Where is Our Artistry?

“A people who ignore their artists are placing themselves in grave jeopardy. No society or culture can afford to ignore the most truly creative among them without detrimental effects.” Daniel Aldridge, 1988

Hypothetical Situation

Imagine you are on your way to the local university. You have been invited to participate in a focus group studying the positive and negative aspects of popular culture. Certainly, not the usual way you would spend a Saturday afternoon, but a good friend recommended you to the authors of the study. So, what the hell? You are a reasonably conscientious person and you welcome the chance to share your views.

When you arrive, you soon recognize that you are the only African-American in a group consisting of twelve people. Eight members are Caucasian and the others are Hispanic, Arab and Asian. The gender balance is fine, but the racial imbalance makes you slightly uncomfortable. After some awkward small-talk amongst the group, a professor comes into the room, introduces himself and announces the subject of inquiry will be an analysis of how black music impacts cultural standards. As the lights dim and the projection screen illuminates, you see the lead-in to what will be a montage of music videos.

“Oh, no,” you say to yourself, feeling somewhat apprehensive. This can go one of two ways.

1. The study takes the high road and features the many talented black artists, who have something to say – but whose work is largely kept outside the mainstream?
2. Or, they do exactly what you expect and devote two hours to the exclusive showing of rap videos.

All your worst fears are confirmed when the Yin-Yang Twins first appear on the screen and you hear the familiar, “Haaaaagn!” What follows is a barrage of misogynistic, brutish and profane images. See them in your Mind’s eye. Now, contemplate the thoughts that would be going through your head in that darkened room, as you bear witness to the debasing of African-American culture and artistry. It is funny how these videos do not seem as harmless and entertaining in mixed company. You are deeply embarrassed and scrambling to find a way to defend what you have just seen. However, the words escape you. Why? Well . . . because some things are entirely unworthy of defense.

The Case

I challenge anyone to disprove my conviction that we are the most brilliant and creative race in the world. We are the forbearers of all that is known to be scientific, cultural and artistic. Siphoning off our genius has been the path to advancement for our earthly cohabitants. Learn your history. Such has been the case since the dawn of civilization and such will be the case until the end of days. So, with that being said: why is the breadth of our creative genius being deliberately excluded from the mainstream media? There are a wealth of talented and conscientious artists that are doing their thing. Good music is out there; however, many industry chieftains consider its musicianship and penchant for positive messages a “bad investment.” Why?

No disrespect to the rap industry, but did African-American self-expression begin the first time someone recited rhymes over samples of original music? I have to ask, because if you turn on your television, you may very well believe this to be the case. My contention is that there is a veritable blackout on music and videos that do not perpetuate the prevailing negative characterization of the African-American experience.

It does not take much imagination to conjure up the well-worn stereotypes. Apparently, the lowest common denominator in thought, expression and behavior is in keeping with the “demise agenda.” Therefore, it dominates the cultural landscape. Its reinforcement is as constant as it is demoralizing. The glorification of “Niggerdom” is the new millennium noose – but this time around we are complicit in our own destruction. You see this, don’t you?

Case in point: forget the gangsta-lifestyle, bling, violence and all manner of boundless ignorance seen in some rap videos – that is much too easy a target. Instead, let us focus on a much more corrosive issue. Name another race of people that intentionally dehumanizes their own women on the world’s stage. Any answers? . . . Hello? . . . Exactly! In fact, most other races demonstrate excesses in the preservation and defense of feminine honor. Oh, but not the “original” man, at least, in so far as what is depicted in contemporary music and video. These images, over time, strip away every strand of dignity through which our women are viewed. We send other races the message that since we devalue our own – why not join in the desecration of the Black Madonna as well.

Yes, the superiority of the black woman’s beauty and stature is without equal in all the world. Yes, MC “lo-IQ,” I am with you 100% in the admiration of her goddess-attributes. However, there is a right and a wrong way to showcase one so sublime. Your way has proven to be quite carnal and unimaginative. If you lack the intelligence and artistic insight to do our sisters justice, then keep your songs in the studio and your film in the can, before your work becomes the standard by which we all are judged. A true artist would know this without having to be told.

We are a resurgent people, destined to reclaim our original glory. However, there are still collective demons yet to be overcome. Therefore, those from among our ranks who hold themselves out to be artists bear an enormous responsibility. Their works are seen to be symbolic of the soul of the race. Images shape our perception of reality. My hope is that our standard-bearers will illuminate what is best in us and resist the ease and temptation of resorting to chauvinism and buffoonery. Am I naïve in this expectation? If so, I’ll keep crusading as long as there is a need.

Ultimately, accountability lies with each of us. Will you allow your voice to be heard on this issue? Our honor as a people hangs in the balance. Choose life!

Darius Jones
Creator
9Ether News