race

It should come as no surprise that the comments on this one are fairly true to whom the media outlet caters.  We selected a "liberal" one, a "conservative" one and one that targets Black women.  Clearly, we are not in a post-racial society but rather one that is examining race.  But make no mistake, this issue is really about power. As we watch the plurality of our nation widen, fears abound, issues come up, and tug-of-wars are had.  What's so important here is how statements will be made so that people can actually hear the concern and have intelligent discussion around them.  A journalist should probably no better than phrasing is everything, but this also might be why so many of the commenters - whether pro or against - labeled her docs as more or less fluff.  Depth of context and logic will play key roles as the race discussion heats up.  Only those who really make sense will be heard in the SmartPower era given that it is one that demands more complete show of thought than in previous time. In the meantime, wonder if Soledad will end up with a cushy job at Harvard now that the CNN gig is over.  Inquiring minds want to know!

So, it seems like the media got it wrong on this one too because public sentiment seems to sway overwhelmingly in the not-offended category.  Could it be true what many have said?  The media tends to encourage separatism?  Perhaps.  This is why it is very important, particularly when it comes to race, to view popular opinion rather than that of hand-picked "pundits" expressing certain views tied to certain agenda.  But what this Barbie incident also does is provide the digital town hall with another reason to discuss what is and isn't appropriate as we move into a new race theory for a new era.  We'll continue to watch!  When CNN just isn't enough, it's all about glassldc.com

One thing is definitely apparent: we are living in a time where the concept of race, thoughts and speech around it is highly scrutinized.  Some people see the lightheartedness in Gottlieb's statement, some not.  It is interesting, though, that the media actually seemed to blow this up more than it actually bothered most people.  This should make us wonder, how much does the media contribute to keeping us "segregated" and highly sensitive.  Further, it is because we still have not addressed so much deep history between African-Americans and Caucasians in this country that even the smallest comment can ruffle feathers.  Thing is, why is race  - whether a joke or not  - a front-of-mind commment for Gottleib.  Is he uncomfortable seeing what has typically been the norm in reporting being flipped?  Does he, like so many people in the U.S. as our country browns, feel maybe just a bit threatened?  If so, how is that addressed?  What is the impact? These are actually the types that these types of incidences can start.  Something to think about, no?  In the meantime, I guess we'd just say:  let the games begin!

Overwhelming a "nay" on this one.  Clearly Jada's world is different from most, but she can't be that out of touch with the public to realize that most Black women do not think that they are represented fairly and consistently enough in the U.S. to give up what few urban media cover outlets there are - at least that is what the comment-sphere is showing.  Or is it more about provocation, in general?  This whole incident shows that almost anything race-related will get traction and attention.  These spurts of conversation give quick, albeit shallow, avenues for conversations that would not otherwise be had.  The interesting thing here is that the comment-arena gets more to the root of the issue (citing economic disparity, etc) moreso than Pinkett herself, and therein lies the real heart of the matter.  Until people begin to actually admit that there are invisible barriers/inequalities, address why they persist and how it affects people economically (and, therefore, quality of life), we'll have a discussion about race that goes around and around in a circle.  We have to say, though, a very hot media move on her part today - and she didn't even need the media to do it.  Her social media page was enough.  SmartPower in action?  Now, that's a definite yay!