The Grio

John Mayer is tone deaf when it comes to black people

TheGrio

By Talia Whyte

Who would have ever thought John Mayer would be in the middle of a racial maelstrom?

The latest brouhaha revolves around some controversial statements the crooner made in the March issue of Playboy magazine, who reveals his inner thoughts on race and his sexual prowess – or lack thereof.

Specifically, this is what everyone is up in arms about:

“Someone asked me the other day, “What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?” And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a n****r pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, “I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, ‘We’re full.'”

He went on to say that his life struggle “is similar to one black dude’s,” and his lack of sexual attraction to black women is due to his “David Duke c**k.”

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Can fried chicken just be fried chicken?

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By Talia Whyte

TheGrio

Another case of well-intentioned thinking has gone wrong yet again, with NBC being the latest culprit. The drama began yesterday when The Roots drummer Questlove posted a picture on Twitter of the NBC cafeteria’s “Black History Month” menu, which included white rice with black eyed peas and collard greens. But what everyone is really upset over is the fried chicken.

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Grio100: Mo’Nique, a comedienne with serious talent

By Talia Whyte

Mo’Nique made a career for herself as a brash but smart comedienne, breaking down barriers in the entertainment world for plus-size women of color. But her latest role as Mary Lee Johnston in the highly acclaimed and awarded film Precious has helped her reach Hollywood’s A List.

Funny enough, the Baltimore native was working as a telephone sex operator when she got her first shot at comedy at the Baltimore Comedy Factory Outlet only after her brother Steve dared her to perform. This led to other stand up opportunities and acting roles, including Showtime at the Apollo and Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam.

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Grio100: Bill T Jones, activism through movement

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By Talia Whyte

A revolution can occur in many ways. Some choose to protest with marches and picket signs. Bill T. Jones chose dance.

The acclaimed dancer and choreographer has informed audiences on race, politics and sexuality in modern dance productions around the world for over thirty years.

Born in Florida, Jones has said that growing up during the 60s and 70s, many of leading voices in the social movements of the time were artists who expressed their beliefs through their work. Jones started his dance career as a theatre major at the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he trained under famed dance instructor Percival Borde.

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