The subject really says it all. From Newspaper articles like "ManSharing hurts Sistas"..to News Reports which suggest that the Black male is a criminal....to Magazines which depict the black man as a sperm donors that do not care about their children. In almost all public discussions the Black man is portrayed as a vile creature, who does not compare to men of other races. My question to the brothers of Destee is how do we balance the scales and shed light on positive Brothas? Not celebrities..but the average Brotha who takes care of his family, does not commit crimes, and is a leader in his community. In other words how do we make the "invisible" Black man visible?

I really don't know brotha. The media has done such a fine job of defining us a animals that everyone already believes that's what we are. We indeed have black men out there who are contributing members of society, but they don't show that. They want to show the worst of us. That's the plan. Make the black man so undesirable to all, that's how they make themselves feel secure. As long as were not on the same level as other men are, the plan is a success to them. We all have to do things differently in our everyday lives also. We have to stop listening to music that makes our race look like fools. Many rappers, singers, sports athletes are financially secure, yet they still want to portray a negative image of themselves. Everyone wants to be a thug. Everyone brags how they sold drugs, killed people, robbed banks...even if they really didn't. We also have to stop coming out in movies that make us look ignorant. I see a lot of black movies that are just rediculous. Glorifying killing, gangbanging, selling drugs, etc. Just because it goes on doesn't mean we have to make tons of movies filled with black actors glorifying it. We tend to make a living by supporting the stereotypes that are killing us. We have to mold our own images. We can't depend on the media outlets to make us look good because we know that's not their job. We have to respect ourselves enough to carry ourselves as strong black men, not ignorant, disrespectful idiots, like these sell-outs in entertainment do. Most of all, the rest of the world needs to check themselves and stop believing everything that the media and entertainment industry shows them about black men. Think for themselves. We are just as strong, smart, dependable and caring as any other race.

I really don't know brotha. The media has done such a fine job of defining us a animals that everyone already believes that's what we are. We indeed have black men out there who are contributing members of society, but they don't show that.

My question to the brothers of Destee is how do we balance the scales and shed light on positive Brothas? Not celebrities..but the average Brotha who takes care of his family, does not commit crimes, and is a leader in his community. In other words how do we make the "invisible" Black man visible?

Brother kente417mojo has already said what I wanted to say with his comment "We have to mold our own images".

Leave it up to the media and you might think that healthy two-parent households don't exist anymore and men/fathers are abandoning their wives, girlfriends and children while chasing drugs, unprotected sex, and crime. Thank God we know better! The question has been asked "why don't we see more positive uplifting news about families or events that paint a better picture of African Americans?". The definition of news is recent events and happenings, especially those that are unusual or notable. In other words, news is of something that's different or not normal. When you look at it that way, you can see why positive events and happenings are not newsworthy....they are normal. Those images you see of African Americans plastered or broadcasted on the evening news are images or occurrences that are of abnormal or unusual behavior. We don't need the media to show us positive, normal African American behavior or lifestyles, we see it everyday. We live it every day.

Over the summer I spent a lot of time in the parks...try this. If you are tiring of the negative perceptions, the distortion of the African American family seen daily on the news, try this. Take a vacation from the tv and radio and get out in the community more. Go to a park and observe. Everywhere you look you will see normalcy in the African American communities. These are the images that should be framing our realities, not those on the tv screens. The parks are filled daily with families spending quality time with each other. Dads tossing frisbies with his children; kids riding their bikes; mothers teaching their sons how to hit a baseball; grandparents carefully watching their grandchildren play on the swings and sliding board. Stepdads watching their children flipping and twisting their bodies on the monkey bars.

No you won't see these images of African American lifestyles on tv because this is normal, this is how the majority of African American families spend their time, not the abnormal visions you see in the media. We have to frame our realities with what we know to be the truth and not be influenced or distracted by any other means.

We have to mold our own images, as kinte417mojo eloquently stated. What we see or hear in the media is not normal behavior, don't let the media influence or distort your perception of us; we should be the ones, and are the ones "Framing Our Realities".

In order for us to see or make the "invisible" Black man visible...we just need to open our perceptions a little wider to what we live and see everyday.

Peace

Leave it up to the media and you might think that healthy two-parent households don't exist anymore and men/fathers are abandoning their wives, girlfriends and children while chasing drugs, unprotected sex, and crime. Thank God we know better! The definition of news is recent events and happenings, especially those that are unusual or notable. In other words, news is of something that's different or not normal. When you look at it that way, you can see why positive events and happenings are not newsworthy....they are normal. Those images you see of African Americans plastered or broadcasted on the evening news are images or occurrences that are of abnormal or unusual behavior. We don't need the media to show us positive, normal African American behavior or lifestyles, we see it everyday. We live it every day.

Great responses brothas. It is true that the news media's standpoint is to tell the eye catching & ear catching stories. Thus the hardworking family blackman who is with a blackwoman is not news. However the career criminal blackman who abandons his children, or the black celebrity with a taste for white women will make the 6:00 news everytime. It is encouraging that two brothas can look through the smoke & mirrors, and see the media's philosophy: Controversy Sells! Unfortunately not everyone can see this, and most people (including other blacks) take their opinion of blackmen directly from the news.

It is obvious there is little that can be done to the image of the blackman in white media. What really frustrates me though is that black media (movies & magazines) not only show similar images of blackmen, in some instances we are shown in a more negative light. In addition the images of the blackmale from black media carries more validation, because people reason that if this is how they portray themselves, then it must be true. Ultimately though the only way to change this view of the blackman is to do what ZeroGravity suggested, and take a grassroots approach (going out in the community and observing black men with their families).

I usually get stares of amazement and smiles when walking through the streets or shopping with my daughter (especially when my wife isn't with us). However I have walked through the streets of New York and seen blackmen walking with their children also. Positive blackmen are definately around, just hard to see (or easy to miss). My only concern about this approach is that it is too slow...an individual basis, but for now it is all we have (that is until black media decides to balance the scales)

I know people will get on me for this. I say as been stated before-mold our own images and own some of the media ourselves. Reason that I READ Black owned media along with general media. Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise, and others and I'll even actually buy the Final Call from the brothers of the NOI selling it. Our general media (Ebony for example) do show some of the negative press Black men get in the regualar mainstream media,but unlike them THEY DO show the positive brothers-those universally known and those not so known.

I know people will get on me for this. I say as been stated before-mold our own images and own some of the media ourselves. Reason that I READ Black owned media along with general media. Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise, and others and I'll even actually buy the Final Call from the brothers of the NOI selling it. Our general media (Ebony for example) do show some of the negative press Black men get in the regualar mainstream media,but unlike them THEY DO show the positive brothers-those universally known and those not so known.

Get on you? For what reading the Final Call? This is a black website brother, not a white corporate boardroom. Positive news about blackmen is welcome where ever it comes from.

The demonization will continue until we get out own media outlets that portray the other side of black brothas. Right now, the media paints a vivid picture of black men that are crime and sex crazed. I just read in the paper the other day that dr. j's wifes lawyers released a 15 year old tape of him having sex with another woman while they were seperated.The media will never be totally objective towards the black man, so this distorted picture will continue to be painted about us until we gain control of some of these outlets.
one love
khasm

Reason I said what I said was that some Black people think in lockstep that the NOI is equal to the Klan, cause whitefolks said so. What? The Klan was violent from the outset from which they were created shortly after the Civil War. The NOI was created or formed in the late 20's or early 30's and not too many people heard of them-unless you were in Chicago or Detroit or maybe New York. Only in the late 50's and early 60's that anybody nationwide started hearing of them. Now nobody can never come up with any crimes it has committed unless against each other or former members, but never any violence on the scale against whitefolks as the Klan against Black people.

Lots of good points... well if you want to punch a hole in a dam, you crack the weakest point. What is that point? Unknown at this time. But now that the question is out there. Let’s see where it goes.

Media... is paper, airways, television, cable, and PBS networks. The latter one is well known for getting another view point to the market. We know our target. The market is ourselves.

This makes it easier to see and hit.

My thought free flow is to break even better into the market of radio first.

College campuses... talk shows featuring individuals that have contributed, and have a message or program to offer the masses.

Coupled with that, would have to be a massive marketing campaign in each community to let the public know what stations to tune in on. For the information and highlights of programs available.

Local college DJ’s are open minded about what goes up on the air... we can start with education topics since that benefits them and opens up the thought first in the mind of those well known for public and community change.

Then move into social services and wellness programs. Community news and events.

It’s a start... Where else can we take this?

This is a great topic and I hope the Brothers don't mind a Sister responding and sharing a few of her thoughts on the subject. :)

I like the idea that Black men have to create their own image instead of the media doing it. I believe this is extremely critical. But, let's be realistic about whether that will stop the negative publicity about the Black man in the media. After all, you all have already recognized that the portrayal of Black men in the media is biased and unbalanced reporting at the present time, when we know there are great Black men in our communities. But I think Black men creating their own image is good, but it should be coupled with some other activities as well if an answer to the thread topic is to be found.

I also like the idea that more of us should own our own communication networks and companies, but maybe a different type than "Ebony", "Jet", et al. We need a better balance in our reporting, don't you think? I've not read The Final Call, but I'm sure its message adds more depth into the consciousness of Black people than say, "Jet" or "Essence" magazines. This is probably one of the best ways to communicate what we want to about ourselves.

But until more of us purchase or start our own communication businesses, what else can be done to stop the demonization of Black men in the media? What about good ole grassroots approaches such as boycotting the companies that perpetuate negative images of Black men? What about things like starting letter writing campaigns to producers/editors expressing our displeasure with such negative imagery?

I also think we can put pressure on and add steam behind organizations such as the NAACP, Urban League, NOI, and PanAfrican groups, to publically protest as well as lead boycotts.

If we withhold our money from these major companies, reducing their capital, do you think this might make a difference and an immediate impact? These companies are owned by large conglomerates that own other companies as well. We should research these corporations to find out exactly what their company portfolios consist of and hit them hard.

