One story that struck my interest was “She’s A Lady Boxer” from chapter 11 from The Professional’s Approach to Photojournalism. In the process of reading the story, I had visions of just about every super heroine balancing the life of an ordinary woman and a hero. The images of Maricella Rodriguez in her boxers stance while wearing her prom dress fits the description of a heroine to a tee. From boxing to babysitting her nephews, Maricella manages to fit everything in her schedule and get it done. A true fighter in life as well as the ring. Maricella is “The Woman of Steel”.
I found this photo slide to be most intriguing, capturing my attention at first glance. The quality of the photos taken in the album are some of the most clearest I have ever seen. To put bluntly, the pictures in this album make real life look blurry. That’s how clear the quality of the pictures in this album look. If you don’t believe me then see for yourself.
Mult-talented actor, dancer, youth minister, and friend Ian Jones performs his signiture move in a friendly dance off. "I try to not only show my feelings through dance but by my facial expressions as well", Ian Jones. (AP Photo/ Jason Powell)
Fellow classmate and friend Dean Thompson reacts to his girlfriend almost running him over. "Are you trying to kill me!", Dean Thompson. (AP Photo/ Jason Powell)
People begin to gather for the Spelhouse homecoming event. Atlanta, Ga, October 24, 2009. (Ap Photo/Jason Powell)
Jamie Davis (Left) Dj’s Spelhouse Homecoming event while Chevon Cunningham (Right) curiously observes. Atlanta, Ga October 24,2009. (Ap Photo/Jason Powell)
Friends relax on the couch for homecoming afterparty, Atlanta, Ga October 24, 2009. (Ap Photo/Jason Powell)
Clark Atlanta strip during Spelhouse homecoming, Atlanta, Ga. October 15, 2009. (Ap Photo/Jason Powell).
I have been wanting to address this topic of money management for a while now. It pains me to see when black people in the entertainment industry become successful that they waste their earnings on frivolous products. Speaking of pain, to give you a precise example of what I am talking about here is a link of T-pain and Taylor Swift’s rap parody, were you can see T-pain wearing a “BIG ASS CHAIN”, LITERALLY!!!
This is what I mean by poor money management in black entertainment. Just because you have it, does not mean to waste it! I have seen entertainers who buy 20 cars and never really use them all to black entertainers who buy clothes for millions of dollars, when there are some brands that look exactly the same as the product they purchase for less money. But the worst of all when it comes to poor money management in black entertainment, is the obsession with jewelry.
( Rapper) Lil Wayne $50,000+ grill (Boxer) Floyd Mayweather’s many cars all $100,000 and up
This shows the lack of money management skills to the fullest extent. This will come back to hurt these artist later on. Black entertainers like MC Hammer and Gary Coleman are perfect examples of what can go wrong when you fail to manage your money wisely. The mindset of “spend it how you get it” is affecting the younger generation to the point where having the biggest car or the most jewelry is what they view as being cool. What I am trying to say is that, there are people starving in the world not to mention the recession is still going on. Why not do some good in the world by helping those who are less fortunate through charity, instead of spending recklessly on $200,000 or more on name brand clothes that are rarely used.
My Suggested Solution
There are ways to having the pricey products you desire while at the same time budgeting your money.
1. Invest in stock and bonds
Most kids and teenagers have not yet been taught this amazing way to make money with only supple spending. It does not make since to buy a product for $200 when you can own the company that makes them for up to 75% of the product price. The money and benefits that you get from being partial owner of the company can get you both the $200 product as well as more money to pocket.
2. Bargain
If there is something that you really desire that is overpriced, there is a %90 chance that there is another just like it that cost way less.
3. Save
Even i have a problem doing this. Saving is the easiest way to gain more money to spend as you please. This also helps you attain items that you can not afford at the moment. The wealthiest people in the world stick to this rule and have maintained their profits and social statuses for years.
I think that these are the key rules to good money management. I address this to my fellow black brothers and sisters because you do not hear of much careless spending by white people. By helping ourselves, we are able to help others in the midst of recession and other future financial fallbacks.
For those interested in the person of this blog site. I’ve created a short narrative piece about myself including: goals, background, dreams, etc. Visit this link to hear this audio piece and do give comments.
Me in my high school graduation gown. (Photo/ Jester)
