come correct
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Sharing Too Much On Your Shirt
Walking back from the Staples Center memorial for Michael Jackson earlier this week, it was obvious that thanks to hundreds of urban entrepreneurs, all manifestations of Michael—from little brown boy to…well, to whoever he was at the end—would live on long after the last security cordon had been taken down. The brother had been well…
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Grace Through The Pain
They looked lovely and dignified, they sat grieving but proud. Their friends gave moving tributes to their son, brother and father. At the BET Awards last week, when his fans were still shocked at Michael’s death, a heartbroken Janet took the stage to remind the audience “to you, Michael is an icon, but to us,…
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Funerals, Memorial Services, Doing The Right Thing
Unless you’re one of the 17,000 or so who got a confirmation number in your e-mail box, you won’t be going to Michael Jackson’s funeral today, but that doesn’t mean we outside the Staples Center can’t use this whole sad past week as an object lesson in the business of remembering the dearly departed. For…
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Affirmative Action Assumptions
The New Haven firefighters’ case just decided by the Supreme Court has raised the issue of affirmative action again. Which got me to thinking about how certain people assume that if you’re a person of color, you must be where you are because of how you look. I have talked with black students who are,…
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Dying Under Complicated Circumstances
Even before Michael Jackson’s death was officially announced, fans began to gather—at his home, at the hospital he was whisked to, in traditionally black neighborhoods around the country (and far beyond)—to mourn and celebrate the genius of his life. But I suspect after the first shock wears off, there will be some musing aloud about…
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My House, Your Kids: Whose Mama Rules?
A little while ago, I was at a party where children were invited. It was held on the rooftop of a beachfront building, with a staircase to an observation deck. At one point, a six year old was scampering up and down the stairs—unsupervised, as his mother was enjoying drinks with her colleagues at the…
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A Day For Fathers–and Father Figures
Father’s day is one of those occasions that puzzles a lot of us: What do you give your dad this year when he still hasn’t used that after-shave you gave him in 2008? There are only so many grill accessories, frightful ties and gag gifts you can pile on him. So consider this: consider saying…
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About Your Crack Habit: Pull Those Pants UP!
Forgive me if I’ve been innoculated with a little Coz, but young brothers, you have to start pulling up those pants! If you want to slink around the house in your flip-flops with your boxers ballooning over the way-too-low waistband of your jeans, right on, be free. But when you step out in public dressed…
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Thanks So Much–I Hate It!
Dear Come Correct: My husband and I try to give a little something to every child who sends us a graduation announcement or notice. It’s just our way of saying “great! Keep it up!” But this year, we got an announcement from a high school senior who isn’t graduating. I know this because his mother…
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Short and Sweet: When and What You Say–And How
We’ve all heard it: nobody writes letters anymore, people spend too much time on the phone, too much texting by everyone, etc. So: some guidance on when you can, when you can’t… Congratulations: When you find out great news and want to reach a close friend to say “you go, girl!” texting or e-mails are…