A few weeks ago I was invited to speak to an all girls after school club. The topic was self esteem and the girls ranged in age from 12 to 17. I followed another woman who had understandably captivated their attention with a make up demonstration. My work was cut out for me but oddly enough, I too was able to strike a chord and capture their attention.
Among other things, we talked about reality TV. I was curious about their impressions and what they thought of the images of America being broadcast around the world. Specifically, I asked the girls how many watch a popular cable show called “The Bad Girls Club.” A few got really excited and admitted to watching it. The Bad Girls Club is a show encouraging “bad” girls residing in a big house together, to each behave more badly than the others. As a result, they engage in really outrageous behavior. It shows the girls being mostly out of control. We talked about a few other shows including “Bridezilla”, “Girls Gone Wild”, “My Super Sweet 16” and few of the instant mega “stars” such as Paris Hilton, The Kardashian sisters, video vixens and the like. The common theme of these persons and these shows is Americans behaving badly, particularly young American females. Ultimately, my goal was to impress upon them the power of media, the importance of image and how one’s perception is truly their reality until presented with something new, something better or a different “reality”…
I first shared with them a story about stumbling upon a beach in The Gambia, Africa and finding African teenagers who reminded me very much of American teenagers. It was clear that they were influenced by American images. They were dressed like our teens, listening to the same music as our teens and trying very hard to be “cool” like our teens. I remember then pondering the power of media, more specifically, the power of rap. I remember thinking just how wonderful it would be if rap artists were instead sending positive images, particularly of Black youth, around the world. Sorry, I digress. Back to the girls…
Talking about Africa allowed me to introduce discussion regarding perceptions and to get them thinking about how these impressions [of them] are forever memorialized and are being transmitted around the world. I wanted to know what perception they thought these shows and others gave about American girls their age. They were quick to throw out adjectives, “easy”, “sluts”, “tramps”, “whores”, “spoiled brats”, “bullies”, etc. It is noteworthy that their impressions were all negative and they were quick to disassociate themselves from their descriptions. They responded a resounding “no” when I asked if any of them wanted to be regarded as the persons they described, as the persons they idolize on TV.
More recently I stumbled across HBO Family TV. The show which was narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson featured children dealing with a host of problems from drug and alcohol abuse to depression, anger and problems with self esteem. While the problems with the featured children were evident, what disturbed me more were the comments and behaviors of the “normal” children. They proudly played to the camera and unashamedly boasted about why they shun and mistreat select members of their peer group.
They criticized that these kids shop at and wear Walmart brands while they shop at and wear the likes of Abercrombie and Fitch, Fossil, and other designers. They boasted about collectively moving to another lunch table whenever one of their undesirable peers joined them at “their” lunch table. They outwardly criticized other students for being poor, unattractive, unclean and a host of other things. They felt very proud of being mean and disrespectful to others. My instant thought was how do their parents feel when they see their “normal” children behaving this way? I wondered in this day of Columbine, at what point do we get concerned that perhaps not only the child with the gun might have a problem and/or be responsible for the tragedy. I wondered how these children will feel when as adults they see how badly they behaved and how as future parents they will explain it to or counsel their own children who might land on the either side of the popularity coin, the bully or the bullied.
Then it occurred to me that our children’s behavior is simply a mirror image of our adult behavior. Daily we subject our children to images of adults behaving badly, engaging in various forms of adult bullying, if you will. I wondered what is the “reality” being transmitted to and presumably accepted by our youth when they see adults on TV resuming the childish ways of their youth, when they see grown ups adorning material things and pursuing “Bling” at all costs, when they see obnoxious behavior being rewarded in terms of instant fame, lucrative contracts or instantly acquired large sums of money, when they see politicians disrespecting their peers, taking bribes, cheating on their wives, lying to the public, winning at all costs, when they see/hear talking heads and reporters alike committed to maintaining a contrived 24 hour news cycle and making a rather lucrative living embellishing or stirring up drama, making news out of no news, taking cheap shots and exploiting the misfortunes or misdeeds of others all the while justifying their tele-bullying because the “accused” is in the public spotlight, when they see parents at children sporting events bullying the coach or child player or fist fighting amongst themselves.
These are the same adults who counsel, advise and rear our young. Really?
These are the same adults who stand in judgment of teachers and celebrities who they know nothing about personally but who they have arbitrarily elevated to the status of role model for their children who they presumably know everything about. Really?
These are the same parents who have no sense that collectively WE are responsible for OUR children and the images we transmit to them daily. Yes, Really!
When do we learn that one’s perception is far too often their only perception and therefore becomes their reality? When do we learn that it is our responsibility, as best we can, to manage the reality of others, particularly where our children are concerned? Of course not all reality TV is bad and certainly it is not the sole culprit. But far too much of it serves to discredit the American image in our minds, the minds of our children and certainly the international psyche. We should not sit idly by and therefore be complicit in the demise of our youth and the decay of our global image. When do we accept that it is our responsibility to portray something new, something better, a different “reality”?
