So here is the perfect example of how the “nation-at-large” desires to perpetuate the notion that Oakland is such a tragic and uninviting place… please take the time to read the two bottom links to articles because this is how we are being exploited.

One can see that those who WILL (unless we do something about it) prosper from the unfortunate demise of out brother, sisters, youth… families… are already underway and working their butts off to let the world know how corrupt things are in Oakland…

I’m attaching my response to the writer of one of the articles below:

From: Dedoceo Habi [mailto:dhabi@mindworksnet.org]
Sent: Sun 12/21/2008 11:52 AM
To: Rayburn, Kelly (kpfrommer@bayareanewsgroup.com)
Subject: Dellums unhappy HBO drama about pimp set in Oakland

Hi,

As an filmmaker and Community Advocate with a long history of working
with the HIV/AIDS community, and residing in the Bay area, I am strongly
against this kind of production happening in Oakland. It will only
glorify the very thing that is a scourge to many of our communities and
the very thing so many have committed their lives to fighting against in
order to build a true Model City here.

I am quite concerned that this kind of production would even be
considered to be shot in Oakland with all the problems we have with
youth prostitution and crime.

I firmly support the Mayor’s and Council member de La Fuente’s position
on this project… it should not happen. We need to find other kinds of
projects to shoot here.

Regards,

Dedoceo Habi

Instead of asking what are we going to do about this I think the better question is how many are willing to take the time to call and write the papers, HBO, the Discovery Channel, and the Oakland Film Office (emails below) to let them know it is time for all this negative imagery to end because we will not stand by idly while our communities are exploited.

Katherine Pfrommer, Bay area news group, kpfrommer@bayareanewsgroup.com
Reach Kelly Rayburn at 510-208-6435 or krayburn@bayareanewsgroup.com
Reach Ami Zins, Oakland Film Office, 510.238.4734 or amizins@filmoakland.com

Dedoceo Habi

The links:
http://www.ibabuzz.com/westside/2008/12/22/pimpin-or-gang-banging-oakland-cant-catch-a-break/
http://www.insidebayarea.com/oakland/ci_11280603

That being said…it seems like this documentary would much more likely to cast a stain on Oakland’s precious “image” than some fictional series about a retiring pimp on HBO. Why aren’t our leaders busy trying to deny them permits?