Tag Archives: Race

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Why Black America Should Steer Clear of Michael Bloomberg and his Flimsy Apology

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I learned long ago that there is a sizable population of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to increase their power quotient. Trust me when I say that the alluded to individuals know no ends regarding their will to accomplish some goal; unfortunately for mankind, their pursuit is usually not a worthwhile endeavor.

Those that I am alluding to will make a Faustian deal (a deal with the Devil) to achieve the selfish desires of their hearts. Persons of this ilk have compromised their principles for so long that they no longer have any understanding of what it means to stand for something due to moral principles. It appears that former New York City Mayor and now Presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg fits this description.

Anyone who has spent significant time in New York City understands that “the city that never sleeps” is filled with unprecedented racial/ethnic diversity. In this regard, New York City has not failed to live up to its reputation as an international city. Yet, the alluded to diversity can be a double-edged sword that is appreciated during good times and wielded as an Excalibur during not so good times. Even the simplest conversation with a New Yorker will arrive at some discussion regarding the unwanted presence of “burdensome others” that are seemingly perfectly positioned to serve as a constant irritant to their personal comfort.

It should not be surprising that the most likely population to develop angst toward the alluded to diversity are New York’s class of rich and powerful. Any American can tell you that when politically powerful sectors of any city have grown tired of what they readily term undesirables that exist beneath their station in life, definitive action is taken to eradicate the problem.

White New Yorkers who long ago tired of troublesome Black and Brown populations understood that Michael Bloomberg possessed the will and determination to deal address such groups in a definitive manner. From his political perch, Mayor Bloomberg directed New York Police Department (NYPD) officers to implement a deplorable “stop and frisk” policy against Black and Brown people.

The “stop and frisk” policy mandated that law enforcement officers searched New Yorkers for no reason beyond their racial identity. Neither the outcries from minority communities nor court orders ceased Bloomberg’s stormtroopers. Wealthy Whites preferred to view Bloomberg as a tough Sherriff and the NYPD as his posse executing a mission to rid the city of desperados. The realization that the embracing of such an image was the most assured path to unconscionable popularity and power among the “in-crowd”, Bloomberg embraced the image.

After a recent appearance at Brooklyn’s Christian Cultural Center, a Black Mega-Church in East New York, Bloomberg apologized for the “stop and frisk” policy that both New Yorkers and Judges roundly criticized. One would have to be unbelievably naïve to believe that Bloomberg has had what our people term a “coming to Jesus meeting” and seen the error in his ways. Not even the following admission should impact the perspective of those whose lives were impacted or endangered by Sheriff Bloomberg’s change of heart. According to Bloomberg,   

I can’t change history, but today, I want you to know I realize I was wrong, and I am sorry.

Over time, I’ve come to understand something that I’ve long struggled to admit to myself: I got something important wrong. I didn’t understand the full impact that stops were having on the black and Latino communities.

It is one thing to damage people via poor decision-making and racist policy, however, it is another level of insult to go before that same population and insult their intelligence because you now desire their support in your current political endeavor.

If nothing else, Michael Bloomberg’s “flip-flopping” on this issue reveals a man who is devoid of a moral compass and an understanding of what it means to possess principles other than one’s aimed at enriching oneself politically or monetarily.

The entire nation should shudder at the prospect of having another man occupying the Office of the Presidency who stands for little beyond what benefits him. It is for this reason that I hope Black America is not naïve and kind-hearted enough to forgive Michael Bloomberg for the damage that his policies have done in the lives and communities of Black and Brown people.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

©Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2019.

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It Will Never Be That Easy: Why A Childish Belief Reveals So Much About How Little Americans Know About Race

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My feigning of ignorance is a tool frequently used to avoid discussions regarding Race. Yes, believe it or not, I frequently avoid discussions of racial matters. The reasons for such avoidance are listed below.

  • I don’t think that the person I am talking with has a firm understand of Race in America.
  • I do not feel like having the same conversation that has been occurring for the past two decades.
  • I believe that a person has already made their mind about things and there is no room for the consideration of new information.

I have always found it peculiar that America, a nation incubated in the ironies and inconsistencies of Race, is filled with so many people that know so little about the social construct. Although unfortunate to say, ignorance regarding racial matters and the history of Race on the North American continent is one of the few ties binding the majority of citizens together.

I am stating such because I hope that they will make the following more palatable.

