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Who's Watching "Black in America"? (4855 hits)

Who was watching “Black in America” on CNN? I ask the question because it was raging inside of me as I listened to pundits and experts, educators and pastors, business professionals and actors—all attempting to make sense and give shape to what it means to be black in America.

I asked the very same question after Tavis Smiley produced the “The Covenant with Black America” a few years ago. That book sold millions of copies, and was the topic of quite a few talk shows.

And this CNN “special” will probably be one the highest rated shows on the network ever. But I again I ask who is watching?

Is Shaniqua living in a tenement in Brooklyn with five babies by five different “men” watching? Is James, who stands on a corner in Baltimore selling crack cocaine to his community watching? T-Bone, a Blood from South Central and his boys and rival Crips from cross-town, are they watching? Janice, who dropped out of Somerville High School in Massachusetts, will she be tuning in?

I doubt it. And here in lies the problem with shows like “Black in America,” and books like “The Covenant with Black America” they don’t reach the people who need to hear and read it most. The people who need to change, probably won’t be tuning in—which is why years after the Million Man March and years after The Covenant with Black America and years after Black in America, nothing will change.

These outlets just become masturbation. A bunch of talking and pontificating and not a whole lot of what next.

If you noticed, I hadn’t added Bill Cosby’s “Come on People,” in the mix with the above. Bill Cosby with all of his fame and fortune doesn’t just pay lip service to his desire to change lives. I have seen him show up to schools in Newark, NJ, with no media or handlers and talk to the kids. I have seen him perform at a club for free to help a black man open a club. I have heard stories of Mr. Cosby giving his time when no one is looking because it’s important to him. So when he writes and says the things he’s saying, he’s also someone in the trenches providing solutions. Whether you agree with him or not, you have to applaud that.

A lot of these “pundits” or “experts” who have been featured on “Black in America” make their living off of black poverty and downtroddeness. It gives them a platform to be able to travel the country and demand high speaking fees and folks who don’t need to hear the message because they are taking care of their kids and doing the right things pay to hear a message of gloom and doom.

Black drop out rate is X, Black out-of-wedlock pregnancy rate is Y. Blacks die at a rate z times higher than whites. And on and on.

No. 1: Those statistics become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we continue to focus on it, that’s exactly where your attentions will lead. Focusing on the negative has never been a formula for success.

No. 2: If CNN has the highest rating in its history and if Tavis Smiley was able to sell millions of books it says that the vast majority of black folks are NOT in the poor condition that they’re discussing. It says we must care about community more than the statistics are letting on.

No. 3: In the wake of the first black man running for president, a man who is not an anomaly and who has redefined what it means to be black isn’t our time better spent talking about what it means to be an American? I mean the gas prices are striking us all—black and non-black. The housing crisis is hitting us all—black and non-black. The bank crisis is affecting us all. As do the wars and rumors of war.

Who’s watching “Black in America” and what are they going to do to make sure we have a better America for all of us?

Email me at: thekarenhunter@mac.com

Posted By: Karen Hunter
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 4:29PM
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Karen:

You raise some valid points in this blog, especially concerning all the lip service concerning collective action to deal with the problems. I remember going to the "State of Black America" Symposium in 2007, and being blown away by what the panelist were saying. I felt energized to work with like-minded individuals to "do something" to make the world a better place for my now-four-year-old son. However, making the world a better place is contingent on our ability to convince the gang-bangers and drug dealers that we need their positive energy to build upon the Civil Rights gains. Many of them have given up on America's democratic system, thinking that it's all about the Benjamins.
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 5:16PM
J. A. Faulkerson

Jeffery,
That's my point. You are one of the people who will get it done. You're probably gainfully employed, a father to your children and not a criminal or miscreant. My point was that the people who NEED to see pieces like "Black in America" probably won't be tuning in. The people who need to change, aren't seeking the message.
I love that you're doing your thing. But I know you were doing what you were doing BEFORE "Black on America."
Blessings!

-Karen
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 5:36PM
Karen Hunter

Carmen,

Amen! I believe we need to hold one another accountable. We need to not air our dirty laundry. No other group does that. What I'm calling for, I am doing. And that's my point. We don't need to bang a gong about giving back. Just do it.

Thanks for your feedback!

