CNN returns with “Black in America 2″
CNN last year dove into a tough topic: what’s it like to be “Black in America” with a focus on families and relationships.
Ratings were solid. More than 13 million people caught the series.
But reaction was decidedly mixed. Many found the series an enlightening attempt to dig behind stereotypes, but others pegged it superficial, narrow, detached and too negative.
“I almost think we tried to do too much in four hours,” said executive producer Jeff Reid said in an interview after a screening last week at the Carter Center. “We just scratched the surface.”
So this year, CNN has created a sequel that is decidedly more upbeat, focused on solutions. The four-hour special, which airs over two days Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 8 p.m., features profiles of African Americans who are making a difference.
Most are not household names. John Rice trains black executives to break the glass ceiling. Steve Perry opened a magnet school where every graduate goes to college. Surgeon Dr. Lisa Newman is studying the role of African-American ancestry in a particularly aggressive version of breast cancer.
But CNN did give time to one major celebrity: Atlantan Tyler Perry. Perry recalled about how white executives scoffed at his film ideas, one saying, “black people who go to church don’t go to the movies.”
He now has a string of hit movies and TV shows and opened a 30-acre studio in Southwest Atlanta last fall. “He’s very much in the mold of black ownership,” said Soledad O’Brien, the series’ host, in a phone interview earlier this week. “Ownership gives him power.”
In the series, Perry said he saw his dad, a carpenter, make $800 for building a home. But the owner sold it for $30,000. Perry wanted to be “the man who owned the house.”
O’Brien said it took a little convincing to get a tour of Perry’s studio. “It’s easier to break into Fort Knox!” she said. “He runs a very tight ship.”
Not that Perry gets a free ride. Pop culture professor Todd Boyd disparaged his Madea character as stereotypical, saying Perry “has gone backward.”
Perry was clearly annoyed, noting the spirituality and deeper messages in his films. “How dare you insult me that way,” he said, “when you are looking at one little bit of a totality of a message?”
A third series called “Latino in America” is set to air this fall. And a special focused on Asian Americans is possible as well.
TV THIS WEEK
“Black in America 2,” 9 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, 8 to 10 p.m., Thursday
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© 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
70 comments Add your comment
manster
July 21st, 2009
12:41 pm
Sick of this rating ploy, what the hell is this? Black people are some type of Alien’s? When are we going to see the analysis of Asian, Hispanics, Italian’s etc. As someone who is “black” i am so sick of this dribble. Soledad O’Brien on the census says she check three boxes Caucasain, Afro American and Hispanic. I guess she is black when it is convenient!
BooGotShot
July 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
man, i’d LOVE to be black in america right now. i mean, i would be first in line for any hand-outs. and if i chose to work, heck, i’d be the first one up for any municipal, county, state or federal job ever offered. and if someone didn’t like me, for whatever reason, i could simply call them a racist and that would be that! too bad i’m not black in america. i don’t know what i’m missing
Lucy Bloom
July 21st, 2009
1:21 pm
BooGotShot, you would not last five minutes being black in America. You have no eartly idea how hard it is just to be black ANYWHERE. Most white people could not take it because typical of most people…”You can DISH IT OUT BUT CAN’T TAKE IT”. And you know exactly what I mean.
Virginia
July 21st, 2009
1:55 pm
How about a show entitled “What it’s like being disables anywhere?” Disabled persons,of any race,get the short end of the stick-not just America. If you’re blac and disabled though, you’ll get the job, not because you’re disabled, but black. I have a BA in Art at GSU, but I was turned down for a job at the Atlanta Public Library(despite having had experience working in two college libraries and one h.s. library), yet a high school grad (the job called for at least one year in college-she had none and no library experience yet). Of course, this was when some lady there complained there were “too many white folks working in the Atlanta public system”. And Annette Kestering wasn’t too different either. Even MARTA discriminates against the areas that pay the tax that supports the system by cutting their buses because “too many whites were riding them and not enough blacks”. And then there’s that for the job of mayor now, “no whites need apply”.
