with the hope that there will be some mention of music--the thing that drew me to Prince in the first place, and the very thing that made possible his lifestyle.

I totally, 100 % agree with U. Prince's music is what drew me into the Purple Funk Daze that I seem to be in 24/7. As with any musician or actor, I could care less if they speak of their personal beliefs. Especially politics, which is just a dirty whore to begin with. People Hate Bush/Conservatives and people Hate Obama/Liberals. It will never change! The music is what unites many people, black and white, red and green. So, that being said, I would love to live in a world where these artists, actors just got on stage, did their song and dance, and go on to something new. The people will not be persuaded by a celebrity that comes out in favor of this or that issue because "most" of us realize that celebritites don't live in our real world. They watch from afar. We need to make up our own minds and not focus on things as historic value of an African American for Presdient for History's sake, nor for Conservatives who want to make everyone have the ability to live the American Dream. The American Dream is what each of us makes it for ourselves. Like Prince said, let no put asunder the joys another man (or woman) has found. Love 2 U all.

[Edited 6/5/10 9:33am]

NuPwrSoul said:

hestilllovesme said:

come on Tavis isn't that bad

He just loves Prince like the most of the org people.

What's the problem with it?

There are very few interviews by Tavis that I have found interesting or revealing, and I've been watching him since his days on BET. He is like Larry King--rather than a critical interview, his is a facilitated promo piece for his interview subject with a lot of ego stroking and fondling.

And his interviews with Prince have been no different.

Personally, I am less and less interested in Prince's personal lifestyle, religion, politics, girlfriend, etc. I will pick up a copy of the magazine, though, with the hope that there will be some mention of music--the thing that drew me to Prince in the first place, and the very thing that made possible his lifestyle.

Ebony is not a music magazine it is a lifestyle magazine, why would that ask about music?

I hope Prince catches flack for his self hate of being a black man, that should be addressed.

Let me be the first to say.............I just bought the Ebony July issue!!! Just happened to go to my local candy/newspaper store and there they were...2 copies just staring me in the face. Reading the article now...very, very interesting.....

Sorry, but due to possible copyright violations, I can't post what's in it, as the mods stated earlier in this thread, that we can't post anything from that interview on this sit due to copyright violations. So.you'll just have to wait until you get your copies;no orgnotes asking about it please. Thanks. Maybe the mods will create a "discussion" thread here, sometime early this week, to let us know if we can discuss our opinions about the interview?

[Edited 6/5/10 14:38pm]

^tell me one thing

did you like it ?

Alamine said:

NuPwrSoul said:

There are very few interviews by Tavis that I have found interesting or revealing, and I've been watching him since his days on BET. He is like Larry King--rather than a critical interview, his is a facilitated promo piece for his interview subject with a lot of ego stroking and fondling.

And his interviews with Prince have been no different.

Personally, I am less and less interested in Prince's personal lifestyle, religion, politics, girlfriend, etc. I will pick up a copy of the magazine, though, with the hope that there will be some mention of music--the thing that drew me to Prince in the first place, and the very thing that made possible his lifestyle.

Ebony is not a music magazine it is a lifestyle magazine, why would that ask about music?

I hope Prince catches flack for his self hate of being a black man, that should be addressed.

What ?

You have not been listening to his music for the last 15 years ?

I guess you think that being Black has to do with what you wear or who you date.

If Prince did have that problem Chuck D would have nothing to do with him yet Chuck is giving Prince props all the time and Chuck is the Blackest Black man in entertainment.

PicklesMcMillan said:

^tell me one thing

did you like it ?

Of course, , and the photos are very nice, very Princely, and that is all I'll say about it. Everyone will have their own opinion about the interview, but I think it's best if some folks relax, stop jumping to conclusions about what the interview will or may contain, who may or is interviewing him or what they think they know about Prince personally, until they get the mag, and read the article and see what he has to say for and about himself.

I will say this though...based on the interview, he seems very content with his life and what he wants out of it.

[Edited 6/5/10 12:44pm]

Alamine said:

these pictures are extremely disturbing.

NuPwrSoul said:

Alamine said:

Ebony is not a music magazine it is a lifestyle magazine, why would that ask about music?

I hope Prince catches flack for his self hate of being a black man, that should be addressed.

I already acknowledged that Ebony is a lifestyle mag in an earlier post, so I'm not expecting any substantive music discussion especially if Tavis is the discussant. However since Prince has oftentimes described himself as someone who eats, breathes, & dreams music even a purely lifestyle profile has to touch on music. As for the issue of racial politics don't hold your breath--Ebony has always been a bourgie magazine. This is a mag that featured ads for skin bleaching creams at the height of the Black Power era; they're in nonposition to call anyone on their political contradicions.

