white america redux

[Bird]

welcome to seattle
the land of soi dissant progressives
think about this for a minute
and then go back to being your racist selves


HOW WHITE MEDIA MANAGES BLACK LEADERS
Copyright 2002 Mumia Abu-Jamal

For years Black leaders and activists have charged that
there is a conspiracy against their number, one of the government.

While that charge has largely been ignored, there is little question
that the media has been the passionate enemy of Black
leaders. One need look no further than the nearest tabloid.

'The media,' to paraphrase Marshall McLuhan, 'is more than the
message.' It is the social and political entity that
defines and affirms social relationships and protects the status quo.
It is an essentially conservative institution that opposes that which is
radical, and that which opposes the status quo.

How could any thinking Black leader not be radically opposed
to the current white supremacist system, which degrades, devalues and limits Black life?

When any Black leader or group emerges that advocates Black
unity or Black Power, he or it is undoubtedly a media target. Former
reporter and now journalism professor, Jack Lule writes:

Critics long have argued that the news media miss or ignore
matters of race because of the overwhelming white face of
the nations newsrooms. Others argue that the news performs
a more damaging role. They say that the news media, when
they do report on race, foster stereotypes and predominantly
offer negative images, such as the portrayal of young black
males as criminals and drug users.

Black political leaders in particular attract negative
coverage, critics say. The news degrades black activists
and situates moderate black leaders on more "legitimate"
middle ground. From coverage of Malcolm X to that of
the Black Panthers, of Louis Farrakhan, and of Al Sharpton,
stories of black leaders who espouse controversial views
reflect a troubled relationship among the news, race and
politics. [Lule, Jack. *Daily News, Eternal Stories* (N.Y.:
Guilford Press, 2001), p. 65.]

(Interestingly, notice how neither Farrakhan nor Sharpton are
usually addressed by their religious titles, Minister or Reverend.
When is the last time you read an article that did not address
the *Rev.* Billy Graham?)

At the beginning of the 20th century there was considerable
criticism of "yellow journalism," or the practice of sensational,
exploitative reporting to hype paper sales.

Yellow journalism has been surpassed by an insidious
kind of "white journalism," where the corporate press acts
as a kind of super-manager of African American political, social,
and cultural leadership. It disciplines them to "stay in their
place," to be "responsible" instead of radical (God forbid,
revolutionary). They perform this service to preserve white
supremacy.

Black leaders must recognize this assault, and resist it.

Since when is it the job or responsibility of any
predominantly white institution to manage Black leaders?
What is their expertise?

In whose interest do they work?

In whose interest have they ever worked?

Black leadership, is for Black people to decide.

And that's as it should be. For the corporate, white,
majoritarian media works to preserve the status quo;
a status quo that insures the continued repression
and restriction that defines too much of Black life in
America.

[DJ Rawkus]

Well, I certainly appreciate you calling me a racist before I even have a chance to speak. Ever heard of the "innocent until proven guilty" clause? Apparently not...

I agree on most points but I would like to point out that Jesse Jackson is often called by his proper title of Reverend. What he's preaching however is what i disagree with: slave reparations and gov't acceptance of black on black crime being handled by black cops only. He stands for segregation and money pilfering, that's all it comes down to. Maybe when he and others like him start acting a little more like role models and a little less like shady druglords, "white america" will take them seriously! Someone's gotta keep them in check right? You gonna have the asians or hispanics do it? Yeah, I didn't think so.

[DJ Rawkus]

'Millions' of Blacks to Rally in DC for Reparations


By Michael L. Betsch
Staff Writer


www.CNSNews.com - (CNSNews.com) - Promising that it will be one of the "most historic gatherings of African people in America," organizers of the Millions for Reparations Rally are demanding monetary compensation from the United States government and its citizens. The theme of the rally is: "They owe us!"

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, founder and president of the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND), and a critic of the rally, said, "If that many people have enough money to go to D.C. to march, then they don't need reparations."

The Aug. 17 event will take place in Washington, D.C. on the 115th birthday of the late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. But Peterson said Garvey was an outspoken advocate of post-slavery self-repair for black people in America and would not support the idea of modern day reparations.

