This is in regard to a column by Clarence Page that appeared in the Aug. 10 Chicago Tribune.
I understand that the sponsors of TV shows try to make their commercials as appealing as possible. I also realize that ad agencies go about the business of putting the visions of perfect America in various mediums so that the general public can have a blueprint for a happy life. However, why does perfect black America appear in black magazines and music videos as white replicas–blacks with vague or nonexistent Negroid features?
When reading and viewing medium that is targeted for a black audience, we see countless examples of blacks who only represent a small segment of the black community. This is especially true of the women and girls used in these forms of advertising. We get angry when whites picture blacks in a certain manner However, is this how we see ourselves? Blacks come in a wide range of colors, sizes, hair lengths, eye types and intelligence. Why do we have such a ”color struck” attitude about ourselves? Do we have to be taught that
”black is beautiful” all over agian?
Let`s hear it for CBS and its token moves. I was always told that it pays well to be a token. But, there is no applause for the black media because they are not making any moves toward picturing total self-acceptance. A word to the wise: we are moving backwards, gentlemen!
