Random Thoughts on ‘Black in America’
Last night I watched the first part of the much anticipated ‘Black in America’ program on CNN.
The first thing that I really appreciated about this show is that it showed that in spite of the many problems in our community, there are black Americans that are hard working, have strong families, businesses and that there are black men that are working extremely hard to make sure that there children have a better life, even if they are struggling themselves.
I would have probably thought that this program was just a retread of what has been done so many times before, but I have been really irked lately by some “religious” people (black ones at that) that have been writing me, putting down blacks and demanding that I distance myself from my own background based on some misguided “religious principle”. Some of these self-righteous individuals have been trashing me in other places on the internet for my refusal to abide to their demands. In any case, from this, I know now more than ever that there is a strong need to tell the story of hard working black people that value their families because too many have bought into this myth that none of us care for our families.
That said, a few random thoughts on the show:
- The video footage of the Rand family getting together for their family reunion reminded me of so many families…including my own. Their story of discovering an entire white branch of their family in many ways tells the story of humanity and how so many of us are related as well as how far we have come here in the US in our race relations when the white side accepted them. That would not have been the case 30-40 years ago.
- Eric Kennedy’s story is more common than one may think. He and his wife split and he was left to take care of his son and daughter while struggling to pay the bills and take care of the children alone.They never say what happened to the mother.
His son Eric, Jr (10) is very smart and seems to have a lot of potential and is symbolic in that there are a lot of smart young black boys out there similar to him, but are being raised in terrible environments. Sadly, many of these young and bright boys will in all likelihood turn to a life of crime because at some point in a few years they will stop seeing a point in hard work. 1 in 3 will end up in jail
Eric, Sr seems to love his children and is working hard (alone) not only to keep him and the children together, but to maintain some stability in his son’s life - who has been to five different schools already in his 5 years in school. I hope that this show will bring more attention to children like this with so much potential.
- The points on the lack of black men and interracial marriage were retreads of what we have heard on black radio, television specials and movies for years. However, I found this exchange Soledad O’Brien said she had with another reporter to be interesting. She wrote:
I
Filed under: Race
I have mixed feelings on the show. While, overall, I thought it was good, I agree that not enough attention was paid to health disparities or the achievement gap for that matter. I would have also liked the show to focus a bit at least (not indepth necessarily) on the historical antecedents to the current condition of African-Americans. Another key component that was missing is a broader spectrum of experts to discuss the situation that Blacks in America face. My concern is that there is alot buried behind the statistics ..psychological and other issues for example. The Harvard economist was a central figure. While, I appreciate his work, I didn’t feel that he was qualified to comment on health disparities, for example. Tonight should be interesting…
I agree. His thing about salt retention sounded like pseudo-science
As-Salaamu ‘alaikum,
I am sorry that you have been condemned for acknowledging what you are and feeling some sense of responsibility as such. The problem that some of us have as Blackamericans and then becoming Muslims is balancing that ‘pre-set’ identity with the new one we take on as Muslims when we see that Islam shuns many of the habits and characteristics that that initial identity implies. I say implies because, as you have pointed out, all black people are not valueless or mindless and immoral and it irks me when they are painted with that broad brush. On the other hand we both know that as Muslims we definitely need to distance ourselves from habits, beliefs and practices that conflict with those of Islam. So what makes some Muslims uncomfortable is if they perceive or believe that a Blackamerican Muslim is somehow giving priority to that part of his or her identity. The truth is that all that mix is pushing us to redefine or shape a unique identity as Blackamericans and Muslims, citizens of America and members of the Islamic ummah and that takes a lot of thought and working out of issues. Total denial of any aspect of our identities certainly is not healthy and Allah knows best.
I wished that I could have seen that footage,.I hope that I can see ,at least, the other half of it.
salaam,
If you missed it last night you can check it out here:
http://binside.typepad.com/binside_tv/2008/07/cnn-black-in–2.html
I think it was pretty good. I look forward to tonights show.
Ahmad,
Thanks a bunch! I’m going to check it out.
Tariq:
I think it is noble of you to feel this connection to who you are, in spite of being Muslim. I think it is only natural because these are the people who raised you, shaped you, and nurtured you to adulthood and nothing will change that. Never forget who you are OR where you come from lest you forget the essence of your being.
About the show:
Honestly, it opened my eyes to some realities I thought I knew about but I really had no clue. For instance, I had no idea that almost half of us do not graduate from high school or that 33% of the black children in America live in poverty. It hurts hearing this like that but it opens your mind and eyes in the process.
I think the NY 2 year program is promising; this was my first time hearing about anything like this even though the concept, within itself, is not a new one. Several years ago, Mexico implemented something similar for the same reasons. Tonight will be something indeed-Black Men in America.
I agree with your review Tariq…especially about the “Negative”. Looked like they just threw that cat in there. Anyways, it was interesting what the Miss Abdullah was saying on the show about having to travel and hour to get some fresh produce.
I actually did a lil study on that issue when I was doing my Masters in Public Health.
Very interesting to see that the disparity of ACCESS to healthy foods in lower income areas….which of course leads to MANY health problems.
We living in the fast-food era where nobody cooks and people open bags of potato chips and drink for dinner.
@ indigoblu
Thanks. On a positive note, something like 30% of black Americans make above $50K
@ Yus
The only thing that passes for fresh juice in the black community is “Jungle Juice”
Yus,
I also work in the health field and can attest to the lack of access issue that many poor families, in particular, face. In addition to little access to fresh foods, there is a dearth of access to healthcare facilities. It’s a double -edged sword. In my native D.C., Ward 8 (home to the highest percentage of children living in poverty) a grocery store was just built this past fall, after years of no direct access. (NOTE: D.C. also ties with Mississippi as having the highest poverty rate in the nation.) Children’s Hospital in D.C. also operates a Mobile Health Program that travels to underserved areas, including housing projects, to provide healthcare to poor families due to the lack of direct access in these communities.
[...] Tariq Nelson provides an interesting perspective on why he isn’t annoyed: Last night I watched the first part of the much anticipated