African-Americans

Are African-Americans accurately portrayed in television and movies? First, I must first ask: What standards are used to measure this? Setting standards that an ethnic group must succumb to, whether African-American or not, sanctions the basis for social discrimination and prejudice. In truth, there is no single characteristic that can define an African-American. How then, can we say whether or not African-Americans are accurately portrayed in the media?

My favorite television series is “One Tree Hill”. One of the most memorable characters is nicknamed Skills (played by actor Antwon Tanner), an African-American basketball player who always says what is on his mind. Skills speaks Ebonics, which some might say is an improper use of the English language. While some are proud of his acting and representation of our Black culture, other viewers on online forums have commented that Skills makes African-Americans seem uninformed. Does his use of slang show that African-Americans are ignorant? Can Ebonics be considered a part of our heritage and be cherished as it is a sign of our past struggles in America? Is his “speak whatever is on my mind” attitude indicative of an African-American's impulsive and defiant nature towards society?

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Carlton Banks, played by Alfonso Ribeiro, on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. The sitcom became so popular that my generation would later watch the show through reruns and still relate to the issues presented. On one such episode, Carlton Banks’ “Blackness” was examined as he attempted to join a fraternity. Simply put, the leaders did not believe that he was black enough. Carlton Banks can be described as a preppy conservative. This is far from the usual portrayal of African-Americans as left winged individuals with a more urban style of attire. Carlton Banks was articulate and destined for success. Did the character Carlton Banks stray too far away from the typical Black male living in the “hood”? Did his hopes and aspirations to attend a prominent school and become a judge contradict with the accepted stereotype that African-Americans try to “get rich quick” through schemes like the lottery or street pharmaceuticals?

Society represents African-Americans in many different ways. Are they inaccurate? Of course they are not. We are a diverse group of people who come from many different social backgrounds. While we all share similar ancestry, we have different upbringings and different personalities. Whether it is an African-American who is great at basketball and speaks Ebonics or a conservative prep that chooses to speak proper English, we are all African-Americans.

The underlying message portrayed through this essay is one that ignites considerable thought. It is not about how society portrays us as a culture. It is about how we see ourselves as a people. We may dislike what we see on television or think it is inaccurate because we have not yet accepted the beauty that is the African-American culture and the diversity that is found within it.

-Anonymous