I need sensitivity training re: Black In America

I believe that I'm in the minority that doesn't think that this movie was sent from heaven above. Sometimes I wonder if I've embraced an "euro-centric," perspective on life...at times it scares me that one could say I sound Republican-ish-esque-ness.

One topic last night that I was like, Well what the hell do you expect? The single mother of 5.

Before the story got too deep, I just *KNEW* that she had been married and the guy had passed away...b/c in my mind that is the only way that a person would rack up 5 children and then be left to raise them on their own.

NOPE - This chic laid down, not once, twice, thrice, fource...but a fifth time with a guy that did not commit to raising a family with her. Who's at fault. *Runs and gets her a mirror.* (yes, I know fource is not a word, it just sounded right).

Then the talk about the single, educated black women who've got it going *snaps to all of you out there.* I agree, stop limiting your vision to black only...that's called segregation. But on the flip side, let's be real...black women aren't necessarily being scooped up left and right by white men (or any race of man for that matter). Perhaps CNN will put it en vouge.

The CNN special validated what I've heard to be a big deterrant for white men: The intersection of a white man's family and the 1 drop rule. That special was the 3rd time I've heard the sentiment that a white man's family has taken objection to "tainting the blood-line," and having "black babies."

Then the clip on HIV/AIDS. First, they made the poor girl look stupid, "Taquesha is having unprotected s.ex with a man that she doesn't even know if she likes." And how many of you were on the edge of your seat as she found out the test results of the HIV test...that was more riveting than an episode of 24. But sh*t the HIV/AIDS stats are absolutely terrifying. Like if you live in DC, how do you not walk out the house in a full body condom?

The other aspect of the HIV/AIDS story...the role the "black church" plays in the denial of the problem. Let's be real, the black church is more about community than Jesus/religion. It always has been the crutch of the black community...and for that we should definitley be appreciative. However, the same church that preaches all that's in the bible (waiting until marriage to have sex aka abstinance) has a children's Sunday school comprised heavily of out-of-wedlock babies and teenage-mothered-babies. Soooo...let's deal with the problem by not tackling prevention, but fully support and condone it on the back end? Whatever, these preachers should consider providing the se.x education that these people are not getting at home or in school. And s.ex education does not = preaching abstinence.

I wonder if Jesse wants to cut off CNN's nuts now? CNN aired dirty laundry like nobody's business. Some folks are like, "well at least they're talking about it." Umm, black people, that was for us and about us. That show probably confirmed a lot of negative stereotypes/assumptions that others had about us (hell, it confirmed some things for me).

I'm a firm believer that if you are to change a problem, you start with self first. So if the documentary wants folks to dialogue and make change...we first need to tell woman with 5 kids, "I know you were depressed; however, you exasperated your situation by laying down with a man that doesn't care about you or his seeds...5 times. That is your fault." Or the girl having unprotected sex, "Honey, I'm glad you are lucky this time, but there are no more excuses for having unprotected sex...especially if you're not even sure if you like the guy."