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So, I missed the 8pm showing of Black in America 2. I was out doing my part to bring the truth, the light, and the American way to minorities at a major university.
Yes, Panama is a teacher on the side.
As I currently sit and watch the last episode, I must admit, though its depressing as all hell, BiA2 has done some good. And you know how much I love to highlight the good, great, and Beyonce things that exist in this world. I mean, what the world needs now, is love, sweet love, that’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.
So, let’s look at some of the positive things about Black in America 2.
1) More Black people are on TV
It’s like a Tyler Perry movie, except I’m not cringing every 10 seconds because a 6’5″ man dresses as a woman is on screen wearing a muumuu. That alone is a win. Thank you CNN…
2) Since the show is really for white people, it’s safe to assume that white people that watch will give Black people jobs
I mean with such indepth and striking analysis of the Black condition, white people can’t help but want us to succeed right? Yay! I mean that’s great for the economy, world religions, and Beyonce.
3) Get to see folks on the front lines
We so rarey get the opportunity to see who’s out there trying to make a difference that it is good to see and hear stories about people who, even if its a bit misguided or incomplete, are still doing more than those of us who’s contribution extends to merely watching Black in America.
4) Soledad is making out like a mothertrucking champ
Black in America, Latino in America..she’s a nonstop snowball of investigative journalism. My comments aside, I applaud her for getting stuff like this greenlighted, even if I don’t think they have the resources to really tackle anything. CNN is the Defensive Back of doing race based investigative reporting. But at least somebody’s doing it. Kudos to Soledad.
5) A chick with the name Soledad is on air
I always liked that name. And because of George Jackson it comes across as a revolutionary name. Much better than Crispus, which by all accounts means, “he who gets shot first”.
6) The Black upper class is given the opportunity to show off and air out some grievances
Most of us couldn’t care less about the plight of the upper crust, however, they still have a plight so in some ways, its good that they get the opportunity to get on TV and say, “its hard out here for me because white people still think I’m just a ninja. Why for come they don’t realize that I’m rich and I’m wearing my clothes this way because I’m ironic?” Point is, everybody has a story and everybody deserves the chance to tell it. Like our ex-con friend from BiA2: Part 2 who from what I can tell…got popped DURING THE SHOW and is going back to jail???
Da hell???
7) Lots of good advertising for some Black businesses
Nobody’s talking about it really, but I kind of feel like some of these segments (MLT, Black Marriage) were nothing more than long ass paid advertisements. But Black business is just that, business, and needs customers. So if BiA2 just added a few more folks to their client or consumer list, well, great. Even if more folks applying (can you even apply for it?) to MLT would only serve to make the program seem more exclusive.
8) Got black people talking and congregating, without a DJ present
Very few things get black people that read talking about relevant issues. And even less keep us doing it outside of the club. Definitely a positive thing.
So in conclusion, CNN, Panama Jackson, and Wu-Tang Clan are for the children.
So my people, what good do you think comes from series like Black in America 2, if anything?
Or am I just blowing smoke?
Puff puff pass.
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
LMAO @ Much better than Crispus, which by all accounts means, “he who gets shot first”.
you are so wrong for that. lol!!
@N.I.A. naturally,
the free advertisement and getting black people talking are probably the 2 best things that came out of this. Black businesses get a bad rap from many black people, so showing successful black businesses is a great take away from BiA2. And seeing these black businesses could possibly be an impetus for others who want to start their own business or non-profit organization. And even though I didn’t give a thorough twitter review of the Harlem Children’s Zone(sorry PJ), I definitely enjoyed all of the segments about education.
And all you have to do is log on to twitter to see how much black folk are talking about this. If anything, this has definitely brought a lot of us together to talk about something other than hip-hop and Michael Jackson
@N.I.A. naturally,
“. If anything, this has definitely brought a lot of us together to talk about something other than hip-hop and Michael Jackson
COSIGN for sure… I appreciate anything that gets folks talking about something constructive…
@Naturally Alise,
Yeah! Like solange’s new haircut (which I think looks decent, btw. She just needs to rock big earrings).
@Thuggie Luvvie, it does not look decent. get your contacts checked. she now looks like reggie miller.
