Three Ways on Black in America Part 2
**A deviation from Eff ‘Em Fridays in lieu of the CNN Black in America series. Also, today is the last day to vote for Three Ways in the Black Weblog Awards. Please vote for us if you haven’t!**
Miss Jenkins:
As I did last year, I will first say thanks to CNN and Soledad O’Brien for doing something that should have been done a long time ago: presenting a multi-faceted picture of Black America. People will say what they will about it being too much of this, or not enough of that. However, I think the two-part series presented a little bit of everything. For me, I saw an attempt to show both the positive and negative side of the issues and stories. For example, talking about the kids from Brooklyn and their family issues, but showing a successful Black woman looking to expose the kids other parts of the world, attempting to foster a spirit service, compassion, and self confidence through the Journey for Change program. Or talking about the low marriage rate in the Black community, but showing a married couple, struggling, but still married nonetheless.
Again, I appreciate the good effort. I don’t think anyone can say anything presented in Part 1 or Part 2 was not accurate, whether it was positive or negative. The ex-con’s struggle and screw up: real. The fear and mistrust of medical professionals: real. The successes and failures of programs and education systems aimed at helping families, adults, and children: real. I just hope we can give credit where its due. And eff BET.
Seattle:
Very true Miss Jenkins, I definitely appreciated the program. Especially since our “own” networks do nothing of the sort. But that’s for another time and another post. To be honest, while I caught all of episode 1; I missed a good 30 minutes of episode 2. Drinking at work makes you lose track of time. So I’ll comment on what I did see – the trip to South Africa, the high school in Hartford and the wealthy class of Black America.
Unlike some of my twitter followers, I was quite happy that they took those kids out of Brooklyn to South Africa. There’s something to be said about showing folks who think they have it the worst someone who’s much worse off. My trip to the hood in Kingston, Jamaica did the same for me. When I returned to the States, I realized how easy I have it and did my best to take advantage of every opportunity presented. I hope that those kids do the same. They saw what some folks never see in a lifetime.
The high school in Hartford and the segment about the wealthy class of Black America were great exposes. I doubt that many Americans, Black, White or anything else, knew those types of things existed. The stereotypes of Black America are quite contrary to what was shown on Wednesday. I’m very happy that they revealed that face of our culture so America knows that we are more than what other media outlets show and also so other Black folk realize that there’s more to us than what’s inside their neighborhood.
Slim:
I was able to catch all of Part 1 and half of Part 2. Actually, I’m pretty much saw everything Seattle saw and pretty much echo his thoughts. However I’ll be that guy that says Chris Rock’s wife is bad and that Black in America 2 should have covered BET’s struggle to produce quality television programming. I actually tweeted this during part 1 and quickly realized that a lot of folks shared the same sentiment. Behold the powers of the Internet.
I actually think that Part 1 was significantly more enjoyable and enligtening than Part 2. I came away from Part 1 feeling like there was a good balance of the positives and negatives of being Black in America. With regard to the negatives, I just found it interesting how much the people on the special were willing to share about themselves and where they were in their lives. Saying that the folks who went on the special and had their lives scrutinized were courageous is an understatement. I just couldn’t and can’t imagine doing that. I also wondered how those people/families even got selected. Regardless, I’m glad they shared their stories with the world. A lot of us, myself included, were able to connect.
Though I didn’t see all of the 2nd segment on Thursday night, I saw enough to conclude that it wasn’t as potent. I got to see that Black folks are obese, eat fried chicken, have diabetes and high blood pressure, and don’t like going to doctors…except when there is an incentive…like a haircut. I also wasn’t a fan of wrapping up Part 2 with a segment on Tyler Perry. Cicely Tyson I could have lived with and felt good about. As for Tyler Perry, he may have to go into that category of successful Black people that aren’t overwhelmingly liked by fellow Black folk. And lastly, I thought the series really just ended on an anti-climatic note.
