The Challenges to Black Media Under President Obama

As we approach another anniversary commemorating the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., it is appropriate to pause and reflect on the challenges confronting Black Media under an Obama presidency.

Historically, the press has been characterized as the "Fourth Estate," a balancing factor to our three branches of government. Protection of public comment and reporting about the activities in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary (and even individuals within these organizations) is enshrined in our Bill of Rights.

Magazine, newspaper, radio and TV reporters of the "Black Media" continue to appear uncertain, still searching for balance between their celebration and constructive criticism of this country's first African-American president. To date, adulation and celebration seem to be the dominant themes. However, adulation and celebration are no substitute for clinical, objective evaluation as to whether or not one or more of the prominent policies developed and proposed by President Obama are in the near- and long-term interest of the African-American community.

Predictably, so far President Obama is focusing on those major issues predicated on the political and economic doctrine that a rising tide of an improved economy, affordable health care, and employment prosperity will lift all boats, including those of African-Americans. Whether such policies, assuming successful implementation, will in fact positively affect all groups has yet to be determined. After all, the rising tide only lifts boats that are floating. Its power is useless to those unlucky craft stuck far down at the bottom of the ocean.

Black Media has its own diversity of political, social and economic commentators in the media marketplace of ideas. Persons like Armstrong Williams, Shelby Steele, Tom Sowell, Glenn Loury, Roland Martin, Dr. Cornel West, Juan Williams, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joiner, Stanley Crouch, to mention only a few, are needed now more than ever. The issue is not whether one agrees with their respective points of view. What is important is that points of view more diverse than the blind adulation we're seeing must be expressed in this new "Age of Obama." It seems to me a man of character, as Barack Obama appears to be, would expect -- and respect -- nothing less.

Indeed, it is a sign of the political immaturity of Black Media that someone so qualified and articulate as Tavis Smiley has been, in effect, treated as "less acceptable" by some Black Media because he critically questioned some of the actions or inactions of candidate Obama, instead of speaking in lock step adulation as others.

Black Media has a unique role it can play in the national discussion about the continued criminalization of the use of marijuana. This issue is now front and center in the news in connection with the rising gun violence in U.S. border states and in Mexico. This violence is occurring in the fight over the distribution and sale of drugs to and in the United States. Recently, President Obama, in response to numerous questions in his first online discussion, was asked about the legalization of marijuana. His answer was a succinct "No." Now, since so many African-Americans are incarcerated in state and federal prisons because of their non-violent participation in the sale of marijuana. Why has no reporter or columnist in Black Media challenged President Obama over the possible wisdom of decriminalization of the purchase and private use of marijuana or our government's failed policies related to massive illegal immigration from Mexico?

This is the on-going value of reporting, as opposed to the somewhat limited value of cheerleading. Our airwaves and newspaper pages do not need to be littered with free passes for a man who has defied history. The election is over, and now many diverse interest groups all will have their own perspective on whether or not his leadership benefits them. This includes African-Americans, who must judge his actions from this vantage point now.

The most important challenge confronting leadership in the African-American community, and its media, is a rededication to the pursuit of educational excellence and greater assumption of responsibility for personal conduct which creates social pathologies adverse to the health, welfare and safety in our communities. HIV/AIDS, high percentage of out-of-wedlock births and drop out rates of African-American males from High Schools; the high percentage of incarceration; and almost 50% of all murders committed in the United States are of African-Americans. There may be more African-American men between the ages of 18-22 in prison than enrolled in college.

America owes a great debt to John Johnson, founder of Ebony and Jet Magazine, and to Dr. King. Both celebrated and affirmed the kaleidoscope of talent and beauty of the Black experience in America. Both demanded the best from us. One can only imagine what they would make of Black Media's failure to hold the president's feet to the fire, regardless of his heritage. Critical and constructive analysis of President Obama's policies and their impact on those issues most affecting the African-American community is more important than ever, and certainly more useful than our Black Media's continued uncritical celebration of our new president.

Clarence B. Jones, former editor & publisher of the New York Amsterdam News, lawyer, draft speechwriter for Dr. King, is currently a Scholar in Residence at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute, Stanford University. He is the author of "What Would Martin Say?" and the upcoming autobiography "Memoirs Of A Wintertime Solider."

Comments

[Tanyars5]

I think someone on this thread suggested that the "black media" start to report on the coverage of the president by the white wing media (I am paraphrasing).
Has anyone heard it mentioned that the man who shot and killed the policeman in PA was upset over the rumour that Pres. Obama was going to ban guns? This evening I heard he was upset over an arguement he had with with his mom about a dog peeing on a rug????????
Now here is a man who is obviously a mental case and the WWM states that maybe one reason he shoots and kills policeman is because of Obama? I think I have heard this reported on all of the cable news channels. I mean how does this even get written in the news story. It is obvious the man had numerous issues. Does anyone find this type of "reporting" disgusting?