BooGotShot
July 21st, 2009
2:10 pm
oh lucy bloom, i know the truth must hurt right now
WalkaWalka
July 21st, 2009
3:46 pm
Strange. Black in America 2, then Latino 1, then possibly Asian 1….but no White in America 1 on the horizon. THAT is the status quo.
Irish In America
July 21st, 2009
8:02 pm
When do I get my show?
I’m sick of people like Lucy who are mad because their fellow Africans sold
them into slavery. Go back home and take it out on the Nigerians.
Blacks Just Don't Get It
July 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
Every day MOST blacks wallow in self pity while a same % of them
are motivated and make their own way. That % includes many doctors, lawyers,
business owners, CEO’s and much more.
Sad thing is, a lilly white bread man like me, I can name and identify man more
of the black people I just describe and the vast majority of black folk wouldn’t have
a clue. But they can dang sure name all the rappers, actors and ballers.
NOW, tell me what the real problem is but if you are black, look in the mirror first!
Keith
July 22nd, 2009
4:35 am
Alright, I’m gonna break it down so it can forever be broke.We as african americans are hard working citizens, just like anyone else. We have jobs, familes, pay taxes, and work hard just like everyone else. We all don’t identify with so called rappers, ballers, and the like. As a matter of fact “blacks just dont get it” , maybe you need to do some research. If you did do your homework before you come on these blogs, you would know this. Most of the rappers you here on the radio are on record labels owned by whites, and that is a fact! Do you know why rap music is pushed as hard as it is? I’ll tell you why, because it is a multi billion dollar business. And contrary to the popular belief that all blacks listen to rap, let me squash that myth right now. The biggest purchasers of hip hop music are suburban whites. I live in a majority white area in north atlanta, and I have seen more young white youth blasting LIL wayne in their cars than any black person, that is a fact. We blacks definately get it! We have been descriminated against more times than you could shake a stick at. I have experianced racial profiling first hand in my community. All lot of you seem to forget that our ansestors were brought here on ships, they were whipped, changed, beaten, and treated very badly. This is america’s dirty secret that has left a stain on america. We really need to understand people of different backgrounds, nationalies, religeons, etc, and learn to live together, and love one another. I’m not trying to upset anyone on this blog, but I’m stating truths so that we all can understand each other. I get upset when i come on these blogs and see people just attack someone for race and things like that. Its’ just plain stupid, period! It’s very said that this is going on in america, the land of the free, and home of the brave! It’s crazy ya’ll… Just plain craziness!
Just earlier today I was on ajc.com on the blog for Oprah. Someone on the blog made a stupid comment about Oprah being a “loud mouth”, and even started that so called Birther Conspiracy ” crap about President Obama. I felt obligated to set that person straight because those type of statements are ignorance at it’s best! I just watched “hardball with chris mathews” on msnbc, and Chris confrontes a us republican senator about a crazy ass bill that he is trying to get passed in congres to make the next presidential candidates produce their birth certifiactes to so called make sure that they are a US citizen. Chris Mathews literally laughed at the senator, because he knew that that bill is some bullsh#t. Chris even produced The presidents birth cert, and even read it on the air, and basically told the senator that they are trying to racially profile the president of the united states. Chris knew that that bullsh#t was crazy, he even told the senator that it was crzy, and that he is just appealing to the wack jobs in the repub party. And you know what, Chris Matews was right! That is a load of sh#t, period! That is the type of stupid ass Sh#t that you deal with when you are black! That is the type of crap that we deal with on a daily basis, and have dealt with it since our ancestors arrived here. You will never understand what it is like being black, unless you are black, and that is the truth!
Keith
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 am
And I’m also gonna squash this right now too. Before anyone comes on this blog, reads my statement, and says something stupid like “get over it”. I’m gonna say this to those folks. African Americans will never so called “get over it” until we are treated equally, and racism stops, period! This is not slavery, and we will definately stand up to any racial injustice that is placed against us. period!
