What promises to be a groundbreaking documentary series, CNN Presents: Black in America will begin today with "The Black Woman & Family."
Soledad O'Brien has spent close to a year exploring the varied experiences of black women and families.
Some of the topics the CNN team explores are the reasons behind the disturbing statistics on single parenthood, disparities between black and white students in the classroom and the progress of black women in the workplace, in universities and the status of the black middle class.
In this interview clip, Soledad talks about what
she hopes viewers will take away from the series.
CNN Presents: Black in America Web site
2 comments:
I saw this morning your short discussion and clip about health care for blacks. Perhaps I am posting a comment too early, as the show has not aired. I just felt the need to say, as an RN, the problems in accessing healthcare encountered by lower socioeconomic classes is NOT only a "black" issue. There are also many "whites" who have a tremendous problem finding affordable healthcare in the system as it is today. My own father, who worked all his life paying social security and Medicare to the government, cannot find a physician who will take a new Medicare patient. This being the case, my father may have to visit the emergency room as it may be his only alternative to a primary care physician. Please do not make or imply that healthcare is a "black/white" issue, it reaches far beyond that boundary.
After watching the segment about the young father of 2 that was on an exhaustive job search, I wanted to say something. I felt so sorry for him. It broke my heart. The young man was obviously a good person and knew how to dress for an interview. However, this won't be a popular thing to say, but it should be said. I wanted to be his mentor. I would have helped him with his diction. He would get alot further in his search for a better paying job if he sounded more educated,or "white". I know that is "politically incorrect" to say that. But I challenge you to do an experiment. Send 2 black men, with the same credentials, on the same job interview. Have one speak like the young man in the program and the other speak w/a well-educated, intelligent "sounding" cadence. I'll bet there is a difference. If there was a program for these black men where they could be given some pointers and diction lessons, they might do better. Oprah speaks very well, but can flip into the "black" accent when she feels like it. I am NOT coming from a racist point of view. I'm talking about what employers, in general, want to hire. Ofcourse, there will always be the idiots that treat the blacks poorly. As an employer, I want you to know that I had a very bad experience after hiring a young black lady. I had no preconcieved ideas about black vs white. Things went south in only 2 weeks. I never experienced such a problem. Now, I'm very frightened of dealing w/that ever again. I'd be glad to share the story w/you, if you'd like. Joan
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