[Smooth1357]

I agree with the part that Black Media is having this double standard problem right about now. Tavis Smiley part I disagree, Tavis' criticism was purely politically motivated in the beginning.
Persons like Armstrong Williams, who is a Republican and if you listened to his radio show you'd know how partisan his politics really are. Shelby Steele, isn't no damn better than the other and is an Conservative with his book A Bound Man: Why We are Excited about Obama and Why He Can't Win, published in December 2007.

Think he could've made his point better by leaving out those who politics weren't complete opposite, but overall it's true. But there are Blacks in the Media that I say have fair criticism and some that I listened too during the primaries had an ax to grind with President Obama and I tend to tune them out when they belly ache about the same things over and over again. But in general there are some legitimate criticism that can be leveled against this White House when it comes to Black Issues.

Yeah I got the "All Boats Rise" mantra, but he forgot to mention that "All Boats" don't rise at the same time either which has always been the case in the Black Community.

[ApprxAm]

So what. Why is it even an issue for the black media and never an issue for anyone else. Any reason why bad black politicians are a plenty.

[keckie38]

Tom Joiner ( I'm not sure this is how you spell it) is a racist and should in no way be compared to Tavis Smiley.
But, you are spot on!
Black media will get there. Loving President Obama so much myself I understand the hesitation. We want everyone to love him. Be patient.

[Nommo]

How is Tom Joyner a racist. And since you even bothered to call him that, the same energy could have been put into spelling his name correctly.

[papapj]

Why is Tom Joyner a racist?

What is it about White privilege that makes some think they can level accusations at people without having to provide a scintilla of evidence or explanation..?

Sheer and utter arrogance...

[ApprxAm]

Joyner may or may not be a racist, but he is a waste of time. Not a constructive minute in his schedule.

[papapj]

Check yourself, ApprxAm.

Joyner has also founded The Tom Joyner Foundation to provide financial assistance to students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Since 1998, it has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled at HBCUs....How much have YOU raised for charity lately, or do you just waste time posting inanities on the internet....?

[MiltonFyke]

I believe that race shouldn't be important, but people continue to make it an issue, so let's at least get the facts straight.
President Obama is mixed-race or biracial, not black.
With one black parent, one white parent, he is half black.
It's too bad most Americans follow a version of the "one drop rule", in which any African ancestry defaults a person's identity to blackness. Collecting individuals into groups like "black people" appeals to neotribalists and ethnocentrists, both black and white, including many on this page, apparently.
The word black actually has a meaning, which is: a person of predominantly sub-saharan African origin. For the guy on this page who is 70% white, sorry but your not black, by actual definition. You are mixed race.
Obama himself prefers to be labelled "black", eschewing mixed race or biracial definitions. This is dishonest of him, as he is as white as he is black.
The precedent exists for honesty on the subject: Tiger Woods, Lenny Kravitz, Halle Berry and others explicitly reject the label "black", feeling it doesn't honestly reflect their ancestry, upbringing, and culture.
Obama has never done so.
Given his lack of honesty on this, and desire to retreat into, or embrace a selfstyled, genetically-based group, Obama is definitely not the post-racial president.

[Savojah]

There's an old black saying. "He would be in the fields with the other slaves". White people made that one drop rule up.

I know what you mean, but any human being has a right to identify themselves whatever they want, even more so when you're of mixed decent. And it's obvious the the President identifies more with his african heritage. Alot has to do with perception, because I have cousins who are full black, and are lighter than him. So I think it is appropiate for him to identify himself as so because if I saw him, I wouldn't think he was just a lighter shade of a full black man.

[ApprxAm]

Yeah, right, right. He'll be black if and when he f*cks up. Ask OJ and Michael Jackson. These arguments mean absolutely nothing. They aren't philosophical, they're political.

[Nommo]

Tiger Woods, Lenny Kravitz, and Halle Berry. One athlete, two entertainers. Not generally known for even a profound suggestion. In this instance we are referring to the President of the US of A. He has identified himself with no help from you. But thanks anyway, I'm sure he'd say.

[mypov123]

Consider this scenario for a moment: Let's imagine that Barack Obama were not President of the United States, that he were not a public figure. If you saw him walking down the street, without knowing who he was or anything about his background, would you identify him as "White" or "Biracial", or would you say that he was "Black" ? Most people, I believe, would say that he "looks Black", so they would probably identify him as a Black man.