In general, I am appreciative of the series and pleased with most of it. However, I think Part 2 could have been organized in a more effective manner. Just my 2 cents.
Open Forum
So that’s our take. What does everybody else think of the Black in America series this time around? Better or worse than the initial series or pretty much the same? We know folks have a lot to say and highlight. Let’s get into it.
Three Black Writers in America,
The Three Ways Crew
51 Responses to “Three Ways on Black in America Part 2”
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Everything on this blog is derivative of another. Who are you fooling Slim Jackson? Try being original for a change.
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Guns & Butter Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 4:08 am
shots fired?
is this guy serious?
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Wow, this is the first time I’ve had hate directed at me on my own blog. Since you have indulged me, I’ll indulge you.
I’m sorry that you’ve had a rough life Captain Obvious. I’m also sorry that you enjoy my website so much that you had to personally single me out and call me un-original. But I must say, there has to be something you like here since you were up at 1am with a glowing monitor trying to be the first comment on this post.
You are what I would call an internet thug. Someone who hides behind a moniker that sits in an internet cafe masterbating while leaving pointless and insignificant messages on websites because your life is so awful. I actually wrote a post about people like you. You should read it, you might learn something about yourself.
http://www.threewaystotakeit.com/anonymous/
I’m willing to bet that you have a blog with 1 visitor and 1 subscriber…yourself. You’re probably single and only have 1 friend, your mother. Unless you’re going to use an identifiable name, I suggest you stay away from this blog. I will alter your next comment and continue to embarrass you.
Have a nice day.
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Brookland's OWn Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Haha. I’m madd he tried to E-Thug you kid. Is he an E-Crip, E-Blood or just E-G-Unit? Lol. As long as he know I got your E-Back!
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Cheekie Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:16 am
He’s e-Dipset.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:58 am
No that fool did not roll up on here at 1:07am poppin off at the finger tips like that?
We might be behind computers now, but Slim, Seattle, and I hand out real life beat downs. Ask around.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:13 am
LMAO. Good reply. I needed you on Wednesday when Sister Holy visted me and SBM’s monday blog on my site.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Damn. How did I miss that?
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Peyso was blocked from 3 ways for 2 weeks Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Cuz ur a lame
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MaPockets Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
STILL laughing at “Glowing Monitor”
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaha.
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McSnuggles O'Cuddles Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
That’s right, boo! Let him know! Idk who this captain person is, but if it’s an undercover broad, I suuuhwear ta God…
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MaPockets Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
shut your face, Cuddles
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Cheekie Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:16 am
*snicker*
Yeah, I’ve never heard of a major publicized event being covered by multiple sources. Must be that other planet I’m living on…
(Sarcasm Detected)
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CHeeKZ Money Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hey… on top of all the E-thug comments, that crap he is saying about my people aint true.
A large percentage of blog topics come from our comments and suggestions (we commentors are eevn given credit for sparking a concept and makes us feel like part of the orgy).
Other topics come from their life stories, Miss Jenkins getting dump, Seatle getting jumped, or Slim hating his successful corporate life. Blog post on current events are only part of the equation. Sorry I feel the need to defend this blog, since I spend so much damn time on it. I will now procede to pummel Captain Obvious with your typical NSFW internet attacks.
Captain Obvious..We should call you captain ovulate b/c you are clearly bitchin! Boooooo. Get out of here loser. You mad Slim piped your girl back in the 804 days, well guess what clown I probably piped too!
WTF…… this aint Lakey da Kidd! Everyone who co-signs Captain OB/GYN can die a thousands deaths.
I fisted your mother, no lube up to my wrist. How is that for orginal content?
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Miss Jenkins don’t get “dump” boo.
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Streetz: The Friday Night Delight Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:34 am
F*ck these 3 ways nikkas. I agree. Ol Mathematical Equation Derivative lookin ass ninjas.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:50 am
e-Wankstas are so 2001.
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ChineseFood Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Was there more to his comment?? Was it edited to protect the innocent? lol I wouldn’t even have responded..