-Karen
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 7:28PM
Karen Hunter

I will be watching I watched the show that just aired last week and it was rather interesting witrh some friends or so I thought. After the show we had oor own discussion about it, and as usual some people who were not ready to change became upset and started an arguement. This is exactly what the show is talking about, why cant we come together in the same room , without confusion of some sort.
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 7:46PM
Tawana Heuer

I guess the question is then, how do we do that? How do we get those who need to receive the message to the message so they can receive it? You are right. The ones who need to receive these messages will not, because of the way the messages are being given. It makes me wonder if those who continue to do panels and discussion like this, actually want the message to get out to the masses who need it the most. I believe it will take action from local leaders who live and interact in their communities to turn it around. Those who continue to posture on television aren't really helping anyone, nor do I believe they are trying to. They are soaking up their air time to bump up their paychecks, and we must not look to them for absolution. We must look to ourselves and those who are around us to conquer the overwhelming struggles and issues in our communities.
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 7:47PM
Ebone Evans

I lived an urban community and at risk to myself I approached the neighborhood drug dealer and had a heart-to-heart with him. When that didn't work, I called the cops on him every single day. I met with the police commissioner of my town and asked him to make sure there were regular patrols in my area. The bottom line: The squeaky wheel gets the oil. I was a pain in the neck and it was a lot easier for the police to do their job than to hear from me every day (by the way, I got my neighbors to call, too). The problem is people throw their hands up and say, "I can't do anything, I'm only one person."
I'm so glad MLK, Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Marcus Garvey, Adam Clayton Powell, Mary Bethune, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman (and I can go on and on all the way back to Jesus) didn't feel the same way.
Thanks for your comments, Ebone. Blessings!

-Karen
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 7:54PM
Karen Hunter

Good post and I hear what you are saying. Let me offer this: Forums and TV shows like this exist so that the people who have ACCESS to the ones not watching can get them the message. It's not enough for me to just go out and do. I need someone watching what I'm doing and studying it to put it into the words and medium that shape the perceptions of the people discussing us. I disagree that this is "airing our dirty laundry". Am I saying that forums, books and appearances get it done? No, of course not. But when I go and participate in these mediums I get a launch pad for my next idea. I get to discuss and bounce them off the next person in the room...like my mother say's "Two heads are better than one". Try as we might, us silently working to make it better will not make it so. We need the workers and the talkers. The talkers will inspire more workers and so on, so forth.
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 10:01PM
Tekoah Bellazer

Tekoah,

Very good point. Again, you are part of the solution. You are part of the choir.

-Karen
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 10:12PM
Karen Hunter

I am watching it only because I want to see what is being said about Black people by everybody other than Black people. I dare say CNN has authorized Soladad O'Brien to compile this information and present it in a good light. There may be redundance, positive information, doubt it seriously.
Why do we have to have a special about how it is to be Black in America? When is the Latino in America special being aired? What about Jewish in America? Pick one? When is there going to be the month-long commericals and e-mails reminding you to watch the special that depicts how bad or good this other group of people are doing.
I have a problem it with this program because we should be able to speak for ourselves about ourselves. We are the most observed, documented, copied and envied (shhhhh) people on the planet. We need to get the credit for it, no one else.
Wednesday, July 23rd 2008 at 2:11AM
Cheryl Tate

I agree that we should be able to speak for ourselves. The great diversity within our community is often not presented.
My concern is how leadership in black community is portrayed as Christian, economically savvy, and aspiring to be well educated and Ivy League if possible. I'm not sure what the goal is, a nation of Oprahs and Obamas?
I grew up in a Crips neighborhood and found that Buddhist peace offered me a way out. Today I teach Buddhism in Oakland and would like to say that, "I too am black in America." My story:
http://rainbowdharma.com/festivalscreening...

Lama Rangdrol

Wednesday, July 23rd 2008 at 4:32AM
Lama Choyin Rangdrol

Cheryl,

You have hit the nail on the head! Why are we the only people being examined in such a way. What are we, lab rats?

-Karen
Wednesday, July 23rd 2008 at 8:29AM
Karen Hunter

I totally agree with what you are saying. The people that need to see the affects of their actions from a worldwide perspective are still going to be doing what they do, they probably haven't even heard about it let alone decide to watch because I found out most Blacks who are not students, professionals, or elderly - don't watch the news because they feel its just saying something else negative and they have enough drama in there own life to be worried about somebody else's. I'm a student and I will be watching but I'm not sure if CNN Exposing Blacks in America is the right thing to do.
Wednesday, July 23rd 2008 at 1:06PM
Erin Lett

You know who's watching the show? The people who have the power to make a difference. They are watching "Black In America" and this documentary is designed to stir emotions and move people to action. Maybe not in a big way, but in what ever way they can.
Thursday, July 24th 2008 at 11:05AM
Kevin Cook

