Here's an intriguing observation about Black society and how we view the media -- We often criticize mainstream media by scoffing at the validity of information they feed us. Yet we consistently perk up and listen carefully when factions from the same media sources begin revealing statistical information about the Black community and Black men.
During any given week, you could probably watch a television newscast, read a popular book, or view a documentary on Blacks -- and hear a variety of discouraging statistics about Black men. It's a common occurrence and leaves many Blacks shaking their heads, accepting it as true, then changing the channel.
According to various media sources, and many Blacks who gather information from them -- most Black men are in jail or prison; jobless or in low-paying occupations; do not attend colleges or universities; are drug dealers, drug users, want-to-be pimps, hustlers, and "down low" brothers infecting Black women with HIV at alarming rates.
But where do these statistics come from? How do we know if the numbers are real, and whether or not they have been skewed for political or social agendas? Where do the calculations originate, and who does the calculating?
Janks Morton, who directs and produces an interesting upcoming documentary about false statistics connected to Black men, says the numbers aren't as lopsided as you may think. In fact, some reported data is either misleading, misrepresented, half reported, or simply wrong.
A clear example is a 2001 Justice Policy Institute report stating the number of Black men in prison (791,600) was higher than the number of Black men in college (603,000). However, the study was reported by media outlets without a key stat. The number of college-age (18-24) African-American men attending college was higher than the number of incarcerated men from the same age group. The Justice Policy study included incarcerated men ages (18-55), which provided a larger sample group. In using the larger sample group, the data showed more Black men in prison than in college.
According to the Status Report on Minorities in Higher Education and the Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice statistics -- In 2000, there were more than 469,000 African-American college-age (18-24) men enrolled in college, while 114,400 college-age men were in prison.
Another grim statistic reports on the numbers of Black women infected with HIV, and the belief that "down low" brothers are causing these numbers to rise exponentially. In a 2004 Centers for Disease Control report, cumulative statistics show that 20% of reported AIDS cases in women were the result of injection drug use, while 2% were related to sex with a bisexual male.
The same CDC report also shows that the number of women infected after having sex with an injection drug user is more than 3-times the total number infected after having sex with a "down-low" man.
But these stats mean nothing if you simply listen to what you're being told. The Black community has always been aware of negative statistics, many of which need further attention. Nevertheless, other data is being recklessly delivered to us and it's all based on presumptions, stereotypes, and miscalculations. The only way dis spell the myths is to research the statistics ourselves and reveal more accurate information.
In Morton's public service announcement and documentary "What Black Men Think", real men challenge the Black community to take responsibility for the images of Black men. When we explore health-related matters, public education, unequal justice, and affordable housing -- we sometimes foolishly believe inflated statistics and assume Black men are a dying breed.
Unfavorable reports should not be the motivating factor for uplifting our brothers. We must be careful not to use such statistics in a way that creates doubt in the minds of Black men and boys -- leaving them to distrust their own value and abilities.
Walt Disney was an alleged 33 degree high ranking Mason and host of other conspiracy about Walt Disney have unfolded over the years. There has been great debate as exactly what Freemasonry represents. Those that claim that it started with King Solomon and claim it to be nothing more than a fraternal order. While others say that it is a Satanic order where once you reach the highest degree of Free Masonry you are instructed to serve Satan and become a pawn in the plans for a New World Order, Novus Ordo Seclorum (Latin for "New Order of the Ages") appears on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States. And the back of the one dollar bill is said to be filled with occult symbolism that tells of a "New World Order" which unifies the country of the world and enslaves man in a currency free system where no man can purchase buy or sell without a smart chip actually installed in the human body.
I have seen articles by the FDA that claim that human testing to test the safety and tolerability for a smart chip has begone. I admit that we have seen chips placed in pets to keep track of them and the same system has been considered for children.
