Please join us tonight for an insightful panel discussion with a cross-section of Black America discussing “What does it mean to be a Black man in America Today?”
Tonight’s program promises to be a particularly riveting discussion as it is our initial panel discussion. Please feel free to join us.
Please click on any of the links to join us tonight. The discussion will begin at 7:30 (EST) / 6:30 (CST)
Although I have never revealed these feelings to anyone. Do you know what I have always wanted to be? I have always wanted to be like my Uncle’s who sat on my grandmother’s front porches and engaged in hours upon hours of talk that covered black relationships, black family matters, black economics, the proliferation of drugs within our community.
From a very young age, I thought that the wisdom of my Uncles (Leon, A.C., Mulazim Abdul Rashid, Rikki, Jerry, Steve, James, Fats, Danny, Kenneth, Jeff, Gary, Clarence, David, and Arthur) was only superseded by my grandfathers (A.G. Young and James Thomas Jones Sr.) who knew everything because they had lived longer. At least that is how my childhood mind understood the world. Nevertheless, I yearned for the day that I would have lived enough life to have something substantial to contribute to what amounted to as A Gathering of Old Men, a designation that is also the title of one of my favorite Ernest J. Gaines books.
Although I am hundreds of miles away from my family, that does not lessen the fact that my time to sit on some unknown porch and talk about everything and nothing at all with a group of black men who assemble in the spirit of brotherhood. It is a privileged position to be in and one that I am excited to share with others who would like to experience a virtual community of brothers who are seeking to make sense out of this world that we live in. Let’s be honest about the fact that black men far too frequently seek to traverse the rugged terrain of America by themselves, it is a Herculean effort. An unnecessary Herculean effort that could be lightened with the support of willing brothers.
So, it is in the spirit of brotherhood that I heartily invite my brothers to join us in the Zoom broadcast of the show Who Did It To You.
Every Tuesday at 6:00 EST & 5:00 CST
I would really like to encourage the brothers to join us and interact with us as we try to decipher and survive what it means to be black man in America.
Please use the link below to join us.
Dr. James Thomas Jones III
EVERY TUESDAY
6:00 Eastern — 5:00 Central
Anyone possessing decent observation skills can attest to the volatile nature of Race and politics. It is a minefield that only a fool would rush into. In fact, one of the most reliable signs of an absence of wisdom is reckless entry into discussions of Race and politics.
In his poem An Essay on Criticism (1711), Alexander Pope wrote the following. “Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.” The above quote is a cautionary warning for people to avoid some arenas at all costs. Only the unwise among us will foolishly rush into such environs.
From all indications, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is that type of fool.
Just in case you missed it, DeSean Jackson decided to delve into matters far above his intellectual capacity via a Instagram post. The referenced post was a Adolph Hitler quote that Jackson alleged stated that white Jews “will blackmail America. [They] will extort America, their plan for world domination won’t work if the Negroes know who they were.” In a move that signals his desperation to make matters even worse for himself, Jackson doubled-down on his anti-Semitism by expressing admiration for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. It would be a gross understatement to state that powerful groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified Farrakhan as a controversial figure. Most groups consider him to be America’s foremost anti-Semite.
Now, I do not want you to think that I am seeking to curtail Jackson’s 1st Amendment rights, that is not my intention, however, I still wonder what the NFL wide receiver was thinking. A better question is why didn’t he consider the inevitable fallout from his controversial post. To truly understand why Jackson’s post was so unwise, one must understand that the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that employs Jackson, are owned by Jeffrey Lurie, a person of Jewish descent, and headed by general manager Howie Roseman, another person of Jewish descent. Were it not for the obvious opportunity that DeSean Jackson provided to Jewish America to usher anti-Semitism into the robust discussion that groups such as Black Lives Matter have ignited, he would have already been released from his contract and rendered a pariah to other teams. He would be similar to Colin Kaepernick.
