I'm blacker than you are.

I have, in my lifetime heard the phrase; I’m blacker than you are, uttered to me on several occasions. When younger I didn’t think much of it, but as I got older I began to examine the phrase itself as well as the individuals who would have the audacity to say such a thing to an African American. I’m – Blacker – Than – You – Are. It carries a strong context, and whether a joke when muttered or not, it is a context that is damaging to humanity.

With the hit comedy, Blackish, the creator proclaims that his efforts are to examine what it means to be black, meanwhile the show labors on old punch lines that are rooted in stereotypes that do nothing but distract its intended viewers.

The show centers on a well-to-do family of color. When the father of the family realizes that his kids have it too good, he stops at nothing to have his kids connect with their roots. Those roots are peppered with every cliché associated with African Americans… and this is where the problem lies.

Often television attempts to tackle the subject of what it is to be black by fronting a show headlined by the most up-and-coming comedian, meanwhile the true depth of this question is left uninvestigated and casted aside for the quick joke. This sad portrayal is nothing new. The joke before depth has plagued many shows centered around African Americans. One show that comes to mind is Good Times. Here’s a show that set out to bring a new perspective to being black while living in the ghetto. While the show went on, the character JJ Evans, with his jive antics and cartoonish mannerisms became the central character. The parents, played by respectable actors Esther Rolle and John Amos, were subjected to being bit players in what was thought to be an ensemble cast. JJ Evans, played by Jimmie Walker became Good Times’ bread and butter. When this happened, the show automatically suffered.

Shows such as My Wife and Kids and The Hughleys come to mind as well. Interestingly enough, each of these shows were attempting to recreate one of the most iconic of shows that portrayed black life with the utmost of realism, The Cosby Show. Now, I’m not one of those writers who cringe at the mere inclusion of one Bill Cosby. In spite of the recent allegations that all but seemed to have derailed this once historic and inspirational individual, in fact, this current turmoil has only enforced and heightened my respect for the man. The shows that attempt to tread the waters of what The Cosby Show produced seem to misinterpret one key element. The Cosby Show was never about exploration of what it was to be black.

Like his stance with the looming allegations as of late, The Cosby Show ignored the color of their skin and took the higher road, exploring the American family. To say you are blacker than someone [else] of color, is like me saying I am more Asian than an Asian person because I idolize Bruce Lee and eat with chopsticks everyday. Offensive, isn’t it?

With The Cosby Show several years behind us, the mainstream media has proceeded with the castration of the African American identity. African Americans have become the stereotype that has all but ailed them hundreds of years ago.

In the news, black men are portrayed as criminals lurking in the shadows, men with no regard for their significant others willing to raise their hands at them, rappers with constant “beefs” with other rappers, egomaniacal athletes, a president with no respect for the constitution attempting to tear down the “foundation” of America. Black women are portrayed as loud mouth divas caring more about the Prada bags than the sick image they project onto the next generation. And in Mr. Cosby’s case, the portrayal of a lifelong rapist – to put it more bluntly, it’s all a minstrel show.

All of this continues while television as we know it ushers in its latest example of the black experience with the new show, Empire. Now, I haven’t yet taken the time to watch Mr. Daniel’s Fox television series, but I am very aware of its premise. Through questionable means, an African American builds a music empire, while leaving his closest accomplice – his wife – to serve time for the years of crime it took to build the empire.  Truly compelling television, and to top it off, I believe the lead character is dying, and he will have to leave the empire to one of his three sons. Oh the joy. Criminal, check. Music – hip hop and rap, check. And, another element left to not be truly explored in this particular blog, the backstabbing within the African American community that hinders us even more – check!

Race relations in America must be met with a clear understanding of the races that are affected. Without a clear understanding of all races, the relationships amongst them will suffer. If the assumptions of a race are gathered by mere stereotypes, it is a misrepresentation of that said race. Not knowing what it is to be black creates a vortex of ignorance in our society that pulsates across the valleys, waters, and lands. Once this misrepresentation reaches a level that is irreversible, it becomes truth.

