2008 Woodie Awards
How do you presently represent yourself?
Michael-de?Shawn J. Sells
Issue date: 2/15/05 Section: Forum
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Many blacks feel as though they are misrepresented in the United States of America. We hear it all the time: "Blacks do not get equal representation under the law!" Certainly, it?s a known fact that blacks are misrepresented in government and politics. A predominately Caucasian U.S. Congress, Supreme Court and historically a Caucasian presidency are perfect examples of misrepresentation in U.S. government and politics. We all (blacks) sing the blues about that. Where else are we mis represented?
Taking a look at the media, there are local and national news exclusives featured daily across the country in every major U.S. city about the wrongdoings of blacks, particularly black men. Blacks are subject to many forms of defamation of character.
We are shown committing crimes on surveillance cameras. Other than for sports and entertainment, African-American names are not mentioned for greatness, but our names are broadcasted over the news and in the courts for being indicted on serious offenses relating to drugs, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, murder, theft and other heinous crimes. African-Americans are seen on shows like "COPS," "NYPD Blue" and "Law and Order," being shackled and bound by police officers. We are "advertised" in humiliation, sometimes without shoes, shirts, pants, bras, et cetera.
Many movies and other media programs demonstrate, blacks as violent drug dealers
drug users, "wife beaters," or crack cocaine addicted mothers such as Halle Berry in Losing Isaiah. I ask you, what does "White America" think when seeing this on the news? Perhaps they see what any sane individual would expect them to see: "Blacks are evil, blacks are dangerous!" At least, that is the message that comes across.
Right here on campus, I, a black male student, have walked passed the vehicle of some of the Caucasian professors, staff and students and have heard doors automatically lock at the press of a button. One female black student even reached over to lock the door of her 2001 Hyundai Accent as I walkedpass. Why was she afraid ofme? I will never know. I did not even stop to ask. I do have a clue as to why.
Taking a look at the media, there are local and national news exclusives featured daily across the country in every major U.S. city about the wrongdoings of blacks, particularly black men. Blacks are subject to many forms of defamation of character.
We are shown committing crimes on surveillance cameras. Other than for sports and entertainment, African-American names are not mentioned for greatness, but our names are broadcasted over the news and in the courts for being indicted on serious offenses relating to drugs, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, murder, theft and other heinous crimes. African-Americans are seen on shows like "COPS," "NYPD Blue" and "Law and Order," being shackled and bound by police officers. We are "advertised" in humiliation, sometimes without shoes, shirts, pants, bras, et cetera.
Many movies and other media programs demonstrate, blacks as violent drug dealers
drug users, "wife beaters," or crack cocaine addicted mothers such as Halle Berry in Losing Isaiah. I ask you, what does "White America" think when seeing this on the news? Perhaps they see what any sane individual would expect them to see: "Blacks are evil, blacks are dangerous!" At least, that is the message that comes across.
Right here on campus, I, a black male student, have walked passed the vehicle of some of the Caucasian professors, staff and students and have heard doors automatically lock at the press of a button. One female black student even reached over to lock the door of her 2001 Hyundai Accent as I walkedpass. Why was she afraid ofme? I will never know. I did not even stop to ask. I do have a clue as to why.
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