It is sad to see how the Black woman is perceived in society today. In the past, they were once valued as powerful heavy hitters and essential to our community as protectors, providers, teachers and advisers. Even though, some are still viewed this way, many are not. There are multiple elements brought on by the media that depicts our powerful, Black women in a negative view. For example, the television network, Black Entertainment Television (BET) is suppose to empower the Black people and bring forth growth and prosperity, but instead its music videos portray Black women as whores, thugs, gold diggers, hood rats, crackheads, prostitutes, etc. It is imperative for us, as a people, to transform this depiction because if we don't, our future opportunities are limited. For instance, President Barack Obama's abilities to successfully run this country are doubted by white people who think that we are incapable of accomplishing tasks, taking control of difficult situations and making a difference for a generation. This view on Blacks affects our youth, especially in school because Black kids are not provided the same opportunities and equal support as White children. Many Black students refuse to ask questions in class in fear of being seen as having a deficiency or not as intimidating. It is vital that teachers help Black youth in the education process so they can move forward in the world, communicate with Whites in business settings, placed on equal playing fields as all other races and not degraded and looked down upon. These steps will lead towards halting the media's rant of tearing down the Black woman. In our opinions, this analysis of society today is a wake up call for Black women to modify their behavior and to persuade society to view them differently. The road to redemption is long and arduous one but with perseverance, dedication and courage, we (Black women) will see the end.
I totally agree with the comment you made about BET. I have always wondered why they promote prosperity and growth among the black community but show music videos that degrade women. I wonder if they even realize what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI love how you use real world examples. I totally agree with your idea that education with lead towards halting the media's rant of tearing down the Black women.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this piece however, I think the acquisition against all white people is a little extreme, and I also think we can solely blame white people for our lack of participation in our education.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who went to school, and was one of 8 black students in my class throughout high school, it's easy for me to say that a lot of times, education is taken more seriously by people placed in educational facilities that require more from it's students on a more personal level. That being said, instead of attacking the white people who aren't supporting the black children, perhaps it's more constructive to think about the school systems in which most of our black youth are enrolled in.
Of course, we can relate anything like this case back to money, because people with more income, usually have more options as far as where to send their children. However, we can't expect white people to provide black youth with all the support and opportunities when members of the African-American race cannot and do not support black youth either.
With that said, I think that leaves the situation to be a three-fold problem. Both between student, parent, and educational system, all of which honestly, can be affected by "the white man" more or less, but have to be looked at from multiple angles.
I agree with the BET concept They are always speaking of celebrating our culture, but yet they fail to realize some of the things they allow to be viewed degrade us as a whole people. Its a little backwards. Kind of like our school...I'll never understand how or why we can have "church service" in the same place we blast rap an dance on stage, but yet they say "dont eat in God's house" and right after start poppin on the stage. interestng.
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