@P-Money,
OOOOOO!!! U bogus!
*whispers* Now that you mention it, she do resemble Reggie a lil. I hatechu for making me think of Reggie errtime I see that pic now.
@Naturally Alise, i feel the same way about new socks.
“Got black people talking and congregating, without a DJ present” …
So true! Even though the program didn’t get the highest of marks from the African American community, at least we got together on blogs, twitter and chat rooms to have intelligent discourse about it.
If nothing else there’s tremendous value in that. And it didn’t take anyone’s “nana” dying to make it happen…
@JR, I agree. I think I have been pretty hard on the reporting but the truth is I didn’t expect it to be any better than it already was lol. Maybe the root of the problem is there’s nowhere else that would really look at our issues, except maybe PBS? Definitely not BET and I am doubtful about TV One too…
@Liz,
its funny, out of the three people i think would do the most in-depth and thorough coverage, two of them (ken burns and david simon) are white.
@Liz, I would love to see something like this on PBS. And I think they could do a great job at it without all of the hype and the pregame show, and all of the other things CNN did to increase their ratings. And people who don’t have cable would be able to see it.
@JR, so true…it seems like in the past two weeks, what should be pretty peaceful and uplifting events are being littered with gunshots.
just last week i saw a driveby happen while a fireman was taking a cat out of the tree.
by the way, that totally didn’t happen.
7) Lots of good advertising for some Black businesses
Nobody’s talking about it really, but I kind of feel like some of these segments (MLT, Black Marriage) were nothing more than long ass paid advertisements. But Black business is just that, business, and needs customers.
great point. i also think it’s necessary to highlight (to 2520s) that black folk are indeed entrepreneurs and are capable of having successful, meaningful (esp to the black community) businesses.
altho nothing grinds my gears more than bad black business ppl. it infuriates me when black businesses have poor customer service and just overall poor business etiquette. but that’s besides the point Peej was making…
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, we’re talking about the GOOD gemmy, the GOOD.
i think this 2nd one did a better job of covering more angles of black folk. that said, why couldn’t track down latarian milton?
@overit,
LOL my bad. i couldn’t resist the urge to air my grievances about bad black businesses. i’m all about supporting black business but negroes make it real difficult sometimes!! ugh…. JBABBBFBB
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, Jesus Be A Better Business Bureu For Black Folk!!!
Tell me I’m right! I love guessing the JB references lmao.
@overit,
lmao you are soooooo special. and you had it almost right except the last word should be Business, NOT Folk. reading is fundamental — have you learned nothing from BiA2?? obviously not… lol
@overit,
Me too! They’re so fun! and yes, we are dorks.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
JBABBBFBB
Is this… “Jeebs be a Better Business Bureau for Black Businesses”?
Did I get it?
@Thuggie Luvvie,
ding ding ding ding ding!! (please get your perry on and help overit with her reading)
@Gemmie,
YESSSS!!! *pumps lilliputian fists*
And umm… Overit knows reading is FUNdamental but Hooked on Phonics ain’t work for her
@Thuggie Luvvie, Well with the recession even Hooked on Phonics ain’t working… Poor Overit may never read at this rate…
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
uh, taking a stab here…
Jeebs Be A Better Business Bureau for Black Businesses?
you know the rule. If I get it right, I get a gift! I accept cash, check, charge and shoes.
@blackberry molasses,
yes on the stab. no on the gifts.
@blackberry molasses,
**considering dumping e-chile number 2 for bein’ stingy**
@blackberry molasses,
ok ok ok. i shall give you some ne-yo-ish lipgloss to preserve your avatar sexy.
@Tanned and Lovely Gemmie,
I’ll take lip gloss. My collection is fierce. And yes, avatar sexy preservation is important.
**loves e-chile again**
@blackberry molasses,
thank you recognizing my tanned loveliness *beaming w/ pride*
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan, UGH! In my haste, I didn’t see the last B, GRRRRR.
Luvvie and Bbmo, stop trying to beat me at my game!!!!
@overit, i think this 2nd one did a better job of covering more angles of black folk. that said, why couldn’t track down latarian milton?
hahahaha! People are hard to find when they’re off doing hood rat things with their friends!
