Whose Watch Who?
Written by: Dave Warren

I was having the most difficut time trying to figure how I can write something thought-provoking, interesting and humuorus about CNN’s “Black in America” http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america special that is airing this week

For the life of me I just couldn’t find an angle, a single cogent thought, a common thread in which to weave my opinion and thought about this program, its purpose and projected/anticipated outcome.

I mean the concept is and interesting enough because back people are truly fascinating and remarkable. I mean we are the most despised, envied and adored people in the world.

But do “I” really need to know what it’s like to be black in America? I mean I’m living it – or at least I think I am. Am I or did I miss something? I know we have the good the bad and the ugly. The best of us and the hot ghetto mess of us – what else do I need to know?

Why should I watch it? To compare my life in this country with other blacks? How different will their experience of racism, bigotry, misconceptions, ignorance, shame, pride, fear, hate, adoration, heartache and pain be from mine?

Frankly I think I’m good – I am fairly confident that I know what it’s like to be black in America. But then again… I guess we all travel the same road but the experiences could be different. – Right? I don’t know.

But then again maybe the program isn’t for me… it could possibly be for those non-black people out there that don’t know what its like to be black in America. Maybe CNN wanted to show non-blacks how it feels to be the most feared and admired people on the planet.

Hummmm…

But then again -- it is CNN… I mean its no FOX (we hate all things black and liberal) News Channel but I mean how would they really depict life in America for blacks?

Even though the program is hosted by Soledad O'Brien, I doubt that the majority of producers on the project were black and while Ms. O’Brien might identify herself closer to black than white in America she is actually Cuban so she can’t really express or relate to the same experiences… or can she?

Its all so confusing and deep, thus my writers block on this issue.

Karen Hunter a columnist for AOL Black Voices, asks the question “Who is watching Black in America?” in her article on Blacknews.com today http://www.blacknews.com/news/whos_really_watching_black_in_america101.shtml writes: “Is Shaniqua living in a tenement in Brooklyn with five babies by five different “men” watching? Is James, who stands on a corner in Baltimore selling crack cocaine to his community watching? T-Bone, a Blood from South Central and his boys and rival Crips from cross-town, are they watching? Janice, who dropped out of Somerville High School in Massachusetts, will she be tuning in?”

Which made me wonder – Why? Why would they watch this? How will it benefit them? Will watching this program change the lives and current status?

Hummmm…

My bottom line - some folks really need to watch the program so they can see what they are missing, some need to watch to see what they can aspire to, some need to watch to see where we came from and where we are heading and some need to watch… just to see.

Me? I still don’t know

On the blackness of being black and watching it Dave Warren www.myspace.com/dave_warren

P.S. If you want more cerebral humor fueled by slight anger - check out my favorite radio show: Al B! In the Afternoons 4-7pm, Monday – Friday 900am WURD (Philly) or around the globe on the web at www.900amwurd.com ... additional sites... www.myspace.com/mrmidday.

• Written by: Dave Warren