I pity DeSean Jackson for his inability to understand that there is a gap between what black folk talk about privately and what they express publicly before “mixed company.” Anyone who has spent time in the private spaces that Blacks are able to speak candidly, will tell you that many of the things vocalized in barbershops, civic organizations, and even street corners are expressions of unbridled hatred; an essential ingredient in our desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of sanity while being victimized by racial bigotry and institutional racism. It is not a stretch to consider such venting sessions one of Black America’s grandest traditions. Trust me when I say that there is no topic nor population above being discussed during such sessions; truthfully, not even black males are immune to harsh criticism. Yes, it is common for Black men to harshly criticize and denounce the foolishness of other Black men behind closed doors. However, there is an unspoken rule all who are allowed to enter this safe space are expected to adhere to, that rule is what is discussed in these sacred spaces remains private. Apparently, no one told DeSean Jackson about this mandate.
To DeSean Jackson’s chagrin, a series of African-American sports commentators have publicly denounced his Instagram post as if they are appalled by its message. Rest assured that these same figures have either expressed or failed to contradict much of the anti-social phrase-mongering that organically occurs in these “safe spaces” for black men. The reason for their hypocrisy is their understanding that the espousal of anti-Semitism promises dire consequences for the fool who dares to articulate it in front of “mixed company.”
DeSean Jackson’s rapid backpedaling is an obvious sign that he has swiftly learned that there is not a single member of Black America, regardless of their fortune, renown, or so-called influence that can help him escape his current predicament. Yes, even the most powerful and mighty black people — Oprah Winfrey, Maxine Waters, Nick Cannon, Bob Johnson, Jay-Z, etc. — realizes that DeSean Jackson has foolishly rushed into turbulent waters that will consume all that enter them. I am sure that if the embattled wide receiver were to receive much-needed counsel from any of the above figures that their advice would amount to little more than a private statement of “Brother, you are on your own.”
As a black man, I consider it disgraceful to see DeSean Jackson issuing statements promising to “do better” as if he is a five-year-old being scolded by his parents. Apparently, Jackson now understands the cavernous gap between black folk venting about Jews and a host of other groups in private and how little power Black America possesses. Consider Jackson’s apology for a moment.
I want to apologize to the Jewish community, Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson, the Eagles organization and our fans for the insensitive and ill-informed posts that I shared on my social media. My intention was to uplift, unite and encourage our culture with positivity and light. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I unintentionally hurt the Jewish community in the process and for that I am sorry! Now more than ever we must work together to end discrimination of all types and against all people and communities.
This apology is more than just words — it is a promise to do better. I will fully educate myself and work with local and national organizations to be more informed and make a difference in our community. I will consider my words and actions going forward. I will seek out voices from other communities and listen to their words, thoughts and beliefs. In a time of division, I am committed to doing my part in making this world a better place for our children.
DeSean Jackson is only at the beginning of an important lesson regarding where the actual seats of power rest in this nation. It is a lesson that notable blacks learn on the road to success.
If reduced to its simplest form, the lesson is as follows. There are some issues and populations that Blacks are never to address negatively in the public arena. This inflexible rule is a consequence of Black America’s uncanny penchant for political disorganization, in-fighting, and self-hatred. Unfortunately, DeSean Jackson is only the most recent example of what occurs to those hailing from socioeconomically disassembled communities devoid of capable political leaders.
In light of DeSean Jackson’s predicament I am offering him a suitable definition of power.
Power: The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.
I am sure that if team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman choose to allow Jackson to continue his NFL career, DeSean Jackson will have learned two important lessons: (a) that there is not a single African-American possessing enough power and clout to save you from such a grievous issue and (b) the trouble that he now finds himself in is the reason that what is articulated in the safe spaces where black men assemble should never be shared with the outside world. These are hard lessons, yet one that may very well save his, your, and my professional career.
Dr. James Thomas Jones III
© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.
Brrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinng!
The above word is the first line of Richard Wright’s novel, Native Son. The famed Chicago Renaissance writer intended for the ringing alarm clock to serve the purpose that all alarm clocks serve, to wake this nation up. From Wright’s perspective, America needed to be awaken to its Race problem.
