I’m not sure of how many people watched the CNN special Being Black in America. Although I thought the show only portrayed what the media already portrays about Blacks, I do give Soledad credit for even trying. If another special is done, I would like to see more of a balance. What was shown on the special was only one aspect, not a broad view. Offer solutions instead of highlighting the problem.
Whether you’re Black, Hispanic, White, etc…it shouldn’t matter. What should matter is your character? How can we develop the character of our kids if we’re always having to explain the ignorance and hatred of some people’s actions?
Do you think our society will ever be color-free?
To add some food for thought, here’s a poem I wrote on the subject.
Color-Free
© 2008 by Shelia M. GossThe color of my skin shouldn’t define me
Because when I go out of this country,
American is all they see.My Brown-sugar, Caramel, Ebony, Hershey-chocolate,
Mahogany, Mocha, Vanilla complexion
Is only an outer shell.
You have to dig Deeper,
If you want to know
What’s embedded in my mind.My skin color might hint to my Races
Past struggles and pain,
But don’t lose the fact that we’re
Individuals and not all the same.One day I hope we can all
Be one big happy family
In the meantime, I’ll leave a legacy
To the younger generation.Show by example on how to get through
Life’s complications.
I will teach them how to love
Through my own interactions.I will show them how to give
And not wait for someone’s reaction.
I will encourage them to dream and not
Let society dictate who they can be.I will show them the benefit of believing in
Oneself, but most of all in a Higher Being.I hope to see the manifestation of my vision
A society that’s COLOR-FREE.
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Snapping my fingers Sheila in agreement and applause! Well said!
Thanks Valerie.
Great poem Shelia!
I totally agree with you about the CNN special. We can point out problems all day every day. Shoot, that’s basically what’s done anyway. Where are the progressive talks about solutions and even the *good* things that are going on. I’m sick and tired of all the statistics about how all the black men are in jail and all the black women are getting HIV and all our schools are sub-par.
Of course this is not to be swept under the rug… but WHERE is the program that tells how *great* it is to be black? ‘Cause I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Statistics and all.