Well we all tuned in a couple weeks ago to CNN's Black in America part 2. I have to say I enjoyed the first part that aired in 2008. I was excited to see what the next part would cover. I had many ideas but of course some things didn't go according to my own plans.
To start off I know many had expectations. I saw lots of criticism and lots of praise for Soledad O'Brien's documentary. Overall I would give part 2 a B+.
Here's what I liked.
1. Chris Rock's wife's taking those underprivileged children to Africa was a highlight for me. As soon one who came from a not so wealthy family one thing I always wanted to do was travel. We didn't have the money to travel so I couldn't. I think that is why I travel so much now. Traveling to different places gives you a chance to see different aspects of America and the world. So many times we get caught up in our own zone and forget that there is more to the world than our little box that we live in.
2. The couple that were working to save the marriage was a highlight as well. I know we always hear about black children coming from single parents and it was nice to see a couple work together to save their marriage. It reminded you that some people do take there vows serious. Many times since divorce is so easy to obtain many don't take the time to fight for a marriage. It was refreshing seeing this couple acknowledge it's issues and try to find a cure to heal their broken marriage.
3. Tyler Perry. Now first let me start off with the truth. I, by no means, am Tyler Perry's biggest fan. I had heard variations of his story but it really made me see that he truly is the American Dream. He came from nothing and turned his life completely around. It's great to see successful black people. Even though his movies and TV shows tend to not be the best, in my opinion, I have to give him credit for doing things that mainstream Hollywood won't. He is keeping many Blacks in the entertainment industry employed.
4. The principal guy who worked to make sure all his students went to college. A true inspiration. It was nice to see someone fighting for their students. So many times we only hear the negative things about teachers and it's nice to see someone who took there job seriously. I know we say this often, but we need to do more to praise our teachers who are doing an outstanding job. I tip my hat off to him. I wish ALL teachers were as dedicated to their students as this guy. (Sorry I can't remember his name and am too lazy to look it up on the internet.)
Now to the bad.
1. Those uppity Negroes. Yes you all know which group I am referring to. The ones who had the Tuxedo Ball for their privileged children to mingle and mix and network with some influential people. I just cringed as this part of the documentary played out. Let me say this though, I know all black people aren't underprivileged. It is nice to see blacks who have succeeded without being apart of the music or entertainment industry. We need to showcase our doctors, lawyers, and teachers more. To show that you all have money and then are secluding other blacks from attending because they aren't privileged. I mean I was shocked at this. The woman talking about it said it with a straight face like it wasn't a problem at all. HELLO wake up lady. That's not a good look.
2. The felon. Gosh I have to be honest. When I saw this segment start I knew where it was going. A felon who is about to reenter society. Of course struggles to find a job. Goes and gets a girlfriend. They end up pregnant and then he quits his job because he isn't making enough money and is too tired to look for another job. Eventually he returns to the streets and is suspected of robbing someone. Which will result in him going back to jail for 20 plus years. I'm like come on CNN. As much as the news puts the negative aspects of being black in America on display everyday you just had to throw in the convicted felon who just can't get his life together. I mean come on. Are you kidding me? Ugh it was so frustrating see this idiot being documented. I mean come on. Did we really need to profile a felon. Shame on you CNN and Soledad for that one.
3. The non focus on us middle america black people. I consider myself middle america. I know many of my friends, who are black, that are considered apart of middle america. Why not show more of this. I had a discussion with a friend about how the documentary seemed to focus on the extremes of Black in America. Why not show us in the middle. Who aren't poor or extremely rich. Yeah they showed a blip about it but why not more. Come on. There are many blacks that are apart of middle america.
Overall I hope the documentary isn't done. I have enjoyed both parts of the documentary so far. Yeah I don't like all of it but it's nice to see. America needs to see this. I actually like that they are expanding the series with a Latin in America. This is stuff people need to see. America is good at not showing the real America and this too me is showing the many sides to America. America is a melting pot and too many times on tv they showcase America as being Lilly white. We all know that isn't true and Hollywood in general needs to do a better job of showing the many sides of America. If you aren't checking out this serious it's a must for all, and not just black folks.
I am America's Nightmare...