Although significant by itself, Wright’s Native Son is only one of a series of bridges that highlight America’s great tradition of racial bigotry. The resistance of David Walker’s Appeal, Frederick Douglass’ admonishments during a Fourth of July presentation, Anna Julia Cooper’s lamentations from the South, W.E.B. DuBois’ prophetic warning that “the problem of the 20th Century will be the color line” and a series of deaths all serve as reminders of America’s horrific history of racial animosity. The alluded to bridges have led us to the murder of George Floyd by so-called law enforcement officers who were deemed fit for employment by the Minneapolis Police Department.
Americans are no different from other groups in their desire to embrace traditions that portray them in a favorable light and distance themselves from grander traditions that depict them in a negative, yet accurate light. An unbiased review of the American historical record reveals White America as a collective of greedy, avaricious, ends-justify-the-means, racial bigots who have little problem turning a blind-eye toward genocide if it serves a larger purpose.
This consistent inconsistency is nothing new.
There is no greater depiction of America’s character than the following litany offered by Frederick Douglass nearly two-hundred years ago. Douglass characterized this nation in the following manner.
There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour. Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the old world, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the every day practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.
The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers in front of an attentive public is yet another reminder that Douglass’ words still ring true.
The optimistic side of me hopes that Douglass’ words will activate White America to take a serious look at its soul. A soul that has been formed in the midst of centuries of unconscionable acts of hatred, racial bigotry, and tyrannical rule.
Let me be clear on this matter, the genesis of America’s Race problem began with White America and the solution to it will come from that community as well. There are only two reasonable paths that Whites can take to achieve the above goal. They can either aid in the total destruction of Black America or turn inward with the full intention of executing a intra-racial Civil War designed to exterminate unsavory portions of their community. A process that would call for them to address the bigotry of close family members, political leaders, and associates. It is obvious that there is no way that White bigots and Blacks are going to ever peacefully coexist within the same country.
I resist with every fiber of my being the white rage that leads so many of my Black countrymen to view Whites’ as a monolithic population whose foremost priority is the extermination of Blacks. My personal experience prevents me from embracing this daunting perspective. Yet, I am firmly entrenched in the belief that the only population capable of stomping out America’s grand tradition of racial bigotry and hatred is White America. Put simply; it is time that White America regulated its own citizens as there are segments of White America that are impenetrable to outsiders.
I am certain that it is within these socialization centers where the most virulent racial bigots are created by a daunting narrative that masquerades the evil-doings of White heroes and heroines for the extension of White privilege. This can only be eradicated by our White countrymen. The failure of White America to get its house in order makes the public lynching of Black men such as George Floyd an inevitability.
The ability to end racial bigotry and the cascade of ills that flow from it is found within a White America whose power and privilege rests on its existence. Trust me when I say that the alluded to conundrum is not new. It is the same issue that faced abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and John Brown. I hope that White America will realize it and get busy cleaning their own house; however, I have little hope that they will.
After all, racial tyranny is one of their grandest traditions and its destruction will come at a steep cost that I am unsure that they are willing to pay for the sake of freedom, liberty, and justice.
Dr. James Thomas Jones III
© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.
Although difficult to admit, there are very few segments of American society that are not monopolized by wealthy White men. If the lyrics of James “the hardest working man in showbiz” Brown could be called into question for inaccuracy, his assertion that “This is a man’s world…” should have been sung “This is a White man’s world…” One needs to look no further than the politics behind the latest National Football League (NFL) initiative to increase the number of African-Americans in its coaching ranks to understand why I think James Brown’s lyrics should have been altered.
An industry that topped $16,000,000,000 (yes, that is 16 Billion dollars) prior to the arrival of the Coronavirus is composed of approximately seventy-percent Black players, yet very few Black Head Coaches and fewer General Managers. As I am sure that you can understand, this inadequacy is of supreme importance to a sports league desperate to avoid another racially-tinged public relations nightmare in the post-Kaepernick era. The NFL diversity committee was created to deal with this issue.
