Monday night on Bill O'Reilley news show he asked this question. "Has Jesse Jackson lack of morals affected Black Americans?" Why is it that society lumps all African-Americans together. It is almost like some in this society think we have one collective brain. It is another form or racism. I am so tired of the media in particular lumping all African-Americans together. We come from varied backgrounds, I am so proud of my African American heritage but I also wish we could be seen as individuals,1.)What do you think? 2.)And what do you think of Bill Reilley's question concerning Jesse Jackson?

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

Answers

I agree Sister Denise. His question was poorly phrased and made some invalid assumptions.

Please remember that media people from Oprah Winfrey to Rush Limbaugh to Bill O'Reilly to Giraldo Rivera to Tavis Smiley are first and foremost entertainers. This is true even of serious news programs. Rush says quite openly that he is not the leader of a political movement. His goal is to put on a show people will tune into, so that he can charge advertisers exorbitant amounts.

Each of them is out to cause people to tune in before anything else, and they do it by riling up the emotions. Each of them has people who never miss the show, some because they agree with them, and others because they make them angry. Let's admit it. It can be fun to be mad at the person on the screen. Jesse just provided these folks with their latest gold mine of sensationalist material. The late night comedians are also thanking him.

I do believe they also have a secondary goal to influence public opinion, but it's a distant second. The dollar is the driver.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

The American media has always been hostile to Africans and African- Americans. If you did not know any better you would think that everyday in Africa, people are starving, undergoing a coup, experiencing a cataclysmic event, or something disastrous. Have you noticed how rarely you see Africans in the American media in their daily routines of going to school and conducting research? Have you ever seen Africans in the media at their concerts and their churches? Have you ever wondered about daily life in the various cities of Africa? Well, you will never see it if it's up to the American media.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

Unfortunately I don't think Jesse Jackson's morality issue has affected the majority of Americans (white/black...) The media has a way of entering into our minds in a very subtle way. I believe the root of all of it is Satan making us incensitive to all sorts of moral issues. Sitcoms today and even the hour drama shows have brought homosexuality in our homes as if it is a norm. (This is not to get on another subject, just an example of what the media is doing)

It is true comedians are glad, because they are reaping from the fall of these men. But I don't believe the purpose of influencing the thinking of people, and particularly African Americans is in a DISTANT second.

Jesse Jackson is on a mission. He's had a setback due to his own frailty. We read about other great men who have fallen under the same temptation. Since the question was asked if this will affect African Americans specifically; my answer will have to be, if we believe in his mission, no. God didn't give up on David, or forget about, stop him from his purpose for living because of his sin. He brought that sin to his attention and David repented. That's why David could say, He knowest our frame and remembers that we are dust. God didn't overlook it, and David was strenghtened as a result of the chastisement.

I am learning to think differently when I hear of a Christian in error. I have begun to thank God for uncovering the sin. Because it is the uncovering that will allow healing. Hopefully He's repented out of a sincere heart, that is not our concern. But we can pray for him and others. And if their hearts are not right, asked the Holy Spirit to continue to convict until they get it right.

As a Church, this is our job. To interceed for the people.

Yes, Rev. Rogers I hate being put into a lump whenever there is negative publicity about an African American. That's the way to keep the stereotype moving.

In Christ,

Carmen

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

I hate for folk to lump all of us together. I wonder if it is because we lump ourselves together in the "Black Community". One of my brothers (PHD type preacher) said that a black man with good sense couldn't be a conservative republican. The brother was trying to lump me with . . . . all black folk. He called Justice Clarence Thomas a bunch of dirty names because he disgreed with him. This lumping is a pot and kettle thing. We'll find out who's country. Blessings Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

The only reason why certain members of the white press speak about black Americans in a monolithic fashion is due to blacks who perpertuate the stereotype. Consider the narrow views described by Rev. Paris's colleague. The tie that binds us, presumably, is racial identity as sufferers and victims. The "system" is corrupt to the core and it manifests itself in a dysfunctional economic, criminal justice and health delivery system aimed at black annihilation. Any one and particularly if he/she is black, who casts doubt on the legitamacy of this thesis is quickly dismessed as either an heretic or quisling. Until we value own own internal diversity those who look at us will only conclude that we are all interchangeable parts. QED

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

I think Pastor Paris and Brother Bill are on to something in regard to how we think about ourselves. I am wondering if misperceptions about Black people are based in our "Econonic Identity" (Bill will like that phrase) if we feel we are poor in terms of wealth do we then contribute to the stereotype that all African Americans are joined at the hip. And yes I know there are poor people of color but there are also middle class African Americans. One of the things that really touches my heart about the AME church is that Bishop Richard Allen delt with this very question when forming the AME church. He wanted us to be seen as individuals who could take care of ourselves, thus the formation of schools, and economic development initiatives. And in terms of Rev. Jesse Jackson I am so proud of all the hard work he has done for this country and around the world. I do not judge him but love him as Christ loves him.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

One more note on why people tune in to these shows. My office-mate is a big O'Reilly fan, but the views he puts forth are only part of the reason he watches. He mostly enjoys O'Reilly's handling of certain guests. The shows each have unique human dynamics. Some are shouting matches, others such as "MacNeil Leher" are organized and courteous, and others such as "Hardball" and "O'Reilly" have hosts who are dominators. Half of the reason my friend watches is to see O'Reilly slam dunk those he believes are fabricating misinformation. Again, this is entertainment. They're appealing to viewing segments that like to see a certain type of group dynamics. Now if you REALLY want to see some group dynamics, check out "Jerry Springer". Saaayyy, are the antics on his show staged?

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2001