Access or Excess?

For many years, leaders among the black subculture have concerned themselves with equal access to American culture in general. The result has been a welcome inclusion of blacks in all aspects of the American life. Today, however, there is a serious problem. Some of the worst stereotypes are being exploited in sitcoms and “reality” shows, which results in a very poor portrayal of black Americans, particularly women.

When I was growing up in the Seattle area, there was a broadly diverse population, with mixed schools and churches the norm rather than the exception. I never learned some of the harsh lessons that were standard in other parts of the country until much later in life. Last week, not feeling too well, I spent much more time in front of the TV than is normal for me. I was stunned to see that strong and beautiful black women now only come in one size (“Queen” size?) and are only allowed to speak in vulgarities, screamed at the top of their lungs and accompanied with much head-wobbling and finger shaking! Where is the dignity and self-respect? Do all black women spend their spare time seeking the baby’s daddy? Do they all break into hysterical, screaming, floor-banging tantrums when some guy turns out not to be the daddy? This is not the way I learned to appreciate people. Maury Povich, die of shame!

Bill Cosby, an educated, intelligent and courageous man who can also be funny, has spoken to the world regarding the way the black community allows itself the self-destructive behavior that is now the norm for many black youngsters. These kids, with so much potential for love and achievement, are being blinded by self-hatred, seeing themselves in the lousy portrait shown in the media. Cosby tries, apparently in vain, to encourage blacks to break the vicious spiral that will result in many young people without educations, with only criminal enterprise to fund their lives, with only poorly-behaved athletes as role-models. Cosby gets raked over the coals for his efforts. Why!

Perhaps the “liberal” media have patted the black man/woman on the head, patronizingly, for just too long. Perhaps the societal conditioning, the unspoken “You can’t make it without our help” has finally really taken root. Maybe too many black people really believe the stereotypes foisted upon them. That is really a shame. During my time in the military service and in civilian jobs, I have met and worked with so many intelligent and competent black people that I know the stereotypes are not accurate. I have too much respect for the hard work and daily courage of those I have known. I am truly disgusted by the way an entire ethnic group is “dissed” on a daily basis by those who pretend to offer access or help.

Black children are not all thugs. Black women are not all unwed mothers with huge chips on their shoulders, and not all black men spend all their time on street corners or in jail. Not all black girls in their early teens are willing to prostitute themselves in order to get drugs and babies, and black children don’t have to speak in “Ebonics” to be black, and getting the best education you can in school is not “acting white”. Common sense is not a racial characteristic limited to whites. Black americans don’t have to give in to the sense of hopelessness our media tries to foster among them.

It is time for black leaders to show some leadership. Instead of accepting the phony help of the so-called liberals, encourage people of all races to develop themselves, educate themselves, take on challenges, and adopt legal gainful employment. Any legal job, done to the best of your ability, is an opportunity to learn and earn. Assertiveness, not aggressiveness, is a key to getting what you want. Courtesy is a social lubricant, and is much more effective and persuasive than pugnaciousness. Dignity is learned and respect is earned.

Today’s media offers excess, not access, and the only way to fix our culture is from within.