Why Tom Brokaw Was In Jackson — Airs Sunday, July 23

Jackson Free Press

Sunday, July 23, 2006

New York, N.Y. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were images that shocked America and the world. Not just the damage caused by the storm, but the sight of people left behind: inner-city blacks stranded by poverty, neglect, and failure from above and below. It's been almost a year since the storm, but in black neighborhoods across America, the same desperate conditions still exist. In the upcoming "Tom Brokaw Reports: Separate and Unequal," Brokaw travels to 200 miles north of New Orleans to Jackson, Miss., for an in-depth report on race and poverty, airing on Sunday, July 23 at 7 PM/ET on NBC.

Jackson was just brushed by Katrina, but it struggles every day with the ongoing issues of race in America. Jackson has many examples of great progress: a black mayor; a black editor in chief at its daily newspaper; a black professional class sending children to elite universities. However, Jackson also has thousands of blacks who are every bit as stranded as the people in New Orleans, and millions of others across the country.

"Separate and Unequal" is an honest look at the progress that's been made, and the problems that persist, 40 years after the civil rights movement. It focuses on several students at an inner city high school in Jackson, and follows them from last fall through the school year, showing first hand how problems like poverty, teen pregnancy, absentee fathers, and drug addiction play out in the lives of young people. Brokaw interviews students, parents, and teachers, as well as members of Jackson's black elite as they grapple with the problems of neighborhoods they had left behind. In addition, the broadcast explores the sometimes-surprising ways in which whites did or didn't choose to help.

David Corvo is the executive producer of "Separate and Unequal." Joe Delmonico and Shoshana Guy are the producers; Bruce Burger and Sam Casalino are the editors; Rayner Ramirez is the field producer; Liz Bowyer is an additional producer; and Erika Beck is the associate producer.

Previous Comments

ID: 87853
Comment: *sigh* There goes the progress, out the window.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-17T17:53:50-06:00

ID: 87854
Comment: Not necessarily. It demands on how it's done. The secrets of our inner cities *need* to be revealed. Makes me nervous, though, any time a network sends a crew to send a few days, or weeks, trying to explain what's going on here—not because they shouldn't, but because they so often don't get the story right.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-17T17:59:52-06:00

ID: 87855
Comment: I'll definately watch this. I'm interested in an outside perspective, for better or for worse. One thing that annoys me about the publicity blurb, though, is how it seem to depict "blacks" as just utterly powerless over their own lives. For example: "...inner-city blacks stranded by poverty, neglect, and failure from above and below" "Jackson also has thousands of blacks who are every bit as stranded as the people in New Orleans" "...the broadcast explores the sometimes-surprising ways in which whites did or didn't choose to help" I'm not saying there isn't truth in these statements -- of course there is. But isn't there any acknowledgement of the power of black people to shape their own futures? The tenor of the blurb is that white people are the "helpers" (or non-helpers) and black people are the victims. Again, I fully understand that there are real issues, and I am looking forward to seeing the piece. But I just grow weary of this overarching impression that black people are powerless people.
Author: GLB
Date: 2006-07-17T18:09:35-06:00

ID: 87856
Comment: One thing that annoys me about the publicity blurb, though, is how it seem to depict "blacks" as just utterly powerless over their own lives. Yeah, I caught that, too, GLB. That's why I'm worried about the tone. The film "Mississippi Burning" fell into the same trap—that's how you ended up with all white heroes. In other words, I agree with you. Of course, this is press puffery -- but it is telling to see how they sell a piece about us. I expect not to be pleased by the piece, but we'll see. You know me; I'll be honest either way. And everyone show up here afterward with your opinions about it. I'm supposed to get a "screener" tomorrow, so you may hear my opinion before then.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-17T18:16:21-06:00

ID: 87857
Comment: Moi? I'm pessimistic about any outsiders trying to find the truth. That's just me.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-17T18:27:50-06:00

ID: 87858
Comment: I guess we'll all see soon enough. I do understand that this is just the promo, and maybe Tom will be more comprehensive in his approach.
Author: GLB
Date: 2006-07-17T18:35:02-06:00

ID: 87859
Comment: Hmmm....I want to see this story before I have any specific comments on the broadcast itself. However, I do have this general comment on the press release. Jackson, and Mississippi, in addition to a large population of poor blacks also has a very large population of poor whites. Guess what guys, this is a poor state with lots of poor people...black and white. Of course, since Jackson is majority black, the city itself will have a greater number of poor blacks. But if you take a look around the state, you will find huge numbers of poor whites. I don't know the exact figures, but I believe there are more white people on public assistance in Mississippi than black people. I hate to say this, but it's stories like this and our reputation that sometimes make me ashamed to admit I'm from here. I wonder what it feels like to tell people you're from Vermont, or Colorado or Nevada?
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-17T20:09:48-06:00

ID: 87860
Comment: I'm with my better half here. I mean, it's really hard to trust an outsider with what's really going on here. By the time they're finished, we usually end up as uneducated, shoeless, racist pigs. I can hope it turns out good, but I still don't trust them.
Author: Lady Havoc
Date: 2006-07-17T23:12:13-06:00

ID: 87861
Comment: My understanding several years ago was that there were more whites living in poverty in Mississippi but that black poverty was more extreme. That may still be the case. My concern about this piece is that it may convey that black poverty is exclusively or essentially a Southern problem, allowing for smugness and therefore inattention in other locales. If only one child in America is deprived by circumstance of a chance at the American dream that is one child too many and we are all diminished.
Author: Grumbler
Date: 2006-07-18T12:58:01-06:00

ID: 87862
Comment: Certainly, Peter, the New York media love to dump on Mississippi, no doubt. We become the junkyard where they too often try to assauge their own guilt. That doesn't mean we don't need to have these conversations; we do. That's why I'm such a big advocate of telling our own stories—with brutal honesty and love.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-18T13:40:08-06:00

ID: 87863
Comment: Ironhorse, I get nervous when I hear comments with the label "outsider," your reference to the visit to this State by Brokaw and other journalist. This was the tone and label by White Mississippians for Freedom Riders during the 60s. They were called "outsiders" agitators, communist, nigger lovers and a host of other things no befitting for the youngsters who traveled far to help MS with issues of unfair, unequal conditions along with pain and suffering brought on by racist thoughts and actions of others.
Author: justjess
Date: 2006-07-18T15:52:29-06:00

ID: 87864
Comment: Dear JustJess, I resent deeply your implication. Ironghost
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-18T16:57:59-06:00

ID: 87865
Comment: justjess, I understand your point, but IG didn't call these guys agitators, communists, "N"-lovers, etc. etc. etc. He just called them outsiders. And I have to say I agree to a certain extent. Not that someone from out of state can't do a good story on a major Mississippi social problem; just that doing it based on two days of work, with all assumptions already in place before the visit, seems less likely to generate a useful result. I also share Peter's concerns about the way these kinds of studies tend to overlook the national problems of racism and social stratification. Cheers, TH
Author: Tom Head
Date: 2006-07-18T16:59:03-06:00

ID: 87866
Comment: Jackson has many examples of great progress: a black mayor; The idea that the current mayor represents "great progress" just because he's black has to be deeply offensive to those of us who have been following what I can only call his antics. I'm not at all sanguine about how this piece is going to come out, although I'll probably record it and watch it later on (I won't be in town when it's broadcast on Sunday). Best, Tim
Author: Tim Kynerd
Date: 2006-07-18T21:05:21-06:00

ID: 87867
Comment: Jackson has many examples of great progress: a black mayor; The idea that the current mayor represents "great progress" just because he's black has to be deeply offensive to those of us who have been following what I can only call his antics. I'm not at all sanguine about how this piece is going to come out, although I'll probably record it and watch it later on (I won't be in town when it's broadcast on Sunday). Best, Tim
Author: Tim Kynerd
Date: 2006-07-18T21:05:31-06:00

ID: 87868
Comment: Guys, I'm sorry. I don't regret either of those comments, but I wouldn't have posted both of them under normal circumstances. I got an error when I tried to post them (as I'm sure I will with this comment too), so I didn't think either of them had posted until I checked the most recent comments list on the front page. Best, Tim
Author: Tim Kynerd
Date: 2006-07-18T21:09:18-06:00

ID: 87869
Comment: Plus, where I thought I had posted two different comments, it turns out they're both the same! :-( Can someone clean up the mess I inadvertently made? Thanks, Tim
Author: Tim Kynerd
Date: 2006-07-18T21:10:29-06:00

ID: 87870
Comment: I'd rather wait to see the documentary before I make a judgment call. I do hope that this will open up some meaningful dialogue among our own.
Author: LatashaWillis
Date: 2006-07-19T07:26:58-06:00

ID: 87871
Comment: Regarding NBC's coming to Jackson. I can save them a lot of money and time. Here's what they'll find: A huge number of blacks and whites living in poverty of their own making. Largest problems: unmarried mothers, teenage mothers, dyseducation/noneducation/dropout education, "families" without fathers, drug abuse, unemployment (secondary to all the previously cited problems), cycles of dependency and despondency, violence, failure of black and white churches to preach against these behaviors, failure of the government to "force" dependents to work (see Monday's issue of USA Today and welfare reform), and the failure of our government to hold sperm-donors responsible for their "products of conception." Guess what? Mr. Brokaw can cancel his trip to Jackson and visit New York City, Detroit, St. Louis, LA, Houston, Philadelphia and find the exact same picture. But that wouldn't make self-righteous liberals "blame" these failures on Southern racism. The real problem of dependency, etc. pervasive in the US is the "culture" of poverty, dependency, single parenthood, and unemployment. Why is this country, and the national media, unable to face the facts? I don't get it. HDMatthias, MD BTW--Anyone who has a connection--tell Mr. Brokaw to call me.
Author: HDMatthias, MD
Date: 2006-07-19T14:54:35-06:00

ID: 87872
Comment: HDMatthias: There you go again with your usual vitriolic and characterizations of poverty. Prove your statements with facts only.
Author: Kacy
Date: 2006-07-19T15:32:52-06:00

ID: 87873
Comment: oops: should be *vitriolic characterizations of poverty...*
Author: Kacy
Date: 2006-07-19T15:33:40-06:00

