Spike Lee, Hurricane Katrina, Richard Wright, Life in America and Human Suffering: My Head is Spinnin’ . . .

” When Hurricane Katrina went through New Orleans or around it, I was in Venice, Italy at a film festival. It was a very painful experience to see my fellow American citizens, the majority of them African- Americans, in the dire situation they were in. And I was outraged with the slow response of the federal government. And every time I’m in Europe, any time something happens in the world involving African-Americans, journalists jump on me, like I’m the spokesperson for 45 million African-Americans, which I’m not. But many of them expressed their outrage too. And one interesting thing is that these European journalists were saying the images they were seeing looked like they were from a third world country, not the almighty United States of America. ” - Spike Lee

I respect Spike Lee a great deal and I believe he can tell our stories like no other. I know when I watch this film it is going to be 4 hours emotional turmoil. I am angry and disgruntled, straight up. I keep telling myself I need to calm down . . . lately I’ve been overwhelming myself with the trouble of the world. Some of these troubles aren’t personally mine, but it still feels that way.

I partly say this because I’ve just finished listening to Richard Wrights autobiography, “Black Boy” . This is my first time experiencing any of his work, although I am familiar with his name and other black authors of the Harlem Renaissance and early 20th century. I’ve also completed Zora Neal Hurstons , “There Eyes Were Watching God”. (An absolutely beautifully written book. I feel guilty for not getting aquainted sooner.)

I’ve been spending a great deal of time at the library, checking out audio books to listen to while I work. There are so many authors I’ve wanted to read - but never have. Finally I am taking the opportunity to listen to their thoughts and words. It is wonderful and I encourage you to do the same. The more I read/hear the more I want to know about the subtle nuances of their lives and historical facts as well. Right now I’m moving into the criticisms of Richard Wrights books and learning more about the political parties and culture of the 50’s and a bunch of other interesting stuff.

I would like to elaborate on my thoughts about what I have read, but I guess I should join a book club for folks who share my re-activated interest.

Will any of what I take in add to my souls progression? Will it make a difference in my life? Does anyone really care about what I do with my free time? Perhaps. All I know is that I feel a strong desire to grow as a person. Reading, listening and writing for me, personally, is what provokes new thoughts and dreams as well as confirms the ideas I’ve had for some time, but for whatever reason thought I was alone [in my views].

Sure, times have changed but much of what we feel and think, remain the same – the human heart is fairly consistent when it comes to the matters of love, joy, terror, pain, envy, lust, betrayal, loneliness and isolation - good fortune and the resentment of stifled opportunities. We all know about these matters. It’s how we respond to these emotions and situations that separate us.

Anyhoo, get you some audio books . . . or read some books, if you aint already. Too many people paid a very dear price for us to be able to educate ourselves. For real. And while you’re at it make sure to check for Spikes documentary. *reflecting* Hurricane Katrina *shakes head* It was so much more than a natural disaster – It highlighted the troubles of race and social class in America and how much further we have to go . . .

Thanks for reading my conscious mutterings,

Lique

RELATED LINKAGE:
When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts
Spike Lee Interview
AOL Black Voices Movie Review: When The Levees Broke
WHUDAT: Katrina Survivors Blamed For Houston’s Crime Rate