Black patriotism (a proud supporter or defender of his or her country and its way of life)

Hmmm. Is it an oxymoron, given the strained relationship that many black people have with the U.S.? With all the hoopla over the Rev. Wright sermon where he so passionately stated that “God damn America!!” To love America, does one have to hate everyone else? I say, no, on both counts. You do not have to accept everything a country does as good and right to love it, just as a mother doesn’t stop loving her son if he gets in a fight in school or gets caught stealing candy at a corner store.

Ah, I love to read, as you well know, but sometimes I come across precious vocabulary jewels. These new words or phrases bring me the kind of joy that birthday cakes bring to children. ‘Fun with Words’ may become a new installment here at The Luscious Librarian.

While reading “Nymphomania: The historical construction of female sexuality by Carol Groneman” (pick it up if you’re at all interested in the medicalization of sexuality, it’s so much fun!) I came across this jewel- furor uterinus. Now, at first glance it evokes images of coochies on fire. A burning womb, if you will, burning with passion and desire. Here is an 18th century definition from the article:

furor uterinus
was an "immoderate burning in the genital area of the female, caused
by the surging of hot vapor, bringing about an erection of the clitoris.
Because of this burning sensation women were thought to be driven
insane" (Ferrand [I 6231 1990,385- 86).

If that isn’t the most beautiful description of sexual frustration. I can’t wait for an occasion to use it in casual conversation.

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Much has been said about the state of the image of black women in today's media. There have been boycotts and congressional hearings and sit-ins, all in an effort to change the image of the black woman as welfare mom (see your local news), oversexed groupie (see Karrine Stefans aka Superhead at a Borders near you), or scantily clad video ho (see 106 & Park on BET anytime of the day or night). Gone are the Whitley Gilbert's of A Different World, the Gina Water's of Martin or Khadijah's of Living Single. They've been replaced with I Love New York and the uberoutrageous Flavor of Love Cast.