One of the problems for me is simple. You can not prove or disprove symbolism and it is subjective in its nature. It is said that subliminal messages in Disney movies show Phallic symbols of an erect penis. But the top of any tower or monument can be mistaken for a phallic symbol. The thing is if this society existed and it chooses to move through symbolism then this makes it all very hard to prove, a symbol can be translated many different ways and have multiple meanings. Thus this gives the outsider trying to prove what this society represents very limited information and thus many will see people who claim Walt Disney as a Satanic Worshiper as a conspiracy nut.
But there have been certain things in Disney movies that I myself find a bit strange, like at the end of this video I will post in this bulletin
Well with all that being said I got invited to go to Disney World and Universal Studios at the end of the month lol, I will post pics
It is that time again 10 day fast!
Current mood: excited
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
so as of today Feb 28, 08 I start the master cleanse fast for 10 days
this is my second cleanse of this kind sense 06, this time the plan is to follow the master cleanse to the letter to get the maximum benifits from the fast. Last time I added Apple Cider Vinegar, however the acid in raw organic apple cider vinegar may neutralise the effects of the lemon juice so that may not have been a good idea. Also the last time around I added vitamin B as a supplement to the fast, I didn't have much faith in the maple syrup alone seeing that the content of the mayple syrup may very well be varied.
But this time around I am following it by the book and to the letter. So many people have wrote me as of recent about fasting, it's only a sign that its time to fast again, which is something I have been putting off for awhile.
The goal of the master cleanse according to Stanley Burroughs is
To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that have formed in any part of the body.
To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.
To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body.
To eliminate all unstable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles.
To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels.
To build a healthy blood stream.
To keep youth and elasticity regardless of our years.
As of this morning I just did Salt Water Bathing:
As it is necessary to bathe the outside of our bodies, so it is with the inside. Prepare a full quart of luke - warm water and add two level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt. Do not use ordinary iodized salt as it will not work properly. Drink the entire quart first thing in the morning.
Check!
Lemonade Diet
2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice ( approx 1/2 lemon ) 2 Tbsp genuine maple syrup (not maple flavored sugar syrup )
^^^
Look for grade b.. The brand I have is from NOW
1/10 Tsp cayenne pepper (red pepper ) or to tatse
Water, medium hot ( spring or purified water )
This my entire diet for the next 10 days
If you have any questions just let me know, as a response to this blog or in my inbox, positive support is always welcome from any friends or associates or people browsing the system.
I will like to give a special thanks to Honechile for her continued patients and support.
my interview with 70s blaxploitation film star Carol Speed!
Current mood: excited
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
If you are a fan of the black films of the 70's then you no doubt are familiar with Carol Speed. She has played in movies such as The Mack, Black Samson, and Abby. It has been a privilege to meet and chat with Carol and she recently agreed to give me an interview!
Enjoy!
Vincent
1. Some people don't care for the term "Blaxploitation" because of the implied "exploitation". Do you feel as if the genre exploited African Americans in the 1970's?
Carol Speed
All corporations exploit their products whether it's a film or computer or just a gadget. All advertisement for films are about exploiting the audience. "Spiderman" exploited the fantasies of people who would like to possess super powers to scale walls, etc.
The word "Blaxploitation" was created by Roy Innes of the NAACP in the 1970's. It was the decade when the NAACP, CORE, and other black organizations fought against the filming of films like "The Mack," "Penitentiary," "Black Samson," "Abby," "Disco Godfather," "Welcome Home Brother Charles," etc.
In the 1970's "Blaxploitation" was considered to be black films about pimps, dope dealers, hustlers, whores, gangsters, con artists, etc., that weren't worthy of any type of film prestige. But the "Blaxploitation" films made more money than the so-called prestigious films like "Claudine". So the film industry kept right on distributing the "Blaxploitation" films.
What's interesting is "The Mack" is a grand champion as far as being a money maker, but its still considered "Blaxploitation". The film "Uptown Saturday Night," which has not made the money that "The Mack" has, is considered a classic. The irony is that "Uptown Saturday Night" was created in the image of films like "The Mack" to try and cash in on the money that the "Blaxploitation" films are still making.
Vincent:
2.If you could recommend just one of your films to be representative of your work, which would it be?
