[***I hear that there's some dude out there named Panama who writes long posts. I'm sure glad I'm not him. Ole long winded self! Yes, that means this is long. ***]
Who knew one song could cause so much intra-race controversy?
It’s been a few days since the world found out that it is, indeed, hard out here for a pimp. Three 6 Mafia couldn’t have predicted that a year ago, a song they were commissioned to do for an indepedent movie would be placed on center stage during Hollywood’s biggest night. After all, they were just doing what they were asked to do; create some original songs for the pimp-turned-rapper, DJay, to perform in the movie that pertained to his pimpin’ lifestyle.
And now, “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” won an accolade that many people wish to have on their resume.
And a lot of black folks are pissed. Which isn’t surprising.
And the title of this post had little to do with anything, I just like the song. It’s by Blue Oyster Cult.
Rock on!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There have been articles all over the internet, national newspapers (more specifically, the Washington Post ran two articles that I’m aware of) on both sides of the coin. Some people are happy that they won, or think that it was good for hip-hop while others are completely aghast, disappointed, pissed, and offended.
I believe that some black folks think this is akin to “Plymouth rock landing on us…again…followed by Chris Rock, Rock ‘n Roll, and Prudential.”
You know, piece of mind, it comes with every piece of the rock.
*rimshot*
Hell, I’ve heard people refer to Three 6 Mafia’s winning of the Oscar as confirmation of white America’s love for black modern day minstrel shows.
Others hate that black stereotypes are lauded.
Well, you get the picture. A lot of black people are very upset with this.
And in some ways, I can understand…but that’s only because I’m very aware that a lot of black people care a whole hell of a lot about white people’s perception of us. Somehow, it seems that our own self-perception is tied into how white America views us.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, black folks are full of shit.
Why do we care so gotdamned much about how they see us? Really. I want to know.
Black people are so full of concern over our image (as it was pointed out to me last night, and I can’t believe I never thought about this, but we even have the NAACP Image Awards…good God) that we hate anything that can be deemed contrary to what we would like our image to be.
Mind you, I understand the need for balance. To be honest, I’d wager that there is more balance nowadays, outside of mainstream hiphop, than there ever has been before. I can’t think of a single scripted show featuring majority black people on television that doesn’t feature upwardly mobile, well-to-do black people. Black people with degrees and businesses, etc. You know, the people like a lot of us. With the image that we want.
And you know my problem with that? It’s all steeped in how we want to be viewed by larger society…you know, white people.
How in the hell can we progress if our entire self-image is rooted in how we would like to look to white people?
And I’m no better at times. I pride myself on usually not giving a flying fuck what most white people think about me. I kind of march to my own beat most of the time anyway, so even black folks are confused. But there are times when I’m just as guilty of caring about white people’s opinions as the next person. And that is stupid.
It’s impossible to improve your own situation when you’re too busy trying to make sure you look good to a group that, for the most part, doesn’t give a shit what image you put out there. How can we, as black folks, even figure out what’s best for us as a community (assuming that any of us really do give a shit about that community thing since I figure most folks care about what white folks think because of how it might negatively impact them as individuals) if our entire goal is to make sure that white people see that some of us do have degrees and jobs.
Especially when they already know that since they give some of us jobs. Begrudingly at times, but they do.
For the most part, I manage to live my life according to my own liking. And do you know why? Go ahead…take a gander…
…it’s because I’m free.
We have a long way to go in race relations. Clearly, but last I checked, I was free. I didn’t have to live my life dictated by the whims and musings of white people.
So why do so many of us do that? Why do we try to do all the things that one wouldn’t typically associate with black. Hell…why do some folks think they have to dissociate themselves period?? I’ll never understand that.
And speaking on race relations, I find it funny that we want mainstream media, and essentially white America’s perception of us to be perfect…because don’t get it twisted, we don’t want them to have a balanced view of us, we want them to think of us as equals, but in that equality lies a want to be considered as educated people who are as successful as they are at many different ventures. Anytime we can show white folks that we aren’t all poor, we make strides to do so.
