Anyone who examines North American entertainment and news media will notice that members of ethnic and visible minorities are inadequately represented in entertainment and news media, and that portrayals of minorities are often stereotypical and demeaning.On the other hand, most mainstream media position white males as authority figures, while marginalizing the expertise of members of minorities. Approximately 90 percent of all experts featured in U.S. news stories are white. When minority experts are called upon, it's typically in response to minority community matters, drugs and crime. Certainly as we celebrated Dr. King's birthday, his dream and the legacy he leftbehind many news stations covered local community events and individuals generating enough noise to be heard. I guess I should be happy that there was some coverage about Dr. King and those that are working and fighting to keeping the dream alive, but I cant help but feel "some kind of way" about it only being a limited amount of coverage. In 2012, racism is still very much alive and well and for some reason it seems that its always being swept under the rug. For the layman, it may cause one to question, is Dr. King's dream STILL in fact alive...The answer is YES!!!
We all know that Dr. King practiced and preached the principle of non-violence, and while this principle coupled with his work changed the surface and thought processes of society forever, violence seems to STILL be prevalent. When turning on the news, its guaranteed that some violent act will be reported, covered, and maybe even headlined. Sure the communities have a right to know what is happening around them, however, the community also deserves to know about those individuals, organizations, events, and institutions that are exceptional in the encouragement and education of positive causes not just on days designated as "important" national holidays and months but daily. One said event that I had the privlege of experiencing was the S.T.A.N.D Rally and CConcert formely known as the Stop the Violence Rally in Jackson, MS. Presented by the S.H.E. Group, the S.T.A.N.D Rally did exactly what it set out to do and that is provide a platform and open dialogue between motivational speakers, attending politicians, and residents from across the state about violence, generation repeat and solutions to become all that one desires to become in life. According to Pam Greer, the event organizer, "In 2012, we as young adults are pledging to “Take a Stand” in eliminating the negative stereotypes portrayed and used to cancel opportunities for our generation and the next."
The cost of the event was free and brought out a plethora of attendees, performers and local media personnel. It was a great experience because it involved our youth. Children ranging from infancy to teenagers were there absorbing excellence at its best for a great cause. In addition to being educational it was an awesome networking opportunity where those with like minds congregated and spoke candidly about the disgrace happening in their communities and the impact that it has had on their lives. One attendee, Shante Galloway came to speak about the unneccesary act of violence that took her fiance away from the life that they were building together, in a robbery attempt gone bad. There was no judgement just a room full of compassion and hearts full of understanding. The show futher included record executives there to share a wealth of information with the upcoming artists. Performances included Ashyah J, Lee SC, Brittany Patton, Krystal Meth, Mississippi Rell, Whodini-Blak & Cash on Demand, Deuce Horne, Tighta Den Eva; Get ‘Em Gutta, Trouble Soulz, MiMi, Coming from Nothin, J.R. & The Allnighters, A.I. Prez, Onli Platinum Music, and many more. Sponsored by Locker Room Sports Bar, Baby Earl Production, Sapphire, Inc.; Frequent Fly Entertainment, Kategory 5 Production, Vision of Hope Church, and Premier Tax Services it was certainly a memorable event. If you are ever in Jackson, be sure to check out Pam Greer and the S.H.E. Group.
Check Out Pam Greer on Jackson Fox 40 News
http://www.fox40tv.com/s/GoempVDLhEqF1HAD1UbVig.cspx#.TydgI4mCfo0.blogger
The Stop the Violence Rally Made the Front Page of the Jackson Advocate, Check it out! http://www.jacksonadvocateonline.com/?p=7313
Sources:
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/ethnics_and_minorities/minorities_news.cfm
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