“For Colored Girls” and Other Girls (& Boys) Too…
Commentary on “For Colored Girls”
Nearly 48 hours later, there are images and scenes from Mr. Tyler Perry’s movie “For Colored Girls” still forcing their way into and through my psyche. At moments during the film, I watched the screen wanting but unable to tear my eyes away from the terror that I was witnessing. I couldn’t look away for a number of reasons, the primary one being that looking away felt like a betrayal to the stories and very essence of the women on screen. At other times, I felt that there were no words descriptive enough to do justice to what was being brilliantly portrayed by a commanding and all-star ensemble cast. Now, somewhat removed from the film (if only by the passage of time) I can attempt to find some form of vocabulary to describe the experience that is this must-see movie: Powerful. Painful. Poetic. Haunting. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. Frightening. And, most of all LASTING.
“For Colored Girls” is not a film that you can view and simply leave behind at the theater. You may not know it, but there’s an implied consent (and a thick, gritty residue that’s difficult to wash away) that you agree to take on as you hand over the fee for the price of admission. No, you will not and cannot see this movie and forget it. Its actors won’t let you. Its director and screenwriter, Mr. Tyler Perry, won’t let you. Its heroines, or storyline, or images simply Will. Not. Let. You. I haven’t read the original work "For colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf," by Ntozake Shange, but I am adding it to my reading list without delay.
“For Colored Girls” lifts the veil and pulls the heavy drapes away from not-always-known or ever-easy-to-discuss stories of individual women on topics including rape, domestic violence, abortion, promiscuity, sexuality, and what can be one of life’s heaviest burdens—expectation. “For Colored Girls” reminds us, on many levels, to check ourselves before placing judgment upon anyone else’s choices, demeanor, or lifestyle. As a writer, I’m always compelled to ask or wonder, “What is your story?” particularly when developing characters. “For Colored Girls” teaches us that this question—What is your story?—is essential to everyday life for we never know what has shaped an individual into who she (or he) is (or in some cases, isn't). This is one of “For Colored Girls’” primary messages.
Monday morning’s news reports rank “For Colored Girls” at number 3 at the box office with weekend ticket sales totaling $20.1 million. I’m forced to wonder how much the title had to do with that. Granted, “For Colored Girls” is not by any account a lighthearted movie suitable for youngsters or families looking to take their children to the movies but more so a universal, far-reaching, soul-stirring experience that everyone (men included) should see. “For Colored Girls” is not simply for women and girls of color but for every woman and every girl. Period. “For Colored Girls” is about the pain, struggle, and resilience that join together to weave the fabric of life and I can’t think of anything more human than that. Men (who I must warn are not positively portrayed in the movie with perhaps but one exception) should see “For Colored Girls” as a primer on how not to be and to gain insight on many of the struggles, burdens, and secrets carried and kept by their mothers, sisters, wives, significant others, and daughters—women who have seen and endured the worst but managed to keep pressing on for themselves and their families.
So, whether you consider yourself a so-called colored girl, a sister girl, or any other type of girl, whether you are a brother, check those little boxes that define you as Other, or consider yourself another I implore you to join in an experience—a human experience—that you will not soon forget. Check out “For Colored Girls”.
~NDJ
Fun vs. Joy
I had the opportunity to truly enjoy the splendor of the fall season a couple of weeks ago with some of the most spirited, curious, spontaneous, and life-loving young people around (the adults weren’t half bad either (smile) as we took in a little nature while apple and veggie picking. I can clearly recall articulating how much fun I’d had with everyone but upon further reflection I have to renege on that statement. I didn’t have fun. I experienced more than fun. In the corn fields, in the apple orchards, on the swings, during the car rides to and from—I experienced JOY.
Recently, at the gentle urging (or perhaps mere suggestion) of someone whom I trust implicitly, I began to listen daily to the opening twelve minutes of Steve Harvey’s eponymous radio show. Mr. Harvey has devoted these twelve minutes to often spiritual, always practical, rarely ineffective messages about life, living, and spirituality. One morning, as I prepared for the day ahead, Mr. Harvey’s musings on the topic of what I’ve coined “Fun vs. Joy” held my attention with the intensity of a snake charmer. There I was, in the perfect little haven of my bathroom applying makeup, commenting back to Mr. Harvey (did he hear me?), running to jot down a note or two, and getting back to the task at hand all while watching the clock.