But…we also want white people to still recognize racism. It’s like we want white people to look in the mirror and say, “yes you fucked over black people, but still they rise, like the tides. and despite the slip and slides, they rise…they took all that racism and made it anyway.”
Come on…how realistic is that? We want instant gratification and recognition. It’s going to take some time. Hell, we JUST started getting into white schools almost 50 years ago. And that took a landmark Supreme Court case. It isn’t like we were welcomed with open arms, an apple, and some Mentos.
The freshmaker.
Hell, do you even realize that the entire last few paragraphs were all about our dealings with white people? And how we want them to essentially welcome us to the table? Are you still reading right now anyway?
Why don’t we care more about what’s going on inside our our communities first…then worry about what the hell else white folks think? It isn’t like racism is going anywhere anytime soon anyway. Just because we THINK that they look at us differently doesn’t mean they do does it? Or is that what it’s all about anyway…
…we just want to FEEL better about ourselves…and if we feel white folks feel good about us, then maybe we will feel good about us too.
Man, I miss Ice Cube from 1991. For all of the criticism he caught, he had the right idea. Focus on us first, fuck how they think.
This is why we can’t rise as a people, X. It has nothing to do with Three 6 Mafia. They won that award because the Academy didn’t give a shit about how we view ourselves. They liked the song. Same reason Terrence Howard was nominated for his role, because he played a good ass pimp (no pun intended).
Somebody needs to do a study on why we’re so good at portraying the very stereoypes we rail against.
And on why we care so damn much what white people think…please, somebody explain it to me.
(And on how we can keep Flavor Flav on TV for as long as possible, with a possible reality show featuring Crunchy Black as well.)
Well said my nigga!
We care so much because we are an insecure and oppressed people and we don’t want to admit it. Point blank. Slavery and jim crow could do that to you, one would think. The problem is, like skinny anorexic white girls, we can’t see the problem for ourselves nor can we fathom the idea that we can be our own solution to the problem. We’re insecure and seek some validation from the oppressor…..in the meantime they could give two fucks about us, since if u haven’t noticed they barely even understand black folks.
Two finger snaps about us wanting some picture perfect idea of us portrayed in the media. We aint perfect, and we never will be. I understand the history of unbalance, but puttin up perfect scores from here on out aint gonna make it better, nor is it realistic.
*applauding*
I fricking LOVE your lucid days!!
see?
You can be well when you put your mind to it!
White people will love you!!
Outstanding, I think I will read it again (smile)
I totally agree! I too find myself not wanting to look a certain way in front of white at certain times but I shake it off. I realize that no matter what I do, drive a car, read a book, walk on water, I’m still a nigger. Don King said it best if you’re a rich nigga, you’re a rich nigga, a poor nigga, is a poor nigga. It’s crazy because if we get a show that shows “upwardly mobile” Blacks then we have Blacks criticizing the show saying it doesn’t represent the majority of Black folks. Then the same criticism is levied toward shows if the show focuses on poor Blacks.
I think our self-hate is at the root of it all. I mean what else could make a people that were enslaved mentally, physically, financially, etc by a people still make these formerly enslaved people want the acceptance of their former enslavers? And you know I think that many Blacks who criticize 3-6 Mafia are doing so out of sour grapes. They will come out and say that the song gives off a bad image of Blacks because that’s an argument that is palatable but I think that many of these criticizing Blacks really are jealous and want the acceptance and wealth that accompany an award of an Oscars status and feel that 3-6 is just not deserving. But they the criticizing Black is deserving. I like what Jamie Foxx said after the Oscars. It was to the effect that we can never let others appreciate our music more than we do.
Like you too Panama I too realize that I’m free but looking at the actions of many Blacks I don’t think they feel the same. That’s why I have to agree with Farrakhan when he says that we’re too foolish of a people, a people that do not want to do for self and who fight against each other for the acceptance of our former/current oppressors.