Just a few thoughts. Thanks for indulging me! :)

Queenie :spinstar:

Thank you for your response NN. I do believe that we need a letter writing campaign to the editors & journalist of the offending publications....that is a good idea.

I just read in the paper the other day that dr. j's wifes lawyers released a 15 year old tape of him having sex with another woman while they were seperated.
one love
khasm

Input from a woman...hope you brothers don't mind...

Turquoise probably kept the tape for blackmail purposes and for leverage in the marriage or a future divorce.

As far as the negative image of Black men in society, we also can start with ourselves. I don't know how many times I hear Black women having conversations at work about "no-good Black men". In fact, a Jewish guy walked up to a few of us and said, "I am the answer to the Black woman's prayers since most Black men aren't any good, in jail, or thugs". He was repeating some of what he heard around the office.

As much as I'm curious to know how the Black women responded to this misinformed Jewish man Sister Regina, can we for once quit criticizing sisters for at least the duration of this discussion and stay focused on the immediate topic which is about the demonization of Black men in the MEDIA? I would appreciate your indulgence.

Queenie :spinstar:

Well, shows that Turquoise's attorney is not UP to snuff. FL (unlike CA) is a NO fault state.Therefore the tape IS very irrelevant in the divorce. And if Dr J is right about the time frame of 'the' alleged tape-they WERE both separated at the time. Therefore, if Tuqoise's side released it for shock value. That much is accomplished. But if Dr J's side released it to innoculate him from any more sordid things-well that is a wash.

I really don't know brotha. The media has done such a fine job of defining us a animals that everyone already believes that's what we are. We indeed have black men out there who are contributing members of society, but they don't show that. They want to show the worst of us. That's the plan. Make the black man so undesirable to all, that's how they make themselves feel secure. As long as were not on the same level as other men are, the plan is a success to them. We all have to do things differently in our everyday lives also. We have to stop listening to music that makes our race look like fools. Many rappers, singers, sports athletes are financially secure, yet they still want to portray a negative image of themselves. Everyone wants to be a thug. Everyone brags how they sold drugs, killed people, robbed banks...even if they really didn't. We also have to stop coming out in movies that make us look ignorant. I see a lot of black movies that are just rediculous. Glorifying killing, gangbanging, selling drugs, etc. Just because it goes on doesn't mean we have to make tons of movies filled with black actors glorifying it. We tend to make a living by supporting the stereotypes that are killing us. We have to mold our own images. We can't depend on the media outlets to make us look good because we know that's not their job. We have to respect ourselves enough to carry ourselves as strong black men, not ignorant, disrespectful idiots, like these sell-outs in entertainment do. Most of all, the rest of the world needs to check themselves and stop believing everything that the media and entertainment industry shows them about black men. Think for themselves. We are just as strong, smart, dependable and caring as any other race.


:spin: :grouphug: :spin:

Applauding Your Insight And No-Nonsense Stand...I Completely Agree

I fight this demonization of black men in this manner

:smokin: Don't Purchase Porn Rap Music Or N word Music
:uzi: Don't Watch Thug/Ho Videos
Break Any Negative CD That Anyone Has The Nerve To Bring In My House
Don't Watch Black People In Demeaning Roles In Movies (Only In Positive Ones)
Don't Allow Sistahs To Diss My Black Men...After All I Got A Good Husband And 2 Great Sons.
Encouragement
Prayer
And The Teaching Of Common Sense...A Very Valuable Tool

Now of course, by myself, I am not having a lot of effect on this industry, but just think if most people would follow the above list to a tee. There would be no more people like Snoop Dog, R. Kelly and 50 cents. There would be no Viacom - White owner of BET- Providing 18 hours of Thug/Ho video programming daily. :deal: Time Warner would not be as rich as they are today - the financial backers of dirty rap from the early 80's on. Whites have enjoyed much wealth from our self-inflicting wounds. I think it's about time that we grow tired of this and make some changes. Even if I were the type of person that enjoyed this type of entertainment, I am pretty sure that I would soon get "bored" with it, because there is really nothing fresh in the lyrical content department. After all, how many times can you hear I "f"ed yo moma and now I'm gonna get you too without getting bored with it??? Lack of talent has gained so much wealth for these people because whites love it and so do other races like the asian for example. They are buying these CD and viewing these movies way more than black people themselves. As you said...We have to mold our own images
This has been a strong determination within myself, every since I heard a white person say this...I like *igga music. He buys it to be entertained but he also believes that this is a true reflection of most black people...sad, but we brought this on ourselves. If we stop giving it life, it will eventually die and something better will take it's place. Enuff said...for now anyway.

Joyce

I fight this demonization of black men in this manner. Don't Purchase Porn Rap Music Or N word Music. Don't Watch Thug/Ho Videos.
Break Any Negative CD That Anyone Has The Nerve To Bring In My House.
Don't Watch Black People In Demeaning Roles In Movies (Only In Positive Ones). Don't Allow Sistahs To Diss My Black Men...After All I Got A Good Husband And 2 Great Sons. Encouragement,Prayer, And The Teaching Of Common Sense...A Very Valuable Tool.

Amen Joyce, and God Bless You!! Our community is in great need of more sistas like yourself. You are also 100% correct about how other people perceive these negative images of black culture (that we put out by ourselves). Gangsta Rap, Movies, etc.....reinforce the pre-existing image of the black criminal. White, Latino, and Asian youth buy this for entertainment, they even imitate the style. But they have no respect for black people, they are literally taking pleasure in our misery. Furthermore these individual grow up to become the nation's law makers & law enforcers, and they act on the images of black people they witnessed as children.

Exactly, these people buy stuff like that and look at Black men like some joke. Some of us sell ourselves out for a dollar. It is very damaging to our image when the most popular artist are the ones that are bragging about negative, self-hating topics. When I watch BET sometimes and I see rappers with all this gold in their mouth and bragging about their $500,000 watches and appearing on MTV cribs bragging that their pillowcases cost $10,000 ea. it makes people look at us like, "man, these people get money and that's how they spend it instead of investing it, stupid". Music is a very powerful tool and we misuse it worst than any race. Every music video now has like 15 girls to every one guy in a club atmosphere, popping champange and tossing money around like we don't know what to do with it now that we got it. Every song. It's rediculous. We need to realize that the media has no problem making one dumb rapper filthy rich if his actions will hurt the rest of us. That's true what panafrica said also, that we don't realize. These people do grow up to be lawmakers, police officers, judges and other individuals in power, and that's what they think of us from the little exposure they have to our culture, not to mention the racist opinions of their peers and parents to support it. Joyce makes the perfect point at how we should combat this problem. I too do not purchase things like this anymore. If it's a negative thing about our people it doesn't get my dollar. I will not have a hand in making us look as they want us to while they run to the bank laughing.

Exactly kente417mojo, truth be told I haven't bought Hip Hop for almost 12 years because I didn't like the messages being sent (I grew up with the black nationalist rap of Public Enemy, BDP, Kool Moe Dee, etc.). I haven't seen a gansta film since Boys N the Hood (one of the few which actually had a message). There is more to the black experience than the negative stereotypes promoted in popular culture.

I agree, there is a way to get a message across and tell about life on the streets without glorifying it. A lot of these rappers say in interviews how hard it was and how they "HAD" to sell drugs to get by, but when you listen to the music they make it seem cool and fun to sell drugs and shoot people. They are doing anything but "keeping it real". There are a few rappers and entertainers out using some sense (Common, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu) but they never get the airtime that 50 Cent, Lil John, Snoop Dogg etc. get. They don't want positive, uplifting messages getting out to black people. They always want turmoil in our communities. I would never want to make money bringing down black people. It's weird how these guys don't see what they are doing. Or maybe they don't care as long as they have their huge mansions. No one envys these guys, they just get laughed at because of their ignorance and willingness to sell-out.

I read these threads sometimes and it often feels like people who have the courage to post their opinions are "singing to the choir"...different words but basically saying the same things. If everyone in our community felt like and behaved like the ones who have responded to this thread, it would certainly be a better place to live, wouldn't it?

But we know for a fact that not everyone agrees with these opinions nor are they willing to follow in the footsteps of those who advocate strongly for boycotting people and industries that promote negative images of Black people. Knowing that, then why aren't these people responding to these types of threads and owning up to the fact that they are willing participants in mainstream America's demise of the Black man, woman and family? True, you may argue that you don't see it that way, but the fact remains, supporting these types of activities affects us and our community in harmful ways.

Where is the courage of the people who are dissenters of the powerful opinions expressed here thus far? Brother kente417mojo, I agree with what you wrote almost 100% except when you commented that, "Music is a very powerful tool and we misuse it worst than any race." I don't necessarily agree with this because I think that white people have learned how to use music to create a counter-culture as well and I'm thinking of Heavy Metal when I say this: the so called "bad boys" of rock 'n roll with their long greasy looking hair and group of hot pants wearing, fake breasts showing, long hair slinging video 'ho's'.

My sense is that because Black people tend to have higher standards and stronger moral codes when it comes to raising our babies, I think what happens when we see our people doing similar types of things, we become horrified and feel extreme anger and disappointment because we get the sense that we are emulating the behavior of our oppressors.

How can we expect to get ahead if we take on the characteristics of the very people who oppress us, is the question I often ask. If we think it's wrong when they do it, what would make us think it's okay for us to do it?

I don't expect us all to agree on this or many of the topics we discuss here. But it sure would be nice to have a different perspective from those who don't agree with the ones put on the table so far.

I'm not judging anyone's right to choose what they like because we know there are some Black people here in this community who don't see anything wrong with what Snoop and others like him are doing. We know there are some Black people out there who have a hip hop/rap music collection that will put some DJ's to shame. We know there are Black people out there who buy cable every month JUST to watch BET and MTV videos, especially those that air real late at night. We know there are some sisters and brothers out there who are trying to learn the latest bump and grind dance by watching those videos. Balck people, don't be ashamed to admit what you're really doing or are willing to do because if you are ashamed, then why? Who out there is willing to still buy the music, watch the videos, are happy to see the money flow to the brothers and sisters who are making the music, and think it's about time our people are getting a share of the American dream? I'm sure there are some of us here who do. Let's have a real balanced discussion about this.

