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if i'm not Frank, who is?

It's back....

NOW LET'S BE FRANK....

  • Now Let's be Frank, what was your very first impression of me when you heard, saw, or noticed me for the first time? How has (or hasnt it) changed? Someone recently posed this question, and i'm now extending it to you.
  • Alright, now really, let's be Frank, some of these blogger love relationships are really carrying on!!! Then the children have the nerve to act like you're in their business when they're the one's that have advertised and put their shit out for the world to see! The kids make me laugh with this!
  • Now Let's be Frank, I’m not ready for the Holiday’s to be over. I'm really pissed actually to think thats its almost January. Couldn’t you use about 30 more days of Christmas joy? The happy and friendly spirit of the Holiday Season has prevented me from cutting many-a-bitch, so now that’s its almost over I’m not sure what’s gonna happen.
  • Now let’s be Frank, the critical reception of Brokeback Mountain has occurred in a vacuum. Here's the tragic irony: while the film’s subject matter has been hailed as bold and provocative, on the ground-level, the material realities of men who love other men in violent settings (i.e. the United States) continues to be ignored or seriously addressed. At its core, Brokeback’s critical success is just another example of Hollywood's tendency to re-package Difference as a trendy consumer entity—especially when its “sexy,” white, and masculine. If two Queens—instead of butch, buff, gym boys—were the protagonists of the film, would it have been such a hit? Based on the poor reception of Jonathan Larson’s Rent (another problematic flick) the answer seems like a resounding “NO.”

    Interestingly, long before Brokeback re-popularized the gay-cowboy theme, independent filmmakers and conceptual artists such as the U.K’s brilliant Isaac Julien and even Andy Warhol were exploring rural, queer cowboy storylines and aesthetics in much more provocative ways. For instance, Julien’s 1999 installation piece “The Long Road to Mazatlan” tells the tale of an interracial erotic male cowboy couple in 1960s Texas. Where are the references to these films in Brokeback’s critics’ praise?
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, this winter has been a “strike” season for New Yorkers. First NYU graduate students strike, now MTA workers. Unfortunately both labor unions have run up against the mighty hands of two millionaire tyrants: NYU President John Sexton and NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg. And things don’t look great on either side. We’ll see what the final results are on both fronts.
  • But really Let's Be Frank, you're really gagging at the thought that this strike might last until next week.
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, the party options for this year’s New Year’s Eve seem bleaker than ever, especially for the Blacks. While there are a few cute little shin-digs being held in Manhattan, overall this year the options are far and few in between. Oh, how I long for the golden-days of The Warehouse and The Octagon. I’m predicting a return of House Parties in 2006.
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, the king’s (and no doubt Queens) of the black gay blogger-sphere are in need of expansion. While the first eight months of 2005 were dominated by the genius of SmilingontheDL, Larry Lyons, No4Real, Prodigal Sun, Trent Jackson, Stone, Ryan Canty, Karsh, Bejata, Clay Cane, Coley, Bruthafree, Divo, Steven Fullwood, Rodonline, Got Nathan, myself and a few others—over the past six months we seemed to have reached a slump. Blogging just aint what it used to be! I mean, do you remember all the fun highlights and blogger drama of the summer 2005? Who is the new freshman class of black gay blogger boys?
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, with 2005 coming to a close in less than twelve days, get ready for a slew of “Best of” lists. I’ll start. What would you say have been some of the “best” blogger moments of 2005? (i.e. Trent Jackson’s interview with No4Real, my summer post on HIV/AIDS, Rod’s series of Noah’s Arc, Smiling’s rebirth as Unconquerable Soul, the controversy surrounding Karsh’s announcement of the Black Blogger Awards’ winners, etc.)
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, Brian J. White—who currently plays a gay man in the hilarious family drama The Family Stone starring Sarah Jessica Parker (go see this movie!!)—is just too dam fine. I've known about White for years, but only recently have I witnessed him obtaining more quality roles. My prediction is he's the next Big Thing.
  • Now Let’s Be Frank, the musical version of The Color Purple was a flop. Let’s just admit it already. It will be closed by February, latest. Oprah must be gagging. But then again, Beloved wasnt much better.
  • Now Let's Be Frank, if you're reading this blog and you're thinking to yourself "I really cannot stand him...."---can you just imagine how I probably feel about you?

