Afro-Remix

all things africa and its diaspora + random musings on culture (the edible, audible, & experiential kinds) & life

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The Next Big Thing Project

My friend Clarence White “tagged” me in the Next Big Thing writing project. It’s basically the ultimate blog geekery for writers. Taggees answer 10 basic questions about their work, share this with a network of writers, and tag someone else to keep the project going. It’s a great way local writers to share more about their work and connect with others in the TC literary scene.

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Why the hijab costume is racist

Despite a media storm following the recent controversy involving a St. Paul police officer (see here and here for reference), there’s still a lot of nuance around why this behavior is offensive, why it matters, and where we go from here. The following thoughts seek to clarify those things and are shared on behalf of the individuals listed on the bottom of this post.

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Spelling Out Fox’s Privilege

As you may have heard/read, the Daily Planet’s Stephanie Fox published this gem on Double Dragon Foods last week and Jeremy Iggers (Executive Director and Publisher) recently followed up with this defense. Here are some thoughts on a few of the problematic ideas presented in these pieces.

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Rape Culture USA: Where Denial, Misogyny, and Rape Culture Collide

The new year rang in outrage over a vicious rape in India and a growing dialogue on rape in the Asian subcontinent, Middle East, and across the global south. But under the radar – and drowned out by all the chatter on the “barbaric other” – there’s a vibrant rape culture in the U.S.  

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Afro-swag

Enter the shoot for Siji’s song “Ijo” (dance) in Lagos, Nigeria circa 2009, and experience a mix of identities – a man wearing a dashiki and a kufi, a woman wearing an ankara dress and gele, a dude wearing a thobe, a woman rockin’ leather pants, and more.

Though based in Nigeria, this video is a reflection of Africa in all its diverse, beautiful, and dynamic glory. These identities may not always coexist without friction or conflict, but they are deeply embedded within the culture and have a meaningful place in society.

While diversity is fairly new phenomenon in many western communities, Africa has always been about pluralism and it’s home to a blend of multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious – hyphenated people.  Can we really say that one experience trumps all others when so much of the African experience in the continent and its disapora is comprised of fluid identities — free from rigid categories and cultural essentialism?

Much love to Siji and all the dancers in this video for showing us the African way.

Cultural Genocide or Evolution?

Just read Afro Lens’ post Chasing Al-Arabiya and started to ask my self what is culture? Is it a variation of flat bread? Is it an article of clothing? Is it a set of items that you can neatly package? After reflecting on the blogger’s argument and many other conversations I’ve had over the years, I felt compelled to share a different perspective.

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Media Misses Story, Perpetuates Notion of “Muslim Rage”

Why are we so convinced that an ignorant film is the culprit of major global issues? Following the media coverage on recent events in the ME is nothing short of (the twitter version) of #MuslimRage. As usual, local and national news outlets failed to explore the root causes of world events and proceeded to dismiss and oversimplify recent attacks as a result of “Muslim mob gone hysterical.” How does this help us identify problems and move toward solutions?

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Why Ahmed Samatar deserves a chance

Am I the only one who was blown away with Ahmed Samatar’s address?

I found his comments on the relationship between job creation and love incredibly powerful. He fully appreciates the haunting grip poverty can have on a soul, family, and nation.

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Kids of Color, Learning, & Narrative Justice

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I had an interesting experience with my nephew recently that left me wondering how much curriculum can impact learning. I gave this book to my sister for my nephew and he fell in love with it right away.

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East Africans Making Some Big Waves in MN Political Scene

Is the demographic change finally catching up with the political landscape? While talk of representative leadership in Minneapolis may be a little premature, members of the East African community are increasingly becoming major players in the local political arena.

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