The Durban 400 and National Black United Front (NBUF), the lead organizers of the rally, claim their event is "simply an attempt to repair, to make whole, the descendants of the victims of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade."

At the urging of the Durban 400 and other groups, the United Nations' 2001 World Conference Against Racism declared the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and the pre-Civil War slavery in the United States crimes against humanity.

NBUF National Chairman Dr. Conrad W. Worrill recently urged concerned "African people in America" to review and add to a list of nearly twenty atrocities that, according to Worrill, "they owe us for."

Among the atrocities on the list are the "Raping of African Women," "KKK Night Riders and Lynchings," "Mental Atrocities," the "Crack Epidemic," and "the 13th and 14th Constitutional Amendments."

According to Worrill, "The abolishment of slavery was really a constitutional scam and the 14th Amendment that allegedly made African people citizens of America was imposed on us. We were never asked if we wanted to be citizens."

But David Almasi, spokesman for the black conservative group Project 21, said those seeking reparations forget the benefits of living in America.

"What about the fact that now you're in America, the land of opportunity as opposed to being in Africa with malaria, dictators and things like that," Almasi said.

According to Peterson, "These organizations that are supporting this so-called Millions for Reparations are anti-American organizations anyway. They're communist/socialist organizations."

Peterson added that "so-called civil rights leaders" like Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), the NAACP, the Congressional Black Caucus and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan have encouraged a culture of dependency among African Americans instead of self-reliance.

Peterson said he especially wants to encourage white Americans to protest those calling for reparations and "not have the fear of being called a racist" for doing so. However, he said, "As long as you give into these people, there is no stopping them. There is no end to their destruction if we don't stand up to them with truth."

The "truth," Peterson said, is that reparations are "a bad idea in that it is divisive, it is racist, and it's another form of using black Americans to gain power and wealth."

[Mike S]

Originally posted by Bird
welcome to seattle
the land of soi dissant progressives
think about this for a minute
and then go back to being your racist selves


HOW WHITE MEDIA MANAGES BLACK LEADERS
Copyright 2002 Mumia Abu-Jamal

For years Black leaders and activists have charged that
there is a conspiracy against their number, one of the government.

While that charge has largely been ignored, there is little question
that the media has been the passionate enemy of Black
leaders. One need look no further than the nearest tabloid.

'The media,' to paraphrase Marshall McLuhan, 'is more than the
message.' It is the social and political entity that
defines and affirms social relationships and protects the status quo.
It is an essentially conservative institution that opposes that which is
radical, and that which opposes the status quo.

How could any thinking Black leader not be radically opposed
to the current white supremacist system, which degrades, devalues and limits Black life?

When any Black leader or group emerges that advocates Black
unity or Black Power, he or it is undoubtedly a media target. Former
reporter and now journalism professor, Jack Lule writes:

Critics long have argued that the news media miss or ignore
matters of race because of the overwhelming white face of
the nations newsrooms. Others argue that the news performs
a more damaging role. They say that the news media, when
they do report on race, foster stereotypes and predominantly
offer negative images, such as the portrayal of young black
males as criminals and drug users.

Black political leaders in particular attract negative
coverage, critics say. The news degrades black activists
and situates moderate black leaders on more "legitimate"
middle ground. From coverage of Malcolm X to that of
the Black Panthers, of Louis Farrakhan, and of Al Sharpton,
stories of black leaders who espouse controversial views
reflect a troubled relationship among the news, race and
politics. [Lule, Jack. *Daily News, Eternal Stories* (N.Y.:
Guilford Press, 2001), p. 65.]

(Interestingly, notice how neither Farrakhan nor Sharpton are
usually addressed by their religious titles, Minister or Reverend.
When is the last time you read an article that did not address
the *Rev.* Billy Graham?)

At the beginning of the 20th century there was considerable
criticism of "yellow journalism," or the practice of sensational,
exploitative reporting to hype paper sales.

Yellow journalism has been surpassed by an insidious
kind of "white journalism," where the corporate press acts
as a kind of super-manager of African American political, social,
and cultural leadership. It disciplines them to "stay in their
place," to be "responsible" instead of radical (God forbid,
revolutionary). They perform this service to preserve white
supremacy.