I recently received a story via social media that revolved around two kindergartners (one Black and one White) who convinced themselves that they “looked exactly alike.” This duo felt that their resemblance was so uncanny that they wanted to dress alike on a school-sponsored “Twin Day.”

Having read similar stories before, I knew that many would read the story with an optimistic lens that led them down a foolhardy path that for some inexplicable reason with them believing that the naïveté of these children contains a crucial piece of subduing American racial discord. I take no pleasure in dousing your fanciful dreams with a dose of reality.

Let me be clear on this matter, the solution to American racial strife will not be solved by such a trivial display of childhood innocence. Those who disagree are ignorant of the fact that Race is interwoven into the very fabric of this nation.

I understand those who wish that the subduing of prejudice, discrimination, bigotry, and institutionalized racism was as easy as two five-year-olds dressing alike on “Twins” day. Unfortunately, we do not live in that world. Anyone who has studied the history of Race and the voluminous problems that flow from it can attest to the fact that for many citizens, Race is the most impactful determinant in their lives. For far too many, Race determines where they will live, how they will live, which elementary school they attend, and the quality of education and health care that they will need and more importantly receive. In many ways, racial matters are a continuous storm that does not subside even with the changing of the seasons.

The fact that this cutesy story made national news reveals much about the desires, hopes, and dreams of so many Americans. Most Americans are “sick and tired of being sick and tired” about Race. I can remember an exchange with such an individual who shouted at me during a lecture covering American racial injustice, “If people like you would just stop talking about it, racism would fade away. It is people like you who keep it going.” I retorted, “Try that with any form of Cancer and tell me what happens.”  

Although I understand how uncomfortable discussions regarding Race can be for all involved; however, I adhere to James Baldwin’s infamous quote that “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

Trust me when I say that although the cutesy stories about children solving racial problems may provide a fleeting reprieve from the harsh reality of harsh realities in this nation. The wise among us realize that the alluded to reprieve is merely a slight break in a raging storm that will continue to toss and turn this nation into eternity.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

African-American History

How The Failure to Understand a Common Writing Technique Has Led So Many Blacks to Put Their Ignorance on Full-Display

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I guess it is merely a “Sign of the Times”. The fact that our contemporaries are incapable of differentiating between entertainment “inspired by real-life events” and in-depth scholarship. Such failings speak volumes about not only the education system but also the misplaced faith that so many place in non-scholarly sources of information. 

Of course, the primary impetus for the above thoughts is the over the top reaction of so many Blacks to the Hollywood film, Harriet. 

As they are known to do, the so-called “woke” community has called for all to boycott Harriet for lack of historical accuracy among other things. In many ways, a perfect storm of race, representation, and voice caused this brouhaha. The presence of Kate Larson, a White female who served as the historical consultant on Harriet, did not help matters at all as her presence exacerbated critics’ propensity to form outlandish conspiracy theories.

Let me be forthright regarding this issue of Whites telling the story of Black ancestors like Harriet Tubman. In many ways, I am uncomfortable with the proposition of such a remarkable story being placed in the hands of the White imagination, an imagination that rarely has presented a suitable recitation of Black life. 

Yet, this posting has less to do with Kate Larson and everything to do with the production of edutainment by Hollywood Studios. To simplify my thoughts regarding this matter, I must state that my definition of edutainment is the means of describing media creations aimed at introducing a historical topic while providing entertainment to viewers. More times than not, those who consume these popular culture depictions of events “inspired by real-life events” have little knowledge about what they are viewing. In actuality, these types of films are phenomenal ways of introducing a historical event to the general public.

One thing that is obvious about the droves who have chosen to criticize Harriet is that they have no understanding of the writing process. There is not a serious writer alive who will deny that every story has gaps within it. Writers circles’ are filled with those who lament that the story does not “flow” in an entertaining manner; in fact, this problem is so pervasive that there are support groups for writers who are afflicted by “writer’s block.” Such moments can be the height of frustration for writers wed to that sultry siren or witch called historical accuracy. Alas, the demonic entity does not possess every writer in the same manner. Those constructors of “historical fiction” have well-established means of dealing with that thing called historical facts. They use an Excalibur called “literary license” to free their pen in ways that are unimaginable to others. This literary device is as common in Hollywood as actors or a script. 

One needs to look no further than Spike Lee’s iconic Malcolm X blockbuster film for verification of the use of “creative license.” Fortunately for Lee, his movie, rife with moments of “historical fiction,” was wildly celebrated by adoring Black audiences for a host of reasons. 