Keith
July 22nd, 2009
4:45 am
Oh yeah, here;s another one for ya. To Irish In America, I was born and raised right here in the united states, so I am at home! To BooGotShot, you couldnt handle being black!
Lucy Bloom
July 22nd, 2009
7:52 am
AMEN!!!! TO KEITH.
TinyTam
July 22nd, 2009
10:09 am
I wish blogs like this would be permanently removed because it always seems to open up an argument that displays how far we haven’t come as it relates to race relations in the US. There are always a handful of non-minorities that take up time and space making negative comments about minorities (which just displays their lack of knowledge or even appreciation for the history of this great country). Anyone who is filled with so much hatred for another person based primarily on the color of their skin and then justifies their words with stereotypes proves that they are on the wrong side of history and race relations in this country. Why can’t we just appreciate that everyone’s journey and story in America is different. Non-minorities are in the majority therefore their story is typically displayed and not minorities hence no need for a “whites in america’ show. I watched a GPB show on the Apollo 17 space mission last night and was just floored by the lack of minorities involved in NASA’s operation in 1972. This country has come a long way but comments that don’t move the dialogue on race relations forward are counter productive. Bottom line, it’s 2009 and America belongs to everyone. If you can’t appreciate that then I sincerely pray that the Creator humbles you and your spirit is set free from the shackles of hatred. That’s it.
Irish In America
July 22nd, 2009
11:06 am
Keith you show the true ignorance of your race.
Hatred, racism discrimination etc let me tell you…………BLACKS ARE NOT TITLE HOLDERS TO
THOSE WORDS.
Every ethnic group in the world has been enslaved in some way shape or fashion over
the course of history. The Egyptians have suffered far more slavery than American blacks,
yet they don’t carry it around like a boulder. Only black Americans have the poor poor
pitiful us syndrome.
Also where is your reply about a very small percentage of blacks knowing the black
CEO’s, lawyers etc??? As usual, MOST blacks only what to whine and ask for help instead
of acknowledging their weakness and working to overcome those.
So go ahead and sing the same ol song and dance. Your weakness as that of Lecy’s
shines like the sun. Nobody can miss it and you and those like you refuse to overcome it!
Stephen Wright
July 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
As an African American I could wallow in self pity or acknowledge that the world is not fair and deal with it! I chose the later!!
What this does is to force me to look and keep at arms length many White Americans that are probably deceit people. It makes you question your religion! because if the concept of God in the Western and Muslim world were as professed, man would be a lot better than he is today!
This is really no way to look at humanity! but self preservation is a must and at the moment this is the best we have got!
Mr. Roc
July 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
I thought we were commenting on Black in America? People are always turning issues into a race thing. GEEZ!
Leonard Maltin
July 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
I love a great sequel!
I wonder what the title of this one will be…
BLACK IN AMERICA 2: Still Underachieving When Given the Same Opportunities As Every Other Citizen
Leonard Maltin
July 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
BLACK IN AMERICA 2: What the #@$#$@# Do You Mean You Pulled Me Over for Not Using A Turn Signal, Cop?
What The #@$#$@# Is A Turn Signal?
Leonard Maltin
July 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
BLACK IN AMERICA 2:
Don’t You Tell ME to Be Quiet in No Movie Theater!
Marsha Bond
July 22nd, 2009
12:52 pm
I really wish white people could be black for one day just to see how it really is. Then again, no I don’t wish that at all. *LOL*
who cares
July 22nd, 2009
1:43 pm
Why must everything be about oh there is no black peson i this or no black person in that-look at the NBA-where are the white people? In the stands! and yet you call them racist for not buying tickets? Where are the white players? gee does everything have to be separate? We could nto have a Miss America pageant-we now have to have the NAACP pageant and the MR. NAACP pageant. If it weren’t for white people-y’all would be back in africa running for your lives due to the wars and searching for food and trying to escape the Tutsi and Zulu tribes that captured your ancestors and sold you to Americans in the first place. y’all are the most ungrateful group ever. Even the mideasterners are more grateful-and they escaped the Iranian dictators!
