Mason Says

This is the first of edition of my new feature, "Mason Jamal: The Q&A Sessions". After asking for them, I received a couple dozen questions from readers between last night and this morning. I want to thank everyone for taking time to help me out. I narrowed it down to four, but I promise to get to the others either online or offline sometime soon.
Click Here to See the Q&A


How long have you been blogging? I actually just started blogging this past spring. Already, my blog has been through several iterations - designs and content concepts. I'm really happy with my current direction. I like having a focus - the style, substance and sensibilities of men. Before I felt like I was floating aimlessly in terms of my subject matter. But before I started blogging, I used to do some freelancing in the 90's including a piece for Essence that I was particularly proud of. I also did a weekly talk radio show for about five years and that's where I really cut my teeth, as far as developing the personality that I think comes out in my blogging.


Do you ever delete comments? I've deleted a comment or two of my own for various reasons. But I've never deleted a comment from a reader, at least I don't think I have. But I'm sure I will one day. For the most part, I abide by the whole freedom of speech thing. However, should readers become brazenly offensive like speaking in a disparaging way about groups of people based on biases then I'd certainly do it. Being critical is one thing but broadside attacks that are littered with insults will make me hit the dump button.


Favorite television shows? 30 Rock, The Daily Show and ESPN's Pardon the Interruption. Oh, one more - that series on TV One called Unsung, where they tell the story of music artists from the 70's and 80's who were successful but careers never reached their full potential. The shows on the DeBarge family, Donny Hathaway and, yes, Shalamar...incredible. I love all the shows but those happened to be my favorites. If you get a chance to catch that DeBarge episode, it's a must see...tragic but a fascinating story.


What are your thoughts on Hines Ward and comments about Ben Roethlisberger and concussions? First, know this. I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers. I live in Cincinnati. They're in our division. Hate 'em, hate 'em, hate 'em. This year, Cincinnati took it to everyone in the division twice (Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore) so I'm cool. Break out the brooms. As far as Ward's remarks about questioning Ben's commitment to the team despite suffering from a concussion....he's an idiot. You have to wonder how many concussions he's had in order to even think that opening his mouth and saying something like that is NOT a bad idea. How could he even think it? My son is a high school linebacker. I remember asking him after a game about a particular hit where he was slow to get up. I said "what happened...were you hurt"? He said, "I don't know what happened. I blacked out." Yet, the coaches ran him back out there two plays later. I wish I had known at the time. I heard the saying that "basketball is a contact sport; football is violence". So true. At least, Ward apologized but he's still an idiot.


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