Nice point. But what happened after the Million Man March? And Tavis' book. And what are you doing to make a difference?
Thursday, July 24th 2008 at 3:29PM
Karen Hunter

I'm going 2 school. That's how I'm making a difference. I'm going to school to BECOME the example...
Thursday, July 24th 2008 at 5:54PM
Kevin Cook

You keep doing what you're doing, young brother. That you are participating in this discussion says a whole lot about you!
Saturday, July 26th 2008 at 12:16PM
Karen Hunter

I watched Black in America that had the word "family' attached on it for less than ten minutes!!! Before watching this program I had called CNN and left a message for Soladad O'Brien an all all of the programs and produces of the programs in any way form or fashion related to this special. I let them know that I was calling just to document that I had called and why I was protesting the program before I had even seen it. I was able to do this because it is the norm of public cable news networks like CNN to abuse the true African-American histroy of experiences in America in ofder to fit into their "biased"values and expertes and label it as Free Speech when it is only a clever way to get the FCC to only send out form letters as the standard reply to complaints about this issue.

I then watched the program for about three minutes. This was long enought for me to learn that the first segment was about how a single Black woman whose children are from a White man is positive generation after generations and,just the opposit of that from a Black man as the father even to this day.I have and I will always fight in any way and by any means necessary to bring attention to the Black culture that is Mother-centered and not Father centered which we brought from Africa! I will not accept "freedom of Speech taking away my roght to have this unique culture and respect and pride in my being an African decendant of a proud and noble people. My history nor my culture did not begin in slavery in America!!!! Free speech would allow me and the Black community a voice to say this on CNN, by mention of phone calls, emails and letters to this affect about the demeaning out look of this program supposed to be about the Black family in this country.
Saturday, July 26th 2008 at 10:19PM

Good for you! I wish more of us were as proactive as you are.
Saturday, July 26th 2008 at 10:24PM
Karen Hunter

..and, I must add this comment, because I sent in my comment before I had read your comment about "you must be employed and a father to your children"!!!!!!!! This got right to the point of the Black culture did not begin in slavery. The only time that I was ever in jail was for civil disobediance in the 60s yet my mother was actually my cousin. My mother and father were never married. I was married to my children's father who was in vietnam yet I had to go to his commander to get food to feed my children!!! both of my girls have college educations and my oldest grand child is going to enter her forst year of college in the fall.My brother took over the father role for my children at theis time of need just as our culture dictates. But CNn will never talk about this or read an ireport like this. And to make a bigger point is there is not one Black male an anchor on CNN because those who 'qualify' for this position all in jail, on drugs or came from a broken home? And, is this why are Blacks those who are given some actual camera time on CNN all light skinned for those same reasons I just gave you?

As for the Blacks having more out of wedlock babies. Does recording live births and not those (aborted)who can better afford an abortion not recorded in any way related to these birth statistics?

About Tavis Smiley, why is he on here in my part of California at 1P.M and not during prime time? Does this have any thing to do with his ratings. What about him not being on BET any longer now that it is .....ownedand he refused to not be a proud black man who would not play the media game of falsifing Black history, preseint or future in any way? So, my friend until you can speak about the Black family/experience with the truth,the views and the identity of the Black experience pleastedo not even try to give me a reply for the values of the European-centered point of view that ignores questions like those I just gave you in both comments. Or until you can tell me why i am having an illusion about CNN even being qualified to talk aobut Blacks being employed/not employed until CNN itself offers itself up to tell why they do not employ dark sknnned news reporters on its network! Why not one prime time or weekly Black anchor at all at any time.And, why you yourself disagrees with any thing I just said as truth and should be included when talking about the Black experience in this country for Black educatore who are teaching those who think and I do and are not afriad to call you a "self fulling propacy" and the main reaon why Tavis is not seen by as many people. Tavis speaks from an African-cantered point of the Black experience which you will only see on C-Span every now and then and why Oprah has been forced to get her own network to speak as a member of the Black community. Or did you see even a "sound bite" of her two days of programs with the Black panel which called Al Sharpton a media talking head and challanged his to bring the media to the actual Black community which he claims to be helping but how we know that this is all a show to satisfy mainstream media. Or, did you see Al Sharpton no longer on CNN as a regular Black expert after he started acting like a Black leader in Jena La. Which by the way CNN only showed that march to advertize the special that they would be showing with Kera Phillips. Why not with Don Lemons???!?
Saturday, July 26th 2008 at 11:03PM

Yes sister you have raised valid questions. I can honestly say that the people in the park where I hang out at, yes I am a sports fanatic and hang out at the basketball courts, I was proud that alot of the guys young and old watched and made calls as I have to make sure that the young and old watch the show. Because we do need to see things for what they are.