ID: 87874
Comment: I, by and large, agree, HD, that much of what you set forth above exists in some form or fashion in Jackson and everywhere. All of it is the poverty-stricken folk's fault too. They don't need any outside help, just to be told what rotten, sorry, and pathetic pieces of crap they are. Liberals and Godly-called preachers shouldn't be preaching love, charity, sacrifice, and forgiveness, because all these people ever want are un-ending charity and handouts. What these people need are a constant and harsh dose of awakening and reality. They won't get that from weak-minded liberal preachers or liberals of any type. They should be forced to attend churches run by arch-conservative pastors who earned everything they ever received, just like you have. This way they will soon learned the errors of their ways, and conservatives could go about their righteous ways uninterrupted or burdened by the lesser ones among us. Personally, I can barely stand to look at them. They turn my stomach. The blessed, achieved, and annointed and appointed conservatives earned everything they have achieved fair and square without taking advantage of anyone or any programs. Surely you're correct about all of this, and miraculously I finally got that keen sense of humor you possessed. Brokaw says he will be calling or writing soon. Look for it. I can't wait to see your next column in the Northside Sun. When will you have more to say about us? Blacks. Poor and struggling people. Slow folks. People trying hard to make it but barely can? Children with no fathers. Teenage mothers in dire straits. Sorry for any errors. I went to public school, and didn't always learn because I was hungry. Believe it ot not, HD, I still like you. I don't know why but I do.
Author: Ray Carter
Date: 2006-07-19T15:45:27-06:00

ID: 87875
Comment: Ray, that was friggin' brilliant! Cheers, TH
Author: Tom Head
Date: 2006-07-19T15:51:25-06:00

ID: 87876
Comment: Yep. I wonder if I'm worthy in her eyes now that I'm no longer an unmarried mother. I've been worried about carrying the burden of all the ills of society for all this time you know, being the unmarried mother and all. And for the record doc, your "families" without fathers describes my household for the last several years. What does this say about the "culture" here in the "suburbs" where I know of a woman whose "baby daddy" was a "doctor" and now cannot pay his "child support" after losing his his lis. to drug abuse. And you have the nerve of coming to this site, pointing fingers at a man you don't know, only know the color of his skin, and question his personal life. I guess I just want to say that I find your words, including the pointed questions towards Kamikaze, really are only hurting your "cause". "Thank you" for "enlightening" us all with your "educated" "words".
Author: emilyb
Date: 2006-07-19T15:55:12-06:00

ID: 87877
Comment: HD, as a self righteous liberal, I know that all racism is not Southern. It actually exists in other parts of the country, and contributes to the miserable conditions that the poor experience in all of those other cities that you listed. Granted the title, "Separate but Unequal", does hearken back to Jim Crow days of the south, but I don't think that means that everyone assumes that racism is a solely southern problem.
Author: kate
Date: 2006-07-19T16:12:53-06:00

ID: 87878
Comment: HD, I've got quite a bit to say about your post: A huge number of blacks and whites living in poverty Right so far …of their own making What proof do you have that they have to have had control over their circumstances? Granted, there’s always going to be that small fraction of the population for whom it is,in fact of their own making, but many suburbanites also qualify. The point of the question is “what proof do you have that they have the same control over their own circumstances that the average suburbanite does his or hers?”. Hint: Even I, a non-psych major, can point to you some credible studies strongly suggesting that our ability to take control over our lives is not as great as the American Dream Mythos suggests. I’ll happily provide one example in another post if you insist. Largest problems: unmarried mothers, teenage mothers, dyseducation/ noneducation/ dropout education, "families" without fathers, drug abuse, unemployment (secondary to all the previously cited problems), cycles of dependency and despondency, violence, failure of black and white churches to preach against these behaviors,… Quite true. Unfortunately, listing problems is a whole lot easier than actually solving those problems. We have a social worker or two on this board, so I’ll leave it to them to give insights as to how to go about this one. failure of the government to "force" dependents to work (see Monday's issue of USA Today and welfare reform This is Exhibit A in poverty fighting ideas sound great in theory, but in practice often runs aground on rude reality. What if even one of the following? (a)the local area has an insufficient number of job openings (Hello, Mississippi Delta!)? (b)What if the local economy is concentrated in sectors that are vulnerable to outsourcing? (c)What if the local government isn’t making school districts teach a high quality curriculum to satisfy site locators and outside investors? (d)What if the state or local tax structure discourages entrepreneurship. Given this thread’s history of touting the creative class, I'll throw one more out (e) what if the business, financial, and social networks in the city are not open to new ideas and types of businesses (which, in turn create the high-paying workers to support the spending that in turn will push up demand for labor among the working poor/unemployed)? CONTIUNED
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-19T17:48:03-06:00

ID: 87879
Comment: and the failure of our government to hold sperm-donors responsible for their "products of conception." You mean like the proverbial boss who got his secretary pregnant and refused to pay child support (well, using 1960 & 70s medical technology anyway)? Seriously, HD, what would you say about blood-donors? Should they deserve to be scorned too? If that is what you think (and I’m not trying to imply that you are), you’d better hope really hard that you or a loved one doesn’t need a transfusion. As for the sperm-donor bit, what about infertile women who desire children but are unable to have then on account of their spouses being unable to produce their own sperm? Guess what? Mr. Brokaw can cancel his trip to Jackson and visit New York City, Detroit, St. Louis, LA, Houston, Philadelphia and find the exact same picture. Sad but true But that wouldn't make self-righteous liberals "blame" these failures on Southern racism. Given the tendency for so many self-righeteous “common sense oriented” conservatives to blame the failures of poor on “insufficient personal responsibility”, I’d say this qualifies as “Pot-Kettle-Black” The real problem of dependency, etc. pervasive in the US is the "culture" of poverty, dependency, single parenthood, and unemployment. Again, pointing out a problem is one thing, creating a comprehensive program to solve it is quite another. What’s your plan, HD? Why is this country, and the national media, unable to face the facts? Probably because the most popular views as to what “facts” are are either incomplete, insufficiently supported, or even just plain wrong. My guess is that it’s some combination of the three.
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-19T18:03:24-06:00

ID: 87880
Comment: Minor Correction in my post (Jul 19, 06 | 6:03 pm) You mean like the proverbial boss who got his secretary pregnant and refused to pay child support (well, using 1960 & 70s medical technology anyway [added] regarding determining paternity)?
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-19T18:06:19-06:00

ID: 87881
Comment: HD, Please do not email me personally again. We can discuss this issue here. Or I can copy and paste it here if you prefer. However, your comments to me personally are unwelcome. Thank you! :)
Author: emilyb
Date: 2006-07-19T21:45:38-06:00

ID: 87882
Comment: I also am unsure where you made the ass of umption that I must be on gov't assistance from my post, which you implied in your email, but I encourage you to abstain from personally attacking any more writers and posters on this board. Not your best self.
Author: emilyb
Date: 2006-07-19T21:58:17-06:00

ID: 87883
Comment: I have absolutely no idea why folks on this blog have flamed me about Tom Brokaw's visit to Jackson. I have received nasty e-mails from single/divorced women complaining about their ex-husbands. These ex-wives (unnamed by request) claim their husbands live in $300,000 in Brandon and pay no child support. My advice is that these women either have other "issues" or need better lawyers. HDM
Author: HDMatthias, MD
Date: 2006-07-20T00:25:06-06:00

ID: 87884
Comment: To Philip:
Author: HDMatthias, MD
Date: 2006-07-20T00:28:45-06:00

ID: 87885
Comment: HD has been known to occasionally email me a private barb, too. Very odd way of having a discussion. For my part, Emily, I can honestly say that I wouldn't think any less of you if you were on government assistance. Everyone who hasn't been is simply lucky. It doesn't matter how talented or dedicated you are; if enough bad luck lines up, anyone can easily end up on food stamps. Cheers, TH
Author: Tom Head
Date: 2006-07-20T01:26:33-06:00

ID: 87886
Comment: I just prefer to keep this discussion where it began HD. I did ask, here on this board, if you would define my once unmarried self as a "family." Since you have family in quotes, it leads me to wonder your definition. I wouldn't assume that you have a narrow definition of family and love. I was emailed privately, that yes, you will accept me anyplace/anywhere as long as I'm not seeking hand outs. I found that repsonse odd I suppose. Not really getting it. I don't understand why unmarried=handouts. But what I *would* like to say here is that I have learned over the years that we've made assumptions of unmarried women and their "choices" that just are that, assumptions. I did not view my single status as a choice of my own. There are too many woman too scared to discuss the reality going on in the suburbs (so we can't limit this to a black/white issue or a city/burbs issue). Drug problems, the so-called "problem" of the unmarried "families" are not limited to an inner city. Our divorce rate is through the roof, and I know that there is much abuse, addiction and other issues you listed above involved in the divorces. HD, you stated in your email that your opinion of single mothers is not a moral position. You don't care if I was married to the father of my child or not. It's a simple fact that I was, we divorced to remove, in my opnion, myself and child from an abusive situation, and he was later arrested on drug charges. And he lost his license. Because he was a *doctor*. He now has a hard time paying his child support. This is all well-documented are not "claims" and is a reality here in the suburbs. We have our issues too. To this end, I thought that maybe since you questioned another writer on this board regarding his personal status from assumptions you've made of black men, that perhaps if you knew some of the business of a white chick in the burbs, you could go ahead and extend the assumptions to outside the Jackson area. But I infer from your email that it's okay that we have our issues, as long as we are not seeking handouts from you. I'm unsure why you've assumed that anyone here is seeking a handout. I simply wanted you to define that "family" a bit further. Again, just want to keep the discussion where it began. We are all learning new things here :)
Author: emilyb
Date: 2006-07-20T08:04:21-06:00

ID: 87887
Comment: TH, I do have a problem with a person who is on government assistance who is able to work their way off of it (I"m not talking about someone who has unfortunate circumstances, is disabled etc) and CHOOSES not to do so. Obviously that is not everyone receiving assistance but I won't make a blanket statement saying that I don't think less of a person for receiving it. And yes, I have seen people who chose not to work their way off of it. As for emails, sometimes I may want to be more candid or discuss personal reasons for why I take a position not not put it in a public forum for various reasons. Concerning being poor, I don't think it takes a great leap of genius to realize most people or I should say, many people are poor due to their own mistakes. Yes, some are poor because they became single mothers at a young age and never could finish an education. That is because they made the mistake of having sex at a young age without protection and not getting an education. Someone who is poor because they did not take education seriously and dropped out of school did make a mistake which cost him alot of things in life. How many of the poor people engage in self-destructive behaviors such as drugs and alcohol abuse? Yes, its an addiction however, they made the mistake/choice of taking that first drink and then the second or using drugs before it was an addiction. Am I bashing the poor? No. I am merely pointing out that in many cases they are in the situations they face because of mistakes or bad choices they made along the way. I know there are horrible situations and have first-hand experience with them. However, I think if we look at most of the problems, financial or non financial we've had in life, I'm sure we could say after some thought we made a mistake.
Author: Kingfish
Date: 2006-07-20T08:43:16-06:00