I reeeally hate to be the spoiler so much, but I just gotta…
I’m sure most are familiar with the old parental adage, “When you leave my house, you’re representing me…” Well, it’s kinda like that. Blacks are inherently more communal than other ethnic groups. Thus, it’s not just Juicy J up there, it’s our brother. We want him to represent to the utmost. So, sorry, the “just do you” mentality does not readily apply to the Black community like it does to the majority population–our histories are too different.
But let’s say it’s not about representing for “others.” What about a little something called SELF-respect, being moral, being decent? What’s wrong with that? And, no it’s not really all about the “rappers,” it’s more about the collective–how/when did we come to a point when this was even acceptable? It pains me to think so many, even those of the “Talented Tenth” ilk are so willing to throw in the towel, with the “that’s just the way it is” mindset…without even daring to see WHY that’s the way it is and trying to rectify it. (Interestingly, I’m sure many of them won’t be having their kids listening to 90 % of what’s played in the mainstream these days…but I digress on that).
And let me finally say, again, it’s not about “It’s Hard Out There…” That song should have won the award it did. It’s more about why that kind of song is the rule nowadays rather than the exception. Just something to think about…
T
P.S. I didn’t refer back to your post much, just kinda wrote off the cuff so sorry if it didn’t fully flow with your topic…
Do you think three-six mafia really worship the devil? I have been hearing about this lately.
@Question: No…one of the first people them dudes thanked when they go the award was Jesus. They’ve been saying for years that they arent’ devil worshippers.
Plus, they also said they’d pray for anybody hating on them after winning. I guess they could pray to Satan, but they’re black…they know better.
There is no Black and white to this issue, (pun regretted) just gray. Both sides are actually right. It just depends on what matters to you. Many white people did watch the Osars and judge that Black people live in, enjoy, and celebrate filth. They really did. But I for one don’t care. “We” don’t need acceptance from those people. They already thought Black people suck. What many of us fail to realize is that true equality comes in acceptance of difference, not likeness. The outrage that has poured out over 3-6 Mafia winning the Oscar and even Hustle and Flow itself being recognized with a nomination is disappointing. Hiding behind “what will white people think?” is en vogue, but it is really “us” that hates “us.” The group image mentality is flawed anyway, but that might be an issue for another day.
Like always, Panama, this post has a resiliant reality splashed with a dose of humor. However, after reading T’s comment, I had to laugh even more. T said sumthin about black ppl being inherently more communal than other ethnicities. For real? WOW! We’re the FIRST to tear each other down. We’re the FIRST to criticize each other. We don’t do enuff applauding when someone accomplishes something. We’re waaayyy too quick to find the ‘negative’ and disect that. It’s Black on Black Crime.
it is very important for us to have self-respect and to think as a community especially given the current state of affairs. however, in doing so it is crucial that our self-respect is actually rooted in self and that our communal thoughts are actually rooted within our community. the point that p made about us caring about white folks too much is so important. and if that caring persists we will never have true self-respect and think as a true community. we will do things in the name of self-respect and representing others but it won‚Äôt be a real…it will be rooted in white folks and proving ourselves worthy of being seen as complete human-beings… yet will we be truly exercising that humanity? ‚Äúwe just want to FEEL better about ourselves…and if we feel white folks feel better about us, we will too.‚Äù that‚Äôs a crucial statement.
if someone is going to tone themselves down or make different decisions I would hope that if anything it would be because they want to project a certain image to other black people not white people. i am not completely innocent of entertaining the thought of what white folks think about certain things. it’s that deep of an issue that it’s stayed with us this long and still permeates the minds of those who would like to think of themselves as free or on the way there. essentially we should try to think about ourselves as a whole yet we shouldn’t be a slave to that thought furthermore, we should make sure that thought is actually rooted in wanting to improve our situation internally not just look the part to white people while we still have toxic thoughts about ourselves and each other.
Mr Jackson, We need more souls like yours alive and kicking. I actually like your long post cos they are very insightful and creative. You made several great points that i strongly agree with. One thing though, YOU NEED TO WRITE A FREAKING BOOK. I will be the first in line to get it signed. I am very impressed with your ideas and views. Keep it up.
i think crunchy black is satan.
