That's alot of typing, and certainly I would lose the reader. But finally, as my wife was telling me a story about a slightly infamous outing last night, my desired post finally started to find some direction. #co-writershoutout.
Negative attitudes toward Black People, and the Stereotypical Imagery used to justify the behavior, are nothing new. In fact it has been our unfortunate reality for over 400 years. The difference now though is that WE are the ones working hardest to validate the myth. In times past, we were subject to the most vile of rumors & portrayals as Savage, Ignorant, Sexually Deviant, Criminal, Lazy & More-HOWEVER-a brief entry into almost any Black Community would show a PROUD & REFINED HARDWORKING COMMUNITY just trying to make the best out of a Bad Situation. TODAY we unfortunately far too many of our people blindly attempting to live out every idea of the Loud-Over the Top CHARACTERS that have been shoved down our throats since maybe the mid-90's.
Think about it. Just what is an Independent Black Woman? What defines a man as being a Man? The definition has changed, and we are teaching our babies the psycho examples of the thugged out brother (that can also be supplemented with the metro-sexual playa). And let's not forget that role that says that says that our Sista's have to "Set it Off," when encountering any perceived disrespect. I don't want to use the "Art Imitating Life" cliche' because this is in no way an art; but we are playing the role at Academy Award levels. Think I'm buggin' out? Next time you go out, count the number of men & women with loud/obnoxious clothing, super-weave, wigs that don't match with one's facial structure or skin tone, sagging pants, even worse-sagging skinny jeans, people with no car-but rocking the latest expensive fashions from head to toe, and overall loud-attention seeking behavior. And compare that to the number of people you see that seem to have a more refined manner of carrying themselves. Now when random person of another race says that they feel threatened, the most absurd accusation now carries sort degree of weight in the eyes of the public. We must Wake Up & Correct this Behavior.
What is it all about? It's the American Dream baby... MONEY. CAPITALISM. We are the driving force behind Media profitability, The Prison Industrial Complex, the launching pad for many a Right-Wing Conservatives Political Aspirations, Clothing Line profits, Electronics sales figures, the auto Industry, etc. think about it. Our Self-Esteem as a people has been made to be so low, that we constantly seek to acquire any item that will make us look like we are advancing as a people (individually & collectively). And every time we get one piece, something new and more expensive/out there comes along shortly thereafter. And while we chase someone else's image of what we should want, they skillfully use our own creativity against us. The images that we set forth via Music, Television & Movies once Enlightened and Inspired US to be the Kings & Queens that we are by DIVINE BIRTHRIGHT. Now those same tools are being used against us as a way to keep us in check-like no other method before. And we proudly drink the poison. Turn Off Channel Zero.