Amused by Ignorance
July 22nd, 2009
2:29 pm
All blacks who live in America are not descendants of slaves or Africans. So ignorance is definitely prevalent in someone’s mind when he/she tells a black person to go back to Africa. History is not correctly taught in schools which forces people like those on this post to repeat incorrect information. Yes, Egyptians were subjected to slavery prior to American slaves, but they are Africans none the less and would have “have suffered far more slavery.” But the story is about being black in America. Racism is not dead, just quieter. My husband and I work hard every day. We have never been on any type of public assistance ever in our lives, we are educated, and live a good life. However, because of the color of my husband’s skin, a beautiful dark chocolate, he has been passed over for many advancement opportunities for those with a fairer complexion and less knowledge and education. On one occasion he had to “train” his new boss. Many companies in small towns are still afraid to have a black man in authority. Is this not a reality of being black in America? People are so quick to stereo black and Mexicans it is not funny. Being white in America is not so glamorous; again I revert back to history, why did whites come to America in the first place? I would not be so proud of that, but again history is being taught incorrectly so some of you may not know the real reason. There is no one race on this earth that is superior to the other, but it is hard to get those who believe they are better to realize this fact; therefore he/she will post negative comments about another race to make themselves look good. Ignorance is key. Racism is still alive and well and that is why we need more documentaries like these for all races.
jarvis
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
The first one was riveting.
Deirdre
July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
Nothing will ever change until this country stops singling out one race over another. If we want true equality then we have to start acting like we’ve got it.
The media and the gov’t relish reinforcing our differences. When black people are randomly stopped by police, they resent that it doesn’t happen to white people. When white people are trying to get a job, they resent that a black person gets the job because of quotas. The gov’t plays us against each other and we let it happen!
We are kept in a state of fear of each other by the gov’t and the media. Why? The media makes money and the politicians get votes based on our fear.
Redd
July 22nd, 2009
5:21 pm
Amused by Ignorance . . .
You’re the only one that told the truth. Your eyes are not wide shut like most in this world.
Redd
July 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
By Amused by Ignorance . . .deserves a second post.
All blacks who live in America are not descendants of slaves or Africans. So ignorance is definitely prevalent in someone’s mind when he/she tells a black person to go back to Africa. History is not correctly taught in schools which forces people like those on this post to repeat incorrect information. Yes, Egyptians were subjected to slavery prior to American slaves, but they are Africans none the less and would have “have suffered far more slavery.” But the story is about being black in America. Racism is not dead, just quieter. My husband and I work hard every day. We have never been on any type of public assistance ever in our lives, we are educated, and live a good life. However, because of the color of my husband’s skin, a beautiful dark chocolate, he has been passed over for many advancement opportunities for those with a fairer complexion and less knowledge and education. On one occasion he had to “train” his new boss. Many companies in small towns are still afraid to have a black man in authority. Is this not a reality of being black in America? People are so quick to stereo black and Mexicans it is not funny. Being white in America is not so glamorous; again I revert back to history, why did whites come to America in the first place? I would not be so proud of that, but again history is being taught incorrectly so some of you may not know the real reason. There is no one race on this earth that is superior to the other, but it is hard to get those who believe they are better to realize this fact; therefore he/she will post negative comments about another race to make themselves look good. Ignorance is key. Racism is still alive and well and that is why we need more documentaries like these for all races.
TV Viewer
July 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
Interesting story. Not surpised by the comments. Soledad is working on getting an award of some kind. “BooGotShot”, you made me laugh. Not because of your obnoxious comments but because this name reminded me of the original story on talk radio some years back.
