Guest Cancer Marney Report post Posted June 24, 2003 In light of the recent Supreme Court case, I thought I'd post this here. Link to archived original follows. ----- I Don't Want to be Black Anymore J.J. Johnson - Written: 02.28.00 It's not working, folks. I have tried to do everything I can to be the African-American I'm supposed to be, but I just cannot continue. I am hereby resigning myself from the Black Race. And before I get death threats from my Black brethren out there, hear me out. I have almost made it through another Black history month, in which I'm supposed to do all I can to insult White people for 28 days. I guess I should even say the Black History month is a racial conspiracy by White people since they only gave us 28 (or 29) days to rip their dignity to shreds, while the other months have 30 or 31 days. I guess it's just another example of the Black man not getting his fair share. Frankly, many of my Black brothas and sistas' are starting to… well... embarrass me. Can I turn on the television and not hear some Black liberal puke complaining about something? I'll start there – television. First we had the NAACP (Notorious African American Communist Pigs) lambasting Hollywood for not having enough Blacks in front of (or behind) the cameras. "We don't see enough Black folk on TV." An economic boycott is threatened, the ugly "R" word is used, and Hollywood (you know, those rich White guys) capitulate. Did anyone ask were the accusations true? And if so, who really cares? Whenever I turn my television to watch my favorite programs, I see plenty of very wealthy and successful Black men excelling in their trade/craft. But I guess the NFL, the NBA, and Major League baseball doesn't count. It must be just me. I guess the "quota kings and queens" don't count those folks. Then another "study" comes out. This one says, "While Blacks are over-represented on television, they are still given only minor roles, or are on screen for less than 5 seconds at a time." And, of course, this too is unfair. The easy defense against this eternal whining was for anyone to just mention three letters: B.E.T That's right, Black Entertainment Television, where you can get all the Blackness you want, 24/7 with all those Black folks in front of (and behind) all those cameras. Gee, only about 60 million cable viewers can see that. I guess it's just me. Maybe Momma didn't raise me right. Now we have that flag issue in Dixie. Most folks thought if they just took down that flag, all this controversy would just go away. After all, it's a horrible reminder of slavery. Strange, I can't find a Black person in this country who can remember being a slave. I also can't find one White person in the country who will admit to owning slaves. In fact, most of the Whites in this country (according to my investigation) had ancestors who landed on these shores long after slavery ended in North America. And I can't repeat what some of those Irish folks told me. But, for one month I'm supposed to hate the Confederate flag. Not just waving over the South Carolina Statehouse, but on police cars in Mississippi and in front of livestock shows in Houston. I'm supposed to call for the changing of the names of bridges in Virginia, parks in Tennessee and the defacing of portraits of General Lee. I'm even supposed to support Rep. King's (R-NY) demonizing of every Southerner in the halls on Congress. I'm supposed to support and endorse all of this because I'm a Black man. Yes, boycott South Carolina. Boycott the entire South until they get their "minds right." This means, no Blacks (like me) should do any business with the South period. So, to that Black businessman in Memphis, sorry. Hope you can get some of those racist White folks to patronize your store. The NAACP says I can't go there. About the family reunion this year in South Carolina – forget it. Nope, not me. Our un-elected Black leadership says we gotta boycott. Don't worry, I'll explain to that Black soul food caterer in Columbia that the reason he's losing so much business this year is because of a piece of cloth hanging over the capitol building. He'll understand. And Florida… we'll have to leave you out, too. You see, Governor Jeb Bush enacted a program called "One Florida" in which anyone who finishes in the top 20% of his or her class gets a scholarship to a public University in Florida. I can't figure it out for the life of me, but according to my Black leaders, that's racist, too. The NAACP head (case) says we'll boycott Florida until that's changed. By the way, isn't it interesting that the same people who say we should boycott everything economically are the same people who say Blacks are economically deprived in this "White dominated" society? What they're telling me is that Black people are too stupid to make it into the top 20% of the graduating class, and that most Black people are too stupid to see through their lies. And most of these self-appointed Black leaders probably NEVER made it into the top 20% of anything. But nevertheless, they're my leaders. Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings, Bill Bradley and Al Gore say they are, and since all these self-appointed "oracles" are White, they must be right. Even Secret Service is getting into the act. Some of these guys, even though they get to guard the President and the Vice President, say they haven't got the promotions they deserve. Where's the dignity? I guess those White Secret Service agents get to guard folks more important. Here's a suggestion for the Black Secret Service agents who guard those important White folks (from the south): Wanna become heroes and restore your dignity? Quit. That'll teach ‘em. As a Black man, I'm told I should pin my hopes on making it rich when the NAACP gets their "fair share" from suing all those guns dealers. After all it's those gun dealers' fault for all those Black folks shooting all those Black folks. Perhaps next year, they'll be suing bed-sheet makers, rope manufactures, and the South American drug cartels. I have asked my Black leaders to sue the ATF, since the only product in America that "requires" you to list your race before purchasing it is a firearm. They haven't returned my call. But then again, the right to keep and bear arms isn't listed under "civil rights" anyway, is it? It's okay. We'll just sue the gun-makers instead. That'll teach them to not sell guns to us Black folks (so we can get gunned down for reaching for a wallet.) Yes, if we just sue a few more White folks, harass and slander the rest, one day – maybe one day--we won't have to put a prefix in front of the word "American" anymore. Well, I'm not waiting for that. I have done everything to try to advance the cause of personal freedom as a Black man, and to enjoy the liberty that my parents fought for, but it is just not working. These White people are just too smart for me. They made sure that I never had to wait at a Denny's restaurant longer than anyone else does. Some of them hired me for simply having the brains to do the job. Some of them (the real sneaky ones) had the gall to judge me by the content of my character, and not the color of my skin. They've paid me in dollars with White slave-owners' photos on them. And, damn them, they made me earn it first. They have allowed me to own my own business. They even went so far as to steal tax dollars from other White people to make sure I got an education – so I could like…make it in this world. What an evil plot. Since there is almost no reason to bitch about anything anymore, it must be…institutional racism. I am through being used. I am fed up with trying to conform. This year, when I fill out my Census form, I will let them know that I quit. I wish to no longer be a Black American. I want nothing to do with race baiting, whining, pandering for more tax dollars; family breakdowns, and the Al Sharptons of the world. I don't want to be Black anymore. I am somebody, and I don't need Jessie Jackson to tell me that. My father already did. I don't want to be Black anymore. I refuse to be used as a statistic to get more left-wing socialists into Congress. I don't want to be Black anymore. There is no need to make me part of a "protected group" as the California Governor recently stated. I can protect myself, thank you. I don't want to be Black anymore. Please do not feel sorry for me anymore, White folks. That liberal pity-party really insults me, anyway. I don't want to be Black anymore. You Democrats don't have to act like you like me. I know it's an election year. I am tired of being the Black "sheep" of the party. Leave me alone. I don't want to be Black anymore. If it means disgracing my own heritage by insulting Southern history… I don't want to be Black anymore. Since making the same statements Martin Luther King, Jr. made in 1963 are now considered "racist" and "insensitive…" I don't want to be Black anymore. If it means more innocent White people are forced to go through "sensitivity training…" I don't want to be Black anymore. If it means that everyone loses their freedom of speech, freedom to peaceably assemble, and their right to keep and bear arms… I don't want to be Black anymore. If it means being a ward of the State, rather than a Child of God… I don't want to be Black anymore. I'll sign the papers, dammit. I'll file the lawsuit. I'll start the boycott this time. I have every right. I am sick of these media-selected Black prostitutes making a mockery out of my country, out of everything America stands for. I'm sick of them giving everyone else a reason to hate me. I quit. I no longer want a prefix in from of my label. From this point forward, I, J.J. Johnson, DEMAND that I be simply called… …American. The Sierra Times Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CoreyLazarus416 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 **claps** I know it doesn't mean much at all coming from a suburban white kid, but I applaud this man for having the balls to point out the stupidity of various faux-leaders. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mindless_Aggression Report post Posted June 24, 2003 "They've paid me in dollars with White slave-owners' photos on them. And, damn them, they made me earn it first" Testi-fuckin-fy. Amazing article, thank you for posting this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 As a black man myself, I can understand both sides of the issue.... the problem is that most of the so-called black leaders are using the issue of racism to push their own agendas behind the scenes while clamoring that they are for equal rights. Sometimes I wonder if some want equal rights or just want to make the Caucasian race as a whole suffer for the indignities they had to go through, never mind the slavery issue. Have I been the subject of racism? Hell yes. In all kinds of ways. Do I want special treatment because of it? Hell no. I just want a chance to say that I am ME before I am black, which is what I do, regardless. Do I think that things are not equal? Yes, I do. But you want to know what? Until change truly takes effect, which it does little by little throughout the years and decades, until we all come together as HUMAN BEINGS, not whites, blacks, hispancis, asians, etc., we are always going to stumble and falter. In the last 50 years there has been progress. Its going to take another 25-50 before we can look back at the turn of the millenium and say that yes, he have progressed. But the amount of change lies in TRULY accepting someone as a person. To look at your co-worker and say, "That's Joe", before thinking about how he might act because of his ethnicity. Acceptance and tolerance go a long, long way towards solving the issues of the day, people. Once we learn to dispose of the negative, hurtful prejudices that we were *taught* as children and young adults, that is another step forward. Love and Friendship Know No Color. Out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest NoCalMike Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Sure some of the african american leaders out there display questionable motives when taking up causes, but does that mean that none of the issues mentioned in the article above truly exsist? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest JMA Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I agree with SOME of what he said. He's right on the whole "race" issue. What we really need is racial deconstruction. Your race shouldn't be determined by the color of your skin. The whole Blank-Americans thing is pretty annoying as well. We should all just be "Americans." On he other hand, he said some shit about liberals I didn't really like (since I lean left). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Tyler McClelland Report post Posted June 24, 2003 If there's something wrong with the nation, blame the liberals! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mr. Slim Citrus Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Okay. Wait! You were joking? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Everything is a political issue... the conservatives, the liberals, the independents.... When politics get involved, the chances of an issue being resolved fairly go WAY down. It becomes about winning and losing, rather than doing what is right and doing what is fair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jobber of the Week Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I know it's kind of an immature comparison, but this reminds me of some of the shtick of comedian Carlos Mencia. Basically, his whole act boils down to the fact that white people think that because he's a Latino that he has some connection with the people in Mexico. "Hell, if they start a war with us down there in Mexico, I tell you what to do: Give me a gun, too! I'll put a bullet in Julio's ass with the rest of ya!" He also mentions "African-Americans" and how, you guessed it, almost none of the US' black population knows very much at all with Africa, much less have any ties over there. (scans over the article from the bottom up) It is rather absurd thing, although I think there's some thing in here that are being made out to be bigger issues than they really are: If it means more innocent White people are forced to go through "sensitivity training…" God knows that has claimed so many lives and hurt so many victims. I'd comment on the Southern history thing except that I'm not fully informed on it. However, I think flying the stars and bars in your front yard if you don't live in some certain areas is really asking for trouble, and I say this because I have had experience in this matter with members of my extended family. I have nothing to say about the political pandering to minorities ("LOLOLOL DEMS PRETEND THEY LIKE ME") except to say that I wish it didn't happen on either side, but it does, on both sides. Oh, wait. I just read the "left-wing socialists" part. Okay, now I have to speak up as the Punk Card has been pulled. Does the Republican Party just not go after people who fit specific profiles whatsoever? What about the religious people? I remember a pretty big fundamentalist group. Heck, with this Roadmap to Peace stuff, Bush would be foolish not to target the Jewish peoples of the nation (trying not to say "community," as that sounds too lefty) for a bit in his campaigning. He won't let them all float to Lieberman. This is getting off-track, but the point needed to be made. I am somebody, and I don't need Jessie Jackson to tell me that. My father already did. I love that line, FWIW. Needs quoting again. There's also some very good arguements in there (such as BET, and I haven't seen a single black person yet like BET and I've asked around) but it's all blurred in the middle of all this left-bashing. Yes, the liberals are the reason BET exists. How about the fact that, somewhere, some people (appearantly people I've never met) are watching that channel, and that if they stopped watching the channel would go down the tubes and disappear? It's not all politics, sometimes it's just pure commerce. If you don't like being targeted as requiring some kind of special need, make sure you inform those responsible and do boycott that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 First, BET came along at a time when there were no black videos or programming on television. It was actually a necessary medium at one time. Now that minority entertainers are mainstream, BET has lost its functuality. It now is just a bunch of stereotypes shoved on one channel by the same people that own MTV. Every since the sell, the channel has gone downhill. Now, on to that page long pile of shit up there. That article is like if a white person wrote, "I don't want to be white anymore because some white guy said something I don't like" 90% of that article is bitching about what Jesse Jackson and the NAACP(just like BET, at one time had a real, meaningful function but has degraded into a business) has to say about things and atributes them to the entire black race. You know...black people have (gasp) independent thoughts. Our opinions on matters are formed by our own minds and not by the groups that get press (its almost as if we think and react