| Author |
Message |
    
Batmocop
Veteran Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 66
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 08:42 pm: | 
|
You know, I kind of sit back sometimes and look at the current generation in awe. Most of the young people (Black) are not as connected with the civil rights struggle, or with the relative triumphs we've made since Major Slavery operations have ended. (that was a joke) How do we bring about the awareness that some of us older Black Americans felt everyday in our lives? I can't see our story continuing to be told via the oral tradition or in books by young authors as one of survival. I feel like we are losing our identification with the past. I don't believe we are learning (en mass) how to tell our story in our writing so that future generations will know how we got where we are today. That’s disturbing… |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 4580
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 10:54 am: |
|
Well, batmocop, we can always compile and create a visual history of black America on a set of discs and encourage young people to watch them on their DVS. Or, maybe record an audio history that could be downloaded into an IPod. Obviously, we have to approach this generation on a level they can relate to, and the written words doesn't seem to be something they have an affinity for. And Rap as tool for rote learning should not be discounted. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 2300
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:03 am: |
|
You should talk to all the young people you know--if you sit back and wait for someone else to do it it will not be done--
This is America. There is no history. There is no yesterday. Niether black nor white want to talk about what has happened.
Don't wait for the media or the educational system to do it--they will lie. Don't wait for all the nouveau riche or successful blacks to do it--they are trying to forget they are black. Don't wait for lower class blacks to do it--they are too busy trying to survive. |
Soul_sister
Veteran Poster
Username: Soul_sister
Post Number: 52
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:27 am: |
|
Hey all,
This is a good thread and sadly to say young people are not the ONLY ones unconnected. I do not know when Black people lost their scrupples but they slowly fading. Yes, we need to teach each other - concurrently, our public images in popular culture need to be held accountable to the people - from atheletes to entertainers to educators to preachers -- There is need for a standard and acceptable form of Blackness - this is the one thing "we" have never agreed on and the decension is all to obvious now -- My suggestion be the solution -- walk and talk in integrity and encourage those around you to think cause and effect - cultural inheritance and legacy -- let me go 'fore I start to preaching - peace |
Batmocop
Veteran Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 73
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 09:34 pm: |
|
I'll tell you what you what you guys, For those of you that write in this forum, maybe we should begin to contribute short stories that not only tell the story, but make people realize why the story needs to be told. I mean I'm really frustrated at the level of ignorance we are suffering from. I am not a scholar, I'm a regular everyday (Black) Guy who loves to read and write. But I'm old enough to remember being sent out of a lodge because they didn't serve our kind, or being pulled over in my own neighborhood on the way to go fishing because the new cops on the beat didn't recognize the car I was in. I've spent most of my time dealing with Black innternals like the way we treat each other, and how we deal with individual issues. I mean we all have our niche, How do we (the writing public) get the sense of urgency out there for people to listen? |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1301
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 08:20 am: |
|
I don't think people should write stories or history books on these issues/topics UNLESS they're going to do something innovative and or creative with it.
Futhermore, all of what you ask for is available. People can access the history, literature, etc... of black america . . . all they have to do is:
1.go to barnes and nobles (borders) and checkout the negro . . . oops I meant the african american section
2. library: plugin Henry Louis Gates into a Library Catalogue and you will find much information on the black world . . .
type in certain topics: slavery, segregation, civil rights, etc . . .
The history is written and will continue to be written on slavery, segregation, etc . . . there are thousands of theses books . . . thousands!
For example, why don't you guys give your children or young adults a reading list, which you and the child or you and the family must discuss at the end of the month or which ever length of time you choose.
Take them to certain events, marches, etc . . .
Purchase a Globe and make sure they know where they came from, where they have been, where they are now, and how all of this is connected to their present . . .
There is information already available, so I think it is a matter of parents and black folk in general being commmitted to giving their people their own culture.
In the past, culture was lived . . . now, since we have been assimilated and we are "modern" we do it through books, the internet, etc . . .
|
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1303
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 09:19 am: |
|
hmmm . . .
Excuse this recent show of . . . elitism, I guess, but how is the topic who someone else would sleep with related to race, culture, and economy?
What has happened here?
Whither intellectual exchange?
What has happened to this website speaks to this question of how do black folk pass something along to their children . . .
It seems that if you scroll down the threads in the race, culture, and economy discussion board section very few of the threads reflect serious issues related to race, culture, and economy.
There are many discussions on color but of little worth. Now, I have participated in these discussions before, but it seems to me that they have very little of the intellectual vitality that they had yesteryear! If it is going to be discussed, comparing pics of light skinned and dark skinned women wont do.