The above committee’s lone objective is to help the NFL achieve some level of diversity. I am certain that those sitting on this committee never imagined how difficult it is to get wealthy White men to do something that they have never considered, valuing diversity within their NFL team. I imagine that the following statements can be applied to elite White men who have amassed enough wealth to purchase an NFL team.
If members of the NFL diversity committee understood the impossibility of their task, I am sure that they have had a string of sleepless nights.
Their task?
Compelling elite White males who have never considered Blacks to be on equal footing with them in any arena to hire them as General Managers or Head Coaches. Rest assured that this is not the NFL’s initial attempt at addressing issues of diversity within the league. The Rooney Rule was created for this purpose. It forced NFL owners to interview at least one minority candidate in their search for a new head coach. Obviously, the Rooney Rule has achieved less than desired results as only four Blacks serve as head coaches of NFL teams and only two occupy General Manager positions at the present moment.
The above failure raises the predictable question of what can the NFL do to defuse a ticking public relations timebomb. The NFL diversity committee is hoping that the rewarding of NFL franchises with better draft picks for hiring Blacks in leadership positions will incentivize owners to embrace at least a surface-level form of diversity.
If it were not so sad, it would be hilarious that a league that primarily rests on the physicality of Black bodies is filled with elite White owners who believe that Black excellence begins below the shoulders; meaning in non-thinking areas. Not long ago, Black players were not considered for the quarterback position because it requires above the shoulder (thinking/mental) capabilities; meaning the ability to quickly process information. Possessors of such racial bigotry do not have to make a giant leap to reason that since Blacks do not possess the mental capabilities to be great quarterbacks, they also do not possess the makings of a great head coach or general manager. It does not matter that such idiocy does not rest on an iota of science, these thoughts have real-world consequences as they guide the decisions of NFL franchise owners.
Rarely do powerful White men realize that the privilege that served as an incredible springboard to their elite status is akin to being a pinch-runner placed on third-base with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of game 7 of the World Series. Unless everything goes wrong, they will certainly score the game-winning run and be celebrated as if it were their efforts, skills, and ingenuity that earned them that place in history. In the end, all that matters in their mind is that they scored the winning run.
Born into a world of privilege, it is easy to understand why NFL franchise owners see no value in diversity away from the playing field. Contextualized by self-serving and comforting sayings such as “the cream always rises to the top,” NFL team owners reason that just as Blacks have proven their superiority in below the shoulders activities, Whites have proven their superiority in above the shoulder activities.
Unfortunately for the purveyors of such thinking, their argument is seriously flawed. There are hundreds of individuals, the vast majority of them former athletes who happen to be Black, whose experience has provided them with enough knowledge of football that they are more than capable of assuming a leadership position within any NFL franchise. The vast majority of the aforementioned individuals will never receive the opportunity. Black players must be frustrated at their inability to break through a reinforced glass ceiling that has nothing to do with sports and their ability to head an NFL franchise.
It appears that for the vast majority of NFL team owners that Blacks are simply “not a good fit.” This is a polite way of saying that White owners are “less than comfortable” being around Black men. It is this comfort level that allows White candidates to continually knock their interviews out of the park and Black candidates struggle to a point that they are not hired. Such results have less to do with the inadequacies of Black candidates and more to do with elite White males’ inability to envision such men as the face of their organization.
I wish the NFL Diversity Committee much luck in their attempts to develop incentives sufficient enough to compel elite White males to embrace a modicum of diversity. It is a daunting task that requires them to concede that the only worldview that they have ever known may be an incorrect lens.
Let’s be honest about the fact that elite White males achieved success because of the absence of competition from other groups, not because of it. Nonetheless, diversity is a hard sell to a group of people who do not recognize such obvious realities. They believe that it was their hard work, ingenuity, cunning strategies, and attention to detail that explains their voluminous financial success. I wish that I could tell a figure like Stephen Jones, the son of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, that his success is not due to any of the above factors, it is “due to the fact that your daddy owned the company. Nothing more and nothing less.”
This entire situation reiterates one thing for certain. “This is a White man’s world…”
Dr. James Thomas Jones III
© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.