George Bush
July 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm
soledad should not be allowed to do the series until she decides to either keep passing for white or be a person of color …that girl has an identity crisis in the worst way…..as for all the vitriol please understand that the recent and blatant scourge of racism keeps appearing daily more than other situations…we cannot forget it cause society will not let us…ie Dr. Gates (Harvard) etc… it is not like we want to dwell on it hell it is thrown in our face daily….No one complains about the holocaust being discussed ad nauseum….BTW i still would like my 40 acres and a I am due !!!! no mule a BENZ will do
Captain Midnight
July 22nd, 2009
5:52 pm
Leonard Maltin, you are too funny..I got one..Wha ya mean I can’t yell cross Wal-Mart at my baby mama?
Captain Midnight
July 22nd, 2009
5:54 pm
Marsha (Julian) Bond, I wish I could be black for one day too. The first of the month.
All Men Are Created Equal
July 22nd, 2009
6:24 pm
It is neither amusing nor funny that bigotry is still very rampant in our country. I am a middle aged white male that considers myself fairly open-minded, but I will confess to being naive when it comes to the plight of “African Americans” in this country. I do think that we have come along way in “race” relations in the last 50 years, but there is still a long way to go. When I hear about programs like “Black In America”, my knee jerk reaction is why is there not a “White In America”? I don’t discriminate against people because of what color, sex or religion they are. Then, I stop and think about what kind of neighborhood would I like to live in? Am I a bigot because I do want to live in a predominantly white neighborhood? Or do I want to live in a predominantly white neighborhood because it appears to have a low crime rate and low gang activity? Or because it has a good school system? How many middle class families would be willing to move their kids to a school in SW Atlanta around MLK Drive or Bolton Road? As long as people have differences, there will be preferences.
Why are the prison populations primarily black? Does “Black America” not hold themselves up to a high enough standard? Of course they do. Is it the fault of “White America” or “Black America” or both? What can we do to change that? Education is a must. Bigotry is a learned behavior and can be deterred in how we educate our children. We have our first president of color and I think it’s kind of representative of what our society is supposed to be like. A society where anyone who aspires to be president, can be. President Obama is a multi ethnic person whose parents come from diverse backgrounds. As long as the government treats people different for having different skin color or being a woman or being gay, there is going to be people screaming “Racism”.
Does the U.S. government owe an apology for slavery or should the nations that sold the people into slavery owe an apology? There is no one in this country currently, for the most part, that was born into slavery. Does the plight of slaves in early American history make anyone today more entitled than anyone else?
I don’t pretend to think I could make it one day being black. Amused by Ignorance made a very valid point. Ignorance is the key. Ultimately, we have to teach our kids to want better and give better than they have been given and taught.
TV Viewer
July 22nd, 2009
6:31 pm
Captain Midnight, you wouldn’t last a half a day being black. Some people are waiting for that “first of the month” because there are people like you in corporate America masking racist behaviors (or outwardly) and not giving qualified minorities equal opportunities. Now, lets see whose going to be fighting for that corporate job since we all have a high percentage of unemployment.
Dan Deacon
July 22nd, 2009
6:44 pm
When will blacks realize that shows like this only demoralize their race. As long as black continue to cry racism and live in self pity will those that do so remain inferior to all races that surround them. As Tyler Perry’s comments about how white executives scoffed at his movie ideas, he needs to understand that this is life in business and it’s not about race. To cry racism or imply it makes you a racist by looking at the color of the skin of the individual that you’re doing business with. If it were a rookie white movie producer, like Perry at the time, that same executive would have scoffed at THE IDEA (not the person) and this happens everyday. So, get off the crap about it was because you’re black.
My best advice to blacks: Stop whining and crying about racism..it only shows your impotence to do so. Quit taking handouts and get out there and EARN the position in business or a job. Remember, you don’t start at the top. Just like millions of whites, you start at the bottom and work you way up based on your character and how well you did the job you have.
Taylor S
July 22nd, 2009
6:51 pm
All these you wouldn’t last one day comments are silly. As if waking up as a black man tomorrow would render these posters incapable of surviving 24 hours ?