ID: 87888
Comment: and by the way Emily, I know exactly what you mean. I had a friend who was living in Annandale, had a lovely home, two kids, housewife, husband was a stockbroker, then suddenly was charged with embezzlement, everything was frozen or seized, he was arrested and convicted, and she was suddenly a single mom on the street with two kids and no qualifications. Women are single moms for different reasons, rarely by choice.
Author: Kingfish
Date: 2006-07-20T08:45:36-06:00

ID: 87889
Comment: How many people still believe you can exist on welfare, anyway? I thought that canard was dead in the water.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-20T09:14:12-06:00

ID: 87890
Comment: Thanks Tom. I'm worried she didn't get it though. I think I posted this comment under the wrong column earlier.
Author: Ray Carter
Date: 2006-07-20T11:52:51-06:00

ID: 87891
Comment: Getting back to the subject of Mr Brokaws visit, I'd bet dollars to donuts it's an unflattering picture simply because that's what sells and nobody from up north would refuse a chance to kick Mississippi. Or any southern state, for that matter. When it happens, I just wish we'd get an equal time rebuttal. Ned
Author: NedWreck
Date: 2006-07-20T20:29:11-06:00

ID: 87892
Comment: Where the heck did the blog go?
Author: Bonnadrag
Date: 2006-07-21T15:38:54-06:00

ID: 87893
Comment: Anyway, will the South ever get away from the stigma brought about through our participation in the horrible act of slave ownership. I get the feeling that we are still viewed by others (such as Brokaw) as if slavery just ended a decade ago, and that you can find people lynched on your sunday drive through Mississippi. Oh brother. One place where we can brag (among others) is that Mississippi Writers out class and out stroy-tell all others out there imho, and there are more stories about the south to be told than the narrative of racism. I have lived here my whole life, and have seen a lot, but I have seen more intergration of compassion and respect, of two cultures living side by side in harmony than I would have found anywhere else, and I am thankful of that. This docu will be overly negative and pessimistic just like Brokaw's war coverage in Iraq. Any of you social workers/pyschologists: Research Opportunity... Do an objective survey of the poverty stricken in Mississippi to get statistics on who had a string of bad luck, and those who'd rather have another baby from another daddy in the back of a caddy. I wonder what the ratio is.
Author: Bonnadrag
Date: 2006-07-21T15:56:22-06:00

ID: 87894
Comment: Do an objective survey of the poverty stricken in Mississippi to get statistics on who had a string of bad luck, and those who'd rather have another baby from another daddy in the back of a caddy. You post that in the same posting that you bemoan the fact that outsiders still think we're mired in prejudice? I've written often about the yucks in other places who stereotype us. However, if we really gave a damn about that nasty little habit, we would remove the symbol of race hatred from our state flag. We can't have it both ways—we send the message out and then whine when it comes back at us. Just sayin'.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-21T16:19:14-06:00

ID: 87895
Comment: I wrote a blog about Tom Brokaw's visit to Jackson, obviously to observe poverty, violence, illegitimacy, drug abuse, government dependency, teenage pregnancy, single parenthood. I suggested that Mr. Brokaw visit NYC, Philly, Boston, Washington, CD, St. Louis, Detroit, La, Houston, etc. His network has no reason to look at black poverty (or white poverty) as a problem related only to Jackson, MS. Jackson's poverty problems are exactly similar to Northern cities, i.e. NYC, Philly, Boston, St. Louis, Detroit, LA, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. I attest that these types of programs are perpetrated by liberals who believe that poverty and illiteracy occur only in the South, because of alleged racism. I hope that all our readers will watch this program, and write every kind of letter to any editor they have at hand to protest this racist bunk. HDM
Author: HDMatthias, MD
Date: 2006-07-22T12:28:02-06:00

ID: 87896
Comment: liberals who believe that poverty and illiteracy occur only in the South, because of alleged racism. There you go again, HD ;) - simply assuming that liberals HAVE TO believe X simply because your instinct tells you that they do. While that may make a good initial hypothesis to test, it is NOT considered proof of the correctness of that claim. In fact, even relatively uneducated people, liberal or not, know that poverty and racism are not confined to the South. Furthermore, there's less of the "it's not racist up here" attitude "out there", than you apparently believe. New York certainly has its share of intolerance (Bensenhurst, Howard Beach, extremist rabbis on the Israel-Palestine issue....Rodney King, South Central L. A., Chicago as "the most segregated city in america", with DC and Detroit not far behind). At any rate, we won't know until 8 pm, sunday the 23rd. So let's all withhold our judgments until then
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-22T13:14:34-06:00

ID: 87897
Comment: I attest that these types of programs are perpetrated by liberals who believe that poverty and illiteracy occur only in the South, because of alleged racism. Philip's right, Doc. Personally, I've never met a "liberal" who believes that, as far as I know anyway. It's blanket statements like that that make it hard to take much of what you post seriously. That's just a silly statement.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-23T15:49:05-06:00

ID: 87898
Comment: Donna, did you ever get the preview copy? I'm not watching it, I'm sure it's a hack job.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-23T17:15:14-06:00

ID: 87899
Comment: Well....uhhhh.....hmmm. I don't think the chamber of commerce will be using this as a recruiting film.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-23T18:59:15-06:00

ID: 87900
Comment: jimnwr, i think you are right. i was not going to watch it, but then i found out a young lady i know was to be featured. it was, to say the least, difficult to watch. i say that mainly because i don't feel as though it was a true representation of our city or the problems that are there. sure there were some silver linings seen, but the tone used in the beginning and raised again at the end, was not positive of us at all. my mother and uncle all agreed (which is rare) that as much work as we have to do as a city and a state, there is a great deal of good that is being done as well.
Author: c a webb
Date: 2006-07-23T19:03:31-06:00

ID: 87901
Comment: Donna, in case you didn't notice, the short-haired girl that was in the "round table" discussion with Brokaw was Amanda "The End Poet" Furdge. If the name doesn't ring a bell, she is the young lady who went to City Hall and got permission to have the "Poetry at City Hall" once a month.
Author: c a webb
Date: 2006-07-23T19:28:08-06:00

ID: 87902
Comment: Unfortunately, my ability to take part in this discussion will be limited, unless there's a podcast. the Ft Worth NBC station preempted all broadcasts for (apparently 3 hours) in order to cover a hostage situation involving a big rig. Fortunately, the chase came to an end, although the kidnapper and his hostage retreated to the back of the rig, where the situation remains unresolved at this time. Therefore, I'll have to base my reactions on this thread http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13990611/
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-23T19:47:32-06:00

ID: 87903
Comment: Well, we just watched it, and the most positive thing I can say quickly is that it should inspire us to tell our story in a much less simplistic way. The narratives themselves were compelling enough, but there was so little meat to hold this together that I doubt they convinced anyone of much of anything other than that they needed more than 50 minutes to tell this story well. But, hey, it's TV. For one, it didn't deal with poverty in any kind of meaningful way -- or even give good statistics or talk about why poverty is so bad in Jackson, other than their amorphous theme of "racism." Yes, I believe racism is tightly linked to our poverty, but they didn't seem to get at the why and what-to-do at all. It seemed, on one viewing, as a show to show that racism exists in the South. Well, doh. We're ahead of you on that one, Tom, and we're Mississippians. The interviews with Ronnie Agnew struck me as mildly interesting -- but ultimately useless, being that they had some throwaway comment about The Clarion-Ledger dealing with tough issues of race, when in fact that newspaper is a major source of stereotyping of our poorest neighborhoods, not to mention their depictions of Lanier High School itself. They really could've done more homework on that front. In fact, on all fronts. They seemed to use as little footage of the mayor as they could get away with. That was good, although he still comes across as a would-be hero, when in fact he is treating young Jacksonians as criminals even if they're not. JoAnne pointed out that people watching probably thought Melton is "controversial," as they called him, because he's trying to help the black community -- thus, just more racism against him, people will presume. And, as we all know, that is WAY too simplistic. Alas, the hip-hop segment was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen on television. Had they paid enough attention, they might have figured out that hip-hop is much more complicated than they present—and, sadly, is one of about two ways that many young blacks think they can rise above their background due to the lack of opportunities and jobs (yes, partly due to racist) that they didn't have time to get into, being that they had to show hidden footage of people dancing inside a club. That part was pitiful. The best thing we can do is allow this simplistic look at Jackson to inspire us all to tell the full story ourselves, with the complexities, warts and all. Of course, we're already trying to do that, but hey.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-23T19:52:57-06:00

ID: 87904
Comment: I just went to WLBT's website to vote about whether or not we thought the report was a fair representation or not. A surprising 66% think it was. I don't agree. What am I missing here? Am I being too optimistic? Let me know.
Author: c a webb
Date: 2006-07-23T19:54:03-06:00

ID: 87905
Comment: The show was very kind to jackson, our troubles are much deeper and this can be seen by the lack of progress we are having. We are loosing ground , my children will not have the quality of life that I have. Partly because they wont work as hard and partly because affirmative action quotos gave me a big advantage. When given an opportunity we normally rise to the top.
Author: mslink
Date: 2006-07-23T21:21:39-06:00

ID: 87906
Comment: By the way, what exactly does Katrina have to do with this story? I get the feeling that this story started out to be something else and it just sort of evolved into....well....into whatever it was.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-23T21:22:10-06:00

ID: 87907
Comment: Rats, I missed it. For some reason, my mind put the start time at 9 PM.
Author: LatashaWillis
Date: 2006-07-23T21:23:03-06:00

ID: 87908
Comment: C.A., to me, the issue isn't about "fairness." We clearly have a separate and unequal city. The issue to me is how simplistic the frame for their narratives were. I would call this a missed opportunity to really move the discussion forward. However, if we all respond by moving the discussion forward, then it will have succeeded. I also don't think it's a question of whether the show was "kind" to Jackson. They had no obligation to be kind to Jackson, or not, and people who are defensive about how people see us just to be defensive aren't helping us move forward and overcome problems. I just hate to see something that teases around the edges and doesn't jump in with both feet. This show felt, to me, as if it was done for people who are too naive to know that racism still exists in America. And, frankly, I doubt it convinced them that it does—due to the simplistic framing of this piece. They will simply think that NBC is lifting certain folks' problems out of context. The bits about "personal responsibility" and hip-hop were certainly hit-and-runs bits. I'm just not sure who this will resonate with in a meaningful way -- other than folks who want to shake their heads at the useless levels of racism still in Mississippi. Said another way, I think it reinforced stereotypes without providing a meaningful way to move this discussion forward. Said yet another way, they were right that racism is still a problem, but didn't really get at how or why ... or certainly what to do about it. Again, it was a missed opportunity. Boy, do I wish we had their resources.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-23T21:35:21-06:00