See for me, it’s not about wanting to represent in front of white folk. To be honest, I could care less. I’ve never watched the Academy Awards (or any other mainstream award show for that matter), not even for Halle, Denzel or Jamie.
And I haven’t seen Hustle & Flow, nor ever listened to “It’s Hard Out There For a Pimp” outside of the movie trailer so I don’t know if it deserved the award that it did. But my lack of knowledge/interest has nothing to do with my race or my educational level. It’s just that my love for pimp glorification stays w/in the confines of old 70′s blaxploitation flicks (ya can’t beat the OG pimps).
I think that people look at 3 Six Mafia (Three 6 Mafia-I still don’t know which is correct) in the same context they do when they see the crackhead with the rollers in their hair always giving the commentary on the evening news. Like, outta all the artists and all the songs why THIS one?
I don’t think that we need to sugar coat shyt for white folk. They have their dysfunctional family members as well. We’ve all gotten our kicks from White America’s Best Kept Secret (i.e. Jerry Springer), but one thing they can at least say is that they have a representative BALANCE of images. For every Eminem that wins an Oscar, they have multitudes of other traditional award winners and role portrayals. We don’t have that yet.
I’ve done the research on the Flava Flav thing. The only way we will keep him on tv, showing out in front of good white folks, is for NY to win. This way, they can move into a house together–for our entertainment. To make it even more entertaining, if the two of them aren’t enough, let’s have either his mom or some of his kids come live with them. This way, we have a multi-generational show. Plus u get a taste of babies and possibly baby momma drama with a steamy side of hot-nasty Flava-on-NY lovin’. Oh and make Pumpkin their miad. Talk about must see (over and over again) TV! I think I hear EMMY buzz for Flav!
the balance of images won’t impact the perception of people who want to take pop culture, media images, and music and apply it to an entire race.
I think that we let our desire to not look bad in our community, trump our pride for ourselves, regardless. We get all up in arms when we see us looking less then steller, but, we don’t support, applaud, herald, or praise when we DO represent well because THEN we are too uppity…shit, we can’t win, with our own, that is SAD and is definitely something that is deeply seated in our painful history…the faster we GET that, the better off we will be. It’s not about what they think, it’s us caring too much and not shrugging that shit off and doing the work to improve our communities.
OMG Hostess… don’t even build my hopes up that high. Life could never be that perfect. You did NOT say make Pumkin the maid. ROFLMAO
Anyhoo… back to the topic at hand.
You are so right… this is EXACTLY why we can’t rise as a people. This phenomenon is fleshed out live and in color when Bill Cosby speaks his mind and black people lose theirs. OMG how many people went bananas saying he shouldn’t have said that publicly. So if that’s what he believes, what should he have done? Gotten every black person’s phone number and called them privately? LOL Gimme a damn break.
You couldn’t be more right. It’s unreal how insecure we are as a race of people. We can’t take jokes, we’re hyper-serious about being stereotyped and pigeon-holed, but then we walk around personifying the very ideals we claim to abhor.
And as I write this, I remember writing this before on my blog *sniffling because you “unlinked” me* (RIP)but the funny shyt is that we sit around worrying about what white folks think, like WE have ever had an effect oon what they think in the first place. LOL
I mean seriously… do we as a people REALLY believe that any particular rap song/rap artist/dumb statement/television show/etc. can DAMAGE our already negative (in their eyes) image further… when COUNTLESS POSITIVE accomplishments/speeches/leaders/inventors/comedians/athletes/artists etc. have not been able to impact it positively???
We are so full of SELF HATRED that we can’t laugh at ourselves, and I think that’s because secretly WE believe the negative shyt we see about ourselves on television, or hear about ourselves in songs… and it makes it really hard to get that there ARE people out there like that, and you know what? That’s okay – it all makes the world go ’round. *shrug* And no more than some multiple degree-having, foster parent, with their own home, a paid off car, money in the bank, a diversified investment portfolio, and perfect credit can vindicate our race, we have to recognize that in the same token, a baggy pants wearing, high school drop out, drug dealing, gold and platinum tooth wearing, barely speaking English, 6 baby-momma-having, underachiever, doesn’t villify it either.