JB
July 22nd, 2009
7:01 pm
Yes I am Black,
And I am still waiting for the acres and mules to be given to me JUST AS THE WHITE MAN PROMISED ME WHEN SLAVERY ENDED!!! Or supossed to have end.
Dan Deacon
July 22nd, 2009
7:45 pm
JB…..
You are part of the problem and not part of the solution. First of all no one promised the slaves anything (perhaps that was the Native Americans you’ve confused yourself with) and secondly you’ve never been a slave, your father was never a slave, your grandfather was never a slave……get the picture here? No one will be giving anyone anything. In America, it’s earned or you do without.
GSBG
July 22nd, 2009
7:54 pm
I was just reading this article about Black in America 2 and the comment about Tyler Perry’s character “Madea. First, there is and was Madea in the neighborhood that cared about everyone relate and non-related and Tyler’s character reminds of the person. So I don’t understand why Professor Todd would say what he said. First who and what Tyler’s character protrays hits close to home for most African-Americans and some whites who were raised by black nanny’s. I pray that Tyler continues to bring us Madea because African-American need to get back to state where it takes a village.
helpmetounderstand
July 22nd, 2009
7:58 pm
How can someone base how an entire race thinks or acts by the comments of one person and then call that person ingonorant? Intresting!
Derrick Fiddle
July 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
I’m a white American, and I’m proud of my country and the people who helped it become what it is today. However, I refuse to believe that it’s so much different being a different race that a TV network needs to document it. To be honest, if any network released a series titled “White in America”, I would have no interest in watching it. Why? Because a person’s race isn’t interesting, no matter WHAT country he or she lives in. Being a race isn’t an accomplishment. You can’t achieve to be white or black. You don’t go to college for 8 years and graduate with a major in Latino.
The more I think about it, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone were offended by a title like that. If I walked up to one of my black friends and said “What’s up man, hey, what’s it like to be black in America anyway?”, they might be offended by that. I see alot of comments in here where people are bitching about equality and fairness. If you want equality and fairness, explain to me how the HELL a series entitled “Black in America” is equal OR fair? A series like this should NOT even exist.
say what?
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
Race is a man made product of the white social structure in America. It was meant to make one group feel superior to other groups.
As far as blacks and the first of the month comment, you think more blacks on welfare as you are in a large metro area;however, the truth is more WHITE people are on welfare than any other group. Now this week we find that WHITE men are the largest group receiving unemployment in GA. But because we ( all races, all ethnicities) so depend on the media prompts to engage (rather disengage) us from one another, no problem will be resoloved. The goal is for media companies to earn profits and as long as people can spew off some nonsense on a blog, media has done its job. Stop looking at WSB and FOX and get to know your community, your state, and your nation.
Derrick Fiddle
July 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
“Say what?”, Despite your opinions, the fact that more white people are on welfare is true. The fact that there’s around 200 million white people in America vs around 35 million black people in America is also true.
Ray J
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
WOW!
Only in the middle of watching Black In America II….being a big ol’ 42 year old farm boy… who would have thought I would cry like a baby watching the positive effect of 30 young children on a journey to South Africa to volunteer their time to make a difference for others,,,, I’m so impressed with the segment,,keep up the great work CNN. Kudos to Mrs. Rock for her efforts as well. This story has encouraged me to do more for the less fortunate.
honey
July 22nd, 2009
10:53 pm
We Don’t need this type of story …honestly it’s a waste of time…it won’t change anything, most non black people don’t care and all the money they spent on doing this story they could have given it to BLACK charities or something to help the people that need it…also they are going to stories on other races…I mean really who cares?? CNN isn’t telling these people anything they don’t know already because they ARE BALCK CHINESE and HISPANIC… and any one who is not a minority doesn’t give a rats a** about any of the stories CNN will tell… This story isn’t telling BLACK people anything they don’t already know! I guess CNN needed to fill in some time and needed a story real bad or something? DO A STORY ON BEING WHITE IN AMERICA…now that would be interesting
Peace and Love
July 22nd, 2009
11:03 pm
What’s wrong with a special on being Black in America? If CNN decides to do future specials about other races, what would be wrong with that? We all have something to learn about each other and really don’t understand fully what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes. Looking at the some of the previous comments made on this blog, it is quite evident that this country is indeed need of racial healing and reconciliation. Many are hurt and offended for various reasons…and many live in fear and insecurity due to the stereo-types we choose to believe. I believe this blog was created to hear feedback about the series itself, not for racist comments and the defense of. To my fellow African Americans, ignore the hurtful comments…we don’t have to receive what people throw at us…we’ve come too far and God knows our plight and the plight of those who came before us. To those who aren’t African American…hold on, your series will come in the future…maybe, you will see Soledad’s efforts in a different light. God bless.