I would just like to make note of how nothing positive was said about Madea or Tyler Perry in this post, and that’s a positive.
Dude’s personal story is great. But yeah ……. we’re keeping it positive, right? Guess I’ll keep my mouth closed.
@thismayconcernyou,
LOL I like TP….well I like “makin movies” TP, not plays.
@AshleyNeicole,
see, i’m a fan of the plays–madea is in “her” best comedic form on stage.
@thismayconcernyou,
cosign
@thismayconcernyou,
Dude’s personal story is great. But yeah ……. we’re keeping it positive, right? Guess I’ll keep my mouth closed.
LOL
@The Champ,
sorry imo TP is teachin kids that its okay to cross dress to get rich *yea i said it*.
spike neva sold out, hughes broths didnt, Singleton, with out the paper would yall still like him?
@thismayconcernyou, yeah, even i would only go so far. lol. plus, tyler perry automatically makes people spit.
and that can’t be good for the community as a whole.
@thismayconcernyou,
idk, i think his professional story is pretty darn great. rejected by Hollywood, then decides to have his OWN studio, so he can do his OWN stuff… hiring black actors, writers, producers, directors, marketing people, PR people…and basically putting himself in a position to do more and better than House of Payne in the future. Ownership…something we should stress in the black community. How many writers have allowed Hollywood to change their stories so they can fit mainstream America? b/c we all know black people aren’t mainstream…or american (despite what CNN says). I have an example of one, but I’m sure there are more… http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/news/moving_america_news/5992
idk, we give TP a hard time b/c of his content…but right now, he is doing more for blacks in the industry than anyone else in the industry. i just pray he doesn’t cast Beyonce in anything that requires her to speak….
@N.I.A. naturally,
i co-sign all over this comment, sis.
@N.I.A. naturally,
i just pray he doesn’t cast Beyonce in anything that requires her to speak….
LMAO!
@thismayconcernyou, it was kinda dope to see Tyler Perry cameo in Star Trek.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
he was GREAT in that movie. the man can act and play a very convincing hetero in command.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
the man can act and play a very convincing hetero in command.
You said it, I didn’t…..
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
**snicker**
to your point #5 Mr. P
I just want to point out that Soledad means “alone”, which is where Mrs. O’Brien is in her racial investigative journalism
@Intellectual Hedonist is on her way to Vegas to live up to her name,
thank you, wise latina
@Intellectual Hedonist is on her way to Vegas to live up to her name, she ain’t alone…
…at least 4 of us watched it.
I’m just bout sicka all this talk about this special. Y’all treating it like the 2nd coming of “Roots”. Kunta ain’t in it! When will we go back to discussing the important things in life? Like “What if Lil Wayne’s dirty locs harbor the cure for cancer?” and “If Soulja boy was a childhood ailment, which would he be?” (I say measles but others may disagree).
Just wondering…
@Thuggie Luvvie,
**snort**
you ain’t got no good gotdayum sense! So WHERE are my Good Sense Smellin’ Salts that were left out of my SADDOWN Gift Basket?
Taker-backer like a MUG! ugh… just RUDE.
@Thuggie Luvvie,
I’d say Soulja Boy is the equivalent of whooping cough: won’t necessarily kill you but is annoying as he!!.
@V.E.G.,
LOL!! i was thinking more along the lines of HPV — annoying, highly contagious, and not going away any time soon.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
Or herpes…the gift that keeps on giving.
YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
@Thuggie Luvvie, Way to try and derail the otherwise intelligent discussion on this topic. If you don’t want to talk about it, don’t read and comment.
Dearest GOI,
That stick up ur *SS is begging to be removed. It must hurt. A LOT.
Sinsurrly,
Luvvie
@Thuggie Luvvie,
I need to tell that to my boss…
@Thuggie Luvvie, I’m just bout sicka all this talk about this special.
shiiiiiiiiiiiit, me too. i’m so not talking about this tomorrow.
@Panama Jackson,
LMAO!
I seriously clicked this link twice thinking that this was yesterday’s post.
I mean, seriously BIA 2 was a lot better than the first one but does it really deserve 2 posts, 1 of which is in place of Friday Fun?
