I’m trying something different. I decided to do free form writing here. So I will comment as the television program is running. Let me know what you think of it.
Why is it that Bruno always finds things he doesn’t understand to be paranoid? Why is it that he can’t accept that N–– is not just a word but a statement of the most wretched kind? I mean even Carmen realizes that they don’t have the right to freely use the word. And You can look back in my posts to see what I think of the word.
Rose continues to get the most out of this. Proving to me that the youth can fix the problems adults have. And why do we focus on family? Perhaps it’s the fact that we were taken from our families and there is a visible and absolute disconnect from our family lines that White America doesn’t have any mirror for.
Nick really doesn’t get etiquette. Not even realizing how important it can be or why it should be. Why does Nick say he feels like he can’t be himself. And rose is right that they seem (the etiquette kids) so superficial and trying to be accommodating. The “keep it real” and “...this is how white guys...” just seems to ring false.
Nice to see a successful guy tell Bruno how things can be. And yet Bruno has, or seems to have no compassion. Well there is some truth to what Bruno says about rap, but he is too blanket. Bruno does seem insensitive, and he doesn’t see the racism or recognize that how you see things doesn’t change the way they are.
How does it not bother Nick to hear the white kids are going N–— , especially so casually. And asking Nick to “speak black”. How could he just sit there for that. I would have flipped. I mean how is he supposed to speak? It just makes me think of how many times I have been complimented for speaking clearly. Not that I am well-spoken or that presentations and speeches I have made were eloquent. Just that I can and do use a larger than average vocabulary and have good enunciation. That is racist to varying degrees (depending on who says it and how) to me. And Nick doesn’t see it. Or am I overly sensitive?
I so agree with the parents. And the example is so accurate. Is that kind of denial so prevalent today?
Shopping and looking for a job in LA is interesting. Interesting how people avoid them. And they have never experienced that. But it is nice that they noticed they were being rushed and watched in the stores. And they know these places and the difference on how they get treated as white women there. Carmen got it in one sentence ‘Dealing with this over time... It would either empower me or make me lose it’. There is a major part of the daily Black African American experience. That is a reality that does not go away for me and other Black African Americans and Hispanics, in every part of the country.
Fernando is right, there is no ONE thing that is Black or black culture. But there is so much more to it. Especially when others place their expectations on you. And such. Nick got one thing, no one should ever use that word as it’s power never dies, as its meaning doesn’t.
Exactly, our history is not voluntary. Slavery is the unifying factor. And the one kid is right, we are here now and we do have a kinship because of the way we came to be in America. I think Rose is wrong, they are clicking, but she is right she is not black and there is a middle ground that you must meet at. The understanding I think goes both ways. To see things from the other side of color is eye opening but it does not confer complete understanding. There is a lot vested in each side on what is their history and expectations from society. You can’t just turn that off or on. And there is no way to convey what it is to go through life with that weight and expectation on you. But at least Rose and Carmen are seeing that the difference is real and constant.
Why is Nick the only one in an untucked shirt? The comment about getting the ladies was not nice. Interesting how the kids are so afraid and backing away from saying the term when they see Nick Black and not in white make-up. Nice that Rose calls them on it. And I see the kids trying to backpedal in front of Brian. Why? Like they weren’t caught on tape. And how embarrassed they were as they were asked by Rene who said what and thought it was one big joke.
The rap of Bruno seems so pompous, and trying to assume an aire of superiority. Like his truth was so much better. It wasn’t insulting, but just pompous. Carmen so nailed Bruno. And I so understand how .... said we are trained to accept commentary and perhaps even ridicule. Its an aspect of not being full accepted in America. Even though we have been here 400 years. And have yet to get an apology.
Each time I see this show I learn about me and the culture. I think that perhaps some readers may wonder why I focus more on the youth and the white parents. Because I understand where Brian and Rene are coming from. Actually I am almost Brian’s age. I suppose if I had children I’d feel even more like he does. Though my younger brother does not seem to share his concerns and difficulties.
This is what I think, what do you think.
3 comments:
The live-blogging is always a fresh approach - I like it. Someday I'll do it too, but for now, I think I need to keep taking a few days before posting about each Black.White episode.
I think that Episode 4 was probably the mildest of them all so far. I wonder if that's because I've come to expect the foolishness, particularly from Bruno.
I feel bad for Nick in this episode. His parents have failed to prepare him for life on so many levels. You can see his discomfort with those students from his class when they came into his room and mocked him in his room with his belongings. You can see his discomfort in the bus when they kept saying N over and over. Much like his parents, though, he didn't know what to say in response. And unfortunately, his parents can better identify situations where they're being attacked, but they have not passed this knowledge on to their child. Nick knew he was uncomfortable with those students' actions & words but he didn't know why.
I Have read a bunch of posts and I realize that there is a good chance Bruno is a big unimaginative phony who has jumped on the right-wing bandwagon just because it doesn't take any thought. His rap-video seemed like a kind of forced hate. He probably figured it might be the type of thing that might get shown on MTV and become a novelty hit kinda like that Dennis Leary "I'm an asshole" song but even bigger because of the way it would capture the sentiments of the nation.
I want to thank you both for your comments. I'm glad that many have seen and thought about this program.
Princess, I think that not olny were Nick's parents unaware of how much he did not understand what happens in America, Nick was hiding from it as well. He seemed be like Bruno to an extent trying to avoid the truth and how he felt at times, and yet still confused as he knew there was more to what was happening than on the surface. I think that given time, based on the last episode he may grow and become stronger for it (the experience of this show).
Anthony, I disagree. I do not think Bruno is phony, I think he is hiding. He does not want to see the truth and thus not change his world. If he acknowledged what he felt, and what everyone around him could feel he could not be the same man he had grown into. It's self preservation and akin to an ostrich sticking its head in the sand.
Also if you mean that the 'right wing bandwagon' is being a conservative, surprise because I am a conservative. If you mean a republican, double surprise as I am that too. You may want to read some of my views at http://vasandtheworld.blogspot.com to see what I think on that. Suffice to say that it is a choice made for reasons and not a simple going with the flow. And I would like to believe everyone make a political choice as I have, and not because it is expected or popular.
I don't think the rap video was from hate, but anger. And fustration. And a profound lack of understanding that he has defended all show long. It was his racism, born from the above that allowed him to make that video, and to fail to see why it was negative on every level. I don't think money was ever a motivation, and it kind of cheapens what he seemed to be trying to convey by assuming that, I think. Nor does his views match the nation, as rap/hip-hop is the most pervasive and influential form of music in the nation. Rap is creating (horendous) movies and actors, become part of television shows, cartoons, and advertisements of all forms. It is clothing and touches multiple industries. If the nation hated it none of that would be possible. I think I understand where you were going, but to the degree I mentioned I do not agree with you. Respectfully. And my thoughts on rap/hip-hop are obvious.
Again I thank you both for your comments and hope you come back soon. With friends :)
Post a Comment