Critical Discourse: Violence in the Black Community, the Bitter “Apple Pie”

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."

Violence. We see it on the web, the local and national news.

It seems that either literally or figuratively, we all are getting a taste of the “apple pie” that H-Rap Brown (aka Imam Jamil Al-Amin), spoke of years ago. Make no mistake; within the context of that particular observation, this is far from a sweet dessert, but a bitter acrid cider of devastation and despair.

The well-publicized acts of violence capture the dreaded imagination and hysterical fear of the populace, and the intellectualization of politicians, sociologists and a host of “intellectuals”.

Of particular concern today, is what appears to be a rise in violent behavior by black people, both men and women.

What has happened over time?

Are black people becoming more violent than ever, or are we (including this writer), unwitting victims of a press propaganda machine that disproportionately focuses on violent crimes committed by black people, thus giving others’ a “pass”?

Do the YouTube and Worldstarhiphop videos speak to a complete social, moral, cultural and spiritual breakdown of our community?

What about black women? Are the caricatures in the Madea movies or in in Martin Lawrence sitcoms just comedy, or what many presume are accurate depictions of a “strong” black woman?

What are the factors in our violent behavior? Poverty? Lack of fathers? Diet? Music? “Leaders” who only seem to be concerned when the violent offenders are white?

We want to review these points and more, this Saturday, November 15th, on Critical Discourse