Tyler Munn
The idea of the New Black refers to the idea that black people should stop blaming other people for their problems and, in the words of hip-hop rapper Common, “extend a hand in love” to white people in order to erase the challenges of a long history of racism. This New Black concept has become a standard for many celebrities in the American black community and is seen as a new and beneficial outlook.
Just last year, actress Raven- Symone openly requested that she not be seen as African American but as just an American. As part of the media’s New Black discussion last year, singer-songwriter Pharrell stated in an interview with Oprah that he is proud to be a member of the New Black.
In light of recent and past events concerning the disregard for black life, this New Black concept seems to be somewhat far-fetched.
While mutual respect is extremely important when discussing interactions and civic engagement, there has to be a new definition of the word “mutual” in order for it to function effectively. Common is justified in extending a hand in love and promoting good relations among races, but whether there is a hand on the other side that is willing to shake in agreement is a conversation yet to be had. Systematic racism is not something that can be solved by simply saying “I forgive you.” What this New Black principle fails to acknowledge is that forgiveness is only half the solution.
For the U.S. to reach the point in which people no longer see color, there has to be a physical shift in our thinking, institutions and, ultimately, our constitution. A systematic prejudice has to be not only forgiven but deconstructed and unlearned.
Essentially, we need to have a New America concept as far as race is concerned. The need to create a New Black insinuates that there was a malfunction with the old one. African Americans should not necessarily have to create a new identity that has somehow chosen to ignore the discrimination in today’s society. Instead, they should see their condition as a means to make change to the nation, not simply themselves.
The New Black perspective is solid because it acknowledges the priority of extending a hand in love; however, it fails to acknowledge the true foundation of racial discrimination. To forgive is a necessary step in the right direction but not enough to make the extreme changes that are essential to a “post-racial society.”