When I look back the individuals who have had the gall to state they are blacker than myself, I am left to examine not only their state of mind, but also the color of their skin – which in most cases is white.  Unfortunately I do not blame them for this nearsighted point-of-view. They are led to believe that what society dictates as being black. If one is not willing to seek information about another race and simply sags his pants, turns his hat sideways, and listens to everything from Jay Z to Wu Clan and then claims that they are now black, well that’s their fault.

What’s more damning to me is the fact that African Americans themselves have adopted this nearsighted view, as well. They, too, have been led to believe this is a representation of their own selves. If this isn’t true, I challenge you to drive around a predominantly black community and prove otherwise. In a recent interview with Oprah, Jay Z claimed that hip-hop has done more for race relations then that of popular icons. This statement brings a frustrating tear to my eye. He goes on to say that it’s hard to teach racism when your kid looks up to Snoop Doggy Dog. Well, by that logic, I guess there is no hope for African Americans. I guess it’s true; we’d rather line up for the latest pair of Jordans than line up to cast a vote.

Simply put, expecting the mass media to change the perspective of African Americans and how they are portrayed in society is a waste of time! Black, or the black based on media standards, is profitable, and when money is involved, it’s tough to expect change. It is up to blacks to take control of their image. It is time to look at the ghettos and lower district area of cities and prove to mass media that your image of me is a lie! It is up to us to support each other so that television and films can portray a more complex image of us that is not layered with stereotypes.

To all out there who are not Black/African American, you do not know what it is to be black. You have no idea, nor are you blacker than myself or any other African American who chooses to listen to Coldplay rather than Rick Ross. When we wake up and prepare for our day, the person staring back is a black person no matter their interest, how they dress, the amount of degrees they have, etc. When we go out into the cold, cruel world, we face the same battles that any other black man or woman faces. The shadow caused by the stereotyping of us only makes the battle that much more difficult to overcome.  

It is important to understand that African Americans can reverse the tides of time and develop a more accurate portrayal of their image- our image. It all starts with the communities that we call home. We have all heard the phrase, “stereotypes come from somewhere.” Well, in the black man/woman’s case the stereotyping comes from years of systematic brainwashing. Our communities do not have to be subjected to crime and decay. African Americans often want to cast blame rather then take responsibility. I know that that statement has ruffled a few feathers, but I mean no offense. To prove that media’s portrayal is a lie, we must take pride in who we are with knowledge and education of ourselves. Simply wearing a t-shirt with the words “Black Lives Matter” means nothing when you are oblivious to why all lives matter, especially black.  

When I have to read that 500+ murders took place within one year in the city of Chicago, mostly in black communities, and no one cries foul, but a couple of unfortunate individuals’ lives are taken unnecessarily by white officers, and it’s arms across America, I am offended by my race and our cause. Black lives do matter, and it matters not whether the life is taken by the hands of a white police officer or gang of thugs with a pointless agenda. In both cases, these lives are sadly wasted by the worst weapon of mass destruction— stereotypes.

I guess the actual question is, which came first, the chicken or the egg. In broader context, should I magnify my frustration first on the media or first on the communities that give the image to the media to exploit? Unfortunately, African Americans live in a vicious cycle where the mass media’s portrayal fuels the communities and vice versa. In order to stop this cycle, someone must toss a stick in the middle and bring the cycle to a screeching halt! It is this writer’s opinion that it should start with mass media so that a trickle effect occurs. Is that enough? No, but it will get the ball rolling. Young black boys and girls need to understand that there is more out there for them than what society offers them. If they live in a community that is suffering, so will they [suffer]. This sick cycle that I alluded to, and to quote a musician, is a form of “New Slave.” We as a people are still tied to a post with a man whipping us until or backs become black and blue, but the one difference is it’s not only the white man beating us down – he now has company, and it’s our own selves.