Black leaders must recognize this assault, and resist it.

Since when is it the job or responsibility of any
predominantly white institution to manage Black leaders?
What is their expertise?

In whose interest do they work?

In whose interest have they ever worked?

Black leadership, is for Black people to decide.

And that's as it should be. For the corporate, white,
majoritarian media works to preserve the status quo;
a status quo that insures the continued repression
and restriction that defines too much of Black life in
America.


Dude give me a fucking break with this tired race hustling bullshit. If you want to go around thinking its the system and the white man keeping you down -
fine
stay down.
You wanna liberate yourself from the race hustlers and the identity politics pimps then look in the fucking mirror - recognize that YOU are the biggest obsiticle to your success and get on with your life ignoring the fucked up white and black people who are racist and who both want to keep you down to further their own agendas.

You wanna make it in this world then quit playing into the "Im a victim" bullshit and take control of your own life and destiny.

Cuz I'll tell you what this white boy is not a racist but he is sick of some people playing the race card every time they want something and if I'm any guage of how fed up white folks are gettin with this crap then its just a matter of time before the lot of us tell ya'll to go fuck yourselves.

MS

Sorry to blow up so harsh on ya but I'm sooooo fucking tired of this culture of victimization and entitlement some people in this country are working HARD to create not to exact any sort of social justice but to line their own filthy, greedy pockets. Reperations is a PRIME example of this.

[mchll888]

Originally posted by Mike S



Dude give me a fucking break with this tired race hustling bullshit. If you want to go around thinking its the system and the white man keeping you down -
fine
stay down.
You wanna liberate yourself from the race hustlers and the identity politics pimps then look in the fucking mirror - recognize that YOU are the biggest obsiticle to your success and get on with your life ignoring the fucked up white and black people who are racist and who both want to keep you down to further their own agendas.

You wanna make it in this world then quit playing into the "Im a victim" bullshit and take control of your own life and destiny.

Cuz I'll tell you what this white boy is not a racist but he is sick of some people playing the race card every time they want something and if I'm any guage of how fed up white folks are gettin with this crap then its just a matter of time before the lot of us tell ya'll to go fuck yourselves.

MS

Sorry to blow up so harsh on ya but I'm sooooo fucking tired of this culture of victimization and entitlement some people in this country are working HARD to create not to exact any sort of social justice but to line their own filthy, greedy pockets. Reperations is a PRIME example of this.
I so say that I have to agree.

[Iokera]

Ok. For one thing.... There is more media focus on the way white politicians fuck up than blacks, secondly, i'm white, and have never been racist to anyont. Thirdly: How is it that black people can talk endless shit about white people, claiming that we are the racist ones. I'd like to see one black anti-racism activist or whatever they are called even give a white person a friendly look. I'd also like to see one black person at the Lloyd center not look at me like they want to murder me. Lately I've been starting to wonder if I should be scared of black people the same way they were scared of the white people 450 years ago. And another thing I don't get about this whole racism thing is how a lot of black people today will pull the old "blacks were slaves" bullshit. It was almost half a millineum ago for christs sake! How in the hell can white people of today be responsible for what happened 6-7 generations ago?

Get real... racism is only fueled by racism nowadays.... The only people who are just plain racist are the fat drunk confederates, who are obviously very confused in their thinking as well.

GOD DAMN PEOPLE!

*get's off soap-box*

[biscuits]

Originally posted by Iokera


Get real... racism is only fueled by racism nowadays.... The only people who are just plain racist are the fat drunk confederates, who are obviously very confused in their thinking as well.

GOD DAMN PEOPLE!

*get's off soap-box*

*nods head*

my thoughts exactly :)

[Tecknowledgy]

Who's gonna really take this stuff seriously???

I mean, after all, this is coming from a black guy.

I jest, I jest.

But honestly...you're retarded.

[.-=PSYLON=-.]

