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Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1438
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 01:38 pm: | 
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I attended a public screening of CNN's BLACK IN AMERICA here in Harlem at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/ - the program will broadcast on CNN in 2 two hour segments on July 23 and 24th
They showed a 30 minute excerpt (it felt longer) of the 4 hour program there were no relations; more regurgitation of the horrific stats on unemployment, incarceration, lack of education, opportunity, etc, etc. You know the routine...
The were a variety in vignettes show casing various aspect of black like both good and sad.
The audience as a whole was appreciative. However the question and answer session illustrated what was simmering below the surface...
The Q&A was led by a corporate attorney for CNN a 40 year old Sister an a late middle aged white guy (seemed to be a very senior person - perhaps in charge of the production).
I hate unmoderated Q&A sessions because people immediately launch into self serving commercials or long winded irrelevant diatribes -- which limits the number of people who can speak and diminishes the ability to learn furthure. This Q&A was no different...
People vented. The level of frustration (bordering on hostility) was palpable. I'm sure the CNN producers were taken aback as they were not welcomed with boundless appreciation from the masses upon completion of the screening. The man (white) in charge, and answering the questions after the event; said the response to the screening for the Television Critics Association (I'm sure mostly white) was overwhelmingly positive.
Much of the criticism has to do with "...who is the program for...", and "...what are you going to next..." Eventually the white guy in charge said in exasperation "well this is not THAT documentary" [quote may be slightly off but the spirit is the same].
Part of the problem, I think is that people are just tired or hearing how bad it is over and over again -- we all KNOW how bad it is. The anger and frustration comes from all this talking and so little action. This is especially true in black communities like Harlem that are rapidly changing in to a white ones.
You know as I walk down the broad boulevards of Harlem I marvel at the new trees and bushes planted on the islands in the middle of those boulevards, the new bus shelters, the remodeled parks, the cleared out vacant lot, and all of the other improvements.
Most people see this as being done, in preparation for white folks are moving in. An increased tax base, and Black politicians alone don't explain the improvement to the streets and infrastructure.
The CNN program stated that a Black man WITHOUT an arrest record has the same chance of finding work as a white man WITH a felony conviction! I don't know how they acquired that stat, but if it is close to being true that is staggering! (that is one sound bite I admittedly have never heard). An supposedly educated brother in the audience said during the Q&A that he got over 600 rejections during his job search.
The audience was, by a nig majority, majority female (surprise surprise) and there were virtually no men under 30 present.
Someone asked how are you marketing this event: outreach to the "Black church" was the response. I immediately thought to myself, they obviously were not interested in reaching out to Black men. The vast majority of guys I know, including myself, do not go to church on a regular basis. This does not mean we are bad men -- quite the contrary -- we just don't go to church. Anyone trying to reach out to Black men know this -- epecially young men, in the inner city, know you don't do this through the church.
So it begs the question who is this program for and what is it's intent?
The sister fielding question during the Q&A said she wanted this to be like the landmark PBS Program Eyes on the Prize.
That would be a very tall order... |
Carey
Veteran Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 919
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:23 pm: |
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Thank Troy
Your commentary was great. If I can sum it up, was the feelings in the crowd more like "AND, Tell us.... Show us something we don't know".
Your take on the church and it's role in the community, IMO, was well said. I am not going to knock the church but there is a core of individuals that still believe that it (the church) is the answer, however, as you stated, those that are in need are not in church!
I can assume you were not impressed....you don't have to answer that.
One more thang, I noticed you spoke of the role of a GOOD moderator. I agree, that's big...that's HUGE. If the moderator drops the ball, the ball rolls all over the floor. And consequently some pick it up an run off .....at the mouth.
I just know you were shaking your head saying,"would someone please stick to the point" whatever it was.
Business dealings and office meetings can often get bogged down in the same fashion. Quick wit and concise speakers are in demand. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 10157
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 04:37 pm: |
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Troy,
What we are faced with now is the uniquely enormous task of trying to fashion effective ways of making families, communities, schools, etc. WITHOUT the overt, oppressive spectre of racism preying down upon us.
So MUCH of our history and culture is formed by slavery, racism, Jim Crow, segregation that it is very difficult for us to think and act FREE of what came from our oppression.
So we just talk and talk and talk while never really DOING anything.
And what complicates matters is that SOME of us have managed to do well, extremely well even. So then those of us who do not do as well, many of whom are decent & hardworking foks, are considered failures, even though many NON-Blacks who are no more industrious or talented do better.
It ain't gone git no better. Not because we can't make it better. But because too much of what would be required of us directly conflicts with what we as INDIVIDUALS enjoy doing.
Ironically, it is the 'liberation' of Black foks that currently enslaves us. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12453
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 05:00 pm: |
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Racism is a catch-all phrase that has lost its impact. Nowadays poverty and deprivation are determined by class rather than color.
The only real cure for racism is socialism. If The State runs Society, then wealth and goods and services are equally distribted and there is no discrimination. Is this going to happen? No. One thing folks can do to improve their lot, is to not have more children than they can take care of. IMO. |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1441
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 07:13 pm: |
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Abm, I agree with;
"It ain't gone git no better. Not because we can't make it better. But because too much of what would be required of us directly conflicts with what we as INDIVIDUALS enjoy doing."
I guess all cultures come to an end and I honestly believe were are witnessing the demise of our own: unless something changes dramitically and realtively soon...
Cynique, of course I agree they we should only bring children into a world that we can take care of.
Problem is who makes that decision, how do you enforce it and what are the conquences of noncompliance.
Goovernement making the rules and enforcing them is always a failure.
Seems we have religuished our collective responsibilies as parents and our children have been running amuck for generations.