I’m Just Sayin’...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
On This Day In Black History...
In 1993 we mourned the loss of our most esteemed and only revered and highly respected Black Supreme Court Justice to date, the Honorable Thurgood Marshall. Justice Marshall was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson and confirmed in 1967. He retired from the bench in 1991. He is celebrated as a champion of civil rights and as a two time HBCU graduate, Lincoln University & Howard University Law School, respectively.
He was denied entrance to University of Maryland Law School based on race. Just a few years later in 1935, he successfully challenged this discriminatory practice and won admittance for Donald Gaines Murray, a young Black American who had also been denied admission.
Justice Marshall is most noted however for following in the footsteps of his Howard Law School mentor, Dean Charles Hamilton Houston, becoming Chief Counsel at the NAACP and winning Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), a landmark case that dismantled any legal basis for segregated schools in America.
Sadly the continuity of his hard work and honor of his legacy was thwarted by his succession on the Supreme Court by none other than clarence thomas.
~ Justice Thurgood Marshall July 2, 1908 to January 24, 1993 ~
"Mere access to the courthouse doors does not by itself assure a proper functioning of the adversary process" ~ Thurgood Marshall ~
He was denied entrance to University of Maryland Law School based on race. Just a few years later in 1935, he successfully challenged this discriminatory practice and won admittance for Donald Gaines Murray, a young Black American who had also been denied admission.
Justice Marshall is most noted however for following in the footsteps of his Howard Law School mentor, Dean Charles Hamilton Houston, becoming Chief Counsel at the NAACP and winning Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), a landmark case that dismantled any legal basis for segregated schools in America.
Sadly the continuity of his hard work and honor of his legacy was thwarted by his succession on the Supreme Court by none other than clarence thomas.
~ Justice Thurgood Marshall July 2, 1908 to January 24, 1993 ~
"Mere access to the courthouse doors does not by itself assure a proper functioning of the adversary process" ~ Thurgood Marshall ~
Friday, January 22, 2010
On This Day In Black History...
Sam Cooke, noted as "the first father of soul music" and certainly one of my favorites, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22, 1931. He died a senseless, tragic and controversial death on December 11, 1964.
Although I love far too many of his songs to name, my favorite tune by this legendary great is "A Change is Gonna Come"... It was reportedly played at the funeral of Malcolm X and I vividly remember feeling overwhelmed when hearing it in Spike Lee's feature film about the life and times of Malcolm X, another of my favorite people. President Obama appropriately referenced it in his victory speeech.
Cooke was politically astute and wrote the song as a protest song just before his death and during the height of the 1960 civil rights movement...
He still "Sends Me..." (smile) What's your favorite?
Although I love far too many of his songs to name, my favorite tune by this legendary great is "A Change is Gonna Come"... It was reportedly played at the funeral of Malcolm X and I vividly remember feeling overwhelmed when hearing it in Spike Lee's feature film about the life and times of Malcolm X, another of my favorite people. President Obama appropriately referenced it in his victory speeech.
Cooke was politically astute and wrote the song as a protest song just before his death and during the height of the 1960 civil rights movement...
He still "Sends Me..." (smile) What's your favorite?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
On This Day In Black History...
Twelve Black congressman boycotted Richard Nixon's January 21, 1971 State of the Union address because of his "consistent refusal" to respond to the petitions of Black Americans.
The Congressional Black Caucus was founded two years earlier, 1969. Founding members were Shirley Chisholm, William L. Clay Sr., George W. Collins, John Conyers, Ronald Dellums, Augustus F. Hawkins, Ralph Metcalfe, Parren Mitchell, Robert Nix, Charles Rangel, Louis Stokes, and Washington D.C. Delegate Walter Fauntroy. Hats off to them!
Sadly however, we/they seem to have lost their/our unity and fighting spirit. The CBC seemed to be a force to reckon with and obviously was not afraid to take a stance. Imagine that...
Where has the/our fight gone??? Much to our detriment, Americans are much too complacent...
I'm Just Sayin'...
The Congressional Black Caucus was founded two years earlier, 1969. Founding members were Shirley Chisholm, William L. Clay Sr., George W. Collins, John Conyers, Ronald Dellums, Augustus F. Hawkins, Ralph Metcalfe, Parren Mitchell, Robert Nix, Charles Rangel, Louis Stokes, and Washington D.C. Delegate Walter Fauntroy. Hats off to them!
Sadly however, we/they seem to have lost their/our unity and fighting spirit. The CBC seemed to be a force to reckon with and obviously was not afraid to take a stance. Imagine that...