Hmmm... I cant help but agree and disagree with a lot of things said here. I go to work everyday and see lots of ritzy, rude white folk, and not to many hispanic/ asian/ black/ eskimo/ visigoth/ whatever people rolling around. (I work in bellevue) usually when i see someone with any "ethnicity" its because they're there to clean up after these fools. why ? are black folk lazy ? is there an evil conglomerate of white individuals trying to keep america "pure" ? I cant say. I think that racism is bigger than white people realize it is, but smaller than a lot of black folk claim it to be.

The other thing that I cant help but wonder is that if Racism is SOOooooo evil, then Why do we have the Essence awards ? what about the Black entertainment channel ? could we ever have award ceremonies for white folk ? or a white entertainment channel ? No, I dont think so. I think it comes down to this: RACISM IS BIG BUSINESS IN AMERICA. People (black or white) have a tendency to do what they feel is right, but a lot of the time its just as easy to let someone do the thinking for you. Society, media, religion: a lot of people tend to identify subconsciously with the external stimulus they receive from these sources. I think that in order for a lot people to stop feeling like a victim (sp?) it would mean that they would have to stop identifying as one, but that would mean a drastic change in their ideology, as well as some sort of accountability.

just my .02 cents worth

peace, luv, :)
-B

[Mike S]

Originally posted by #*^skraep*^#
Hmmm... I cant help but agree and disagree with a lot of things said here. I go to work everyday and see lots of ritzy, rude white folk, and not to many hispanic/ asian/ black/ eskimo/ visigoth/ whatever people rolling around. (I work in bellevue) usually when i see someone with any "ethnicity" its because they're there to clean up after these fools. why ? are black folk lazy ? is there an evil conglomerate of white individuals trying to keep america "pure" ? I cant say. I think that racism is bigger than white people realize it is, but smaller than a lot of black folk claim it to be.

The other thing that I cant help but wonder is that if Racism is SOOooooo evil, then Why do we have the Essence awards ? what about the Black entertainment channel ? could we ever have award ceremonies for white folk ? or a white entertainment channel ? No, I dont think so. I think it comes down to this: RACISM IS BIG BUSINESS IN AMERICA. People (black or white) have a tendency to do what they feel is right, but a lot of the time its just as easy to let someone do the thinking for you. Society, media, religion: a lot of people tend to identify subconsciously with the external stimulus they receive from these sources. I think that in order for a lot people to stop feeling like a victim (sp?) it would mean that they would have to stop identifying as one, but that would mean a drastic change in their ideology, as well as some sort of accountability.

just my .02 cents worth

peace, luv, :)
-B


While I dont discount your experience and can understand how that is percieved by you I would counter that bellevue is far from the snow white stereo type that the average capitol hill snob (who hasnt been to bellevue in years because their prime mode of transportation is a bus)
makes it out to be.

Nicely said post tho..

MS

[.-=PSYLON=-.]

I can see how youd feel that way. (although where did you get that I lived in cap hill ?? :confused: ) I feel that I should point out a couple of things for the sake of clarity:

1. I have family on the eastside. Im over there quite regularly. more often than I care to be in fact. not to mention that I grew up there.

2. Yes my primary mode of transportation is a bus. ya got me there.

3. Bellevue was meant to be as more of a vague statement than a specific example. I realize that vague generalisms are dangerous territory when making an example in such a heated debate as this one. again, My bad.

4. I also realize that it has its seedy underbelly (see also: Crossroads) but I work in not just Bellevue, but BELLEVUE SQUARE MALL. I get to see commerce at its "finest". Sometimes I think people will buy shit as an attempt to fill some void in their life. Vague generalism ? Universal Truism ? your call.

5. Do I really come of as snobby ?

[Mike S]

Originally posted by #*^skraep*^#
I can see how youd feel that way. (although where did you get that I lived in cap hill ?? :confused: ) I feel that I should point out a couple of things for the sake of clarity:

1. I have family on the eastside. Im over there quite regularly. more often than I care to be in fact. not to mention that I grew up there.

2. Yes my primary mode of transportation is a bus. ya got me there.

3. Bellevue was meant to be as more of a vague statement than a specific example. I realize that vague generalisms are dangerous territory when making an example in such a heated debate as this one. again, My bad.