I feel like Im being penalized.. Hell Im black in America, I volunteer, I mentor, I am PTA and all o that to make up for my past ghetto transgressions…….DAYUM can I catch a friday break, where my freestyle friday, list my favorite shyt type post…
but then this aint my blog.. LMAO so I guess I dont feel as strongly as i thought since I aint started one…
F!ck it.. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
@shay_d_lady, LMAO @ past ghetto transgressions.
forget BiA2, can you tell stories??
Please?
*Overit puppy eyes*
@overit,
*Overit puppy eyes*
I thought you were a thug. Since when do thugs do “puppy eyes”?
Yeah, your thug needs the Standing Army of the Peoples Republic of China at this point…
@blackberry molasses, *child emancipation laws*
@overit, forget BiA2, can you tell stories??
nope..LMAO.. I shall just leave a comment
@shay_d_lady, right. can’t win them all, everyday.
@shay_d_lady,
“but then this aint my blog”
…………………………………
@The Champ,
you know what champ you been actin real brand new with me…. whats the deal? LOL you dont want me to comment on your blog no mo?
my feelings wont be hurt…
Like John Mayer said
“say what you need to say”…..
hmmm.. I probably should have come up with a more gangsta quote..
hey thugs like John Mayer…
I think…LOL
@shay_d_lady, i don’t think that extended elipses was directed towards you shay, lol.
@shay_d_lady, I seriously clicked this link twice thinking that this was yesterday’s post.
wait…it’s not?!?!? i didn’t update. somebody done came thru and stol’d my site and wrote a new post. i’m tired of this sh*t on my blog too.
folks keep talking about current events. busters.
@Panama Jackson,
busters. lol i needed that pj
@shay_d_lady,
I’d straight up watch shay_d_lady In America.
Well, I didn’t see the first one (I know, I know, shame on me) and only saw a part of the second one (*ducks in case any flying books are coming my way*) but from what I did see, I do like the positive side. I saw the piece on the promise school in NY and the young black children that had test scores that met or exceeded those of their white counterparts. And how my man expanded that same theme and concept to overcoming weight in children. As much of a cliche as it may be, children are and always will be the future and it was so refreshing to see that in one of the places where racism is so overtly expressed, there was a beacon of light and hope. And it was for the physical, not just the mental.
@AshleyNeicole, I REALLY liked that school story, particularly because it looks like they catch everybody as soon as the babies are born and tries to be planted in their lives from the beginning. i am a firm believer in continual reinforcement for those who are at risk. Summer programs, 6 month checkins can’t work for the long term when these people are facing their issues day in and day out. The only problem is we can’t afford to save everybody using this method you know? Maybe welfare reform could attempt to do it though…
@Liz,
I’d love to see state level programs, funded by the federal government, that serve at-risk youth, connecting them with mentors, tutors – the whole nine. However, since America pretty much shirked it’s responsibility to the poor in ’96 when Clinton signed the bill that, in essence, ended welfare, I fear that won’t be the case and that state’s, local organizations and well-meaning individuals will have to continue to do what they can.
@V.E.G., yeah you’re right Bill pretty much screwed us :-
welfare isn’t completely over tho right? I’m pretty sure I have fam on welfare now. i remember everybody was mad and panicked when Bill cut it short back then, though.
*sigh*
i hate how this series always makes me feel helpless!
@Liz,
I was working for a think tank about five years after the bill was passed and we did a lot of research on what happened to folks after the reform. My memory is rusty but there are subsidies – food stamps, housing credits, transportation subsidies, education assistance, child care assistance, etc. But the days of collecting a check while sitting at home are gone. And the amount you get in subsidies, particularly food stamps, are limited and there is now a cut off point for receiving aid.
In theory, this all sounds good. But, in practice, a lot of folks have no skills, can’t find viable work and aren’t receiving any services.
@AshleyNeicole,
somehow i missed this comment…. anyhoo…
i TOO loved the harlem children’s zone. in fact, that segment as well as the capitol prep school segment were my favorite pieces of BiA2–and the only 2 segments i felt were the most compelling as it relates to solving issues that plague the black community (i.e. access to education).
and i too appreciated Canada’s tackling of obesity thru nutrition education!!! learning the importance of nutrition at a young age is soooooo crucial and necessary since blacks suffer from so many disease that can be PREVENTED simply by establishing healthy eating habits early in life.