Mr. Harvey stated that fun is an object that we often go about searching and looking for. The quest to find fun often causes us to spend money that we perhaps don’t have to spend because, while we cannot afford it, we feel that we deserve the fun (and ultimate happiness) that the money will surely purchase us (or will it?). Conversely, joy is a feeling, an emotion that resides within us--for free. Mr. Harvey stated that, in order to experience joy, he could be sitting at home with his wife doing something as simple as chatting or enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee while perfectly ensconced in one another’s company. He went on to say that in terms of the pursuit of happiness, goals, and the like, maintenance is more difficult than acquisition (it was at this point that I ran for a pencil, a pen, the eyeliner I was applying—anything to get that message down). I took this to mean that maintaining, pruning, and tending-to such matters are far more difficult than obtaining a quick fix. In other words, fun is fleeting but joy can sustain you infinitely. Let’s look at it from another angle. How difficult is it to sustain weight loss? How trying is it to remain successful once you’ve reached a goal? How tough is it to uphold the magic of a relationship as the newness fades?
Those twelve minutes have generated countless inner thoughts for me. Those twelve minutes have simultaneously caused me to examine my own definition of fun and allowed me to more fully realize the great gift that is joy. I’ve decided to nurture and look after my joy just as I do those I hold most dear. They deserve my time and attention but so does my joy. My joy is mine to cherish and shame on me should I let anyone, anyone, take it.
A few things to ponder in closing: Have you experienced joy lately or have you simply been having fun? What brings you joy, truly, or have you allowed yourself the time to even begin to find out? There’s no time like the present.
And, finally, in the words of writer Ann Lamott, "JOY is the best makeup." I'll be back in the mirror, with The Steve Harvey Morning Show in the background, applying a liberal amount first thing in the morning.
Until next time…
~NDJ
What Is Your Saxophone?
This past Sunday the shrill cry of a remarkably talented young lady's saxophone prompted me to be here right now making the time to write. Through the universal language that is music she spoke to not only me but a venue filled with souls--souls all longing for something different, but longing all the same. With notes that expressed a thousand emotions and spoke to us (yes, spoke to us) she took her gift and touched the hearts, spirits, and minds of all of those in her presence and it struck me. It. Struck.. Me. Futhermore, it got me to thinking (which usually leads to action).
I've got a saxophone. You've got a saxophone. We've all got a figurative saxophone and so often half the battle is figuring out what that saxophone is. No, I don't mean a literal wind instrument stashed away somewhere in the back of your closet behind your box of photos (remember when we used to actually have to send them somewhere and have them printed?) but I mean that thing, that special something, that special gift that makes others marvel, that thing that touches hearts, spirits, and minds. That thing that only you can do in that ridiculously wonderful way that only you can do. Some of our "saxophone abilities" come naturally, some we've got to hone over the years with schooling and practice to tune just so, others we happen upon. Nonetheless, no matter the scenario, I've come to know that just like literal saxophones our figurative saxophones will rust and rot away if left untouched.
What is your saxophone? Have you given it the time it deserves lately? Picked it up, shined it, and used it to touch or get in touch with someone else?
What is your saxophone? I urge you to play a melody sooner than late. For the sound and effects of your saxophone could be just the music that someone is longing to hear.
Until next time....
~NDJ
Week of August 1, 2010
Week of August 1, 2010
Thanks to everyone who supported and purchased Uptempo last Saturday, 7/31, in Teaneck, NJ. A special word of thanks to: Valerie, Toria, Faye, Ron, Tanya, Patricia, Brenda, Joseph, Ray Chew, Carole, & Sarah for hosting.
I'd also like to acknowledge this week: Vida, Susan, & Bonda who are presently reading and so are in the middle of the Uptempo experience.
The journey continues...
Until next time...
-NDJ
Week of March 21, 2010
Week of March 21, 2010
Thanks to everyone who came out in Brooklyn on the 24th in support of Uptempo at Denim Lounge. Special thanks to Sharon Sweeting Lindsay, Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, and Wendy of Denim Lounge. Damon, thanks for stopping by. Good to finally put face to name!