ID: 87909
Comment: Jim, I only read the transscript linked in my 7:47 pm post, but I would say, simply, it was poetic continuity. I see two elements in using Jackson out of all other cities in the nation. 1) Recall that the Katrina reports starkly revealed the race- income- opportunity situation to all of this nation (and the world too, for that matter). My opinions is that since Katrina was such an event, it served as a conveninet springboard-concept to launch into issues of race-income-poverty in other areas of the country. Of course, we can all debate the hows, whys, and whats about this issue until we take our last breath of oxygen. What is unmistakable is the gap clearly exists throughout America, not just New Orleans. So why Jackson, MS and not Jackson, MI? 2) Another continuity theme. The race-income-opportunity gap happened in large part to our nations shoddy treatment of African-Americans (and other races too, for that matter). Since Mississippi has the most well-known history of shoddy treatment, it can also be argued this was a sensible jumping off point to explore how much and how little has changed over the last 40 or so years. From what I read of the transcript, I didn't see any strong Mississippi-bashing. In fact, at the beginning and end of the transcript, Brokaw said the issue is a national one, not a Mississippi or even Southern one. In fact, he explicitly portrayed Ross Barnett's daughter as someone who personfied the changes in the hearts of white Mississippians. That transcript gave me the feel of a mixed record of progress - astounding legal progress, and even economic progress to a degree, yet a story of all too many African-Americans falling through the cracks. To me, it was more of a narrative rather than a hard-nosed exploratory story.
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-23T21:43:20-06:00

ID: 87910
Comment: So...the point about Lanier being an all-black school. Are they suggesting that the problem would go away if a few white people sent their kids there? I've got to be honest, the problems those kids have are not the school's fault. Without proper guidance at home, the best schools in the world will not help.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-23T21:44:44-06:00

ID: 87911
Comment: As for wanting a more in-depth story of Mississippi, that would take a whole movie saga - think a documentary series as long as the Star Wars Saga.
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-23T21:48:48-06:00

ID: 87912
Comment: Jim, The transcript strongly suggested that wholesale family breakdown is a major problem in this regard. They didn't go into any detail that I recall, but again the program suggested this was a narrative rather than a hard-hitting investigation.
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-23T21:51:47-06:00

ID: 87913
Comment: They didn't go into any detail that I recall, but again the program suggested this was a narrative rather than a hard-hitting investigation. I think you're right, Philip. I just finished reading the transcript. I wish a lot more could have been discussed, but I think it would have to take more than one documentary so that they can not jump from one subject to another. I think this was just an attempt to expose the problem further and get people talking. Since we live here and NBC doesn't, we'll never think they did a well-enough job since we know firsthand what's going on.
Author: LatashaWillis
Date: 2006-07-23T22:01:12-06:00

ID: 87914
Comment: The other day, I saw an WLBT interview Brokaw did with Howard Ballou to promote this report. Ballou asked what I thought was an excellent question--what would Brokaw say to people who see this as one more criticism of Mississippi as racist. Brokaw's answer was stunningly offensive: He made a brief version of the general "accountability" style argument about black families and black fathers, smiled condescendingly and said that "your Mayor has commented on this as well," made a reference or two to "Haley," and... ...well, in other words, instead of saying something like "this is a national problem, but the South suffers it more profoundly due to poverty" or something sensible like that, he basically said "Oh, don't worry--I stick it to low-income blacks, too. Wink wink." There's probably a lot of good content in the documentary, but that exchange pissed me off so much that I completely lost interest in anything Brokaw might have to say on the subject of racism in Mississippi. Maybe I'll catch it later. Cheers, TH
Author: Tom Head
Date: 2006-07-23T22:07:23-06:00

ID: 87915
Comment: I agree with the point made by the older sister who was taking care of two younger sisters. She stated that there needs to be more personal accountability by the parents and the children. With all that said, racism continues to exist in the city, albeit in more subtle ways than it did 30 plus years ago. It's easier to change laws, but more difficult to change hearts. I wish Mr. Brokaw would have interviewed white students from Jackson Prep/ Jackson Academy to get their take on race relationships in Jackson. They should have been included at the least. He also neglected to talk about the devastating effect DRUGS have had on families, marriages, violent crime, and the school dropout rate. Drugs account for 70 percent of crimes committed in Jackson, and it's perhaps a primary cause of poverty. You incarcerate the father for selling drugs, the mother has to raise and discipline the children alone. Boys usually respond to their father's discipline more than their mother's. That's taken away, so the boys are more apt to become unruly and out of control.
Author: Joerob
Date: 2006-07-23T22:20:00-06:00

ID: 87916
Comment: Whoa! The point about Lanier being an all black school in the largest city in Mississippi which also happens to be the state capital doesn't strike you. Has it become the norm for all inner-city schools to be predominately black, in every major metropolitan area. Why did Katrina figure into this equation. Because the plight of impoverished African Americans was splashed onto your plasma tv's and "oh my god", you could not believe your eyes. The cold facts are that this city is segregated and racist. Did you get the feeling that white's factor into those kids lives. They didn't blame whites for there problems. Why? Because they don't know you. You live way out there somewhere. But as was in the paper today concerning the racist grafitti painted at the Harbour Bay Country Club, which happens to be owned by blacks, whites still blame blacks for something. What I don't know.
Author: Darron
Date: 2006-07-23T22:21:24-06:00

ID: 87917
Comment: Is Lanier really 100% black? this seems like an impossible statistic...makes me wonder...
Author: guywithanidea
Date: 2006-07-23T22:23:05-06:00

ID: 87918
Comment: He also neglected to talk about the devastating effect DRUGS have had on families, marriages, violent crime, and the school dropout rate. Three of the the Lanier students featured (the two young women being raised by their sister and the former Lanier basketball program) had mothers who Brokaw mentioned were addicted to crack cocaine. So while drugs weren't a central topic of the program, you realized they played a significant role in the challenges the young people have faced.
Author: sny guy
Date: 2006-07-23T22:29:08-06:00

ID: 87919
Comment: (the two young women being raised by their sister and the former Lanier basketball program) former basketball player, not program. My bad.
Author: sny guy
Date: 2006-07-23T22:31:34-06:00

ID: 87920
Comment: Is Lanier really 100% black? this seems like an impossible statistic...makes me wonder...
Author: guywithanidea
Date: 2006-07-23T22:39:17-06:00

ID: 87921
Comment: This just goes to show how out of touch some poster on this board all. YES!! Lanier is 100% black. In fact, most Jackson public schools are majority black. Does that mean they suck? NO!!! While Lanier might score low, George Elemtary, which is in a run-down, very rough neighborhood is a level 5 school...the highest possible. If George isn't 100% black, it sure is close.
Author: inside story
Date: 2006-07-23T23:04:23-06:00

ID: 87922
Comment: I personally thought the show was pretty fair. Yes, I think it was missing some meat and skimmed through the topics. Still, in an hour, there's not a whole lot you can get out. I especially appreciate them showing some of the efforts that are being made by white Mississippians that could have easily ran during and after segregation. I see the hip hop connection but also know that hip hop is not the ultimate evil for everyone. I think they tried to express that hip hop for those that have outlets is not necessarily a bad thing but for those without hope and outlets can become toxic (and yes, I think it does become toxic much like death metal and country in the wrong environments). I think they should have made this into a two or three night special if they really wanted to speak to the issues. I don't think they were trying to sensationalize but it comes across that way when you really can't delve into the topics. Overall, I hope this forces our nieghbors in the 'burbs (and the rest of the damend state) to recognize that the problems in Jackson are also their problems and that we can all work together to make this place much better than it is and has been!
Author: kaust
Date: 2006-07-24T06:53:53-06:00

ID: 87923
Comment: Yes Mr. Know It All( aka inside story ) I must be out of touch. You shouldn't try to take a simple question and exploit it without true cause; of which is how I can only take your last comment. I was commenting on the statistical improbability of such an astonding number. It made me wonder...
Author: guywithanidea
Date: 2006-07-24T07:00:59-06:00

ID: 87924
Comment: "So...the point about Lanier being an all-black school. Are they suggesting that the problem would go away if a few white people sent their kids there? I've got to be honest, the problems those kids have are not the school's fault. Without proper guidance at home, the best schools in the world will not help." - Jim Jim, I do think a few white kids and families would help. One of the men interviewed said that white investment in these neighborhoods would be the a catalyst for changing the dynamic... White's bringing economic opportunity and investment back to the areas they left empty. Basically, opportunity without economic possibility doesn't equal much was one message made in the piece. As for schools being helpless in shaping a life that has a bad home, I completely disagree. I know a teacher that makes dramatic and healthy impacts on the lives of many inner-city children that have hard home lifes. Even the parent's opinions of school have morphed as a result of seeing their kids enjoying school and respecting a teacher. There's hope if we can pull it together as a community but whites and blacks will need to step it up.
Author: kaust
Date: 2006-07-24T07:02:53-06:00

ID: 87925
Comment: guy, I think if you were to look hard at the surrounding neighborhood, you'd realize it's not statistically impossible. The neighborhood is probably 97% black if not 100%. Therefore, it's not statistically impossible or even hard to fathom that the student body is 100% black. Hell, in a 70% black city, it's not hard to fathom 1+ schools being entirely black. Not trying to be smart or throw sass... It's just not shocking from my experiences in that area and after being in the halls of the school.
Author: kaust
Date: 2006-07-24T07:06:00-06:00

ID: 87926
Comment: "Jim, I do think a few white kids and families would help. One of the men interviewed said that white investment in these neighborhoods would be the a catalyst for changing the dynamic... White's bringing economic opportunity and investment back to the areas they left empty. Basically, opportunity without economic possibility doesn't equal much was one message made in the piece." - Knol Yes, now, I'm talking to myself. ;-) I'd like to edit that statment. I think if whites and blacks reinvested in these neighborhoods the dynamic could change (and I'm not talking about gentrification). White's might have been the first to leave post-integration but many middle-class blacks and black business owners have also made the move in recent history. Just wanted to clarify.
Author: kaust
Date: 2006-07-24T07:09:43-06:00

ID: 87927
Comment: With all that said, racism continues to exist in the city, albeit in more subtle ways than it did 30 plus years ago. It's easier to change laws, but more difficult to change hearts. I didn't watch the whole show, but that statement sums up the problem pretty well for me.
Author: Jeff Lucas
Date: 2006-07-24T08:08:19-06:00

