Lee Daniels' "The Butler"

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Saturday evening, I went to see "The Butler". Lee Daniels captures the viewers' attention immediately and never lets it go. The number of viewers at the last matinee was surprising to say the least. There were too many empty seats to take the trouble to count. If you are reading this and wondering if you should bother to spend your money on a ticket, let your doubts be allayed.

Even if you think, as I did, that you knew enough about the Civil Rights movement and you did not need to see another movie about it, have another thought coming on the heels of that one. While the movie is definitely a history lesson for anyone who did not have an actual role in the movement, The Butler is so much more than that.

The movie delves into family drama from various aspects... father, son discord; a husband who is a good man and provider but is lacking as a marriage partner; a second child who flounders in a family position that is never clearly defined for him. Betrayal, loyalty, loud courage, quiet compliance and a myriad of other issues carry the viewer on a ride that has more ups, downs, twists and turns than a long, winding river. 

All of the actors give sterling performances. Any true fan of Forest Whitaker knows that no matter what the role, he embodies the character completely. Oprah Winfrey made me believe that she was "Gloria". It is evident that this is a role that spoke to her from the pages of the script. The iconic Jane Fonda is perfect as former First Lady Nancy Reagan. 

Image: craveonline.com

Be prepared to have your heart run the full scope of emotions. I was angry, happy, hurt, deflated, uplifted, disappointed, and hopeful during the showing. You will be, too. Seeing what people endured in that era from the perspective of someone who was not considered to be on the front lines of the movement was thought provoking. It helped me to look at things in my own life from a different perspective.

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Take that much needed break you've been promising yourself that you would and allow yourself to be entertained, enlightened and changed. You will not walk out of the theater with the same sense of right and wrong and that tense area in between. Race relations will not magically become better but the current young generation will have a better understanding of why some things are the way that they are. Perhaps they will be inspired to live in such a way that harmony between the races will be embraced and promoted and hatred will be fervently denounced.

Most of all, it is my belief that you will leave the show with a thirst to better your relationships with your family and friends. So, you see, the price of the ticket to have a seat and watch The Butler is minuscule compared to the incalculable values you will walk away with. Go see the film. Take a friend, or even better, a family member with whom you need to mend a bond. The only way that your heart will not be touched is if you don't have one.

Be blessed!

Sunida 

P.S.  I think that Lee Daniels is positively brilliant! This story is told in a manner that is familiar yet fresh and intriguing.  And the man took glamorous diva Mariah Carey and turned her into a field negro. What?!!  I'm done!  Although I can't imagine that you have not seen the trailer, it is posted below just in case.

  

On the air with Pam Osbey - Giving a voice to domestic violence

October is the month that the spotlight is placed on domestic violence. Pam Osbey, author and host of Literary Pizzazz on Blog Talk Radio, is not only holding the spotlight on October 28th, she is giving a voice to victims of domestic violence who otherwise would not be heard. Restoration, Renewal and Overcoming Domestic Violence is a two hour broadcast that Pam has put together to give a virtual hug to those who have found a way out of their situations and to encourage those who are still searching for a path to safety.

During the show, authors Almari Jonson, Felicia Madlock, Heidi West, GPA and Quietstorm will share poetry and prose. Touching Heart founder, Brooks J. Young, will give information on the resources available to women and children in need of a safe haven. Listeners can join in the discussion to share their own stories or read their poetry during the open mic portion of the program.

Domestic violence is unacceptable but it will never end until all victims become past victims and abusers are rendered powerless. You do not have to be a victim to help raise awareness. Please tune in at 9:00 p.m. EST! I'll meet you there!!

About the host:

Pam Osbey is a graduate of Grambling State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. She has published several books, including Musings of a Mocha Sistah, Black Orchids, and Rivers of My Life, and her work has been featured in various literary magazines.

Keep Your Jingle Bells On

Remember those wonderful television families that rarely have disagreements and even when they do, the difficulties are soon replaced with sensible discussions followed by hugs and everyone making up? Well, in reality, most families are not like this and mine is no exception.

Since I tend to get rubbed the wrong way pretty easily by some members of the family, my sister told me that I had to wear my jingle bells during the holidays. With a puzzled look adorning my face, I asked, "What? Wear my jingle bells? What the heck are you talking about?" She replied, "You know, wear your jingle bells!"

Since that really was not an explanation, I questioned her further, "What exactly does that mean?" So, she went on to explain that the phrase means that when one is accosted by rude behavior that is irritating enough to cause one to respond with anger and hostility, imagine hearing the tinkle of jingle bells to remind you of the spirit of the season which should compel you to ignore the source of your irritation and remain calm instead. It sounded silly yet plausible. So, I agreed to wear my jingle bells. Amazingly, it worked better than I would have imagined.

Fate being what it is... unpredictable... a situation arose that, while sad, had the potential to erupt into an even worse scenario than the holiday season could have brought about. The entire family would be coming home for a funeral. There was my sister telling me to keep my jingle bells on even though Christmas had passed. Now, mind you, I am a nice person but I don't deal well with certain personality types that seem to be abundant in this group of people. I am direct and I don't dabble in shades of gray. Many people find it equally difficult to deal with me. Such is life. We all have our burdens to bear, as the old saying goes. Sometimes, the best way for me to carry my burden is to avoid all contact with the source of my displeasure. Consequently, I had not spoken with the deceased in two or three years. That said, I managed to navigate that entire situation without exchanging a cross word with anyone. However, if nasty looks were deadly, my funeral would be held this coming Saturday.

I had kept my jingle bells on! Because I did, I was unaffected by the blatant disrespect of the people who attempted to irritate me. I suppose they felt that they were paying some type of homage to their departed family member and friend because she and I did not get along well. Of course, they only had her side of the story. That's perfectly alright with me. Most of them (even the ones who are blood relatives of mine) are only acquaintances. So, they don't add or delete any value from my life. And, I kept hearing my sister's voice saying, "Keep your jingle bells on!" I had given her my word that I would and I did just that. Ultimately, when someone thought that he or she was slighting me, it only served to amuse me.

Honestly, people, there are so many families out there that are just as fractured and dysfunctional as this one. Although you'd love to get along with all of your relatives and their spouses, it's often impossible. If someone maligns your character to anyone who is willing to listen and take stock in that person's assertions without ever finding out the truth of the matter, that person should not be surprised or disappointed when you put some space between you and him or her. A wise friend once told me that sometimes you have to love some people from a distance. While I agree completely with that assessment, I think that the reality is that some people don't allow you to love them at all. It's their choice. All the rest of us need to do is keep our jingle bells on.

Someone sent me an e-mail that had several sayings at the end. It included these two... When dealing with yourself, use your head. When dealing with others, use your heart. I suppose that's a different way of telling folks to keep those jingle bells on. By the way, those statements were not attributed to an author, so I can't give anyone the proper credit. I did think that it was quite a coincidence that on the same day I decided to write this blog, I received that email. I didn't make a resolution for the new year, so I will make it a point to try to keep all three sayings in mind and in play but not just for 2008... for life. Anyone care to join me? Of course you do. I think I hear your bells jingling, baby! Peace and blessings!