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Rebirth of Black Culture (part 1 of a series) (6581 hits)

When we say the words "Black culture" today, what usually comes to mind?

Does what comes to mind really match up with our people's achievements, our goals, the best and brightest that we have to offer?

Does what comes to mind reflect something that our ancestors would be proud of?

The truth, unfortunately, is that in most cases, it does not.

Often, those two words, "Black culture" today are associated with stereotypes: thug or "gangsta" violence, ignorant behavior, lack of financial discipline, rude or aggressive behavior, and extravagance.

How have we allowed our generation to be constantly associated with these things? How have we stood by while the legacy of our achievers was overshadowed?

The so-called hip-hop culture has destroyed more young lives than we can even conceptualize. This is not an attack on the rap or hip-hop genre - most of us agree that what we see and hear today is not true to the original art form. It is an attack on how it has been manipulated and misused. The pioneers of rap music and spoken word would not even recognize today's pop music as rap.

To me, Miles Davis and John Coltrane represent real Black culture. Langston Hughes is Black culture. Duke Ellington is Black culture. Not the foolishness that is passed off as Black art these days. Let's not get it twisted.

Maybe we need to start looking back and learning from what they were trying to teach us.

Years ago, when we produced music, theater, and artwork, it got us respect worldwide. Does today's music & TV gain respect for us, or does it just make us look like fools?

Food for thought...

Posted By: Jon C.
Friday, July 25th 2008 at 10:37AM
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Hi Johnathan, I appreciate your analysis but I think a major problem that people have is looking to the past for answers to the future. It is important to know the history of Black america but I feel like successful Black people need to make sure they spread their knowledge on how to become successful by reaching the young as early as possible.
Friday, July 25th 2008 at 11:41AM
Leah Jack

You both have valid points. What is needed is for each of us to develop mentality, spiritually and physically to our best and continue to create culture on a daily. That's what we do and we cannot continue to look at ourselves through white folks eyes. They can talk and show all the images they want but they need us and our creativity. The final frontier is a spiritual battle and we always win!
Saturday, July 26th 2008 at 11:55AM
Toni Odom

Thanks,you go Young Brother!
Monday, July 28th 2008 at 4:46PM
Charmella Smith

When I hear the words, "rebirth of Culture", I think of a people that lives different from his enemies, a different religion, different language, basically living different, even different schools from the very people that treat us unfair. Giving a few jobs to black, giving a good education to a few blacks is never going to be the answer. We must take upon ourselves to do for ourselves and not depend on the uncle Toms that have simulated in the white society and make false promises then say,"we've come a long ways", and the truth is, that statement is a lie. I came before forced intergration and have hated it ever since. Intergration was happening on a gradual basic and would have continue but our leadership wanted power and money and they found this in leadership to no where. We are in a burning house and no one will save us but us. White America the author of Sin is going down and we are going with it if we do not seperate.
Wednesday, July 30th 2008 at 9:51AM
phil marlow

I feel you; but I believe truly afar in the future, our acomplishments will out weight our struggles; because it is those struggles or challenges that has made us so strong, today, as a people, as a nation from outside looking in to the world, as well as individually.

rejoice, for together we all are witnessing a person of our truest nature achieving the highest politial (power) postion, in this country, and perhaps in the world.

In every culture their in light, and their is shade; it is up to us where we dwell.

Much love and peace to you

rlj
Monday, August 4th 2008 at 12:47AM
Rondale Jordan

Ever person's contribution to society is valid. Even Gangster Rap, if it causes others to want to do better. Whether, music uplifts you are brings you down is not dependent on the music itself, but who you were before you heard it. The Gangster Rappers themselves appear to be shrewd business people. Unlike the Black artists of the past, at least they are getting paid. As a kid, growing up in the deep south, I was berated for my like of classical music (Beethoven, Bach). But it was the only music that related me enough to allow me to concentrate of my studies.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 7:57PM
Mack W Jackson

As most of your readers, I too agree that Black Culture is not rap or hip-hop. I also agree that Those two genre's have made an already negative stereotype worse. I will continue to read.

Thank you for your Blogs
Thursday, December 11th 2008 at 5:24PM
Sandra Glasco