Traditional Journalism Is Dead

In 2001, I began my career as a journalist at a small newspaper in Beaufort, S.C. During my three years there, praise was rare, but criticism happened as often as the sun came up.

I was often called out for only covering African American stories. I remember the time I was the subject of a Community Radio Show, for a controversial story I did about one of the high schools. I wanted to defend myself, to go on that radio show and set the record straight. But I was a journalist, and that meant being objective and open to critics. My job was to report the news and not be a part of it.

Fast forward to today. Fox News' Bill O'Reilly and CNN's Don Lemon were sparring via social media over a story about national security adviser Susan Rice.  O'Reilly claimed that Lemon declined to cover the story - which brought this Twitter response from the CNN newsman.

False. I did not refuse to cover the story. But I did cover your sexual harassment allegations. Did you? https://t.co/sJ5mQQgx2E

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 4, 2017

For those who are not in the know, Mr. O'Reilly and Fox  paid $13 million to settle sexual harassment lawsuits brought forth by several women. Now - before we go too far into the weeds, let me say this.

The fiery social media exchange between the two is uncalled for and is in effect everything that is wrong in journalism today. O'Reilly is not in a position to be critical of anyone because his objectivity has been compromised due to the lawsuit settlements. How could he ever cover a sexual harassment suit, again?

Lemon isn’t exempt. The CNN newsman’s response through social media, while praised by many, taints his objectivity. When you are a journalist - not an entertainer- but a journalist, you have to take your bumps and criticisms. You don't try and give back as good as you get. When that happens you often end up on the other side of the camera. You have to be impartial at all times, so that your integrity and objectivity can never be questioned.

Otherwise, people won't believe you and claim you're pushing fake news.

These two aren't the only ones who are guilty of this. Journalists have now become celebrities and celebrities are masking around as journalists. News reporters are unfortunately becoming the stars of their own stories - sometimes through no fault of their own.

In this day and age, journalism needs to get back to the basics.  This exchange between Fox News host Sean Hannity and veteran journalist Ted Koppel illustrates the argument best. R.I.P. journalism.

Blessings in the Potty

My 2-year-old son Moses did something that shocked me the other day.

He got up, walked to the toilet and used the bathroom all by himself. Moses did it without any help and more importantly, without any mistakes.

As soon as his mom got home from work, I told her the wondrous tale and we all danced around in merriment and jubilee. Even his 5-year-old sister was happy!

Well maybe I'm exaggerating just a little. Maybe there wasn't dancing and that much fanfare. Maybe it was more of a smile stretching from ear-to-ear as acknowledgement that finally our little boy was starting to get the concept of using the restroom. And just maybe it was more that we were thankful to God for this blessing.

So, I have a question for the people reading this. In a world where we constantly deal with issues and pressures - is there anything you're thankful for? Is there anything no matter how big or small that
you're genuinely happy about?

I know I'm happy. I'm happy my son went to the potty by himself. And that is a victory in itself for me.

Remembering Aaron

Today was hard. I kept thinking about my life and some of the challenges I'm facing and then I began thinking about my son Aaron.

All these questions just poured into my head.

I kept thinking what I would buy him for Christmas. What would he be like if he was here now? How would he act around his brother and sister? Would he drive his mother crazy? Would I be teaching him how to play basketball? Would I be a good father?

Earlier this month, my wife and I went to honor his memory at a Memorial held at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Each year we light a candle. My little boy would be 6-years-old. They say you can get through it, but you'll never get over it. I have to agree. They're right. I'll always remember you Aaron.

The following is the first verse of Kanye West's song Only One, only altered to reflect my experience. So no this is not original by any means. But it's how I feel.

As I lay me down to sleep

I hear Aaron speak to me

Hello 'Daddy, how ya doin'?

I think the storm ran out of rain, the clouds are movin'

I know you're happy, cause I can see it

So tell the voice inside ya' head to believe it

I talked to God about you, he said he sent you an angel

And look at all that he gave you

You asked for one and you got two

You know I never left you

Cause every road that leads to heaven's right beside you

So one day we'll meet again, just keep the love in your heart

Trump in lewd conversation scandal

Donald Trump has once again landed himself in hot water. The trouble stems from an 11-year-old conversation that was recorded where he had bragged about using his 'celebrity' to kiss and grope women. The Washington Post released the recording, which was made in 2005 on a soap opera set, Trump appeared on.



