If I get one more email telling me to support Jamie Foxx's NBC special, I will scream!!! (For those who have not seen the email, it claims that NBC is not promoting Jamie's special because he refused to add white people to his cast.) Yes, I am guilty of it too. When I first received the email, I too passed it along. However, I am also known to forward emails that address political and social concerns as well. I have received the email about Jamie's special at least 8 times in a matter of 1.5 days. I don't think I've ever received the same email that many times in such a short period of time.
Don't get me wrong, I like Jamie Foxx. I like his comedy, his movies, and his music. However, Jamie doesn't make or interpret laws. He doesn't put food on your table. He doesn't provide you with healthcare. He doesn't take care of your kids. So why all the fuss about his NBC special???
It's disconcerting that black folks will mobilize in a major way when it comes to supporting a black entertainer, but fail to mobilize on issues that directly affect us. Mainly, and arguably most importantly, black folks don't vote. Of course there are exceptions to that rule, but for the most part, black people do not vote. We constantly use excuses like, "My vote doesn't count" to deter us from entering the polls on Election Day. We sat idly by in 2004 and watched while Bush was elected into office. We are now feeling the effects of this lackadaisical attitude as another conservative Bush appointment is being confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and as he continues to appoint conservative judges to the federal bench. And as the federal courts continue to address (and possibly strike down) issues that are important to us, such as affirmative action, we will begin feeling the ill effects of our failure to mobilize and vote.
It's not that I'm against black folks supporting black entertainers, quite the contrary is true; however, I don't think we should do it to the exclusion of the issues that are vital to us. I love to see my people demonstrate passion on issues important to them -- the concern is that many times the issues that elicit that passion are of little importance in the big scheme of things.
-- Notta
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
But Jamie Foxx was in "Ray". That is FAR more relevant to everyday topics than, say, the hurricane katrina reponse.
I think the problem is that people, as a whole, are too lazy. It is easy to forward emails and just sit at your computer in an effort to "make a difference". But when it comes to actually getting out of your seat, research some political issues, and make an educated vote (not just in presidential, but local elections too for that matter) people just won't do it.
It is the nature of the American society. We, in a blanket statement, are too lazy!
Notta,
Good blog. I wish black people would get a excited about education and real economic empowerment as opposed to this nonsense. You'll likely hear more people complain about UPN going away than children getting a quality education.
I feel you, Notta. Our mutual amigo in Kinsasha, Ira, turned me on to your site. I look forward to more commentary. Do your thing. OG
Hey girl! Ditto and amen. One of your commenters mentioned modern day minstrel shows. Any thoughts on that? Keep bloggin' :)
DP
Hey Davina -- At some level, I have to agree with the "minstrel show" reference by thespookwhosatbythedoor. I don't necessarily agree that "My Wife and Kids" is deserving of that designation because, sadly or not, "My Wife and Kids" is probably one of the better shows with an all-black cast. However, thoughts of shows like "Eve," "Cuts," and "All Of Us" -- all on UPN -- do conjure up images of a "minstrel show."
Unfortunately, shows like "The Cosby Show," which did an excellent job of not portraying black folks in steretypical roles, do not exist. Even shows like "Girlfriends" continue to portray black women as divas with attitude problems -- while failing to demonstrate the grace and compassion with which many black women live their lives.
--Notta
I applaud you...you are like your mother, a strong, and strong-willed woman not afraid to speak her mind-your mother, I know is very proud of you!!!!
Post a Comment