Since I do not live in a cave, quite the contrary I am a self-confessed media/political junkie, I am very aware of the Imus racial controversy currently brewing. Imus' crude and cruel sophomoric comments have once again shed light on our racial divide in the USA. His characterization of the Rutger's women basketball team as nappy headed hoes demonstrates the stubborn prevalence of racism and sexism in our society in both the white and black communities.
As African Americans, we must ask, has the coarsening of our music, movie, video and comedy entertainment genres tacitly indicate to others that calling or labelling our women hoes is acceptable. No, it does not excuse the behavior of past middle-aged white males who should know better. But what does it say about us when we tolerate rappers that denigrate our women in song and video? For example, rapper Nellie has a video in which he swipes a scantily clad female with a credit card down her backside. Yes, our objectification of black women signals to others that they are fair game.
Until we conceptualize more positive self-images, we will continue to support our so called victimization. Our dis-entertainment teaches our boys that they are criminals and thugs and our women are bitches and hoes, then we wonder why people around the world have negative misconceptions about our reality.
I am guilty as charged, as well. I have watched, danced, sang, laughed and partied to these negative images. However, teaching sixth graders has opened my eyes to the profoundly negative messages that are passed down to young and impressionable minds. Watching young primary aged girls think it is cute to shake their backsides like a stripper doing a lap dance has alarmed me to the point that I realize it is not just harmless fun. Actions have consequences.
In summary, a healed mind (a mind aligned with one's personal truth) rejects foods, images and behavior that is contrary to emotional, physical and spiritual health. Let the healing continue. Peace.
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Martin Luther King stated quote " I have a dream" we are still sleeping as a nation. We need to learn to get along through dialogue. Yes there are many social problems we have to fix like the media. The big winner out of all this is corporate america. CBS/NBC still got music to sell and T.V shows. I still have a dream.
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