Carol Speed:
All of my films represent me, because I'm like a diamond. There are many facets to my acting abilities. In fact, I haven't had the opportunities to explore all of my acting facets.
Vincent:
3. Let's talk about the film Abby, my personal favorite. It has been referred to as the black version of the exorcist. When I checked out the movie the only thing it had in common with "The Exorcist" is that they both deal with exorcism and tell the story of
girl who is possessed. We once spoke personally about how Warner Brothers pressured Abby with a law suit and that pressure lead to Abby being pulled from theaters. I have read quotes from you that state that "there are no new story's since the bible" and that you "can't put a copy write on exorcism" For fans of the film Abby, could you explain to us in your own words why you didn't think it was fair of Warner Brothers to have Abby pulled from theaters
Carol Speed:
At the time, the corporate white Jewish film industry could not stand the fact that Director William Girdler, a Louisville, Kentucky white country man, combined with an outstanding black cast with tremendous acting abilities could create the excellent film "Abby". So they set out to destroy "Abby," because they didn't want Girdler to reap three fourth of the profits. By the way Warner Bros. never won their lawsuit.
"Abby" premiered in New Orleans and New York City, Christmas Day, 1974, before being released nationwide. The response to "Abby" was so overwhelming that a Los Angeles Times journalist wrote that I should be nominated for an Academy Award for my enormous talent.
If anyone has ever read the Bible they would realize that ever story that we write today has already been told. We just write different forms of the original plots. Warner Bros.'s attorneys had to be aware of the fact that they couldn't copyright "exorcism". "Exorcism is in the Bible as one of the original plots. Writers can copyright different storylines about the original "exorcism" plot, but not "exorcism".
I never saw the film "The Exorcist" until 2001, after I had moved to Atlanta. The few years I spent in the Atlanta area gave me a lot of time to watch films, because of the hostile attitude of the Martin Luther King people towards me.
Vincent
4. Is it true that director William Friedkin of the exorcist actually visited the set while Abby was still in production?
Carol Speed:
Director William Friedkin never came to the set of "Abby". William Peter Blatty, who wrote the "Exorcist" novel and screenplay, came on the set of "Abby" in Louisville, Kentucky unannounced and uninvited. No one knew why or what he wanted.
Director William Girdler had the set dressed for the club scene, and I was in full makeup. (My demon makeup took three to four hours to apply.) I could only leave my white contacts in for a couple of hours at a time. So Director Girdler continued working, while Producers Mike Henry and David Sheldon talked to William Peter Blatty. After watching us film a scene or two, William Peter Blatty decided to fly back to Los Angeles.
Vincent:
5. How would you describe the atmosphere on the set while filming Abby? I was once read that a tornado struck the town not too far away from the set.
Carol Speed:
It was a working atmosphere. I'm almost in every scene in "Abby," so I didn't have too much free time to socialize. I also had to be on the set at least three or four hours earlier than the rest of the cast, because my demon makeup had to be applied.
"Abby" was my second film with Juanita Moore. On the set of "The Mack," I never got a chance to meet her. With "Abby" I did get a chance to spend some time with her. But my schedule was so tight, I never got a chance to really converse with William Marshall, Terry Carter, or Austin Stoker. On Sunday mornings, except for William Marshall, we would eat at the International Pancake House. My favorite pancakes were the corn meal pancakes.
99 tornadoes ripped through Louisville, Kentucky during the filming of "Abby". One of the tornadoes destroyed Director William Girdler's sister's mansion. A few days earlier, she had given the "Abby" cast an elegant Welcome to Louisville Party. That same tornado frightened Juanita Moore and I on the outdoor set of "Abby". The afternoon sky kept growing dark until it was a still pit black. Juanita Moore and I agreed that something was seriously wrong. We didn't know that the tornado was tearing up Girdler's sister's mansion, and half of Louisville. William Girdler was so enthused about shooting "Abby," he didn't want to stop the production. Finally, Mike Henry and David Sheldon called it, because the weather report was saying a tornado or tornadoes had touched down in Louisville. Reluctantly, Director William Girdler wrapped the "Abby" set for the evening.