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
Gemmie I agree, I loved the segment about Harlem Children Zone. I just hope that these children recognize these changes as a way of life and not just something they are doing to get a free trip to Disney World.
I also feel that we have been discussing nutrition in school for years and I believe Physical Education programs/classes were created to educate us about exercise and nutrition. However, as a child, I ate what my grandmother cooked, and my parents never exercised so it was not instilled in me to exercise. Until adults/ parents become conscious of this problem and implement healthy eating in the home at an early age, obesity will continue to be a problem.
I spit soda on my screen at the Cripus reference. I have to give you credit for fitting Beyonce and the Boston Massacre into the same post, as well as using Beyonce as multiple parts of speech.
A little dap for that.
@Scott Hanselman,
dude… i like you.
@blackberry molasses, et moi
@Scott Hanselman,
You kinda rock my socks a lil. As a rite of passage on VS, you need a nickname. I’ll think on it. I aint did this in a minute but I shall give you a tour of VSB.
To the left is “The Corner”. It is where the foolish go to reside. Permanent residents include: Aif Wonder, WuDaMan, Overit. I am interim CEO until Goodeness returns. On the right is the Prayer Cubicle. It has cobwebs on it b/c Imam Overit & Deacon PBG have neglected it. The computer we use to email Jesus, Allah & Vishnu crashed last month.
Finally, is the “SAT DOWN” Corner. If you get sent there, it means you’ve said something side-eye worthy. You will be awarded a “FOOL SADDOWN” gift basket if sent there.
This concludes your tour of the VerySmartLand. Please leave a tip.
@Thuggie Luvvie, Dang, when did I get kicked out the IG Corner? Shew… I need to IG it up some more!
I NEED that rice ration the Corner Fools get… times is hard and I’se HONGRY
@Thuggie Luvvie,
Thanks for the tour. Hopefully I’ll get to stay here in genpop with y’all.
I’ll get that tip to you…actually, speaking of tips, you just reminded me I’ve got tips to boil sitting in the other room, so I’ll be back.
@Scott Hanselman, (two days in a row!)
P is good for a random spit on the screen line lol
@Liz,
Ya, I know, it’s crazy. It’s either the content or the threaded replies that’s got me coming back. One of them.
@Scott Hanselman, reciprocal dap, homey.
and it wasn’t easy but i made it work. the only thing i couldnt work in was the periodic table of elements. but just you wait until my next week! tiberium will make its debut.
@Panama Jackson,
if i had a cat, i’d name it tiberium.
All in one week I get demoted from thug to Bambi, get my Jeebs Be game stolen, AND my comments called remedial?
All ya’ll are RUDE. Luvvie, you can take your lilliputian fists and…and….just get off my screen.
@overit,
I can SEE you pouting with your cute little dimpled face all puffed and mad.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWW…. you are the anti-thug. And my e-chile*.
*till you try that running away from home mess again. then i’mma hand you over to Auntie Aif.
@overit,
GET OFF DEEZ!
Ya know what? U’re RUDE for ever thinking u were a thug. Thugs everywhere (like myself) are PISSED! You’re bringing down our property value. U couldn’t scare a Care Bear! HMPH!
@Thuggie Luvvie, overit step to any motherfreaker-luvvie, gem, whoeva. My name IS my name!!!!!
@overit,
*lookin around* who is you talkin to?? i know you didnt just try to size up your etwin!!! musta had me confused with some other hard rock/stone up in this piece…
@Thuggie Luvvie,
bringing down our property value?!?!?!?!?
why kang jesus, lawd must you test me?
*wall slide*
@overit, you know you get called Bambi…cuz you told her to get off your screen.
you got to come hard. gangstas tell folks to get off thigns that don’t make sense.
thats why i tell people to get off my log. lets the mind wander.
@Panama Jackson,
like “black in your throat”
@Gemmie’s Got A Tan,
lol
@Panama Jackson,
…..and I officially can’t breathe anymore from laughing too much.