Remember when I blogged
about speaking with CNN regarding their Black in America series? At one point they were considering including a piece on African-Americans living outside of the US. That didn't happen, but it was nice speaking with them about it and knowing they were considering doing something about the black expat population. Anyway, I took time to watch the entire series, but didn't feel moved to blog about it until now, as I just learned that CNN has produced Black in America 2. But, I'm curious to know what you thought about the first one. Here's what I thought...
1. I like the idea of a Black in America series. Being away from home for the past four years, I miss being around a more diverse population. So I was truly excited to watch the series with G and discuss things afterward. But after watching, I honestly didn't really care to discuss anything with him. I guess I just wasn't moved.
2. I was disappointed with the topics chosen. They pretty much focused on played out cliche's and stereotypes about blacks in America (e.g. unemployed black man, unmarried successful black woman, MLK- nothing against him, etc.) and I was honestly hoping for something more insightful and thought-provoking. It reminded me of going to a Black Student Union meeting back in the day in which the meeting topics always ended up being about the number of black men incarcerated, the number of black women who are unmarried, Malcom X versus Maretin Luther King, Jr. and the systematic disenfranchisement that continues to plague black America. Every time.....
3. They spent waaaay too much time on the Rand family reunion story and their link to a white family. Nothing against that family, it was an interesting piece, but it was way too long.
4. Is it just me or was the Eric Dyson peice a bit of a stretch? Seriously, I have experienced some discrimination a few times. It sucks. However, it seems that Mr. Dyson and his brother were trying to make the connection that Eric is successful and his brother is not AND is in prison, because of his skin color being darker... Again, it was a bit of a stretch to me. (They agree.)
5. I felt really sorry for the man who just couldn't get a job. I wonder if he ever found one. Really, I do.
So just what would I have liked to have seen? Here's a list.
1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). What about? For one, their current state, their students, their place and presence in 2009 (and I might add, their across-the-board issues with administrative red-tape. Lord knows that needs to be fixed!). I am an HBCU graduate and it was a big decision for me to transfer to Howard University from the University of Alabama. As a matter of fact, almost every black university student, black high school senior, and black college graduate I've ever spoken to has a story and or opinion about choosing to attend either a 'traditional' college or an HBCU.
2. Black Entrepreneurs in America. We're making moves and increasingly have more access to funding. It would be both encouraging and insightful for them to feature entrepreneurs going after their dreams. Athletes, entertainers... yeah yeah yeah- we already know about ya'll and your 'more money more problems' issues. I'm not hating.
3. Technology and Black America. Back in the day, there was a lot of talk about the digital divide, I'b be curious to learn about the evolution of that. My mom AND dad are on the internet these days. My mom now reads my blog. Now that's something serious :). At least I think it is.
4. Black Patriotism Inside and Outside of America. Admittedly, this is a topic I'm super interested in exploring independantly, out of plain curiosity. I wish I could record and share with you all the conversations I have had with other Black Americans living in Tokyo. It's good stuff. Hmmmmm...
5. The 'Obama Effect'. Since Obama has been elected I've heard so many random, interesting, and strange things come out of people's mouths. One of the most interesting to me was from a black man explaining that the election of Obama means no more excuses for black men not 'making it'. That's such a juicy topic. (And I've heard this more than once...)
So there you are. Still not moved to share my thoughts on BiA 1 with G. But he reads my blog too.
Your thoughts?
SiT
(For an even more interesting perspective, check out THE RETORT. They REALLY didn't like it. I mean really.)
Yes, I'm going to have to agree with you regarding your thought about "Black in America"...However, on the flip side maybe they did those pieces for the other people (i.e. people who are not Black) to begin to at least think about such things that are very normal, mundane, or maybe even somewhat shallow those of Black ancestry
Posted by: Dionne | July 14, 2009 at 02:12 PM