Since the recording dropped, social media and mainstream media outlets have been constantly and consistently discussing it. But the question is, will this hurt his election chances? Will this be the final nail in Trump's political coffin, or will it be swept under the rug?

Sure it will give Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton plenty of ammunition for their upcoming debate on Sunday, but is it enough to derail Trump? And does Clinton dare take the conversation there after her husband's trysts and  treatment of women?


In my mind, this does not significantly weaken Trump. I think many of his supporters will brush this off as "locker room talk" that happened over a decade ago. This shouldn't be the case. Trump's supporters need to really take a good look at their candidate and demand better. If they still continue to support him after this, then they have to hold him accountable!

Trump's language was degrading to women and if the U.S. truly wants to be a progressive society, we need to confront such stagnant thoughts and beliefs head on.

The #TeacherBae Controversy

Last month, Social media exploded when pictures of an Atlanta paraprofessional - dubbed #TeacherBae hit the Internet. The controversy got to the point when #TeacherBae (we will not use her real name), had to be reprimanded for her dress and use of social media activity.

The curvy educator's photos, which were shared on Instagram had social media in an uproar - asking the question - is this appropriate attire for a classroom teacher to wear? Some came to her defense, accusing critics of trying to body shame the teacher.

Both sides are missing the point.

This isn't a question of appropriate attire, or even an attempt at body shamming. It's more about the appropriate use of social media and the unintended consequences.

We're in an age where nearly 78 percent of the U.S. has an active social media profile, according to data from www.statista.com. That's a five percent increase in users since 2015!

But while there has been an increase in the use of social media, there has not been an increase in the awareness the content that is published. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should! This is especially prevalent when you post photos taken at the work place, like this Atlanta paraprofessional did!  Had  #TeacherBae not used the school as a back drop for her photos, she probably would not have gotten in trouble, or drawn the 'nationwide' attention that she did.

There are numerous accounts of people getting fired over social media posts. Some are more extreme than others. Now was #TeacherBae's situation worth getting fired over? No. Not even close. But the attention she brought to the school probably was a bit of a distraction. Thus, she was probably told not to take pics inside the classroom anymore. End of story!

America is Trumpnotized

Donald Trump has stuck his foot in his mouth yet again. This time he's criticizing U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who's presiding over the infamous Trump University Case. During an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN, the "presidential" candidate, alleged that he was getting unfair treatment because he was "building a wall" along the Mexican border. Trump said Curiel was upset and it was a conflict of interest because of the judge's Mexican heritage. Wow!!!! You can skip to the 3:25 mark to get to his criticism of the judge.


                        


At one point during the interview, you can see Tapper taken aback and actually stunned that Trump would say this. But what Tapper is experienced is what every journalist watching Trump's movements has felt. The man is an anomaly, and he's able to get away with almost any and everything and still resonate well with some of the American people. Journalists are fascinated/and terrified by it at the same time. Just look at Megyn Kelly, a Fox news journalist Trump bashed via social media for months, until she made the first steps toward peace. And what was her crime you might ask? She asked him a question that he thought was unfair.The O.A.W. Report has since learned that the truce between the two might be over because of the 'Mexican' comments.

Look most of what Trump says would be political death for some candidates. But for him it's not. And unfortunately,  journalists have become powerless to stand up to him. Most networks adore him because of his potential to help them draw ratings - but at what cost?

 He has practically called on followers to punch protestors during his rallies. He has insulted his political candidates through name calling, and he has launched massive tirades against journalists that he feels are treating him badly. All journalists can do is shrug their shoulders.

And yet where the media can really needle him - on his policies, most refuse to. They go along with his narrative and seem to be enthralled by his antics. While some of his policies exist most of his ideas center around catch phrases and building a "mythical" wall to keep illegal residents out. But specifics are never given.

And while he's clearly the Republican nominee (we can say that at this point right - nah he's still the presumptive), the man clearly isn't a true conservative. He's not really of any particular political bent. Trump is quite simply Trump. And journalists along with the American people are Trumpnotized. God help us all.

