THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP-ED BY ANDREA DIALECT
OFF TOPIC
Those who stood in the gap, those who have come before us; those who paved the way. Our forefathers, the elders, our kinfolk, as well as those who stood for love, life, and our progression. Surely are spinning in their graves like ballerinas do, at the mere sight of how far we have fallen!
JUMPING ON MY SOAPBOX
Unlike many of today’s fancy-schmancy choirs. Our church choir couldn’t sing when I was that teenage girl sitting in those pews and despite Pastors occasional request for yours truly to don the mic. Most often I would pass, being the rebellious little thang that I was. But when a visiting church dawned those glorious doors with one of those choirs whose angelic vocals were in tow. That’s when I beckon one of the ushers to abandon post as I send word to Pastor to let me sang. What went on in our church house with our no singing selves was what it was. So our bad singing choir could moan all they wanted. But as far as Andrea was concerned nobody was coming into our home humiliating us or removing us from ourselves behind those doors!
BONNETS, BEDROOM SLIPPERS & PAJAMAS
We had decided to meet up in Journal Square in Jersey City. She was a dear friend, also Godmother to one of my offspring and by the time I jumped into the car with her. Her coffee craving had already kicked in so she opted to make a quick run to White Castles which was literally up the block. As we drove up to the drive-thru window expediently she took her place behind the register. My being on the passenger side made my view of her a bit delayed. But, when I could see what I saw, I tell ya that right there slap dab in the middle of Journal Square servicing the public was Mocha who is me, mocha whose us; Her head covering of choice? An oversized hair bonnet. Now let’s do a breakdown of the population by race for that area…. Asian- 41.27%, White 42.78%, American Indian 13% and 10.52% Mocha. Get the picture?
Are you getting ready for nighty, nite? I asked. Do you understand the population that you serve knows nothing about the current bonnet trend that you guys are dabbling in? I then assured her that if the head rag had been snatched off the woman on the pancake box, it was for a reason and that amongst other things was the reason why we shouldn’t pick it up and, put it back on. I told her how much of a disservice and embarrassment it was to our people and that, that impression of Mocha, would be a lasting one. It is about the principle of those thangs;” I said! One thing I must say about her which is in her favor is that she was very respectable. She stood attentively and listened as I spoke. So in all honesty someone had done a great job rearing her. To this day my girlfriend gets a kick out of the fact that when returning with her purchased brew. We saw nothing of the sort. Only an arm extending the reach of the hand that held the cup and by George, we knew at that moment, that our little me had gotten it. That had to have been about 4 years ago easy.
DO US PROUD
L.I.T. Muse Sparkle. Photo and styling Andrea Dialect
But this time I was so angered by this representation of Mocha who is me that is us, that my blood boiled. I was so angered by it that I pushed this week’s scheduled feature “Donna the Nerd’s” “interview back until next week. I was so angered by it this time that my introduction of House Dress and the efforts of the L.I.T contributors who have been (lending their images to change) for many years. On this day will not get their proper due because…
They laughed and they laughed, ironically the driver of that truck was in a deep belly laugh that prompted his banging on the steering wheel. This crew that had been hot on my tail as I drove was almost nose to nose when pulling up to my bumper because we were now transfixed at the light. I could hear the hurl of several comments of insults on the sly of course and the outpour of laughter clearly as drifting from the open window that was now hoggin my space.
And that’s when from my peripheral I saw them…The traffic light that halted my flow dangled from a pole that stood slap dab in the middle of one of the busiest streets in this part of town. The four plus one logically hadn’t been aware that it was a few moments shy of 3:00 in the afternoon. Because one was adorned in her PJs, a bonnet on her head, and on her feet was a pair of those funky sneaks. Another sporting her killa hairdo wore those animal printed pajama pants paired with her lengthy brown jacket. But the gear worn by the two others was pretty much the norm, jeans, hoodies, a tee and ect. One gal had on a pair of ankle boots that I would gladly wear. The other flip-flops that made a patting sound as African drums do. Still, logically both dabbled in over the top, cause they wore bonnets on their heads that were so large that they swung, and they swayed flickering as it lay while dangling mid-waist. Then there was him, he too was playing close to the norm. Although straggling behind the four he was the one parading a bit of a good sense type of classy. Hands shoved in pockets of jeans, locks dangling, with head bowed low, so low as if at constant confession.
If mirrors could only be aligned along sidewalks these days it could be of help. Because clearly, from his Birdseye view the scene that was seen fostered prides absence and it showed in his gloomy gaze and ever slowing gait. But, as it should because of the lack of, being exhibited noticeably, by the distorted views of those that led the way who cold switched as chatting incessantly up ahead; when moving hurriedly along. I too drop my head down low, way low like Homie do, at the sight of it. Because it was three o’clock in the afternoon on a weekday which meant the little ones on school buses gazing down from windows or walking home by mommy’s side peering up, could likely catch sight of it.
But on another note; finally, seemingly we’ve overcome the sagging pants of statements that have held strong to their unfashionable position when mooning the public. In my opinion, it was the new slender cut pant that is in high fashion demands now that, unlike the oversized bonnet, extends no excess that is ushering it out. So as our stylist of saving grace, it is welcomed here. But still, if when in eyes view that pant is so snug that the potentiality of those little ones in the pod below is being snuffed out is seen gasping for oxygen when one second shy of a flat line; All before being given that fighting chance. My good fellow, “that to aint a good fit!”
If en route to grammar school, middle school, or for the sake of fairness, trekking to high school because it’s weird, crazy, or don your PJ’s day. We could turn a blind eye to the antics of the guest that are driving through town when they catch sight, or even when entering those places of business that we don’t own when opting to take that trip out. But if we grown, which seemingly is a catchphrase, everyone loves, to throw about, pray to God we act like it. Because Lord knows it’s all about the principle of them thangs!
One thing that I can say in favor of the four subjects is that neither wore the overrated spandex pants aka leggings that are plastered all about, which is a story within itself. If these are the display of fashion statements that become trends which are life stylin that our children are being exposed to. What will become of the Mocha man’s King ranking and the Mocha woman’s Goddess status? Because knowingly without a doubt “Kings, Goddesses nor a Queen” (these titles of choice judging by the merch worn) wouldn’t be found dead in such. Cheap attire be it cost or its appeal is easy to buy into, but often comes at a great price! When I was that wide-eyed little girl I can still clearly remember the men and women that represented the ultimate dress; spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sister Ramblin was one of the most sophisticated and stunningly dressed women that I had ever laid eyes upon. She was mom to a developmentally challenged son who she loved and also dressed to the nine. The beauty in the beauty of such tenacity was the gift she displayed for us. Barbra Ann my Aunt Louis’s sister, was chocolate mocha just like me, which made her even more appealing. Talking about classy, educated, and sophisticated! Then there was my mom’s friend Sherlene. You want to talk about throwing it on and, the way she walked in those stilettos. To date I can still conjure her image in my head….Priceless!
Then there was my main man. How can I forget about Mr. Tyson from Public School #12 way back when? He was one of the first Mocha male teachers that I laid eyes upon outside of the gym. The pride that was bestowed at mere sight and undoubtedly even more so for the guys in the room was beyond amazing.
I will never forget the impact that the men and women who held positions in the business world gave in support of me in my life. The way they carried themselves was unreal. I was able to grab and grasp so many things of use. We are all teachers in this world as repin to all, not only children but everyone. What one should or could be or what one should not. When out and about I dress pretty drably myself, so I’m not saying that you must throw it on every minute. But what I am saying is that we must be mindful that we are always being observed and those first impressions impress!
This incident has had a strong impact on me. So, for the sake of my kin and my Mocha people, I have decided to be that change. I have decided to take the L.I.T Movement out of the private sector by making it public.
(L.I.T aka Lend your image to change) is my passion and job. As a life coach, journalist and photojournalist, and content creator; I utilized media to promote health, wealth, and progression with the help of my professional muse, L.I.T features, clients, and our community supporters. If you are aware of our efforts you are aware that in the past, social media has been used as merely a test lab and pick-up window as opposed to promoting the movement. Therefore that will no longer be the only thing those platforms will be utilized for. If you are interested in participating in and/or supporting our L.I.T Projects feel free to email me in reference at localtalkandrea@gmail.com. Your support is greatly needed. We must counter the negative representation of Mocha at the hands of mass media, the masses, and sadly those of our own. I will not sit back and watch us become the amusement of passersby or onlookers. Once again nobody gets to disgrace us in our own house; whether at the hands of mass media, the masses, or our own. IT IS THE PRINCIPLE OF THE THANG DANG ON IT; IT’S THE PRINCIPLE OF THAT THANG…. GAME ON!