Thanks to The National Action Network, Marie Thompson, Kathy Jordan Sharpton and Rev. Al Sharpton for the honor of a 2010 Woman of Excellence Award. I'm so grateful! The award ceremony was held on the 27th at Astoria Manor.
Pictures from both events are on the NDJ FB page!
Until next week...
-NDJ
Week of February 21, 2010
Week of February 21, 2010
Thanks to the students and teachers of Urban Science Academy (x325) for the opportunity to talk with three classes on February 24th. It was great meeting and talking with all of you. Thanks to Mr. Carr Harris for the invitation.
Thanks to Kisha Green for conducting my first interview on February 25th. Shout out to Andre Melvin Jones, a fellow author, who shared the show with me.
Until next week...
-NDJ
February--Short but Lengthy
Sure, February is our shortest month but it was action packed! It's not our lengthiest month but it was definitely eventful! Here are some February highlights:
2/7: Mocha Moms of Westchester Book Fair
Uptempo premieres at a book fair! I get the opportunity to mix and mingle with some fellow authors, exchange information, and get some tips and pointers. Thanks to my die hard crew for having my back--as usual! Extra thanks to those who picked up the title!
2/12 - 2/15: Black & Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus
Uptempo gets some addiitional exposure in Albany. Special thanks to Carrie Mobley, Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, Sharon Sweeting Lindsay, Judge Genine Edwards and everyone else who supported. Wonderful networking!
2/20: Book Signing
Thanks to everyone who came out in support at the signing. Additional thanks to my hosts!
2/24: Speaking Engagement at Urban Science Academy (x325)
It's a pleasure speaking with the students of Urban Science Academy. Early that morning I'm a little unnerved as I think, Sure, I'm a writer, but I have no formal teaching experience. Will there be enough material to fill a 45 minute time frame? Later on, I'm pleasantly surprised! The time passes so quickly as I talk with and take questions from the 6th graders that we don't even get to our writing exercise (sorry guys!). Ms. Martinez's 8th grade class blows me away with their spot-on questions and quick character developments (this time we get to the writing exercise). There are also some interesting tales in the making in 820, my final class of the day. I leave having exchanged emails with students and promising to review writing work that they'll forward. I've got a story to review this weekend!
2/25: WritersLifeChats Interview with Kisha Green
I'm doing my first interview! I'll be talking about a familiar subject--Uptempo! Am I a little nervous again? Uh...yeah! But in NDJ fashion, I swallow the nerves, dial up the host, take a deep breath, and get ready to TALK! The environment is friendly, laid back, and I soon fall into an easygoing conversation like any other with Kisha and Andre Melvin Jones, a fellow author. Before I know it, again, time's up and I've completed yet another Uptempo FIRST! Check out all or some of the interview: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writerslifechats/2010/02/26/authors-andre-melvin-jones--nakia-johnson
2/27: Book Signing
I'm scheduled for another book signing and my hosts have planned and worked so hard in preparation. I'm grateful and ready to attend but the weather has other plans. New York gets hit with over 20 inches of snow. I'm still grateful to my hosts and looking forward to it...but on our rescheduled March date...
To February: You may not have the most days but you made many memorable ones for me!
~NDJ
Week of January 31, 2010
Thanks to everyone who continues to read, log-in reviews, and the many more who have completed the novel!
Until next week...
-NDJ
Week of January 24, 2010
Week of January 24, 2010
Thanks to everyone who continues to read, log-in reviews, and the many more who have completed the novel! I'm looking forward to hearing from more of you. Special thanks to all who supported in Atlanta this week--especially Laini and Dr. Johnson.
Until next week...
-NDJ
Week of January 3, 2010
Week of January 3, 2010
Thanks to everyone who continues to read this week and the many more who have completed the novel! I'm looking forward to hearing from more of you.
Shout outs to: Alice, who put in long hours and completed the book this week! Tessa, Cherie, Stacy, Lynn, Ms. Hilda, Jenny, and all who are reading with enthusiasm. I love hearing from you all! Ray, Joyce, Melvin, Gerald, Phil, T, Pat and many others for your support this week. I appreciate it! Auntie Mother: You're baaaack! Thanks for all the sales!
Until next time...
~NDJ