Vincent:
6. In Abby, you performed a gospel song that you yourself composed "My soul is a witness" Is song writing something that you have done before Abby, and do you have plans to write more original songs in the future
Carol Speed:
Before I wrote "My Soul Is A Witness," for "Abby," I wrote "I Can Make It" for an A.B.C. Movie of the Week, "Girls of Huntington House". I wrote "Sexual Healing" with Marvin Gaye and Odell Brown after I finished filming "Abby". I have a musical, "Karin's House," that I wrote some time ago, that I would like to record.
Vincent:
7. Abby made it into the Golden Turkey Awards book as a nominee for the Worst Blaxploiotation Film of All Time. I however see Abby as a fun film to watch and your acting was superb. What is your favorite scene from Abby?
Carol Speed:
All of the scenes in "Abby" are my favorite.
Vincent:
8. What was it like working with the late great actor William Marshall?
Carol Speed:
I treasured every moment. William Marshall is the ultimate actor like Max Julien, Richard Pryor, Robert DeNiro, and George C. Scott. Wiliam Marshall provided the strong confident image that I needed for the power interplay between his Bishop Garnet Williams character, and my Abby Williams character.
Vincent:
9. What film would you say you had the most fun filming?
Carol Speed:
All of the films that I have made are so different. All of them provided a unique experience.
Vincent:
10. There was a charged atmosphere while filming
"The Mack" The pimps, The Black Panthers were all at odds with each other during the making of this film, what are your personal thoughts on filming The Mack.
Carol Speed:
I really don't have personal thoughts about filming "The Mack". "The Mack" was a gangster film that had some gangster financing. "Inside Black Hollywood," which I wrote, touches on the filming of "The Mack".
The one thing that I don't like about "The Mack" Commentary is that Max Julien states that my part as LuLu was too small for Vonetta McGee. Vonetta McGee's part in "Melinda" was tiny. Besides, Vonetta McGee could have never had the part of LuLu, because Frank Ward wanted me to play the part. Before I met Frank Ward, he had selected my photograph (The same photograph of me is in "Abby". The tan leather coat that I wear in "Abby," Frank Ward gave it to me.) Max Julien never had a say in the matter.
The other thing, the white dog that Annazette Chase uses as China Doll belonged to her man in Los Angeles. The same man that bought all of her Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills clothes, before she arrived on the set of "The Mack". Annazette Chase's man even sent me a present.
Richard Pryor was consuming too much cocaine during the filming of "The Mack," to drive Annazette Chase anywhere. Besides, no one would have ever given Richard Pryor a car to drive in Oakland, California.
Vincent:
11. Your outfit at the Players Ball in The Mack was beautiful. Who designed it?
Carol Speed:
Actually, two black Los Angeles inner city designers Mr. Marcus & June designed and created my and Max Julien's wardrobes for "The Mack". Everyone loved the red sequined gown so much that I was asked to wear it at a 1973 NAACP Image Awards. Max Julien and I were presenters that year.
Vincent:
12. Who was some of your favorite co stars of the 70s that you got to work with?
Carol Speed:
All of my co-stars are my favorite
Vincent:
13. How in your opinion have the black films of the 70s influenced film makers today?
Carol Speed:
Well, just look at Denzel Washington in "American Gangster". Director Ridley Scott had an estimated budget of $100,000,000, not including the budget for publicity. It's the first time that a black gangster film has had such a huge budget. "American Gangster," which has a credibility problem, is standing on the shoulders of "The Mack," "Superfly," and "Cool Breeze," just like the soundtrack from "Hustle & Flow" stood on the shoulders of Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly" soundtrack, Marvin Gaye's "Troubleman" soundtrack, "Willie Hutch's "The Mack" soundtrack, and Solomon Burke's "Cool Breeze" soundtrack
Vincent:
14.What are some current and future projects that you would like fans to know about
Carol Speed:
"Black Samson" is finally on DVD (www.allurbanmedia.com). Look for "Village Vengeance" on DVD, in America, soon. Also, look for "The Georgette Harvey Story, America," and "The Georgette Harvey Story, Europe" on bookshelves soon. The filming of Jamaa Fanaka's "Penitentiary 4, the Hip Hop Years" will start filming Summer 2008
I would like to take time to thank Carol Speed, please check out the official myspace page
I find it very interesting..