Only abortion has garnered a significant response in that section. But abortion is a human problem not a racial issue, though it is an important issue in the black community.
If this is the case among "us," the folk who are suppose to be bestowing this knowledge on the young folk, how can we make the claim that something is will not be done among the future generations when it is not even done among the adult generation?
|
Batmocop
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 78
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 04:52 pm: |
|
You are right Yukio, and I'm crazy guilty of that same thing. (especially as of late) It seems that no one really wants to discuss worthy uplifting causes to help move us in a positive direction.
This is just like hollywood. The more contraversial you get the better the responses. Back to the point though I know what's been written, and The media has an extensive record of things past. What I want to know is how todays writer will have the ability to take from that emotion... and write to drive a course for the future of Black people with a true understanding of the past, so that their readers will be influenced to look at that DVD, or Documentary or Library book. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1304
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 05:26 pm: |
|
batmocop:
I don't understand your request: If there is already literature--history books, non-fiction,
fiction, and poetry--available that addresses the relationship between the past and the present, then what exactly are you asking for?
why can't the older generation raise their children to read what has been written? why put this onus on present writers?
Are you asking for fiction that addresses slavery and jim crow america?
Are contemporary issues of racism and issues relevant to blacks also relevant or should this just pertain to the "past"?
What about olympia vernon's Killing Time?
Also, please explain this: What I want to know is how todays writer will have the ability to take from that emotion ...
|
Batmocop
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 81
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
|
Okay let me be a little more clear. I'm doing too many things at the same time. What I am asking is: How does a young writer today, who is deviod of the emotional connection of the past, continue to tell our story so that their readers will understand that the way things are-- are not the way they always have been, or still the way they should be.
"Are contemporary issues of racism and issues relevant to blacks also relevant or should this just pertain to the "past"?"
This is what I'm talking about.... Contemporary issues are not hitting home with this generation IMO. Hence the question- "Do they get it?" and if they do can they articulate from their standpoint what we need to do to continue to grow?
I have to admit I am playing catch up. I have been out of the country and working kind of hard. If there are books that I've missed that fit then I welcome the titles from you.
I believe you have to put the onus on present writers because it is a continuing story. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1305
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 08:45 pm: |
|
interesting . . . you still have not explained what you mean by writers . . . fiction? nonfiction? poetry? All of the above?
An emotional connection is important, but this is insufficient to explain what went on and whats going on.
With that said, any person who chooses to examine the present and past needs to do some reading, be it oral histories, written histories, speaking with elders, etc . . . as well as keeping their ear to current events, the economy, etc . . . and how all of this is related to black people's present and future.
It seems to me that there is a reciprocal relationship between the socalled new writers and socalled old writers [and a relationship between parents and children . . . something has to be passed down . . . thus, the onus is on the parent]. The better writers are aware of past writers and have some sense of whats going on and what went on . . . so, I suspect that if writers are serious--whatever their genres--about writing about black people then they are likely to possess some knowledge of the past even if they do not have that emotional connection of which you speak.
Black radical thinker:
Robin Kelley's Yo MaMa's Dysfunctional
Black conservatives thinker:
see books by John McWhorter
These two are among the younger ones . . . younger than 50 that is . . .
I have not read any fiction by younger writers in sometime . . . except Whitehead and Z. Smith. both deal with racism [if this is what you mean about the "story" that needs to be told], but probably not to your liking . . . it is not direct or even the primary subject of the books.
|
Batmocop
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 85
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:38 pm: |
|
You do seem to understand my point. I think that any writer of fiction/non-fiction taht has a connection with the the past (I hate calling it history) writes from a different perspective than one who doesn't.
It's the ones who don't that are writing in such large numbers (and publishing) that I fear are the voices for young readers. But the young readers are not growing from the expieriences of the books that they are reading. Even back in the day a good fiction novel could teach you a lot about how to view the world. (with your own mind)Maybe I'm just getting old and I'm worried about how kids will ever get back to reading literature that grows the mind and spirit, and teaches them purpose as a people. I don't know Yukio. But I'll take a look at those titles and see if I can connect with them...
BatMo-> |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1309
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 03:25 pm: |
|
I would suggest that you read the reviews on this site to find fiction. To be honest, I do not read as much as I used to, so I am not the one to really answer your question about which books say such and such.
I do, however, believe that many of the books that were written in the past are as relevant today as they were when initially published. I do wonder, howevr, if you are romantizing the past. That is, to what degree did people actually read what was written in this past of which you speak?
Also, if they did read, have they passed this need to read to their progeny?
As I see it, there must be a thirst for reading in the very first place. And this thirt, oftentimes, must be cultivated by parents, extended family, teachers, etc . . .
