CNN Presents: “The Black Woman & Family”

By • Jul 23rd, 2008 • Category: Thinking Out Loud • Email This Post Email This Post • Print This Post Print This Post

 The Black Woman & Family — premieres Wednesday, July 23, 9 p.m. ET
Theirs are stories of struggle and success, of great joy and great sorrow. Meet the Rands — a diverse family with both black and white roots — a microcosm of what it means to be black in America. CNN followed the Rands for more than a year — their highs and their lows. It’s a journey that led us far beyond just one family to broader issues of health disparities, the impact of HIV/AIDS, the education gap and the taboos of interracial marriages and single black women choosing not to marry.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS–APOOO wants to know…

Is Anyone planning to watch the CNN Special:  Black in America/”The Black Woman & Family?”

If so, do you believe you will hear anything you do not already know, particularly if you are a Black woman?

What type of Black Women do you think will be represented–Michelle Obama, Omarosa, Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd (The View) or a little of all of the about?

We’ve come a long way Black women…or have we?  Share your thoughts.

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106 Responses »

  1. GravatarDera on July 23rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm:

    I think we will see some of what we know but might learn something new. Hopefully, they will show a cross section of black women because that is what we are. I just viewed a Video on the Black in America website from Hampton University. The young lady said being black is constantly being on guard against stereotypes of loud, ignorant, lazy,etc. while watching how you speak, act, dress conservatively to avoid stereotype, etc. I didn’t realize that some of our young people were aware of the same things a lot of us that are older are concerned about. I wouldn’t know it when I see both young and older women and men perpetrating the stereotypes. Sure, there are those of us who try to portray a positive image but I am often afraid the negative images overide it.

  2. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm:

    Who is watching “Black in America” on CNN? I ask the question because it was raging inside of me as I listened to pundits and experts, educators and pastors, business professionals and actors—all attempting to make sense and give shape to what it means to be black in America.

    I asked the very same question after Tavis Smiley produced the “The Covenant with Black America” a few years ago. That book sold millions of copies, and was the topic of quite a few talk shows.

    And this CNN “special” will probably be one the highest rated shows on the network ever. But I again I ask who is watching?

    For the entire article, visit: http://blacknews.com/news/whos_really_watching_black_in_america101.shtml

  3. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm:

    Angelia and Dera..I’m not sure I’m going to watch it…so I’ll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

  4. GravatarAngelia on July 23rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm:

    I plan to watch it and I hope they show an entire range of Black Women, my guess is that Soledad O’Brien will do just that. NBC did an excellent one not very long ago, that may have been what precipitated this. We have come quite far in a generation, many of my elders are amazed by what many of us are doing and the ways in which we are doing it. However, we can not be caught sleeping because there is much work to be done and we need the entire Black Family to grow….

    angelia

  5. GravatarPhyllis Ann on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm:

    Glad this was on the website because I need toTIVO.

  6. GravatarPhyllis Ann on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm:

    Looks like they will be reairing this one in a few hours after it goes off.

  7. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 pm:

    Hey Phyllis Ann…glad I was able to alert you that the show was coming on today. It will also be on again tomorrow…a different segment…Black Men and Family.

  8. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm:

    Hmmm…can someone explain to me why a show about Black Woman and Family seems to be focused a lot on Black men…hmmm I guess I need to keep watching…maybe the next 1:30 hours will be different.

  9. GravatarPhyllis Ann on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm:

    Thanks so much. I set both segments to tape. Definitely want to discuss both shows after I watch the segments.

  10. GravatarLinda on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm:

    Im not seeing anything new. In fact, what is the point..????

  11. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm:

    LINDA, LINDA, LINDA…that’s my issue…they keep showing us what we already know…watching this can lead a lot of folks to believe that most black folks live below the poverty level and most of our men are in jail…and I’m tired of focusing on the problems…where are the SOLUTIONS…stop telling me what I already know…hmmm what am I missing?

  12. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm:

    I am watching it now. I think I’ll hear some things I already know and hear some things I didn’t know. I’m excited. I think this special is more for other races to see some of what we as a people go through. I believe this show will help us all be more compassionate to one another.

  13. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm:

    Families without Fathers…is there anything we can do as women to stop generation after generation of kids growing up without a father in the home?