Current mood: contemplative
Category: MySpace
Sometimes I go to check my email and myspace at the Salina public library. Now that myspace has become so mainstream just about everybody in the technology center ( at the library) is a myspacer. People are all lined up in a booth right next to each other all using myspace, which is a networking tool, chatting away and adding new people. I never see anybody turn to the other person to say hello, I have a myspace also, or that's a nice page.
Now I know that you shouldn't be rude, and that everybody uses the system for different reasons. Some folks come on just to keep in contact with friends and family. However I have this theory that the whole online experience is providing a way for us to communicate faster yet it seems to emotionally keep us more distant than ever. I'm sure there are tons of folks here in the library right now that are bored or lonely or just want to network and meet new people, yet no one seems to want to socialize with the person right next to them. We are all lined up in a booth, eyes straight ahead on the same server, scared or not interested enough to get to know each other, all the while we are on a online community that's meant to help folks socialize, I mean does anybody else see the irony in this?
Very interesting
Currently
listening
:
Stand
By
Sly & the Family Stone
Release date: 20 February, 2003
So, about the short video clip on my page. It's a scene from a horror film, if you want to call it a film that I and a few friends did awhile back, sometimes in the 1900's about "96" man time waits for no one. Anyhoo, I would love to find the rest of the film, we had a court scene and everything. The killer whose name in the "film" was Marcin Travis is played by yours truly. Yeah that's me trying to be scarier than I already am creeping up from behind the door. No I didn't really kill that girl. Just a bit of method acting, besides the woman in the clip looks a little too happy to die. We should have done it over but hey, it's all in fun right?
I don't remember her name, I didn't know her that well, maybe she has a myspace and she will see the clip and add me. Anyway just thought I would share a bit of my past and a lost and should be forgotten part of movie history.
Currently
reading
:
Crosstown Traffic
By
Charles Shaar Murray
Release date: 21 May, 2001
Modern R&B and the Hip Hop influence
Current mood: happy
Category: Music
One of the things that I don't like is the influence gangster rap has had on modern R&B and love songs. We once had classic love songs with lines like..
"If God one day struck me blind Your Beauty I'll still see"
- Prince
What happened to such romantic lyrics? Now love songs are like..
"I need a down ass bitch like youuuuu giiirl! " I thought the police was checkin' me but they was just scoping you girl!"
wtf?
This must be how the church felt when gospel music was spliced with the everyday subject matter of the blues. Sometimes I feel outraged, other times I'm like hey, maybe this is what everyday folks want to hear and this is everyday talk. I am a Libra so I try to see both sides, but I miss love songs that actually talk about love you know.
so I'm on day three of my fast. I have so much energy and my head feels clear. It goes to show how much food, especially the wrong kinds can tax energy from the body. I am still getting nourishment, vitamins and exercise.
thanks again to everybody that sent me positive vibes with this.
It really does help
7 days to go!
I'm on a liver and deep tissue cleanse. I only allow myself, lemonade with grade B maple syrup, tea and cayenne pepper ( hot ). I have much more energy than I normally would have. Contrary to popular belief, you don't loose energy by not eating solids, in fact I am giving my body a break. Most of our energy is spent on food absorbtion.
I will keep ya'll posted, and thanks again for all the love and support you folks have shown during my fast.
My Q&A with Van Hunt
Current mood: mellow
Category: Music
Van Hunt is a talented soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. He first made a name for himself as a producer in the late-1990s, producing singles such as Dionne Farris' "Hopeless." Van Hunt grew up surrounded by the pimp lifestyle of his father. A soundtrack of classic soul and contemporary R&B was his backdrop and Hunt immersed himself in the tones and moods of it all. A move from the Midwest to Atlanta in his early twenties allowed Hunt to hone his soul sound in the making. He'd been playing guitar and writing songs since his teens, so naturally a career in music was on the horizon. Capitol inked him a deal in 2003 and his self-titled debut arrived in February 2004. Appearances on Soul Train, Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn, and NPR coincided with the release of Van Hunt's double single "Dust and "Seconds of Pleasure."