That doesn’t mean we accept ignorance and complacency and are tolerant of promiscuity and irresponsibility – no. But we need to implement solutions to the problems that befall us, instead of shaking our head, judging… and worrying about what those other people must think.
That ill-placed concern is undoubtedly counter-productive. And is CLEARLY why we can’t rise as a people… no doubt.
It’s so crazy when I hear this type of convo going on, because I am TELLING YOU. White people have NO CLUE that black people give a damn what they think! Now tell me this..is it “upwardly mobile, educated” black folk that mostly care, or do you think it’s across the board? Because if it’s the more succussful black folks that are worried about it, and the poor black folk don’t care..then you got the poor black folk representin all crazy cuz they don’t give a DAMN! What do you think?
why do we care so much about image? one word: RESPECT. that’s all we want, our just deserve as human beings – the majority of us want more recognition for our everyday lives then to be touted as great athletes and entertainers. that’s it, point blank period. we want just recognition for our contributions to American and global society – culturally and intellectually. we are more than just sambo, or aunt jemima, or enslaved Africans or them africans cats in the old tarzan movies. WE want to be in CONTROL of how the world perceives us because for so long (to include presently) others are in control of our image globably.
i’m sorry but i have to dismiss the comment to the effect of racism being about how we think white folks feel about us, or any other race of people today. look . . . globalized economy white folks see other races and countries as what: cheap labor. wow, huh?
racism does exist, in fact it is institutionalized it is NOT “imagined.” has anyone looked at the HR literature or portion of thier companies website? what does it say? Equal Oppurtunity Employer – we don’t discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, etc. many companies and educational institutions have “diversity statements” i personally have a problem with this if we are so culturally aware as Americans. if so, then why is this necessary. if racism is how a people think other think about them, then this is bread and butter proof of the fact that we are justified in that belief.
also, anyone know the fastest growing socio-political organizations in the u.s. in the last 4-6 years? the kkk and the aryan nation.
point are valid, but i am of the belief taht because we haven’t blatantly ben assaulted by racism that we want to deny that it exists. like it somehow makes our lives any more believable.
[[I believe that some black folks think this is akin to "Plymouth rock landing on us...again...followed by Chris Rock, Rock 'n Roll, and Prudential."
You know, piece of mind, it comes with every piece of the rock.]]
Um… so this would be exactly why I read Panama’s musings. Lol. I love it!
I happened to be one of the folks cringing, though. No I wasn’t planning a March on Washington in my head… but it’s more about the idea that this the first (and for many only) version of hip hop that the staid Academy would ever see. So, in that sense it was troubling that this group, all gleaming gold teeth and GEDs represented the artform. That’s not to say they aren’t a part of it, it’s just that it seems that we are only recognized when we are at our most ingnant. It seems to be an image of Afro America that white people are comfortable with.
Great post Mr. Jackson, it was worth the read. I’m not going to further elaborate on it because the story and the comments that followed are more than anything I could say. Now about those individuals ‘ashamed’ of Three 6 Mafia (Triple 6 for the old Memphis heads). As a fellow Memphian I was elated that they won. Those dudes been grindin’ for years and now they come out with one, if not, the most important award a person can receive and peeps are ready to burn them at the hip-hop stake. Anyway, the group did an interview for our local NBC station and the interview is up at the site http://www.wmctv.com near the middle of the page. In the featured videos list under Three 6 Mafia Behind the Oscars. I close with a quote from one of their songs, Testin’ My Gangsta:
“I comes from a city where they love to hate, especially on that Triple Six
They see we really got Bentley’s and Benz’s and they hate the shit
They try to come up over us, the radio even help em’ at it
But yall ain’t got no flows, so hang it up you silly rabbits”
I find it very hard to believe that the kkk and aryan nation are the fasted growing “socio-political” groups. Where is this information coming from? Maybe in the back woods of arkansas, or something. I really don’t believe it.