Queenie :spinstar:

The obvious things we can do to offset the demonization of brothas is to protray ourselves in more respectable roles. Besides that, demand more respect for our sistahs. What other race has their women being characterize in such negative ways? Once we uplift our sistahs that will complement us men also.

The obvious things we can do to offset the demonization of brothas is to protray ourselves in more respectable roles. Besides that, demand more respect for our sistahs. What other race has their women being characterize in such negative ways? Once we uplift our sistahs that will complement us men also.


:smash: You Hit The Nail Right On The Head Brotha! :wave:

Hello Family,

This is my first post after a short absence. Glad to be part of this thread. I have watched the flow of your thought processes for three pages and would like to make a few comments. Please bear with me for where I seem to disagree you may find that I am not disagreeing at all.

I support Queenie and Pan in saying that some action should be taken against newspapers and magazines that portray Black men negatively. I'm not sure if letter writing will be conducive to our cause.

Consider the golden rule: He who has the gold makes the rules. The dollar we pay for a newspaper is not what keeps them running. Their money comes from advertizers. Remember that in the business world the customer is the party that is paying. As a reader you are not the customer. You are the product. The real customers pay the newspapers to attract readers who will see their ads. They don't care if you are happy with the programming or not as long as you see the ads. Here's what happens when you run a letter writing campaigne. Let's say the editor of the Southwest Bugle receives 10,000 scathing letters of hot protest against a story they ran last week.

Exec (to advertizers): Hey John, look at this. 10,000 people saw your ad in our paper last week!
John: That's great, Bill. You're doing a great job. Keep it up and we'll sign our contract with you again next year.

A more effective approach might be to send letters to the advertizers letting them know that because they support said newspaper's negative portrayals we will make a special effort not to buy their products plus we will no longer read that paper and thus will not see their ads anymore.

Let's talk about boycotts. What made the bus boycott effective? They addressed a problem that was affecting everyone innvolvd in the boycott. Also they had an obtainable goal: the ability of Blacks to ride anywhere on the bus they wanted. How can we organize a boycott that will have those two important elements?

Merely boycotting a company for a negative portrayal they made will not do this. As Queenie said everyone will not agree that something terrible is being done to us. Also, what is the goal? They can't go back and not air a show that has already been aired. Why should they canncell a show if we keep watching it? And the more we protest the more we show them that we are watching it. Would it not be better to focus on the positive entertainers? Buy their CDs and videos to show the execs that this is where the money is (there's that golden rule). Then write letters or phone in to ask to see more of these entertainers. Don't even mention the negative ones. I once read an intervew of Madonna. The interviewer asked Madonna about some girl who claimed that Madonna stole her song. I don't remember the girl's name so I will call her Mary

Madonna: Mary who?

Snoop who? A dog? Oh I know who you're talking about. That's Charlie Brown's dog. I didn't know he was making videos.

No matter how big a star is he or she will fade into oblivion if people stop watching. Am I making any sense?

Here is what I was talking about in this article about Blacks making up the higher percentages of entrepreneurs between the ages of 25-35. But if the article comes up, it is buried in the article. There was a similar article in my local paper the Birmingham News, this past Saturday I believe-a slightly different article. The source could have been from Fortune or Wall Street Journal and it started with a convo between the CEO of American Express(or some other company) that was Black and another Black employee of the company going over how things changed and the new employee wasn't hating on his boss or anything in his thinking, but wanted to get where he was by starting his own business instead of trying to move up in the corporation like he did.

http://www.fortune.com/fortune/smallbusiness/articles/0,15114,551661,00.html

I understand everything you said Sister River, and there is much wisdom to your words, but I don't know if I agree with all of your points. History has shown that boycotts can shut down stores, and remove programs from the air. It is true that TV & Magazines (radio as well) get the bulk of their money from advertisement dollars. The more people that watch, read, listen....the more advertisers a outlet will get. Thus even if people complain, if they continue to watch, the show will continue. However, if you intend to boycott a show....quite simply don't continue to watch it!

Boycotting & Protest can be quite effective if done right. An example of this is the recent boycott of the Ronald Regan movie, which was suppose to come on ABC (it might have been NBC). Republicans got wind that the movie portrayed "their hero" in a negative light, they immediately started boycotting the network, and its potential advertisers. The end result was the movie got pulled before it even aired!!

It is true that one of the best courses of action would be to simply watch the alternative. Instead of watching negative black shows out of a misguided attempt to support black actors, watch positive blacks shows. The problem is there are not that many positive black shows (only Bernie Mac, and My Wife & Kids qualifies to me). Ideally outlets like BET, Ebony, Essence, etc. would provide this alternative....unfortunately they don't. Black newspapers like New York's Amsterdam News, Baltimore's Afro-American, even the NOI's Final Call do provide good alternatives...but they have limited circulation. Still I agree with you that we must support the little positives that we have.....but boycott & protest in the meantime.

Let's cut through the fog here and take a clearer view of this topic. My people, we already KNOW what we can and need to do to end the demonization of Black men. The bigger question is are WE willing to do it or are we going to continue to sit around and do nothing?

Many of us need to stop behaving like poor pitiful victims and learn how to stand up straight by protesting what we believe are injustices against us. If you're not willing to stand up for what you believe in, then nothing will change and the complaining will go on and on continuing to fall on deaf ears.

Oftentimes I think we get too bogged down under the weight of rhetoric and apathy and lose sight of the fact that many times there are simple things we can do everyday to stop the madness. We get so overwhelmed and frustrated by it that we either become paralyzed by it or an advocate in a fight against it.

Some of us are practicing what we 'teach' but apparently not enough to make a difference. I can't believe that this is done out of ignorance among the masses either. That's too easy of an excuse to assume. I just think that many more of us fall into that category of paralyzation. We know what we should do, but many of us won't.

Every issue we deal with doesn't require a debate about things we could do. The question asked in this thread should be what ARE WE DOING to stop the demonization of Black men. Many of us are astute enough to know full well what to do. But for some reason, we're not doing it, and if we are, it's the best kept secret because I don't see where anyone here as offered that information.

There is no ONE right way to address these issues. Why would anyone think there would be? You mean to tell me there's only one way to win a war? Of course not!

Let's not just think more broadly about these types of issues but let's also act more broadly when it comes to protesting injustices. Be it in the form of boycotts, letter writing campaigns, withholding your time and money by not spending it on things you don't agree with, just do something!

The point is, are we working toward the same goal, and if so, can't there be different ways for us to get there? Start today if you haven't already.

Don't get up everyday and follow your routine if it contradicts what you say you want.

THINK BEFORE you:

Turn your television/radio on today
Purchase or subscribe to a magazine
Purchase a product
Vote in any election
Apply for credit card or purchase anything on credit

Feel free to add to the above list if you wish to.

Peace,
Queenie :spinstar:

I feel you Pan. Brother I did not say that boycotting isn't effective. I said we need to look at what made it effective before and incorporate those elements into any boycotts we hold now. We have to be knowledgeable about today's economic climate and think of things that will really hurt rather than just annoy offending outlets.

Queenie you are so right. Actually I don't even see this discussion as a debate. We are just putting our ideas on the table to examine them and see what is likely to work. Some of those ideas will be shot down others will stand with certain addendums and qualifications. It's okay. I don't care because I am thinking with ya'll not against you. The only thing thhese ideas must compete with is reality. Because of our different experiences we all have a somewhat different take on reality when we come to the table and that is good, Sistah. That is very good.

Here I go actually posting SOMETHING positive about Black people, especially Black men in a magazine article(mainstream, I may add-Fortune) that says that young educated Black men with complete or some graduate school education is now becoming the new emerging face of Black or minority entrepreneurs and is getting slept on. Now if I posted several negative stuff about Black men-everybody notices.

That's human nature, man. It's true of any race. Most people when you introduce news as good news they immediately predict that they will be bored to tears. People want to hear the dirt. They want to hear the juicy stuff. What do you hear in the news? That fifty per cent of marriages end in divorce. You never hear about the other fifty per cent that don't end in divorce. In the news the glass is always half empty. Is that not true?

River, you've described the paradox of the 'demonization' of Black men. Even Min Farrakkhan mentioned that. Even if the goals of the Million Man March was realized, paraphrasing, that others would say 'look at those people and marvel'. In my opinion, not!!!! If God was to say, I'll send Black people a leader to look up to, have all of them keep me in their heart and harken to the leader I sent them and they'll be Blessed. If all that WERE to come true-all of the negative stereotypes of Black people WILL still be regurgitated and recirculated-even IF the reality is different.

You so right Yaph,

It's not going to stop so how can we rise above it? One of the things I have always wondered is why when a white man does something he is acting on his own representing no one but himself. But when a black man does something he becomes a senechdoche for the entire race. When the news broke abot Kaczinsky (the Unabomber) nobody said "Get them crackers out of the post office. I told you they're no good" or "Careful with that letter, John. It's from a white man and it might be loaded."

I remember at school this ofay looking white cat came up to me to ask about a machine that I was using and he started telling me abou this band he played in. He said "I guess you wouldn't expect a bunch of white guys to know anything about rhythm." I said "Well I'm sure you can jump when you put your mind to it." He laughed and told me that's just whata his manager said. We stereotype them all the time. They know this and they just laugh. What was the white reaction to that movie "White Men Can't Jump?" What would our reaction be if a similar title came out about Black men? Why is it possible for them to laugh at the Three Stooges while we cringe at the very idea of a black character named Butthead?

Let them (the media) keep on with their lies. They OWN the stations (radios and television) and also the newspapers. We just don't have to believe their lies.

We can spiritually tune them out. For I know in my heart that jealous people will resort to petty lies and misrepresentations. And if you take time to keep abreast of daily occurrences in the world, many white people are being exposed in a bad light.

How many black soldiers participated in the horrible prisoner torments in Iraq? Look at the manish looking white women, making complete fools of themselves and having sex, being photographed. This is making the US look bad and probably led to the death of the Berg fellow from PA.