Hunt's sophomore album, On the Jungle Floor, was released on April 4th, 2006. The album features the single, "Character," as well as a duet with Nikka Costa on "Mean Sleep." The album also features a cover of Iggy Pops 'No Sence Of Crime, and the melodic Being A Girl, and Hot Stage Lights are highlights.
Hunt allowed me to give him a Q&A, so here it is..
enjoy
Q. From what I've read your family played an integral part in your musical upbringing. What feedback have family members given you on your music?
A. Most of the feedback has to do with entrepreneurial enterprises (smile)...in the beginning they helped me find courage in my singing. Since I feel that's the weakest part of my package. I work harder on it than I do anything else. And, they're obsessed with keeping the music dirty and funky...me, too.
Q. What instrument did you learn to play first?
A. Drums, saxophone (7 and 8 respectively)
Q.What was your inspiration during the recording of On The Jungle Floor?
A. To keep people (and the money) from fuckin' it up. I succeeded on most levels. But, it's a new struggle everyday.
Q. How did the band influence the sound of On The Jungle Floor
A. Well, they definitely made it looser. And, they brought some creativity to the arrangements...things that I never would've thought of.
Q. I have heard you mention Sly Stone many times as an influence. What was the song or album that cemented you as a Sly fan.
A.For 10 years all I listened to was 'Riot' and 'Fresh'. But, then I got into 'Small Talk' and 'High On You'-('mother beautiful' and 'can't strain my brain', 'wishful thinkin', 'that's lovin you', etc.) those songs are really what made me a fanatic. It legitimized everything I wanted to do that people said couldn't be done.
Q.What was it like being on stage with Sly at the Grammy's? Did you get a chance to speak with him?
A.It was surreal, exciting and beyond words, really. I didn't speak to him. But, I did have the chance.
Q. A few of your fans from Prince.org want to know if you have ever met one of your other musical heroes, Prince.
A. Oh yeah. After my release party in LA, he invited me to his house to jam. It turned out to be us just playing some of our songs for him and a few friends. But, it was wonderful. He was very cordial. He told me that he really liked what he heard. Which was certainly kind of heady. I don't think we ever came down from that even while we were on Jay Leno the next day.
Q. Do you see yourself doing any double albums in the future?
A. I don't see it. But, this album could've been a double album. I write almost everyday. Were 8 songs into the 3rd record.
Q. What artist would you like to work with ?
A. D'angelo, Fantasia, David Bowie, Count Bass d, Devin the dude, The White Stripes (but, when I say work with, I mean anything from writing a song together, playing tambourine, to sitting on the couch with my mouth shut and cell phone off while they play songs for me; and, I just nod in appreciation).
Q. Seeing that Randy Jackson is your manager, can we look forward to an American Idol appearance?
A. ...maybe
It was good to hear you rock out a bit more this time than on the last album. I also notice that other black rock acts like Lenny Kravitz don't really get a lot of support on stations like B.E.T and black radio. Do you think that with the success of contemporary artist such as yourself and Outkast, this may change someday?
No.
Q. If I am correct you have done some acting in the past, any plans to pursue a acting career?
A. No, Ive only acted a fool. Acting is for people who have the desire and the gift to do it as well as Marlon Brando. I have neither.
Q. What music have you been really getting into these days?
A. Same as always. Monk, Pryor, Kuti and Funkadelic
Q. Fans want to know if you have any plans for a European tour at this point?
A. Oh yeah. Were coming over in July.
Q. Where do you hope to see Van Hunt in the next ten years?
A. Two more records, a few more friends and a better wine collection
Q. Is there anything that you want to let your devote fans/future fans know that are reading this?
A. Please go buy my album, support the arts, culture and never lay your head where your grandmama been sittin all day.
Thanks for the interview and the music. And thanks for helping keep the art and craft of it all stay alive.
