The belief that blacks and whites should/could have separate facilities as long as they are "equal" is an oxymoron to me. Now its just my opinion but at the same time being pro black when its "down" or you want to be "hip" doesn't work for me. At the same time being pro black does not mean you are anti-white. I agree that shows like BET should exist because it gives the Black Community a platform to show their art, whether that's music, movies, or sitcoms that mirror the existing living conditions in our communities. Some may say that BET, HBCU's, and black student unions aren't needed any more. I disagree. I don't believe these things create separation. All of these organizations and platforms were created to give African Americans and outlet for their art. This is an excerpt from dialogue on facebook from my younger brother explaining why platforms like BET and organizations like The Black Panther Party were created and are still needed. Read and as always, share your thoughts with the Barbershop.
"We understand that other cultures and people have experienced hate...the problem happens when people walk against our liberty to celebrate our culture...our people in the midst of overcoming what we have gone through. The celebration of my people in entertainment, food, and culture does not automatically mean the hate of others. Things like BET give us a platform to celebrate our talents when other venues like the Oscars continue to remind us that we are a marginalized people. When we say or when we show that black lives, talent, and resources matter it is not suggesting that all other lives don't. Instead, it's saying that for far too long we have been left out of the all lives matter narrative. For far too long we have watched everyone else celebrated from kitchens, fields, and back doors. When we celebrate ourselves through our platforms we are simply saying that we matter along with everyone else..."- Anthony Whaley
"We understand that other cultures and people have experienced hate...the problem happens when people walk against our liberty to celebrate our culture...our people in the midst of overcoming what we have gone through. The celebration of my people in entertainment, food, and culture does not automatically mean the hate of others. Things like BET give us a platform to celebrate our talents when other venues like the Oscars continue to remind us that we are a marginalized people. When we say or when we show that black lives, talent, and resources matter it is not suggesting that all other lives don't. Instead, it's saying that for far too long we have been left out of the all lives matter narrative. For far too long we have watched everyone else celebrated from kitchens, fields, and back doors. When we celebrate ourselves through our platforms we are simply saying that we matter along with everyone else..."- Anthony Whaley