Look at the high rate of sexual assaults on children. And how many times have a black man been exposed as a school principal, teacher, judge, lawyer, police officer, priest, etc. who downloads pornographic pictures of children having sex with adults?

For every black man who does sell drugs or perhaps do other negative things, there is at least 10 white men who commit other heinous crimes. Not that I'm minimizing anything, but choosing the lesser of the two evils, molesting a child is far more horrible than getting caught selling a nickle bag.

I know that white people can't believe that I have a son who is in college. Who is not out on the streets at night messing up. Because they are conditioned into thinking the worst of us.

White folks don't want to hear about young black men who are college educated and doing something positive in their lives. It's a shock to them when a black man does something successful. Even my local paper never speaks of positive black kids.

But it's ok, brothers and sisters. We see the exposure regarding those "pictures" from Iraq. As of this writing, I haven't heard about any non-white female soldiers tormenting prisoners or having photos of them having sex. And I've seen my share of white priests, teachers, judges, executives, etc. being exposed for having kiddie porn downloaded on their computers.

God has a way of exposing things. The more the media tries to portray us in a negative way, the hurtful truth comes out about them and they can't cover it up.

This may be off topic but what I don't understand is why do they hate us so much? Why do they want to degrade us? What have we ever done to them that makes them feel threaten by our existance? In the community where I grew up the parents watch over every child like they were their own. If I was caught doing something I was'nt supposed to be doing, they would chastise me,then send me home to my mother, telling her what they had seen. We are an intelligent, creative, passionate people! We have a natural inner beauty that money can't buy. As a whole we forgotton our worth. We forgotton the intensity of the blood, sweat and torture our ancestor's endured to make this place a desirable place for most. The only language these people know is capital gain. We need commercial about discrimination and sterotypes. Just like the don't do drugs and the don't drive drunk commercials. We need a list of numbers and contacts that our people need to reach in these commercial. We need to let them know that we are here to support them regardless of what their situation is. We need them to know that all of us arent out to steal their money. we need to gain the trust of our people in order to rescue them from the matrix that was design to keep us in the dark. I personally would like to see our people get ahead but due to lack of trust in those who claim to want the same things,then turn around to use my money for their own personal gain or prestigious statues, I'm not sure which should I support. The issue here is how do we gain the trust of our people? How do we insure them that our struggle is one of unity? I work hard for my fifty cents and to see it misused in a manner other than what it was intended for makes me reluctant to give. How do we get our people back? How do we convince them that power is in unity? once we come together as a whole, we can stop the demonization of our Black Men and Women. The issue here is unity! we have to stand strong and firm to our convicitions. With out togetherness we will always fall short. I am not political nor do I have a college degree but It don't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we are not supportive or loyal to our ethnic background. How do we regain the trust of our people? I know in my heart that the the way to overcome these illusions Is through UNITY! It's time to say no to mental mind games! I believe the answers lies in us?

DELETED - SEE ME FOR INPUT

DELETED - SEE ME FOR INPUT

One of the ways I am trying to curtail this problem is to create films that portray Black Men and Men period for that matter, in a different light but yet an entertaining fashion.

One must realize that commericial media is about profit, and the current trend for profit is to demonize men in General, not just Black men, until the consumer changes their minds about what they want to see, the media will continute to pump the negativity.

Remember the media is consumer driven and profit driven, especially Hollywood, it is not driven by race in my opinion.

I had to bring this thread back up because today I witnessed the most infuriating & blanket case of the media demonizing black men that I have ever witnessed! The cover story of today's New York Daily News featured a child support battle between Simon Ajose & his ex-wife Stephanie Lopez. Who is Simon Ajose? Is he a celebrity? A high profile person? A threat to public safety? Did he commit a sensational crime? No to all accounts!! Simon Ajose is a regular man...black man, who earned a law degree, and decided to give up law to study divinity. He is also locked in a child custody, child support battle like millions of other men in the US. Apparently the Daily News considered this common case not only news worthy, but front page material! They even pointed out that he failed the Bar on his 1st attempt! Can someone else tell me another reason besides his race, that this brother is being publically humiliated in this fashion?

A Brooklyn judge wants a deadbeat dad to choose the law over God - telling him to use his legal degree to make money to support his kids, and postpone plans to become a minister.
The bizarre intersection of church and state was revealed yesterday in a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Sunshine.

The judge held the wanna-be clergyman in contempt for being "voluntarily unemployed" and stiffing his ex-wife out of $40,000 in back child support.

The trouble started when Ivy League grad Simon Ajose left his six-figure job as a lawyer, stopped paying child support and enrolled in divinity school.

Sunshine told Ajose, 38, to put down his Bible - for now - and belly up to the state bar and put his Columbia Law School degree to use.

Ajose "has chosen not to meet any of his support obligations nor does he provide any reasonable excuse, at this juncture, for not filing the necessary papers for admission to the New York State bar," Sunshine wrote.

"Once admitted and once earning a living, there would be nothing to stop him from going to night school to gain an additional degree in divinity while still meeting his obligations to support his two young children," the judge added.

Ajose, the reluctant lawyer, represented himself in the case. Last night, Ajose refused to comment on the judge's decision or say whether he would return full-time to the practice of law. But he defended his record as a father.

"I love my children more than anything in this world," said Ajose, who lives with his mother in Brooklyn. "I have done the best I possibly can to provide for them. I feel that nonmonetary contributions should be taken into account."

Asked about his ex-wife, Stephanie Lopez, he invoked the Bible, saying, "Jesus says love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/story/299354p-256276c.html

THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS IS CREATE OUR OWN MEDIA. DO NOT FORGET THE MEDIA NEWS CHANNELS, HOLLYWOOD ECT. ARE IN PART CONTROLLED BY C.I.A/GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. OTHERS ARE JUST ALL ABOUT THE DOLLAR. CBS WAS ORGINIZED BY THE C.I.A., THEY USE IT AS A CATALYST FOR THEIR PROPAGANDA. THE OTHERS SIMPLY USE SHOCK VALUE TO SELL THEIR ADVERTISING SPOTS.

HOW TO STOP?...FORM YOUR OWN, NEWS PAPERS, MAGAZINES, STATIONS. WRITE YOUR OWN SCREEN PLAYS, PILOTS, BOOKS. BUILD YOUR OWN STUDIOS , AND SOUND STAGES.

PEACE

Pan

I feel you on that blood, word is bond.

If you notice, these last 4 or 5 years have brought an unpresedented attack upon black people from the mainstream media.

They are reporting and showing things that are so blatantly racist that they probably would never had dared show and report 20 or even 30 years ago.


Check how they constantly kept the situation of the black man who shot up the court house down in Atlanta, all over the news.

Even had candle-light visuals and specials on Meet The Press on morality and evilness in America concerning the incident.

Yet when a crazy Indian boy shoots up a school over in Minnesota killing 10 people, and a crazy white man kills a dozen people (women and children) in Wisconsin during this same time period....it barely got any press.


Where I live....
They can't get the facts straight on how many troops have actually died in Iraq, but a black man can't snatch a purse or be late on his child-support payment without his name being blasted all over the television screen.


I call this the Fox News Syndrome where America news in no longer informative and about the facts, just racial stereotyping and sensationalism.

We need a new outlet of our own.

I'm not a black man, but I think the Internet is a powerful vehicle to help portray them (as well as black women) in a positive light.

If you're good at photography, take some pictures of friends and families who defy the negative stereotypes. Make a website bringing together black men who are a positive reflection of the community; the dads, the entreprenuers, the educated, etc. Post articles that showcase the accomplishments of black men. Make sure to give it a catchy domain, like averageblackman.com

It might seem like a little step, but it can make a difference.

I'm not a black man, but I think the Internet is a powerful vehicle to help portray them (as well as black women) in a positive light.

If you're good at photography, take some pictures of friends and families who defy the negative stereotypes. Make a website bringing together black men who are a positive reflection of the community; the dads, the entreprenuers, the educated, etc. Post articles that showcase the accomplishments of black men. Make sure to give it a catchy domain, like averageblackman.com

It might seem like a little step, but it can make a difference.

This is a good idea sister Karmashines, I've already thought of such a project...I just need more free time to start it. Hopefully within the next year everyone will be seeing it!

The subject really says it all. From Newspaper articles like "ManSharing hurts Sistas"..to News Reports which suggest that the Black male is a criminal....to Magazines which depict the black man as a sperm donors that do not care about their children. In almost all public discussions the Black man is portrayed as a vile creature, who does not compare to men of other races. My question to the brothers of Destee is how do we balance the scales and shed light on positive Brothas? Not celebrities..but the average Brotha who takes care of his family, does not commit crimes, and is a leader in his community. In other words how do we make the "invisible" Black man visible?

Brother Pan, this might sound harsh, but one of the ways we can stop this demonization of African men in the Media, is buy a boatload of bandanas wholesale, and tie 'em 'round brother's mouths using a windsor knot... We do so much damage to ourselves just talking ignorantly and behaving disgracefully...

Malcolm told us we must Get Up, Clean Up, and Stand Up, in that order... Regardless of what White Boys say or do, it is our responsibilty to respect ourselves, our women, our family, and our God... White Folks, I decided a Loooooog time ago, are gonna do what they're gonna do... Doesn't matter how we dress, or how we conduct ourselves, their preconceived notions of whom we are will remain... We must do the the very best by ourselves, no matter who is looking, whether out in the open, or behind closed doors...

Peace!
Isaiah

Brother Pan, this might sound harsh, but one of the ways we can stop this demonization of African men in the Media, is buy a boatload of bandanas wholesale, and tie 'em 'round brother's mouths using a windsor knot... We do so much damage to ourselves just talking ignorantly and behaving disgracefully...

That is something to think about!

Brother Pan, this might sound harsh, but one of the ways we can stop this demonization of African men in the Media, is buy a boatload of bandanas wholesale, and tie 'em 'round brother's mouths using a windsor knot... We do so much damage to ourselves just talking ignorantly and behaving disgracefully...

