Nov 2, 2009
Black Men in the Age of President Obama: 4 Things CNN Got Wrong
In case you missed it, CNN aired Black Men in the Age of President Obama this weekend. The special was hosted by Don Lemon who I’ve applauded in the past for his insightful coverage and inclusion of social media in his journalism.
Black Men showed how the interest in education and public service has grown in the black community, seemingly as a result of Barack Obama, despite broken homes and a downtrodden economy. Also, noted was the positive effect our society has received from viewing an intact, loving black family on an international stage.
But there were some negatives.
1. “Down Low” Men & HIV
Again, black men on “the down low” were blamed for the high HIV rates among black women. I had a fear the conversation would go that route despite evidence of the contrary. CDC Director Dr. Kevin Fenton recently stated HIV infection in black women “is being fueled by heterosexual Black men with multiple sex partners”.
But that’s a fact the black church and others who typically demonize black gay men don’t want to accept. It means the “blame game” should be re-focused on conversations about responsibility, self-esteem, acceptance and empowerment. Don Lemon missed a crucial opportunity of framing this conversation in a different manner.
2. No (out) black men
There wasn’t any gay representation on the panel.* This was ironic because the panel was held in Atlanta (which has a large, black gay population) at Morehouse College, of all places. The concentration of gay students at Morehouse is well-known and is partially why the the historic, black college created a new, controversial dress code.
Even worse, Bishop Eddie Long was among the panelist. His disrespect of non-heterosexuals is well-documented. Like the rest of the panel, his comments on black gay men included PC words like “respect” and”love” which failed to convince me of their acceptance.
*I know there’s speculation about at least one brother on that stage. But he’s not out so, it doesn’t count.
3. Gay is not a lifestyle
I’m almost tired of having to repeat this because, at this point, anyone holding lofty discussions about homosexuality should know they shouldn’t use the phrase “gay lifestyle”. Granted, there are many within the gay community who have been taught to use the phrase as well. But we need to stop that.
During the brief discussion of black, gay men, the panelists appeared to wear a mask of enlightenment as they talked about accepting those in the “gay lifestyle”. Before we pat them on the back for that lip service, I’d like to offer a reminder:
This phrase “gay lifestyle” is inaccurate and offensive. It implies people willfully choose to live a different way. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people do not choose their sexuality any more than straight folks. And sexual orientation is not a lifestyle.
4. Our sisters are still holding us up
The majority of statistics about black men were culled from Essence; a black women’s magazine. I have a deep respect for Essence and their work; so, this isn’t a criticism of them. However, I am troubled that black men do not have a major media outlet focusing solely on their issues. We have plenty of destinations to discuss sports and hip hop. Yet, when it comes to issues pertaining to our health, family and livelihood, we are still allowing our sisters to do the heavy lifting.
My overall thoughts?
I have to thank CNN for tackling topics in specials like Black in America, Black in America 2 and Latino in America. Barack Obama’s presidency has ignited suppressed conversations that need to happen in our country. But so far, most of the coverage feels a bit like Sociology 101. Then again, maybe that’s where we need to start for most of the country to catch up.
Great post. I found the entire special to be frustrating. When the down low boogeyman came up, I was really pissed. This goes beyond gay and straight. Why is it that we can’t honestly talk about the role sex and sexuality plays in our lives?
In a time when abstinence programs have not only proven to not work in curbing pregnancies and STDs, but in some areas of the country have made it worse, it’s time for us to speak openly and truthfully.
And they definitely could have and should have had a more diverse panel. In terms of life experience, it really was a limited world view. Be you gay, straight, poor, rich, middle class, upper middle class, whatever. I don’t think a saw one brother on that stage I could identify with.
Hell, where was the red state conservative brother. He would have pissed me off for sure, but why wasn’t he there?
Funny you mention the lack of diversity, Charles. I got the feeling on any given Sunday, you can find the entire panel at Paschal’s exchanging stock tips.
The black community has a terrible history of discussing sex. It’s not surprising when black women started getting infected in large numbers that the larger community wanted to look outside of themselves for a culprit. The black church shamelessly seized this opportunity to fuel its homophobic message (while gay members in the choir sang along, no less).
After watching the panel about the Black Men in the Age of President Obama, I’ve failed to realize is why so many people are using Pres Obama as a crutch to their lame excuses. There is no reason for any man not to be a “good” father to their kids; they didn’t ask to be here.
So I assume DJ Drama was a deadbeat, a shithead father? He neglected his kids and treated their mother like trash? So what now? You now throw them a check and still treat their mother like trash?
It’s sad that men are wanting props and giving props to Obama for doing something that they’re suppose to do as men. I lost all respect for this dude and some of the people on the panel. I feel offended and insulted as a struggling single father.
I take it that more African Americas are going to start getting married, instead of just creating baby mothers? If so, why did it take Obama to do this? Obama inspired Farrah Gray to all the sudden wanting to be married and have kids? Like really, are you serious? Mind you , this was a man that didn’t want to get married and procreate to continue his legacy. What did he want before?
But all the sudden, people are having life changing moments due to a man that sitting in DC in which no one can get within his vision.
Dr. Perry was the only one who had a sense of self- reliance on that panel. Being that I’ve set an example as an African-American father, shouldn’t my picture be right up there next to Barack’s? Where the logic behind that?
Amazing how a grown man being a role model to another grown man. I thought role models are people you know, and have had a personal effect on your life.
People we need to wake up. Stand up and take accountability for your actions. Be what Allah has blessed us to be.
Thanks for calling it out! I too commented on CNNs blogs about the bias and demonizing discussion ref DL brothas. Keep up the good work! I like your blog. You should post more.
[...] By Guest Contributor jbrotherlove, originally published at jbrotherlove [...]
I didn’t even realize it was on, and thus, completely missed it!
Thanks for the clue. I’ll go hunt for it on CNN… I’m hoping there’s some video that one can share on one’s blog.
Thanks, Pulpit!
[...] wasn’t any gay representation on the panel.* This was ironic because the panel was held in Atlanta (which has a large, black gay population) at [...]