Black is…Black Ain’t

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Black is…Black Ain’t

1. How does Riggs use gumbo as a metaphor for the black community?

Gumbo is a mixture of different kinds of spices, meats, and flavors that when prepared together turns out to be something extraordinary and delicious. Riggs suggests that there are different kinds of blackness. People do not have to be concerned too much with the color variation of black people. Black people should realize that they are united by the single color of their skin, which is black, even though they may have different shades.

2. How is colorism reinforced through the media today?

The media continues to define people based on their color. Clear distinctions are made between black Africans and African Americans. Some African Americans are lighter in complexion, whereas others are darker. There is some level of favoritism especially in the film industry. Some roles are specifically meant for the darker African Americans. For instance, African Americans of a darker complexion are more likely to get the role of slave characters in the movies.

3. Does it empower black people to name themselves as a group? Why is a name so important to group identity? What are your thoughts on the “N Word” being used to denote friendship?

I think that names serve the purpose of giving people a sense of identity and this makes them feel empowered. People want to feel that they belong somewhere, and a name makes them have such a feeling. Some people prefer using the “n word” when referring to each other. As friends, they have the freedom to call each other what they want since they understand each other. However, I think that the word should only be used by people who have a mutual understanding.

4. What images of black men are common in the media today? Do you agree that they (you) have been forced to suppress their (your) full humanity by not expressing emotions? Do you think this pattern is changing today?

The media portrays black men differently. Most are portrayed as lawbreakers and gang members. Those who are in movies take on the roles of criminals. Some are presented as comical and funny, although some of them have serious roles. I think that men make the choice in who they want to be. They have the freedom to decide the kind of life they want. Therefore, I do not think that men have been forced to suppress their full humanity.

5. How has racism historically disempowered black men compared to black women? What has been a consequence for black women who speak out against sexism within the black community and the black power movement?

Racism has led to prejudice and discrimination. Many men have been denied opportunities because of the color of their skin. This has denied them the chance to have a better life since they are not able to pursue and realize their goals. Historically, black women who have dared to speak against sexism have been considered hostile. They have had to face opposition from other black conservative women as well as men who feel that they are trying to get to their level.

6. Why does Riggs include music in a film about black identity? What was the evolutionary path of some of the significant forms of music?

Music is a form of black identity. It has had a great role for them whether in religion, freedom, entertainment or slavery. Black music has evolved and it has influenced a lot of modern music. Music such as blues and jazz has influenced later forms of music including hip-hop, soul, and rock. It has been instrumental in the way people listen to, dance to, and sing music today.

7. How much of a person’s self esteem is tied to a heroic past compared to one’s own efforts? Does knowing one’s history have that much to do with today’s choices?

People feel proud when they learn that their ancestors were able to accomplish great things. They want to be associated with that kind of history. It makes them feel that they are capable and able to accomplish as much. History is important, and to some extent, it influences the choices that people make. However, I think that too many people are caught up with their problems and they are too concerned to worry about history. They do not think of history when solving most of the problems they have today but they choose to use whatever they have in the present.

8. The African past is just as diverse as the black American present — how might recognize that diversity improve relations within the black community? Knowing about charismatic leaders is important, but how could it also be problematic?

In the past, the black Africans recognized that they were dealing with the same problems and they did not make any distinctions amongst themselves based on different shades of color. This enabled them to fight towards a common objective. The black community can improve its relations if it chooses to understand this homogeneity. If the people understand that they are one, then they will be able to overcome the problems they face as a community. People may try to copy a charismatic leader in the hope of being like him or her. However, he may not be able to accomplish the same things the leader did since he if facing different challenges. He may end up making costly mistakes in the process.

9. How does sexism show itself most frequently among you peer group?

Some people tend to think that a person cannot be able to do something or study a certain course just because of his or her gender. I have had some people criticize a male friend for choosing a course in nursing. They tell him that he should be a doctor since he is male. They think that only women should become nurses.

10. What do you think about Farrakhan blaming women for Mike Tyson’s rape conviction? Why is Tyson still considered a hero by many?

I think that Farrakhan was wrong in his perception. His assumption is that men are not strong enough to control their emotions and that they are led and controlled by their sexual desires. His ideas suggest that women should always be careful whenever they are around men. This is equal to some form of slavery since it denies women the freedom of expression and movement. Despite his actions, some people consider Tyson a hero especially because of what he was able to achieve as a black man. He was able to overcome great challenges and realize great accomplishments.

11. What can people do to end the exclusion of black gays and lesbians within the community and the larger society? Do you think the church can be a site for reconciliation?

Raising awareness regarding homosexuality is important. People are usually afraid of what they do not understand or know. I think that educating the people can help. The society can learn that gays and lesbians are normal and the only difference between them is their sexual preference. The church can help in many matters, but I do not think that it can be a site for reconciliation. This is because many churches condemn homosexuality and they see it as a sin before people and God. Therefore, it can be hard for them to reconcile something they do not believe.

12. Has the fear of “acting white” ever prevented you (if you’re a person of color) from doing something you wanted? What are some examples of such stereotypes? How can these labels be detrimental to both groups?

The fear of acting white has never prevented me from doing something. However, I have experienced situations where some people have avoided going to the library although they like reading. Most of the students who spend time in the library are white, unless the students have a class assignment they have to do. Other people do not want to try sports such as skiing because such sports are often associated with white people. This denies blacks and people of other color the chance to realize and grow their full potential. It reaffirms the idea that people of color can only participate in some activities and not others.

13. Do you agree that standards of blackness have been defined by ghetto teenagers? What are the ideals of masculinity seen in hip-hop street culture? What can we as a society do to help inner city youth choose a different path?

The hip-hop street culture has redefined masculinity in its promotion of violence and promiscuity. Some of the men tend to think that they become more masculine when they are able to engage in crime or become sexually active. This is seen in the number of gangs formed and the fights that they engage in while they are still in their younger years. Some men think that the number of sexual relations they have determines their level of maturity and masculinity. The society can ensure that inner city youth have the same opportunities to fulfill their potential. It needs to look at the factors that prevent the youth from having a normal life. This includes dealing with poverty, drugs, and crime.

14. What are your attitudes towards successful African American living in the suburbs—either mixed or increasingly segregated by choice?

I think that it is good when African Americans choose to live in the suburbs. They have worked hard to reach where they are and they are a role model to other people. One should not be tied to the ghetto and poverty mentality to the extent that he or she is not able to move forward in life.

15. What does bell hooks mean by a new form of communion? What might be lost or gained by reaching toward such a vision?

Hooks acknowledges the differences between individuals. The black community is not composed of people with the same ideals and principles. Having a new form of communion means being willing to relate to each other and understand one another irrespective of the present differences. It means accepting each other and being able to reconcile the differences that people have in an effort to realizing the objective of togetherness. If something like that were to happen, black people would not criticize each other based on their different shades of blackness and any other differences they might have.

16. What else did the film teach you about African American identity, current issues? What paradoxes came to light?

African Americans are able to speak with one voice when addressing people of other races. However, they differ when discussing different issues amongst themselves. The film taught me that not all African Americans recognize the achievements made by people such as Martin Luther king junior. Some people do not have a clear understanding of what the fight for equality meant. Some choose to ignore history while others choose to find more differences amongst themselves. However, there is a sense of hope if people realize that the small differences between them do not make them different from each other.