CNN’s special report, "Black in America," an 18-month investigation about what it is like to be black in America premieres tonight.
Well, for starters, nearly 400 years after the first African slaves landed at Jamestown, black Americans are still viewed as outsiders – the "other" – to be marveled, probed and examined.
It strikes me as odd that CNN spent so much time "investigating" black folks. To be investigated suggests illegality, wrongdoing, pathology. Investigative journalists typically focus on government waste, political corruption or subprime crimes.
Perhaps I didn't get the memo, but is being black in America a crime? If not, why were we investigated?
A CNN PR person emailed me the link to the trailer.
For now, I will withhold judgment on this "groundbreaking investigation," but I am not holding out much hope.
Indeed, a recent study of black Americans sponsored by Radio One found that only 29 percent of blacks believe the mainstream media portray them in a positive light. And that was before the New Yorker cover.
The documentary airs tonight and tomorrow at 9 pm ET. For more info, please go here.