  14. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm:

    Annjanette….I believe that most of us watching don’t fall into the stats…the folks who need to be watching…where this show might make a difference…they’re not. Oh yeah and when you hear something you don’t already know…HOLLA… :)

  15. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm:

    LOL…Yas, we’ve been “Black in America” since we were born…nothing presented here will (a) surprise us and/or (b) it’s stuff we already know. I missed the first hour….I’m tuned in now.

  16. GravatarT.Avery on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 pm:

    Annjanette–I agree. I think this show is geared towards non-Blacks. Hell, we already know what its like to be Black in America. But ummmmm, when are they going to start talking about Women and Families?????

  17. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm:

    LOL…hey T. Avery they’re talking about Ira…she had 4 kids before she was 29…oh gosh and now the rent man is there asking for his money in three days.

  18. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm:

    ROTFLMAO…tell it Phyllis!

  19. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm:

    Soooo why didn’t Soledad ask Ira where her baby daddy is/was and how come he’s not paying child support? Why dance around the question that everyone wants to know?

  20. GravatarLinda on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm:

    EXACTLY TAvery

  21. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm:

    PHYLLIS…BINGO…stop skirting the dayum issue…arggghhhhh!

  22. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm:

    Who is the commentator between commercial breaks? Why is he so animated?
    Ira loves her kids…hmmm she’s on national TV…what else is she going to say?

  23. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm:

    No, Ira loves screwing…that’s what she loves. Ditto with the animated commentator….just adding to the stereotype…he looks and acts like a characature

  24. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm:

    I’m getting ready to turn this off….they’ve just explained what “Baby Daddy” is to all of America….this is a disappointment!

  25. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm:

    Ok! Phyllis I’m with you! Where are the daddy’s of these babies. Did you hear her say something about no contraceptives! Baby bye! I’m not trying to be mean, but come on we all can make a mistake and have a baby, but FIVE! You’ve got to be kidding me!!!

  26. GravatarLinda on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 pm:

    Well..I thought Whoopie hit the nail on the head..women who are trying and on assistance need more help than they receive from welfare/human services.

  27. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm:

    I haven’t seen anyone who represents “me” and most of the women I know.

  28. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm:

    Phyllis–I’m a glutton for punishment now…sigh.

    Annjanette–Soror, where is the compassion…rotflmao…ye and five mistakes not…Phyllis had it right!

    Linda–I learned something knew–I didn’t know Whoopi had ever been on welfare…I’m happy that she used is a means…and moved on.

  29. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm:

    Phyllis–me either…but I think they might be coming up…I dayum sure hope so!

  30. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm:

    I agree women with children need more help, but the help they need is job skills, how to write a resume, how to dress for an interview, etc. The goal should be to get off welfare, not stay on welfare and the system should be set up to give you that extra support you need.

  31. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm:

    They need contraceptives! In the words of Chris Rock (as crude as it sounds….) “put the d**k down”….

  32. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm:

    LOL! Phyllis, that’s hilarious!!

  33. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 pm:

    Ok here we go.. I have several friends that fit this category.

  34. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 pm:

    Yas, you asked, “Families without Fathers…is there anything we can do as women to stop generation after generation of kids growing up without a father in the home?”

    That is a GREAT question….would have LOVED to see a discussion on this!

    And the thing is women AND men need to do something. Women can do all the “right” things to try to fix the issue, but if the other half isn’t doing anything, nothing will get accomplished.

    I think education is KEY…and not just academic education. Life education. Self-esteem education. Women…and men…need to be taught morals, be taught that their lives, as individuals, are significant, be taught that marriage IS a covenant…..

    We have become SO lackadaisical in EVERYTHING. Children have sex younger and younger, we both Britney Spears’ young sister and child on the cover of magazines like this is something to be TOUTED, we don’t educate the “have nots” to realize their potential, and so they don’t think of consequences, they think of quick fixes…

    I could go on and on, so I’m gonna stop, LOL@self

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  35. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm:

    Yep, Annjanette — I’m really listening now…here we go!

  36. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm:

    Phyllis–rotflmao…and Phyllis they’re talking about single women…some professional. ;)

  37. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm:

    And the thing is women AND men need to do something. Women can do all the “right” things to try to fix the issue,

    It’s not just a black woman issue…but we might have to say no to the d&#^ if brothas can’t wrap it up because we’re the ones who get stuck holding the baby. That alone was enough for me to say…no glove…no love.

