Brown v Monkey

A political cartoon is misinterpreted and African American organizations and their talking heads immediately see an opportunity to make noise. Meanwhile, a famous black woman is beat down by her equally famous black boyfriend and commentary in the black community centers around, "What did she do to cause it?" Why are some African Americans so cowardly when it comes to addressing black-on-black violence? There is no end to the activists' displays of outrage when racism is perceived. Yet, the silence is deafening, drowned out only by the hypocrisy and ignorance when the perpetrator is black. Rupert Murdoch may be public enemy number one for the progressive community, but he and his posse at The New York Post are not sanctioning the abuse and killing of black women. The beating Rihanna experienced at the hands of Chris Brown was tragic, but definitely not uncommon. The leading cause of death for African American women ages 15 to 45 is intimate partner homicide. Yes, black men are killing young black women in such high numbers it beats out accidents and every illness you can imagine. Where is the outrage? Where is the boycott? Where is the speech? I have never received a call to action email on behalf of black women affected by domestic abuse – at a rate 35% higher than our white counterparts. When the Chris Brown incident became public where was the cry for attention to this issue by the megaphoniacs? The only commentary posted on CNN.com was written by Leslie Steiner, while one of the most prominent black CNN contributors was ranting about Valentine's Day.  Michael Basden had an 'enlightening' exchange on his radio show about if they should even be discussing the incident. If? Really, Michael? Would he ask that question if a white cop beat up a black boy? Absolutely not. Some will say it is not fair to compare the monkey cartoon to the "Chrianna" event or police brutality to domestic abuse. It is about priorities, people. It is time to stop hiding our dirty laundry in the closet or making excuses for it. Black-on-black violence is decimating our communities and has been for quite some time. An apology from the New York Post is not going to save the life of any black person. Imagine if the NAACP had publicly pulled support for Chris Brown's nomination for an Image Award similar to what Wrigley's Doublemint Gum and the Got Milk campaign did by removing him as a spokesperson? Maybe, just maybe, one young black male would learn an important lesson – never hit a woman. How can gum and milk peddlers have more integrity about their images than the NAACP Image Awards? It is time for the black community to adopt a zero tolerance policy against domestic abuse. Bottom-line, what Chris Brown did to Rihanna was a teachable moment - an opportunity for the black community to coalesce and show the world we are taking action to address a pressing issue affecting us all. Cartoon-gate is a misguided media stunt that will further create a chilling effect on free speech and ultimately have little impact on the lives of black people. To my friends at Colorofchange.org, Al Sharpton's National Action Network, and the NAACP please put the protest signs down and refocus the media spotlight on issues that actually matter. If you have to boycott something, boycott Chris Brown.

Comments

[OclifT]

First saw this blog on Huff Post. What I would like to know is where you came up with that statement about black men being the number one killer of black women. According to what I have been able to find out, the #1 killer of black women would be AIDS/HIV.
The only source that I could find to support your statement is a study that is over 10 years old and linked to the web-site of the Council of Conservative Citizens. You do know what they are about don't you? Here's the link:
http://blog24-7communications.org/2007/06/23/femicide-leading-cause-of-death-for-young-black-women.aspx

[Patrick]

You start with this puzzling statement: "A political cartoon is misinterpreted and African American organizations and their talking heads immediately see an opportunity to make noise."

Misinterpreted? Your command of the English language tells me that you are capable of parsing this sentence: “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” SOMEONE, right? Not, ANOTHER group of politicians.

But you stepped up to the crux of the issue, regarding the treatment of Black women by Black men. You hit the nail on the head.

I am alarmed about the statistics that you quote. I would like to pursue that some more.

Thanks for raising the issue.

[DB]

While it is important to address the issue of domestic violence in any community, conflating this important issue with a lack of perception about racism and the role of some black leaders draws attention away from this important topic. It is also curious that it seems neccessary to condemn the entire community. My husband and I have taught our sons, who happen to be African American, about respecting all women and respecting themselves. And, as educators, we have supported and seen young African American males support women and condemn those males who participate in domestic violence.

Let the facts speak for themselves. Stop taking the easy route of a red herring or ad hominenm. It not an issue of fairness but of accuracy and preciseness and just plain old effective persuasion, if that is your intent.

It is easy to attack what other leaders don't do or what you would have them do just as the Republicans are doing right now. In fact, the black community and its leaders are an easy target to attack with blanket negative statements. It is more difficult but, at least honest, to lead the way yourself. Applaud the work done around the cartoon or ignore it. Then lead with purpose and focus your own concern. Attack those who actually commit and support domestic violence and see the long line of black supporters going all the way back to Frederick Douglass (who happened to be a feminist).

[Michael]

This is a ridiculous comparison. You are comparing an issue that stretches across all races and ethnicities to something that was an apparent attempt to find sick humor in trying to associate our black president to an ape. Next time, please think clearly on what you say since now all the right wing news media are using your comments as a vehicle to justify the cartoon and the reaction as being another attempt by the left wing at being too PC. Hope you enjoy your new career as a Fox News analyst.

[F.Williams]

In your article you stated: "The leading cause of death for African American women ages 15 to 45 is intimate partner homicide. Yes, black men are killing young black women in such high numbers it beats out accidents and every illness you can imagine." What is the source of your data? As a Thanatologist with over 36 years dealing with the subject of morality statistics these are new to me. I only question the data used because remember black male have been said to be prone to rape, and grow tails after midnight. I'm just concerned that your not promulgating another lie that will take on a life of its own. In no way do I minimize your out rage, however, the data you used to make your point is questionable.

[Jehmu]

Stats are from the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (University of Minnesota)

http://www.dvinstitute.org/Index.html

[F.Williams]

This is what the stats say:

• In a nationally representative survey conducted in 1996, 29% of African
American women and 12% of African American men reported at least one instance of violence from an intimate partner.1
• African Americans account for a disproportionate number of intimate
partner homicides. In 2005, African Americans accounted for almost 1/3
of the intimate partner homicides in this country.2
• Black women comprise 8% of the U.S. population but in 2005 accounted
for 22% of the intimate partner homicide victims and 42% of all female
victims of intimate partner homicide.2
• Intimate partner homicides among African Americans have declined sharply in the last 30 years. Partner homicides involving a black man or a black woman decreased from a high of 1529 in 1976 to 475 in 2005, for a
total decline of 72%.2
• Intimate partner deaths have decreased most dramatically among black men. From 1976-1985, black men were more likely than black women to be a victim of domestic homicide; by 2005, black women were 2.4 times
more likely than a black male to murdered by their partners. Over this period, intimate partner homicides declined by 80% for black men vs. 63% for black women.2 1.Tjaden, P. & Thoennes, N. (2000). Extent, nature, and consequences of intimate partner violence: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Washington, DC.: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. 2. Bureau of Justice Statistics Homicide Trends in the U.S.: Trends in
Intimate Homicides Source: FBI,supplementary Homicide Reports,1976-2005. (Available at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/intimates.htm)

Again not to minimize the topic just want to make sure the information is being presented ) accurately.