ID: 87928
Comment: Just as an FYI, last time I looked at the JPS stats, it showed student enrollment at about 98% african american. Maybe 96%? So, saying that a school in Jackson is 100% black is not a big deal, nor does it give you any information about the quality of that school. Okay - the link is here: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/about/about.htm it's 97.06% african american, 2.39% caucasion, .35% hispanic, .17% asian and .03% native american. out of 31,000 students.
Author: kate
Date: 2006-07-24T09:32:41-06:00

ID: 87929
Comment: I'll add my two cents, just because I said I would. But I think you guys have much more intersting stuff to say about this that I do, so I'll mostly just read. I thought the show was interesting. It kept my attention, I was glad I got to hear the voices of some Jacksonians I'd not heard before. Granted, they were soundbited to death, and the people involved are probably fuming right now about how badly they were taken out of context, ect. But I was interested. I was also encouraged by some of the obvious energy and passion of some of the young black kids in this city. That, at least, did my heart good. So, interesting television, but I don't how much good it did. Hopefully some, but we'll see. Anyway, carry on people.
Author: GLB
Date: 2006-07-24T09:46:37-06:00

ID: 87930
Comment: Does anyone have a copy of the piece...or can email me the footage or something..Had a gig and wasnt even in town to see, but ran into plenty of folks (rappers) at my show yesterday talking about it. of course I want to see it before I comment. What??? you're telling me they had a hiphop piece in there??? Whaaaaaaa? [email][email protected][/email] if ya got footage. Saw the WLBT story this morning where they had "community leaders" watching the piece to get their comments..The only leader thats actually "in" a community was Perry Robinson..A TOTAL misrepresentation of this city's demographic again...and you wonder why the piece looked bad
Author: Kamikaze
Date: 2006-07-24T10:08:01-06:00

ID: 87931
Comment: Kate said: [quote]it's 97.06% african american, 2.39% caucasion, .35% hispanic, .17% asian and .03% native american. out of 31,000 students.[/quote] Wow- I never would have believed that had I not seen it with my own eyes! Where do the white kids who can't afford private schools go? There is something terribly wrong here...
Author: Rico
Date: 2006-07-24T10:18:34-06:00

ID: 87932
Comment: Rico...they go to Rankin County and Madison County schools. With the exception of a few poor whites and some rich whites who send their kids to private schools, I think everyone else with kids has moved.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-24T10:39:27-06:00

ID: 87933
Comment: If the mayor, city council, the news media, churches/community leaders, college/school officials, law enforcement, business leaders, parents and children don't come together and develop a collective realistic plan for the city to address many of our most important issues and follow through with that plan, we're just blowing more smoke. The same kind of smoke that's been blown for the past 25 years. If we want to get serious about bringing Jackson back from it's freefall to nowhere, ALL of these entities MUST come together. I repeat, until this happens, we're just blowing smoke.
Author: Joerob
Date: 2006-07-24T11:08:46-06:00

ID: 87934
Comment: Any economic investment in Jackson will simply be cannibalized unless people get serious about rebuilding the city and not just getting rich.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-24T11:22:57-06:00

ID: 87935
Comment: I expected much more dialog on this thread after the story aired last night. Everyone must be either stunned or tired after spending a week blogging about abortion.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-24T11:51:29-06:00

ID: 87936
Comment: I thought that it was a good program that has started a good conversation on the matter. The truth is that this is not neccesarily just a problem of racism. It is an economic problem. When people like the the guy from the CL move out of the bad neighborhoods and out into the burbs, it kind of negates the race card. Sure, alot of this stems from the problems of segregation and racism, but the problem persists becuase of economic hardship, not racism. Mississippi pretty much the poorest state in the country, there are plenty of poor whites here too, they generally don't live in the city though. They live in the country, and have their own problems that are very similiar. The urban environment is a more volatile situation, which leads to violence and drug abuse on a concentrated level. Also, whites are the minority in Jackson, so it is hard to blame them for the problems, if they are not there to create them or help fix them. I think it is up to everyone to invest and work to make this city a better place. Also, I think alot of the cities problems stem from political corruption. The previous mayor rejected busniness and developement that wasn't "all black." For example, that is why the MS braves don't play in Jackson. From what I have heard from people who have lived in JAckson all their life he discouraged white investment in Jackson. Listen, I hate suburbia and how "plastic" it all is. I grew up in germantown which is right outside of Memphis. Memphis has problems extremely similair to Jackson. I love cities and downtowns for the way they bring culture together, to make something new.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T11:57:01-06:00

ID: 87937
Comment: Give 'em time, Jim. Monday mornings are rough. ;-) We started ours today with a minor flood and a kitchen ceilling falling. Argh. I think my overwhelming reaction to the Brokaw show is that it stated something very obvious (or that should be, and it's very sad if people don't realize that), but didn't really go into any reasons beyond simply "racism" (and hip-hop and lack of personal responsibility on the part of the black community) that those conditions are so bad. It feels very "doh" to me, and I don't feel any satisfaction that any kinds of lightbulbs were really turned on. Of course, there's only so much you can do in 50 minutes. But if my recollection is right, even the statistics offered as the meat between the narratives was very superficial -- important national numbers about how many black men are in jail, sure, but little specific to Mississippi. Nothing about policies in the state that keep our communities divided and poor. Nothing about Adequate Education policy. Nothing real about poverty or the minimum wage. Nothing about public transportation and gas prices and the difficulty of getting to a job. Nothing specifically about how the drug war affects the black family. Nothing about the media's stereotypical (or non-existent) coverage of the communities affected. Nothing about how crime is not the No. 1 issue, but the No. 1 symptom of something much larger? Nothing about how the mainstream will show images of Lanier High School on the news when a crime happens anywhere nearby? Nothing about how "No Child Left Behind" is leaving behind kids at Lanier because it's never been funded? Nothing about how racism and classism are so intertwined—that racism is a major reason that we can't get past many of our economic challenges (which was the underlying theme, I suppose, but I doubt any new folks were convinced int his piece)? And where are all those great, thought-provoking narratives The Clarion-Ledger has presented over the years about the neighborhoods, and the people, around Lanier, huh? Where are the stories behind the crimes and the criminals? Is this an example of that great, in-depth coverage of the problems of Lanier? I also recall Mr. Agnew saying in the Ledger, when he was first named executive editor, that we no longer need to talk about race in Mississippi. Hopefully, he's changed his mind. As for the hip-hop segment -- it never should have made it in there. It was appalling as it was done.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:05:14-06:00

ID: 87938
Comment: Gates, this is not a true statement; careful about making factual statements that you can't back up: The previous mayor rejected busniness and developement that wasn't "all black."
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:05:56-06:00

ID: 87939
Comment: Also, it misses the big picture to say that because whites are (now) the majority within Jackson that you cannot blame racism. But you are proving my point, I think, that this piece isn't exactly going to educate folks on its own. Allowing it to motivate us to make up for its inadequacies may, though.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:07:05-06:00

ID: 87940
Comment: "Also, I think alot of the cities problems stem from political corruption. The previous mayor rejected busniness and developement that wasn't "all black." For example, that is why the MS braves don't play in Jackson. From what I have heard from people who have lived in JAckson all their life he discouraged white investment in Jackson." - Gates Gates, Fondren sure did see a renaissance under the Johnson administration. The vast majority of the developers, investors, and owners are white. I don't think Johnson "rejected" white development... I think he encouraged black development (but moreso development in general) because it's needed.
Author: kaust
Date: 2006-07-24T12:07:57-06:00

ID: 87941
Comment: Also, I meant to add that most of the racism today comes from the poor whites I was talking about. Racism comes from ignorance. The wealthy people who could invest in this town are generally not the racist ones. They just don't invest, because it is probably a bad investment. Ironghost, investors invest to get rich. Sure they might have an secondary motivation like a genuine interest in the city, but if that investment won't make them money, how can they justify doing it?
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T12:09:12-06:00

ID: 87942
Comment: You are right about fondren, but that is at a smaller level than what i meant. And I think that that happened because alot of that generation grew up in the neighborhoods around fondren, and hated to see the direction it was going. But that is what it takes, a genuine and tangible interest, in order for investors to become involved.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T12:12:54-06:00

ID: 87943
Comment: GAtes, I agree that racism comes from ignorance. But there is plenty of ignorance and racism -- institutional and otherwise -- among some of our wealthy. In that case, it usually comes down to not wanting to lose power and privilege, and in some cases actual money and such. And, certainly, they are the ones who are pulling the strings, in many instances, in bad policy that keep neighborhoods in the conditions that were created during Jim Crow and never fixed by the folks who created them. Not being willing to see the results of racism is one form of racism.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:14:23-06:00

ID: 87944
Comment: Gates, Fondren is not the only example. Your statement on that was unfactual. However, some folks try to say that, but it doesn't make it true. There are many untruths told about the last administration by people trying to gain power for themselves. Unfortunately, too little of it was debunked by a media that didn't like the last mayor. Of course, all that's coming out in the wash these days.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:16:00-06:00

ID: 87945
Comment: How do you know it won't make money? Have you been to downtown Memphis lately? Condos selling right and left at around 180,000 a pop? Somebody's making some money there ;)
Author: emilyb
Date: 2006-07-24T12:16:02-06:00

ID: 87946
Comment: Also, it is important to realize that investment was pulled out in the first place due to racism—it's not like they made a secret of it! We are at the point now where that ignorance needs to be overcome and re-investment needs to make up for that past stupidity—to benefit everyone. Some wealthy folks are seeing that need, and realizing the errors of their old ways; others are still locked in the past. Racism is not a rich or poor thing, although I agree that it is borne out of ignorance, socialization, tradition and plain old bad habits. We can talk all we want about racism being a thing of the past, but our actions speak plainer than anything else. And I mean big actions, not simply being friendly to a person of another race (although that's cool, too). I mean policy and joint efforts to repair the problems of the past. I mean a moratorium on constantly whining about crime (thus driving more business out), until a real group of people get together and figure out how, together, to help kids in the inner city. In fact, right here, right now, I call for a task force to come together to take a hard look at how to help our young people that goes far beyond curfews and mayorial posing for cameras. I'll help organize it if people want to write me about it: [email][email protected][/email] And, yes, it's just fine to talk about race, and anything else we need to talk about. Community centers, the drug war, mentoring, responsibility, education, guns, you name it. Let's talk about it. It's time to put our effort where our mouth is.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:22:00-06:00