This is has been one helluva convo…I’m glad so many folks are expressing opinions. Viva la speech!!!
And T. I’m glad you’re always the spoiler…you always manage to say something to keep people talking…and I appreciate that, sincerely.
@Chris: I feel what you’re saying about respect and that’s all well and good. But that’s like being the younger brother always trying to prove himself to his older brother. He spends so much time trying to look good to the older brother, he doesn’t even know the hell he really is…his entire self image is based on how his brother thinks of him. So what happens? He ends up fat and bald and dating Roseanne Barr having wasted time not realizing his own self worth. Instead of worrying about his brother (though I understand) he should spend more time concerned with making sure he respects himself.
As far as the rest of your comment, I’m not quite sure I get your point. Nobody is saying racism doesn’t exist and I’m not quite sure where you got that from…or what made you feel like that was a statement somebody was implying. I think if anything, this whole convo is rooted in the fact that racism does exist, and given that, what should we do. I could be getting you wrong…but I don’t understand what you’re saying.
@Juli: I do believe Chris’ facts, though I’d like to see where he got those stats from, because what other socio-political groups are out there? It isnt like the Black Panthers have a membership drive going or any other ethnic/race based group. So of course they’d be on the rise, nobody else is operating. Between that and the rise in rap music, lots of white people are up in arms. Why do you think country music is making such a comeback??? It can’t seriously be because Kenny Chesney is good…
Oh yeah…
@Jackbauer: Thanks…I appreciate the compliments a lot. If I have my way, I will be writing a book and hopefully I can find a publisher to put it out. Thanks for the belief.
I was not aware country music was making a come back. And I live in TEXAS. I don’t know any white people that listen to it. Don’t believe the hype! But you are probably right about there not being much competition against the redneck societys. I am very dismissive of those groups because come on now! What intelligent person would support such a thing? It is the white people’s version of Crips or Bloods. A bunch of lost lonely white dudes that find some “father figure” in the “grand dragon”, and agree to follow him to the end of the earth. I don’t even believe that they feel that racial..deep in there hearts. I was raised around those type of people in a logging town. There were NO minorities in our town. AT ALL. Everybody acted all racist, but it was interesting to go to college and see some of my old classmates from my home town TOTALLY assimilated in with the black folks. They weren’t REALLY feelin that racist crap.. they were just sheep that followed..
Anti-Defamation Leauge:
http://www.adl.org/racist_skinheads/skinhead_resurgence.asp
http://www.adl.org/PresRele/NeoSk_82/4860_82.htm
exact statistics were in a CNN run feature from approx. 3 weeks ago. i can’t find the story online though, but i’m still looking for it now.
yea, sorry my racism argument doesn’t match other comments and ‘ish – i took them out of context, however, it seemed to me there was a vague implication to the matter based on the comments.
lo and behold you said exactly what I did. guess I ain’t publishing that piece no more. Lol! check my site tonight to peep the uncanny resemblance.
you should try calling me too. (no homo.)
“Somehow, it seems that our own self-perception is tied into how white America views us.”
YOU AIN’T NEVER LIED!
You still owe me a POST!
“Why do we care so gotdamned much about how they see us? Really. I want to know.”
Some people say it goes back to slavery.
My theory is. We want some kind of validation for our humanity, it’s like we can’t be human beings until they say we are human. We need our existence and our culture to be accepted by the white man in order for us to truly love ourselves.
Seriously we as a people need THERAPY.
“How in the hell can we progress if our entire self-image is rooted in how we would like to look to white people?”
Here’s the problem Panama. The majority of us don’t know who the hell we are.
not validation Dr. Strangejazz . . . we want valuation. valuation of our contributions to society. i think it’s the fact that some of us want to be seen for more than entertainers and athletes – that’s not validation.
i can’t speak for a whole people, but valuation is what i’m after.
