Well, tonight I've been watching CNN Presents Black in America and it is really interesting. The focus is on the Black Male (missed last when they talked about Black Women and family), Soledad O'Brien is doing a great job of telling the story and experiences of real Black men. Although she has covered many issues, the bottom line is that Black people are just trying to make it just like every other race of people. The difference is that we have challenges that have followed us since we were brought to America in chains. The legacy of slavery is still affecting our lives, how people perceive us and how we interact with one another. Did you know that a majority of employers said they would hire a White man with a criminal record before hiring a Black man with a college degree? Did you know that only 3% of management positions are held by Black men? Did you know that there are over one million Black men in the prison system and most are NOT there due to violent crimes?
This has been an eye opener for me and is a much needed documentary, but I feel that CNN is "preaching to the choir" and those who really misunderstand what it is to be Black in America will not watch it. I commend CNN for trying to educate the nation and provide a candid look at the daily and complex lives of Black Americans.
I grew up in the Midwest for the first half of my life and while there is racism in every corner of the globe, it wasn't as blatant in my world. My sister and I attended a private Catholic school, my friends were diverse and I think we were exposed to much. Then we moved to Arkansas and that was an eye opener for us! The town was segregated, private schools were for Whites only, friendships were segregated. After graduation I attended The University of Arkansas from 1987-1991, a time when only 4% of the student body was Black. I've been talked about for going to U of A, for trying to raise my kids to use correct English, for getting married BEFORE having children, for having my hair cut in layers. O'Brien touched on this isses as well, dealing with racism within the race as well. When will it end?!\
So my take on being Black in America: A constant struggle!