Malcolm told us we must Get Up, Clean Up, and Stand Up, in that order... Regardless of what White Boys say or do, it is our responsibilty to respect ourselves, our women, our family, and our God... White Folks, I decided a Loooooog time ago, are gonna do what they're gonna do... Doesn't matter how we dress, or how we conduct ourselves, their preconceived notions of whom we are will remain... We must do the the very best by ourselves, no matter who is looking, whether out in the open, or behind closed doors...

Peace!
Isaiah

True, but it's not fair that a whole gender & race gets chastized because of the actions of a few. And blacks, like everyone else, are human. We will always have those that are a disgrace to the community.

I think the message that blacks need to do better has been preached enough. It's high time that the millions of positive people in our community are highlighted more, so less focus can be placed on the negative ones.

True, but it's not fair that a whole gender & race gets chastized because of the actions of a few. And blacks, like everyone else, are human. We will always have those that are a disgrace to the community.

I think the message that blacks need to do better has been preached enough. It's high time that the millions of positive people in our community are highlighted more, so less focus can be placed on the negative ones.


Beloved Sister, I understand what you are saying, and the general angst among African people as regards how we are ALL portrayed in the White Man's media, but I feel that we've got to be responsible FIRST and FOREMOST about OUR IMAGE...

You see, beloved, I aint got the faith in White Folks most African Americans SEEM to have... I mean we REALLY believe this man is going to clean up his act after all these years, or that it is possible to appeal to him morally??? Wow, didn't Malcolm tell us he is neither moral, nor has a conscience??? Seems we don't listen - not to Malcolm, nor the White Man, who's been speaking in LOUD, VIOLENT tones for a millenia now...

Just what will it take for us to realize this, sister??? Just when will we stop giving THE MAN such juicy material for his minstrel show???? Are you trying to tell me that we have ZERO RESPONSIBILITY, that its all on WHITE PAPA to stop his madness against his lil black chilluns??? Don't be offended sister, but this how we sound in making these appeals to this man... That's why he ridicules us, tells us we're cCRYING RACISM... Ever hear that phrase??? I hate to say it, but it does have the ring of truth sometimes... My thoughts...

Peace!
Isaiah

We will never stop white media from demonizing black males. That is the only way that white males can keep their feeling of superiority over us. They're never going to give that up. As long as they can show negative statistics about us they will do it. As long as some black men continue to give them "fuel for the fire" they will continue to use what they are given to group us together as one big "n!gg@r". The only thing we can do is try to use what black media that exists to spread positive imagery and statistics about black men. Unfortunately, many black media are more concerned with "black male shortages" and "DL men". Doing the devils work if you will. I guess all we can really do is try not to make it so easy for them.

That's my "BIG" opinion.

The subject really says it all. From Newspaper articles like "ManSharing hurts Sistas"..to News Reports which suggest that the Black male is a criminal....to Magazines which depict the black man as a sperm donors that do not care about their children. In almost all public discussions the Black man is portrayed as a vile creature, who does not compare to men of other races. My question to the brothers of Destee is how do we balance the scales and shed light on positive Brothas? Not celebrities..but the average Brotha who takes care of his family, does not commit crimes, and is a leader in his community. In other words how do we make the "invisible" Black man visible?

I have always wanted to create a publication. Maybe one of our own started by concerned brothers and sisters like us. In it we can feature the average man and woman on the streets. Focus on all citys we are located in.

We have the folks here located all over America.

Each joint publisher submits a story each week they sponsor. Write and add to the publication. The ( all ) publication is funded by advertisers anyway. The profit from sales is an added benefit.

I'm game... excited about the idea and think it is something that would ( change the face of America ) ( generate lots and tons of positive sprit in our commuinty ) ( highlighting good foods, recipes, down home stuff ) ( real beliefs highlighted, covered and this would be something that would really crush stereotypes ) create the average exposer the masses ( need ) desire. Real life, no need to get your hair all fixed up, but do brush it back and wipe your face type of coverage. We are coming into your life!

Beloved Sister, I understand what you are saying, and the general angst among African people as regards how we are ALL portrayed in the White Man's media, but I feel that we've got to be responsible FIRST and FOREMOST about OUR IMAGE...

You see, beloved, I aint got the faith in White Folks most African Americans SEEM to have... I mean we REALLY believe this man is going to clean up his act after all these years, or that it is possible to appeal to him morally??? Wow, didn't Malcolm tell us he is neither moral, nor has a conscience??? Seems we don't listen - not to Malcolm, nor the White Man, who's been speaking in LOUD, VIOLENT tones for a millenia now...

Just what will it take for us to realize this, sister??? Just when will we stop giving THE MAN such juicy material for his minstrel show???? Are you trying to tell me that we have ZERO RESPONSIBILITY, that its all on WHITE PAPA to stop his madness against his lil black chilluns??? Don't be offended sister, but this how we sound in making these appeals to this man... That's why he ridicules us, tells us we're cCRYING RACISM... Ever hear that phrase??? I hate to say it, but it does have the ring of truth sometimes... My thoughts...

Peace!
Isaiah

True, we do have some who act on the stereotypes, but even if 99.9% were the paradigm of human perfection, white culture would still pick on us. I mean, look at some of the racist media in the past, during eras when the black community didn't have the types of problems it has today. Even back then white culture got off on portraying black men as animalistic, dumb and violent criminals anxious to rape white women. Did black men do anything to deserve that? No.

So while I do agree that we should try the best we can to improve our behaviors, we should also not feel the need to have to babysit other blacks. We can try to influence, yes, but people will do their own thing. That's why I think it's important to start accentuating on those who are doing the right thing already. White culture would have less ammunition against us in the media if we would fight back with positive images of ourselves. The problem with blacks in the media is that there aren't enough positive images to offeset the negative ones. This isn't the case with whites. For every show that makes fun of poor 'white trash', there's another one that will show the rich, successful white succeeding in America. For every show that has the white single mom who's been ****ted on by her ex-husband or boyfriend, there's another that will show a 'happy' nuclear family. For every news report that features a white criminal, there's another one that will take about a white humanitarian. I could go on and on.

I have always wanted to create a publication. Maybe one of our own started by concerned brothers and sisters like us. In it we can feature the average man and woman on the streets. Focus on all citys we are located in.

We have the folks here located all over America.

Each joint publisher submits a story each week they sponsor. Write and add to the publication. The ( all ) publication is funded by advertisers anyway. The profit from sales is an added benefit.

I'm game... excited about the idea and think it is something that would ( change the face of America ) ( generate lots and tons of positive sprit in our commuinty ) ( highlighting good foods, recipes, down home stuff ) ( real beliefs highlighted, covered and this would be something that would really crush stereotypes ) create the average exposer the masses ( need ) desire. Real life, no need to get your hair all fixed up, but do brush it back and wipe your face type of coverage. We are coming into your life!

That's a good idea.

I aint got the faith in White Folks most African Americans SEEM to have... I mean we REALLY believe this man is going to clean up his act after all these years, or that it is possible to appeal to him morally??? Wow, didn't Malcolm tell us he is neither moral, nor has a conscience??? Seems we don't listen - not to Malcolm, nor the White Man, who's been speaking in LOUD, VIOLENT tones for a millenia now...

Just what will it take for us to realize this, sister??? Just when will we stop giving THE MAN such juicy material for his minstrel show???? Are you trying to tell me that we have ZERO RESPONSIBILITY, that its all on WHITE PAPA to stop his madness against his lil black chilluns??? Don't be offended sister, but this how we sound in making these appeals to this man... That's why he ridicules us, tells us we're cCRYING RACISM... Ever hear that phrase??? I hate to say it, but it does have the ring of truth sometimes... My thoughts...


As the years have gone by...as I've looked at both myself & my community...everything that is said here, I've come to realize myself!

The ethnic provincials among us might be disturbed to see a growing number of black women dating white men. One sees them at sporting events, at museums, at movie houses, restaurants and walking along seemingly swept up in the luminous net of romance.
Lord, Lord, Lord: the black woman and the white man.

Some will bitterly recall that terrorist period in Southern history when white men had all the money, all the power and could join a mob intent on killing a Negro for the forbidden act of "recklessly eyeballing" a white woman.

Now, as the song goes, things ain't what they used to be.

For a number of decades, black men in the urban North have crossed the romantic color line for a variety of reasons. Yet black women have almost always remained inside of the group.

Why are these women now coupling up with white men? Are they rejecting black men? Have they been caught worshiping whiteness out of a feeling of inferiority? Do they think they become white women by proxy if they date white men?

Given the nature of the human species, I assume there are some black women who are with white men for all the "wrong" reasons. But I think what we now see is the inevitable result of a problem that has been growing for years: a man shortage.

There are 2 million more adult black women than black men. Black men live far shorter lives and have greater health problems than black women, and far more black women than men graduate from college.

The numerical gap between black men and black women is the result of murder, AIDS, diseases like high blood pressure, heart failure and poor health care. Part of the medical care burden is imposed by backward attitudes toward doctors.

Illnesses that could be treated are much worse by the time most Negro men show up to find out about their health. I even know a country Negro from Florida who lives in Harlem, is 63 and fears going to the doctor for a checkup.

All this means that, when incarceration is factored in, there are far from enough men to go around. But even if murder, prison and irresponsible attitudes about health did not reduce the pool of men, negative attitudes toward schooling and higher education would mean all these educated black women would still find themselves roving in pursuit of partners equal to them in intellectual development.

That is a big change. In the past, it was not uncommon for black men to explain their white lovers by claiming they could not find black women sufficiently sophisticated to "understand" them. Now the black goose is catching up to the ebony gander.

I am not opposed to interracial relationships or marriages. What bothers me is that we have a tragic set of circumstances imposed by violent environments, poor attitudes toward education and perhaps the worst problem of all: a lack of intellectual engagement and a fear of doctors.