Q&A with adult film star Mika Tan
Current mood: mellow
The lovely and talented Mika Tan allowed me to give her a Q&A, so here it is.
Enjoy
Q. I have always been a fan of the old school 70s adult films with the cheesy plots. Like Vampire Erotica with Vanessa Del Rio. Have you ever considered filming a full-scale erotic film with a real script, plot, cast, extras and the whole nine like back in the day?
A: I actually have 3 scripts I have written for porn, but after I figured out the budget to do them right, they ended up to be too expensive. The cheapest one was $23K and the most expensive one was $40K for me to do them. Yikes! I have had several people who say they want to invest, but no one has followed through yet. I bought all the best lights, a HD camera, Final Cut Pro HD, and still cameras with strobes. All with my own money.
Q. I read on your page that you are tired of some of the stereotypes about Asian guys all having small penises, and that you want to portray Asian males as strong and assertive. Could you tell us more about your production website?
A: The stereotypes exist in both porn and in mainstream movies. I yelled out loud in the theater when I heard the dialogue of that Asian guy in "Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo". That was messed up, but it sums up how people view Asian men in the sex department. I dated only Asian men before porn and know for a fact they are not all dinky. My problem is that even the big-dicked guys (8"+) who showed up at my auditions changed their minds about shooting later, citing they would not want to embarrass their families, which is fine. I then turned away all the mainstream actors off the bat, which got rid of the more muscularly built guys, because it would ruin their mainstream careers. Nobody ought to do anything they don't feel comfortable doing, but on the other hand, I was sad I could not use them to showcase Asian American sexuality.
Q. If you havent already answered when can we look forward to seeing your first production?
A: It is in the hands of my third editor. I have not been happy with the first two. It is so hard to find good help.
Q. I read that you have a background in drama and you once pursued a mainstream film career. In your own words tell us why the mainstream movie world are so harsh towards adult filmmakers?
A: There are always a number of mainstream actors, actresses, and producers at our parties. They cannot acknowledge or condone porn, because of their image. Mainstream Hollywood is all about image and discretion. In my personal experience, the "casting couch" was a reality. "Lucky breaks" are extremely rare, I was told. Actors and actresses I met (who shall remain nameless) have told me they slept for parts, but I guess it is acceptable so long as no one knows about it. I admittedly gave 3 blowjobs for potential work and chances to audition. But when an old, hairy, fat director with bad breath made plans for me to meet at a hotel lobby, I never showed up and told myself, if I am going to have sex for work, then I should just have sex for work. I had already done art figure modeling in college and didn't have a problem with nudity and my family used to own massage parlors, so I didn't have a problem with sex. It isn't illegal, so I saw no problem with it.
Q. From what I understand, your work has allowed you to donate to various charitable as well as your own organizations? Would you like to tell the readers more?
A: For a time after I left home, I had to rely on the charity of others to survive. I did not ask for money, but there were charitable organizations, which I did go to for help. Now that I have the opportunity to help others, I do. One thing I would like to tell those who intend to donate to charities to check on what percentage goes to the "administration" of the charity. Most of the charities keep 85%. One article I read said that some of these "administrators" make $80K a year salary.
Q. For girls who may be aspiring to become an adult film star. What are the dos and donts?
A: There are way too many to mention here.
Tip .1: Know that it attracts perverts of all kinds. There are lots of people with fake Playboy cards, like my old agent, Teresa Cervantes (I hate how dishonest she has been to other girls), and guys with professional-looking cards who will hire you and when you show up, they do not have any cameras. Sexual predators, watch out for them. I am handy with a pistol and learned martial arts, so I can protect myself somewhat.