Unless you are of mixed race yourself, you really have no right to judge how people of mixed race choose to identify themselves. Many people of mixed race (especially if they're half or part Black) struggle with the issue of identity. If you are half black and half white, if you identify yourself as "Biracial" or Mixed", some Black people may accuse you of not wanting to be Black. Mariah Carey is an example of that, many African Americans dislike her because she identifies herself as "mixed race", rather than Black, even though it's pretty obvious by looking at her that her racial background consists of more than one race.

[joeby22]

I completely disagree with the author. As far as people such as Roland Martin, Dr. Cornel West, Juan Williams, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joiner, Stanley Crouch; they do give constructive criticism. Unlike the MSM that criticizes Obama for everything he does or says. Obama could tongue kiss his wife in public and the MSM would be all over him...lol

Why don't you talk about the white media or why there isn't enough people of color in the MSM??

[Tanyars5]

"Why don't you talk about the white media or why there isn't enough people of color in the MSM??"

I agree totally

[Kiabell04]

I disagree with the author. I mean, would you rather the black media attack President Obama unabashedly like the other news media are doing? And don't forget black conservative bloggers, they're attacking the brother before he even out his hand on the bible to be sworn in. Sure, holding Obama accountable is important, but why are you raining on the parade of black publications that want to celebrate the historical aspect of Obama's presidency? Should we just forget about it? I don't think so.

[Tanyars5]

great point-
From here on out I will refer to the media as the "White Wing Media." The black perspective will never have an outlet as long as "black media" works within the constraints of the WWM.

[ApprxAm]

That would depend on what's expect from the President by the black media. If Obama is destroying the nation, then black reporters should address as staunchly as any other outlet. But if they expect him to pass a voluminous amount of "civil rights' acts, then they've only place unreal issues in frontof that of any real help Afro-Americans really need.

[AwShucks]

"""As we approach another anniversary commemorating the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., it is appropriate to pause and reflect on the challenges confronting Black Media under an Obama presidency."""

This statemnet is not necessarily logical. Why is it appropriate to reflect on the Black Media and Obama because the anniversary of the assination of MLK is here? This is just an excuse to write this silly article. Get off of President Obama's bu88tt for just any reason. Go get some REAL news and then report it.

[Whatashame]

When will people stop saying Obama is the first black president. Yes his skin colour is black and society labled him as such but the freaking guy had a white mother. He is a biracial president. He is not 100% black.

[Tanyars5]

Most black people are not 100% black. This has been brought up a zillion times and people want to pretend that many blacks are not multi racial. What is the definition of 100% black? His skin color is not black. Can you recognize the color black? Do you know AA history? It is obvious you don't..

[Nommo]

Not only that, but Pres. Obama has already identified himself. Read his book,. shame.

[ApprxAm]

whaaaat?

[Annette truth teller08]

The Black media has to remember to give (meaningful) criticism and (meaningful) feedback to it's audience.

NOT criticizing just to prove a point.

Conservatives will agree with your Post Mr. Jones, because it furthers their agenda to make it look like Democrats are (worshiping) President Obama when he does something good for the country or people, rather than just being happy that we finally have a President (black or white) that's keeping his campaign promises and actually cares.

I agree that there maybe Obama worshipers out there, but you also had/still have, Bush worshippers who still don't beleive (despite the condition that he left the country in) that he was one of (if not THEE) worst President ever.

Remember: Criticize, but have a reason to do it, other than to prove a point that you have a brain and (You) too can join in the bashing so as not to appear as an Obama worshipper.

Otherwise, that's not Criticizing. That's playing follow the leader and you become a puppet in the Repugs game. You will still not be respected.

[kevaowens]

This was a very timely and thought provoking article. We must not lose sight of the fact that Mr. Obama is a man and not treat him as a Messiah. Truth be told we as African Americans and Americans in general should not only take an interest in the performance of Obama, but in all levels of government. Proactive not just reactive. The problem with the media in this day and age is that stories are covered with too much opinion and not enough facts in an effort to get the story out there first.

[joeby22]

LOL...I like Obama too, but he's a politician. The MSM is too focused on Obama for good or bad. At times they do treat him as the 'messiah' or 'second coming', but there could be a backlash to all that exposure.

[Bitsko]

Thanks for a very interesting commentary. Mr. Jones.

[Peddler]

I'm always perplex when articles are written stating that the first African-American President----etc. The President's father was an African; his mother was white-------so why when race is introduced in the reporting of the news does most instances refer to the President as African-Am­erican---t­ure statement----but how does one defer his other genetic half-----w­hite------­he is bi-racial------so if we are going to split hairs-----at least address them correctly------He is the President----and his race should never come into question.

[Nommo]

Race has been defined by legislation. Those whose are defined by said legislation to have a different set of rules applied to their existence have said the same thing for hundreds of years. All of a sudden, everyone wants new codes as the picture has changed in a way that the rules all but made impossible.