These problems are far from intractable. But the time for new strategies and new attitudes is not tomorrow; it is right now.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/col/scrouch/

I hesitated about whether or not to post this one, because I didn’t want to add to the gluttony of interracial threads already on this site. After some consideration, I decided to add it to this thread, because this is another form of demonization of the black male in media. It is hard for me to believe a black person wrote this article, let alone a black man. Yet once again stereotypes are being passed for facts, and the purpose is to make the black man look worse than he is. I have identified several myths perputated in this article that needs to cease:

Myth #1. The black male started today’s interracial dating trend:

The 1st legally recognized interracial marriage in the United States was between a white man (Richard Loving) and a black woman (Mildred Jeter) in 1967….they originally married in 1958. This marriage was a reflection of the prevalent interracial relationship of the day: a white man & a black woman. While it might be true that a higher number of black men have dated interracially since the 1960s, black women have always dated/married interracial & have done so longer than black men. If an increasing number of black woman are now dating interracial, it isn’t a reaction to black men doing the same!

Myth #2. Black Men have a short life expectancy:

Women live longer than men, this is true of all races. However the difference of life expectancy of black men & black woman (7 years) is comparable to that of white men & white women (5 years). Why would a supposed professional journalist make a big deal of such a minor difference? It should also be stated that life expectancy for black men is improving.
• White men: 75.4 years (death rate down 2.1%)
• Black men: 69.2 years (death rate down 2.5%)
• White women: 80.5 years (death rate down 1.2%)
• Black women: 76.1 years (death rate down 2.4%)
http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/101/106141.htm

Myth #3. Far more black women graduate from college than black men:

According to the 2002 US Census numbers 16% of Black Men have Bachelor’s Degrees or higher compared to 18% of Black Women who have Bachelor’s Degrees or higher. While it is true that more Black Women have degrees, it is obviously a stretch to say that a 2% differential qualifies as “far more”.

http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/p20-541.pdf

Myth #4. Large percentages of HIV makes Black men less attractive dating/marrying choices.

Black women actually have a higher percentage rate of HIV infection than Black men do.

Myth #5. Black males are imprisoned at a higher rate than Black females, thus making them undesirable mates.

Black women actually make up a greater percent of inmates than Black men do (roughly 75% compared to 60% for men).

http://www.november.org/stayinfo/breaking3/SFBayView.html

Myth #6. The gender gap is greater among African Americans than it is among other races.

The truth is females outnumber males in comparable numbers across all races.
______________________________________

Now that the stereotypes have been dismissed, we can have a conversation!

Pan

Respect

The sad part is....even after drop all these stats to prove them wrong.....those who want to run down and dog out black men will still find reasons to do so.


All through out my coming up I constantly heard some sistaz complain about the shortage of black men, how there wasn't enough black men to go around. And this used to puzzle me because when I went outside all I saw was black men up and down the block, at school, in the mall, on television.


Then as time went by and more bruthaz like you started challenging these myths....

They switched the lingo from not enough black men, to not enough "available" black men.

Then from not enough "available" black men, to not enough "good" black men.

Then it was all about black men with good jobs and money.

Now it seems that many of them are opting out of black men all together and pointing to black men who date white women, or "down low" bruthaz as an excuse to start back to screwing white men and others.

It's a no win situation with some...

They switched the lingo from not enough black men, to not enough "available" black men.

Then from not enough "available" black men, to not enough "good" black men.

Then it was all about black men with good jobs and money.

Now it seems that many of them are opting out of black men all together and pointing to black men who date white women, or "down low" bruthaz as an excuse to start back to screwing white men and others.

It's a no win situation with some...

How about when they surround themselves around thug brothas and say that they are "too rude and disrespectful," but then they surround themselves around good brothas and say that they are "too white?"

What do you think about that?

CD

Where are they? Where are all these sistas that choose white men? I hear about them. I read about them. Ya'll tell me they exist but I never see them.

No woman in my family has ever brought a white man home. None of my friends has a white man. None of the women at my church totes a white man on her arm. I ask you again, where are they? Could they be on the list of myths too?

Brother Ralf after all we have said to each other in the last couple days you might not believe it and you may think otherwise but I love you and wouldn't choose any white man over you. I'd choose you in jeans and a Vokswagon bug over a white man in a three piece suit and a Lexus. I wouldn't even agonize over it. There would be no contest at all.

Now come tomorrow we might start fighting again but don't you evah fahget I AM your sistah and I'd rather fight with you than dance with a white man. And I know just about any sistah here on Destee will tell you the same thing. Ain't that right, brothah Pan?

Where are they? Where are all these sistas that choose white men? I hear about them. I read about them. Ya'll tell me they exist but I never see them.

No woman in my family has ever brought a white man home. None of my friends has a white man. None of the women at my church totes a white man on her arm. I ask you again, where are they? Could they be on the list of myths too?

Brother Ralf after all we have said to each other in the last couple days you might not believe it and you may think otherwise but I love you and wouldn't choose any white man over you. I'd choose you in jeans and a Vokswagon bug over a white man in a three piece suit and a Lexus. I wouldn't even agonize over it. There would be no contest at all.

Now come tomorrow we might start fighting again but don't you evah fahget I AM your sistah and I'd rather fight with you than dance with a white man. And I know just about any sistah here on Destee will tell you the same thing. Ain't that right, brothah Pan?

Sister River:

I have seen these women, so unfortunately they aren't a myth. At the same time, I know most sisters represent like you. Thanks for the message!

There are more and more black women choosing white men,but most black women(and black men)choose to stay within their race.

I don't want to turn this into an interracial thread. I can care less why black people who date out of their chose to do so. My concern with articles like this is how they depict black men in America. I simply wish that irresponsible black journalist & racist white media stop presenting stereotypes & faulty data as facts!

There are more and more black women choosing white men,but most black women(and black men)choose to stay within their race.

Agreed brother Oceolo, but that is a seperate topic. I don't want to turn this into an interracial thread. I can care less why black people who date out of their race chose to do so. Indeed people date interracially because they want to...the explaination is no deeper than that! My concern with articles like this is how they depict black men in America. I simply wish that irresponsible black journalist & racist white media stop presenting stereotypes & faulty data as facts! I want societal issues (crime, domestic violence, disease, drugs, teen pregnancy, welfare, child abandonment, divorce, etc) common to all people to stop being portrayed as unique to black people. Most importantly, I would like for the black man to stop being blamed for all that is wrong with the world!

Cedric

Respect

How about when they surround themselves around thug brothas and say that they are "too rude and disrespectful," but then they surround themselves around good brothas and say that they are "too white?"

What do you think about that?
I've learnd...and this may sound a bit insensative...but I've learned that as a man in this world you have to do what it takes to get what you want.

I've learned that when I wanted sex or favors from most of our sistaz, it wasn't about being good and talking about all the sick people I've nursed and the charities I've given money to...they didn't care.
It's about my material possessions and strength and what I can offer him.

No one explained this to me as a kid growing up.
I had to find out the hard way...but I did.

So the reasons why women choose the mates they do no longer confuses me; but it's the deception and the exuses that some make to do what they do is what angers me.

Some of them will nit-pick and find reasons not to hook up with most bruthaz having nothing to do with the REAL reasons why they don't find them attractive, and it only creates more confusion in the minds of these men.

When they hear women say they want a "good" man, they're thinking in terms of behavior, when it's really about the money and ability to protect.





River

Peace

Where are they? Where are all these sistas that choose white men? I hear about them. I read about them. Ya'll tell me they exist but I never see them.
No woman in my family has ever brought a white man home. None of my friends has a white man. None of the women at my church totes a white man on her arm. I ask you again, where are they? Could they be on the list of myths too?
Ofcourse the vast majority of black women are with black men but if you look among the youth in this country...especially among the school aged....you'll see an explosion of black female/white male relationships and the problem is increasing rapidly ever years.

Even in the entertainment industry, they're pushing the black female/white male thing. Look at Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.

Most women who date interracial...like most women who marry interracially...gravitate more to the culture of the man they love.
So most black women who find white culture most appealing and find white men more attracive ain't gonna hang in the hood or in mostly black events.

You'll find them at Rock concerts and in funky little coffee-shops or at soccer games.

But increasingly among the young, white boys are creating their own little alternative/hip hop environment so that they can meet up with black, latino, Asian, and white girls and provide a safe environment for them that we refuse to.

They see a gap and they're trying to fill it.

They're taking advantage of the anger and hurt some of our women feel towards us and trying to fill in that gap.



Brother Ralf after all we have said to each other in the last couple days you might not believe it and you may think otherwise but I love you and wouldn't choose any white man over you. I'd choose you in jeans and a Vokswagon bug over a white man in a three piece suit and a Lexus. I wouldn't even agonize over it. There would be no contest at all.

Now come tomorrow we might start fighting again but don't you evah fahget I AM your sistah and I'd rather fight with you than dance with a white man. And I know just about any sistah here on Destee will tell you the same thing. Ain't that right, brothah Pan?

Once again...you left me speechless. :x:

Ofcourse the vast majority of black women are with black men but if you look among the youth in this country...especially among the school aged....you'll see an explosion of black female/white male relationships and the problem is increasing rapidly ever years...increasingly among the young, white boys are creating their own little alternative/hip hop environment so that they can meet up with black, latino, Asian, and white girls and provide a safe environment for them that we refuse to. They see a gap and they're trying to fill it. They're taking advantage of the anger and hurt some of our women feel towards us and trying to fill in that gap.

In a community where fathers in the home are becoming the exception rather than the rule, it is easy to lose our women to others. Why should these young women look to black men for support when they are growing up without a black man's support? There is a gap, and there shouldn't be! The gap is us (black men), and we need to be filling it!

Cedric

Ofcourse the vast majority of black women are with black men but if you look among the youth in this country...especially among the school aged....you'll see an explosion of black female/white male relationships and the problem is increasing rapidly ever years.

I was at the mall last night with my family and the only IR couples I saw were black boys and white girls. These kids all looked like highschoolers.

I would much rather see people dating within their race, but I think IR dating is going to continue especially with people living around and working with other races.

I don't think it does anyone any good to blaim or point fingers about why this is happening. I really think the best a person can do it advise against it to their children.

I would much rather see people dating within their race, but I think IR dating is going to continue especially with people living around and working with other races.

I don't think it does anyone any good to blaim or point fingers about why this is happening. I really think the best a person can do it advise against it to their children.