like regular people...imagine that.) The suggestion that Black history month is when "I'm supposed to do all I can to insult White people for 28 days" is so fucking insulting that it is sicking. To say being black is about "race baiting, whining, pandering for more tax dollars; family breakdowns" is even more disgusting. I find a hard time believing that someone black would write this seeing as it is just atributing stereotypes to the entire race that anyone black would know is not true. I really want to go line for line through this bullshit and tear into this fucking retard, but I really don't have the time now. But this is seriously one of the most ignorant bass aackward articles that I have ever read and it is 2 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ant_7000 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 As a black male, I can agree on some of the things towards so called black leaders, they don't speak for me all the time. like Rip said BET had to come out back in the 80's because there wasn't any black performers on tv. But, Viacom bought out BET now because Robert Johnson was selling out, Now BET is nothing but a black version of MTV filled with stereotypes. What is he talking about how black leaders whining about there's not enough black shows on tv. ITS THE TRUTH maybe JJ needs to count how many black/minority shows on the major TV networks. JJ got it all wrong with Black history Month because its about celebrating the achievements of our history not dissing the white people. So I was kinda pissed that he said it was about whining and race baiting. I wonder how he felt about black colleges? Because they served a purpose back when whites wouldn't allow to go to their schools in the south. OH yea he won't go back to the south. JJ needs to realize that every black person doesn't fall into a stereotypical category," Don't want to be a child ward of the State" Uh im not child of the state, and we can form an opinon on are own without a black leaders influence. I believe a black man wrote this, I think he's bitter and out of touch and has no faith with our black people thats all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest kkktookmybabyaway Report post Posted June 24, 2003 "I believe a black man wrote this, I think he's bitter and out of touch with our people thats all." I thought it was funny, and I'm sure many of my people thought the same... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Find it funny all you want. Doesn't make it less ignorant and fucking retarded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ant_7000 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I changed it before I saw his post. But good looking out Triple K. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Well...I think I just missed something between Triple K and Ant. So I will solve my mistake like any mature adult. LOOK A BEAR!!!! [runs away while everyone is looking the other way] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Now that's interesting information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Flyboy Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Ripper pretty much summed up my thoughts on the entire article. Kudos to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DrTom Report post Posted June 24, 2003 90% of that article is bitching about what Jesse Jackson and the NAACP(just like BET, at one time had a real, meaningful function but has degraded into a business) has to say about things and atributes them to the entire black race. The problem is that people like Jackson and the NAACP are the unelected leaders and spokesmen for blacks in America these days. They're always on the news, and their words will be taken as being representative of the race they claim to... well, represent. And their words are poison, threatening to undo what progress has been made in the last fifty years. A black man has a problem? It must be a white guy's fault; sue Whitey. A black man didn't get a promotion at work. Racism; sue Whitey. We're not happy with the percentage of blacks in suchandsuch role? Racism again; sue Whitey. Slavery existed 150+ years ago? Sue Whitey, ignoring the fact that people change, and being conveniently ignorant to the fact that blacks in Africa sold their own brothers into slavery as part of trade programs. When everything they say is as stupid as what's above, you'll have to forgive people for rolling their eyes and dismissing the whole agenda as the brainchild of a bunch of idiots. And I've never understood the big deal with not seeing X % of blacks on TV. Who really cares if there's a black chap in the cast of Friends? Who cares if there's a white fellow on The Parkers? If people get their self-image from how they're portrayed on television, then they have much deeper problems than Jesse and Al can resolve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Flyboy Report post Posted June 24, 2003 The problem is that people like Jackson and the NAACP are the unelected leaders and spokesmen for blacks in America these days. I understand that and this is very true, but that does not mean everything that they say is what every black person in this country thinks like that. Who really cares if there's a black chap in the cast of Friends? That mental picture = Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Midnight Express83 Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I feel dumber reading that piece of shit. He is correct with: The leaders of "Black" America and what BET is now. He is incorrect with: Everything else. I as a black person, feel that this does nothing but insult me and people of all races. He justs wants to be an American, good, but don't bash black history month by labeling it 29 days of white bashing. Yet when I see stuff on TV about BHM it always about what some famous black inventer did or how fast Jesse Owens ran in 36. Not about "Bashin dem white folks ova der". I highly doubt a black person wrote that. I am leaning more towards a conversative white person from the south. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 90% of that article is bitching about what Jesse Jackson and the NAACP(just like BET, at one time had a real, meaningful function but has degraded into a business) has to say about things and atributes them to the entire black race. The problem is that people like Jackson and the NAACP are the unelected leaders and spokesmen for blacks in America these days. They're always on the news, and their words will be taken as being representative of the race they claim to... well, represent. And their words are poison, threatening to undo what progress has been made in the last fifty years. A black man has a problem? It must be a white guy's fault; sue Whitey. A black man didn't get a promotion at work. Racism; sue Whitey. We're not happy with the percentage of blacks in suchandsuch role? Racism again; sue Whitey. Slavery existed 150+ years ago? Sue Whitey, ignoring the fact that people change, and being conveniently ignorant to the fact that blacks in Africa sold their own brothers into slavery as part of trade programs. When everything they say is as stupid as what's above, you'll have to forgive people for rolling their eyes and dismissing the whole agenda as the brainchild of a bunch of idiots. And I've never understood the big deal with not seeing X % of blacks on TV. Who really cares if there's a black chap in the cast of Friends? Who cares if there's a white fellow on The Parkers? If people get their self-image from how they're portrayed on television, then they have much deeper problems than Jesse and Al can resolve. My main problem with that Tom is that black people barely ever agree with these people. There will be some march and 15 people show up in New York. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY BLACK PEOPLE ARE IN NEW YORK! They get like 15-30 to march on something racist and all of a sudden they are the black voice. Klan rallys have about 50-60 people and not once are they considered the voice of white america. Now I can see how a person with no interaction with minorities would believe that this is the way we all think, seeing as the news media promotes it that way. But I refuse to see a black man actually thinking this way. It is insulting to my and every other person's intellegence, regardless of color. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Speaking from the POV of a random midwestern white guy...how did guys like Sharpton ever assume that position of "leadership" in the first place, if they're so vehemently disagreed with? I don't see black history month as being 28 days of whitey bashin'. I think most historical groups or what have you recycle the same things about MLK, George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman, though. Especially the local network affiliates here giving a shout-out to BHM. "Did you know that peanut butter, potato chips, air conditioning, the stoplight, and the gas mask were invented by African Americans"? I swear, I've seen that two or three years in a row. I think it's meant to make Jethro Crackerson sit there and think "Hmmm..maybe colored folks ain't so bad after all," as he thoughtfully sips his Pabst Blue Ribbon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I highly doubt a black person wrote that. I am leaning more towards a conversative white person from the south. Why do you think that? There are plenty of respected black conservative columnist. It's just someone who has a different opinion on issues than you have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ISportsFan Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I am white, but I don't think that makes what I'm about to say any less relevant. I believe this man is telling the truth, but noot for everybody. I just graduated from high school, and I live in the suburban Chicago area. I went to a high school in a fairly prosperous neighborhood. Despite this, the African-American population at my school were totally different from their caucasian counterparts (for the most part - there were about 5-10 African-Americans per grade who were not what I'm about to describe). The blacks are either in gangs or want to be in gangs. They roll up one pant leg and leave the other one down (a huge gang sign). They do bash whites on a consistent basis, seemingly calling us nothing but "crackers" and other ethnic stereotypes. And it does get worse in February. They play craps in the hallways and in the bathrooms. No, I take that back... they don't play craps, they play high roll instead. It's disturbing because this is the next generation of African-Americans (at least in my suburb, which does not have a low standard of living). That is why I'm scared for the next generation, because at least around here the younger African-Americans do listen to the Jesse Jacksons and NAACPs and make very destructive decisions. Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 I highly doubt a black person wrote that. I am leaning more towards a conversative white person from the south. Why do you think that? There are plenty of respected black conservative columnist. It's just someone who has a different opinion on issues than you have. Because he basically is writing that since all Black people hate white folks, blame them for everything, and are waiting for handouts, he doesn't want to be considered black anymore. It is VERY hard to believe that any person would believe that many untrue sterotypes about his/her family unless they were raised by Cousin Ma and Uncle Pa. Unless he is trying to say, I am the only smart black person...in which case he is retarded...I tend to believe it is a mixture of all of the above. And Sports Fan, you use a WHOLE lot of assumptions there. How do you know who is in a gang or wants to be in a gang unless you had a conversation with them and said "Dude, you know, I really want to be in a gang." The pants leg thing is NOT a gang affiliation sign, it is a fashion statement...