Bro, you dead on it

Rorywan said:

Never for a second said there was anything wrong with a magazine that only caters for a certain racial group. But thats what it does, it separates the reading public into 2 (or more) racial groups.

Lets just say it as it is.

How many black folk would have a problem with "Ivory" magazine which caters exclusively for white folk. (ie excludes Black subject matter).

The answer: a lot.

Just saying. And regarding just looking forward to hearing what P has to say? Read the end of my post.

peace to all races. we are all a race.

So true.

muleFunk said:

Alamine said:

Ebony is not a music magazine it is a lifestyle magazine, why would that ask about music?

I hope Prince catches flack for his self hate of being a black man, that should be addressed.

What ?

You have not been listening to his music for the last 15 years ?

I guess you think that being Black has to do with what you wear or who you date.

If Prince did have that problem Chuck D would have nothing to do with him yet Chuck is giving Prince props all the time and Chuck is the Blackest Black man in entertainment.

Well, ya know, there's no special requirement or potential limits because one is of African-American descent. Their hair or skin tone does not define their intellect, capabilities, abilities or limit their potential as human beings.

When a person thinks that way, they put limits on themselves and expect that from others. Not a good thing. We're a group of many complexions, lifestyles, cultures, etc.

I have never heard or read anywhere, where Prince denied who he is, as far as his race/ethnicity, despite who he chooses to date, nor have I ever heard him say anything disrespectful towards Black women publically.

I think it's time some black folks embrace that we are not "all the same" in personality, religious beliefs, lifestyles, politically/economically or socially, nor do we like the same things or were meant to. As a whole, we may share similar, historical backgrounds/cultures, but we don't all share the same cultures, religious beliefs or lifestyles, and we're not going to like everything all black people do. I mean, how black do you have to be to prove how black you are? Just sayin'.

[Edited 6/5/10 13:56pm]

2elijah said:

muleFunk said:

What ?

You have not been listening to his music for the last 15 years ?

I guess you think that being Black has to do with what you wear or who you date.

If Prince did have that problem Chuck D would have nothing to do with him yet Chuck is giving Prince props all the time and Chuck is the Blackest Black man in entertainment.

Well, ya know, there's no special requirement or potential limits because one is of African-American descent. Their hair or skin tone does not define their intellect, capabilities, abilities or limit their potential as human beings.

When a person thinks that way, they put limits on themselves and expect that from others. Not a good thing. We're a group of many complexions, lifestyles, cultures, etc.

I have never heard or read anywhere, where Prince denied who he is, as far as his race/ethnicity, despite who he chooses to date, nor have I ever heard him say anything disrespectful towards Black women publically.

I think it's time some black folks embrace that we are not "all the same" in personality, religious beliefs, lifestyles, politically/economically or socially, nor do we like the same things or were meant to. As a whole, we may share similar, historical backgrounds/cultures, but we don't all share the same cultures, religious beliefs or lifestyles, and we're not going to like everything all black people. I mean, how black do you have to be to prove how black you are? Just sayin'.

[Edited 6/5/10 11:38am]

who determines what it means to be, or how one should look if one is "black."

for example, there are many people who find it hilarious that "white" folks wear

dreadlocks, but I say - live and let live.

"black folks" are not a homogeneous group, the same way there is no one definition

of "white" people. you have white Irish, Brits, Jews, etc.

we need to start to learn to see people as individuals; there is nothing wrong if

a person chooses to define themselves according to colour, or if one is proud of

1's heritage, but we all have our own unique paths to follow in life...

as does Prince

(it is good Ebony appreciates his art as well)

(it would be great to see more mature reasoning related to issues of ethnicity

here at the org)

[Edited 6/5/10 11:48am]

Airbrushed bullshit nonsense.

NelsonR said:

2elijah said:

Well, ya know, there's no special requirement or potential limits because one is of African-American descent. Their hair or skin tone does not define their intellect, capabilities, abilities or limit their potential as human beings.

When a person thinks that way, they put limits on themselves and expect that from others. Not a good thing. We're a group of many complexions, lifestyles, cultures, etc.

I have never heard or read anywhere, where Prince denied who he is, as far as his race/ethnicity, despite who he chooses to date, nor have I ever heard him say anything disrespectful towards Black women publically.

I think it's time some black folks embrace that we are not "all the same" in personality, religious beliefs, lifestyles, politically/economically or socially, nor do we like the same things or were meant to. As a whole, we may share similar, historical backgrounds/cultures, but we don't all share the same cultures, religious beliefs or lifestyles, and we're not going to like everything all black people. I mean, how black do you have to be to prove how black you are? Just sayin'.

[Edited 6/5/10 11:38am]

who determines what it means to be, or how one should look if one is "black."

for example, there are many people who find it hilarious that "white" folks wear

dreadlocks, but I say - live and let live.

"black folks" are not a homogeneous group, the same way there is no one definition

of "white" people. you have white Irish, Brits, Jews, etc.

we need to start to learn to see people as individuals; there is nothing wrong if

a person chooses to define themselves according to colour, or if one is proud of

1's heritage, but we all have our own unique paths to follow in life...

as does Prince

(it is good Ebony appreciates his art as well)

(it would be great to see more mature reasoning related to issues of ethnicity

here at the org)

[Edited 6/5/10 11:48am]

Yes, it would be nice for once to see "more mature reasoning" regarding discussions about race/ethnicity discussed here at the Org, but I doubt you will see that happening anytime soon. There's been many discussions on race in the P&R section and the conversations always end the same way...in a roadblock.

As far as your examples, well, the world has a lot to learn now doesn't it, and it will take

"individual" effort before you see "much more mature reasoning" when it comes to race/ethnicity discussions around here. I have no problem with anyone, including myself, defining myself/themselves as Black American or African-American, because I know what it means to me, and if others have an issue with blacks referring to themselves that way, well, whose problem is that? Certainly not mine.

Anyway, back on topic...... I just got the Ebony mag today, and read the interview, and I hope others enjoy itl, although everyone will definitely have their own opinion on it. I'll just wait until more folks here get a chance to get the mag, before discussing anything about the interview or at least what we're allowed to discuss about it here.

Peace

[Edited 6/5/10 12:22pm]

Well, I guess I gotta go to the store and pick this mag up. But if Prince says anything in the article about "The Divine" or any other song being too good for people to hear... I'll personally go down to Paisley Park and kick him in the nuts.

Alamine said:

I hope Prince catches flack for his self hate of being a black man, that should be addressed.

Honestly, no disrespect, but really? From what I've read in the interview.......you may be putting your foot in your mouth.. Don't be too quick to judge from only what you can see on the outside, while not knowing how a person feels, regarding specific issues on the inside. Just sayin'

[Edited 6/5/10 14:16pm]

squirrelgrease said:

Well, I guess I gotta go to the store and pick this mag up. But if Prince says anything in the article about "The Divine" or any other song being too good for people to hear... I'll personally go down to Paisley Park and kick him in the nuts.

Two things.

I bought the magazine and read the article. It was a fun read. I love hearing the behind-the-photoshoot details that writers like to discuss upon meeting Prince. I love to hear what Prince has to say. I don't care much for the religion stuff, but he's allowed to discuss whatever he wants. Personally, I get really interested when he discusses his songwriting/recording processes. But honeslty, I just like hearing whatever he has to say, because you can tell that he wants to discuss things intelligently.

About the Ebony/black issue. I don't know how I personally feel about segregating "black" people in a magazine. Reading some of the other articles in the issue made me think about how difficult it must be to keep your writing caged within the "black" topics just to stay in sync with the Ebony/black theme. Like, almost every article in there has to bring up "being black" or feature someone black. Sure, that's the idea, but it's gotta be hard for an editor to turn down good "white" stories. But it seems to me like the magazine tries hard to stay within the theme of "black" throughout every story. Whether that's good or bad isn't for me to decide...

Having said that, I also thing if there was an "Ivory" magazine dedicated to "white culture" it would be viewed as racist. Why? I don't know. Maybe because black people don't want to be excluded from what white people do. So why, then, is the reverse okay?

For example, with a couple exceptions, the skateboarding culture is (or at least was) generally a "white thing". But that whole culture of skateboarding, fashion and celebrities could never have been clumped together in an "Ivory" magazine. It would appear racist from the start. Why? Maybe because black people would feel it's unfair to exclude them from the world of skateboarding. If a black person wants to skateboard he can just buy a board and start skating. But the magazine would, in general, exclude him from the culture.

So why is the reverse okay? If I was white I wouldn't want to feel excluded from doing things mostly black people do.

The interview in this issue of Ebony with Robin Quivers was a fun little read. And she kind of summed it up when she basically said not all black people are the same and into the same things. So, then how could a magazine like Ebony clump them all together while excluding other races? They asked Robin Quivers if she was a sell-out, but she basically told Ebony that their whole magazine was misguided. That doesn't sound like sell-out talk to me.

