As my children began to read, watch television and use the internet, I came to a rather strong conclusion that the Black American identity within them would have to be a deliberate effort on my part. By this, I began to establish a very specific plan as to what I shared with them and assisted them in exploring on their own. As a Black American father who lives abroad, a deliberate plan is essential because the reality is, your children will learn about Black America and our history, however, you do want to have some form of control and even provide guidance as to how this is viewed and to a certain extent manifested.
What you should understand is that, Black American culture is everywhere. It’s in the global media, movies, television, music, sports, business. and in many every day depictions and concepts. But here’s the problem, it’s the good, the bad and the downright ugly aspects of our culture which are truly global. During my study abroad in 2000, I had a discussion with the director of the program and he explained how figures such as Malcolm X. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammed Ali were all quite influential to many Africans, particularly those who had grown up in the 60’s and 70’s. Even to this day, you find the pictures of Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali, Tupac and other figures are painted into the design of local matatus (minivans which transport people around town). Many Black American leaders were viewed as being at the forefront of fighting for the elevation and respect of people of black skin. These figures are icons and even if an individual doesn’t know who exactly they are, the average person will recognize them as some famous Black American who must have done something because you can buy his design to place on your minivan for the equivalent of $30.
I also recognized the negative depictions of our people weren’t far behind. As an example, in 2000, the issue of the East Coast-West Coast, hip hop beef was still on the minds of some Kenyans. It was to the extent that when I was having coffee with two guys, one actually proceeded to explain to the other the notion of the “beef”. In his mind, it wasn’t just rappers but all the Black people on the East Coast, hated all the Black people on the West Coast and if they saw each other, there would be a fight.
I promptly explained that he made absolutely zero sense, that it was an issue between entertainers and the East Coast-West Coast beef was actually over years ago and it had nothing to do with normal, every day people. I explained it was likely manufactured to sell more records. Yet, this twisted notion of Black culture had reached Africa and because few had any real insight into the situation, they came to their own conclusions.
Thus, as I looked at my children, I came to the realization they would learn about black culture and American culture, through books, movies, websites and while we were living abroad minus interactions with other Americans.
blend of movies, magazines and their interactions with white people. And coincidentally, many of the white people they come across, are generally European or Australian.
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Jamal Bradley