4. I also realize that it has its seedy underbelly (see also: Crossroads) but I work in not just Bellevue, but BELLEVUE SQUARE MALL. I get to see commerce at its "finest". Sometimes I think people will buy shit as an attempt to fill some void in their life. Vague generalism ? Universal Truism ? your call.

5. Do I really come of as snobby ?

Oh shii.. Sorry I wasnt implying YOU were a cap hill snob.. oops!!
I live up here on the hill and hear a ton of these stereo typical comments directed at "white bread" Bellevue - I hear alot of deragatory comments about how people live over there and what they drive from people who live packed up like sardines and rely on the bus ..
Envy on their part maybe?
it irritates the hell outa me - thats why I said that .. sorry for the confusion. *sheepish grin*


No you dont come off snobby but obviously i did - sorry 'bout that.

And youre not kidding 'bout Bell Square - But it is a hell of a people watch.

MS

[.-=PSYLON=-.]

Hehe. Its all good in the hood.

I used to live on the hill too. Its funny because its exactly like you said. their is a lot of negativism from the cap hill residents. I almost never hear about that in bellevue. I guess that Feelings of race/sex/whateverism exist across the board, and isnt just limited to one group hates another. Its everywhere.

Yeah Bel square is kind of a trip. I like to go over there once in a while. It makes coming home that much more rewarding.

;)

[TriPtoNyTE]

This is a touchy subject, but good points were raised and i have to agree with most of what was said.
I am not seeing much reason for reperations towards the black america of today. I would be more inclined to give reperation towards any former slaves if they were still alive, but i think it is probably several hundred years too late. I dont see how somebody deserves reperation for somthing that happened to their people 6 or 7 generations back.
I do think that racism or prejudice is a bigger problem than white america knows about but significantly smaller than what black america would have you to believe.
I think that racial pride is a real problem today. I am NOT saying that one should be ashamed of their race, i just dont see a point in embracing the lines that keep us separate. Generally, it only causes more separation and dislike of one another. I also wonder how the world would react is we had a "White Entertainment Channel" or an all white awards show as somebody stated earlier.

[Sky Scream]

Why again do you want to free this guy?

[TeknoAXE]

Originally posted by #*^skraep*^#

4. I also realize that it has its seedy underbelly (see also: Crossroads) but I work in not just Bellevue, but BELLEVUE SQUARE MALL. I get to see commerce at its "finest". Sometimes I think people will buy shit as an attempt to fill some void in their life. Vague generalism ? Universal Truism ? your call.


Bellevue is not the standard for the rest of the state of Washington by a long shot. If there isn't much of a fair mix in that mall or that city, it's because demographics haven't provided for that diverseness. Hell, most people in this world have never heard of Bellevue, and even though I've been to that city a couple of times, I have a tough time figuring out what makes the city tick

AXE

[DJ Rawkus]

Originally posted by TriPtoNyTE
I also wonder how the world would react is we had a "White Entertainment Channel" or an all white awards show as somebody stated earlier. The world doesn't need a "WET" or a white awards show, we have FOXNews channel to do all that.

[.-=PSYLON=-.]

Originally posted by -.DisTorTioN.-


Bellevue is not the standard for the rest of the state of Washington by a long shot. If there isn't much of a fair mix in that mall or that city, it's because demographics haven't provided for that diverseness.
AXE

yeah, thats kinda the point I was tryin to make. ;)

[EviLreD]

Originally posted by Mike S
this white boy is not a racist but he is sick of some people playing the race card every time they want something and if I'm any guage of how fed up white folks are gettin with this crap then its just a matter of time before the lot of us tell ya'll to go fuck yourselves.
I agree with what you have to say, except to say that it's not "we" the white folks getting sick of "you (or them)" the black folks - because in this you are perpetuating and reinforcing the sterotypes and arguments of those playing "the race card". It is in actuality - thinking, self-actualizing people of all races understanding that the end of inequality starts inside - by truly seeing eachother as equals (and this must involve the ending of bitterness, grudges, and fear between races, sexes, religions, etc.)

[Jeffro]

*Waits and watches this thread start to go in cirlces*