I am confident that if one interviewed the writers of Spike Lee’s Malcolm X regarding how they conquered the Herculean task of abbreviating Malcolm’s heroic life to fit on the “big screen,” the words “literary license” would figure prominently in that discussion. Although I am not psychic, I guarantee you that a significant portion of that discussion would revolve around “Brother Baines.” 

Let’s be clear on this matter, “Brother Baines” is birthed through “creative license” and used to push the riveting story along. “Brother Baines” is the bridge between Malcolm’s incarceration to his arrival and exit from the Nation of Islam. Any decent writer of “historical fiction” will tell you that such characters are a convenient tool used to move a story along without introducing a slew of characters that will slow momentum by confusing viewers.  

These attacks on Harriet reveal a disappointing reality that many can not distinguish between a scholarly book/documentary from an edutainment Hollywood biopic. 

In the end, it appears that the critics of Harriet are doing what comes natural to them; that being, providing criticism that is neither constructive nor address the major issue of presenting stories capable of capturing the minds of young African-Americans. Such critics are ironically serving as a roadblock to the process of sparking the imagination of Black youth to a large audience. Who knows if this exposure will serve as the impetus to them exploring the Black experience in an uncommon manner. Sadly, this unwise course of action, caused by a conventional literary device that they do not understand, threatens to seal a reasonable path to develop a bourgeoning interest in African-American studies among American youth. 

What a blind and stupid people we can be at inopportune times.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

African-American History

An Unnecessary and Burdensome Load: Why Black America Must Shed Any Shame Associated With Slavery

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During a recent event celebrating the work of a fantastic collective of African-American artists addressing ‘Afro-Futurism,’ I listened intently during the Q & A session that followed. All that I can say is “out of the mouths of babes” because the most poignant inquiry raised came from one of the youngest in the audience.

The poised middle-school-aged African-American female was undoubtedly wise beyond her age, an “old soul,” so to speak. This child shared a heart-wrenching account of how uncomfortable she becomes when the issue of slavery arises in any of her classes. This impressive young sister shared the following.

When we talk about slavery, all of the white kids turn in their seats and stare at me. It is uncomfortable. I wish that my teachers would not talk about it at all, mainly because I am the only Black person in the class.

Unbeknownst to this young lady, the vast majority of African-Americans, regardless of age, educational attainments, and socioeconomic status, experience the “shame” when the topic of chattel slavery arises. It would not be a stretch to argue that the subject matter haunts them like an unwanted haunting. I will never understand why the descendants of those victimized by American chattel slavery choose to carry negative connotations regarding the African Holocaust on their sturdy shoulders.

The burden is not theirs.

If anyone should shudder at the mention of America’s original sin, it is those who have Anglo-Saxon blood flowing through their veins. They are not difficult to find as they proudly lay claim to this eternal transgression by claiming sole ownership of this nation. Unbeknownst to them, their claim carries a foreboding history that should guarantee one’s place in the hottest portion of Hell. Rest assured that this thought is not new, as evidenced by the words of an American Patriot who advised his countrymen of the desperate need to shed the sin of slavery in the following manner.

If God is just, and I believe that he is, we will burn in Hell for this shit.

White Anglo-Saxon Protestants claim to this nation identify them as the descendants of a people who perpetrated untold horrific deeds during this nation’s darkest period. As if that were not enough, the same boasting and bragging convicts their kind as the perpetrators of multiple Holocausts on the North American continent. If only we could get others (Polish, Japanese, Italians, Ghanaians, Brazilians, Nigerians and a host of others) to join in the process of laying such atrocities at the feet of White Angl0-Saxon Protestants, racial matters would become less convoluted in this nation. 

When one thinks about this issue, it becomes evident that the “original settlers” of the North American continent (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants) have been able to shed what should be inescapable blame and responsibility for the deeds of their ancestors.

If nothing else, I have to tip my hat to the ingenious ways that White Anglo-Saxon Protestants have been able to convince persons of African descent that their ancestors were responsible for their victimization during the world’s greatest Holocaust. Similarly, “Whites” whose ancestors did not arrive in this land until well after the deplorable institution was established and operating have been duped into believing that a portion of their admittance to whiteness is paid in their joining the White choral whose favorite tunes are the denouncement of racial justice and resistance to reparations.