Black Superman Redux

I'm a black male and I grew up in one of the most impoverished and racially charged areas of South Carolina. By all accounts, I shouldn't be where I am today. I shouldn't be married to the mother of my children and be a successful journalist. Some might call me a guy that's bucking the statistic. Or a modern day Superman in a sense. At least that's what I feel like I am, when I discuss my family and my background to others.

But I'm no Superman. Far from it.

I began thinking this after I took an honest inventory of my life and the people that were in it. An intense conversation with someone made me question my life and my writing ability. Am I really making a difference? What am I here for, and why, oh why do I continue to hold onto the abusive situations (kryptonite) in my life.

I know it's probably strange to hear (read) a guy talk about stuff like this, but to be honest more of us need to. See many black males buy into the narrative that we aren't allowed to feel emotions or get tired. There is an untold pride in being this invincible archetype that can withstand the blows and emotional strikes of a racially charged America. At the same time, we have to continue to take those criticisms and maintain our cool when put in demeaning and degrading situations.
 
 We have the power to move mountains, yet for the greater good we pacify our abilities and strength to keep the peace and maintain positive relationships.

But can I be honest with you. I'm tired. I'm tired of holding up everything on three shoulders (even if I only have two). I'm tired of taking the punches and the blows of emotionally tiring situations and relationships. Quite frankly, this Superman just wants to be able to rest.

Rogue Dynamo presses her luck in Roulette

There are very few artists who manage to match the spirit and feeling of a single with their videos. Yet Rogue Dynamo, Atlanta native and microphone femme fatale, has managed to once again go against the grain, this time with the video for her new single Roulette from the EP Roses and Karma.

Using dark imagery in a secluded room, Rogue looks back on her career, her struggles and pain. With haunting visuals inspired by the psychological film, PinkFloyd 'The Wall', Roulette asks the questions, just how much control do we really have over our own circumstances and how do we maintain our sanity while trying to uncover the answers?

Since Rogue first hit the Indy scene she's stated emphatically that she was unconventional and a rebel.  Her ballads are painted from a pallet of her deep emotional pain. Roulette more than lives up to this example.

With a flower slightly leaning up against a television playing old footage of her past videos and performances against a black wall, you start to get a sense of Rogue's complex nature.

Is there truly beauty in pain? Does Rogue truly win?  In this game of roulette, does she simply go for the least painful option? In what could be considered a violent release or perhaps better yet, frustrated acceptance, the Rogue M.C., gives her response.

Here's the video for Roulette below. 

Couple, unborn child killed over weave

Recently, a man, his girlfriend and their unborn child were murdered by an 18-year-old woman over hair weave. The two victims were owners of a business called VirginHair4US.com. You can catch more details on the story by clicking this link.

This isn't the first time The O.A.W. Report has offered comments on a crime regarding hair weave and it probably won't be the last. Two years ago, The O.A.W. Report reported on the killing of a Ga woman during a weave sell gone wrong in  Conyers, Ga.

Yup, that was a little more than two years ago. And look at where we are now. The weave thefts and murders are still happening. The major problem is that the media and some people aren't taking these crimes seriously. Weave thefts are summed up by reporters as, "You'll never guess what they're stealing now." Murders over weave are met with astonishment and disbelief. Some say its such a petty thing to kill over.

But what people fail to realize is that these items of beauty (if you want to call them that) are expensive. People can charge premium price for the right kind of weave. And unfortunately a lot of the people who sell hair are caught off guard and are easy targets. Much like the brazen robbers that would still the copper off of the roofs of churches, we now have predators capitalizing off the fact that they can steal and sell weave.

It is a serious problem and my heart goes out to the family of the Memphis couple that were senselessly gunned down. It's a bit disheartening that we don't see any lawmakers taking this seriously and that they aren't introducing some type of bill to perhaps curb the occurrence of some of these crimes.

Unfortunately if a  lawmaker did introduce a bill it would probably be mocked with a cutesy headline. Make no mistake folks, this is a serious crime and people will literally kill over weave.

Walmart's woes stem from lack of convenient convenience

Early Friday morning, I stopped into the local Walmart after working out, to purchase turkey bacon for the kids (they love it -especially my 4-year-old) and some simple household toiletries. What should have been a  five minute stop turned into a nearly 30 minute epic event of frustration.

