Boughetto

boo-jet'-oh : having or exhibiting the qualities of both sophisticated snobbery and urban aptitude as prescribed by psycho-social adaptations to impoverished conditions.
DJ Boughetto in tha HOUSE! in html code "Bold" is expressed as strong ;c) lol!


African American by name suggests a dual nature in the individual ascribing to such a title. My latest bright idea is an anthropological, sociological, and psychological study of the double consciousness of today's Black person in America.

I recall my first class on African American History. There was considerable time spent on the first day of class as to what the course should be called. Be it Negro History? Black History? Afro American History? African American History? Or solely American History?

Carter G Woodson suggests in a study of the contributions such persons of African decent in the history of America, one should justly consider American History in total and highlight the "Black Soul" (DuBois reference) as a part of the mass matriculation of ideas, ideals, business, cultural, scientific, artistic, and spiritual entity we know as America.

Today, the afro-rock / afro - punk aesthetic is at the height of both fashion forward trendsetters and the urban authentic. Really, the boughetto soul is pop-cultures new "in," with desirable traits of globally accessible cultures being accepted by many influential persons. For example: Skull and Cross Bones of "Biker" culture are rampantly presented in urban fashion and in turn have made its way to tie-collections in big name department stores. Also, the "rocker," as always championed by an astute minority of Black folks is now the progressive ideal of both hip hoppers like Lupe Fiasco and Pharell Williams, as evidenced by their "skater" styles of presentation. Certainly Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, and Miles Davis were rockers. But, is Lenny Kravitz thought of as a rock and roll purist or a "black rocker." And, most importantly Why?

Also products of Eastern Schools of thought i.e. Feng Shui, Yoga, and Kama Sutra, and Karma are as household in America as Taco Bell. But before ordering your next bell grande (spanglish) consider your comfort level and think about the last time you saw a Mexican person in a Taco Bell. I have not done an ample study of Tack Bell Patronage, but think for yourself... observe, if you still eat there, if you pass by...

Also, Bob Marley has somehow been accepted among "hip" white kids as a hero of reggae music. The same reggae music chanting down babylon to which many of their fathers perpetuate to afford the luxurious of Caribbean Vacations, etc. In the same, the well travelled are exposed to cultural diversity in immersion and form positively beneficial bonds with those they encounter. Cultural super-information high way, the global market, and the intra-personal communicative devices are all awakened by those with time, means, and reason to travel.

Of course, the McDonaldization of the planet is one possible downfall of leaving your greasy finger-prints where you go, but this is our FastFood Nation, right?

For the sake of argument let us consider the Caucasian male as the "dominant person," though genetics may suggest otherwise. The American system and structure of power is a well practiced, planned, and executed machine of enterprise and influence, to say the least. The African American, once "introduced" to notions of freedom from the oppressive forces of TransAtlantic Slavers was thrust by square pegs and told to fit into the round hole of American life, the very life denied, outlawed, and lethally barred from his psyche as a bonded person. The shit hit the fan. Assimilation was a long-desired gift of freedom, while some shunned notions of appealing to the oppressor when given choice.

Such was the case of Maroon colonies in the mountains of Jamaica, where the roots of Rastafari emerged from the Motherland after coursing under millions of square miles of Atlantic Ocean. This group rejected British ideals of the "well-groomed" citizen and the lifestyles and practices of European culture. In the mountains they were free to commune with nature, eat healthily (ITAL), and your favorite...partake of ganja.

For the Black person in America today, post-Rodney King...some learned individuals would rather be classified as "American," part of the stew, than be distinguished by means of ethnic heritage. Such notions are self-defeating as naturally, you are American by virtue or vice of birth, but still deny your personal legacy of history and cultural influence in America, who to this day stomachs, if even upset, the "Negro Problem," its culturally -celebrated - diversity, and dominant forces.

With this presidential election the full scope of a behavior and thought in a freely-associative cultural climate is exhibited. Though both are not the first of their "minority" groups to run for the highest publicly elected office in the country, the chances of either a Black Man (Jessie Jackson) or a Woman (Shirley Chisholm) filling the Command(h)er in Chief seat seems more likely than ever.

does this mean racism is over and the new-"black" or "woman" is free from oppression if the office is respectably filled? no.
does this mean the American people are changing, yes. But, the problem lies in that throughout America's glorious history it has taken this long to be in serious contention of being changed.

I have digressed. I will end early...

Being boughetto means knowing when to wear your cap backwards, and say "shieeet." as well as when to wear cuff links... we make beautiful anythings... be you. be successful and respect your elders by keeping them with you. Culture and Arts is one way, through the system of power is another. Black Women and hair. Black Passion... are on the table. What ever it takes, keep your job, but Represent, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!

-delano 5 on the Black Hand Side
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