During a recent conversation with co-workers we discussed how people used to be ashamed or embarrassed when the news selected the craziest looking person to interview in a crowd. the black people always had rollers in their hair, ill fitting clothes, and spoke broken English. We just KNEW that the reporter had bypassed Randall Pinkett and Ursula Burnes dressed for work in favor of someone who fit a stereotype. WE JUST KNEW IT! That must have been at least a generation ago. Now what happens is that those same embarrassments aren’t just accepted…they’re catapulted into fame and celebrity. Antoine Dodson, Sweet Brown, the kapoyah lady. We’re (we being me and mine) have become convinced that ratchedness and poor behavior draws attention. People amp it up to get more attention. It’s true. Look at reality tv. Have you realized that they think amped up is normal?
When I returned to work following surgery this week, my co-worker asked if I’d seen the story about the newly rescued kidnapped women in Cleveland. I’d heard. But his conversation was all about Charles Ramsey and how he thought he was “amping” up the foolishness in an effort to be the next news story hood sensation.
I relayed that belief to someone and they disagreed and sent me the link to judge for myself. At this point I had heard about the story but not yet seen any interviews. Well when I clicked the link there was no video…only sound…and I was impressed! He said things like “it didn’t register…” and his diction was clear! WHAT WAS MY COWORKER TALKING ABOUT?!?!?!?!?!?
Then I went to Facebook and saw the picture comparing Charles Ramsey to one of Eddie Murphy’s characters from Coming to America and realized what happened. The man SOUNDED intelligent and looked like ratchedness would come out of his mouth at any moment. Then I started seeing the jokes and hearing the mixes. Sigh We just can’t win….but I’m damn sure we’re getting closer. If Charles Ramsey had been one of a group of rescuers I’m sure that the reporters still would have zeroed in on him expecting another foolish black person to giggle at. They’ll be surprised when he opens his mouth and an intelligent person comes out.