Where has the/our fight gone??? Much to our detriment, Americans are much too complacent...
I'm Just Sayin'...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sad Day In DC...
To have allowed a republican to succeed Ted Kennedy in the Senate, is as tragic a mistake as it was to have allowed clarence thomas to succeed Justice Thurgood Marshall...
I am thoroughly disgusted that Martha Coakley did so little to ensure a win in Massachusetts. I made over 100 calls to MA voters. Far too many voters complained that she had only just began campaigning. Seems she ASSumed she could coast in on President Obama's coat tails and Ted Kennedy's legacy. Shame on her! She took a lot of hard work for granted. We ALL lose...
It is a sad day indeed...
I am thoroughly disgusted that Martha Coakley did so little to ensure a win in Massachusetts. I made over 100 calls to MA voters. Far too many voters complained that she had only just began campaigning. Seems she ASSumed she could coast in on President Obama's coat tails and Ted Kennedy's legacy. Shame on her! She took a lot of hard work for granted. We ALL lose...
It is a sad day indeed...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Power in Our History
In light of the misfortune unearthed in Haiti, in light of ridiculous accusations that the island is cursed and with Black History Month just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to review a little history and to explore why pat robertson, a renowned American “reverend” would propagate that Haiti is cursed. I choose to seize upon the moment to turn one man's ignorance into a learning moment for others...
Toussaint L'Overture ~ Haiti (1791)
Most probably know that in 1789 Black slaves in Haiti joined in the French revolution fully expecting to secure their freedom. When in 1791 the French government refused to grant their freedom, the Haitians turned on their oppressors and for two years participated in a revolt against them led by Toussaint L'Overture. He led them to victory in 1794 and maintained rule for six years until captured by Napoleon in 1800. Napoleon sent in 25,000 troops intending to restore slavery to the island. Although eventually captured and exiled, Toussaint’s formidable army went on to defeat Napoleon and forever abolish slavery from the land. It should be noted that slaves in Haiti secured their freedom some 64 years before slaves in America. Haiti, meaning a “higher place”, is coveted for being the first independent Black nation in the western world.
One can speculate from this bit of history that it was the Haitian’s audacity to hope, coupled with their audacity to victoriously fight for their freedom, thereby rejecting White rule, that still today seems to disturb the likes of pat robertson… Only persons with very small minds would even make the ridiculous claim that Haiti is cursed... Thankfully, most have admonished robertson for his asinine remark. Haitian souls and ancestral Haitian spirits have been unearthed so to lend courage, resilience and hope to the Haitian people. They must draw on the strength and the memory of the will of their ancestors to get them through this most difficult time. My prayers are with them…
Although we are not taught about slave revolts in most US History classes, there were also many revolts led by Black American slaves against the evils and atrocities of the American slave system as well... Below I have shared a few. Enjoy! Pass it on...
Gabriel Prosser ~ Richmond, VA (1800)
Gabriel recruited slaves throughout the southern regions of VA and planned the most far reaching slave revolt ever planned in US history. The attack was planned for August 30, 1800 and included kidnapping Governor James Monroe. Due to torrential rain the attack was postponed by one day due to insurmountable flooding and impassable routes and bridges. Before August 31 however, per usual, slaves in two different locations cracked under the pressure and told their masters of the plot. Within days, 30 slaves were captured but Gabriel got away. In October he surfaced and was being taken to freedom by a former slave owner who now supported his efforts. A freed slave, hoping to get a reward of $300, turned in his former "master" and Gabriel. He got $50. Gabriel asked to be hanged in solidarity on the same day as six other revolting slaves. He was executed on the same day but all alone on October 10, 1800.
Denmark Vesey ~ Charleston, SC (July 1822)
Denmark Vesey used his position as a respected free man and Methodist leader to organize the most extensive Black insurrection in American history. On May 30, 1822 however, a favored slave informed his "master" of the plot that involved thousands of free and enslaved Blacks who lived in and around Charleston. Following a lengthy trial, Vesey and thirty-six others were hanged. On the day of Vesey's execution, state militia and federal troops had to be called out to contain a demonstration by Black supporters. Despite arrests and beatings, many Blacks defied authorities by wearing mourning black as they witnessed the executions of the chief co-conspirators.
Nat Turner ~ Southampton County VA (August 1831)
Ironically Nat Turner was born one week prior to the hanging of Gabriel Prosser, October 2, 1800. On August 13, 1831 Nat led a revolt consisting of 40 slaves on horseback throughout Southampton County, VA where for days they massacred entire slave holding families, 55 persons in total were killed. Nat and several others escaped capture on August 22. He hid out and was not captured until October 30. On November 11 he was hanged and skinned. It is widely reported that his skin was used to make purses for White women and his body parts were similarly auctioned off to other Whites as souvenirs. A total of 55 slaves were accused and executed for the revolt and another 200+ innocent slaves were executed by angry mobs in VA and as far away as NC.