Tip .2: I tell every girl who asks about getting into porn, never do anything you don't want people to see. The minute these companies pay you and you sign the release, they will do everything they can to make their money and then some. They will advertise, they will post up teaser galleries on free sites, you will be placed on a box cover. Don't think they are going to pay you and let you be an "hidden scene" in a DVD. Even though you change your name, people who really know you will recognize you. Be careful what you say in behind the scene footage. Psycho fans pay attention to this stuff and will remember. Protect yourself and your family as best you can from the psycho fans. There aren't that many, but they are out there and you only need one.
Q. What men/women adult stars have you enjoyed working with the most?
A: Lee Stone, Mr. Marcus, Mimi Miyagi, Tory Lane and so many more others...
Q. On your official website, there is a FAQ where you stated that your family knows what you do. I personally admire your strength in being honest about your work. Have you ever considered starting a family in the future? If so if your son or daughter wanted to become an adult film star, is this something you would be supportive of?
A: I don't intend on having a family, because quite honestly, I do not have the lifestyle where I would be a good parent. I do not stay home enough, always have someplace to be. Even after I quit being in front of the camera, I still intend on shooting others. I think porn is an important part of our society. Now if I did have a son or daughter and they wanted to do it when they turned 18, I would let them. Porn performers are screened for STD's all the time unlike regular folks they might meet. Besides, they probably got their libido from me. I would encourage them to get a degree or training of some sort because there should always have a plan B.
Q. There is another FAQ that asks, you seem like an intelligent person, why do you do porn? Which seems to insinuate that an intelligent woman would not be doing porn. Is this perception starting to change in your opinion or do you think that there will always be a stigma attached to the kind of work you do.
A: Do you assume one needs to be stupid to do porn? Although I think your question is condescending, I will answer it anyway. Here are my reasons: 1 - You built your own schedule. 2 - You can set your own rates and terms of the shoot. 3 - They pay by the scene, which means you can make as much as $1500 (for a boy-boy-girl double penetration) before lunches. I used to be salaried $2500/month working 60 hours/week as a sales administrator. 4 - I hate dating. I got the 2 STD's I got in my lifetime from my ex-husband and from a cute guy I met at a club. I get to have as much sex as I want with no strings attached. The best way I can describe it in terms "civilians" can understand is it is a one-night stand, with pay. Shockingly enough, I had less than 10 sex partners before porn, but we had lots of sex. What I lacked in numbers, I made up in frequency. 5 - Sex is important to everyone. Whether people want to admit it or not, they all want it and strive to be more sexy to attract someone to have marry/have sex. Porn is important to give those who would not ordinarily have an outlet a voyeuristic experience of as much sex as they want and the kind of sex that they want. 6 - You can get references on legitimate companies and performers. 7 - Unlike mainstream Hollywood, if I gain or lose weight, when I get older, there will always be work. Porn companies have different lines which are made for different markets and since people all have different tastes, then porn will cater to them.
Q. Did you retire? Or will we see you in front of the camera again?
I have not retired. I have taken several breaks. I was getting burned out and went back home for a couple months, I took some time off after a car accident, and I had a miscarriage on another time. So long as one saves their money, they can afford to take time off. I have not been shooting as much because I am going to school and I have not been able to take as much work, because the production schedules conflict with my classes.
Q. What are some of your favorite albums and who are some of your favorite Hip Hop artist?
A: My tastes change from day to day. My most recent album was Demon Days by Gorillaz. Chingy and Nellie are two of my favorites.
Q. What do you see Mika Tan doing 10 years from now?
A: If everything works the way I want, I will have several homes in LA for filming, which I will sell off based upon Seismic reports (I check often). Another house non-coastal so when the Big One comes, I can be safe to make more porn. LOL. I will be cultivating and producing porn that I want to see -- less violent, more intense, hot scenes between people who actually look like they like each other; not hateful. :-) Femdomme work, too.
Q. Is there anything you want your fans or future fans that may be reading this to know? A: I wanted to thank all the fans who have shown me love and respect over the years. I love meeting them at shows and I want to give back by bringing better quality Asian porn, made by Asians for Asians, since I have the ability to do so. Much mahalo.
thanks for the interview and for keeping it real as always, visit Mika's official website
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