Rorywan said:

2elijah said:

Lawd have mercy, that is so ridiculous. The magazine highlights lifestyles of black celebrities, professionals and everyday African-Americans In its early days of circulations, the African-American population was its main target, obviously because at the beginning of its circulation, there weren't many other magazines that centered or gave information regarding lifestyles and other interests about the black community. It was a source of information where blacks could connect/communicate and be informed of the successes, lifestyles, politics, education, health issues, and achievements and contributions made by Blacks within American society and outside of it. There's no crime in that or the name of the mag. Nothing racist or racial about the name as well. Honestly, some folks find the silliest things to pinpoint.

How about just looking forward to reading about the Prince interview and enjoying it.

[Edited 6/5/10 5:40am]

Never for a second said there was anything wrong with a magazine that only caters for a certain racial group. But thats what it does, it separates the reading public into 2 (or more) racial groups.

Lets just say it as it is.

How many black folk would have a problem with "Ivory" magazine which caters exclusively for white folk. (ie excludes Black subject matter).

The answer: a lot.

Just saying. And regarding just looking forward to hearing what P has to say? Read the end of my post.

peace to all races. we are all a race.

Y'know, I've noticed how you often interject your opinion into things that you aren't really informed about. Never a wise thing to do.

Ebony is a publication that was started back in the 1940s, in the midst of segregation to showcase various afrocentric lifestyles, viewpoints and achievements because there weren't any other media outlets that served that particular demographic at the time, and to this day, the mainstream media remains largely eurocentric by default.

Furthermore, there is nothing whatsoever about Ebony that seeks to segregate the reading public as you falsely imply. It is sold in major bookstore, supermarket and drugstore chains all across the US. In addition to that, all types of businesses advertise in Ebony from Coca Cola to Microsoft. Anyone interested in reading about black culture can buy or subscribe to Ebony. There is no "blacks only" disclaimer.

Lastly, I find it odd that we are the only people who consistently have to explain our "motives" for focusing on our culture and sharing it. I'm sick and tired of people who somehow feel compelled to question how we choose to express our cultural identity as if it's some sinister plot to exclude or undermine other people.

Any and everyone is free to read, advertise in or sell Ebony if they wish to do so and on topic, I look forward to seeing what Prince has to say.

berniejobs said:

Two things.

I bought the magazine and read the article. It was a fun read. I love hearing the behind-the-photoshoot details that writers like to discuss upon meeting Prince. I love to hear what Prince has to say. I don't care much for the religion stuff, but he's allowed to discuss whatever he wants. Personally, I get really interested when he discusses his songwriting/recording processes. But honeslty, I just like hearing whatever he has to say, because you can tell that he wants to discuss things intelligently.

About the Ebony/black issue. I don't know how I personally feel about segregating "black" people in a magazine. Reading some of the other articles in the issue made me think about how difficult it must be to keep your writing caged within the "black" topics just to stay in sync with the Ebony/black theme. Like, almost every article in there has to bring up "being black" or feature someone black. Sure, that's the idea, but it's gotta be hard for an editor to turn down good "white" stories. But it seems to me like the magazine tries hard to stay within the theme of "black" throughout every story. Whether that's good or bad isn't for me to decide...

Having said that, I also thing if there was an "Ivory" magazine dedicated to "white culture" it would be viewed as racist. Why? I don't know. Maybe because black people don't want to be excluded from what white people do. So why, then, is the reverse okay?

For example, with a couple exceptions, the skateboarding culture is (or at least was) generally a "white thing". But that whole culture of skateboarding, fashion and celebrities could never have been clumped together in an "Ivory" magazine. It would appear racist from the start. Why? Maybe because black people would feel it's unfair to exclude them from the world of skateboarding. If a black person wants to skateboard he can just buy a board and start skating. But the magazine would, in general, exclude him from the culture.

So why is the reverse okay? If I was white I wouldn't want to feel excluded from doing things mostly black people do.

The interview in this issue of Ebony with Robin Quivers was a fun little read. And she kind of summed it up when she basically said not all black people are the same and into the same things. So, then how could a magazine like Ebony clump them all together while excluding other races? They asked Robin Quivers if she was a sell-out, but she basically told Ebony that their whole magazine was misguided. That doesn't sound like sell-out talk to me.

The error that you and everyone else continues to make is assuming that having a specific "cultural" focus must necessarily exclude other people. You make this mistake because YOU are focusing on race when the focus is on culture.

It's like saying that we shouldn't have magazines about fishing because there are plenty of football magazines for sale. By the same token, football players are free to read a fishing magazine if they have an interest in and wish to learn about fishing.

Again, no one is prohibited from buying, selling or advertising in Ebony.

On topic, was there any mention of new music???

berniejobs said:

Two things.

