BY Russell Simmons Note: while I was searching for a politically correct photo for this blog I found one of the beautiful model Kiara at my Diamond Empowerment event who I have known for ten years. And no, we are not dating-I'm not THAT lucky.
It seems that almost every week since I have been single there is a headline on some black internet site that says something like "Russell Simmons is FINALLY Dating a Sista?!?!?!" Surely you have seen these, its a constant in my life.
I am of the view as a philanthropist and businessman that all press is good if it can help me as a brand or bring in more money to my five charities-especially in this time of economic crisis when every charity is struggling to keep afloat. However, I do find this blatent racism offensive. Just last week I was out with my friend Veronica Verikova and the next day had to read about "uncle Russell's brand new blonde bust down". She doesn't deserve that, nobody does! And yes, it is offensive.
Some people believe that if you date a person from another race you are somehow denying who you are. They believe that dating someone with a different skin color somehow makes you a self-hater, loathing that which makes you yourself. They believe that it's an insult to your parents, ancestors, heritage and community. I find this view much more telling about the people who say this than about those who do find a physical, spiritual, mental and emotional connection with someone who looks different than themselves.
Choosing someone who I am physically attracted to and who also inspires, uplifts, educates and keeps me interested is my first priority- not their race. And if these bloggers recall I did marry a woman who was half African American. Furthermore, I have had many high profile relationships with African American women, such as the only serious relationship that I have had since my divorce (who some may already know) with my dear friend yoga teacher/model/philantropist Porschla Coleman.Elijah Muhammad once said that African Americans were chained for so long that when those chains were released we refused to move. I get where these feelings are coming from but I don't condone them. That kind of collective consciousness by a group promotes negativity in a world that has enough hatred and intolerance - and it saddens me to see these pollutants in my community.
It seems that almost every week since I have been single there is a headline on some black internet site that says something like "Russell Simmons is FINALLY Dating a Sista?!?!?!" Surely you have seen these, its a constant in my life.
I am of the view as a philanthropist and businessman that all press is good if it can help me as a brand or bring in more money to my five charities-especially in this time of economic crisis when every charity is struggling to keep afloat. However, I do find this blatent racism offensive. Just last week I was out with my friend Veronica Verikova and the next day had to read about "uncle Russell's brand new blonde bust down". She doesn't deserve that, nobody does! And yes, it is offensive.
Some people believe that if you date a person from another race you are somehow denying who you are. They believe that dating someone with a different skin color somehow makes you a self-hater, loathing that which makes you yourself. They believe that it's an insult to your parents, ancestors, heritage and community. I find this view much more telling about the people who say this than about those who do find a physical, spiritual, mental and emotional connection with someone who looks different than themselves.
Choosing someone who I am physically attracted to and who also inspires, uplifts, educates and keeps me interested is my first priority- not their race. And if these bloggers recall I did marry a woman who was half African American. Furthermore, I have had many high profile relationships with African American women, such as the only serious relationship that I have had since my divorce (who some may already know) with my dear friend yoga teacher/model/philantropist Porschla Coleman.Elijah Muhammad once said that African Americans were chained for so long that when those chains were released we refused to move. I get where these feelings are coming from but I don't condone them. That kind of collective consciousness by a group promotes negativity in a world that has enough hatred and intolerance - and it saddens me to see these pollutants in my community.
Continue To Story:http://globalgrind.com/content/246905/Russells-Blog-Dating-and-Race/
I could give a rats ass who he dates or what her color is as long as she aint as bi-polar and bitchy as his ex-wife. LMAO Let that man date who he want. In a time when BM and BW can't seem to be happy together we should just want the brothers to be happy like we just want to be happy.
ReplyDeleteI've never posted a comment on here (as well BP where i found the link just dont really take the time to read thru any of the topics i guess) but when i came across this subject i had to respond....You see, i am a BM and i live in England(bout two yrs now) but i was born and raised in America. I found it very interesting, almost disheartening to see so many Sistas and Brothas in this country dating white and only white. It made me feel like there was some sort of self hatred goin on, or just tryin to fit in or be accepted in this 95% white society. They proudly (and almost to the point of being ashamed of their very blackness) sleep with, date, marry and have families with white folks, men and women alike! It was shocking to me. I've almost gotten used to it and, i can finally keep a meal down when i see it...lol, but my point is. Love YOU, first and don't think that because you're dating some other than yo black self that you are somehow gettin some sort of grand prize. I happen to love black women, and have always treated them with love and kindness. My problem is though, that whe a brother is nice to a sista he is considered weak and not her "type". And could you please tell me "What the hell is too nice".???? Bottom line, we need to treat each other with more love and respect, then we wont have to go runnin for the Caucasous hills..lol. I love my people, i just wish we loved ourselves more. I guess the divide and conquer has worked its magic, and African American sistas are finally fed up with bein left alone, waitin for Brotha do right. Sorry i kinda rambled, but i got so much to say about this subject.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the topic I expected a ton of comments mostly negative. smh Speaking as a black woman, I'm tired of some of the nonsense too but I aint leaving brothers for white men. No can do. I had to realze that I had to change some of my own ways before I could attract a man that was good. We can change the way things have been if we really want to. Let us stop fighting and learn to try and understand the needs of others. It's going to be tough but nothing worth having is easy. Good find to post!
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