Sorry for the short notice, but check out these two shows this week and let me know what you think.
#1 - Stand. What happens when Tavis Smiley, Dick Gregory, Cornell West, Bebe Winans and seven other prominent black men go on a road triip through Tennessee? Look at this documentary that chronicles their trip May 24, 2009 at 9pm on TV One. If you missed it, order the DVD STAND: What Do You STAND For?
#2 - American Masters: Chinese Hollywood. This PBS documentary follows Hollywood’s portrayal of Asian Americans. Hear stories from Nancy Kwan, B.D. Wong and find out how Bruce Lee was sure he would get the role of Kung Fu in the 1972 series. These are among the actors featured in this 90 minute documentary. Watch this program on May 27, 2009 at 9pm on PBS.
I’m thinking two interesting programs worth checking out and, yes, worth talking about. Let’s talk…
#1 by sowmya at May 24th, 2009
Great post! Here are some clips from “Stand”. Feel free to add in your story!
Michael Eric Dyson breaks down in an emotional moment
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/15750493
The guys discuss Tina Turner with Sam and Dave
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/15749563
Michael Eric Dyson and Cornel West debate music, Obama, and more
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/15750399
Michael Eric Dyson as MLK
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/15750614
#2 by admin at May 25th, 2009
If you missed Stand, please get the video. A few of my favorite scenes:
*Cornwell West, “You’re not going to change the world being an echo.”
*The discussion of Jessie Jackson’s importance in the Civil Rights movement.
*Hearing the men’s thoughts on President Obama - I was suprised by some comments.
*”Black rage can neighter be ignored or ignited, it must be challenged.”
*The history of the song, “Hold on, I’m coming” - made me laugh hysterically.
*The tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the black church.
*Seeing a group of black men speak intelligently with no profanity, argue respectfully, cry, hold hands and pray together.
#3 by admin at May 28th, 2009
I hope some of you watched American Masters: Chinese Hollywood. It was well done. Some observations I found interesting.
*Old movies with Asian women portrayed them as thinking white men were God, the women were “exotic” sexually (prostitutes, mistresses), the women had more American features.
*Asian men were usually weak and often laundry men or butler types.
*During WW II Chinese actors were asked to play Japenese - can you imagine the difficulty those actors had?
*Most Americans don’t know the difference between Chinese and Japanese.
*Asians who grew up in Asia don’t have to wrestle with identify issues because they are not minorities like Asian Americans.
*The bottom line for all actors and directors in Hollywood - make money.