I Just Love Being Frank. Dont You?

Posted by the young people's professor on 12/20/2005 at 5:01:00 PM |

I love it when you're Frank as well. I'm trying to be more insightful, honest and entertaining on my blog, but I'm such a mess right now. It's even difficult for me to remember I have a blog. No one told me the first semester of grad. school would rip me apart like this. Am I the only one that enjoyed "Beloved"?

Posted by Blogger MatisseNdegeocello | 12/20/2005  

I don't necessarily think that blogging, or the particular list of bloggers you mentioned, have hit a slump. (And I thank you for including me in that list.)

I just think blogging is more a marathon than a sprint. You have to be in it for the long haul, not the short term, and so not every entry is going to be Pulitzer-worthy prose. Just continuing to share our innermost thoughts and opinions or the daily minutiae of our lives should be the goal. In that respect I think we're all continuing to hold up quite well.

The challenge for all of us is between revealing too much about ourselves and being vulnerable, or not enough and being uninteresting.

Posted by Anonymous Anonymous | 12/20/2005  

Oh yeah, Bernie quite the opposite. My comments didnt suggest that any of us have hit a "slump". It was to ask why we havent seen the emergence of a whole new host of black gay bloggers in quite the same flood as we did the first have of the year. You, Rod, Steven, Larry, etc. were all blogging long before me.

Posted by Blogger the young people's professor | 12/20/2005  

My mistake. Thanks for the clarification, and the opportunity then to plug some *new* bloggers I've come across:

Gukira, a Nigerian brother and college professor.

Lee’s Space, an AIDS educator and recent transplant to Philly.

Novaslim, who's not actually new (he was around before me) but has returned after a bit of a hiatus.

AfroerotiK, a straight Black female who's redefining erotic images.

Walk Your Own Path, another young man trying to make sense of this thing we call life.

Posted by Anonymous Anonymous | 12/20/2005  

awwww....Frank, I am in love with you again! Oh how I've missed you! I'm waiting to see this list...and you're talking about no4reals part 2 interview right? Shout me...it's time we hangout and do lattes, now that you have the time...right? Frankly speaking.

Posted by Blogger Dubbed As Trent Jackson | 12/21/2005  

Hey, hey, hey, the freshman class isn't that bad! Give us some time to make our mark!

Posted by Blogger Cash S. | 12/21/2005  

I'm part of the freshman class (I guess. When was the enrolling cut off date? LOL).

And I guess I am the youngest gay black blogger. (For the moment being.)

Glad your back. Keep being Frank, because no one else could be.

-Marz

Posted by Blogger Marz | 12/21/2005  

this is why i'm definitely coming back. because you are raw, and real, and unremorseful.

Posted by Blogger Bougie Black Boy | 12/21/2005  

Shit now a nigga will be frank.
I shit has always been interesting. its your as that when missing for awhile so do not complain you should have been around to keep things in order.

I will be even franker when I saw you first I thought you were sexy. LOL

Posted by Blogger Stone | 12/21/2005  

I thought you were very arrogent, cut-offish... and you NEVER smiled in your photos. I was like, I want to meet this guy to really see the real Frank.

Of course your not any of these things (or are you?), and I find you to be a very sexy and intelligent brotha.

You still don't smile though. Why is that?

By the way, what a brotha needs to do to be recognized as a "King" blogger up in here! My blog ain't shit, lol.

Posted by Blogger ShawnQt | 12/21/2005  

Um, there are quite a few new Black gay bloggers that have been out for a few months now that are hot. I agree though - something has definitely happened. There seems to have been some type of transition going on...with the disappearance of folks like DizYaBoy and Larry Lyons - and now Derrick L. Briggs - to the reemergence of No4Real and Smiling DL - to the come ups of people like Cash, MrRiqqi, SimonSays, and a few other folks - I feel ya!

Posted by Blogger Darius T. Williams | 12/22/2005  

Hmm..interesting take on Brokeback Mountain...

