My Reflections on CNNs Being Black in America

I’d like to start by saying that I personally have a great appreciation for the airing of this documentary. I hope that several of you all, black, white, brown, yellow and all races took heed to what the program wished to accomplish. This documentary on so many levels aroused so many emotions and new aspirations within me that in some way connected me with so many other African Americans across the nation I felt. I feel as though it definitely was a profound collection of true tales and accounts from the lower, middle and upper class of black society as well.

Being black in America is not a simply about being an average American. As I am sure that many of you have heard the saying before, from the moment you walk out of your front door you are constantly being judged, scrutinized and in some cases expected to fail rather than to succeed. Some of the statistics mentioned in the program were very disturbing to say the least. Everything from the death rate, HIV/AIDS cases to penitentiary chances touched me in a way that made me think that change was long overdue here in America. To know that the leading cause of death for women between the ages 25 and 34 was AIDS was alarming. To know that 2/3 of those cases are African American sisters is even more disheartening. The chance of me, an African American male, had I not been a high school graduate, going to jail is 60%. The documentary goes on to discuss, for example, the chances of African American males getting past the 1st interview or an interview at all for that matter is very slim. A white female student at Princeton University did a study on why African Americans tend to have such a hard time getting a job. A portion of her study concluded that some business owners don’t hire US because we are thought to be lazy, poorly dressed, intimidating, irresponsible and often late. These are all adjectives that can be used to describe HUMAN NATURE or HUMAN BEHAVIOR. It doesn’t matter what color a person is. It only depends on who we come into contact with before we leave this earth. Stereotypes!!! I wanna address the word INTIMIDATING. When you cast an evil action out would you not expect retaliation to be two times worst when it comes back to you? You taught US how to be vengeful through your actions so should one not be angry? Excuse me…INTIMIDATING. Now I do not advocate that as recourse for their actions from the past and even present. I only say that I understand the anger of blacks and the fear of whites (business owners) based on the past and current state.

Now my thoughts and conclusion of “Being Black in America” reach beyond blame of those Americans who wish to further oppress US. Yes...beyond. We have to stop oppressing OURSELVES as well. In order to avoid some of the issues addressed in paragraph 2, we must take heed to what’s really going on. Do not allow the obstacles we must initially overcome bring us down. We have had dope in the hood since back in the 60s. That doesn’t mean have to sale the dope that was “put in the hood” from back in the 60s. Our refusal to give in to D’evils will see that we will achieve greater things. If we are late for work constantly, break laws, fail to raise our children, and continue to wrong one another than our consequences are sometimes warranted. Let’s be faithful to our sisters and not disrespect them with our negative words, lack of care and infidelity. After all, they are raising our sons and daughters. We have to stop making excuses for the things that WE CAN control. Let’s be more aware of what’s going on. Let’s not back leaders, black or white, if we really don’t know what their message is or what they’re really about. Research, ask questions, get knowledge and don’t just ask Ray Ray nem who they are voting for. Don’t ask them why they are going down to the courthouse or public building in support of this black leader with picket signs without extracting knowledge first. Don’t move without purpose. Accept responsibilities for our actions. In order for a soldier to go to fight he must have his gear in order. Get your Helmet (Brain/education), Armor (Responsibility/faithfulness to our women and families) and Gun (knowledge) before heading off for war.



We have to work together as a cohesive unit to change OUR mindsets. We have to address OUR own issues. We as a people must weather the storm and change the current state of things thru understanding, teaching and most importantly REALITY. Let us unite as a state of men, women and children to change stigmas set by ALL races. Ask yourself, “do I want change?” “what does freedom mean to me?” Being free from the chains of the past in the present state thru social justice, unity, equality, real talk and a change of mindset for a better future is what it means to me.

BECOME SOCIALLY CONCIOUS

----Purposeful Movement