I think it is both. I think we look for some kind of validation on a sub-conscious level. For instance did you ever wonder why we can be so damn flashy? Cause we want to be seen (and heard).
On a conscious level we want our lives to be equal value of white lives. Example: When a white women goes missing you hear about it for months in the media but if a black woman goes missing you don’t really hear about it. Now maybe that’s a media thing and not a B/W thing.
i agree of course, simply the fact that whites and blacks are humans beings it is only “right” that our lives be equal value. that’s only fair. that should go for all of humanity.
as far as flashy, i have to dismiss it ’cause culturally, black folks are not a quiet race of humans. we’ve always worn bright colors and played our music loud, lol. that goes back to pre-history more than likely. i don’t know if u can say that is a race of people sub-consciously looking for validation.
RE: Flashy-ness
Some could say we are loud cause we want to be noticed. We wear bright colors cause we want to be seen.
As I said before I think it is a sub-conscious thing we do. It’s something so deep rooted that we have yet to face it.
Would you say that our longing for some kind of validation has something to do with our collective self-hatread?
lol, i can’t and could never get with the “black american self-hatred” . . . i honestly don’t see it. self-destruction, yea, but not self-hatred.
if u see it, then answer me this please. what do “we” hate about ourselves? and why do “we” hate it? i just don’t get it. to me, it’s psycho-analyst b.s. from the new bourgeoisie negro.
explain please before Panama kicks both our asses for holding side conversations, lol.
@Chris: Actually, I’m enjoying this side convo. I’m more along the lines of Dr. Strangejazz (and yes I do owe you a post…I forgot) but its interesting to hear lots of views.
Keep bangin’!!!!
“if u see it, then answer me this please. what do “we” hate about ourselves? and why do “we” hate it? i just don’t get it. to me, it’s psycho-analyst b.s. from the new bourgeoisie negro.”
If you’ve seen Manderlay by Lars von Trier. It would explain a lot.
What do we hate about ourselves? I guess there is a segment of us that hate the fact that we have not managed to fit in. And then there is a segment of us who resent those who have strived to fit in.
Why do we hate it?
Personally I think it has something to do with a lack of identity (rooted in slavery and a lack of self esteem). We do not have knowledge of self. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not talking from a Garvey back to Africa stand point. I’m saying that we have a tough time learning who we are and coming to terms with accepting who we are.
y’know, this dialogue has been rather light compared to the exchanges that have been goin’ on in the pages of the Commercial Appeal.
[i always thought it was funny that the main daily in Memphis was named the Commercial Appeal! that just reeks of "accept me please!?!"]
the locals are SO divided about the Three 6 that its seems like a new letter to the editor popped up everyday!
there’s some serious hate and some significant loved dished out there. check it out for yourselves…
http://www.commercialappeal.com/
I don’t care about any of this because I’m Cambodian for 2006….
Nah I’m kidding, we pretty much said the same things on our respective sites….
“I guess there is a segment of us that hate the fact that we have not managed to fit in. And then there is a segment of us who resent those who have strived to fit in.”
i can agree with that, but isn’t it too general an argument? there is a greater (more relevant issue) which your brought up. that being, the finding self-confidence and embracing in where we’ve come from.
anyways, so if it’s the problem . . . then what is the solution. how do get to the point were we can help those among us who may not have mentally and emotionally come to terms with being forever identified with being sons and daughters of slaves?
“-what is the solution. how do get to the point were we can help those among us who may not have mentally and emotionally come to terms with being forever identified with being sons and daughters of slaves?”
I don’t have all the answers. But I’ll make an attempt to answer your question.
The solution can be found on many different levels from the family. Mothers and fathers (if they are there) need to cultivate an interest in learning in there children.
When I said “We have a tough time learning who we are and coming to terms with accepting who we are.” That didn’t just mean accepting the fact that we come from slaves. That also meant we have to feel free to develop our own sense of self (on an individual level). Through learning about who we are not only as a race but as individuals.
Your past doesn’t make your future.
You guys are the 71067 best, thanks so much for the help.