Only one of the nearly 20 check out lines was open. Plus the registers at the self check out section hadn't even been turned on yet. Oh it gets worse. And the sole cashier braving the check out line - well she ran out of money - further delaying convenient and timely service.

Luckily after about 25 minutes of waiting, the self checkout lanes were turned on. But the trip was anything but convenient, and therein lies Walmart's core issue. There's not a convenient way of shopping in a store that's built solely to satisfy America's insatiable longing for convenience. I mean come on where else can you purchase an iPad and a Salisbury steak all at the same store?

 Recently media outlets reported Walmart would be closing  154 stores in the U.S. and about 115 stores overseas. The retail mega-giant said it would end its Walmart Express small-store format. The measures come as Amazon has taken a great deal of market share from the traditional brick and mortar store. Does this come to a surprise to anyone? Amazon provides service with the click of button. There's delivery to your home! No registers, no interaction with other customers or cashiers! It's ultimate convenience for some!


For years, customer service has been one of Walmart's weak points. Vacant registers, long lines, and employees who act as if you're doing them a favor by being there. If Walmart has any hope of recovering, then the company needs to work on its customer service and provide a convenient way for customers to enjoy the potential convenience it can offer. 

That's So Raven....so please just let her be!

The controversy just doesn't stop for Raven Symone. Now the former Cosby kid, and current The View co-host finds herself in hot water yet again. This time it stems from a petition to have her fired from her plush gig at The View.

Symone is just a few weeks removed from making comments regarding the Spring Valley High School incident in South Carolina, which saw a school resource officer manhandle an African American female student after she wouldn't put her cell phone away.

Here are Raven's Comments on the matter via U.S. Weekly

"The girl was told multiple times to get off the phone," Symone said. "There's no right or reason for him to be doing this type of harm — that's ridiculous — but at the same time, you gotta follow the rules in school. First of all, why are there cellphones in school? This shouldn't even be a problem to begin with, and he shouldn't have been acting like that on top of it."

Now people are up in arms. Seriously up in arms. Social media did not react well and the call to oust the former Disney star keeps growing louder.  Now I've been following Raven since the whole Watermelondrea scandal and I predicted a couple of blogs ago, that this was coming.

ABC, the network that airs The View has come out with a statement in support of the co-host, and I agree.

These are Symone's opinions, regardless if we like them or not. We should not want to end someone's livelihood just because they have an opinion that differs from our own. If it's hate speech, which in this case it is clearly not, then by all means let her go. But if you don't like her opinion... why not change the channel. Simply don't click on the link, or don't view the stream. Just my thoughts!

Cosby vs. Cliff: The Reality of it All

I grew up in the '80s and one of the most influential television shows of my youth was The Cosby Show. Every Thursday at 8p.m. my family would gather around our floor model television set and see 30 minutes of a loving and caring family through the Huxtables.

It was one of the most powerful television shows in history for African Americans, as it painted us in a different and positive life. A doctor (Bill Cosby/Cliff Huxtable) married to a successful attorney (Phylicia Rashād/Claire Huxtable), all carrying for their five children. There were no financial struggles or living in the ghetto; there was no stereotype of a black male calling detractors jive turkeys. It was a show about family and about African Americans finally obtaining the dream Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for.

But I say all that to ask this very pertinent question. For all the good this show did, are those works now tarnished or perhaps undone by the scandal the lead star Bill Cosby finds himself in now?  (I don't know the truth about the scandal, which is why I'm not going into detail about it. My heart goes out to any victims that have suffered from this. I have a daughter and I can only imagine how I would feel if something like this were to happen to her.)

The November issue of Ebony Magazine brings this point up and has caused Social Media to explode in debate.

I have two answers. Yes and no. One cannot deny the successful impact The Cosby Show has had on African Americans. My wife told me that it was a show that made her strive for greatness. It was honest and positive, something lacking from today's programming content. For those of us who experienced Cosby before the controversies set in - quite simply the answer is no. Nothing can take away the show's contributions to our lives.

I look at my friends and my outer circle. We're all college graduates and have successful careers. It can be argued at all of these people grew up being impacted or somehow influenced by the Cosby show in some shape or another.

But what about future generations? What about my pre-school age daughter and my toddler son? The answer is yes.That legacy will be tarnished for them.  I say this because if they were going to watch the show and ask questions about Bill Cosby then it would become tricky. The impact that my generation benefited from would be washed away entirely on my son and daughter's generation.

This is a sad situation and whatever the truth is, one thing is certain, nothing will ever be the same again.

Raven Never More: Coulter silences View co-host

Raven Symoné's comments about not hiring people with names like Watermelondrea continue to bite her in the butt. This time from Conservative firebrand Ann Coulter.

Coulter was a guest on The View and was being picked apart regarding her views on Immigration. Coulter was there promoting her new book,  Adios, America!

The unapologetic conservative went head first with a passionate fervor into her stance on Immigration and her support for Donald Trump, the anti-hero presidential candidate.After being grilled by several members of The View,  Symoné questioned Coulter and asked her why the staunch conservative makes a career off saying mean things about people. That's when Coulter fired back with the quote heard around 'Social Media.'

“Well, I’m at least talking about policy,” Coulter responded. “You have a position on what people’s names should be! I mean, Watermelondrea. I mean, you’ll insult people for their names, I’m talking about a government policy that affects all Americans, and immigrants, and the people living her. And it’s harming our country. So you don’t follow it.” 

And Symoné said nothing. Nothing. Absolute silence! What's even more interesting is the response on social media. As controversial as Coulter is - no one really stood up for Symoné. Most sided with Coulter.

And this brings me to my point? Are Symoné's days numbered on The View. Are the Watermelondrea comments a blow she won't soon overcome?  What do you think?







 Here's the video  below.

Raven-Symoné under fire for 'name' comments

Former Cosby Show child star and current The View host, Raven-Symoné is in hot water after she said she would not hire someone with a racially stereotypical name.

Here's what she said.

"Just to bring it back, can we take back ‘racist' and say ‘discriminatory,' because I think that's a better word," she said during the show. "And I am very discriminatory against words like the ones that they were saying in the video. I'm not about to hire you if your name is Watermelondrea. It's just not going to happen. I'm not going to hire you."

Social media did not take it well. For the better part of the day the former That's So Raven star was blasted repeatedly and roasted online for her comments; her name and her opinion.

Here's the video so you can check out the comments for yourself.

Keeping Malachi

This past weekend my wife and daughter went to visit family in South Carolina, leaving me alone with my one-year-old son, Malachi. It's significant because this was my first time watching him by myself  over an extended amount of time.

In the past, I have watched my daughter, Grace, who is 4, with my son for an entire weekend, and I have even traveled with both of them by myself. But to keep my son... with no other sibling as a playmate (distraction)... for a weekend -  well that was a task in itself.

When I first pitched the idea to my wife I said it would be a breeze. I joked to her, I'm gonna 'learn em' about what a man does this weekend.  But nothing could be further from the truth.

My brave proclamation was shot down almost immediately, when Malachi refused to eat the specially prepared breakfast I cooked for him. He began pointing away from his food and at the chocolate muffin bread my wife baked prior to her South Carolina sojourn.

Malachi eat your biscuit and eat your eggs. He began shoeing my hand away after each attempt. Then the tears came. After the tenth attempt and tears from both of us, I caved in and gave him the chocolate bread.

Since it was raining we were mostly confined to the house for the whole weekend. Malachi began a 5-room reign of terror, where he began emptying out the contents of the desks and cabinets in various rooms.

No, that belongs to your sister I yelled! No, that's your mother's crochet yarn, you can't play with that! Not the iPad! That's expensive!

After he calmed down a bit, then it was time for a nap. Malachi did not want to sleep. I put him in his crib thinking he would cry himself into his mid afternoon slumber, but instead as soon as I left the room I heard a huge thud! Malachi had jumped out of the crib and was on the run.

I gave in and let him stay up. We listened to music; played in the rain; played ball; caught colds; and watched wrestling on the WWE network! In that time I think he bumped his head 5 times, fell about three, and kneed me in the groin six times.  He even learned how to cut the vacuum on.  Oh and he kept refusing to eat his food!

Suffice to say when his mother and sister came home I was extremely happy. And I discovered it wasn't me 'learning' Malachi how to be a man, but the other way around. Yup. I'm a better man because of this weekend. Thanks Malachi.