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Joey Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Well I for one think we should have just one honorary EFF EM FRIDAY (the remix) for Captain Oblivious…
EFF YOU CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
you’ve been demoted to Private… yes Private, that sounds a lot like vagina, cuz you’re anonymous, and there’s a nice word like vagina that we use to describe anonymous haters………
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ChokLitFactory Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Can I be the devil’s advocate for a hot second? Ya’ll be sounding like the real E-bullies. I mean, the man has a right to his opinion. He did not personally attack anyone, he stated his opinion on a blog…we still ‘allowed’ to do that?
Unless there is a history of hate from Captain Obvious that I am missing…
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Joey Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
He might have personally attacked someone… This entry was written by all 3 ppl and he only called out Slim… Sounds personal to me. i dunno.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Aight, the man has a right to his opinion, but he specifically called me out and said that the site is unoriginal/lame. I’ve personally put hundreds of hours into making this site what it is, so I take offense to someone having the audacity to post that as a first comment on a thoughtful post from all three writers. I’m open to constructive criticism from real people/the readers, but not anonymous negativity from a nobody. I think everybody that visits here regularly can agree that this person doesn’t know what they’re talking about, and in a way he has insulted them as well. He deserves everything said to him.
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ChokLitFactory Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Maybe he was a Tyler Perry fan?
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RightCoastLexSteele, The Muscle Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Yes, very e-bullyish. Sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles.
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RightCoastLexSteele, The Muscle Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Ok…so I’m a little late. And naturally as a contributor the blog and Slim’s brother, I’m offended. I was gonna come on here and make a bunch of threats (read: PROMISES) about the physical harm I would do you if we ever crossed paths. But then…..after taking some time to breathe, I realized that you commented under the name of Capt. Obvious instead of calling Slim that name…which, I dunno if it’s just me, but that would have made more sense. So…instead…I’ll just thank you for contributing to the web traffic, and hopefully you twittered your mom and told her to check out what you said, so that’s a bit more web traffic which = more $$$. So I’ma take this $1.60 that Slim gives me, cop a dutch and talk to Brookland’s Own about how funny this all was. Good day.
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Joey Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I wish I could “like” this comment like on facebook lol…
So if you’re really “the muscle”, RCLS… I’m single. Wink. Wink. I like manly men.
But don’t tell Slim… or Seattle… or CheekZ… or Peyso… or my husband… oops. dang.
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I am commenting for the soul purpose of having this convo feed to my blackberry all day.
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Breezy McThirsty….lol
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Don’t act like you won’t be tuned it all day son.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I love it.
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I agree with all of you. I think the Soledad did a great job with the series this year and last year. I believe a lot of the people that criticize her are the type that won’t be satisfied no matter how much you do.
The series was done by SOLEDAD, so it’s going to be done from her point of view, not all of ours.
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As I’ve stated before, I think the BIA specials are more so for people outside Black American cultures. Those who are NOT Black.
But, I’m not sure I imagine those non-Blacks tuning in. I HAVE noticed that they expect US to watch it and tell ‘em about it.
The upper-echelon segment brought me a little bit of anxiety because I imagined myself at those parties feeling all kinds of left out. I’m not sure I’d “fit” in that circle, even if I do end up making it rain (which I plan to do in the near future…lol) with my dolla dolla bills (ya’ll).
I’m gonna have to catch re-airings because I missed a bulk of the one on Wed night and missed the Thurs night airing entirely.
And even though TEETH Harvey makes an appearance, I’m interested in watching that panel/debate with Roland Martin and ‘nem.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:56 am
When is that debate coming on?
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Brookland's OWn Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I don’t know about when debate is coming on but check out this speech by this young man about race and the N-word. Touching. If i wasn’t down w/E-G-Unit, I would’ve shed a tear…
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMyp8y8SkUM)
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Wow.
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Cheekie Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
“When is that debate coming on?”