ID: 87947
Comment: They exploited Mississippi. As a black person, I am outraged at the entire program. Nothing was positive about that segment on NBC. Oh yeah, the black family that came from the ghetto and now is SOMEBODY or better yet, Ross Barnett's daughter hugging a young black child from da hood. Please!!!!!!!! The way that we were depicted as the capital city of Mississippi, was negative as hell. All young black females do is have babies and drop out of high school to take care of them babies. All young black males do, if they are not into sports, is drop out of high school and turn to the streets. And if yo black mama is on crack, your oldest sibling will take care of you and your sisters/brothers or better yet, you go and stay with Big Mama. The story was so distorted that it made me angry. It was absolutely absurd and disgusting. Then FM gets on TV and exploits and degrades young black males talking about "where yo daddy" and then states, "I rest my case", what case fool???? The young black males should have asked him, "where is yo daddy"? FM is a damn fool and now the whole worlds knows it. Whoever elected this man or shall I say voted for this man, need their heads examined. No way in the world would this have occured under Mayor Harvey Johnson's administration. Johnson always said, "don't let other people define our capital city" and here we have FM and NBC defining our city as one "BIG GHETTO". NBC and FM has set Mississippi back 40 yrs. THANKS NBC and FM.....
Author: maad
Date: 2006-07-24T12:24:09-06:00

ID: 87948
Comment: BTW, if I'm allowed, I must make one catty comment. Am I (and the folks in the room with me) the only one who saw extreme irony in Mr. Melton asking all those young men where the fathers were when they were growing up? It strikes one that Mr. Melton himself proves that there is much more to whether a young person turns out well than whether their father lives with them or not. By all accounts, his own son in Texas has turned out very well while his father was living in another state. Obviously, a good father in the home matters. So does a good mother. But simply blaming the lack of a father figure for all problems in poor communities is naive at best -- especially when many of the people doing it support a system that puts so many of them in jail for minor drug offenses. Just sayin'.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:26:50-06:00

ID: 87949
Comment: Sure there are rich racists. But even they will admit that it is in their best interest to see black neighborhoods do well for the good of the whole city. Many of the wealthy in Jackson love this town, and hate to see what has happened to it. I think where they are wrong, and this is what makes them seem racist, is that they feel like it is out of their hands. Out of their control. Which of course it isn't, but the problem is so huge that they feel powerless.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T12:28:14-06:00

ID: 87950
Comment: Yeah, maad, I didn't dig the Ross Barnett's daughter part, either. I had forgotten about that. Although, I do hear she is a good woman, but that's not the point. You do make good points otherwise as well, maad. I'm trying to be fair to the program, but maybe I'm being too fair. I do know that it left a horrendous taste in my mouth—but I'm sure the show's producers would try to dismiss that because I'm a white woman in denial. ;-) This certainly proves my point that we have a severe need to tell our own stories. And if we told them well and often enough, then folks like Mr. Brokaw wouldn't feel like he had to come in and spoonfeed the truth to us. Keep talkin', y'all.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:30:31-06:00

ID: 87951
Comment: But even they will admit that it is in their best interest to see black neighborhoods do well for the good of the whole city. Well, many won't -- or our neighborhoods wouldn't be in this condition. And remember the historic context on it. However, I agree that it's changing to some extent -- and largely because young people such as yourself are more willing to see the big picture and are less straddled with the racist edicts of the recent past. And the powerless part is right on. Many people do feel powerless — and all the crime sensationalism by the media (including Mr. Agnew's paper) has made that worse, not better. It's up to the younger generations to fix them, folks. If the coots want to help, they're invited to the party as well. I was disappointed to see that none of the younger generation efforts were included in this show. You'd think if the producer was here for nearly a year that she might have caught on to some of the multi-racial progressive strides being made. But perhaps that didn't fit the narrative.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:33:16-06:00

ID: 87952
Comment: I meant to add that most of the racism today comes from the poor whites I was talking about. Racism comes from ignorance. Gates, I can't believe you said this one. On the other hand, I've met many people who love believe it as stone cold fact, so... Being Poor and White doesn't make one automatically ignorant, and therefore racist.
Author: Ironghost
Date: 2006-07-24T12:38:14-06:00

ID: 87953
Comment: I'm going to make one more statement here that may not sit well with all, and then get on with my day. From my experience dallying with the NYC media elite, there is indeed a lot of desire on the part of many there to dump on Mississippi. Now, we may well deserve it. We haven't done enough to reverse the past, and we make ourselves look like racist dumbasses by voting to keep symbols of hate in our flag. And folks like Haley Barbour, and his kowtowing to the CofCC, get elected to represent (largely because so many younger folks don't bother to vote; ahem). However, the other side is that everyone needs a dumping ground, and Mississippi becomes it. I had experiences while in grad school at Columbia that, in part, helped send me home because of the bigotry I ran into against the South. Again, we've brought much of it on ourselves, so I'm not going to waste my time hating back for it. The key, people, is to write our own narrative. It is not going to help us move forward to get all obsessed and angry about what other people think of us, and how they represent and misrepresent and ignore what we're doing here. Learn what there is to be learned from this experence, then be inspired to keep on keepin' on. We are working damn hard here to overcome our past, and we are making progress. Quite simply, we did have farther to come than probably every other state. (And don't protest; it's true; the "most lynchings" fact proves it, not to mention other facts.) But if we expect credit, or even notice, for what we're doing as we're doing it, we're fools. We'll get some attention (like for stories about old civil rights cases, which is very en vogue nationally right now), and that's great. We'll take it, and those cases are important, too. I used to think they were all-important. Now I know that the here-and-now and our future is just as important, if not more so. But we won't get there without facing the past. That's the answer to our puzzle, friends. So let's take a deep breath and move forward together. Really. Ignore the naysayers. We got the power.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:40:28-06:00

ID: 87954
Comment: How do you know it won't make money? Have you been to downtown Memphis lately? Condos selling right and left at around 180,000 a pop? Somebody's making some money there ;) I didn't say I knew it wouldn't make money, just that when people make huge investments, they make sure they can profit. and since they haven't invested yet, I would assume the number just don't make sense yet. And yes, downtown memphis has cleaned up alot, but that has been a long process. When I was growing up in memphis in the 80's it was alot like jackson now. A couple of years ago they basically ran all the bums out of the downtown area to make it more appeasing. Of course the bums just went to the next neighborhood, the cooper young district, and caused the same problems there. I have friends there that can attest to that. Memphis has huge companies like autozone and fedex that have helped that developement, not to mention beale street as a tourist attraction. But memphis should be a model for JAckson to look at. I think that that JAckson is on the upswing, it just takes a long time...
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T12:42:58-06:00

ID: 87955
Comment: Ironghost, Your right that being Poor and White doesn't make one automatically ignorant, and therefore racist. But the majority of racists are poor country folk who live in the same world the slave owners did. There are racists of all types... hell, there are even black racists. So i don't think it is a stone cold fact that all poor whites are the racists. Its just that they are a big part of it.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T12:53:28-06:00

ID: 87956
Comment: But the majority of racists are poor country folk who live in the same world the slave owners did. I just don't agree that this is true, Gates. Growing up poor, the worst racists I ever met had money, whereas the poor people around me tended to follow along because they needed to feel superior to someone, anyone. Are they used as political pawns by demagogues to stir up hatred? Absolutely. But you cannot tell me that uneducated fear of other people is somehow worse than rich folks using it for cheap votes. Ignorance, yes. A condition largely limited to the poor, no.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T12:56:22-06:00

ID: 87957
Comment: I should also add that some of the most "ignorant" and sheltered people I've ever met went to upscale private schools. Am I talking about every person who attends private school? Absolutely not. Many of them are compassionate, intelligent, enlightened people. But some of them are the worst racists I've ever dealt with. Of course, a few racists went to my public school, too. ;-) But the point is that you just can't divide this problem up by class and money. You won't fix the problem if you do.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:00:18-06:00

ID: 87958
Comment: Isn't Brokaw from one of those all-white states? Not that it really matters, but I've always found it a little interesting when people from places like ND, SD, Vermont, etc. come down here to tell us Mississippians how we should live with black people. Not that we didn't need some outside influence in the past, and mayble some now. I just think people from racially diverse areas are better qualified to offer opinions on this topic.
Author: James Hester
Date: 2006-07-24T13:06:40-06:00

ID: 87959
Comment: your right, I can't tell you thatuneducated fear of other people is somehow worse than rich folks using it for cheap votes. And I won't. I never said it was worse, just that it was a part of the problem. And i am not saying that all poor poeple end up racist, they are just more succeptable to the ignorance of it. and sure, they are used as pawns, they don't know better. for example, lets take the rebel flag issue up at olemiss a few years ago, or the colonel reb thing. The rich alumni and administration were the ones who supported the change to get rid the confederate images. Becuase they knew that it hurt the image of the school and was archane and racist. It was the redneck fans, most of whom didn't go to Ole MIss, and a few diehard students who opposed the change.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T13:08:31-06:00

ID: 87960
Comment: I went to private school, and you are right, there are alot of racists in that setting...but most of them were the more country boys. The kids who lived in midtown, the closest neighnorhood to Orange Mound, once known as the most dangerous neighborhood on the planet, were not the racist ones.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T13:18:19-06:00

ID: 87961
Comment: And listen donna, I probably agree with you more than you think. I am considered by most of my friends as a bleeding heart. I just started typing about this b/c i thought the program last night blamed everything on racism....which is simply not the case.
Author: Gates
Date: 2006-07-24T13:20:36-06:00

ID: 87962
Comment: I want to share with y'all a passage from Willie Morris' book, "My Mississippi." This passage in the Epilogue touched me very, very deeply when I read it—helping me to decide to, indeed, go away with starting this crazy newspaper. He is talking about a conversation his friend, the historian, Patti Carr Black, who lives in Jackson: We were talking about that immeasurable irony—why Mississippi remains at the bottom in the whole of the great American republic in social and educational and human services while perhaps being first in creativity and imagination and artistic accomplishent. How to explain at the new millennium this most catastrophic of divides? She thought about this. "It's curious," she said, "but Mississippi lacks a sense of community. We have a deep sense of place, but no sense of 'we're in this together, let's make life better for everyone.' For most of Mississippi's existence, our focus has been on keeping ourselves apart from each other. Segregation dominated the 20th century, and, although it was outlawed 30 years ago, it lives in our spirit. White society has been in p ower throughout our history, and it has lacked the will to deal with social problems because it has wrongly perceived the main beneficiaries to be black. We've not comprehended that we sink or swim together." "No," she continued, "I don't see a dichotomy between our low standing in social measurements and our high standing in the arts. Writers and other artists have always been radical thinkers about the human heart, and much of the outpouring of creativity is, to use a Welty phrase, 'an attempt to part a curtain, that invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other's presence, each other's wonder, each other's human plight.'" In working on this book over the past months, I have found myself returning time and again to a similar recognition. It is a truthful one. Despite our spirit of belonging, there is no lasting spirit of commonweal. [Any typos are my own.]
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:21:10-06:00