Mom of Seven
July 22nd, 2009
11:23 pm
Soledad O’Brien you did an awesome job showing some of us that we need to be in together. I was extremely impressed with the work that the students did with the help of Latoya Rock and Steve Perry. My heart goes out to all of the them and mostly to you who continues to enrich our lives with stories to make us see that we need each other to make a difference in this world.
Alfred E. Harris
July 22nd, 2009
11:34 pm
It’s not about race but the history of an people and the stuggles they face just like those who came through Ellis Island. Th American Dream being retold through another stuggle,time and date. Great job!!!!
Love for All
July 22nd, 2009
11:57 pm
I am deeply disappointed in the negative and somewhat cruel comments that I am seeing in this post. I have seen comments from whom I can only guess are non-african americans suggesting that “MOST” blacks get handouts or that we don’t work hard every day to try and acheive our goals. I can assure you that a great number of us do work very hard every day to acheive our goals and provide for our families. I do feel that history has not been so kind to blacks, and there is no denying the truth in that. But the truth is, for some it has made us stronger, and more determined to acheive our goals and for others it has been a crutch. To me, success is not have millions of dollars, or a big fancy house. It means that I have a career that fulfills me, while providing for the needs of my family. We all have to stop interpreting our success or failure on the success of others. What I have learned in my life is that there is always going to be people (regardless of color) that have more than me and that have less than me. Your focus should be making sure that you are being the best “YOU” can be, and when people fight to get in your way, fight harder to either go around them or through them. Everyone regardless of color has some kind of struggle, I wish that we could all just show each other a little more compassion and kindness. I pray that each of you will find it in your hearts to be a little more compassionate and a little less judgemental. I pray that each of you will find peace in your lives, and never let the ignorance of others keep you from being your best.
DARTH C00N
July 23rd, 2009
12:00 am
BLACK IN AMERICA 2:
Obama Gonna Pay All My Billz, Dawg!
Young black & male.
July 23rd, 2009
12:12 am
I watch some of the BIA-2, will catch the rest latter. I feel there could still be signs of injustice, so what, talk injustice with blacks from the precivil war era. But I think what is more damaging to af/americans is the under achieving attitude some have. Like the girl sayed on the show “do good things and dont be afraid to let it show that you have a good heart.” Which is why so many black males are fallin by the side, cause its all about thugin or at least trying, cant show no emotion. No need to learn, What good is learning how to slove -5(1-5x)+5(-8x-2)=-4x-8x when entertainers make sucess look easy. Thug Life. I know I’ve skip and jump around on this post put truth is I’d need this whole page to vocie my opinion. 100
Mark Svoboda
July 23rd, 2009
3:40 am
I found the Wednesday broadcast of “Black In America 2″ to be interesting. In all honesty I found it predictable, in that it followed the PC patterns that any loyal CNN viewer will be used to – there was nothing shocking or surprising here. I found Principle Perry to be the most interesting and encouraging character on the show – someone who has experienced a wide spectrum of society and who displays real vitality, much moreso than our beloved host Soledad (no offense Soledad, but with every sentence you broadcast “Harvard In America”, before it was scheduled). That is not to dismiss Soledad’s efforts – it is a good show with a feel-good message. It just doesn’t turn over any new stones, which I think it may have been advertised to do.