(Unless you think LL Cool J is the biggest gang banger alive...he is that gangsta rapper that was talking about "Hey Lover", "I need Love", and "Doin it Well".. damn gangsta) "They do bash whites on a consistent basis, seemingly calling us nothing but "crackers" and other ethnic stereotypes. And it does get worse in February." Well MAYBE calling them all gang members ain't really helping the perception that you are open minded. Are you telling me NO white students at your school gamble. HONESTLY now...none. Are you saying that your school if full of nice respectful white students that never do or say ANYTHING remotefully disrespectful or use ethinic stereotypes AT ALL and ALL BUT 5-10 black students come to school and say "Get the fuck out of my way you cracker befo my gang whoop yo ass, I'm tryna play high roll here!!". Its easy to find fault in another race. But can you see it in your own. I can say not a day goes by I don't see some group of young black males or females and just say "Dammit, somebody needs to slap their dumbasses in the mouth". And not a day goes by that I don't see a group of white males or females and say "Damn, somebody needs to slap them in the mouth." Same goes for basically every other ethic group. There are dumbshits of every color and I find it hard to believe that there aren't plenty of white ones in your school to go hand and hand with the "bad ol' black" student in your school. The next generation of African-Americans aren't in trouble. The entire next generation of this country is in trouble because most of todays youth are fucking dummies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted June 24, 2003 My main problem with that Tom is that black people barely ever agree with these people. There will be some march and 15 people show up in New York. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY BLACK PEOPLE ARE IN NEW YORK! They get like 15-30 to march on something racist and all of a sudden they are the black voice. But I refuse to see a black man actually thinking this way. It is insulting to my and every other person's intellegence, regardless of color. It's the media's fault. They give Jesse Jackson all the air time he wants and continue to give him credibility and it make seem like he's the voice of Black America. The silent majority could become more vocal, but it's sometimes difficult to be heard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 Speaking from the POV of a random midwestern white guy...how did guys like Sharpton ever assume that position of "leadership" in the first place, if they're so vehemently disagreed with? I don't see black history month as being 28 days of whitey bashin'. I think most historical groups or what have you recycle the same things about MLK, George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman, though. Especially the local network affiliates here giving a shout-out to BHM. "Did you know that peanut butter, potato chips, air conditioning, the stoplight, and the gas mask were invented by African Americans"? I swear, I've seen that two or three years in a row. I think it's meant to make Jethro Crackerson sit there and think "Hmmm..maybe colored folks ain't so bad after all," as he thoughtfully sips his Pabst Blue Ribbon. The same way Jerry Farwell got such control. They give rousing speeches to the church going folks, get them behind them and lead them to believe what ever they want. Then the media leaps all over it and all of a sudden you got a new media whore. Don't get me wrong, there are SOME people that follow Sharpton and Jackson like a religion, but the are the VAST minority of black people. I mean really, Sharpton and Jackson came out last year and told all black people to not go see Barbershop because of some of the jokes...it was the highest grossing film featuring minorities of the year. Who do you really think listens to these guys. And yeah, local affiliates do shift through like 3 blacks a year on the BHM things. But I still continue to learn new things about black history every year through other sources that is very suprising. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jobber of the Week Report post Posted June 24, 2003 It's the media's fault. They give Jesse Jackson all the air time he wants and continue to give him credibility and it make seem like he's the voice of Black America. The silent majority could become more vocal, but it's sometimes difficult to be heard. The problem is that to gain a voice you need to group together, and the groups and assumptions is where Jesse Jackson fails (i.e., he can't represent all of the people, and probably doesn't want to anyway when it comes to it.) The media does not want individuals, they want a herd mentality, and a bigger herd = a better herd. It's the same thing that drives the Dittoheads with O'Reilly and Rush. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 24, 2003 But people are too busy having jobs and living lives to group together to tell America what they should already know. Nas said it best, "Forget black leaders, the whites don't have none." Yeah, it was a double negative, but his point is there all the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites