Why CNN’s “Black in America” May Be More Significant Than Haley’s “Roots”
On Wednesday, July 23rd and Thursday, July 24th, America got an opportunity to take a closer look at the failures and successes of its black citizens. I, for one, found Cable News Network’s (CNN’s) “Black in America” report refreshing.
While the report was weak on creative solutions but strong on present problems, I thought it was an event that resurrected memories of the hoopla surrounding the televised adaptation of Alex Haley’s “Roots”. The American Broadcasting Company, or ABC, had the distinct honor of transmitting the miniseries into American homes in 1977, and what they transmitted was well received. One could even say that it was one of the things God used to pave the way for improved relations between Blacks and Whites. Reportedly, more than 130 million Americans watched the miniseries over eight nights of programming.
No one can predict the effect “Black in America" will have on Black-White relations, but I can almost assure you that it will be positive. I write this because CNN’s report may seemingly be more significant than the televised adaptation of “Roots”. “Roots” was a fictitious account of stories told to a young Alex Haley about his African and American ancestors by his grandparents and great grandparents. “Black in America”, on the other hand, offers real stories about the adverse impact of slavery on the lives and fortunes of black Americans.
But was White America listening to these stories? Probably not. To a large degree, many Whites were seemingly relieved after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1968 assassination. They no longer had to confront their ancestors’ crimes against humanity because they were no longer receiving reminders about these crimes from a strong, influential black figure. Yes, black individuals like Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young and Al Sharpton have attempted to pick up where Dr. King left off, but their impact pales in comparison to what Dr. King accomplished.
But our passion as black Americans should not be led by our desire to develop another leader like Dr. King. What we black Americans must begin to understand is that the same spirit that lived in Dr. King lives inside each of us. Dr. King’s drive to improve relations between Blacks and Whites was fueled by the Holy Spirit, the gift that Jesus Christ offered to the world’s citizenry after his ascension to Heaven. What does that mean? It means we are no different than Dr. King, and ultimately Jesus Christ, if we have an unconditional love for our God and our neighbors.
This desire to share unconditional love should inspire us Blacks to condemn the racist maneuvering of unenlightened Whites. It should also inspire Whites to be receptive to constructive criticism. But many of them aren’t ready to receive more criticism from us Blacks. They’re too busy trying to shift the blame, telling us black Americans that in a land of opportunity, we are ultimately responsible for our prosperity. That may be true, but why are they performing a Jedi Mind Trick on us Blacks, getting us to esteem their culture while condemning our own?
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you turn on the six o’clock news and the only representations of your culture are athletes and entertainers.
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you step into a book store and mainstream titles about the Black Diaspora are nonexistent.
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you’re told that criminal behavior in the black community justifies longer sentences and disproportionate imprisonment.
And, the Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you're told by Whites that the Jesus that you serve has white skin and blue eyes.
This Jedi Mind Trick is being employed to keep us Blacks on the ropes, prevent us from coming up with viable solutions to nagging problems. Truth be told, we have been running around in circles since 1968, devising solutions as independent groups rather than as a Black Diaspora. We privileged Blacks also find ourselves trying to do something for underprivileged Blacks rather than inviting them to stand beside us as change agents. Ultimately, we refuse to accept the fact that we’re not standing together because we allow groups outside of our own to divide us. This kind of thinking must end if we ever hope to bask in the rejuvenating glow of being black in America.
-0-
© 2008 Jeffery A. Faulkerson. All rights reserved.
While the report was weak on creative solutions but strong on present problems, I thought it was an event that resurrected memories of the hoopla surrounding the televised adaptation of Alex Haley’s “Roots”. The American Broadcasting Company, or ABC, had the distinct honor of transmitting the miniseries into American homes in 1977, and what they transmitted was well received. One could even say that it was one of the things God used to pave the way for improved relations between Blacks and Whites. Reportedly, more than 130 million Americans watched the miniseries over eight nights of programming.
No one can predict the effect “Black in America" will have on Black-White relations, but I can almost assure you that it will be positive. I write this because CNN’s report may seemingly be more significant than the televised adaptation of “Roots”. “Roots” was a fictitious account of stories told to a young Alex Haley about his African and American ancestors by his grandparents and great grandparents. “Black in America”, on the other hand, offers real stories about the adverse impact of slavery on the lives and fortunes of black Americans.
But was White America listening to these stories? Probably not. To a large degree, many Whites were seemingly relieved after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1968 assassination. They no longer had to confront their ancestors’ crimes against humanity because they were no longer receiving reminders about these crimes from a strong, influential black figure. Yes, black individuals like Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young and Al Sharpton have attempted to pick up where Dr. King left off, but their impact pales in comparison to what Dr. King accomplished.
But our passion as black Americans should not be led by our desire to develop another leader like Dr. King. What we black Americans must begin to understand is that the same spirit that lived in Dr. King lives inside each of us. Dr. King’s drive to improve relations between Blacks and Whites was fueled by the Holy Spirit, the gift that Jesus Christ offered to the world’s citizenry after his ascension to Heaven. What does that mean? It means we are no different than Dr. King, and ultimately Jesus Christ, if we have an unconditional love for our God and our neighbors.
This desire to share unconditional love should inspire us Blacks to condemn the racist maneuvering of unenlightened Whites. It should also inspire Whites to be receptive to constructive criticism. But many of them aren’t ready to receive more criticism from us Blacks. They’re too busy trying to shift the blame, telling us black Americans that in a land of opportunity, we are ultimately responsible for our prosperity. That may be true, but why are they performing a Jedi Mind Trick on us Blacks, getting us to esteem their culture while condemning our own?
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you turn on the six o’clock news and the only representations of your culture are athletes and entertainers.
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you step into a book store and mainstream titles about the Black Diaspora are nonexistent.
The Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you’re told that criminal behavior in the black community justifies longer sentences and disproportionate imprisonment.
And, the Jedi Mind Trick is being employed when you're told by Whites that the Jesus that you serve has white skin and blue eyes.
This Jedi Mind Trick is being employed to keep us Blacks on the ropes, prevent us from coming up with viable solutions to nagging problems. Truth be told, we have been running around in circles since 1968, devising solutions as independent groups rather than as a Black Diaspora. We privileged Blacks also find ourselves trying to do something for underprivileged Blacks rather than inviting them to stand beside us as change agents. Ultimately, we refuse to accept the fact that we’re not standing together because we allow groups outside of our own to divide us. This kind of thinking must end if we ever hope to bask in the rejuvenating glow of being black in America.
-0-
© 2008 Jeffery A. Faulkerson. All rights reserved.
Enjoyed this! I wonder how many of us have that book on our bookshelves. I do. Roots is a story that should be passed down through generations. It should be a required reader in schools. It's the story of faith, hope and the strength of character in a people during one of the most difficult times for humans on earth. It should serve as impetus for our generation to persevere! No more excuses!