  38. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm:

    Shon and you know we’re preaching to the choir…lol.

  39. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 pm:

    PREACH MICHAEL!!!

  40. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm:

    that part of the segment was well done!

  41. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm:

    Yep preach Michael…hmmm wait when did Michael become Mr. Sensitivity…lol.

  42. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm:

    Phyllis, I agree.

  43. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm:

    Just watched where they were talking about black women and relationships, and I have to say that I’m an EOD – equal opportunity dater. Life is FAR TOO SHORT for me to hold out for a nubian prince if I can find a man that loves me and I love him.

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  44. GravatarDera on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm:

    Well, I’ll have to wait for a couple of hours to chime in; remember, I’m on PST.

  45. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm:

    I hear you Shon and I never had a problem dating o/side of my race. When I dated I really didn’t care what color you were as long as we were compatible. I don’t believe women should limit themselves esp. given that black man ain’t standing still for us. Many of them are dating everything but US.

  46. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm:

    Bye Dera…lol.

  47. GravatarKhadejah on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 pm:

    Why is this called Black In America? The things she is covering is happening in homes across America, Black, White, Red, Brown, etc. This is very disappointing, or just not what I expected.

    My 15 year-old just stated that she has never seen a child teased about being bi-racial. She only see’s this issue on tv shows like this.

  48. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm:

    Yep…for the most part, I’m disappointed too Khadejah….

  49. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 pm:

    Hey Khadejah…thanks for dropping by.
    Regarding bi-racial kids…I’ve seen them teased…I have family members and friends who are bi-racial and kids can really be mean…esp. Black kids…sigh.

  50. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm:

    That’s why I didn’t really believe the black woman who felt she had to raise her children black. Blacks aren’t that accepting of biracial children….especially those that are lighter and that have more “passing” qualities…

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  51. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm:

    I’m happy the show is on even if it is things I already know, heard about or have family members that fit in some of the profiles presented on the special. Personally, I think this special will cause people to talk more. At least that’s what I would like to see be a result of this special.

  52. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm:

    So true Shon.
    I have a half-sister who was a throwback and she was constantly harassed as a kid because she had straight-hard, was very fair, and also happened to be very pretty. And she spoke proper English; actually we all did. I didn’t learn to speak Ebonics until I was an adult..lol.

  53. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm:

    I agree with you Shon, because growing up I was treated horribly by my own black people because I was light skinned with long hair. I didn’t choose what I would look like. It’s all genetics. I had a complex for years because of the way I was treated.

  54. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm:

    MAKES ME WANNA HOLLA…our women are having unprotected sex and we’re the ones walking around with the highest rate of AIDS…this is a dayum shame.

  55. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm:

    Annjanette, I’m feeling you sis. I didn’t get teased as much as my sister…but I was teased…it was enough to make me say…’forget you black people.’

  56. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 pm:

    Oh my gosh…only one time of having unprotected sex and she got HIV/AIDS…this is HORRIBLE.

  57. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm:

    This is getting ready to be really upsetting…I bet she’s HIV positive.

  58. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm:

    OMG!!!! She has a baby and she is still having unprotected sex!!! I just don’t understand some people.

  59. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 pm:

    Thank God she’s negative…whew…now will she honestly have sex with a condom everytime?

  60. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 pm:

    Thank God her results were negative!

  61. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 pm:

    Nya is lying….I’m not convinced she’ll never have unprotected sex again…

  62. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 pm:

    Annjanette, that’s what I’m talking about. Okay wait maybe she’s not using condoms but she’s using some type of contraception. What do you think?

  63. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 pm:

    I agree Phyllis. She’s only 18…youth is wasted on the young.

  64. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm:

    Even Soledad’s face was like, “Really?” Nya looks like she has self-esteem issues…why is she with a boyfriend (ie sexing him) and she doesn’t trust him??? C’mon!! CRAZY!

  65. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm:

    PHYLLIS, I agree….I saw her say 0%, and I was like, “She’s lying.”

    This segment SO depressed me. I mean my face is numb, and I want to cry. It’s beyond MAKES ME WANNA HOLLA. I want to kick ass and knock some damn sense into people’s heads.

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  66. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm:

    Phyliss, I didn’t want to say it, but I think she’s lying too! She took too long to answer and habits are hard to break!! Plus she’s 18! I have two children that were once 18 and when they just had a scare, that’s all it was a scare for that moment. They soon forget!