ID: 87963
Comment: Continued/more from Willie's Epilogue: The state remains at the nadir in education—50th in America in total expenditures for elementary and secondary students, 50th in percentage of high school graduates, 50th in salaries for its university teachers, and, most disturbingly of all, 50th in overall child development programs that would benefit those in their early years, a period judged by the experts to be absolutely critical, at a time when technological advances demand as never before that the young be educated and trained and counselled for the challenging and complicated future. To me, this reality amounts to nothign less than a societal death wish. The most essential question for all of us, I submit, is how long the citizenry of this state will allow this collective nihilism to continue. It is mere common sense to acknowledge that Mississippi will never begin to realize its true potential if this mentality persists in carrying the day. The state's gloomy performance in health care, general literacy, job training, humane services, and other areas likewise severealy hampers the incipient development of its young. For that matter, the number of talented Mississippians in athletics alone, with their wonderful national achievements, seems an embarrasing anomaly when compared to the people who do not support or pass civilizing laws. The children must be saved. Our organized power structures have too often failed this state, as have those citizens who, for whatever reason, have voted to keep things the way they have always been. A bit later in the epilogue, he quotes the Rev. Jesse Jackson speaking at Galloway United Methodist Church: "You can't sow seeds tonight and grow food tomorrow morning," he said. "But if you keep on doing it, you begin to see fruit emerge. I still think Mississippi holds the key for healing in the nation. There's something magic about Mississippi—its pain, its problems, and its possibilities. I, too, believe that Mississippi holds the key to this nation. I believe in this state, and I believe in her people—so much so that I don't really care what other people think of us and our efforts (even if it can rankle a bit). The key here is follow Willie's advice, and do this for Mississippi and our people—not to make ourselves look better to national media.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:34:51-06:00

ID: 87964
Comment: Gates, I know we agree on a lot. I can tell. And I understand the frustration with this kind of thing. But it is important to remember that this puzzle is solved from within.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:36:07-06:00

ID: 87965
Comment: Also, it sounds like the difference in the students at your school, Gates, was PROXIMITY to people not like them (or that they think aren't like them)—which is so important, and so often what is missing in a private-school education, unfortunately, whether here or at some swanky school in the East. I'd still argue that it wasn't about income level, at least not per se. OK, to work now. Y'all talk among yourselves. I've stirred the pot enough.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:38:56-06:00

ID: 87966
Comment: The salary part is a bit misleading. Cost of living should be factored in. Teacher in CA may make twice as much as here, and live at a lower standard of living. I suspect if COL is taken into account, we rank somewhere in the middle. and I would hardly quote Jesse Jackson when discussing education.
Author: Kingfish
Date: 2006-07-24T13:39:55-06:00

ID: 87967
Comment: I don't agree with everything Rev. Jackson says or does, either, but this is a very good statement (and he's not the only one who has said that Mississippi is the key to U.S. strength). And I'm not sure I follow why he is not a good source on education. You know, he was preaching personal responsibility in the black community before Bill Cosby was. Just sayin'. As for the teacher-salary thing, there are good sources where you can check this out. You don't have to guess.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T13:42:50-06:00

ID: 87968
Comment: Ladd, in an earlier post on another blog I posed the question; "What IYO are the top five problems facing Jackson?"... Any thoughts? I too am tired of the talk. I'm tired of the talk from the JFP all the way to what was the Ben and Larry show. Lets get very specific about the problems, then lets get very specific about the soultions. ladd said...We can talk all we want about racism being a thing of the past, but our actions speak plainer than anything else. And I mean big actions, not simply being friendly to a person of another race (although that's cool, too). What are some examples of these big actions??? Like I said earlier, Good ideas are good ideas, no matter what color person they originate from. If I dont agree with a person's attitude, actions, or character and he happens to be black, that doesn't make me a racist. Doesn't have anything to do with the past... I just dont want to be friends with the person. *crouched in fetal position getting ready for the response beating*
Author: colby
Date: 2006-07-24T13:44:44-06:00

ID: 87969
Comment: there are calculators online that figure COL per area and tell you what a salary is really worth. Sounds like a good story for someone to do and see how we really rank.
Author: Kingfish
Date: 2006-07-24T13:52:07-06:00

ID: 87970
Comment: here ya go: http://salary.monster.com/CostOfLivingWizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.asp
Author: Kingfish
Date: 2006-07-24T14:09:04-06:00

ID: 87971
Comment: Colby, we talk all the time about big actions. Personally, I'm involved in a few, as are many others. And one can take action, as well as talk—both at the same time, in fact. It's also amazing how conversation also inspires others to take action. Also, if you're trying to pick a fight, you'll have to work a little harder. I'm a bit too busy today taking various actions to spend much time talking to you. So you may relax at will. ;-D
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T14:49:29-06:00

ID: 87972
Comment: *crouched in fetal position getting ready for the response beating* instead of crouching, why not try standing up and choosing one big issue to tackle? what is stopping you?
Author: Izzy
Date: 2006-07-24T15:02:37-06:00

ID: 87973
Comment: Laurel: If that was you I listened to at Cups the other night, I really enjoyed it. "Melt with you" has always been one of my favorite '80s tunes.
Author: GLB
Date: 2006-07-24T15:15:42-06:00

ID: 87974
Comment: Education plays a major role in whether or not inner city youth are able to become successful contributors to society. A couple of the students from Lanier stated that a lot of their peers criticized and made fun of them for making good grades. They were accused of "not being down with the crowd". That's a tragedy, but it's rampant in the JPS system. This is something that needs to be SERIOUSLY addressed, not just by the parents but by the school district as well. At that age, children want to belong and be accepted by their peers. This system of thought (that it's not cool to be smart), has to change. No, it MUST change. This has nothing to do with racism.
Author: Joerob
Date: 2006-07-24T15:36:49-06:00

ID: 87975
Comment: All, did you see this "extra" on MSNBC's Web site about Melton, "Is the Jackson, Mississippi mayor too passionate?". Also, here is the page for the main Brokaw report.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T15:38:42-06:00

ID: 87976
Comment: Here's a transcript of the entire segment.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T15:40:05-06:00

ID: 87977
Comment: Joerob, that's also a problem that girls have faced historically. I know I had to overcome the "smart" label. The best way for that to happen, I believe, is for young people to have good mentors who are smart and cool and interesting that they can emulate. This anti-intellectualism (and anti-education tendencey) isn't a problem that's limited to inner-city schools, of course. We even see examples of that when people who are uneducated about the facts behind an issue come on here and lodge personal attacks and such. Or, it's the same problem when people disparage people who are knowledgeable and educated about an issue as "intellectual elites." It's the very same thing with a similar effect—ignorance. Hell, Trent Lott even does it in some of his columns for political purposes. I suspect there is something to do with racism, though, at least int he situation in front of us, although perhaps indirectly. People often make fun of things that they believe is outside their reach. And because so many "at-risk" kids are told that they are going to grow up to be criminals or "thugs," and then given so few other opportunities, it's self-perpetuating. They then try to attach other people with the same labels. It's a cycle, and it'll take all of us to end it. As for the media's role, it's like deja vu all over again. Go back and read the Kerner Commission report about the media's role in "causing" the race riots of the '60s, and you'll see how much hasn't changed on that front. The media is a primary source of these stereotypes that become realities.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T16:01:00-06:00

ID: 87978
Comment: And, sadly, I think Brokaw's program—although well-meaning—fell into some of the same traps of perpetuating stereotypes. The hip-hop segment certainly the hell did.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T16:01:45-06:00

ID: 87979
Comment: Sorry if you got that impression ladd. Once again I am on your side. Just asking questions to somone who knows the issues. It was not a challenge. No, im not trying to pick a fight, don't remember saying anything that would lead you to believe that. Just two simple questions. Top five problems and examples of big actions. And you think thats trying to pick a fight? You should take it as a compliment that I am interested in your opinion.
Author: colby
Date: 2006-07-24T16:20:10-06:00

ID: 87980
Comment: **And, sadly, I think Brokaw's program—although well-meaning—fell into some of the same traps of perpetuating stereotypes. The hip-hop segment certainly the hell did.** <--ladd So true! I kept wondering what the hell the hip-hop segment had to do with anything. Brokaw said that they gave Manuel a camera to "chronicle his life". Is hip-hop his entire 'life'? I think not, especially since Manuel also said (I'm paraphrasing) that many people find it surprising that he is nice and does nice things for people. I found the bump-and-grind hip hop footage wholly offensive and sooooooo stereotypical of those who would correlate problems among African American juveniles with that genre.
Author: Kacy
Date: 2006-07-24T16:31:15-06:00

ID: 87981
Comment: No, Colby, it was more the tone of "why are we wasting time talking?" and then the crouching in a fetal position goofiness. I apologize if I took it wrong. I guess I get a little sensitive at the idea that putting one's life and savings into starting a progressive, multiracial newspaper in the heart of Mississippi to promote thought, discussion and progress wouldn't qualify as a "big action." Please pardon my sensitivity. And, Kacy, the part about Manuel's camera in the club just cracked me up. You think Brokaw knows that, gasp!, they dance to hip-hop IN FRIGGIN' MIDTOWN MANHATTAN!?! Alert the media. And -- get this! -- it started in the Bronx.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T16:35:18-06:00

ID: 87982
Comment: Brokaw is from South Dakota, I think. Still, he's lived in New York for decades (or maybe Northern NJ or CT..but its still the New York area). Therefore, I question the relevance of his SD background after all these years. People often change in response to their environment (I certainly did). As for the who's the worst racist matter - it's those who refuse to open their mind when confronted with anyone and anything "different", "unclean", "immoral", "weird", "pussilanamous (sp?)", "stupid", "retarded", and other unflattering but convenient labels. Therefore, IMO, education, ultimately, has little to do with it. True, education can force people who are honest and open-minded people to facts and opinions they have to honestly figure out/confront. But first, there has to be that the openness, honesty, and devotion to find truth
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-24T16:54:52-06:00

ID: 87983
Comment: Agreed for the most part. But those characteristics do often grow with education. And I don't only mean book-learnin'. The education that comes from going to school among people of various backgrounds is simply invaluable, IMHO. And much of that education comes from the people who model for you. You hear so much from people about families taking "personal responsibility"—and sometimes those same people are the ones teaching their children stereotypes or to think they're better than other people or that public schools can't education, or, or ... Thus, I personally use the word "education" very widely.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T16:58:23-06:00

ID: 87984
Comment: Here's an example. My mother was a wonderful, intelligent woman who never went to school. A day. (Until she took some literacy classes when she was 60.) But in my younger years, she was more timid about speaking up about things that mattered; she was isolated from other people and didn't understand other people's plights. Then as she started working in an integrated factory alongside African Americans and Choctaws, her empathy grew, and her compassion, and her determination that I learn to treat all people well. That is, as she became more "educated," her compassion and outspokeness grew.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T17:00:30-06:00