Toussaint L'Overture ~ Haiti (1791)
Most probably know that in 1789 Black slaves in Haiti joined in the French revolution fully expecting to secure their freedom. When in 1791 the French government refused to grant their freedom, the Haitians turned on their oppressors and for two years participated in a revolt against them led by Toussaint L'Overture. He led them to victory in 1794 and maintained rule for six years until captured by Napoleon in 1800. Napoleon sent in 25,000 troops intending to restore slavery to the island. Although eventually captured and exiled, Toussaint’s formidable army went on to defeat Napoleon and forever abolish slavery from the land. It should be noted that slaves in Haiti secured their freedom some 64 years before slaves in America. Haiti, meaning a “higher place”, is coveted for being the first independent Black nation in the western world.
One can speculate from this bit of history that it was the Haitian’s audacity to hope, coupled with their audacity to victoriously fight for their freedom, thereby rejecting White rule, that still today seems to disturb the likes of pat robertson… Only persons with very small minds would even make the ridiculous claim that Haiti is cursed... Thankfully, most have admonished robertson for his asinine remark. Haitian souls and ancestral Haitian spirits have been unearthed so to lend courage, resilience and hope to the Haitian people. They must draw on the strength and the memory of the will of their ancestors to get them through this most difficult time. My prayers are with them…
Although we are not taught about slave revolts in most US History classes, there were also many revolts led by Black American slaves against the evils and atrocities of the American slave system as well... Below I have shared a few. Enjoy! Pass it on...
Gabriel Prosser ~ Richmond, VA (1800)
Gabriel recruited slaves throughout the southern regions of VA and planned the most far reaching slave revolt ever planned in US history. The attack was planned for August 30, 1800 and included kidnapping Governor James Monroe. Due to torrential rain the attack was postponed by one day due to insurmountable flooding and impassable routes and bridges. Before August 31 however, per usual, slaves in two different locations cracked under the pressure and told their masters of the plot. Within days, 30 slaves were captured but Gabriel got away. In October he surfaced and was being taken to freedom by a former slave owner who now supported his efforts. A freed slave, hoping to get a reward of $300, turned in his former "master" and Gabriel. He got $50. Gabriel asked to be hanged in solidarity on the same day as six other revolting slaves. He was executed on the same day but all alone on October 10, 1800.
Denmark Vesey ~ Charleston, SC (July 1822)
Denmark Vesey used his position as a respected free man and Methodist leader to organize the most extensive Black insurrection in American history. On May 30, 1822 however, a favored slave informed his "master" of the plot that involved thousands of free and enslaved Blacks who lived in and around Charleston. Following a lengthy trial, Vesey and thirty-six others were hanged. On the day of Vesey's execution, state militia and federal troops had to be called out to contain a demonstration by Black supporters. Despite arrests and beatings, many Blacks defied authorities by wearing mourning black as they witnessed the executions of the chief co-conspirators.
Nat Turner ~ Southampton County VA (August 1831)
Ironically Nat Turner was born one week prior to the hanging of Gabriel Prosser, October 2, 1800. On August 13, 1831 Nat led a revolt consisting of 40 slaves on horseback throughout Southampton County, VA where for days they massacred entire slave holding families, 55 persons in total were killed. Nat and several others escaped capture on August 22. He hid out and was not captured until October 30. On November 11 he was hanged and skinned. It is widely reported that his skin was used to make purses for White women and his body parts were similarly auctioned off to other Whites as souvenirs. A total of 55 slaves were accused and executed for the revolt and another 200+ innocent slaves were executed by angry mobs in VA and as far away as NC.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Making It Happen In 2010!
In 2010 I have promised to keep "Commitments to Me"...
So, on this day, Sunday, January 3, 2010 I begin putting action to my word. How long have I said I would start a blog? How many of my friends have encouraged that I start a blog, write a book or do something to memorialize my many rants? Well, here it is... Commitment #1 of 2010 is officially under way...
What are your commitments to YOU? Make It Happen In 2010!!!
Thanks for your encouragement. Hope you will keep reading and keep me committed. Hold me accountable... (smile) THANKS!
Miss Higgi Says "CELEBRATE YOU!!!"
So, on this day, Sunday, January 3, 2010 I begin putting action to my word. How long have I said I would start a blog? How many of my friends have encouraged that I start a blog, write a book or do something to memorialize my many rants? Well, here it is... Commitment #1 of 2010 is officially under way...
What are your commitments to YOU? Make It Happen In 2010!!!
Thanks for your encouragement. Hope you will keep reading and keep me committed. Hold me accountable... (smile) THANKS!
Miss Higgi Says "CELEBRATE YOU!!!"
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