  67. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 pm:

    Sorry Phyllis for spelling your name wrong :)

  68. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm:

    No Problem Annjanette – I’m typing so fast that I know I have misspellings and typos all over the place…

  69. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm:

    Okay now, for a minute there I thought he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was hanging with the wrong kids and his mother doesn’t know why someone would want to hurt him???

  70. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm:

    OMG! They have to translate what he’s saying, like he’s speaking another language! I have other comments…but y’all know what I will say….

  71. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 pm:

    Annjanette: EXACTLY! His azz is a gangbanger!!!

  72. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 pm:

    ALL DAY LONG!!!

  73. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm:

    Is it me — some of these people seem to have speech problems….like they don’t know English!

  74. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm:

    Wow! Now that’s something I didn’t know. Dyson has a brother in prison!

  75. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm:

    I KNOW I won’t be able to watch tomorrow….I can already start crying….

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  76. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm:

    Yes…Dyson has mentioned his brother before…he visits him regularly.

  77. GravatarKhadejah on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm:

    It kills me when people say it was only one time. Think about it, you can only get affected one time and it will probably be the time you didn’t use protection.

    On this subject, there is a AA female in my commuinty who is an Assistant Principal, and has a Doctorate. She is married to a business owner who has a fierce reputation for cheating and supposedly does not use protection. Her bestfriend, another educated sister is married to a former NBA player who has a similar repuation. This sister actually heads a local AIDS program. Now if these educated sisters stay with men who put their health and lives at risk (because you know if a man is not covering up in the streets he’s not doing it at home), how do you convince uneducated sisters living in poverty that they need to make better decisions.

  78. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm:

    Nope Phyllis it’s not you…some of them have serious issues with English. Not sure if you saw the first part of the show where they talked about schools being less than ideal in inner-city Black communities…well these kids are by-products of those school systems. Sigh.

  79. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 pm:

    Now if these educated sisters stay with men who put their health and lives at risk (because you know if a man is not covering up in the streets he’s not doing it at home), how do you convince uneducated sisters living in poverty that they need to make better decisions.

    Just asinine!

  80. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm:

    Oh no Shon…I was like I can’t watch this tomorrow…but then a girlfriend pointed out that for comparison purposes I might want to…so I will be back watching and blogging cause misery loves company…lol.
    xoxo

  81. GravatarPhyllis on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm:

    Thanks for the clarification Yas…and yes, I missed the first hour.

    Good Point Kadejah – that “do as I say, not as I do” approach ain’t gonna work for some folks.

  82. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm:

    Now that’s really crazy!!!! You have to live it to be able to help someone else.. They probably think their husbands are only sleeping with them. It seems the wife is the last to know.

  83. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm:

    Phyllis, I didn’t know about Dyson’s brother…it’s so sad that some of us within the same family don’t make it.

  84. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm:

    Annjanette, is the wife really the last to know or just in denial?

  85. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm:

    I would say some of both! I think sometimes you’re too close to a situation to fully understand what’s going on.

  86. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 pm:

    LOL@Yas

    I know…*sigh*…I’ll probably be watching, too, LOL

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  87. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm:

    Hey folks…I just left a comment at CNN i.report and they called me to appear on a special tomorrow at noon. If you’re interested in being on the show, click on the link below and leave a comment:
    http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=9773

    Let’s just say Katie got an earfull from me…lol.

  88. GravatarAPOOO on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 pm:

    Hey ladies…thanks for indulging me tonight. I needed this because I’m a little angst because my daughter is having surgery tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers as I’m signing off for the evening…but I will be back tomorrow.

  89. GravatarShon on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:01 pm:

    This woman has a story that NEEDS to be heard because it, I believe, is so similar to many people; I know I can relate: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-49164

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  90. GravatarAnnjanette on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm:

    I’ll be praying for your daughter and your family. God guide the surgeons hands and let the surgery be successful. In Jesus name, AMEN!

  91. GravatarDera on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm:

    Okay, I will be checking in with comments as I note them. Just saw the white and black Rand family. While it is wonderful, this is not new. Black and white having common ancestors is common. There are more and more of these kind of renions.