Outside of all the analysis (which is ON POINT might I add) In watching the trailer for it nothing really resonated with me..

Two white cowboys...ON THE DL (fuck what ya heard cuz that what it is--or for our pigmently challenged brethren..IN THE CLOSET)
Romancing each other in the mountains...

Doesn't quite resonate with my young, black, gay, urban, life...

But to each it's own. I knew I wasn't gonna see it within the first minute of watchin the trailer.

And yeah...there is low energy/activity on blogger these days...

Posted by Blogger Quaheem | 12/22/2005  

keguro, the text you're referring to is John Howard's 1999 text Men Like That: A Southern Queer History. Howard is a graduate of Emory's impressive American Studies graduate program.

Interesting you should mention queer transnationalisms/diasporas. My dissertation project,which is entitled "Always a Little Different: Postcolonial Queer Black Masculinities", looks at dissident black male sexualities in black british, afro-us, and african film, literature, photography and performance art. It's very much indebted to the watershed scholarship in queer diaspora studies (i.e. Gopinath, Manalansan, Puar, Ferguson, Munoz, and many more).

Also, you should check out the new special double issue of the important journal SOCIAL TEXT. It's a virtual "who's who" in Queer Diaspora studies. Jose Esteban Munoz, my advisor, co-edited the collection with David Eng and Judith Halberstam. Definitely work looking at.

Posted by Blogger the young people's professor | 12/22/2005  

Man...I LOVE your blog. I have to respect anyone who is as intelligent and honest as you are. Keep it up man!

Posted by Blogger S.A. Claiborne | 12/23/2005  

thanks for swinging by, bruh...i'll definitely be spending a couple hours catching up on your insights and exploits.

Posted by Blogger Karamale | 12/23/2005  

I don't know how I got onto your blog, but I must admit I was impressed. I was like this guy is doing it BIG. You seem to be very comfortable in your skin. I've discovered a world I didn't know exist through bloggers like you. I like seeing everyones stories unfolded. Continue to be Frank

Posted by Anonymous Anonymous | 12/25/2005  

Informative and entertaining.... I totally agree with your take on BrokeBack Mountain...

Posted by Blogger C. Baptiste-Williams | 12/25/2005  

You make some very good points about mass media marketing difference as trendy. That packaging is among the primary reasons why "the gays" are "hot" right now.

In re bloggers and blogging, as usual, Bernie hits the nail on the head. (That was just gay, right? lol) It's much more of a long term proposition than a fad. As with any creative medium, there's always going to be a new crop. However, quality and message tend to stand out and attract notice, and it takes time to develop a reputation within the virtual community. Also, since most bloggers are not commercial-based, there's no competitive model to increase quality and admittedly the blogger learning curve is quite high. Sure, there are many more bloggers today than last year, or, even six months ago. But the galaxy of choices has become similar to navigating DirecTV or digital cable; 500 channels doesn't necessarily mean that the overall product is much stronger. (Even though obviously, those channels are competing for viewers.) That being said, there are many newer bloggers who are creating a name for themselves:

ProfessorGQ

Prodigal Sun

Steven A. Clairborne

Noavaslim, who is new but not so new

Before I leave, just a minor housekeeping matter. I was not blogging "long before" you or many others; I'm relatively new to the virtual community. My old site began around Thanksgiving 2004, and the new Rod 2.0 debuted on Typepad in May 2005. So I've only been doing this for a year. It's been less than seven months since most people became acquainted with the newer, albeit more popular site. But my guess is that I've been blogging for about the same time as you and many of the other sites that you mentioned. ;)

Welcome Back and Happy Holidays

Posted by Blogger Rod | 12/26/2005  

Uhm, Derrick, just out of curiosity do you mind sharing your thoughts on who's "knocking on the devil's door" and who exactly is this bold, defiant "devil" that is perched behind the door?

I know that in regards to me, myself, and I, i've never been the kind of brotha to bite his tonque or try to "sugar coat" what it is i'm trying to say. I just come out and say it.

Your comments here are kind of ambiquous, especially about folks that are using their (secret?) "powers" through the blogosphere?