Arguably, this is the longest-running con on the North American continent. The most crucial element in its achievement is the astounding lack of historical knowledge that engulfs the vast majority of Americans. When viewed from a detached view, it is obvious that the greatest tie binding Americans together is the shocking level of historical illiteracy that governs their belief systems and worldviews.

Anyone who has studied the discipline of History in depth can tell you that the most powerful element in shaping the worldview and beliefs of people is “the narrative.” The narrative is merely the arrangement of facts to generate sympathy and support for one’s version of History. Experience has taught me that Black America, despite their oral traditions, have yet to learn that they must seize their historical record, just as persons of Jewish descent have, and wield it as an Excalibur against less than favorable “narratives” of History. I guarantee you that until that occurs, African-Americans will continue to carry the shame of slavery on their shoulders, there may be no greater manifestation of this unfortunate reality than the nervousness and insecurities that overtake Black children at the mention of slavery.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2019

African-American History

Why the Call for a Boycott of Harriet by Black Activists is an Unwise Decision that Threatens Us All

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Two decades of serving as an African-American Studies Professor has placed me on the frontlines of education. It is from this position that I have witnessed a most unfortunate shift in the educational arena.

Although I have worked primarily with African-American students, I believe that the alluded to disappearance of the serious reader has occurred among non-Black student populations as well. Put simply; many students possess neither the discipline nor patience to sit down, devoid of distractions such as cell phones, and engage a book in a substantial manner. As an educator, I can attest to the fact that this shift has been in a word, disheartening.

In many ways, it is laughable that this shift has occurred at the very moment that there has been unfathomable access to information via the internet. I am sure that I am not the only professor whose lectures have been altered by the stated resistance to reading. Not only have my lectures changed but also my understanding of the worth of scholarly studies that appear in University presses and academic journals. A trusted colleague recently stated after lecturing about a recent publication he spent years researching and writing.

“Man, ain’t nobody reading this shit.”

Although most academicians would love to push back against that sentiment, we each begrudgingly realize that there is much truth in such sentiments as the average citizen will never engage such intellectualism.

It is my students shortened attention span that led me to the belief that the arrival of films and documentaries such as I Am Not Your Negro, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Birth of a Nation would provide a path for this latest generation of African-Americans to be made aware of their history and the bounty of intellectuals who have dedicated their lives to illuminating our glorious, yet stony, past.

Alas, my optimism has been dashed by a call for a boycott of the recently released Harriet. As a historian, I cringe at the thought of what I believe is our most reliable means of reaching non-readers being criticized for befuddling reasons. I can do little more than sigh as the referenced population nitpicks at Harriet for things such as:

  • The appearance of a Black “slave catcher”
  • The murder of a Black female character by a Black Male
  • The insinuation of a romantic relationship between a slave-holding white male and Minty.
  • The absence of a visual display of the brutality endemic to the system of American chattel slavery.

The voluminous criticism of Harriet by a vocal minority speaks volumes regarding their inability to differentiate between a documentary and a Hollywood film designed to be edutainment — partially educational, yet overwhelmingly entertaining. Looming even larger is the unfortunate reality that the proposed boycott threatens to abort both in-progress and yet to be “greenlighted” projects dealing with the Black experience.

As the so-called “woke” community argues among itself regarding Harriet, they fail to remember earlier criticisms regarding the dearth of Black stories on the big screen. It is a wicked circular argument that they engage in that begins with (a) the criticism of Hollywood for not placing stories of Black (s)heroes on the big screen, (b) criticism of Hollywood for placing “whitewashed” Black History on the big screen. Not even the in-depth involvement of Blacks in the creation and debut of the film silences such foolishness. I guess that it is true that you cannot satisfy everyone.  

This unwise never-ending unfruitful course of action threatens to create an insurmountable roadblock for the sharing of Black stories in the technology-driven new millennium. It is time for us to face facts, movies such as Harriet are going to be the most accessible path to expose succeeding generations of Black children to the heroic stories and tales of our people. As mentioned above, these stories appearing on the big screen are merely edutainment, emphasis on entertainment, and therefore must be supplemented with lessons from parents, teachers, and the larger community. I hope that those who have unwisely chosen to call for a boycott of Harriet will abandon that endeavor and realize that it will be the most reliable means that Black children will be introduced to this grand ancestor.

I hope that we can agree that Harriet serves as the catalyst to a conversation that would have never occurred in many homes had she never made it to the big screen. However, if foolish boycotts that serve the interests of no one in our community are successful, the recent explosion in Black cinema may come to an abrupt and most unfortunate end.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2019

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