Blog #3
This week’s readings were emotionally straining. As I read through them I was rattled with number of thoughts and emotions. The statistics presented in each article were not only alarming, but despairing. One of the stats that was especially startling was that black males are 50% less likely than white males to make it to 20 years of age. I knew that conditions were bad for the minority, especially for blacks, but I failed to realize that it was that bad. I was was also disturbed by how quickly I accepted what I read, because while alarming, these statistics are not very well hidden in our society. My thoughts went from, “Wow that is terrible, its that bad?” to, “well I guess that makes sense, when you think about it. Why are you shocked?” in seconds.
The article progressed from statistics to history and presented evidence of court cases and discussed slavery. I particularly enjoyed this part of the article because it provided history, which I love, gave more facts, stirred my emotions, and presented a very compelling theory. I was a deeply grieved as I was reminded about slavery, and exposed in detail to the mechanics of such an inhumane ideology. But the author, Toby Jenkins, argued that slavery is in the framework of the current cultural, educational, economical, and psychological structure that is prevalent in the black community. For example slaves were not permitted to marry, and when they had children the babies were ripped from their mother’s arms, during infancy, and given to an older slave woman to be raised. The slave owners felt that less focus on family would result in more efficiency in labor from the slave. The results were not simply more efficiency in labor, but a conditioning of morality in family structure of entire race of people in America. Strong family values for black Americans today are scarce, because of their conditioning.
Jenkins presents the idea that all the oppression that Black Americans have endured has had long term effects in their culture. He goes on to say that America is not equipped to deal with the pressing issues of Black America. Instead of helping to create change America cultivates the horrendous cycle of black oppression.
I agree with almost everything that Jenkins presents, in fact my only disagreement is in the hip hop section of his essay. I do appreciate that he touched on the subject of hip hop being a useful tool to educate black youth. I agree that it is healthy form of expression, it encourages healthy competition and demonstrates intellect. I also love the songs Jenkins chose to place in his article. Brown Skin Lady, and Mr. Nigga are prodigious songs in artistic ability, and, more importantly, in content of the American experience of a black male. What I can’t agree with, is Red Man and Method Man being in a conversion of hip hop. Jenkins’ point is valuable and astute, but Red Man and Method don’t make hip hop, they Rap.