What is happening...I agree with Indya...the world is coming to an end!

What is happening...I agree with Indya...the world is coming to an end!
I swear! When I saw your name together I said uh oh and got me a ring side seat so I wouldn't miss a jab. But ya'll surprised the H.E. double toothpick out of me.

I swear! When I saw your name together I said uh oh and got me a ring side seat so I wouldn't miss a jab. But ya'll surprised the H.E. double toothpick out of me.

LMAO @ River...but before this goes any further remember, don't lose sight of the context of this thread, which is the demonization of black men in the media! This is becoming another interracial thread...Lord knows we have enough.

Yeah, let's get back to the bigger issue......demonization.

Ralf - Excellent points made.

CD

I'd love to see a sitcom with a strong male lead. Instead all I see are men ruled by the women because they're to weakminded. Also geez, can we get some families on TV who are still married???

Pan,

Come on now, you know we've agreed on at least 8 or 9 posts. Usually about family matters, and that's all good.

Pan, Come on now, you know we've agreed on at least 8 or 9 posts. Usually about family matters, and that's all good.

8 or 9 posts!?!? That seems a little high Indya, are you sure? Well you might be right, but they are so few and far between, I probably lost count. I am a family man, and believe in keeping families (especially black families) together. I guess there is one thing we do have in common.

8 or 9 posts!?!? That seems a little high Indya, are you sure? Well you might be right, but they are so few and far between, I probably lost count. I am a family man, and believe in keeping families (especially black families) together. I guess there is one thing we do have in common.
I love to see this.

This is what it's all about.

Keep doing whatcha doing.

(now if I can get Ralf and Sam to kiss and make up I'll go to sleep happy tonight):grouphug:

Hotep

Brothers and Sisters, consider for a moment the fact that we as Afrikans in America have tried "Every-Thing" except "Unity". This out-right war on commonly called "Black-People", by Europe has been going on for thousands of years, and there is no stoping the "Demonization" of the Black man and Black Woman in sight.
The Europian has never changed his Nature twords "Us" in more than 6,000k years and couldn't do that if they tried. Please understand that the co-called White Man and Woman is the Natural Enemy to Afrikans and others of Color. We should "All" know this by now because there is no proof of them ever being any thing to the contrary.
With "War" there is "Always" Negative-Propaganda spread about the Enemy.
During the Civil-Rights movement the "Only-Thing" that changed is "Us"; When we "Stoped" take-ing some of the un-human treatment from white-folk, they "Had" to "Re-Write" New-Laws that we could except at that time in our history. During that time we begin to "Fight-Back" all over this Nation with "Riots"ect. Today "They" (Europians) wish to turn back the clock and take back "All" that we struggled and died for.
The day "Will" come soon when we will say, "Enough is Enough", and then and only then, when we stand in a large enough "Unified" effort for self determination, the "Demonization" of Afrikans will stop for Ever.

Ase`

Hotep

Brothers and Sisters, consider for a moment the fact that we as Afrikans in America have tried "Every-Thing" except "Unity". This out-right war on commonly called "Black-People", by Europe has been going on for thousands of years, and there is no stoping the "Demonization" of the Black man and Black Woman in sight.
The Europian has never changed his Nature twords "Us" in more than 6,000k years and couldn't do that if they tried. Please understand that the co-called White Man and Woman is the Natural Enemy to Afrikans and others of Color. We should "All" know this by now because there is no proof of them ever being any thing to the contrary.
With "War" there is "Always" Negative-Propaganda spread about the Enemy.
During the Civil-Rights movement the "Only-Thing" that changed is "Us"; When we "Stoped" take-ing some of the un-human treatment from white-folk, they "Had" to "Re-Write" New-Laws that we could except at that time in our history. During that time we begin to "Fight-Back" all over this Nation with "Riots"ect. Today "They" (Europians) wish to turn back the clock and take back "All" that we struggled and died for.
The day "Will" come soon when we will say, "Enough is Enough", and then and only then, when we stand in a large enough "Unified" effort for self determination, the "Demonization" of Afrikans will stop for Ever.

Ase`
Yep unity is the one thing the enemy has always done his best to destroy. Divide and conquer has always been the name of his game. Tell yourself your brother is a stupid @$$hole and then talk about fighting a war? You might as well stay home. Fahget it.

Now that we know we need unity how and where do we start to build it? Start here where you are reading right now with that brotha or sista you can't stand. Then carry it to your family, your friends, your kids and their friends.

Give the lie to everything they show on tv so there's no way your kids will believe that stuff. Raise the next generation of girls to have so much respect for themselves there won't be any models for the shake your booty videos. Raise your boys to love their brothas so much there won't be any pushers to sell drugs. We don't need another Martin Luther King right now. All we need is an army of fathers and mothers armed to the teeth with love and self respect.

PanAfrica

but before this goes any further remember, don't lose sight of the context of this thread, which is the demonization of black men in the media! This is becoming another interracial thread...Lord knows we have enough.

Perhaps the demonizatoin of black men may be RELATED to interracial dating/mating!



Don't lose sight of the fact that there's been a strange but historically strong link between sex and race in this country.

The basic nature of most men is to accumulate wealth, weapons, and women.

Women are valuable and are a biological necessity to secure your seed and future in this world so the more women you have willing to procreate with you (love you) the more chances you have to ensure the future survival of your race and family.

As far as the white man is concerned, his women are his property used to project his future.

Even black women in America are considered his property because historically sistaz have been forced to nurse and look after the children when white women were unable or refused to do so.



In a society like a America where there are now few PHYSICAL barriers preventing black men from accessing his property (besides that spoiled baloney smell), the white man has to create a MENTAL barrier to protect his "property".

He must demonize the black man in to such an extent and make him so undesirable that we will be socially isolated and our "coitus will be interupptus".

The problem with popular forms of media relevant to the Blackman is in fact to demonize us. But the problem with popular media in general is that its' mission is not journalistic in nature, instead it is a designed method of mass manipulation of popular opinion. Therefore, it is my belief that in order to exact correction to this willful attack upon the Black Males persona, as with all endeavors we as a unified group must begin to take the steps requisite to squelch such noise. By doing what this society has taught us to do, sue such media outlets as would depict us in such a negative fashion.

We asm a people are all too accepting and complacent, it is not only popular media where such insults exist, For example in the State of New York, wherein Federated Department Stores has massive outlets, from Macy's to Bloomingdales. It has always boggled my mind as to why one outlet to the next has a different appearance. There is Roosevelt Fields a shopping mall in predominently white Garden City, NY, where the Macy's Department Store looks and feels like a Macy's equipped with sophisticated dispays and an array of helpful sales assistants. Then there is the Green Acres Shopping Mall, in Rockville Centre, NY, bordered by the borough of Queens and heavily populated by people of color. Now when you walk into the Macy's in this mall, and during the holiday season no less - this is of import the holidays being the time of year when retail outlets attain better than 65 % (percent) of their annual gross revenues, it appears as if you have just walked into a flea market, swap meet, give it a name relative to your geography, equopped with tables in the aisles strewn with rumpled unfolded merchandise. Yet this as well we as a people willingly accept and in fact heavily patronize. This makes no sense on our part and is without question an insult on Federated Department Stores part, to us an entire segment of the population.

Think about that for a moment....

Let them (the media) keep on with their lies. They OWN the stations (radios and television) and also the newspapers. We just don't have to believe their lies.



I know that white people can't believe that I have a son who is in college. Who is not out on the streets at night messing up. Because they are conditioned into thinking the worst of us.

White folks don't want to hear about young black men who are college educated and doing something positive in their lives. It's a shock to them when a black man does something successful. Even my local paper never speaks of positive black kids.

But it's ok, brothers and sisters. We see the exposure regarding those "pictures" from Iraq. As of this writing, I haven't heard about any non-white female soldiers tormenting prisoners or having photos of them having sex. And I've seen my share of white priests, teachers, judges, executives, etc. being exposed for having kiddie porn downloaded on their computers.

God has a way of exposing things. The more the media tries to portray us in a negative way, the hurtful truth comes out about them and they can't cover it up.

This has been a great discussion so far - we need more of such discussion.

I've been thinking about independent media a lot lately - specifically after watching one movie too many with some tired wannabe Boyz In The Hood stereotypes in it. I want to see life, and the diversity of our history and culture - and Hollywood is not in touch with that. I put some thought into movies I'd like to see - like an epic about the Harlem renaissance, or the Black pride/arts/power movement, or a bio pic about Angela Davis, or a few other things (howabout an African American scientist, business leader, or academic as the protagonist of a serious drama?). And then I remembered a few specific comments from filmmakers: Ice Cube mentioning not being able to get anything 'serious' off the ground in Hollywood, Spike Lee's unsuccessful attempts at getting Rent and doing a Jackie Robinson pic, and a few others.

Granted, Hollywood has traditionally been among the most racist and conservative corners of the media (in spite of a fashionable liberalism that has no depth whatsoever), and is not known for intelligent depictions of anyone. Raising the bar on intelligence in media is overdue all around - and the given excuse is that "it's simply a business matter." Well, we should remind them that we spend money as well, and we should be willing to spend wisely.

We have to keep the pressure on media outlets, and we have to keep a close eye on what they do, and do not hesitate to complain - in analytic, critical detail when they disrespect us. Simultaneously, we need to look within our own community for stories, and opportunities to realize them, and launch independent projects at African American (and other) film festivals. Where are our business leaders in this process? White independent artists who run into roadblocks in film, publishing, music or elsewhere have developed an infrastructure devoted to realizing creative works outside of the mainstream media; some of us may have devoted some effort to this (there is starting to be a fluorishing underground of independent African American filmmakers), but this is something we need to continue to develop and deepen. We need to keep producing intelligent work - work that highlights the variety and depth in our culture. Even if it doesn't all achieve blockbuster success, I feel that the sheer accumulating quantity of it will eventually expose it all.