ID: 87985
Comment: Joerob's education remarks (and Donna's too) It's also a problem among straight, white, christian, middle class males too, especially certain factions of the "popular" students. IMO, this seems especially true of those whose life centers around "getting drunk and getting laid". So it's not even close to being a mostly JPS or a mostly sexism problem. Throw in peer pressure to be accepted as "one of the guys/gals" and you have serious potential for underachievement. Until much deeper changes are made in the culture in general and especially the youth culture (particuarly the definition of "cool"), our youth will continue to merely hobble along while chained to these problems
Author: Philip
Date: 2006-07-24T17:03:34-06:00

ID: 87986
Comment: Very true, Philip. It would be naive to try to say this is only a problem in the black community. However, it is a serious problem there, no doubt. But poverty is the most serious—that's the elephant in the room everyone wants to ignore, including in most ways, NBC in this show.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-24T17:11:37-06:00

ID: 87987
Comment: I thought it was a very powerful show, and I felt more pain for Manual the teenage boy that was kicked off the basketball team. Not a good message for the coach to send. And I feel under the circumstances of the way that man lived and struggled, basketball would have kept him with some hope. Kicking him off was not the right thing. I know he wasen't giving his all to the team and was being difficult but don't turn your head on a student. Not like that. I would like to know how he is doing today. I wish I could help him. Lindsay Weidman
Author: Want to help
Date: 2006-07-25T10:40:20-06:00

ID: 87988
Comment: I live in Spokane, Washington both blacks and whites, Russians, hispanics, many races live here. I believe we get along fine. I am sure the prejudice is still present in some people. But that is their ignorance. Under this big sky is one God and he will judge each and everyone of us. Color makes us an individual, it is a wonder how people can be so small minded and judge others buy their accent, or color, or dress, or what ever tatoo they display. Each person has a story. An individual story. I am not perfect, and I probably do my fair share of judging others when I shouldn't but their is to much hate in this world. To much distruction.
Author: Want to help
Date: 2006-07-25T10:55:18-06:00

ID: 87989
Comment: Here's how The New York Times' TV review of the Brokaw program begins: There is not a single movie theater in Jackson, Miss. This seems an outrageous contention, but the mayor ought to know. Mayor Frank Melton, a black man, shares this distressing information with Tom Brokaw on “Separate and Unequal,” an NBC News special tomorrow night. Mr. Melton’s city is now 70 percent black. Poverty is rising. The point the program makes is that four decades after Lanier, the local high school, was integrated and James Meredith was admitted as the first black student at the University of Mississippi, nothing much seems to have changed for poor blacks. “Separate and Unequal” plops itself down in Jackson for eight months and follows a few young African-Americans through most of the 2005-6 academic year to see how they will fare in this culture of near-hopelessness. The results are largely distressing and sadly familiar. Later in the piece, they give Ronnie Agnew the wrong first name: Mr. Brokaw talks with Randy Agnew, the black executive editor of a local newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger; a white daughter of the segregationist Governor Ross Barnett, Ouida Barnett Atkins, who taught at Lanier; Charles Norton, a white teacher who came to Lanier young and idealistic and has stayed for 36 years (he blames hip-hop for the young people’s problems); and other concerned adults. All agree the situation is dire.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-25T12:02:47-06:00

ID: 87990
Comment: BTW, are we right that the entire program never mentioned Bob Moses' many years of work at Lanier—and the success stories that have followed? I noticed that missing during the program, and then a Mississippi ex-pat e-mailed me last night about it. I'd forgotten to post about it. It is really possible, journalistically and ethically, to do this piece on this subject without that piece of information?
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-25T12:06:18-06:00

ID: 87991
Comment: You're so right, Ladd. I remember thinking during the telecast--right after the Mayor's "where's your daddy" routine--that perhaps nobody has told him that the election. is. over. It's okay to acknowledge the problems and challenges we face; what's not okay, IMHO, is to fail to point out the strides and successes, one of which is surely Bob Moses' Algebra Project. It's time for the Mayor to stop grandstanding and posturing. Either lead or get the hell out of the way (or better yet, out of town)!
Author: Kacy
Date: 2006-07-25T12:45:41-06:00

ID: 87992
Comment: You know, Kacy, it just dawned on me that folks from elsewhere might read the postings here, out of context, and think that it's all white folks complaining about Melton because he's black and trying to "help" the inner city. We kind of thought that's the impression that the program's "controversial mayor" phrase, without further explanation, would leave. Not everyone out there understands that Melton's campaign was heavily funded by white Republicans, including some of those who fled the city after integreation, and that he was likely elected because he threw out a lot of sound bites about the young black thugs. Then once he got in office, he started "raids" in those community, Constitution be damned. They might not understand that people of all races here are worried that he is going to turn back the progress we've made, racially and otherwise, by perpetuating stereotypes about the city and, in particular, its young people. They might not know that he condemns any talk of the race (by the NAACP, for instance, equating them to the Klan) in front of certain audiences, and freely plays the race card in front of other audiences. We'd hope that, before jumping to naive conclusions, that those folks would spend a bit of time on our Melton Blog to get up to speed on the complicated figure that is Frank Melton.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-25T12:56:10-06:00

ID: 87993
Comment: I think people see Frank Melton as a "controversial mayor" because he is black. They see him that way because of the things he say and do.
Author: MartyG
Date: 2006-07-25T13:49:31-06:00

ID: 87994
Comment: Do you have a "don't" missing in there, MartyG? If you want, repost, and I'll delete the first one, if you left something out. It doesn't make full sense the way it reads now.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2006-07-25T13:50:49-06:00

ID: 87995
Comment: I mean, I "don't" think people see Frank Melton as a "controversial mayor" because he is black. They see him that way because of the things he say and does.
Author: MartyG
Date: 2006-07-25T13:51:41-06:00

ID: 87996
Comment: In a response to a post I made, Ironhorse responded with, "Justjess, I resent deeply your implication." Again I post that the word "OUTSIDER" was used to refer to Freedom Riders and other Whites who came from across this country to deal with racial problems and voter regristration. As we engage with eachother, it is important to know and to understand the State's biography. "Outsider, Agitator, Communist, and N$$$$r lover" were all names given to these youngsters. I didn't make these titles but, I "deeply resented them" so, a more appropriate response, in my opinion, would be a resentment of the fact that it happened - not the fact that I acknowledged.
Author: justjess
Date: 2006-07-25T14:48:44-06:00

ID: 87997
Comment: I was the only Mississippian represented at a conference in Calif. this past weekend. A group of about 7 met to watch the much publicized Tom Brocaw special, "Seperate and Unequal." I sat in total amazement and felt helpless initially because who am I to challenge the famed "Tom Brocaw" with his many years of experience as a journalist? After giving myself a moment to regroup, I became the "energized bunny" discussed growing up in this community, only leaving it for my years of formal education, and self-acknowledged as the expert in what is happening in Jackson because I live and experience it daily. There were too many problems with the way that the study of the isssues were done: The sample did not represent the community-at-large. This was an anecdotal example yet, it had the impact of a scientific sample because of the belief of the mass that the media presents truths based on facts. The following existed: 1). Charlene Priester is the "Personal Attorney for Frank Melton 2). Charlene Priester is the attorney for Time Warner 3). Frank Melton remains affliliated with Channel 3 4). The Priesters were the "elite" This union in itself represented journalistic incest and the result was negatively skewed. The piece, in my opinion, lacked objectivity and was full of verbal comments and behavioral actions which added to the problem - not to the understanding or solution. One School (Lanier) One Community (George Town) One Minister One "Elite Family" (The Priesters) One Street, Wood Street One Political Figure (da mayor) One Prom One Club One (Ronnie Agnew) Why is he so apologitic about living in Madison? That choice does not make you a bad black person or a hippocrat : The crap that he thinks and writes for the CL does. Three Students who served as representatives for all 31,000+ students in Jackson Public School. (This # does not include A-American Private Scs) So these were the actors and actresses and the setting used to let America and other foreign countried know who, where, why and how we do it in this City. I am not stupid, I know that there are poor blacks, whites, and all other ethnicities in this city. I know that the criminal element is a problem but we cannot ignor the fact that most of the crime in this city is about the sale/use of drugs and the punishment for blacks is so far off base for other racial groups. For whites, it's treatment: For blacks, it's jail. Mr. Browcaw, you/members of your team were here for almost a year: Did it ever cross your mind to go to the jail and ask just one of these black youngsters, sentenced to 25 years for selling marijuana at age 15 near a school, if they thought that the sentence was unequal? Mr. Browcaw, you/members of your team were here for almost a year: Did it ever cross your mind to go to Provine, Callaway, Murrah, Jim Hill, et al. (All of the school located in Jackson, proper are 99% black). Did you talk to any of the young women and men who practice abstainance or those who practice safe sex if the answer isn't, "NO." By the way, the little blurb with Lanier playing Provine in basketball gave a brief glance at Luther Riley, the son-in-law of former Mayor Harvey Johnson. That young man has done wonders with inner-city kids and is recognized nationally by Nike. (He does camps here in the City and also, other states). No one asked him dip! Mr. Melton, you had the gall to use a qualifier, i.e., "I don't mean to embarrass anyone, B U T, WHERE IS YOUR DADDY? The question went around the group as if you were playing a game of round robin. All answers were the same, except for the young kid who reluctantly said, "My daddy is in Jail." Isn't it funny that he didn't "need a hug" after dropping that trunk on the little guys heads? Mr. Melton, how would your kids in Texas answer that same question? An absent father is an absent father and because a child is without a father, mother, "real uncle/aunt" - does not matter, what does matters is: Does the child have a support system. Does the child have someone who can esteem him/her. I felt so much sadness for the young guys and especially when melton said, "I arrest my case." What case Mr. Melton.? More damage was done to these young black kids during that one hr. presentation than any condition of poverty could ever do. Mr. Browcaw and Mr. Melton, did it ever cross your minds to talk to former Mayor Harvey Johnson about the state of the City since he spent 30 years working with these issues and 8 very focused years in the schools. There was not a kid in JPS who didn't know the pledge developed by that Mayor. Mr. Browcaw, something has happened to Jackson and to find the answer, I will kindly refer you to the leadership of this City - that person that you so candidly reported was "controversial" but never went into detail. Our kids see disrespect and disregard for others and the law and some are making damn sure that these verbal and behavioral acts are emulated!!
Author: justjess
Date: 2006-07-25T17:18:09-06:00

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