This was in fact my upbringing, though it started when I already in my late teens. Since my early teens, however, I had already understood the importance of being literature. But I wish, really that I had then begun to read, for it wasn't until my early twenties when I actually begam to read fiction for pleasure. I did, however, grow up in an environment where literature and politics was everywhere, so even though I had read little, I saw it in the streets of Harlem and knew something wasn't right . . . this is why I say that it has to start at the home . . . I remember attending an Amiri Baraka reading and while I didn't understand what had been said, I do saw folk saying "thats right!" "tell it!" ... I could feel something that I couldn't describe; the joy of testifying . . .
I think that the better spoken woid poets deliver this . . . not like Leroi Jones, for there is no one like Leroi! LOL!
Anyways, much could be said. If I come across more books, then I will let you know!
Oh!
Checkout: Robin D. G. Kelley's Freedom Dreams
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 4827
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 10:49 am: |
|
Yukio,
There have always been few readers. Reading is a discipline that difficult to master and abide.
The lack of reading isn't an issue of intellect. It's more that of preparation & training, especially when one is enduring debilitating brain quirks like ADHD, Dyslexia, etc. and the lack of necessary time, energy and resources.
And as we all know, there are many more modes of media than there were available to prior generations. One can more readily obtain information, training and entertainment sans reading than one could prior to the advent of Cable TV, VHS/TiVo, the personal computer, the Internet, etc.
Still. I believe that those who regularly read will CONTINUE to live a higher, better standard of living that do those who do not. If anything, I expect that disparity to GROW. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1313
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 11:38 am: |
|
ABM:
I too believe that there were always few readers. This is why I am suspicious of Batmocop's characterization of the past. I wonder if it is romanticized.
In addition to the various modes of media that tends to thwart reading, I also believe that many people who read much of this bad literature are themselves functionally illiterate. This, if true, is scary, for it means that we have functionally illiterate writers writing for a population of functionally illiterate readers . . . this is scary!
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 4834
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 12:05 pm: |
|
Yukio,
Indeed. Though what I find to be even a SCARIER issue to ponder is just what are the works of these "functionally illiterate writers" inspiring their "functionally illiterate" readers to see, think and DO.
Because, although there were fewer readers (and writers, for that matter) in the past, at least there was enuff quality writing being read by a caliber of people who could effect inspired thoughts and deeds, even amongst those who did NOT themselves read.
Example: MLK reading the teachings of Gandhi and then using such to successfully guide and effect the fortunes of millions of Blacks (and others) who might have never even HEARD of Gandhi, much less read any of his teachings.
So again. I'm MOSTLY concern about whether there are at least ENUFF of us who have the skill and courage to TEACH others...to learn. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 4836
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 12:12 pm: |
|
Yukio,
Pardon the 3 posts. I tried but could not delete the 1st and 2nd ones. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1314
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 12:24 pm: |
|
ABM
I am a bit skeptical about literature influencing people to "do" things. I think it is often a confluence of factors. I am sure that we all can come up with anecdotes about books influencing us to do something . . ., but I'm not sure to what extent one can say that these actually represent the "norm."
I too am concerned about if there is enough people to promulgate literacy. This is why I stated to Batmocop that this thirst for reading is something that is learned, taught, and internalized at home, the community, and the school.
By the way, MLK read Gandhi, but it was Bayard Rustin who convinced MLK to use non-violence as a strategy. Also, MLK was significant but he did not "successfully guide and effect the fortunes of millions of blacks (and others)" by himself. The cold war, various civil rights, black nationalist, and self-defense organizations; and the threat of an actual revolution brought about the civil rights act and the voting rights act.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 4841
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 04:45 pm: |
|
Yukio,
Do not underestimate the power of a great book. For the degree to which a book might incite some great event or effort cannot be overvalued.
I agree. MOST things we say, think and do are born from a "confluence of factors". Still...the "factor" of a great book - though not solitary - can indeed prove quite CRITICAL.
Sometimes an entire book might only inspire one to advance to some intermediate stage in one’s evolution.
Sometimes a mere sentence or phrase within the most otherwise obscure book might inspire the personal mission statement of the great man or woman of our age.
I wager Homer's the Iliad has by its lonesome inspired many great and terrible efforts, quests, empires, wars and love affairs.
Thanks for the correction about who authored and administered the Civil Rights Movement. Though I think you’d agree that Rustin might never have been able to convince MLK of the merits of Nonviolent protest had Martin never had READ Gandhi’s writings. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 1317
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 01:18 pm: |
|
That is reasonable! |
|
Email This Page