So now race is not supposed to matter. Verily, verily...

[Bitsko]

Even up to the early seventies, there were laws on the books in many states that would not have allowed my wife, who is African-American, and myself, Irish-American, to marry. That's not so long ago.

[Jasel]

If Obama was Joe from Idaho or a janitor from Chicago most people would consider him black. Ask biracial blacks in this country how they are treated and regarded and they'll tell you they are treated and identified as black.

The only time non-blacks seem to want to focus on the "other" side of a black individuals heritage is when they achieve something worthy of national/i­nternation­al attention. Barack Obama, Hines Ward, Tiger Woods, etc I've seen plenty of celebrities who are "black" when they're relatively unknown and unpopular and suddenly "bi-racial"/"Half black-half this"/"Not really black" when they become known. I've seen PLENTY of examples of everyday bi-racials who are treated and regarded as black no matter what they label themselves.

It's the one-drop rule. Which most Americans are more than willing to live by and accept (as they have for the past century or so without voicing a complaint or even interest) except when it comes to individuals like Obama. THEN we have to acknowledge him as "part-white" and "biracial".

I have no problem with biracial blacks being identified with or identifying themselves as biracial. I just think it's disingenuous how most biracial blacks in this country are regarded and treated as "black" without second thought, yet when it comes to Obama all of the sudden whites want to act like they're racially aware (and ironically coming off as even more clueless than before in the process)

[SeymourButz]

Who cares what other people consider him as? He can be who he wants. If he wants to say he is biracial, he can say it. You shouldn't let other people's perceptions define you.

[Bitsko]

Check out the President's books. He goes into that that very subject in revealing and insightful depth.

[AhnAmuru]

Now, that's a slippery slope.

Note that Michelle Obama has some "white' ancestry. How many African - Americans don't?

The difference between Barack & Michelle's "white" ancestry is that the latter may not have been so elegantly conceived as the former.

[Ohioan730]

Doesn't matter. If I took a DNA test, I'd probably be about 60-75% white. I have two black parents and everybody in my family makes Barack Obama look like the blackest man ever. Guess what? We are still black/African American. Bi-racial people? They have a lot more African in their blood than I do and much curlier hair. So, by definition, they are more easily identified as black than I am and so what does that make me? I am classified as black but I look "white", and the bi-racial folks are classed bi-racial and they look more African than me?

You see where that gets confusing and convoluted? Bi-racial people are black and so am I and so is Barack Obama and so is Michelle. E Pluribus Unum.

[bobfeld]

Is Obama black? I never noticed .

[SeymourButz]

Hey man, you can call yourself what you want. What's good for you may not be for someone else. I'm biracial, and guess what? I call myself biracial. It sounds like your opinion of yourself is based on what other people think.

[AwShucks]

I heard someone responding to the biracial statement with the following remark """Babies were never considered Biracial until White women began having them"""". I don't agree with that but it does make one wonder.

[Roxie74]

Yes, just the other day I heard Ed Gordon from BET say anyone criticizing Barack Obama is just jealous and wishing they could have his position. How insulting is that to the black community? We need to be especially careful not to get caught up in the symbolism of having him get elected and analyze his policies. All of main street America needs to watch out for being sucked into a personality cult and realize that so far his policies as proposed only benefit the wealthy. Black people (not all of course) need to look beyond the cover of Ebony magazine and read more critical newsources that will show all sides of the argument and see who really benefits under his administration. Otherwise, we have just elected the Trojan Horse for big money interests.

[Crissy Patters]

I would need to hear Ed Gordon's statement in its entirety rather than reading someone's synopsis of what he said, before commenting. Please explain how the president's policy to stimulate the economy by helping me and others refinance our homes only benefit the wealthy? How did those whose unemployment insurance was about to end receive an additional 6 months with a $100.00 increase only helpful to the wealthy? How is my sister and other smb who are able to receive a low interest loan to keep their business open, two months ago they were discussing closing their doors, only helpful for the wealthy?

I haven't seen the effects of the stimulus bill for Education but I don't believe the not so wealthy can't benefit from the bill if those in charge chooses to use the money to improve their schools.

[icu2b1]

In any medium of communication, there is an agenda, knowing the paymaster is essential in understanding the agenda. The president, no matter the ethnicity, belongs to an organized entity of power. The minority controls the majority in the world of minds. The minority are adept at conniving and scheming; the majority usually are oblivious to the reality of the minority's agenda.

The minority strives from unlimited supply of BS, which is the opiate for the majority. Matters not who renders decision from a position of power, results of the decision is the relevant factor.

"What's Good for Americans?" nullifies preferrences.