So RealTalkNY Has Been Chosen To Comment On CNN’s,” Black In America”
Black In America- A CNN Investigation-Airing July 23rd & 24th
Your site has been one of the few hand-selected by CNN and anything displayed will be seen by them. Your opinion matters and definitely deserves to be heard.
Before an editorial is written I would like to hear the thoughts of visitors of the site on the special and what is it like to be, “Black in America.” More info on the show is below along with interview clips with Russell Simmons, Spike Lee & D.L. Hughley.
Black in America: The Black Man, Wednesday, July 23, 9 p.m. (two hours)
Perhaps the most misreported group in America today, black men are often stereotypically depicted in the media as convicts, gang members and absentee fathers. Told through the personal stories of graduates of the 1968 class of Little Rock Central High School, their sons and grandsons, for The Black Man, Soledad O’Brien seeks to determine whether life is better for black men now than it was 40 years ago. She reports on the disparities between blacks and whites in educational, career and economic achievement and factors leading to the devastating rates of black male incarceration. Contributing expert analysis are Harvard economist Dr. Roland Fryer, Princeton professor Dr. Devah Pager, journalist/social commentator Ellis Cose; and Georgetown University professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; and others. O’Brien reports on successes and dissects myths to explore the state of black men in America today.
Black in America: Black Women & Family, Thursday, July 24, 9 p.m. (two hours)
In this installment of Black in America, O’Brien, examines the unique and varied experiences of black women and families in America. O’Brien looks at the reasons behind the disturbing statistics on single parenthood, disparities between black and white students in the classroom, and the devastating toll of HIV/AIDS on black women. The Black Women & Familyyields insights into black achievements and struggles and perspectives on King’s hopes for progress. The documentary is told through the experiences of the Houston-based Rand family with expert commentary from economist and Bennett College president Julianne Malveaux, Essencemagazine editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, Dallas-based preacher and life coach Bishop T.D. Jakes, TV/radio personality Michael Baisden, entrepreneur and activist Russell Simmons, actor Vanessa Williams, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher Dr. Camara Jones and others.
Spike Lee Speaks
D.L. Hughley Speaks
July 17th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Man listen… I’m a go in on this!
1st man sh!ts messed up realtalk!!! primarily though being black in america is jacked up cause we’re still mentally messed up and beggin for acceptance and permission when we need to be runnin our own sh!t like every other people here but we get ridiculed and anything else if we want our own gas stations, stores, anything!!!
July 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I’ll really address this when I get back though… be easy lol @ this have like 22 posts when I get back…smmfh!!!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Well, I know being a Black woman in America is a double-edged sword.
It’s nice because you are seeing a lot of your sisters growing, maturing, and getting off their ass to go get something instead of sitting back and complaining. Also, (generally), we are getting off this whole ‘hating’ on each other and damn near killing each other over men and starting to dig more into knowing our self-worth.
The problems are all the problems associated with the come-up which is the outside hate, especially from Black men. It’s like they have been so used to dominating, dismissing, leaving, and checking us (as some sort of statement of their man hood) that now that, that situation is really terminating itself, they (generally) are going through hell and high water to strip us of any confidence, self esteem, and strength we may possess.
It’s like the master and slave syndrome, when Black people started to break out on their own and White people (generally) weren’t really used to it or trying to see it, so they did what they could to stop it.
So that makes the rise bitter sweet, but a lot of us(speaking from conversations with my girlfriends and other young women) are also realizing that we deserve the best in a mate and that what we are looking for is out there, however it may not come in the package you have been taught to look for. I mean, we are in America, if we were meant to all like and stay with one thing we would have been born someplace like China or in some tribal community.
I think there is an overall movement with Black people (male and female) to really know who they are and redefine the shells they have been put in, such as, what a woman does and does not do, what a man does and does not do, what are Black people capable and incapable of accomplishing.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:16 am
You know this post will not get a lot of comments. The majority of the people who visit this site- don’t care about the stuff that matters. They care about rap beefs, and video girls.
Ever since I seen the promos back in April, I couldn’t wait to see this astounding series on being Black in America. I think everyone should sit down with their families and watch this special series. I can’t believe CNN even thought about putting this out there! Good Job CNN! Fox News would never do anything like this!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:18 am
What’s the point of this program? I agree with 2cents but is CNN really going to help us? Honestly, I think their just capitalizing on Black being in again. I just don’t see the objective and it kind of feels like a feed our children campaign or something close to it. Okay the show airs and then what? I don’t know maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way or maybe I just need to wait and watch.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Im a 24 year old balck male living in america and shit is really fucked up and im not going to put all the blame on white vs black issues, there are alot of issues in the black community we have to deal with 1st before we do anthing else black on black hate is at A ALL TIME HIGH were stuck on that IM A DO ME shit when other niggas in the hood are strugle’n just lookin for a lil help and guidance, not alot of black leaders today niggas are followers nowadays or dont speak on real issues….
July 17th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Tiye i see where you comming from but on the flip side the stories are comming from black people so cnn is just the platform i would have liked if this shit was on b.e.t but its not i thik you and every needs to watch and see what its about
July 17th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Being Black in middle class America (the only thing I can speak on) has it’s ups and downs. While I feel there are still some levels of pregidous* around us, things are remarably better for this generation than the last
The New Generation
July 17th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Being black in America can be described in one word; PAINFUL. On many occasions I feel like I have to represent for the rest of my ethnic proof e.g. ” All of us are not ignorant” I have a BA in psychology and I am currently working on acquiring a double certification in Paralegal Studies. My resume is posted on a number of job search websites, when agencies see my resume the express great interest but when I meet with them in person, they mock my education and credentials. I wonder if this because I am black sometimes. I am very worried about this; I have worked hard to acheive the credentials I have and their our people who have less education and qualifications than I do but they don’t have to worry about earning a decent living to provide for themselves and their family because of the color of their skin. It’s rough. My 21 year old brother was just accused of robbery but he was home asleep on the night in question, has no prior record of armed robbery and I had to go testify in front of a grand jury as to his whereabouts that evening. After the DA asked my name and address, he asked me for my Social Security number when I asked why, he stated “I need to find out if you have a rap sheet” I find this very insulting. Not only was he accused of something he did not do, but now they were questioning my credibility, was this because I am black. Do people actually believe that all blacks in urban communities have arrest records.I could go on and on but I know that this is how it will always be, the only thing I can do to is continue to strive and represent for my people as best as I can.
July 17th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Being black in America can be described in one word; PAINFUL. On many occasions I feel like I have to represent for the rest of my ethnic group e.g. ” All of us are not ignorant” I have a BA in psychology and I am currently working on acquiring a double certification in Paralegal Studies. My resume is posted on a number of job search websites, when agencies see my resume they express great interest but when I meet with them in person, they mock my education and credentials. I wonder if this is because I am black sometimes. I am very worried about this; I have worked hard to acheive the credentials I have and there are people who have less education and qualifications than I do but they don’t have to worry about earning a decent living to provide for themselves and their family because of the color of their skin. It’s rough. My 21 year old brother was just accused of robbery but he was home asleep on the night in question,and he has no prior record of armed robbery. I had to go testify in front of a grand jury as to his whereabouts that evening. After the DA asked my name and address, he asked for my Social Security number when I asked why, he stated “I need to find out if you have a rap sheet” I find this very insulting. Not only was my brother accused of something he did not do, but now they were questioning my credibility, was this because I am black? Do people actually believe that all blacks in urban communities have arrest records? I could go on and on but I know that this is how it will always be, the only thing I can do to is continue to strive and represent for my people as best as I can. Maybe one day people will realize that humans are humans regardless of the color of their skin.
July 17th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Awsome leadership Cnn..And its not even Black history month nor is this program sponsored by Mcdonalds. Im greatful!
July 17th, 2008 at 9:20 am
@ Mahogany01
That’s exactly what I’m saying it’s almost like having the education and certifications, aren’t enough. They look at you and feel like your black so you shouldn’t be able to comprehend anything other then selling drugs robbing stores, being a hoe! SMH
July 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I AGREE WITH Tiye aint no point in this shit.Because it aint gonna change shit.So why even bother telling a fucking story yea being black in america is fucked we go thru alot of shit but its people in other countries who go thru way worst shit and they dont even got a shot getting out of them sitituations.This program seems fraud.
anyways props on RealTalk for being noticed as one of the top Hip-Hop sites
July 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
i don’t get it… why is no1 commenting on this. i dont live in america so i dont know how it is but its disappointing to see that no-one wants to chip in with their thoughts on what matters!! And you complain when u dont get ur way, thats cos u dont speak when it matters.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:07 am
CheezyDoDo..
I SEE WHERE YOU CMOMING FROM BUT HERE’S MY POINT IS IT BETTER OFF NOT BEING HEARD AT ALL? BLACK PEOPLE #1 CONCERN FOR THE TEST OF TIME IS BEING OVER LOOKED, BUT WITH A STORY LIKE THIS ON CNN ITS GIVING US A PLATFORM TO TALK BOUT SHIT, A VOICE NOT HEARD IS A VOICE NOT REMEMBERED MY NIGGA …….
THE “IT AINT GONNA CHANGE SHIT” STATEMENT I FIGHT WITH ALL THE TIME ON ONE HAND IM LIKE SHIT AINT GONNA CHANGE CUZ NIGGAS IS LAZY POINT BLANK NOBODY WANTS TO EVEN TRY … BUT THE FLIP SIDE IS THAT JUST A FUCKING EXCUSE !!!! THERE ARE BLACK PEOPLE THAT ARE IN POSITIONS WITH THE MONEY TO DO SHIT BUT THEY JUST SIT ON THERE ASS ALL DAY LIKE SHIT IS SWEET..
MY OVER ALL POINT NOBODY WANT TO HELP GET THE CHANGE STARTED
OBAMA O8 LETS HOPE WE SEE A DIFF IN THE HOODS WIT A BLACK MAN AT THE FOREFRONT
July 17th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Serious Props Nigel
July 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am
TO Jay-Reckless
I guess nigga.But aint that what we got Hip-Hop ?
But yea i see what your saying atleast they give us a platform on national tv.But its not like the rest of the country dont know what Black people and Hispanics go thru.
But I guess this is starting the fight for change with Barrack Obama running for president and stuff
dont get me wrong its a good thing they doing this.But I jus dont see whats gonna change
But we will see….
July 17th, 2008 at 10:52 am
THings do not chnage unless you make a change….for some reason black people equate having a education and good life or making alot of money free…just because we are not on plantations doesnt meen we are free….Malcom X said it best we have not paid the price for freedom and that price is death…..you can not ask your opressor to be free….you have to get mad and make something happen….all of these injustices that have been done to you ….why dont you acted insteading of talking so much…..thats all black people do is talk talk talk talk talk stopping robbing each other killing each other selling drugs to each other you punk muthfuckas wont go to a white or rich neighborhood and do it because profess to be so hard, get up mad angry and do something…..if we all act as one there is no way we can be stoppped…the question is …who is going to be the first?
July 17th, 2008 at 10:58 am
First.. Serious Props to Nigel.. I salute you my dude..
Being a black man in America is very difficult. I grew up in the South Bronx down the street from Cedar Park where Hip Hop started.. Now I live in a DC suburb.. Now the landscape is like night and day between the projects I grew up in and the condominium community I live in now.. The key difference in knowledge.. Most people where I live have at minimum a college education.. Most people where I come from at best have a H.S. Diploma.. In the capitalist society that we live in today in the suburbs you may have a dentist or a lawyer as a role model.. In the projects.. Jay-Z(Rapper/Mogul), Jermaine(Neighborhood Kingpin), & Rafer Alston(Playground Basketball Legend)are your only role models then you will begin to have a problem.. Anyone can be a lawyer or Doctor.. But you have to have special talent to be a Basketball Player or Rapper.. So therefore little man choses to be the hustler and the cycle starts..
I say all that to say this.. When the disparity of education and knowledge between blacks and whites disappear things will change.. Along with having full families.. Instead of just having one parent households where that one parent works 12 hrs days.. To keep food on the table so she neglects her parental duties..
July 17th, 2008 at 11:10 am
co-sign with # 18.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I laugh at those who write Tens of Paragraphs on this issue,crying about the challenges of being black in a society wherein the majority is White.What you don’t realize is,America is run and greatly influenced by very powerful men who are,as expected,White.So to even question whether or not equality will exist in this Nation,is laughable.Haha.Hahaha.Ha.
What you’ll discover once you start compiling information and have lived outside of America,what you’ll eventually come to realize is the majority of Americans;black,white,hispanic,you name it,the majority of them are C and D students.ANYONE,and let me emphasize this,ANYONE that has been schooled outside of America can testify to this;American Education provides NOTHING of a mental and creative challenge to the people who absorb it.Hence the reason why the current President of the United States can never open his mouth without being laughed at(Ironically,the majority of the people who laugh at the President,do not possess a greater amount of intelligence than him).Before you start typing up a post overflowing with your Patriotism,can you name the 9 Planets(Before Pluto was falsely removed from the ‘list’)in order of distance from the Sun?Can you do this without a Google Search?
In conclusion;As long as both Black and White people are more interested in what Kanye West said at the MTV Awards rather than why people such as Benazhir Bhutto were assassinated,as long as this stupidity and blind ignorance flourishes among the majority of Americans,I think it’s safe to come to the conclusion that there will never be equality nor progression for Minorities of any race/ethnicity in America,simply because the majority of Americans place entertainment and edutainment over raw education and acquiring more knowledge.In other words,as long as you’re more interested in clicking on the little play button to watch and listen to what information CNN has compiled from well known Black people regarding the state of Black people in America,well,you’re a ‘true American’ : )
July 17th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
black in america…hmmmph! when will they have a show called White in America? it seems like blacks are always expressing their feelings whites NEVER speak about how they are feeling.i think thats the KEY,whites need to express themselves a lil more.
whites wont speak cause they know thereafter ppl can try or succeed in making them feel in a certain manner…blacks need to STFU..no more hip hop vs america no more blacks in america just keep quiet cause whites only want to crack open a beer and laugh at our pain ………it makes them feel better!
fuck how i feel ………..how do U feel Mr white man>?
July 17th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Here’s an even better topic that stems from this one. Why are the MOST successful blacks as far as earnings, and publicity all in entertainment industry. Look at the interviews above 3 very intelligent, successful, cultured black men however all operate in the field of entertainment. Of course there are successful blacks not involved in entertainment but information on these people aren’t readily available you have to in some cases do intensve research, and better yet no one talks about them or ask them to be on their shows unless maybe its a “black topic”. So the question i think im getting to is why are we attracted so much to this industry, or are we pushed? Are we pushed to believe that entertainment being media, film, music, comedy are the only ways in which blacks can be successful. And if this doesn’t apply to you reading this than maybe think about how many friends you have that are aspiring rappers, singers, athletes, comidians, filmmakers or actors and you notice that there is a trend here a trend that is more than 200 years old.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Post #4 is just a perfect example of the Black mentality/ideology in America. Simply because people visit this site, he automatically assumes that they would not be interested in such a pivotal topic pertaining to their lives. They are only interested in “rap beefs and video girls”. Well I, for one, have to disagree that I frequent this site all the time and I am still interested in seeing this documentary to the fullest extent, as well as interested in anything this site has to offer. If this was so far-fetched then CNN would not have wasted their time asking for the opinions of this site as well as its visitors to begin with. Not to say that CNN is the de facto standard in anything but simply that other people do not see this site as a dead end site for things of crude/violent nature, which is the same view that society views Blacks in America. So that statement was ignorant. You commented, did you not? Then give others the same type of decency that they would want to do the same on a top important to them.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Me personally i LOVE being Black in America..no excuses!..and being a Trini island negro that immigrated to the USA as a youngn that was just about as tough as it can get duggie..also America is the only place where u can come from being a daggone vagabond to being a millionaire..it’s alwayz been about Hardwork not Race..i equate the stereotypes to just being LAZY n ignant not even ignorant..words and quotes that alwayz inspired me were ‘Just Do it’..’We may have all came frm different Ships but were in the same Boat now-King’.'Think Differently’..only thing i find missing in being Black in America is the Family Structure..thats the onlyy thing missing, we distrust our own!..while the Indians, Chinese, n Mexis embraces family and their own!..other than that?? we aiight man, Obama!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
How in the hell is living in America fuck up painful and difficult seriously. Ya’ll are acting like somebody is suppose to feel sorry for ya’ll. I mean ya’ll are talking as if America is the most deplorable country in the world. Ya’ll want to talk about painful difficult and fuck up then go to Africa and stay there for a while. That way you’ll be able to see the type of struggle and suffering they go through. And to be honest with you i show know empathy nor simpathy for most Americans. Because it seem like people don’t understand the type of pain other countries go through. I mean i know relativity that every country is different and they go through their ups and downs. And i know everybody still deals with struggle but America is the richest country in the world so why catch feeling. It seem like America is forgetting the fact that America back then years ago was way worst then now. And what trips me out is that person from another fern country would come to America and pass up an America who was born and raised in America. And end up with a better job and better education and a better life to live. But America on the other hand are just to lazy instead of tryin to prove a point they defend their lazyness with bullshit comments. Knowing good and well theres know excuses don’t let America blame you for their mistake. But at the same time America need to look at the mistakes that their making and stop depending on excuses and change themselve.