Editor's Note
Note From The Editor 2008
Hey party people,
Well, its that time of year again. The Fall is often a time of change. As the end of the year approaches, we often sit back and evaluate what we’ve done and who we are. Have we been successful? Have we failed? Have we made good decisions or have we made mistakes? Or a little of both? I look at the past year or so and often reflect on my decisions regarding money, business, relationships. And I must admit it’s a hodge podge of hits and misses. In some regards, I’ve done very well– but in other ways, there is definitely room for a lot of improvement. Well hotghettomess.com is no different.
Like myself, I consider Hotghettomess.com a living, evolving entity. When I first started the site in 2004, it was a very different creature than it is now. By listening to feedback and criticism and praise, I have tried to put together a site that reflects not only the best and worst of urban culture in an entertaining and educational way, but also the conflict many of us feel in challenging our brothers and sisters to do better.
I have been called everything but a child of God for creating this site and that’s cool. In my eyes, whatever you think about me and this site, its undeniable that it has been a small stepping stone in the evolution of the black community’s analysis of itself and an assessment of our own contribution to the negative forces in our communities. HGM and the “We Got To Do Better” TV show have triggered conversations that we may not have otherwise felt comfortable having with each other. These projects are by no means perfect. Let’s face it “We Got To Do Better” was no 60 Minutes, but it did take a chance at having a rare conversation with a community in desperate need of some real talk.
My creations only represent the conflicted emotions I often have as a black woman who loves her community dearly. And from the feedback I’ve gotten over the last four years, I am not alone in this sentiment. Sometimes we beam with pride at the accomplishments, strength and resilience of our community and sometimes we cringe with embarrassment and shame at our behavior and lifestyles.
Because the images of black folks in mainstream culture are so limited, it becomes frustrating when those who are given the spotlight and a platform, often use it to act and look like fools. These conflicted emotions are normal and healthy and prevalent, and I believe they deserve a place at the table in terms of the dialogue in this country regarding race, culture and class.
It’s a free country. You can look and act and do whatever you want. However, because it’s a free country, I also reserve the right to bring attention to those that do not represent my community well in the world, to those that do not present positive images to our youth, to those who have blown their money on bling and things, to those who have not taken advantage of the education and opportunities our ancestors died for, to those who bring children into the world without the slightest regard for their well-being, to those who protest in ignorance, to those who denigrate women and women who denigrate themselves, and to those who make excuses instead of progress. Just because the community has for the most part remained silent on these issues doesn’t mean I have to.
Y’all know I just say the things everyone is thinking. After all these years, we’ve still got to do better.
Hot ghetto mess, its all in your mind. Thank you for visiting.
Peace.
Jam Donaldson
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Jam,
I see you are back and “HOT”teerrrr than ever..
The design is very clean, engaging, faster loading, and provides easier navigation than the old site.
Keep doing better and challenging us all to “Do Better!”
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I love the site. I look at it and thank God that we are all not like that. I also look at it and applaud the NG pictures that are posted. I posted a family pic and someone left a derogatory remark. I was a bit miffed but had to realize that this is just someone’s opinion on people they don’t know. Thank you for your site and thanks for the “Do Better” section. I promise to get several of those books to become more enlightened.
Peace and Blessings,
MsK
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As a white girl, I find this site interesting, because I have thought these thoughts, but can’t say anything without appearing racist.
I was wondering if you’ve ever compared/contrasted African Americans to Africans? A friend went to Africa with a charity workgroup and was interested to see the differences in behavior between Africans and those African Americans in the workgroup. The Africans regarded the African Americans’ behavior as “disrespectful;” it was a very big concept over there and seemed to drive the culture — respectful behavior. I know these are very broad generalizations of culture, but it was very telling, none the less. It’s too bad that our inner-city kids can’t experience in person their African counterparts who live in poverty, yet still carry themselves respectfully and treat others accordingly.Have a peaceful day,
LHK -
Jam~I love your blog precisely because you put a mirror up to our community and ask that we re-evaluate our sanity. Thank you for this. It can’t be easy to withstand the criticism but no one would do this unless they loved their community — I know because I often get the beatdown because of my little voice. Keep up the good work and I look forward to at least four more years because we just might BE better by then.
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I personally like the site. I have learned that you can’t please everyone. I don’t get offended by any of this because it is not ME. It’s not made up it’s reality. Keep on doing what you are doing. I need a laugh all the time!
“live ya life”
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I am astonished with all sult of mess in this web page
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The lawyer advertising on your site is actually a sucessfull lawyer here in Louisiana.Seen him in court,And he is real GOOD.Looks are deceiving.Be proud of our brother.
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to jimbob—- stop playin!!!!!! rufkm? (r u fucking kidding me?)
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You were very creative in a very positive way when you created this website. Although I am addicted to this sight I enjoy this site very much. As someone said earlier you put up a mirror in our community. Which is a good thing, because most times when you are on the inside you definitely dont see what the outside sees. You allow people to see themselves in true forms of ignorance. If we could just see ourselves we would then know and realize that we have got to do better. And this definitely a way to see yourself in full form. Keep up the good work and best wishes for all your future endeavors aimed towards improving the people.
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how do you upload a video on here?
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I enjoy the site for its purety and historical showing. 4 sure we have along way 2go. don’t stop here U have so much 2 say and give.
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Jam,
The embarassing images posted on your website depicts the product of low self-esteem individuals. Generally speaking, it seems while African, Asian, and European immigrants aspire toward excellence, Black America will compensate its failure with the superficial.
I applaud you for exposing our shortcomings. Perhaps those of us who engage in such minstrel behaviour will realize how ridiculous they look after visiting your website.
Peace,
Warren
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