How many of you saw “Who is Black in America?” the CNN special that
explored the concept of whether being black is determined by skin color,
family dynamics or by what society says you are?
Well, Soledad O’Brien is back with her ongoing series, including
“Black in America” and “Latin in America.” I believe there is a pilot
program in the works called “Who Thinks They are Black in America,” narrated by the racially confused Keisha Cole.
I poke fun at Cole because she seemed to illustrate the running theme
of “Who is Black in America?” She recently made news with her somewhat
bizarre decision to not participate in “Black Girls Rock.” Why? Because
she said she is bi-racial and uncertain that she is even a black woman.
I watched Keisha’s reality show and saw her mother. Boo, you are black.
A lot of the conflict explored in “Who is Black in America” stemmed
from how people self-identify in comparison to how they were perceived
by society.
We all have heard the expression, “It’s not what they call you but
what you answer to that is important.” Well, I believe the concept of
race is the antithesis of that expression. I can call myself whatever I
want, but the reality is, I am perceived as a black man. And like it or
not, I will deal with all the cultural luggage that comes with being a
black man.
Case in point. Nayo was one of the young women featured on the
program. She is bi-racial. Her mother is black and her father is white.
She was raised by her father and, for the most part, surrounded by white
people. However, she is light-skinned, with afro-centric features and
spiky textured hair. So, without knowing her personal lineage, one might
think she is a young black woman. The problem is that Nayo does not see
herself as black.
“Who is Black in America?” did explore some of the historical origins
of race in this country, a back story I believe is integral if we are
to have any meaningful present-day discussion.
I attended a retreat on diversity several years ago and was
thoroughly impressed with how the facilitators broke down race in this
country. They submitted that the concept of race is more of a Western
construct. Our nation was built by immigrants from many different
origins, but in order to develop and maintain a Southern agrarian
culture fueled by slave labor, folks had to forget their respective
origins and take on the new title of “white.” This new label ensured the
solidarity needed to manage the socio-economic culture that was
established. This also established a ranking system where white is at
the top, black is at the bottom and other ethnicities fell somewhere
between, relative to their proximity to white.
Obviously, this historical cast system still has contemporary implications since we are still having this discussion.
On the rare occasion I forget that I am a black man, there is always
someone or some occurrence that immediately reminds me. So maybe it’s
not my issue.
Maybe the issue is not so much querying folks on their racial
identity but bringing those concerns to folks who seem to be an expert
on the subject.
Folks like the store owner who announces over the loud speaker,
“Security monitor all aisles,” when you walk through the door; the club
that allows two giggling coeds to enter with barely a glance yet demand
that you and your party produce two forms of ID; and my personal
favorite, the cab driver who not only ignores you but accelerates as you
all but throw yourself onto his windshield like a human Garfield.
The issue of race is still relevant because, well, it is still an
issue. But maybe, just maybe, CNN some day will run a similar program
titled “Who Cares Who is Black in America?”