The one thing I have to say about churches which bothers me is that they are not save havens liek they should be. If someone is having a problem a church should be the first place they should go. But instead churches have become an employment and a place for cliques. If you look up church in the thesaurus one of the words is sect which means also gang. I wrote a poem comparing Church vs. Gang and if you think about it, Deaconness and Deacons, this and that ministry in churches, I have a problem with one pastor who is trying to tell me that traditional values is more important then my spiritual walk. Telling me that if I don't wear a dress on 'Sunday that I can't sing in a choir. So my questions to the Deacons who held me in this small office after I told them, that I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a Traumatic Experience - if I see the minister in a pants on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, do that mean they are not Christians? Then I asked them would they like for me to wear a dress everyday of the week? They said no, just on Sunday's. And I told them specifically, "For one I am not an actress I don't know how to play like I am a christian, I am not playing the part I am the part and I will not conform to perform." I actually, resolved the issue I had with the pastor even though he called me a dike all because I was wearing a pants, and he told me that I could come to church sing in the choir and play my conga and then turn around and during mediation forced me to stop playing right in the middle of service. Power trip - I be glad when people realize that church is not about those big hats, your expensive clothes, whose dressed the best, the cars, who can get into one clique vs another so on and so forth. That is not the commission of the church. Then you have some people who take their titles further out of the will of God by, raping and attempting to kill you; I'm going to leave this alone because I can tell you a whole lot wrong. It's time to forget the wrong for now and see what we can do to make it right. That is my prayer for today.
Sunday, July 27th 2008 at 9:35PM
Mrs. Barbara Stevens

Here-here! You said it all.
Monday, July 28th 2008 at 10:18PM
Karen Hunter

I found the show to be completely depressing. Anything or anyone who was remotely positive for any length of time had something bad about to happen. It was almost like they were saying "even if you are successful, like Michael Eric Dyson, you or your family are still this close to spending the rest of your life in jail." Even if you're doing the right thing by your family, you're one paycheck from being evicted. I don't think I could have survived a third night of it.

As far as what we do, I think that we don't have to wait for politicians and celebrities to do everything. I speak at schools all the time and it's amazing how much you learn about the kids' lives in an hour. I've had them "jokingly call me Dad" after one workshop. They are dying to have a stable family life. But if Mama is walking around in bootie shorts trying to "get hers" and you've got 4 brothers with different Baby Daddys, what hope do you have? It's almost like we have to take the generation that's in elementary school now and smother them with positive reinforcement now before they get old enough to become jaded. When I was a kid I never knew that I had a choice of whether I was going to college or not. It was instilled in me as a toddler. So when it came time, it was only a matter of where, never "if". There are so little expecations of kids these days, from us and from themselves.

When my kids bring new kids in the house, we lay down the ground rules of what's acceptable and what is not. They know that if they break those rules, they won't be coming back. And to this day, we've never had to bar anyone. Even their parents comment that they act better in my house than they do in their own.

Anyway, that's just my two cents.
JC
www.mamasboyz.com
Thursday, July 31st 2008 at 9:30AM
Jerry Craft

Hi sister and you raised more valid points. But, please try this on for size.If more religions allowed the Faithful to be able to do their own: defining, putting values, making their own individual conclussions with out saying things like "you will go to hell" "You do not have enough faith or you would not be thinking like that"(like your open and honest comment just now) that some how they would not have to keep changing the 10 commandments under a brand new religion(sect) with eveysocial/better educated generation?

Would Barack H. Obama then have the right to freedom of religion of his choice; freedom of assembly, speech, etc?Can you demand that what you just said be made into a sermon in your place of worship and you still be considered as a faithful , an hosest person or would you be better known as a 'trouble' maker?

Making this "RIGHT" must begin with you. In need of a void left by my walking out of the Catholic church for many of the same reasons you just stated; I filled my cultural,spiritual void by becoming a Nichiren Daishonin(22yrs. ago)Buddhist. No, no Buddhist statue. But as I call it a philosopy for being responsible for your own cause and effect on this planetby way of being the very best person you can be. President JFK made it a legal religion in America and it is now in 192 county. I made a conscious choice to never again allow anyone or anything take full/partcontrol of my life and my personal choices ever, ever again. I am able to fully obey every one of the 10 Commandments and obey the American Constitution at the same time! So this comment is not a Soap Box, it is about taking power over your own L-I-F-Eas this is the impression that I got from your comment. Good Luck in doing this.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA