BLOG: Pop goes medieval, space cowboys’ bebop and Superman defeats the KKK

Between COVID-19 and existing as a black woman in the United States, I am tired. 

This batch of internet finds I have been collecting since early May is extra special because each entry brought me joy and/or understanding. This blog can give you some solace and moment of breath between your anti-racist readings, videos on systems of oppression and non-white savior films of the Black experience. 

If this doesn’t describe you because you don’t find educating yourself important or “haven’t gotten to it yet,” come back when you are done.

Music:

“Roxanne” cover by Ayanna Witter-Johnson – Late April, I came across this video of singer/cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson covering The Police’s “Roxanne.” To say I love The Police’s is definitely an understatement and I never imagined hearing such a chilling, soulful cover that I would have loved more than the original (or my remixes) — and here we are. In addition to this *chef’s kiss* cover, Witter-Johnson also creates original music.

Cornelius Link medieval covers – My second must listen features a channel, though founded in 2014, only appears to have four videos. All are medieval covers of popular songs and I am here for it. Two are covers of Vicetone & Tony Igy’s “Astronomia”, both medieval and medieval/tavern style, Haddaway’s “What is Love” and Foster the People’s “Pumped up Kicks” (the only version I can stand.) I figure some have started playing Skyrim again or D&D on Tabletop Simulator, so this can be added to your playlist. Also check out Hildegard von Blingin’s, new channel that creates covers of popular songs in a medieval style, but with vocals.

“Ungodly Hour” by Chloe x Halle – Since getting into the Freeform series “Grown–ish,” I have been enamored with sister duo Chloe and Halle. Their first album “The Kids Are Alright” was lovely, but had little replay value for me. This sophomore album is the complete opposite in terms of replay value because I can’t get enough. This album brings the obvious vocal talent from the first album, but with strong storytelling, killer visual elements and more urges to dance. If I had to pick favorites, “Forgive Me,” “Tipsy” and the single “Do It” would be it.

Must Watch: 

“Killing Eve” (BBC) – If this show has been teasing you for almost a year like it has with me, just cave. I promise you won’t regret it and if you do, it is likely because you have just finished screaming “WHAT” several times at one of many moments in season one or two. The show follows MI5 agent Eve, played by The Sandra Oh, hunting down unbelievably deadly, yet somehow likable, assassin Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, across Europe. In addition to the twisted plot and brilliant cast, the show has an awesome soundtrack, gorgeous costuming and stunning cinematography. 

“Cowboy Bebop” (1999)  – I am not into anime, but now I have a second exception to the rule. There were very high expectations coming in not only because my partner is obsessed, but also because I knew the show was critically acclaimed and a lot of people’s first anime. I was not disappointed.

This show follows a crew of bounty hunters trekking space in their ship “Bebop” and is a combination of so many genres, but especially western, noir and science fiction. The one-season show is heavily inspired by Black American culture. This is not just by ways of jazz and hip-hop being important to the scoring, but also the idea of “remixing” elements in world-building, style, music, etc. If you are looking for a short anime series to dip your toes in the water, make it this show.

“Trumbo” (2015) – This movie stars Bryan Cranston playing an award-winning Hollywood writer Dalton Trumbo fighting the politics behind The House on Un-American Activities and their supporters. Trumbo was one of many film workers that were blacklisted even after the government’s initial punishment of prison time ended. It shines a light on the birth of the rhetoric that still exists today towards the people who work in film and music.

Must Reads: 

“Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callendar – After reading and reviewing his 2019 novel “Queen of the Conquered,” I started following Callendar’s other work including this new novel. The story is about an Afro-Latino trans student, Felix, trying to find out who not only posted images of him pre-transition all over the school’s art gallery, but also who is harassing him online. Between figuring out “whodunnit” and family issues, Felix questions his identity and his capability to love and be loved. This page-turner might have you canceling your remote plans to just-read-one-more-chapter.

“White Negroes: When cornrows were in vogue… and other thoughts on cultural appropriation” by Lauren Michele Jackson – Chapter by chapter this funny while also frustrating book shows how white America profits on Black culture. This book does not give every example but rather a few recent-ish ones in each section by topic as well as its historical context and the implications of continuing it. The topics cover pop stardom, cover girls, visual art, hipster language, memes, viral stardom, southern food, entrepreneurship and activism. 

Other related media to this book that are worth your time is Jackson’s op-ed “We Need to Talk About Digital Blackface in Reaction GIFS” for TeenVogue and the video that introduced me to Jackson’s work, Joelzy’s “Is Billie Eilish Culturally Appropriating?”

“An African American and Latinx History of the United States” by Paul Ortiz – This book’s content is pretty clear by its title what it will be about, but it is so much more. It shows how very intertwined the history of both communities are. This book starts in the 1700s and works up to the end of the second Civil Rights Movement (1970s.) Rather than giving a complete history, the book highlights notable moments as well as the ripple effects of these moments.

More Ya Know: 

“The Adventures of Superman: ‘Clan of The Fiery Cross’” (1946) – The 16 part series features 14-minute episodes (totaling 4 hours) that tell the story of when Superman defeated a local Klan. I found this after coming across “Superman Smashes the Klan: The Graphic Novel” by Gene Luen Yang and was excited when I found that not only is it inspired by an old radio serial, but that the serial was completely online. Possibly more interesting than the show itself is how it came about and its effect on the KKK’s public image.

“Don’t Be an Ally, Be an Accomplice” by Willie L. Jackson II – This essay talks about the differences between the two phrases and why one is preferred. I had to sneak one helpful guide to combating bigotry in this blog and this one has been the most insightful work I have read online on the subject of allyship.