I bought the magazine and read the article. It was a fun read. I love hearing the behind-the-photoshoot details that writers like to discuss upon meeting Prince. I love to hear what Prince has to say. I don't care much for the religion stuff, but he's allowed to discuss whatever he wants. Personally, I get really interested when he discusses his songwriting/recording processes. But honeslty, I just like hearing whatever he has to say, because you can tell that he wants to discuss things intelligently.

About the Ebony/black issue. I don't know how I personally feel about segregating "black" people in a magazine. Reading some of the other articles in the issue made me think about how difficult it must be to keep your writing caged within the "black" topics just to stay in sync with the Ebony/black theme. Like, almost every article in there has to bring up "being black" or feature someone black. Sure, that's the idea, but it's gotta be hard for an editor to turn down good "white" stories. But it seems to me like the magazine tries hard to stay within the theme of "black" throughout every story. Whether that's good or bad isn't for me to decide...

Having said that, I also thing if there was an "Ivory" magazine dedicated to "white culture" it would be viewed as racist. Why? I don't know. Maybe because black people don't want to be excluded from what white people do. So why, then, is the reverse okay?

For example, with a couple exceptions, the skateboarding culture is (or at least was) generally a "white thing". But that whole culture of skateboarding, fashion and celebrities could never have been clumped together in an "Ivory" magazine. It would appear racist from the start. Why? Maybe because black people would feel it's unfair to exclude them from the world of skateboarding. If a black person wants to skateboard he can just buy a board and start skating. But the magazine would, in general, exclude him from the culture.

So why is the reverse okay? If I was white I wouldn't want to feel excluded from doing things mostly black people do.

The interview in this issue of Ebony with Robin Quivers was a fun little read. And she kind of summed it up when she basically said not all black people are the same and into the same things. So, then how could a magazine like Ebony clump them all together while excluding other races? They asked Robin Quivers if she was a sell-out, but she basically told Ebony that their whole magazine was misguided. That doesn't sound like sell-out talk to me.

I don't agree with you. Ebony magazine is not responsible for making sure every black individual lives out their potential. If you put limits on yourself, then you only have yourself to blame. Ebony magazine writes the stories of the experiences and lifestyles of individuals, who happen to be from the black community, and shares that with their readers. I don't find that being misguided at all. Their readers are not limited to the black population, which is why they are "international". Nor does it mean, because you're black and you support their subscription, that you only have interests in the black community.

Secondly, they don't just do articles on Blacks, but non-blacks as well. In the Sade Ebony issue, there is an article focusing on former President Bill Clinton and his involvement with Haiti, which was a very interesting article.

Thirdly, how do you know the writers of the magazine only write for Ebony? Ebony certainly doesn't limit their writers' potential or career choices, because they employ them. I believe I recently saw an article on blacks who skateboard in Ebony, if you check their archives online, you may find the article. My son is Black, has skateboarded since he was 8 years old, and no one told him that activity was limited to a particular race group. If people want to learn about various lifestyles/cultures outside of their own, then they should get their asses up and buy/read/research the material that fulfills their curiosities

It's up to Blacks as individuals to choose what works for them, not because they're black or have to wait on someone outside their group or within to tell them, "Hey it's okay to do it, there's no llimits". No one can put limits on your potential unless you allow them to. I buy quite a few magazines that don't focus on black lifestyles in general, because I like to read about different cultures and lifestyles, even though I see very few stories on African-Americans in it; so I think if you're so concerned, the question should be asked, would you be just as concerned about those non-black mags reaching out more to discuss African-American culture, interests and lifestyles, who don't normally publish stories from our communities? Not to mention, I can go in many stores to search for products (hair, makeup) and you can bet your ass they don't sell them everywhere for Black women/men, and this is 2010. So what do I do? I go where I can find them or I can ask the store manager in the place that doesn't carry what I'm looking for, if it is at all possible, they could look into ordering products of specific interest to a particular demographic.

I'd like to know how Prince being in Ebony suddenly has everyone questioning articles Ebony publishes and the name of their magazine. When I went to purchase my recent copies of Ebony, I saw no sign that read "Only Blacks allowed to buy these magazines", so people really need to cut the BS out, and focus on the Prince interview instead of questioning Ebony's right to exist as a magazine, and what they're allowed to publish.

[Edited 6/5/10 16:35pm]

White people mad!!!!!!!!!

is there any mention of an album, tour, etc. or anything about music at all?

heres a link for all uk fans to buy just one issue online without having to subscribe for a whole year! and its only £4.32!!! yeay

https://www.newsstand.co.uk/default.aspx?Module=Subscribe