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Fredric is a web developer based in Chicago who hopes to one day start a foundation to support young, Black males in programming and computer science.

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editorial: black people glorify violence

January 6th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

espn.com ran an op-ed piece by one of its espn: the magazine columnists on the heels of the senseless murder of broncos cornerback darrent williams .

jemele hill gives a ‘real-talk’ perspective about the glorification of violence within our community. while the obvious examples exist in rap and hip-hop music, hill makes it point to clarify that ‘no one thing’ makes us do what we do. it begs the question, however, of how much of our culture is ingrained in the constant thought that we need to do whatever it takes to keep our reputation, defend ourselves, and take whats ours.

A recent Public Library of Science Medicine study shows black men living in urban America have the shortest life expectancy of any other racial group in the country. The life expectancy of a black man in Cleveland is closer to that of West Africans than the average white American. So wearing a jersey every Sunday doesn’t protect you from anything.

as a ybp and obvious member of the ‘legitimately made it’ club, i can’t help agree that the first response i had when i heard the news of a ‘new felony league’ players’ death, i thought ‘what did he do to get shot?’ turns out, he was just celebrating with his friends ushering in the new year….the same thing i did.

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    It truly makes me happy that people in our age bracket are finally are taking a hard look at our own cultural ills. Our World with Black Enterprise had an excellent roundtable last Sunday with Cousin Jeff from BET, Kevin Powell and Robert Pierre -- who is working on a series about this problem for the Washington Post, about what Black men can do to save themselves. I hope that collectively, we can figure out a plan of action to reduce the amount of senseless deaths of Black men.


    I know I have heard for years from older Black people about the problem that is only getting worse with Black men, but it is now for us to really join together and figure out a solution to help Black men help themselves.



    I, like Jemele Hill, am a YBP woman who is truly concerned with the what's happening within the community. And as a journalist, all I can do is vow to expose and shed light to the problems and hopefully offer solutions through my work, but I think it takes true dedication from each one of us to re-claim our image, especially in the media. And then get in the community and mentor to those younger than us and actually "show...don't tell" through our actions.



    As a Black woman, I don't know what I can do to help alleviate the problem, but whatever it is I am willing because I am committed to reducing the amount of Black men dead, in prison, or not underachieving because of lack of education or other forms of societal capital.



    Each one, reach one, teach one, keep one is far more than just a catchphrase...it can make a difference.



    ::steps down from soapbox::



    Have a great evening.
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    Ashley:


    Well said. While I agree that exposure to the underlying issues in our community creates a dialogue, I also think that the power of 'one' is just as important. You stated that 'you dont know what you could do', but in fact, 'doing you' is alleviating the problem. We all need to find our individuality in a problem that plagues our community so that those who need help can see the empowering example of someone 'not being like everyone else'.
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    I do think that rap and hip-hop influence young black males, and unfortunately artists do not always act as "role models" and do not "rap responsibly." Since so many young black men listen to what some call "violent rap music," they are influenced by what they hear and emulate what they see in videos. True, music is not by any means the only factor, but I do think that it is a big factor and one that we cannot ignore. Especially when the rappers themselves aren't willing to create more positive music and portray more positive images in the media.
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    Ashley , the Washington Post series is great. I've been to two of the forums. As for the death of the Broncos player, it was another case of senseless violence. I grew up in Ft. Worth and attended high school (O.D. Wyatt) with Darrent. It has really hit our community hard. He will be missed.
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    I'm not feeling Jemele, y'all... Check these other two articles she has written recently. She sings a different song in each one.


    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/070130



    The story above kicks even more dirt in the face of Tank Johnson. Thanks, J, but we knew already...



    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/061218



    In that article, calling someone a thug is now okay?



    Jemele spits truth, no doubt,but her messages vary so wildly that I can't tell where she's coming from. Dah well, I guess this posting wasn't really about Jemele's writting skills, huh?
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    I'm not sure if the post was about praising the writing skill, but more of her frank opinion on the topic.


    Interestingly, I agree with James on the back and forth of her recent articles. I especially disagree with her recent article comparing Tank to Ray. Either way, there is a fine line between the contradiction existing in our pop culture, to the icons that live it, to the ybp's that attempt to sort it all out.
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