Hello Meltingpot Readers,
It’s Friday. Yay! We made it through another week of life on this crazy planet we call home. Because this is my American Meltingpot, I thought I’d introduce a new feature here, the Meltingpot Round-Up. Think of it of as a collection of meltingpot news, tidbits and pop culture moments from the past week that will help you feel a little bit more informed and perhaps a little more connected to the multiculturalists among us. And maybe you’ll just find something entertaining that will take you into the weekend with a smile on your face.
So, without further ado, here’s our Meltingpot Round-Up for the Week that Was March 25 – 29, 2019.
Jussie Smollet Gets All Charges Against Him Dropped.
I wrote about this case when it first appeared that Smollett had been the victim of a hate crime. I had my doubts even
then, but didn’t want to print that publicly. Now, the case is even crazier and more questions are being asked. Rolling Stone does a good job laying out the facts as they stand…for now. My guess, this story is going to be a Law & Order episode really soon.
Two Great Books about Blackness Debut
Go figure, two great books about Blackness, What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker(HarperCollins) and How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance (Hachette) were released on the same day this week. Black people everywhere and the people who love them rejoiced. FYI, the editors of How We Fight White Supremacy, Akiba Solomon and Kenyra Rankin will be on the MAMP podcast on April 19th so be sure to tune in.
Jordan Peele’s “Us” Makes Box Office History
So, I will never pay money to raise my blood pressure and get my pants scared off, but that doesn’t mean I won’t applaud Jordan Peele’s second box office success with his horror film, Us. The movie broke box office records and gave lead actress Lupita Nyong’o another big win in her career. Go Jordan. Go Lupita. Go see this movie if you want to get freaked all the out.
Facebook Bans White Nationalism on its Platforms
Better late than never and too bad it took a massacre in New Zealand to get Facebook to act, but still this is good news. Facebook announced on Wednesday that it will no longer allow content supporting white nationalism and separatism on the Book of Faces.
Can’t Handle Spicy Food? It Might Be All in Your Head
Just for kicks and giggles, check out this recent article from Thrillist about why some people can handle eating super spicy foods while others cringe at black pepper. The reasons why might surprise you.
Enjoy your weekend, dear readers. And don’t forget to celebrate diversity in all you do.
Peace!