The beginning of August, I think…hold up…
*rushes to Google*
Ok, I’m back. Here is the info from CNN:
“CNN & Essence: Reclaiming the Dream – Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2, 8 p.m. (two hours) ET/PT”
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Can we talk about my Boo-Boo for a minute.
Harvard Educated, Half Cuban Half Irish. Long Island dream girl!
hmmmmm Soledad. The name is even sexy.
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To my gold booted brethen, Did ya see the Good Bruhz on MLT segment on Wednesday?
I’m tired of these prescriptive documentaries, I want some solutions. We all know what the hell the problem is, help me fix it.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:03 am
The black man clinic, the MLT, the Journey for Change program…all examples of solutions…
The moral of the story…people like us (i.e. the college educated, the motivated, the dedicated) have to go back and give back. we are the solution.
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Peyso was blocked from 3 ways for 2 weeks Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:05 am
How do people start them? How are they ran? What are some the issues I might have when trying to start one? This issues extends further than BIA2. Its about making more of our leaders problem solvers than problem finders
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:43 am
You want all the damn answers. Be owt. Stop being a punk. Ask the questions, tap into your existing networks, be creative, write proposals and keep it moving. And don’t take no for an answer. That’s how it works.
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Peyso was blocked from 3 ways for 2 weeks Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:45 am
How dare you!!!! I dont need the answers but I damn sho dont need to see the problems anymore. So if you gonna do something and it might as well help to fix the problem.
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RightCoastLexSteele, The Muscle Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Nah Q, missed it…fill me in.
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I missed all of part 2 and some of part 1, but caught most of it on twitter. from what I did see, I thought it was a very unique perspective. I overheard the hate on Tyler Perry. I just have to give it up to him for accomplishing all he has done.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I acknowledge all the stuff he has done, but for some reason I’m just not a fan. Idk what it is persay.
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Joey Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I have mixed feelings.
He’s done a lot to make decent movies about real stories with drama and comedy about real people who happen to be black. I have a lot of white friends who never watched black movies before, but LOVE his movies because they can relate to their stories. So I think he’s done a lot to show another side of black culture……
AND he’s also done a lot to tarnish us right back to the good ol’ mistrel days, massah! (ie. Meet the Browns). I need him to pick a side and stick to it (preferrably the former).
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ChokLitFactory Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Ok I can see your point. I just think sometimes people get too caught up in things that are meant to be Entertainment. Tyler makes movies and plays for our entertainment only. He does make a lot of statements on society, religion and morality through his work, so something could be said for that. Still, I feel you on ‘Meet the Browns’, I didn’t care for that movie either.
As for Tyler doing a lot to ‘tarnish us’, now you know Black people do a good job ‘tarnishing ourselves’ on a daily basis on our own without Madea and her goons!
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MaPockets Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I USED to be a big Tyler Perry fan. But these days, I feel like he really needs to realize that all the world is NOT a stage. His stage plays were bomb – it was like a movement. Have you guys ever seen them? Like five years or more ago? Great experience.
Then the movies started coming. Lord…Uber-drama. I’m a proud self-declared drama queen and even I think those movies are too much. Unrealistic fairy tales that were poorly acted. And using the same people in every movie/tv show/stage play? I feel like he needs to hire me. So I can bring him back to Earth. “Tyler, who is writing these scripts? Really? Someone get me an eraser…”
Good job on taking the kids to Disneyworld though. That was nice.
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I also really liked that they took the kids to S. Africa. Everytime I go to a underdeveloped country (esp in Africa), I am more and more humbled by what I have been blessed with and how lucky I am to have been born in this country. Cuz no matter how bad it gets, I’ve worked with kids who were abducted and raped and watched their parents get chopped up, and everyone around them die of HIV, etc… And NOTHING in the US compares to what’s COMMON PLACE in some African countries.
We should all stop and think about that when we’re complaining about our crappy lives… especially when we’re complaining about Three Ways being too homogenous and unoriginal.
PEOPLE ARE DYING ALL OVER THE WORLD, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS!!! Get a life.
I’ll pray for you.
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