The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

Pictures of both past politicians and future political hopefuls have always been a great way to score some points with potential voters. “Awww, such a powerful man cares enough to hold the wittle children” is what goes through the minds of many individuals when they see such a sight. Nevermind the fact that the moment this individual steps into his heavily-guarded motorcade, he would have completely forgotten about the child and the parent who let him hold him for the “money shot” of the day. Although we know this to be true, we still love to fantasize about a politician who cares enough to give us individual attention.

With every election cycle, we are constantly told by the media that the Black vote is the sole key for any party to win elections. What we do not hear is that ANY voting block (be it based on ethnicity, religion, trade, etc.) is just as important…

…or is it?

I submit to you that the main reason why “the Black vote” has been billed as the most crucial voting block has very little to do with numbers and more about what it represents. In the political world, social and academic circles around the country, no matter what progress has been made, the Black community will always be viewed as the descendants of slaves. In other words, we are the embodiment of victimhood — of robbed innocence. So whatever party can gain most of that vote, that party can portray itself as a “true” shelter and refuge for victims everywhere. Also, by gaining this particular voting block, that political party has gained a fabricated version of moral authority that empowers them to shame other parties for never “doing enough”—all while they themselves do just enough to keep this “baby” from crying–never encouraging this baby to grow up into an INDEPENDENT man.

Quick! Our baby is drowning!

While there had been more than several natural disasters that have struck mostly White areas since Katrina, the coverage of this storm that struck the Gulf coast a few years ago by far received the most attention and became the center of many debates and discussions. The media also took the opportunity to boost ratings by focusing on one group of victims: Black folks. The media knew full well by targeting this demographic, they were in full control of some of the most deepest emotions held by most Americans regarding race. By targeting these “descendants of slaves”, the story became more sensationalized and ripe for emotionally-fueled ratings. Nevermind the fact that it was Whites who were more affected by Katrina than Blacks. The main reason why the “White” factor was minimized is because of the fact that we as a nation expect White folks to rebound. For Black folks (again, the descendants of slaves—the same slaves that endured far worse), the expectancy is much lower–even amongst other Blacks.

As the nation debated the issues of race and class, these exchanges were regularly seasoned with pictures of crying and angry Black folks along with an incompetent mayor who blamed everyone but himself. Instead of holding Mayor Nagin to any level of responsibility for his failures, many Liberal White folks (and Blacks) gave him a huge dosage of “atta-boy’s” while telling him “That’s okay, we understand. After all, you are Black”. At the same time, the nearest White men in authority (Former FEMA director Michael Brown and President Bush) were quickly made into the sacrificial lamb– one who would take upon themselves all the sins of slavery and racial injustice for this country. How could these White men forget these poor Black folks–the descendants of slaves? Reporters such as CNN’s Wolf Blitzer kept the Black baby tear-fest going with his “…so poor, so Black” comment. Fox News reporter Geraldo Rivera did his part by yelling into a camera while holding up a crying Black baby to his face. Shepherd Smith also got into the act by reminding viewers several times that most of the victims were “Black” (which again was only true in New Orleans).

Fast forward to 2007 where the town of Greensburg, Kansas has been for the most part completely wiped off of the map. While there may be some serious differences between Greensburg and what took place in New Orleans, the fact remains that once again we have witnessed the destruction of an American city by nature. But there is one difference I have noticed. How many reporters have you seen placing a strong emphasis on the race of these victims? Have you heard anybody say “…so poor, so White?”. Any crying babies held up to the camera by aggressive reporters? Any linkages being made to past history? I bet you would be hard-pressed to hear of one conspiracy theory. You will not hear any of these things simply because as I mentioned earlier, we expect these White folks to rebound. Just like the many White victims of Katrina, we expect them to have the inner-fortitude needed to get together and rebuild without playing the sympathy card.

For Black people, just hand them a pacifier while another bottle is being warmed up. Mommy’s coming, shuga.

Time to expect more of ourselves because politicians and mainstream media will not.