  92. GravatarTheJennTafur on July 24th, 2008 at 12:15 am:

    Watched it, shared on my blog and received some negative flack. What is the point of blogging sometimes when people want to continuously kick you in the face. Internet trolls are not nice! =(

  93. GravatarAPOOO on July 24th, 2008 at 12:18 am:

    Hey Jenn what’s your blog URL…I’ll stop by and show some love.

    Dera–yawn…lol…keep watching…actually that reunion/family was one of the best highlights of the documentary.

  94. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 12:25 am:

    I have mixed feelings about paying kids for what they are SUPPOSED to do, but those kids circumstances are different.

    Okay, I’m trying to get a handle on why the kid’s father is out of work and talking about going into a shelter like that is his only option. I admit I am switching back and forth between BIA and So You Think You Can Dance, my favorite show. :-)

  95. GravatarAPOOO on July 24th, 2008 at 12:35 am:

    Dera I didn’t understand that father either…and was wondering why he got $1300 a month from the government.

  96. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 12:56 am:

    Okay, the Randa got it going on?

    Okay, how do you have four (4) kids by the same man and not get married? She says she was depressed (sigh). It is a fact of life that many of us are one paycheck from the street.

    Okay, I didn’t realize to Marry Your Baby Daddy went through such a strenuous process. I like seeing the couple they showed three years later.

  97. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 12:58 am:

    Dera I didn’t understand that father either…and was wondering why he got $1300 a month from the government.

    Maybe its SSI. Which would explain why he doesn’t work.

  98. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 1:19 am:

    Why brotherman have a hat on backwards on his head meeting the Rand sister for a date?

    Why aren they consulting Michael Baisden for marriage advice?

    Interesting that guy said being biracial is not quite belonging to either black or white. The sister believes her children will be more accepting of her biracial kids by the black community which sounds plausible.

  99. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 2:45 am:

    Final Word:
    Okay, the program didn’t break any new ground. My questions is who do they make these programs for? Middle class blacks will look at the Rands and nod their heads, yep, yep. Middle class blacks know there are problems with poverty, health care, education and crime.
    But is Sheniska with three baby daddies going to watch it? The brother hangin’ on the street buy or selling drugs? Again, I say these programs are preaching to the choir.

  100. GravatarLinda on July 24th, 2008 at 9:39 am:

    Dera…BINGO

  101. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 3:29 pm:

    Maybe I’m one of the ones with my head buried in the sand but I am not buying the color thing is why Dyson made it qnd is brother didn’t. Nawww. I know the situation exists but that isn’t what happened in that family.

    The mother who said she didn’t know why her son was shot; now she is in denial with her multicolored perfectly manicured nails. She looks so young. She has five boys? Where is the father?

  102. GravatarShelly on July 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm:

    I didn’t learn anything new. It painted a bleak picture. Life doesn’t always give you your heart’s desire. Some folks just have to work harder if they really want to reach their goals. The truth is, life is not fair and some have it easier than others. At the same token, don’t let that be a deterrent.

  103. GravatarShon on July 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm:

    Dyson never said that color distinction was the ONLY issue; he’s not stupid enough to say that. However, I think it’s a bit naive to not make reference to it because it does exist.

    Shon’s last blog post..August 1st Marks Premiere of All the Blog’s a Page!

  104. GravatarShelia on July 24th, 2008 at 5:08 pm:

    I saw the show last night. Unfortunately I don’t think it showed the full spectrum of “Being Black in America.” I know it was only a 2 hour show and it couldn’t cover all of the issues (good or bad). One angle I was hoping to see on the show was how it was to be Black and in a corporate environment.

    In my opinion, I think the media portrays Blacks in such a way that most people think we all live in poverty, we all come from one parent households, and other negative examples I can give, but won’t…but it’s not true. I would like to see a show where it shows more of the positive or at the very least – a balance.

    We’re no different than other races. We as Americans all want the same thing—a fair chance, we love our families and our country and we work hard to make it whether we’re pulling 6 figures or 4 figures.

    Shelia’s last blog post..His Invisible Wife Book Trailer

  105. GravatarDera on July 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm:

    Again, I know colorism exists in our community but that was not the case in Dyson’s family.

  106. GravatarAPOOO on July 24th, 2008 at 7:30 pm:

    Hey Dera…how do you know colorism was not the case in Dyson’s family? Has he talked about this before or his have his parents spoken out?