Black in America: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Okay.... I almost feel like it would have been a cardinal sin if I didn't comment on this. So today's blog is a serious subject. So over the past few days, myself and millions of other Americans across the country tuned in to CNN at 9pm to catch a glimpse of the over commercialized and under portrayed special entitled "Black in America". The consensus of most people I spoke with about the program was of disappointment, anger, and disbelief. While I do appreciate CNN's attempt to broadening their programs, I too was disappointed, but there are several things that contribute to some viewers disappointment, and several positive things to be taken from this week's programs. I will note them below.

THE GOOD

For the first time in a long time.... CNN made an attempt to provide positive coverage of African Americans. The lives of Harvard and Princeton educated Black men were portrayed and the "you too can rise from the ghetto" story oozed through the TV screens. It also provided an alternative to BET, MTV, and the nauseating waves of "reality television". For the first time in a long time, millions of households in the country willingly watched CNN (for something other than election coverage).... AS A FAMILY. Husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and friends were able to sit down for a limited period of time and had post conversations afterwards. So it is important to know that at least we know our problems and concerns are no longer silent in households.

Probably one of the most appreciated things about the show was the follow up of the Black male w/ 2 kids who was job hunting. Although I am a strong supporter of higher education, the simple fact of life is that school isn't for everyone. However, I appreciate and salute all of our brothers who are striving to make things happen to provide for themselves and their children, legally of course. The brother actually had some college, but decided to leave school in order to work and support his family.

THE BAD

Wow.... where do I start. For one the program showed very limited and uncomprehensive depictions of the lives of African Americans. Too many negative depictions of African Americans were shown to overshadow the good. Yea we know about the shortage of Black males in colleges, but what about the thousands of Black males who graduate every year with Bachelors, Masters, PhD, MD, etc. who strived so much for better. Why were there no depictions of students who graduated from HBCU's? Why not include clips from graduations from Howard, Morehouse, Hampton, etc.?

Where was the history lesson? I was really disappointed that there was no historical context given and that is a very important part of the current status of African Americans. And no I'm not just talking about slavery, or the civil rights movement (which is too overshadowed by Dr. King).

Okay... I have to comment on the lil kids who were being paid to go to school...WTF!!! There are sooo many other things you can do to promote education to the youth other than PAY THEM!! This really irked my soul. "Lets pay the poor lil ghetto kids so they can keep going to school" How about challenge the educational system to change their curriculum from this pseudo European style of education enhanced with over testing of students and little change in educational style over the past hundred years.

THE UGLY

I dont have any UGLY. (i'm mainly being lazy cuz im tired of typing). But why was the program slated at 9pm, which is hella late for a 2 hour show. It was almost like we were important enough to do a show, but not important enough during prime time hours.

Stay Tuned for next time.