I'm a fan of film and arts, and it's pathetic that I don't really look to Hollywood for much at all; and I would note that box office this summer is lower than it's been in 20 years, which is fine by me. There are - if you hunt hard - filmmakers from elsewhere (Youssef Chahine from Egypt, Ousmane Sembene from Senegal, some Asian filmmakers like Kurosawa and Satyajit Ray) who dug deep into their own cultures - music, literature, folklore, arts, theatre - and brought it to life in ways that are smart, entertaining and have far greater worth than anything Hollywood has served up in a while. This is unfortunate, because (unlike those filmmakers) I'm also an American, and want stories that reflect our experience in America. I think we have to be (like those filmmakers) creative with funding and budgets, aim very high in content, be relentlessly critical of what is getting served up out there, and we need to dig deep into our own culture.

Apart from whatever our day jobs are - we all have stories to tell. Tell 'em as well as you can, and get 'em out however, wherever, whoever, whenever. The majority of what could be considered popular culture in this country originated in our culture, and we should remind people (our own and others as well) of that more often.

This has been a great discussion so far - we need more of such discussion.

I've been thinking about independent media a lot lately - specifically after watching one movie too many with some tired wannabe Boyz In The Hood stereotypes in it. I want to see life, and the diversity of our history and culture - and Hollywood is not in touch with that. I put some thought into movies I'd like to see - like an epic about the Harlem renaissance, or the Black pride/arts/power movement, or a bio pic about Angela Davis, or a few other things (howabout an African American scientist, business leader, or academic as the protagonist of a serious drama?). And then I remembered a few specific comments from filmmakers: Ice Cube mentioning not being able to get anything 'serious' off the ground in Hollywood, Spike Lee's unsuccessful attempts at getting Rent and doing a Jackie Robinson pic, and a few others.

Granted, Hollywood has traditionally been among the most racist and conservative corners of the media (in spite of a fashionable liberalism that has no depth whatsoever), and is not known for intelligent depictions of anyone. Raising the bar on intelligence in media is overdue all around - and the given excuse is that "it's simply a business matter." Well, we should remind them that we spend money as well, and we should be willing to spend wisely.

We have to keep the pressure on media outlets, and we have to keep a close eye on what they do, and do not hesitate to complain - in analytic, critical detail when they disrespect us. Simultaneously, we need to look within our own community for stories, and opportunities to realize them, and launch independent projects at African American (and other) film festivals. Where are our business leaders in this process? White independent artists who run into roadblocks in film, publishing, music or elsewhere have developed an infrastructure devoted to realizing creative works outside of the mainstream media; some of us may have devoted some effort to this (there is starting to be a fluorishing underground of independent African American filmmakers), but this is something we need to continue to develop and deepen. We need to keep producing intelligent work - work that highlights the variety and depth in our culture. Even if it doesn't all achieve blockbuster success, I feel that the sheer accumulating quantity of it will eventually expose it all.

I'm a fan of film and arts, and it's pathetic that I don't really look to Hollywood for much at all; and I would note that box office this summer is lower than it's been in 20 years, which is fine by me. There are - if you hunt hard - filmmakers from elsewhere (Youssef Chahine from Egypt, Ousmane Sembene from Senegal, some Asian filmmakers like Kurosawa and Satyajit Ray) who dug deep into their own cultures - music, literature, folklore, arts, theatre - and brought it to life in ways that are smart, entertaining and have far greater worth than anything Hollywood has served up in a while. This is unfortunate, because (unlike those filmmakers) I'm also an American, and want stories that reflect our experience in America. I think we have to be (like those filmmakers) creative with funding and budgets, aim very high in content, be relentlessly critical of what is getting served up out there, and we need to dig deep into our own culture.

Apart from whatever our day jobs are - we all have stories to tell. Tell 'em as well as you can, and get 'em out however, wherever, whoever, whenever. The majority of what could be considered popular culture in this country originated in our culture, and we should remind people (our own and others as well) of that more often.

There are black independent film festivals in NYC pretty regularly (featuring African American & African films). Some of the best movies I've seen over the last few years have been at these film festivals. The purpose is to showcase the film, with the hope they are picked up by a major distributor. Unfortunately that doesn't happen in most cases, so these festivals are the only time to see these innovative films. I don't know where you are at, but you might want to look into these.

Great to hear, I'm in NC, down the coast 450 miles...nothing like that yet here, but I'll have to do some looking into travelling to the next one. We have an independent film scene here, and I've started to get active in that, just to include an African-American perspective.

Hotep

The Millions More Movement has the establishment terrified of the magnitude and outcome of the Afrikans in America showing their "Power" and "Force" when we come together in "Unity". Every Brother and every Sister from all walks of the Confusing life in the U.S.A. will nullify the Concerted efforts of White Supremicy in those days. And things will never be the same, as we are moveing closer to the Greatness we are Created for. We are the meek that shall inherit the Earth. The Millions More Movement is with out a doupt the largest movement in the history of the Earth and all will be watching "You", Black Men, Women and Families standing up to say to the world, Enough is Enough!!
When we look around us, we see every ware the effects of life in the Hells of America. There are very few cases or exceptions of Black Success that is presented to the masses or public. The Government controls of the News reporting is carful not to let it happen that we know the real truth about any thing. In other words it is only reported what the Altra Rich want you to know. How offten do we hear of something Bad takeing place as apposed to something Good?? There is no Money in Peace and Good news, the money comes from reporting War and Bad news only. We have become de-sencitized and have become use to hearing the Brain washing media telling us what they want us to know. Independent Black owned reports the issues that are important to our Afrikan struggle. With out the Lies, Distortions, we get a clear view of the happenings in our communities around the Earth. The American cindicated news is not worth the paper it is printed on, we can stop reading and spending our money on this negative propagandia we are supporting about our selves.

Ase`

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2144.shtml

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2106.shtml

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2139.shtml

http://www.apfn.org/apfn/WTC_STF.htm

How can we stop the demonization of Black men in the media when Black men are demonized in our own families?

How can we stop the demonization of Black men in the media when Black men are demonized in our own families?


I feel what you are saying, although I am a Woman. I see you're saying it begins with the Blackman reclaiming his role within the Black family. Valid point there. It almost seems as though this matriarch role is irreversible now.

I feel what you are saying, although I am a Woman. I see you're saying it begins with the Blackman reclaiming his role within the Black family. Valid point there. It almost seems as though this matriarch role is irreversible now.

Great observations Brother O and Spicybrown. I've been saying for years that restoring the black family is our #1 priority. We can't realistically improve our social-economic status, nor even think about black unity until that is done.

We need more movies like "Animal' that attacks the willie lynch illness in our communities

I feel what you are saying, although I am a Woman. I see you're saying it begins with the Blackman reclaiming his role within the Black family. Valid point there. It almost seems as though this matriarch role is irreversible now.

It almost seems as though this matriarch role is irreversible now."

sister spicybrown,

I must say I really appreciate your honesty and open-mindedness for expressing some viewpoints which many other Black women are unwilling to admit.

A major reason for my recent decision to retire from teaching had to do with my own personal frustration in a public school system that "reinforces" a female-dominated bureaucracy, and the effects of that "matriarchization" on young Black men. And the effect on Black men teaching within a system that does not value their input. In many instances my system in particular would spend hours on end playing lip service to the "achievement gap" that exists in regards to Black male underachievement, yet, the focus of the intervention programs was on the "english language learners". When raising issues concerning the underrepresentation of Brothers in the profession and among leadership positions I was told that "Brothers need to step up". And when A brother attempted to "step up" he was consistently shot down, ironically, the first ones doing the shooting were Black women in leadership. Figure that. I watched and experienced this happening in two school districts that used to be predominately Black in the 80's, Compton and Lynwood. Black men were purged from leadership and both districts eventually turned Latino. The same thing is happening now on a larger scale in Los Angeles, starting with the school system and now in local government. Notice how in California there are now not a single Black male capable of operating a successful senatorial or gubernatorial campaign. In Los Angeles, there is not even a single viable Black male mayoral candidate. And now, not a single Black male Board of Education member. If the matriarch role is "irreversible" then we must understand how this structure was created, how it is reinforced, beginning with the own "mythology" within our own communities which foster this WILLIE LYNCH SYNDROME. All of the "no good Black man" arguments are leading exactly to that. Black men are victimized by society then demonized within their own community. And folks wonder why so many Brothers are trying to "cross over".

Back to the top
Good Topic

We will NEVER stop the demonization of Black men in the media - even when we've established our own very powerful media outlets, because that is the job of the White press and it's media, to discredit Black people(not just Black men)in every way, shape, form, and fashion.

When people ask these questions the demonstrate a lack of awareness of our enemy. If you fully understand HIM, and his aims, then what he is doing is perfectly understandable and understood.

We will NEVER stop the demonization of Black men in the media - even when we've established our own very powerful media outlets, because that is the job of the White press and it's media, to discredit Black people(not just Black men)in every way, shape, form, and fashion.

When people ask these questions the demonstrate a lack of awareness of our enemy. If you fully understand HIM, and his aims, then what he is doing is perfectly understandable and understood.



Hi Flatfootfloogie! Welcome to Destee's place! :) Do you feel that this may be slightly defeatist?

We will NEVER stop the demonization of Black men in the media - even when we've established our own very powerful media outlets, because that is the job of the White press and it's media, to discredit Black people(not just Black men)in every way, shape, form, and fashion.

When people ask these questions the demonstrate a lack of awareness of our enemy. If you fully understand HIM, and his aims, then what he is doing is perfectly understandable and understood.

I tend to agree with this. I don't think it reflects a defeatist attitude either, but rather an opinion of a realist.

Hi Flatfootfloogie! Welcome to Destee's place! :) Do you feel that this may be slightly defeatist?

No, it is absolutely based on the logic that what the White man does he doesn't do by accident. He has been discrediting Black people long before there were movies and television, and we need only to look back at the imagery in the cartoons and illustrations drawn of Blacks in the 19th century. They were hateful and vile images, designed to fully dehumanize us, and make us susceptible to inhumane treatment.

But, not only does he do this character assasination of Blacks, he does it to all ethnic groups. The recent controvery with Muslims, and the illustrations of the Japanese during WWII. should tell us that it is not personal, and it is no mist