Please, do share. We wouldnt want you to not be "frank" about the situation homie, now would we?

Merry Christmas!

Posted by Blogger the young people's professor | 12/26/2005  

: tap tap tap: Is this thing on? Hi ! *giggle So I read a Heath Ledger article and he says the characters in Brokeback Mountain were NOT gay, just in love. (I guess) Frankly, at first I thought you were some type of overely intelligent political gay militant and late for having cuts in your eyebrows...but now...*giggle

Posted by Blogger @GaryTylone | 12/26/2005  

I enjoy these moments as a community where we can come together and just be "Frank". Similar to the Chappelle Show Skit "When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong", i'm curious as to what happens when being "Frank" Goes Wrong?

Posted by Anonymous Anonymous | 12/26/2005  

Great question!

And herein lies the answer:Its important to distinguish between "Being Frank" and "Being Catty (i.e. immature)"

Being "Frank" only seems to "go wrong" in instances where members of our community are emotionally, intellectually, and/or spirituality insecure.

For instance, on a topic dedicated to being "frank" its ironic just how much indirect and/or coated language some of us feel the need to use for fear of speaking candidly. It's even more interesting to observe which members of our "community" feel personality attacked when "Frank" language is used (even in circumstances when they were not referrenced).

Being "Frank" could never "go wrong" for "Frank" because "Frank"
isnt dealing with any internalized envy, jealously, insecurity, and/or defensiveness. Are you? (Not meaning "you" of course).

Posted by Blogger the young people's professor | 12/26/2005  

this post is hilarious... well thanks for including me in the list of the first 8 mnths of blogging - but i didnt hit the scene till late August so I think i'm still a freshman - or maybe a sophmore - lol also, i agree with kegro that gay issues are sometimes lost in blogs .. there is always a lite-lite butch queen underneath my blogs but i find i have so many people who arent black and gay hitting me up and sending emails.

i just saw brokeback mountain this weekend and you make a great point. however, i still think it was a good story and i pray some "DL" men see the movie so they know their life might turn into a lonely, old DL man wishing he didnt sacrifice his life for family.

also saw Memoirs of Geisha and while the movie was a mess the effects were SICKENING ... i know the kids are going to be storming some function like a geisha.. lol

Posted by Blogger Clay | 12/27/2005  

man, i'm soo glad your back! the best blogging moment was ur "I think your positive post." It sparked FIRE, LOL!

Posted by Blogger Unconquerable Soul | 12/27/2005  

Honestly...? My first impression was that you were an old man trapped in a young mans body... lol

Your word choices and mannerisms gave me 40-50 year old tenured professor type dude, despite your youthful age and appearance.

Although I have come to know you much better and see the diversity in your personality you still give me older man type vibes despite your youth.

Anyway, cool post. I think that blogdom will expand in phases. During the summer everyone is out and about. But in winter peeps may be on their pc's more stuck in the house, and may be motivated to become bloggers. Give it a few months and lets see who emerges.

Posted by Blogger prodigalsun | 12/28/2005  

screw all of that frank. Let's BE Frank: Am I the only one who is stunned that ALIAS is going off the air in May? Let's Be Frank--you thought Jennifer Garner would go like 8 seasons as Sydney bristow! :) *sigh* but the prospect of Merrin Dungey (Ali Doren/Francie Calfo), Bradley Cooper (Will Tippin), Lena Olin (Irina Derevko), and Gina Torres (Anna Espinosa) appearing in the remaining eps means the show will go OUT with a bang..but im still weeping internally over this...i really am! :)

but miss your site..05 was an interesting year for blogging. I dont think im in a slump--im just living life as a 30 year old, ridiculously intelligent and mature Black gay educator. i don't always have time to blog. Plus, since im applying for english education PHD programs (with NYU being my first choice), life hasn't been real good with giving me free time....

but you know, we need to meet. so im waiting for that email from you so that we can schedule a time to hang out...:)

Posted by Blogger Ryan Canty | 12/31/2005  

LOL! Love it when you're Frank!

Posted by Blogger  Morisset | 1/03/2006  

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