Some peope even suggest that Dr. Benjamin Spock contributed to this by saying don't spank you children. Where did the saying "spare the rod and spoil the child come from"?
Others believe treating kids like miniature adults is the right way to go to -- let them decide what do -- be their friends...
I think what we see on broadcast TV reflects our sick, sick society.
I don't think this is just our problem, the failures of Black society is just a leading indicator of a much more serious problem for the U.S. overall.
Maybe if they had more CNN specials showing white people catching hell (losing jobs, homes, retirement saving, etc) 'cause of other greedy white folks (the rich) maybe something would be done.
Maybe that is why so many are voting for Obama. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12455
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 09:18 pm: |
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Well, since none of the complicated involved solutions work, I offered a simple one. All it involves is a decision on the part of individuals to take control of their lives and not burden themselves with more children than they can provide for. This requires no government intervention, just personal responsibility. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 3307
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 06:17 pm: |
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"I offered a simple one. All it involves is a decision on the part of individuals to take control of their lives and not burden themselves with more children than they can provide for. This requires no government intervention, just personal responsibility."
Thank you.............. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7180
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 10:58 am: |
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I ain't gonna watch it.
I am not going to CNN to find out what its like to be black in America.
I know.
Why do Negroes have to watch TV to know what it is like to be black in America?
Negroes are doomed.
All it involves is a decision on the part of individuals to take control of their lives and not burden themselves with more children than they can provide for. This requires no government intervention, just personal responsibility."
(Say a woman does that. Has two kids. Is behaving responsibly. Then the old man runs out on her, gets sick, dies. I guess she did not behave responsibly.
How about the workers at the GM plant out here. They behaved responsibly. Now they are going to have to sell drugs or ho to survive.
How about the workers at Enron.
Would you rather contribute a miniscule amount of your tax money so a family can eat, or have them cut your throat and rob you?
I guess you'd like the latter.
At least they are displaying some initiative and not waiting on the government.
Woe to ye, you generation of vipers. When the time comes ye shall have your reward. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7181
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 11:00 am: |
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Racism is a catch-all phrase that has lost its impact. Nowadays poverty and deprivation are determined by class rather than color.
The only real cure for racism is socialism
(This was the arguement made by the socialists in this country. In fact, they went so far to deny there was racism in their ranks because they were socialists.
It is bull. In the Soviet Union there was plenty of racism. You see where they are. All the non whites couldn't wait to get out from under the white Russians) |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12458
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 11:05 am: |
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If the woman only has 2 kids, then it's a lot easier for her to get back on her feet than it would be if she had 5.
This is not about maudlin scenarios portraying people who fall upon hard times as victims. It's about being pragmatic, about having foresight and making things as easier on yourself in the event that things go wrong. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7183
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 11:41 am: |
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the woman only has 2 kids, then it's a lot easier for her to get back on her feet than it would be if she had 5
(Excuse me. I thought we lived in America and not Cyniquian Communist China where we tell somebody how many kids they are to have.
This is a free country. I know it is better to have 2 kids than 5.
In fact, it is better to have none--especially in the light of the weak kneed uncle toms we seem to be spawning.
But then, who is going to spoon oatmeal into our toothless old mouths in our Golden Years, himmm? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12460
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 11:48 am: |
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I said that people should exercise their free choice to not have any more kids than they can provide for in order to make things easier on everyone involved, chrishayden.
Of course you have to go off on a tangent and argue that people whould have a lot of kids because we need them to do menial work. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7184
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 12:14 pm: |
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You ain't gonna see this no more, and I wonder how you saw it then, but I got an Uncle who had 18 brothers and sisters. All lived in a little house about big as a shoe box. All came out fine
You can do what you want to do. Some people should not even have one kid. Not even one. Others can handle a bunch.
said that people should exercise their free choice to not have any more kids than they can provide for in order to make things easier on everyone involved, chrishayden
(It ain't your business. It don't concern you. I get so sick when somebody is worried about what somebody else is doing. So some Negroes in L.A. have too many kids. It don't make me no nevermind.
Now, some candyass will get on here talking about how it affects society etc etc.
Look at George W. Bush. Fine family. Fine education. Two parents.
He f***ed up this whole COUNTRY! And you people are worried about some Negroes somewhere you don't know having a baby.
You're losing your minds.
Bump that. You don't have a mind.)
Of course you have to go off on a tangent and argue that people whould have a lot of kids because we need them to do menial work.
(That is another practical reason for them. As we get too old to drop bombs on our enemies, dig ditches, or feed ourselves, as I myself am fast getting to that place, we need young uns to help us with these things.
I myself don't give a damn what kind of family a person came from as long as they can help old Uncle Chris up
When he's fallen down and can't rise
And so it goes. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12461
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 12:47 pm: |
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If you're so sick of people seeking solutions for the problems of society, then you should shut your pie hole, chrishayden, because you sure think you have all of the answers.
I didn't say there was anything wrong with people who come from a large family. I suggested that folks can reduce hardship and provide more opportunities for their offspring if they don't have more than they can provide for. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7192
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2008 - 10:52 am: |
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If you're so sick of people seeking solutions for the problems of society, then you should shut your pie hole, chrishayden, because you sure think you have all of the answers
(I don't have all the answers.
There are problems I don't know the solution to.
Several in fact. |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1447
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 10:13 am: |
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Hey did anyone catch the typo in my first post in this conversation:
The audience was, by a nig majority, majority female (surprise surprise) and there were virtually no men under 30 present.
"Nig" majority LOL |
Disciple724
Regular Poster
Username: Disciple724
Post Number: 76
Registered: 07-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 10:49 am: |
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Forget my last,
I see most were aware of it as per previous post. |
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